MNN - Mother Nature Network

In the days before the Golden Globe Awards, stars, stylists and members of the press made the rounds at the gifting suites that popped up in Beverly Hills to check out new products, get pampered and pitch in on behalf of the events' charity partners.

 

At GBK's Luxury Gift Lounge at L'Ermitage, reps from City Of Hope asked attendees to help with their citizen campaign in the flight against cancer, diabetes and HIV/AIDS, Lambda Legal got people involved in the fight for gender equality and against discrimination and bullying, and Beat Liver Tumors raised awareness about this form of cancer.

 

The goods on display were an eclectic mix of fun and practical items, including many eco-friendly ones. Jetson Electric Bikes, which go 40 miles on a charge of a lithium ion battery (it lasts four years), drew lots of attention from stars like Jeff Daniels; and the cute, cruelty-free canine accessories from Couture by Sophie, which donates a portion of sales to the American Humane Association, were a hit with dog lovers.

 

There were SwedArt bracelets made from reindeer leather with buttons from shed antlers, raw organic chocolates in six flavors from Vita, a vegetable juice cleanse from The Real Juice, and one-of-a-kind handicrafts from The Artisan Group. Personal care products included tweezers and clippers from Tweezerman, infrared hair dryers from Jose Eber, and organic skin products from Burke Williams Day Spa's H2V line and Organic Skin Care.

 

The James Bond cars from Toy State and French imports from Bean Patch & Co. attracted toy lovers (with and without kids), and Beach Candy's custom bikinis and SmartSilk's hypo-allergenic bedding and natural silk filled dog beds were other highlights.

 

The Secret Room Style Lounge at the SLS Hotel partnered with the nonprofit To Write Love On Her Arms, which is dedicated to helping those struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide, and had lots of personal care and accessory items to offer. Highlights included Lita sea glass, handmade one-of-a-kind pieces from found beach glass, sterling silver and freshwater pearls; organic skin products from Shoosha; L. Erickson hair accessories (www.franceluxe.com); This Bag Is a Dress, which ties six different ways; Blinc smudge-proof mascara; Shany cosmetics; and for kids, Born 4 Couture clothing and accessories; protective Snooze Shades for strollers and car seats, and the used clothing exchange Pickybunny, a by-subscription service.

 

KayCee Stroh ("High School Musical") was particularly interested in the baby items, as she's expecting her first child, a girl, in late April. "I've had a wonderful pregnancy. I've been very lucky," said Stroh, adding that she and husband Ben Higginson have two possible name choices, but their daughter's middle name will definitely be Lee, after her mother, Cindy Lee.

 

She has become more eco-conscious since learning she was having a baby. "I am the complete neurotic mother. I've switched all my hair products. I'm using Jessica Alba's Honest Company shampoo and conditioner and body wash. It has really changed my outlook on the products we use on our bodies because it's not just about you anymore, there's somebody else getting those chemicals. I'm eating organic, non-GMO. I'm so anti-GMO, I'd like to get the word out about that."

 

While Stroh was disappointed that she had to bow out of a movie she'd booked, she thinks the pregnancy otherwise came at the perfect time. "I don't look right for the high school or college girl anymore but I'm not 30s yet," she explained. "It's a good time to take a little break."

 

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