MNN - Mother Nature Network

Celebs, stylists and members of the media were introduced to an eclectic variety of products at the Red Carpet Events LA Style Lounge in honor of the Grammys. There was a nonprofit presence at the event as well, with SPCALA promoting animal welfare and asking celebs to sign dog food bowls for later auction, and the African Millennium Foundation seeking support for its efforts to build a sustainable village in Mozambique.

 

Many of the products and services had an eco-friendly or charitable aspect, including French cosmetics line Coleur Caramel, that's natural and organic, not tested on animals, and comes in recyclable packaging, the chemical-free, mosquito-repelling Bite Lite candle, inspired by monkeys that cover themselves with citrus to repel bugs in the wild, and thigh-high tights Kix'ies, which donates a portion of proceeds to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

 

The Village Experience gives back by creating fair trade opportunities and arranging socially conscious tourism trips that incorporate volunteerism in communities in Africa, Thailand, Guatemala and India.

 

On the edible end, Jay One offered organic seaweed snacks and vegan, gluten-free crunchy rice rolls, and Cool-Cups treated attendees to its vegetarian, gluten- and GMO-free gelatin-like refrigerated desserts, sold at Whole Foods. A sugar-free mix will be available in March.

 

There were a variety of great jewelry options, including Quoins' interchangeable charm necklaces; Deborah Gaspar's striking necklaces and bangles (Katie Couric's a fan); Belle Etoile's enamel, resin, precious stone and silver items; silver pieces from Tasha R; and Jorg Gray watches (President Obama wears one). Shuzi fits its bangles, necklaces, and pet collars/charms with a nano-chip that vibrates at the same frequency as red blood cells, and purports to improve circulation.

 

Other notable items included cashmere fingerless gloves from Weberline Couture and French bath products and candles from Boite à Savon.

 

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Tune in: On PBS' Nature's "Cold Warriors: Wolves and Buffalo," premiering Feb. 13, wildlife filmmaker Jeff Turner treks to Northern Canada's remote central plains to capture a wolf hunt on camera.

 

"Earth from Space" ("NOVA") gives viewers a satellite view of the planet and its landscapes, weather and ecosystems. It premieres Feb. 13 on PBS.

 

Debuting Feb. 12, the four-part Weather Channel series "Reef Wranglers" follows the divers and demolition men of Walter Marine, who build artificial reefs that restore the ecosystem to areas bordering the Gulf of Mexico that are still compromised by weather and disasters like the oil spill.