In all my years of observing every kind of cultural event, even going back to when I was a wide-eyed child in New York City, I’ve never seen anything that comes close to a Cirque du Soleil show. I haven’t seen nearly as many of their thirty different versions as I would like, but each one I have been lucky enough to observe has been spectacular. OVO is no exception.

Adding to the spectacle is the venue; it’s back in it’s original Los Angeles spot, the Santa Monica Pier, where it all began back in 1987. (In the U.S.; it was born in Canada and appeared there for years before we were lucky enough for the company to come here). The romance of the event being staged there has endured.

As most of you already know, I absolutely hate e-words, making it hard to even write the word out for you! But, since Ovo means “egg,” I have to tell you that this is the first e-word I’ve ever enjoyed! I did try to avert my eyes when they were carting the giant one around the stage, but it wasn’t often, thank goodness for me. I wonder if Lady Gaga had already seen this show somewhere before she was brought to the stage in a giant one at last year’s Grammys. Hmmm.

I obviously couldn’t take notes during the show as I was riveted to the on-stage action. For the few of you who have never seen any Cirque du Soleil, let me tell you that one of their hallmarks is to have action at all times with no down time and no breaks, save for intermission. There’s constant music and the players do all the set changes, which are seamless and creative.

They do have comedy, of the mainly physical variety, in between the death-defying acts, but it’s still action, which the audience really enjoyed. The man next to me was downright guffawing over some of it! (For full disclosure, I’ve never liked their comedy, but then again, I’m not big into clown acts. When I was in the circus myself, back in the day, I had planned on training to be a clown, while being the star of the sideshow, but realized I’m just not into silliness, so I chose to stay being The Divided Lady and be cut up in a box. Good choice, eh?)

Comedy aside, Ovo’s acts are wonderful. My favorite, (though with so many uber-talented performers, it was hard to choose,) was the final one–frogs jumping on a giant wall. Any humble description I could offer would not do it justice, so you really just have to see it for yourself. The single guy on the most interesting high-wire I’ve even seen is a close second.

I’ve always felt that Cirque’s acts simulate fireworks—they just build and build, and just when you’re sure you’ve just witnessed the finale, they go even deeper. I really can’t figure out the minds of the amazing creators of each show. They constantly out-do themselves!

Each show has it’s own concept, some which I understand, others not so much. But they’re really beside the point. The concept helps fuel the set, costumes, and original music, so each is unique in those aspects, as well as the acts. Ovo is something about insects, and the costumes are stunning. I especially loved the grasshoppers, and how the costumes dictated the movement of the dancers and acrobats.

A couple of people I recommended the show to have told me that they’ve already been to another Cirque du Soleil show. To that I must say—are you nuts? Each one is unique! And even Cirque’s worst show, if there even is one, is better than even the best other entertainment, so you’re missing out big-time if you miss any Cirque du Soleil. One of my dreams is to see all their shows, and if you have the opportunity to do so, I say go for it! Every person in this amazing company always gives it his or her all.

This Sunday, January 29, the one PM show will be Ovo’s 1,000th! Even if they do nothing special for it, you’ll be witnessing history, so it should be a really fun time to attend.

Also, if you’re like most people I know, and worry about getting there, parking, etc., it’s so much easier than you’d think. There’s affordable parking right by the Grand Chapiteau itself, (that’s the colorful moniker for their tent,) and on the Pier. And the portable bathrooms are not gross. And, surprisingly, there really aren’t any bad seats under the big top; we were kind-of high-up and semi-view-obstructed, but the show looked great. The designers make sure that there’s something going on on all levels of the stage, and for trapeze, higher-up is actually better. And the colorful sets and costumes are so entertaining that there’s always something wonderfully visual going on, from every vantage point. I was so busy eyeing the amazements on the stage, that I forgot to peruse the audience! I don’t think there are any other entertainments that can claim that, so extra kudos to Ovo!

Cirque du Soleil: OVO running through March 11, 2012
Santa Monica Pier   www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo

This was one event that could be truly called an “event!” There were several parts to the evening, and the entire shebang was looser than the rest of the big charity dinners I’ve been to, which was a pleasure.

I’m absolutely at a loss to explain how I never heard of this event before, when it’s been around for twenty years! But it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish, so all that counts now is that I got there this year. And that I hope to be there for many years to come.

Divine Design benefits Project Angel Food, and the fact that there were about a zillion volunteers speaks to how well thought of this organization is. It’s one I’ve been touting for years.

Now, on to the exhausting, in a good way, evening.

Children's shopping area. All photos by Karen Salkin.

Guests began to arrive at the Beverly Hilton Hotel as early as 5PM to get to be one of the first to shop at the Marketplace across the way, a good use of the venerable old Robinson’s building. (The shopping went on for a few days; this was just the opening night Gala I’m describing.) Shoppers got wonderful deals,(it was 50% off the night of the Gala,)and Project Angel Food got to feed incredible numbers of people in need. It was a win-win-win situation because the gifts’ recipients are victors, as well.

Katy Perry Barbie with a cupcake dress!!! Yum!

Holiday music played and drinks flowed to help guide us through the various designer’s areas. There was truly something for everyone, though I could barely drag myself away from the magical Barbie area. (I guess that bitch is back!)

It was cool and loose as to how long we could shop that evening. Cocktails went from 6-7:30 back at the hotel, during the arrivals, so you could use some of that time to finish up your purchases.

Our first desserts, right after dinner. Love that centerpiece!!!

On a personal note, I happened to be standing right where honoree Viola Davis entered, and had been asked to say hi to her for our mutual great friend, and college theatre professor, Dr. William Hutchinson, from our alma mater Rhode Island College. But I never like to interfere with entrances or exits, so I put it off for later, which, of course, never came. So much to do at this event, and even with how many hours the duration, so little time.

We then moved into the beautifully lit ballroom for the delicious dinner. I must commend the service staff for getting this humongous crowd fed in a record time so that there would be no noise during the program, a concept I welcomed along with the performers. Among other speeches and such, Viola got lauded and Kristen Chenoweth serenaded the appreciative assemblage. (That girl is showing up everywhere nowadays! Good for her!)

As if all that wasn’t enough, post-reception, we were invited back to the Marketplace for a dessert buffet!!! The red velvet cheesecake squares were my faves. Lucia and I didn’t have much time for the sweets, though, as we had more shopping to accomplish.

The organizers were smart to bookend the dinner with shopping opportunities because the second-guessers, such as I, had time to mull over what items we had left behind the first go-round, and actually go back and get them before we left the premises!

Great food, classy shopping, and excellent entertainment, along with caring company (since we were all there for the common purpose of contributing to a great cause, Project Angel Food,) made for one of the most worthwhile evenings of the year!

I meet so many people in my line of work that I just can’t keep up with most of them. I’m sure most are worthwhile, but there are few I think are lovely people. I’m just so glad that I’ve finally made time to go to the adorable Laura Filipowicz’ Bag Lady Promotions functions! She’s exactly what I feel people should be. And wish I was! Always pleasant.

And her events are as worthwhile as she is. Her previous one I went to in Culver City in July, We Heart Moms,was wonderful. I had planned on writing about it, especially since I got a subtle hair feather put in by Brenda Higuera of Manu Salon in Santa Monica, and won a gorgeous blue sparkly bracelet, made my none other than Laura herself, (who I keep bugging to get back into the jewelry business,) but my sudden trip to New York then prevented it.

So, before anything else can get in the way, I want to tell you about a recent, enjoyable, daytime event from this company. It was last week at a store that I was unfamiliar with, D.L. Rhein, on trendy Third Street. This one was titled, “Crafts and Cocktails Soiree,” but it was so much more than that.

I really didn’t know what to expect at 10:30AM, so everything about it was a surprise. We were greeted by amiable co-owner Andy Rhein, proffering mimosas…on a week-day morning! And most everyone accepted! Happy Holidays to us!

We mingled while perusing the stunning appointments the store offered. I honestly can’t imagine how owner Deborah Rhein does it. Each section featured wonderful unique gifts in one shade and each one was interesting. I usually can’t find anything I really want in shops like this, but in D.L. Rhein, there was hardly anything I didn’t want!

Looks like I'm not the only one who loved this food--the sandwiches on the left were already depleted.

But, since we know that I’m a food whore, (we all knew that, didn’t we?,) I was thrilled to see, and taste(!), beautiful treats in the back room. The heartier food, (sandwiches, stuffed cherry tomatoes, mini-quiches,) were catered by Meg Hall from Manhattan Beach. And the adorable bite-sized desserts were baked by Susan Salzman, the Urban Baker. The other femmes couldn’t stop raving about the lemon meringue pies, but I absolutely could not tear myself away from the pumpkin pies! I don’t even like pumpkin, but these barely left my hands. Or lips! I’m sure I embarrassed myself with them.

When we had all arrived, (or most of us, anyway,) we got a real surprise. (Or maybe just I did, since I’ve never been crafty, except detective-work-wise, and it was a craft, which the invite clearly stated.) We were given goodie bags, which included make-it-yourself bracelets! At first, I thought that Deborah (the D.L. in the shop’s moniker) was nuts to show us her secrets. But, when I saw the level of non-talent we all had for the discipline, I knew she was safe.

Some of the crafty ladies.

She helped us through, and it was great! What a fun, unexpected morning activity! Through the luck of the draw, I received a moonstone, which signifies goddesses. (Boy did they get that one right!) Or maybe the stone and I were just drawn to each other cosmically because I used to collect them on Moonstone Beach when I lived in Rhode Island when I was younger. (I found out later that it’s the state gem of Florida, so I probably got it because my hair was wavy that day!)

Because I loved everything in the store, when they offered to give a $50. gift certificate to one of my readers, I jumped at the chance for you guys! Even though Mr. X and I will be spending the holidays in New York with my little mo, and we just use an official Charlie Brown little Xmas tree there, (hence, no ornaments,) I bought several gorgeous ones at D.L. Rhein, just to look at! And to enjoy for years to come, of course. So I can vouch for the merchandise.

In addition to this location where the party was held, there’s a branch in Culver City, and you can use the cert at either one.

So, here’s what you do to enter the drawing:

You have to “like” this E-zine, ItsNotAboutMe.TV, (which I assume you know since you’re reading it right now!,) on Facebook, which I swear I hate doing to you, but that’s unfortunately the way we all have to go nowadays. Then you leave me a comment under this column, (which won’t be published, so no worries there,) and the nicest one wins! My assistant and webmaster will help decide the winner, so it won’t be up to me alone. (Even though Mr. X thinks I can be a dictator at times, I’m really all about democracy.)

Since I know some of you catch up on my columns over the week-end, I’ll give you till Monday morning at 9AM west coast time. The winner will be notified by Wednesday at 5PM, after all three of us have a chance to read all the comments and check on the stupid Facebook thing. I’m really sorry, but we won’t have time to contact anyone but the winner. I’m sure we’ll appreciate all the entries, though!

And that’s it! I’ve been offered to do give-aways in the past, but wanted to wait until we could figure out the best way to do them. So, this is the inaugural give-away! Best of luck to all of you, and may the best comment-er win!

D.L. Rhein
8300 1/2 W. Third Street Los Angeles

Spaphile.com outdid themselves with this beauty event! It was at yearling eatery Tiato in an upscale office building in Santa Monica. The giant indoor/outdoor space was perfect for parties! (More on them later.)

Karen Salkin drooling over the VIP goodie bag! Photo by Renee Anzaruth. All other photos by Karen Salkin.

The services were perfect and varied, the VIP goodie bags were chock full, the food tidbits were excellent, and the company (of mainly females, which is how I feel beauty events should be, except for the cute bartenders, of course,) was perfect for the cozy rainy day.

First I got my nails done by Carol Song of Bellacures salon. Then I segued right over to Mary Seropian of Make-up Mandy for party lashes, which made me the most glamourous turkey-cooker this side of Hollywood. (I got the week-long kind, but making reservations to fly to New York for the holidays made me pull them off earlier than that. Better than tearing my hair out, which I was this close to doing! With my going back-and-forth so much nowadays, I think I really need to find a travel agent! I’m taking all recommendations, so please let me know if you have any.)

The first two services went so quickly that I had time for hair, too. By accident, (trust me,) I arrived with perfect straight hair, so I didn’t need the usual flat-ironing that I choose at all other beauty events. It was pouring out that day, but, by some miracle, my hair had stayed great. So I asked Katherine Robbins, of the Aveda Institute, if she could style it in long loose waves, ala Karina Smirnoff. She did a perfect, easy job and showed me how to do it for myself in the future. But don’t hold your breath for that! I have no hair talent whatsoever, only nails and make-up. How much beauty can one girl create?

They were also doing make-up, a jewelry company was offering discounts, and there was an easy, affordable noodle buffet. But we VIPS had an even better time; we got to come an hour early, try some complimentary passed tidbits, and received wonderful goodie bags. And best of all, we didn’t have to wait for services! Next time Spaphile has an event, check into the VIP rules.

My friend, Vanessa, and I were too busy with services to eat what was available at the soiree, so we did what several of the guests did—sit down in the restaurant and order lunch off the special menu they created for the day. I plan to go back and do a whole review of Tiato early next year, but let me tell you a bit about them now.

This place is owned by the same family behind Crustacean in Beverly Hills, so you know they know what they’re doing! We got to try just a couple of dishes since there were just two of us and not my usual four-person reviewing posse. And Vanessa’s a vegetarian, so that limited us a bit.

But we both agreed that the flatbread pizza was outstanding!!! It was very fresh and flavorful and crispy. Vanessa loved the heirloom tomatoes on it. She also said the vegan tomato soup had the right amount of tang and I noted that it came with a grilled cheese sandwich that was perfect for dipping. I loved my cheeseburger that was really big and was accompanied by delicious sweet potato fries.

The servers were pleasant and helpful, which put a cherry on the whole lovely afternoon. We left there satisfied…and beautiful! What more could one desire from an event? Nothing.

As I tweeted yesterday as it was happening, I spent the most relaxing day at a SPArty (love that clever name) at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. It was part of the Global Spa Week for all the Four Seasons in the world. (Or at least the country—I was seriously too chill to get the entire story.)

All photos by Karen Salkin.

I could have easily spent the entire week at this one! I had been to a few events on this property before, always enjoying myself, but this time I got to spend quality, and relaxed, time at the spa in the hotel, which was a whole new experience for me.

Every part of the day was a highlight, so I’ll just go in order. I was part of an intimate group of beauty writers (and “social media influencers,” as the invitation stated, a moniker I love!) I loved how the day was structured, with us having group get-togethers but also time to explore alone, if we chose, (which I believe we all did.)

I got there early because, on the very few occasions that I ever have time to relax nowadays, I want to go all the way. After being greeted by our lovely event hosts, Allie Rhodes and Damien Craft, I was shown around the facility a bit, and then to my locker, where I immediately cozied up to the robe and spa slippers.

I went out to the gorgeous hotel pool, which was the perfect temperature, especially for November! I got right in and swam and did water aerobics for about forty-five minutes, which I sorely needed to do, let me tell you! And, in that pool and environment, the exercise felt especially satisfying. After a quick jacuzzi, I explored the massive expanse of stunning property in the back, including sitting in the gazebo in the middle of it, which I believe is actually a pagoda from China! (I don’t remember all the details of the story, but I remind you that I was too relaxed to give anything my full attention, which strange for me but a welcome pleasure.)

The group met up at noon in yet another relaxation area, the coed tranquility lounge, that featured a wooden red bridge in the middle, (which matches the pagoda out back,) and were escorted to a luxury spa suite that became our headquarters for the rest of the day. (And evening, for those of us who just couldn’t tear ourselves away. Guilty!)

There were healthful snacks in the suite at all times, (as well as champagne for the imbibers, which actually was everyone but me!,) and then we had lunch on the private patio by the jacuzzi. We had a choice of several spa dishes, but always marching to my own drummer, I went with the most delicious burger ever! OMG, that thing was heavenly! I actually figured out two of the chef’s secrets for it, but I’m not telling; I’ve got to respect someone who can make a burger taste that special. The fries were great, too, as was the company. I sat with Damien, who’s the Spa Director, whom they’ve also dubber the “Curator Of Calm,” a title I can agree with after chatting with him for so long. He’s one of the most pleasant executives I’ve ever met, with a sense of humor, to boot, (which I know because he laughed at everything I said! Smart guy.) Our waitress, Carmela, was just great and super-accommodating. Her sweet smile made me like her right away.

After lunch, we had a little time on our own again, if we so chose, so I went straight to the steam room. Jennifer, who took care of our locker room needs, showed me all the amenities, guaranteeing that I’d stay there longer.

I finally got to the part of the day that I guess was considered the main event–a DNAEGF renewal facial using Dr. Moy’s products. I was thrilled on every level: I had missed a bigger party for the launch of his line this summer when my mother had fallen ill, so I was happy to finally get to try the products; my aesthetician, Sheena Brockus, had beautiful skin herself, so I was secure in whatever she did to my face and neck; afterwards, my skin felt as great as Mr. X’s back, which (he hates when I tell people this) is as soft as a baby’s anything; and I got to just relax and be quiet for an hour! Plus, the massage portions of the facial were fabulous! (I live for massages, in case you didn’t know.)

We all wound-up back at the suite for some female bonding, and then Allie, who’s the Marketing Coordinator for the hotel, took me on a tour of the grounds, including the greenhouse that houses the chef’s herb garden.

I couldn’t resist the amazing spa shower, so I had to wash my hair in there, too. It was bigger than several of my New York pals’ apartments!!!

I had a choice of at least five activities for the night, including a couple of really big events, but the day was so special that I just wanted to stay home and continue chilling, (which made Mr. X happy, as well—he hates that I go out all the time…unless I take my car, so he has more room to krump.) But I know where I’ll be heading the next time I need to relax. Or get a great burger!!

www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage

I think many people either know, or can glean from the fact that I always reference only my mother (as opposed to both parents,) that my father is deceased, but I think that not even my close friends can tell you that my father died from lung cancer. It’s just a disease that we don’t hear about on a daily basis, unless we pay attention to the stunning non-smoking commercials. (I wish the smokers they’re aimed at would take heed, but alas, most don’t.)

All photos by Karen Salkin, except for the last one at the bottom.

So, when I was invited to The Soho Project’s event to benefit the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, I cancelled other plans to be there, without even knowing how special an evening it would be.

It was at the London Hotel in West Hollywood, and was titled Masquerade, (because they were “unmasking” the face of lung cancer.) Lucia and I had just been to a screening of Albert Nobbs earlier, where they also had a masquerade night, so we were doubly into it. (Lucia even brought her own mask, although we chickened-out and left it in the car.)

The fun began as we walked into the reception area and saw a juggler on stilts. Fortune Entertainment provided all the talented circus-type performers, including contortionists working their magic in giant bubbles. We were stymied as to how they were breathing, but didn’t want to ask in case they hadn’t thought of that! (By the way—when I was in the circus back in the day, I was billed as a “world famous contortionist!” Trust me, if I could do what these girls can, I might still be in that circus!)

The cocktail portion of the evening took place in the ballroom off the lobby, and featured a silent auction, two bars, a fruit and cheese buffet (with chocolate covered strawberries as a bonus,) and delicious passed hors d’oeuvres, my favorite of which was the mini croque monsieur sandwich. Very Parisian.

The outer room had a “boothless” photo booth and a girl draped in a cupcake dress, courtesy of Debiteful Cake Pop Shop, from which we each chose the flavor we wanted, (the banana pudding was hard to beat,) and the friendly personnel packed them in individual boxes for us to take with us. They also had a table of beautifully-decorated cake pops wrapped and ready to roll.

The cocktail reception table.

Then we moved up to the tented roof for dinner and entertainment. Believe it or not, my favorite part of the evening was not the Gordon Ramsey-catered repast, but rather the speeches and videos! They were very educational about this insidious disease. Even with the loss of my father to it, I hadn’t realized that lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of them all! Who knew? I’ll definitely do more research on it now. [Note: the evening's speakers pointed out that it's not just smokers who get lung cancer; nor even the unfortunate people who die from second-hand smoke. But I have to put in my two cents on this topic because I can't feel sorry for smokers who get lung cancer; they have all the information and still choose to smoke, which I think is just insane. And I hate them for foisting their smoke on the rest of us.]

The main honoree was two-time Emmy winner, and more importantly, lung cancer survivor, Kathryn Joosten from Desperate Housewives. I’ve met her a time or two before and she appears to be a lovely woman. I’m always happy for the few dedicated actresses who get famous in their senior years. I was also pleasantly surprised to hear pro footballer, Hank Baskett, speak so well. His wife, ex-playmate Kendra Wilkinson, didn’t talk, but it was the best she ever looked! So much better than on Dancing With The Stars, which is the only other place I’ve ever seen her before.

One final word about The Soho Project because I’m impressed with the sisters who run it, Lindsay and Kimberly Scheel. (Soho stands for Sisters Offering Help to Others. And I don’t think they mean the Ben-led Others from Lost!) Part of their philosophy is that they “believe art is a force for positive change.”  They “create opportunities for artists to use their creative gifts to give back to the community.” What a lovely idea. And they pulled it off wonderfully with this beautiful event.

This year’s edition of the Macy’s Passport Glamorama Fashion Show, subtitled “ART-rageous” and held once again at the venerable Orpheum Theatre in downtown LA, was even better than last year’s show! Last year, I had to get used to the change of venue from a gigantic hangar in Santa Monica, complete with long runway, to a total stage show. But, now that the change wasn’t an issue for me, I could just sit back and admire what everyone’s hard work had brought to fruition.

Far East Movement. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The show had everything–fashion, hip music, wonderful dancing, art, and attitude. And celebs in the audience, such as John Hamm, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and one of my all-time favorite figure skaters, the fashionable Johnny Weir. (You can read more about the celebs in my upcoming Celeb Sightings column.) What more could anyone want in a show??? The answer is…nothing.

The whole event put me in such a good mood that I won’t even report the multiple-series-ed television actress who ducked out in the middle of the show with her male companion. To be fair, a baby sitter emergency is always a big possibility, but there are also so many other reasons, most of them rude. So, I’d rather give her the benefit of the doubt because I can’t imagine anyone wanting to miss even one second of the spectacle. [Note: I just may spill the beans, though, the next Friday that I do my gossip segment on Daytime with Donna, though, so be sure to listen in. I'll try to remember to tweet the date. @karensalkin]

Sharon Stone, honoring Elizabeth Taylor. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Let’s talk about the most important aspect of the show first—that the proceeds benefit AIDS Project Los Angeles and Project Angel Food, two very worthy causes. For most of the previous years, Dame Elizabeth Taylor put in an appearance, no matter how bad her own health situation was. So, this year, to make her presence still felt, her good pal, and fellow AIDS activist, Sharon Stone, presented a heartfelt tribute to her, along with Taylor’s two grown grandsons.

Ballet to open the show. Photo by Getty Images.

The flow of the show was just perfect. It began with a ballet and ended with a rousing performance by Ceelo Green, with the tribute to Elizabeth Taylor and hip music from Far East Movement in the center. And, of course, creative new fashions all the way through. (I had told Johnny Weir pre-show that seeing him again was the highlight of my night. He answered, “I don’t know; guys in underwear are in the show.” I thought he was thinking of last year’s spectacle. But, thankfully, they repeated underwear models. You go, boys!)

This image is self-explanatory! Photo by Karen Salkin, who had to stop drooling long enough to snap it!

Despite near-naked men, my two favorite parts of the show were Ceelo and the dancers. There’s a little boy dancer, who’s about ten, named Bailey Munoz, who is just fabulous. I’ve seen him on TV a bunch of times, (he’s half of Future Funk from last season’s America’s Got Talent, helped out Serge Ibaka in this year’s slam-dunk contest, and even danced with Chris Brown on Dancing With The Stars,) and seeing him in person was even better. That kid just loves to dance. And he’s great! I spent most of the after-party just watching him on the make-shift dance floor. There’s a lot of pep in that little body and I predict that he’ll become one of the most famous dancers in the years to come.

Wonderful dancer Bailey Munoz making a little girl's night with a whirl on the dance floor at the party. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Speaking of the party, it was held once again on the humongous first floor of the California Mart, a short walk from the theatre. It featured catering in Ethnic categories: Mexican, Asian, and American, which was my favorite—mini-brisket sliders and crisp french fries. Yum. Not even the generous See’s Candy Bar could beat that fare!

There was something fun going on at every turn, but I missed a lot of it to watch the dancers. To see talent like that up-close and personal is quite the treat. It was even better than the goodie bags!

The upbeat finale of the show, starring Ceelo Green.

But the highlight of the whole night came at the very end, when we were approaching our car in the parking lot, après-party. A big van stopped just in front of us, and being an avid watcher of scary TV dramas, like 24, I got a tad frightened, for just a sec. Then who came out of it but Ceelo!!! We couldn’t believe our eyes. He and I chatted for a brief moment about the show and the audience, and I was happy to tell him that he’s the reason I came back from New York after my recent two-month sojourn. A perfect ending to a truly “ART-rageous” evening.

All I can say in conclusion is that you’re a fool if you miss this event next year. I’ve been lamenting that I missed the first twenty-six years of it!!! Let’s all put it on our 2012 calendars now, and I’ll see you there in about twelve months.

So, when I was at the Bag Lady event I told you about last week, I won a gift certificate to Evolue, an eco-conscious beauty shop on Robertson. I also got invited to an event they were having a couple of evenings later, so I figured that I’d kill two birds with one stone.

Photos by Karen Salkin.

Only, I forgot to use the cert because the event was so fun! It was to introduce us to their “eco-chic vendors personally,” while letting us know about the “next moves in the fight for safer cosmetics.” Always a good thing.

As we entered, we received a re-usable bag, like on Halloween, and then we basically went “trick-or-treating” to the sponsors who explained their products and then gave us small samples, based on our needs or likes. The soiree was packed yet intimate.

There was also a non-intrusive DJ and a bar with interesting-looking fruity-type drinks, but, as many of you know by now, I hate the taste of alcohol, (and lemons and limes, and just about everything else they had that other people love,) so I had to sit that part out.

I discovered more than just good-for-you new entries into the world of skin care and cosmetics; I also discovered this lovely little neighborhood! Of course, everyone in my area of L.A. knows about, and has been to, Robertson Blvd., but I never walked around it on a summer’s eve before. I had parked “down the road a piece,” in my new effort to get back to walking more, so I realized that people who live around there can just walk to everything they could possibly need to do.

And I picked-up dinner from an excellent little Thai place on the block, Thai Boom. Mr. X was thrilled with his fare, and I was happy enough. Now I’m glad that I didn’t use my Evolue gift card that night because now I have an excuse to go back to that ‘hood.

357 1/2 S. Robertson Blvd.

When I was doing my show, Karen’s Restaurant Revue, I talked about the late, great Butterfly Bakery, in Westwood, so much that viewers actually thought I owned it! I kept thinking that I should talk about it less, to dispel those thoughts, but I couldn’t help it—the wares were just so wonderful!

So, that’s what I’m beginning to worry that readers may think about the website spaphile.com; I write about their events so much, maybe readers will wonder if I own that site, too! But, alas, I don’t; I just love their well-put-together, fun events! And I’m grateful to be included. (You can be, too, when you sign-up at their site.)

So, about a month ago, needing some easy pampering, my friend Celia and I hopped right on over to Sunset Plaza for their latest happening, a simple hair event at the lovely, hidden-away (which makes it feel kind-of exclusive) Jeffrey-Kara Salon. (It’s the owners two first names.) Most of Spaphile’s events involve many services, but this one was just hair, which made it kind-of relaxing. No need to worry about what to sign-up for and when.

Celia and I showed-up with less-than-fresh hair, so we both had shampoos with Unite products, which worked great. I couldn’t stop touching my hair all week; it was so soft. (Though, in truth, I love my hair, so I touch it a lot anyway. That’s how I knew it was extra soft this time.)  Smelled good, too, Mr. X said. Yay!

That's Trina Daily in front, working on my friend's hair.

We both shared Trina Daily as our stylist. I don’t know why exactly, because we had to have our turns in a row, rather than at the same time, but we both really liked her, so it worked-out fine. And there were snacks, (the combo red velvet-apple pie, by Chef Lovejoy Cole, was the hit of the night,) drinks, a female DJ, and lots of space in the comfortable salon to roam around in, so we were relaxing even when we waiting for each other.

The interesting thing is that we have completely different hair and styles, so for one person to do both successfully is impressive. I think most of you know mine is long and luxurious (just seeing if you were paying attention with the latter adjective; I would never say that about myself,) but it’s long and straight, with bangs, and Celia’s is pretty short and goes up in a classy woman style, and Trina handled both with aplomb.

I’ll try to go back and review their other hair services for you sometime, as soon as I need color, so I’ll have more to tell you about. But, in the meantime, this Spaphile night was seriously exactly what Celia and I needed. Having good hair always lifts one’s spirits, thank goodness.

This is one event that I hadn’t planned on writing about.  It was a pleasure to go to something knowing that no one was hoping for a write-up from me.  But it turned-out to be so fun that I want to tell you about it anyway.

Love this "Genius Table"; when I was in first grade, I sat at the "smart table," so-named by the class, not the teacher! All photos by Karen Salkin.

First of all, I have to admit that my entire life I’ve rarely gone anyplace alone. (When I was little, and my mother needed me to go to the corner grocery store, I even had to call for my friend, Carol, a few doors down, to accompany me, so no one on the way would think I had no friends!!!) In recent years, the main reason is that I want my pals to share my advantages, but my old, and still applicable, reason is that I think I’d just plain feel uncomfortable at an event alone.  I don’t want to hope that someone talks to me because that would mean that I’d kind-of be hoping that they’ll ignore the person they came with!  I hate intruding on others.

Plus, I always feel so bad for lone event-attendees that I wind-up being the one taking care of them and ruining my own time. Attendees should just always come with their own friend and leave the other guests alone, I think. Going alone cries, “Please, someone talk to me!”

Conversely, when I take a friend with me, I don’t like them to start talking to other people–I’m trying to spend time with a friend, not network. [Note: for the few of you who are really into correct grammar, such as I, I know that I used the words “they” and “them” in these last two paragraphs, when the correct words are “he or she,” but I just wanted to make my point and not be confusing to most. Even though I don't go along with this, linguistics says that as long as you can be understood...]

But when I got invited to a Bag Lady Promotions event, which was for the express purpose of networking, I told myself that if I wake up in time, (it was in the morning,) I’d go.  And I’m glad I did.  These ladies were not your typical “let’s network” kind of gals.  They were all pretty nice and not phony!  So just a couple of words about it:

Bag Lady is run by one of the sweetest girls ever, Laura Filipowicz. She’s a little dynamo who’s so nice and pleasant; everyone seems to love her. I guess that’s why she attracts a nice crowd of females, some of whom I’ve actually worked with before and was happy to run into again.

One was Chudney Ross, with whom I guested on a radio show about four years ago. The topic turned to dating that day and we had a good old time, doling out sage, and funny, advice. I forgot to ask her if she took any of mine! Anyway, it turns out that she just opened the venue that Laura’s event was being held at, Books and Cookies, a new children’s space on the border of Santa Monica and Venice. The name is actually what attracted me to the event to begin with! It’s a bookstore/cafe/playroom and looks really fun. I wanted to plop down in the little Indian tent and read a couple of the books myself, especially if they had some of my favorites from when I was a teacher. Or a kid!

Some of the yummy Fresh Brothers fare.

This is one event I seriously wasn’t expecting any food at. Well, maybe the cookies of the title. But I was ever so pleasantly surprised by wonderful Fresh Brothers pizza and salads, courtesy of the owner, Debbie Goldberg, who was my New Best Friend for two seconds before I hurt my back last year, thus putting all my social interactions on hold. I had reviewed her eatery for the Culver City News back then, when I was still writing for them, and subsequently featured some of her food at my big beginning-of-the-year foodie soiree. I was delighted to discover some new varieties of pizza at this Bag Lady event. And even happier to have it to munch on right then! It’s part of the reason I was one of the last to leave that day!

While we were gabbing and chowing down, a raffle was held. I guess I’m on a roll now because I won a gift certificate to a new eco skin care store on Robertson, Evolue! This on the heels of my major iPad win last month! I can’t wait till the next raffle I enter!

Bag Lady sent us on our way with goodie bags with some clever gifts in them, including lunch with a party planner…her treat! How much better than this can you get for waking up early on a Monday morning? I’d venture to guess—not much.