GBK Gifting Suite: Kids Choice Awards 2012

With Sasha Pieterse from Pretty Little Liars.

We were back in the GBK Gifting Suite this week for the Kids Choice Awards.  This one always is fun because you can ask crazy questions like "Who will win Best Butt Kicker"?  Yeah, forget the serious Oscar questions of who will win Best Actor.  We hit the ground running and ran into Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and ABC Family favorites from shows like Lab Rats, Big Time Rush, Pretty Little Liars, and A.N.T. Farm. Come and check out all of the fun we had and who everyone thought should win the Best Butt Kicker category.  You might be surprised at the answer.

By the way, several of you asked what a celebrity gifting suite is, so check out my post from 2010 that talks all about it.

Where in the World is.....?

I am all over the place this week.  I thought I was going to have a nice, relaxing week and then I was suddenly thrust into prepping for the 65th Annual Tony Awards!  So here's where you can find me popping up this week:

1.  Today at 12PM PT/3PM ET:  I will be a guest on The Final Cut with host, Matthew Robinson talking about all of the fun at the MTV Movie Awards.  I hope to slip in a few tidbits about the GBK Gifting Suite too.  You can listen or call into the show here.

2.  It's Meredith Vieira's last day on The Today Show.  She's one of my broadcast heros, so I salute her with a fond farewell.  I was lucky enough to interview her at The Gracie Awards last month.  My mornings won't be there same without you, Meredith.



3.  I will be on the red carpet for Starpulse covering the 65th Annual Tony Awards.  For a musical theatre geek like me.....holy cow!  This is exciting!  If you have any questions you want me to ask on the red carpet, feel free to leave your questions in the comment section.

4. After the red carpet, I am heading to the Broadway Space Tony party.  The party is hosted by Rachel Potter and Adam Riegler who play Wednesday and Pugsley in The Addams Family.  There are still tickets available, so come join me for all of the fun.

5.  Finally, I was asked to guest blog over at Elle Sees this week. You will find some of my online shopping tips and some of my recent deals.  So, stop over and say "hi" to Elle.  I think you will enjoy her blog as much as I do.

Caption This Photo

I spent yesterday at the SLS Hotel at the GBK Productions Gifting Suites in honor of the MTV Movie Awards. Yes, it's an awards show, let's give away free stuff to rich celebs!  You've seen my coverage of this A-List gifting suite for the 2010 Emmys, 2011 Academy Awards, and the 2011 Kids' Choice Awards.  I will share my coverage on Monday, but for now, caption this hilarious photo. What is going on between me and Frankie Muniz from Malcolm in the Middle?   Ready, set, go!

Kids' Choice Awards: GBK Productions Gifting Suite

Rico Rodriguez from Modern Family

Just when you think awards season is over, a couple of shows sneak in there:  MTV Movie Awards, ESPYs, BET Awards, and of course, Kids' Choice Awards.  I am no stranger to GBK's gifting suites since I have happily covered them with Mingle Media TV for the Emmys and the Oscars.  The Emmys gifting lounge still continues to rank as my favorite, but we had a lot of fun with the kids from your favorite shows like Modern Family, Wizards of Waverly Place, and Hannah Montana.  It also made me very popular with my 11-year-old niece who has a nice box of goodies headed across the country to her.

See the full interviews with everyone here:  Kids' Choice Awards:  GBK Productions Gifting Suite

Ana Maria Perez de Tagle from Hannah Montana

Some of my favorite interviews of the day were Bailee Madison of Wizards of Waverly Place who is a complete delight and who passed along a "hello" to my niece.  She was running around with Rico Rodriguez of Modern Family who is a bundle of energy.  I handed him the microphone and off he went asking me all of the important questions of the day. (You must, must watch my full interview with him.  That kid is one of a kind.)  I think I flirted shamelessly with Gary Cole whom I have loved since he played Mr. Brady on the big screen and we stood back as the Jackson entourage piled into the suite.  Yes, LaToya, Paris, Prince, and Blanket were all in attendance followed by The Insider camera crews.  We were not allowed to take photos while they were there, but I'm sure The Insider has exclusive rights to the Jackson clan.  (Read between the lines on that one.)  The Jackson kids were probably the most low key family that walked through the door that day, so while they have an extraordinary life, they act like very ordinary kids which was nice to see.

 I pretended this photo was for my niece, it was for me.  I love Make It or Break It on ABC Family. Thanks to Josie Loren for being a good sport. 

 Singer and fellow Massachusetts native, JoJo.

The lovely Bailee Madison from Wizards of Waverly Place.

Finally, I fell in love with Glimmer Body Art which is an amazing temporary glitter tattoo that lasts about 7 days.  My vet even commented on it, "So I guess you like purple".  Be sure to check them out since they were my favorite vendor of the gifting suite and I still have my glitter star on my wrist after 5 days. So, enjoy the interviews and the photos, it just reminds me that it's great to be a kid.....in Hollywood!

 I think I look a little too happy next to Gary Cole.

 This one is for the Vampire Diaries fans.  Arielle Kebbel wouldn't give me a single spoiler about next season.  

I'm the Beebs on the cover of Tiger Beat.  Awesome!

My favorite new accessory, a glitter tattoo!

Photos are property of Mingle Media TV and Kristyn Burtt

*The Glimmer Tattoo Kit was complimentary.  I was not asked to write a review.  I liked the product and I wanted to share it with you.*

Insidious

Interviewing Barbara Hershey for Insidious, but I really wanted to ask her about this.

I'm here to let you know that I am not a fan of horror or the paranormal, so covering the Insidious press junket was a big step for me.  This was one of those times when I am glad I said "yes" despite my hesitations on covering this film because I love learning about the process of filmmaking.  James Wan and Leigh Whannell were so enthusiastic about their film and how they wanted it to have an indie feel both on and off set that I felt inspired after talking with them.  So, yes, I was inspired by the creators of the Saw franchise.  I cannot believe I wrote that.  That's why I love my job, creativity and revelations come in the most unusual places.

To read the article and see the video, head over to Starpulse:  Insidious

Or to just see the video interview for Mingle Media TV:  Insidious

Obviously asking a very intense question to director, James Wan.

Have a great weekend!  On Monday, I will bring you some great photos and interviews from the Kids' Choice Awards Gifting Suite by GBK Productions.

Photos Courtesy of Mingle Media TV.

Oscars Gifting Suite Goodies

Here's the real fun part of being a celebrity, FREE stuff.  The celebrities are offered everything from vacations to watches to a year supply of gum.  It's nice being famous because they suddenly don't have to spend any money, even though they are earning a lot of money.  For the rest of us, we have to scrimp and save for the coveted items, but I am here to feature a couple of affordable options that stood out last week in the gifting suites.

Enjoying my Red Velvet Cookie at the GBK Gifting Suite.

1. Cookies for a Koz:  Roberta Wilson created a cookie company in honor of her late mother, Audrey Koz, who made the world's best chocolate chip cookie. The flavors range from the conventional oatmeal raisin to the absolutely divine red velvet or the white chocolate raspberry cookie.  The cookies have a crisp edge with a soft, chewy center, just the way a cookie should taste. You will also feel good about your purchase because 10% of the proceeds go to the Starlight Children's Foundation.  They make great gifts with a Baker's Dozen going for $19.95.  

2.  Neal's Yard Remedies: This line of organic skin care really walks the walk and talks the talk:  no silicones, no parabens, no animal testing. The line is based out of England and only available here in the US via consultants, but it is worth it.  Each product smells like the aromatherapy spa you pay hundreds of dollars to go to.  Well, you can bring the spa to you with this line of products and know that you are investing in a company who believes in the mantra of reduce, reuse, recycle.  Psst, there is a sale going on now.  

3. Two Cosmetics:  This company was founded by two sisters who believe everything is better in twos:  "two eyes, two lips, two lovers".  Their colors are fun and it's another line that won't break the bank.  You can grab a couple of fun shades of eyeshadow and slip them right into your purse. There is no need to worry about a brush since the case includes a small brush for on-the-go touch ups. Eyeshadows:  $6.50/each.

Running around Hollywood and Highland with my new etoix T-shirt.

4. etoix T-shirts: The etoix line is made in the USA and they are known for their tie-dyed look.  The shirts are soft, comfy, and stretchy, exactly the type of Tee perfect to dress up or down for any occasion. The line also offers leggings for mixing and matching in your wardrobe.  T-shirts and leggings all under $30.  

5. Charles Winston earrings:  This collection of earrings is created from Moissanite, which is also known as silicon carbonbide.  They are believed to have been formed from a meteorite, so it is not a laboratory formed stone.  It has the fire and brilliance you want from a topnotch diamond without the astronomical sticker price.  These will be your go-to earrings for everything.  I have them in 8mm rounds, but they are available in smaller sizes and at a lower price point,  the perfect additional to your jewelry wardrobe when you are treating yourself.  A 3.5mm White Gold pair of earrings starts at $127.95.  

Disclosure:  All of these items were given to me gratis during Oscars Week.  None of the vendors asked me to review their products.  This post was done on my own accord because I really enjoyed the products/items.  Please direct any further questions here.  

2011 Oscars, Day 6

I'm Banksy!

This is it!  The night before the Oscars.  It feels like the Olympics, Christmas, and the Super Bowl all rolled into one for me.  I leave you with lots of videos and photos from the last two days including this awesome video of what the red carpet looks like the day before the show....a total mess!  It's cleaned and shined pretty for Sunday, so it is hilarious to see the transformation.  It's also going to be a cold day in LA. We had SNOW for the first time since 1911.  I never thought I would see that in my lifetime.  Well, reporting LIVE from the red carpet in 14 hours, it's KB!

Just a reminder you can find all of my red carpet updates and backstage interview room LIVE blog information here.

Thank you to Zennie Abraham from SFGate for the nice article and video interview on the red carpet today with my pal, Marla Schulman.  

Finally, my video tour of the red carpet today:

My spot on the red carpet.

Congratulations to MTVu's Correspondent winners:  Luz Pena and Phillip Robibero from Hofstra University!

GBK Gifting Suite with Fred Willard, Regina King, and Constantine Maroulis talking about their Oscar Night rituals:  

 This one is for AI fans, Constantine Maroulis.

I love Fred Willard.  That is all.

Emmys 2010: The Videos

I wasn't planning on posting today due to the holiday, but so many of you have been asking when the interviews would post.  My producer finished most of them over the weekend, so have fun and check out some of your favorite stars from TV.  Remember, all of the juicy stories behind this shoot are here. These interviews are from the GBK Gifting Lounge.

Also, today is the final day to enter our Emmy Event Weekend Gift Bag.  Enter here before 11:59 PM PST.  Winner will be announced tomorrow at 9 AM PST.  Good luck!

Be sure to let me know who your favorite interview was in the comment section below.  I have two favorites and one not-so-favorite from the group below.  You comment, and I will reveal my choices in the comment section too.

1.  Kieran Shipka:  Mad Men:


2.  Melora Hardin:  The Office:


3.  Joe Mantenga:  Criminal Minds:


4.  Kathryn Joosten:  Desperate Housewives:


5.  Scott Adsit:  30 Rock:


6.  Sara Rue:  Eastwick:

Emmys 2010: Part 2

                                      
The Emmys Weekend posts continue as I take you to the GBK Gifting Suite at the SLS Hotel.  This was one of the official gifting suites of the 62nd Annual Emmy Awards, so it was A-List all of the way.  I cannot wait to share the interviews from our day at the SLS.  Now, for those of you not familiar with gifting suites, let me give you the rundown on how they work.  It's a true VIP experience.  I arrived at the hotel, the valet flirted with me, complimented my outfit, and graciously guided me to the nearest Starbucks for my morning caffeine all within three minutes of my arrival.  Now, I'm not even famous or anywhere near even D-List, and that is how nice they were to me.  The celebs check in at the gifting suite area as they are paired up with a PR gal/guy who will guide them through the five rooms of free goodies.  The PR person is responsible for presenting the celeb to each table, for writing down the items given to the stars (Remember, there is a responsibility to the IRS for anything over $10,000), and schlepping a huge duffel bag.  The bag was large enough for me to crawl in and hide.  Most of the PR guides were female and petite, so they were trying gamely to lug the bags throughout the suite.  Trust me, they were heavy.  


So, the celebs are given anything they want for free.  New Invicta Lupah watch?  It's free.  A year supply of Tic Tacs in your favorite flavor?  FREE.  Wine, cheese, vacations, jewelry, and shoes?  All free, free, free.  The only thing they are required to do is pose for a photo with the vendor and their product.  It is understood that their image may be used in a magazine or on the vendor's website. It is sort of an indirect endorsement in exchange for free things.  Can you tell that FREE is the key word here?  Here are a few of the celebrities we bumped into at the GBK Gifting Suite:

Probably the most surprising attendee in the gifting suite, Joe Mantegna from Criminal Minds. I always think of Mr. Matengna as true theatre actor who isn't interested in the Hollywood game.  He kindly gave us a few good sound bites and he quietly went on his way.

Easily one of my top 3 interviews of the weekend.  Here's Kiernan Shipka who plays  "Sally Draper" on Mad Men.   I have interviewed her before, so we have a fun little rapport. She was so excited about her dress for Emmy night.  It was just as beautiful as she described.  Kiernan is an atypical Hollywood kid:  fresh-faced, engaging, and smart in all of the right ways.  I had a chance to speak with her mom and her grandmother too.  They are raising one lovely young lady. 

Kiernan on the red carpet.  Photo courtesy of the LA Times.

Neil Patrick Harris is probably one of my favorite actors right now. I even went to see his directorial debut at the Hollywood Bowl for the annual musical production of Rent.  Did he stop for interviews?  No.  Hmmmm, I kind of take issue with that because if you are willing to take free stuff, you can stop for two questions.  I would have even been willing to make them all industry-related versus personal questions.  Oh well.......

Kathryn Joosten was a hoot!  She speaks her mind and she had me in stitches throughout our entire interview.  You know Kathryn from The West Wing and Desperate Housewives, she is a two-time Emmy winner, and a cancer survivor.  Another Top 3 interview for the weekend!

All right, 30 Rock fans, here is Scott Adsit who plays "Pete Hornberger" on the show.  I joked about his new Invicta watch because I used to sell Invicta watches when I was a network host at ShopNBC. We had a good time making fun of my former profession.

Melora Hardin, who plays "Jan" on The Office and I shared a fun Emmys moment from 2008.  I had been in the bleacher seats that year and I yelled to her on the red carpet, "I loved you as Fantine in Les Mis at the Hollywood Bowl".  She gamely told me she remembered that moment which I appreciated whether she really remembered it or not.  

Sarah Rue is from the now-cancelled, Eastwick, and she is currently a Jenny Craig spokesperson.  She looks great and the plan is really working for her.  Um, I don't have much else to say as she was rather frosty.......you fill-in the rest of the story.

You never knew who you were going to run into. Every nook and cranny was filled with a familiar face.  As we were leaving, Judah Friedlander of 30 Rock pulled up in a Rolls Royce limo.  At first, it was an over the top moment, until we saw his mother step out of the limo and they started taking pictures in front of the vehicle.  He was treating his mom to a special day on the town.  It was sweet.  

Just a few snapshots of some down moments around the gifting suite.  If you take a look at that pink and white wall I am standing in front of, it's made entirely of pink and white Tic Tacs.  Pink Grapefruit is their new limited edition flavor available in September and October for Breast Cancer Awareness.

The best cupcakes ever!  Check out Stuffed Cupcakes for the most delicious cake filled with cream in the middle and just the right amount of frosting on top.  With 150 flavors, I am ready for this store to hit the West Coast.  In the meantime, they ship cupcakes anywhere in the US!

I promised you a giveaway and a giveaway you shall have.  I am giving away a whole collection of items from this weekend's gifting suites.  You will find a Heaven Simone chocolate brown scarf, 2 packs of Commandos (I bet you didn't know you needed these!), an amazing TheraPearl Eye Mask, 2 Elemis Moisture Melt oils, and a sassy bracelet from Crash & Burn.  All you have to do is comment below and tell me your favorite moment at this year's Emmy Awards.  Open to US residents only. Winner will be selected via Random.org.  Contest ends Monday, September 6th at 11:59PM PST. Winner will be announced at 9AM PST on Tuesday, September 7th.  

I'll be back tomorrow with Emmys 2010, Part 3.