GIFTING GALORE

Alrighty folks, Day 2 at Haven brought some killer talent as well as a great party. For starters, my first interview was David Hyde Pierce, an extremely talented actor, you might remember him as Niles from “Frasier.” I aked him what differentiates the Oscars from other awards shows to which he responded that what differentiates the Oscars is that he had never been to the Oscars.

The petite and super friendly Miss Paula Abdul spent time talking to each and every vendor. She loved the jewelry by Kenneth Jay Lane, which was really one of kind and stunning. She also admired the beautiful gowns by Mark Zunino. I could definitely see her wearing one of his creations on the Red Carpet. She ended her gifting sweep by posing with Keren of Keren Creations jewelry.

Marilu Henner was loving the Haven celebrity gifting suite, picking up products like Izo Cleanse and Bandals. I asked her what her fondest Oscar memory was and she said it was when her husband, Frederic Forrest, won a the Academy Award for “The Rose” in the Best Actor Supporting role.

I also spoke with Dustin Lance Black, the writer of “Milk.” He is only 34 but looks like he is 16! We toasted with Rose’s Cocktails and he told me that he was tired from the “Milk” party the night before, but that he was psyched for Sunday and to top it all off, he was going to be wearing a Tom Ford Suit with a bowtie. Tres chic!

I felt like the only woman in a room of 200 people when I pulled aside Australian Idol Winner Guy Sebastian and singer Chris Mann, who each seperately seranaded me on the piano in the Moxi lounge with sneak peeks of the songs they were going to perform that night at the Haven party. I know I have a hard job, but somebody’s got to do it. I’m all about getting in the trenches and doing the dirty work!

I also caught up with musician Chris Botti who told me that Sting gave him a huge break when Sting asked Chris to join him on tour. It must be nice to have supporters like Sting. Keep your ears open for Chris new DVD coming out where he performs with the Boston Pops.

Kerry Washington was absolutely beautiful on the inside and out. She was excited to be a part of the Creative Coalition’s PSA, “It Starts with the Arts” directed by Fisher Stevens, that was filmed at Haven this week. She told me that arts really saved her and kept her on the right path as she had 2 working parents growing up, as many children do. The arts almost become a 3rd parent and provide direction and guidance. More funding for the arts programs in schools, please!

Towards the end of the day, Lara Spencer from “The Insider” blew in like a tornado with her stylist, Anya Sarre. I caught her right before they left, and Lara told me that she was going to wear Naaem Khan to the Oscars Red Carpet on Sunday, that is until she saw the same dress on Beyonce in a photo. Anya replied that she was going to try to put Lara in a purple, white, or baby blue dress. We’ll see on Sunday!

Later that night, I caught up with Kim Kardashian on the Red Carpet in vintage Halston. She told me she was looking forward to seeing all the fashion on the Oscar Red Carpet. Aren’t we all!

I also spoke with Jamie Kennedy who was a riot! Between telling me about his new movie, “The Heckler,” which he stars in and produced and his recent work on “The Ghost Whisperer” with Jennifer Love Hewett, he was laughing about the connotation of the name of his production company, Jizzy Entertainment. He even went so far as to replicate the sound and action with his mouth of …..well, you get the idea. Not a dull moment on the Red Carpet!