Happy New Year!

Loves conquers all things except poverty and toothache.

- Mae West

Thought for the Day

A little inspiration from Ralph Waldo Emerson:

Be not the slave of your own past.

Plunge into the sublime seas, dive deep and swim far.

So you shall come back with self-respect, with new power, with an advanced experience,

That shall explain and overlook the old.

May 2010 be the best year of your life!!!

Wow - we're still shopping

Scene on Rodeo Drive at twilight. The streets were packed again today with shoppers. It's such a lovely sight to see. Sale signs everywhere!

Spreading the 'Happy'

Hi Wendy,
It's been over a year now that I have lived in CA. In Hawaii there is always a feeling of Aloha; people are naturally people. Thank you for allowing me in your circle and for helping feel at home away from home. We had a wonderful time at your Holiday Party!
Happy Holidays, Jason (Bally)

Best after Christmas sales!

I came into the office today to run over to Saks Fifth Avenue before the clock struck noon and the deep discounting increased! From the looks of all the shopping bags on Rodeo Drive, it's been a good day for retailers. Good luck to those of you who are still out there. I had to take a coffee break in Cafe Rodeo. It's conveniently located mid-block between Michael Kors and Valentino.

Merry Merry

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you our wonderful clients and and friends. Thank you all for your support throughout 2009. With New Year upon us, we wish you all a positive, abundant, and soulful 2010.

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring; not even a mouse. Seen here is a marzipan man in front of his sweet cottage as part of a large village of gingerbread homes in the Four Seasons Sydney.

A Happy Client

Hi Wendy,
Thank you for the birthday card. That was so sweet of you! I checked our mailbox after I e-mailed you earlier. Thanks again! Tomo Morita [Kaz Coordination Inc.]

Pssss, She saw all his movies too!

Happy Holidays from Luxe

Luxe Hotel Sunset Blvd held their annual Holiday Party last night in their spectacular lobby level ballroom. Often the scene of lavish parties, beautiful weddings and business meetings, the Luxe Sunset Blvd has venues large and small. The employees enjoyed the music, abundant buffet and gift giving. Seen here with Margit Haut, Director of Sales. http://luxehotelsunsetblvd.com/

Happy Holidays from my home to yours

Singin’
Joy to the world
All the boys and girls, now
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me
- three dog night

Held my annual holiday party at my home on Saturday night and it was so much fun to share some Christmas cheer with people I love and admire throughout the year. Seen here with Susie Dobson, Cecilia Moreno, and Tatiana. Plus James, Kevin, Georg and Nadine.

Last minute gift giving

For the woman who has everything!

A Happy Travel Agent

Dear Wendy,
It was so nice to finally meet you.. Long overdue. Thank you for hosting such a lovely dinner , it was delicious. I'm a real foodie and never make it to the city and was looking forward to going and was not disappointed. As for the [olive] oil, I loved it and bought a bottle..
So thank you for taking us for dinner and hopefully next time I see you will be in Los Angeles.
Please send my best regards to Efrem and enjoy the rest of your stay in Australia. Happy Holidays! Debbie [Binetter, General Manager] Travel Beyond

PROST

Beverly Hills CVB hosted a table at PROST today and what a wonderful gathering. It was the largest PROST luncheon in the history of the Southern California chapter! Seen with me here are Yanell Huizar (CVB), Aileen Carreon (The Peninsula), Kathy Smits (CVB Director), Alison Maxwell (City of Beverly Hills), Shaw McPherson (Crescent Hotel) and Rebecca Huetter (Thompson Beverly Hills).

Happiest wedding planner on earth

Dear Wendy and Jennifer,
Thank you both for visiting & bringing the most amazing cookies!! So very kind and loving!! I hope to come visit and experience your hotel with my hubby soon. Much gratitude, Mary [Dann, Wedding and Party Coordinators] http://wwwmarydann.com/

Garrard glam

Garrard and Smythson partnered this evening to showcase diamonds and leather. Garrard had the jewels and Symthson offers the finest leather jewelry boxes in every color imaginable. Seen here is "Fire of London", the first collection by new creative director, Stephen Webster. Established in London in 1735, Garrard has been creating outstanding pieces to dazzle and intrigue.

Window shopping

During this holiday season there is added incentive get off the sofa and visit Beverly Hills. Even if it's after dark and the stores are closed, the window dressing is better than usual. Seen here is Saks Fifth Avenue in full glamour. From Neiman Marcus to Escada, the boutiques and department stores have outdone themselves. An added bonus is an overnight package at Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive. For the best deals see our website. http://www.luxehotelrodeodrive.com/

Ladies Night Out

Thank you Cecilia and Wendy for a wonderful evening out! I know I had a great time, it was great to see/meet everyone. Here are the pictures from last night! Hopefully everyone will share theirs with us as well. Have a great holiday and I look forward to staying in touch! Yours, Wendy Bentkoski [Niche Retail Strategies, LLC]

Barbie sparkles

Beverly Hills-based jeweler Alan Friedman has begun selling what's called Barbie Rocks, which is the first high-end jewelry line inspired by Mattel Ine.'s global icon, and features classic and hip baubles for up to $15,000 for women of all ages. The line, designed by Friedman's wife, Layna, was launched last month. Although While Barbie images are prevalent in costume jewelry, this is the first Barbie collection to enter the upscale jewelry market. The perfectly pink gift for the holidays and located only two blocks from Luxe Hotel. Happy shopping, Ken!

Fantastic Dessert Party

I have some friends who have an annual dessert party before the holidays really get into full throttle. A rivalry developed between the host and another guest for the best chocolate cake. It was clear who the winner was when I arrived - it wasn't me, of course. I tried concocting a lemon souffle one year and arrived at 10 PM! But not this year. I just brought an appetite and willing spirit. The offerings ranged from gingerbread, cheesecake, coconut macaroons, peanut butter cookies, drunken fruit compote to chocolate pudding and broccoli bars! Bravo Nadine and George for another successful evening.

For Chocolate Lovers

Don't wait too long! Try a small selection from their extensive menu, including: Vodka Shots, Scotch Hi balls or Tequila Shots to get a party going. Personally, I'm thinking holiday gift house with K Bears, Pomegranates and Truffles. Diane Kron Chocolate shop is located 2 short blocks from Luxe Hotel. She'll generously offer you a sample and you'll leave with a puff of coco powder on your lips! http://www.kchocolatier.com/

Two Rodeo, Dressed to the Nines

Until December 24th, decorative penguins will frolic in the Wilshire Fountain at Wilshire Blvd and Rodeo Drive beneath a resplendent 25-foot tree. Live music fills the Via Rodeo Thursday through Saturdays. Step outside the hotel's front door and stop, shop and join in a chorus...or two. http://www.lovebeverlyhills.org/

Does it look like I'm having a great time?

"Hi Wendy
It was great to meet with you today, I’m glad you were able to fit us into your busy schedule. I hope you have a fantastic stay in Australia and I look forward to working with you. Kind regards, David Doyle " [Client Relationship Executive Travelforce in Sydney]

* Seen here in the Daintree Rain Forest at Great Barrier Reef.

Wedding bells

Yesterday our much loved and sorely missed executive assistant got married in the Rodeo Drive Penthouse. Lisa and Greg we wish you all the best.

May love double your happiness,
Divide your troubles,
And make your marriage beautiful.

Congratulations!

Benefit Screening

On Tuesday night, Australians in Film held a benefit screening of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus at The Montalban in Hollywood. The evening was dedicated to the Heath Ledger Scholarship. As you may recall, Ledger's passing left Terry Gilliam's film unfinished. When several outstanding actors came forward to fill his shoes, the transition was seamless. It was handled with such grace; making Heath's loss more poignant. Hint: Don't walk through the mirror. You may not like what you see. Except at a cocktail party!

Wildlife

There seemed to be an abundance of wildlife in Australia and not just in the zoo! The flying foxes (or giant fruit bats) in the botanical gardens where gathered in flocks. SO creepy but fascinating. Here's a photo of me with a koala at the zoo gift shop!

Packed my cossie & sunnies

Recently returned from 12 day trip to Australia. And they speak a whole different language. It took me three days to figure out how to order a coffee. Okay - so I'm slow on the uptake. Here's a view from my hotel room at the Four Seasons Hotel. Could it get much better?

A Happy Client

Hi Wendy!
I just received my birthday card.
Thank you so much and for everything you do for us. Have a great day!
Crystal [Events/Operations at Alterna]

Rainy days and Mondays

Just returned from 12 days down under - Australia that is. G'Day Los Angeles!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

"I awoke this morning with a devout thanksgiving for my friends, old and new."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have a very happy Thanksgiving! If you're traveling (as I am) be safe and pack light.

A Contented Guest

Hi Wendy:
Miss 11! A pleasure meeting you - didn't get a chance to talk! Lovely room; thank you. And look forward to staying again! Best, Melanie [Missoni USA]

Thought for the day

Wouldn't it be great if Santa recycled some of those toys? Find a charity this season that helps others and makes a difference. One of my favorites is Chrysalis which helps men and women in Los Angeles find a job and move out of poverty and homelessness. http://www.changelives.org/

Cityhood Celebration

Congratulations! On Sunday, the City of West Hollywood celebrated all of the people whose dreams have contributed to the city's success over the past 25 years. I was honored to be counted among the crowd of well wishers at Boa Restaurant on Sunset Blvd. The city has always been responsive to public idealism, creativity, environmental concerns, quality of residential life and economic development. "They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." - Andy Warhol

MOCA's 30th Birthday Party

MOCA members were invited to celebrate the museum's 30th anniversary at a birthday party Saturday night. The Collection: MOCA's First Thirty Years was an unforgettable art experience. In fact, Susie Dobson and I felt that we had reached out saturation point about two-thirds through the various rooms. Showcasing more than 500 works by more than 200 artists at both of MOCA's downtown Los Angeles locations, offered the most comprehensive long-term installation of the museum's world-renowned collection of postwar art to date. Relax, you can see the exhibits through May 2010. http://www.moca.org

Light the Night

Beverly Hills kicked off their annual holiday season with a grand illumination of fireworks atop the Beverly Wilshire Hotel this past Saturday. The best viewing platform was Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive where a crowd of specially invited guests were sampling sparkling wine and chocolates. The GenLuxe Magazine invitation included children this year, both naughty and nice [but mostly nice]. Seen here with 5 year old Bronte and her bear, Frank. Ho Ho Ho!

Mary Poppins

"Wind's in the East. There's a mist coming in - like something is brewing and 'bout to begin...." and so Bert begins to tell the story of Mary Poppins. Currently on stage at the Ahmanson Theatre through February 7, 2010 and to coin a phrase from a new song by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, Mary Poppins is 'Practically Perfect'. Every time Bert is on stage, you just want to join in a good chorus of Chim Chim Cher-ee! The roles of Mary Poppins and Bert are performed by the original Broadway cast members! But be warned, you'll be whistling 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' for days. http://www.centertheatregroup.org/

A Happy Travel Agent

Hi Wendy, How are you? I received our photo in the mail today from the Halloween Bash! I'm so glad that I made it this year!!! That was sweet of you to send. All the best, Christina [Tzell Travel]

Thanksgiving themed fare

Beginning Wednesday, November 18th through the end of the month, The Paley Center for Media will be screening a cornucopia of savory Thanksgiving-themed television feast, sans the gravy. For a unique way to pass your lunch hour, you can catch episodes from The Bob Newhart Show, The Wonder Years, Will & Grace, The Waltons, Roseanne and A Winnie the Pooh Thanksgiving. All screenings begin at 12:30PM at their facilities on North Beverly Drive.http://www.paleycenter.org/

Good luck Justin!

Last night I was on line ordering two Cd's of My World by Justin Bieber. The CD should be released today according to my 11 year old friend in Sydney who seems confident that I will be able to find a copy and bring it to her on my upcoming vacation. "Thank you so much for getting the two Cd's for my friend and me. My friend and I love the guy so much. He is 15 and was found on YouTube by Usher and now has a recording label. Lots and lots of girls adore him, trust me. :-) Thanks, Ruby Rose"

Thought for the Day

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we would not find it. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Homage to Classic Italian Cinema

Launched last week and running through November 27th, the exhibit of Douglas Kirkland's photographic "Homage to Classic Italian Cinema" will be available to the public at the Italian Cultural Institute on Hilgard Avenue in Westwood. Kirkland created the series for Vanity Fair Italia, remaking 25 famous scenes from Italian classics. Using contemporary Italian actors like Monica Bellucci, Giovanna Mezzogiorno and Pierfrancesco Favino to play legends of the past like Gina Lollobrigida, Sophia Loren and Eli Wallach, Kirkland's work puts the style in this year's Cinema Italian Style. Le Dolce Vita! http://www.douglaskirkland.com/

Baby It's You

The Pasadena Playhouse just opened it's newest musical, Baby It's You, marking the end of a series celebrating remarkable women. A determined Jewish housewife from a New Jersey suburb decided to invade the male domain of popular music; and there begins the story of Florence Greenberg who discovered a groundbreaking 'girl group' called the Shirelles. Talents who literally define the sound of the second half of the last century, Florence made careers instead of one-hit wonders. As you sit in the audience one is taken back to that marvelous era, the 60's, played out against Cold War confrontations, Korean War and rumblings of civil unrest. Let me tell you again, Baby It's You!

http://www.pasadenplayhouse.org/

Rosa Lladro

Rosa Lladro was on hand for a very special signing event on Saturday at Lladro Beverly Hills. She signed pieces of the new sculptures inspired by the ageless beauty of Japan. The newest sculpture Enigmatic Beauty was unveiled. As a gift with any purchase, Lladro was offering a new coffee table book, Kimono and the Colors of Japan.

Vhernier Collection

Angeleno Magazine hosted a lovely evening at Vhernier, on Brighton Way, this evening. The invitation said, "Be seduced by the magic of the Vhernier Collection", Italian jeweller by passion. What more can I say? They were right - I was mesmerized. Only steps from Luxe Hotel, you too can be dazzled.

Cinema Italian Style 2009

Each year Cinema Italian Style brings a piece of Italy to Los Angeles, offering some of the finest contemporary films and documentaries which have made an impact in both Italy and abroad. Last night they presented the U.S. Premier of The Official Italian Entry for Best Foreign Film, Academy Awards 2009. Giuseppe Tornatore (Oscar wining director for "Cinema Paradiso") introduced the film and his cast of BAARIA, which opened this year's Venice Film Festival. It's a Sicilian family saga showing us three generations across the 20th century. We see their dreams, hardships, disappointments and passions. Thanks to Silvia Bizio, I was invited to the dinner following the film and it was one of the best evenings I've had in a long time. Great food and even better people watching. Through November 18, check listings at http://www.cinemaitalianstyle.org/

Irving Penn: Small Trades

For the first time, the Getty Center in Los Angeles, exhibits all 252 of Irving Penn's brilliant Small Trades photographs (through January 10, 2010). Beginning in the summer of 1950, Penn photographed ordinary people in their working clothes and with their tools - in three great cities - Paris, London and New York. The result was a series called Small Trades which so marvelously offers the viewer a meditation on character and livelihood. Penn came back to the images, which he considered his best work, decades later and reprinted them with his platinum-palladium hand-printing techniques. The Getty beautifully staged the silver and platinum prints side by side so that depth and darkness may be contrasted. In a time when everyone seems to be thinking and worrying about work, it was a perfect time to take stock in these images where individuality and occupational pride were premium. http://www.getty.edu/museum.com

A Happy Guest

It was great meeting you again. Wanted to thank you for the wonderful upgrade; that was so nice of you. Milton [husband] was in meetings all afternoon and I literally read in bed for over 2 hours. It was fantastic. Thanks again. We'll be back. Take care, xo D

Miss Julie Newmar: The Cat's Meow

Holy Purrr-fection, Batman! Catwoman herself, Hollywood icon, actress and author, Julie Newman, was present for a special screening of Julie Newmar: The Cat's Meow at The Paley Center for Media this afternoon. The statuesque Newman introduced the biographical film and remained charmingly accessible for a discussion with the audience afterward; earning a standing ovation from her many loving admirers. A world premiere photographic exhibition at the David W. Streets Fine Art gallery will feature stills from her nine lives and opens Sunday, November 8th! Both the film and the main exhibit will run concurrently through December 6th. http://www.davidstreetsbeverlyhills.com and http://www.paleycenter.org/

Neiman Marcus gifts more modest

With even the super-affluent shoppers tightening their Gucci belts, luxury retailer Neiman Marcus Group Inc. unveiled its Christmas Book with a not to this new frugality. More than 40% on the catalog's 83rd editions cost less then $250. - LA Times, October 7, 2009

Thursday Shopping Nights

Two Rodeo is promoting 'Thursday Nights' late shopping nights. All of the boutiques are staying open until 7:00 PM. Live entertainment from 4 PM to 7PM and two hour free parking for vehicles arriving before 7. Cocktails and treats at participating shops!

Roots of Peace

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tine matters compared to what lies within us." - Emerson

Today I had the great privilege of having lunch with the Founder & CEO of Roots of Peace. Following the death of the late Princess Diana, Heidi Kuhn envisioned a world where the scourge of landmines would be replaced with bountiful vineyards. Beginning a quest to transform "seeds of terror" into "seeds of hope", her entire family joined her efforts and the Roots of Peace business model has expanded to 23 of the 34 provinces in Afghanistan. We wish her continued success in converting Mines to Vines! http://www.rootsofpeace.org/

Travel Consultants reception

Seen here with travel consultants from Worldview Travel in Beverly Hills. We had such a good time during cocktail hour and seeing a sample of our re-imagined rooms. The Yankees won the World Series and all is good with the world.

Beth Shak, bringing style to poker

When Beth Shak checked into the hotel yesterday, she didn't fit the image I had of a world class poker player. Having played poker for just four years, Beth has achieved the kind of success the most players can only dream. She has already cashed in several major tournaments, including two World Poker events and two World Series of Poker events. I went up to the Beverly Penthouse to watch her as she instructed a class of individuals who were going to participate in a charity event. Beth's energy, contagious smile and grace were evident as she moved between the two tables. Plus, she's gorgeous; not bad for a mother, business woman and philanthropist!

A Happy Travel Agent

Thank you, Wendy. I will contact you ahead of time when I am in Beverly Hills. I got the picture from the [Beverly Hills Halloween] party. Thank you. Now next weekend for my birthday I am flying down to Puerto Vallarta for the weekend. Kind regards, Richard [Direct Travel]

Scary Halloween

But when it came down to the wire, it was Halloween night that was the real test of nerve. Dressed as a black cat, I was on the road with three girls dressed to kill. Especially the littlest one who put on her own make-up as a bride of the dead! She was so scary the pumpkin got sick, or maybe it was the knife he had stuck in his eye. And that dead guy in the background? - I think that's my brother. "Can I invite a few friends to your house next year?"

"Sure. The more, the scarier!

Pumpkin carving

There's an art to carving a pumpkin and my brother is the perfect sculptor. He has the patience of a saint and the right tools. First there is the trek out to the pumpkin patch where the local farmer has piles of the orange gourds from $3 up to $9. I have to give this farmer a LOT of credit for being out in that Wisconsin wind and 38 degree temps selling his vegetables and fruit and showing genuine interest in our sale. He was so proud of his produce that I tried all 8 of his apple varietals, a stalk of Brussels sprouts, 6 pumpkins and a gallon of apple cider. Seen here is my niece playing with the slimy pumpkin innards. Before you get to do the carving, you've got to do the cleaning!

Welcome to Nashville

As soon as you arrive at the Nashville Airport you must get accustomed to the sound of country and western music. The rocking chairs and guitar-picking performer are a welcome sight to the weary traveler. As soon as I got in, I dashed to the hotel to set up my booth for an annual travel and trade show. Seen here with one of my 'Freddie Krueger' moves on my box of materials. I always have such a good time catching up with old friends at this October event.