Another year has passed and we're back at Tour Connection plying our hotels. This year's trade show was at the Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. Margit Haut and I had a good time greeting old friends and influencing new ones. Although, after five hours on my feet, the heels came off and a martini was welcomed. Thank you, Margit for standing with me.
Wendy,
Commemorating the 445th birthday and 393rd deathday of William Shakespeare, Gent., Arlene Winnick and Richard Schulenberg throw the loveliest party each year. They had such marvelous friends gathered for English Renaissance foods and spirit. Arlene requested 'no presents please, the guest of honor will not be present.' Thank goodness.
Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau invited reception/tour operators for "Breakfast in Beverly Hills" to enjoy the day in Beverly Hills and to celebrate the month of breakfast activities. Pictured here with Hyde International, Kathy Smits & Stephanie Nakasone from BHCVB and Shaw McPherson, General Manager of The Crescent Hotel. http://www.BreakfastinBH.com
When Stephanie Nakasone called an invited me to a PROST lunch at SLS Hotel, I immediately said, "yes." What a treat to be hosted for such a savory tapas lunch at The Bazaar by Jose Andres! Each course [and there were lots of them] were sophisticated culinary creations. Two hours of delicious - thank you Stephanie.
Finally a Peep Show in Beverly Hills! I couldn't resist looking - just once...maybe twice at the lycra-and-cotton-clad mannequins in the window. Lululemon Athletica makes technical clothing for yoga, dancing, running, and most other sweaty pursuits. Located on Beverly Drive, they create components for people to live longer, healthier, more fun lives. http://www.lululemon.com/
TASCHEN is offering book lovers a Super Deal: Deep discounts for a limited time only. Dozens of popular Taschen titles will go on sale from April 22nd to May 5th at 50 - 70% off the regular retail price. http://www.taschen.com/ They are a short walk from Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive. Good luck choosing from all of the many interesting titles!
Hi Girls,
Over spring break, we drove to a water park near the Wisconsin Dells. Previous to the drive, I was teaching the girls how to play charades. Can we say: Over Chlorinated?
It was sort of cute at first, but it's a bit tiresome. For those of you who saw Zac Efron on Saturday Night Live a few weeks ago, there's a new name for the tweens who are upgrading to the older guy. And here we have it, my nieces and I going to see 17 Again. One cougar and two gerbilss.
April may well be the most taxing month of all, but it is also ... National Grilled Cheese month. Cheese is normally near-and-dear to foodies' hearts (and mouths). But is there another reason to consume? Pile it on. Luxe Hotel Rodeo drive is only steps from one of the best cheese shops in LA: The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills. And I'm headed for Wisconsin on vacation to celebrate.
The Annenberg Space for Photography opened March 27th and runs through June - a must view. The new gallery opened in the former Chubert Theater space in Century City. The premiere show gathered images from eight Los Angeles-based-photographers. From John Baldessari, Greg Gorman, Douglas Kirkland, Catherine Opie, Julius Shulman and Tim Street-Porter covering fine art, architecture, documentary, fashion, and celebrities, there are several LA Times photojournalists who move us and remind us of our humanity and connection to the rest of the world. 2000 Avenue of the Stars, 310-209-4560. http://www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org/
Over the weekend, I finally slipped into Chloe, the bright, white and T-shape designed boutiqe which opened in March; the sunlight rooms are filled with gorgeous shoes, bags leathers and spring and summer clothes. The LA Times said it best: "Its casual looks, what the French refer to as 'day wear,' are Los Angeles day-to-night wear. As a matter of fact, the line looks so right for an L.A. woman's closet -- sheer blouses paired with shorts, one-shoulder dresses -- that you wonder why Chloé, which just opened its first proper Los Angeles boutique on Melrose Place, took so long to get here."
Through April 12th, Sundaram Tagore Gallery is presenting a selection of photographs by African women and children affected by HIV/AIDS. 500,000 children have been orphaned in Mozambique alone. A documentary film by Alcides Soares, a child orphaned by AIDS is previewing in the gallery. 9606 South Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills or http://www.sundaramtagore.com/
And no, I didn't sit on any Indians.
The Bunnies are here!
Currently on display in the garden outside of the Pacific Design Center, aka "blue whale", is HOM 1 dwelling. It's a 1,000 square foot home with two bedrooms and two baths plus kitchen, living and dining, delivered as a single unity by one truck. HOM comes fully equipped with all the necessities of a custom home. During Westweek, Jennifer and I took a tour and were impressed with its high efficiency, cabinetry and outdoor patio as an extension of the home. There's also a HOM 2 version with 2,000 square feet. It's open by appointment. Send an e-mail to info@HOMlifestyle.com for more information.
Can't wait for Genlux magazine to publish the next issue. Kim Kardashian took center stage today at Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive during a fashion shoot. I got a chance to watch one of the day's scheduled sessions in one of our Junior Suites. I stood behind uber adorable photographer, Marc Baptiste, as he worked his magic.
Valentino Garavani was honored today for his extraordinary contribution to the worlds of fashion and entertainment. The City of Beverly Hills and The Rodeo Drive Committee hosted the stylish plaque unveiling and induction ceremony at Two Rodeo - Via Rodeo. From the balcony at Versace, I got a birds eye view of Anne Hathaway and Mr. Garavani. Moments like this you feel as though you're in the company of royalty!
Australians in Film and Roadside Attractions presented a screening of Alien Trespass last night. Set in 1957, this sci-fi spoof chronicles a fiery object from space that crashes into a mountaintop in the California desert, bringing the threat of disaster to Earth. Out of the flying saucer escapes a murderous creature - the Ghota - which is bent on destroying all life forms on the planet. A benevolent alien from the spaceship, Urp, inhabits the body of Ted Lewis (Eric McCormack) - a local astronomer - and with the help of Tammy (Jenni Baird), a waitress from the local diner, sets out to save mankind. So before the Q&A began, I whispered to my friend Janine, that I saw a puddle on the floor of the lobby with a string of pearls. She said, "Really? Shut up. You're crazy." Now you will just have to see it, too. Seen here with two aliens and Greg Coates from Australians in Film.
