Thought for the Day

Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes...
That way, when you do criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

Halloween costumes

The practice of dressing up in costumes and begging door to door for treats on holidays goes back to the Middle Ages. Trick-or-treating resembles the late medieval practice when poor folk would receive food in return for prayers for the dead on All Souls Day (November 2nd). It originated in Ireland and Britain and spread slowly over the decades to North America, stalled briefly by sugar rationing for three years during World War II. By 1953, the popular culture of trick-or-treaters was firmly established when Walt Disney portrayed it in a cartoon and Ozzie and Harriet were besieged by costumed children on an episode of their television show. Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Boo!

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Terry.

Terry who?

Terry things happen on Halloween.

Halloween: the ultimate chocolate experience

K Chocolatiers in Beverly Hills is celebrating this year with 'Boo-tiful' Halloween bags of their signature chocolates and pumpkin party favors. Choose from sophisticated delights such as truffles, Vodka shots or Scotch hi-balls. For adults revelers only! Visit K Chocolatiers by Diane Kron at 9606 Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills.

Halloween face painting

There was a great article in Sunday's LA Times, Image section, about face painting this Halloween. After reading this informative piece and being surrounded by so many great faces at our Beverly Hills CVB Halloween bash in New York, I am ready, willing and able to let my nieces do their thing on my face come October 31st. Wish me luck!

LA Food Event '09

On Sunset Restaurant at Luxe Hotel Sunset Blvd was once again featured at Los Angeles Magazine's "The Food Event" in Malibu yesterday where 25 top restaurants and 25 wineries samples amazing food and wine. The sun shone while crazy zoo animals at the Malibu Family winery were grazing nearby and the crowd seemed bigger than last year. Chef Olivier brought some delicious tastes for the 2nd year in a row including smoked trout brandade and albacore tuna with soba noodles in yuzu vinaigrette. Yum! Stopping by with loads of compliments were many of the editors of Los Angeles Magazine, as well as bloggers Lesley Balla, Sophie Gayot, Adam Rubenstein and Venice Magazine's Andrea Rademan to name a few. It was great to meet Malibu neighbors and make new friends for On Sunset.

Good Humor

On Saturday night, Timothy Yarger Fine Art hosted an event for artist, Jean Wells, who delivered some "Good Humor". While the re-imagined good humor truck parked in front of the gallery, we all enjoyed this very special display of sculptures including Mabel who stands 6 feet tall with her bucket of fish and sun hat. http://www.wellsart.com/ Timothy Yarger is only two blocks from Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive at 354 North Bedford Drive.

A Contented Travel Agent

Hi Wendy,
You are terrific. You always remember my birthday. Aren't they coming faster these days? How did you ever get a hold of it in the first place? Spent the weekend up in Napa Valley and had a wonderful celebration! Take care and I hope all is well with you. Best regards, Marilyn [Travel Store]

Funny

"When a thing is funny, search it for a hidden truth." - George Bernard Shaw

Skyline

As skylines go, New York City has one of the best. As we were doing sales calls during the week, I couldn't help but wonder at this view from Valerie Wilson Travel. Ahhhhh!

Annual Beverly Hills CVB Halloween Bash

The Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau invited travel agents and corporate business planners to a haunting evening of tantalizing treats, chilling concoctions and thrills from "The Hills" on Wednesday, October 21st at Gilt Restaurant in New York to experience the magic of Beverly Hills. From the looks of it, everyone had a great time!

Breakfast in Beverly Hills

Travel writers were invited to experience the best of 'Breakfast' in Beverly Hills on Wednesday morning at Gilt in New York City. Cappuccinos were served foamy and hot. I was fascinated by the very fine caramel application on the surface, replete with palm trees.

Shopping in New York

Seems that when times get tough, we still go shopping. My Beverly Hills associates and I hit the pavement shopping on Sunday before we began a week-long series of sales calls in the Big Apple promoting Beverly Hills as a destination. Seen here trying on red lipstick at Barneys New York.

A Happy Client

Hi Wendy,
Thank you so much for the birthday wishes and for the "cut out". Starlight blue us actually one of my favorite colors and I believe there is much truth in the characteristics of those born on this day! I will particularly cherish the suggestion not to scatter myself in too many directions, because this is exactly what is happening now! Have a great weekend. Caio! Letizia [Italy-America Chamber of commerce West]

Gaga for Goga Fashions

Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for your kindness and consideration to all of us at Triax on behalf of our client, Gordana "Goga" Gehlhausen. All the guests RAVED about the hotel!
Thanks, Lena

A Happy Client

Wendy,
Thank you so much for your card in the post today. My first Birthday card for the year. I haven't locked in any party plans as yet but will keep you posted. I hope you had fun on Monday at the screening. See you soon. Soph [Australians in Film]

Suits me just fine

Inspired by the uber stylish Mad Men, Brooks Brothers and the show's costume designer have paired up to produce a sharkskin suit which goes on sale until Mad Men's finale. The suit can be found exclusively at Brooks Brothers on Rodeo Drive and Madison Avenue. It's a limited collection so put down the scotch and cigar for a trip to 468 N. Rodeo Drive. http://www.brooksbrothers.com/

Greatest TV Vampire

I'm almost afraid to go out at night in the midst of the explosion in popular television vampire shows. The Paley Center and Entertainment Weekly are leading the undead charge with a poll for the greatest TV vampire of all time. Nominees included the obvious (Angel, Bill Compton) to the nearly forgotten (Count Chocula) The poll is open until November 2, so go vote! http://www.paleycenter.org/

It's a print!

The hotel was bustling on Monday afternoon with Mario Testino and Michael Kors using the hotel as a location for Kors' latest print campaign. Beautiful models in bathing suits and men clad in white and pale blue. Seen here checking photo set-ups is the brilliant Testino, surrounded by assistants and wardrobe & make-up.

Thought for the Day

Be careful what you set your heart on, for it will surely be yours. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ever Popular Fall Festival

This weekend I found myself at the Original Farmers Market as they put up the decorations for the annual harvest celebration. October 16 - 18, watch for a variety of fall festivities including a petting zoo, western bands and the infamous pie-eating contest. Today, culinary expert Mario Martinoli from AM830 did a live radio remote "Food & Dining with Mario & Amy". I'm so very fond of them that I couldn't pass up the chance to stop by and say 'hi'. For a complete schedule: http://www.farmersmarketla.com

That Lucky Old Sun

Taschen organized an evening with American Music legend, Brian Wilson, last night for his collaboration with British pop art visionary, Peter Blake. Brian was on had to personalize copies of the limited edition book, That Lucky Old Sun. Someone in line at the bar took this artsy photo of me; note the lithographs by Peter in the background. Tashen is located only steps from the hotel. They carry hundreds of unique titles. http://www.taschen.com/

Christopher Guy

The sophisticated elegance and understated styling of Christopher Guy furnishings can now be found in Beverly Hills! The highly anticipated flagship showroom which opened on October 7th, is located in the heart of Beverly Hills across from Neiman Marcus. There is 2400 square feet of exhibition space which highlights Guy's latest collections. We couldn't help but gush over the pieces from the 'Canopy' collection, chandeliers and signature Chris-X leg chairs. Not to mention the gorgeous guests and Luxe Magazine signature cocktails! Seen here with the fabulous Christoper Guy, and Jennifer Albert, Special Events Manager.

The Original Pantry

Everyone has been to The Original Pantry except for me. Established in 1924, The Pantry has provided customers with generous portions of traditional American cuisine through lean and good times. Now in its new location at 9th and Figueroa [downtown], it's a great gathering spot. Margit Haut from the Luxe Hotel Sunset Blvd and I were downtown on sales calls this week and we couldn't help ourselves, we stopped in for the biggest lunch I've hand since my Grandma Krueger's kitchen table. As the Pantry's current owner, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan likes to boast, "We never close. We're never without a customer."

A Happy Travel Agent

Wendy,
Thank you so much for the sweet card.
It is so adorable that you always think of me on my birthday.
Much love from the east coast. - K [Tzell Travel]

Me and Elvis

Just couldn't help myself! I had to mount this photo of me and Elvis Presley at the Pasadena Flea Market [yesterday]. "I don't think I'm bad for people. If I did think I was bad for people, I would go back to driving a truck, and I really mean this." Quote from Elvis himself.

"From the first time I was a kid, I always knew something was going to happen to me. Didn't know exactly what."

Ken Heyman's first solo show in Los Angeles

For his first solo exhibition in Los Angeles, Humanity, Heyman presents diverse images shot in more than 60 countries. The show chronicles the American photographer's prolific career which resonates with a global audience. Heyman has been probing the patterns of human behavior since his early days when he studied under famed anthropologist Margaret Mead at Columbia University and traveled with her on a field trip to Bali. 150 assignments for Life magazine later, the exhibit at Sundaram Tagore Gallery encompasses work from 50 years of 'family and kinship' and the dynamic composition people at work and at play. Exhibition dates: October 3 - October 31, 2009. http://www.sundaramtagore.com/

A Contented Travel Agent

Dear Wendy
Thank you for your e-mail. I enjoyed the inspection of your hotel and meeting with Tal. You have a wonderful hotel in a great location.
Thank you for looking after my clients and I hope to see more clients in the future.
Kind regards, Terry [Jetset Rose Bay]

L.A.'s Original Farmers Market Cookbook

While taste testing those beers today, I met the charming author of the Farmer's Market Cookbook, Joann Cianciulli. She celebrates the market from its humble beginnings in 1934 to its place as one of the top visited sights in Los Angeles. It's one of my favorite places and I was so glad to find that it is one of Joann's too. From Mexican, Brazilian to Middle Eastern cuisine and good old American fare, the market has something for everyone. Dupar's by far has the finest pancakes - ever! Then there are the assorted roasted nuts, fresh fruits, fudge & toffee, ice cream, glazed doughnuts - don't get me started. I can't wait to sit down and read each vendor's story. Meet me at 3rd and Fairfax!!

Autumn Beer Fest

At the original Farmer's Market (3rd and Fairfax), E.B.'s and Monsieur Marcel offered more than 50 different beers from around the globe, gourmet sausages, cheeses and live music. A portion of the proceeds went to The Saban Free Clinic which provides dependable and affordable quality health care and human services for those who are most vulnerable. Seen here testing some beer after I won a raffle prize. I swear I never win anything!

GenLux Fall 2009

To celebrate the Fall Fashion issue, GenLux Magazine threw a small soiree at Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive. The Rodeo Penthouse was subtlety decked out with candles, white lilies and a gaggle of lovelies in chic cocktail attire. Seen here with Fabi, Pamela and Janine for pre-party drinks in Cafe Rodeo.

A Happy Guest

Hey Sweetie,
I am always excited when I receive a reply from you! It settles my soul to know that you are still at my favorite [hotel] place in the world. Thanks for supporting me in the latest adventure. Your California friend in Florida. Bev [Vice President, Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission]

The Elixer of Love

The Bel Canto period of operatic composition, or the art of beautiful singing, was chosen to open this year's LA Opera Season with a piece by Donizetti. L'Elisir d'Amore was once described as the best Mozart opera after Mozart. For tenors (like Nemorino), sopranos (Adina) and the lyric baritones (Belcore), it was enough to give them beautiful melodies and a series of applause-provoking solo arias. Nemorino, the shy admirer of the charming Adina, is sold [a bottle of Bordeaux] by a traveling charlatan in hopes of making her fall in love with him. When truly we are all charmed and intoxicated by the elixir through the inspired beauty of the music. I was truly hoping for a sample on the way out! Seen here with my dear friend, Cheri.