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!!