Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Wendy:
Thank you so much for birthday card. Truly touched that you thought of me. Happy 2011!
Micah [Personal Assistant to Andy Pesky, ]
Protravel International, Inc.

Quick Energy Boost #2

Listen to Music
It's no surprise why our brain's pleasure centers light up when we hear music. (The same brain structures that are active during euphoria-inducing stimuli like sex and drugs are clicked on with a good Glee mashup, too!) So, plug those headphones in and work along to your favorite jam. Marie Claire magazine

Happy Dining - Cafe Rodeo

Hi Wendy
Thank you for meeting me and my girls for lunch. It was great seeing you and having a site of the Luxe Hotel. Lunch was delicious, that Mac n cheese is to die for. Please tell me you have the recipe. Hugs n kisses, Amaris [Ultramar Travel NY]

DINE LA

From January 27 to 28 and January 30 to February 4, enjoy gastronomic gems from restaurants all over Los Angeles. Some 297 of the city’s top restaurants offer specially priced three-course tasting menus for both lunch and dinner. www.dineLA.com/RestaurantWeek

IACCW announces new board members

The Italian Cultural Institute hosted last evening's general meeting of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West. The new Board of Directors was introduced as well as planned activities for 2011. The economic health of both countries was highlighted and hope for future collaboration. Seen here with me are Agostino Magni, President of IACCW, and Lynda Simonetti, Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Quick Energy Boost #1

Wear Bright Colors
Ironically, your current state is partially determined by the mood you project to others and the reciprocating mood they project back to you. Wearing dark, somber colors get you the same reaction. But, bright colors and fun, interesting patterns give you an equally bright, peppy response. We know, we know … black is so flattering! Just save those duds for days you don't have an energy deficiency. Marie Claire magazine

Afternoon Tea

Solange Azagury-Partridge and W Magazine took Tea Time to a whole new level this afternoon in their cozy jewel studded boutique on Rodeo Drive. Surrounded by red velvet walls and cheerful women trying on a sensational array of baubles, we couldn't help but raise a toast to this very successful new designer. The pieces are all hand made and definitely unique. Thank you, Fabi Oshaneh, for the invitation.

A Happy Client

Hi Wendy and April,
Just wanted to say thank you for accommodating the Le Book guests at The Luxe.
Thank you, Rachel [Le Book]

Green Bay Packers

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a consistent but neglectful Green Bay Packer fan. Being born and raised in Wisconsin, it's natural that I would be cheering on the green and gold. Every grandparent, adult, child and dog is a raving fan in WI. So I donned my gear and enjoyed Sunday's game from beginning to end. The league's smallest city is going to its biggest game, in Dallas on February 6th, to reclaim the trophy named after Green Bay's most famous coach. I'll be wearing the outfit again with pride. Smile and say 'cheese'.

Genlux

Last night Genlux Magazine held the launch of the winter fashion issue at a new store in Century City hosted by the lovely Emmy Rossum, the songbird who wowed us in The Phantom of the Opera. Her exquisite cover story provides a glimpse of her humility and generous spirit, not to mention some spectacular gowns. We are thrilled for Dagmar who opened this [first of many] stores, In Plus Minus. Congratulations on a splendid party and we wish her much success!

California Tourism

The California Travel Industry Association conducted their board of directors meeting in West Hollywood this month; concluding with a very special reception last night at SkyBAR, Mondrian. The hosts included the Beverly Hills CVB, West Hollywood CVB and Santa Monica CVB. There were great networking opportunities with California's best travel, tourism and hospitality executives. Seen here with Stephanie Nakasone and Kimberli Partlow of our very own BHCVB.

Travel Fact

U.S. airport full-body scanners that show a generic figure rather than actual images of passenger body parts may be deployed to some airports for tests this year, the transportation security chief said today. Rapiscan, which makes scanners for U.S. airports, delivered software upgrades to the agency last year that display an avatar and a box alerting authorities to potential threats. The scanners would eliminate the need for the agency to keep an employee in a remote room viewing images of passengers. TSA officials say full deployment of the upgraded machines would "completely address the privacy, the modesty issue" that has sparked complaints about the current devices.

Le Book LA

This is the first year that Le Book has held an event in Los Angeles. Referred to as LA Connection, Milk Studios in Hollywood hosted dozens of agencies representing the best photographers, stylists, designers and directors. Seen here with my friend, Melissa Volpert of The Standard Hollywood.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Wendy,
Thank you very much for the cute birthday card! I will have to let you know when I am in the area to take you up on the complimentary drink! Much gratitude, Mary Dann [Mary Dann, Wedding and Party Coordinators]

Michael Kors as observed by LA Times writer, Booth Moore

On his spring collection: "It's all about the anti-stiletto and the anti-tight dress. I can't stand to see one more warrior" woman. It's shaping up to be quite a year for Kors, who is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his business. Although the recession has caused many designers to scale back, Kors is in expansion mode. By the end of 2011, he expects to have 200 of his own boutiques worldwide, including his first in Paris, on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, in addition to the 1,000 department and specialty stores that already sell his clothing and accessories. And his company is on track to hit $1 billion in sales. Kors's clothes have a similar no-nonsense appeal: the thickest of cashmere sweaters, great-fitting tropical wool trousers, double-face wool shift dresses that skim but don't cling. Even when his imagination takes him from the Upper East Side to Capri to Santa Fe, his designs never veer far off course. Visit his Beverly Hills Boutique on Rodeo Drive by parking at Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive, walking through the lobby and turning left.

A Happy Client

Hi Wendy,
I’d just like to thank you for allowing us the opportunity to inspect your hotel last week. We all loved the property and were extremely grateful for your time and hospitality. No doubt you will see plenty of sales from all of the agents in the group in the not too distant future.
Regards, Toby Sconce [Sales Manager NSW, Creative Holidays]

Travel Fact

Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Beckham, Jay Leno, Vanessa Williams and other ‘local' celebrities star in the latest offering from the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC) to draw tourists to the golden state. A television commercial launched on Saturday night in Australia amid the Roosters win over the Panthers saw the Californian celebrities promote California as a destination where "work is play and play is work".

Day after the Golden Globes

Well, it's the 'day after' and all is quiet and calm on Rodeo Drive. Celeb watchers are buzzing today for the Globes' style showdown. This year seemed to be keen on green and flower power. Noted were chic and unique red-carpet choices. And as the only hotel on Rodeo Drive, we get to see them all! Come join us for the upcoming award shows by booking the Winter Get-Away package, http://www.luxehotelrodeodrive.com

Seen in the Luxe lobby

For two days, film crews have been working tirelessly filming a car commercial in and around Beverly Hills. After hair and make-up Elisabetta Canalis emerged from the elevator looking ravashing in gown and cape. Our lobby got a big does of glam! Watch for her at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy - Thank you for always thinking of me on my Birthday! Hope this year is starting off great! all the best - Angela [Travel, SONY Music Entertainment]

New Year's Resolutions

I had a delicious lunch with clients today in Cafe Rodeo and everyone around the table mentioned some food item that they were trying to give up. Whether it was carbs, fat, sugar or salt, the entrees were delivered without buns, bacon and salad dressing. But when it came to Chef James Jung's truffle fries, we sinned and liked it. Or maybe we'll wish we hadn't - tomorrow.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Dear Wendy,
How are you? Hope all is well with you. Thank you very much for birthday card. It was a surprise that you know my birthday. My husband took me to Crustacean in Beverly Hills for dinner. I had a wonderful day.
Regards, Miki [Supervisor Group Inquiry, Technical & Educational Tours, JTB International, Inc.]

Welcome 2011

Sooner than later, I had to change my wall calendar to 2011. I have three of them in my office, positioned strategically, just in case one isn't enough. There are so many calendars to choose from at our local book store and now they are 50% off! Hopefully I'll never miss a date in the coming year.

A Happy Client

Dearest Wendy,
Ted and I can't thank you enough for arranging a room for our brother, Joey. It's a very busy time and we know you've got lots to deal with. We are so grateful for your assistance. Happy New Year. All the best, Nicole [Sarandos]

Seen in the Luxe lobby

Stephen Kamifuji [Genlux Magazine] and Alexandra Daddario met today in Cafe Rodeo. Best known for her role as Annabeth in the Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightening Thief Alexandra was gracious to all of the fans who stopped by. Including Sean Kamifuji who came straight from school to say 'hello'.

Thought for the New Year

Each day going forward is an opportunity to
Fear less---hope more
Eat less---chew more
Whine less--- breathe more
Talk less---say more
Hate less---love more
And all good things will be yours !!

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy- Wishing you a healthy and prosperous New Year and thank you for all your help these past years with rooms at Luxe Hotel and for always remembering my birthday. I love the horoscopes.... It's a bit eerie how spot on they are!!! Happy New Year!! Jacqueline

Rose Bowl in Los Angeles

For the first time in years, the Wisconsin Badgers finally make it to the Rose Bowl and I'm in WI! I was really looking forwarding to see the fighting red badgers donning t-shirts and hats walking around Beverly Hills. Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel was home to dozens of TCU fans, so I suppose I wouldn't have fit in anyway; perhaps regretting that I had taken that sweatshirt out of storage. Congrats to both teams for a game well played. Seen here at a local Milwaukee mall. [And for those of you who don't know what a badger looks like]

Happy New Year!

Enjoyed the long weekend in Wisconsin with my two gorgeous nieces. We made the most of the eve with sparkling grape juice, streamers, hats and masks [and new Christmas pajamas]. Lots of appetizer grazing of course, including those Wisconsin two buffet components that make it all worth while: cheese, sausage and more cheese. Seen here is Chloe in her messy glory.