Creatures Great and Small

Insects are common all over the world and many collectors admire the unique beauty of each species but here at the Craft and Folk Art Museum, Wisconsin-based installation artist and educator Jennifer Angus takes another approach.  In her exhibition, All Creatures Great and Small she utilizes 3,500 brightly colored insects pinned directly to the wall to create patterns of their own.  Drawing on Victorian Age fascination with exploration and scientific discovery and her own interest in pattern and textiles, Jennifer has made a large scale installation with complementary small-scale dollhouses covered in beeswax which are home to anthropomorphizing insects that provoke the viewer to think about our relationship to the larger eco-system.  On view through September 11, 2011. www.CAFAM.org

Tim Burton opens at LACMA

Unable to catch the Burton retrospective at The Museum of Modern Art, New York, this evening  I got my second chance at members' preview night.  The Los Angeles Museum of Art exhibition opens officially on May 29th and runs through Halloween [of course].  This showcase of Tim Burton's creative work containing drawings, puppets, concept artwork, costumes and cinematic ephemera was fascinating.  Borrowing from pop culture and fairy tales, Burton's fantastical creatures and children are wide eyed and stitched up.  It was a perfect evening on the LACMA grounds.  Jazz music, picnics and people watching.  www.lacma.org

Thought for the day

The world is governed more by appearance than realities so that it is fully as necessary to seem to know something as to know it.  -Webster

Thought for the day

The world is governed more by appearance than realities so that it is fully as necessary to seem to know something as to know it.  -Webster

Daily Horoscope for Wednesday, May 25

Messages aren't always clear, and on a day like today, it might feel as if you're in a foreign film without subtitles. Just smile and nod and press on -- if anything is really important, you'll hear about it later.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,  Thank you for my birthday card. I love the quote from Emily Dickinson!  As always the Gemini Birthday page is a treat. I’m actually going to a Met baseball game Friday night!    Hope all is well in Beverly Hills.  Best regards, Lori [Valerie Wilson Travel]

A Happy Client

You are the best and continue to impress!  Thank you so much for the great service always and for helping us out here.  I really appreciate the lower rate (but would have understood if you couldn’t do it).  Again – I really do appreciate it.  Jen  [Tyler Technologies]

Fashion Forward

Or perhaps this entry should be titled, Onward and Upward?  The Beverly Hills Courier officially announced last evening that Ms. Tawny Sanders would be their new editor of the column, Fashion Forward.  As a much loved patron of our Rodeo Drive boutiques, her fans are many.  There was a very warm and appreciative welcome at the exclusive reception held in her honor at Via Rodeo.  Seen here is Ms. Sanders addressing the attendees.  We can't wait for the next issue.  For an on-line look, http://www.bhcourier.com/

Cruise Control

Members of the Citroen Auto Club of Canada stopped along Rodeo Drive yesterday on their way through California.  Rodeo Drive is among the top ten tourist sights in Southern California and definitely worth a visit.  These two-cylinder beauties were last sold in Canada in the early 1970's and this club works very hard to keep the cars on the road and fond memories alive. http://www.citroenautoclub.ca/

A Happy Client

Hello ladies,  Thank you for all your help with my group on 5/18. Everything went well and all are happy. I greatly appreciate your assistance.  Best regards,  Susie [Travel Office Manager, Prada USA Corp]

Santa Monica Flea Market

Once again the vendors got me!  My friend Karyl and I had to go to an ATM machine at a gas station on Bundy Avenue to bring more cash back to the Santa Monica Flea Market.  Thank goodness we arrived late and only had three hours to do some damage to our debit cards.  But like all treasure hunters, the search is half the fun.  The flea takes place at the Santa Monica Airport on the first and third Sundays of each month.

'Pirates' opens on Friday

The much anticipated fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean"opens Friday.  Expect a tighter ship, less sea battles, more locations and of course our favorite pirate.  Arrrgh!

A Happy Client

Wendy,
It was great seeing you! Truffle fries...as delish as I remember...and still well worth the 'risk'. I couldn't believe it was nearly 9, when I got home. (Time really flies, when you're having a good time. Thanks.)  Cheers -- Darlene

Travel Fact

The Commerce Department reported 60 million visitors to the U.S. last year, an increase of 8.7% over 2009 and a new record. Arrivals from overseas (countries other than Canada and Mexico) also set a record, rising 11% to 26.4 million and finally eclipsing the pre-9/11 peak reported in 2000. Continuing a recent trend, the growth in arrivals from established markets such as Western Europe lagged behind the rapid growth in visitation from emerging markets such as China, South Korea and Brazil, which registered increases of 53%, 49% and 34%, respectively.

zero + maria cornejo

Couldn't miss a very special event at Zero on Melrose Place today.  It was truly a treat to meet the designer,  Maria Cornejo.  She was as charming as I had anticipated, passionately speaking about her collection and offering styling tips.  In addition there was a special exhibit by Paula Hayes.  Her little terrariums, glassware and wallpaper were a charming touch.  Thank you to Kimberly for the invitation. http://www.zeromariacornejo.com/

Rimowa's official opening

Last evening host, Jessica Alba and Dieter Morszeck, CEO of Rimowa, officiated at the Rodeo Drive opening of Rimowa.  The luggage pioneers have been at it since 1898, made famous for their pioneering work with lightweight aluminum in the 1950's. The newest ultra-lightweight polycarbonate luggage that, while not as rigid as aluminum cases, is even lighter and more resilient. With the ever more stringent airline restrictions, every pound can count!  Seen here with fans of the 4-wheel Rimowa 'Salsa' line.

Viva Vino

The Viva Vino Grand Opening Party this evening launched a week of celebrating Italian wines!  The 2011 Grand Tasting is holding events at Italian restaurants throughout Los Angeles.  Whether you prefer vintages from Campania, Piedmonte, Veneto or Pisa, there is a seminar for you.  Check http://www.vivavinola.com/ for a complete schedule.

Celebration of Design

Window display at Pat McGann Gallery, 20th century art, furniture, accessories and Missoni Home Line

The La Cienega Quarter district has been a leading destination for interior design since the 1950's.  This past Thursday, Friday and Saturday, proved that it was still just that as distinguished designers and shoppers made their rounds in and out of shops, galleries and showrooms on the boulevard and secret gardens with charming fountains and greenery.  There were so many temptations along the way!

zero + maria cornejo

Couldn't miss a very special event at Zero on Melrose Place today.  It was truly a treat to meet the designer,  Maria Cornejo.  She was as charming as I had anticipated, passionately speaking about her collection and offering styling tips.  In addition there was a special exhibit by Paula Hayes.  Her little terrariums, glassware and wallpaper were an enchanting touch.  Thank you to Kimberly for the invitation. http://www.zeromariacornejo.com/

Len Steckler at The Paley Center for Media

Best known in recent history for his 2010 release of photographs entitled, "Marilyn Monroe: The Visit", The Paley Center for Media presented a multimedia showcase of Steckler's work last evening.  Of course, photographer, producer and filmmaker Len Steckler was there in person.  Through June, the Marilyn and Carl Sandburg images, fashion models and video footage of such acclaimed commercials, as Joe Namath in pantyhose for Hanes and children's classic Free to Be ...You and Me are on display in the Center's Lobby.   www.paleycenter.org

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,   Hope all is well....Thanks for the Birthday wishes.  DeeDee [Velvet Road Entertainment]

In a Timely Manner

The shiny black granite clad Hublot Boutique is our newest neighbor, opening only a week ago on Brighton Way.  The first watch debuted in 1980 at the Basel Watch Fair and became an overnight sensation.  Consequently, Hublot opened is first mono-brand store in Paris, in the Rue Saint-Honore in early spring 2007.  We suspect it will do very well in Beverly Hills.  Only time will tell.

Thought for the day

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.  -Mark Twain

Bill Cunningham's New York

On Saturday night I saw the new documentary chronicling the life of the legendary fashion photographer (most famous for his ongoing New York Times column, "On the Street"). Cunningham has been working on the column — a collection of candid photographs of famous and non famous fashion icons which predates any style blog out there — for decades, and the genial octogenarian shows no signs of stopping.  There are moments when you worry about him getting hit by a passing car as he tools about Manhattan on his bicycle or getting evicted from his tiny Carnegie Hall studio apartment, but it's his sincere passion for photography that shines through it all.  If you love fashion, it will restore you faith in style.

Bill Cunningham's New York

On Saturday night I saw the new documentary chronicling the life of the legendary fashion photographer (most famous for his ongoing New York Times column, "On the Street"). Cunningham has been working on the column — a collection of candid photographs of famous and non famous fashion icons which predates any style blog out there — for decades, and the genial octogenarian shows no signs of stopping.  There are moments when you worry about him getting hit by a passing car as he tools about Manhattan on his bicycle or getting evicted from his tiny Carnegie Hall studio apartment, but it's his sincere passion for photography that shines through it all.  If you love fashion, it will restore you faith in style.

Happy Mother's Day!

Call your mom today!

Happy Mother's Day

Anne Fontaine for Mom

Today and tomorrow, Anne Fontaine Boutique on Brighton Way is making a very special Mother's Day offer.  Their style experts are available to assist with new look or gifts from the latest Spring/Summer collection.  They know 'white'! 

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Wendy,
Thank you so much for your card. It was extremely thoughtful of you. I look forward to meeting you in the very near future.   Karen, Marketing & Vendor Relations  [FROSCH Travel]

Tres Chic!

We were the first to preview the new spring collection from Lacoste and Malandrino!  "The Crocodile Loves You" was the theme for the evening's reception.  Cafe Rodeo provided chocolate truffles by Chef James Jung.  Champagne, chocolate and fashion - what could be better?

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hello Wendy,
Thank you very much for the B-day letter!   I went to Catalina Island for my birthday and just came back in the office today.   I hope that I can work with you near future!!   Thank you,  Kayo [TTA,Inc.]

Southern California and the China Connection

Seen here with Daniel Shen, Lion Tours. Maureen, Beverly Hilton and Stephanie Nakasone, BHCVB

For the first time, hand-picked Chinese meeting planners and luxury tour producers from China joined a conference to showcase southern California.  The supplier seminars were very informative as Chinese incentive tour operators gave us client insights into destination selections, Chinese cultural expectations and what the future holds for Chinese travelers.  We've got a lot to learn! 

Thought for the day

You can't shame or humiliate modern celebrities. What used to be called shame and humiliation is now called publicity.  - P.J. O'Rourke

In honor of Mother’s Day

god·dess/ˈgädis/Noun
1. A female deity. 2. A woman who is adored, esp. for her beauty.
We all have a lot of Goddesses in our lives. A beautiful and caring mother and inspiring girlfriends, and lots of other ladies that share their amazing and talented selves with me.  Thank you all.  Happy Mother's Day!

A Happy Client

Dear Wendy,
Thank you for your email, and my apologies for the delay in response. I had a lovely time thank you very much. The hotel took such great care of us all, and I am very grateful for your kind hospitality. It was lovely to meet you and your team, you have a fantastic operation, one which I will take every opportunity I can to tell others about! Those Carl Burns words are fantastic, thanks for sharing them with me. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and again, thank you!  Warm regards, Astrid [Flight Center Ltd]

Sales Assistant

I'm looking for a great Sales Assistant.  April is going to be hard to replace.  There must be someone out there who wants to work with me!  Send resumes to Maria@luxehotels.com and good luck.

Observe a moment of silence

Photo taken at the new memorial in Pan Pacific Park, Fairfax District.

In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day.