Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Seen here leaving the Academy with friend, Jean Dickinson.  We were among a crowd of women wearing little black dresses paying homage to  Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.  Check their website for future screenings, www.oscars.org

Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

Tonight in Beverly Hills: "Breakfast at Tiffany's” 50th anniversary screening at The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. With her giant sunglasses, Givenchy dress, pearls and cigarette holder, Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly set the stage for the glamour of the 1960’s and ushered in a new notion of femininity. Suggested: martinis at Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, just steps from Tiffany’s. Screening: 7:30 PM

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,  Thanks for the birthday card and wishes. Wow, another year. See you in Denver at GBTA?  Best,   Shirley [Scott, Hotel Program Director, JTB Corporate Headquarters]

Chocolate Truffles demonstration

Chef James Jung performed magic with deep rich chocolate last evening for a group of fascinated travel writers.  He moved between fragrant bowls of chocolate, ice baths and parchment paper as if he does this every day.  Oh deliciousness!  James does do this every day!   Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel serves these delectable bites to our guests at turn down.  They can also be found on Cafe Rodeo's dinner menu.  Chocolate addicts beware. 

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Dear Wendy,  Thank you very much for the birthday card. It was very thoughtful of you. I hope you are doing well and enjoying the summer. Please let me know when you will be in New York next. Take care.
Best regards,  Maria  [Manager, Hotel Sales & Marketing, Ultramar Travel Management ]

Life's a Game

Seen here with Maria Bowers, sales manager Luxe Sunset, Andres Rivera and Melissa McKendall in reservations

WHERE magazine extended an invitation to the newly opened VODVIL for a game night party. VODVIL is a sexy and smart new restaurant and entertainment venue offering a game night for grown-ups. We had so much fun.  We were challenged with word games, trivia and 'name that tune',  They're saving charades and celebrity for another night.  If you went there alone, you'd be part of a group within minutes.  They throw a game night party, every night with lots of recognizable homey bites for the snack lover in you too.  http://www.vodvil-la.com/

A Contented Guest

Hi Carol:  Great to meet you on the plane! The Hotel is just gorgeous, perfect. I've mentioned Wendy and she should be back in Monday so I will catch her for some tips for the week. The other staff are quite helpful also.  I hope you got home safely and can unwind at home now after a great Boston trip. It was such a pleasure to meet you!!!  Ciao,  Jules x

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Wendy
Thank you so much for your Birthday card. I love it. The insert is so interesting and blue is my favorite color. You really brightened my day.  Best always, Louise [Shohet , BSC Travel/Affiliate ALTOUR ]

Red Rock Canyon

Even though I spent the weekend in Las Vegas, all lights, crowds, bells and flash, I made some quiet time to visit Red Rock Canyon on Sunday morning.  The scenic 13-mile drive offers spectacular views.  If it hadn't been so hot, we would have done a more strenuous climb.  Ahhhh, just breathe and relax.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Wendy,  Thank you for the Birthday Greetings and the Opaline. Having a rough day and this arrived on my desk just at the right moment and added much needed good energy.  Best, David  [Travel Consultant, Ovation Corporate Travel / Lawyers Travel]

Thought for the day

Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by a serenity of soul. Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only to peaceful people.
-Jawaharlal Nehru

Maybach Eyewear ahead of the pack

Seen here in the exclusive eyewear are Simon Babouchian and Teresa Clemens.

Located around the corner from Luxe Rodeo, Optometrix will be offering an exclusive viewing of Maybach Eyewear today and tomorrow from 1 - 6 PM.  They are proud to be carrying this fashionable new line for men and women.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Dear Wendy,  Thank you for the birthday card and note on the day you were born.  Hope to be in touch soon.  Have a great weekend.  Best,  Carmel  [Protravel International]

Delta does Beverly Hills

Yesterday, Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel was proud to be a part of a Delta Air Lines familiarization trip to Beverly Hills for 8 lucky travel agents from BCD Travel and HRG Travel.  The Australian based agents were treated to Business Class tickets on the new Delta route from Sydney to Los Angeles, non-stop.  we were gathered here on Beverly Drive after lunch and a guided walking tour of Beverly Hills!  The city is not only known worldwide for its grand mansions and chic shops along Rodeo Drive, but also for its multitude of art and architecture, spas, salons and walkable drives.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy, Thank you so much for my birthday card, you are so sweet.  Have a fantastic week and thanks again. Kindest regards, Tina [General Manager , Spencer Travel, Australia]

Happy

At the local Fourth of July parade and fair, I won a goldfish by tossing a ping pong ball into a glass bowl.  It was sheer luck that I did it on the first lob.  My girlfriend asked me what I was going to call my tiny orange prize, swimming around in a plastic bag, and I replied, "Goldie".  For which I received an immediate rebuke, "Goldie?  As in goldfish?"  So I came up with "Happy" as in Happy Fourth of July.  As expected, Happiness is fleeting.

Tweet Salute

Tweet's Fifth Anniversary

July 15th is the fifth anniversary of the first public tweet, a milestone that may warm your heart or make you steam.  In five years, about 260 million people, including 13% of on-line Americans, have told the world about their dog, their dinner and a few other unmentionable things.  This is after all Luxe where we maintain very high standards.  Each week more than 1 billion tweets are sent which can be a bit overwhelming.  Even hotels like ours have joined the ranks! https://twitter.com/#!/LuxeRodeoHotel

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Last evening, our friend Gail Bershon added another candle on her birthday cake in the most spectacular way.  Her dear friend, Deborah Murry, hosted an event at Yuroz' Private Studio in downtown Los Angeles, greeting each guest with a glass of champagne and good cheer. Yuroz is an international artist who among his many accomplishments has created two murals for the United Nations.  Currently they can be seen in the artist's studio and as Gail's guests we were able to learn about their evolution.  Yuroz was a delightful host, providing Gail's admirers and friends a chance to intimately view his many works.  We all wish this Bastille Day baby a very happy birthday! http://www.yurozart.com/

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,  Thank you soooo much for the birthday card. You made my day . Anita [Kayekjian,Travel Counselor / Montrose Travel]

It's all in the cards

Last evening, I enjoyed an unusual night of theater by accepting an invitation to see The Expert at the Card Table, performed at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica.  Directed by Neil Patrick Harris, the play was written and performed by sleight-of-hand master Guy Hollingworth.  As an adaptation of a notorious anonymously penned 1902 how-to-book of card tricks, the story moved forward with a bit of narration, a bit of card play and a good dose of trickery.  http://www.thebroadstage.com/

A Happy Client

Hi Wendy,  Lovely to hear from you and thanks for showing me around the property & lunch.  Hotel is adorable.  Hope your well and looking forward to catching up again sometime next year.  Regards, Brianna [VisitCalifornia.co.uk]

A Contented Guest

Had a helluva time w/Mary, Arthur, Lidya & Jessica (original Dior crew) a your Bar! Goodpm....xx janine

Facination

This amazing floral stylist, Vanessa Baran, whom I've known for two decades, first as a guest in a past-life-hotel and then in Elegant Bride, events designer and in films, has more than a bee in her bonnet.  She has now branched into "fascinators".  Typically the province of the English, these head coverings will make you swoon. Perfect for the Kentucky Derby, a polo match or other occasion.  Seen here is her sister, Victoria, wearing a fascinator that Vanessa made for a wedding this weekend.  For the must-have accessory, www.vanessabaran.com

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy!
I loved your card and the astrology page you sent!  What an amazing guy and sweet spirit! Hope to see you soon!  Lots of love, Debbie  http://www.debbiesiebers.com/

Gray Zone

Always a powerful voice for children, Daphna Ziman, has authored a new book entitled The Gray Zone which looks at at-risk ad foster youth.  Daphna offered candid stories of girls who often faced and overcame tragic circumstances. The novel was warmly received by friends of the author at the home of Evelyn Bernstein.  Thank you, Daphna, for your vigilance.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Thank you for your birthday message for Alan and I. I had a great day and I am sure Alan will next week. We will see you on 27th of this month. It will be nice to get away from this cold weather. We have had a very cold winter this year, which is unusual for Melbourne.  Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.
Lv Di xx

Everyone's Tweeting

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy, Thank you so much for the birthday card, what great wording love it, yes definitely accessories and shoes!!  Hope you are keeping well and busy. Business is quite tough at the moment but I have been kept busy with a Large inbound group some from USA but mostly from Europe. They depart around 4th July so I can just about have a rest now. Best to you, Thalia  [Carbone Travel, Australia]

Small town celebrating

Even the statue of the Smiley Brothers was decorated [secretly].   No one knows their costume designer.  The brothers surprise residents throughout the year with their festive holiday garb.

I just returned from a weekend in Redlands where I attended the local Fourth of July parade and fireworks. The park was full of picnickers and children dressed in various versions of red, white and blue.  There was a country western band performing and a marching band warming up, while local the Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club hawked sausages, kettle corn and lemonade.  There were Democrats, Republicans and Tea Partiers; everyone fanning themselves from the oppressive heat or seeking the shade of an oak.  Happy Independence Day!

Happy Fourth of July Weekend

Eye of the Beholder

LOVE make-up for fashion show

The "Beauty Culture" which opened a few weeks ago, is a fascinating focus on the 'cult'ure of our obsession with beauty.  It includes supermodels, plastic surgery and toddler beauty pageants as seen through the lens of more than 100 fashion photographers and documentary photographers. There's a 30 minute documentary which ensures a critical discussion with your friends after you've left as well as 500 photos, including the Hollywood Glamour Machine.  "To age or not to age?" - that is really the question.  Annenberg Space for Photography in Century City through November 17th