Leap Year

Leap year is bring out the best in us.  One more day to celebrate the month of February, one more day to pay some bills or postpone the rent.

Thought for the day

I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. - Albert Einstein

Christofle goes Urban[Art]

ArtSpace which features affordable contemporary art is currently showing pieces at Christofle on Brighton Way. info@artspacewarehouse.com  Today it's art, tomorrow it's chocolate!

A Contented Guest

Dear Wendy,
      Thank you so much for the wonderful chocolates!  They were divine.  Sincerely, Fern  [room 203]

84th Annual Academy Awards

And the Oscar goes to....

Well, we'll just have to wait and see.

Costume Design Exhibition

Since 1993, FIDM Museum and galleries have been preserving film costumes; what started as forty costumes grew to well over one hundred per year - making this the largest annual curated exhibition dedicated to the presentation of film costumes in the world.  Through April 20th, visitors can view costumes from several of this year's nominated films including, The Artist, Hugo, J. Edgar, War Horse, W.E. and Jane Eyre.  Several of these movies are nominated for "Best Costume" and several more were were created by FIDM graduates.  The 20th annual costume design exhibit celebrating the outstanding films of 2011 is located at The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is located at 919 South Grand Avenue.

FreyWille - Pure Art

"The beautiful Managers from Beverly Hills!  Thank you for coming last night to our grand opening, Angelika" [

Store & Marketing Manager LA, FREYWILLE USA, Inc.]

Seen here with Cecilia Moreno and Stephen Kamifuji, Genlux Magainze

Last night we all celebrated the newest boutique on Rodeo Drive with distinctive jewelry from Vienna, Austria.  There were beautiful models, sultry sounds, libations and gorgeous guests.

Gagosian Gallery Beverly Hills

Beginning this evening, the mind-bending Swiss artist, Urs Fischer, has a show at Gagosian Gallery, Beverly Hills.  This star-studded opening is perfectly timed for Academy Awards.  456 N. Camden Drive

All dressed up and no where to go

From all appearances it would look like Bugs Bunny is preparing for the Oscar Red Carpet.  But this is just a sneak preview of what is to come at The Paley Center for Media.  I attended the Media Council Roundtable Breakfast this week and noted that our friend, Bugs Bunny, is looking pretty dapper these days dressed in the latest fashion from a myriad of designers.  Look for the Warner Brothers exhibit to open in April!  It will be great fun!  http://www.paleycenter.org/   

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

During the week preceding the Oscar Awards, the Academy offers several screening and seminar opportunities to the public to see films nominated for animated shorts, live shorts and documentaries.  Particularly astonishing in the entertainment capitol of the world, these remarkable pieces of work are near impossible to see on the big screen.  For the past two evenings these dedicated filmmakers have had a chance to tell their stories and their perspectives to sold-out audiences.  Check www.oscars.org for upcoming not-to-be-missed programs.  Located on Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills.

Weegee at MOCA

Although Naked Hollywood: Weegee in Los Angeles has occupied half of the MOCA Grand Avenue since early November, it seemed apropo to visit the exhibit this weekend especially when the Academy Awards are seven days away. Weegee (born Usher Fellig, 1899) moved to LA in 1947 and spent roughly four years here, photographing everything from film premieres and Hollywood award ceremonies to skid row and store windows.  MOCA organized the exhibition into nine thematic rooms including Stars, Palm Trees, Bit Parts and Dream Factory.  Even before he arrived in Hollywood, Weegee possessed an acute appreciation for the unique power and mass appeal of the movies.  Through February 27th.

Madame loves chocolate

Madame Chocolat is a dream-come-true for me and should be for every chocolate lover.  Here's a photo as I passed by the window of this amazing chocolate boutique on Canon Drive where bonbons are being born at this very minute. www.madame-chocolat.com

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

I received my belated bday card and just have to take a minute to tell you how much I loved it! Thank you very much! What a thoughtful gesture and I absolutely loved that you included my horoscope. Just lovely…thank you.  Best, Jesica  [Travel Consultant / First In Service Entertainment]

Travel Fact

In a study supported by the California Tourism and Travel Commission, over 70% of California’s domestic leisure visitors were residents of California.

Happy Valentine's Day

Q:  What did one light bulb say to the other?
A:   I love you a whole watt.

Love is in the mail

Paper Source on Brighton Way

You rock, valentine!  Choose from dozens of rubber stamps, stickers and other kits to make the coolest valentines this year at The Paper Source.  I should know.  I have glitter stuck to my elbows and ink smudges on my desktop.
Q: What did the paperclip say to the magnet?
A:  I find you very attractive.   Please me mine!

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi what a nice surprise! Thanks so much for the birthday wishes…you are always so thoughtful.  I like Mellow Mauve…it comes with being an Aquarius!   Love you! XXOO Joan  [Spiller, Bear & Bear Travel]

Thought for the day

Before you put on a frown, make absolutely sure there are no smiles available. - Jim Beggs

Vintage La Perla

Left to right: Cecilia Moreno, model, Severine LaRue and Kristine Del Rosario [La Perla Boutique Manager]

La Perla invited us to embrace our history last evening with undergarments from the last 60 years.  The evolution of the brand was evident in the spring/summer collection on display.  See here with a model in spring pink.  The boutique is located only steps from Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel.  http://www.laperla.com/

Weekends on the Road - ultimate travel guide

To travel in North America is to face a delicious quandary: over these vast spaces, with so many riches from glittering cities to eccentric small towns and heart-stoppingly beautiful mountains and plains, how to experience as much as possible in limited time? One answer is the quick hit, a jam-packed adventure that delivers a full sense of a single place’s opportunities and personalities over a well-plotted two-night stay.
The New York Times has been offering up dream weekends with practical itineraries in its popular weekly "36 Hours" column since 2002. The many expert contributors, experienced travelers, and accomplished writers all have brought careful research, insider's knowledge, and a sense of fun to hundreds of cities and destinations, always with an eye to getting the most out of a short trip.  Perfect gift for Valentine's Day at http://www.taschen.com/

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hello Darling,  Thank you so much for the birthday card, it made my day!  I hope all is well on your end.  Regards,  Rita Alexon  Media Relations Manager [Avakian]

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hello Darling,  Thank you so much for thebirthday card, it made my day !
I hope all is well on your end.  Regards,  Rita Alexon  Media Relations Manager [Avakian]

100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go

Seen here with Fleace Weaver of www.blackgirltravel.com

Last evening the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce held a mixer at La Piazza [The Grove] where I met some enthusiastic travelers, keen on going back to Italy again and again.  One of them was Susan Van Allen who has written a book which suggests 100 must-see places in Italy. www.susanvanallen.com  Van Allen makes you just want to pack your bags and follow your dreams.

Nothing says Sweetie Pie like home-baked

Sweetie Pies

This Valentine's Day, think about making your own baked delicacies!  Williams Sonoma is located around the corner from Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel and they carry all of the gadgets, pastry tools, sheets, pans and cookbooks you'll need to bake up a storm or whip up a libation. http://www.williams-sonoma.com/

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hello Wendy,  Good afternoon!  Thank you for the nice greeting card and I appreciate your remembering my natal day !  Best Regards and Have a pleasant day !  Bobby V.  [HIS-USA Tours]  Paisley Purple day

Shopping on line

For those Rodeo Drive shoppers, think about recycling some of those luxurious brands.  There's a way to buy the newest looks and make a little money to pay for those latest 'must-haves.'

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Dear Wendy,
Hope all is well and that you had a great weekend!! I just wanted to thank you again for your sweet Birthday card and astrology chart! That was very thoughtful of you and I really enjoyed it! What a great surprise it was : )  Have a beautiful day!  Warm Regards, Azzy  [Chloe Melrose Place Boutique]

Damien Hirst Spot On

Seeing spots?  The British painter has mounted an international retrospective of his "Spot Paintings, 1086 - 2011" using all of Larry Gagosian's widely strewn galleries, including the one in Beverly Hills.  The 300-plus works have a vague resemblance to that 60's floor game 'Twister'.  There is even a gift shop on the second floor where one can purchase t-shirts, key chains and totes.  Camden Drive at South Santa Monica

Shadow of doubt

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Dear Wendy,  Thank you very much for the card.  It was very nice of you.  Yours Truly,  Polina  [Specialist, Luxury & Corporate Travel / PROTRAVEL, INC.]

Italians in Business

Seen here with Massimo Cannas, Sissi Legziel and Lynda Simonetti

I attended the annual Italy-American Chamber of Commerce general meeting this week.  Some of the members provided wonderful food and wine while we mingled with other member and supporters of the IACCW.   There are many opportunities to promote your business and to enjoy the benefits reserved to all Members of the network of the Italian Chambers of Commerce in the world. http://www.iaccw.net/

Happy Groundhog Day!

Long winter or early spring?
We'll have to see what the
Groundhog's shadow brings!
Happy Groundhog Day!

Groundhog Day is February 2nd. It is said that if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of bad weather, and if he doesn't, that spring will be here soon.