Santa Claus in Beverly Hills

Last chance to see Santa!  He's at the Paley Center for Media every Saturday in December.  I saw him two weeks ago and told him what a good girl I've been.  He said, "Are you sure?  Not just a little bit naughty."  Okay - maybe he's right.  A little.

Travel Fact

The first California Welcome Center to greet tourists with self-serve wine tasting machines isn't in the vineyard gateway cities of Salinas or Pismo Beach.  t's in Oxnard.  When it opens to the public Friday at its new location in The Collection at River Park, the center operated by the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau will offer visitors one-stop shopping for tickets to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, souvenir dish towels printed with strawberries, and free pamphlets for attractions from San Francisco to San Diego.

First Person Singular

Once again Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills, wins my vote for best holiday windows.  Dedicated to their favorite designers and fashion trend setters, each window bedazzles with the best party picks.  As Diana Vreeland said, "Your don't have to be born beautiful to be wildly attractive."

Flight of Imagination

Seeing Peter and the Star Catcher at the Ahmanson Theater this week was a flight of imagination.  Of course we all know the story of Peter Pan so there is some anticipation of flying.  But it's really about how Peter came to be a 'boy'.  The cast had great fun with the peculiar mermaids and the movable parts of the set.  In this case, there is nothing like the magic of live theater.  Through January 12, 2014.

Pumpkin Pie

You would think that we would have had enough pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving.  But for the holiday hostess and I, that just wasn't enough.  Since neither one of us got any pie on Turkey Day, we went straight for the nearest grocery store, and then another one and another.  Only to discover that Burbank was sold out of the famous squash!  The man behind the deli counter at Ralph's pointed us to the display at the front door (which we had passed on the way in).  We walked back thinking that we must have missed something only to find an 8' table, two wooden cartons with some lonely display straw.  Nothing.  Nada.  Rien.  Nienete.  We promptly bought all of the ingredients and baked one.  It was delicious.

The pies were gone by the time we got to the dessert table.

Turkey Day

Happy Thanksgiving to all! According to the National Turkey Federation, the average American Thanksgiving turkey size is 15 lbs. and 46 million of them will be consumed this holiday, the majority of them raised in MN.  In addition to turkey, it will accompanied by 768 million lbs. of cranberries majority of which come from WI.  The Midwest comes through again!  Enjoy each morsel.

The ultimate 'selfie'

Travel Fact

Hotel revenues this Thanksgiving are expected to remain strong amid a 1.5% decline in travel volume projected by AAA.  Hotel spending during Thanksgiving is expected to reach $14 billion, up 3% from last year.

Best in Design

Top interior designers transformed rooms in the historic Greystone Mansion to create the Design House International Showcase, November 2 - 24 in Beverly Hills.  Each room expressed personal creativity inspired by entertainment, fashion, home design and technology.  Cory Martin Events presented a sneak peak this week with cocktails and inspirational people watching.

Children's room with lyrics by Kermit.

Wattles Garden Park

Located in the heart of Hollywood, the Wattles Garden Park is an easy walk, 1 mile to be exact, starting at the front door of this 50-acre estate.  The charming grounds and Wattles Mansion were recently restored and the park is now open sun-up to sun-down off of Curson Avenue and Hollywood Blvd.  The 1907 structure was the winter home of an Omaha tycoon.  Although the garden was closed today, the walkway to the top leads to a Japanese gate and with some challenge to a Japanese shrine.

Formal Japanese Gardens

Japanese Shrine

One of two gateways

Shallow ponds with fallen leaves

Happy Halloween

To reference yesterday's question about werewolves and plaid, yes they always wear plaid.  And so do stitched up rag dolls apparently.  It was a plaid night!

Fashionable at Halloween

Spent considerable time in costume stores and browsing yard sales this month to find the perfect outfit for the howling holiday.  Wishing everyone a very fashionable Halloween!

Fashion Week

It may be the earliest weeks of autumn in Southern California but the events showcasing spring and summer 2014 collections as part of Los Angeles Fashion Week appear to be blooming from downtown to The Grove.  It's that special week when established and emerging fashion designers have the opportunity to strut their stuff.  The creative air in Los Angeles is palpable.

Walking Dead

New season starts on Sunday.  Put your hands in the air!

Alas, the end of summer

Today the sun will move from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere.  It will pass overhead everywhere along the Earth's equator on the date, and the sun will rise exactly in the east and set exactly in the west.  Day and night will be roughly equal length.  Equinox is derived from the Latin for "equal night".

The Roman Pool at the Hearst Castle with its gold and blue color
scheme and stylized star patterns. Built between 1927 - 1943.

Auction of a lifetime

This evening the public got a chance to preview the auction items from two legendary estates at Julien's Auctions Gallery in Beverly Hills.  This landmark auction event marks the sale of the personal property, antiques and memorabilia from the estate of Bob and Dolores Hope and the first lady of comedy, Phyllis Diller.  The rooms contained items from Hope's more than 60 year career in entertainment.  The exhibition is open to the public through Thursday, September 19th.  The live auction begins Friday, September 20th, for two days.

Extraordinary costumes, wigs and jewelry from Phyllis stage and screen career.

Her signature blond wig, long cigarette holder and self-deprecating
humor made her a cultural icon. 

Travel Fact

A new study revealed that web access is the top hotel amenity for business travelers at 62%.  Reaching family back home was the best de-stressing method for nearly half of respondents, at 47%  A vast majority of respondents, 83%, said they would be much happier during a business trip if they have free Internet access.

Enjoy the long weekend

It's Friday!!  Enjoy the long week...it started hours ago.  What are you waiting for?

Herstory

Women's Equality Day was celebrated in West Hollywood this week honoring the Women's Advisory Board's 20 years of service to the West Hollywood community.  Monday was the 93rd anniversary of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution granting women the right to vote.  Keynote speaker was Grammy Award winning recording artist and feminist icon, Helen Reddy.  Her song, "I Am Woman" launched a generation of young women destined to be leaders.

Full Sturgeon [Moon]

     This month's full moon, which rises on Tuesday (August 20th) is not just a Blue Moon - it's also the full Sturgeon Moon, the Full Red Moon, the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon.  Today's full moon qualifies as a Blue Moon because it's the third full moon in the season with four.  A 1946 article in "Sky & Telescope" magazine mistakenly defined a blue moon as the 2nd full moon in a single month (since moth months have only one full moon), and it stuck.
     Although August only has one full moon, tonight's qualifies as the third full moon in a four-full-moon season.  Both Native Americans and early European settles added their own names for the full moons to the lexicon.  The annual August full moon has come to be known as the Full Sturgeon Moon, because sturgeon can most easily be caught at this time of year according to native tribes in the Great Lakes region.  Another name is the Full Red Moon because the weather conditions can make it look reddish when it rises.  And finally, because crops grow tall at this time of year, the moon is also known as Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon.

Pet Friendly

This is the kind of dog I need for the office.  As a 'pet friendly' hotel, even the department heads bring their dogs to work some days.  In sales the pressure is always on and I can't quite believe a goldfish would have the same impact.

Travel Facts

The luxury travel sector has performed a rapid rebound from its slump during the downturn and is poised to grow even stronger as renewed confidence in the economy continues to spur affluent consumers to return to traveling, observers say.  The segment has also received a new, thriving market composed of younger luxury travelers on the lookout for unique adventures.

Bar Bites

Florida, oh, Florida

Everyone says it rains a lot in Florida.  Maybe they're right.  I drove three miles in a rental car before I figured out how to turn on the wipers.  Forgot to get those instructions before I drove out of the Fort Lauderdale Airport.  

Windows of the hotel lobby before it rained.  Scary.

Hollywood Bowl Forever

Tonight was no exception.  The Hollywood Bowl ended with a bang.

Travel Fact

In the wake of recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court supporting marriage equality, hotels, particularly those in California, which will become the 13th state to offer legalized gay marriage, are poised to reap the benefits.  California will host approximately 37,000 same-sex weddings over the next three years among couples who will spend almost $500 million, according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.  As a point of reference, during the first year gay marriage was legal in New York State, it generated $259 million in New York City alone.

Grand Performances

Tonight's program at Gran Performances at the California Plaza celebrated women through a variety of musical styles.  The evening began in the sub-Sahara with the graceful a capella music of Adunni and Nefertiti, a Nigerian women's company with renditions of their native folklore.  Followed by Martha Redbone with warm melodies from the American south mixed with Native American roots.  Bluegrass, folk and country gospel from selected William Blake prose was refreshingly performed.  And finally LA's own Dessy di Lauro delivered some neo-ragtime.  Audience members picnicked and danced the night away. www.grandperformances.org for the balance of the calendar.

Horoscope

July 3, 2013, LA Times read: Sometimes the past is like something seen in your rear view mirror.  When it feels like memories are holding you back, step on the gas.
In the process of making over my apartment.  It all started with an offer from my landlord to paint.  Three weeks later, all of my stuff is in boxes in the middle of the living room or piled on top of the dining table.  Somedays I don't know where to begin.  But throwing some stuff away or making donations is a great way to start.

Forgetful

Almost forgot what I was going to write about tonight.  Ah.  My train of random thoughts circled 'round it was all about forgetting things.  Getting lost in the minutia.  Starting too many e-mails and forgetting where I put the drafts.  It's about the small things in life.  Found it!

Summer Is Officially Here

In North America, the summer solstice began today at 1:04 AM, EDT.  Sol + Stice derives from a combination of Latin words meaning "sun" and "to stand still".  As the days lengthen, the sun rises higher and higher until it seems to stand still in the sky.  As a major celestial event, the Summer Solstice results in the longest day and the shortest night of the year.  The northern hemisphere celebrates June, but the people on the southern half of the earth have their longest summer day in December.

Superman in the 21st Century

Man of Steel Steals Heart

In anticipation of "Man of Steel" screening with Australians in Film, I caught up with the Superman at The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills.  The Center is currently showcasing Television Out of the Box, an exhibit by Warner Brothers.  There's also the Flintstones car on display as well as sets from your favorite shows such as Friends, Big Bang Theory, True Blood and more.  Open Wednesdays to Sundays 12 noon to 5:00 PM.  www.paleycenter.org

The Autry in Griffith Park

Visiting the Autry in Griffith Park was the perfect way to spend the early afternoon especially considering that I went there for the weekend Autry Farmers Market, which only takes place on Saturday!  Note to self.  We found instead Katsina in Hopi Life, featuring remarkable Katsina dolls from the Autry's Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection.  We were given a glimpse into  Hopi life and culture through the Katsinam who are spiritual beings, representing all aspects of life lessons.  Through December 1, 2013.

Travel Fact

Free breakfast is on the menu at more hotels than ever.  Hotels are adding complimentary breakfasts as a way to attract guests and give them more value for their money.  Last year 79% of hotels offered free breakfast, up from 55% in 2010, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Happy Birthday - sweet 16

Got a message on Facebook today to take a photo of myself holding up a sign saying happy sweet sixteen birthday! The father is putting together a collage of photos from around the world for his daughter.  What a sweet idea.  Here's one of three I took today on Melrose Place.

Thought for the Day

To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.  - Oscar Wilde

Therein Lies the Truth

The Scottsboro Boys is a story that till resonates today as we struggle to give voice to those who are marginalized or disenfranchised - composer John Kander.  The Scottsboro Boys, otherwise known as the "Scottsboro Nine" served as a metaphor the the broken promise of equality and justice in America in the 1930's.  Multiple trials and appeals ruined nine lives but served as an inspiration for the Civil Rights Movement.  Kander and Ebb [lyricist] chose this jagged piece of American history and staged a moving, complex and often shocking musical; adapting the minstrel show to mock the judicial system.  Now through June 30th at the Ahmanson Theater.

Circa

Circa, the leading international jewelry buyer, opened its first office in Beverly Hills.  The opening event held in their second floor suite and hosted by Director, Wes Carroll, introduced the privately owned company to friends and luxury jewelry admirers.  Established in 2001 to address consumers' demand to sell jewelry they no longer wear, Circa redefined the experience of selling jewelry with offices in three continents and a team of nearly 100.  Champagne and little gems of passed hors d' oeuvres  were perfectly suited to the sophisticated  and discreet environment the Circa has created.  Located at 9696 Wilshire Boulevard.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all women, those with children and those who support mothers.  Celebrate all women who contribute to raising and nurturing our future. 

Rain, Rain Go Away

What is that old saying about April showers bring May flowers?  Calendar is a bit off but this was good for all those wild fires raging north of Los Angeles.  We're grateful.

Travel Fact

Americans' sentiment toward travel is higher than before the recession.   A new survey by MMGY Global indicates that the consumers' travel sentiment has improved, surpassing even a benchmark rating established in March 2007.  The study found that about 57% of all US adults are looking to go on a vacation within the next six months.  Business-travel sentiment also grew, with 20% of respondents indicating plans to take at least one business trip over the next six months.

Overdrive: L.A. Constructs the Future

The Getty Museum is currently showcasing the first ever groundbreaking exhibit of the regions diverse urban landscape.  During the 20th century, Los Angeles rapidly evolved into one of the most populous and influential industrial and creative capitals in the world.  Highlights include visionary planners and architects who transformed an expansive landscape into a vibrant laboratory for cutting edge design.  Overdrive refers to the extraordinary pace and worldwide impact of LA's impressive growth including our ambitious freeway network, sleek corporate towers, whimsical coffee shops, popular shopping malls, refined steel-and-glass residences and eclectic cultural institutions.  Through July 21, 2013, enjoy our rich and often under appreciated built environment. http://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/overdrive/

Your Cable Appointment

I thought the cable company was going to laugh me out of their office on Saturday when I said that my TV was so old it didn't have anything to plug composite cables into.  So here I sit waiting for the technician to visit between "the hours of 4 and 5 pm".  In the meantime, I'm going to go out and buy a new television in case this technician personally laughs me out of my own apartment!  Better to be prepared.

Moon Shadows

In the middle of the night, I noticed the spectacular full moon through the porthole window of my bathroom.  It is supposed the be a 'pink moon' but unfortunately, in North America, none of this eclipse will be visible, since the actual instant of full moon occurs on Thursday afternoon (April 25), when the moon is below the horizon.  Beginning at 2:04 p.m. EDT (1804 GMT), the moon begins to meet the Earth's shadow; a little over two hours later it arrives under the middle of that shadow. By then the moon will have just risen and will be visible low to the east-southeast horizon as seen from Ireland, and will be setting over south-central Japan in the morning hours of Friday, April 26.

Lunar eclipses occur when the moon, Earth and sun align,with the moon positioned on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun.

MOCA presents Urs Fischer

Today MOCA Grand Avenue and the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA opened the first comprehensive museum retrospective of works by the internationally acclaimed Swiss-born artist Urs Fischer.  Known for using a range of media to express the transience of art, this exhibit brings together iconic works and new productions.  It's a unique experience traveling between the two spaces.  There is this sense of banal and fantastic.  I caught glimpses of two small children investigating the massive clay installation and they [as well as adults] found whimsy and repulsion.  Banal and fantastical.  On exhibit through August 19, 2013.

melting wax casted man

photographer caught looking in mirror

War / Photography

grafitti

The Annenberg Space for Photography is a cultural destination dedicated to exhibiting compelling photography.  The current exhibit, War / Photography: Images of Armed Conflict and its Aftermath encompasses over 170 print images from 1887 through present-day.  Exclusive to the space is an original short documentary film along with Voice of the Photographer video interviews with 6 contemporary photographers and more than 500 images.  To say that the work presented is extraordinary is true but too simple to express the emotional impact that war has on soldiers, civilians, cultures, past and future.  It may be viewed through June 2, 2013.

Travel Fact

Women see flat irons, good shampoo as hotel must-haves.  Women want to see chargers for electronics, hair-straightening irons, yoga mats and quality shampoo in their hotel rooms, a recent travel survey shows.  Women want these items because they would have less to pack.  Another request: better communication and ways to leave feedback.

Happy Birthday to me!

"I'm starting on chapter one, page one, of part three of my life."

Playing games, eating red velvet cake and laughing
at the sassy card my brother gave me.

Changes ahead

My horoscope today read:  "Your ambitions are making life a lot more interesting today.   So see if you can get others to help you in your quest for a better job or a better world.  Your leadership is all they need!"  Well, I'm well on on my way to a new job.  So stay tuned.  Taking a week off from Luxe and setting up my home office.  Thanks to all for their support.

Law Over Her Head

Artist Natasha Law is debuting her paintings and line drawings of women at Max Mara Gallery on Rodeo Drive.  The exhibit Inside Out is seductive in a way that draws freely on the feminine form and simple acts of dressing.  What a perfect marriage of art and fashion, organized by art consultant, Blair Voltz Clark (close friend of the artist's)!  The timing just seems right to meld the boundaries of art, couture details and form fitting separates for which Max Mara is famous.  Both art and fabric have strong color, sexy undertones and distinctive style.  451 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, through May 1st.