Thought for the day

Each human body has the energy & heat capacity to increase the temperature in a confined space by 1½ degrees Fahrenheit.

Seen in the lobby

Desperate Housewives star Nicollette Sheridan was spotted leaving the Luxe Hotel on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills yesterday. Wearing a black dress that showed off her gorgeous figure, she discreetly used the hotel's valet parking services.

Damiani

Italian jewelry house Damiani threw open the doors of its sparkling new Rodeo Drive boutique, and inside, Sharon Stone, stuck to the script as the line’s new spokesmodel. A new ad campaign features Stone in images inspired by Eve (as in the Garden of Eden) shot by Solve Sundsbo. After the photo opp/cocktail party, the lovely Silvia Damiani, third generation family member and friend of Sharon’s, hosted a private celebration dinner at Mastro’s in Beverly Hills.

Another star in heaven

George Carlin, thank you for making us look at ourselves and laugh. You will be missed.

"Frisbeetarianism is the belief that when you die, your soul goes up to the roof and gets stuck." - George Carlin

Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Installation

We celebrated the installation of Vicky Mense as the 87th Chair of the Board of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce last evening at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. All of the women in attendance were so proud to support her on this very special occasion. Congratulations!

Marlene Dumas at MOCA

It's definitely worth the trip downtown to MOCA on Grand Avenue. The exhibit of Marlene Dumas opened on Sunday and will show through September 22nd. The works span the artist's 30-year career and represents a broad selection of paintings and drawings. Dumas merges existential human themes with person experience. Each piece seemed to exude a human aura as if she was able to capture some essence of the person's soul. http://www.moca.org/ Title: Measuring Your Own Grave

Beckley Boutique

I mingled with Billion Dollar Babes last night at the new Beckley Boutique on Melrose Avenue. This passion project of Hollywood restaurateur Melissa Richardson, offers a charming global array of women's wear from Australian label Camilla and Marc to Katherine Kwei's Chinese-knotted snakeskin totes. Open seven days a week across from the Pacific Design Center, Richardson is including a menu of in-store services including tailor, stylist and personal shopper. I loved the quirky bugs and B's throughout the store. http://www.beckleyla.com/

It's Love Day in Beverly Hills

Cartier is celebrating its new collection of LOVECHARITY bracelets during the third annual LOVEDAY, June 19th. Enjoyed some Cartier champagne and studied the 24 chord colors which have been selected by celebrity ambassadors in honor of their charities. Cartier pledges 10% of all sales from the entire LOVE collection will benefit partnered organizations. Everything goes with 18K white and pink gold! http://www.love.cartier.com/

Seen in the lobby

Jennifer Garner was seen at the Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive where she was filming a TV commercial for Neutrogena last night. Look good, feel fabulous is their motto and hers.

A Happy Client

Wendy, Your hotel is lovely. Thank you for fitting me in after such late notice. I look forward to visiting again. Lou DeLone, Publisher, Houston Modern Luxury

Beyond the Anchor Desk

Last week I attended the last of a series of journalism events at The Paley Center. This one focused on The Rise of Citizen Journalism. Forget the 'evening news', more and more we're getting our news from the Internet, contributions made by engaged citizen journalists armed with video cameras to cell phones. Some of the panelists included Max Lugavere and Jason Silva, hosts of Current TV. See the Paley website for upcoming Comedy events, such as "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." http://www.paleycenter.org

Vintage Car Show on Rodeo Drive

Today's note is dedicated to my globe trotting Aunt Evie who drove a British racing green 1965 Jaguar XKE like a pro. She adored that car and cruised all over Europe after she picked it up at the factory outside of London. Family rumor has it that eventually my uncle took it away from her! Too many speeding tickets we surmise. If my diesel VW Beetle could pick up that much speed in this traffic clogged city, I'd be in the same predicament.

A Happy Travel Agent

Wendy,
Thank you so much for your Birthday Wish! That just put a Smile on my face. Love ya, Laura
Laura Vasti, New Act Travel, "A Virtuoso Agency"

Come Fly, Come Fly Away

Photographer, Brian Finke, has turned his lens toward the lives of stewardesses in his latest body of work. Spanning two years, Finke manages to highlight the social camaraderie among these women. There’s a rare glance at a stewardess carrying a sandwich – we may not see that again soon. Running from June 12 – August 2, 2008 at Stephen Cohen Gallery in Los Angeles. Shown here is ‘Sara, Icelandair, 2006”. http://www.stephencohengallery.com

A Happy Client

Wendy,
Many thanks for remembering me on my special day; the “color analysis” in particular was quite interesting and befitting. Again, many thanks for your thoughts and consideration. Warmest regards, Cristina [Thompson] Assistant Manager, Concierge Services The Grove, Los Angeles

Jury Duty

Jury duty touches the lives of thousands of Los Angelenos each year and all of us have family, friends, employers and co-workers who are affected by our jury service. I know from personal experience that a summons for jury duty raises many concerns about how you will be able to fit the civic obligation of jury duty into your busy life. The notice comes in the mail and you say, "Why me?" Three days into jury selection, the prosecuting attorney dismisses Juror #3. That's me.

A Happy Travel Agent

Hy Wendy!
Back from US, I can tell you it was a great trip for us, also during our stays at LUXE Rodeo Drive. Next time I will order leather pants and jackets for everybody to meet your request ;-)
Respectfully, Hardy Egger, Managing Director Owner
PRIME TIME GmbH LIFESTYLEHOTELS

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

The Rodeo Drive Committee and the Hollywood Foreign press did little celebrating last night at Beverly Hills Hotel’s Bar NINETEEN12. Rodeo Drive is having a starring role in the upcoming Walt Disney Picture; “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” starring a pampered Beverly Hills Chihuahua named Chloe who finds herself accidentally lost in the mean streets of Mexico without a day spa or Rodeo Drive boutique anywhere in sight. Seen here are Chloe, wearing the diamond necklace and an amorous pup, named Papi. The film opens September 26th. Also pictured are Joann Nishi, Eres Boutique Manager, me and Iya Ritchie, Rene Caovilla Store Manager.

A Happy Travel Agent

My Dear Wendy,
Thank you so much for being so thoughtful, and remembering my
birthday!!! You made my day with the cute card and the beautiful message. May your days be always beautiful and rewarding in every way you dream of!!! Keep smiling-it's magical!
Thanks & warm regards, Shouki Khan, R. A. Travel, Inc.

Kung Fu Panda

I confess that I love cartoons and I saw Kung Fu Panda this past Sunday and called my nieces immediately to tell them the good news: Go see it! The cartoon landscape is moody and misty and the interiors are traditional red and gold which gives it an ancient epic feeling. It's a real pleasure to look at. All of the Zen wisdom passed on by kung fu master, Oogway, such as "There are no coincidences", caught me off guard. The LA Times found it annoyingly familiar, however, I found it to be more familiar than annoying. I am in the midst of reading my 3rd book by Eckhart Tolle and it was unexpected. Try it you might like it.

Seed catalogues

Today I received a charming e-mail of photos from a guest's garden. It was such an unexpected delight for me to go through the slide show as it reminded me of those seed catalogues that my grandmother would get in the mail. Each spring, I would sit with my grandma at the dining room table and search, page after page, through colorful pictures and we would order packets of seeds for her awarding winning garden. It was an annual rite of passage to do this with her and in turn, I learned about moisture levels, temperatures and growing seasons. Of course I always thought that Burpee was a hilarious name for a seed company and Adelaide was always gentle with me when I pointed this out. Thank you, Alan, for sharing.

The Cook's Library

Here I am scouring through the stacks of books at the annual Cook’s Library sidewalk sale. This 18 year fixture along Third Street is a great gathering place for foodophiles, inexperienced and accomplished. They have a resourceful staff that can help you find the perfect book for your area of interest and talent. (Personally, I prefer one recipe per page with a picture.) Stop by with a question and you’ll find yourself curled up on the sofa with a stack of cookbooks savoring the possibilities. There's also a chance to meet local and internation authors at their book signings - in the store and at the local Hollywood Farmer's Market. http://www.cookslibrary.com/

Marc Baptiste New Work

Genlux Magazine, Keisha Whitaker and Amanda Demme hosted a sexy opening reception for Marc Baptiste's new work at The Celebrity Vault. Baptiste was charming and very available. His nudes were appreciatively more real women than Hollywood. A portion of tonight's sale benefited The Jakmel Film Foundation. Congratulations to publisher Cecilia Moreno, seen here with me. I caught Omar on the way out for a photo-op.

A Happy Travel Agent

Hi Wendy, just to said thank you very much for remember my birthday, it`s was a nice present your letter. Best regards and have a nice weekend.
Marcia de Asco, Viaje a las Estrellas, American Virtuoso Member

Miu Miu

After a two-year hiatus, Miu Miu is back! And the boutique is on Rodeo Drive just steps from Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive. Prada’s sweet little sister offers whimsy galore with sequined shoes, delicate feathery headbands, coral satins and puffy skirts. Designed by Robert Baciocchi, the 25 foot ceilings and skylights gazing at the stars make a perfect addition to the Miu Miu universe. Glad they're here. http://www.miumiu.com/

From the publishers of Los Angeles Magazine

This evening, I attended the glamorous block party celebrating the launch of Beverly Hills Magazine. Entertainment was provided by The Foundry Three with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by McCormick and Schmick’s. Two Rodeo and our glorious southern California weather provided the perfect backdrop for this toast. Seen here are The Crescent General Manager, Shaw McPherson, me and Kathryn Smits, Beverly Hills CVB Director.

A Happy Client

Wendy,
Thank you so much for the card and the color.
You never forget my bday and I so appreciate it.
You are a true friend and thoughtful. Lots of LOVE to you and stay happy and enjoy life.
Bernard G. Jacobs

Sex and the City

Of course I had to see the movie after being one of those thousands of women who watched the HBO series. Not wanting to miss the opening weekend, I went early to The Grove to pick up a ticket and found myself in line with dozens of other eager ladies. Upon requesting one ticket for 8:15 PM, the darling young clerk said, “Would you like a senior ticket? Some people are afraid to ask.” Being closest in age to the character of Samantha, I tried to imagine the look on her face to such a query. Would she have rebuffed the offer, with “How dare you?” or pay $7.75 and figure she just put one over on Arclight Management. I laughed all the way to the nearest barstool and a dirty martini for a pre-show toast with the girls. http://www.hbo.com/city