A Contented Guest

Hi Wendy,
I just received your card and the cucumber eye pads. Thank you so much for this lovely touch. I hope to see you again. Regards, Toby [Sales Manage, NSW Creative Holidays]

Stylechic tip for the week

Texture message: Anything with a tactile surface, but think more modern and space-age than just plush velvet. It's a melee of felt, wool, tweed, leather, vinyl and nylon. Setting an example: Vivid silk embroidery on black leather. As for knits: It goes two ways, either the plain minimalism of simple cashmere in a soft color or an oversize sweater as fluffy as a shag rug. The first is for the workplace, maybe as a plain cardigan over a blouse. The second falls into the boyfriend-sweater category. It's all about minimalist versus masculine. http://www.stylechic.com/

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy! Thank you so much for the birthday wishes, very nice touch!
-Amber [In House Coordinator, Frosch Classic Cruise and Travel]

Black Friday Shopping - good luck!

Build up your shopping strength with a free cupcake when you buy one of several holiday flavors - today from, 9 a.m.-noon at Sprinkles in Beverly Hills. 9635 Little Santa Monica Blvd., b/t N. Bedford & Camden Drives (310-274-8765).

Thought for the day

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, “thank you,” that would suffice." Meister Eckhart

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Luxe!

Wishing you a most memorable Thanksgiving Holiday and our sincerest gratitude for your support now and throughout the year.
If you haven't made those dinner plans yet, please call 310-691-7614 and make reservations for Cafe Rodeo where we are offering a special menu designed by Chef Olivier Rouselle. http://www.opentable.com/

Travel Fact

The Thanksgiving season is lining up to be busy for airlines this year as 24 million Americans are expected to fly over the 12-day period, according to an industry group. If so, that would represent a 3.5% increase over the same period last year. Passengers also will face higher ticket prices. Airlines have been able to increase fares because of increased demand and decreased capacity.

Travel Fact

The 2010 World Travel Trends Report, compiled by Euromonitor International for the World Travel Market and released on November 8, identified one idea for each of seven major regions, describing them as an insight into the big trends for the year to come. In North America "Deprivation Holidays" are the new trend for business executives who, amongst others, want to push their bodies to the extreme. Aiming at improving their health and balance, consumers enroll in boot camp-style spa resorts or extreme trekking, instead of spending their free time relaxing. This trend will lead to the flourishing of destination spas and camps.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Wendy,
A big thank you for the great Birthday wishes....not sure how you knew the big day was on 29 October!! I love the saying and I am pleased to advise I am not a cheese and I do not feel my age. Trust all is well with you, and that business is good as we hurtle towards the Festive season.
All is busy and good at Travelforce. Best regards, Michael [Director Travel & Supplier Relations, TRAVELFORCE]

Seen in the Luxe lobby

Heir of a long family tradition of circus performance, which stretches back to the nineteenth century, Emilio Aragón, was our recent hotel guest. From El Gran Circo de TVE, which was a great success, the family remained on air until 1981, and became an enormous cultural phenomenon in Spain in the 1970s. The group was awarded a TP de Oro, a prestigious Spanish television award, for "most popular personality" in 1974.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hello Wendy,
I just received your birthday card. How do you know it’s my birthday in November? I don’t recall letting anyone in on this “secret” :-) Either way, I appreciate the nice card with Sophia Loren’s statement. You also included the horoscope for Nov 16. My actual birthday is on Nov 18. Would you happen to have the horoscope for Nov 18 and could email it to me? I’m a curious person…
Thanks again Gabriele (Gabi) [Groups & Incentives, New World Travel]

Rain, Rain go away

On our last afternoon in Rome it rained buckets of rain. We ended up stranded beyond the Coliseum and had to battle the torrents of rains amid thunder and lightening. The Gods were putting on quite a show for us. I stepped off a curb and was ankle deep in water and my jeans were thoroughly wet. As I type this entry, my canvas shoes are sitting in my bathtub - I wonder if they will ever be the same?

All Roads Lead to Rome

From Taormina, we returned to where we started: Rome. "Rome is a world; and it would take years to become a true citizen of it. How lucky those travelers are who take one look and leave." Goethe, Italian Journey, 1786-88. For those three nights and two days we did the best we could of the time we had. The Pantheon is my favorite of all places in Rome so we dropped our bags and headed around the corner. Of course there was a lot more dining along the way. Here's a photo of ravioli from one of my favorite dining spots in a charming 16th century piazza, Restaurant Pierluigi.

Very New Sicily

From Syracusa, we headed to Taormina where we arranged a visit to Mount Etna. It's the largest active volcano in Europe. Constantly active, we went to the 2002 Silvestri Crater and from there took a 15 minute cable car up to another point. But there was too much snow and too windy to take a jeep up to another level. I had on a wool coat but only blue jeans, cotton socks and my black canvas shoes. Underneath two sweaters and a wool scarf. The stark landscape was truly breath taking. Our guide bought us the most delicious hot chocolate at the half way mark. Afterward we drove to a lower altitude and visited the Gambino winery on the east side of Etna. They thought it amusing to play the theme song from The Godfather while we tasted five wines with local sausages, cheese, salad and bread for lunch.

Eat, Play, Luck

After exploring the the wonders of the archaeological park outside of Siracusa, we made our way to Ragusa for a day of dining and exploring. Lunch at the famed Duomo required a reservation but again Erika came to our rescue. The restaurant is presided our by a chef who is arguable Sicily's most celebrated, Ciccio Sultano. Settling in this UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ragusa Ilba, Ciccio treated us to a series of amuse-bouche and a heaping basket of still-warm homemade bread, topped with cherry tomatoes and onions. From then on it was divine pastas and swordfish crusted with pistachios and topped with streaks of tomato-basil sauce. Assorted cookies as all we could make room for; making an afternoon fit for royalty.

Buon Viaggi

After months of arranging my vacation to Sicily, I arrived in Catania three days ago. Disembarking from the brief flight from Rome, my girlfriend and I headed straight for Caol Ishka Hotel, 2 km from the historical center of Siracusa. For weeks I've been communicating with a woman named Erika who has arranged the details of our stay at this beautiful inn, surrounded by lush grounds on the bank of the Anapo River. Now, here she was in person to welcome us to this unique 10-room hotel, a blend of contemporary style within an old Sicilian masseria. Fabulous Erika: thank you for making our stay so memorable. I'm convinced that she influenced the gods of good weather for our benefit. Tutto bene. For details, visit www.coalishka.com

Christofle and Toys for Tots

From November 11th to December 17th, Christofle on Brighton Way will be collecting unwrapped toys for needy children at their Beverly Hills boutique. Today, Veteran's Day, served as the kick-off for this very worthwhile cause. The US Marine Corps Reserve has made it their annual mission to collect new unwrapped toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. For more information or store hours, please contact Christofle at 310.858.8058.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy:
Thanks so much for the birthday greeting, the glass of wine and your friendship. I assume you'll be at the BHCVB meeting tomorrow, so I'll see you there.
Best…Adrienne [Vice President, Leisure Sales Protravel International

Thought for the day

The safest road to hell is the gradual one-the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts. -C.S. Lewis

Calling All Design Enthusiasts

Pacific Design Center will be open to all Design Professionals and Design Enthusiasts on select Saturdays from 10am to 4pm starting November 13. Visitors will have day-long access to the exclusive Pacific Design Center showrooms, as well as opportunities to participate in one-of-a-kind programming such as intimate designer discussions, specialized seminars and book signings. Check out their website for exact dates: http://www.pacificdesigncenter.com/

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Good morning Wendy,
I just received your birthday note the other day. Thanks for thinking of me. The reason for the delay in getting my mail is because I live in Chicago now. We made the move mid-September. I was able to keep my job and work remotely from here. I am so lucky!
I hope all is well with you and I hope to see you on one of my upcoming trips back to L.A. Big hugs! Best, Robyn [Concierge Preferred Group Inc.]

Cinema Italian Style 2010

Presented by the American Cinematheque and Cinecitta Luce, the annual celebration of Italian cinema is packed with exciting U.S. premieres. The series opens with Italy's official Oscar submission for Best Foreign-Language film, Paolo Virzi's uplifting drama The First Beautiful Thing, following iby an array of Italy's best films, in a variety of genres, which have been making the rounds at top international film festivals. Gabriele Muccino's midlife crisis drama Kiss Me Again, Carlo Verdone's shrewd family comedy Me, Them and Lara and Daniele Luchetti's tense thriller Our Life are but a few. November 9-20 at the Egyptian and Aero Theatres in Los Angeles.

Travel Fact

California's new travel brand commercial, "Misconceptions" featuring Kim Kardashian, Olympic medalist Shannon Bahrke, The Jonas Brothers, celeb chef Michael Chiarello, Gustavo Dudamel, Jason Mraz and Betty White began airing nationally this month. It is a tongue and cheek concept that plays up the California stereotypes in a fun, authentic way. The spot opens with Kardashian saying "people have a lot of misconceptions about California, but none of them are really true..." To see the very clever spot, go to Visit California

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Wendy,
Just received your note and it's truly a great a touch! Many thanks for thinking of me.
Warmest regards, Andras [Protravel International]

A Happy Client

Hi April
I wanted to thank you for arranging the travel agent rate for the 3 nights at the hotel. It was very helpful for me to be staying with the group and certainly easier than driving back and forth every day so much appreciated!
Everyone really enjoyed their stay and were very complimentary about the hotel and staff. It's a good fit for groups and we had no problem with the bus. Hope to work with you and Wendy again in the future. Please give me a call if you have any groups that are looking for tour arrangements etc. I would be happy to work with you anytime. thanks again and best wishes,
Helen Sargent [Classic Travel - A Virtuoso Agency]

Daylight Savings strikes again

From the Kids Crossword Puzzle in the LA Times, Sunday November 7th...
Parents Down: 2. Ready or not, Sunday night signals its passing
Answer: weekend

One From the Hart

The Paley Center for Media [located on Beverly Drive] is pleased to present a special weekend of screenings featuring classic Stefanie Powers performances culled from the Center's archive. From her mod sixties hit, The Girl From U.N.C.L.E. through Hart to Hart and beyond. Come enjoy Stefanie at her TV best. November 10th is the Hart to Hart reunion event and the release of her autobiography, One From the Hart., where she will also sign copies of the book. Check the website for schedules, http://www.paleycenter.org/

Graye

Luxe Interiors+Design hosted a soiree in the new lifestyle concept showroom, GRAYE, last evening. Located on Robertson Blvd. above Burton Way, the iconic collections from several designers was on display. Waiters passed spritzers of Limoncello, Prosecco and Pelligrino.http://www.graye-la.com/

A Contented Guest

Hi! We are all enjoying our rooms at your hotel. Our celebration weekend has been great!
Thanks you :)
Jennifer [Jennifer Vaughan Maanavi, Founder and CEO] http://www.blogger.com/www.physique57.com/

Pink Diamonds: a girl's best friend

Watch for Alan Friedman's pink diamonds on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills tonight. “It’s my party and I will spend if I want to”, 10PM PST time on BRAVO. The boutique is located on Canon Drive and definitely worth a visit. Friedman is a third generation jeweler who incorporates beautiful natural color diamonds into his exceptional jewelry. http://www.alandiamonds.com/

Texas Hold'em Tournament

Omega and Tourbillon Boutique on Rodeo Drive held a fundraiser, hosted by Pro Poker Player and Champion Roy Winston, last night. There was a suggested buy-in to play with Winston and 100% of all proceeds went directly to The Lili Claire Foundation. The Foundation enhances lives of children living with neurogenetic conditions and provides resources for the families who love them. Seen here with the beautiful Shermeen Kazi and Kiwan Anderson.

A Happy Client

Hi Wendy, Thanks so much for everything. It was great to see you and enjoyed the stay. Have a wonderful trip to Sicily. One of these days, please come and visit [Tuscany]. All good wishes, Andrew

Up From the Vault

A comprehensive exhibit showcasing more than 150 photographs amassed during the past 85 years by the Warner Brothers Photo Lab can be seen in the Academy's Grand Lobby Gallery through December 12th. These glamour portraits, set stills, ad art and behind-the-scenes shots are on display Tuesday through Sunday. Check http://www.oscars.org/ for specific times. Image attached is from the set of "Dames" (1934) with Busby Berkeley rehearsing Ruby Keeler.

Thought for the day

Explanation separates us from astonishment, which is the only gateway to the incomprehensible. -Eugene Ionesco

Stylechic tip for the week

Colors: Camel is the outright winner, along with toffee, taupe and cappuccino. The only challenge to the inevitable black is pine green or deep purple. Highlight: orange. Embellishment: It's fur and more fur on anything from cuffs to boots. If you're not mad about faux, then feathers and silken fringe are your best alternatives. http://www.stylechic.com