Jasmine

The smell of jasmine seems to be floating on the air these days. As a power walker, I have noted the scent in the night air in the park and in the garden of my apartment building. It has lightened my jaunt to the trash cans in the evening and made me smile as I walked to the Pacific Design Center tonight. There is a moment when it brings to mind the hot tea towels at Japanese restaurants or the tea bag as it blossoms in your teacup. It’s one of the small things that make spring in Los Angeles: sweet.

A Happy Guest

Hi!
I got your card today! So thoughtful! My grandmother used to send me the newspaper horoscope clipping from my birthday, so when I got yours, it made me smile.
You’re the best!
Christine
Christine M. Lindebak, District Manager of Retail Stores, Tadashi Shoji and Associates

A Happy Travel Agent

Dear Wendy,
Hope you had a good trip back to work (at the glamorous Beverly Hills area, is that really a job??) Just to thank you for being so nice and fun, I had a great time and hope you too.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon (or me visiting!!), please do not hesitate in contacting me if there is anything you may need.
Best and warm regards!
Lula Romo HOTEL TRAVEL HOME Mexico City
www.hoteltravelhome.com

Beverly Hills Cocktail Reception for Travel Agents

I had the great pleasure of meeting some lovely travel agents at our Beverly Hills CVB reception at The Four Seasons Hotel. Thank you Mexico City for your culture and your hospitality.

Crafts Shopping

There were several local popular crafts markets located in the center of Mexico City selling everything from Mayan embroidered textiles, hand painted tin toys, mate paintings to silver jewelry from Taxco. I just didn't have enough room in my suitcase.

Sculptures

In the late afternoon, I wandered onto this street adjacent to the Zocalo, a time capsule of Mexican history. The 17th century Metropolitan Cathedral marks the spot where Cortes erected the city's first Catholic Church. Diego Rivera murals can be found in the Palacio National courtyard. Most impressive, the main square also holds an important archaeological find in the ruins of the Templo Mayor, temple of the Aztec capitol of Tenochtitlan.

Tequila Refresher

We rewarded our climb with a shot of almond flavored tequila at a laid back-restaurant behind the pyramid of the moon. Grateful that we didn't have to drink any more of that fermented maguey plant juice that the Aztec's called pulque.

Pyramid of the Sun

No one knows why Teotihuacan fell, between 150 and 450 AD, but it was the center of a sophisticated and powerful civilization that dominated Mesoamerica. I climbed to the top of the pyramid of the sun. Or I call it: a pre-Columbian Stairmaster. The view was breathtaking. The pyramid of the moon can be seen in the background.

Men in Masks

I arrived in Mexico City on Saturday afternoon prepared to throw myself in the wonderful absurdity that is Lucha Libre and all I got was this photo of a cardboard superhero. Turns out that this Mexican version wrestle mania takes place on Friday!

A Happy Diner

Hello darlin'
It was great to see you! Thanks again for a lovely dinner. Let's plan another date in future (where we can really catch up!)
Hugz, Lisa
Lisa Sjolund, Business Development Executive - Western USA, VisitBritain

A Happy Diner

Sherwin
Just a quick email to thank you so much for making our evening at Rodeo such a lovely experience. The wine was delicious and much appreciated, and the desserts—OMG –I think I probably gained 10 pounds!
Conrad took very good care of us and Nando, our waiter, was so personable and efficient; and it was such a treat to see Wendy that evening. My husband’s son and guest were suitably impressed. Thank you so much!
Warmest regards, Lucia
Lucia Sirotich-Lebon, Director of Sales, Luxe Worldwide Hotels

Luxury Summit

Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce proudly presented their first annual Luxury Summit yesterday at the Beverly Hilton. There were experts from publishing, retail, public relations and investment companies discussing the effects of the fluctuating economic climate on the luxury market. It was all about the forecasts, trends and strategies! Jane Wells, CNBC business news reporter, was particularily provocative.

Women's History Month

West Hollywood City Council honored Women's History Month tonight commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Women's Advisory Board and held a special unveiling ceremony of the 2008 Women's History Month Banners honoring Billie Jean King and Betty Ford. You won't see me on the stage. I represent the '15th anniversary' part as I was one of the founding members of the board. My night to be honored is March 19th.

A Happy Guest

Hi Wendy,
I just wanted to say 'Thank you' for the wonderful dinner and conversation. I am really looking forward to getting together at the Wilshire. Take care!
All my best,
Joe Sena
Gucci Beverly Hills
General Manager Gucci Beverly Hills

Flea Market

Got up early (by Wendy’s standards, anyway) and picked through the Pasadena Community College flea market with my girlfriends on Sunday. The focus this time seemed to be on hardware such as chandelier crystals, doorknobs and hinges. But rest assured, that three ladies are always interested in jewelry. And yes, I found a triple strand of Bakelite treasure.

Luxe Worldwide Hotels Dinner

Fashion designer, Elsa Schiaparelli, once said, “A good cook is like a sorceress who dispenses happiness.” This could certainly have been said of our dinner tonight in Café Rodeo. Chef Michelle Francis did a splendid job serving our party of 26 for Luxe Worldwide Hotels. We hosted a group of LA-based travel agents and hoteliers from New York to Cabo. Delicious from soup to chocolate mousse. Shown here are Jerry Greenberg from Cassis Travel, me, Jeff Perrine from Sanctuary Beach Resort in Monterey Bay, Tal Golan from Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive and Sam Jagger from Palms Place in Las Vegas.

Academy Awards viewing party

Attending an awards-viewing party is a bit like indulging in that circle of gossip and trivia shared in a high school lunchroom clique. Except that the food is so much better. My friends, James and Kevin, outdid themselves this year with a six course meal and swag bags to boot. The evening began with an English gin, elderflower liqueur and rose water fountain, an obvious homage to Atonement. There was an oil tasting, pesticide free greens with goat cheese, spicy Mexican short rib tacos and a trifle bloody. I especially liked Kevin’s twist on a Martha Stewart classic sugar cookie in the shape of a finger with dyed [red] almond nails. In closing, I’d like to thank James, Kevin, Sharon and Emilia for putting on a memorable party, worth every calorie.

A Happy Travel Agent

Wendy –
You are so thoughtful to remember my birthday. I received your note with your well wishes. You are so sweet!
Take care,
xoxoxox
Susan Moore
Account Manager, Provident Financial Management

Julian Schnabel

Neo-expressionist aesthete and, most recently, award-winning feature-film director Julian Schnabel takes a break from the red carpet (Diving Bell and the Butterfly) with a return to the gallery walls. The people watching was only a temporary distraction. His latest paintings, derived from hospital x-rays dating form the early twentieth century, depict ethereal skeletal fragments transcending the relationship between art and life.
"Art is not leisure; art is a utilitarian thing that people can use to find a way into their interior life." - Julian Schnabel Worth a visit to Gagosian Gallery on Camden Drive. Through March 22nd.

Tragedy, really

Had the pleasure of being invited to celebrate a new book by Jacob Weisberg at the home of Arianna Huffington last evening. It felt a bit like floating in a crowd of great minds, with some celebrities thrown in for good measure. The Bush Tragedy or How George W. Bush Fulfilled his Fate is Weisberg's latest. We toasted the end of his eight years with rosemary scented champagne. Pictured with me are Nancy Snow, author of The Arrogance of American Power and Information War, and Steven Weinshel.

Fendi's baguette

Fendi has done it again! It will be difficult to resist the fabulous new arm candy in honor of the 10th anniversary of their infamous baguette bag. They've enlisted big-name artists to design versions for auction. Jeff Koons and Will Cotton are among my favorite sweets! Walk across the street and say 'hello' to spring.

A Happy Guest

Dear Wendy:
Thank you for the fruit bowl! Scrumptious.
Everyone has been so very nice and accommodating.
I am enjoying my stay. Please let me know if you will have some time to have a cocktail and/or a bite with me and Joe.
Kind regards, Joseph
Joseph DeVito
Retail Training Manager
GUCCI America http://www.gucci.com/

BCAM opens

Yes, the 60,000-square-foot Broad Contemporary Art Museum is now officially part of LACMA. Named after the museum's benefactors, Eli and Edythe Broad, the BCAM will house Broad’s amazing collection of 176 pieces by 28 contemporary artists in this shiny new $56 million spread designed by Renzo Piano. BCAM opened to the public Feb 16, 5905 Wilshire Blvd (between Fairfax and Curson), Miracle Mile, 323-857-6000. Pictured here at the entrance to BCAM with Chris Burden's "Urban Light," a collection of 202 vintage street lamps that stand in tight formation in the background. Artist, Barbara Kruger wrote, "This piece is about history, the built environment, side-street spectacle and so much more. You can almost read it as logo for the museum."

Creative Growth

On Saturday, I had the good fortune to view a wonderful gallery of art at one of my favorite clothing stores, Lost and Found. In an adjacent storefront, the owner has mounted a show with art provided by Oakland's Creative Growth art centre, which for 32 years has provided space and support for marginalized artists. This pioneering non-profit centre was founded by a psychologist and an artist as a place for de-institutionalized mentally and developmentally disabled people to come and cultivate artistic skills. It's been described as art school, except without the self-doubt, posing, competition and careerism. I found the work remarkable and the opportunity to give disenfranchised people a chance to support and express themselves - brilliant. http://www.creativegrowth.org/

Galerie Michael on Rodeo Drive

Where Magazine hosted a wine reception at Galerie Michael this week. The Galerie is showcasing works on paper by Picasso which we all enjoyed. Open 7 days a week, fine art is just a short walk from Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive. Seen with me here are Tal Golan, Director of Guest Services and Jennifer Albert, Special Events Manager.

Downtown Art Walk - Happy Valentine's Day with friends

The Downtown Art Walk is a self-guided tour which showcases the many art exhibition venues in Downtown Los Angeles — commercial art galleries, museums, and non-profit arts venues. I joined some friends for Valentine’s evening walk and dinner. We were excited to visit Martin Gantman and “Old Friends”, his latest solo exhibit encompassing a series of post cards that portray the stories of unexpected meetings with friends during his international travels. “Running into old friends” was a sly reference tying the written work to the photographed image. Picture here is Martin Gantman and me, plus Nadine and Georg. Watch for the next Downtown Art Walk on the second Thursday of March.

What did one lightbulb say to the other? I love you a whole watt.

Dear Wendy
Thank you for the kind words.
Happy Valentine as well!
~Alicia
Alicia Taylor,Senior Product Development Executive - Quikbook.com

Madame Chocolat

Received my first Valentine wish today...

Happy LOVE day!!
Merci beaucoup,
Hasty Torres
Madame Chocolat, Inc.
212 North Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

http://www.madame-chocolat.com/

Waisler opening at Sundaram Tagore Gallery

Sundaram Tagore Gallery’s inaugural exhibition in Beverly Hills, “Lee Waisler: The Portraits,” opened on Saturday February 9, with a reception from 6 to 8:30p.m. Waisler, an L.A.-born artist, is noted by critics as “speaking to the soul of society.” Waisler describes his upcoming show of portraits as a humanistic look at some of the world’s most renowned and notable leaders.
Tagore said, “These are portraits of people who have defined the modern world and have expanded our view of life – they are historic and heroic figures such as Virginia Woolf, Freud, and Eleanor Roosevelt – these are people who have had a deep impact and have defined the modern world. They are symbolic of hope for the next century.”
Gallerist Sundaram Tagore said, “We are thrilled to be here. As one of the few New York galleries that has opened in L.A., we know that there is enormous interest as well as a discerning, international, and culturally sophisticated audience here. We are excited to share our artists’ work in this setting.”

Seen in the Luxe Lobby

Angie Stone, nominated for the Best R&B Performance by a Duo/Group last night, was seen in the lobby over the weekend. Stone began [modestly] singing gospel music in her home town of Columbia SC, and now is defined as an American R&B, soul and neo-soul singer, songwriter, keyboardist, record producer and occasional actress. We think she's a hit!

MOCA opening

Friday night, MOCA on Grand Avenue opened its doors to the best of the permanent collection. It felt like taking Modern Art 101 to walk from gallery to gallery of some of the finest modern artists of the 20th century. This student will be going back for another lesson. Seen here with my friend, Pamela, at the entrance.

Barneys Warehouse Sale

It's the time of year when Barneys fills an entire airport hangar with the best sale merchandise. You'll find stacks of clothes from every imaginable designer marked down 50 - 75%. But you'll still be putting on hose great finds in the aisles. Feb. 7 - 18 at Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport. 3021 Airport Avenue in Santa Monica.

A Happy Guest

Wendy,
Good morning and Happy Chinese New year!
Thank you for all of your assistance. The clients were happy with their accommodations. Looking forward to the next opportunity to bring in our clients.
Best regards, Andy Seshiki, Production Supervisor, Duroo Productions

On Voting

“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”
- John Quincy Adams (American 6th US President, 1825 – 29, and eldest son of John Adams, 2nd US President)

Cyberspace dating

I just signed up for one of those dating websites.

LMG Studio

How could I miss the opening of Laurent Saint-Cricq's salon on LaCienega Blvd? His extraordinary PR guru [and wife] wouldn't let me. I am so excited for their new venture and fabulous location. The large crowd that gathered on Wednesday night was equally enthusiastic. A bevy of Playmates joined the festivities, as Laurent is the official hair dresser for the Playboy Mansion. Congratulations and good luck! Seen here: Me (crazy in my running duds) and Florence Saint-Cricq

A Happy Travel Agent

Thank you so much for your assistance [with Max Mara] and I look forward to working with you and the Luxe hotel. Have a great day!
Jennifer
Jennifer Moebius
Account Manager
TLG Travel Management

Empyrean Passage Light Sculpture

The new art exhibit by artist, Dan Corson, will light up the dark, and recently, rainy, night skies at the western entrance to West Hollywood. Each evening at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Doheny Drive, from January 28 through May 15, Corson's "Empyrean Passage" light sculpture will be on display. As part of the City's "Art on the Outside" program, the light sculpture measures 20 feet tall and consists of a series of metal hoops of various sizes. At night, the rings glow to creat a floating form inspired by a black hole's absence of light. The entire sculpture moves with the wind causing a rippling effect and utilizes 'green' low voltage electroluminescent light.

A Happy Travel Agent

Hi Wendy: Thanks for taking such good care of my Abercrombie & Kent people. I saw all of them last night and they said they loved the hotel. One of them, Anthony Bay, will be coming back in March and will let me know the dates. So I'll be in touch with you to rebook him. They loved the location and loved Nate and Al's. We will do lunch one day. Best...Adrienne Adrienne Forst - Vice President, Leisure Sales Protravel International

Glamour, Interrupted

As the title of the book suggests, Steven Cojocaru knows glamour. This evening, Bally invited guests to celebrate the publication of his new book, Glamour Interrupted, benefiting the national Kidney Foundation.

Denise Dorrance

courtesy of http://www.denisedorrance.com

West Hollywood Networking Mixer

Attended the networking mixer at one of West Hollywood's newest hot spots, The Palihouse. Tammi Jones, Director of Events took me on a site inspection of this extended stay gem. It's only steps from my apartment, so I'm thrilled they're in the neighborhood. Pictured here is Sharon Sandow, CEO of the WeHo Chamber of Commerce, General Manager and Director of Events for Palihouse and me.

A Happy Guest

Hi Wendy,
Thank you so much for the kind message. I actually looked for you while I was there to say hello—Charlotte Novom spoke very highly of you. The hotel was beautiful, the staff friendly, and my stay lovely. I hope to catch you next time I am there.
Kind regards,Bonnie
Bonnie McDonald
Program Director
Next Step Institute of Integrative Medicine, Inc.
The Next Step to Optimal Wellness

Another Star in Heaven

In memory of Rex Bergstrand, his family and friends gathered on Sunday to talk about him. Nothing made Rex happier than to be talked about. We loved you, Rex.

A Happy Diner

Wendy,
Thank you so much for a lovely lunch. So much fun, and I am really looking forward to having you at the gallery for lots of wine, interesting conversation, and many great times to come.
All the best,
Anna [Shen], Sundaram Tagore Gallery
(opening soon in Beverly Hills)

The Meeting

Last night I attended The Meeting, a play by Jeff Stetson. An engaging dialogue of ideology and purpose, The Meeting was a dramatic staged reading of a fictional meeting between two remarkable civil rights leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Mr. Stetson first produced the play 24 years ago, winning eight NAACP Theater Awards. Thank you to the City of West Hollywood for supporting the arts and offering this piece to our community.

Chef Michelle Francis

As Cafe Rodeo's new executive chef, Michelle Francis brings her distinctive California Mediterranean cuisine with a healthy twist to this Beverly Hills landmark urban oasis. Her ability to find the freshest foods from the market translates into an engaging menu. A proponent of the locavore movement, Chef Francis is reconstructing the existing menu to bring an emphasis on fresh, sustainably caught fish, bold flavors and an adroit use of grains. Michelle sources small eco-friendly and organic farmers for chicken, meat, baked goods and produce at her weekly trips to the farmers market.
“I am passionate about creating delicious, healthful food”, says Chef Francis. “With the quality and variety of locally grown food available to us in Los Angeles, and the Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive as the ideal backdrop, I can showcase its natural goodness without compromising my commitment to exciting Cal Med flavors and elegant presentations.”

Inspired by Aphrodite, Valentine's Day in Cafe Rodeo

This Valentine’s Day indulge your inner romantic with a sensual and seductive meal at Café Rodeo at the Luxe Hotel on Rodeo Drive, the world’s most famous and elite shopping street. Café Rodeo offers California Mediterranean cuisine with a healthy twist in a beautiful and intimate setting, ideal for a quiet, romantic evening with your special someone. From a menu which emphasizes fresh, sustainably caught fish and produce from small, organic farmers, Chef Michelle Francis has created a luscious menu ($ 65 per couple, $ 75 with Champagne) inspired by Aphrodite to arouse your senses that includes: 12 oysters on the half shell Roasted mushroom soup with fresh thyme Rack of lamb for two with fingerling potatoes and baby seasonal vegetables in an herb butter sauce Heart-shaped chocolate raspberry cake Call 310-273-0300 for reservations

Taschen

Taschen News: thousands of slightly damaged and display copies on sale at bargain basement prices, 50 - 70% off for three days only. January 18th through January 20th at 354 N. Beverly Drive, around the corner from Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive. "The most exquisite books on the plant." Wallpaper - London

Eco-Logical ART Gallery

The mission of this gallery is to present quality, cutting edge, recycled elemental art and offering it to the public an a very large way. They are beginning with 10 original art pieces on recycled billboards and the work will be viewed an astonishing 500,000 times daily. Experience it yourself. You can find the various locations by checking http://www.eco-logicalart.org/.

British Television Advertising Awards at LACMA

Got a group of friends together to view the British Television Advertising Awards on Friday at the Los Angeles County Art Museum. Most were very funny but others carried a social conscience not seen often enough in America. Later, we all convened at the Farmer's Market on Third Street at Fairfax for the final analysis.

Giving - start off the New Year right

"The habit of giving only enhances the desire to give." - Walt Whitman



"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill


Find a charity or a cause that you're really passionate about and make a life.

Fendi's got a brand new bag

Fendi recently re-opened its Rodeo Drive flagship store with a brand new design. If you haven't see it, you must. Sleek and bright, handbags are arranged like tempting candies in a fancy sweet store just begging to be slung over the shoulder. Fendi is located directly across the street from Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive. Check into Room 207 and you can window shop! http://www.fendi.com/

Strange Brew

Just bought an iPhone: Do I return it or keep it? I'm stuck on a large white post-it of procrastination.

No worries

“Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average. Which means you've met your New Year's resolution.”
Jay Leno quotes (American TV Host and Comedian, b.1950)

Happy New Year!

Now let us welcome the new year, full of things that have never been. Imagine the possibilities! - Rilke

Snow Angels

When it snows, you have two choices: shovel or make snow angels.

You think so?

Do these snowpants make my **s look big?

I haven't worn snowpants in years! But I had to borrow my brother's in order to do a little sledding.

Donuts

It's a funny thing about being in Wisconsin. I always experience this desire to eat all the things I would never eat in LA. I arrived in Milwaukee at midnight and by noon I was in a donut shop. Maclaren and I were there for almost half an hour watching them make a batch of perfect glazed rings and then plump raspberry jelly-filled ones. Yum!

Snow and more snow

"To appreciate the beauty of a snow flake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” Standing out in the snow in Wisconsin with my nieces and appreciating.