Money Matters

When Uncle Sam sneezes, you might say, "God Bless America."

Tour Connection

The annual Tour Connection event is tonight where hoteliers get to mingle with some of the top producing entertainment travel agents from the Los Angeles area. Yesterday I had the great pleasure to spend time with my favorite talent agency specialists at the Chateau Marmont reception. All of them handle those talent agent ‘special requests’ with aplomb. That’s why I love them. Seen here are Shirlee Kessler, Tom Mesquit, Robyn Bizier, me and Kathleen Allen

Bento Boxed Lunch - something new in Cafe Rodeo

I forwarded this [Chef Gladestone's bento boxed lunch] to our catering dept. I'll let you know what comes of it. Such a great idea! Thank you again for the lovely lunch today. I wish we had more time, but I will see you again tomorrow. :) Robyn Bizier, Office of Kathleen Allen, Special Services, William Morris Agency

Girl Bonding

I just returned from a weekend in Wisconsin and my niece asked for nail salon pampering time with Aunt Wendy. It was her first visit and she was a bit apprehensive. But bright blue nail polish is the charm that bonds all girls.

Thought for the Day

Humour is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away and a sunny spirit takes their place. - Mark Twain

A Happy Guest

Thank you Wendy. I will certainly visit the Luxe hotel again on my next trip to Beverly Hills.
Thank you, Vinny [Vincent Ottomanelli, President and Regional Director for Salvatore Ferragamo]

Taxes - good luck today

Born to Party. Forced to Work.

My birthday actually fell on a Friday this year! But because my internal time clock is still 11 time zones away, I was about to fall asleep at 8 o'clock. Instead of a party animal, I was a party pooper. Thank goodness I had two dear friends to prop me up for the dessert course. "Same, Same, Different"

A Happy Guest

Dear Wendy,
Thank you for your lovely message. I had a really wonderful time although it was very different without my daughter.
My warmest wishes to you also, your kindness is endless and I look forward to my next stay in about five weeks time.
Please would you kindly pass on my warmest wishes and affection to Conrad, Marco, Martino, Oscar and all at valet.
All Best Wishes, Sue

Hola from Mexico City

Dear Wendy, I have to apologize for not writing earlier, but I missplaced your b-card. I included a picture of the three of us. Things are going well here, the weather is hot, hot, hot. Any way I hope you had a good time in Dubai, I'd love to hear about it. Any way Wendy, it was very nice meeting you and hope to see you again next year, or sooner, even better.
Hasta pronto. Laura and Lula says hi!

Happy Birthday!

Who’s there?
Mark.
Mark who?
Mark your calendars … my birthday’s today

Bathing Suit

I panicked before I left for Dubai because I didn’t own a bathing suit. Thanks to Eres Boutique on Rodeo Drive, I didn’t have to look too far. Manager, Joann Nishi, took superb care in choosing the perfect one-piece. Thank you! http://www.eresparis.com

A Happy Guest

Good morning Wendy:
I had a terrific time at the hotel this past week – everybody takes such good care of me – I love being there – I think this now makes the 5th time -
Vincent S. Lipe
ACQUISITIONS Event Management, Inc.

Midnight at the Oasis

The desert caravan was another venture outside of Dubai. After letting some air out of the tires, drivers take 6 – 8 passengers on speed jaunts, up and down the sandy terrain providing a roller coaster effect. Our handsome driver admitted about halfway through that he was operating on two-wheel drive instead of four as we starting sliding down a sand dune. But not to worry, it’s easy to take another turn in this great expanse of dessert and catch up with the rest. The trip culminates in a dinner feast, organized activities around a camp fire and of course, some belly dancing!

Venturing outside of Dubai

Driving along the winding road to the Musadam Peninsula, one could mistake the landscape for Utah. The absence of construction cranes and cement factories clearly marked our entry into Oman; not to mention meandering goats.
Jutting out into the Strait of Hormuz, the aquamarine waters of the fjord like bays provided an excellent snorkel and swim retreat to coral reefs and humpback dolphin sightings along the limestone cliffs.

Dubai Shopping

Everyone talks about Dubai as having some of the best shopping malls in the world. Instead I opted for the old Souk where I studied some of the local fashion.

Speakeasy Dubai Style

I just returned from a week in Dubai. Well, actually in Ajman, where my girlfriend, Patricia, has taken a year-long consulting position. On my second day, she took me to the local liquor shack behind a construction project and down a winding gravel road. From a side door in the cinderblock compound, we found every conceivable intoxicating beverage stacked neatly on metal shelves. Within minutes, we made off with some beer and wine in a paper sack! No photos allowed.

A Happy Guest

How impressive - not only that you remember my birthday but that you have specific material about the day/ personality type!
It was very kind of you to send it all the way to NZ - how is life going for you? I guess the weather is starting to warm up abit just as we are cooling down...
With warmest regards, Sue [Heritage Hotels]

Tribes in Transition – Photograph Exhibit

Journey Portraits in Namibia and Zambia were the subject of a private viewing reception hosted by the artist, Dana Gluckstein and Virtu. 5% of the private viewing proceeds benefited Artists for a New South Africa. Robert Sobieszek, Past Curator of Photography at LACMA noted, “Gluckstein succeeds in bestowing upon her sitters a sense of stilled dignity, humaneness entirely devoid of any temporary, fleeting or accidental quality.” Public viewing from April 1 to June 15 at Minotti, 8950 Beverly Blvd. Pictured here with gallery owner, Alitash Kebede, Alitash Kebede Gallery.

A Happy Travel Agent

Wendy,
Thank you so much for thinking of me. That's so cool of you to remember.
The Astrological write up was so spot on to my personality! Wow. What a trip.
I hope to see you soon.
Have a nice weekend.
Vince [Vince Caracausa]
Third Millennium Travel

Seen in the Luxe lobby – photographer, Ed Fox

Taschen Beverly Hills definitely got sexed up last night with the exclusive launch of Ed Fox’s new photography book, Glamour from the Ground Up. Drawing inspiration from both still photography and music video, Fox who is a native of Los Angeles, welcomed a bevy of beautiful women to his book signing and Cafe Rodeo's Bar360 for an after party. “The most tempting part of a woman’s body is her feet. Feet are a woman’s second body…” - Seen here, Ed Fox patiently signing his book.

Spring Fashion

Spring has arrived. There are fashion trunk shows every week. Check the schedules at the major department stores for the latest showings. Pictured here is Barneys New York window on busy Wilshire Blvd. Givenchy is among a dozen fabulous designers; Pucci, Lanvin, Marni, Proenza Schouler and Dries Van Noten to name a few. You can get up close and personal with all this great ready to wear.

A Happy Guest

Ciao Wendy: Thank you for your hospitality. If you need some things in Italy,please, let me know. Hope to come in LA in november. Keep'n touch, Gabriele Gabrielloni

Cotton Candy

What a surprise to be served a large fluffy mound of pink cotton candy for dessert at Simon L.A. at Sofitel Los Angeles. I behaved like a child at the Wisconsin State Fair, unswirling bits of the spun sugar and letting it melt in my mouth. Thank you to Hotel Manager, Pierre-Louis Renou, who treated me to lunch.

Bunny Trail

Knock, knock! Who's there? Chuck.
Chuck who? Chuck-olate Bunny.
Pictured here, two malted milk balls, chocolate eggs and sugar cookies later. And I wondered why I couldn't get to sleep on Sunday night. Must have been all of the excitement.

Allan Kaprow - Art as Life

Saturday night was the opening of Allan Kaprow at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. Tracing his development from early abstract expressionist paintings to his highly influential “Happenings” of the 1950’s and ‘60’s, this is a comprehensive retrospective of Kaprow’s work. He replaces the traditional art form with objects rooted in everyday life. I plunked myself down in front of one of the type writers and typed away! I’m also pictured in front of blue patio furniture which could be moved around to create a new environment. Definitely a lot of interaction. Highly recommended.

Women's Leadership Conference

The conference was a day-long event focused towards women who live, work or own a business in West Hollywood featuring workshops and valuable resources to foster and support the development of women leaders in our community.
Wendy,
Thank you so much for your generous participation in the Mentor Workshop at the West Hollywood's 2nd annual Women's Leadership Conference. From the feedback I heard, the workshop was a great success and that is of course due to your participation, and Roz's great facilitation. I hope it was an enjoyable experience for each of you. Please let me know if a mentor/mentee relationship springs forth and blossoms from this seed meeting. Thank you again, for your generosity and sharing your time, wisdom and experience!
With great appreciation and warmth,
Mara Brown, Transformation Coach

A Happy Guest

Dear Wendy,
First thing I would like to thank you for the lovely welcoming from my last visit at the LUXE HOTEL.
I have another business visit coming, and I would like to stay at the LUXE.
Thank you very much.
Best regards,
Zafrir Kochanovsky
TTV productions, CEO

13th annual Women in Leadership Awards

I was among some amazing women on Wednesday for the 13th annual Women in Leadership Awards in West Hollywood. This annual event recognizes the outstanding contributions of local women and this year’s honorees included women from Jewish Family Services/Family Violence project, Saul and Joyce Brandman Breast Center, The Nile Institute, Los Angeles County Librarian and me. I confess that I started tearing up during my acceptance speech. I am full of gratitude for all of the women who served with me on the Women’s Advisory Board. Ten years of passion. Thank you!

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