Seen in the Luxe Lobby

Colombian model and actress, Sofia Margarita Vergara, enjoyed a libation in Café Rodeo this afternoon. Known best in Latin America in the Colombian version of Desperate Housewives, Amas de Casa Desesperadas, she is currently stars in ABC’s breakout series, Dirty Sexy Money, as Jeremy Darling’s new love interest. It was noted that “La Toti” raised the temperature several degrees.

Simple things

Whenever I visit my nieces, I'm reminded of those simple pleasures, such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Pictured here is my oldest niece with 'buddy' markered in the crevasse of her hand. The ventriloquist act followed. Buddy likes his peanut butter on celery.

A Happy Corporate Client

Dear Wendy,
Many Thanks for showing us your property! It is truly unique!
I appreciate your time and effort and look forward to continue working together through Splendia!
I will be in town for another week, so please feel free to contact me shall you need anything further.Warm Regards, Stephanie Mariotti, Market Manager for Splendia, Luxury & Character Hotels

Tosca

Thanks to WHERE magazine, we got a chance to see the final dress rehearsal for Tosca at the LA Opera last night. The libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica was a real treat. We all thought there should be more grit. Tosca should have really given it to Scarpia! Pictured here are Lisa Mesaros, Tal Golan, Carla Thompson and me.

Softball Practice

Spring: When young girls hearts turn to softball practice. Coaching 9 year-old girls' brought back a lot of memories. I admit that I was one of those who didn't want to get grass stains on her peddle pushers. If the ball didn't come to me, I'd let it roll on the ground until it reached my feet. It's easier to pick up that way. "Little League baseball is a good thing 'cause it keeps the parents off the streets and it keeps the kids out of the house." - Yogi Berra

Twister

Nothing like a great game of twister after eating a platter of pancakes on Mother's Day morning. My sister-in-law makes the BEST pancakes. I'd share the recipe but it's a secret. Even on Mother's Day, she had to make her own breakfast. Thank you, Cindy, for standing by the griddle and making us all happy! Happy Mother's Day.

Sour or Sweet

"Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, for wise men say it is the wisest course." - William Shakespeare
Pictured here is my niece who insisted that I try some sour candy spray. If you think she looks funny, you should have seen my face!

A Happy Corporate Client

Hi Wendy,
It was nice meeting you last week! Thank you for everything. Our guests were very happy!! Thank you again!!
Lucia Peretti
Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West

Thought for the Day

This life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well. Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly. Take the power to walk in the forest and be a part of nature. Take the power to control your own life.
-Susan Polis Schutz
Pictured here is my brother's backyard in Wisconsin.

A Happy Travel Agent

Hi Wendy,
Thank you soo much for that Birthday card....:)
DeeDee Callaway, The Velvet Road Group

A Happy Travel Agent

Hi Wendy,
Thanks for your lovely email – what a beautiful quote! I will keep that one.
Thanks again for welcoming us to Luxe Hotel and putting on such a beautiful lunch. It was very generous of you and the agents all enjoyed seeing the property. I look forward to working with you in future – if you ever need any assistance or information on the Australia/New Zealand market please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Best regards,
Alison Scott, Public Relations Manager

My sympathies

Thank you to everyone who has sent their kind and generous condolences.
"Hi Wendy, I was at West Hollywood City Council and heard about your Mom. I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you at this time and hope you find solace in the love surrounding her. XOXO Love, Gen" [Genevieve Morrill, Vice President, Pacific Design Center]

Quotation of the Day

"It clearly evokes a visceral response because we’re the only industry that has our prices in two-foot-high letters on the street corner." John Felmy, chief economist at the American Petroleum Institute, on gas prices. New York Times, May 6, 2008

A Happy Travel Agent

Thank you. Loved the Hotel and I will recommend it for sure after meeting the staff and the presence at the Hotel fantastic as I did used to work in a 5* [star] Hotel and it was lovely but not as welcoming as your Hotel. Very well done and I hope my clients think the same I'm sure they will. Regards, Michelle Saidi, Senior Travel Consultant, Flight Centre Eastgardens South

Happy Birthday!

Dearest Wendy,
Thanks very much for all the goodies you've sent me. The pictures are super, specially the one of you, it's a winner you look beautiful. The colors and surroundings are in perfect harmony !!! Also, thanks for being so thoughtful and sending me the lipstick. Today is my B-day and I will use it for the first time as a special gift. I'm very excited, that was really so so very sweet of you. I will get back to you later, lots of love always and for making me look very pretty. Mucho amor,
Reyna [Harriet Jones], Embajada de Irlanda

A Happy Guest

Had a wonderful stay at your hotel. Food was amazing.
Best,
Judie [Ashworth], Mothers Work, Inc.

Bigger Than Barbie

Women in Film screened a film by a Norwegian director who was captivated by a beaded doll she received as a gift. Davis went on a quest to learn about the doll’s origins, which led her to the artists of Moneybiz and fueled her passion to share their story with the world. In cooperation with the event, Art Aids Art had samples of the beaded art work for sale. All profits when to the construction of eKhaya eKasi, a multipurpose community center to serve the Monkeybiz artists in the Khayelitsha Township. Shown here with pins made from recycled tires. http://www.artaidsart.org/

Jacaranda

Jacaranda is a photographic exhibit documenting an unexpected exchange between Sam, a 13 year old boy in Los Angeles, and the Jacaranda School in Malawi Africa. After meeting founder Marie Da Silva who spoke about her group of students, Ben wanted to donate money that he had received as gifts for his Bar Mitzvah. When he asked what else he could do, she suggested that he start pen palling with a young student named Blessings Goliyo. “He had lost both parents to Aids but has a positive outlook on life and feels lucky to attend the Jacaranda School. I wanted to send Blessings some gifts and we had also cleaned out our closets at home so I sent three big boxes of things for Blessings and the students.” It’s a remarkable exhibit at Lost and Found Gallery, through May 26th in Hollywood. Coincidentally, the jacarandas are in bloom along Yucca Street. http://www.jacarandafoundation,org/

In memory of my mother

“The death of a mother is the first sorrow wept without her”, author unknown.
I got up this morning, grabbed an old toothbrush, Comet cleanser and scrubbed the grout in my shower stall. Then I paid myself 50 cents. I’ll miss you mom. My heart is filled with the kindest of memories.

A Happy Travel Agent

I wanted to thank you for your most thoughtful Birthday wishes last week!! What a memory!! Thank you so Very Much
Best,Jane Aiello
R. A. Travel, Inc.

Great to Be Nominated

The "Great to Be Nominated" series, featuring the picture from each Academy Awards year that received the most nominations without winning Best Picture award, continues its fifth and final season at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This final series runs through August in the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Each evening includes animated and live action short subjects, original advertising trailers, outtakes and surprise guest panel discussions. Last night was "Pulp Fiction", 1994 and next week is "Apollo 13", 1995. They screen the very best prints at the Academy. Located on Wilshire Blvd, tickets may be purchased at http://www.oscars.org

A Happy Travel Agent

Hi Wendy,
My son and his wife stay with you this past Friday and LOVED the hotel. There was not one thing wrong. from the service, room and ambiance. Thank you so much for you attention and help. You are on my recommendation list.
Regards, Adrienne Frumovitz [New Act Travel, Los Angeles]

Ruth's Skin Care

Since this is my birthday month, I took advantage of a 10% discount on Ina’s ultimate Face and Body Experience at Ruth’s Skin Care in West Hollywood. Since 1985, Ruth has been offering that personal attention to customers in a tranquil atmosphere at the corner of La Cienega Blvd and Melrose Avenue. If you’ve got a birthday coming up – try it, you’ll like it. It includes facial nourishment, cleansing scrub and thermo-mask while another aesthetician treats you to a body massage. http://wwwruthsskincare.com

Howard L. Bingham: The Rumble in the Jungle

The latest M+B Galley exhibit chronicles Muhammad Ali’s legendary trip of 1974 to Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) to fight favored George Foreman in the first world heavyweight boxing championship held on the African continent. Bingham’s photography covers Ali’s entire eight-week stay, recounting the event in all its dimensions. Sharing the world spotlight was a dictator eager to gain international respect and visiting celebrities and music luminaries. This show is not to be missed. 612 North Almont Drive, West Hollywood through May 31st. http://mbfala.com

Wisconsin in spring

When asked why I left Wisconsin for California, I always say “The weather of course.” But it’s pictures like this of my parents’ backyard in spring that make me a bit nostalgic for four seasons.

A Happy Travel Agent

Hi Wendy,
Thank you so much for thinking of me on my birthday. They mailed it to me the other day from Pat Walker Travel. The Astrological sign information is really great and fun to read.
Hope all is well with you and thanks again!
Thank you, Joni Miller
Protravel International

Tour Connection update

Tour Connection was a big hit with the travel agents last night. Pat Walker, Pat Walker Travel, e-mailed me that it was a really good event. Hope everyone else felt the same way. I shared a space with Sharon McKernan, The Bristol Hotel in San Diego, and she had mini-portable fans as her give-away. Thank goodness for a bit of circulation. Check out The Bristol at www.luxehotels.com

A Happy Travel Agent

Dear Wendy, Peace!
Thank you for your kind note.
I did enjoy staying at the Luxe Hotel albeit briefly. I will certainly consider staying there again should my travels take me back to LA.
Sincerely, Dennis Tan, Managing Director, Abercrombie and Kent, Thailand Ltd.

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.