Rodeo Drive Lifestyles

It's A Lover's Holiday ~ Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-13T18:40:00.000-08:00

Ohhhhhhh, Love. So sweet. Like fine Chocolate ~
Speaking of which, last Saturday, I had the pleasure of being in the company of
Dr. Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, on their 45th anniversary. I must tell you, it was truly a delight to to spend time around a couple that truly likes each other, respects each other and loves one another.

I've asked around and talked to 50 couples who were married a minimum of 25 years, and the secret to a very happy relationship seems to be this; you have to work at it, Honey Child!
Each person in each relationship is unique, but there are a few very necessary ingredients that are required in building a strong foundation; Mutual respect, trust, adoration and the need to compromise.

Dr Bernard and Shirley Kinsey just celebrated their 45th anniversary, and I had the pleasure of being there

Dr. Bernard & Shirley Kinsey w/paintings by Artis Lane

Dr. Bernard Kinsey speaks so well of his other half, "She is my sun light, the love of my life."
Shirley Kinsey is a very accomplished,
well spoken, brilliant woman with a zest for life! When you look into her eyes, you see light.
The joy of her life is her family,namely, their son, Vice- President of The Kinsey Collection,
Khalil Kinsey also known in the Hip Hop Industry as Business Mogul, Diz Gibran.

Learning to love someone truly is about finding out what it is that you can bring to the table, and then finding someone to build with.

Dr. Kinsey says, "Find someone to love.
Find something to do, and do it often."

Happy Anniversary and thank you Dr. Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, for showing the globe what love looks like.

Smooches, Carla
(Happy Birthday, with love, Shirley Kinsey - Stevie Wonder style),

54th Annual Grammy Awards Wrap Up ~ 2012

2012-02-13T11:50:00.000-08:00

Congratulations are in order for all of the winners and nominees @ the 54th Annual Grammys!
LL Cool J did a phenominal job!
Way to go Ms.Diana Ross - American Royalty(We LOVE YOU!),
Gil Scott- Heron, "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised", country legend, George Jones,
Antonio Carlos Jobim, "The Girl From Ipanema"(one of my all time favorites)
all of whom received the Lifetime Achievement Award and
the late Steve Jobs for the Trustees Award (Nice!)
Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse - Body And Soul - Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Rhapsody In Blue - Track from: That's How We Roll - Best Instrumental Arrangement
Kirk Franklin - Hello Fear - Best Gospel Song
Adele - Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Best Pop Solo Performance
Bon Iver - Best New Artist
Tony Bennett & Queen Latifah, Jorge Calandrelli, arranger, "Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me) - Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s)
Booker T. Jones, The Road From Memphis - Best Pop Instrumental Album
Corinne Bailey Rae - Best R & B Performance
The King's Speech - Alexander Desplat, composer - Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media
A Tribe Called Quest and Foo Fighters - Best Long Form Music Video, and for Walk -
Best Rock Song,Rhianna, Kid Cudi, Fergie,
Paul Epworth - Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical (You ROCK!)
Schwantner: Concerto for Percussion & Orchestra - Best Classical Instrumental Solo - (YES!)
Diva Divo - Best Classical Vocal Solo Adams: Doctor Atomic - Best Opera Recording..
And last but not least, Jay-Z, Kanye West - Watch The Throne - "Otis"

Jay-Z, Keep doing YOU. Kanye West - Congratulations!

We love you, Cee-Lo Green~

The evening was filled with so many surprises - good and bad. It was Saturday evening when first we heard that Whitney Houston passed at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. God knows that we did not want that to be true.

Whitney Houston 2012

Whitney Houston, by far, touched so many lives over the past 30 years. From her first album/cd @ Arista Records, produced by Micahel Masser, Narada Michael Walden, Kashif and Jermaine Jackson, was released in February 1985 - entitled, "Whitney Houston".That album topped the charts of Billboard 200 album charts and stayed there for 14 non-consecutive weeks. The single, "Greatest Love of All" was the first album by a female: #1 hits on the Hot 100 chart, #1 on the Billboards for 14 weeks, #1 Artist - Billboard year-end charts(1986). Whitney Houston also worked with Preston Glass and Narada Michael Walden on several projects, including the album "Love Is A Contact Sport" 1987(Arista Records)There are millions of people around the globe sending up prayers and their condolences to Bobbi Kristina Brown, Sissy Houston. R.I.P. Whitney Houston. We love you!
Peace, Carla

All photos and videos are the sole property of the Grammys. No intentional copy write or infringement intended.

54th Annual Grammy Awards ~ Feb 12 8/7c on CBS

2012-02-09T19:46:00.000-08:00

Hollywood is in full swing with regards to music and fashion this year at the Grammys.
This year, the host will be the timeless LL Cool J.
Stay tuned as the 54th Annual Grammy Awards goes into full swing, kicking off tomorrow,
Friday, Feb 10 at 2 p.m. PST., and will run through Sunday, Feb 12, 2012. You can keep an up to the minute look-see at CBS.com.
Congratulations are in order for being nominated - So many I can't name them all -

Best Improvised Jazz Solo:
Randy Brecker, soloist - All Or Nothing At All - Track from: The Jazz ballad Song Book( Randy Brecker With DR Big Band) [ Half Note]
Ron Carter, soloist - You Are My Sunshine - Track from: This Is Jazz ( Donald Harrison, Ron Carter & Billy Cobham) [Half Note]
Chick Corea, soloist - 500 Miles High Track from: Forever (Corea, Clarke & White) [ Concord Records]
Fred Hersch, soloist - Track from: Alone At The Vanguard [ Palmetto Records]
Sonny Rollins, soloist - Track from: Road Shows Vol.2 [ Doxy/Emarcy/Decca]
Best Gospel Album
Kim Burrell - The Love Album [Shanachie Entertainment]
Andrae Crouch - The Journey [Riverphlo Entertainment]
Kirk Franklin - Hello Fear [ Verity Gospel Music Group / Fo Yo Soul Ent.]
Mary Mary - Something Big [ Columbia Records]
Trin-I-Tee 5: 7 [ Music World Gospel]

Best R & B Performance
Marsha Ambrosius - Track from: Late nights & Early Mornings [J Records]
Ledisi - Track From: Pieces Of Me [ Verve Forecast]
Kelly Price & Stokley - Track from: Kelly [My Block/Sang Girl/Malaco]
Corinne Bailey Rae - Track from: The Love LP [Capitol]
Charlie Wilson - Track from: Just Charlie [ Jive Records]

Best Traditional R & B Performance
Eric Benet - Sometimes I Cry [ Reprise]
Cee lo Green & Melanie Fiona - Fool for You[ Radiculture/Elecktra]
R. Kelly -Track from: Love Letter - Radio Message [Jive Records]
Raphael Saadiq - Track from: Stone Rollin' - Good Man [ Columbia Records]
Betty Wright & The Roots - Track from : Betty Wright: The Movie [Ms. B. Records & S-Curve Records]

Best R & B Song
Far Away - Marsha Ambrosius, Larrance Dopson, Lamar Edwards, Sterling Simms & Justin Smith, songwriters (Marsha Ambrosius)
You Are - Dennis Bettis, Carl M. Days, Jr., Wirlie Morris, Charlie Wilson &, songwriters (Charlie Wilson)
[Jive Records; Publishers: Nephew Wirlie Music, Pacific Coast Pirate Publishing, P Ty Music, Escribir Publishing, Mammas Pebbly Publishing]

Best R & B Album
F.A.M.E. - Chris Brown [Jive Records]
Second Chance - El DeBarge [Geffen]
Love Letter - R. Kelly[Jive Records]
Pieces OF Me- Ledisi [Verve Forecast]
Kelly - Kelly Price [My block/Sang Girl/Malaco]

There are so many people in town and so much to do!
See you there!
Smooches, C

Dr. Bernard & Shirley Kinsey| The Kinsey Collection| A Celebration of Black History

2012-02-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

www.ebonyrep.org - Wren T. Brown

This month is Black History month in America. It is a time to celebrate the many contributions that were made by a people that were once a free people. These free people lived on the continent of Africa. The second largest continent of the
7 continents* These people were held captive and worked for free for 12 generations as captives in America.
The dynamics shifted after the U.S. Civil War of 1861-1865, These people are now called, depending on the generation, Blacks, African-Americans = Americans.

Dr. Bernard & Shirley Kinsey, and their son, Khahil Kinsey, also known as the world renowned Hip Hop Artist,
Diz Gibran, are taking the time to share their treasured archives of African American History.

The Kinsey Collection includes a vast collection of rarely seen documents. "Art is precious, but historical documents are rare." says, Dr. Bernard Kinsey.
The Kinsey Collection includes in part, works of art by Benjamin Banneker, Phillis Wheately, Artis Lane,
Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Sam Gilliam, Jacob Lawrence and Henry O. Tanner.

The performance by Dr. Mary J Goodwin-Clinkscale, Executive Producer/Director, Growing & Building Together Academy of the Arts, GBTAA, hails out of Omaha, Nebraska, and her team of brilliant students was amazing!
They portrayed, Malcom X and Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr. and several other history makers, and they all were excellent! Hats off to Dr. Goodwin-Clinkscale and her students for a job well done!

Tune into more on the Kinsey Collection ~ You won't want to miss it!

Smooches,
Carla

Know Thy Self = An old Egyptian Proverb

7 Continents:

Asia - 17,139,445 square miles, 44,391,162 square km

Africa - 11,677,239 square, miles, 30,244,049 square km
North America - 9,361,791 square miles, 24,247,039 square km

South America - 6,880,706 square miles, 17,821,029 km

Antarctica - 5,5000,000 square miles, 14,245,00 square km

Europe - 3,997,929 square miles, 10,354,636 square km

Australia - 2,967,909 square miles, 7,686,884 square km

Gong Hay Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year ~ The Year of the Dragon ~

2012-01-23T16:25:00.000-08:00

新年快樂2012年的圖像
Chinese New Year is the most important Holiday of all of the traditional Chinese Holidays! Check out the history at the Chinese Historical Society of America,
in San Francisco, CA. It's the Year of the Dragon! Happy New Year everyone!

Chinese Historical Society of America

There is so much going on in Beverly Hills, on Rodeo Drive, but please, take a moment to read about the richness of the Chinese culture from different perspectives, will you?

The Journal of African Civilizations

Chinesecharacteraday.com

I remember having vivid discussions regarding early Asia,
China specifically, with the late
Dr. Ivan Van Sertima, Professor at Rutgers University. We talked quite a bit about the African and Asian influence in science, mathematics, art, etc.
The book, "African Presence in Early Asia", by Dr. Ivan Van Sertima, co-edited by Runoko Rashidi is a must have in ones library.

Here in Southern California, I have to thank Dr. Adeline Yen Mah,
because I have the good fortune of learning how to speak Mandarin under her tutelage. During each course, we learn more and more about the richness of the Chinese Culture. Dr. Mah, has written a book entitled "China Land of Dragons and Emperors", which tells the story of the First Emperor of All China
259-210 BC - Qin Shi Huangdi [Ying Zheng]. The Qin Dynasty ~ The Qin Dynasty was supposed to last 10,000 generations.

Visit Archeology,org to see and learn more about China's First Emperor!
The book is very interesting, and I'd advise you to check it out... Please, do yourself a favor and download the book for free. Compliments of Dr. Adeline Yen Mah, at: ChineseCharacterADay.com

Click onto the link to see exactly how long the Qin Dynasty lasted... Enjoy the lesson, Darling!
Smooches,
Carla
(All photos are the sole property of their expressed owners and links are provided for all of the above)

Martin Luther King Jr.

2012-01-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

Dr. King Jr., We just want you to know that your life was not in vain.
You looked at the man in the mirror and set our to make a difference in this world - and you did. Happy Birthday to you - Stevie Wonder Style!

We celebrate progress in America due to the sacrifice that you and Reverend Abernathy and the many members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) have made during the civil rights movement of the 50's - 60's here in America; Making sure that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were put into place. Ensuring certain unalienable rights of all citizens of the USA. America is a place where no one should be treated like a second class citizen - especially in their own home.

We as a Nation shall continue to make strides in the name of freedom and civil liberty and justice for all in this beautiful place called America!

Love,
C
Photos: AP
Referrences: Andover Harvard Library, Wikipedia,
beverlyhillsbusinessexcellence.blogspot.com, article re-posted from 1.17.11

69th Annual Golden Globe Awards Winners

2012-01-16T00:45:00.000-08:00

Congratulations truly are in order for all of the
69th Annual HFPA Golden Globe Awards Winners!...One question -
What does Idris Elba, Brad Pitt, and George Clooney and Steven Spielberg have in common?
Swagger, Darling...
Hollywood Foreign Press Association has done an excellent job of covering entertainment for the past 69 years. Their Mission Statement:
"To establish favorable relations and cultural ties between foreign countries and the United States of America by the dissemination of information concerning the American culture, traditions as depicted in motion pictures and television through news media in foreign countries and to recognize outstanding achievements by conferring annual Awards of Merit,
(Golden Globe Awards) serving as a constant incentive within the entertainment industry, both domestic and foreign, and to focus wide public attention upon the best in motion pictures and television."

I say, job well done!

Ricky Gervais was right on spot with impeccable timing!

Sir Sidney Poitier and Helen Mirren presented Cecil B. De Mille Award to Morgan Freeman.

Morgan Freeman

Sir Sidney Poitier said that Freeman "invests the characters he plays with a third-dimensional aura."
Congratulations to Octavia Spencer for winning Best Performance in a Supporting Roll in a Motion Picture

Octavia Spencer

George Clooney

Kate Winslet

Idris Elba

Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt

Yes, The Beverly Hilton was the place to be last night! There were parties in every direction and
Old Hollywood would have been proud of the well dressed crowd...2012 is in full swing ~ Please join in, won't you?

Smooches, Carla

Video: JD Funari via YouTube| Photo Credit: Chris Pizzello/Associated Press - Octavia Spencer| All photos are the sole property of HFPA/ Golden Globe Awards| No intentional copy-write infringement. Please contact us if there are any issues with credits. Thank you!

69th Annual Golden Globe Awards

2012-01-15T17:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, Darling, it's that time of the year again!
The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards are happening ~ now ~ on NBC ~ 5pm PST, 8pm EST....tune in...Smooches, Carla

A Little Hidden Secret...

2012-01-07T01:24:00.000-08:00

There are so many new and wonderful things on the horizons in the City of Beverly Hills, and when I think about what is to come, I get so excited!
In the mean time, check out one of Beverly Hills/Holmby Hills/Bel Air hidden treasures -
The Frederick R.Weisman Art Foundation.
According to the late Frederick R.Weisman,

"When you are as fortunate as I have been, you have a responsibility to share with others."

Mr.Weisman was president of Hunts Foods(known as Val-Vita Foods)
Upon arriving at the Mediterranean Revival style villa/ museum, one will find, original Andy Warhol,
Picasso paintings and Dwayne Hanson Sculptures - just a few priceless artifacts to speak of.

I'm telling you, take your family there if you can... It's a wonderful way to spend quality time with family~ truly one of the many perfect things to do while in BH...

Current Exhibits:
"Force of Nature: Selections from the Frederick R. Weisman Foundation" now through
Jan 15, 2012.
"California Art: Selections from the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation" now through
Feb 21, 2012

Exhibits CURATED BY Billie Milam Weisman. | Tours are by appointment only please phone for details 310.277.5321|

So, hang on tight and know that good things are to come in 2012!

Smooches, Carla

Photo Panorama Weisman Collection and is the sole property of Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation

Happy New Year ~ The Best Is Yet To Come ~

2011-12-30T22:14:00.000-08:00

This New Years Eve, one might consider spending the next couple of days at
The Montage Beverly Hills.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America,
Chef Scott Conant's soulful seasonally inspired Italian restaurant, Scarpetta - it is the spot! Esquire magazine voted Scarpetta, "Best New Restaurant". You can catch Chef Scott Conant on two of my favorites - 24 Restaurant Battle and Chopped!

Scarpetta is fabulous ~ There is indoor and outdoor seating, with a lovely view of the Beverly Gardens.

Breakfast starts at 6:30 a.m to11:00 a.m.,

Lunch 11:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m., Dinner Monday - Thursday, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m,

Friday and Saturdays,

5:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., Sunday 6:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m. Sunday Brunch
is served from
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm ~

so you've got plenty of time to taste the splendor that is served up proper via
Scarpetta... Smooches, Carla

There is so much to see and do at the Montage Beverly Hills ~ the magnificent Spa Montage,
The Beverly Gardens, shopping and more..Check in a stay a while....

225 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310.860.7800

Chanel Haute Couture Spring Summer 2011 interview with Karl Lagerfeld

2011-12-21T23:32:00.000-08:00

Oh So Eloquent and Perfect for the Holidays! Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel Haute Couture ~

Smooches, C

Video by TheMarquisofFashion

Studiomusica USA And Jo Champa Presents: The GRAMMY Museum® Andrea Bocelli Foundation Fund Raising Gala Event ~ Dec 2011

2011-12-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Andrea Bocelli

It's very very rare that one gets an opportunity to listen and visit first hand, up close and personal to Andrea Bocelli, a man that uses his mellifluous voice to help heal the world with the quintessential ingredients; love and light.

Last evening, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Andrea Bocelli, Studiomusica USA in conjunction with the talented, beautiful ,Jo Champa, and The GRAMMY Museum® launched the Andrea Bocelli Foundation - and I mean it was on the ONE.
The evening flowed beautifully with everyone dressed to the NINES. Do you hear me? I mean, this event was truly a fine example of the essence of Beverly Hills, along with the beauty of what we know as classical Hollywood, oh yes!
It was such a wonderful example of Classic Opera with a modern twist.
The guest list read like a Who's Who in Hollywood.

The first surprise of the evening was when the incomparable American Icon,
Quincy Jones, received the very first Andrea Bocelli Foundation Award, and time piece that is priceless - a Girard-Perregaux Watch, and it was lovely!
(Quincy Jones was genuinely surprised and speechless)

Quincy Jones said positively wonderful things about when he first heard the voice of Andrea Bocelli and how much he enjoyed Andrea Bocelli's performance for the Quincy Jones Foundation, many years ago.
"You can really feel the love in the room this evening." Said, Quincy Jones, who also has a foundation that is literally a game changer in lots of children's lives globally.

Laura Biancalani, President of Andrea Bocelli Foundation. Your words were so heart felt and powerful.

David Foster, truly a truly multi-faced Author, producer, song writer and TV host - shown brilliantly!
When he accompanied Andrea Bocelli on the piano, I thought to myself, "This should have been recorded live and used on someones CD!" I'm just sayin...
Heather Headley's vocal range is so awesome and she looked fabulous~! We LOVE Chaka Khan and Natalie Cole, and was so happy to see them!

Speaking of fabulous, Camille Belle, Star of the film, "From Prada to Nada" looked oh so eloquent in her Oscar de la Renta Black dress with white tassels and Gucci heels. Rachel Wood was also gorgeous in her Black on white ensemble - simply impeccable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is working closely with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, working diligently to provide "Functions of vision to blind people, through technology, to help them live and work more independently." The multidisciplinary team includes seven researchers - five of whom are computer scientists who study machine perception (Seth Teller, Antonio Torralba), reasoning under uncertainty(Nick Roy), human-computer interaction (Rob Miller), and speech recognition (Jim Glass)
Mechanical engineer(Carol Livermore) who designs intricate micro-electromechanical devises that may someday serve as touch displays for the blind. Neuroscientist (Aude Oliva) studies how human brains process visual and spatial information. Deep! Seth Teller, Antonio Torralba, Carol Livermore, Jim Glass, Nick Roy, Rob Miller - hats off to your team at MIT, making things happen!

Carlo Bernini, is The MAN - You ROCK! Ana Maria Martinez ~ Fabulous!
Marco Marchesi and his staff at of Studiomusica USA ~ Amazing!
Mimi Makabi, Editor and Chief, Celebrity Society Magazine ~ Wonderful, Thank you!

"I strongly believe that love does justice. And it is for this simple reason that we are all responsible for building a better world. Since love energizes faith, the opposite must also be true. The amazing lives we have been gifted, offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give the less fortunate a better future and opportunities. " Says, Andrea Bocelli. My sentiments exactly. Smooches, C

All photos are the sole property of The Grammy Museum®, Andrea Bocelli Foundation. Thank you, Mimi Makabi!

Rodeo Drive Wishes All Happy Holidays!

2011-12-08T11:01:00.001-08:00

Swarovski Crystal Element on Rodeo Drive

The City of Beverly Hills and the
Rodeo Drive Committee have done it again!
Oh you simply must have a look-see ~ Rodeo Drive Committee's Swarovski Element ~

It is so beautiful and literally covered in Sparkles, Darling! Come grab a spot and shop ~ For more ideas, click on to the CVBs website - LOVEBEVERLYHILLS.COM

Happy Holidays to you and yours,
Smooches, C

Thankfulness

2011-11-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

Will Rogers Park, BH, CA

It is Thanksgiving Day here in America, and there is so much that we all globally can be thankful for.

On this day, I ask that we all take a moment and list 3 things that we are thankful for. Gratitude goes a long way! Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day, America!
Smooches, Carla

Land Rover | Jaguar | LA Auto Show 2011

2011-11-18T11:06:00.001-08:00

Land Rover Design Team

As far back as I can remember, I've always loved cars.
Now, to me, the Whips(Autos) that are captured in these photos are what driving up the Coast to
San Francisco, via Pacific Coast Hwy(PCH),
and down the PCH to San Diego, is, well, how it should be done, Honey.

Go big, or stay home...

Rodeo Drive was all a glow with the Land Rovers neatly parked bumper to bumper, all around Via Rodeo, and Darling, Lena Cole Dennis and I had a blast! The evening was lovely! Land Rover | Jaguar had a Red Carpet Event, closing off the entire area, restaurants and all, for the opportunity of VIP Clients to view, sit and touch the latest Land Rover and Jaguar Concepts, a few days before the public gets a chance to do the same at the much anticipated
LA Auto Show, which opened today (Nov 18 - 27, 2011).

Jaguar XKR-S Convertible, Baby...So sleek and so smooth until it ought to have its own back up singers....

Richard, Design Team Member, Land Rover
Defender- DC 100 Sport
& Carla Thomas Nov 2011

When I saw this yellow Land Rover's DC 100, I thought, "Look at this beautiful Surf & Turf vehicle! (see yellow dream of driving to the beach vehicle)
I chatted it up a bit with Richard, of Land Rover UK, and he agreed. But for the record, Richard Woolley, Studio Director for Advance Designs at Land Rover said, "The Defender has been around for 63 years.
It doesn't belong to Land Rover, it belongs to the World."
Okay? Smooches, C

The Jaguar XKR- S, Defender DC 100 and Defender DC 100 Sports (Powder Blue) concepts are on display for all to experience - now.

Do yourself a favor and get on over and see with your own eyes, more than 50 Debuts of Whips(Autos)
on display: LA Auto Show | 1201 S. Figueroa Street, LA, CA 90015| Hours and Admissions: $8:00 - $12.00 | Sat 9am - 10pm, Sun 9am - 8pm, M-T-W 11am - 10pm, Turkey Day 9am-8pm, Fri-Sat 9am - 10pm, Sun 9am - 8pm

2011 Governors Awards ~ Congratulations Oprah Winfrey, James Earl Jones and Dick Smith!

2011-11-13T12:42:00.001-08:00

Congratulations are in order to the 2011 Governors Awards recipients, James Earl Jones, Dick Smith and Oprah Winfrey!

Honey, the Force was with James Earl Jones a.k.a. Darth Vader!
Mr Jones is currently starring live on stage at at the London Wyndhams Theater in the play "Driving Miss Daisy" with
Vanessa Redgrave - Oh, I love me some Vanessa Redgrave. Okay, let me stay focused!

Mr. Jones, who is 80 years old, teaches us all that one can continue loving the arts, being very disciplined, participating rigorously, proving the theory that one can do what they wish if they put their mind to it - no matter what age. Hats off to you, James Earl Jones - you are amazing!

Well, apparently Sir Ben Kingsley popped in for a visit at the London Wyndhams Theater, and presented James Earl Jones with his Honorary Oscar. When asked his thoughts on his prestigious award, Mr. Jones sincerely said " I am deeply honored, mighty grateful and just plain gobsmacked." - how fabulous is that?

Dick Smith, Makeup Artist Extraordinaire, can truly beat a face into submission! Dick Smith puts the drama in every facial expression that Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) made in the film, "Godfather"
(1971, and "Godfather Part II" in 1973). How about that wild child running wild, in that dark movie
"The Exorcist" (1973)?
Dick Smith made Willy Clark (Walter Matthau) look old as Methuselah (Biblical character that lived to be 969 years old) in the film, "The Sunshine Boys"(1975). Who can forget how fine Sandman Williams (Gregory Hines) and Dixie Dwyer (Richard Gere), Vera Cicero (Diane Lane), Lila Rose Silver
(Lonette McKee ) to name a few characters in the film, "The Cotton Club (1984)! I could go on and on!

Oprah Winfrey - Congratulations on receiving the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award!
God's thoughts are not our thoughts - HE is way ahead of us! Oprah got an Oscar for loving people. How great is that?!
Do you know how long we've been rooting for you?
John Travolta said, " The Academy got it right" when it chose the media mogul to receive the
Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, calling her "the most wonderful person in the world, the most magical person in the world and the most powerful person in the world."

What is so amazing about Oprah is that she kept in mind the fact that there is so much work to do in this world. We can make a difference starting from right where we are - today.

We are familiar with the Ancient Chinese Proverb - "Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime." (6th-5th BCE Chinese philosopher, 老子 Lǎozǐ or Lao Tzu 道德經)
This is what Oprah Winfrey, via her actions - not words - but actions, have proven - knowing in her spirit that she is "her brother's keeper." If a child in America, Africa, Asia - anywhere in this world, is going to bed each night Mother-less, Father-less, disease ridden, and hungry, then that should concern us all.

There are several ways that we can help make this place a better place, and Oprah has provided food, clothing and shelter, along with better opportunities for our youth via education. By providing scholarships for so many children - 65,000, to be exact, Oprah has and will continue to be an "Architect of Change" - Thus proving that one can be a blessing to so many people, making a difference in this world - Now.

Smooches, Carla
All photos are the sole property of The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and or Oprah.com.

On a Thursday....

2011-11-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

It's very very cloudy in Beverly Hills this morning, but for some reason, it is warm. Yep. It is 74°F | °C and the day was promised to be Sunny. Oh well, things could be worse, huh? Well,
I guess it would be time for all to head for a nice spot in the city that feels like ....home...The Paley Center For Media -
I know that's where I'll be today..I'll tell you all about it later..Smooches, Carla

The Brotherhood Crusade Pioneer Awards Ceremony 2011 Honors Attorney General Kamala Harris ~

2011-11-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

Attorney General Kamala Harris
You want to talk about an outstanding Pioneer? On January 3, 2011, Kamala D. Harris was sworn in as the 32nd Attorney General.
Last evening, the Brotherhood Crusade honored Attorney General Kamala Harris at the Brotherhood Crusade
Annual Award Ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, in Beverly Hills, CA.
The Brotherhood Crusade (originally known as the Black Congress), founded in 1968, by the late Walter Bremond, and institutionalized by Danny Bakewell Sr., and we must add Berry Gordy, who's been there from the beginning - hats off to you gentlemen!

Founded in South Los Angeles, with the seed money ($15,000.00) that was gathered, the facts are the
Brotherhood Crusade has mainly been
"Focusing on building and sustaining an institution that raises funds and resources from in the community and distributes the funds directly back into the community."

For the past 42 years the 5O1c(3) organization has had made a tremendous impact on thousands of youths who have be involved in the various programs, such as Soccer Program For Youth (free for ages 6-18, uniforms, equipment and healthy snacks provided) and G.R.Y.D. Program (Gang Reduction & Youth Development) at no cost. Keep in mind this is for the community, and they rely on contributions for those who wish to start doing something to make a difference, okay? Now, back to what I was saying...

Mr. Bremond, and Danny Bakewell, secured every stepping stone, every building block and took pride in the organization and through their resources made the foundation expand and grow. Charisse Bremond-Weaver is now at the helms of the organization and running it beautifully. She has a team that backs her 100% and though they all have different titles and duties, they all work together as a conscious team to make this world a better place, starting with their community, and that is truly a beautiful thing!

Charisse Bremond-Weaver - President

Re-cap of the evening:
Reverend Carolyn Tyler Guidry opened up the evening with a beautiful heartfelt, thoughtful prayer. Then the two MCs - Chris Shauble of KTLAs Co- Anchor of the Morning News, along with Pat Prescott of 94.7 the Wave, kept us all thourally engaged the entire evening! Danny Bakewell so eloquently saluted those who dedicated worked tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for African Americans, mentioning Berry Gordy and his better half - who looks fit and fabulous -
Mr. George Beubian(Posthumous), Ms. Bertha Bremond, Mr. Cliff McClain, Mr. R.J. "Dave" Davidson, Mr. Karl Key Hemima, Dr. George McKenna, III, Bishop H. Hartford Brookins, Ms. Lillian Mobley(Posthumous)What a lovely surprise to see Wendy Raquel Robinson's Amazing Grace Conservatory danced through the aisles, and took the stage - they ROCKED IT!
Those Young, Gifted and Black children could sing and dance!

Will Downing got up on that stage and had women and men standing up and rocking to his mellifluous voice! Will Downing sang "I Go Crazy", Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On?", Angela Bofill's " I Try". Pick up Will's cds "After Tonight" and "God is Amazing" - you will be glad you did!
Ginger Campbell of Snap Productions, you've done it again! You are an amazing woman and Snap Productions did the darn thing! Pamela Johnson - great job!

There is more to come regarding this fabulous event!...Smooches, Carla

World Fashion Week Welcoming Gala ~ NYC 11.11.11

2011-11-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

There is truly so much to see and do and to learn in the fashion industry. Oh, but between you and I, fashion is forever! This video comes our way via my friend, the beautiful, fabulous multi-talented Actress, Model and all around Glamour Girl - Fumi Desalu-Vold, in Oslo, Norway!
Check out what's to come our way~ via New York City on 11.11.11
Smooches, Carla

Dolce & Gabbana | Spring Summer 2012 Full Fashion Show | Exclusive

2011-10-17T00:11:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, Dolce & Gabbana ROCKED it for the Spring 2012 Fashion Show!
~ I loved every minute of it! You agree? Then I'd advise you and your significant other to hop in your whip and head on over to Dolce &Gabbana on Rodeo Drive - 317 N. Rodeo Drive to be exact, and give Jose losts of hugs and kisses for me ~ and you, Darling!

Smooches,

Carla

(Dolce & Gabbana ~ 317 N. Rodeo Drive, BH, CA 90210. 310.278.5500
I'd like to thank McKenny Hall for keeping the Diva in the know!)

Affaire in the Gardens Art Show 2011

2011-10-14T18:29:00.000-07:00

The Affaire in the Gardens Art Show is a fabulous venue that is held twice a year, usually during the spring and the fall. Remember, we "Spring" forward and "Fall"' Backwards. This fall, come on over to the
Fall Affaire in the Gardens Art Show!

Members of the Fine Art Commission Representatives will be available to discuss the art that one views daily as you walk through the streets if Beverly Hills, or drive. Why don't you and your family put on some comfortable shoes and walk or drive on over to the Bi-Annual Affaire in the Gardens - I'll be visiting Buena Johnson's booth first! - Booth # 150, on the corner of Beverly Drive and Santa Monica - hope to see you there!

Event: Affaire in the Gardens Art Show - Saturday and Sunday, October 15th & 16th, 2011 -

10:00am - 5:00pm For additional info: 310.285.6836

Smooches, Carla

OWN: Lifelesson # 5 Joy Rising!

2011-10-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

It's Friday and so many people are running around getting ready for the weekend! Great!
Just wait one moment. This evening, we all need to have our laptops, pcs, tvs etc. tuned into this evening's OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and watch Oprah and her guests, tell us a little somethin' somethin' about the need to have J-O-Y in our lives, on a daily bases. Do yourself a favor and take a moment to sit back, listen and learn. Oprah's Life Classes are no joke. They are truly meant to help all of us get around to realizing that this thing called life is so worth living and sometimes we need a little reminder. Take it from Oprah - Joy is Rising!
Smooches, Carla

OWN: Lifelesson # 4 - The Truth Will Set You Free

2011-10-13T04:05:00.000-07:00

GO TO: OWN: 8/7c and chat LIVE with Oprah 9/8c

In life we have many options. The point is, are you a leader or are you a follower? If you are a leader, then perhaps some might say that you are a bit like the late Steve Jobs, one of the founders of Microsoft that danced to the beat of his own drum. I can feel that. Oprah Winfrey is also a leader. From what I have observed over the years of watching her on television, she has grown leaps and bounds and seems to want to learn as much as possible and then share it with others. Today, on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, she is sharing # 4 in a series of what she calls Lifelessons. Yes, lessons that one can listen and learn and adapt new behaviors in order to make this journey through life a more enjoyable journey - drop those bags and keep it moving! Why? Because life is too short not to, Honey! Smooches, C

Oprah wants you to get the point - ASAP

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network: You Become What You Believe~ Lifelesson # 3

2011-10-12T05:07:00.000-07:00

Go to OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network on Facebook and Chat Live

When you know better, you do better!
For the next 3 sessions, Oprah really gets down to the nitty-gritty!
"Oprah talks about the importance of having faith in yourself. She interviews former guests Jim Carrey, J.K. Rowling, Ralph Lauren and others about the nature of our beliefs and how they affect what we can achieve."
Read more: http://www.oprah.com/oprahs-lifeclass/Lesson-3-You-Become-What-You-Believe-Video#ixzz1aZJE826s

Smooches, Carla

OWN: Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Iyanla Vanzant Discuss "Letting Go Of Anger"

2011-10-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

Have you all ever heard of that saying, "That woman/man has true Mother Wit". Well, the two women that are sitting down to discuss the topic, "Letting Go of Anger" have plenty of Mother Wit and common sense. You'd better pull up a chair and learn something Honey~

This evening, Dr. Iyanla Vanzant and OprahWinfrey are going to discuss something that resonates with so many - "Letting Go Of Anger". This is truly a "Hot Buttons" topic, what with everyone around the globe on edge with regards to family, finances, etc.
So Sugar Lump, do yourself - and others around you a favor and make sure to tune in tonight - OWN to Oprah's Lifeclass!

http://static.oprah.com/images/own/2011/lifeclass/OLC-email-092911-01c.jpg

Smooches, Carla

Rolls Royce Limited Edition Bijan Phantom, Darling...

2011-10-06T01:10:00.000-07:00

In 1973, Iranian born Bijan Pakzad (Persian: بیژن پاکزاد) migrated to the United States. In 1976, Bijan , opened up his appointment only menswear clothing boutique on Rodeo Drive. Bijan, also known as Bigian clothing designer for men, brought with him eloquence, style, grace and outstanding first class service, to a town that has appreciated him ever since.

After all, to Bijan, the globe was his home; Although he spent the vast majority of his time at home in the City of Beverly Hills, Bijan an International Celebrity, also had residences in New York, Malibu, Milan, Florence, and was always welcomed to his native home, Iran.

You see, Bijan realized that one can shop anywhere.The question is, "Where can one shop where they get first class clothing, first class service and a personal thank you note from the man that created the world of Bijan?" Well, ask some of his clients - Beverly Hills Mayor Jimmy Delshad, Tony Blair, Jay Leno, Giorgio Armani, Michael Jordan, Shahram Nazeri, and not to mention the late U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

Tomorrow, Rodeo Drive will be filled with so many people wanting to get a glimpse at the new limited edition Rolls Royce Bijan Phantom.

While managing the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, what I remember most about Bijan, having met him on several occasions, and participating in him being the key note speaker at our Beverly Hills Business Excellence Ceremony - it was how much he loved people and how truly kind and excited he was about
L-I-F-E - showing thankfulness and gratitude for the things money can't buy - the love of family and good friends.

Beverly Hills misses you, Bijan, but your legacy will live on forever~

Smooches, Carla

Paley Center for Media ~ An Evening With Florence Henderson

2011-10-04T02:42:00.000-07:00

Florence Henderson ~ In Person ~ Oct 4, 2011

Everytime that I see Florence Henderson,

I can't help but think of "The Brady Bunch".

During the 70's it seems like everyone that I knew, watched that show!

(9/1969- 3/1974, ABC and was then syndicated internationally)

Spend an evening with Florence Henderson at the

Paley Center For Media. Tuesday, Oct 4, 2011, 7:00pm.

Florence will discuss her new TV show and share with everyone, her latest book, "Life Is Not a Stage ~

From Broadway Baby to a Lovely Lady and Beyond".

Address: 465 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Please visit the Paley Center for Media's website. Cost: $15.00 (members) $20.00 (general public)

Hope to see you there!

Smooches, Carla

Serendipity Films, Inc., Present ~ 'Soiree with Angels' Charity Event ~ Sunday, Oct 2, 2011

2011-10-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

When I look at the artistry of Giorgio Tuscani and Davood Roostaei, it takes me to a place that you've visited as well - Washington DC, Italy, France, Germany.

Davood Roostaei, is a native son of Iran, An international Artist
that paints with his fingers - no paint brushes - his fingers. If one is fortunate to see an Artist, such as Davood Roostaei, take a blank canvas and create visions that are in his heart and soul, visions of places that are all apart of this place we call home, this globe, then count yourself amongst those who have met the

King of Cryptorealism.

Angels. Love. Peace. These are just a few nouns that aptly describe the man that is the

International Artist,
Giorgio Tuscani. Giorgio was born in Verona, Italy and raised in the United States. Giorgio's
heart is so full of love - even the Angels visit him in his dreams!

These two Artists are joining forces and will be featured this evening at Serendipity Films, Inc.,

'Soiree with Angels' Event, in Studio City, CA.

Film Composer, Deddy Tsur as well as Top Chef Fabio Viviani, are gathering together for the sake of the children.

There are two outstanding non-profit organizations that are being supported by this evening's
'Soiree with Angels' Black Tie Charity Event:

Youth Service America (www.ysa.org)

and

Kids in the Spotlight (www.kidsinthespotlight.org)

Youth Service America, Steven A.Culbertson, CEO says,

"The children are out Present".

Kids in the Spolight, Inc., Marilyn Beaubien, CEO and Audrey Brooks, Cynthia Stafford and Sharon Hogg, are all an integral part of Kid in the Spotlight, and are recipients of the love and support of Serendipity Films, Inc. and Shahrzad Amirsadeghi,

If you wish to support either organization - or both - please visit their websites.

Love & light, Carla

Serendipity Films, Inc., "Soiree with Angels" Charity Event, Sunday, Oct 2, 2011

2011-10-01T03:45:00.000-07:00

Serendipity Films, Inc. & Shahrzad Amirsadeghi Present, 'Soiree with Angels' Charity Event, First of 12 Worldwide, featuring Artists Giorgio Tuscani & Davood Roostaei, who will create live art with proceeds going to Youth Service America & Kids in the Spotlight, Inc., Children's Charities.

Oh my goodness, just thinking about sitting down and watching Deddy Tzur perform live, makes me sooooo happy! And I swear that Deddy must have been born with a treble clef and base notes in his hands. When one gets an opportunity to sit down and listen to one of the most prolific music composers of our century, one mustn't miss it - I know I won't!
Having said that, I am so glad that today is Saturday and tomorrow is Deddy Tzur Day ( in my book...)

Enjoy your weekend!
Smooches, Carla

50th Anniversary Tribute to the Temptations ~ Beverly Hills Hotel ~ Beverly Hills, CA

2011-09-25T23:50:00.000-07:00

All that were in attendance at the 22nd Annual HAL Awards Ceremony this evening, enjoyed the Mistress of Ceremonies, JoMarie Payton, who did a wonderful job! This evening's presenters were:
Claudette Robinson, Narada Michael Walden, Shelly Berger, Miller London, Lenny Williams, James Avery, Brandy Norwood, Ray J Norwood and Jon Platt.

Mimi Makabi,Editor in Chief of Celebrity Society Magazine, Rosie Pearson and I had a blast! It was good to see Jackie Jackson as well as so many other Motown Alumni. Claudette Robinson looked fabulous in her fire engine red dress. Frieda Payne looked beautiful in her evening sky blue dress and
Ms. Marla Gibbs looked lovely as ever in her red out fit as well. Grammy Award winning writer, producer, Preston Glass was in the house as well.

One could feel the positive energy in the air. Just knowing that the Temptations were about to take the stage was enough for several people not to ever sit back down again. Oh, yes, so many people were up doing - you guessed it - the Temptation Walk! So, as the Temptations took the stage and sang a song or two for us, we rocked and rolled to the Motown sounds...

Berry Gordy jaunted up to the stage like a swift Jaguar. Berry Gordy was refreshingly down to earth, reflecting on how it was in the early days of his career, guiding others to greatness, " I can honestly remember Otis Williams always keeping in mind - and practiced over the 50 years - " The sum is always greater than its parts". Berry Gordy also stated that the music industry is not an easy feat. Mr. Gordy goes on to say, "Believe me, at times, I didn't know where I was going." But the team that had been established, stuck by him. Otis Williams called Motown their own version of "Camelot". Motown is our family.
Our home.

Ms. Bradford, Founder/ CEO of the HAL Awards Foundation, a 501(c)(3), is truly all about taking care of the children. Regardless if you are a child from a broken home - it doesn't mean that your fate is sealed.
Ms. Bradford makes sure to place our youth on a path that leads to success. How? By making sure that these young boys and girls have the opportunity to receive a proper education with scholarships from various organizations that all come together under one roof - The House that Ms. Bradford's annual HAL Awards Silent Auction and Dinner built.

This year's honorees were:
Ray Parker Jr. - Outstanding Achievement In Music
Sonja Norwood - Cornerstone Award
Jay Brown - Triumph Award
Bobby Womack - Legacy Award
The Temptations - Icon Award

According to Ms. Bradford,
" We are the people; the soul of this country. We are the individual; the freedom of this country. We are the fiber; the love of this country. We are the spirit the strength of this country. We are the privileged, the tried, the proven. We are the United States....united we stand!"

Thank you, Debra Burly for making this happen for me - and Errolyn Meadoux. You two ROCK!

HAL Awards Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) - 310.274.1609 See how you can help...

Smooches,
Carla

Davood Roostaei's Passion

2011-09-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

It is exciting to get an opportunity to work with World

renown Artist, such as Giorgio Tuscani and Political Activist, Davood Roostaei. Better known in Europe as Dr. Davood Roostaei.
I watched the clip produced by
Serendipity Films Inc., entitled, "King of Cryptorealism", and got a chance to learn how and why
Davood Roostaei's life is so delicately entertwined within each piece of Artwork that he creates.
We all realize that time is our most precious commodity, and for Davood Roostaei to take the time to do such passionate works on canvas that evokes emotion - it is priceless!
Sunday, Oct 2, 2011, at a private estate in Studio City, CA., Davood Roostaei and Giorgio Tuscani will spend an evening with a group of individuals who will actually witness first hand, the true essence of what it means to paint with passion from the heart. Both men bring two totally different styles of painting together on canvas. They will perform live at Serendipity Films, INCs., Charity Event entitled, " Soiree with Angels" - where the idea of helping others becomes a way of life for all of those who choose to "make this world a better place" for the children. Kids in the Spotlight and Youth Service America will be the two non-profit organizations that benefit from a place where the heart meets the mind and the soul then reaches out to spread love.
Smooches, Carla

Giorgio Tuscani ~ The Essence of Love

2011-09-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

On Oct 2, 2011, Giorgio Tuscani will unveil new pieces
of his magnificent oil on Canvas artwork at the first of 12
Charitable Events taking place globally.
Presented by Serendipity Films, INC.

"Soiree with Angels" will be a moment in time that we
will not forget...
Giorgio Tuscani is ~ The essence of love...

"You have stolen my Heart...frozen I will be until you
return to me.
A thousand winters may have besieged my body and
held it prisoner... frozen from movement
Yet, my Heart began to beat with the passion of Love

that burns hotter than fire
when an Angel whispered in my ear
that Love...

Love shall return
while another kissed my brow
and caressed my cheek
where so many tears had fallen."
Poetry and Oil on canvas By the amazing ~ Giorgio Tuscani

Stay tuned for more....Smooches, Carla

The Primetime Emmy® Awards ~ Setting the Pace

2011-09-17T23:50:00.000-07:00

The Primetime Emmy® Awards is less than 24 hours away - yayThe 63rd Annual Emmy® Awards is less than 17 hours away, and Beverly Hills is just bustling with people from all over the Globe...Glorious, I tell you!

Here are the 2011 picks:
Drama series: "Boardwalk Empire"; "The Good Wife"; "Mad Men"; "Friday Night Lights"; "Dexter"; "Game of Thrones."
Outstanding actor in a drama series: Steve Buscemi, "Boardwalk Empire"; Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"; Kyle Chandler, "Friday Night Lights"; Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"; Hugh Laurie, "House"; Timothy Olyphant, "Justified."

Outstanding actress in a drama series: Elisabeth Moss, "Mad Men"; Connie Britton, "Friday Night Lights"; Mariska Hargitay, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"; Mireille Enos, "The Killing"; Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife."
Comedy series: "Glee"; "Parks and Recreation"; "The Office"; "Modern Family"; "30 Rock"; "The Big Bang Theory."
Outstanding actor in a comedy series: Matt LeBlanc, "Episodes"; Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory"; Steve Carell, "The Office"; Johnny Galecki, "The Big Bang Theory"; Louis C.K., "Louie"; Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock."
Outstanding actress in a comedy series: Laura Linney, "The Big C"; Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie"; Amy Poehler, "Parks and Recreation"; Melissa McCarthy, "Mike & Molly"; Martha Plimpton, "Raising Hope"; Tina Fey, "30 Rock."
Outstanding variety, music or comedy series: "The Colbert Report"; "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon"; "Saturday Night Live"; "Conan"; "Real Time with Bill Maher"; "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart."

Reality competition program: "The Amazing Race"; "American Idol"; "Dancing With the Stars"; "Project Runway"; "Top Chef."

Miniseries or movie: "Cinema Verité"; "Downton Abbey"; "The Kennedys"; "Mildred Pierce"; "The Pillars of Earth"; "Too Big to Fail."

This is going to be an awesome Emmy Awards ceremony.... I can just feel it!

Smooches,

Carla

63rd Annual Emmy® Awards

Summertime And The Living Is Easy...

2011-09-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

It puts a smile on my face when I get up in the morning and walk on over to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in the 400th block of Beverly Drive, or stop on over @ Il Fornaio Bakery for a delicious latte and pecan roll, or fresh fruit and a croissant or even better a full breakfast. The mornings are so peaceful and the people are so friendly - yes, even at dark-thirty in the morning... Beverly Hills is a great place to visit and to live. Please take a moment and get out of your daily routine and come on over and sit for a minute. Just a little while. Sit. Sip and smile for a while....You won't regret it....
Smooches, Carla

Fashion's Night Out - Rodeo Drive, September 2011

2011-09-08T23:48:00.000-07:00

Who could imagine a Ferris Wheel on Wilshire Blvd and Rodeo Drive? Well, who else but the imaginative people on the Rodeo Drive Committee!
If one can dream it, they can make it happen - I'm not kidding!

Lana Leazer and I pulled up to Rodeo made our first stop at Valentinos to see what they were up to. You guessed it - as Kimora Lee Simmons (who was hosting the Fred Segal Fashion's Night Out Event) says, "Fabulosity!"
Then off to GEARYS Beverly Hills to look at the latest and the greatest in Fine jewelry. Danny Chan and John were doing their thing proper on Rodeo Drive (Rolex seem to be the "new hotness" craze again. Believe me, when you have one of these items on your wrist, and your gold, pearl and diamond necklace - you are UN-stoppable!) Remember, fashion history repeats itself. One just has to go on over to the GEARYS Beverly Hills store on Beverly Drive and stop in to say "Hi" to Beverly Moore and the store manager, Fran Matheus, and pick up the latest must haves in Crystal, China, Silver - did I mention fine jewelery? They have that too! - Stop in and pick up a Bauble, and a watch or two for you and your better half...
Randal Soto, who was impeccable dressed, and his staff at Harry Winston were so delightful! Randy just got promoted to Vice President, US Retail - GO RANDY!
By then, we were famished and there were so many delicious options out there to grab a nosh, but uh oh, wait a minute! We headed for McCormick and Schmick's, Honey Child.
Then we couldn't resist peaking into Tiffany's and Porsche Design. The store manager of Porsche Design, Kevin and Giancarlo Incalza, always has a crowd in the store, and all eager to purchase all that Porsche has to offer - but of course!
Just up the road, we ran into Jim Jahant, General Manager of Brooks Brothers, and he looks fabulous!
Can I just say that Rodeo Drive was oh so crowded with people from all over the GLOBE! Great places to shop: Roberto Cavalli, Breuget, Chanel, Dolce & Gabana, GUCCI, YSL, Valentino, Versace, David Orgell and oh so many more! Missed you TJB...

Smooches, Carla

3rd Anniversary of Fashion's Night Out - Beverly Hills 2011

2011-09-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

When VOGUE Magazine, NYC and Beverly Hills get together for a party, you can best believe that it will be fabulous!

This evening, Fashion's NIGHT OUT will continue on Rodeo Drive.

The Ferris Wheel, Food trucks and oh so many other wonderful things will be happening up and down Rodeo Drive!

I'll tell you all about it! Here's a peak at what happened last year at Fashion's Night Out 2010 - enjoy! Smooches, Carla

An Evening With the Mayor, Held at The Historic Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills

2011-08-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

The Honorable Berry Brucker delivered the Mayor's formal State of the City address, at the beautiful historic Greystone Mansion. The weather was a perfect 80°/ 66°°F°C.

Oh, the sky was so blue and there were these beautiful fluffy white clouds sprinkled intermittently, with the sun shining so warm, gently kissing our faces, leaving everyone with a sense of being in the right place at the right time.

The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce had plenty of Ambassadors and Staff members on hand, as well as Mayor Brucker and his lovely wife and daughter, greeting everyone and making sure that everyone felt at home, and knew that this was about the community.

After Mayor Brucker's State of the City address, which covered the overall success of the City of Beverly Hills(BH), and the need for the residents of BH, as well as the businesses, to support the leadership of BH.

To name a few of the topics that Mayor Brucker covered; the current trends of the tourists that visit the City of Beverly Hills and the steady hotel occupancy rate, the fine dining experience that people from all over the Globe are chatting about, the beautiful Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts that is currently under construction.

Mayor Brucker also discussed the never ending dilemma of time limits on parking at the various lots (currently the City of Beverly Hills has 2 hours of free parking throughout the City) located North and South of Wilshire Blvd. Lord, I cannot tell you how many times Tom Blumenthal, CEO of GEARYS Beverly Hills, and I have debated (parking in Beverly Hills) this topic over the years!

During the Q & A that followed the State of the City address, there were a few people that had questions for Mayor Brucker, and made statements regarding what the City of Beverly Hills truly needs. Barbara Larzaroff, Co-Founder of Spago Beverly Hills, looking oh so eloquent and beautiful, used the short tale written by Hans Christian Andersen - "The Emperor's New Clothes" - as an example to bring home a very poignant fact; the owners of the properties in BH, who for what ever reason, no longer have clients leasing their properties, where it is quite obvious that these various stores have closed, need to step up their game and at least dress up the store front windows so that tourist don't see such abandoned looking properties as they walk through the City of Beverly Hills. Good point, Barbara Lazaroff!..

It is truly a place that one should visit in a lifetime. If you haven't had a chance to visit Greystone Mansion - what's stopping you? We all welcome you!
Greystone Mansion - 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills 90210

Smooches, Carla
P.S. Thank you, TJB!

sidebar| Adjacent to CUT|

2011-07-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills (A Four Seasons Hotel)
The BLVD Blvd Lounge ~ Sitting right on the intersection of Wilshire Blvd and Rodeo Drive, this is the location of people who are the architects of past present and future deals that make the fashion and entertainment world go round and round, my Dear...

Located in the Wilshire Wing
breakfast 6:00am-11:00am lunch 11:30am - 5:00pm
dinner 5:00pm - 11:00pm ~ 310.275.5200
The bar is open Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 1:00 am;
Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:00 am.

CUT
When I tell you that the food and the atmosphere is will make you want to stay forever, I'm not kidding! This is a class above the rest, Honey Child. Wolf Gang Puck has raised the definition and the expectation of Surf & Turf to another level, Okay?
M - Thurs 5:30pm - 10:00pm, Fri - Sat 5:30pm - 10:30pm
310.275.5200

BLVD Lounge
Just visualize yourself stopping in to the Blvd Lounge, with an illuminated onyx 18-foot (5.5metre) bar, lush couches and an oh so familiar place to visit frequently.
Live Jazz is happening M/W/F ~
open 11:00am - midnight every day
310.275.5200

Smooches,
Carla

Forest Whitaker's OWN Documentary - Serving Life

2011-07-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

Fauna Hodel and I arrived early at the Paley Center for Media last evening for the debut of Academy Award®-winner Forest Whitaker's documentary entitled:
Serving Life - the first documentary produced by the incomparable, multi-faceted team at the Oprah Winfrey Network -a division of the OWN DOCUMENTARY CLUB.

Serving Life is a documentary that is filmed at the Louisiana State Penitentiary - Louisiana's maximum security prison at Angola, - where the average sentence is more than 90 years. Warden Burl Cain makes the viewer examine a new phenomena; a penitentiary with an in-house Hospice ( hos·pice/ˈhäspis/Noun - A home providing care for the sick, especially the terminally ill.) that actually trains the inmates to care for the sick.

There are several questions that crossed the minds of so many people watching the documentary. Questions like, can a Hospice operated by fellow inmates really assist those who are dying, find peace and comfort in the arms of fellow convicts? Is there a chance in hell that those who have committed heinous crimes actually feel compassion for their fellow inmates who are terminally ill? Do these men deserve to die surrounded by people who care about them, with dignity, when they've caused others in society so much hurt and pain? Ain't that the hurt?

Suddenly, it occurred to me that so many of people in our society have chosen to ignore an entire segment of people walking this earth, breathing the same air that we breath, living under the same sun and moon that we all live under.

Clearly there is a subculture within our culture that have family in prison and they visit their family members that are incarcerated for life. This is real.

Lord Have Mercy! While I watched the film, tears started streaming down my face for two reasons; I cried for those who's lives were altered because of choices that were made by family members who are incarcerated, especially the children. I also shed tears for those families who've lost family members at the hands of those who made bad choices - choices that altered the fate of all of those concerned.

Tune in on Thursday, July 28th at 9/8c for the OWN Documentary Club debut of Serving Life

Peace, C

Beverly Hills Celebrates Getty Paris: Life & Luxury Exhibit

2011-06-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, Darling, this summer shall be a summer to remember!
Just think - While one is visiting Southern, CA or living in the sunshine, there are so many places one can take the family to visit. Two of my top picks are - J. Paul Getty Museum in LA,
and The Paley Center For Media.
Being a Francophile, I was delighted to discover that the J. Paul Getty Museum currently has an exhibit on 18th Century Paris, France.

While doing research for another project in Paris, France, I took the time to visit as many museums and Art Galleries as possible, soaking up the opulence and beauty of the Architecture, Music and Fine Dining. The Louvre stole my heart - and yours, I'm quite sure!

Brief Historical Perspective
During the 18th Century in France, Louis XIV gave France carte blanche - in European culture.
1723-1774 - French excelled in Architecture, Entertainment (Games) Music, Politics (The Paris Peace treaty of 1763)
Charissa Bremer-David, curator of the sculpture and decorative arts at the Getty Museum and exhibition's co-curator, said, “Games in the 18th century were played on all levels of society, for all different reasons and age groups."

Gloaters were not welcome.

“You were not meant to show your base emotions of greed or anger at losing or winning,” says Charissa Bremmer-David.

"Pourquoi?" One might ask.
“Etiquette manuals of the day were very specific in this instruction.”

"Squaring debts was a matter of honor; you settled your gaming debts first, before you paid your tailor or servants.”

Stop by the Getty Museum Store and discover all of the interesting items that relate to Paris, France. There's also a book with the same exact title as the Exhibit,
"Paris: Life & Luxury In the 18th Century" - that I love!
Check it out...
Smooches,
Carla

_________________________________________________________
Following its premier presentation at the Getty Center in LA,
Paris: Life and Luxury travels to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, where it will be on view September 18–December 10, 2011.

The Los Angeles installation of Paris: Life & Luxury is sponsored by Breguet.

Jessica Portner conducted the interview with Charissa Bremmer-David for
J. Paul Getty Museum. Great job, Jessica Portner! Museum hours - Mon - Fri 10:00am - 5:30pm, Sat 10:00am - 9:00pm 1200 Getty Center Drive in Los Angeles, CA - 310.440.7300

The Paley Center For Media - Wed - Sun 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm 465 North Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 - 310.786.1091

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all the men who have taken the time to bring life into this world and rear their children! Hats off to those of you for being role models for those children that do not have Fathers in their lives.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Love & light,
Carla

Plan Your LA Visit | The Paley Center for Media

2011-06-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

Plan Your LA Visit The Paley Center for Media -
There is so much to see and do at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills
465 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310.786.1000
Stop in Wed - Sunday - 12:oo noon - 5pm

Brunch On Sundays in Beverly Hills

2011-05-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

It's such a lovely morning to stroll on over to the Montage Beverly Hills and cop a spot at Scarpetta, and have a nice meal that Chef Scott Conant has prepared with passion! Every Sunday, Chef Conant offers a fabulous Brunch that one simply has to experience while visiting Beverly Hills - it's a "Must Do" Darling!

Montage Beverly Hills ~ 225 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310.860.7600~

Enjoy your Sunday,
C

Affaire in The Gardens - May 21 -22, 2011 - 10am - 6:00pm

2011-05-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

If Art is your passion, then we most certainly look forward to seeing you and yours this weekend over at the City of Beverly Hills' Affaire in the Gardens Spring Art Show happening today and tomorrow-
right on Santa Monica Blvd, btw Rodeo Drive and Rexford Drive - 10am - 6:00pm.
Even the birds are chirping as they observe all of the people bustling around the neighborhood!
Grab yourself a nice cup of tea, or coffee and a bagel and head on over to the Affaire in the Gardens, Darling.

(Winner of the Affaire in the Gardens Mayor Award 2010 - Artist James)

Be sure to check out Buena Johnson's amazing Art Work at Booth #162, corner of Rodeo Dr. & Santa Monica.
Buena Johnson (buenavisionart@yahoo.com) is also on Facebook.

There will be so many Artists, lots of delicious food and wine to be enjoyed by all!

(Buena Johnson and client, Dick Van Dyke in Malibu, CA)

Hope to see you there!
Love & light,
C

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

There were no birther issues - I was born in San Francisco, CA - the 31st State to be admitted to the Union, at Letterman General Hospital located on the Presidio Army Base -to Gladys and Albert Thomas. My Father proudly served in the Navy and my Mother worked in private industry.

My Mother had a clear job description for us children; be respectful and obedient to your parents and grand parents, respect other adults, do your house work and home work, get good grades and have f-u-n!

It was our job.

Why? Because my parents believed that since childhood is such a short period of time, children should not have to worry about adult problems.
I clearly remember the mornings that my Mom got us bathed, clothed and fed, and my Dad took us to play in Golden Gate Park in the mornings. My grandfather would pick us up after school on Wednesdays and take us to Golden Gate Park to play as well. It was our routine.

It all seems like yesterday.

My father was in a terrible car accident that rendered him a quadriplegic 6 months after my brother, Stuart's death - SIDS - and my Mother had to deal with the death of a child and a husband with special needs and raise her surving children. Wow. Mother, you are my Super Hero. You still found time to love and care for us, despite the other things crowding in on our time/space/life. Without your love, we don't know where we'd be.
Mother, we'd like to thank you for always being there for us, making sacrifices for us and making sure that we as siblings were taught to care for, like and love one another - look out for one another. Mother, Al, Carla, Valerie, Detroit, Rebecca and Malisa love you very much - This I know for sure.

Hats off to you women that took the time to realize that children don't ask to be born, but once here, they deserve quality time, love and attention.

To all of the Mothers whose hearts allowed enough space in them to love and nurture children that were birthed by another Mother, but loved by you -
May you continue to be blessed 1,000 fold.

Truly with love & light,
Carla

A Bridge to Strawberry Hill - Stowe Lake - Golden Gate Park - PDPhoto.org

Prince ~ 21 Night Stand - Welcome 2 America Tour - Inglewood, CA 2011

2011-04-30T05:40:00.000-07:00

My friend, Sheila and I were having brunch at a neighborhood local breakfast spot in Inglewood called Tals' when she said, "Girl, I know that you know that Prince is Performing at the Forum - the Welcome 2 America Tour - 21 Night Stand - and I love Prince." I said, " Me too!" Now, you know there is nothing better than living in the present. We know that symbolism means so much to me, and Prince is very es·o·ter·ic - well so am I!
Fast forward, it is 7:30pm, and we are sitting in front row seats, Lodge, Section 10 - the very first row up front, seats 5,6,7,8. Yep. Can I tell you something? The concert was AMAZING! The show opened up with the incomparable Cassandra Wilson who's mellifluous voice was as soothing as a Mother's love. Ledisi also got up on stage and did her thing - voice is powerful! Oh, baby, but know one put it down like Prince - Prince= BRILLIANT! The band is so entertaining and makes the show POP!

I don't know about you, but I'm going to catch another show. The tickets are almost sold out -85% of them are $25.00 - you know, sign of the economic times, right? ~ Go hear some music that will lift your soul ~ I got me some, go get you some! From this old system of things into to the new system ~ I will always have much love for you PRINCE!!!

Ticketmaster or at The Forum ticket box office.

Love & light,
C
The photo in this picture is the sole property of Creative Commons.org - Prince 2009 in Paris,France.

Kelly Osbourne - The Face of Material Girl

2011-03-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

MACYS has teamed up with Madonna and her beautiful Tween-ager daughter, Lourdes Leon Ciccone, creating the smash hit clothing designs called MATERIAL GIRL. Now, put that together with the magnetic, dynamic, Kelly Osbourne - who is Rockin' the clothes and accessories as the face of Material Girl MACYS. There were so many Tweens shopping at MACYS - they LOVED the MATERIAL GIRL line of clothing and accessories and it was just fabulous!
Thanks Kelly Osbourne for being YOU - Rock it Baby Girl!
Smooches,
C
Kelly Osbourne's Material Girl ad, courtesy of Macy's

2011-03-24T00:08:00.000-07:00

Founding International Chairman and Secretary of American Foundation for AIDS Research, one can honestly say that helping people is what English born, Classic American Hollywood Star - Dame Elizabeth Taylor did so well by spending her time and dispelling the ignorance and raising the consciousness of so many people regarding HIV/AIDS - stating,

"Well, I kept seeing all these news reports on this new disease and kept asking myself why no one was doing anything. And then I realized I was just like them. I wasn't doing anything to help."

As the late Michael Jackson, a long time friend of Dame Elizabeth Taylor said in song, "I'm starting with the man in the mirror..." Will you do the same? Why not donate your time and resources to making AIDS a thing of the past...The following people at amfAR are setting a prime example of what we can do to make a difference in this world. I call these people Warriors for a cause - making a difference every single day of their lives - hats off to you all at amfAR!

Rowena Johnston, Ph.D. - Vice President and Director, Research

Kent Cozad - Director, Grants Administration and Compliance

Marije Klep - Grants Administrator

Jordan Kramer - Grants Administrator

Russell Ramm - Grants Administrator

Lisa Chiu - Coordinator, Prevention Science

Research Program
amfAR
120 Wall St, 13th floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 806-1600
fax (212) 806-1601

Make that change.

R.I.P. Dame Elizabeth Taylor.

We love you!
C

Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills (A Four Seasons Hotel) - Jazz at THE BLVD

2011-03-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for somewhere beautiful to sit and eat a nice meal and sip on some really good wine or a nicely chilled glass of Champagne, or even variations of martinis, while listening to some smooth 50's and 60's American Hollywood style Jazz in Beverly Hills, then look no further. The BLVD, located in the heart of Beverly Hills, at The Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills (A Four Seasons Hotel) offers live Jazz every Monday Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm... Don't blame me if you become addicted to the excellent service...C

It's Saturday Morning...

2011-03-05T03:27:00.000-08:00

It's a cool breezy Saturday morning here in Beverly Hills - why not stop by 351, N. Beverly Drive - the home to the oldest retail establishment in Beverly Hills.

GEARYS Beverly Hills is having their annual sale! Yay! Where else can you purchase the finest crystal, china, silver and fine jewelry in such a beautiful setting? You might ask, after shopping, what else is there to do?

Stop over at The FARM of Beverly Hills for breakfast! It's located at 439 N. Beverly Drive, and the food is excellent. Enjoy your day!

Smooches, C

83rd Annual Oscar Awards - It's a wrap!

2011-02-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

Best Picture:
The King's Speech (Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin)
Actor in a Leading Role: Colin Firth (The King's Speech)
Actress in a Leading Role: Natalie Portman (Black Swan)
Directing: The King's Speech (Tom Hooper)

83rd Annual Oscars - Happening Today! 5pm PST

2011-02-27T07:02:00.000-08:00

Actors James Franco (127 Hours) and Anne Hathaway (Love and Other Drugs)are hosting the 83rd Annual OSCARS®, and it looks like they are going to captivate my attention.

Yes, my Dear, it is early Sunday Morning and the birds are chirping and the sun is shining and all of Beverly Hills

is sooooo excited because the 83rd Annual OSCARS®, takes place today Honey, at Hollywood's Kodak Theater today!

Drectors:

Black Swan~
Darren Aronofsky
The King's Speech~
Tom Hooper
The Fighter~
David O. Russell
The Social Network~
David Fincher
True Grit~Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

Make sure that you tune in to ABC Channel 7 -5pm PST 8pm EST.

Thank you, SAG and David O. Russell for the private screening of The Fighter

Good luck all of you!
Smooches, C

ACADEMY AWARD(S)®, OSCAR(S)®, OSCAR NIGHT® and OSCAR® statuette design mark are the registered trademarks and service marks, and the OSCAR® statuette the copyrighted property, of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. ©2011 The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences & ABC, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Official Academy Awards web site is produced by ABC.com in partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. By accessing this site you agree to abide by the following Terms of Use and Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights.

83rd Annual Oscar Awards, Sunday, February 27, 2011, 5pm PST

2011-02-26T07:15:00.000-08:00

Who will take home the coveted Oscar in the following Category:
Best Picture

Inception - Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan

Black Swan - Mike Medavoy, Brian Oliver and Scott Franklin
The King's Speech - Iain Canning, Emile Sherman

The Fighter - David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Mark Wahlberg
The Toy Story 3 - Darla K. Anderson

True Grit - Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen
and Gareth Unwin

127 Hours - Christian Colson, Danny Boyle and John Smithson
The Social Network - Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter
Winter's Bone - Anne Rosellini and Alix Madigan-Yorkin

The Kids Are All Right - Gary Gilbert, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte and Celine Rattray

...There's more to come~

Smooches,
C

ACADEMY AWARD(S)®, OSCAR(S)®, OSCAR NIGHT® and OSCAR® statuette design mark are the registered trademarks and service marks, and the OSCAR® statuette the copyrighted property, of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. ©2011

Paley Center Arts & Science - 28th Annual PaleyFest 2011

2011-02-16T04:47:00.000-08:00

Come celebrate the 28th Annual William S. Paley Television Festival - March 4 to 17, 2011.

Named for William S. Paley, founder of both the Paley Center and CBS, the annual William S. Paley Television Festival has celebrated television's rich and diverse programming and the creative process behind the medium for the last twenty-seven years.
The PaleyFest 2011 will be held at the
Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills
8440 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90211

For more details and to purchase tickets, please visit: Paleycenter.org

I hope see you there!
Love & light,
C
All photos and information are the sole property of PaleyCenter Arts & Science and Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills

Optical Allusion Gallery - Carl Ramsey Urban Painting and Drawings

2011-02-15T00:12:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's good to step out of familiar territory and venture to a new neighborhood. That is exactly what I did this past weekend while visiting The Optical Allusion Gallery. Now through March 12th, 2010, they are featuring these artists:

Greg Bernhardt
Nicholas Dahmann
Yehonatan Koenig
Courtney Reid
Suzanna Schulten
Kymm Swank
Christina Thomas

There's a local artist who's work I simply fell in love with - his Urban Paintings and Drawings are on exhibit as well. I have a feeling that we are going to be hearing more on the works of the artist Carl Ramsey. Go check it out!
Gallery Hours: By Appointment (213) 381-3034
For more information, or to request images, please contact Richard McDowell at opticalallusiongallery@yahoo.com

The 53rd Grammy Awards Feb 13, 2011 on CBS 8PM ET/PT

2011-02-13T08:37:00.000-08:00

The buzz in the city is so wonderful! The Grammy Awards will be televised in just 8 hours.
The recording industry's most prestigious award, the GRAMMY, is presented annually by The Recording Academy. A GRAMMY is awarded by The Recording Academy's voting membership to honor excellence in the recording arts and sciences. It is truly a peer honor.

First-round ballots are sent to voting members in good dues standing. To help ensure the quality of the voting, members are directed to vote only in their fields of expertise; they may nominate in the four general categories (Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Best New Artist) and in no more than nine(9) out of the 29 fields. Ballots are tabulated by the independent accounting firm of Deloitte.

Barbra Streisand was given the MusiCares Person of the Year Award. She looks fabulous! Enjoy the event!
Love, C

(Deborah Ward - photographer)

GRAMMY Career Day Sings Out | GRAMMY.com

2011-02-10T12:39:00.000-08:00

It is truly a wonderful well spent day for everyone that attends the Grammy Career Day Event!
Check out the details:

GRAMMY Career Day Sings Out GRAMMY.com

Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.!

2011-01-17T14:29:00.000-08:00

The 68th Annual Golden Globe® Awards - Sunday, January 16, 2011 on NBC @ 5 pm PST - 8 pm EST

2011-01-15T02:19:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the Cecil B. DeMille Award winner - Robert De Niro - a brilliant man of all seasons. As I was saying, there is nothing more wonderful then the hustle and bustle that goes on in Beverly Hills days before the much anticipated Golden Globe Awards Ceremony, which takes place on Sunday, January 16, 2011 NBC @ 5 pm PST and 8 pm EST at the fabulous Beverly Hilton Hotel.

We all want to know who will take home the Golden Globe Award in the following categories(mind you, these are my favorite categories).

First off, Leonardo, you were a dream within a dream within my dream in Inception - you did your thing! Halle, you made me a believer in the multi-personalities of Frankie and Alice, Honey Child. Natalie Portman, you can be the best Black Swan in my book - just come back to the light - you were so good until I am scared of you girl!

The nominations are as follows:

1.BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
a.BLACK SWAN
Protozoa Pictures & Cross Creek Pictures & Phoenix; Fox Searchlight Pictures
b.THE FIGHTER
Paramount Pictures and Relativity Media; Paramount Pictures and Relativity Media
c.INCEPTION
Warner Bros. Pictures UK LTD.; Warner Bros. Pictures
d.THE KING’S SPEECH
See-Saw Films and Bedlam Productions; The Weinstein Company
e.THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Columbia Pictures; Sony Pictures Releasing

2.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
a.HALLE BERRY FRANKIE AND ALICE

b.NICOLE KIDMAN RABBIT HOLE

c.JENNIFER LAWRENCE WINTER’S BONE

d.NATALIE PORTMAN BLACK SWAN

e.MICHELLE WILLIAMS BLUE VALENTINE

3.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
a.JESSE EISENBERG THE SOCIAL NETWORK

b.COLIN FIRTH THE KING'S SPEECH

c.JAMES FRANCO 127 HOURS

d.RYAN GOSLING BLUE VALENTINE

e.MARK WAHLBERG THE FIGHTER

4.BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a.ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Walt Disney Pictures; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
b.BURLESQUE
Screen Gems; Sony Pictures Releasing
c.THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Antidote Films, Mandalay Vision, Gilbert Films; Focus Features
d.RED
di Bonaventura Pictures; Summit Entertainment
e.THE TOURIST
GK Films; Sony Pictures Releasing

5.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a.ANNETTE BENING THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT

b.ANNE HATHAWAY LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS

c.ANGELINA JOLIE THE TOURIST

d.JULIANNE MOORE THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT

e.EMMA STONE EASY A

6.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a.JOHNNY DEPP ALICE IN WONDERLAND

b.JOHNNY DEPP THE TOURIST

c.PAUL GIAMATTI BARNEY’S VERSION

d.JAKE GYLLENHAAL LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS

e.KEVIN SPACEY CASINO JACK

7.BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
a.DESPICABLE ME
Universal Pictures, Illumination Entertainment; Universal Pictures
b.HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
DreamWorks Animation; Paramount Pictures
c.THE ILLUSIONIST
Django Films, Ciné B and France 3 Cinéma; Sony Pictures Classics
d.TANGLED
Walt Disney Animation Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
e.TOY STORY 3
Disney * Pixar; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

8.BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
BIUTIFUL (MEXICO/SPAIN)
a.Menageatroz, Focus Features International; Roadside Attractions

THE CONCERT (FRANCE)
b.An Oï Oï Oï Productions, Les Productions Du Tresor, France 3 Cinema, Europacorp, Castel Films, Panache Productions, RTBF (Belgian Television), BIM Distrubuzione Co., Canal +, Cinecinema and France 3; The Weinstein Company

THE EDGE (Kpaй) (RUSSIA)
c.Channel One Russia; Samuel Goldwyn (Russia)

I AM LOVE (IO SONO L’AMORE) (ITALY)
d.First Sun; Magnolia Pictures

IN A BETTER WORLD (Hævnen) (DENMARK)
e.Zentropa Entertainment; Sony Pictures Classics

9.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
a.AMY ADAMS THE FIGHTER

b.HELENA BONHAM CARTER THE KING’S SPEECH

c.MILA KUNIS BLACK SWAN

d.MELISSA LEO THE FIGHTER

e.JACKI WEAVER ANIMAL KINGDOM

10.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
a.CHRISTIAN BALE THE FIGHTER

b.MICHAEL DOUGLAS WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS

c.ANDREW GARFIELD THE SOCIAL NETWORK

d.JEREMY RENNER THE TOWN

e.GEOFFREY RUSH THE KING’S SPEECH

11.BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE
a.DARREN ARONOFSKY BLACK SWAN

b.DAVID FINCHER THE SOCIAL NETWORK

c.TOM HOOPER THE KING’S SPEECH

d.CHRISTOPHER NOLAN INCEPTION

e.DAVID O. RUSSELL THE FIGHTER

12.BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE
a.DANNY BOYLE, SIMON BEAUFOY 127 HOURS

b.LISA CHOLODENKO, STUART BLUMBERG THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT

c.CHRISTOPHER NOLAN INCEPTION d.DAVID SEIDLER THE KING’S SPEECH

e.AARON SORKIN THE SOCIAL NETWORK

GOLDEN GLOBE(S)®, HOLLYWOOD FOREIGN PRESS ASSOCIATION® and GOLDEN GLOBE® statuette design mark are the registered trademarks and service marks and the GOLDEN GLOBE® statuette the copyrighted property, of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Copyright © MM-MMXI Hollywood Foreign Press Association. All rights reserved

Tom Ford - Spring Summer 2011 Full Fashion Show - High Definition (Exclu...

2011-01-10T14:31:00.000-08:00

....Yes, Ms. Shiree, I agree 100% - Tom Ford had done it again!
His Spring Summer 2011 line speaks for it self! Oh yes, give me that dress!
Smooches, C

It's 2011 - Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T00:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to you and yours! Make it a good one!

Smooches,

Montage Beverly Hills |Scarpetta Restaurant | Chef Scott Conant

2010-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Baby it's cold outside (62°/ 53°°F°C) So if you're looking for a wonderful place to duck into, by all means, step on over to the Montage Beverly Hills Hotel and make a B line over to Chef Scott Conant's spot - Scarpetta Restaurant. Chef Scott Conant puts it down in the kitchen - using seasonal ingredients that make you want to kiss the Chef! You've seen him on The Food Network's 24 Hour Restaurant Battle, Wednesday nights at 10/9c., as well as a guest judge on The Food Network's Chopped, Tuesday nights at 10pm/9c., Bravo's Top Chef,
Good Morning America and The Travel Channel's Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.
This man, Chef Conant, invites you to this magnificent Mediterranean-inspired interiors that makes one want to stay for hours. Just look at the way Chef Conant makes spaghetti look like a piece of art work. Ummm. Now, when you taste his dishes, you look around the corner to see if you've stepped out of Beverly Hills and into Italy, Honey!
So, do yourself a favor, get out of the cold and into Scarpetta Beverly Hills @ the Montage Beverly Hills Hotel.

Montage Beverly Hills 225 North Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310.860.7800

© Copyright 2010 Montage Beverly Hills. All Rights Reserved

Have a Riffstick Art Christmas!

2010-12-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

You say that you want to make sure that you keep your Christmas eco-friendly?

You remember David Hrobowski
(the H is silent - pronounced ro-bow-ski) from his original creation of chairs, lamps, coffee tables and more - made out of ice cream sticks?
Just look at the Riffstick Artwork - it is soooo creative and beautiful!
As of this moment, David Hrobowski has created something so magical for the holidays in the form of a Christmas tree!

David says, "The tree stands at almost 7 feet tall and 42 inches at the widest point. There are 88 branches ranging in size from 17" to 3" and of course 88 ornaments. The ornaments are in three colors (red, green & blue) and wrap around the tree like garland. The top of the tree lights up and has a removable crown so one can easily change the light bulb and/or bulb color.
There are in excess of 18,000 sticks used to make the tree and 5 months to complete. I started the tree in June and completed it in November. "
David is a brilliant man that completes what he starts.

You can view this beautiful tree and more of Riffstick Art, in the window of Reborn Antiques, located at 853 N. LaCienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069 - 310. 289.7785

photography by Mark Dierickx and Steven Tassopoulos

Happy Hanukkah - Come Celebrate w/ the Menorah Lighting at Two Rodeo Drive

2010-12-05T13:23:00.000-08:00

On Monday, Dec 6th, at 7:30pm, Two Rodeo and Chabad Beverly Hills will have
Rabbi Mendel Shusterman lead the lighting of the crystal Menorah. This is truly a family event, a cultural exchange that all can enjoy - no matter what race, creed or religious background. Won't you come and enjoy traditional ethnic Jewish food and so many other goodies with the Community?

On Thursday, Dec 9th, starting at 4:00pm, Cañon Drive will kick off a fabulous street party. There will be all kinds of family oriented things to do! Come shop, sample delicious food from the different varieties of restaurants - stay warm sipping hot cider and hot coco with everyone.
At 6:00pm. Beverly Hills High School Madrigal Singers (Vocal Ambassadors) will treat all to a holiday concert in Beverly Cañon Gardens (and yes, your pet pooch is welcomed). There will be face painting, a scavenger hunt and live entertainment all along Cañon Drive. The Amanda Foundation will brighten several spots on Cañon with some of the cutest pets available for adoption. The event really builds up momentum as you stroll towards Spago Beverly Hills.

Pop in and have a nosh and say hello to man with mad skills, Wolfgang Puck and the eloquent Barbara Lazaroff, the woman that is also the brain that created all the beauty that you see @ Spago Beverly Hills.

Hope to see you there!
Love & light,
C
Art work the sole property of Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau

May I Suggest You Stop on By...

2010-12-05T00:43:00.000-08:00

There are plenty of things to do and see in Beverly Hills during these oh so cool winter Californian days and evenings.
Check out 85 years of Cinematic History at the Academy’s Grand Lobby Gallery; it is free and open to the public. Exhibit hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and weekends, noon – 6:00 pm. For additional program information, please call (310) 247-3600 or visit online:
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, 8949 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Roddy McDowell Photographic Archive Margaret Herrick Library all rights reserved

Hope to see you there.
Smooches, C

The Brotherhood Crusade Honors 3 Time GRAMMY® Award Winner Miss Nancy Wilson

2010-11-07T16:28:00.000-08:00

Even a temporary black out in Beverly Hills could not prevent over 800 people from arriving at the Beverly Hilton Hotel to attend the annual Brotherhood Crusade's* Pioneer of African American Achievement Award Dinner. On Friday, Nov 5th, the evening's event honored the incomparable Song Stylist, Miss Nancy Wilson - who actively broke down the racial barriers and negative stereotypical images of Black Women, paving the way for so many in the radio/television/music/film/ industry. From the looks of the diverse crowd, most all would have stayed even if to enjoy the event via candle light,
because everyone in attendance truly was smitten by the legendary Miss Nancy Wilson.

President and CEO, Charisse Bremond -Weaver, continues to take large strides forward, carrying the baton that was passed on to her via her father, the founder of the Brotherhood Crusade, the late Walter Bremond. Mr. Bremond in conjunction with past President, Danny J. Bakewell Sr** consciously set the pace for Mrs. Bremond-Weaver .

The City of Los Angeles' Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa personally presented Nancy Wilson with a proclamation.

Miss Wilson was surrounded by people who truly love her - her daughter and son in-law, as well as long time friend, Congresswoman Diane Watson. Chris Shauble was the Master of Ceremony and Patti Austin serenaded the audience with her melliflous vocals for the evening and it was wonderful! (photo L-R Danny Bakewell Sr., Charrise Bremond-Weaver, Nancy Wilson, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa)

There were so many people there happily celebrating this momentous event - Sir Sidney Poitier, Berry Gordy Jr., Florence LaRue, Bill Duke, Arsenio Hall, Dawnn Lewis, Congresswoman Elect - Karen Bass, Dr. Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, Councilmember Bernard C. Parks,
Wendy Greuel, LA City Controller, Dominique DiPrima,Guillermo Cespedes, along with state, and local governmental and civic leaders.

I was fortunate enough to sit down and talk briefly with Miss Nancy Wilson.

Carla: "Who instilled faith, courage and wisdom into your life?"

Nancy Wilson: " I was fortunate to have 3 sets of grandparents (I was raised Apostolic) that instilled faith, courage and wisdom into me at an early age. They lovingly guided me."

Born the first of six children to Olden Wilson and Lillian Ryan, in Chillicothe, Ohio, and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Miss Nancy's three sets of grandparents instilled life's lessons that placed
her feet firmly on the path that she selected, allowing her to visualize early, on the road of life, what would become her reality. By the time she was 4 years old, she knew that she wanted to be a singer. At the tender age of 8 years old, Miss Wilson said, "God told me that I had a gift."

Knowing that she was being led by faith, it allowed her to have the courage to pursue her dreams. At the ripe age of 15, Miss Wilson's professional career was launched via her own local t.v. show entitled "Skyline Melody". Week after week, doors continued to open for Miss Wilson. She met the late Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, who recognized her talent, which led to an opportunity to fill in for Irene Reid, in New York at The Blue Morocco. It was a huge success!

Once getting a venue lined up, a call was made to John Levy, the man that managed Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's career - the man that Miss Wilson needed to manage her career - asking him to stop by The Blue Morocco to see her perform. John Levy did stop by the Blue Morocco.

Miss Wilson went on to say:
"John called me the very next day. He set up a session to record a demo, Nancy recalls.“Ray Bryant and I went in and recorded “Guess Who I Saw Today,” “Sometimes I’m Happy,” and two other songs. We sent them to Capitol and within five days the phone rang. Within six weeks I had all the things I wanted.”

I call that the power of visualization.
Nancy Wilson and Julian "Cannonball" Adderley recorded an album in 1962.

Nancy Wilson: "I started singing the song, Guess Who I Saw Today at the age of 17 and people would say, ' What do you know about that?' and I'd say, "You don't have to be old to recognize hurt."

Carla: "I hear you. Thank you, Miss Nancy Wilson, for sharing your wisdom and gift of voice with so many."

Nancy Wilson: "Thank you, Darling."

Miss Wilson kept on climbing higher and higher, winning her first GRAMMY® in 1964 for “How Glad I Am” and her second GRAMMY® Award in 2005, for Best Jazz Vocal Album and the 2005 NAACP Image Award for Best Jazz Artist. She released her 70th album, the GRAMMY® Award-winning Turned to Blue, in 2006. Whenever Danny Bakewell Sr. reached out to Miss Wilson, requesting her help in opening doors for the Brotherhood Crusade; she never hesitated to assist those in less advantaged communities with the odds stacked against them - never forgetting to reach back and help those who were placed on a bumpy road of life, helping to smooth the surface as often as possible, giving back her time and financial support, working shoulder to shoulder, preparing our youth with the proper skills to build a brighter future, with faith, courage and wisdom.

Miss Nancy Wilson's current release is available on line at Amazon.com and in stores now - The CD is called Nancy Wilson Turned to Blue.

Love, C

*Charisse Bremond - Weaver, President and CEO, - The Brotherhood Crusade, founded in 1968, is a 501(c)3 non-profit institution

**Danny Bakewell Sr., Developer, Businessman, Financier, Community Activist, Humanitarian and owner of the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper
Ginger Campbell, President - Snap Productions - Thank you

Charles Bush - Photographer 2006
All photos are the sole property of Charles Bush and Miss Nancy Wilson unless otherwise noted

M iss Nancy Wilson, Song Stylist CD - MCG Jazz Company 2006

The Women's Conference - The Grand Finale 2010

2010-10-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

It was wonderful to actually have the First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, California's First Lady Maria Shriver, Previous First Lady of the United States Laura Bush, The Honorable Sandra Day O'Connor, Oprah Winfrey - and her best friend Gayle King, Mary J. Blige, Sarah McLachlan, Deepak Chopra, Holly Robinson-Peete and her husband Rodney Peete, and a whole host of other intelligent people, all under one roof. I mean, it felt a little like what I'd imagine it would be having dinner with Queen Hatshepsut, Queen Yaa Asantewa, Madeleine Albright and Thomas Robert Malthus. This is one of those moments in my life where I am so amazed by the sheer awesomeness of what can be accomplished if an over abundance of people who are problem solvers, get together in the same space/time continuum. People who have shown that authenticity, positivity, creativity, coupled with faith, courage and wisdom (key ingredients to being an Architect of Change)
It's called California's First Lady Maria Shriver's Women's Conference. It was where all of this massive amounts of positive energy circulated over these past three days.

(If I were you, I'd go to the website and watch the entire 3 day event. It was absolutely wonderful.)

Why? Because now, more than ever, we as a people, need to collectively get together and discuss what it is that needs to be done to make this world a better place - eradicating the world of Breast Cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Autism*, obesity, poor nutrition, homelessness - then put into action what our ideas are. If one can visualize and idea, one can make it happen. Mary J. Blige, who has an organization called FFAWN, bravely stood up and told us about the abuse that ran through 2 generations in her family and not only did it touch my heart, but had everyone in my section in tears. The Asian woman sitting two rows up from me had to be handed tissue because she couldn't stop crying. All different nationalities yelling out, "We hear you Mary, We feel you, Mary!" Lord, have mercy! Just ask the women who were the recipients of the Minerva Awards 2010 - Carolyn Blashek, Oral Lee Brown, Sister Terry Dodge, Sandra Day O'Connor and Oprah Winfrey.

I'm hoping that this note motivates you to discover how you too, can be an Architect of Change. I'd like to thank Lena Cole Dennis for a wonderful day. Now, what are WE going to do? That's the question. Remember, it starts with you.

Love & light,
C

Deepak Chopra - Deepakchopra.com
Gayle King - The Gayle King Show
* Holly Robinson-Peete - Hollyrodfoundation.org

Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico - Oct 2nd 2010 - Jan 9, 2011

2010-10-20T05:34:00.000-07:00

The very first time that I saw the first photo of the colossal head of an Olmec, I was attending a lecture being conducted by the late Dr. Asa Hilliard III. Dr. Hilliard III had us prepare for the lecture by providing us with a list of books,

one being the book entitled,
"They came before Columbus", by the late

Dr. Ivan Van Sertima, historian, linguist, and anthropologist as well as a Professor of African studies in the Department of Africana Studies at Rutgers University.

Now you have a chance to view the colossal structures created by the ancient people of Mexico at the Los Angeles County Museum of Modern Art - LACMA. There is a lecture series taking place 10/22nd and 10/23, 2010, and it is free.

Do yourself a favor keeping in mind that knowledge is power;

Pick up the above mentioned book, read it and then head on over to LACMA with friends and family. It will blow your mind when you see the artwork first hand. If you have any questions that might pertain to lectures given on the same topic from an Afrocentric perspective, please contact Dr.Kwaku Person-Lynn and Dr. Rynoko Rashidi.

"Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico, is co-organized by Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, LACMA, and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and is curated at LACMA by Virginia Fields, senior curator of Arts of the Ancient Americas. The exhibition at LACMA will be the first presentation on the West Coast of the colossal works and precious small-scale sculptures produced by Mexico's earliest civilization."

See you there!

Smooches,

Information pertaining to the art exhibit are provided by the LACMA website.

Purchase the book, "They Came Before Columbus" - Journal of African Civilizations

Affaire in the Gardens Art Show - Oct 16, 17 2010 10am-5pm

2010-09-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

Beverly Hills always has something creative and wonderful for friends and family to see, touch and buy.

Take for instance, the Affaire in the Gardens Art Show, which happens twice a year(Spring and Fall) and is located right within a four block radius - Santa Monica Blvd, btw. Rodeo Drive and Rexford Drive. This particular Art Show features art by over 250 exhibitors from all around the USA.

Just this past Spring, James Hill, a local Artist in Los Angeles, CA, won the Mayor's Purchase Award for his Stainless Steel Sculpture, entitled, Vessel, 2007. (see below)
For more info. contact The City of Beverly Hills or call 310.285.6830

Smooches, C

Fashion's Night Out - September 10, 2010 - 6pm-10pm

2010-09-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

Well, NYC's fever has reached California in full swing, baby.
This evening, Beverly Hills will turn into a wonderful shop-fest for all. Over 67 stores will participate in the Rodeo Drive Committee's Fashion's Night Out Extravaganza.

Vogue's Editor, Ms. Ana Wintour is the creator of New York Fashion's Night Out, an event that originated to coinside with New York's Fashion Week. The idea was to encourage those who were attending NYC's Fashion Week to shop.

Today Fashion's Night Out is a global initiative led by fifteen international Vogue editions (Australia, Britain, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey), each country will celebrate Fashion’s Night Out on one night between Sept 7 - Sept 16,2010.

André Leon Talley, Vogue Contributing Editor, blesses us with a front seat view of Vogue's Fashion show that will include Naomi Campbell's celebration of her 25th year in the fashion industry and she will be dancing to the beat on stage in New York.
We Love YOU Naomi Campbell!

The NY phase of the fashion extraveganza aired 9/7/10 on CBS - Fashion's Night Out . CBS will air tonight's event in Beverly Hills
on 9/14/10 10pm/9c.

Hopefully this event will encourage all to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence and boost the economy.

Whether you are in France, Spain or Italy, this oh so fabulous event is something that one must attend at least once in a lifetime! Girls, get out your stelletos and get to steppin' - Rock it, Naomi Campbell style!

Smooches, C
(all photos are the sole property of CBS/Fashion's Night Out 2010)

Earth Wind & Fire w/ Fireworks at The Hollywood Bowl ~ Sept 3-4 2010

2010-09-03T23:57:00.000-07:00

There is something truly amazing about sitting underneath the stars listening to one of the most, by far, best examples of pure genius - Earth, Wind & Fire on a nice warm summer evening, and seeing the most spectacular fireworks of all times - at the Hollywood Bowl. If you missed this evening's performance, you can catch it tomorrow evening @ 8:30pm.

Was it all a dream? Pinch me!

Love,

Hollywood Bowl 2301 North Highland Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90068 323.850.2000

62nd Primetime Emmy® Awards - August 29th @ 5pm PST on NBC

2010-08-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

The City is all a buzz over the 62nd Primetime Emmys.

Oh, it is so wonderful to feel all of the positive energy that is circulating around Rodeo Drive.

Jimmy Fallon will host the 62nd Primetime Emmy® Awards - (5-8 p.m. PT, 8-11 p.m. ET), from NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles. it should be very entertaining.

The categories are: Drama, Comedy, Variety/Musical, Lead Actor Comedy & Drama and Lead Actress Comedy & Drama.

Mr. Clooney, Actor, director, producer - puts his money where his mouth is.

Mr.Clooney is the fourth person in the history of the Emmys to receive the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award live at the

62nd Primetime Emmy® Awards for the "Hope for Haiti" TV special, which is nominated for an Emmy award, and his efforts to raise funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina and raise awareness about genocide in Darfur.

Mr. Clooney's got soul, good looks, swagger

and money and don't think twice about being his brother's keeper. He just is.

He has helped people out globally - red, yellow, black, white and brown - those who are not as fortunate in life, get back on their feet. What a conscious man.

That is how Mr. Clooney gets down. We've got nothing but love for you baby.... Salute!

The 2010 Primetime Emmy Governors Ball is going to be unforgettable.

For starters, the Jazz Blues vocalist, Barbara Morrison and her Trio is performing at the Governors Ball. Barbara Morrison recently performed at the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival in Scotland.

Chef Alec Lectr is on the left, giving us a preview of what's to be served.

Thank goodness Sequoia Productions is spearheading the event because we know it will be grand, Darling.

Enjoy the show...

Smooches,
Carla

Photos are the sole property of Emmys.com Emmy Night Galleries and

Barbara Morrison's photo belongs to Barbara Morrison

102 degrees °F - Keeping it Cool in the Middle of a Sizzle, Baby

2010-08-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

Well now we Southern Californians are all accustomed to the weather being around an oh so lovely 70 degrees°F in the city. But when it's 102 degrees °F at home, well, the next best thing to do is head for the beach, where the 70s Rock, Darling...

While heading for the Santa Monica Beach,

Lana Leazer and I simply had to accept the invite to tour the brand new Bloomingdale's - Santa Monica Place store, located between Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica pier.

This particular store is 80,000 square feet of selling space and is fashioned after Bloomingdale's New York City's Soho location.

As Michael Gould, chairman and CEO of Bloomingdale's stated, "We have designed a store that will provide a sophisticated shopping experience with the sensibility of a beach community and hope it will become Santa Monica's newest neighborhood store." Yes Michael, those of us who are heading to the Santa Monica beach from Beverly Hills will be there to shop...

The store concentrates on clothing and accessories for men and women - everything you can think of that is related to a Southern California lifestyle, catering to the professional that visits, lives and works near the beach.

Did you hear me?

The clothes, shoes and accessories for men and women are fabulous!
I walked through the welcoming doors and was immediately greeted by everyone I came in contact with. Before I could even get to the escalator leading to the second floor, I stopped at the David Yurman counter, where Debbie Patterson showed me the latest - thanks Debbie!

Rhonda Lantz-Teichert, General Manager and Kerry Borland, PR Manager, are two women that took the time to take everyone in our private party on a tour of the store, giving us a first exposure to the new store - it was very exciting! Of course, Kerry Borland , PR Manager, lost me in the shoe department, but she patiently waited for me and the other ladies in our group to rejoin our tour!

While escalating up, I met another smooth B-Stylist and he was talk, dark and handsome - you know who you are - this SuperStar, professional escorted me over to the private fashion show/event being sponsored by Jeff Levy,Publisher of WHERE Magazine in conjunction with Bloomingdale's- Santa Monica Place. Jeff Levy knows that Christine Noriega* knows how to select a venue and throw a fabulous party! The food and drinks were provided by local restaurants in the Santa Monica area.

Hats off to Coy Rozier, Selling Stylist, who helped coordinate some of the clothing that were used in the fashion show - and to all the people behind the scenes that put this lovely event together.

Smooches,

Bloomingdale's - Santa Monica Place 315 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401 310.985.6400

Check out The history of Bloomingdale's, it's very interesting...

(All photos are the sole property of Bloomingdale's.)

Rhonda Lantz-Teichert General Manager, Bloomingdale's

rhonda.lantz-teichert@bloomingdales.com 310.985.6401

Kerry Borland PR Manager, Bloomingdale's
kerry.borland@bloomingdales.com 310.985.6403

Melissa Hoffman B-Style Bar Selling Manager, Bloomingdale's
melissa.hoffman@bloomindales.com call for a Personal Shopper 310.985.6422

Coy Rozier, Selling Stylist, Bloomingdale's

coy.rozier@bloomingdales.com 310.985.6423

Debbie Patterson, Fine Jewelry Selling Professional
deborah.patterson@bloomingdales.com 310.985.6320

Jeff Levy, Publisher Where Magazine

jlevy@wherela.com 310.280.2880

*Cristina Noriega Where Magazine, Senior Circulation & Special Events Manager: Los Angeles - you ROCK!

christine.noriega@wherela.com 310.280.2880

Iron Chef America - Dominique Crenn at Luce in San Francisco

2010-08-08T23:34:00.000-07:00

Chaney Casimir and Nanette Hunter were elated to receive the news that Rodeodrivelifestyles was one of the few invited to dine at a private gathering hosted by none-other than Chef Dominique Crenn, to watch the current episode of Food Network's Iron Chef America. Dominique Crenn has a fabulous spot in
San Francisco, South of Market (SOMA) called Luce Wine Restaurant. Newly awarded a Michelin Star, Luce Wine Restaurant is located in The InterContinental San Francisco and is truly a beautiful venue.

As everyone watched the latest episode of Food Network's Iron Chef America*, all dined on poached salmon, lamb chops, pork sliders, anti-pasta, tomato bisque, corn chowder, and an assortment of artisan cheeses, paired with a fabulous selection of white wines of Frescobaldi, particularly those from Castello di Pomino, the Pomino Bianco 2009, made from Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, and Pomino Benefizio, sourced from a single 9-hectare Chardonnay vineyard at 700 metres’ elevation.
John Wight, Wine Director and Beverage Manager can assist you with any queries as to what wine goes with what dish.

This evening's battle featured Iron Chef Michael Symon Vs. Dominique Crenn.

Chef Dominique Crenn was raised in Versailles, France. Chef Crenn's been stirring it up in the kitchen since she was a child, following her mother around in the kitchen, taking copious notes and learning first hand how to prepare what can only be called "heaven on a plate".

Who won the battle of the Iron Chefs? Why, Iron Chef Crenn!

The next time that I'm home in San Francisco, I know where I'll be dining.
Won't you join me?
Smooches,
C

About the Show*
Based upon the Japanese cult sensation, Iron Chef America carries on the legend of Kitchen Stadium and the famed "secret ingredient." Each week, world-class chefs battle the legendary Iron Chefs of America: Bobby Flay, Mario Batali, Masaharu Morimoto, Cat Cora, Jose Garces and Michael Symon. Alton Brown serves as Commentator and Mark Dacascos is Chairman. The show airs on the Food Network, Sundays 9pm/8c

Luce Wine Restaurant - 888 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 415.616.6566
(Restaurant photo is the sole property of Luce Wine Restaurant)

Chaney Casimir - Freelance writer/photographer

Fogo de Chão® (fo-go dèe shoun)

2010-08-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

It was Leonard's birthday, and Bridgette and
I decided head to the famed Restaurant Row in Beverly Hills, where there are so many wonderful places to dine.
Leonard wanted to try something new and different - something he hadn't tried before.

So, I decided to make dinner reservations at my favorite Brazilian Churrascaria Fogo de Chão® ( pronounced fo-go dèe shoun),.

When you drive up, you feel as though you are driving up to a lovely Brazilian villa. The water fall is picturesque and simply takes one away to Porto Alegre, Brazil, where the original steakhouse another time and space. Once you are seated, you will soon discover the many Brazilian side dishes brought to your table.

Although it is a steakhouse, the salad bar will make any vegetarian happy as well.

The warm pão de queijo (warm cheese bread) simply melts in your mouth like cream.
The salad bar has a wonderful assortment of salads - Greek, Caesar, chopped salads, olives and Artisan cheeses to go along with the different types of lettuce and breads.

One can't help but notice the gaucho wearing servers walking around serving 15 delicious cuts of meat that are carried on long swords. Gaucho Chefs prepare their signature steak, Picanha (pronounced pea-CAN-ya) which is served two different ways;

One is traditional lightly seasoned and the other style is a more robust garlic seasoned version. Both are really some of the most succulent meats that are grilled to perfection, simply making your mouth water! These Gaucho wearing servers will continue to slice the different varieties of meats until you tell them, "no more Filet Mignon - please!"

For dessert, we had the Molten Chocolate Cake, and it was divine!

If you're in a mood for first-class service and excellent food, head to Fogo de Chão® 133 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310.289.7755

All photos are the sole property of Fogo de Chão®

Happy Birthday President Obama!

2010-08-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

My heart still races when I think back to the morning of Tuesday, January 20, 2009.
My family and I stood in the crowd, right on the Front Lawn of the Captiol, at the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States - It was amazing to see history in the making.

From all of us,

Happy Birthday to you
President Obama!

With love & light,
C

David W. Streets Beverly Hills Fine Art Appraiser and Art Advisor

2010-07-31T05:05:00.000-07:00

It is such a wonderful feeling when you know that you've been given the name of a reputable person to appraise your fine art and celebrity memorabilia - just when you need it. You would want to hire someone who actually practices old fashion values - honesty, reliability, integrity and longevity. The man that fits the bill, and is most knowledgeable as a Fine Art Appraiser in the City of Beverly Hills -
David W. Streets.

New Orleans, LA was David's home until 2005, when the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina devastated his Art Gallery.
Quite naturally, the City of Beverly Hills welcomed David with open arms.
Having been in the Fine Art appraisal business for 25 years, David W. Streets earned his stripes in the field as a leading appraiser of all genres of Fine Art.

Over the years, I remember greeting David on several occasions when he attended the EDC Meetings (Economic Development Council) at the fabulous Spago Beverly Hills.
As an active member in the community, he has an impeccable reputation as a consummate professional, being featured on CBS, CNN, NBC, thus giving him a global presence. If you need the best Fine Art Appraiser for an item or two, who are you going to call?
David W. Streets, but of course!

Just ask Rick Norsigian. When Rick Norsigian, a Fresno, CA., school district painter and collector, discovered 65 glass negatives of Ansel Adams work at a garage sale in Fresno, CA., well, he got in contact with - you guessed it - David W. Streets!

David W. Streets appraised the Ansel Adams glass negatives and they are valued at $200 million dollars. According to Patrick Alt, a large format photographer with over 40 years of experience, meticulously refuted each of the questions raised and confirmed the authenticity of the negatives.

Robert Moeller, the former Curator of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts concluded: "After more than six months of close study, it is my opinion, within a high degree of probability, that the images under consideration were produced by Ansel Adams."

Beverly Hills is very fortunate to have businessman David W. Streets in the community, and The Honorable Jimmy Delshad even proclaimed May 15, 2010, David W. Streets Day - Yay!

Smooches,
C

David W. Streets Beverly Hills
Fine Art, Appraisals, Contemporary Art & Photography
9407 S. Santa Monica Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310.275.3464

Open Tues-Sat 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. or by appointment
~Public parking: 439 N. Canon & 438 N. Beverly~

All photos are the sole ownership of David W. Streets Beverly Hills

Project RUNWAY - Season 8 Premieres Thursday, July 29th @ 9pm e/pt

2010-07-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn. Need I say more, Darling?

There are 17 Designers competing in an arena where many audition but few are chosen - Project Runway - Season 8.
The Judges will be Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors. Tim Gunn is the Mentor.
Over the next few weeks, we will see who has what it takes to be the best. The competition will take place in New York -
Don't you just love it!

All 17 Designers are bringing on the heat. To mention a few -
Michael Costello is a Fashion designer from Palm Springs, CA - Just look at his sketches - Very, very complimentary. Work it, Michael Costello!

Kristin Haskin-Simms - An Apparel designer, Freelance Graphic Designer, Hails from Philadelphia, PA.
Watch out New York - Ms. Haskin-Simms can make work/play look good!

Andy South is a Freelance designer that hails from Waianae, HI.
This Diva can sketch and bring all of your womanly curves to the surface,
bringing Old Hollywood Elegance back.
You simply must look at his designs - just watch magic happen tomorrow night on Lifetime! (Snap! Snap!)

This season of Fashion Runway will be like no other. Enjoy the show!
In the words of Ms. Heidi Klum,
"Auf Wiedersehen"

C
All photos are the sole property of Lifetime Project Runway

An Evening at The Hollywood Museum - WHERE Magazine Style

2010-07-22T23:20:00.001-07:00

Thanks to WHERE Magazine, last evening, a group of us got together over at The Hollywood Museum for drinks and a nosh and it was so much fun!

Once inside, you feel like you have stepped into Max Factor's Makeup Studio during the early 1900's, and it is still very elegant and glamorous.

In Max Factor's world, there was no time for ugly. Whatever you had was enhanced because in Hollywood, we all know how vitally important it is to step out of your house looking camera ready - right? Some of Max Factor's clientele included Mary Pickford, Gloria Swanson, Claudette Colbert,
Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Judy Garland and Clara Bow.

Just when you think you've seen everything,
huge black doors open and you are whisked off into another world!
The next step? You get on the lift that is physically operated by a strong arm. It takes you away to the roaring 1920's. What a great cover up and segway to one of the most controversial periods of time in the USA - Oh yeah...
Knock on the door and tell them, "Joe Sent Me."

Historical Perspective on Prohibition of Alcohol in the USA

Dec 18, 1917 - The House of Representatives passed the 18th Amendment and The Volstead Act(1919) which was a piece of legislation to enforce the 18th Amendment. It was certified as ratified on 16 Jan 1919, after being approved by 36 states. However, it did not go into effect until 17 Jan 1920. Keep in mind that the 18th Amendment did not ban the consumption of alcohol, oh no, it only made it very difficult to obtain it legally. As a result, there came to be quite a demand for Speakeasy clubs all across America.

During the 1920's Speakeasies in Hollywood went hand in hand with entertainment and were all the rage. Celebrities would sneak on over to what used to be a Speakeasy, but is now known as The Hollywood Museum, which had a bowling alley and 4 floors for which a freight elevator could easily transport the automobiles of those with the proper funds from floor to floor, offering all the gin, scotch, wine and beer that could be consumed - Ain't life grand?

The hidden lift is still active to this very day. I must tell you that one can rent The Hollywood Museum out for parties.

Why not stop in for a lift, won't you?

Smooches,
C

Photo # 1 Rodeodrivelifestyles.blogspot.com
Photo # 2: Bettman\Corbis
Hollywood Museum - 323.464.7776 1660 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, CA 323.464.7776
Where Magazine

Summers in Beverly Hills

2010-07-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

The weather in Beverly Hills is a scorching 88 degrees and everyone is enjoying every minute of it by finding somewhere nice and cool to saunter into.

May I suggest that you grab your swimwear - or go on over to Saks and pick one up, why don't you? - And head for the majestic Montage Beverly Hills where they have several fabulous get away packages. Two of my favorites? The Bed & Breakfast package, and I love the Starry, Starry Night package - both packages offer you the Über luxurious treatment that you deserve and both are surprisingly jus·ti·fi·a·ble...

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

Today is a day that is dedicated to the Fathers that have lovingly cared for and nurtured those who came from your loins and have enough love in your heart to step in to the role of a father for those who were fatherless. Because of you - be it an older brother, uncle, cousin or neighborhood friend - you helped make life easier and helped a child to see that they are blessings; you were there when a little girl needed a Dad and you were there when a boy needed a role model and a super hero - yes, today is about celebrating you. May you reap blessings 1,000 fold.

I solute you!

Love,
C