If you happen to be staying in one of the Four Sesaons Beverly Hills’ 36 newly-renovated suites this Christmas, be sure to take advantage of their new partnership with Beverly Hills rent-a-car to try out a new model Rolls Royce Phantom, Ferrari F430, Ferrari California, Bentley Flying Spur, Maserati, Bentley GTC, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Lamborghini Gallardo, Mercedes-Benz SLS, Mercedes-Benz S600 or Porsche 997 for free, other than fuel and insurance. More details here. The Four Seasons is also offering free apple cider all Christmas! You can pop in and pick up a paper cup and a cinnamon stick! I did!

Mr. Winston wishes you Happy Holidays and a great New Year!

As some of you know, I am an avid animal rescuer as well as very active with raising money and doing charity work for all furry creatures.  Saving and helping animals is my main passion in life. I won’t go on and on like I usually do about this topic… I want to make this a happy post, not a depressing but true one !

While buying Holiday presents at PetCo today, I decided to dedicate a post to all of the animals out there.

I believe that having animals as pets is the best thing that someone can do for them self.  I personally could not live without my doggies.  (One of my dogs, Bow, turned 5 years old today.  Bow was my companion and never left my side for a few years while I was sick…. We loveee her !:) )

My furry fam: Bow, Lily, Minnie Mouse, and Winston

Here are a few presents I bought:

Cute sparkly mouse and ball for my friends cat Falcore

Falcore was adopted from the South La shelter a few months ago.

Gingerbread man for Charlie Normie

Oddly enough, my sister, has a dog named Charlie and Charlie is the sister of one of my dogs, Minnie Mouse.  They are both rescues from a decrepit trailer park in Palmdale, Ca.  (My sister and her two little girls had a b-day party for Charlie a few weeks ago…It was the first dog birthday I have ever attended, lol)

Presents for Schumey and Jasper

Baby Jasper

These toys are for Jasper and Schumi, who are both only a few months old.

Jasper was actually just rescued a few weeks ago.

Baby Schumi!

Here are a bunch of other toys/accessories I bought for other friends and family

Faux slipper for Griffin

I have a friend whose dog ALWAYS steals his slippers.  It is quite comical because he doesn’t want to eat them, he just enjoys getting the slipper out of the closet and playing with it.  It would highly amuse me if I put this slipper in my friends closet and Griffin just happened to bring it out of the closet and play with it.

Kong aka the baby sitter

Ok so this is the best invention for dogs out there.  Kong’s can keep a dog occupied for hourrsss !  You can put peanut butter, this dog cheese wiz stuff, or these edible stick things that go inside. My dogs will sit there and try to get out/eat the peanut butter for what seems like forever.  If I know I’m going to be away from home for awhile, I put one of these stick things in it and when I come home whichever dog is still trying to get it out and eat it.

Because I have four dogs who are mostly all different sizes, I have multiple size kong’s.

Another good thing about this wonder is that it is rubber so it cannot get dirty and it bounces for added fun

Audrey and Eldad's incredible and fascinating book

This is such a fantastic present!  I give a lot of these books out as stocking stuffers and everyone loves them.  Every book sold helps Audrey and Eldad save more animals, helps get the word out about how poorly animals are abused and how a bath, a meal, and some love can change them instantly.  I also keep a few books in my car and hand them out to people occasionally.

Ok, so we all get a bunch of really crappy gifts from people that are just giving to give, recycling gifts, or just have different taste than you.  I have tried in the past few years to tell those certain people, “Hey, lets donate to each others charities this year instead of gifts”.  It has so far only worked a few times, and of course I still get stuck with a ton of things i’d love to throw away

There are two ways you can help if you are at Petco on Doheny, or i’m sure any Petco.  There is a big bin that the West Valley La Animal shelter has put out with a list of about 20 things that they need for the babies. The other way to help is to donate money at the register for an animal charity when asked.  I donated today, and was given a very cute t-shirt for my donation.

If you are able to help with donations or bringing food,blankets, crates, or toys, please contact any of the following foundations/ rescue groups:

♥La native Audrey Spilker Hagar and husband Eldad Hagar’s amazingggg organization Hopeforpaws.org

♥Any of the Los Angeles animal shelters – North Central, South LA, West LA, East Valley, or West Valley.

♥Animaladvocatesalliance.org or NolaSinger@hotmail.com

♥Much love animal rescue

NOW GO GIVE YOUR FURRY FRIENDS SOME HUGS AND KISSES !

Merry Christmas and from two weeks ago Happy Hanukkah !

This is so fun, but I must admit that I am a bit annoyed… Why wasn’t this around when I was little ?!!! NORAD and Google bring “Track Santa” to your homes and Blackberries!

Here is slideshow to help you maximize your use of tracking Santa -> http://docs.google.com/present/view?id=dgfxmmrb_0dcxc48hq

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How long has NORAD been tracking Santa?

NORAD’s predecessor, the Continental Defense Command (CONAD), began tracking Santa in 1955. NORAD replaced CONAD in 1958 and took over the mission of tracking Santa’s flight around the world every Christmas Eve!

Why does NORAD track Santa?

Twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year, NORAD tracks airplanes, missiles, space launches and anything else that flies in or around the North American continent. While the tradition of tracking Santa began purely by accident, NORAD continues to track Santa. We’re the only organization that has the technology, the qualifications, and the people to do it. And we love it! NORAD is honored to be Santa’s official tracker on Christmas Eve!

Santa's village - Countdown

When will Santa arrive at my house?

NORAD tracks Santa, but only Santa knows his route. So we cannot predict where and when he will arrive at your house. But we do know from history that it appears he arrives only when children are asleep! In most countries, it seems Santa arrives between 9:00 p.m. and midnight on Christmas Eve. If children are still awake when Santa arrives, he moves on to other houses. He returns later…but only when the children are asleep!

What route does Santa travel?

Santa usually starts at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean and travels west. So, historically, Santa visits the South Pacific first, then New Zealand and Australia. After that, he shoots up to Japan, over to Asia, across to Africa, then onto Western Europe, Canada, the United States, Mexico and Central and South America. But keep in mind, Santa’s route can be affected by weather, so it’s really unpredictable. NORAD coordinates with Santa’s Elf launch staff to confirm his launch time, but from that point on, Santa calls the shots. We just track him!

Cookie Monster

Does Santa visit everyone (i.e. Afghanistan, Israel, non-Christian countries)?

Indeed! Santa visits all homes where children who believe in him live.

How can Santa travel the world within 24 hours?

NORAD intelligence reports indicate that Santa does not experience time the way we do. His Christmas Eve trip seems to take 24 hours to us, but to Santa it might last days, weeks or even months. Santa would not want to rush the important job of delivering presents to children and spreading Christmas to everyone, so the only logical conclusion is that Santa somehow functions within his own time-space continuum.

Is there a Santa Claus?

Mountains of historical data and over 50 years of NORAD tracking information leads us to believe that Santa Claus is alive and well in the hearts of people throughout the world.

AWWW Rudolph the red nose reindeer!! I want to hug him now

How old is Santa?

It’s hard to know for sure, but NORAD intelligence indicates Santa is AT LEAST 16 centuries old.

What does Santa look like?

Based on flight profile data gathered from over 50 years of NORAD’s radar and satellite tracking, NORAD concludes that Santa probably stands about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs approximately 260 pounds (before cookies). Based on fighter-aircraft photos, we know he has a generous girth (belly), rosy cheeks from sleigh riding in cold weather, and a flowing white beard.

How does Santa get down chimneys?

Although NORAD scientists have different hypotheses and theories, the NORAD scientific community has no definitive information as to how Santa actually gets down the chimneys. NORAD scientists continue to research this mystery.

Do your planes ever intercept Santa?

Over the past 50 years, our fighter jets (F-16s, F-15s and CF-18s) have intercepted Santa many, many times. When the jets intercept Santa, they tip their wings to say, “Hello Santa! – NORAD is tracking you again this year!” Santa always waves. He loves to see the pilots!

So happy

Does NORAD have any pictures of Santa taken from your planes?

Our fighter pilots love to take photos of Santa. We also have NORAD Santa Cams in space which take video of Santa as he flies round the world on Christmas Eve. These videos appear almost every hour on Christmas Eve at www.noradsanta.org

Does NORAD have any statistics on Santa’s sleigh?

NORAD can confirm that Santa’s sleigh is a versatile, all weather, multi-purpose, vertical short-take-off and landing vehicle. It is capable of traveling vast distances without refueling and is deployed, as far as we know, only on Christmas Eve (and briefly for a test flight about a month before Christmas).

Sleigh Technical Data

Where is Santa right now?

Santa is at the North Pole, where he lives with Mrs. Claus and the elves who make toys and take care of the reindeer year round! Each year on Christmas Eve, Santa and his reindeer launch from the North Pole very early in the morning for their famous trip around the world. The minute they launch, NORAD starts to track him! Come back to this website on December 24 and you can track Santa along with NORAD!

I would rather talk to someone at NORAD to find out where Santa is located. Is there a number I can call?

Yes! The NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center is fully operational beginning at 4:00 a.m. MST on December 24. You can call 1 877 HI-NORAD (1 877 446-6723) to talk directly to a NORAD staff member who will be able to tell you Santa’s exact location!

Can I send an email to NORAD to find out where Santa is located?

Yes! On December 24, you can send an email to noradtrackssanta@gmail.com. A NORAD staff member will give you Santa’s last known location in a return email.

Has Santa ever crashed into anything when he was flying around the world?

Santa has been flying for centuries without hitting anything. He must be a great pilot!

Besides tracking Santa, what does NORAD normally do?

NORAD is a bi-national U.S./Canadian military organization responsible for the aerospace defense of North America. NORAD provides warning of impending missile and air attacks, safeguards the air sovereignty of North America, and maintains airborne forces for defense against attack. NORAD performs this important mission 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. But on Christmas Eve each year, NORAD has one additional mission: Tracking Santa around the world! To learn more about NORAD, go to www.norad.mil

How many people support this effort, and are they active duty military personnel?

One Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian from the NORAD Public Affairs staff is assigned to manage the program. In addition, almost 1,250 Canadian and American uniformed personnel – Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines, as well as DOD civilian and their families and friends – volunteer their time on Christmas Eve to answer the thousands of phone calls and emails that flood in from around the world.

How much money is spent on this project?

The NORAD Tracks Santa program is made possible by volunteers and through the support of corporate partners who bear virtually all of the costs.

www.noradsanta.org/en/index.html

www.google.com

I just had lunch with my dad and sister at Spagos in BH and afterwards we walked around before retourne a la offeeeese! My dad’s bestie, attorney Don Fenmore, came too and brought along his little girl, who is actually my “big sister” cause she is older than me, Miss Tanya Fenmore who I always love to see. Tanya has two degrees from Harrrrrvud, and now works in film. She told us all about the new reality show she is developing [more to come later]. My sister Yvette got me a stuffed bunny for Christmas and our dad ordered him carrots. Everyone kept asking me why I brought my raggedy old stuffed animal to lunch and we were all VERY insulted.

Outside we ran into L.A. Natives Alex Klein (left) and Matt Klein (right) with their dad (middle). They are our neighbors in Malibu, went to Campbell and work in their family's seafood business - What a couple of hot catches!!

After lunch we went to the Wine Merchant to buy presents. I got in trouble for taking pictures but then I bought a crate of “splits” for my mom’s birthday (my mom LOOOVESSSS splits) coming up on Dec 30th and I think the ‘wine merchant’ was proud of my selection and forgave me. Note: My favorite thing in the world is a big giant crate of anything miniature. Then the fabulous director of beverages from across the street at the Montage, Dave Wallace came in and BOUGHT THE EXACT SAME CRATE!!! I said “OH! You’re buying a crate of the wine I just bought a crate of!” I thought it was so random, yet so astute of me to be choosing the same BOX! the Montage made a special trip over because they ran out. I was very proud of myself. The beverage director invited me to come have a glass of wine with him any time and I think I just might. He was at the Laguna Montage before this and came up here to open up Beverly Hills. He told me the hotel is at 100+ capactiy all Christmas. Which means there are 100 people on the waiting list through New Years! Anyone on the list, if you love the Montage as much as I do, you can come stay with me and my mom in our Pied a Tier on Burton … just a few blocks East!

Outside the Wine Merchant we ran into Arthor Sarkissian. Not only is he the talented producer of While You Were Sleeping and ALL the Rush Hours, he is also the father of my step siblings. Arthor was getting his glasses fixed at Luxurator by Franco … Arthor has impecable taste and everyone should do everything he does. If I have glasses one day I am definitely taking them here.

Pretty interior inside Luxurator by Franco - the material is Hermes organce snake or maybe crocodile

I also saw this really strange car outside Spago and after wondering if it was the new Fisker or some wierd thing, the Valet told me it was kit car but I am looking into and will have a lisense plate check run and post more if it’s worth knowing about.

My Mother:

I am also getting her pajama shorts and slippers from F21! They are only 6 or 7 dollars for each item. You can see all F21 PJs here! Oh! And you can see all their slippers here!!

My Father:
Google stock continues to rise. With their new Wave platform, free website hosting, shared document cloud system, using wave power for energy by storing their data on barges at sea, along with their new facial recognition system, alliances with Facebook, Twitter and Washington, and ultimate track record … need I continue?

My brother:
Though he’d prefer the Google stock, I am getting him a Ralph Lauren Black Watch Flannel Robe, $43.50 buy here

Myself:

Things I’m getting myself:

Buy gloves from F21 here!

W Hotel Los Angeles Westwood has opened “Chill at the W”, a synthetic ice skating rink over their pool. Order S’mores Tart With Star Anise Honey and Chocolate Sauce, drink spiced lattes or adult hot chocolates. There is no admission and no advance reservations are required. Skate rentals are $10 per person, per hour. Opens Sun. Mon.-Fri., 3-10 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. November 13, 2009 through January 24, 2010. We also here the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego and the Trianon Palace Versailles in Paris have also erected a skate rink for the holidays! YAY!

Disclaimer – I had fun with my little sister but this is not real ice and it’s kinda disappointing. Props to the hotel for even trying this and I am sure REAL ice would not be economical and it’s a really great community thing to do but it’s just not that great. I would definitely not bring children or go with the excitement and expectation of actually ice skating. When it gets a little colder – I think it’s a cool place to go have a drink but it’s not the wintery wonderland day of icy, chilly mitten weather and running into bungalows to heat up with coco that we were expecting – the “ice” is some wierd cardboard sheet that sucks. It looked like skating on hard plastic. That said, the hotel is beautiful and we got great photos and had a good convo over macchiatos. The food menu looked spectacular as well – I photoed it below.

W Hotel Ice Skating Rink adult hot chocolate and pumpkin spiced latte

W hotel rink side menu