From l, Guardaheart’s Rose Hancock, Jason Ritter, and Gavin B. Keilly at GBK’s MTV Movie Awards Lounge.

Where else can you run into celebrities and colleagues, pay homage to great charities, see the latest in products, clothing, and jewelry, eat delish Mexican cuisine, and even be a recipient of a press-on nail application?

Held at the W Hollywood, the first recognizable face we saw was Chelsea Handler’s Chuy Bravo (on his scooter). His smile and jovial personality set the tone for a fun Saturday afternoon.

The bash was held on the Mezzanine floor with a variety of rooms where celebs could wander. The highlight: Parenthood’s Jason Ritter in attendance and co-presenting a check for $100,000 (with AVIIR) to the GuardaHeart Foundation. Ten years ago his dad, the beloved John Ritter, died of heart disease. But it was back to the acting profession the minute he left. Jason was heading to New York to do a TV pilot.

Another highlight: speaking with Dorothy Hamill and her husband, attorney John MacColl. Although in physical pain, the Olympic gold medalist visited GBK to lend support to their charities. (You’d never know she was hurting, as she was radiant.)

Of course we talked one of my favorite subjects – Dancing with the Stars. Sadly, she had to bow out early because of injuries. “I am laying pretty low these days. We’re going to the show Monday night.” When asked if she’d be attending the finale, she responded, “Yes, but I don’t know what I can do that night.”

While Dorothy was hobnobbing, John clued me in on their life. The two met in Baltimore through mutual friends and married a few years later, over three years ago. They reside between Nantucket and the California desert.

DJ BABYCHINO, the youngest DJ (he’s 10, but has been working professionally for five years) visited from Vegas and worked the music.

Pint-sized Quvenzhane Wallis had her nails done by Tina Vlanomelle with ImPress On Manicure by Broadway Nails.

Aubrey O’Day checked out the Bling Is the New Black custom bling apparel. We missed reality stars Patti Stanger, Tamara Barney, and Andy Dick, who brought Bachelor heartthrob Sean Lowe (both Dancing with the Stars contestants).

Celebs received a variety of gifts including a five-night stay in a penthouse suite at British Columbia’s Sparkling Hill Resort, owned by Gernot Langes-Swarovski. Yes, that Swarovski! It’s a European-inspired wellness resort, not far from Vancouver. Talk about bling! There are over 3.5 million Swarovski crystals in its design.

Select VIPs also received a trip sponsored by Caribbean Living to the newest Hard Rock Hotel in either Puerto Vallarta or Cancun, as well as jewelry from Jade and Jasper and Infinite Jewelry Designs. They went home with Keratin Complex products, BARBAR Hair Tools, Jada Toys, Inc., gift certificates to Sky’s Gourmet Tacos, and Sol Republic headphones.

Besides GuardaHeart, other charities included: Yes!Beat Liver Tumors, Lambada Legal, The Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation, Steps4Paws, My Life My Power, and George Lopez Foundation.

Sue Facter owns a news agency specializing in the luxury brand. Her work appears in USA Today, Los Angeles Times and Women’s Day Australia, as well as on broadcasts and the web.

Jody Miller and Sophie in matching outfits, designed by Jody.

Although she has music in her soul, Jody Miller transformed her life of a three-decade music publicist with concerts, travel, and rock and roll to that of one of fashion, animals, and charity.

After enrolling at New York’s Parsons School of Design, Jody thought she’d specialize in custom-made couture for women. Funny how life changes. A coat she made for her Portuguese Podengo pup Sophie was so popular, she switched gears. The rest is history.

“The universe was looking out for us. I hooked up with the American Humane Society that advocates older children and was the only one commissioned by SAG/AFTRA to be on set for movies and TV. They loved the idea about my coming on board, and I do a lot of work with them.”

When she attended a black-tie animal event in L.A, Jody had to walk the red carpet. “I’ve done so many as a publicist, but never for myself. So, I went all out and designed my dress with a matching coat for Sophie, who weighs three-and-a-half pounds. Before that, I designed outfits for dogs on the red carpet – rescue dogs, law enforcement dogs, etc.”

It was at this event that she met restaurateurs and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills stars Lisa Vanderpump and husband Ken Todd, and their pup, Jiggy, who has become the most well known TV dog since Lassie. Afterwards, Jody designed a glam outfit for Jiggy. “It was blue velvet with a pair of matching cuffs, which I had never done for any others.” Since that time, Jiggy has worn this outfit on many of Lisa’s interviews/ photo shoots.

In 2011 Sophie by Couture was born. We first caught up with Jody and Sophie at a GBK Luxury Gifting Lounge at L’Ermitage, where she showed her wares to celebrities, stylists, and the media. Showcasing was her Icon Collection, paying homage to Cyndi Lauper, JLo, Cher, Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, Sid Vicious, and Elvis Presley with various furs, metallics, denim, zebra exotics, and silver depending on the personality.

Sophie is well-behaved and well-traveled. Her breed has been around for 2,000 years.

While visiting family in England, Jody’s husband Stanley (a staffer of Mayor Michael Blumberg) adopted Sophie (once named Midge). Strict British rules dictate that dogs can’t leave the country by plane. He wound up driving from Oxfordshire, England on an underground tunnel to Calais, France and eventually to Charles DeGaulle in Paris to fly their new family member home.

Generous Sophie believes in giving back. She has become a member of the Delta Society Pet Partners and visits an adult day care center and school for severely disabled children weekly.

Through the American Humane Society, Jody became fast friends with Aaron Spelling’s widow, Candy, who invited her to be a cast member on her reality show, Selling the Spelling Manor. We are sure we will see Sophie, as well.

Sue Facter owns a news agency that specializes in the luxury brand. Her work appears in USA Today, Los Angeles Times, and Women’s Day Australia, as well on broadcasts and the web.

The “stars” of Laguna Beach’s Uncorked!

My motto has always been … I’d rather fly than drive! But it was worth navigating the 405 to the OC to attend Laguna Beach’s Uncorked International Food and Wine Fest, hosted by the Laguna Beach and Visitors Bureau.

Held at the same locale as the famed Pageant of the Masters, the festival showcased 30 wineries and 20 restaurants. It was a pastoral setting parallel to any Bacchanalian feast in the day. A portion of the proceeds benefited CHOC Children’s Hospital.

Just as actors are a piece of the human art experience at Masters, the featured cuisine and spirits exhibited part of the cultural scene of this area known for blue skies, an ocean that does not quit, and a bunch of elite shopping malls. Local gourmands and beyond had quite a treat in store!

Michael A Jordan, MS CWE, Sommelier of the People, gave a two-hour seminar to open the show. This man knows his craft. He is one of only 15 people in the world to hold both the Master Sommelier and the Certified Wine Educator Diplomas.

The day was a full-on cultural experience. Only in Laguna would one find art in the shuttle parking lot in the form of a couch sculpture for passengers to sit and wait. Once on the shuttle (which was more like a limo than a bus), we watched Andrea Bocelli’s concert filmed in Portofino. Upon return, we listened to an Asian pianist who played a Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody. But, our destination was just up the road!

Although there weren’t any celebs that we noticed, the stars were the chefs and sommeliers, as well as the cuisine and the wine/champagne. My group tried samples of Grilled Mahi Tacos (The Deck on Laguna Beach), Steak Tartre on Lavosh with Asiago Cheese and Pickled Quail Egg (Watermarc), Pate in Pastry (Dizz’s As Is), Crab Cakes and Filet Mignon Sopes (Las Brices), Chicken Curry (Remarks), Pork Sliders (Tommy Bahama Laguna Beach), Prime Boneless Short Rib (Tabu Grill), Pasta-less Vegetarian Lasagna (Sundried Tomato), Lobster Macaroni and Cheese (House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer), Pink Grapefruit Risotto, Nyango Chocolate Crème, Tangerine and Grapefruit Macaroons (Montage Laguna Beach), and more.

Guests tasted wines from Azienda Giol, Domaine Carneros, Ridge Vineyards, Foley Estates Vineyard and Winery, Domaine des Baumard, Clos Pagade Winery, Etude, and more.

Not only do we say bravo to Bocelli, we say bellisimo to Laguna Beach!

Sue Facter owns a news agency that specializes in the luxury brand. Her work appears in USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Women’s Day Australia, on broadcasts and the web. Follow her on Twitter @TheFacter.

From l, Blake Mycoskie with Booth Moore at the “Los Angeles Times” Travel Show.

Ever want to visit Helsinki, Hong Kong, or Dubai? Want to know the most economical way to go or just how to navigate through social media? Travel junkies caught up with the world’s best travel experts at the 15th Annual Los Angeles Times Travel Show.

Rudy Maxa (The Savvy Traveler), Arthur Frommer (340 travel guides), Mike Wolfe (American Pickers), Andrew McCarthy (yes that Andrew McCarthy), Rick Steves (Rick Steves Europe), John Discala (Johnny Jet), and Phil Keoghan (The Amazing Race) spoke about their mutual travel passion.

Los Angeles Times Travel Editor, Catharine Hamm, started packing her travel bags early in life. “My dad’s idea of a moving experience was picking up and actually moving! We lived in New York, D.C, Honolulu, and Manila. Travel was part of my DNA.”

When traveling for biz or pleasure, she feels like a student of the world. “I learn new cultures and am surprised I recognize things from my own country, family, or myself. It’s eye opening.”

How rare is it that the frequent traveler doesn’t get jet lag? “I interviewed a doctor who told me I must have really good genes. Actually when I get someplace, I am so excited to be there, I’m not tired anymore!”

She jokes, if you don’t get enough sleep regularly, sleeping on a plane is the best time to sleep! “Finding the right neck pillow is important for that. I can be asleep before the wheels lift off!

“The thing among travel writers is my favorite destination is the place I’m going next.” She raves about the Philippines. “The people are tremendously gracious, among the most courageous. I learn so much from their resilience from much hardship.”

Booth Moore (The Times’ Fashion Critic) was in-between trips from New York and Paris Fashion Weeks. She interviewed Blake Mycoskie, founder of Tom’s Shoes and author of Start Something That Matters. Immediately after, Moore covered the Oscar Red Carpet, and then hopped a plane to Paris. Busy gal!

“I travel so much for work and have to pack for two seasons because I’m in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. I usually stick to one color – black or an earth tone brown palette. When you’re in a wintery place, the coat is the most important thing.”

The fashion writer travels with two suitcases: “One is for mostly clothes; the other for shoes and accessories. I find it useful to keep the clothes on the hangers so I can just pull out the outfit and transfer it easily into the closet. Socks and underwear go into shoes; scarves go into handbags.”

Instead of a garment bag, she uses an oversized duffel bag. “You can cinch it shut. I pack layers of sweaters on the bottom. Regular luggage is heavy when empty and you can only do 50 pounds.”

To avoid jet lag, she tries to sleep on planes, stay hydrated, and she even has a little wine. “Set your watch right away and never look back.”

Frequent traveler Sue Facter owns a news agency that specializes in the luxury brand. Her work appears in USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Women’s Day Australia, on broadcasts and the web.

Sue Facter with Gilles Marini at QVC Red Carpet Oscar party.

Lisa Robertson, along with Amy Stran, Jill Martin, and others, brought red carpet magic to the Four Seasons for QVC’s annual Oscar party and live broadcast. Joan Rivers (the original red carpet interviewer — Who are you wearing?) opened the show with a history of Oscars past. The busy entrepreneur arrived directly from LAX in a black pants suit and whipped out her Ombre sequin scarf with over 56,000 sequins (like only she could). She looked like a million bucks.

Over 1,200 guests drank champagne amidst a red carpet lined with ivy, a mirrored background with disco effect, and Swarovski crystal columns under a tent on the hotel lawn. Super model Heidi Klum, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, Lisa Rinna (with hubby Harry Hamlin), Nicole Richie, Chaz Dean, Lori Goldstein, etc. joined party guests Robert De Niro, Miranda Kerr, Kristin Chenoweth, Camilla Alves, Jackie Weaver, Eric Stonestreet, Chris Noth, Gilles Marini, Wendy Burch, and some of the TV Housewives sisterhood.

GBK hosted a suite (at Sofitel Los Angeles), designed by Danielle Rios Interiors inspired by Alexander McQueen and Valentino. Celebs received goodies from The Artisan Group, SkinnyGirl, ChickBoss jewelry, Nvey Eco, Matrix, trips from the Puerto Vallerta Tourism Board, Caribbean Life, MINIM (travel bags), gift certificates from Magellan Jets, and Dr. Ted Eisenberg (in from Philly) who authored The Scoop on Breasts.

Sponsors: Nicoreette/NicoDerm; Global Green; the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation; Yes, Beat Tumors; City of Hope; the Creative Coalition; and Guard a Heart.

Kathy Duliakas held a wonderful gifting suite, her 5th Annual Celebrity Oscar® Suite & Party, at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood, hosted by Maleku Jewelry, presented by LA SkinAesthetics, catered by Taglyan’s own Divine Food and Catering and benefiting the Kind Campaign. Natasha Henstridge, Adrienne Maloof, Joe Mantegna and Christine Devine received gifts from Twisted Silver and Perch by Debra Mitchell, Single by Galina Sobolev, MB York Beauty, Goga by Gordana Gehlhausen (Project Runway), treatments from LA SkinAesthetics and Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgery Center, Megumi-O, and Tough Luv (clothing).

If pampering was your deal, Roger Neal provided primping at L’Ermitage for individual eyelashes by Daniel Dinh of Long Mi Lashes, solar power tans by Sunlounge Tans, hair treatments by international hairstylist Marcello Costas, Lanza, ISO Beauty, purses by Timmy Woods, and Erin Fader Jewelry. Penny Marshall showed us a diamond encrusted Laker ring to honor the late Jerry Buss. Even though they constantly argue on Shahs of Sunset, MJ and GiGi were BFFs that day.

The Nanny’s Renee Taylor touted her skincare line, Renee Taylor’s faceLOVE, in partnership with makeup artist Cindy Cohen. Oscar nominee, Quvenzhane Wallis was overwhelmed with a personalized cake (with her pic) from Mary’s Cake Shop. Her mother cried.

Debby Durkin hosted EcoEmmys held at a private estate where Oscar winner Malik Bendjelloul and noms Reginald Hudlin, Sam Fell, and Chris Butler partied. The Jamaican Tourism Board, various jewelry/beauty lines, and Yes, Beat Tumors sponsored. Guests feasted on Coley’s Jamaican Cuisine.

Sue Facter owns a news agency that specializes in the luxury brand. Her work appears in USA Today, Los Angeles Times, and Women’s Day Australia, on broadcasts and the web. Follow her on Twitter @The Facter.

From l, Raini Rodriguez, Doris Bergman, Kevin Eubanks, and Rico Rodriguez at Doris Bergman’s event.

Last week, Bergman’s Fifth Annual Valentine Romance Oscar Style Lounge drew an eclectic crowd. Held at La Boheme Café, it was sponsored by Qmadix and co-sponsored by Whitening Lightning and Nature’s Flavors. The event benefited Wednesday’s Child, a charity and weekly segment on KTTV Fox 11 News with anchor Christine Devine. She made sure her cameramen got the best shots with two of the foster kids, who were being treated as VIPs for the day.

No chauffeurs here! Oscar winner and oxygenarian Martin Landau drove himself in his maroon Mustang convertible. Sophia Milos left the bash only to find a flat tire on her gorgeous black Mercedes.

Upon arriving, Rosa Blasi (with friend Lisa Ann Walter) stopped to play with a random pup she found cute (being walked by its owner). Blasi got so much affection that her perfectly made-up face was derailed with slurps. The actress quickly got herself together for photographers.

Kevin Eubanks graciously gave us his new CD. Tabatha Coffee, Estella Warren, Obba Babbatunde, Deidre Hall, Ann Merin, Elizabeth De Razzo, Hal Sparks, Ken Davitan, Angeline Rose Troy, and Django Unchained’s Oscar nominated David Steen and Dennis Christopher attended. A Philly native, Christopher moved to NYC years ago. “I love New York for theater – both as a viewer and an actor.”

George Lopez’s ex, Anne, told us she is shopping her own talk show around. And why not? She learned from the best. William Shatner was expected, but came down with the bug that’s hit just about everyone. Best dressed male, Dr. Michael K. Obeng visited in-between surgical procedures.

Said Ali Rahini (with John Barle) of Monatelier, “We just designed a tux for style guru Michael O’Connor for the Globes.” But it was the women who receive the attention at this event; the guys brought gowns to loan actresses for Oscar night.

Modern Family’s Rico Rodriguez and sister Raini arrived after school. Oscar nominated Flight screenwriter, John Gatins was in the house.

Guests feasted on salmon, chicken, filet mignon, salad, veggies, pumpkin ravioli, and an array of desserts. Like a Jewish mama, Bergman makes sure everyone was well fed.

Said Landau, a voice in the animated Frankenweenie, “I just finished The Anna Nicole Smith Story (with Virginia Madsen). It was the first time I played older than myself! (He was referring to K. Howard Marshall, Smith’s husband.) “The guy was fascinating. Nobody knows that.”

Also in the house: Art Lewin & Co. Custom Clothiers, Lusciouss Jewelry, Twisted Silver®, Aditi Jewelry, Charlie Lapson, Dulcenea, Spongeables® LLC, My Spa Life, Pauline’s Peanut Brittle, Honest Tea, Caribbean Living Magazine sponsored celebrity vacations, Whirl-a-Style, Bon Bon Home, Kelly Nishimoto®, Undiepads, Lauren&Luca, Ollin Arm Candy, Traveler’s Choice & Pacific Gear, Handmade Hearts, Tequila Azul Imperial, KIND Snacks, Terox footwear, Kara Cham Jewelry, Carol Lynn Sweets Jewelry, and Bully Bling Energy Drink.

Sue Facter owns a news agency that specializes in the luxury brand. Her work appears in USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Women’s Day Australia, on broadcasts and the web.

Kate Flannery visits The Artisan Group at GBK Golden Globe Luxury Lounge.

But her entrepreneurial skills, as well as her talent in graphic design, brought Valerie Guerrero to a new comfort zone and now she is as comfy chatting up actors as she was with the suits.

Valerie and The Artisan Group is a staple at GBK’s Luxury Gift Lounge, the brainchild of Gavin Keilly. Celebs are gifted with the crème de la crème designer brands, but it is the homemade gifts from The Artisan Group that catch their eyes. At a rooftop Golden Globe event at the L’Ermitage Hotel, we caught up with the designer.

“I got into the celebrity gifting business because I wanted a way to gift my products,” said Valerie. But she didn’t want to do it on her own. “So I started The Artisan Group where I could have many folks help me cut the cost of the event.”

The business soared quickly. “I took a step back so others could shine.” Valerie’s stationery business BeezKneez Designs is always included in the gift bags, and a favorite.

Right now, the Artisans are close to 800 strong. “There’s an application process. I look at photography, the quality of their products, and their websites. After all, these gifts are going to Hollywood royalty, who expect the best. Probably about 30% who apply are accepted into the fold.

“Spots usually sell out within a couple of hours.” She has also displayed at the Emmys, the Oscars, Sundance, Kids’ Choice Awards, and American Music Awards.

At the recent Golden Globe event, over 30 Artisan products were in each celebrity gift bag, valued at approximately $1,500. It was filled with hand-crafted jewelry, but there was also clothing accessories, spa and bath products, photography, and stationery represented.

Valerie and her husband, an aerospace engineer (with Tiruli, their Chihuahua who oversees the process), assemble all the products and ship them to Hollywood. “Fed Ex is my friend,” she jokes.

The graphic artist started sketching in high school and got into layout in her early twenties. She worked in the corporate world of Morgan Stanley for nine years, transferred to Cisco Systems, and the rest is history.

While we were chatting, The Office’s Kate Flannery stopped by. “Every girl who is a girly girl loves jewelry,” says Kate. “I remember opening up my mother’s top drawer to try on her jewelry. I am one of six girls, seven kids. All the girls appreciated great craftsmanship. Just the feeling of being feminine makes you feel pretty.”

She shows me a vintage ring that her boyfriend (an NBC photographer) of seven years gave to her. “When he gave it to me, he said, ‘It’s not what you think!’

“This ring means a lot to me. I have an affinity to the past. I love old movies. This ring has a Victorian vibe. It’s nice to see artists imbibe the past. I’ve always appreciated lovely things.”

Sue Facter owns a news agency that specializes in the lux-ury brand. Her work appears in USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Women’s Day Australia, as well as on broadcasts and the web.

Chris Harrison at the LA Travel and Adventure Show.

“I’ve never done this before,” Chris Harrison whispered to me before his speech at the Los Angeles Travel and Adventure Show. Just in from Vegas where he hosted Miss America, the host admitted, “I’ve never spoken publicly about travel.”

Held at the Long Beach Convention Center, the show features travel industry greats – Pauline Frommer, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Peter Greenberg, Rick Steves, Pat Schultz, Richard Wiese, and Harrison.

“Italy has to be one of my top travel choices,” says the TV host. “It has everything I love – people, food, wine, and wonderful places to walk around.”

He didn’t expect to enjoy Bora Bora because of the hype. “But, it far exceeded every expectation I could ever dream.”

Prague also surprised him with “that young, arts vibe with lots of students. It had been untouched since World War II, so it’s really a medieval city. That’s rare to find in Europe. Most of the cities that were bombed were destroyed.”

Harrison says it starts with the people. “If you go anywhere and the people aren’t welcoming and loving, I don’t care how pretty a place is. It’s not a good place.”

Whether the Bachelor host is visiting a town for 24 hours, or stays for a week, he takes the time to explore the city before the famed rose ceremony. “I try to enmesh myself in whatever culture I am in. We hire locals everywhere we go. I usually pick their brain and find out where I should eat and what I need to see. And because we are who we are we have the Board of Tourism on our side and we get to do some pretty extraordinary things whether it’s zip lining in Costa Rica, bungee jumping off the original bridge in New Zealand, or shark diving in Bora Bora.”

Because Harrison is a producer on the show, he takes part in scouting out the heavy-duty physical activities. “The crew will try them the day before the couple films them. Its part of my job, but a lot of it’s just selfish. They shut down public places for us.”

This season the show went to Whitefish, Montana, right below Glacier National Park. “It’s an amazing place with fly fishing and skiing. It’s just breathtaking.” He also raved about Banff, Canada. “It’s once in lifetime stuff. We go to St. Croix and do the finale in the Golden Triangle in Thailand.

“Before the travel show, I never sat down and made a list of where I had been. It was jaw dropping!

“I remember staying at the Sabi Sand Reserve and then to Capetown with Table Top Mountain, the Harbour, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the monkeys and seeing the penguins on the way to the Cape of Good Hope. We actually shot a finale at Stellenbosch (wine farm). Here I was drinking big bowl Bordeaux style wines. You pinch yourself and say who gets to do this?”

Sue Facter owns a news agency that specializes in the luxury brand. Her work appears in USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Women’s Day Australia, as well as on broadcasts and the web.

Jane Lynch and pal Carol Burnett at the El Capitan.

And it’s doubly special when Betty White is set to present the infamous comedienne with the inaugural Honor of Distinction Award, from Hollywood High School Performing Arts Center and Madame Tussauds Hollywood.

Add a bunch of talented kids, a la Glee and you’ve got an evening where everyone’s kicking up their heels and having a ball.

All except Betty White, that is. Sadly, the actress became caught the flu at the 11th hour and was unable to for fill her commitment, very unlike Ms. White, who is a workhorse. But, since this was a night of celebration, the wonderful Jane Lynch came to the rescue and filled Betty’s shoes, to please her TV mom. Who can forget the episode when Burnett guest starred as Lynch’s mother on Glee?

The evening was pure joy. We ran into Lamb Chop at the cocktail party before the show. The puppet, who never ages and doesn’t need the services of any of the great plastic surgeons in town, accompanied her mom, Mallory Lewis, puppeteer Shari’s daughter. Mally took over puppetry duties when her mom passed away.

Chef Kurt Ehrlich and Lorimar Winery and Vineyard catered the party.

And on with the show. Although we wished Ms. Burnett could have been onstage from minute one, we knew the deal. Charlene Tilton, Renee Taylor, Joe Bologna, Deborah Shelton, Dee Wallace, Shirley Jones, Marty Ingels, Erin Murphy, Sally Kellerman, and others talked the merits of Hollywood High and Burnett, who started as a journalism student.

Councilman Tom LaBonge declared it Carol Burnett Day in Los Angeles. He proclaimed that an area near Hollywood High would be named Carol Burnett Way.

Historical clips were shown of the comedienne with TV legends Lucille Ball, Julie Andrews, and Ed Sullivan.

Hollywood High’s performing arts stars of tomorrow did numbers from A Chorus Line, Beauty and the Beast, Chicago, Rent, Aida, and Moulin Rouge. The extravaganza was produced by Stormy Sacks. We can’t list every student’s name but both Bianca and Roger Neal, Jr. were featured.

Jane Lynch called Burnett “my first inspiration and one of the world’s greatest treasures.”

Said Burnett: “Now, I know what it’s like to have a eulogy!” She continued, “I’m overwhelmed. These are my stomping grounds. I lived a block north of Hollywood Boulevard and went to school here. Never in a million years did I think I would be honored like this.”

How can you not love this woman? “I was a nerd! I was very quiet in school and a good student.” She recounted a story about using the name of a classmate on The Carol Burnett Show. Her office received an irate call from the woman, then in Vegas, who said, “You used my maiden name on the show.” Carol’s secretary told her that the two went to school together. The woman replied, “I don’t remember her.” Said Burnett, “I hope she remembers me now!.

Sue Facter owns a news agency that specializes in the luxury brand. Her work appears in USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Women’s Day Australia, on broadcasts and the web.

Sue Facter working on her golf game at CordeValle Resort.

Do you usually fly into San Jose Airport for a luxury weekend? Probably not, but if you want to be “in” on the best kept travel secret mostly known to serious golfers, read on.

Thirty minutes south of the airport is CordeValle Resort in San Martin, Calif. You feel like royalty when you’re shuttled through on a private road near the Santa Cruz Mountains leading to a 1,700 acre paradise with 45 rooms in bungalows, villa suites, and fairway homes. This is home to many pro golf tourneys.

Whether you’re visiting for golf or just have a romantic weekend, you’re in for a treat. Golf carts escort you to your new home with individual entrances and lawns, the feeling of a private estate. Once inside, you’ll pass a mini kitchen/wet bar, with a welcome bottle of Clos LaChance wine from the in-house winery (where they do complimentary wine tastings for resort guests), as well as nature and art guides.

Across from the fireplace, there’s an enormous king sized bed draped in white (goose down comforters and frette linens) with a patio and view that you could only imagine is heaven overlooking the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course, rated one of the best in the country. Think green and lush with nature in sight if you use the binoculars provided. One day we were almost late to dinner because we were mesmerized with the rolling hills and canyons with syca-mores, oaks, an array of birds, deer, the California quail (our state bird), and even a turkey or two.

In the huge bathroom, a red rose on the vanity table was displayed across from the double sinks, a separate shower, and whirlpool tub, with a view of the golf course. The piece de resistance is a walk in closet attached to the bathroom where I contemplated for a moment that I could seriously live here.

There are choices to dine in CordeValle’s formal restaurant, Il Vigneto, One Iron Bar, or Lion’s Peak Grill, which is alongside the golf shop. In the morning, we loved grabbing a bite near the fireplace at Lion’s Peak Grill.

The best way to relax after a round of golf (or not) is to stop at Sense, the resort Spa, where you can delight in everything from a CordeValle Signature Raindrop Ritual (exfoliation, mud body wrap, scalp massage, Vichy shower, and full massage) to customize facials and more. Your choice of music: Nature, World, Spiritual, New Age, and Classical. There’s a Member’s Lounge to relax, lunch, watch TV, or read.

Since we are just learning golf, we took a lesson with golf pro John Horner. This guy has patience! One thing we never knew is that you are not allowed to wear any color of denim on the golf course, even for a lesson. Did you know that a Bo Derek is any score of 10? The things we learn!