For painter Erin Hanson, working as a professional artist was an easy career choice. This bioengineering UC Berkeley graduate would take the life of a painter, more than that of a doctor…any day of the week. She is considered to be the originator of painting style called “Open Impressionism. You can find inspiration from her favorite French painter Vincent van Gogh, peppered throughout her work. She says, “I would love to sit in a hay field in France and paint with van Gogh.” The market is ravenous for her contemporary impressionistic pieces and if you don’t move quick enough, you might find her gallery walls bare. Her art is being snatched up by the most “in the know” collectors and her paintings have been in museums, galleries, solo exhibitions, private collections and more. She also has two retail galleries that exclusively showcase her work, The Erin Hanson Galleries.

To read the full article by Sherrie Wilkolaski visit luxebeatmag.com.

Natalja Sticco is a hot ticket in the world of opera. NY Weekly ranked her #7 in their list of Top 20 Artists to Follow in 2020. The Latvian-born opera and classical singer launched her career in 2009. She moved to Boston in 2018 and broke out as a soloist and concert performer. With over 200 performances covering 30 operas throughout her career, she has established herself as an emerging powerhouse and classical crossover artists. She’s known throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North America. This multi-talented “Verdi-Mezzo” is charming audiences around the world with her voice and beauty. Natalja also placed in the top 2% of models in Maxim Magazine’s 2020 Covergirl competition! 

To read the full article by Sherrie Wilkolaski visit luxebeatmag.com.

Walking has always been my go-to mode of exploration when I visit a new city. Not only do I get a feel of a destination’s vibe and see its attractions, but I also get the additional bonus of exercise. And when I opt for a guided tour, it’s the trifecta!  Recently, I was in Minneapolis and wanted to learn more about the town, as my once and only previous visit here was eons ago. And I had little recollection of the place other than attending a show at the famed Guthrie Theater. 

To read the full article by Debbie Stone visit luxebeatmag.com.

It’s the time of year that can be challenging for most of us—who, what and how much to gift for the holidays. I’ve many of my own thoughts, but I came across Sharon Schweitzer’s list of 10 rules of holiday gift giving etiquette and she makes excellent points covering most situations. Sharon, is an international etiquette expert, author, and founder of Access to Culture. When discussing gift etiquette opinions are all over the place. For me, it is important to stick to a budget and choose gifts for the individual, not by the dollars you spend. Most people discover that they can spend more some years and be on a rock bottom budget others.

To read the full article by Maralyn Hill visit luxebeatmag.com.

Many of us have heard the expression, “You have one chance to make a first impression.” Your handshake and/or greeting are part of that impression. I cannot begin to cover all countries, so I will cover what I know. In addition, times have changed and new customs are being introduced. That does not necessarily mean they are being adopted.

My references have included “Do’s and Taboos Around the World,” “Modern Manners,” as well as numerous articles I’ve read and experiences I’ve encountered. Some conflict, so I’d personally go with the lead of my host, to whom I’m being introduced. I’ve gone with my experience.

To read the full article by Maralyn Hill visit luxebeatmag.com.

The sign on the left of the river warned of the rapids to come. We were as prepared as we could be, having heard about the intense Class 4+ whitewater that we would encounter after reaching the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers in Utah’s Cataract Canyon. The water level was high, which meant the rapids would be fast and turbulent…and exciting! The wave train started with some fun rapids, then it was time to “buckle up” for the mile-long siege, where the rapids come in quick succession, with frothing rocks, eddies, holes and other boat-chomping features to avoid. It was a wild roller coaster that became even wilder once we encountered the infamous trio of Big Drop rapids. Here the river drops over thirty feet in less than three-quarters of a mile.

To read the full article by Debbie Stone visit luxebeatmag.com.

I tried an Alaskan cruise once – the kind with fancy buffets, towels folded like swans, and nightly magic shows. It wasn’t for me.  I wanted to get up close and personal with this wild remote state, so I’ve returned several times to traverse Alaska by foot, bush plane, and small boats.  In June, I headed to Seward to explore with Kenai Fjords Tours. I joined a daylong tour and a dinner cruise, leaving plenty of time for hiking, strolling through town, and drinking in the mountain views. 

To read the full article by Kirsten Harrington visit luxebeatmag.com.

California is a treasure trove of historical backdrops and natural abundance. Its mild Mediterranean climate features 840 miles of coastline and 61 cities and enclaves within its coastal zone. Recently, I revisited the unique blend of history and modernity in Santa Barbara. Nestled between the dramatic Santa Ynez mountains and the azure Pacific Ocean, idyllic Santa Barbara boasts 300 days of sunshine. The first time I visited, I was struck by Santa Barbara’s unique blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy, starkly contrasting to other affluent beach settlements in California.

To read the full article by Nick Kontis visit luxebeatmag.com.

When I plan a trip back to the Queen City the menu of good eats gets top priority. A few summers ago I was thrown an unexpected curve-ball when my folks introduced me to Food Truck Tuesdays at Larkin Square. My parents are regulars and they have been bragging about Larkinville since the grand opening in 2012. I was finally going to get to see what it was all about. With camera and appetite in hand we headed to the site of the former Larkin Soap Company warehouse buildings.

To read the full article by Sherrie Wilkolaski visit luxebeatmag.com.

Taking a bite of an Honest Burgers hamburger changed my life. It’s been over five years since UK’s best burger chain rocked my world, and I’m still dreaming about the succulent delicacy in every bite. It was my first trip to London, and I was traveling with a dear friend, chef Katherine Frelon. Katherine is a Brit, living in France, and we were in town for a cooking class she was giving in the city. Katherine is an incredible tour guide, and she insisted there was one stop we had to make. Honest Burgers in Brixton Market. Forget Big Ben or Buckingham Palace; neither made as much of  an impact on me as did my Honest Burger dressed with bacon, pickled cucumbers, lettuce and ketchup sauce. Yum! To be clear I was struck by how small Buckingham Palace seemed in person compared to its appearance on the tele, but we’ll cover that another time. For now, it’s all about burgers…and did I mention the fries?

To read the full article by Sherrie Wilkolaski visit luxebeatmag.com.