2023 is off to a sweet start! Eat Me Guilt Free – a health-focused line of bread, brownies, snacks and tortilla wraps – is baking up all new flavors and seasonal brownies for 2023. The 2023 Flavor of the Month brownies are made with Eat Me Guilt Free’s brand-new formula that has less sugar, is non-GMO and uses modified atmosphere packaging to exclude unnecessary preservatives. Brownies feature ingredients sourced in Europe, where regulations against food additives are more stringent than in the U.S. The new formula is low-carb, packed with 14 grams of protein and approximately 200 calories per serving. While improving the quality of ingredients in its products, Eat Me Guilt Free remains focused on maintaining an unprecedented protein-packed and low-carb ratio. The Flavor of the Month Subscription features a new Eat Me Guilt Free flavor each month. The box of 12 is just $30 and is the only Eat Me Guilt Free subscription that offers free shipping. Flavor of the Month brownies are exclusive to Flavor of the Month subscribers. The 2023 Flavors of the Month include: January: Eye See You – Chocolate brownie topped with edible candy eyes. · While we ring in the New Year and write our resolutions, Eat Me Guilt Free wants to remind consumers to focus not only on their physical health, but their mental health and make time for self-care and check in on loved ones. And remember, no matter what hardships you face Eat Me Guilt Free sees you and you are loved! To raise awareness for mental health wellness, Eat Me Guilt Free created the Eye See You brownie, a chocolate brownie topped with edible candy eyes. For every box purchased, Eat Me Guilt Free will be donating $1 to “Rise Above the Disorder,” a nonprofit that pays for the therapy and medication of those in need. February: Heartbreaker – Strawberry brownie topped with pink sprinkles. · She loves me, she loves me not … but she definitely loves Eat Me Guilt Free’s Heartbreaker brownie! To celebrate the season of love, Eat Me Guilt Free baked a scrumptious strawberry brownie topped with pink sprinkles. Made with love, of course! March: Lucky AF – Dusted with edible green coloring and bronze sprinkles. · Eat me, I’m Irish! A fan favorite is making a return to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Try Eat Me Guilt Free’s pistachio flavored brownie, dusted with edible green coloring and bronze sprinkles – it’ll have you feeling Lucky AF! April: Squeeze the Day – Lemon cake blondie topped with poppy seeds. · When life gives us lemons, Eat Me Guilt Free bakes delicious blondies. After tasting this lemon cake blondie topped with poppy seeds, you’ll want to be Eat Me Guilt Free’s main squeeze. May: Bellini Brunch – A Bellini flavored blondie. · You’re going to want a peach of this! End spring on a sweet note with Eat Me Guilt Free’s new Bellini flavored Blondie. We know you’ll a-peach-iate this unique flavor. Cheers! June: Tranquilo y Tropical – A Mango flavored blondie. · Summer’s finally here and it’s time to kick back and relax. Try Eat Me Guilt Free’s Tranquilo y Tropical, a mango flavored blondie best enjoyed by the ocean. ¡Dale! July: Watermelon Sugar – Red blondie infused with watermelon and topped with black sprinkles. · There's nothing quite as sweet as summer – except Eat Me Guilt Free’s July flavor of the month! This red blondie infused with watermelon and topped with black sprinkles is sure to make customers feel relaxed while they take in the sunshine! August: Everybody Hates Florida – Orange flavored brownie. · Love it or hate it, there’s something special about Florida. The state features beautiful beaches, colorful characters and of course, its famous oranges. As a homage to Eat Me Guilt Free’s home state, it created an orange flavored brownie to give consumers a taste of Florida. September: Inner Child – Cinnamon flavored blondie, sprinkled with ground cinnamon. · Are you a kid at heart? Relive the good ol’ days and heal your inner child with Eat Me Guilt Free’s cinnamon flavored blondie, sprinkled with ground cinnamon – just like your favorite childhood cereal. October: Unicorn Blood – Red velvet dusted with red coloring. · It’s time to stock up on go-to potion ingredients! Try Eat Me Guilt Free’s Unicorn Blood, a traditional red velvet brownie dusted with red coloring, for all your magical needs. November: Cornbread – A cornbread flavored blondie. · Nothing hits the spot like some southern comfort food. Enjoy Eat Me Guilt Free’s first ever cornbread flavored blondie just in time for Thanksgiving! Savory and sweet, just like granny’s. December: The Elf – A peppermint flavored brownie with candy cane sprinkles. · This holiday season Eat Me Guilt Free baked up the perfect snack for Santa’s little helpers. The peppermint flavored brownie with candy cane sprinkles will be sure to make you feel like you’re at the North Pole! 2023 Seasonal Brownies Quarter One: Cafecito – Coffee infused chocolate brownie. Inspired by Eat Me Guilt Free’s hometown of Miami’s love for espresso shots a.k.a. “Cafecito,” this coffee infused brownie was created to give consumers a little taste of how the 305 lives it up. Pa Arriba, Pa abajo, Al centro, Pa Dentro! I Am – Pink, pomegranate flavored blondie. I am strong. I am powerful. I am … delicious! Introducing the I Am blondie, Eat MeGuilt Free’s newest flavor and an homage to Eat Me Guilt Free’s “You Glow Girl” grant. This pink, pomegranate flavored blondie celebrates female entrepreneurs and their accomplishments. Fans can enjoy this delicious reminder to embrace every incredible version of their self. Quarter Two: Quarter Three: Pumpkin Spice OG – Pumpkin Spice flavored blondie. Is it really fall without eating pumpkin spice everything? Eat Me Guilt Free doesn't think so. That's why Eat Me Guilt Free’s Pumpkin Spice OG Blondie is back and better than ever. Fall back in love with this fall classic— it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season. Serve it at holiday get-togethers or keep it all – Eat Me Guilt Free won't judge. Bloody Brownie – Red Velvet brownie, topped with black cat sprinkles. Eat Me Guilt Free’s Bloody Brownie is making a terrifyingly tasty return. Vampires and mortals alike will love this delicious Red Velvet brownie, topped with black cat sprinkles. Don’t worry, there’s no garlic! Hocus Pocus – Dark, purple-colored blondie topped with gold prism powder; sour apple infused. Bubble Bubble, I’m in trouble, I can’t stop eating brownies! Be warned mortal, this purple blondie topped with gold prism powder may cast a spell on you! Quarter Four: Naughty List Brownie – Chocolate brownie with black sprinkles. Being naughty doesn't have to mean not eating good. The naughty list brownie is a luscious black, chocolate brownie with black sprinkles. Getting coal for Christmas has never been this satisfying. Holiday Cheer – The chocolate brownie features white chocolate chips and is coated in green and red sprinkles. Eat Me Guilt Free’s limited edition holiday brownie is on the nice list. The chocolate brownie features white chocolate chips and is coated in green and red sprinkles that are both festive and decadent, making for the perfect holiday snack. Eat Me Guilt Free’s seasonal brownies are available for purchase for $36-$38 for a box of 12 and can be ordered on EatMeGuiltFree.com. “We’re excited to debut our 2023 Flavors of the Month,” said Cristie Besu, Eat Me Guilt Free’s CEO and founder, and a Miami-based Cuban-American businesswoman. “At Eat Me Guilt Free, aesthetics are just as much a part of the customer's experience as the taste. The monthly release of these new treats is highly anticipated by our loyal customers and fans and inspires us to conceptualize new flavors each year.” Eat Me Guilt Free’s product line of brownies, bread, tortilla wraps, mini baguettes and cake mixes offers an unprecedented protein-to-carbohydrate ratio, making them a high-protein, low-carb alternative to traditional snacks and foods. Products are available for purchase at more than 9,000 independent retailers nationwide including Winn Dixie, United Supermarkets, Safeway, Giant Food, Albertsons, Market Street, Faire Market Place, GNC, The Vitamin Shoppe, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Planet Fitness, Gold’s Gym, Anytime Fitness, Go Puff, and Navy Exchange Stores as well as Amazon.com, Walmart.com and EatMeGuiltFree.com. Eat Me Guilt Free is also a merchant on the affiliate marketing platforms ShareASale, Skimlinks and Impact. For more information, please visit https://www.eatmeguiltfree.com/, www.instagram.com/eatmeguiltfree, www.facebook.com/eatmeguiltfree, or www.twitter.com/EatMe_GuiltFree. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Eat Me Guilt Free

In the latest installment of the Allison Interviews podcast, spiritual guru, world renowned activist and bestselling author, Deepak Chopra, shares his theory on Stephen “tWitch’ Boss’ tragic suicide, what he discussed with Michael Jackson during his time counseling the late pop icon, the best advice he has ever received, the benefits of Royal Yoga, and the Chopra Foundation’s Never Alone movement which has helped to prevent thousands of suicides since launching in 2020. The following are excerpts from the latest episode of the Allison Interviews podcast with host and entertainment journalist, Allison Kugel. The full podcast episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify; and on YouTube. *If you use any of the following excerpts, please credit Allison Kugel and the Allison Interviews podcast, and either link to, or embed, this episode. YouTube Video Embed Code: On his theory about what may have led to Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ Death (and other tragic celebrity suicides): “In my experience celebrities particularly in the entertainment business but celebrities of all kinds. We had Anthony Bourdain who died of that as well they actually are actually much more insecure than the ordinary person because they have to live up to the world’s expectations. They are only as good as their last hit and once you become that level of celebrity where you feel everything you do has to be a hit creates chronic anxiety. Every time I’ve worked with or known a celebrity it’s their insecurity that drives them and they have to have one little negative experience to actually drive them to the edge of insanity. I would say that the regular person who is not in the public eye is usually much more secure than a celebrity. So, it’s the other way around. The celebrities need to learn how to be just like regular people.” On the advice he gave the late Michael Jackson: “I used to work with people like Michael Jackson [and other celebrities], and I used to encourage them to embrace their insecurity. I would say, ‘The more you embrace your insecurities, the more creative you will be. If you become secure, you lose your creativity.’ Vulnerability, unpredictability, uncertainty, confusion, bewilderment… those are the things that one can use as creativity. If everything was certain and you are totally secure, boy, you would be bored for the rest of your life.” On whether this advice worked for the late Michael Jackson: “Yes, until he got addicted to drugs as a result of the insecurities of his physician, who became his drug peddler.” On the surprising and funny best advice he has ever received: “’Shut up.’ I told myself that, because when I shut up I’m at peace (laugh). Take time to be silent. In silence, truth is real and not by somebody’s advice. Silence is where the truth lies.” On his Never Alone initiative to prevent suicide: Never Alone is an initiative of the Chopra Foundation that was co-founded with an actress named Gabriella Wright, whose sister had died of suicide. We realized that people could be connected to each other by what we call the “4 As”- Attention - deep listening, Affection - deep caring, Appreciation – deep gratitude, and Acceptance – not trying to change anybody, but radical acceptance; accepting everybody as they are. And if we could connect [people] in a global community, we could actually prevent this pandemic [of suicide].” (visit NeverAlone.love for more information) “The A.I. interface at NeverAlone.love has actually intervened about 6,000 suicidal ideations,” Chopra shares, “and the A.I. is capable of having 20 million conversations simultaneously with people. We are going to take it to Arabic, Persian and to European languages. We are going to create global online and offline communities with three things: selfless service, community and daily spiritual practice.” “If we can do that,” he continues, “I think we will have a very good chance of tackling this global pandemic which is a tragedy of our times.” On reality vs. the dream: “There is no such thing as matter. Matter is a human name for a perceptual activity in human consciousness. This takes a long time to understand, but basically everything that you call reality is a dream; everything. If I asked you what happened in your childhood you would say, ‘It is a dream.’ If I asked you what happened yesterday, it is a dream. If I asked you what happened this morning, it’s a dream. What happens to these words by the time you hear them, they don’t exist. The whole thing is a dream. Ludwig Wittgenstein, the German philosopher said, ‘We are asleep. Our life is a dream, but once in a while we wake up enough to know that we are dreaming.’ So that waking up is the process we call yoga. That is what this book, Living in the Light, is about.” *Deepak Chopra’s 93rd book, Living in the Light, is out now. About Journalist and Podcast Host Allison Kugel Allison Kugel is a veteran entertainment journalist with more than three hundred long form celebrity and newsmaker interviews published and syndicated, worldwide. She is author of the memoir, Journaling Fame: A memoir of a life unhinged and on the record, and host of the new podcast, Allison Interviews, where listeners can tune in to hear the full conversations behind Allison’s print interviews. Watch and embed the entire interview video with Deepak Chopra @YouTube. Listen to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Follow Allison Kugel on Instagram @theallisonkugel and at AllisonInterviews.com. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Allison Kugel

Gulfstream Park’s Music in the Park, featuring the greatest collection of local homegrown performers, will continue through the winter and spring with weekly duos, trios and DJs performing outside on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at the Village Center Stage. All show times are from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Below is the full schedule of performers and their descriptions. Performances are subject to change; cancellations may occur due to inclement weather. Music in the Park at Gulfstream Park Village What/Who: Gulfstream Park’s Music in the Park, featuring the greatest collection of local homegrown performers, will continue through the winter and spring with weekly duos, trios and DJs performing outside on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at the Village Center Stage. All show times are from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Below is the full schedule of performers and their descriptions. Performances are subject to change; cancellations may occur due to inclement weather. When: January: 1/18 – Valerie Tyson Trio 1/19 – FM Duo 1/20 – Florenza Trio 1/21 – DJ David B (Family Dance Night) 1/22 – Entourage Duo 1/25 – Valerie Tyson Trio 1/26 – FM Duo 1/27 – Ariel Rose 1/28 – DJ David B (Family Dance Night) 1/29 – Jamal B Duo February: 2/1 – Valerie Tyson Trio 2/2 – FM Duo 2/3 – Catabella Duo 2/4 – DJ David B (Family Dance Night) 2/5 – Radio Duo 2/8 – Valerie Tyson Trio 2/9 – FM Duo 2/10 – Ariel Rose 2/11 – DJ David B (Family Dance Night) 2/12 – Jorge Llanes Duo 2/15 – Valerie Tyson Trio 2/16 – FM Duo 2/17 – Florenza Trio 2/18 – DJ David B (Family Dance Night) 2/19 – Extasy Duo 2/22 – Valerie Tyson Trio 2/23 – FM Duo 2/24 – Ariel Rose 2/25 – DJ David B (Family Dance Night) 2/26 – Entourage Duo March: 3/1 – Valerie Tyson Trio 3/2 – FM Duo 3/3 – Catabella Duo 3/4 – DJ David B (Family Dance Night) 3/5 – Radio Duo 3/8 – Valerie Tyson Trio 3/9 – FM Duo 3/10 – Florenza Trio 3/11 – DJ David B (Family Dance Night) 3/12 – Jorge Llanes Duo 3/15 – Valerie Tyson Trio 3/16 – FM Duo 3/17 – Ariel Rose 3/18 – DJ David B (Family Dance Night) 3/19 – Extasy Duo 3/22 – Valerie Tyson Trio 3/23 – FM Duo 3/24 – TBD 3/25 – DJ David B (Family Dance Night) 3/26 – Entourage Duo 3/29 – Valerie Tyson Trio 3/30 – FM Duo 3/31 – Attica Trio About: Radio Duo Higher Ground specializes in playing the greatest hits. Active on the music scene for over a decade, Higher Ground is sure to keep any and all audiences entertained! Valerie Tyson Trio The Valerie Tyson Trio creates magic every time they take the stage. Their repertoire includes today’s Top 40 hits, smooth jazz and soulful R&B classics, essential rock melodies, and even reggae and tropical favorites! Florenza Trio Florenza formed when four talented musicians met doing gigs together through a worldwide corporate music company called Song Division. All rockers at heart, they combine classic rock with some of today’s hottest hits. Entourage Duo With homegrown talent from The Magic City, these "Wynwood Kids" have energy to burn. Entourage takes the party to the next level with smash hits from the old school to the new. FM Duo High energy FM Duo has become synonymous with jaw-dropping entertainment and comes ready to perform with a party mindset. Get ready to dance! Extasy Duo Extasy’s young talent gives new life to the classics, while playing all the hits from today’s biggest stars. This band is truly Miami… a synergistic blend of Latin and American cultures with music from both worlds. Catabella Duo Tropical Music Vocalist "Catabella" has been performing for over 10+ years in all of South Florida, serving local establishments, festivals, local bands, and many private events. In early 2019 Catabella Music was blessed with joining forces with Armando Latouche from Venezuela, with over 15+ years of International performance and directing experience. Catabella Music is now one of the hottest bands in South Florida, and continues to grow. Attica Duo Atticca, local to South Florida, is a 6-piece band consisting of a repertoire of music ranging from Classic Rock artists such as Elton John, Queen, and Janis Joplin— Dance hits such as I Will Survive, Stayin' Alive, and Time Warp to — dynamic Duets such as You’re the One that I Want, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Don't Go Breakin' My Heart… and everything else in between and all around! With two powerhouse vocalists fronting the band, epic three-part harmonies, clean and meticulous instrumentation, and a family-feeling chemistry amongst members, this is a show to witness, groove, and rock out with! Jorge Llanes Duo Jorge Llanes is a Cuban/American singer, songwriter and musician who started his music career at the age of 9 in La Habana, Cuba. At a young age, he developed an ability to write and read music, as well as play different instruments. His move to the United States as a teenager was a catalyst for his music career as a singer and independent artist. Jamal B. Duo Jamal Bonaparte is not just a singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and performer. He is an artist. In the sense that every moment he spends on a stage with a microphone he exhibits his life-long passion to entertain and share (in its most pure form), happiness. Performing music from the 50’s, Motown, Disco, Pop, Rock, Country, Latin, Hip Hop and R&B and more, he takes pride in knowing that wherever he performs, he has a wide selection of music for everyone. DJ David B David has been creating unique experiences for children and families since 2001. He has done hundreds of private events for clients and created activations for companies such as Nickelodeon, The Gap, Coconut Grove Arts Festival and the Make A Wish Foundation. He also has won the award for "Best Kids DJ' from the “best of” issue from Los Angeles Magazine. Ariel Rose Miami-based singer/songwriter Ariel Rose became an award-winning artist at the age of 15 with her single, “My Perfect Day,” which won 1st place in the Pop Category in the Great American Song Contest. Her love for Latin multi-cultural sounds and her classically-trained background caught the attention of multi-Latin Grammy nominated Colombian producer, Juan Vicente Zambrano. Zambrano produced her first album, "Rhythms of Life," which she recorded in English & Spanish. Ariel started developing her fanbase posting Spanish covers, being reposted by many Latin artists. Ariel Rose released a salsa version of Adele's "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)," combining the rhythm & instrumentation of salsa with her strong melodic pop vocals to create a lively, fun & fresh new take on the song. Having performed around the country for various events & galas, her voice has captured the attention of thousands. Where: Gulfstream Park Village Center Stage 901 S. Federal Highway Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 Cost: Free How: For more information, visit: https://gulfstreampark.com/event/entertainment/music-in-the-park By ML Staff. Top image courtesy of Austin Neill on Unsplash. Other images courtesy of Gulfstream Park

Christie’s Wine Department in America is pleased to announce Fine and Rare Wines Online: Featuring the Renowned Cellar of an American Collector. The auction offers over 700 lots from the greatest winemaking regions around the globe. Nearly 300 lots come from the Renowned Cellar of American Collector, which was prominently featured in a past issue of Wine Spectator. The collection, which began over 35 years ago, was stored in an immaculate custom built cellar. Other notable collections include rare Champagne and Port from the cellar of an English Nobleman and Cult American wines from the collection of a California Vintner. The sale begins with one of the greatest offerings of Champagne ever seen at Christie’s in America. From 1914 Moët to grower darling Selosse, there are over 60 lots of champagne ready to satiate every palate. From Bordeaux, highlights include all the First Growths with many from stellar vintages: 1961, 1982, and 2000. Burgundy’s heavyweights including DRC, Leroy and Rousseau are well represented alongside cult producers Arnoux-Lachaux, and Cecile Tremblay. From the Rhône valley, several vintages of Guigal’s prized La La’s are available alongside excellent selections from Chapoutier and Jaboulet. Italian wine lovers will find a particularly expansive offering from Piemonte including Gaja from 3 decades and rare bottlings from Cappellano, Conterno, and Giacosa. From California, superb vintages of Napa and Sonoma’s finest producers date back to the 1980s. 10 vintages of Screaming Eagle are on offer as well as two vintages of the exceptionally rare Screaming Eagle, Sauvignon Blanc. A small but mighty offering of Port and Madeira closes out the sale with Port dating back to 1912 and Madeira from the 18th Century Our valued clients need not look any further for hidden gems and rare collectibles. AUCTION INFORMATION Auction times 31 Jan 10:00 AM (PST) Auction: Christie's Online Bond Number: 65590738 Christie's Client Service Tel:+1 212 636 2002 Please note that Christie’s will only provide shipping services for this sale within the state of California. If you are not shipping within the state of CA, you may either collect your lots in person or arrange for your own licensed shipper. All sales, regardless of the final shipping destination, are subject to CA sales tax unless an exemption applies. If you are a registered trade buyer, please contact PostSaleUS@christies.com to learn how to register your California exemption certificate with our team. By ML Staff. Top image courtesy of Christie's. Bottom image by Dan Meyers on Unsplash

When you dine at The Matheson, there’s more than just culinary excellence. Owned and operated by Chef Dustin Valette and Graig Ramsey, there is history, architectural grandeur, community involvement and an array of culinary options for every occasion. Located in the picturesque town of Healdsburg in Sonoma County, California’s wine country, the building was originally a French-style bakery owned by Valette’s great-grandfather in the 1930’s. Working with renowned architect Cass Calder Smith, a magnificent restoration project was undertaken, creating an impressive 3-level multi-functional space - something I would not have expected in Sonoma County. The Matheson features well-designed spaces including a Craft Bar, a high-tech wine wall bar, a private dining room, an outdoor patio, a mezzanine dining area including Roof 106, a bar and lounge with a garden which overlooks Healdsburg’s main square. Each space offers intimacy, comfort and distinctive design. Among the special features are the large-scale paintings by artist Jay Mercado. Located in the main dining room, the murals pay homage to local farmers and culinary producers. Also worth mentioning are the handcrafted redwood tables by local artisan Andrew Somawang and the ceramics by artist Sara Paloma. The Matheson features modern wine country cuisine with locally sourced ingredients supporting the regional farming community. Dustin Valette’s close relationship with local farmers and suppliers is evident in every dish, as the menu is constantly changing based on seasonal ingredients and availability. For starters, try the Burrata with Asian pear, beet on sourdough with pistachios or the Tamanishiki Rice Porridge with scallops, peppers and preserved lemon. For starters, the Steelhead Trout with Yukon potatoes, smoked Manila clam and pork belly is a delicious choice. Notable meat dishes include the month-aged New York strip, braised beef Short Rib and aged Sonoma Duck served with pomegranate, braised chard, pomegranate and salsa macha. Prices are quite reasonable, ranging from $19 to $62. There are also seasonal tasting menus, offering a five-course meal for $125. The Matheson’s wine list is extensive and updated frequently. Also worth mentioning is the unique wine wall bar with 88 carefully selected wines on tap. The Matheson is open daily for dinner from 5 p.m to 10 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended. Upstairs, Roof 106 offers snacks, pizzas, plates and desserts ranging from $8 to $45. It’s hard to miss Roof 106’s copper, modern-chic bar, which offers an extensive cocktail selection. Not to be missed is Matherson’s modern take on the margarita. Roof 106 is open Wednesdays through Sundays starting at 12 p.m. and Mondays and Tuesdays starting at 5 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended. 106 Matheson Street Healdsburg, CA 95448 www.thematheson.com +1 707-723-1106 For more information or to make a reservation, visit: www.thematheson.com. Words by Markin Abras | Images by Michael Woolsey

The Betsy Hotel is pleased to begin the new year with January Art Night featuring our monthly Intergenerational Jazz Evening. Led by Pianist Ryan Ellis, the program features professional jazz vocalists Cindy Ellis and Wendy Pedersen performing alongside students studying jazz vocals at Florida International University, University of Miami, and the Miami Dade County Public Schools. #JazzatTheBetsy Cindy Ellis and Wendy Pedersen are the lead vocalists for The Betsy's Inter-Generational mass night. Also featured are operatic performers who are alumni and current students in The Miami Beach Classical Music Festival, presenting arias on the front terrace of the hotel, facing Ocean Drive. Betsy's art galleries are all open, with major shows curated by Betsy co-owner Lesley Goldwasser. Featured artists include Tamary Kudita (Zimbabwe), and Ray Tenorio (Cuba), and more. All art is for sale. The Betsy’s Monthly Third Thursday Arts Nights are part of the City of Miami Beach’s Culture Crawl. JANUARY ARTS NIGHT Arts Activations at The Betsy Hotel January 19, 2023 Inter-Generational Jazz - 6 to 11 PM Featuring Cindy Ellis AND Wendy Pedersen, Vocals with emerging jazz vocalists from SOFLA leading collegiate jazz programs Ryan Ellis, Piano Opera - On the Terrace - 9:15 to 9:45 PM Miami Classical Music Festival Singers Michael Rossi, Director Exhibitions –6 to 10 PM Betsy's Galleries are all open, featuring photography and mixed-media work Lesley Goldwasser, Curator MORE ON JANUARY ARTS NIGHT ARTISTS AND PRESENTERS Ryan Ellis – Piano – Ryan Ellis is a graduate of the U of Miami and is currently a career music educator in the Miami Dade Schools. Ellis received his Master’s Degree in Music from Florida International University on a fellowship from the Johnny Mercer Foundation. As a professional jazz pianist, Mr. Ellis has worked extensively in the Caribbean, Florida and Hawaii performing pop and jazz with many great musicians, most notably: Eddie Jones, Bobby Dukoff, Paul Brown, Leon Foster Thomas, Bobby Ramirez, and Ira Sullivan. Cindy Ellis - Vocals - Cindy Ellis is a Cuban-American vocalist and music educator. She received her Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education and Jazz and her Masters from the University of Missouri. Cindy is a featured performer in the Jason Max Ferdinand singers. Wendy Pedersen - Vocals - Wendy Pedersen is one of South Florida’s favorite performers. Her high-energy vocal delivery, with deep, convincing emotion has been impacting audiences for many years. Wendy got her Master's degree in Jazz Performance from Florida International University and is a graduate of the University of Miami’s Studio Music and Jazz Vocal program. She began her singing career in high school, but her earliest memory is poring through her mom’s record collection, practically wearing out the vinyl on Elton John and Beatles records. Eventually, her heart found its way to jazz and it has felt like home ever since. Wendy has won many awards including the Southern Bell/Pace “Jazz Artist of the Year” and a Miami New Times “best vocalist”. She has toured the globe as a featured soloist both on her own as well with other artists, and has headlined festivals in The United States, Madrid, Spain and Russia. Miami Beach Classical Music Festival (MiamiMusicFestival.org) is an elite training program for classical musicians directed by Conductor Michael Rossi. Since its 2014 inception, the Festival has established South Florida as a premier destination for young musicians to train and perform. And the community benefits from accessible public concerts featuring top talent alongside many of classical music’s greatest living performers in repertoire rarely heard in South Florida. Miami Beach Classical Music Fest makes its home at The Betsy Hotel. The Betsy South Beach (thebetsyhotel.com) is an award winning luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of the Art Deco District in Miami Beach, that celebrates arts and culture. The Betsy’s jazz program is year round with jazz nine times weekly; the hotel also offers programs in visual arts, literature, community arts, and classical music. The Betsy is family owned and operated by the Plutzik Goldwasser Family with public spaces filled with works of art by award-winning photographers and mixed media artists. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of The Betsy Hotel

The Beauty industry’s innovative open-concept fast facial beauty brand, Oasis Face Bar, is expanding into Miami with its first Florida facial bar location at 5881 Sunset Dr, South Miami FL 33143, aiming to disrupt the spa & beauty industry with a new, vibrant, open-beauty bar concept that offers a variety of customized fast and targeted facials to clients, making skincare treatments accessible to more people regardless of their skincare needs and budget. Similar to how Blow-Dry Bars disrupted the hair salon industry, Oasis Face Bar is changing how facials and the spa industry operate. Oasis Face Bar South Miami marks the beauty brand’s tenth retail location in the U.S., with another Oasis Face Bar planned to open in Brickell later this year. “Our skin is our biggest organ in the human body– that’s why it is my belief that providing a fun, casual, reliable face bar when women and men alike can receive affordable skin care treatment and maintenance is a must. Everyone deserves brighter, healthier and glowing skin, and we’re the first nationally scaled beauty facial brand to provide this service at a new moderate price point,” said Ana Puente, owner of Miami Face Bar Miami. This innovative beauty & skincare franchise is aiming to make the skincare spa experience less stuffy and more fun. “As my first business venture, I’m so excited to be in the beauty sector bringing the Oasis Face Bar brand to South Florida. It’s my mission to revolutionize the facial beauty industry for the better,” Puente continued. Puente is a Miami native and Latina entrepreneur overseeing Miami’s newest facial bar. One of the most popular facials at Oasis Face Bar Miami includes Sculpt Facial with a Micro-current Device. “Regular 30 minute facials are designed to gradually and naturally tighten the skin and sculpt the face and jawline of an individual with muscle memory, offering immediate visible results. My team of licensed aestheticians is already working with numerous clients to help them naturally reduce inflammation and unwanted puffy eyes while also pampering themselves ,” Puente said. Facial parties are also a new major beauty trend taking over the skincare industry. A wonderful way to ensure the absolute best wedding photos while also pampering your bridal party is to host a Bridal Facial Party. “From Pre-Glow Facials or Post-Wedding Facial Parties, Oasis Face Bar Miami does it all. We love working with groups to help revive or rejuvenate their skin. We provide skin care therapies and a wonderful experience to groups for a variety of special occasions. From birthday facial parties, corporate company facial parties, holiday facial parties, or GNO (Girls Night Out) facial parties, we believe everyone deserves to pamper their skin,” Puente said. No longer are the days that only certain demographics and income earners can afford a facial–bespoke facials at Oasis Face Bar start at $79 and depending on customizations for each client’s skin type needs, pricing can range up to $300. “Guests can walk in any time or schedule a facial in advance with one of our licensed estheticians and receive gentle skin peels, thorough cleanses, gentle enzymatic exfoliators & dermaplaning. Our facials are individually tailored and we have numerous treatments like blackhead extractions, skincare modalities such as micro-current technology or blue and red LED light therapy (blue “for oil control and acne” and red “for stimulating collagen synthesis and strengthening skin”) to help guests with their skin care goals. Oasis Face Bar Miami is the newest beauty brand to help Miamians de-stress and rejuvenate their skin. As Millennials and others age, or are constantly being exposed to the sultry Miami sun, it’s important that everyone takes care of their skin in the process. It doesn’t stop at facials either– From hand massages, lip peels, to facial contouring, LED light therapy, brow tinting, brow waxing, eyelash tinting and HydraFacials MD, Oasis Face Bar is on a mission to pamper Miamians and deliver beautiful skin results. To learn more about Oasis Face Bar South Miami or to book an appointment, visit www.OasisFaceBar.com. MORE OASIS FACE BAR MIAMI Oasis Face Bar is an innovative, cost-friendly open-concept fast facial bar providing skincare to everyone without the hefty price. Oasis Face Bar offers a variety of customized 30 to 90 minute targeted facials that are effective, quick and friendly. Fast facials range in pricing from $79 to $99, suiting a variety of budgets and skincare needs. Oasis Face Bar Miami is located at 5881 Sunset Dr, South Miami, Florida 33143 and is open daily Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. To learn more about Oasis Face Bar Miami or to book a facial, visit OasisFaceBar.com or follow Oasis Face Bar on Instagram. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Engin Akyurt on Unsplash

American Academy, a program within American Heritage Schools, is pleased to host “How to Build Confidence in Students with Learning Disorders,” a virtual event via Zoom on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. EST. This event is part of American Academy’s monthly speaker series, “Experts in Learning Differences.” Hosted by Alexandra Rollins, admissions director of the American Academy Program, the expert speakers for the January event are Ashley Freiman, Psy.D., Evan Mehlman, Psy.D. and Ryan Strosser, Psy.D. Many children and adolescents struggle academically, some to the point that they are diagnosed with a learning disorder. This can have a profound impact on a student’s confidence and overall mental health depending on when the learning disorder was first diagnosed and the type of assistance that was provided. Yet, they can have similar success as their peers. One way we can level the playing field is by helping them push through their fears and develop confidence in themselves. In this episode of “Experts in Learning Differences,” three well-known practitioners with extensive experience using evidence-based treatments will provide useful techniques to help increase self-esteem in children and adolescents, improve communication skills and develop confidence in their abilities. Dr. Freiman has over a decade of experience and treats patients throughout the lifespan of children, adolescents, adults and older adults. She uses a person-centered approach to collaborate with her clients and is skilled in cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness and reminiscence therapies. Dr. Mehlman is a licensed clinical psychologist and has extensive experience using evidence-based treatment methods to address a range of conditions, including OCD, anxiety, depression, selective mutism and Tourette’s disorder. He provides psychological, psychoeducational and neuroeducational testing for learning disabilities, giftedness, emotional/psychological conditions, ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Strosser specializes in helping individuals who have experienced recent and past trauma and is passionate about social justice. Dr. Strosser has traveled to Guyana, South America, several times in the past year where he currently is working to establish mental health support for various groups, including medical students, hospital staff and providers, police and faith communities. “Our mission is to help children and adolescents take control of their lives, face their fears and learn to navigate uncertainty with confidence,” said Dr. Mehlman. “We strive to provide a caring and compassionate atmosphere and create healthier minds and happier individuals throughout our community.” The speaker series is streamed live virtually and all previous episodes are available for viewing at any time. The purpose of the speaker series is to educate families about topics that relate to mild learning differences and are relevant today. All of the speakers are experts in the various disciplines of each topic. The American Academy’s goal is to provide families with a place to ask questions and strengthen their knowledge about how to ensure the success of their child. For more information about the speaker series, please visit: ah-americanacademy.com/s… To reserve a spot, please visit: ahschool.info/AASeries Limited spots are available for this free, online, and live event. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of American Academy. Top image courtesy of Unsplash

The South Florida Basketball Association will hold its 2023 Annual Legendary Charity Luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 18th, between 10 am – 2 pm. Jan. 18th Legends Charity Luncheon to be held in Boca Raton, FL Billy Cunningham Co-founder, Miami Heat | Naismith Hall of Fame Brought Professional Basketball to South Florida Dave Bing Former Mayor of Detroit | Naismith Hall of Fame Helped to Rebuild and Revitalize the Motor City Trailblazers Who Shaped Women’s Sports History Celebrating 50th Anniversary of Title IX Donna Orender Former President, WNBA Lucille Kyvallos Legendary College Basketball Coach • The SFBA will make a significant donation to the Israel ParaSport Center as part of its charitable mission of helping others. • Sports Commentator Dave LaMont to serve as Master of Ceremonies The South Florida Basketball Association will hold its 2023 Annual Legendary Charity Luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 18th, between 10 am – 2 pm. This celebration will be held at The Club at Boca Pointe, in Boca Raton, FL attracting hundreds of guests from South Florida and around the country. “We are thrilled to be honoring this amazing group of leaders and advance our philanthropic mission,” said Jerry Donner, President of the South Florida Basketball Association. ➢ Honoring a Group of Recognized Changemakers: Billy Cunningham, Donna Orender and Dave Bing are true changemakers. Their stories and accomplishments are iconic. Each of these exceptional individuals made history in their respective Hall of Fame careers. As leaders, they went beyond to make lasting contributions helping countless people. ▪ Billy Cunningham. Following his Hall of Fame career as an NBA Champion, both as a player and coach, Billy served as the catalyst to bring the NBA to South Florida when he co-founded the Miami Heat in 1988. “Our team worked with David Stern, NBA Commissioner, to create the foundation for a successful franchise,” said Billy Cunningham, one of the team’s founders. “And with it, since its creation 30+ years ago, The Heat has significantly contributed to the region’s economic well-being and civic identity.” Billy’s insight in building a professional basketball franchise for Miami is a lasting legacy to his leadership acumen. Billy resides in South Florida. ▪ Donna Orender. Donna played an important role as a trailblazer advancing women’s sports by helping to open a new playing field for young girls and women to play sports in America. In 1975, forty-eight years ago, Donna played in the first-ever women’s college basketball game at Madison Square Garden before a crowd of 12,000 fans. Donna, the former President of the WNBA and many other notable positions, resides in Florida. ▪ Dave Bing. Dave excelled as an All-American basketball player in high school and college and then as a Hall of Fame and one of the Top50/75 greatest players. “I always tried to work hard and use my abilities to make a difference,” commented Dave Bing. “As a professional athlete the City of Detroit was always very kind to me. When I retired, I felt a responsibility to give back.” Dave went on to achieve considerable success as a business executive, elected government official, and civil and human rights leader. As Mayor Detroit for two terms, Dave helped to rebuild and revitalize the Motor City. ➢ Commemorating History This year’s Legends Luncheon also commemorates the 50th Anniversary of Title IX. Prior to the enactment of Title IX, women were not given equal opportunities to participate. This changed in June 1972, when President Richard Nixon, signed this historic legislation. A truly special and nostalgic moment will be captured on Jan. 18th when Donna will fittingly be introduced and presented SFBA’s Lifetime Achievement Award by Lucille Kyvallos, her 90-year-old former coach. “I am honored to be part of SFBA’s Legends Luncheon this year to help celebrate the importance of Title IX,” commented Donna Orender. “I am grateful to the South Florida Basketball Association for calling attention to the role of women in all American sports.” ➢ Giving Back and Remembering As part of our charitable mission, the SFBA will make a donation to the Israel ParaSport Center in honor of David Weissman recently deceased long-time president of SFBA and a lifelong philanthropist. The Israel ParaSport Center is a world-renowned athletic rehabilitation center in Israel that transforms lives. "We are so grateful to the SFBA for their support of the Israel ParaSport Center," said Lori Komisar, National Board President. "This partnership is aligned with everything David Weissman stood for – he believed in the power of sports, and his dedication to The Center empowered thousands of Israelis with disabilities to live life without limits." “David, was a leader who helped build the SFBA and a lifelong philanthropist who lived in South Florida, was involved in numerous projects to benefit the lives of children and adults with disabilities,” said Judi Gottlieb, executive director of the Association. ➢ Master of Ceremonies Dave LaMont, popular Sports Commentator and former radio announcer for Miami Hurricanes football, basketball and baseball will host this year’s luncheon. “I accepted SFBA’s invitation to be the host of SFBA’s Annual Legends Luncheon because of their charitable mission, explained, Dave LaMont. “Their work helping others who are less fortunate is at the heart of what sports should be about.” ➢ The South Florida Basketball Association The SFBA was founded more than 40 years ago in South Florida by a group of former New York City basketball players who retired to the sunshine state. They had a shared legacy. Most were poor kids from multi-ethnic communities in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston whose stage and springboard were the local schoolyard. The DNA of the South Florida Basketball Association is its genuine love for a game that served as a gateway to a lifetime of accomplishments. Members have filled-up scores of basketball record books and have made an impressive array of contributions in all walks of life. The South Florida Basketball Association keeps alive the spirit of the “city game”, the richness of basketball history and the greatness of this special game. The longevity of the organization is testament to the work of new generations of leaders who have expanded the reach and diversity of our membership and continue to build the foundation and are keeping alive the tradition. It is also a reflection of our philanthropic mission of supporting charitable causes for those in need. ➢ About Our Honorees and Host Dave Bing | Former Mayor of Detroit | NBA Hall of Fame and Top 50/ 75 Dave Bing found success in all endeavors as an accomplished leader. He has excelled as an athlete, business executive, elected government official, and civil and human rights leader. Born in Washington, DC, Dave was a stand-out All-American high school basketball player. He attended Syracuse University, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics and became one of the school’s best all-time athletes as an All-American. Dave played 12 years in the NBA, including 9 years with the Detroit Pistons, as a perennial All-Star. His efforts earned him a spot on the NBA 50th and 75th Anniversary All-Time Teams and induction into the Hall of Fame. Dave found success in the political and business worlds after his playing days in the NBA ended. He founded Bing Steel in Detroit making it the 10th-largest African American-owned industrial company in the nation. He served two terms as Mayor of Detroit, from 2009-2013 helping to launch the rebuilding and revitalization of the city. Dave is the recipient of numerous awards for his athletic, business, and civic contributions. Billy Cunningham | Founder of The Miami Heat | NBA Hall of Fame and Top 50/75 Billy Cunningham has been a star athlete, NBA Champion as player and coach, TV commentator, NBA franchise founder, business executive and philanthropist. Born in Brooklyn and dubbed the “Kangaroo Kid” at Erasmus Hall HS, Billy led his team to the NYC PSAL Championship. After graduating from high school, Billy traveled to set new records at UNC, establishing himself as one of the UNC’s and the ACC’s best players in history, honored as both a basketball and academic All-American. Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, Billy helped the 76ers win the 1966-67 NBA Championship. As a professional he was a perennial All-Star being elected to the Naismith Hall of Fame and Top 50 & 75 All-time Teams. After an injury ended his playing career, Billy became the head coach, leading the 76ers to the playoffs in every year as coach, and advancing to the NBA Finals 3 times. In 1983, the team captured the NBA Championship by sweeping the LA Lakers. He holds the second-best regular season winning percentage in league history of .698. Billy was a co-founder of The Miami Heat bringing professional basketball to South Florida in 1988. Billy is the recipient of many awards for his athletic, business, community, and charitable work. Donna Orender | Former President of WNBA and Senior Vice President of PGA Donna Orender is a highly respected corporate business leader, former star collegiate and professional basketball player, trailblazer, and game changer. As an All-American at Queens College in 1975, Donna played at Madison Square Garden in the first ever college women’s basketball game at the famed arena. She has been recognized as one of the top 10 Most Powerful Women in Sports and one of Newsweek’s 100 most Influential people in the business of sports. She is the former president of the WNBA and Senior Vice President of the PGA. Donna is a best-selling author and acclaimed for her 2018 book, Wowsdom! The Girl’s Guide to the Positive and the Possible. Lucille Kyvallos | Legendary Women’s Basketball Coach Lucille is one of the foremost coaches and pioneers in women’s basketball. She helped change the playing field for women thereby changing the expectations of women’s achievements as well. Lucille has won numerous awards during her legendary career, including being inducted into several Hall of Fames. In 2017, Queens College honored Lucille by naming the home floor at their Fitzgerald Gymnasium, The Lucille Kyvallos Court. Dave LaMont | Master of Ceremonies | Sports Commentator Dave LaMont will serve host and be running the “play-by-play” for Jan. 18th. For nearly twenty years, he was an announcer for the ESPN family of networks. Earlier in his career, Dave was a radio announcer for Miami Hurricanes football, basketball, and baseball. He also announced Miami Heat games and was the first-ever host for the team. A South Florida legend, Dave got his start in broadcasting as the first voice of the Florida Atlantic University football team. A graduate of the University of Miami, he was the original co-host of “The First Team” on WQAM in South Florida. David Weissman Dave, the long-time president of SFBA, passed away in 2021 at the age of 83. He was an energetic leader who helped to expand SFBA. Dave was also a lifelong philanthropist who cared deeply in helping the less fortunate and those in need. ➢ The Israel ParaSport Center The Israel ParaSport Center, formerly American Friends of Israel Sport Center for the Disabled, is a world-renowned athletic rehabilitation center in Israel that transforms lives. Founded more than 60 years ago, The Center’s mission to empower people with disabilities through sports has helped thousands of Israelis lead fulfilling, successful lives. The Israel ParaSport Center currently serves more than 2,700 children and adults with disabilities and their families annually through both its holistic rehabilitative and competitive parasport programs. Website and Ticket Information | www.SFBAssoc.com By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Filip Moroz on Unsplash

“Jazz at MOCA” is MOCA’s free outdoor concert series in-person on the last Friday of every month. On Friday, Jan. 27, MOCA is pleased to present Tal Cohen and special guest John Daversa. The Art of Duo, multi-Grammy award-winning trumpeter John Daversa collaborates with acclaimed jazz pianist Tal Cohen, creating special chemistry of spontaneity and improvisation that dives deep into the realms of possibilities and enchantment within the celebrated duo format. Jazz at MOCA is free and open to the public. The gallery is open from 7-10 p.m. with museum admission. Admission to the museum is $10. Admission for students, seniors, and visitors identifying as disabled is $5. Admission is free to MOCA members, children under 12, North Miami residents, city employees, veterans, and caregivers accompanying people who are disabled. For more information, please click here. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of MOCA

Ephemeral – the tattoo studio that has pioneered made-to-fade ink – opened its very first Florida studio in the West Little River neighborhood. Applied the same as a regular tattoo (by an artist, with a needle), Ephemeral offers the same artistry and self-expression as traditional tattoos, without the lifelong commitment opening the art of tattooing to the 60 million American adults who have considered a tattoo but are ultimately held back by the idea of its permanence - as well as those with permanent ink looking to try a new means of playing with body art. Click here for additional information. Address: 7924 NE 2nd Ave, Ste 107, Miami, FL 33138 Hours: Open 10 a.m.-8 p.m., 7 days a week By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Cesar Rubio

In today’s world it could be said, to a certain degree, that even a relatively impoverished person engages with luxury, in some way. If you enjoy regulated heating or cooling at home, regular lighting, chicken meat, or eat chocolates, you are engaging with formats that once indicated luxury. But what is, and is not, considered to be a luxury, changes with the times. Decadence and luxury When we describe a dessert as “decadent” today, we must remember it really means decaying, a concept related to the “Romans of the decadence” whose lavish lifestyles are held up as proof of why the Empire had to fail. The Romans saw luxury as quintessentially foreign and therefore alien to the true and olden spirit of the Roman polis. This is why luxury was often represented as coming from “the Orient”, the source of rare scents, spices, gems, ivories and enslaved peoples. As a result, the Romans introduced sumptuary laws, which were prescriptions to manage conspicuous consumption of things like expensive clothing and jewellery worn by social groups, but also the amount spent on banquets and even funerals. This was necessary, because the ancient Romans enjoyed conspicuous luxury. They liked to eat food whose ingredients resembled another. They enjoyed delicacies such as fattened fowls, peacock, oysters, ham, wild boar and fig-peckers, the latter eaten whole, sometimes all combined together in a crusted paté, even though this was forbidden by the new laws. There were even luxuries in enslaved peoples. The poet Juvenal commented satirically that clearly it was better to have a bevy of pretty pageboys (exoleti) arranged according to their nationality, size and hair colour serving the drinks rather than coarse household help. There is a long continuity in this type of consumption. In the 19th century, for example, there was a premium on tall footmen matching in size and the Victorians loved elaborate feasts with multiple courses. Marissa Grootes/ Unsplash Follow the money By the mid 19th century, wealth from new industries created enormous fortunes at a time when taxation and labour costs were low. North Americans became the richest people in the world. Clare Booth Luce, formerly married to the chairman of Time- Life, said: In America money is a thing less valued in the spending than in the earning. It is less a symbol of luxury than of ‘success’, less of corruption than of virtue. While Americans were good at making money, they seemed to need Europeans to spend it. The raft of rich American women who began to marry into the European aristocracy in the late 19th century were known as the “dollar princesses”, the term coming from a popular song. The British aristocracy were, of course, in turn marrying into this American wealth. Between 1890 and 1914, half the world’s capital flowed through London. The Dollar Princesses paid for enormous renovations and modernisation of stately homes, were photographed with dozens of trunks as they moved across the Atlantic, and patronised the luxury establishments of jewellers, couturiers, florists and caterers. The arrival of the wealthy Americans heiresses coincided with a series of challenges to the British aristocracy including the introduction of death duties, the rise in income tax and The Great Unrest of 1912. Living in style Between the end of the 19th century and the start of the first world war, luxury was widely reported and commented upon in diaries and memoirs. The house parties about which so much was written were characterised by excessive meals of great refinement, elaborate flowers and large numbers of visible servants. Much luxury was French. Edward VII was a famed Francophile. The Entente Cordiale of 1904 benefited British French trade and travel. Louis Vuitton opened in Bond St in 1900. His new flat trunks for cars were stackable, replacing older domed tops designed to repel water. Cartier opened in London in 1902. Faberge also had a new London store. The Paris Ritz opened in 1898 and the London Ritz Hotel in 1905, decorated in a newly fashionable white and gilt Louis XVI style. Service Stripes This was a period when wealthy women were laden with jewels: Kenneth Clark, the art historian, noted of a New York party in 1930 that the women “even brought pieces of jewellery in their hands and laid them down on the dinner table. This could have happened in the Middle Ages.” Mrs Greville, one of the wealthiest women in England (daughter of a Scottish brewer), loved her jewels, owning pieces that could be traced back to Marie Antoinette and the Empress Josephine. The late Queen Mother, a great lover of luxury and thoroughly Edwardian figure, inherited key pieces of jewellery from Mrs Greville in 1942, a friend from the time she was still Duchess of York. But, as Elizabeth wrote in her diaries, she did not wear the lavish Cartier and Boucheron pieces until 1947, so as to not appear “out of sync” with the austerity movement immediately after the war. Profligate luxury risks looking out of step with public morals. Simon Launay/ Unsplash The Queen Mother wore all Mrs Greville’s jewels at her 80th Birthday party – and the owner of them now is Camilla, the Queen Consort. As Camilla is the grand-daughter of Edward VII’s mistress Mrs Keppel, the story comes full circle. Mrs Greville left an estate in the 1940s worth approximately £39 million or 67 million AUD. This is not much money if we compare it to the fortunes held by global billionaires today. Gina Reinhart has between A$28.8 and A$31.4 billion. She lives discreetly part of the year in Dalkeith Perth in her late father’s home, in Singapore at a gated community, and on an ocean liner. Luxury today Today, luxury is seen as the embodiment of growing income inequality within states and communities, and also between different nations in the world. This is not new, although in the past luxury and inequality were seen as part of how a hierarchical society was structured: acknowledged, rather than seen as a problem. Luxury is not the cause of inequality, though it might be one of its effects. When societies aims towards income and social equality (as some postwar societies did), luxury – or at least the public discussion of luxury – seems to disappear. By contrast, societies like the present, in which 1% of the population owns 49% of the world’s wealth, lead luxury to the fore. Words by Peter McNeil. Distinguished Professor of Design History, UTS, University of Technology Sydney. Special thanks to The Conversation. Top image/Shutterstock.