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Style Magazine

Editor's Letter: January 2023

One of my first (and favorite!) jobs was at a coffee shop. Sure, the 5 a.m. shifts were grueling, but I quickly adapted and even started to enjoy rising with the sun—something I still savor today. The smells (scones baking, coffee brewing) and sounds (milk frothing, customers conversing), mixed with all the regulars and their adjective-filled orders (medium, iced, sugar-free caramel, oat milk, half-caf latte), made for mornings that were full of both familiarity and fun.

Though my coffee shop career is over, I’ll forever be a café connoisseur. From the coffee (of course!) to the décor, and the people to the pastries, I have incredibly specific standards. Walking in, I want the ambiance to be lively but not too loud; music is a must, as are ample outlets and infinite nooks and crannies to cozy up at. Bonus points if they make their own baked goods, have strong Wi-Fi (and even stronger coffee), and stay open late. I won’t disclose my favorites, but I will say they’re all mentioned in this month’s feature, “Cool Beans,” where contributor Sharon Penny writes about our region’s robust coffee culture. Read her roundup of the top spots and what makes each one buzzworthy—be it a primo patio, house-made syrups, or sustainably sourced beans— starting on page 62.

In true new year’s fashion, we also have plenty of healthy living content—both physical and mental—this month. Turn to “Get Fit” on page 20 to learn about three elite athletes who live locally, including a skilled cyclist, an Ironman (who was told he’d never run again after a debilitating auto accident), and a young soccer star. Their words of well-being wisdom and stories of stamina are sure to inspire.

Check out “In the Mood for Superfoods” on page 38 for 13 staples to keep stocked, along with some palatable preparation ideas. One of the suggestions, lentil soup, is one of my family’s current favorites.

Finally, in “Clear the Cutter” on page 56, area experts tell us their top tips for “living a life you love to come home to, knowing where all your stuff is, and lessening the load of what’s no longer serving you.” As someone who lives in a small space with small kiddos (who make big, BIG messes), I can honestly say that having an organized home does indeed create a calming, less chaotic environment; and, like coffee, makes everything better. Cheers!

—Megan
[email protected]
@meggoeggowaffle