by Ammie Bryant, Editor

Hello 2017! Have I mentioned how much I like beginnings? New Year’s is the ultimate beginning. Seeing that number role to a new year on the calendar sparks the motivation to tackle new projects, get organized, clean out the storage shed, beat a stubborn bad habit (goodbye diet coke!), or finally make those positive healthy lifestyle changes permanent–once and for all

Speaking of healthy lifestyle changes, the January issue has several great articles to help get you started. We also have DIY and makeover inspiration to motivate you to explore decor and style upgrades. Our Tour Your Town feature from Visit Stillwater should inspire you to check out one of Stillwater’s overlooked treasures too. Our cover feature this month looks at Youth Fitness Zone as they leap into the next phase of their growth and host a major gymnastics meet later this month.

The Botanic Garden at OSU and the Sheerar Museum of Stillwater History both had great years in 2016 and are planning more great programs for 2017. As I sit down to set up my new planner, I’m excited to fill it with all the great events they are planning.

One of my favorite things to do each new year is set up a new planner. It’s part of how I stay organized and on track. My planner is a lifeline in both my personal and professional life. It’s filled with the kids’ activities and doctor’s appointments, travel itineraries, professional plans, and notes. It’s all in there and by the end of the year it almost serves as a journal or even a kind of time capsule for the year.

As I look back through my 2016 planner I see lots of firsts as Jefferson and I took over Stillwater Living Magazine in January and then in June, I left my previous position to focus on the magazine and our family full time. It’s been a year of changes and while there have been bumps along the way, I am optimistic about what 2017 will bring for our family and our publications.

Happy New Year!