Winter edition of At Home Places offers something for everyone

The first day of winter is Dec. 21, and in the weeks leading up to that date, we have been busy preparing the next issue of At Home Places magazine.

We’re always a season ahead, planning winter in autumn, spring in winter, summer in spring, autumn in summer — and the holiday edition in between.

The winter edition, which publishes at the end of December, will feature our annual bridal guide for those planning a new beginning in 2022.

Some trends, according to writer Linda Harkcom, include couples who want to put a personal touch on their special day. Couples seem to be marrying at an older age — if late 20s and early 30s can be considered “older” — and they are opting for less formal settings and ceremonies, leading to laidback occasions where guests can relax and celebrate the new couple.

It wouldn’t be the first of the year without a story on New Year’s resolutions. Even if you think you’ve seen all that advice before, be sure to read Sandie Lynch’s column on achieving success by taking stress out of weight loss.

Because the beginning of the year also typically marks a move toward decluttering and organization, writer Janet Heim talked to some experts in this field who had suggestions for the packrats among us. Janet provides an extensive list of community organizations that might benefit from gently used items.

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We also celebrate our community with a nod to librarians who have the right answers. Washington County Free Library’s Sarah Nadeau explains how librarians are so effective at what they do and why we should tap into this community resource more often.

Leadership Washington County is marking 35 years this year, and some positive changes accompany that milestone. LWC Executive Director Tara Sargent offers a glimpse of those changes and how other community members can get involved.

Area college student Paige Hoover took advantage of her pandemic downtime and launched Stitches by Paige, a headband business that is allowing her to graduate debt-free. Writer Huntre Keip shares this young woman’s story.

While journeying through the pages of the magazine, enjoy a cup of tea, which writer Roxann Miller explains is good for us in many ways.

Local veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Dolan provides tips on how to keep your pet (and you) active this winter.

Learn some pointers on using a slow cooker from Lisa McCoy of University of Maryland Extension. She shares recipes for Taco Soup and Cheese and Corn Chowder. Just imagine how good those will make a kitchen smell on a cold winter’s day.

Meet the forces behind Authentic Community Theatre and learn what this local group has planned for 2022.

Feeling crafty? Follow writer Tricia Strader’s directions to create an Easter egg from craft twine. The twine creates an airy shell of an egg that can sit upright or horizontally.

Not feeling crafty? Pamper yourself with soap made by a local artisan. Area crafters create offerings for all skin types and likes.

There really is something for everyone in this issue of At Home Places. Pick up your complimentary copy at one of our local advertisers at the end of December.

In the meantime, please consider liking and following us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/athomeplaces;

Twitter, twitter.com/athomeplaces; and our new Instagram account, www.instagram.com/athomeplaces.

Lisa Tedrick Prejean writes a weekly column for The Herald-Mail. Send email to her at lprejean@localiq.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lisa_Prejean.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Winter edition of At Home Places offers something for everyone