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Dear Friend,

Welcome to a new year of Southern Living. For me, relaxing at home is one of the hallmarks of this month. De-stressing after the holidays, being comfortable and cozy by our fireplace, and simply enjoying the richness that the winter season brings to my garden are what I love best about the first of the year. At the Floyd house we always brighten the indoors with a few blooming flowers and a new houseplant. We cook up some down-home food, and when our sweet tooth kicks in, we crave something warm. Most importantly, we try to focus on our health more than we did in December. I suppose you've guessed that these topics and more are included in this magazine.

The garden editors, for example, give us two ways to achieve winter color. Edwin Marty shows how to fill containers with violas and place them outside near a window in a sunny spot. (The story starts on page 84.) If you just want a houseplant or two, Gene Bussell suggests that you check out "Easygoing Houseplants" on page 36. And Gene should know easy-he can actually grow plants in his office with the lights off.

When I tasted Mama Dip's Chicken Pudding (see page 80), I told my wife, Pam, that we would have to make it (notice how I said we!). Then Test Kitchens professional Pam Lolley tested Willie Monroe's wonderful Cream Cheese-Banana-Nut Bread recipe (see page 120) and developed a series of sensational toppings. I knew immediately that the banana bread would be the perfect ending to any meal or a great sweet for breakfast. In fact, you might want to make several loaves and freeze them.

And, yes, all of our thoughts do turn to health this month. Our "Healthy Living" special section, starting on page 47, is all about the positive side of a healthy lifestyle. Use Joy Zacharia's plan for helping the six-member Pulido family eat better and actually enjoy their meals as an example for your family (page 53). I loved it when Joe Pulido said, "I didn't know green beans could taste this good." Actually, that's what our "Healthy Living" style is all about: a doable-and enjoyable-approach to a better, healthier life.

P.S. Be sure to check out the winners of our 2004 Southern Living Cook-off, which features products from our national sponsors, starting on page 101.

Best regards,

John Alex Floyd, Jr., Editor

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jan 2005
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