heart of southern life, the

Southern Living, Jan 2008 by Floyd, John Alex Jr

Dear Friend,

Welcome to an exciting New Year. We here at Southern Living think 2008 is going to be a very special time for the magazine. First, let's start with this issue. I am proud that it's significantly bigger than our January 2007 issue. One reason is that our annual Readers' Choice Awards open the issue starting on page 22. We're covering the awards differently this year, Not only are we devoting the whole Travel section to them, but we also expanded our coverage to showcase the entire South. Let me know how you like this approach, and let the winners know you saw them recognized in Southern Living. Our 2008 contest ballot will be online at southernliving.com/readerschoice this month, so please be sure to enter. You could win a Caribbean trip for two from Princess Cruises. See page 56 for more details.

I am very proud, too, that we are expanding our "Healthy Living" coverage this year. This issue contains our last "Healthy Living" special section, which starts on page 115. In February it will become a regular section in the magazine. And, finally, starting with this issue we're increasing the number of pages devoted to our features section, which starts on page 96. Internally, we call this part of the magazine the "well," and it will expand to 18 pages of uninterrupted editorial content in each issue. I have challenged our editors and photographers to use these pages to share the best of the South. I hope you like all we are doing to keep this magazine a must-read in your "me" time.

I am also pleased to announce the winner of our annual Cook-off: Lindsay Weiss, a new mom and a delightful cook from Overland Park, Kansas. If you are an ice-cream lover, be sure to try her Roasted Banana Ice Cream With Warm Peanut Butter Sauce. Lindsay took home the $100,000 prize for this delicious recipe. This dessert and the other 14 winners really reflect the diversity and quality of the recipes entered. Special thanks to The Lee Brothers, Test Kitchens Director Lyda Burnette, and Associate Foods Editor Mary Allen Perry for serving as judges. This special advertising package starts on page 140.

As I close this letter to you, I want you to know that I have made a New Year's resolution for the magazine. It is simply this: Showcase the best of the South today in our core subject matter areas-Travel, Garden, Home, Healthy Living, and Food-with beautiful photography and insightful words. That way we can help you enjoy the good life in the South.

Best regards,

John Alex Floyd, Jr., Editor

John Alex Floyd, Jr., Editor