pennies in a stream
falling leaves a sycamore moonlight in vermont/
icy finger waves
ski trails on a mountain side snowlight in vermont…*
coming back after a long break is always exciting. pulse people are recharged and ready to take over the world more than ever— hopefully you kept up with us online over the month. i think our dynamic energy is present in every issue, but it’s always a little more palpable in the february edition, especially considering this is our luxury issue. a little unapologetic self-indulgence goes a long way, and starting the year by looking ahead at some of the best products and services is a good antidote to january’s holiday hangover.
the defining feature of this issue, our luxe list, highlights seven guilty pleasures that may not save the world, but will certainly add a little flair to some mundane tasks. february isn’t a big month for dressing up thanks to the cold, but our fashion story challenges this, exploring the intersection between form and function. shift shape captures wintry garments layered with texture that feel good and look even better. our objects of desire pages also return, just in time for valentine’s day. anyone seeking big beauty in a small package will want to check them out.
those looking for something new may find it at the bottom of a cup. eight years ago pulse was ahead of the curve with our coverage of craft beer as the next must-drink. tea, the world’s most popular beverage, has recently been making a slow and steady climb locally. though it hasn’t rocketed to the mainstream the way craft beer has, you know something’s up when it’s selling like crazy at specialty shops and people are regularly hosting tastings. tea party charmingly captures a threesome of local purveyors that are proving tea time is anytime, not just 4pm.
our arts & culture department also looks at what’s new this year. in his interview with us, marky ramone talks about his new book, playing drums for some of punk rock’s most important bands and where he’s going next. the producers catches up with two long islanders behind some of the biggest shows on the great white way, and picture past has the backstory on a few noted locals celebrating their chinese heritage and the incoming year of the sheep this month. winter reads, our roundup of new books with local ties, will take care of those days when it’s too cold to go outside.
there are a lot of gems in this issue, but i’ve got a little extra excitement about peaks plus, our ski feature. writer peter bronski is a veteran journalist whose focus on snow has taken him to some of the highest points on the planet. when- ever pete lends his words to our pages, i discover new destinations for snow sports. this time, he looks at the skiing and boarding on five northeast mountains, as well as what they have to offer après-ski. the mountains are either a quick drive or a short flight away. with a little planning, this could be the winter to hit them all.
*warbling of a meadowlark
—nada
* “moonlight in vermont,” lyrics by john blackburn