Lehigh Valley Style January 2026 by Innovative Designs & Publishing, Inc.

Fashion and florals abound on pg. 80

KENDAL CONRAD

6 REAL LEHIGH VALLEY WEDDINGS

THE LITTLE THINGS IN EMMAUS

Style

INSPIRED WEDDING LOOKS FOR EVERY BRIDE

Molasses Creek Farm

Holmquist Farm Foxfield

A quintessential Bucks County estate on the outskirts of New Hope. The renovated main house & detached garage with luxe guest suite are surrounded by 12 private acres. Offered for $5,950,000

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58-acre property in Bucks County. The updated farmhouse is complemented by an outdoor kitchen, pool, pool house, 5-stall bank barn & indoor riding arena. Offered for $4,000,000

Serendipity Acres

A dramatic 2018 barn home with soaring ceilings & hand hewn beams. Walls of windows overlook 5.2 acres including multiple garages, a carriage house & saltwater pool. Offered for $2,250,000

A Saucon Valley legacy estate nestled on 4.6 acres. the house and grounds have been proudly cared for, and recently updated with a stunning addition and renovations. Packages starting at $3,950,000

Lanes End Farm

Set on 50 acres, this circa 1863 home is a culmination of many a heart’s desire: a historic home, in pristine condition, on generous acreage and under 2 hours from New York City. Offered for $1,650,000

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Here Come the Brides!

As I’m writing this, I’ve been on the job for exactly one year. When I joined Lehigh Valley Style, the January 2025 edition was well underway and I didn’t get to do much for that issue but review page proofs. But this year, I got to be a part of all of the fun (and, let’s be honest, a good bit of chaos) that comes with planning our annual edition of Lehigh Valley Style Weddings. Planning for Weddings 2026 went all the way back to last September, when I met with publisher Pam Deller, photographer Alison Conklin and florist Sarah Petryk to map out our styled wedding feature over coffee. “Let’s just do a fashion shoot,” we said. “It will be simple,” we said. But like so many great ideas, this one took on a life of its own and morphed into something bigger, but ultimately stunning. We are so proud of this year’s feature, “Style in Bloom,” featuring ten

bridal looks accompanied by daring florals. Get inspired by these looks, starting on pg. 80. And of course, it wouldn’t be an edition of Lehigh Valley Style Weddings without a glimpse into the big days of real-life Valley couples, and you can fall in love with their stories on pg. 60.

Besides delving into all things bridal, we’re also looking at January as a fresh start. But you don’t have to think big— we share 30 things you can do right now to have the best year yet on pg. 37. If you’re looking to change things up career-wise, career coach Shelley Maley has tips for you on pg. 23. Hit up The Little Things in Emmaus for a wardrobe update (or some cheeky coasters for your coffee table); see what they have in store on pg. 20. Also in this edition, we talk to local singer, songwriter and all-around dynamo Kendal Conrad on pg. 31.

I do (want you to keep reading)…

ANGELA VENNEMANN editor@lehighvalleystyle.com

lvstyleangela

A visit to The Little Things.

our publisher, Pam Deller, is looking forward to this month! pdeller@lehighvalleystyle.com Making chowder on a cold day.

Having my best year ever!

Bixler’s BTS at Style in Bloom

BTS at Style in Bloom

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1

Making time for short “movement breaks” throughout the work day in addition to my scheduled workouts!

Getting out of bed as soon as my alarm goes off. I’m the queen of hitting snooze.

To stay active even in the colder months!

Saying “yes” to more things. Each passing year shows me how important it is to make memories and build relationships. It’s easy to just stay home, but saying yes to more experiences is much more worthwhile.

I plan to prioritize my time better by saying “no” to commitments or tasks I don’t genuinely enjoy or that don’t align with my goals. I believe this will open doors to more fulfilling opportunities and activities, leading to a better work-life balance.

President/CEO

Paul Prass

Vice President/COO Lisa Prass

Publisher Pamela Deller

Managing Editor Angela Vennemann

Digital Strategy Director

Jason Chrin

Production Coordinator Eleanor Anderson

Graphic Designers

Eleanor Anderson, Thomas Körp, Elaine Wyborski

Marketing & Events Coordinator Jaiden Vazquez

Marketing Advisors

Denise Lichty, Arielle Solliday, Pam Taylor

Client Specialist Emily Markovich

Contributing Writers

Alison Conklin, Heather Mayer Irvine, Amy Unger, Daisy Willis

Contributing Photographers

Marco Calderon, Matthew Cannon, Alison Conklin

Editorial Intern Maggie Wilson

Proofreader Lori McLaughlin

Accounting Jobelle Aleño, Leza Ovten

One small change I’d like to make this year is…

To get on the treadmill before I leave the gym!

I’ve been loving the workouts I committed to this year, but in 2026 I’m excited to switch it up and try new things!

I started doing this in 2025 but I want it to continue... when I put my kids to bed, I leave my phone in my room to be more present, so I can really savor the stress and anxiety of putting three kids to bed with zero distractions.

One small change I want to make this year is closing my laptop by 9 p.m. at least a few nights a week. I am notorious for “just checking one more thing,” and somehow, it’s suddenly midnight. Trying to get better at actually unwinding!

Style Insider Happy Hour

Located at Thirsty Turtle Tavern

Cocktails & Collecting

To Benefit Allentown Art Museum | Located at Allentown Art Museum

THIS MONTH’S PICKS

Relocated

Mama B Resale Boutique, previously located in South Bethlehem, recently moved to a new location in the lower level of The Hive Residences in Allentown. Run by Tonya “Mama B” Johnson, mother of Philadelphia Eagles running back and Coplay native Saquon Barkley, the store features new and gently used clothing and shoes donated by the Barkley family. Mama B Resale Boutique

ANYONE FOR PICKLEBALL?

Pickleball continues to be all the rage, and now you can get a game in at Whitehall’s Pickleball Kingdom, boasting 14 courts, a pro shop, dinking walls, event spaces and more. pickleballkingdom.com/clubs/lv-whitehall

WHAT’S SO FUNNY?

If you love to laugh, you can’t miss ArtsQuest’s SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival on Jan. 23–24. See improv teams from around the world and headliners including actor Connor Ratliff in a one-man show and Opening Night: The Improvised Musical. artsquest.org

New Owner

Don’t count Rod’s Dogs out yet—after news that the Easton Public Market stand was closing, a new owner has stepped in to keep the operation running, and you’ll still be able to get your rippers, disco fries and shakes. eastonpublicmarket.com/rods-dogs

Expanding

Triple the space means triple the flavor for Adobó Latin Kitchen in Palmer Township. The fast-casual Puerto Rican restaurant is moving into a larger location in the same shopping center, where they’ll still be serving up roast pork, mofongo, empanadas and more. adobolatinkitchen

New Market

The Palmerton Public Market recently opened, featuring a lineup of local vendors selling everything from fresh meats to soap to wine to home decor. Visit their Facebook page for hours and a list of vendors. Palmerton Public Market LLC

THE MOM MARKET

COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS

Motherhood can be a beautiful but complicated journey, and so many women struggle to balance their commitment to their families and their commitment to themselves and their ambitions.

Devika Knafo is no different, but rather than accepting her new normal, she created The Mom Market, where women can connect and find support for every facet of themselves. “Ultimately, it’s about fostering balance, connection and opportunity— reminding us that while motherhood is central, it is but one part of our flourishing identities,” Knafo says. She has launched a series of quarterly pop-up markets, where women- and mom-owned businesses set up shop in locations like Bethlehem’s Rose Garden amid family-friendly activities and entertainment. The event, which has run in August, October and December of 2025, has been a hit among both vendors and visitors. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming that our market fills a genuine need,” Knafo says. “From conversations with businesses and community members, it’s clear our vision resonates.” Looking ahead, The Mom Market is also creating a four-part wellness series focused on women’s health, longevity and holistic healing, featuring expert panels and immersive workshops. Knafo is thrilled with the way The Mom Market has taken off, saying it has “catalyzed the beginning of a remarkable community-building movement.”

momsmeetmarket

FROM LINO

BRICK-AND-MORTAR NOW OPEN

YUNG ESAU’S VINTAGE SHOP

SUSTAINABLE FASHION AT A SECOND LOCATION

“Variety, style and sometimes randomness” perfectly describes not only the atmosphere and merchandise at Yung Esau’s Vintage Shop but customers’ favorite aspects of the timeless establishment as well. Originally operating in Easton’s Belleville Market, owner Aaron Stutz made the decision to expand the business to a brick-and-mortar location in Bethlehem. “I’ve been grateful to the team at Belleville Market for giving me a chance to open my first permanent space,” says Stutz. “I’ve learned a lot during that process and it has been instrumental in instilling confidence that my own space will work as well.” The new location will operate in addition to the space in Belleville Market, and Stutz is “excited to add another option for folks in the Valley.” Yung Esau’s sources vintage clothing from anywhere and everywhere, and with this second space, more merchandise can go on display. “Vintage is not only fashionable, but sustainable,” Stutz says. “Buying vintage helps keep clothing out of landfills.” Not only is buying vintage clothing eco-friendly, but each piece has its own story—“It’s more personal than buying something new,” remarks Stutz. Stop in to curate your new winter wardrobe, find pieces for a special look or score some fun decor for your home.

97 E. Broad St., Bethlehem | yungesau.net | yung.esau

This dream has been eleven years in the making: Melanie Lino, known for her previous stint as a co-owner and baker at Lit Coffee Roastery & Bakeshop and her numerous pop-ups throughout the Valley, now has a permanent home. From Lino, a Dominican panadería employing European baking techniques, opened in November in West Bethlehem and focuses on sourdough breads and pastries. Lino is proud to infuse her Dominican culture into everything she creates, saying, “From Lino is essentially a culinary love letter to the flavors, traditions and stories I grew up with.” Fan favorites from her pop-ups are making appearances on From Lino’s menu, including guava and rosemary cream cheese quesitos, sourdough everything cheesy braids (featuring Valley Milkhouse cheese), café con leche cookies and salted rosemary mantecados, plus coffee sourced from Monocacy Coffee Co. For Lino, an expanded space means the chance to experiment more, so she’s planning to offer some new specialty breads, more sourdough croissants and savory bites. “We are also slowly developing an intentionally curated selection of pantry staples, highlighting local and small businesses in the food and beverage industry,” she says. In addition to baked goods and pantry items, From Lino has also offered pop-up dinner clubs, with more planned for the future.

WHERE QUALITY

THREE HEARTS BANQUET CENTER

STYLISH CELEBRATIONS IN NAZARETH

Kim Frailey is no stranger to the hospitality industry. Though she has owned multiple businesses and sold real estate throughout her career, event planning was her personal passion. After going back to school last year to complete her hospitality management degree and expecting to work in corporate event planning, Frailey found herself yet again planning a party for a friend. “I thought to myself, ‘I can do this,’ and decided to open my own space,” Frailey says, and she launched Three Hearts Banquet Center last fall. The stylish 3,000-square-foot space offers tables, chairs and linens with seating for up to 100 and a ten-foot buffet table. “Growing up in a large Italian-Syrian family, cooking was a way to bring families together, so the buffet table was an important addition,” Frailey says. In addition to the space, she offers both on-site and off-site decor services, including balloons, backdrops and centerpieces. No matter the occasion, Three Hearts can host a beautiful gathering to remember. “I have a church using my space for their service, New Year’s Eve parties, Thanksgiving dinner, I have a guy who is setting up for an all-day podcast, beauty pageants,” Frailey says. “If you can think of it, we can host it.”

THE COZY CRUMBS CAFE

MEDITERRANEAN SWEET TREATS

Whether you’re craving a crunch, something that melts in your mouth or a mix of both in one wonderful treat, The Cozy Crumbs Cafe has something for you. Owner Tala Mdanat has been running her mobile business for over six months through stands at local markets and events, but she’s excited to have opened a brick-and-mortar location in Downtown Allentown. Mdanat says The Cozy Crumbs Cafe features “fresh baking, Mediterranean-inspired flavors and a cozy, modern ambiance,” which Mdanat feels truly reflects her personality. “Mediterranean desserts are part of my heritage and bring nostalgic flavors like pistachio, honey, rose and dates,” she says. “Incorporating these into the menu gives the cafe a unique identity and allows customers to enjoy treats they can't find anywhere else.” This comfortable spot is perfect to enjoy a friend’s company, meet someone new, do some work or just sit and relish the magic Mdanat is making with her desserts. She recommends her Dubai pistachio brownies, Dubai baklava, fresh tres leches cakes and specialty espresso drinks. So, no matter what you’re there for, The Cozy Crumbs Cafe aims “to make your day a little cozier—one crumb at a time.”

27 N. 7 th St., Allentown | thecozycrumbscafe | The Cozy Crumbs Cafe

TRANSFORM YOUR FIREPLACE WITH A GAS INSERT

Kring’s can turn your drafty wood fireplace into a beautiful, easy-to-use, and efficient gas insert in as little as one day!

Call, visit us online or stop in any of our 3 locations today!

BE PART OF THE STORY!

Tying the knot in 2026? Submit your day-of details at lehighvalleystyle.com/share-with-us! DID YOU KNOW?

You can view the entire issue for free online at lehighvalleystyle.com!

Only Online

Looking for things to do in the Valley and exclusive LVS content? Visit lehighvalleystyle.com for weekly event listings, web-only articles and more!

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CONNECT WITH STYLE :

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Head to lehighvalleystyle.com

to check out our favorite local wedding Instagrams of the week! Want to see your post featured? Tag us at @lvstyleweddings to catch our attention.

JOSE CALSINA / ADOBE STOCK

GET THE GOODS

The Little Things

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

So often it’s the little things in life that bring the most joy. That’s true in a literal sense to Kaitlin Kerwick and Erin Corsa, co-owners of The Little Things, a boutique in Emmaus featuring men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, gifts and more. We talk with Kerwick and Corsa about what The Little Things offers and how shoppers can find joy in store.

QTell us about what led you to launch The Little Things!

We’ve been best friends for over a decade, always sharing a love for beautiful things, the next trend and the stories behind them. We started recommending what we found and loved to friends and family. Over time, we realized what we truly missed was the feeling of connection that comes from shopping locally, discovering something special and sharing that joy with others. The Little Things was born from that—our desire to bring thoughtfully curated trends to our community and to recreate the experience of belonging and togetherness that shopping used to bring.

What makes The Little Things stand out from other boutiques in the Lehigh Valley?

It’s the personal connection we have with our customers and the carefully curated pieces you won’t find anywhere else in the Lehigh Valley. We focus on small runs of unique fashion items and specialty gifts that feel personal and memorable. We look for items that make a statement and can’t be found in big-box stores. You don’t have to bring just a bottle of wine as a gift anymore or wear just jeans and a cute top; you can find something truly one of a kind and special.

What kinds of items can customers find in your shop?

What brands do you carry?

We love offering a variety of price points so that there’s something for everyone, from specialty and hostess gifts to women’s fashion, fragrances, accessories and jewelry. You’ll find favorites like Free People, Beach Riot, Nation Los Angeles, THATCH jewelry, Tart by Taylor gifts, Beau Bottles bottle wraps, Poured New York candles and Riddle fragrances, just to name a few. We also have locally made jewelry and candles, and we love to offer space to local artisans looking for a place to offer their pieces. Everything is thoughtfully curated to feel unique, personal and unlike anything you’ll find in big-box stores.

How do you curate your merchandise?

We look for the little things we genuinely love, finding the pieces we’d want in our own homes and the styles we’d want to wear. Everything we bring in starts with that feeling of “We’d buy this ourselves.” We’re always on the lookout, from local

makers to trending brands, to find our favorite little things and share them with our community.

What items have been customer favorites or best sellers?

Our customer favorites tend to vary with the season, but Free People is always a top pick. Women love effortless basics with a feminine twist and pieces that feel just a little different. Our fragrance line is another favorite and sells out again and again, and jewelry is always one of our biggest sellers. We recently introduced a new jewelry brand that’s been an instant hit, and we couldn’t be more excited to see how much our customers love it already!

Is there anything customers might be surprised to find in store?

We’re thrilled to share that The Little Things now carries the largest selection of enewton jewelry in the Lehigh Valley! It’s beautiful, timeless and already flying off the shelves. Jewelry by enewton is waterproof, tarnish-proof and sweat-proof. They have durable pieces customers say they’ve worn for years. From classic bracelets and rings to earrings, necklaces and even enewton’s egirl line, there’s truly something for everyone. If you know it, you love it, and if you don’t, you’re about to!

Tell us about the personal shopping services you offer. Fashion is truly Kaitlin’s passion, and she lights up when a client comes in looking for styling help. We’ve had customers reach out in advance for everything from weekend getaways to weddings, and she loves pulling personalized looks to fit each occasion. Whether

it’s a trip, event or wardrobe refresh, Kaitlin curates full collections in your size and style, making the shopping experience effortless, fun and completely customized to you.

What do you love about your location in Emmaus?

Emmaus is such a special place. It’s a true melting pot of small, independent businesses, many of them women-owned. The community support here is incredible. We’re constantly collaborating with other local businesses that genuinely want to see one another succeed, and that kind of energy is so inspiring. We feel incredibly grateful to be part of a community that celebrates creativity, connection and small business in such a big way.

Anything else you’d like to note?

What started as a little dream has grown into something so special. We’re endlessly grateful for everyone who’s supported us online, instore and in spirit. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of The Little Things.

412 Chestnut St., Emmaus 484.523.5092 | thelittlethingslv.com

Explore the most in-demand offerings in project management, digital marketing and social media, business analysis and the innovative AI Academy. Learners build practical, industry-aligned skills through flexible learning designed to help them advance their careers with confidence.

HEART, HUSTLE & HEALING HANDS

A Story of Commitment to Adult Learners

Nursing school is not easy. However, Michelle Sears, BSN, Cedar Crest College Class of 2023, was determined to return to school and become a nurse.

“I applied to several universities in the area,” she says, “but Cedar Crest’s NCLEX scores were amazing, so I wanted to go there. They have a great reputation.”

A primarily women’s college, Cedar Crest is small, dynamic and inclusive—and committed to seeing students for who they are and helping them achieve their goals.

Cedar Crest’s Nursing Program is rigorous but worth it, says Sears, because the faculty truly prepares students to succeed. During her independent practicum, Michelle was the only student with the confidence to set up a chest tube, thanks to the hands-on practice she received in the simulation lab.

“In the School of Nursing,” says Sears, “the professors truly care about you and want you to succeed.”

Learn more at cedarcrest.edu/sage

100 College Dr., Allentown

1.800.360.1222

cedarcrest.edu

KU ADVANCE

Affordable Pathways to Professional Success

KU ADVANCE, Kutztown University’s hub for lifelong learning and workforce innovation, connects individuals and businesses with high-quality educational opportunities designed to support career growth, skill development and organizational training needs. The programs draw on the expertise of KU faculty and leading industry partners to deliver accessible, relevant and future-focused learning.

Through its partnerships, such as Coursera, KU ADVANCE provides access to thousands of online courses, upcoming micro-credentials and professional certificates across technology, business, leadership and specialized career fields. Learners gain the flexibility of online study combined with the credibility of KU’s academic reputation.

What sets KU ADVANCE apart is the commitment to personal guidance, curated learning pathways and alignment with regional workforce priorities. By choosing KU ADVANCE, learners receive local support and recognized credentials that strengthen their impact in the Lehigh Valley and beyond, empowering advancement in today’s evolving job market.

“At Cedar Crest College, we see you. Crushing your goals. Blazing trails. Smashing glass ceilings. Healing, helping and advocating for others. Working hard to create the life of your dreams. We can help.”

NAVIGATING A CAREER CHANGE

Shelley Maley CAREER COACH, DREAMCATCHER CAREER COACHING

Shelley Maley, a credentialed career coach, started Dreamcatcher Career Coaching after transitioning through five careers in three different industries. She knows a thing or two about reinventing yourself, and she loves helping others through it. Here’s her advice on growing into your next chapter.

IS IT THE WORKPLACE, OR THE CAREER?

A career pivot might sound enticing if you’re miserable in your current job—but are you fed up with the work itself, or the workplace? One of Maley’s first goals with clients is to evaluate whether that restless feeling is about outgrowing a career or just needing to move out of a bad fit.

“Start by reflecting on what you like and dislike in your current position,” she says. “Sometimes it’s not the career that needs to change, it’s the environment.” Imagine, for instance, your same workday but with a boss and coworkers who are actually cool. Do you still dream of a career pivot?

SELF-REFLECTION AND EXPLORATION

So you definitely want to do something different. But what? “You have to really know yourself,” Maley says, “your natural strengths, interests and values, to find a career that aligns with who you are.”

Be curious. Read, research and talk to people who do the jobs that you’re interested

DAISY WILLIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

In Search of the Declaration: A Historic Bus Tour of Easton,

Trenton, & Philadelphia

Discover 250 years of American history through the founding documents and the people who shaped a nation. Second Saturdays through 2026 sigalmuseum.org/bus-tours

ASK THE EXPERT

in doing. It might seem like cold-calling a stranger to ask a bunch of questions makes you a pest, but in fact, most people love talking about themselves and their work and will be flattered to spend 15 minutes sharing their wisdom with someone who cares.

YOU’RE NOT TOO OLD, AND IT’S NOT TOO LATE

Let me stop you before you start thinking this is all well and good for someone in their 30s, but not you. “There’s this myth that if you’re in your 40s or 50s you’re too old to make a change,” Maley says. But she sees clients reinvent themselves well into their 60s. “A pivot doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It might just mean your values or priorities have changed.” You’re allowed to change!

And you don’t necessarily have to go back to school to do it. Low-cost and even free credentials are available online through learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy and LinkedIn Learning. Using garnered skills to build experience through independent projects or volunteer work can go a long way to show you’re serious about the transition.

PEOPLE SKILLS ARE TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

One transferable skill that will be welcome in any workplace isn’t career-specific—it’s the interpersonal skill to communicate and collaborate with others. “Between cell phones, texting and the pandemic,” Maley laments, “a lot of people have lost the ability to make eye contact and conversation, but that matters so much.”

Maley is hired by universities, colleges and businesses to teach workshops in networking and etiquette. Soft skills like teamwork, communication and professionalism are essential in the workplace, and for reentering the job market, because you must be networking.

NETWORKING NETS JOBS

“About 75 to 80 percent of jobs come through networking,” Maley says. “Employers want to hire someone they know, like and trust.”

Professional mixers can be intimidating, so Maley is prepared to chaperone clients to networking events and help them get circulating. After a few introductions, one introverted business person, long out of the game, was off chatting away.

Don’t look at it as a chore—networking is a great way to pick the brains of other people passionate about their careers and possibly find a mentor. “I’ve made friends and built a wonderfully supportive community of fellow business owners,” Maley says.

WHERE TO GO ONLINE

Connections matter, which is one reason the social media platform LinkedIn is crucial. For some employers, a candidate with no LinkedIn profile is conspicuously anonymous. And some are so overwhelmed by applicants that they would rather prowl the site for candidates than post their openings publicly.

That said, it’s a good place to go job hunting, along with Indeed.com , and Maley suggests going deeper to find niche job boards in your field. “There’s Idealist.org for nonprofits,” she says, “ HigherEdJobs.com for higher education. A lot of professional associations have their own boards.”

PLAN TO MOVE UP

Yes, it may feel like you’re moving backward by transitioning to a new field where you may have to start on the lower end of the salary range, but you’ll soon be moving up. “Get the experience for a year or two and move on,” Maley says. “Job transitions are the best way to increase your salary, more than the standard two to three percent raise an employer will give.”

To help when you’re feeling uncertain about the changes you’re making, Maley recommends keeping a list of your accomplishments for reference. “It really helps when you’re feeling insecure or frustrated in a new role, and it’s a great way to counter impostor syndrome.”

STEEL FITNESS PREMIER

THE FIT FLOOR

Experience fitness in a totally new way. Steel Fitness Premier’s state-of-the-art fit floor features all the cutting-edge lifting and cardio equipment members need to hit their goals and more! With a multifunctional turf area, stepmills, heavy bags, assault runners and even an indoor track, members will feel motivated the second they walk through the door.

AQUATICS

Cold weather is never an issue at Steel Fitness! Members can swim their way to a healthier self in one of the three heated pools! Offerings include lap swimming, aqua classes and a therapy pool to help with aches and pains. Is there a little one at home? Steel Fitness offers swim lessons to children starting at six months old.

GROUP FITNESS CLASSES

With more than 80 classes a week, the Group Exercise program is the largest in the Lehigh Valley! A full range of in-studio and Zoom fitness classes is available, including strength training, vinyasa yoga, cycle and even aquaticize! Steel Fitness is proud to offer class options for every age and fitness level. View the full class schedule online.

PERSONAL & GROUP TRAINING

Whether a member is new to fitness or has hit a plateau, Steel Fitness’s personal training program is designed to provide members with a personalized plan to help them reach their goals. Every member is given a body composition exam and fitness assessment, so they can track their progress throughout their fitness journey. Steel Fitness also offers small group kickboxing and strength circuit classes.

SPA AMENITIES

True health and wellness happens from the inside out, which is why Steel Fitness offers luxurious spa amenities to all of its members. Indulge in a steam room session or sweat it out in the sauna! With whirlpools, towel service and even an in-house masseuse, members can experience vacation-worthy comforts without the price tag.

FOR THE FAMILY

As a family-owned business, Steel Fitness believes in providing a clean and safe space for members and their families to enjoy quality time. Student and family memberships, designated family swim time, swimming lessons and a state-of-the-art childcare facility are all available. Members can drop their child off at the kids center while getting their workout in.

Deborah Campbell

Season

WORLD CLASS FAMILY DENTISTRY

QTell us briefly about what led you to a career in dentistry.

D C: I started as a dental assistant when I was 13 in my family dental office. There was a young female doctor who was brought on board as an associate and she was my mentor and inspired me to go to dental school.

SR: I was a biology major in college and knew I wanted to do something in healthcare. After shadowing my family dentist, who was also a mom, I knew that dentistry checked off many of the boxes I was looking for in a career: working with people, while still being able to balance family life.

What services does your office provide?

SR: We provide preventative dentistry for all ages, as well as tooth-colored fillings, same-day crowns, implants, veneers, dentures and Botox.

It’s easy to remember to take care of our bodies when it comes to eating right and getting enough exercise. But oral health often is overlooked, even though it dovetails into our overall wellness. Dr. Deborah Campbell and Dr. Season Rose of World Class Family Dentistry in Allentown share why you shouldn’t sleep on your oral health (and why you should be flossing more often!).

DC: Nitrous is available in our office, and we are offering a brand-new, drillless procedure for pediatrics called Papacárie Duo.

How does oral health connect to overall wellness?

DC: O ral health isn’t isolated; it reflects and affects systemic health. Preventive care like brushing, flossing and routine dental visits is not just for teeth; it supports heart, metabolic, respiratory and overall health. Signs in the mouth (bleeding gums, persistent sores, dry mouth) can indicate underlying health issues that require attention.

SR: It’s also important for our patients to update us if they’ve had changes in their health since their last visit, such as being diagnosed with any conditions, taking any new medications or having had a recent surgery, as they can often impact

a patient’s oral health. Knowing these factors helps us to better treat the patient as a whole, not simply just their teeth and gums.

A lot of people are drawn to whitening or cosmetic fixes, but what everyday habits make the biggest difference in long-term oral health?

SR: The most important thing everyone can do to maintain optimum oral health is to brush two times daily, floss daily and watch the amount of sugar and carbs they are consuming. This includes candy and soda, but also energy drinks, which have become a mainstay for many people.

What is one thing you wish people understood about oral health that is often overlooked?

DC: The bacteria that cause gum disease play an important role in inflammatory

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

factors in the body and are linked to major systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders and more.

SR: Taking X-rays is also important so that we can not only determine if cavities are present, but also monitor the health of the bone around the teeth and jaws. There are also a lot of products out there on social media claiming to whiten or straighten teeth, and not all of them are safe or effective. Make sure to ask your dentist before trying any of these.

Describe your morning routine. Is there anything you simply can’t start your day without?

DC: I have three kids—twin girls who are seniors in high school and an 11-year-old son who is in middle school. I get my kids up and out the door by seven! Then I have a cup of coffee, watch the news for fifteen minutes and head to work. I always listen to my audiobook on the drive to whichever office or hospital I am going to that day.

SR: Coffee. I’ve tried to start my day without it, but it’s just not quite as good! I’m usually up early so I can get myself and my kids organized before I head out for the day.

How about your evening routine?

SR: The evening routine is usually more chaotic: carpooling for practices, attending games, trying to get dinner on the table. One day that will be in the rear-view mirror, so I’m soaking it all in now while I can.

DC: I have a glass of wine and read for pleasure for thirty minutes before bed each night.

What’s something you love to indulge in?

DC: There are so many things! I taught elementary school theater for six years (I wrote and directed my own shows), I love to scrapbook, plan parties, paint, write, read. I will keep busy! I also have two other dental-related jobs. I am the department chair of dental medicine at Lehigh Valley Health Network/Jefferson Health and the chief of dentistry for Valley Health Partners, a federally qualified health center that provides dental care to the underserved communities in the Valley.

SR: I try to carve out time during the week to do things that are not on a “to-do” list, but

admittedly, I’m not very good at that. My favorite guilty pleasure is sitting at the beach or pool and doing nothing at all!

What are a few healthy habits you try to practice throughout the day?

SR: I walk my crazy and loveable Portuguese Water Dog, I try to eat sensibly (I try, I don’t always succeed!) and I wake up each day and practice gratitude.

How do you relieve stress?

DC: I try to take time for myself with a nice massage or a day trip to the beach in Brigantine, NJ. I almost always get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. I stay organized and prioritize each day.

SR: I definitely find that walking helps relieve my stress. I used to listen to music or podcasts when I walked, but now I try to take in and appreciate the beauty in my surroundings. I also love a good massage or facial!

What keeps you motivated?

DC: My family. I work hard so I can give them opportunities I didn’t have, and I love being involved in their lives. Although I have three jobs, there is a level of flexibility that allows me to still be there for them. Over the years I coached cheer, was class mom every year for all my kids in elementary school, went on all field trips and I taught theater when my girls were in elementary school. I want my family to understand the value of working hard and also giving back. We fostered kittens during COVID, my kids have over 100 volunteer hours every year and recently I took my girls to Peru on a medical/dental mission trip. They both were my assistants and we took out over fifty teeth while we were there.

SR: My family is definitely what keeps me motivated. Dentistry has allowed me to have a career that I love while having the flexibility to be present for my kids, whether it was chaperoning a field trip, attending a performance, making it to a game or going on a college visit. I’m grateful for the opportunities this career has provided me and all the wonderful people I’ve worked with and treated along the way. Those personal connections are what have made this profession so special to me.

Design a space that is completely you.

A well-designed home can change your life, but it’s more than just “upgrading” your lifestyle.

Your home is your sanctuary, and the key to great design is capturing your spirit to bring the space you’ve always dreamed of to life — a space that lifts you emotionally and spiritually.

Great design unites beauty and function, but most of all, it speaks to you Contact us today and let’s get started.

THIRSTY TURTLE TAVERN

THIRSTYTURTLE.TAVERN

Thirsty Turtle Tavern offers an upscale casual experience where vibrant energy meets inviting comfort. With an extensive menu, craft cocktails and a lively, sophisticated atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for friends, family and colleagues to gather in Whitehall. 1410 Grape St., Whitehall Township | 484.274.6781 | thirstyturtle-tavern.com

LAZEEZ FRESH MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

LAZEEZFRESHMEDITERRANEANGRILL

Lazeez Fresh Mediterranean Grill’s shawarma elevates Mediterranean dining with made-fromscratch, non-processed food. The team hand-builds its own shawarma cones daily, creating tender, authentic flavor. Fresh bowls, quality ingredients and true hospitality make this longtime Lehigh Valley favorite a standout among newer spots.

| lazeezgrill.com

RAKKII RAMEN

RAKKIIRAMENLV

Rakkii Ramen welcomes guests to warm up with their signature ramen, rice bowls and bento boxes. They are a BYOB restaurant, happily accommodate large group reservations and wish everyone a warm, joyful holiday season and a wonderful New Year.

328 S. New St., Bethlehem | 610.419.8007 | rakkiiramen.com

COOLE’S AT THE HISTORIC RED LION INN MCCOOLESREDLIONINN

A fireside table awaits! Voted best in Quakertown by LehighValleyStyle readers, McCoole's is a colonial period tavern offering delicious food, craft cocktails and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Now booking holiday parties! Open Wednesday through Sunday. 4 S. Main St., Quakertown | 215.538.1776 | mccoolesredlioninn.com

There’s a reason “The Star-Spangled Banner” has a reputation for being something of a minefield for performers. One second, they’re tiptoeing around a low B-flat, and then they’re soaring into soprano territory alongside those rockets with the red glare on the way to the land of the free. A rendition done well is a true aural treat (think Whitney Houston at Super Bowl XXV) but when it’s bad (ahem, Roseanne Barr), it’s not hard to imagine lyricist Francis Scott Key and composer John Stafford Smith plugging their ears somewhere in the great beyond.

Thankfully, when it comes to those who dare to take on this slice of Americana, Kendal Conrad’s delivery is rooted firmly in the treat category. The singer, who hails from Montgomery County, has the vocal chops to make our national anthem sound as grand and goosebump-inducing as it was meant to be.

Kendal Conrad

BY AMY UNGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

By this point, Conrad, who is also a talented songwriter with original tunes that have been streamed hundreds of thousands of times, has had more than a little practice paying tribute to the stars and stripes. She decided at the start of 2025 that she would sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” fifty times during fifty different public performances.

Some of the local venues have been small—the Velodrome in Breinigsville; a Lower Saucon Township fire truck (yes, she sang inside of a fire truck during a Memorial Day parade)—but many outside the Lehigh Valley were much roomier. She has wowed the crowds at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee; Audi Field in Washington, DC; and Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, just to name a few. She has been documenting the journey on her social media pages. “It kind of turned into a way to bring everyone along with me on these little adventures,” Conrad says.

She didn’t need a whole calendar year to hit lucky number fifty. She had already warbled her way to that milestone by August with a performance at Chicago’s Soldier Field, so she decided to keep going. “Now I kind of want to hit 500,” she says, “not in a year, just in my lifetime. I’m just going to keep counting them.”

It’s hard to imagine that there was a time when no one would give Conrad the chance to prove she could hack it behind the microphone. “When I was in high school, I went to like a billion open calls and sent my videotape in and I don’t think I ever got picked [to sing the national anthem],” she says. “It was very crushing.”

By then, Conrad already knew she wanted to be a professional singer. Her Pottstown-based family wasn’t musical, but she was. She can recall toting around a little boom box at home so she’d have a background soundtrack at the ready to accompany her vocals. She joined the choir in elementary school and shocked the big kids in fifth grade when she, as a third grader, landed one of the sought-after solos in the school concert, a Disney ballad. She doesn’t remember how the performance went, but it must have been a success, because she decided she belonged on stage.

Later, as a student at Pottsgrove High School, Conrad taught herself how to play guitar using free chord charts she found online. Her dad, Jeff Conrad, gave her a Martin D-16 for her sixteenth birthday.

I would love to tell 16-yearold me, who got rejected over and over, that I sing in these stadiums now...

She briefly tried professional singing lessons but decided they weren’t for her. “I love the warmup techniques and all of that,” she says, “but I felt like, and maybe this was just me being stubborn, it wasn’t encouraging me to have my own sound.” Conrad also began to write her own songs and was tapped to perform an original number at her high school graduation in 2010.

She stayed close to home for college, double-majoring in theater and English with a minor in music at Ursinus College in Collegeville. In the meantime, Conrad was becoming a familiar voice on the local performance circuit, with her road crew of one—her dad—in tow. “After he would work all week, he would drive me around to my gigs on the weekend to local restaurants and things, and he would set me up.”

Conrad says both her father and her mother, Sharen Conrad, were always supportive of her musical aspirations. It helped that she was able to avoid the starving-artist trope. But that’s not to say it hasn’t been a grind. “It’s a scary business, and it can be grueling and bleak , but I always made money,” says Conrad. “Sometimes you have to take really latenight gigs or gigs that you don’t want to play, but they pay really well. So you

play the gig because, if you want to make money at music, this is what you have to do.”

Not long after graduation, she did what many aspiring country music singers have done before her: she made tracks for Nashville, the country music capital of the world. “I decided to go down there because I had a meeting with a manager in Nashville who was like, ‘No one’s going to care about you in Nashville if you don’t live here,’” says Conrad. “So the next month I found a place and went down there. That was kind of crazy.”

She made the move about a year after securing two major résumé boosters in 2014: she appeared on the MTV singing competition show Copycat, and she was handpicked to duet with country music star Keith Urban on the song “We Were Us” during his concert at Musikfest in Bethlehem. Conrad dazzled on stage next to Urban, shimmering in a sparkling blue dress and silver boots.

Conrad spent about five years in Nashville. She decided to move back to Pottstown when the COVID-19 pandemic erupted. She says while she has good memories of her time in Music City, she was ready to come home. “I think of it as a period in my life. I really did enjoy it, but I love what I do now and where I’m at, so I don’t know that I necessarily miss it, but it was great.”

And what she’s doing now is making more than just music. Conrad is also a vlogger and online content creator. Her social media pages are populated with videos that showcase a slew of restaurants, events, festivals and giveaways. “It’s kind of like behind the scenes of my life—what I do, where I go,” she says. “I always tell people to follow me and I’ll show you all the cool spots and all the cool events that are happening.”

Of course, her custom Martin still gets plenty of stage time. In addition to headlining her own shows, Conrad has opened for dozens of A-list performers over the years, such as Blake Shelton, Kane Brown, Alabama, Sara Evans and Trace Adkins. That list continues to grow; in August 2025, Conrad took the stage ahead of Darius Rucker at Musikfest.

And then there’s her ongoing national anthem tour, which has a parallel quest: Conrad also hopes to sing “The StarSpangled Banner” in all thirty Major League Baseball ballparks. What comes after that is yet to be determined. At the moment, Conrad is relishing the journey: “I would love to tell 16-year-old me, who got rejected over and over, that I sing in these stadiums now, and all of these crazy things.”

kendalconrad | kendalconradmusic

D.E. CRESSMAN INSURANCE AGENCY

“Count on Cressman”

To help families in his Lehigh Valley community, Donald E. Cressman started selling insurance in 1956. He had a reputation for visiting customers at their homes, building relationships around kitchen tables. Don prioritized getting to know people, with the goal of ensuring they had the right insurance to help them protect what mattered most.

In 1979, Don suffered a massive heart attack and his son, Dan, a fresh college graduate, stepped in to run the family business. With the help of fellow local Erie agent Ed Coringrato, he was able to learn the industry and grow the business. By 1990, Dan “the Man” Cressman opened the first D.E. Cressman office, building on the plot of land which is now the agency’s Walbert Avenue location. Just 25 years later, his youngest daughter, Allison, joined the family business in 2015, and in 2022, she and her husband, Rob, purchased the agency from Dan, who remains involved as a mentor and part-time agent.

Now a third-generation agency, D.E. Cressman experienced a full-circle moment in 2025, when Allison and Rob completed the acquisition of Whitehall-based Coringrato Insurance Agency, the one started by Dan’s mentor Ed back in 1953. Treating customers like family, the agents of Coringrato and D.E. Cressman have come together to continue providing home, auto, life and commercial insurance policies as one team with a shared customer-first legacy.

“No matter what comes your way on the road of life, D.E. Cressman has you covered!”

ON CRESSMAN

• Auto Insurance—including Erie Insurance, the top-rated carrier according to Consumer Reports • Home and Renters Insurance • Commercial Insurance (property, vehicles, liability and workers compensation) • Life Insurance

• PLUS coverage for classic cars, motorcycles, boats and more!

2310 Walbert Ave., Allentown 610.433.1568 | countoncressman.com

The D.E. Cressman team (left to right): Chelsea, Cindy, Sarina, Rob, Allison, Dan, Maryann and Steph

Pie

BY DAISY WILLIS

Whether savory or sweet, warm or chilled, pie can be found capping off a comfortable lunch or crowning a holiday dessert table. Put anything in a buttery crust and its appeal is undeniable. Celebrate National Pie Day on Jan. 23 (not to be confused with Pi Day on Mar. 14!) with these five favorite pies in the Valley.

1. COCONUT CREAM

WERT’S CAFE

515 N. 18 th St., Allentown wertscafe.com

A local favorite since the ’60s, this unassuming eatery near the Allentown Fairgrounds is known for stick-to-theribs cheeseburgers and American fare. Word also travels about a sumptuous coconut cream pie towering with whipped cream, the perfect way to finish off a comfort-food feast.

2. CHICKEN CURRY

PIE + TART

349 Northampton St., Easton pieplustart.com

Let the experts at this Easton shop introduce you to a world of buttery crust, scrumptious fillings and a newly expanded location with retail and hangout zones provided. You’ll find both sweet and savory pies, including the beloved chicken curry, with a cashew nut and coconut base spiced with ginger and garlic.

3. JUMBLEBERRY

JUMBARS

1342 Chelsea Ave., Bethlehem jumbars.com

Perfect for a catch-up breakfast or lunch with a dear friend, Jumbars is reliable for a cozy and satisfying meal. This quaint and unassuming neighborhood spot offers impressive flavors, like those of its jumbleberry pie—flaky crust loaded with apples, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.

4. WET-BOTTOM SHOOFLY PIE

AMISH VILLAGE BAKE SHOP

1825 W. Chew St., Allentown allentownfarmersmarket.com

Traditional treats of the Pennsylvania Dutch are a staple around here, including the molasses-rich shoofly pie, which many prefer with an ooey-gooey wet bottom layer. This and many other Lancaster goodies arrive daily at the Amish Village Bake Shop within the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market, where doughnuts and fresh bread are likely to tempt you, too!

5. MEAT PIES

DADDY’S PLACE

650 Northampton St., Easton daddysplaceeaston.com

Often called the best Mediterranean in the Lehigh Valley, Daddy’s Place is the place for you if you’re craving succulent shawarma, fried falafel or killer kebabs, especially if a huge craft beer selection floats your boat. Fried to a golden crisp and deliciously seasoned, the meat pies are a must-have appetizer filled with beef, onions and pine nuts

PHOTO BY BRENT HOFACKER / ADOBE STOCK

RIGHT NOW RIGHT NOW RIGHT NOW RIGHT NOW

30 Things You Can Do to Have the Best Year Yet

by Heather Mayer Irvine

New Year’s resolutions are hard. And despite the best of efforts, people often say they’ve “failed” by February. But what if you didn’t have to think big? What if you chose simple, sometimes even quick, things you could do right now (or tomorrow, or maybe the weekend, because you’re really busy) that can set you up for long-term success?

Enter these thirty “microresolutions.” Some are designed to become habits. Some are designed to be a one-off you can do in an afternoon. Some are a little of both. All should get you excited for 2026.

Schedule Your Doctor Appointments

Break out a calendar and your list of healthcare providers and book every appointment you’ve been putting off, the annual ones and the specialist visits. Related—be sure to finally get that bloodwork done that you’ve been putting off.

Ditch Your Phone During Meal Times

You don’t have to chew your food twenty times to be truly present while eating, but avoiding screens can make you more mindful, helping you enjoy your meal and notice feelings of fullness.

Explore a Cookbook

Spice up your new year by trying a different recipe every week. This will force you out of your comfort zone (and rut, maybe?) when it comes to meal planning.

HEALTH + NUTRITION FITNESS HEALTH + NUTRITION FITNESS

Hire a Coach

Not only can a coach hold you accountable for your workouts, he or she will create a personalized training plan for whatever your goals are. Most coaches provide real-time feedback and any necessary adjustments to make your plan work for you.

Freshen Up Your Workout Gear

If it takes some coaxing for you to hit the gym or log some miles, would new gear help? Start the year fresh with a new pair of running shoes or a perfect-fitting sports bra or workout pants without holes in them. Visit a local running store, which has running shoes, yes, and all sorts of other workout essentials. (It’s a great way to use holiday gift cards, too!)

Create a Routine

And no, it doesn’t have to be a 45-minute daily strength session. Add a stretch or mobility exercise to something you’re already doing, like brushing your teeth, folding laundry or making coffee. Pairing activities makes it easier to create routine. For example, while you’re brushing your teeth, balance on one foot (and then switch). Core workout, clean teeth!

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND SELF-CARE

Monthly Phone Date

If you’ve been telling yourself you need to get back in touch with friends, this is a sign to do it. Life is busy, but scheduling a twenty-minute call once a month can reinvigorate relationships. Couple the call with something you’re already doing: washing dishes, meal prepping, walking the dog. This will make the habit more likely to stick.

Go Back to School!

Sort of. The Lehigh Valley has tons of classes and workshops for people who may not be enrolled in school. Northampton Community College, for example, offers an incredible variety of courses, including cooking, dance and art. Penn State Lehigh Valley has an arts program for community members, and local libraries and YMCAs also offer a variety of classes throughout the year.

with Danielle Adams-Wiltshire, PCC, QueenSuite Personal and Professional Development

PERSONAL GROWTH PERSONAL GROWTH PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND SELF-CARE

Introduce Yourself

Be brave this year! Attend an event, a class, a meetup and introduce yourself to someone new. You never know, it could be the start of a beautiful friendship

Set Boundaries

You don’t have to be a pathological people pleaser this year. Protect your space, and allow yourself to say no to things you truly do not want to do.

Embrace Discomfort

On the flip side, sometimes it’s good to do things outside of your comfort zone. Attend a social event you’d normally decline, have an uncomfortable but important conversation with a close friend or ask for help.

STYLE

Add Some Color

Whether your style is heavy on the neutral colors or you just have a plethora of blues, try something new. Pick out a bold top or scarf, or work with a stylist like Jillian Daubenspeck of House of Colour West Allentown.

Opt for a New ’Do

Chop off your hair. Shave your beard. Add highlights or a brand new color. An hour or two at the salon can yield big, fresh results. The best part? It’ll all grow back and you can try something else.

Clean Out Your Wardrobe

If it’s been a full year—all the seasons—and you still haven’t worn that skirt or that collared shirt, it’s time to say goodbye. Go through every item of clothing. Does it have a hole or a stain? Textile recycling is available at many recycling centers. Is it in good shape? Try reselling it at Style Encore (Allentown), The Attic (Bethlehem) or Yellow Balloon Consignment (Easton). Or donate your items to Goodwill or the Perfect Fit Resale Boutique.

HOME STYLE HOME

with Diana Leiner, founder and lead designer, Toile

& Oak Interiors

Make It Green

Studies have shown that exposure to greenery, even for just a few minutes a day, can lower stress and anxiety, boost mood and increase creativity. Add an indoor plant or two to your home office, bedroom or den (faux plants are an easy way to reap similar benefits) and breathe in, breathe out.

Create Functional Storage

Anyone who’s ever decluttered knows it can be hard to make it stick. Start small with functional storage pieces like a covered console for loose items in the entryway or drawer organizers for desk and junk drawers. Embrace underbed storage bins, storage ottomans and electronic storage organizers.

Swap Out Your Throws

For a quick, relatively inexpensive design refresh, replace throw pillows and blankets with a new style. Bright solids add a pop of color, and patterns create a more interesting look.

Hubba Bubba / Adobe Stock

avaicon / Adobe Stock

FINANCE

Open a HighYield Savings Account

If you need the flexibility of having access to your money but want more than one percent interest in a typical checking or savings account, try a highyield savings account. Up until 2020, there was a withdrawal limit of six per month, but the federal government lifted that restriction. (Each institution might have its own rules.) Interest rates fluctuate, but they’re typically above three percent.

Break Up Your Retirement Payments

If you contribute to a Roth account ($7,500 maximum for under 50 years old, $8,600 if you’re over 50), try breaking up your payments to hit the deadline of April 15. This way, you won’t have to front the entire amount, but you’ll still reap the benefits.

Just $5

You don’t have to have your eye on a big purchase to benefit from weekly savings. Add just $5 a week to a savings account ($260 for the year) for a rainy-day fund—a nice dinner out, a new fitness tracker, swim lessons for the kids.

Adjust Your 401(k) (or Similar) Contributions

Take the new year as an opportunity to review any recurring contributions, whether that’s to a 401(k) (or other retirement account) or 529 educational plans. Where possible, increase the contribution, particularly if there’s an employer match.

ORGANIZATION

Delete Your Inbox

If only! But you can cull it down to a more manageable size. Delete promotion emails, newsletters and calendar invitations that have come and gone. Try to address three to five “substance” emails per day, whether that’s responding, deleting or archiving for later use.

Embrace the Catchall

As a temporary fix to clutter, use a nice basket or bin to collect papers, bills, kids’ artwork and then go through it when you have more time (we know, we know).

ORGANIZATION EDUCATION

EDUCATION

Open a Library Card

For the low, low price of $0, your local library card will grant you access to hundreds of thousands of titles: books, audio, DVDs, newspapers, magazines, Internet access, clubs and classes.

Join a Book Club

Expand your literary and social horizons this year by (finally!) joining a book club. Check with your local library or book store for existing clubs, or start your own with a group of friends.

Pop in Your Earbuds

You don’t need to sit down with a good book or newspaper to read the latest New York Times bestseller or catch up on world news. Take advantage of audiobooks, podcasts and narrated articles so you can listen and learn while you drive, cook, walk and watch your kid’s basketball practice.

Icons-Studio / Adobe Stock

Volunteer

There is no shortage of organizations or groups that need an extra set of hands. Get involved in the community this year at a local food bank, a senior center, your children’s school, the library, race or walk committees and animal shelters.

COMMUNITY

Host a Block Party

Once the weather starts to warm up, people are itching to get outside. Block parties are a fun way to engage with friends and neighbors; hire a couple of food trucks and bring out all the lawn games. (Talk to your local police department about closing off the road, which they’ll often do.)

CAREER COMMUNITY CAREER

Refresh Your Résumé (and LinkedIn)

Even if you’re not actively looking for a new job, it helps to keep your professional self up to date. Refreshing your résumé, for example, can help you feel more excitement around your work and how you present yourself. Updating your LinkedIn headshot is another way to add a breath of fresh air into the workspace.

Invest in Your Connections

Networking is more than an occasional drink and then e-mailing for career advice. It’s about cultivating long-term relationships even when you don’t need any help.

Icons-Studio / Adobe Stock

SALMON CHOWDER WITH Chef Heather Griffith-Thomas

TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

At the Palmer Park Mall, the scent of comfort food drifts from a small kitchen where Heather Griffith-Thomas greets each guest with warmth that feels like home. The owner of Wrap’d Tight, a beloved local spot known for its wraps, baked potatoes and creative comfort fare, has spent twenty years feeding both appetites and spirits across the Lehigh Valley.

Griffith-Thomas grew up in the kitchen beside her Trinidadian father and her late mother, who taught her that food should “nourish the soul.” That lesson remains at the heart of everything she cooks. “When people walk in hungry or hurting, they’re never turned away,” she says. “Sometimes a hot meal says, ‘You’re going to be all right.’”

That compassion grew following a deeply personal loss in 2025. In the midst of grief, an unexpected opportunity brought light back into her kitchen: a visit from global superstar Cardi B. When the rapper came to the Lehigh Valley for a meet and greet, GriffithThomas seized the moment to create something special—hot-honey chicken over creamy mac and cheese, inspired by Cardi B’s favorite comfort flavors. The dish became an instant hit, later expanding to include a salmon version that regulars now request by name. “I wanted her to have something that would comfort her, something made with love,” Griffith-Thomas says. “Food should feel like a hug.”

Beyond her mall location, Griffith-Thomas keeps her hands busy and her heart full through Wrap’d Tight’s food truck and catering business, bringing her signature dishes to weddings, celebrations and community events. She loves the chance to display her food in vibrant, artful spreads—something her mother always emphasized. “We eat with our eyes first,” she says. “I want every plate to be beautiful before the first bite.”

As the winter chill settles in, Griffith-Thomas is stirring new inspiration: a salmon chowder that’s as hearty as it is healing. Rich and creamy, layered with vegetables and spice, it’s served with a cheddar garlic parmesan biscuit and a crisp salad. “Soup is my safe place,” she laughs. “It’s warm, forgiving and full of heart—like family.”

For Griffith-Thomas, family includes not only her husband and their eleven children—one of whom, known as Chef Miami, now cooks beside her—but also the young chefs she mentors daily. Her advice for anyone chasing a dream: be patient. “It took me twenty years to get here,” she says. “Things don’t happen at Internet speed. They happen at God’s speed.” And at Wrap’d Tight, that timing tastes just right.

eatwrapdtight.com

View the recipe for Heather Griffith-Thomas’ cheddar garlic parmesan biscuits on lehighvalleystyle.com

SALMON CHOWDER

INGREDIENTS

½ skinless salmon filet, diced

Onion powder

Paprika

White pepper

Salt

½ stick butter

½ large or 1 small red pepper, diced

½ large or 1 small green pepper, diced

1 small onion, finely diced

2 small carrots or 12 baby carrots, chopped

Fresh dill

1 tbsp. tomato paste

¼ c. flour

½ c. half-and-half

2 c. chicken stock

1 tbsp. lemon juice

3 small or 2 large potatoes, cubed Italian seasoning

INSTRUCTIONS

Season the diced salmon with ½ tsp. onion powder, ¼ tsp. paprika, ¼ tsp. white pepper and ½ tsp. salt. Mix to coat and set aside.

Melt the butter in a stock pot or Dutch oven. Sauté the seasoned salmon in the pot, then set aside.

Add the peppers, onion, carrots and a few sprigs of dill to the pot and cook on low heat until softened.

Add the tomato paste and stir, then add flour, stirring until it reaches a paste consistency.

Add half-and-half, chicken stock, lemon juice and potatoes.

Season with ½ tsp. white pepper, 1 tsp. onion powder, 1 tsp. paprika and 1 tsp. Italian seasoning. Add salt to taste.

Simmer on medium-low until the potatoes are fork-tender. Add the salmon back to the pot, reserving a small portion.

Serve immediately in bowls, topping each bowl with the reserved salmon.

Tag @lvstylemag when you make it at home!

DRINK THIS

ROCKETMAN

BY ANGELA VENNEMANN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW CANNON

1812 PIANO LOUNGE

January can be rough. December feels like all celebrations all the time, with multiple winter holidays and marking the occasion of making it through another year, and overindulgence is part and parcel of that revelry. By the time January rolls around, you’ve eaten too much and drank too much, and you just feel sort of blah

Over the past several years, the sobercurious movement has been gaining serious steam, and every year we see increases in the number of Americans participating in Dry January—either reducing or completely eliminating alcohol consumption during that month. Bar programs have picked up on this, shifting their menus to offer more nonalcoholic options like mocktails. 1812 Piano Lounge is no exception, and their answer to the January blahs is the Rocketman. 1812’s bar manager, Darius Feit, created this drink as a twist on a classic spritz. Beginning with a house-made cranberry relish, he adds heavy splashes of freshly squeezed orange and lemon juices as well as a house-made vanilla-ginger syrup. After shaking with ice and straining into a coupe glass, he adds a splash of club soda and tops the drink with ginger beer. Expressed oil on the rim from a lemon peel garnish finishes this drink that tastes as good as it looks. Feit describes the Rocketman as a “vibrant symphony of tart, citrusy brightness with warm, spiced undertones. It opens with the bold tang of the cranberry relish, balanced by zesty fresh lemon and orange juice with the vanilla-ginger syrup adding to that smooth sweetness.”

1812 Piano Lounge offers a menu of small plates meant to be shared while listening to the tickling of the ivories. If you’re looking for the perfect match for the Rocketman, Feit recommends the pork belly.

This winter version of the Rocketman (of course a piano bar would have a drink named for Sir Elton John) is its second iteration, following a fall rendition featuring apples and cinnamon. Feit has been happy to play into the nonalcoholic trend, noting that “at any given time, we offer two mocktails on the menu.” He adds, “Of course, our fantastic bartenders like to play around with other ingredients and can always whip up something new!” So for Dry January and beyond, pop in for a drink that will make you feel anything but blah.

1812 W. Allen St., Allentown 484.274.6208 | 1812pianolounge.com

DREAMS COME TRUE

Our AAA Four Diamond resort offers elegant accommodations, a luxe spa, exceptional dining, and a spectacular ballroom for your wedding day —plus vibrant nightlife and entertainment to celebrate long after “I do.”

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2026 | VOLUME 24

President/CEO

Paul Prass

Vice President/COO Lisa Prass

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“I DO” with a view Say

Boasting incredible panoramic views of the greater Lehigh Valley, The Iacocca Conference Center is renowned as a prime venue for weddings, showers, and special events. The ICC offers a variety of rooms that cater to groups of all sizes. Book your next event with a view!

BY DAISY WILLIS

Luciana & Nicholas

AUGUST 30, 2025

The Proposal

Luciana Brienza and Nicholas Youwakim met at a backyard party in 2020, with a little help from their matchmaking mothers. Once the couple had moved to Maryland, Nicholas invited both their families to join them for DC’s annual National Cherry Blossom Festival and surprised Luciana with a sunrise proposal at the Tidal Basin.

The Big Day

The couple returned to the Lehigh Valley to incorporate their Bethlehem roots into a wonderful wedding day. Their shared love of board games and books infused the event, found in their personal vows and in centerpieces composed of thrifted vintage finds. Monopoly-themed table numbers and a Scrabble welcome sign made for unique decor. They honored both their cultures with traditional Italian almond favors and a Syrian dabke money dance for good luck and well wishes. The bride changed into an altered version of her mother’s wedding dress to finish out the night on the dance floor.

Details

Venue & Catering: Vault 634

Allentown

Cake: Kathleen Huber Cakes Mount Bethel

Dress: La Belle Mariée Bridal Langhorne

Tux: Edwing Joseph & Sons Bethlehem

Hair & Makeup: Forté Salon Bethlehem; Alisha Nycole & Co. Easton

Wedding Coordinator: Sheila Wertley, Beyond Blissful Events Chester County

Flowers: Allium Floral Design Bethlehem

Music: Bachelor Boys Band Philadelphia

Videographer: Luv’d Up Films East Coast

Transportation: A&A Limousine Northampton

Kirsten & Brandon