Monthly Editorial Theme Requirements, Descriptions, & Ideas

Our nationally branded themes are developed yearly around trends, sales opportunities, and seasonality. They generally remain the same from year to year, but will sometimes be renamed, rearranged, or replaced when it makes sense at a brand level.

Editorial themes are a great way to focus content. By centering an issue of the publication around one central theme, we are able to create a built-in sense of cohesion, and it makes the publication easier to read as a whole. This, in turn, brings longer read times, more engagement, and a more invested audience.

Because these themes are broad and open to individual interpretation, we also define how we want the themes interpreted. This information is what will be used to objectively determine if a magazine is considered “on theme” by our content department.

Why We Have Themes

Stronger Brand Identity: Creates a unified and recognizable identity and a stronger overall brand image. Even though readers may not be aware of other magazines within the brand, it helps them recognize and connect with the local magazine as part of a larger brand, building trust and familiarity.
Cross-Promotion and Audience Engagement: Magazines AND corporate can cross-promote each other’s content more effectively, which fosters a sense of community among readers who share common interests or may have connections to other Lifestyle communities.
Streamline Advertising Opportunities: It makes it easier for advertisers and sponsors to target a specific audience across multiple magazines, resulting in more impactful advertising campaigns.
Collaborative Content: Encourages the exchange of ideas and content between different publications. Editors, writers, and contributors can collaborate more seamlessly, share inspiration, and learn from each other’s expertise, which strengthens the brand internally and leads to a more engaging experience for readers.
Brand Expansion: It becomes easier to introduce new mags while maintaining consistency and credibility as a brand. The shared brand identity allows for a smoother transition and acceptance of the new publication, facilitating expansion and growth.
Operational Efficiency and Quality: A shared framework allows for better coordination among teams, reducing duplication of efforts, minimizing confusion, and leading to smoother workflows and improved overall productivity.
Brand Experience: Demonstrates a commitment to quality, consistency, and a unique brand experience, which can attract new readers, advertisers, and collaborators.

Requirements for Each Issue

Cover: The cover image must be on-theme or should be directly related to an article.
Teaser: The main teaser must also support the theme.
Lifestyle Letter: The letter should talk about a personal connection to the theme while also teasing an article that supports the theme.
Minimum of 3 Featured Stories: For each issue, the local teams must produce at least 3 articles that support the theme. City Scene, Business Monthly, and City List do not count towards on-theme articles.

Note: Those articles will then be featured in the table of contents. Best Practice is for the content featured in the TOC to be on-theme content.

Monthly Themes

January: Health & Wellness
February: Love Local
March: Home & Design
April: Investment
May: Ladies
June: Gentleman’s
July: Explore
August: Kids & Pets
September: Style
October: Food & Drink
November: Thankful
December: Holidays & Giving

Theme Explanations and Content Ideas

Our editorial department has created a list of editorial content ideas based on the monthly themes for inspiration. Access the spreadsheet here: Monthly Themed Content Ideas

January - Health & Wellness

Our Interpretation: A reset for the body, mind, and spirit. This issue is a breath of fresh air — filled with healing, clarity, and motivation to step into the year feeling whole.

Reset and Recharge: Discover a sanctuary for your well-being with expert insights, fitness tips, and mindful living practices.
Holistic Health: Explore the intersection of physical, mental, and emotional vitality through plant-based, clean eating, and health-focused content.
Revitalize Your Routine: Exercise your body, nourish your mind, and cleanse your spirit with a variety of rejuvenating activities.

Keywords: Plant-based, clean eating/health, restore, rejuvenate, exercise, mental health, restart, cleanse, stretch, detoxify, recipes, fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, self-care

Visual Themes: Gym and exercise settings, healthy foods and drinks, serene environments for relaxation, professional guidance from physicians and aestheticians, individuals engaging in various forms of exercise, retreats promoting holistic well-being

This Theme is NOT: Focused on “Happy New Year” or simply being outdoors. Instead, it’s about an intentional and continuous journey toward a more vibrant life.

Article Ideas

The Ultimate Wellness Retreat
Mindful Living
Revamping Your Fitness Routine
Plant-Powered Living
Wellness at Work
Transforming Your Home into a Haven of Well-Being
A Culinary Exploration of Nourishing Your Body and Mind
The Rise of Holistic Exercise Studios
The Science of Self-Care
Exploring Local Retreats for Mind, Body, and Soul

February - Love Local

Our Interpretation: Celebrate the soul of your city — the makers, dreamers, and local legends who give it heart. This issue shines a light on the businesses, creatives, and neighbors who shape your hometown.

Community Love: Spotlight businesses and individuals who bring life, culture, and vibrancy to your neighborhood.
Artistry & Heart: Celebrate makers and visionaries whose passion infuses every handmade detail.
Rooted Relationships: Capture the joy of supporting locals and connecting meaningfully with the people behind the storefronts.

Keywords: Shop small, artisans, community, local pride, entrepreneurs, makers, support local, small businesses, neighbors, heart of the city

Visual Themes: Artisan studios, boutique storefronts, local shopkeepers and creators, handmade products, cozy community events, candid portraits of entrepreneurs

Article Ideas

Stories of Local Artisans and Makers
A Spotlight on Small Businesses that Define Your City
Unsung Heroes Fueling Your Community
A Journey Through Local Flavors and Faces
Inside the Lives of Local Entrepreneurs
Artists & Businesses Making Magic Together
Exploring Your City Through Public Art
Restaurants that Serve More than Food
Events that Bring Neighbors Together

This Theme is NOT: About romantic love, Valentine’s Day clichés, or mass-produced gifts. It doesn’t center on couplehood or commercial holidays — instead, it focuses on love expressed through community, creativity, and connection to place.

March - Home

Our Interpretation: Your space, your story. This issue invites readers to reimagine their homes as reflections of who they are and what they love — a sanctuary of creativity, beauty, and comfort.

Transformative Spaces: Explore how thoughtful design transforms living environments and daily life
Cozy Elegance: Find the intersection of warmth and sophistication through curated interiors
Design as Expression: Highlight local designers and homeowners whose spaces tell meaningful stories

Keywords: Interior design, home transformation, decor, lifestyle, personal style, renovation, real estate, home goods, architecture

Visual Themes: Before-and-after makeovers, styled interiors, local designers at work, personal vignettes, curated shelfies, cozy corners

Article Ideas

Jaw-Dropping Home Transformations
Navigating the Intersection of Comfort and Style
Design Finds from Local Home Merchants
Architectural Gems: Exploring the Styles that Define Your City
Transforming Outdoor Spaces into Retreats
Kitchen and Bath Renovations
Personalizing Your Space with Meaning
How Interior Choices Support Wellness & Flow
Homes that Honor History and Heritage
Using Art to Tell Your Home’s Story

This Theme is NOT: About broad "hometown" pride or general community features. While it includes houses and living spaces, it's also not a "for sale" catalog. Instead, it emphasizes how these spaces are transformed, designed, and lived in, reflecting personal style, comfort, and the stories within.

April - Investment

Our Interpretation: Investment isn’t just about finances — it’s about where you put your energy, your resources, and your hope. This issue encourages readers to think expansively about what it means to build a life of value.

Build with Purpose: Explore how people invest in their businesses, homes, families, and futures.
Financial Wellness: Break down money talk in an approachable, empowering way.
Time & Talent: Spotlight the non-monetary investments that shape strong communities

Keywords: Wealth, value, legacy, entrepreneurship, personal finance, real estate, growth, mentorship, generosity, financial literacy

Visual Themes: Financial workshops, entrepreneurs at work, families planning together, community mentoring, workspaces

Article Ideas

Stories of Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs
Beginner’s Guide to Financial Wellness
Philanthropy and Local Impact
Local Founders
Finding a Home that Grows With You
How to Spend, Save, and Share with Intention
Empowering the Next Generation of Investors
Investing in What Can’t Be Bought
How Wisdom Compounds Like Wealth
Shifting the Way We Think About Worth
Insuring High-Value Art Collections and Antiques
Luxury Travel and Vacation Properties

This Theme is NOT: About "get rich quick" schemes, speculative trading, or promoting gimmicky sales tactics. It also doesn't focus on abstract concepts of self-improvement without tangible application. Instead, it emphasizes strategic, long-term growth in areas like financial literacy, personal development (e.g., education, skills), and a curated luxury lifestyle.

May - Ladies

Our Interpretation: This issue is a vibrant celebration of women — their strength, stories, creativity, leadership, and impact. We honor the multidimensional lives of women in our communities and create space for their voices to shine.

Power & Presence: Spotlight female founders, leaders, and changemakers who are shaping the future.
Creativity & Contribution: Celebrate the artistry, innovation, and heart women bring to their families, businesses, and cities.
Wellness & Wisdom: Explore the rituals, practices, and perspectives that help women thrive in all areas of life.

Keywords: Women entrepreneurs, motherhood, mentorship, self-care, wellness, creativity, leadership, empowerment, resilience, community builders

Visual Themes: Women at work and at rest, personal style, mother-daughter moments, speaker panels, group portraits of female-led teams

Article Ideas

Female Leaders Shaping Local Culture
Women-Owned Businesses to Know
Real talk from Women on Work, Family, and Fulfillment
Wellness Practices from Local Women
Artists and Designers Sharing their Vision
How Local Women are Lifting Each Other Up
Women in Real Estate
Local Female Entrepreneurs
Powerful Interviews with Women Leading Change

This Theme is NOT: Limited to Mother’s Day or traditional gender roles. It’s not about “pinkwashing” or outdated stereotypes — this issue should reflect the richness and diversity of womanhood.

June - Gentlemen’s

Our Interpretation: This issue is a modern exploration of men’s lives — celebrating character, craftsmanship, leadership, and strength. It’s not about outdated archetypes, but rather highlighting authenticity and purpose-driven living.

Modern Masculinity: Feature local men who lead with integrity, heart, and humility.
Legacy & Lifestyle: Explore the spaces, hobbies, and values that shape how men show up for their families and communities.
Craft & Character: Celebrate the skills, trades, and passions that represent intention, discipline, and creativity.

Keywords: Leadership, fatherhood, mentorship, legacy, trades, style, wellness, craftsmanship, outdoor pursuits, entrepreneurship

Visual Themes: Workshop settings, local barbershops, father-son moments, modern menswear, garage builds, men in community service, and small business owners.

Article Ideas

Men Who Lead with Purpose
Local Men Pursuing Passion and Precision
Stories from Multi-Generational Family Businesses
Barbershops as Community Hubs
Men Investing in the Next Generation
Men Building Meaningful Businesses
Garages, Studios, and Workshops That Inspire
Dads Who Do It All: Modern Fatherhood and Real Talk
Men’s Wellness Beyond the Gym

This Theme is NOT: About dated notions of masculinity or one-size-fits-all definitions of what it means to be a man. Avoid overly styled lifestyle shots that feel performative or superficial.

July - Explore

Our Interpretation: This issue is a passport to possibility — a celebration of travel that ignites curiosity, expands perspective, and invites a deeper connection to the world around us. From faraway adventures to unforgettable road trips, we highlight journeys that inspire. The exploration of a place.

Wander Well: Feature intentional travel experiences that blend culture, relaxation, and adventure.
Scenic Routes & Soul Stops: Highlight road trips, national parks, hiking destinations, and unexpected detours that offer more than photo ops.
Purposeful Getaways: Explore trips that prioritize experience over extravagance — from unplugged retreats to meaningful cultural immersion.

Keywords: Travel, adventure, road trip, vacation, destinations, nature, hiking, national parks, family travel, scenic, wanderlust, discovery

Visual Themes: Open roads, mountainscapes, cozy cabins, luggage in motion, vibrant marketplaces, travelers in candid moments, campfires, trails, cultural landmarks, travel journals

Article Ideas

Scenic Drives and Must-Stop Towns
Intentional Travel in a Fast World
Exploring National Parks
Cozy Retreats for Every Kind of Traveler
How Travel Changes Us
Making Memories Across Miles
Culinary Experiences Worth Traveling For
Epic Hikes for Every Experience Level
Quick Trips that Spark Curiosity
Digital Detox Retreats

This Theme is NOT: Limited to local day trips or focused only on luxury travel. This theme is not about the exploration of a person or people.

August - Kids & Pets

Our Interpretation: Play, joy, and the unconditional magic of family life — this issue celebrates the smallest (and furriest) members of our communities and the homes they make brighter.

Unfiltered Joy: Highlight the playful, imaginative spirit of childhood and the loyalty of pets.
Community Through Care: Feature the people and businesses that help kids and pets thrive.
Family Life, Fully Lived: Share authentic stories of parenting, adoption, rescue, and raising with intention.

Keywords: Children, parenting, pets, adoption, schools, animals, family life, rescue stories, play, youth programs, creativity, unconditional love

Visual Themes: Kids in candid moments, pets being silly or snuggly, back-to-school prep, summer camps, birthday parties, family outings, adoption days

Article Ideas

Kids and Pets Who Brighten Our Days
Creative Kids Doing Big Things
Welcoming New Family Members (Furry or Not)
Back to School with Confidence
Local Businesses Supporting Family Life
Animal Lovers Making a Difference
Local Birthday Celebrations
Families Building Book-Filled Homes
Local Pet Boutiques and Groomers
Kids Leading with Kindness

This Theme is NOT: Commercialized or overly posed. This issue isn’t about perfection — it’s about real, relatable family moments.

September - Style

Our Interpretation: Style is personal, purposeful, and a powerful form of expression. This issue celebrates individuality, confidence, and design — from fashion to interiors to brand presence.

Signature Looks: Feature people with bold or timeless personal style.
Design as Identity: Highlight how fashion, homes, and even businesses tell a visual story.
Elevated Everyday: Show readers how to bring creativity and beauty into their routines.

Keywords: Fashion, design, interiors, brand identity, confidence, beauty, art, color, creativity, trends, timelessness, personal brand

Visual Themes: Street style, boutique interiors, well-styled spaces, fall fashion, brand color palettes, curated details

Article Ideas

Style Icons: Local Tastemakers to Watch
Everyday Expression Through Fashion
Businesses with Unmistakable Style
Interiors That Tell a Story
Capsule Wardrobes
Fashion Creatives in Action
Color Theory
Outfits With Meaning
How Style Shapes Self-Perception

This Theme is NOT: Just about trends or superficial aesthetics. It’s about meaningful expression through style and intentionality.

October - Food & Drink

Our Interpretation: Food is culture, connection, and craft. This issue honors the people, stories, and flavors that nourish our communities.

Savor the Season: Celebrate autumn’s bounty with meals that bring people together.
From Farm to Table: Highlight sustainability, sourcing, and local pride.
Raise a Glass: Explore the beverage scene from coffee to cocktails.

Keywords: Culinary arts, local chefs, seasonal eating, farms, food trucks, dining, recipes, traditions, flavors, community tables, beverages

Visual Themes: Harvest tables, fall menus, cozy kitchens, chefs in action, drink pours, farmers markets, food prep, gatherings

Article Ideas

Fall Recipes That Warm the Soul
Breweries, Distilleries, and Roasteries to Know
Chefs Blending Tradition and Innovation
Food Truck Features
A Day in the Life of a Local Grower
Local Traditions That Bring People Together Around the Table
Young Chefs in the Making
Passion Behind the Plate
Bites & Sips Pairings
The Art of Hosting: Local Creatives on Gathering Well

This Theme is NOT: Generic food photography or national chain spotlights. This is local flavor; real, relevant, and resonant.

November - Thankful

Our Interpretation: Gratitude is a way of being. This issue is about pausing, reflecting, and celebrating the relationships, rituals, and milestones that ground us.

Everyday Thanks: Share moments of appreciation from across the community.
Giving Back: Feature local nonprofits, volunteers, and acts of service.
Legacy & Love: Highlighting family stories, reunions, and traditions.

Keywords: Gratitude, service, giving, milestones, family, volunteers, nonprofits, reflection, celebration, community support

Visual Themes: Family dinners, handwritten notes, community service, local nonprofits in action, gratitude journals, cozy gatherings

Article Ideas

Families Who Live With Gratitude
Local Organizations to Support
Everyday Heroes
Gratitude Practices That Shift Perspective
Stories From Family Gatherings
Entrepreneurs Paying it Forward
Readers Reflect on Community
Personal Stories of Generosity
Local Kindness Campaigns
Traditions Worth Treasuring

This Theme is NOT: Exclusively tied to Thanksgiving Day or overly sentimental. It’s about authentic expressions of thanks in all forms.

December - Holidays & Giving

Our Interpretation: This issue celebrates light in all its forms — joy, generosity, and the spirit of togetherness. Whether it’s a festive meal, an act of giving, or a moment of reflection, we honor what brings people closer.

Meaning Over Material: Focus on purpose-driven celebrations and heartfelt traditions.
Gift With Intention: Showcase local makers and thoughtful gift ideas that reflect care.
Together, We Shine: Highlight communal experiences, holiday markets, and creative acts of giving.

Keywords: Celebration, generosity, gift guide, giving, local shopping, traditions, holidays, lights, joy, connection

Visual Themes: Holiday tables, gift wrapping, candles and lights, market scenes, acts of kindness, winter landscapes, handmade gifts

Article Ideas

Stories that Spark Joy and Hope
Your Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
Traditions Reimagined: How Families Celebrate With Meaning
Local Creatives Bringing Holiday Cheer
Acts of Service that Inspire
Global Holiday Celebrations in Our Community
Winter Recipes for Gathering and Gifting
The Meaning Behind Our Favorite Rituals
Collective Generosity in Action
Simple Moments That Make the Season Bright

This Theme is NOT: Overly commercial, religiously exclusive, or pressure-filled. This is a season of spirit, not stress.