6 Madison things to help you start 2021 on the right foot

Whether you’re looking forward to leaving 2020 behind or nervous about what’s ahead, The Power Planner from Lake Life Co. might help bring some peace to your 2021 planning. That was the goal when Amy Bernards and Jen Schmidt — two moms in the medical field — created this book, which keeps your plans, lists and goals all in the same place. Pick one up at the Waunakee shop when it’s open the first weekend of each month, or find it online. shoplakelifeco.com

Kelly Blexrud of Bash Calligraphy will make you a custom denim or leather jacket for that special occasion (or for no other reason than to own a badass jacket with personalized calligraphy and art). Blexrud’s Madison-based business has boomed, and she’s even created a jacket for reality star Kaitlyn Bristowe. Among a few other calligraphic gifts and wedding decorations, Blexrud also offers Bash Boxes, which provide the DIY materials to create your own custom jacket. bashcreativedesign.com

Consider putting Madison-based indie-pop duo Seasaw into heavy rotation on your work-from-home playlist. The band, made up of Meg Golz (right) and Eve Wilczewski (left), has stayed busy during the pandemic and most recently released the track “Inventor.” And they have more new music on the way. singseasaw.com

Before coming to Madison and launching [bayk] MADISON, Susan Kay worked with a fourth-generation Jewish baker in Boston making babka — braided bread with distinctive inner swirls. Kay, who has 22 years of food industry experience, uses local ingredients to make more than 30 varieties of the specialty bread, from sweet to savory to boozy. “The process is 24 hours from start to finish with many details along the way,” Kay says. baykmadison.com

As you continue to physically distance this winter, bank some adrenaline highs along the way by hitting the slopes at Tyrol Basin or Cascade Mountain. Whether your board needs a tuneup or you’re looking for new winter gear, Focus Boardshop, located at 2358 E. Springs Drive, is a go-to spot. John Dobbe owns the store, which specializes in all the boards you can think of — namely snowboards, skateboards and electric boards. focusmadison.com

Martinez White, a local author who holds several other titles, has an incredible personal story of perseverance, and he’s made it his life’s work to help others actualize their dreams, too. His book, “Think Like A DJ: 7 Steps to Spin Poverty Into Prosperity,” is a self-help guide to “rocking your life-party.” martinezwhite.com