HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'm Shamontiel, a full-time, freelance editor, writer and fact-checker. I've been working in print and digital news since 2005. In my world, a few things are mandatory every day: 10 minutes of morning meditation after a 15-minute minimum of weight training, dance fitness or Pilates. Then, there's walking my own dog (and neighborhood dogs); plant-based cooking (vegetarian for 21 years); and reviewing the latest trends in politics, news and culture. The rest of my work and leisure days vary. Want to know more? Check out some of my posts (below) and my top five.