Q: Is there anything special I should be doing for my shrubs I just planted this summer? I have roses, hydrangeas, spireas, a butterfly bush and some potentillas.

I know it’s only the middle of July and I’m already talking about the end of summer and the arrival of fall, how could I spoil the moment. My apologies, blame it on the Virgo in me . . . you know the one that is always planning ahead and analyzing every situation. Simply put, I don’t want to lose this feeling of light and warmth that summer brings to our homes. I have some ideas to keep our houses bright even as the days become shorter and shorter.

Summer fun means throwing lots of backyard barbecues and entertaining guests which means they’ll need to use the restroom. Is your bathroom guest-ready? Perhaps this weekend you can make over your guest bath.

 The buzz word in the home fashion industry these days is luxury. We (the consumer) all want to surround ourselves with lavishness, but the question is, can we afford to do this? Absolutely, luxury is not necessarily synonymous with big ticket items. I can be a feeling about a specific ‘thing,’ it is a convenience; luxury is small indulgences, generosity and creating a special richness at home. Luxury is about bringing treats into the home for you and your rooms.