July 2007

Between friends

Though life may not slow down for summer, the living of it can. Summer's extra hours of sunlight are like found time, ours to make the most of. And for me, that means observing a few simple rites that make the season memorable.

JULY'S SIMPLE PLEASURE...

When you drop in on a friend, even via e-mail, what sparks the conversation? Food, gardening, your latest home improvement project? We'd love to hear

AT A SET TIME each month my gal friends and I get together at a local salon for pedicures, then we vote on where to go together for dinner. Getting together feeds our souls and heals our soles.

Quilt Pink and Breast Cancer Research

New This Month on BHG.com

Star Treatment

Strike an all-American pose outdoors with everyday items and collectibles. These easy decorating ideas have a classic look that will last all summer.

Wreath of Light

Bathing Beauties

These easy projects-- made with ordinary inexpensive bath towels-- wash your home in beachy summer style.

Greener Pastures

Dressed in a rainbow of pastels, an old farmhouse takes a surprisingly feminine turn.

SEA SHADE

SOFT SPOTS

ON A WHIRL

FARM FRESH

AWESOME BLOSSOMS

Open and Shut

A Houston homeowner revamps her kitchen for under $10,000. Her strategy? Keep the existing layout and reuse cabinets.

Comfort Rules

Coast to coast, cottage style has a casual appeal everyone can appreciate. Borrow these ideas for getting a relaxed, welcoming look, no matter where you live.

House Blend

How to make a traditional house play nice with a new addition? It's all in the mix.

Home Sweet Bath

Furniture and country-inspired decorating extend an invitation to sit, soak, and be soothed.

Easy Takeout

Keep moves to the picnic table simple. A gardening tote quickly transfers kitchen items-- everything from plates to ketchup.

Kitchen Help

The room that's the center of family life is also the perfect place for your family to try new habits that go easy on the Earth. Whether you set up a recycling bin or cut back on plastic, you'll save money and energy. Make one-- or all 10-- of these simple practices part of your kitchen routine.

Backyard Blend

Do-it-yourselfers blend gardens and hardspace to create elegant spaces in a not-so-big backyard.

Blooms To Bet On

Hundreds of cultivars in sunny colors make dahlias a hot pick for summer gardens and pots.

GARDEN SPARKLE

THIS MONTH IN THE GARDEN

REEL EASY

RECORD YOUR GARDEN

HOT SHOT

GREEN POTS

Welcome Change

A new terrace and front entry transform a nondescript exterior.

Go Fourth!

Make this your best Independence Day ever by putting fun twists on favorite traditions.

Notes from Home

Interior design tips and creative communication techniques can help kids feel more connected to parents who are serving in the armed forces.

Camping with Class

Pitch your tent-- right back in the closet. At these parks, you can experience spa-like accommodations while enjoying the great outdoors.

Minding Your Nest Egg

Six essential questions that could save your retirement.

Independence Days

FROM THE DAY SCHOOL LETS OUT, A CASUAL HOME ON THE JERSEY SHORE LETS ITS FAMILY KICK OFF THEIR FLIP-FLOPS.

House of Tranquility

Elegant but practical, this Atlanta home makes sheltering a busy young family look effortless.

Pretty Delicious

Flowers chockablock with vegetables-- this garden is as beautiful as it is productive.

GET YER PEANUTS!

TAKEAWAY

CHERRY POP

MOJITO

RELATIVE RISKS: DO YOU KNOW WHAT'S HIDING IN YOUR FAMILY TREE?

I Did It!