You, too, can have it made in the shade this summer. Here are three options for having shade (or more shade) in your yard, depending on your budget and inclination.

Here's how I wake up every morning: I pour myself a big cup of coffee, then settle into my favorite chair with my feet propped up on an ottoman. As the caffeine works its magic, I go over the day's activities until I'm fully awake and ready to get at it. I think of that ottoman as my daily launching pad, proof that these relatively small pieces of furniture can play a big role in home decor -- and life. Here are five of my favorite places to use ottomans:

Q: I need to have a new toilet installed, and the plumber I have used in the past is no longer in business. I'm looking for a good plumber who will be fair with his price and will do quality work. Can you give me some tips to keep in mind when I start the search for my new plumber?

Q: Every winter the windows in my home are so cold that I have to place blankets over them to keep the room warm. The windows are in a 1950s home and there are storm windows, but there is such a draft around the windows that I have to keep the rooms closed off. What I can do myself?

Q: While having insulation added to our attic, the company told us not to store anything in the attic. We have a one-car garage and a yard barn, but no other place to store things. Is there a good reason not to use the attic space?

Q: I'm a single woman and recently closed on my own home. The bathroom is nice, but I want my contractor to do a little remodeling. Please note that I can only afford some easy upgrades and space is limited. My question: What do you recommend for a bathroom upgrade that will give some "bang for the buck" without turning into a major project? -- Amy, Ohio

When you shop for antiques, don't go in cold. You need to have some knowledge so you don't just end up with something old.

Isn't it fun to flip through the pages of decorating magazines and books and dream about how you would decorate your home if money were no object? I've got great news: Good design doesn't have to be expensive. You can transform your home into a sanctuary that makes your heart skip a beat even if you have a limited budget. The secret? Knowing where to splurge and where to cheat to get the most from every dollar.

Lighting is an essential element of interior design. It provides us with light to work and play during any time of day, but that isn't all. Lighting also offers many design solutions for our homes. Lighting is used for many purposes in interior design. There is illumination, of course, but there is also ambient lighting, accent lighting, task lighting, simply decorative lighting and even mood lighting. Let's discuss these various types.

Valentine's Day used to be my least-favorite holiday.