To me, summer has always been about trying new things and taking safe risks. Starting way back during my “Watch this!” cannonball days at Camp Longhorn, I’ve always loved the little thrills of summertime. It must have something to do with that intoxicating blend of sunscreen, hot new music and all those flashy colors.

Now that I’m older, my racy experiments amount to buying sassy shoes and rearranging furniture in a way I’ve never tried before. We all have those friends that egg us on and show us new tricks, don’t we? Thanks to their fresh insight, we get our creative juices flowing and all sorts of new possibilities emerge. In my latest adventure as the new editor at HOME, these same principles apply: collaboration and partnership enhance the result, creating the best possible version of it. Case in point: we hope you enjoy the results of our Kitchen Contest, where HOME asked for submissions from talented local homeowners to share kitchens of their own creation with us.

In this edition of HOME you will find practical advice and fresh ideas for several fun projects: think summer camp arts-and-crafts projects for grown-ups (no popsicle sticks required!). We’ll show you how to work with an artist to create custom art for your home, grow herbs and flowers without soil and arrange them to set the table for the no-cook summer supper you’re certain to host in your outdoor dining room. You’ll learn how to get your front walkway in ship shape for hopscotch and spruce up your front door to create a grand welcome for all who come to while away a lazy afternoon.

This summer, I hope that you will run around barefooted and try something new, too. Whether it is tackling the deer in your dahlias or dining al fresco more often, have fun and invite your best friends along to make the adventure even better. After all, there’s no place like HOME.

—LAUREL FEINMAN, EDITOR
laurel@westwillowpublishing.com