Golden Light & Bold Living: Your August Home Edit

August always arrives with a little drama—the light turns golden, the calendar begins to shift, and, in my house, the birthdays start stacking up. My daughters are both Leos. So is my mom. That makes for a lot of energy, strong opinions, and big heart in one family. (Don’t worry—my dad and I are Aries. We’re built for this.)

Leo season is the perfect lens to look at what makes a home more than just a place—it becomes a stage, a reflection, a statement. This month, I’m sharing an article that explores how expressive design, natural light, and luxe materials can speak to our boldest, most radiant selves. Whether or not you're a Leo, there’s something magnetic about a space that feels as alive as you do.

👉 Read: What Is a Perfect Home for a Leo

🏡 Minnesota Homeowner’s Checklist: August Edition

Prep, Protect & Savor the Final Stretch of Summer

Whether you’re lakeside or right here in the cities, August is the month for finishing touches, preserving what summer has given you, and quietly preparing for the change ahead. Here’s what Minnesota homeowners should keep in mind:

🧺 Home & Yard Maintenance

• Check and clean gutters after early August storms

• Inspect roof + flashing for wear (especially if you’re seeing ceiling spots)

• Trim trees and branches that overhang the house

• Deep clean patio furniture and outdoor rugs

• Touch up exterior paint on doors, trim, or porch railings

🌿 Garden & Landscaping

• Deadhead perennials to keep blooms coming

• Harvest herbs like basil, mint, and dill for freezing or drying

• Start planning fall bulb planting (yes, already!)

• Edge lawn + clean mulch beds for a polished look

🌬️ Seasonal Systems Check

• Book your fall HVAC tune-up now

• Check and replace air filters

• Schedule your chimney sweep if you use a fireplace

🧊 Minnesota-Style Extras

• Stock up on outdoor entertaining essentials (hello, bonfires & State Fair watch parties)

• Inspect and repair lake gear: kayaks, life jackets, boat lifts

• Start planning your fall getaway—cabins go fast during leaf season!

✨ Bonus Tip for City Dwellers

Now’s the time to check in on your alley, driveway, or parking setup—August is prime for sealcoating, pest-proofing, and refreshing those planters before the season changes.

✨ The August Edit

One object of desire for the sensorial season we’re in

🕯️ Scent of the Month: Roma Heirloom Tomato by Flamingo Estate

Sharp, green, and sun-warmed—this candle smells like a tomato vine snapped fresh from the garden. With notes of crushed leaves, soil, and basil, it fills your space with the grounding, golden-hour scent of late summer. You can find it locally at MartinPatrick3 in the North Loop.

So whether you’re wrapping up lake weekends, hosting one more backyard dinner, or simply opening the windows while the light is still long—here’s to August, in all its bold, beautiful glory.

Curious about how your space could better reflect your energy? I’d love to talk.