Watching the prices of gas going up daily, and trying to decide where to go or not go for a vacation this summer?  Experiencing sticker shock at the grocery store? Kids home from college?  Air-conditioning bills increasing earlier than usual?  What to do?

Relax!  Save money and time by staying at home and enjoying your “castle.”  It doesn’t matter if you have a large custom home, or rent a small apartment.  It is your own private “oasis.”  Some  “entertaining” ideas to let you enjoy the next few months stress-free:

Host a luau party.  Tell the guests to come dressed in tropical attire.  Give them leis at the door along with a refreshing tropical drink.  Download traditional Hawaiian music, or some Jimmy Buffet or Kenny Chesney summer classics.  If you are very adventurous, you could roast a pig, or simply barbeque burgers with pineapple spears.  Set up tiki torches outside or candle holders that stake into the ground.  And don’t forget to light the scented candles two hours before the guests arrive throughout your home and outside that “takes them away” to a tropical location of their choice!  Close your eyes and the only thing missing are the Polynesian dancers and jugglers!

How about a “trip” to the beach?  Set up a centerpiece where you will be dining with sand placed in a glass hurricane or in small ceramic pots where natural colored pillars and tapers can be placed.  Arrange some tea lights at the base and throughout your home, place some sand dollars, shells and “driftwood” in the display, and you are set.  Serve your favorite cold beverage in style with clear glass containers.  “Roast” hot dogs or serve up some great Clam Chowder in a sourdough loaf “bowl”, turn on the background music of Ocean Sounds or some Beach Boys tunes, and you have the makings of a unforgettable beach party.  You can even rent some classic beach movies for everyone to watch.

Don’t forget the scented candles with the clean, fresh ocean scents, and no sand to clean up in your car!

Candleman is located in the Gateway Village shopping center at Newhall Ranch Road and Rye Canyon at 28269 Newhall Ranch Road.  For more information, please call 661-257-9420 or visit www.candlemanvalencia.com .