HOME CHECKLIST

Jennifer Adams really appreciates a good night's sleep. A regular on Better Homes & Gardens' "The Better Show" as well as HGTV, the nationally known design expert specializes in creating bedtime havens, often for upscale resorts or hotels.

"Better sleep – that's one of the most sought-after things and also the most elusive," she said in a phone interview from her Arizona home. "But I've learned a lot about it."

Under her label "Jennifer Adams Home," Adams' micro-fiber bedding collection is appearing in "road shows" at Costco warehouses for 10-day stints at any a location.

Adams herself will join the road show during its current Sacramento stop, which ends April 15. She'll meet with customers and answer questions, starting at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday at Costco, 7981 E. Stockton Blvd., Sacramento.

"We debuted (nationally) in Costco on Jan. 6," Adams said. "We weren't sure how well luxury bedding would sell, but it's been flying off the shelves. It's a good sign the economy is picking up."

After Sacramento, Adams' bedding will be available at the Citrus Heights' Costco, starting Friday through April 22, and at the Roseville location, April 25 through May 6.

Bedding is her specialty. Her line uses luxurious microfiber sheeting that breathes, resists wrinkles and stays soft.

"I grew up really, really poor," said the Oregon native. "I had a housekeeping job when I was a teenager; I made a lot of beds. When I got into home design, I started working with hotels to create the perfect sleep experience."

Comfortable bedding helps, but it's only part of the sleep equation. Adams offered these tips for a better night's sleep:

• Keep the bedroom cool. "A cool sleeping environment is very, very important," she said. "You need air flow. A fan on low or a partially open window makes a big difference."

• No alarm clock. "Get it out of there. Put it in the next room, if you must. But studies show alarm clocks actually make you wake up during the night before the alarm goes off. You won't sleep soundly with one next to your bed."

• Declutter the entire bedroom. "No exercise equipment, no desk, no toys, no kids photos," Adams said. "You want no distractions at all. If you have a desk in your bedroom, close it. Get everything possible out of the room except the bed. You can keep a few romantic touches perhaps, but less is better for sleep."

• Choose soothing, cooling tones and soft textures. "No big or bold patterns; nothing rough," she said. "And no wrinkles. Unless you have time to iron, always go for wrinkle-resistant sheets."

• Pay attention to light control. Black out the room at night, but – if possible – allow yourself to wake up with the sunrise. That's part of keeping a normal schedule, another key to deep refreshing sleep.

• The right scent can help sleep. For example, citrus stimulates the senses (and keeps you awake); lavender soothes (and lets you sleep sounder). "Chamomile tea before bedtime may sound cliché, but chamomile actually helps you sleep," Adams said. "That works for scents, too. You want something calming and soothing to be part of your routine. It makes a huge difference."

For more tips and information about Adams' upcoming appearances, click on www.jenniferadamshome.com.

GARDEN CHECKLIST

• Before the mercury starts inching upward, this is your last chance to plant such annuals as pansies, violas and primroses.

• April also is the last chance to plant citrus trees such as dwarf orange, lemon and kumquat. These trees also look good in landscaping and provide fresh fruit in winter.

• Plant summer bulbs including gladiolus, tuberous begonias and callas. Also plant dahlia tubers.

• Shop for perennials. Many varieties are now available in local nurseries and at plant events. They can be transplanted now, while the weather remains relatively cool.

• Reseed and feed the lawn. Repair damaged areas in established turf.

• Feed roses with a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10, the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium available in that product).

• Transplant lettuce- and cabbage- family seedlings. Seed chard, beets and radishes directly into the ground.

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