Karen Thompson, a Bucks County native, was all about making the softest pair of PJs ever. The fact that I can’t stop petting the pair she sent to the office can attest to that. They are eco-friendly too — made from mostly bamboo and light enough to keep hot bodies cool on summer nights. But Karen’s quest (she surveyed over 1,500 women) turned into so much more than that: While creating the PJs, she realized the power of writing down and committing to goals and the birth of her soft pajamas became inspirational — which is why she calls her line Wish Pocket Pajama ($49) and why they come with a cute card to write down your own dreams. And with the birth of the company, Karen’s set herself another lofty goal: donating a percentage of the profits to charitable groups that grant women’ s wishes all year long. A dream come true. —Jenna Frimmel

Sold exclusively at Lace Silhouettes Lingerie, multiple area locations, lacesilhouetteslingerie.com

If it isn’t enough that Matthew Izzo, Design Within Reach, Mitchell Gold, Dwelling, Host and pretty much every other ooh-ah shelter store in and around town were throwing amazing, “might as well skip the Shore this weekend” sales, now Sugarcube’s in on the action, too.

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I’ve never been much of an art person. Galleries kind of scare me, I don’t really understand modern art, and I can’t tell a Manet from a Matisse. Besides, even if I could afford to shell out thousands for an original work, a giant oil painting in a gilt frame would look a tad out of place in my bite-size living room.

Happily, Eleanor Grosch of Philly’s uber-cool Pushmepullyou Design creates totally unfussy, completely fun screenprints of animals that would be at home in a stuffy, white-walled gallery — or my decidedly unstuffy home. I’m already clearing wall space to make room for Grosch’s bold City Pigeon print, shown, and her graphic Pink Cockatoo piece. At just $40 a pop (shipping’s free!), her designs prove that art doesn’t have to come with a Picasso-like price tag. Or in a gaudy gold frame.

If you’re anything like me, constantly being outside all summer in all sorts of elements (yes, I wear sunscreen) means valuable bathroom-counter real estate is being taken up by a slew of exfoliators and moisturizers.

To help us out with this dilemma, Verde Salon in Collingswood offers an Invigorating Seasonal Sugar Scrub treatment ($85), which promises to get us smooth and (let’s face it) beach-ready again in no time. Choose from four Éminence Organic Skin Care flavors — Cucumber Mint, Cranberry Pomegranate, Blueberry Soy, and Pear and Green Apple (all of which I can attest smell divine) — and let their experienced staff get to work, massaging the scrub over your skin (the circular motion encourages circulation, releasing toxins and reducing water tension!), then letting it sink in and hydrate before toweling off any sugary excess.

Oh, and about that countertop space? Yeah, forget about that. You can actually purchase your favorite scrub right at the salon, for DIY-at-home touch-ups.

My grandmother’s tip for making a vase of posies endure? Skip the packet of mystery powder and throw in some pennies. But now there’s a lovelier way to make sure blooms have a lasting impact, thanks to Media-based Eclatante Event Design.

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July, like March, makes me feel trapped in a fashion purgatory that drags on between seasons. I’m not going to be making a major investment in shorts and sundresses as fall fashions are just around the corner, so I spend my weekends lamenting over clothes I bought full-price that are now on sale.

But this got me excited: Gap is debuting a new jewelry line today, joining sister stores Banana and Old Navy in the world of baubles. The necklaces and bracelets are lighthearted and cleverly compliment their summer collection — which is now on sale! Two of my faves: A toggle bracelet (whose gold beads make it eye-catching) and a yellow-ribbon necklace, which is really quirky, yet somehow cute and hits all of this seasons trends (earthy beads, braids and yellow). And because every piece starts at under $30, you can also pick up that sun dress you really wouldn’t need if it wasn’t marked down. — Erica Beinlich

What’s the upside of the lightning-fast fashion world, which has boutiques ushering in fall merch when we’ve only just begun sporting our warm-weather threads? Mid-summer sales, where savvy shoppers can score need-it-now goods at super-reduced prices.

Old City’s J. Karma — one of our fave purveyors of all things accessory-related — is getting in on the action, offering 25-30 percent off of their already budget-friendly summer bags, meaning you can happily scoop up arm candy (like this lightweight canvas beauty by SR Squared by Sondra Roberts, only $42, shown) without any buyer’s remorse.

This also means you can get a bright-white bag without the accompanying terror that it’s going to get dirty and ruined in a week. (At these prices, you can afford a back-up! We love this Chinese Laundry tote, now only $86!) We also spotted a fab Alexia Crawford clutch in a perfectly feminine pink, and this splashy satchel by Melie Bianco, $52.50.

But get there fast — the sale only lasts until the summer styles sell out, which we’re guessing will be in a flash.

Yes, we realize you’ll be down the Shore this weekend (where do you think we’ll be?), soaking up every minute of beach you can find. But, when the clouds creep on by, or you need a quick zap of AC, hop into the Margate location of Knit Wit for a double trunk show: view new fall wares from Alice + Olivia and Three Dots Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

And, look for a free canvas tote gift with purchase. (As if you needed any more encouragement to pick up Three Dots’ soft tees!)

There’s something a bit more magical about the darkness at this time of year, just past the longest day. In the winter, sunsets-too-soon are something to dread. But in the summer, the warm evenings are a chance to enjoy other light out of doors. The stars … the moon … and Media-based LaSorgente Glass Studio, with its offering of NightOrbs.

The colorful hand-blown spheres make outdoor living spaces just right for lingering, illuminating babbling water features, swimming pools perfect for midnight dips … or that garden that took you all day to weed.

Sneak out of your holiday BBQ prep to hit up this sale: For four hours, from 8 a.m. until noon, all spring and summer apparel and accessories will be seriously reduced at Media’s Per Lei Boutique. Why we promise it’s worth the trip: Rebecca Taylor, Trina Turk, Chaiken and Theory are reduced by 60 percent.