Summertime's here! Throw open your windows, put on your favorite dress and let the sunshine stream in - this is no time to be a shut-in! Still, you're going to be spending at least a few evenings and afternoons in your apartment, and it's time to make it feel like the season, even indoors.

The easiest way to give your place a summertime boost? Fresh flowers! If you're on a budget, pick them from your garden or spend a day out in the countryside gathering wildflowers. Grab a pretty vase and display them on the kitchen counter or in the living room for a reminder of the season every time you walk by. Look for fragrant varieties that will add a light perfume to your apartment.

Another way to welcome the season is to switch out the sheets on your bed. Forget about those heavy flannel covers. Silk, cotton and jersey are ideal for summer! You'll be much more comfortable sleeping in these lightweight sheets than in your old blankets, especially if you don't have air conditioning.

If you missed out on spring cleaning, it's not too late to do a little summer tidying up. A clean, fresh apartment is yet another way to prepare yourself for the season.