Mimi Glavin is doing her best to bring laugher and playfulness into homes and gardens throughout the Napa Valley.

More than one visitor to Napa Valley Apothecary has said the same thing. The shop reminds them of something out of a Harry Potter novel, with its potions, bags of herbs, crystals and candles.

Legal Aid of Napa Valley announces the release of its new Web site — www.legalaidnapa.org — designed to improve access to free legal services for Napa County seniors, immigrants and low-income residents.

Judy Schindler has been using her interior and architectural design abilities to help shape the look of residential and commercial clients’ spaces.

Napa Regional Dance Company announces the addition of Erin Leedom to its professional classical ballet faculty.

Gerrett Snedaker, Henry Mayo and Earl Shuttleworth, owners of Frank Howard Allen Realtors, the Wine Country Group, announce that Julie King has joined its St. Helena office as a sales associate.

During May and June, 10 Questions focuses on business people involved with Auction Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Vintners’ signature event that has given more than $77 million to charities. Held between June 5-8, this year’s event raised $10.35 million.

Going into business can be a risky proposition.

The recently released 2007 National Association of Realtors Buyer Seller Report confirms the suspected trend of increased buyer Internet use and reveals some surprises in how home owners find their home.

Dear Len & Rosie, I am 75 years old, and my husband is 72. We are retired now, and live comfortably on my husband’s pension and our investments. My children, in jest, sometimes threaten to have their father or me committed. I don’t think they would. They’re just being silly. But it got me to wondering about how easy it would be to put either one of us away. Is this something that we should guard against, or somehow make provision for in our legal papers? - Millie

The new Bistro @ Copia provides a change for lunch or a snack.

Top ten lists have become popular recently. Here is a Top 10 list for becoming more financially successful — in descending order of importance.