We’ve answered 24 reader questions previously, and immediately we’d like to do it once more. Listed here are three extra, together with tips on how to refresh your property on a funds and be a great listener…
Q. “What are you sporting this summer season? I appreciated final summer season’s publish about what the CoJ workforce was into and wish to know what everybody’s sporting this 12 months, too.” — Ursula
A. We’d like to do an up to date model of that publish! However in the meantime, whereas trying via previous pictures (why does iPhoto at all times serve up essentially the most heart-tugging reminiscences?), I noticed that each summer season I’ve one MVP informal black costume that I put on time and again — to dinner with buddies, for bike rides, on the playground, on journeys, all over the place. I keep in mind, in England final summer season, I felt sloppy and jet-lagged, and I turned into a black denim costume, and my elegant aunt stated, “Jo, you’re immediately trying fairly stylish!” Proof {that a} LBD at all times saves the day. Listed here are 4 that may really feel nice this summer season: shirtdress, linen, gingham, and midi.
Q. “I like Cup of Jo home excursions and need our house to really feel vibrant, however we don’t have an enormous funds. What are design concepts on a budget that we will use to make our home really feel extra like ‘us’? I’d be eternally grateful.” — Z.
A. Pricey Z., enable me to re-introduce the fakeover, aka a makeover you do just by transferring round belongings you already personal. Contemplate turning your couch to face a brand new path, for instance; or swap art work between rooms. I’ve been amazed by what an enormous distinction a little bit futzing could make. One other simple vibe shift is to hold household pictures. They’ll make you smile, they usually’re free!
Or, when you’d like to alter the colour scheme or add texture, go for house equipment as a substitute of pricy new furnishings. Within the pictures above, I took our gray couch and added 4 pillows from Article (a well-priced model I like) — gold, velvet, sheepskin, blue — plus, contemporary flowers from the deli. Increase! The nook now feels tremendous inviting for curling up with a e-book or having an extended gossipy chat with a good friend. Such a straightforward and pleasant strategy to change issues up. (I additionally love this twinkly desk lamp, which makes our home really feel MAGICAL at evening.) Good luck!
Q. A few of my buddies have gone via arduous instances not too long ago (being pregnant loss, divorce…), and whereas I wish to be there for them, I don’t know what to say and find yourself performing awkward. One other good friend advised me previously that I typically focus an excessive amount of on the optimistic aspect throughout arduous conversations. The very last thing I wish to do is make a good friend really feel unheard or unloved. Any suggestions for being a protected place could be significantly appreciated.” — Beena
A. Oh my gosh, Beena, that is such a great query! And I’d love to listen to from the CoJ hive thoughts on what has labored for others. I’d say that three phrases that at all times really feel good to listen to are: “Thanks for telling me” and “That sounds actually arduous” and “Inform me extra.” Usually you merely wish to share your ideas and really feel understood, and a listening ear is a present. Once I known as my dad after my stepfather died final December, and I burst into tears, he stated, “I perceive” in a mild voice a number of instances whereas I talked and cried. I truthfully will always remember that decision and the way a lot it meant to me. It doesn’t should be difficult to be significant. You sound like a great good friend for simply asking this query.
Numerous like to everybody, and please weigh in under! Additionally, be happy to go away questions within the feedback for future columns, when you’d like. xoxo
P.S. Extra reader questions, and 5 methods to be a great listener.
(Front room pictures by Christine Han.)
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