We’ve answered 24 reader questions previously, and immediately we’d like to do it once more. Listed below are three extra, together with easy methods to refresh your house on a price range and be a very good listener…
Q. “What are you sporting this summer season? I preferred final summer season’s submit about what the CoJ staff 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 submit! However in the meantime, whereas trying by way of previous pictures (why does iPhoto all the time serve up essentially the most heart-tugging reminiscences?), I spotted that each summer season I’ve one MVP informal black gown that I put on again and again — to dinner with buddies, for bike rides, on the playground, on journeys, all over the place. I bear in mind, in England final summer season, I felt sloppy and jet-lagged, and I turned into a black denim gown, and my elegant aunt mentioned, “Jo, you’re abruptly trying fairly stylish!” Proof {that a} LBD all the time saves the day. Listed below are 4 that might really feel nice this summer season: shirtdress, linen, gingham, and midi.
Q. “I like Cup of Jo home excursions and wish our residence to really feel vibrant, however we don’t have an enormous price range. What are design concepts on a budget that we will use to make our home really feel extra like ‘us’? I’d be without end grateful.” — Z.
A. Expensive Z., enable me to re-introduce the fakeover, aka a makeover you do just by shifting round stuff you already personal. Contemplate turning your couch to face a brand new course, 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 straightforward vibe shift is to cling household pictures. They’ll make you smile, and so they’re free!
Or, in case you’d like to vary the colour scheme or add texture, go for residence equipment as an alternative of costly 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, recent flowers from the deli. Growth! The nook now feels tremendous inviting for curling up with a guide or having an extended gossipy chat with a good friend. Such a simple and pleasant approach 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 by way of laborious occasions lately (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 informed me previously that I typically focus an excessive amount of on the constructive aspect throughout laborious 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 very good 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 all the time really feel good to listen to are: “Thanks for telling me” and “That sounds actually laborious” and “Inform me extra.” Typically you merely wish to share your ideas and really feel understood, and a listening ear is a reward. Once I referred to as my dad after my stepfather died final December, and I burst into tears, he mentioned, “I perceive” in a delicate voice a number of occasions whereas I talked and cried. I truthfully will always remember that decision and the way a lot it meant to me. It doesn’t must be sophisticated to be significant. You sound like a very good good friend for simply asking this query.
A number of like to everybody, and please weigh in under! Additionally, be happy to depart questions within the feedback for future columns, in case you’d like. xoxo
P.S. Extra reader questions, and 5 methods to be a very good listener.
(Lounge pictures by Christine Han.)
Notice: For those who purchase one thing by way of our hyperlinks, we might earn an affiliate fee or have a sponsored relationship with the model, for free of charge to you. We suggest solely merchandise we genuinely like. Thanks a lot.
