Since Toby and I are visiting my sister this week, I figured it will be enjoyable to share a previous publish. Right here is one from June 2023 that I take into consideration typically. xoxo
We’ve answered reader questions previously, and right now we’d like to do it once more. Listed here are three extra, together with the best way to refresh your own home on a funds and be a superb listener…
Q. “What are you sporting this summer season? I appreciated final summer season’s publish about what the CoJ group was into and need 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 by previous photographs (why does iPhoto at all times serve up probably the most heart-tugging reminiscences?), I spotted that each summer season I’ve one MVP informal black costume that I put on again and again — to dinner with buddies, on bike rides, on the playground, throughout 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 costume, and my elegant aunt stated, “Jo, you’re abruptly trying fairly stylish!” Proof {that a} LBD at all times saves the day. Listed here are 4 that will really feel nice this summer season: midi, mini, V-neck, linen.
Q. “I really 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 are able to use to make our home really feel extra like ‘us’? I’d be perpetually grateful.” — Z.
A. Pricey Z., permit me to re-introduce the fakeover, aka a makeover you do just by shifting round stuff you already personal. Take into account turning your couch to face a brand new course, or swap art work between rooms. I’ve been amazed by what an enormous distinction a bit futzing could make. One other option to make a house really feel such as you is to hold household photographs. They’ll make you smile, and so they’re principally free!
Or, when you’d like to alter colours or textures, go for brand new accents as an alternative of recent furnishings. Within the photographs above, I took our gray couch and added 4 pillows from Article. Growth! The nook now feels tremendous inviting for curling up with a ebook or having an extended gossipy chat with a good friend. Such a straightforward and pleasant option to change issues up.Good luck!
Q. A few of my buddies have gone by laborious instances just lately (being pregnant loss, divorce…), and whereas I need to be there for them, I don’t know what to say and find yourself appearing awkward. One other good friend instructed me previously that I typically focus an excessive amount of on the constructive facet throughout laborious conversations. The very last thing I need to do is make a good friend really feel unheard or unloved. Any ideas for being a protected place can be enormously appreciated.” — Beena
A. Oh, Beena, that is such a superb 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 laborious” and “Inform me extra.” Usually you merely need to share your ideas and really feel understood, and a listening ear is a reward. 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 actually will always remember that decision and the way a lot it meant to me. Issues doesn’t need to be sophisticated to be significant. You sound like a superb good friend for simply asking this query.
A number of like to everybody, and please weigh in beneath! Additionally, be happy to depart questions within the feedback for future columns, when you’d like. xoxo
P.S. Extra reader questions, and 5 methods to be a superb listener.
(Front room photographs by Christine Han.)
Word: Should you purchase one thing by our hyperlinks, we might earn an affiliate fee, for free of charge to you. We suggest solely merchandise we genuinely like. Thanks a lot.