We’ve answered 24 reader questions prior to now, and as we speak we’d like to do it once more. Listed here are three extra, together with find out how to refresh your private home on a price range and be listener…
Q. “What are you sporting this summer time? I preferred final summer time’s publish about what the CoJ group was into and wish to know what everybody’s sporting this yr, too.” — Ursula
A. We’d like to do an up to date model of that publish! However in the meantime, whereas trying via previous photographs (why does iPhoto all the time serve up essentially the most heart-tugging reminiscences?), I spotted that each summer time 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, in all places. I bear in mind, in England final summer time, I felt sloppy and jet-lagged, and I turned into a black denim costume, and my elegant aunt stated, “Jo, you’re all of the sudden trying fairly stylish!” Proof {that a} LBD all the time saves the day. Listed here are 4 that will really feel nice this summer time: shirtdress, linen, gingham, and midi.
Q. “I like Cup of Jo home excursions and need our residence to really feel vibrant, however we don’t have an enormous price range. 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 endlessly grateful.” — Z.
A. Expensive Z., permit 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 path, for instance; or swap paintings between rooms. I’ve been amazed by what an enormous distinction a bit of futzing could make. One other simple vibe shift is to dangle household photographs. They’ll make you smile, they usually’re free!
Or, if you happen to’d like to vary the colour scheme or add texture, go for residence equipment as an alternative of high-priced new furnishings. Within the photographs 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 ebook or having a protracted gossipy chat with a buddy. 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 exhausting 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 buddy advised me prior to now that I generally focus an excessive amount of on the constructive aspect throughout exhausting conversations. The very last thing I wish to do is make a buddy 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 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 exhausting” 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 delicate 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. It doesn’t need to be difficult to be significant. You sound like buddy for simply asking this query.
Numerous like to everybody, and please weigh in beneath! Additionally, be happy to go away questions within the feedback for future columns, if you happen to’d like. xoxo
P.S. Extra reader questions, and 5 methods to be listener.
(Front room photographs by Christine Han.)
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