We’ve answered 24 reader questions prior to now, and right now we’d like to do it once more. Listed below are three extra, together with easy methods to refresh your private home on a price range and be a superb listener…
Q. “What are you carrying this summer season? I preferred final summer season’s publish about what the CoJ workforce was into and need to know what everybody’s carrying this yr, too.” — Ursula
A. We’d like to do an up to date model of that publish! However in the meantime, whereas wanting by means of previous photographs (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 mates, for bike rides, on the playground, on journeys, in all places. I keep in mind, in England final summer season, I felt sloppy and jet-lagged, and I became a black denim gown, and my elegant aunt mentioned, “Jo, you’re instantly wanting fairly stylish!” Proof {that a} LBD all the time saves the day. Listed below are 4 that may really feel nice this summer season: shirtdress, linen, gingham, and midi.
Q. “I really like Cup of Jo home excursions and need our dwelling 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 perpetually grateful.” — Z.
A. Expensive Z., enable me to re-introduce the fakeover, aka a makeover you do just by transferring round stuff you already personal. Think about turning your couch to face a brand new route, for instance; or swap paintings between rooms. I’ve been amazed by what an enormous distinction a little bit futzing could make. One other simple vibe shift is to cling household photographs. They’ll make you smile, they usually’re free!
Or, in case you’d like to alter the colour scheme or add texture, go for dwelling equipment as a substitute of pricey new furnishings. Within the photographs above, I took our gray couch and added 4 pillows from Article (a well-priced model I really like) — gold, velvet, sheepskin, blue — plus, recent flowers from the deli. Increase! The nook now feels tremendous inviting for curling up with a ebook or having an extended gossipy chat with a buddy. Such a straightforward and pleasant approach to swap 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 mates have gone by means of onerous instances lately (being pregnant loss, divorce…), and whereas I need to be there for them, I don’t know what to say and find yourself performing awkward. One other buddy instructed me prior to now that I typically focus an excessive amount of on the constructive facet throughout onerous conversations. The very last thing I need to do is make a buddy really feel unheard or unloved. Any suggestions for being a secure place could be significantly appreciated.” — Beena
A. Oh my gosh, 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 all the time really feel good to listen to are: “Thanks for telling me” and “That sounds actually onerous” and “Inform me extra.” Usually you merely need to share your ideas and really feel understood, and a listening ear is a present. Once I referred to as my dad after my stepfather died final December, and I burst into tears, he mentioned, “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 should be difficult to be significant. You sound like a superb buddy for simply asking this query.
Plenty of like to everybody, and please weigh in beneath! Additionally, be happy to go away questions within the feedback for future columns, in case you’d like. xoxo
P.S. Extra reader questions, and 5 methods to be a superb listener.
(Front room photographs by Christine Han.)
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