Since Toby and I are visiting my sister this week, I figured it might 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 up to now, and immediately we’d like to do it once more. Listed here are three extra, together with the right way to refresh your house on a funds and be a very good listener…
Q. “What are you carrying this summer time? I appreciated final summer time’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 images (why does iPhoto all the time serve up probably the most heart-tugging recollections?), I spotted that each summer time I’ve one MVP informal black gown that I put on time and again — to dinner with associates, on bike rides, on the playground, throughout journeys, all over the place. I bear in mind, in England final summer time, I felt sloppy and jet-lagged, and I become a black denim gown, and my elegant aunt mentioned, “Jo, you’re out of the blue wanting fairly stylish!” Proof {that a} LBD all the time saves the day. Listed here are 4 that will really feel nice this summer time: midi, mini, V-neck, linen.
Q. “I like Cup of Jo home excursions and wish our residence 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., enable me to re-introduce the fakeover, aka a makeover you do just by transferring round stuff you already personal. Take into account turning your couch to face a brand new course, or swap paintings between rooms. I’ve been amazed by what an enormous distinction slightly futzing could make. One other method to make a house really feel such as you is to cling household images. They’ll make you smile, they usually’re principally free!
Or, if you happen to’d like to vary colours or textures, go for brand new accents as an alternative of recent furnishings. Within the images 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 a protracted gossipy chat with a good friend. Such a simple and pleasant method to swap issues up.Good luck!
Q. A few of my associates have gone by means of laborious occasions 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 performing awkward. One other good friend instructed me up to now that I typically focus an excessive amount of on the constructive aspect throughout laborious conversations. The very last thing I need to do is make a good friend really feel unheard or unloved. Any suggestions for being a protected place can be vastly appreciated.” — Beena
A. Oh, 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 might 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 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 occasions 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 difficult to be significant. You sound like a very good good friend for simply asking this query.
Numerous like to everybody, and please weigh in under! Additionally, be at liberty to depart questions within the feedback for future columns, if you happen to’d like. xoxo
P.S. Extra reader questions, and 5 methods to be a very good listener.
(Front room images by Christine Han.)
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