Since Toby and I are visiting my sister this week, I figured it could be enjoyable to share a previous publish. Right here is one from June 2023 that I take into consideration generally. xoxo
We’ve answered reader questions up to now, and as we speak we’d like to do it once more. Listed here are three extra, together with refresh your private home on a funds and be a very good listener…
Q. “What are you sporting this summer time? I favored 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 by means of previous images (why does iPhoto at all times serve up probably the most heart-tugging reminiscences?), I spotted that each summer time I’ve one MVP informal black gown that I put on again and again — to dinner with associates, on bike rides, on the playground, throughout journeys, in all places. I keep in mind, in England final summer time, I felt sloppy and jet-lagged, and I became a black denim gown, and my elegant aunt stated, “Jo, you’re out of the blue trying fairly stylish!” Proof {that a} LBD at all times saves the day. Listed here are 4 that may really feel nice this summer time: midi, mini, V-neck, linen.
Q. “I really like Cup of Jo home excursions and need our residence to really feel vibrant, however we don’t have an enormous funds. What are design concepts on a budget that we will use to make our home really feel extra like ‘us’? I’d be ceaselessly 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. Take into account turning your couch to face a brand new path, or swap art work between rooms. I’ve been amazed by what an enormous distinction a bit futzing could make. One other approach to make a house really feel such as you is to grasp household images. They’ll make you smile, they usually’re mainly free!
Or, for those who’d like to alter colours or textures, go for brand spanking 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 e-book or having an extended gossipy chat with a buddy. Such a straightforward and pleasant approach to swap issues up.Good luck!
Q. A few of my associates have gone by means of arduous instances 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 buddy informed me up to now that I generally focus an excessive amount of on the constructive facet throughout arduous conversations. The very last thing I wish to do is make a buddy really feel unheard or unloved. Any suggestions for being a secure 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’d say that three phrases that at all times really feel good to listen to are: “Thanks for telling me” and “That sounds actually arduous” and “Inform me extra.” Usually you merely wish to share your ideas and really feel understood, and a listening ear is a present. After I referred to 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 difficult to be significant. You sound like a very good buddy for simply asking this query.
A lot of like to everybody, and please weigh in beneath! Additionally, be happy to depart questions within the feedback for future columns, for those who’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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