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 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 find out how to refresh your own home on a finances and be a very good listener…
Q. “What are you sporting this summer season? I appreciated final summer season’s publish about what the CoJ crew was into and wish 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 wanting by means of previous pictures (why does iPhoto all the time serve up essentially the most heart-tugging recollections?), I spotted that each summer season 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, in all places. I bear 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 immediately wanting fairly stylish!” Proof {that a} LBD all the time saves the day. Listed here are 4 that might really feel nice this summer season: midi, mini, V-neck, linen.
Q. “I like Cup of Jo home excursions and wish our dwelling to really feel vibrant, however we don’t have an enormous finances. 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. Pricey Z., enable me to re-introduce the fakeover, aka a makeover you do just by shifting round belongings you already personal. Think about turning your couch to face a brand new course, or swap paintings between rooms. I’ve been amazed by what an enormous distinction somewhat futzing could make. One other solution to make a house really feel such as you is to dangle household pictures. They’ll make you smile, they usually’re principally free!
Or, in case you’d like to vary colours or textures, go for brand new accents as an alternative of latest furnishings. Within the pictures above, I took our gray couch and added 4 pillows from Article. Increase! The nook now feels tremendous inviting for curling up with a e-book or having an extended gossipy chat with a good friend. Such a straightforward and pleasant solution to swap issues up.Good luck!
Q. A few of my associates have gone by means of laborious instances just lately (being pregnant loss, divorce…), and whereas I wish to be there for them, I don’t know what to say and find yourself appearing awkward. One other good friend informed me up to now that I generally focus an excessive amount of on the optimistic facet throughout laborious conversations. The very last thing I wish to do is make a good friend really feel unheard or unloved. Any suggestions for being a secure place could be significantly 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 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 wish 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 mentioned, “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. Issues doesn’t should be sophisticated 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 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 very good listener.
(Front room pictures by Christine Han.)
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