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 methods to refresh your own home on a finances and be listener…
Q. “What are you carrying this summer season? I preferred final summer season’s publish about what the CoJ group was into and need to know what everybody’s carrying 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 at all times serve up probably the most heart-tugging recollections?), 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, all over the place. 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 at all times saves the day. Listed here are 4 that will really feel nice this summer season: shirtdress, linen, gingham, and midi.
Q. “I really like Cup of Jo home excursions and wish our residence 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 ceaselessly 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. Take into account 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 just a little futzing could make. One other simple vibe shift is to hold household pictures. They’ll make you smile, they usually’re free!
Or, in case you’d like to vary the colour scheme or add texture, go for residence equipment as an alternative of pricey new furnishings. Within the pictures 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 a protracted gossipy chat with a pal. Such a simple and pleasant option to swap issues up. (I additionally love this twinkly desk lamp, which makes our home really feel MAGICAL at night time.) Good luck!
Q. A few of my mates have gone by means of exhausting 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 appearing awkward. One other pal informed me prior to now that I generally focus an excessive amount of on the optimistic aspect throughout exhausting conversations. The very last thing I need to do is make a pal 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 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 exhausting” and “Inform me extra.” Usually you merely need to share your ideas and really feel understood, and a listening ear is a present. After 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 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 should be sophisticated to be significant. You sound like pal for simply asking this query.
A number of like to everybody, and please weigh in under! Additionally, be at liberty to depart questions within the feedback for future columns, in case you’d like. xoxo
P.S. Extra reader questions, and 5 methods to be listener.
(Lounge pictures by Christine Han.)
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