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 typically. xoxo
We’ve answered reader questions prior 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 an excellent listener…
Q. “What are you carrying this summer time? I favored final summer time’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 via previous pictures (why does iPhoto all the time serve up probably the most heart-tugging recollections?), I noticed that each summer time I’ve one MVP informal black gown that I put on time and again — to dinner with pals, 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 turned into a black denim gown, and my elegant aunt stated, “Jo, you’re instantly wanting fairly stylish!” Proof {that a} LBD all the time 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 dwelling to really feel vibrant, however we don’t have an enormous finances. 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. Pricey Z., permit 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, or swap paintings between rooms. I’ve been amazed by what an enormous distinction a bit futzing could make. One other solution to make a house really feel such as you is to hold household pictures. They’ll make you smile, and so they’re principally free!
Or, when you’d like to vary colours or textures, go for brand spanking new accents as a substitute of latest furnishings. Within the pictures 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 a protracted gossipy chat with a good friend. Such a simple and pleasant solution to change issues up.Good luck!
Q. A few of my pals have gone via laborious occasions 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 good friend advised me prior to now that I typically focus an excessive amount of on the optimistic facet throughout laborious conversations. The very last thing I need to do is make a good friend really feel unheard or unloved. Any ideas for being a protected place can be vastly appreciated.” — Beena
A. Oh, Beena, that is such an excellent 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 need to share your ideas and really feel understood, and a listening ear is a reward. Once I referred to as my dad after my stepfather died final December, and I burst into tears, he stated, “I perceive” in a delicate voice a number of occasions whereas I talked and cried. I truthfully will always remember that decision and the way a lot it meant to me. Issues doesn’t must be sophisticated to be significant. You sound like an excellent good friend for simply asking this query.
A number of like to everybody, and please weigh in beneath! Additionally, be happy to go away questions within the feedback for future columns, when you’d like. xoxo
P.S. Extra reader questions, and 5 methods to be an excellent listener.
(Lounge pictures by Christine Han.)
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