Since Toby and I are visiting my sister this week, I figured it will be enjoyable to share a previous put up. Right here is one from June 2023 that I take into consideration generally. xoxo
We’ve answered reader questions previously, and right this moment we’d like to do it once more. Listed below are three extra, together with learn how to refresh your property on a funds and be listener…
Q. “What are you carrying this summer time? I preferred final summer time’s put up about what the CoJ crew 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 put up! However in the meantime, whereas wanting by way of previous pictures (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, all over the place. I bear in mind, in England final summer time, I felt sloppy and jet-lagged, and I became a black denim gown, and my elegant aunt mentioned, “Jo, you’re instantly wanting fairly stylish!” Proof {that a} LBD at all times saves the day. Listed below 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 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 ceaselessly grateful.” — Z.
A. Expensive 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 art work between rooms. I’ve been amazed by what an enormous distinction a bit of futzing could make. One other technique 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, if you happen to’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. Increase! The nook now feels tremendous inviting for curling up with a ebook or having an extended gossipy chat with a buddy. Such a straightforward and pleasant technique to swap issues up.Good luck!
Q. A few of my associates have gone by way of arduous 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 buddy informed me previously that I generally focus an excessive amount of on the optimistic aspect throughout arduous conversations. The very last thing I need to do is make a buddy really feel unheard or unloved. Any suggestions for being a protected place can be tremendously appreciated.” — Beena
A. Oh, 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 arduous” and “Inform me extra.” Usually you merely need to share your ideas and really feel understood, and a listening ear is a reward. 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 buddy for simply asking this query.
Plenty of 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 listener.
(Lounge pictures by Christine Han.)
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