We answered 24 reader questions in the past, and today we would love to do it again. Here are three more, including how to freshen up your home on a budget and be a good listener…
Q. “What are you wearing this summer?” I liked the one from last summer post about what the CoJ team was up to and I also want to know what everyone is wearing this year. — Ursula
A. We would love to do an updated version of this article! But in the meantime, browsing through past photos (why does iPhoto always serve up the fondest memories?), I realized that every summer I have a casual black MVP dress that I wear again and again — to dinner. with friends, for bike rides, at the playground, on trips, anywhere. I remember, In England last summer i felt sloppy and jet lagged, and i put on a black denim dress, and my elegant aunt said, “Jo, you suddenly look very chic!” Proof that an LBD always saves the day. Here are four that would feel great this summer: shirt dress, linen, ginghamAnd noon.
Q. “I like Cup of Jo House Tours and want our house to be vibrant, but we don’t have a huge budget. What are some cheap design ideas that we can use to make our house look more like us? I would be eternally grateful. —Z.
A. Dear Z., allow me to introduce you again fake, i.e. a makeover that you simply do by moving things you already own. Consider turning your couch to face a new direction, for example; or swap artwork between rooms. I was amazed at the huge difference a little futzing can make. Another easy mood change is to hang family pictures. They’ll make you smile, and they’re free!
Or, if you want to change up the color palette or add texture, opt for home accessories instead of expensive new furniture. In the photos above, I took our gray sofa and added four pillows from Article (a cheap brand that I love) — gold, velvet, sheep’s skin, blue – plus, fresh flowers from the deli. Boom! The corner is now super inviting to curl up with a book or have a long, gossipy conversation with a friend. Such a simple and delicious way to switch things up. (I also like it twinkling table lampwhich makes our house MAGIC at night.) Good luck!
Q. Some of my friends have been going through tough times lately (pregnancy loss, divorce…), and although I want to be there for them, I don’t know what to say and end up acting awkward. Another friend told me in the past that I sometimes focused too much on the positive side during difficult conversations. The last thing I want to do is make a friend feel ignored or unloved. Any advice on being a safe place would be greatly appreciated.” – was a
A. Oh my God, Beena, that’s such a good question! And I’d love to hear from the CoJ hive mind on what has worked for others. I would say that three sentences that are always good to hear are: “Thank you for telling me” and “That seems really difficult” and “Tell me more”. Often you just want to share your thoughts and feel understood, and a listening ear is a gift. When I called my father After my step-dad passed away last December, and I burst into tears, he said, “I understand” in a soft voice several times while I spoke and cried. Honestly, I will never forget that call and how much it meant to me. Things don’t have to be complicated to make sense. You seem like a good friend for just asking this question.
Lots of love to everyone, and please weigh in below! Also, feel free to leave questions in the comments for future columns, if you wish. XOXO
PS More questions from readersAnd five ways to be a good listener.
(Photos of the living room by Christine Han.)
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