We’ve answered 24 reader questions previously, and as we speak we’d like to do it once more. Listed below are three extra, together with learn how to refresh your private home on a finances and be a superb listener…

Q. “What are you sporting this summer season? I preferred final summer season’s put up about what the CoJ workforce was into and need to know what everybody’s sporting 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 means of previous pictures (why does iPhoto at all times serve up essentially the most heart-tugging reminiscences?), I noticed that each summer season I’ve one MVP informal black costume that I put on again and again — to dinner with pals, for bike rides, on the playground, on journeys, in every single place. I bear in mind, in England final summer season, I felt sloppy and jet-lagged, and I became a black denim costume, and my elegant aunt stated, “Jo, you’re all of the sudden wanting fairly stylish!” Proof {that a} LBD at all times saves the day. Listed below are 4 that may really feel nice this summer season: shirtdress, linen, gingham, and midi.

Q. “I 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 eternally grateful.” — Z.

A. Expensive Z., permit me to re-introduce the fakeover, aka a makeover you do just by shifting round belongings you already personal. Take into account turning your couch to face a brand new route, for instance; or swap art work between rooms. I’ve been amazed by what an enormous distinction slightly futzing could make. One other straightforward vibe shift is to grasp household pictures. They’ll make you smile, they usually’re free!

Or, in the event you’d like to alter the colour scheme or add texture, go for residence equipment as a substitute of pricey new furnishings. Within the pictures above, I took our gray couch and added 4 pillows from Article (a well-priced model I like) — gold, velvet, sheepskin, blue — plus, contemporary flowers from the deli. Growth! The nook now feels tremendous inviting for curling up with a e book or having a protracted gossipy chat with a buddy. Such a straightforward and pleasant technique 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 pals have gone by means of onerous instances 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 instructed me previously that I typically focus an excessive amount of on the constructive facet throughout onerous 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 significantly appreciated.” — Beena

A. Oh my gosh, Beena, that is such a superb query! And I’d love to listen to from the CoJ hive thoughts on what has labored for others. I might say that three phrases that at all times really feel good to listen to are: “Thanks for telling me” and “That sounds actually onerous” and “Inform me extra.” Typically you merely need to share your ideas and really feel understood, and a listening ear is a present. Once I known as my dad after my stepfather died final December, and I burst into tears, he stated, “I perceive” in a mild 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 superb buddy for simply asking this query.

Numerous like to everybody, and please weigh in under! Additionally, be happy to go away questions within the feedback for future columns, in the event you’d like. xoxo

P.S. Extra reader questions, and 5 methods to be a superb listener.

(Front room pictures by Christine Han.)

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