Hello world!

How is the new year treating you dear reader? It was a quiet day for me today, filled with mood music and comfort food--partying is all very well, but at the end of the day (make that 10 madcap days! Oh, may I vent a little? What is it about karaoke that makes sane, balanced, human beings sound like hyenas? my poor ears. As far as I'm concerned magic sing and its ilk belong on top of the list of things we should eradicate! OK. Exhale. whew.) I think there's nothing more nourishing to the body (and soul) as a simple meal. :) Just like a good warm cup of chai is the perfect antidote to winter! 

Speaking of chai, do you have any special recipe for the perfect cup of tea? Do share--I plan on sharing some recipes from my kitchen this year.....no, I'm not going to start a food blog, because Of Peacocks and Paisleys seems to have evolved into its own (totally organic!!!) blend --a bit of lifestyle, a pinch of decor, the occasional foodie post, a little bit about my life. If I'd tried, I couldn't have planned it better-- I'm really pleased with what is up here. I do plan on enhancing some aspects-- I used to love sharing home-tours with you and I didn't do a single one in all of 2011. (what???!!??) (there's an embarrassing story in there, but I'll skip that bit for now. ) Anyway, that needs to be repaired, pronto! I also loved inviting my friends over--the "My kinda Gal" series was total soul-food. And believe me, I hadn't even begun to scratch the surface yet--there are so many awesome, inspiring women I'd love to invite to this space--hopefully I'll be able to get that series started up again. In other news, I'm planning on taking a page (quite literally!) out of my friend Divya's blog and creating some links to the absolutely wonderful cache of talent out there. I find, as life becomes busier, it is a little more difficult for me to work on designer profiles; and much as I'd like to come in with both guns firing, I've found myself battling severe writer's block when it comes to these posts.....unfortunately, when I don't follow through on my promises it's not good for my morale (or reputation!) One of my resolutions is to not fight myself and just accept things the way they are. I'm sticking with what comes naturally and not pushing it anymore. So, like I was saying, I love Divya's solution and I'm unabashedly copying her idea. (Thanks, D!--you're the best!) The links page is under construction and will be up shortly. I'll try to update it each month, so please be sure to check often!

From where I sit, the year stretches out in front of me, full of promise. It's almost impossible to stop plans from swirling about in my head......while 2011 was good to me on the personal front, my poor blog baby got ignored a bit. No more. I'm hoping this new year will bring with it many exciting collaborations on this blog; I want to make it a little more interactive--some new series, a few new features, a little more of everything. Maybe some reader requests? I received  a few via email this past year, which I responded to in person, but maybe we could do that on the blog? I have just the post to start that series off! (Did you realize that I was actually thinking out loud just then--I love that I'm so comfortable "talking " to you that I can let slip the voices voice in my head. )

Big plans. The hope for action (LOL!). That's all it takes to put a smile on my face. ;)

What's making you happy today?

xoxo,

G