We all thought that this New Year was going to bring peace of mind, calm, prosperity; that we’d find smoother sailing after the storms of 2009.

Boy, were we wrong.

Turning the calendar over doesn’t change the circumstances, or the trials we’re embedded in. The only things it can change are our minds. It’s hard to stay positive, though, when you get your hopes up for January 1, and by the end of the month you realize things are going to be just as tough as they were before.

One friend’s really difficult morning inspired me to find a little something to send her way, to help keep her spirits up. Instead of looking at the following things as presents for you, look at them as a way to support your loved ones. Who knows, maybe they’re reading this same post, with you in mind.  (Click the pictures to go to the websites.)

Moustache Pillow: it’s soft, it’s bright, and it’s completely ridiculous. How could that not cheer someone up? I have no idea, but since there’s got to be someone out there, I’ve also added the peacock pillow (both are by Sew Lucky Girl), which is pretty and interesting, without the added crazy.

Yes, this is a shiny, black, plastic platform heel re-purposed as an aloe planting box. (The aloe plant is included.) This may exemplify, almost perfectly, just how difficult it is to be a woman sometimes.

My kitchen is vintage fifties – even the oven is original – and I’ve been playing it up with pin-up calendars and antique-looking art. These poppy-printed dishcloths would fit the aesthetic perfectly, but they’d work really well in an ultra-modern setting, too. (You’ll never go back to those thick, plush dishtowels from Target: these thinner, softer ones are much more absorbent.)

Speaking of kitchens, these prep bowls are gorgeous. They’d definitely cheer me up after a long workday. (Incentive to cook?)

And, of course, there is never anything wrong with chocolate…especially when it’s all natural, gmo-free, dairy-free, kosher, and gluten-free.  (Want fifteen percent off?  Use code AESTHETIC15.)

What do you turn to after a difficult day?

Tags: chocolate, dairy free, etsy, gifts, gluten-free chocolate, housewares, kitchen, pillows, plants, poppies, purses, shoes, stripper heels