Tips For Being A Good Boss

How can you be a Good Boss? 

Often, I think it is easier to explain how to NOT be a Good Boss.  I think that we have all had a gross boss or two in our lives (I know that I have – sit next to me at the next shindig and I’ll tell you all about her/him/it) and I learned as much about being a Good Boss watching them treat people badly as I have watching a Good Boss shine.  And I am not saying that I am the best boss, either.  I have made mistakes and will continue to do so.  But, IMHO, here are a few tips for becoming a Good Boss:

·         Be honest.  Most of the time, your staff can take the truth – give it to them.  Tell them why you made the decision you did or why you are not going to be able to hire another person to do such and such.  Everyone sleeps better at night knowing that they were dealt with in an honest manner – including you.

·         Seek diversity in opinion.  I believe that the best way to make a decision is to look at all sides.  Your staff can help you to see that your initial decision isn’t always the best decision.  And keep your door open – everyone feels more comfortable knowing they can have your attention pretty much any time.

·         Don’t sweat the small stuff.  In the grand scheme of things, does it really matter if Susie Q calls her mom each afternoon?  If she checks facebook a few times?  A little fun in Susie Q’s day makes Suzie Q a happy employee, plus maybe Susie Q can transition into your Social Media Maven for Moms!

·         Don’t sweat the small stuff unless it is driving you ab-so-f’n-lutley crazy.  Finally, someone has to tell the people who use the microwave that they have to clean it.  You are the boss, after all.

·         Remember that your staff members are not your friends.  I know that this sounds funny coming from me, as those of you who know me know that I consider some of my co-workers my very best friends.  But a wise CPD board member once told me something that I’ll never forget.  She said, “Paige, your staff members don’t think of you as their friend.  You are their boss.”  Even though I absolutely love all of the staff at CPD and would fight a circle-saw for every single one of them, I must make decisions that are first and foremost for the best for the kids served by our agency.

What are your tips?

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Peacock Alley's Ode to the Uber Comfy Duvet Cover

Peacock Alley gives new meaning to the idea of cozy with the introduction of the über-comfy duvet cover.  No longer do we have to sacrifice a blissful night’s sleep for aesthetic beauty because now Peacock Alley truly does have it all!  From carefree ease to global adventure, no matter what your style our cozy duvets will be sure to please, yummy to touch.

This Fall soothe your soul with Napa, a woven washed duvet that will satisfy your need for easy care and your desire to be carefree.  Made of 100% cotton designed with an all-over geometric design.  And the best part?  Machine washable ease for a low maintenance approach to luxury ($820/queen set).

New for Fall Napa Duvet Collection

For a little global adventure Peacock Alley's  Tivoli duvet covers and shams will take you on an exotic journey along the cobblestone paths of Italy.  Woven in Italy of 100% Egyptian cotton reversed in linen, this unstructured paisley duvet will add a hint of European mystery in splendid neutrals of linen and pearl ($1,235/queen set). 

A little Eurpean mystery with Tivoli

Embrace the sweet and simple with Dominique, a yarned-dyed teardrop design with an easy care garment washed finished.  Delicate by look, soft in touch, Dominique duvets will last the test of time and offer years of comfort and delight.  The perfect solution for simplistic living ($835/queen set).

Cozy, carefree living with Dominique

Peacock Alley's new Fall Collection is NOW available to shop at www.peacockalley.com 

What Inspires Peacock Alley?

Peacock Alley finds inspiration from the simple experiences in our daily life to the fascinating travels around the world.  Fashion, architecture and nature influence Peacock Alley’s design elements.  But deep in the heart of Texas lies a special retreat that pushes the creative needle just a little bit further…

It is place of escape, silence and inner peace that reveals a story of tradition, heritage and family.  It’s the Peacock Alley family farm – a place where everything makes sense and where Peacock Alley’s best ideas are born.

The Peacock Alley Family Farm: Granbury, TX

The surrounding natural terrain and lake waters, shadows and textures, the sound of nature.  These elements spark creativity and passion for all things beautiful.

The Peacock Alley family farm has been in the Needleman family for over 30 years.  It was originally bought as a raw piece of land by Mary Ella and Ray Gabler in 1980 to form their vision for family respite.  Mary Ella’s two sons Jason and Josh Needleman, Peacock Alley’s CEO and Vice President of product development spent much of their childhood building the farm and crafting it to become what it is today.

“It’s my temple,” says Josh Needleman, Vice President of product development.  “I have so many wonderful childhood memories of the farm since every little detail of the farm was built by us.”

“The best part about it is that we now get to step back and see our children experience the same joy we did at the farm,” says Josh.

The farm is not just a city get away for the Needleman family, but a gathering place for family and friends.

The life-long memories from the farm are now reflected in much of Peacock Alley’s signature collection.  The textures from the natural elements of the farm - the oaks, wild grasses, leaves, sand dunes - appear throughout Peacock Alley’s matelasses, textured blankets and towel collections. 

Our love for percale sheeting came to life while spending summers at the farm - the need for cool, crisp sheeting during the Texas heat.  Percale sheets are now a core staple of Peacock Alley’s basic sheeting line.

The Peacock Alley family continues to share the same amount of passion for the farm as they do their own company – both are places where they learn and grow.

“The farm is an evolution,” says Josh.  “Every year we make addition and changes and I see the exact same thing happening at Peacock Alley - it just keeps getting better.”

Cool Lamps for Every Mood, Stlye and Taste

Lighting is an integral part of creating the right ambience and mood in your home.  It's the smallest touches and details that count.  Just by adding a fun lamp you can take your room to the next level and set the tone to reveal your very own style and also identify the personality of a room.

Here are some cool lamp ideas to transform your room from drab to fab!  Whatever your taste, we have found a little something to fit every mood and living space.  Which lamp best suits your home?

The Modernist

Fata-Fatina Lamp  - LampLust.com




Contemporary Cool

Lab-T Chandalier - LampLust.com

The Fashionitsa

Modern Bubble - FunkyLight.com

Mid-Century Vintage



Modern Pottery Lamps - VintageLooks.com



Nothing But Fun!



Grigio Table Lamp - Cb2.com





Spring 2011 Collection Inspired by VP's Travels

True inspiration and creativity develop from unique experiences and environments.  In our pursuit to bring you the best of it all, we called upon Steel Magnolia, ourrestored Airstream, to help us discover the inspired. Talk about unique life experiences and inspiration! My travels on the 'Silver Home Tour' represent an inspired life perfectly. The roadtrip in the Steel Magnolia, shows me how to live well, play well, and of course, sleep well. It is our ‘boutique hotel on wheels.’ 

For over 38 years, our family has created products to ensure every room in your home is appointed with comfort, style and uncompromising quality. A great night's sleep is at the heart of living well, and our goal is to help you create surroundings that evoke inspired dreams and rest.  I invite you to tour with us on this journey of luxury and comfort, to explore our new collections and revisit our favorite mainstays. Find them showcased at www.peacockalley.com or better yet experience them first hand in our Airstream and we continue to visit cities nationwide.

Josh Needleman,

Vice President

Product Development

Be Your Own Sleeping Beauty this Valentine's Day

Soprano: The Perfcet Bed Partner.  The ultimate sateen sheet. Period.

This Egyptian cotton sheet has been a favorite for decades with its superb softness, amazing value and  unsurpassed quality.

Soprano is truly the ultimate smart sheet and is enhanced with a classic blanket stitch hem, made of 100% Egyptian cotton, 460 threads per inch. You will forget about all others once you try this.

This Valentine's Day enjoy all the romance of Soprano and save 50% off when you buy Glacier, Sage or Sterling Blue sheeting or duvet collections.

Bring the comfort of Soprano home this Valentine's Day and become your very own Sleeping Beauty. Prince Charming is extra.

Shop Soprano Today!

Silver Home Tour In NYC

Peacock Alley is back in the spotlight! This market season we are going to shine – literally. Peacock Alley is proud to announce that the Silver Home Tour will make an exclusive stop at the Jacob Javits Center where we will preview our Spring 2011 Collection out of our trunk, so to speak- and doing it in style.

This season, our “Steel Magnolia” Airstream will be front and center at the Jacob Javits Center, setting the stage for our New York Market. She may look like a silver bullet--cold and uninviting--but step inside to a haven of our Spring 2011 Collection.

Our Spring 2011 Collection brings a fresh take on an old classic, beginning with the White Bed Story.  It’s a blank canvas to create your very own masterpiece. Whether classic, uber-traditional, modern or chic, Peacock Alley offers a White Bed for everyone.  Click here to preview

This is a market you will not want to miss!

For more information on Peacock Alley's Market Appearances, visit www.peacockalley.com/wholelsale for full details.