TED: Ideas worth spreading

Whenever I need some inspiration, or want to learn something new, I turn to TED talks. TED is a nonprofit that is devoted to new ideas than began in 1984. It stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. Twice a year, TED Conferences take place in Palm Springs and now annually in Edinburgh, Scotland. The conference in Palm Springs takes place over four days where 50 speakers use 18 minute time slots to lecture. TED Global is the summer conference which is more international with a wider array of speakers. 
TED talks is where the best talks and performances are available online, for free. Millions of people now have on-demand access to some of the world's most inspiring individuals. 
Tune in to TED if you want to watch short lectures from people such as Al Gore, Jane Goodall, Bill Clinton and Malcolm Gladwell. Just to name a few.


The website has over 1100 talks that are sorted into different categories. People can choose if they want to watching something persuasive, inspiring, courageous or funny. Some of the greatest minds on earth have come together to give 20 plus minute speeches that will inspire you, and possibly make you see the world in a different light. 


Visit the website here!


One video that I was first shown in University has now become my go to when I am in need of a pick me up. Tony Robbins is a self help author and motivational speaker who focuses on health and energy, overcoming fears and enhancing relationships. His talk on TED is titled "Why we do what we do". 
In the video, Tony speaks about how our emotions rules the world. Emotions drive us, they can help us through situations or they can hold us back. He talks about the science of achievement, which is steps to help us reach our goals, and the art of fulfillment, about appreciation and contribution. "Resourcefulness is what gets you to your goal, NOT resources." 
Most of the talk is about what shapes us as human beings. Our emotional and physical states, as well as how we view the world. He also mentions six basic needs, certainty, uncertainty, significance, connection & love, growth and contributing beyond ourselves. As human beings we all have certain needs, but what do you value most that shapes you? One thing he stresses is contribution. To go above your every day and do something good for the world and for someone else!
After I first heard him speak, a lot of what he said left me wondering about my values and helped me put some things into perspective. I invite you all to take 20 minutes out of your day to listen to what he has to say, and to hopefully take something out of it! As my classmates and I finish up our final few weeks of school, and with all the stress getting to our heads, I hope that this video can give you a little inspiration that things WILL all be okay. That the "secret to living is giving." 
I'll leave you with Tony's final words:
"So my invitation to you is this: explore your web, the web in your head -- the needs, the beliefs, the emotions that are controlling you, for two reasons: so there's more of you to give -- and achieve too, we all want to do it -- but I mean give, because that's what's going to fill you up. And secondly, so you can appreciate -- not just understand, that's intellectual, that's the mind -- but appreciate what's driving other people. It's the only way our world's going to change."


Watch Tony's video below!

Fashion Frenzy

To those who know me, and those who do not, they understand that I have an absolute love for fashion. Anything fashion related at all. I do not necessarily wear all fashion trends, or those killer shoes. But I do appreciate the beauty of fashion forward individuals and the remarkable clothing designers produce from thin air.

I do spend a chunk of my day scouring fashion websites and flipping through magazines every single chance I get. A lot of things that I find give me inspiration for putting an outfit together. Sometimes with existing clothing, or by going out to buy a few simple pieces that really add to my wardrobe. 

Like adding a pop of colour.

One website that I check on an (almost) daily basis is lookbook.nu : collective fashion consciousness.  It was founded in 2008 and is a user-generated gallery that showcases do-it-yourself fashion and photography from men and women all over the world. Trendsetters and amateur designers can connect to other fashion savvy people to inspire others with their creations. There are over 100 million page views in a month and over 725,000 registered members.

Anyone can sign up to make their own page, or just simply browse through the large selection of posts. They even have the ability to search by brands of clothing, category, material, gender, location and country for specific inspiration.

Here is an example of what people post

The website has also partnered up with many clothing brand companies, such as American Apparel and Lacoste, to hold contests for users as well. Because of the heavy traffic the website brings in, this is a great marketing and advertising ploy for companies to showcase their brands.

There is also an interview section where different users answer a series of questions for their viewers to get to know them. It’s great if someone has a specific person they love to follow and can also have their questions answered.

If you are in need of some inspiration for a dressy event, need to pair together certain colours or just need to kill time while browsing the internet then I recommend this website!

I know for the up coming spring season I will be creating my list of “must haves” and bookmarking my favourite looks!

“Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world” – Marilyn Monroe