TOMS

Hang on a minute - what is TOMS? No, its not a nasty Brit owned bar, situated on the beach front of Ibiza, TOMS is something really special! In todays world of materialism where we have a different pair of shoes for every occasion, and some of us every outfit - we often forget just how lucky we are. What if we could feed that hunger to buy a new pair of shoes, and feel like we were making a difference at the same time? Surely its not possible, because deep down we know we are only lining the pockets of multinational corporations that have taken advantage of cheap labour, yes check the label of any recent purchase - Made in China, what isn't these days??

Well it is possible to buy a selfless pair of shoes. With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Now its not unusual for brands to team up with charities, with the promise of donating a certain percentage to the charity - but we often have no idea where that money goes, yet alone who it helps. TOMS on the other hand gives customers the wonderful opportunity to become benefactors, knowing that your purchase will bring such a warm smile to a child in need. So far 600,000 pairs have been given to children, including this wonderful group:



TOMS can be purchased here in the UK from both the Schuh and Office retailers, go on you know you want to!

The refreshing discovery of new music.......@TinasheMusic

Provided cracking support to the Noisettes gig - and love his hat!

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Brand Me!

The phrase, "that little voice inside your head" can have numerous meanings, and the cartoon portrayal of an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other springs to mind - with the moral dilemma of deciding which to listen to. However, I'm talking about a different voice that many entrepreneur's refer to as the constant encouragement of going it alone in the business world - only silenced by taking a big plunge into the unknown.

I recently attended a FlyingStart Workshop where 3 budding entrepreneurs shared their stories of setting up their businesses and what they have learnt in the process. All stressed the great importance of networking and following up with people, even if you have no immediate working relationship to engage in.

In our current realm of materialism and consumerism we are constantly surrounded and bombarded with brands, trying to connect at an emotional level and ensure we are loyal, early adopters! One thing that came from this session was the fact that individually we are a brand - yes that's right Christian Turner is a brand that needs to be constantly sold. It makes perfect sense - and yet even I hadn't realised it. So the next time you give that business card away, give that presentation, meet with a client...sell yourself! I'm sure all entrepreneurs will say that part of their success, coupled with hard work and determination, has been selling themselves and building a positive/relateable reputation!

The David, Gordon and Nick Show!

Like many at the moment, one cannot ignore the fact that in a few months time the opportunity will come to place a 'X' against the name of a certain party. Yes thats right a general election looms and the next few months are the chance for the liars...oops, i mean Politicians to rally around and convince us that they are fit to lead this fine land we reside in.

The more and more I listen to David Cameron the more I realise - yes it is time for change, the trouble is I am far less convinced that you are the man to do that. His education reforms are one example of how the tory party will widen the gap between rich and poor. It seems that I'm not the only one who has their doubts about Mr Camerons credentials and promises. The recent billboard ad's have perhaps captured David in his more youthful state - it's not only the fashion models that are airbrushed these days. So if you are feeling creative check out mydavidcameron.com and create your very own 'airbrushed for change' and then practice those voting skills by picking your favourite from the showcase. Even if you are a tory lover, you'll have to admit this is genius!

Nick Clegg - yeah thats all I need to say!

What's wrong with the paperback?

Now let me start by admitting I am a big tech lover and all things Apple make me wish I had a bottomless bank account. Like many I am intrigued and excited for the unveiling next wednesday of the new iTablet, tipped to be the latest must have and making a massive leap in the world of eReaders. I readily recognise that as we continue to embrance the digital age, that print media will soon become a "back in my day when we....." story! I do worship the ipod and its convenience of carrying thousands of songs in my pocket, but the prospect of carrying a bookshelf in my pocket has yet to excite me, though it would make moving house a damn bit easier - I'll admit a hint of hypocricy here!

Trips back home to the parents or even grandparents gives the opportunity to scan countless shelves of books with a longing to one day have my own personal library. At the minute I will continue buying paperbacks; taking trips to ikea when necessary for additional bookshelves. I never thought I would say it, but this may be one technological advance where I'll pretend to be stuck in the past and too old to change!

FuRtHeR rEfLeCtIoNs!

So i've been thinking a lot lately about why for instance i have not been as happy as i perhaps should be or i would hope to be. In essence, each of us with a sound mind have the opportunity to decide how we feel, no matter what goes on around us. I could be in hospital with broken bones, and yet still happy. The glass can be half full or half empty - the way we allow our perception of events and circumstances, ultimately determines our thoughts, which in turn defines our state of mind and how we feel.
I've felt the need to be content with what i have and to stop looking for something more. One must be careful not to become complacent and to lose dreams, aspirations and goals if we are to be content, but to be happy with the cards that we have been dealt. I think as we perhaps allow patience into the frame, instead of immediate fixes and results, then we are able to think much more rationally and plan for a brighter future, instead of what we are missing now.
Im a big believer in self-improvement and that is one of the reasons we are here in mortality to improve ourselves, learn lessons, particulalry from the mistakes we make - but if we focus so much on our weaknesses, and all at once, then the overwhelment - if thats even a word - will once again cloud our rational vision, dampen the flame of hope of being better. If we focus on the great blessings we have been given, life, family, friends, etc, the things that ultimately matter most, then happiness will come, and a greater desire to do and be better people will be attainable. Yes there has to be times like this when we feel low, but if when those high times return we can look back and see what we learned, how it shaped us, then we can even appreciate these times too. If we fail to learn lessons, then those low times may keep returning bringing yet further opportunities to learn!