HBR Online - probably the best collection of business, leadership, innovation and self-management literature on the web. Much of it is available free, including a weekly hotlist of interesting articles from a range of authors. Other (more detailed) content is avaialble either on a pay per article basis (usually $6.95 per article), or via an annual subscription ($141-$159).
TEDTalks - an amazing collection of videos of speakers giving presentations on just about any topic you can imagine. Great for inspiration, entertainment and thought provocation.
ShoesofPrey - a website based in Australia (but selling internationally) that allows you to design your own women's shoes. Everything from ballet flats to heels and sandals, just the way you want it. Here's a pic of my first purchase from them. the quality is beautiful and the service amazing. When I bought these, my oroginal design included the trimming in a different yellow leather, which when put with the yellow snakeskin, appeared a bit green. SoP emailed me a photo of them before shipping them to me, and asked if they looked as I imagined they would, and suggested that if they were not what i was expecting they were happy to remake them with a different leather trim (free of charge of course!). So the result is the shoes pictured, which (if I do say so myself) are awesome. They also guarantee the fit, so if they don't fit they'll fix it or make new ones.
Internet shopping - the double edged sword - dangerous because you can buy anything you want, anytime you want, but awesome for the same reason. My favourites are:
- ASOS - UK based site selling a huge variety of clothing. Like an online department store, they carry their own ASOS labels, plus a wide variety of designer and brand name stuff. They also have a great feature where new designers can list their items for sale.
- CatchoftheDay - Aussie based site selling heavily discounted stuff. 'One deal everyday at midday' is their business model. Great prices, quick delivery. particularly great for deals on IT related stuff.
- BrandsExclusive - Aussie based site that is effectively a clearing house for brand name clothing and homewares. Good prices, quick delivery and a nice shopping interface. Unfortunately you do have to be a member to view their sales, but membership is free.
- Cafe 53, 53 Flinders Lane, Melbourne: great coffee, great service and awesome simple food.
- Signature Coffee, cnr Spring and Collins sts, Melbourne: great coffee available in five different strengths from Norwegian (very weak) to Italian (very strong). I drink a French (strong) latte. Yum.
- Atomica Coffee, Brunswick St, Fitzroy: A Fitzroy institution. Great coffee, roast their own beans (available for purchase) and brilliant breakfast served all day. My Sunday favourite.
