"Oh The Places You'll Go": Top 6 on Our Bucket List

The best gift you can give to your self, is the gift of travel. There are so many places to visit and new experiences just  waiting for you to discover them. What are you waiting for? Start a traveling Bucket List, or plan a trip today. Begin your planning early and your dream vacation can be reality before you know it. In the meantime, explore a few of our anticipated vacations.

Koh Phangan, Thailand

At our age, visiting an Island with a bunch of like minded party animals is a must. Not many people think Thailand when they think party, but Koh Phangan is an inexpensive place of fun. The best time to plan a visit is said to the infamous Full Moon party which is a night & morning of dancing on the beach. If that doesn't grab your attention, the endless bars might. Just think Hangover 2 and you might find the appeal. 

Rio di Janero, Brazil 

Now, no one in their right mind should kick the bucket without a visit  to the land of gorgeous people. It might not be the most popular place to visit for our age group, but it should be!  Rio di Janeiro, Brazil is a marvelous, historic city filled with beaches filled with good looking people, beautiful music & delicious fun. The best time to visit is during Carnival, the most sensual celebration you'll ever experience. Including costume, parades, drinking & dancing all night. But if you don't think you can handle Carnival, maybe the 2016 Olympics suits your style a little more. Either way this beautiful city should definitely be added to your must see places to visit. 

The Great Wall of China, Bejing, China

So you've partied your heart out, it's time to take a break and do something different. Visiting Bejing, China you'll be able to find a mixture of nightlife and historic points of interest. The Great Wall of China for instance, is a great place to visit for at any age. This historic 13,171 mile long wonder of the world, is stretched across 58 cities. Known as the longest man made structure in the world, The Great Wall is an awesome place to tour, hike, bike and soak up awesome culture. It truly is something you do not want to miss out on.

Auckland, New Zealand 

Feeling adventurous? Auckland New Zealand is a wonderful place to visit. It's New Zealand's largest city and everyone lives within 30 minutes of beautiful beaches. How clutch is that for a getaway. Between its black sand beaches, iconic volcanoes, hiking trails and rain forests, Auckland is like one big natural playground for you to explore. It's also known for its award-winning wineries and restaurants. Who doesn't love good food and wine? These hot spots are only a nice drive or ferry away. Sounds like a nice getaway for you and your boo to us!

San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose is one of the youngest Capital cities in Latin America. The rainy season is from May to mid-Novemeber, so Costa Rica is a perfect place to get away during our cold winters! Visitors can experience wonderful musical performances, ancient civilizations and lax cafe's. There is so much to do in this vibrant city and there are many towns and attractions located within a couple of hours that can also be visited.


Durban, South Africa

How could anyone's bucket list be complete without a trip to the motherland? Durban is located on the east coast of South Africa and one can experience warm waters all year round. Some points of interest in Durban are the Golden Mile, which provides a string of beaches ideal for surfing and swimming and Umgeni River Bird Park, which is the home for over 3000 exotic and indigenous birds and several waterfalls. Durban also has a large Indian population, so one can visit many beautiful mosques, temples and experience delicious Indian foods.

Invest in Yourself, Create a Vision Board

Vision Board Series: Visualize and Actualize 

     

The important question you may be wondering is, What the hell is a 'Vision Board'? Well a vision board is an important key to getting everything you want in life, and becoming the best you possible. More specifically a vision board is usually a poster collaged with images from magazines or the internet. These images typically mirror what you want or need in life. Rather it's a new car, house off the beach, a sold out performance, a record deal or simply put peace in your relationships; a vision board is a great tool to help clarify and bring direct focus to many of your life goals. Forget about the 'New Year, New Me' crap and use this year to create the best you! 

By putting yourself in the enviornment with images and affirmations that connect with your lifegoals, you bring them closer to exsisting in the physical world. These clips can be anything from what you want to have, who you wish to be, what career you want, where you want to live or what type of lover you wish to have; and the point is that your life will manifest those things into existence. Simply put, whatever you envision will be brought to life by asking for it, seeing it, feeling it and believing it will be true.

Why Create Vision Boards:

1. Gives Purpose to goals.

2. Daily visual reminder of your goals.

3. It clarifies your needs, wants and desires.

4. Adds emotion and feeling to your goals.

5. Keeps your attention on your life intentions.

5. It's way more fun then a resolution/goal list.

Even if you are the most literal, cynical, straight forward person on earth, it does not not harm you to start your year right with focus, organization and vision. Creating a vision board, is the same as making a goal list for the month or year. However it is quite literally a lot more fun! A vision board is interactive and it forces you to openly think about where you want to be not only in the next year, but the next 5 or 10 years with no limitations or doubts. It also keeps your mind positive and can help bring happiness to the most sour day. 

Before you begin your vision board, sit quietly or play some calming music to get your mind set for the taks. During these moments of stillness and quiet ask yourself what you want, and just let your mind wander. Don't focus on trying to remember every word or image that comes in to your mind, just let the energy flow. Do not doubt, if unknowingly your minds puts I the image of a Maserati and your driving a Chevy, that's okay just go with it. 

After you do this for a few minutes, dive into the magazines, books and newspapers you've collected for this project. Begin with great enthusiasm and intent, keeping that energy flowing throughout the entire process. 

Here a some simple steps to creating your Vision Board:

1. Decide your theme(s)!

This could be life goals in general, or maybe you just want your vision board to be career base.

2. Find pictures that match your theme(s)!

Be open minded to many of the images you cross but if you have specific places you want to a visit or a dream home that you always wanted, feel free to print or cut those images out so that the board is that much more authentic. 

3. Print or Cut out images!

There is no set rules with how you do this, you can be creative, messy or straight forward. It's your vision, so do what ever you want!

4. Cut or Write Affirmations that match your theme(s)!

Affirmations are truly important as these words will show up even when your vision board is no where to be found. Say for instance the word dedication is on your board. If you are at work or school and you come across that word your mind will situate itself around your goals and trigger that motivation to be dedicated in whatever it is you may be doing at the moment or what you may have to do later.

5. Paste or Pin pictures and affirmations!

Next you want to put all the pictures and affirmations onto the board. If you have several themes you may way to organize them by sections, or just randomly paste them as you go. Again this is totally up to you, let your creative self flow throughout this project.

6. Hang it In a great place!

Where you place your Vision Board is truly important. If you have an office maybe you want to put it in your cubicle or on your wall. Maybe you want to see it every morning before you begin your day, so placing it by your door can be a great position. Whatever you decide, just make sure it is located in  someplace you will pay attention too on a regular.

7. Look and Focus on items daily! 

This is the most important part when creating a vision board. In order for your visions to manifest you have to constantly allow your conscious and subconscious self to be aware of these intentions and goals. Looking at these small and big goals will keep your attention on your intentions you have set for yourself. Keep your life on the right track. 

*Also, feel free to add items or remove them as times goes along. Nothing stays the same so neither does your vision for yourself.

If you are more of a digital person and feel that a psychical board will not be beneficial, there are several apps in both iTunes and in the Android Market that will cater to your needs.  Type in 'Vision Board' in your search bar and find what's best for you. 

Here are a two of our favorite vision board apps:

Take a look at these awesome visions boards for inspiration: 

So what is a Vision Board? The best gift you can give yourself as this New Year begins.

For more information on our fascination with Vision Boards, Checkout our post from 'Work It Out Wednesday', more specifically the section about 'The Secret'

23 Things We Should Leave in 2013

As we approach the last day of 2013, aka New Years Eve.. The Lab3L wants to share a few things we feel should be buried deep into 2013. The New Year should be approached with enthusiasm, with old things weighing you down, there is not much room for growth and prosperity. Wash away the old, embrace the new.

1. "Turn Up" & 'Turn Down For What?":

We are a pretty creative generation. We think it's time for a new phrase that describes our inebriated nights.



2. Light Skin vs. Dark Skin Beef:

This is so old and it's been lame from the beginning. Stop with all the #teamlightskin #teamdarkskin in the bio's too. It's not cute.



3.  "Oooh Kill Em" (along with poor little Terrio possibly)

Can we stop exploiting little Terrio please! Let the child be a child!



4. Being Local (Not Traveling):

"All God's children need traveling shoes." Maya Angelou wasn't lying. We need to get out and see what the world's made of. Pack those suitcases because 2014 is the year for traveling.




5. Not Saying What's Real or Exactly How You Feel:

Things will go much more smoothly if people kept it real from the beginning. Let it be known before time runs out.




6. Posing Money Pictures on Social Media Networks:

The only people you attract with these kinds of posts are basic. We all know the money will go towards something BASIC anyways. SMH.




7. Going Through Life Emotionally Numb:

Showing emotion isn't a terrible thing. Not expressing how you feel will only hurt you in the end. Half of the time the emotionally numb people are the ones yearning for affection.




8. Leaking Nudes or "Exposing" Others:

This is not cool. At all. All these "thot pages" on Instagram have to stop too. Trust is so important and these kinds of actions make it harder for people to trust these days. It's all fun and games until you see your sister on there. Yikes.




9. Acting Like You're Social Media Famous:

We've met so many people that we wish could have just stayed on twitter or instagram. If you're not going to talk in person don't do it through social media. Please.




10. Being Close Minded:

Moment of truth, if you shut down every single new thing that comes your way, you will not grow. Let's break out of our comfort zones, that's when we really start living.



11. Bad Communication:

   

We already made a whole post about this. You all should check it out. We can all do much better, no excuses.

12. Settling For Mediocrity:

Trust, you will regret not being the best, going for the best or giving your best in the long run. So go for what you truly want, you deserve the best! Know your worth.




13. Letting Peers Who're Making Moves Faster, Discourage You:

Sometimes you feel defeated when you see your peers making moves and doing things you wish to do. However, we have to look at it as motivation instead of defeat.




14. Staying In Unhealthy Relationships/Friendships:

Truth is, we out grow friendships and relationships alike. Sometime we are just to invested to see it for what it is. Do yourself a favor for the New Year. Leave it all the way alone, you're only wasting each others time. Believe us, it will only get worse. If it's meant to be, it will be.




15. Crying To Twitter/Instagram/Facebook About Not Being In A Relationship:

It's so sad and annoying especially if we all know you're really not about the life (if you know what we mean). It's only pushing people away. We will press unfollow in 2014.




16. "Yaaaaaaaaas":

Please stop lol.




17. Being Negative About ANYTHING & EVERYTHING:

Nobody likes a "Debbie Downer." No one likes negative energy either. We don't need to bring in 2013 with bad vibes. Try looking at the brighter side of things. There is ALWAYS a brighter side.




18. Being A Biter/Feeding Off of Others Creativity:

"Imitation is the best form of flattery." But if you like something don't steal it. -_-. Trust your creative gut and make something as close to original as possible.




19. Preaching About Big Goals (Career/Love) But Putting No Efforts Towards It:

We all want what we want but if you're going to preach about it make sure you're doing everything you can to work towards it. It's as simple as that.




20. Spending Money On Things Trying to Impress Others Instead of Saving and Investing:

Material things won't get you where you need to be. They're only good for a couple of decent instagram pics anyway. Put your money towards something that is truly worth it.




21. Letting Family Stop You From Living Out Your Dreams:

Sometimes your family is scared because you're dreams are so big. Sometimes family can not comprehend your path because, you've been places they have not seen. Do not let anyone stop you from making choices in your life. It is your life lol. Do you!




22.  Leather Jogging Pants:

People have been going crazy with the leather. It was cool while it lasted. What perfect time to leave it in the past.




23. Stressing Over the Little Things

Look at he bigger picture and stop letting small things keep you from doing what you need to do or want to. Stressing is not good for your health and it will turn you into somebody people will not want to deal with. Instead, be thankful for the positive in your life. For instance, making it to see another New Year!

2014 is your year, what will you do with it? Tell us by tweeting @TheLab3L

Kanye West x Kendrick Lamar: Yeezus Tour

Yeezy season is definitely still in full session!

Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar stopped through Chicago's United Center home to Chicago Bulls and Black Hawks, this past week and performed two epic shows back to back. We were able to catch the second show and no words can describe how amazing it was. However, if we could, we'd begin by saying, It was an unforgettable movie! Kendrick opened the show, performing a number of tracks from his debut album, 'good kid, m.A.A.d city' along with other fan favorites including F**kin' Problems. Kendrick showed nothing but love all night to his second home and thanked the Chitown crowd for being the first city to accept him as an artist and giving him the opportunity to be an inspiration to his hometown Compton. He also spoke about the many summers he spent in the city as a kid, and asked that we sing about him when he's gone. He left us all proud of how far he has come and how humble he still is about his rising fame.

                                     


However, no one could keep their composure when the second half of the show started. The lights dimmed as a beaming light appeared from the ceiling. We waited for Ye's appearance and the crowd collectively chanted "Yeezus", until he made his way to the center stage. The hometown hero performed every track from his debut album, 'Yeezus' as well as a few songs from 'Cruel Summers'. He also gave us a sermon on why Chicago should not have let Michael Jordan play for the Wizards but let him be an owner. He went further to tell us, we could do anything we put our minds to even if everyone thinks we're crazy. It may have seemed like a typical Kanye rant but everything he said was authentic, timely and so necessary. Just when you thought it was over, Kanye reminded us that he has been that guy since, 'Through the Wire,' and performed several hits from previous albums. Ye not only energetically, entertained the crowd, he encouraged every audience member to do whatever we could dream of, with no looking back. All in all, Kendrick and Kanye put on a great show and it was well worth the wait. We don't know any one who thought any less of the critically acclaimed tour. If  'Yeezus' is coming to a city near you, do not miss out, this epic show will easily become on of your favorite life moments. Check out a few snippets:

Also, Check out pics from the pop up shop!