7 Things We're Thankful For...

In honor of tomorrow's holiday and in an effort to give thanks, we asked our team what they are grateful for this year. Here is a collection of 7 things we are thankful for...

1. Comfortable tradeshow shoes - In the last 10 years we've tested just about every brand, style and type of shoe that "claims" to be great for your feet. Some cute, some really ugly, but when we find a pair, like these Privos, we say Ahhhhh, thank you!2. Coffee... and donuts... and cake... and chocolate (you get the picture!) - We are thankful for all the little treats and delicious tidbits our co-workers bring in. Everyone on staff here at Sphere Trending has a sixth-sense when it comes to deadlines and stress - someone always comes to the rescue with cake. Yum! Here's one of our favorite recipes for a Tres Leches cake that will make your office happy too:

3. The printing press - While you can read pretty much everything online these days, sometimes we really enjoy a good newspaper, book or article that shares thoughts of innovation and inspiration with our team. It's great to look away from the screen once and awhile and read something the old fashioned way. A great book you should be reading right now:

4. You! - One of our consumer intelligence team members said it best, "I am thankful for the inspiration we get daily from everyday people struggling to make it through this recession; inspiration that is leading us to understand what the new sustainable middle class will want as we go into economic recovery."

5. The collaborative and interactive world of the internet - We would be lost without all of the bloggers, tweeters and sharers that we get the opportunity to talk to and work with daily. Inspiration and creativity is best when it's cultured, shared and discussed amongst friends and we are thankful to the many people that collaborate with us! A great blog to read for design and trend inspiration:

6. Technology - Everyone said they were thankful for technology, the internet, photoshop, my blackberry, Apple, iPhone, Facebook or gi-normous LCD displays. (Someone even said, "my space heater...". Maybe we should thank her by turning the heat up around here?)

But, what we're really thankful for is the ever-changing world of technology – the ability to meet artists (Etsy), read about conferences around the globe (TED), utilize social marketing to keep abreast of new news (twitter) and understand the possibilities of innovation that are occurring constantly.

7. Our team - each and every day every member of the Sphere Trending team gives 110%. We work late, we get up early, we travel in coach, we drive the world's tiniest rental cars and take public transportation. We're searching, collaborating, creating, typing, editing, presenting, walking, talking and investigating new trends and innovation and for that, we say thank you! We wouldn't be anywhere without the dedication of our team. You're like family and we appreciate each and every one of you.

Happy Thanksgiving!