I really like these new Toyota Prius TV ads. They’re inspired by Nature, powered by people – 200 extras made to look like a multitude through the magic of computer special effects – fantastic costumes, and a lot of extremely creative people behind the scenes. Watch the videos, then click here to find out how they did it.

Enjoy! Hope you find them as uplifting as I did.

Last year it was this Converse shoe commercial that I fell in love with. As a kid, I enjoyed playing with paperdolls so the 2D quality of this CGI animated video fascinated me. Everything about this commercial inspires me and makes me feel great – especially the music – “My Drive Thru”, a Julian Casablancas, Santigold and Pharrell Williams collaboration. Everytime I hear this song it evokes memories of Summer of 2008 and makes me wanna dance!

This year, the “it” song, the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling”, first grabbed my attention from this Target commercial. First of all, I almost always adore Target commercials. Their use of a combination of eye-popping graphics and great music makes their ads very effective and memorable. Who could forget this? Or this?

I find this song to be so uplifting especially for these times. Its cheerful beat and positive lyrics really makes me feel alive. Plus, it’s the perfect workout song particularly for those times when you need that second wind, if you know what I mean.

Enjoy. Hope it inspires you too.

PERSONAL UPDATE: We’ve moved out of state and into our new place with 85% of our stuff still in storage because of renovations in progress. Will post before and after pics soon. Hope you’re having a happy Summer!