Good news, everyone! Love and Sequins, my handbook on being a love letter to the universe, is on sale all Memorial Weekend. That means that today (Saturday), tomorrow (Sunday) and the day after (Monday), you can snap up my bestselling book — and its accompanying audio — for half-price!

Love and Sequins is a handbook on being a love letter to the universe. It’s about living magically and celebrating ourselves, and it is delivered right to your inbox as a delicious little mind morsel!

The best news? Love and Sequins is on super-special sale! I’ve slashed the price by half in order to give you a little inspiration! HOORAY!

If you’re wondering how it works, Love and Sequins is a series of 12 chapters which combine to create one (huge!) book, and even better, it’s an audiobook, too.

Each chapter is a whopping 10,000 words (or more!) long, which arrives in your email as a PDF that can be read on your phone, your iPad or your computer. The PDF comes with an MP3 of me reading the chapter aloud, too, so if you prefer to listen than read, you can!

Love and Sequins is perfect for listening to while you lie on the grass, brew a huge jug of iced tea, or road-trip around the countryside!

Note: Some people have been having problems with the shopping cart. If you’re one of them, getting around it is perplexing but easy: buy Love and Sequins through the official shop page.

Are you feeling decadent? Do you want the WHOLE book in one big gulp?! Picking up all 12 chapters at once is $84 $42!

When you pick this option, you get sent all 12 chapters immediately! You can start listening or reading at the beginning, or you can work your way through in whichever order you choose!

Or do you prefer to pick and mix? You can pick up the chapters you’re most interested in — or grab the issues you missed! — for only $12 $6 each!

Every chapter is totally different, ranging from self love to how to travel with elegance and ease. When you pick the chapters you want, they are immediately sent to you via email for your consumption and delight!

The details for each individual chapters are below. Choose your own adventure!

Excerpt: So what does “loving yourself” mean? There are a few different ways you can look at it, but from my point of view, loving yourself means treating yourself the way you would treat your very best, most treasured friend. See, that’s the thing with friends — they’re not perfect and we know it but we love them anyway. Your best friend might get into a ridiculous flap over some boy you think is nowhere near good enough for her, she might turn up to a party in an outfit that is less than flattering, she might slack off at her job or constantly talk about wanting to go to Paris and yet never save any money — but you still love her. You still think she is amazing. A shooting star in the shape of a girl. I think this is how we should choose to view ourselves, too…

“This podcast has been tremendously helpful. It has indeed resonated deeply in all of the tiny crevices of my being where I’ve been hiding my hopes and dreams and instead allowing myself to be swallowed by fear and doubt. I couldn’t agree more that we all know that self-confidence and self-love are the root of success, of living the positive inspired lives we all dream about. And yet, until now it escaped me that I could practice at being confident. That I could slowly develop these skills over time. I had a huge a-ha moment – of course it won’t happen overnight! Of course it’s about making small changes, adjusting my mindset and perceptions in the moment… Thank you for letting your own light shine as it has given me permission and inspiration to do the same. I’m deeply grateful.” — L.

Excerpt: What I’m saying here is that life shouldn’t be a hard slog with five years of faux-leisure at the end before you die. I think that is such a perverse way of viewing work, life, the universe and everything! Honestly, it’s WRONG. That is not how things should be. Why punish ourselves needlessly? I think the ideal situation for pretty much everyone is to do work that they enjoy and which challenges them, to have the freedom and autonomy necessary to take leave when they wish, and to be able to sustain a lifestyle which appeals to them. We don’t all want to be millionaires, but we should all be able to live at a level at which we’re comfortable, without sacrificing our integrity or happiness…

“I am writing to you in regard to a project that I started as a result of your lovely site. I guess you could call me one of your inspired non-pareils. Wikifashion began as an idea around one year ago and I never really had the “chutzpah” to give it a go until I purchased your podcast on “being your own boss”. I fell asleep listening to that podcast every night for a week, taking it all in and furiously scribbling down notes. It was so groundbreaking for me and every word that you spoke really resonated with me. Thank you for inspiration and words of wisdom.” — M.

Excerpt: People do not seem to realise that the planet is FULL of AMAZING people, many of whom would pass out at the opportunity to TALK to you, let alone hold your hand and kiss you in public and buy you rad Christmas presents. If your boyfriend or girlfriend is a stinker, you are awesome enough not to have to put up with it! For real. Just get out of there. You will never regret it, and you will make space in your life for a really, really fantastic person to appear. Just like magic…

“Gala, I loved this one! I listened to it as soon as you sent it. I’ve always been kind of a cynic when it comes to love, but I think I’m ready to let my guard down and take the plunge. The ‘love self-evaluation’ and ‘figuring out what you want from a partner’ parts stood out the most to me, and I’m definitely going to take the time to write and reflect on these areas. Thank you so much!” — D.

Excerpt: It’s all very Eckhart Tolle when you think about it — the key to being charismatic is being PRESENT. It sounds so basic, but so few people really get it right — and the people who do don’t necessarily do it consistently. The first time my friend Dhrumil and I went out to dinner together, we discussed the importance of being present in a conversation. He said to me, “Think about it. Over the course of this dinner, you and I have probably made more eye contact than some married couples would in a week”. That has always stuck with me. Eye contact is vital, and really makes the other person feel important, valued and engaged…

“Gala, you have truly hit the spot once more! I sat there nodding to myself, smiling with recognition, laughing out loud and thinking WOW this girl inspires me to change the world too as I listened to the 4th LoveandSequins. Thank you so much wonderful!” — A.

Excerpt: Taking responsibility for yourself is so incredibly liberating, and here is why. It will show you what innate power you have within you. Look at all the things around you, good and not-so-good. You have attracted them into your life, whether you believe it or not. and in a worst case scenario, if you can create awful things for yourself, like horrible relationships, crappy jobs and a general sense of malaise and apathy, think what you could create if you focused your attention in a different way! What if, instead of thinking about how bad everything is all the time, you thought about how WONDERFUL life is? Because even if you look around yourself and see things which make you unhappy, surely you must acknowledge that the world is full of marvellous things too. There’s love and music and art, delicious food and springy green grass, snowflakes and puppy kisses, hula hooping in the sunshine and exploring new cities. There are fresh vegetables and false eyelashes, majestic mountains and elephants, dreams and adrenaline, sky-diving and gardening…

“I can honestly say this is the best $12 you will ever spend. I’ve been seeing a psychologist for the past 6 months… What Gala has produced is that 6 months of therapy all wrapped up into an hour long podcast. Her advice about choosing how you react to situations is the most helpful life advice you may ever receive.” — K.

Excerpt: Yes, it would be wonderful to look like a 5’10” gazelle in everything we wear, but the reality is, most of us are never going to look like that, regardless of how many pairs of shaping underwear we buy and no matter how few carbs we consume in a given day! You are never going to look perfect all the time, and the pursuit of perfection is such a yawnfest and time-sucker. It’s totally not worth it. There are so many other things you could do with your time and energy! So if you’re wearing a skirt that is maybe half an inch too short, but you feel GREAT in it, then that’s fantastic! Confidence comes from feeling good in your clothing, and if you do, you’ll have a much better time than the girl who looks immaculate but is freaked out in the corner…

“This months’ Love and Sequins was my favorite so far. It is clearly a subject that you feel very passionate about, and that really came across in the podcast… This podcast really inspired me, and even while I was listening to it, I had a pad of paper next to me and was jotting down outfit ideas and sketching possible combinations.” — V.

Excerpt: I promise you, if you do not have purpose or determination, your blog will also go the way of so many before you. In fact, this is pretty much the same as anything in life. If you want it, you have to prove that you want it, time and time again. You will be tested! But if you can stay the course, after all the trials and tribulations, misfortunes and madness, you will be rewarded…

“One more thought: It’s not about blogging. It’s about ANY online business. I.E., pretty much any modern business at all. Blogging is just an example, and at that, really a very small part of it. I read it, thinking about what I was doing, nodding and going, “Yep, good advice, yep, can use that”. … Loved your comment about your core audience. Great advice about managing online rep. The list of ‘little things’ is frickin’ brilliant. High density, high value. All in all? Damn, that’s one high value podcast. Amazing stuff.” — S.

Excerpt: Though you may have no intention of becoming like the people around you, if your mother is miserable and your girlfriend is homicidal and your best friend is a misogynist, you will unconsciously begin to mimic and imitate all these behaviours. Unless you want to be miserable, the best thing you can do is extricate yourself from these types of people…

“Gala, this came to me like a sign from the Universe! You have no idea how amazed I am…yesterday I wrote a letter to the Universe saying “If you throw me a rope, I will climb it.” And then you posted this, AND THEN this morning on the train while I was listening to it, I met an extraordinary girl who wants to do hair and make up and photography with me!” — M.

Excerpt: Some people get confused about manifesting and the law of attraction, and think it is about being positive and thinking woo-woo thoughts and waving a stick of incense around. It really isn’t! Manifesting is about getting the universe to meet you halfway. It’s about doing the work while having faith that things will work out for the best. It’s about knowing that what you want is coming to you — but also knowing that you have to start the ball rolling. After all, if you just sit in your room thinking about what you want, but don’t get out there and tell anyone about it, or do some research, or take any real actionable steps, how will anything ever happen?

“I think this is the best thing I’ve discovered since Notes from the Universe… It’s a really good outline of not just the ‘laws’ but how to actually put them into practice. Plus I haven’t been so motivated and inspired in a long time…” — R.

Excerpt: Is there anything better than packing a bag, making a puckered-up kiss face at yourself in the mirror and catching a cab to the airport? If you’re anything like me, the answer is a loud, resounding NO! To me, travel is one of the very best things you can do with your time. Its merits are multitudinous and bountiful.

Firstly, you get to escape your everyday existence, and while hopefully your everyday existence is a pretty happy and satisfying thing, being able to get away from it only amplifies your appreciation for it when you get back. Secondly, it fires up your creative impulses. In an unfamiliar situation, you’re forced to use your brain in new ways, which results in you being more inventive and experimental than ever. Thirdly, it’s an excellent way to get some perspective on your life — and remind yourself that there is a big, big world outside your little bubble!

“OH my gawd, Gala. Once again, you’ve read my mind and dribbled your confectionery love all over my life! I’m JUST about to take off for the biggest adventure of my life and I was thiiiis close to having a panic attack over all the travel details, cause I’ve NEVER even been on a plane before, and I’m gonna be hopping back and forth across the country like mad for the next few months. Now I’m starting to feel a LOT more prepared and not quite so terrified. Thank you! Again and always, you are a fantastical life-saver….” –N.

Excerpt: Jack Kerouac wrote On The Road in one of the rooms. Charles Bukowski, Edie Sedgwick, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Patti Smith, Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits have all spent time here. No other hotel has as much rock ‘n’ roll history. So, it’s not perfect — or particularly opulent. There is no room service, some of the rooms are more “grunge” than chic, and there is a bullet hole in the door in the 5th floor corridor. But it’s absolutely worth a visit to soak up some atmosphere.

You’ll understand why after just one night in the Chelsea’s eclectic digs. Sometimes it seems more like a home for the bewildered than a hotel, but it all adds to the charm. Be warned, however: this is not a place to stay if you’re feeling particularly Type A. It’s more suited to smoking cigarettes on the balcony, last night’s eyeliner and a trench coat worn with nothing but a pair of heels.

For the same price as a normal-sized room in most New York hotels, you can obtain a one-bedroom suite at the Chelsea — with a lot of ambiance. If you need a couple of days to yourself to work on some kind of masterpiece, this is surely the perfect place to do it.

“This LandS was AH. MAZ. ING. This seriously needs to be re-named to “The Holy Grail and Anti-Tourist’s Bible of New York”… I listened to this chapter on the Subway ride into work and then in my Brooklyn apartment with a cup of coffee… it truly made me excited to check out all these “new” places. I have fallen in love with New York all over again.” — Emily

Excerpt: Be impeccable with your word. What this means is that when you say you’ll do something, you do it. (This extends all the way to being on time for appointments, too!) You don’t make excuses or dance around subjects. (If someone invites you out, and you don’t want to go, be clear–but never rude!–in your response.) Speak with integrity: be honest and truthful, and avoid gossiping. Finally, use the power of language for positive ends. Do something good with the words that you are speaking! Use them to uplift other people and inspire your friends. Use language to be constructive, supportive, encouraging, and loving.

“Through the techniques you’ve taught me, I’ve learned to unlock my true potential, and to approach life with a ferocious self-confidence that has not only changed my life, but has begun to inspire the people around me!” — Natalie

Here are some more lovely testimonials…

“I wanted to say thank you for this great series. Love and Sequins 1, 5, 9 and 10 are my favourites. I’ve been treated for depression off and on for over 14 years and tried many different treatments. It took years to reach the conclusion that there is no such thing as a magic cure. I still have to remind myself sometimes, especially when I see so many “buy/ do/ read this and life will be amazing” messages everywhere. Ultimately, it is up to you (not a therapist, pill, book etc.) to transform your life and make peace with yourself. Also, it is not one thing, but lots of little steps, techniques and ideas that make a real difference. I don’t want to sound gushy, but you have really helped me. Listening to Love and Sequins puts a smile on my face and inspires me to think and act more creatively. It is a useful reminder to think positively and get out there. I find it particularly helpful to listen to a chapter as I get ready in the morning to start the day optimistically. Thank you again.” — Sarah

“Gala, the thing that I love most this thursday is having listened to love and sequins all day at work. Vowing to myself that my current job is the last one in which I will work for someone/something other than my own interests and loves. I was put down today..massively and I think unfairly. I DIDNT CARE!! in the past I would have starved myself and wept… You have taught me to take control of my life and love myself. Thank you for unknowingly being there, I’ve owed you this for well over a year. You are a well known name in my home and I hope that you inspire the people that I love the way that you have inspired me.” — Jess

“I just want to say thank you for the amazing articles and advice you share. Love and sequins completely resounds with me. In the last year I’ve had to weed out frenemies after finally leaving the job I hated. Since then I’ve gained so much confidence and met so many amazing people as a result, even making friends with the girl opposite me at a tattoo convention while we both had work done. Your blog has made me look at myself and make so many positive changes. Please never stop writing :)” — Laura

“The last edition of Love and Sequins could not have come at a better time. My life has been full of change, both good and bad, for the past few years and reading something filled with such promise and positivity is just what I needed. Your writing truly inspires me to work through the bad and only focus on the good. I find the morals you live your life by completely inspiring and I always say to myself, “if she can do it, why can’t I?” I’ve been an avid reader on your site since I stumbled upon it shortly after you first launched it. I can only imagine the amount of emails filled with praise and happy thoughts you must read on a daily basis from readers just like myself. Every day I try to live my life with as much sparkle as you live yours.” — Ashley

“L&S is so gorgeous and positive that I just can’t be without on them on my ipod for down days!” — Sara

“I only bought one (the 5th I think) out of curiosity but I was so moved and engaged in what you were saying that I have gradually acquired more. I think for me it’s the sheer quality and hard work that comes through and makes these so fantastic and inspiring. I am always wary about being promised quality and sold B/S and I have on many an occasion but these are brilliant and when I find something I like like this I cannot help myself and have to have them all!!!” — E.

“Recently, after becoming a die-hard, devoted Gala-phile, I decided to up the ante and try out the first installment of your Love and Sequins collection. Best. Decision. Ever. I immediately purchased a subscription! Getting to actually hear you as you tell me so many beautiful things about my life makes me realize how much you truly do love and care for every single one of your Gala girls. It makes me take the things you say to heart on a different level, and motivates me so furiously that after I listen to my daily morning bit of LandS, I’m completely fired up and ready to take on the day, no matter what it has in store for me.” — Natalie

If you want a major dose of glitter for your brain (!), be sure to snap it up, and join the thousands of other Love and Sequins enthusiasts!

Now, I know a lot of you wait for my sales every year, so it is only fair to tell you: this is the last time Love and Sequins will go on sale… Ever!

There are so many exciting things going over here at Darling HQ: edits, rebranding and redesigns galore! I’ve saddled up with a slew of badass babes to create a brand spanking new galadarling.com, which will launch this summer… And when it does, it’s going to be a little different!

I don’t want to spoil all the surprises, but one thing’s for certain: Love and Sequins won’t be available anymore. I wrote it in 2008, which makes it five years old… And it’s time to move on, to evolve and change.

I’m immensely proud of everything I’ve achieved with this book, and the hundreds of glowing testimonials I’ve received. But I’ve learned a lot in five years, and it’s time for me to retire the tried-and-true to make room for bodacious new offerings. ​

In the spirit of keeping things light and easy, here are some rules: This half-price sale is only available from May 25th to May 27th. It is not retroactive (so if you bought it yesterday, the discount doesn’t apply). And if you miss it, you miss it!

(Love and Sequins will still be available at the normal price until the launch of the new site… But once it’s gone, that’s it!)

Note: Some people have been having problems with the shopping cart. If you’re one of them, getting around it is perplexing but easy: buy Love and Sequins through the official shop page.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Photo by Devyn Caldwell.