All articles tagged 'life'

How To Avoid Regressing When You Stay With Your Parents (Alternate Title: How To Survive A Family Christmas)

How To Cultivate Your Personal Style

I Want To Be... A Hoop Dance Teacher!

Your Fortune For The Day

Style Tips -- 24th November 2008

Issue yourself a Twitter challenge! Try using only song lyrics to express yourself; write all your tweets in haiku format; only write positive updates for a week; chart your good deeds; rhyme everything for a week, etc.

Style Tips -- 11th November 2008

Take a photo of yourself looking really, really happy. Bonus points: link to it in the comments! (The comments on this article are awesome!)

What Do You Want To Do Before 2008 Ends?

What do you want to achieve before the end of the year? You have 55 days to make something amazing happen!

Last Night In New York City

I made a video of last night’s election excitement in New York City! It had to be seen to be believed.

I Am Exhilarated & Terrified At The Same Time

Okay, America… Make us proud.

I Cheated On My Lover. Now What?

Let’s say you’re in a committed relationship, & have been for a while. 6 months have passed, maybe a year. Something happened — you met someone else, & you got involved. Now what? Should you come clean?

I Can't Stop Shopping. Help Me!

“I used to laugh off the fact that I was always in debt and a bit of a shopaholic. Now I realise I actually have a very serious problem…”

I Want To Be... A Health Counsellor!

What’s it like to work as a health counsellor? Rachel tells us!

100 Ways To Be A Love Letter To The Universe

Share your bliss. Turn up the music. Let go.

I Want To Be... A Lingerie Designer!

Loulou talks about creating a lingerie company & what she’s put into it — as well as beating Fibromyalgia & gaining the kudos of Vogue!

How To Beat Writer's Block

The most common piece of advice for anyone suffering writer’s block is “just write”. Of course, this is an excellent suggestion, because what you need is to get your flair back. So “just write” is all very well & good, but sometimes we need more prompting, more pushing, something bolder. How can you “just write” when you feel bored, frustrated & uninspired? Here are my suggestions for getting the better of the thing all writers dread.

Style Tips -- 9th October 2008

Buy yourself a bunch of flowers which complement your hair.

Blog World Expo 2008

Before we left Las Vegas, Nubby & I were already discussing coming back for BWE09, which happens in October. We had such a fantastic time & are intending on making it into an annual pilgrimage!

I Want To Be... An Arts Administrator!

Ashe Mischief gives us the skinny on what it’s like to work in Arts Administration!

Expiration Dating

“I’ve recently met a German foreign exchange student, and we really connect. I like him, but I’m afraid of getting involved since he’s going back to Germany in June, which means I’ll probably never see him again. Help?”

A Reminder

Stop comparing yourself to other girls, no matter how pretty, clever, cool or cashed-up they are.

I Want To Be... A Poet!

Is it really possible to eke out a living in the literary world? As a poet, no less?! Just ask Claire!

Letting Go Of The Past & Getting Back Together

How do you stop looking back at the past? & should you really get back together with your ex-lover?

I Want To Be... A Graphic Designer!

Nubby Twiglet talks to us about making a living as a graphic designer.

How To Cope With A Quarter-Life Crisis (Part Two)

How to develop satisfying relationships, & how they can help you avoid an existential crisis!

How To Cope With A Quarter-Life Crisis

What is a quarter-life crisis? What are the catalysts or causes, & how can you avoid one yourself? Click click, you know you want to!

The Virgo Birthday Extravaganza: Report!

Photos of my 25th birthday party, including portraits of some of the guests!

I Want To Be... A Fashion Designer!

Ana Steele writes about what it’s like to be a fashion designer!

The Virgo Birthday Extravaganza!

Nubby & I are turning a year older, & you’re invited to celebrate with us!

I Want To Be... An Illustrator!

Molly Crabapple, illustrator & founder of international art movement Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School, gives some pointers on making it in the art world!

Dame Darcy's Gasoline

A video interview with Dame Darcy about her new graphic novel coming out soon, Gasoline.

I Want To Be... A Cupcake Queen!

My friend Jess makes the best cupcakes I’ve ever tried in my entire life, & her business is an absolute triumph! Here she discusses what it’s like to frost 700 cupcakes in one sitting, & the realities of the cupcake world!

When SSM Strikes!

What is SSM? It stands for Seasonal Sartorial Malaise, & it’s a hideous beast!

I Want To Be... A Life Coach!

An interview with Tim Brownson, life coach, about what he does.

Gala's Birthday Wishlist!

This is the birthday wishlist I would give to my boyfriend… if my boyfriend was the Sultan of Brunei!

I Want To Be... A Tattoo Artist!

I talk to Tim Kern about tattooing as a career.

First Date Etiquette

Avoid being a cautionary tale (or terrifying anecdote) by considering the following guidelines!

Oh My God, I Think I'm Ready To Date Again...

How do you know you’re actually ready to start seeing other people? Sometimes we think we are, but we’re wrong (or just delusional). Here are a few signs you might not be ready to take the plunge just yet.

10 Ways To Snap Yourself Out Of A Slump

Here are some of my favourite ways to break the shackles of a slump.

Style Tips -- 30th July 2008

Sit on your kitchen table, set up your camera, & take photographs of yourself cutting up your stockings.

How To Ace A Job Interview

Here are my tips for impressing the pantaloons off anyone in an interview.

How To Have A Summer Romance (With Yourself)

...Even then, sometimes people are disappointing, or not as romantic as you’d hope, or they don’t share your fervour for eating cheese in treehouses. & I mean, honestly, a summer romance isn’t a summer romance without cheese in a treehouse.

Gala's Guide To NYC Version 1.0

Here are some of my favourite things about New York City… just a few odds & ends I have discovered in my 3 months here.

Style Tips -- 21st July 2008

Sneak onto a rooftop at night, lie down & drink iced tea. Enjoy the view & twinkling lights.

How To Be More Assertive

“I was hoping you could write an article on how to be assertive. I am neither shy nor aggressive, but I have such a hard time standing up to people I feel inferior to. For example, my landlord is being just dreadful to my house-mates and I, and is trying to make us pay for things we did not damage! I want to stand up to him but it’s difficult, I’ve always been taught to be respectful to those older then me. How do I muster up the courage to be assertive in this, and any situation?”

50 Things To Do Before Winter Ends

Freezing your toosh off? Feeling the urge to just sit around & grizzle about the weather? Shape up, cutie! Try doing these instead!

50 Things To Do Before Summer Ends

Feeling bored? Does the hot weather have you lethargic & listless? Try keeping yourself occupied with one (or several) of the following!

Your Most Fabulous Self

What would you say are the attributes of your most fabulous self? How do you behave when you are being your absolute cutest, most clever, witty, sparkly, excitable, flirt-tastic, ambitious, well-dressed, best ever incarnation of you?

How To Be A Leader

What are the essential elements of leadership? What skills & assets do you need in order to steer a group of people in one direction or the other?

A Magnificent Monday Mixtape

I made you a mixtape to kick your week off the right way! Hope you enjoy it — & dance to it just like Nubby & I did!

Quote Of The Day -- 5th July 2008

“...The body never lies. It’s your spiritual tuning fork. So it’s your responsibility not to merely cover up its signals with expensive lotions & Pepto-Bismal but to sit down & really listen to what is underneath those symptoms.”

How To Give The Best Compliment Ever

Giving a compliment is simple in theory: you just open your mouth & say something positive! But sometimes we second-guess ourselves, worry about what other people will think, doubt our own authenticity & get into a panic. It’s no fun to get into a flap over something which is so charming, harmless & sweet!

Style Tips -- 30th June 2008

Next time you have to make a nerve-wracking phone-call, put on your best, most fabulous pair of shoes. March around your room in them for a bit, pluck up your courage & then dial on your feet. (You always sound more authoritative standing up!)

Your Personal Manifesto

If you were going to make a Wordle image that summed up all the attributes you admired — & the kind of person you wanted to be — what would it look like?

Sera Beak

Last night I went to a talk by Sera Beak — the spiritual cowgirl!

Bubble Battle!

It was amazing.

Loving A New City: Alone

How to enjoy yourself in a new place & not feel lonely.

Quote Of The Day -- 16th June 2008

A Note from the Universe.

Style Tips -- 16th June 2008

Wear something sparkly, get in the bath, pool or a big puddle, & have a mermaid photoshoot.

How To Have The Best Holiday Ever

Here are my tips for making the absolute best of your overseas excursion.

Quote Of The Day -- 10th June 2008

DailyOM rules.

The Raw Girl's Travel Guide

So what about those of us who have experienced the glee of raw food? How are we supposed to eat while we travel? What can we do to make our travels less of a trip to the bloat buffet & more energising, fulfilling & fun?

Style Tips -- 8th June 2008

Make cupcakes at 3am with a friend.

Gala's Going Out Playlist

Here’s what I listened to tonight as I dressed up.

What Were You Wearing When This Song Came Out?

I went into a tiny vintage shop in the East Village yesterday, & the guy & the girl behind the counter were making pleasant banter. The guy, who was fiddling with an iPod, said, “I haven’t heard this song in years!”, & then these familiar opening notes came floating out of the speakers…

Things I Love Thursday

Chester French, air conditioning, Lush cosmetics, having my palm read & more!

Quote of the Day -- 4th June 2008

Always be yourself. No one else shines like you — nor can they illuminate a room, thrill onlookers or shatter perceptions in the amazing way you do.

My Mother Might Have Cancer...

“I don’t know who to talk to, or how to healthily deal with my emotions.”

How To Wear... Competition Winners!

Without further ado, my 12 favourite sets are…

Polo, Darling?

You are invited to join me (& a whole lot of civilised folk) for the Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic!

Turning A House Into A Home

Being away from all my trinkets has gotten me thinking about what it takes to turn a space into something you can inhabit with joy, settle into & feel comfortable.

iCiNG Treats Contest!

We all know that the nonpareils are a creative bunch. We also know they’re a good-lookin’ bunch! But we haven’t had a chance to celebrate it… until now!

Style Tips -- 26th May 2008

Buy yourself a pair of fabulous, extravagant heels. Go on. Just do it!

Hello, Lover!

I’m so excited… & I just can’t hide it…

Why Is Gala In NYC?

“Your life in New York seems absolutely fab! I was just wondering — what’s the story behind your trip/move? Did you just decide to pack up and spend a couple months in NY? Did it start as a vacation and then turn into a longer term thing? How’d you score a short term lease on an apartment? So many questions! Sorry to be a needy blogger. I’m just so curious!”

The Constant Gardener: Podcast

A recording of me reading my recent article.

The Constant Gardener

My mother has always said, “Everything happens for a reason”. For years I thought this was just her way of placating me when something bad happened, but recently I have come to realise the inherent wisdom in it.

Calling All Nonpareils In New York...

Want to come to an iCiNG gathering?

iCiNG Transformation Challenge -- How'd You Do?

Well, for a lot of you, today is the last day of the iCiNG Transformation Challenge. Phew! It’s been an interesting month, huh?

Moleskine Inspiration

Beautiful pictures to spur you into journalling action!

Yoga For Beginners

Here are some videos to get you stretching in the comfort of your own home!

Things My Parents Taught Me

“What values, insights or lessons did your parents pass on to you? What part did they play in shaping you into the individual who thinks outside of the box, follows her intuition and has the practical know how to make her dreams happen?”

Things I Love Thursday

The iCiNG community, telephones, New York +++!

What Should I Buy For Mother's Day?

Here are some ways to show her your appreciation without resorting to old faithful gifts — like a gift pack from The Body Shop or a scented candle!

Your Life In Haiku

If you were to write a haiku about your life at this very moment, what would it say?

Weekly Resolutions

Yay, weekly resolutions! A bit of structure for my (currently) incredibly random life! I’m so excited about this, haha, what a nerd! I don’t know what time this is going live for those of you in Australia & NZ, but it’s 7am here… so I’m sorry if your usual iCiNG schedule is a bit out of whack!

Observing Our Progress

I wanted to write a little bit about being observant, because often when we’re making big personal changes, it can be hard for us to see what an improvement it’s making to our quality of life. It’s all about being objective, & when it comes to something so personal & close, it’s tricky to assess it accurately.

Kink Under The Covers

“What would you recommend to spice up your sex life?”

Deciphering Your Cravings

This is a guest post from the official sponsor of the iCiNG Transformation Challenge, Emrys Tetu! (Applause!)

iTC Discussion -- Week Two

This is the second official discussion area for the iCiNG Transformation Challenge!

Raw Coaching With Karen Knowler -- Part Two

My second raw coaching call with Karen Knowler.

Weekly Resolutions

Things on my agenda!

iCiNG Transformation Challenge Discussion!

This is the official discussion area for the iCiNG Transformation Challenge.

iCiNG Transformation Challenge -- Reminder!

For those of you who still aren’t sure how they’d like to participate, here are a few ideas.

Morals, Ethics & Integrity -- Where Do You Draw The Line?

After your health, it’s said that the most important thing you have is your integrity, because once it’s gone — it’s gone.

I Have A Crush On A Guy I've Never Met!

That’s so cute & awesome, & I think you should definitely approach him. After all, what is life without courage? But having said that, there are some definite tips to keep you from crossing over into scary stalker territory.

Weekly Resolutions

My resolutions for the week!

iCiNG Transformation Challenge -- Announcement!

I wanted to let you all know about something I’m planning to kick off soon. It’s called the iCiNG Transformation Challenge, it will run for a month & it revolves around us taking control of our lives & our bodies in a concentrated way! It’s like weekly resolutions but amped up in a way that would make even Victoria Beckham exclaim, “MAJOR!”.

8 Outfits & Ideas For The Perfect First Date

After months of shy coffee shop flirting, Fawn finally wore this to browse an art gallery with Mark. When they walked outside, their nervous conversation changed track & she gave him an impromptu tango lesson in the garden outside.

How To Increase Your Energy Levels

What can you do when you feel like an extra from Night of the Living Dead?

How To Let Someone Know That You Like Them

Lots of super-sweet ideas to let your crush know they’re on your mind!

Imitation Is The Sincerest Form Of... Flattery?

“I was just wondering if you would by any chance consider writing an article about people copying you/how you would deal with that? I have a friend who’s recently started copying my music tastes, saying my favourite movies are her favourite movies and the way I speak (stupid little things like saying ‘spiffy’ a lot which I do), and the way I dress to some extent. I know I should just ignore it but it’s really irritating me that she’s basically appropriating my identity. I don’t really know what to do, and I’d feel terribly awkward confronting her about it. Maybe you could please give me some advice?”

Weekly Resolutions

This week, I’d like to impose a limitation, if I may, which will make your week much more productive.

Raw Coaching With Karen Knowler

An MP3 of my raw coaching call with Karen Knowler — which totally blew my socks off!

Taking The High Road

“So I made the mistake of falling for my best friend. Which usually can be quite the beautiful thing but in this case, we drove each other mad to the point where I was slamming doors in his face and he was screaming out my window à la Streetcar Named Desire. And then some.”

Things To Do Before The Seasons Change

Regardless of what’s happening, temperature-wise, in your town, there are some things I think everyone should do in preparation for the upcoming season!

How To Make Friends

How do you make (& keep) friends?

Interview With Mike Dooley

Click to listen to us yabbering!

What To Wear To A Job Interview

“I was turned down for a job yesterday, to my face the woman said “I would not possibly think of hiring you, you do not have the correct presentation for my office, you should really invest in a suit if you want to make it into the corporate world”. I wore a white shirt and black pants, I did not wear the suit jacket solely because I caught the train and it was 30 degrees. My Mum thought I looked good (that’s not very reliable though) and I loved the shoes and earrings I wore so I even did a daily outfit photo but then I was shot down by this woman.”

Weekly Resolutions

How did you do? Here are my plans for the week…

Being Happy Podcast

A podcast version of yesterday’s very popular article.

Being Happy

What is happiness? It’s hard to say, but it’s not what many people think it is. Happiness doesn’t magically come to you with a new pair of shoes, a lean body, a bulging bank account or 5 hours of sex every day. Nor does it materialise after you retire, get married, have a child or quit your job. It’s a little bit more complicated than that.

Things I Love Thursday

Skins, blazing my own trail, my new heart-shaped mirror ball… !

Un Petit Raw Update

“In any case, other than my desire to hear more about your adventures in raw foodism, the real question here is this: how do you balance a raw food diet with cupcakes? Can I make this a positive change without abandoning the classic cheese and cracker combo, chocolate and cupcakes on valentines day, and even, once and awhile, a sandwich? Please let a girl know!”

The New New Romantics

Audrey helps boys plan dates.

Wow

I love this video.

Weekly Resolutions

How did you do on yours? What would your weekly resolutions report card say? Would you give yourself an A+ or a C-?

Coming Out To Homophobes

“I’m bisexual, have had past secret relationships with females and I haven’t told anyone except my boyfriend, who I know is one of the most open minded people out there. Do you know how I could tell my parents, friends and other people I know? My parents make fun of gay/bi/lesbian people. My friends stopped hanging out with one of our close friends because she told them she is a lesbian and another one because she is bi. How could you just stop hanging out with one of your friends after they told you probably one of their most in depth secrets? Also, my school isn’t exactly the most friendly towards the openly gay people or even those who “look” gay. So can you help me figure a way to come ermm – halfway out of the closet – with these people without making them spaz out and shun me?”

Weekly Resolutions

I started to ponder the concept of having weekly resolutions. I know that New Year’s resolutions can be quite daunting to a lot of people, which I’m sure isn’t helped by the fact that we are always expected to set great hulking goals for ourselves (like “Solve world hunger” & “Organise closet”). But if we could break down the time-frame, surely that would make it easier?

A Passionless Marriage

What can you do when your husband doesn’t do it for you any more?

Valentine's Day Panic!

What would you put on a mixtape for your #1 crush?

How To Have A Freak-Out-Free Birthday

Birthdays are supposed to be the happiest day of the year — the one where you celebrate your life with your closest friends & have an amazing time. But sometimes, they just don’t go as planned. Lots of people loathe their birthday, & refuse to do anything but watch re-runs of ‘Friends’ all day. Others find themselves filled with a nameless dread, while some people resort to getting drunk, high, having a bad one-night stand or spending most of the day in tears.

Throwing A Valentine's Day Party!

This article is an excerpt from my digital book, How To Throw A Fantastic Party, which I recently rewrote with lots of gusto!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Today is the start of Chinese New Year! Happy new year! 2008 is the year of the rat in Chinese astrology. Nibble nibble!

EFT Tips & Tricks

I have had quite a few questions about EFT recently so I thought I’d address a bunch of them in one go.

How To Get Dressed For A Concert

Audrey tells men how to look stylish at a show.

Rock The Prom!

For most people, the prom is still a little way off — & yet at the moment, it’s the hottest issue in my inbox! Girls around the globe are fuh-reakin’ out, lost in a sea of dresses, stumped by what to wear & how to look different, original & cute without spending a fortune or imitating someone else.

Super Tuesday

I don’t normally make political statements here, but you guys have the power to change the world.

Notes From The Road

Audrey tells a tale from the road.

The Ultimate Crush Decoder Ring!

I get emails all the time from people who are in the grips of a major crush. The kind of crush that lives up to its name — the sort that squeezes your insides, makes you hyperventilate & always makes you feel like you’re not being very impressive at all. I realised I hadn’t written an article on how to stop a crush from becoming a crash, or how to salvage the wreckage if it does, & with Valentine’s Day coming up, it seemed appropriate! So, here it is — your crush decoder!

Francesca Lia Block

“All the girls were infatuated with Dirk; he wouldn’t pay any attention to them. But on the first day of the semester, Dirk saw Weetzie in his art class. She was a skinny girl with a bleach-blonde flat-top. Under the pink Harlequin sunglasses, strawberry lipstick, earrings dangling charms, and sugar-frosted eye shadow she was really almost beautiful. Sometimes she wore Levi’s with white-suede fringe sewn down the legs and a feathered Indian headdress, sometimes old fifties’ taffeta dresses covered with poetry written in glitter, or dresses made of kids’ sheets printed with pink piglets or Disney characters.”

Dealing With Suicide

How to cope when you lose someone close.

50 Ways To Rescue The Worst Day Ever

How to solve an awful day? Clear your calendar. Postpone all social engagements, take time out for yourself & do one (or all) of the following…

Jobs (& Hints) For Creative Souls

“Suggestions for job hunting, or really any way to make money that isn’t completely depressing to the creative heart would be so great!”

Man Bags

Alright boys, let’s face facts. Gone are the days where everything you needed to survive a day in this modern fast-paced world can fit in your pocket. It’s just not doable any more. If you’re roaming around the streets with just your wallet in your pocket, you’re either alarmingly under-equipped for life, or you’re cheating and getting your other half to cart around your stuff around for you. And that’s not cool.

My Raw Adventure!

Really, when you look at it logically, it makes sense. How could it possibly be bad for your body to subsist on lots of fresh, healthy produce from the earth?

Yoga & Pilates

This is a breakdown of the various types of yoga & Pilates classes, with additional information on who they suit & what to expect!

How To Be A Gentleman

Audrey’s guide to being the perfect gentleman.

How To Be A Writer

“My dream and the only thing I’ve ever really been in interested in is being a writer. Many many people have tried to discourage me from doing this, but it’s my passion! I was wondering if you had any advice?”

Rumours

“I’m having trouble with some stories that I’ve heard about myself that aren’t true. I was just wondering if you could perhaps give some advice on handling having a rumour being spread about you with poise? Because I am dreading school.”

Daylesford

My trip to Daylesford — what I did, where I stayed, the works!

2008: The Year Of Healthy Eating

I want to eat healthier in 2008, & here’s how I intend to do it!

DailyOm

I received this email from DailyOm today & it was so accurate that it actually made me say, “Ouch!” Good food for thought.

What To Do: The First Weekend Of 2008

Fun ideas for the weekend!

Cheating & Trust

“Can you ever go back after he has cheated on you?”

How To Set Amazing Goals

Why not start 2008 with a fleet of fantastic goals & driving ambitions? Here’s how to go about it.

How To Be Charming

Charm & charisma are similar beasts: it’s the art of making the person you’re speaking to feel like they’re the only person in the room.

Merry Christmas!

What did you give? What did you get? What did you eat? Did your aunt drink too much champagne & fall over?!

How To Perform A Striptease!

‘Tis the season to be jolly… & why not be jolly while you take your clothes off?!

Pets At Christmas

If you’re thinking of giving someone a puppy or kitten or other animal for Christmas, please pause before you pick one up from your local pet store.

New Year's Resolution Ideas!

Okay, I know it can be hard to come up with worthy resolutions for the new year, so I thought I’d give you a bit of help.

5 Masculine Ways To Beat Christmas Stress

Audrey’s tips for dealing with Christmas — in a manly way, of course!

Things I Love Thursday

New music, Sofia Coppola, cleaning & organising, & a huge pile of other stuff!

Preparing For 2008

Here are some little things you can do to make your transition into 2008 even better. I advise doing most of them in that delicious time of nothingness that is the 25th to 31st of December. Eat a little, nap a little, tick one of these off your list, then eat some more. Sounds like a good time to me!

Christmas Cheer!

“It’s Christmas time as you know. Usually one of my favourite times, but this year, I’m not excited. Nothing is exciting me. I find it terribly upsetting but nothing is triggering those wonderful memories. All I can think about is the bad from last year, the things I don’t want to do this season. Needless to say sugarplums are not dancing in my head. I’ve drunk eggnog, hot cocoa, eaten candy canes… Still I find myself rather Grinch-ish. Are there any thoughts or ideas you could give me to brighten my cheer?”

Style Tips -- 15th December 2007

Sew a heart onto the underside of one of your gloves.

My Boyfriend Doesn't Want Me To Get Tattoos!

“I desperately want to get a large tattoo on each of my arms, not quite as big as yours. The designs are beautiful, made up of things that are really important in my life, like symbols of my family, freedom and creativity. The only trouble is that my boyfriend utterly despises tattoos and has said himself he would find me less attractive if I had them done. He’s never ever said anything like that before and I don’t know what to do. Did people try to talk you out of getting inked?”

Cupcake Showdown!

Which outlet should you patronise? What flavour is the tastiest? Where do you get the most bang for your buck? Who does the chocolatiest smack in the kisser? Where are the best exotic flavours? & how many should you order for Christmas?

Totalitarian Daddy

“After reading your article on negative people, I have realized how many negative people I actually have in my life. So, as part of striving to be my own person and expunge myself from these beings, it’s come to my attention that the main negative people that are in my life are my parents, or more specifically, my father. As I’m still 18 and living at home, are there any suggestions you have as to how to deal with his mind-numbing totalitarian ruling and break out from the impact he is having on my life?”

Gala's Christmas Gift Guide!

My guide to fun Christmas gift-giving.

Romancing Yourself

I was inspired to write this piece by a fantastic girl called Kylie who emailed me the other day, saying that she had never had a boyfriend & was pretty happy that way. Recently, however, in a conversation with a friend, she declared that she was no longer single — that she was dating herself!

Happy Birthday Manolo Blahnik!

Happy 65th Birthday Manolo Blahnik! You make legions of women across the world insanely happy. Few men can say that!

Life After School

“I was wondering, for us younger readers, how is life after high school? Is college easier, harder, less, or more work? What about after that? Do your goals change? What about your personality? Are you able to go through a “self-discovery” period or do you just get thrown into life right away? As a young adult, what are your thoughts about all this? How was high school different for you?”

Being Okay With Who You Are

Audrey writes about acceptance & being okay with who you are.

Call An End To...

Some things can only go on for so long. If you’re up for the challenge, why not consider cutting the following from your life?

Unrequited Love

Unrequited love takes a lot of forms. Maybe you’re secretly in love with your best friend but don’t know how to tell them — & loathe having to grin & bear it while they tell you about their latest crush.

I Love My Boyfriend, But...

Stop expecting your lover to be someone they’re not. They are who they are. No one will ever change just because you want them to.

Motivation

“I have a question regarding motivation. You work from home with no one to appease except your fans. How do you find the motivation to continue writing daily? I am student and although I love my field of study, I sometimes think it would be easy to just watch television all day! I want to have the motivation that you obviously have. Please help if you can!”

More EFT Information

Here are the things I’ve learned about EFT since I started. I use it every day, & have done so for over a year now, so I have a fairly good idea of what works & what doesn’t!

Things I Love Thursday

Rachel Zoe’s style manual, butoh workshops, treehouses…

Celebrity Outreach

I have a recurring fantasy which involves me writing a letter to a celebrity & changing their life, somehow. Just in some small way — giving them a bit of unexpected support. I have learned what a difference it makes. In this fantasy, it’s always a celebrity who has fallen from grace in some way, or who is no longer “A List” for whatever reason. Someone who I think needs a bit of love & encouragement.

Ensure Yourself A Lovely Week With The Help Of The Internet!

I know there are lots of superb ways to improve your week, but when you’re stuck at a desk 5 days out of 7, it can be a bit tough to remember to breathe deeply, splash on some nice perfume or to muster the energy to go to yoga class. But never fear, because the internet is here to help! Here are some things I suggest doing today, so that you have a whole week of treats ahead of you.

Workplace Friendships

“I currently work at a University office, and just started a month ago. There are three girls here around my age, who are friends. I would like to start conversations with them, and I can tell they are nice because we all greet each other daily. I don’t know what to say, but I do see them surfing the same clothing websites I visit, so that could be a topic starter. Any advice?”

Things I Love Thursday

People moving to my city, finding elusive items, booking my Christmas holiday & many many many more things.

Living Together

“I was wondering if you have any advice on moving in with your boyfriend/partner. It seems like a massive step and I’m a bit unsure, we have only been dating for 1 and a half years.”

Decorating A Room

I think bedrooms say a lot about their owner. If you don’t believe me, think about your own room (or even cast a glance around it). Is it dark & messy? Do you ever make your bed? Do you keep the blinds open at all times?

Embracing Your Inner Nerd

Recently, my friend Nadia & I went to a “nerdcore” themed party. We were trying to think of ways to appear nerdy but still stylish, when I came up with the idea of wearing blinged-out calculators.

How To Be A Good Lover

Lots of ways to make your relationship stronger, & wonderful comments too!

Satisfied Mind

I love Jeff Buckley.

Wherever You Go, There You Are

As we move from city to city, place to place, the one constant is us. Once the newness & excitement of moving has worn off, we often find that we are depressed again. We still dislike people. We still hate work. Our relationship still drains our energy & happiness. We still binge eat or drink too much or fritter our money away. If we don’t change anything about ourselves, we just take whatever is inside us wherever we go.

Things I Love Thursday

What do I love this Thursday? Eartha Kitt, Louise Dahl-Wolfe, parkour & more!

Dressing For Music Festivals

“With music festival season almost upon us I was wondering if you had any ideas/advice about what to wear to Big Day Out type events? Almost everyone seems wears shorts and t-shirts and it’s so boring!”

Instant Glamour & Fashion Fixes

Sometimes life happens quickly & we don’t have time to construct glamorous outfits or do elaborate makeup. We just have a few seconds & we have to go, go, go! I wrote this little guide to “instant glamour” to help you out in these kinds of situations. Of course, when we only have a few seconds, the last thing you want to do is dig around my website trying to find an article! My suggestion is that you print this out & stick it on the inside door of your makeup cabinet or somewhere near your closet. I hope it helps!

Nippies Contest Winners!

I have to tell you, when I came up with the idea for this contest, I was NOT expecting to hear so many stories of nipple trauma! Who knew they were such a source of horror for so many people?! It was actually quite harrowing.

Hallowe'en Costumes

Do some research. Really sit down & have a think about your dress-up options. Once you start pondering it, the ideas will really start to flow, it’s just that you need to be in the mindset first.

Is My Boyfriend Cheating On Me?

“I am wondering if you can give some advice. I’ve been dating this guy for about 2 and a half months. Everything is great but he claims that every Saturday night he goes to his family’s house and stays until Sunday evening. I want to give him the benefit of the doubt but his family does live 60 miles away. Could he possibly be with someone else there in his home town?”

Ending Friendships

Can I make a stand & ask for people to always cull their friendships in the quick & dirty way? Please?

Changing Your Name

“A while ago I decided to go by my middle name instead of my first name just because I like it a lot better and I think it fits. Now I know that Gala Darling is probably not your birth name ;) and I was wondering how you managed to go through with the name change. I’m moving to France in a few weeks and of course I am going to introduce myself to everyone with my middle name but back home it probably won’t be as easy. I’m really shy so I don’t know if I can just tell everyone “Oh, by the way, that’s not my name anymore!” How did you do it? & does your family call you Gala? I don’t think my family could ever get used to it!!”

DELIGHT or SMITE? (October)

On my DELIGHT list for October: dressing with a touch of the surreal, things from another era, making informed choices, & of course, much more!

Same Sex Marriage

The most touching video ever, maybe.

How To Make Your CV Impressive

Exactly what it says! Here are my tips on doing up your CV.

Sunday Rituals

What do you do on Sundays, & what would you LIKE to do?

Things I Love Thursday

Dr Seuss audiobooks, mysterious postcards, dada & MORE!

Quotes of the Day -- 3rd October 2007

Clever words from Eleanor Roosevelt.

A Doctor's Dilemma

“I am writing because I’d like to make a change in my life. I currently work full time to put myself through night school. I’m going to be a physician… in many, many, many years. I feel like my life is surrounded by things for the future and nothing for ‘now’. I work at a doctor’s office (which I enjoy), but I was thinking about doing something that may not be totally conducive for my future but would give me a sense of control that I desperately need. I want to (are you ready?) go to esthetician school. It will take about six months and leave me 5K-8K in debt. I think I’ll be able to work and still attend night school once I’ve graduated. I just want something in my life that I feel is mine, NOW, fully. I’m always working for tomorrow & I’ve forgotten to live for today. I’ve become very reclusive and have developed severe anxiety. I need something. I’m taking fiddle lessons, but I feel like I need more. I’m only 23 and I feel like I’ve wasted so much of my life. That’s crazy right? I mean, I’m young and can make my life anything…right? No rules? No specific paths I need to follow? I dunno.”

Style Tips -- 3rd October 2007

How to hang a mirror, manners, hats, exotic fruit!

EFT Questions

I’ve had quite a few questions about EFT recently, so I thought I’d give you all an opportunity to ask me whatever you like in the comments.

Sexual Abuse

A girl wrote in asking how to deal with her sexual abuse, & I offered some suggestions.

Things I Love Thursday

Hot air balloons, Barbara Cartland, inspiration… & a fabulous stack of comments!

Sealed With A Kiss

How to write a great letter, make an interesting envelope & keep the your postal communication vibrant!

Camping In Style

Recently, a very sweet girl told me she was on her way to a school camp & didn’t know what to wear. She said that while her mother always tells her to take practical clothes, she often felt shown-up by the other girls, who were immaculately groomed — even after canoeing! Ahh, the joy of school. But it did prompt me to think that surely there was a way to camp in style. It can’t be all mosquito spray & burned marshmallows, can it?

Winter Essentials 2007

Some things you might want to invest in for the chilly months. Tartan, a striped umbrella, yoga classes, Oxfords, & more!

How Can I Make My Travelling Dreams A Reality?

“For the past year I’ve had my heart set on going to the UK and travelling for a few months, and I was meant to be saving up all year, but so far I haven’t got one cent to my name, it’s so depressing! I want this to happen so bad, and yet I feel like it is so unattainable, how can I realise my dream?”

Size Vanity

Size doesn’t mean anything. Being an 0, an 8 or an 18 is irrelevant — especially in this day & age, where so many companies assign “sizes” based on vanity & consumer feedback.

Summer Essentials 2007

Tennis lessons, sunblock, postcards, lip venom, photobooth strips & more!

Is Your Lover Good For You?

If you think about yourself as an individual — even as an individual with grand plans & lots of enthusiasm — it can be hard to get things done, & to achieve what we want to. When we’re surrounded by positive, uplifting people who encourage us, it makes life so much easier.

How To Be The Life Of The Party (Podcast)

Will you be drinking or partaking of substances? Is a long walk on the cards? How about dancing? Are the other guests the sort of ruffians that are likely to spill or throw drinks? (If the answer to this question is yes, maybe it’s time for new friends!)

Going Crazy

Focus on the good things in your life. Write a list every morning of the things for which you are grateful. Even if it is just that you have a roof over your head, that the sky is blue, that your partner loves you.

Virginity

Should a girl give her boyfriend her virginity for his birthday?

Quote of the Day -- 5th September 2007

Oscar Wilde, baby!

How To Be Confident

Being ‘different’ is always harder than being ‘normal’ & fitting in, towing the line. There is always more effort involved. Any schmuck can wear jeans & comb their hair & be a lemming. It takes someone with guts & a bit of a twist to do something different.

Gift-Giving

It can be hard to buy someone a present, especially if they are the type of person who already has everything they need.

Making Dali Proud

Moustaches in honour of Dali!

Diana, Princess of Wales

Lessons we learned from Diana, Princess of Wales.

Things I Love Thursday

Violet hair, birthdays, gift vouchers & more!

I Love New York!

New York is my favourite city in the entire world. I have been obsessed with it since I was a child — it seemed like the total opposite of the sleepy city in which I grew up.

How To Survive Fashion Week

Voila! The fashion week survival kit, as well as some clever tips to keep you on the right side of Anna Wintour…

Will My Boyfriend Cheat On Me?

“I have issues with my boyfriend’s history. He has had sex with nine other girls and hooked up with countless others… and while he has so far been faithful to me, I’m afraid that his past behavior will eventually take over. Is that legitimate? He says it hurts him when I say that, but I can’t help stop thinking about his tendencies and his flirtatious personality.”

Being The New Kid

“I’m 15 and I’ve lived in the same small rural town since 1st grade! My family’s moving a few hours away to be by my grandpa (he’s sick) and I’m going to be plopped into the middle of a big (to me haha) city high school that’s twice the size of my old one… I’m kind of nervous as I’ve never been a “new kid” before. So how do I make friends and deal with the first few days when I don’t know anyone and am sitting alone at the lunch table? I’m not sure how to deal with leaving all my friends behind.”

Betsey Johnson's Apartment

Her incredible decorating skills.

Happy Birthday Betty Dodson!

Some ways to celebrate the birth of this brilliant sex educator.

Things I Love Thursday

Things which are making me happy today!

My Best Friend Is In Love & Ignores Me!

What to do when your friend is bitten by the love bug & disappears…

iCiNG Manifesto

iCiNG is about dolling yourself up, inside & out. It’s for girls who read Nabokov & wear stilettos, boys who appreciate glamour & take style risks.

Style Tips -- 20th August 2007

Write a wish on a balloon, listen to different music, wear red lipstick…

Cheap Glee

Sometimes you just need to be perked up — & sometimes your wallet’s feeling a little bit lighter than you would like. In these situations, what you need is a shot of cheap glee. Here are some ways to get it…

Jennifer

Today is the 16th of August, my friend Jennifer’s birthday. She would have been 24 today, but she committed suicide when she was 15.

O Magazine & Ellen Barkin

What exactly is she trying to say here? That women over 50 should cover up & shuffle down the street as if invisible? That once you hit your 50th birthday, your time in the spotlight is over? Time to eat at the early-bird special, grab your Zimmer frame & don orthopaedic shoes?

Napping

There is a lot of stigma about napping — the art of bowing out of life for a little while so that you can lay down your head & have a sweet little snooze. People feel guilty about it. “There’s too much to do!”, they bellow. “Who has time to nap?!”

Party Preparation

What are your best party preparation tips?

Maintaining Your Individuality In A Relationship

How to remain your own person when you’re living with your lover.

How To Find A Boyfriend

“Well, my problem is that I’m still very young. I’m only fifteen, but there is only one thing on my mind — getting a boyfriend. It seems silly when I write it out, but everybody around me has so much experience in the boy department but I feel left out. I’ve never had a “real” boyfriend, only one or two little flings in middle school. I really just want somebody with whom I can share good times, and I’m just seeking some male attention. I don’t know what seems to be wrong me with me, but I can never get a guy! Do you have any suggestions?”

Japan Makes Me Happy

A carnival of Japanese joy!

Carpe Diem!

How to really seize the moment!

Pole-Dancing & Raunch Culture

What do you think about pole-dancing?

Style Icons: Marchesa Luisa Casati

She wore live snakes as jewellery, & was infamous for her late-night walks, during which she would walk cheetahs on diamond-studded leashes, while completely naked beneath her furs.

Summer Fun In Your Backyard

“Hello, I have a little backyard that I’m just dying to make into the perfect place for picnics and parties during the summer, but I’m not quite sure what I want it to look like! I’m looking for small backyard inspiration, any suggestions would be wonderful! Furniture, lights, decor, etc etc.”

The Rules

Rules for your life. Do you have any?

Happy Gonzo Day!

Today would have been Hunter S. Thompson’s 70th birthday, so I dressed in homage.

I Don't Know What To Do With My Life!

“I just ended my four-month contract with a company that paid well and had good prospects just because it really bored me to death and now I feel like I should’ve tried harder to make things work.”

Keeping Your Relationship Fresh

Go camping, have a picnic, kiss, remove distractions, send racy text messages…

The Fashionable Jew

“I have to abide by some rather strict religious rules with regard to dress – not just at school, everywhere. (The rules: no pants, nothing tight or revealing, shirts up to the collar bone and past the elbows, absolutely no exposed midriff, skirts past the knee, no visible underwear, nothing transparent or too sexy in general.) I was wondering if you could help me get out of my rut, or if I should just resort to wearing a burka.”

Dealing With Online Nastiness

“I remember when someone wrote a nasty comment about you, and you handled it so well! Could you dish out some advice on how to handle online nastiness… like outright rudeness, public bitching and people who seem to have nothing better to do with their time than insult you and make you angry? I’ve been dealing with a fair bit of this lately and would LOVE it if you wrote an article about it!”

Long Distance Love

Having a long-distance lover can be one of the most exciting things ever, or it can be one of the most heart-rending experiences of your life… & sometimes both at the same time…

How To Have A Great Picnic

Humans tend to be the best sort of guest, though if you’re having a particularly trying week, you might prefer to picnic with pets, stuffed animals or a handsome-looking gherkin…

Gala's Guide To Tennis Chic

Start spending time at a country club. Remember to wear pearls & get blitzed on gin & tonics like the rest of them…

EFT Follow-Up

A follow-up to the original EFT post & an offer.

EFT

EFT is a form of healing & therapy that you can use on yourself. Here I explain a bit about it & film myself doing it!

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, the effect they have & the not-so-glamorous side of starving yourself.

More Days To Celebrate

Some fabulous people, their birthdays & ways we can commemorate them.

The Cheap Date Guide To Style -- Book Review

A great book — some quotes.

Pow-Wows & The Law Of Attraction

Being in charge of your own life versus complaining for the sake of it.

Gala's Kissing Boot-Camp

I’m quite small so I like to crawl into people’s laps & sit opposite them. This way they are TRAPPED & can’t escape until my lips are satisfied! I am sneaky like that.

Things I Learned From Watching Miss Universe 2007

Some people enter a room & even before they introduce themselves, you know you’re in for a sleigh-ride to Boredomville. In Miss Universe, you could tell the girls who had a little something going on upstairs — their eyes sparkled, they smiled mischievously, they walked with a purpose — & that made them far more attractive.

How To Be Genuine With People You Dislike

This may involve saying something like, “I don’t know that that’s necessary” or simply, “let’s not kid ourselves, I would rather eat a razorblade sandwich than continue this façade any longer!”

A Round-Heeled Woman -- Book Review

A book review & a WHOLE lot of suggestions of other books to read!

Things To Do In Summer

Make friends with someone who has a swimming pool — or find one you can sneak into easily.

Things To Do In Winter

Buy a pair of motorcycle boots & wear them everywhere — with pearls.

Living Situations

“They live in adjoined houses with a hallway that connects the two homes.”

A Fat Rant

A video by Joy Nash on accepting yourself.

The Break-Up Rules

Relationships are the accumulation of mutual respect, the sharing of secrets & experiences. By contrast, break-ups are painful & ugly, especially if you’re the one who has been dumped. But where do we draw the line? What is acceptable break-up behaviour, & what kind of thing cements your place as an inhuman monster? What are the break-up rules?

What To Do With Candles In Glass Jars?

“What do you do with the pretty glass holders the candles come in, once the candles are spent? Do you throw them away, or save them? Since the design on the glass was half the appeal, it seems like it would be a waste to throw it away. Do you think it would be tacky to save it?”

Random Acts Of Kindness

Beth sent me an email outlining the secret messages she had been placing on people’s windshields…

Style Tips -- 10th May 2007

Bento boxes, glittery toenails & exciting voicemail messages!

Madame Pompadour

On an exploratory visit to the Victoria Markets, Ana & I stumbled across a shop called Madame Pompadour. It’s gorgeous — like something from a Francesca Lia Block book. It is INSANELY pink, a treasure trove of homeware, clothing & accessories. I took a whole bunch of pictures because I thought it was gorgeous.

Living It Up At Burning Man

There are so many essential packing lists & pages of information on how to do Burning Man properly, & attempting to re-create or better those would be an exercise in futility. I can, however, tell you about my experiences & give you some suggestions.

Homesickness

“As one who travels and lives far from home, I thought you might have some advice about my situation. I am about to go away to a college which is a 9 to 10 hour drive from home. Although I am not the type to be homesick, I find that I’m uneasy about the concept of only coming home for major holidays. Obviously, you are used to living quite far from home, and I was wondering if you had any thoughts on the whole thing.”

Be Your Own Superhero

Stop looking outside yourself for people to emulate. Stop waiting to meet someone who is going to “make you happy”.

iCiNG's Definition Of Chic

Yesterday, Kristen suggested that we all — as a community! — compile a list of what we think is chic. In her words, a “positive, fun, happy” list. I think it’s a brilliant idea, so here it is! I think a chic person…

Apartment Living & The Single Gal

I recently had a request from somebody who wanted to see more photos of my apartment in Auckland, New Zealand. The good news is, I have a lot of photos I can show you. However, most of the pictures have people in them too. I guess I didn’t think at the time that one day I would be doing an online show-&-tell of where I used to live!

Modern Manners

A call for a return to manners, civility & poise! I believe that the days of being petulant & stroppy must end! I am bored by girls who chew gum with their mouth open, frustrated by those who drag their feet while they walk, disappointed by boys who eat with their elbows on the table.

Marriage -- The Final Frontier

If you were going to ask someone to marry you, how would you do it? If you already have, or someone has asked you, how did it happen? What are your thoughts on marriage in general?

Paparazzi Photos

But what about those times when you’re at an event & a photographer approaches you, asking to take your photograph for x magazine? It is a time of panic for many of us.

Destructive Relationships

There is really no way to improve a relationship that is bad for you. People rarely change, regardless of how much we want them to.

In Bed With Your Parents

Regardless of what you thought about the kind of relationship your parents had, you will subconsciously search to replicate it — or, if you’ve made a conscious decision that you don’t want to be like that, you’ll be looking for the complete opposite.

How To Keep Your Head Above Water (iCiNG Podcast #001 Transcript)

A transcript of iCiNG Podcast #001.

iCiNG Podcast #001

This podcast is about the strangeness of the seasons changing over. It is such a weird time for so many people (myself included), so I thought I would make a podcast about how to triumph over the elements & feel sane again.

Putting The 'Rave' In Travel Since 1983!

How to make airplane travel less tedious!

Gala's Guide To Melbourne

Melbourne can be a difficult city for visitors. While the main streets are obvious to everyone, they’re not where the really interesting things are. Melbourne requires a bit of effort — think of it as a treasure hunt. Go into weird alleyways, peer into arcades, allow yourself time to wander through & really experience the place.

Erica Jong's Birthday

Erica Jong ages another year. Here’s how you can celebrate…

Little Things

I think life should be made up of small delicacies. I don’t mean little cakes every two hours — though, of course, that would be pretty nice — I mean tiny things which propel you forward & invigorate you.

Ballet Do's & Don'ts

I haven’t been to the ballet since I was in school, so it was a very exciting experience. For those of you who may be in a similar situation in the near future, I thought I would give you my tips on how to do it properly.

I'm So Jealous!

“I really think you should do an article on dealing with jealousy. I just got hit really badly
today with jealousy since my friend got accepted to this school and I got rejected from mine, even though the ones I applied to are way harder to get into. I just feel like it is unfair since she has not-so-great grades and doesn’t try, while I put my all into everything I do and have straight A’s. It’s hard to explain. But the green-eyed-monster affects us all sometimes…”

Primp My Ride

“I have an article idea for you me dear. Pimp my ride Gala-stylezzz! Please? The Toyota Corona I got for my 30th is sooooooo lame and has no sass compared to my old Peugeot that gave up. Help me make my ease-ey pease-ey Japanese-ey car cool?”

How To Deal With The End Of A Relationship

People deal with the end of relationships in various ways. Some people go the healthy route (lots of therapy, good food, exercise & meditation, for example) & some go the unhealthy way (say, lots of alcohol, sex with anyone who pays them a compliment, drugs to create artificial joy & an annoying facial tic).

Giving Up The Ghost

Why not stop reading about the lives of people you dislike?

Unexpected Guests

Sometimes, people just turn up on your doorstep without warning. They could be your best friend, a relative or a distant acquaintance, but regardless, they all bring similar challenges. Where are they going to sleep?! How can you make them feel comfortable? & the ever-pressing question… when are they going to leave, & how can you politely reclaim your life (& living room)?

Negative People

The supremely negative are obvious — they have a puckered-up mouth from years of scowling, they whine a lot, they complain, they are blind to anything good happening in the world, & they want to take you down with them. However, sometimes negative people are hard to spot, until you step back from the situation. They talk smack about everyone, including you, under the pretense of “being your friend” & “honesty”. “I’m only saying this because I care about you!” they protest, after sticking a carving knife in your back.

Avoiding Creeps

Nobody likes to be yelled at in the street, whistled at, or otherwise ogled. I know that a lot of women are nervous to leave the house wearing a short skirt, high heels, a low-cut top or anything that could be perceived as “slutty”. It really angers me that people aren’t able to dress however they like because of other people’s stunted social prowess.

How To Settle Into A City (Part Two: Domestic)

This is part two of How To Settle Into A City. While it’s all very well & good to have a raging social life (or to get preoccupied trying to create one), this will mean very little if your home life is hell.

How To Settle Into A City (Part One: Social)

“I am moving to Auckland at the end of this year (with my boyfriend) so that I can attend university up there. How does one make friends? I’ve heard all the ‘take a class/join a club’ suggestions which I’m not suggesting aren’t valid, but I’ve taken many classes and haven’t really become great friends with any of the other attendees. I don’t want to come on too strong and seem desperate. Also I’m quite shy. Waaaah… Gala, how do I make friends in a foreign environment?!?!”

Visiting A Mall

Miles of shiny linoleum, epilepsy-inducing lights, & of course, the other patrons. Oh, the other patrons!

What Does Your Clothing Say About You?

Have you ever thought about what message your clothing is projecting & what it says about you? What story do you think your outfit today told the world?

Things To Do Today

A few ideas to keep you from obsessively refreshing your Livejournal friends page or reading Myspace comments to people you don’t even like!

Sofa Coppola's Apartment

Sofia Coppola’s apartment in Soho, New York City.

How To Pack A Suitcase

“More specifically, how do you decide ahead of time what to bring with you on a trip? I decide so spur of the moment that I often end up over-packing. How do you pack when you are unsure of occasions you might hit or moods you might be in?”

How To Throw A Fantastic Party With Gala!

I have finally finished my first ever e-book! (So exciting.) It’s called “How To Throw A Fantastic Party” & it is 39 pages of awesome inspiration for your next shindig.

Last Minute Valentine's Day Idea

Improving Your Life With Feng Shui (Or: Why I Bought Goldfish Today)

Here’s a brief overview of feng shui concepts, & some easy ways to implement them.

An International Dress-Up Party

Basically, my idea is that one day a month, anyone who wanted to be involved would dress in a way which incorporated a previously decided theme. The ultimate aim, other than having fun, would be to take a photo of yourself “on theme” & then I would publish all the pictures I received. Instant internet fame!

The Perfect Roadtrip

Every now & then when your life gets complicated & the weasels start closing in, the only real cure is to load up on heinous chemicals & then drive like a bastard from Hollywood to Las Vegas. To relax, as it were, in the womb of the desert sun. Just roll the roof back & screw it on, grease the face with white tanning butter & move out with the music at top volume, & at least a pint of ether. ... Here’s how to have a great roadtrip.

Inspiring desks

Great workspace pictures & how to make your desk area more personalised.

Valentine's Day Treats

Okay. I know Valentine’s Day is a major sore point with a lot of people. Capitalist holiday, blah blah blah, yeah I know. I used to be part of the anti-Valentine’s brigade myself. I have since realised that being against anything is a huge waste of energy which I do my very best not to participate in.

Gala Darling