All articles tagged 'life'

“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.