Love & Sequins #12: What I Know For Sure!

16 February 2011, 16:26

It’s finally done!

Yes, it’s true! I just put the finishing touches on the final chapter in the Love & Sequins series—my book on how to be a love letter to the universe—& so, this marvellous project draws to a close!

Love & Sequins #12: WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE is an exploration of the things I’ve discovered & lessons I’ve learned in the past few years. I was inspired by the column in O magazine of the same name, where they ask contributors to write about what they know, in their heart of hearts, to be true.

This chapter was also prompted by a reader. When I was soliciting ideas for this final chapter on Facebook, I received the following comment:

“I’d like to know what you’ve learned since you started writing the series. What new things have you discovered? What has changed?”

Of course, my perspectives on life have changed massively in the past couple of years, on all kinds of things, from the way I work, to the way I love, to the way I interact with the world! It was the perfect excuse to get it all down on paper, in one place.

Within these 10,000 words, you’ll learn practically everything I have to say on the subject of living a good life. In it, I outline the daily thought processes I use to propel myself forward, I talk about the things you need to leave behind in order to succeed & be happy, & describe some of the life-changing moments I’ve had which I feel have greatly contributed to the person I am today. I tell you about my beliefs, how I manage to be so optimistic (!) & how I deal with other people’s opinions of me! It’s all about personal magic, how to rock the radical self love revolution into your own life & how to fearlessly forge your own path!

All that to say, it’s a pretty intimate look into my mind, & examination of my personal philosophies!

Oh, did I mention that the chapter also comes with an hour-long MP3 of me reading it aloud to you?! You’re welcome!

The chapter is $12. You can pay with a credit card or Paypal, & it will be delivered instantly to your inbox! Then, you can save the MP3 to your iPod, or print out the chapter, & devour it however you like!

I’m sure you will absolutely love it!

It almost goes without saying that if this is number 12, there were 11 chapters prior! Don’t fret—if you didn’t have a chance to snap them up at the time, they’re still available for purchase! They range in subject from self-love to happiness to owning your own business, & are full of tips, tricks & information. Have a look through, & click to read more about the ones which interest you most!

Love & Sequins #1: LEARNING TO LOVE YOURSELF — Self-adoration, manifesting your ideal persona, channelling your inner Marie Antoinette & everything in between!

Love & Sequins #2: THE SMART GIRL’S GUIDE TO BUSINESS — Taking control of your life, finding your passion, loving what you do & making mad bling!

Love & Sequins #3: LOVE, SEX, THE GALAXY & EVERYTHING — From falling in love to co-habitation, & all the beauty & madness contained within!

Love & Sequins #4: A GUIDE TO MANNERS FOR THE MODERN MINX — Etiquette, social graces & charming the pants off total strangers for the uninitiated!

Love & Sequins #5: FINDING HAPPINESS & MAKING IT STAY — Choosing joy, making magic & devoting your life to love, adventure & deliciousness!

Love & Sequins #6: DAINTIER, SMARTER, BETTER DRESSED — A deluxe guide to looking truly fabulous, defining your personal style & being the best-dressed girl at any party!

Love & Sequins #7: BLOGGING 101 — Living & loving online, monetisation in the new world & thinking beyond the 9-5!

Love & Sequins #8: BEST FRIENDS FOREVER — Keeping your friendships fresh, finding platonic soul mates & clearing out the fakes, phonies & meanies!

Love & Sequins #9: MANIFESTING & MAGIC-MAKING — Using imagination & reverie to create a perfect universe!

Love & Sequins #10: INTERNATIONAL PLAYGIRLS UNLIMITED — Taking to the skies, travelling in style, romance on foreign shores & more!

Love & Sequins #11: IT’S UP TO YOU, NEW YORK, NEW YORK! Decadence & debauchery, enchantment & madness, love & cockroaches!

“I adore this series, it’s so more-ish & yummy & TRUE. I’m doing a lot of uh-huhing and nodding while listening. I’ve been trying to pace myself but it’s tricky…” — Nats

“I’m LOVING the series so very much. I listened to #1 on repeat all of Monday, and I think it’s finally starting to sink in— right now, I feel like Love & Sequins has changed my life, or at the very least my current outlook on life!” — Amanda

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

Alternatively, you can snap up all the chapters in the series for $7 each if you buy them all at once!

Thank you so, so much for your continued support of Love & Sequins! It has been my biggest, most popular, & most successful project of all time. I am so thrilled with the response & I love to write for you!

This is the final chapter, but don’t worry! I have so many more fantastic projects up my sleeve! Stay tuned for more secret treats!

P.S. If you are a subscriber & waiting for chapter 12 to arrive in your inbox, please be patient! I have to stagger the mail-outs but rest assured you will have your copy ASAP! Love you!

See more: how to, inspiration, life, podcast

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'Tis The Season! Love & Sequins Holiday SALE!

15 December 2010, 09:09

Hello my darlings!

In celebration of all things festive, & in anticipation of Love & Sequins #12 being released the week after Christmas, I’m having a SALE!

Those of you who have been following for a while will know that Love & Sequins is my handbook on being a love letter to the universe. It’s 12 chapters in all, each one covering a different subject, ranging from love & relationships to manifesting your dream life to my ultimate NYC guide! In addition to the written chapter, you also receive an MP3 of me reading it aloud to you! It’s a pretty sweet little package.

Of course, this means that when chapter 12 is released in two weeks time, Love & Sequins will come to an end! The end of an era; the end of the biggest project I have undertaken!

Love & Sequins, completed, will be somewhere in the region of 300,000 words—that is not a typo!—with over 12 hours of audio, & untold hours of work invested. Amazing! I’m BEYOND thrilled with how it has turned out & the immense positivity of the response.

So, rest assured, I promise you that this is the very last sale there will ever be on Love & Sequins! This is IT baby!

Here’s how it works!

Option #1: Hey big-spender!
A year-long subscription to Love & Sequins bought all at once is usually $84, making it $7 per chapter. If you buy during the sale, I’ll knock the price down to $60—only $5 per chapter! That’s a saving of $24, effectively giving you three (& a half!) chapters for NOTHIN’!

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

When you pick the subscription, you’ll be sent chapters #1-#11 immediately, & #12 (the final episode!) the week after Christmas.

Want this option? Click below!

Option #2: Delicious morsels!
If you’re more of a pick-&-mix kind of girl, you can buy a chapter here or there—whatever pleases you! Individual chapters are down to a mere $9 each! You’ll save $4 on each one, & it’s a fantastic way to pick up the installments you missed for a rip-roaring price!

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

Want this option? Pick your chapters below!

Love & Sequins #1: LEARNING TO LOVE YOURSELF — Self-adoration, manifesting your ideal persona, channelling your inner Marie Antoinette & everything in between!

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

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

Love & Sequins #2: THE SMART GIRL’S GUIDE TO BUSINESS — Taking control of your life, finding your passion, loving what you do & making mad bling!

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

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

Love & Sequins #3: LOVE, SEX, THE GALAXY & EVERYTHING — From falling in love to co-habitation, & all the beauty & madness contained within!

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

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

Love & Sequins #4: A GUIDE TO MANNERS FOR THE MODERN MINX — Etiquette, social graces & charming the pants off total strangers for the uninitiated!

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

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

Love & Sequins #5: FINDING HAPPINESS & MAKING IT STAY — Choosing joy, making magic & devoting your life to love, adventure & deliciousness!

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

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

Love & Sequins #6: DAINTIER, SMARTER, BETTER DRESSED — A deluxe guide to looking truly fabulous, defining your personal style & being the best-dressed girl at any party!

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

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

Love & Sequins #7: BLOGGING 101 — Living & loving online, monetisation in the new world & thinking beyond the 9-5!

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

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

Love & Sequins #8: BEST FRIENDS FOREVER — Keeping your friendships fresh, finding platonic soul mates & clearing out the fakes, phonies & meanies!

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

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

Love & Sequins #9: MANIFESTING & MAGIC-MAKING — Using imagination & reverie to create a perfect universe!

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

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

Love & Sequins #10: INTERNATIONAL PLAYGIRLS UNLIMITED — Taking to the skies, travelling in style, romance on foreign shores & more!

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

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

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

Love & Sequins #11: IT’S UP TO YOU, NEW YORK, NEW YORK — Decadence & debauchery, enchantment & madness, love & cockroaches!

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

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

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

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

The sale lasts until Christmas Day!

There are (literally) thousands of girls all over the world who listen to Love & Sequins on their way to work, read it on their phones in the subway, & print it out to read before bed. It is immensely humbling & wonderful to me, & the amount of gratitude & thanks I have is boundless!

Thanks so much for your support & love, & happy holidays!

See more: consumption, podcast

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A Quick Reminder About The Love & Sequins Halloween Sale!

1 November 2010, 17:41

Hey gorgeous!

Just wanted to remind you that the Love & Sequins Halloween Sale ends in a little under six hours, & if you meant to snap up a chapter yesterday but forgot, time is a-ticking! Go borrow some money from your mother, search the couch for stray coinage or sell some lemonade if you have to! (& if you really, truly want it but don’t get paid until the end of the week, send me an email & I’ll see what I can do for you!)

Back to our regularly-scheduled programming tomorrow… & I have something superb for you! I promise!

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Love & Sequins Halloween SALE!

31 October 2010, 12:48

Gorgeous photo by Kirsty Mitchell!

TWO DAY
HALLOWEEN
LOVE & SEQUINS
SALE!

Ooh la la! In celebration of my favourite holiday — Halloween, of course! — today & tomorrow, I’m having a MASSIVE sale on my Love & Sequins series!

Love & Sequins is my handbook on being a love letter to the universe, delivered in scrumptious, sensational monthly installments. As well as receiving the text (at 10,000 words per chapter, it’s a pretty engaging read!), I also read each chapter aloud & send it to you as an MP3! You can throw it on your iPod & it’s perfect for listening to on a long walk, or when you’re all tucked into bed at night!

It’s a rad way to invest in yourself, or even your best friend (just email me about it!)... if I do say so myself!

Option #1: Hey big-spender!
A year-long subscription to Love & Sequins bought all at once is usually $84, making it $7 per chapter. If you buy during the sale, I’ll knock the price down to $60 — only $5 per chapter! That’s a saving of $24, effectively giving you three (& a half!) chapters for NOTHIN’!

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

When you pick the subscription, you’ll be sent chapters #1-#11 immediately, & #12 (the final episode!) in a month’s time.

Want this option? Click below!

Option #2: Delicious morsels!
If you’re more of a pick-&-mix kind of girl, during this sale ONLY, individual chapters are a mere $9 each! Less than the cost of four cupcakes in New York City & much, much better for you! You’ll save $4 on each one — aaaaaaaamazing! — & you can pick up the installments you missed for a fab price!

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

Want this option? Pick your chapters below!

Love & Sequins #1: LEARNING TO LOVE YOURSELF — Self-adoration, manifesting your ideal persona, channelling your inner Marie Antoinette & everything in between!

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

Love & Sequins #2: THE SMART GIRL’S GUIDE TO BUSINESS — Taking control of your life, finding your passion, loving what you do & making mad bling!

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

Love & Sequins #3: LOVE, SEX, THE GALAXY & EVERYTHING — From falling in love to co-habitation, & all the beauty & madness contained within!

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

Love & Sequins #4: A GUIDE TO MANNERS FOR THE MODERN MINX — Etiquette, social graces & charming the pants off total strangers for the uninitiated!

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

Love & Sequins #5: FINDING HAPPINESS & MAKING IT STAY — Choosing joy, making magic & devoting your life to love, adventure & deliciousness!

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

Love & Sequins #6: DAINTIER, SMARTER, BETTER DRESSED — A deluxe guide to looking truly fabulous, defining your personal style & being the best-dressed girl at any party!

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

Love & Sequins #7: BLOGGING 101 — Living & loving online, monetisation in the new world & thinking beyond the 9-5!

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

Love & Sequins #8: BEST FRIENDS FOREVER — Keeping your friendships fresh, finding platonic soul mates & clearing out the fakes, phonies & meanies!

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

Love & Sequins #9: MANIFESTING & MAGIC-MAKING — Using imagination & reverie to create a perfect universe!

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

Love & Sequins #10: INTERNATIONAL PLAYGIRLS UNLIMITED — Taking to the skies, travelling in style, romance on foreign shores & more!

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

Love & Sequins #11: IT’S UP TO YOU, NEW YORK, NEW YORK — Decadence & debauchery, enchantment & madness, love & cockroaches!

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

Today & tomorrow ONLY!
So don’t delay!

Thanks so much for all your support & enthusiasm! The fact that so many of you enjoy my writing blows me away on a regular basis & is extremely humbling. You guys are amazing. Thank you with all of my sparkling, glittery heart… & I hope you enjoy this Halloween treat!

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Love & Sequins #11: It's Up To You, New York, New York!

12 October 2010, 10:27

Decadence & debauchery, enchantment & madness, love & cockroaches!

Step right up, step right up! The latest chapter in my Love & Sequins series has just been spanked & sent off into the world with a big kiss!

Love & Sequins #11 is a luscious romp through one of my absolute favourite subjects. This is my ULTIMATE guide to the greatest place on Earth, NEW YORK CITY!

I’ve been living here two years now, & in that time I’ve lived in the Upper East Side, the West Village, the East Village, & Brooklyn. I’ve stayed in decadent hotels where I ate gourmet hamburgers on silver trays in bed — & I’ve stayed in a rock ‘n’ roll hotel with history where I couldn’t sleep because of the cockroaches. I’ve been to fabulously debaucherous parties & I’ve watched the sun rise on first dates. I’ve subleased an apartment whose toilet was in the hallway, not in the apartment itself! I’ve thrown coloured powder at Holi in Queens & I’ve swam in technicolour pools. I’ve ridden across the Brooklyn Bridge on the back of a 1960s motorcycle, holding onto the waist of the man with whom I fell in love.

Apparently you can’t call yourself a New Yorker until you’ve lived here for ten years. But I’ve packed a lot into my two years. New York City is whatever you make of it. In this podcast, I show you what I’ve made of it, & share all of my best discoveries with you.

The best boutiques, the biggest hotel beds, the tastiest burgers & my favourite nail salon (where they hug & massage you!). Tourist traps to avoid, how to avoid bedbugs, navigating your way around the city & what to do if you’re in town with your mother! The ultimate cupcake shop. Where to buy designer shoes, sans the attitude. What to do if you only have 24 hours in NYC. Pre-planned “dates” & miniature Gala day-tours which will show you what the city is really about! Molly Crabapple’s secret top ten spots. Amazing sandwiches, gorgeous parks, & where to go to get pampered. Magic shops & vintage clothing. Rooftops & fire escapes! Art parties, burlesque shows & underground mailing lists. This is my New York.

It’s a city of amazing art & even better shopping, where you can go from a fancy penthouse party to a punk rock bar in less than a block. It’s a place where you can wear sequins to breakfast — or even to yoga — & no one will blink an eye. It’s a place where the pressure will either bust your pipes, or turn you into a diamond.

In this chapter, I’ve done my best to capture some of the magic & wonder that makes New York City a place that people dream of.

This bumper chapter is perfect for printing out & flicking through with a licked finger! At over 10,000 words, it’s a fun read & a must for anyone having a love affair with New York City! Even better, the chapter comes with an hour-long MP3 of me reading aloud with my strange New Zealand/American hybrid accent!

It’s $12: much less expensive than Lonely Planet & I promise you’ll enjoy my suggestions more!

When you click the button, it takes you straight through to Paypal & it will be delivered to your inbox immediately!

Of course, before this chapter, there were 10 others! They range in subject from self-love to happiness to owning your own business! Have a look through, & click to read more about the ones which interest you most!