O You 2009: Part Two

Saturday, my action-packed day at O You! 2009 in Kansas City continued, as my best friend Lisa and I attended a seminar with no nonsense financial guru Suze Orman.

Suze Orman told the crowd to open their eyes when it comes to money

Suze spoke at length about America’s credit crisis, telling the crowd--

“Every time you touch plastic, you become less in touch with your money.”

Of women’s instincts to spend their money on everyone except themselves, she shared a sobering story about a woman living out of her car so she could pay off her son’s student loan.

Suze’s top tips -- identifying fears about dealing with money and using visioning to create goals that will drive you toward positive action with your personal finances.

BFFs: Lisa and me at O You

After a quick lunch at The Marquee Bar & Grill inside AMC Mainstreet (who knew a multiplex could serve up the perfect bistro experience?), Lisa and I headed back to the Convention Center.

It was standing room only for Dr. Oz, who demonstrated why he’s become one of the most popular medical experts today.

Dr. Oz dispensed great advice about everything from weight loss and migraines to depression and heart disease

With his signature rapid fire style and riveting animations about the human body, Dr. Oz dispensed great advice for taking charge of your health -- especially when it comes to weight loss.

“Biology can’t be overcome by will power,” he said. “You have to nudge the biology of blubber in the right direction.”

To that end, Dr. Oz said waist size is the best indicator of ideal weight. Eating nuts 30 minutes before a meal, he says, and eliminating as little as 125 calories daily can help you stay in shape.

After the seminar, I spotted style maven Stacy London sharing fashion advice at a pop-up station. Also roaming around, fitness guru Jim Karas and organization expert Peter Walsh.

Organizing expert Peter Walsh and me

Throughout the day, O Editor-At-Large Gayle King was doing live interviews for her XM Radio show.

Gayle on the air with Dr. Oz

She stopped to chat with the crowd after wrapping up. Just off the phone with Oprah, who couldn’t attend O You! because of a prior commitment, Gayle told us that Miss Winfrey will be present at next year’s conference.

The event, which will coincide with O Magazine’s tenth anniversary, promises to be a blockbuster. Best of all -- O You! 2010 will take place in New York.

Lisa and I can’t wait to get our tickets!

Getting To Know Chicago

Thursday, I enjoyed an action-packed day in the Windy City that began with a stroll around Navy Pier.

Attracting more than 8 million visitors a year, Navy Pier offers plenty of food, rides and entertainment.

Shiver Me Timbers: Posing with a few friendly pirates at Chicago’s Navy Pier

After posing with a few friendly pirates and catching a glimpse of Budweiser’s visiting Clydesdale horses, I headed over to the dock for Chicago Line Cruises’ 90-minute architectural tour. Chitown’s sleek, sophisticated skyline boasts rich examples of many different styles and our fabulous guide knew about all of them.

Next stop -- the Museum of Science and Industry to take in Harry Potter: The Exhibition. Featuring more than 200 costumes and props from the Harry Potter films, the 10,000 square foot exhibition is as enchanting as the young wizard himself.

What A View: Shantel and me at Terzo Piano

Having indulged the tourist in me, I was happy to make like a local and do dinner with my friend Shantel at one of Chicago’s hottest new restaurants, Terzo Piano. Located at the Art Institute, Terzo Piano delivers delicious, innovative fare in a chic, modern setting.

Shantel and I chose an outdoor table with a stunning view of the skyline and Millennium Park. A producer at Oprah, Shantel told me about her favorite assignments -- touring Sydney with sweetheart Hugh Jackman, working with Jon Bon Jovi and family during the show’s Inauguration coverage.

We also talked about our shared love of Australia, the slightly more laidback energy of Chicago as compared to NYC and the ups and downs of being single gals in big cities. One of the definite perks -- enjoying a girls night out on a glorious summer evening.

I love Chicago.

The Meaning Of Socks

Wednesday night, I met up with my new friend Jean for a light bite at Demarchelier, a charming French bistro on NYC’s Upper East Side.

As I enjoyed mushroom soup and crab and avocado salad (complemented by a smooth glass of Chardonnay), Jean and I talked about the allure of the blogosphere -- she’s got a fabulous idea for a new culture-themed blog -- and the perks and pitfalls of single hood.

Bistro Elegance: Demarchelier on NYC’s Upper East Side serves up delicious French fare

We both agreed that New York knows how to deliver an array of non dating-related distractions. The challenge? Finding commitment-minded males in this urban playground.

While trading Valentine’s Day horror stories, Jean shared with me her most recent one -- receiving socks from her boyfriend.

Apparently, he didn’t want to give her a gift that implied too much about his feelings. Mission accomplished and time to move on, Jean decided. Thoughtless, overexplained gifts -- when paired with a pattern of thoughtless, inattentive behavior -- are definitely a deal breaker.

Speaking of deal breakers, I shared with Jean my experience that they usually emerge early on. In an attempt to brush past the commitment issues I’ve often been (rightfully) accused of having, I’ve tended to ignore these initial red flags. And every single time, they’ve ended up contributing to why a relationship didn‘t work out.

Lesson learned -- trust your instincts. Or as Oprah and my wise, late mother used to say, when in doubt, don’t.

Up next…celebrity sightings at my second Fashion Week stint and being a first-time engagement party guest.