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!

O You 2009 Conference: Part One

This weekend, I’m enjoying a four-day getaway to Kansas City. The occasion for my visit -- O Magazine’s O You! 2009 Conference.

Yesterday, my best galpal and Kansas native Lisa and I joined approximately 4,000 women at the Kansas City Convention Center for the all day event. O You! featured seminars with O’s most popular contributors, along with the opportunity to meet the experts at book signings.

Gayle King looked fit and fabulous in a red sheath dress and black pumps

O Editor-At-Large Gayle King kicked off the conference, sharing an affection for Kansas City that began years ago when she worked for WDAF-TV here and later met her ex-husband. As she spoke about the city’s many charms, from fabulous dining and barbecue to friendly locals, I smiled in agreement.

Gayle introduced adorable interior designer Nate Berkus, who charmed the crowd with his quick wit and user-friendly home decorating advice.

Nate Berkus charmed the 2,800 person audience

“Our homes should tell the story of who we are,” he said.

Nate says creative inspiration can come from anywhere -- magazine articles, flea markets, even a friend’s personal style. A pattern on a wallet, for example, can become a pattern for a throw pillow.

He also advised looking at what you can add to surfaces like end tables and not being afraid to take risks.

“If you want a chandelier in the bathroom, do it,” he said. “There shouldn’t be rules in design.”

Nate and I at his book signing

After his seminar, Nate signed copies of his decorating how-to book Home Rules, and Lisa and I caught a glimpse of a few other O contributors on the scene, including political strategist Donna Brazile and life coach Martha Beck.

Up next…great advice from Suze Orman and Dr. Oz and a big announcement from Gayle about upcoming O Magazine’s tenth anniversary.