Who's Sexiest People for 2010

Now just to finish off my posting for the evening, how hot are our Aussie ladies looking? Now don't get me wrong I love me some Kimmy K, but how stunningly beautiful are our Aussies gals Jessica Marais, Jennifer Hawkins and my personal fave Natalie hasn't-she-made-a-comeback Imbruglia looking on the cover of the new Who mag? Just gorgeous. Nice work Who, it's great to see these Aussie beauties taking centre stage - love it. Til next time Belle xo

Life Makeover

Following the Oprah post how appropriate is it that I launch into My Life Makeover post. Every so often we go through changes, big, small and some just so damn meaningful. We need them to keep us on our toes and stop us from becoming complacent - well that's how I've decided to look at it anyway.

This year I've gone through a few changes I'd like to share with you all (that's if' you're interested otherwise read the other posts some of them are quite entertaining if this one isn't your thing.....just don't leave - please). Note-to-self wreaking of desperation does not a great blogger make! Moving on shall we.

• Career move: I've been lucky enough to combine two things that I love doing into the one job while continuing my passion on the side. It's been great because not only am I loving what I do all day long, I come home and get to dabble with my creative side. It's a win-win situation.


• Learning: You should never stop learning and you should try something new everyday. I did a little bit of this over the year and I can honestly say I've come out a better person. The goal for next year is to continue the growth.


• Travel: Having travelled to some of the most amazing parts of the world this year, I've certainly contracted the Travel Bug - again. With a couple of interstate travel plans already on the cards for next year I can safely say I think this bug is here to stay.

So there are mine, now what are yours? Have you had any changes in your life - big or small, I'd love to hear from you. Belle xo

Confused at the pic that follows this post? It's just one of the makeovers I pulled on our non-suspecting guest room, now transformed into my office/study. Painted & completed all on my own - mission accomplished.

The Big O

Those who know me, know how much I love, love, love Oprah Winfrey, and no don't worry I'm not going to rant and rave about how much I would have loved to have won those tickets to her December shows at the Opera House......but hey Miss O if you read this - you and me, chillaxing at The Ivy - can you see it - I can!!!

Anyhoo, you get the picture, I love her (I mean who asks their girlfriends to buy Oprah's 20th Anniversary DVD special for her 30th bday- me that's who!) and everything she stands for and just like the gazillions of followers I often find myself morphing into a version of her.

HUH I hear you say, OK let me explain. Before the Big O became the Big O, there was Donahue and Rikki Lake (for the Gen Yérs reading, google them, they were huge in 90s). Phil Donahue was known for his tough talking, no-holds-barred debates and really set the benchmark for the whole talk show circle. Rikki Lake on the other hand was better known for her catch-cry Go Rikki, Go Rikki as well as her weight-loss, weight-gain trials and tribulations (ala Miss O).

Again I digress, my point is while both of these television personalities had their place on day-time TV neither of them (or those who have come after) had the influential power of the Divine Miss O. I often find myself (just like the other gazillion) going out and buying books from the Oprah Book Club (studious Oprah), taking on the '"don't eat anything after 7pm diet" (hungry Oprah) and sponsoring a woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo (philanthropic Oprah).

It doesn't end there either a lot of my vocab is Oprahphied too. I often hear myself asking - What do you know for certain, while having an A-HA moment, conducting a Life Makeover all while wearing my "I'm an Obama Mama" tee - see CRAZY!!!

The point is....well there really is no point - I just think she is wonderful and someone I aspire to. And hey, she aint that bad (for all you haters out there tsk tsk), I could do a hell of a lot worse...Just think if we all took a leaf out of her book, what a better place the world would be.....ahhhh OK, bare with me while I jump off my soap box - that's better!!!

OH and Oprah if you do happen to read this, two tix to the Sydney show would not go astray - love ya - PEACE!

Til next time Belle xo

The Race that stops the Nation

So I'm feeling a little sorry for myself today, because unlike the rest of the Australia (or so it seems) I'm going to be confined to four walls working, instead of in the sunshine, frocked up, sipping champagne and punting at one of the greatest events on our nation's social calender - The Melbourne Cup!

ARGGGGGGGGGH Now that I've got that off my chest I feel a hell of a lot better. You see Melbourne Cup for me has become a bit of a traditional holiday and why it's not a public holiday is beyond me, I mean doesn't the Queen have enough birthdays but that's another post altogether! I digress anyhoo - Almost every year with the odd exception I have the day off and head out to Ascot or Flemington (OK, we did it once but it does sound so nice when you say it!!!!) with my girlfriends, have a drink and lastly place the all important bet. I love it and not just because you get to glam up and have a drink. I genuinely enjoy the big occasion, the race and the atmosphere.

Over the years I've gotten to know a bit more about horseracing too and trust me, this helps especially when you have a twenty on one (see not a big gamble but I get involved). The studying usually starts before Spring Carnival and end around Stakes Day. I go through the form guide, look at the trainer, find out who the jockey is and I've got this all down to a real fine art.

This year however with the whole work thing "getting in the way of life" I've not given it a second glance and I miss it, I really do. So with that in mind the planning is in place and guess where I'll be this time next year? Yep you betcha Flemington!!!


So what is that you're all getting up to today? Have you got a special Melbourne Cup Luncheon to attend, are you hitting up Ascot or even better Flemington? Oh and have you picked a winner? Would love to hear from you, Belle xo

Pic: Melbourne Cup 2008 with the girls at Flemington L to R: Belinda, Jade, Myself and sister Nelita.