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.

Tips to care for your tools

A good tool kit is a must for every home gardener, so how can you maintain your tools to ensure they last?

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/habitat/7860996/tips-to-care-for-your-tools/

An Aussie Shout Out!!

Hey guys just wanted to say a big HELLO to all of you who are following me from around the world. I can't believe in the last month I've had followers from the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Norway and New Zealand - WELCOME & thank you for stopping by!!

It would also be remiss of me to not mention all the Aussies coming back time and time again to have a sneak peak at what I've been up, so big G'DAY to all of you too. I hope I'm not boring you too much.

Anyways stay tuned for more blogs on my hols as well as a little on what I thought of this year's PFF & how I feel about Oprah's Aussie Adventure (YEAH JUST A LITTLE EXCITED).
B xo