Oprah and O You 2012 was amazing!

Live your best life!  Was the theme of O You 2012! Many women from all walks of life came together on this day to be inspired.  When the day ended, Oprah approached the stage and asked the question.  What did you learn today?  Yes, I am starting with the end of the day, to reflect on the entire day.  With that question asked, I could feel the minds of many woman thinking and then watched as hands were being raised.   I did not raise my hand, but if I had these are the things I was able to take away from such a motivational, inspirational and empowering event.
 
As Dr. Phil spoke on interconnectedness in today's world,  his words ignited a flame in me.  He offered me confirmation of what I already knew and offered advise in areas that I never knew.  I was moved by these things that he said:

• Learn to say no.
• Make a Statement and own it.
• Success leaves clues, it does not happen by accident.
• People that are successful are able to define it in their minds eye. 
• Someday is not on the list, work for what you want.
• The Universe Rewards action.  Successful people take action to a known outcome. 

As a self employed mother of two, these are the words I needed to hear. 

Iyanla Vanzant explored "Who You Are"  As she approached the stage with her authoritative presence, she told us, "Everyday is your day!"  The power in those few words, sent the audience in a cheer and and applause.  And let me not forget, "Stop carrying trash with you!"  Iyanla has away of saying something and it makes you feel like yes, I should not do that or I should do that.  She is a power house a beast of a woman, that commands attention. I would say, her words can, "Get your behind in gear."  I am a woman that is not going to carry trash with me and everyday is my day. 

These are just some of things I took from O You 2012 from some of the guest speakers.  But nothing is better than hearing Oprah speak.  I have watched Oprah on television over the years, but there was something different about her on this day.   As she danced across the stage to Stevie Wonder, the Convention Center was rocking.  I sat in my seat thinking; seeing Oprah in person is wonderful, but never once on television had I seen or felt what I was feeling at that moment.  As she told the crowd about how someone tweeted her, saying her network was struggling because she spoke of God too much and her response was, 'Say that to my face!"  She began to tell us the network was not struggling anymore.  I then tweeted, "Oprah preach!"  Just I tweeted that she said, "I am no preacher but...."  Mind you she did not know I was tweeting this and I did not know I she was going to say that.  What I felt through her testimony and her spirit was the anointing of God.  She told the crowd:

• She believes there is a calling for every life.   
• Focus on what God has for your life
• You are already highly favored.

Ending the evening with the most profound statement, "Be in tune to the whispers in your life."  She walked off stage to a mountain an uproar of cheers.  O You 2012, was a day of  sisterhood, happiness, empowerment and fulfilment.  I am happy to have taken part in this day.  I thank my friend and fellow blogger Tisha Berg of Biz Mommy for sharing this opportunity to cover this event.

Peter Walsh  

Martha Beck and Gayle King

Peter Walsh and Dr. Laura Berman

How to Get Red Carpet Ready with Nancy O'Dell and Yoplait Greek 100

You often hear about pre- Emmy parties or see the highlights on t.v.  Well, this year I was invited to attend the Yoplait Greek Greek 100 and Nancy O'Dell pre Emmy event.  She was promoting the greek yogurt and giving us tips on how to be red carpet ready.  What girl does not want to know how to be red carpet ready?

I just recently started eating greek yogurt and I do like Nancy O'Dell.  Prior to attending the event, I had in mind that the healthiest greek yogurt could only be found in health food or specialty stores.  Well....Nancy O'Dell and Yoplait Greek 100, surprised me.  At the event there was plenty of yoplait to sample.   I did not try the yogurt at the event, but I did try some cupcakes.  These cupcakes were amazing.  They were topped with yoplait yogurt that tasted more like a cream cheese topping.  They also had chicken enchiladas, but I left before they were served.

Nancy O'Dell told us that Yoplait Greek 100 contains 10 grams of protein, is 100 calories (of course) and is a great healthy snack.  She said, when she received her samples (boxes) she took some to work, packed some in her kids lunches and just gave them out.  She had to request more.  I was thinking could it be that good, I like my other brand.  Can yoplait, be healthy?  Well, I went home and packed a frozen yogurt for my son's lunch so it would defrost by the time he had recess or lunch.  I packed him strawberry, that is his favorite.  When I picked him up from school, I did not have to ask him if he liked it.  I he told me, he liked it and wanted me to pack him another the next day.  I have tried it as well, and I do like it.  I guess Nancy knows her greek yogurt.

Now, back to the event.  While sampling yogurt, we were able to get our make up done and mini massages.  I had my make up touched up and got some lashes added.  I felt great!  I kept telling myself, if I only had somewhere to go after this. 

This event was different than many events I have attended.  The one thing I really liked, was when O'Dell entered the room, she introduced herself, told us about the product and then, she through us for a loop.  She wanted to meet us.  This does not happen often, if ever at all.

This made me feel very comfortable and it seemed other members of the media enjoyed this portion of the event.  She was so down to earth.  After the introductions, she told us how she prepares for the red carpet and of course how much she loves yoplait.  After trying it for myself, I can see why she is standing by this product.  I did speak with her during the event and were both saying, how it is so hard to manage your weight as you get older and eating Yoplait Greek can definitely help you stay on track. We laughed and talked like we were girlfriends.  So in my mind, I have made a new friend.   No... I am not crazy.  She was so approachable, that is feeling I had at that moment.

Now, I know how to get red carpet ready and my family and I are eating Yoplait Greek 100.   I had a wonderful time.