Oprah Round 3

My husband and I attended the last taping (for 2008) of the Oprah show today with Suze Orman. We also found out that Oprah officially canceled her famous "Oprah's Favorite Things" show for 2008. Instead, they filmed a show about how to save money for the holidays. (it airs next week and the Suze Orman show airs in January) Oprah said that the audience kept on asking if they were going to get free stuff - instead they got free ideas.

Suze was wonderful and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to ask my financial question. (which was: What should teachers invest in for retirement? Roth IRA? 403b? Money markets?)

At the end of the "After Show" taping, Oprah pointed to me and said,"You over there, you have had your hand up for awhile"... and then there wasn't enough time! (because some stupid girl asked a question about money and compared investing in the stock market to dieting) I didn't care! I got in the car and screamed, "Oprah looked at me! She saw me and pointed at me." And that was better than getting free kitchen appliances and a big tax bill.

Jennifer confirms she is dating John Mayer!

You heard it here first! During the afternoon taping of Oprah, Jennifer Aniston finally admitted that she is currently dating John Mayer. (that was the only detail she gave about their relationship) Jennifer also opened up to talking about Angelina's comments about falling in love with Brad during the filming of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. And how all of this seems to have happened "a 100 years ago." (this episode airs tomorrow and by the way, Jennifer is BEAUTIFUL in person - wearing a black tank top and dark long jeans!) We also saw an outstanding performance by Beyonce and her all girl band. Did you notice that I said the afternoon show? Well, we attended the morning show with Nate Berkus redoing a basement. As we were leaving, the audience coordinator asked if anyone wanted to be on stand by for the next show. My husband and I were the last 2 let into the audience!

What I found surprising about my experience:

1. Free coat check

2. All of the staff and friendly and accommodating (bringing water, cough drops, and Kleenex if needed)

3. You don't have to wait outside at all

4. You can bring in food/drink into the audience holding area

5. The audience is not told when to clap or laugh - the staff tells you to have fun and act naturally

6. Oprah talks to the audience during commercial breaks

7. Oprah walks out barefoot (holding her shoes) She puts her shoes on only when she sits down

8. Oprah told us that she had on a white bra under her navy blue top

9. Oprah and Nate both love RL restaurant in Chicago

10. She put her dog to sleep 2 weeks ago :(

We ended the day by visiting the Oprah store and picking up this ornament to add to my Christmas tree. The store also has a section called "Oprah's Closet" full of her actual shoes and clothing. I saw a Gucci mustard sweater vest for $295.00 and black Manolo Blahnik heels size 10 1/2 for $200.00. If you are looking for used/designer/Oprah worn clothing, this would be your spot.

Oprah: Round 2

Today, I received a phone call from a lovely young girl from the Oprah show asking if I would be available to be a part of the audience on Wednesday for a taping of the show. I, of course, said yes, dropped all of my belongings, and quickly listened and scribbled down her instructions.

Oprah Show Taping Rules:
1. wear bright colors (no white or beige)
2. no cameras or filming devices
3. no gifts for Oprah
4. only small purses (she said to downsize - I like that! Dave or Jay would say small/no purse - only a woman would use "downsize")
5. arrive at 7am
6. don't be late (like I would be late for Oprah?!)
7. bring a photo ID

I was so excited throughout the phone call that when it came to time give a guest name I stupidly asked, "Can boys come?" I didn't think my sister would be able to get off of work with only a 2 day notice, so I gave my husband's name. (sorry Kim)

I have been googling topics for upcoming shows (Jennifer Aniston filmed today) and it looks like on oprah.com that the rest of the shows this week were pre-taped. My husband wants free stuff and I just want to see Oprah. (I told him this was like the Bears going to the Superbowl and winning and he had a free ticket to the game)
After the show, I plan on visiting the Oprah shop and trying on a pair of her shoes.
I will post more after the show.

Oprah update and more

I received a phone call from Jason explaining that they would not have enough time to film the segment that I was going to be a part of :( .... but I have not given up on getting tickets. I will continue to check out here (see the bottom right side "Be on the Show") In other news, if you have not seen the Mrs. O blog, you should peek at it. Michelle Obama has great style - and actually dresses like a real working woman/mother. (wearing JCrew on the Tonight show, flats, and cardigans)

Be on the show

On Thursday night, I was checking out Oprah.com and the show line up for the next week when "Be on the show" caught my eye. I have always wanted to be on her show and have been an avid viewer since I was in junior high. I decided to fill out a question to Brad Pitt because I thought it would be my best chance. (and since I am an English teacher I should be able to write a creative, open ended question, right?) I really wanted to ask Brad, "At what point did you stop loving Jennifer Aniston and start loving Angelina? Was it during your marriage to Jennifer?" but I knew that they would not select me. (doesn't everyone want to know that?) So I came up with the generic, "What process do you use when selecting movie roles? and how has this changed throughout your career? What roles do you see for yourself in the future?"

On Friday, I got a phone call and email from Jason at the Oprah show telling me they want to use my questions for the show. (if they have time for the segment)

Here is the email:
Hi Lindsay - Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today.I really appreciate it. If you could send me a current picture of yourselfto this email address today, that would be excellent. Also, in the link below is a "speedtest" for our skype camera program.Would you be able to go to the link and let me know what the numbers are(upload/download/ping)? Like I mentioned, I'm not sure if we will have thetime to do a questions segment in the show, but in case we are able to, I'dlike to just be prepared that your computer is working fast enough for theSkype camera. http://www.speedtest.net/ Thanks so much, Lindsay!
Talk to you soon,
(I erased his name and phone number)
The Oprah Winfrey Show

I have not heard any confirmation from the show, but I have already picked out what I am going to wear. (Henry will also be sitting on my lap)

My other claim to fame/TV debut:

I was front row at David Letterman after the girl that was doing the stand by ticket line saw my Jackie O Gucci purse. (or at least this is the reason I believe she gave us tickets - and it makes the purchase even more worth it)

I was once on hold to talk live on QVC about a Jackie Kennedy watch that I was buying for my Grandma, but they didn't have time to take my call.