btvancouver

It’s the most wonderful time of the year….

No, not talking about the holiday season…I am talking about Dine Out Vancouver!

Initially created to get people to go to support the restaurants at a time that is slow for business – it has become a great way to also try some great restaurants you have never tried before at 3 great pricing options – a chance to introduce yourself to some new favourites!

At the media dine around, we started off at The Bacchas Bistro at the Wedgewood Hotel for some tapas  – honestly, one of my favourite rooms in the city (we had our post wedding brunch there!)

I also had a chance to try Salmon n’ Bannock - which had the most AMAZING Elk (yes, it’s more than just Salmon) and a really great bannock dessert (who knew!).

I also had the privilege of trying the menu at Hawksworth Restaurant - Every dish was divine…but the buttermilk panettone was really unique.

The Glowbal Group also had their own dine around….so COAST,  Black + Blue and The Italian Kitchen …everything was excellent – but at Black + Blue, we had breakfast for dinner -”“Bacon ‘n’ Eggs” thick cut double smoked bacon, fried duck egg, spicy maple syrup, wild arugula” – super unique!

with Glowbal Group Executive Chef, Josh Wolfe

 Planning to take my dad to L’Abattoire this weekend….so lots of great options – and if you have guests in from out of town – there are some Hotels that you can add to your package as well! 

Either way…there’s never been a better time to Dine Out Vancouver!

Enjoy,

Dawn

Dress for Success is an amazing organization that helps women as they get ready to enter or re-enter the workforce. I have had the honour of assisting in their fundraising initiatives and I want to take this opportunity to introduce you to their next push…for purses! And when you give to Dress for Success, you receive from Lord\’s Shoes! 

Feel free to tell your friends!

Dawn

One of the great things about my job on BT, is I have the opportunity to test drive many things – from beauty products to restaurants! So, starting today…I am going to offer my “Friday Fave” – something that I have tried and love enough to tell you about! Not every “thing” is for “everyone” …but I’ll feature something every Friday, just in case you are interested!

I had the opportunity to try them out courtesy of  Noir Lash Lounge as they were working with the models for the  Malene Grotrian Fall Fashion Show and since I would be singing at the show, they thought they’d let me experience them for myself. 

 I will admit…I NEVER thought I would ever buy into the whole lash extension thing, but after trying them out, I am a huge fan!

They require a bit of care, but it really is just a matter of getting used to it. And now on the weekends, I don’t even wear eye makeup at all and my eyes still pop! They last me about 3-4 weeks before I need a fill (kind of like gel nail maintenance) and you can even nap while it’s being done!

 For details, check out Noir Lash Lounge.

Just one of the things I am loving right now,

Dawn

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Here’s your chance to meet Bestselling Wine Author Natalie MacLean in Vancouver or the Okanagan for the Launch of her New Book! Named the World’s Best Drink Writer at the World food Media Awards, the Canadian journalist and sommelier Natalie is just back from a whirlwind trip to uncover the world’s best bargain wines and share them with you.

Join Natalie MacLean for an unforgettable evening of wine, laughter and story-telling to celebrate the launch of her second wine book, Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wines. You have 2 options to meet Natalie!

 
Okanagan/Kelowna November 8

B.C.  Wine Museum
Wine tasting with appetizers
Tickets: Mosaic Books 250-763-4418 or the Museum
click HERE for more information
Vancouver November 21

Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel
Tasting of a number of wine and cheese pairings
click HERE for more information

Space is limited for these exclusive BC events. Reserve your tickets now. Your ticket price includes a personally signed copy of Natalie’s new book, Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wine plus a wine tasting.

For more information about the book and an amusing video trailer about it, please visit the  Natalie MacLean Website

Dawn

I had the privilege of being on location this morning at Potluck Cafe and Catering on East Hastings. For the last decade,  the Potluck has been feeding an average of 30,000 meals PER YEAR to residents of the Downtown Eastside. In addition to the lunch programs, the Potluck also co-founded the DTES Kitchen Tables Project which focuses on access to water and quality, nutritious food across the DTES  and also ensures the distribution of “real food” to those living with HIV/ AIDS, Hepatitis C and Diabetes.

I got to see these great people at work – and boy are they busy! John, Blue, Peter and Felix were busy in the kitchen working on a catering gig…and working front of house was Helen, who has gone through the program and says the Potluck Cafe has “saved her life” . She and I were fast friends.They also have a friend in Barney Bentall who is preparing for the Grand Cariboo Opry (both in Victoria and Vancouver)

with Helen and Barney Bentall

The Grand Cariboo Opry, in its 6th year, promises to be a great time, so get your tickets before they sell out - but there are other ways you can help! As a company can hire them for your next luncheon or also sponsor a lunch for residents of the DTES ( Happy Planet is sponsoring one tomorrow).  As an individual, you can dine at the cafe, volunteer or donate to the Potluck Community Programs.

It’s a great program that needs your help!

Dawn

Wanted to pass on the information about an event I am participating in next week – I will have the pleasure of introducing Dr. Suzuki!

Here’s the official press release :

SUZUKI DINNER FOCUSSES ON WATER, CELEBRATES RESTORATION OF FIRST NATIONS FISHERY

On Thursday, November 10th, C Restaurant is throwing a dinner hosted by sustainability titan David Suzuki. The evening is a fundraiser for the DSF and C’s burgeoning not-for-profit, the C Blue Foundation, a grassroots initiative by Harry Kambolis and Chef Robert Clark to raise essential funds to protect lakes, rivers, streams, beaches and oceans.

The DSF and C Restaurant collaboration has netted an exceptional partner, the Lake Babine First Nation reserve fishery. Back when Rome was a mere village, the Lake Babine people operated traditional salmon weirs on their lake and river, harvesting hundreds of thousands of sockeye a year. Tragically, their traditional fishery was extinguished in 1906 by the Canadian government, to make room for an industrial coastal fishery. It devastated an entire way of life. This past summer, the Nation recreated their fishery, in partnership with Skeena Wild Conservation Trust, Raincoast Trading of Vancouver, and RiverWild Seafoods of Terrace. It has become the second largest sustainable sockeye fishery in British Columbia. Chef Lee’s menu will feature the Nation’s sockeye prominently.
“We are honoured to serve the salmon caught with great care and pride by the Lake Babine Nation,” says Kambolis. “The rebirth of their fishery is monumental and their story and achievements are synergistic with the mandate and dreams of our new foundation.”
Also a featured player at the dinner: Summerhill Pyramid Winery,  Ezra Cipes of the Kelowna winery and C sommelier Kim Cyr will compose the wine pairings to complement Chef Lee’s menu. About 80% of the total grapes used in Summerhill’s production are certified organic, and the rest are in a transitional organic status on their way to being certified.
To reserve your seat at this multi-course dinner with wine pairings, please telephone the restaurant at 604-681-1164 or email info1@crestaurant.com with “Suzuki” in the subject line.

Dawn

Once in a while, we all need a good cry. Maybe the men can understand, maybe not – but I KNOW the ladies know what I am talking about.

Sometimes, I’ll watch a certain movie knowing it will offer me that release. For me (don’t laugh) it’s the Anne of Green Gables mini-series starring Megan Follows.

Anne...with an "E"

Songs can do that too and you don’t have to invest hours of your time to get there. My “first” crying song was Luba’s “Everytime I See Your Picture I Cry” after my first serious boyfriend (at the age of 18) told me he was moving away. I rewinded that cassette tape over and over (yes, showing my age – lol)

Here’s my recommendation if you are in the market for a crying song. There are 3 versions to choose from and I have conveniently placed them in order of the severity of the emotional release so choose your dosage carefully!

SONG PRESCRIPTION TO MAKE YOU CRY: “A Case of You”

To “put a lump in your throat” if for no other reason than her sheer songwriting genius,  the Original Joni Mitchell Version. One of this countries greatest poets. No wonder people re-record her songs.

To make your eyes water if you are emotional - tears will fall if you are slightly “down” - the James Blake Version - I heard the other night on Parenthood. Hearing it again reminded me of what a great song this is.

And finally, “Turn out the lights, cause no one needs to see your “Ugly Cry”-the Diana Krall Version from “Live in Paris” . Not only is this haunting, but you can hear the emotion in her voice, and it can’t help but bring it out in you. Possibly one of the most “honest” recordings/ arrangements I have ever heard from her.

So there you have it, listen and repeat as needed until you feel better…feel free to share the “Songs that Make You Cry” by commenting on this page…sometimes, it’s nice to have a play list on hand – just in case.

Dawn

I recently received this press release about a way you could combine fashion AND philanthropy…

Now that the weather is cooling down, time to add a scarf to your daily wardrobe! Holt Renfrew now has some gorgeous Michael Kors scarves (in a trendy animal print) for sale (only $50!!), with proceeds benefiting the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

I love mine – be sure to get yours. All there details are here.

Have a great day everyone!

Dawn

I can hardly believe I am in the home stretch of the Transformation Project!   My body composition results/ weight loss will be revealed on July 11 when Dr. Michael Lyon comes on the show. As I needed to get rid of fat and increase my lean muscle mass, I also needed to improve my fitness. For the last 2 months, I had a weekly workout with Tommy Europe, but most of my exercise happened at home with a DVD and at the gym solo…just like many of you in the midst of your own transformation.

5 months ago, I was put through the following set of exercises…Things he focused on where form and time.  This is something you can do anytime to track improvement in your own fitness: 7 exercises, 30 Reps each!

1. Skipping
2. Prisoner Squats
3. Crunches
4. Lunges
5. Lat Pull Down (using resistance Band, on a door works!)
6. Plie Squats
7. Push-Ups

6 months ago, my time was  6 min 58 sec…a decent time, but we always have room for improvement right?

With less weight, more muscle and more energy because I am eating properly by regulating my Blood Sugars, at week 25, my new time was 4 minutes – 54 secs!

Tune into CityLine for another Transformation Project Update on Wednesday and Breakfast Television on July 11 for the FINAL RESULTS!!!

Thanks everyone for joining me on this journey!

Dawn