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Sorry for my deliquency of Friday Faves…but this one is a good one. In the past, when wearing boots with a skirt, I would wear tights, and then my sport socks on my feet before putting on my boots.

Not anymore – Bootights are my new fave. they are a  tight  (black, patterned and other varieties available) and a sock all in one (sock portion is  in ankle length and shin length). At this point, I know they are available at Jack and Jill Clothing and Spill it Sister in Dunbar. You can also check out their Facebook Page. BTW,Oprah picked it as a Fashion Must Have for 2011   

I have 2 pairs and am hooked! Have a great weekend!

Dawn

I had the honour of speaking to the “Women of Substance” Entrepreneurial Group (founded by chanteuse Deborah Ledon)  last night. They asked me to share my journey from childhood to today – how I got to where I am, where I see myself going, and how I balance my life as a TV Host and Singer as well as a “sometime” actress.

At the end of my “story’ I shared the 7 lessons I have learned so far….here they are -  I have added my personal relationship to that lesson in italics – coles notes of the speech if you will:

1)Don’t be Afraid of Hard Work (I have been working since I was 14, often working multiple jobs)

2)Everything Is trainable except personality (it’s what was said to me when I was given my first TV gig – and if you didn’t think there was a STEEP learning curve…check out my AUDITION for that first TV gig!)

3) Don’t be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone (had I not been prepared to move from Edmonton, where I was doing well, achieved success and had my family and friends close – I would not have the great opportunities I have here now in Vancouver)

4) If the situation is not to be changed…change your attitude. You have a choice. (this was my most recent lesson. When the format of the show changed (again) I had to make a choice about how how was going to react to changes not in my control)

5) have at least 1 person who believes in you (for those times you don’t believe in yourself) Someone who is your Biggest fan. (my hubby had the faith that the move to Vancouver would be a great one for me…I was uncertain I would have the same opportunities I had in Edmonton…I have surpassed any expectation)

6) Be that person for someone else…especially another woman. (women have a reputation for “hating other women” and not wanting our fellow females to do better than us…that we feel threatened by each other. Prove them wrong and pay it forward.)

7) be grateful and give back to the community…most of us live a blessed life beyond what much of the world could ever hope for. (I try to do this by the giving of my own personal time to as many charities as I can. To help them raise money. To use my profile to benefit others. )

Feel free to share your lessons by commenting on this post…I would love to hear them, and maybe “learn” a little more!

Dawn

This morning I spent the morning at the Greater Vancouver Foodbank in anticipation of Foodbank Friday here at City TV on December 16th.

We always know the need is great. What you may not realize is that the need is up by 15 percent in addition to  being 10% below normal levels right now – so we have some work to do!

We all know about the non-perishables needed (high protein, beans ect) and most of us know that when you donate money to the food bank, each dollar they get actually translates into $3 spending power. But what exactly do they buy with that money?

They buy perishables like Fruits, Veggies, Bread, and meat, but also things like baby food and diapers. So you see…they need everything and anything you are prepared to give. Another thing to remember is that the donations received this time of year actually nourishes families right through summer.

Please…come by the back lane of CityTV (180 West2nd) this Friday between 5:30 and 9am. Bring your food. Bring your money (cash, credit, interac is also accepted) and bring your smiling faces. We will be smiling right back at you and the smiles you won’t see (but know they are there) will be the ones on the mouths you helped feed.

See you Friday!

Dawn

Just spent the morning at the SPCA with several animals I hated to leave behind! Check out the VIDEO of all the animals we featured today (inlcuding 5 puppies!) and note that this Sunday, they have another 10 coming in.

Cute picture of Cameraman with puppy Luca (also featured on BT this morning)…wonder if Richard is considering adding to his family???

Richard Loves Luca!

Dawn

A great family tradition to get you into the holiday spirit!

CLIFFWALK adds new holiday glow to Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

(North Vancouver, B.C.) – Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is kicking up the spirit and sparkle for the 2011 holiday season.

CLIFFWALK, the latest addition to the park and a hit with guests since it opened in June, brings an exciting holiday thrill during the winter chill.  The narrow 700-foot cliff-side walkway, split into ascending and descending staircases and viewing platforms takes guests past a dancing light display along the colour-washed cliff-face.  In addition to the breathtaking sight of hundreds of thousands of lights twinkling throughout the park, across the Suspension Bridge and throughout Treetops Adventure, Canyon Lights continues its popular traditions – gingerbread cookie decorating, sing-a-long carols with the Christmas band, and glass ornament demonstrations with Malcolm Macfadyen.

Proceeds from admission will be donated to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, with a goal of raising $20,000 for the organization to support Burn Awareness Week in BC elementary schools.

 For more information, see details below, visit their WEBSITE or call 604-985-7474.

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

Not only a great tune by Ella Fitzgerald  but also a valid question!

I know here in the Lower Mainland we have the reputation for deciding things last minute, but it’s not too early to start thinking about it!

At almost 94 years old, the fabulous Dal Richards Orchestra is performing again at the River Rock Casino and Resort in Richmond and I am THRILLED to join him as we ring in 2012!

Dal with his Gals! Jennifer Hayes and myself

You can order your tickets through Ticketmaster - hope to see you there!

Dawn

 I recently had the pleasure of doing the live-eye from The Umbrella Shop - Great quality umbrella for certain, but I really loved that they have been around since 1935 and the family story behind it – check out their story on their website.

The brolly’s are beautiful and if you can’t find something you love (I can’t imagine this will be a problem…they can custom design something. They are true artists and the Owner Correy  (3rd Generation Umbrella Maker) is one of the loveliest and most passionate people I have ever met. It’s worth going there just to meet her.

Just one of the things I am loving right now and you’ll need it today!,

Dawn

Now I like bacon just like many Canadians….but this new release from J&D Foods in Seattle ”might” be a little too out there…

From the makers of Baconnaise, Bacon Salt, Bacon Flavoured Popcorn and Bacon Flavoured Jones Soda (all of which I have tried on Breakfast Television…here’s the VIDEO of a chat we did on BT)…something for those of you who just need that something “extra”.

Bacon or sex? why choose?

Not sure who their market might be…likely a novelty item that will end up at some pranksters gift exchange. Hey I don’t judge.

If you crave bacon or….something else in the morning – you can  check out their website for more details

Good Morning (good morning!),

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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