btvancouver

I don’t think I’m up for skydiving…you know, that whole jumping out of a plane thing kind of freaks me out – but this MAY be the next best thing! It’s called Fly Zone , and you get to experience the part “after” the jump!

The instructors were awesome  – here’s the VIDEO  if you missed the segments on BT! They are only at the location until mid-February until they have to move to a different location (TBA)  – so give them a call!

Highly recommend this experience!

with the instructors of Fly Zone

Have a great weekend!

Dawn

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

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

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

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

Hard to believe we are 23 weeks into the Transformation Project. Funny thing is, in 3 weeks and a day, I will still be doing everything I have been for the last 5 months – this REALLY has become a lifestyle…so let’s talk about the fitness side of things because although much of my change has been because of nutrition and regulating those blood sugar levels – for me, fitness is a necessary component. So, how to stay motivated?

I have had the good fortune of working with Tommy Europe once a week for the last few months – you can work with him for even cheaper through his newest book – and I am telling you, this is EXACTLY like working with him, it’s how he talks and it’s how he motivates.

Just like working out with him!

I also like to mix it up and so once in a while I “Shake” and “Tuck” with The Bar Method in Yaletown – way harder than you could imagine and NO you do not have to be a dancer or flexible.  A neat way to mix it up. Former Bachelorette and Interior Designer Jillian Harris is also a proclaimed fan according to her Tweets!

Be prepared to SHAKE!

But the one workout that I have been really impressed with is the locally created Ugi Workout. You get a ball that resembles a squishy medicine ball that is weighted at 6, 8 or 12 lbs as well as a DVD, an exercise book with too many versions to mention and a meal plan for under $200. You only need a space as big as a yoga mat and you only need 3o minutes. It’s crazy, but I have been doing the DVD at home and not only have a sweat as much as a Tommy Europe Workout, but my waist is becoming whittled!  Singer Chantal Kreviazuk sung it’s praises during an interview on BT last year.

Good Bang for your Buck (and butt!)

So there you have it…options. No excuses…it’s working for me and I look forward to hearing what works for you. It’s a battle for all of us to fit it in, I know, but I am learning more and more it’s about changing attitudes- more  time is not necessarily better…being consistent is key as is working smarter.

Thanks for your support and know that I am rooting for you as well!

Tune into CityLine Wednesday for the next update!

Dawn

The Greater Vancouver Foodbank kicked off their Spring Food Drive by inviting Chef Ned Bell , Chef Quang Dang and Chef Gennaro Iorio to compete a cooking competition at the Dirty Apron Cooking School.

The Challenge….to use the most needed food bank items in a tasty and nutritious dish, showing that you can make gourmet meals with only 30 minutes and with basic items… I had the pleasure of judging along side Global TV’s Sphie Lui and Claudia Kwan. It was a tough decision!

Here’s the video -please help the Greater Vancouver Foodbank meet the goal of 1.2 Million lbs of food and $1.2 Million!

Stay Nourished!

Dawn

The statement below reflects what I (and I am sure  many of us who are trying to “stay on track” ) periodically think:

I don’t want to put my ”restrictions” upon my friends and what they enjoy so better not to go out with them if I can’t “go all out” too!  If I go out socially, my friends will feel “pressured” to “deprive” themselves. Best not to go! Go hard or go home (or in my case, stay home!)

Well, if you know me I am WAY to social to take myself out that easily- but it is funny that would I assume that my friends would rather not see me than be a part of my journey. “Whoa Whoa Whoa”…I can hear you protest.

What does “being a part of my journey” really mean? Does it mean when we go out with everyone that we’re not allowed to order the nachos or the beer? Does it mean everyone at the table has to order a salad? Does it mean we can’t do all the things we always did?

Not at all.

Here’s what I think it means:

Although I am embarking on this long term change, nothing about our relationship should. I will count on your support as my friend, colleague or partner in life but you don’t have to do what I do. My choices don’t have to be yours in life, or in food.

I won’t pressure you but I will REALLY try to make the healthier choice. That said,  should I choose the nachos or have an extra glass of wine or dare I say a dessert- you need not scold me with your eyes or by saying “should you have that?”  I can do guilt on my own and it doesn’t apply here.

I am “allowed” to have anything I want (yes, even a bite of the hot dog I made on the show the other day). This is a lifelong commitment to myself. Like everyone, I am trying to balance everything from my daily schedule, my family to work commitments, and my calories in to calories out. 

There is no question that it is way easier to make the “right” choices when everyone around you is as well and for all I know, you were thinking the same thing as me creating undue pressure on yourself. Makes you wonder how many of us in our social circle want to change, but are “saving” everyone else from “deprivation” or the “pressure to do what I’m doing”. Maybe we’re all just waiting for the permission to do it.

Tune into my 26 Week Transformation Project  on Wednesday’s (March 30) CityLine (check local listings) for other ideas on how to let the people in your life know that you are embarking on your own journey!

I’m in your corner…thanks for being in mine!

Dawn

Earth Hour is tomorrow between 8:30 and 9:30pm and to recognize that, many restaurants will dim the lights (McDonald’s Canada is doing the same, anticipating an energy savings in one hour that would amount to the estimated annual energy usuage of an average household!)

Here are a few of the participating hotels you may wish to check out!

Yew at the Four Seasons - Chef Oliver has created a special menu for this occasion – btw: this is my favourtite place ever

All Fairmont Hotels ( 4 in Vancouver!)

100 Nights at the Opus -To compliment Earth Hour, the restaurant is offering a $45 set menu titled “Beyond the Hour” with 15% of food revenue being donated to the Japan Relief Fund.

Lights out!

Dawn