TamaraBrooks.com

Sex and the City Jason Lewis (Smith) at Ceili's Irish Pub Thursday

Remember the hottie from Sex in the City? Samatha's boyfriend Smith? (Jason Lewis) AKA Smith?
Well, he'll be at Ceili's Irish Pub in downtown Vancouver on Thursday night.

Infact, with your 35$ ticket you get to meet him in real life!

Thursday July 17th, 2008 (Doors open at 7pm)
Dress up like your favorite Sex in the City character and win designer handbags, shoes and accessories from the movie!/>

Fundraising Idea: Drink for the cure!

If you didn't know, I'm currently fundraising for my CIBC Run for the Cure breast cancer goal of $1,500! I have a little way to go (so any donations help.. even 5$) but I have an excellent fundraiser going on this Friday which should nicely increase my total.

Stella Artois presents DJ AM - Wednesday July 23rd in Vancouver

Stella Artois & Donnelly Nightclubs present:
DJ AM (Deckstar, L.A.) with
Zak Santiago & Matty C
Marlon J English & P.Love (patio)
www.djam.com
www.myspace.com/djamone

WHEN? Wednesday July 23rd
WHERE? Republic
WHAT? Stella Artois Legere and Stella Artois bottles $4.75
TIME? 10pm-3am

Stella Artois Legere and Donnelly Nightclubs are proud to present America’s #1 DJ AM. Whether it’s in the pages of a magazine or behind the decks at America’s premiere nightclubs, DJ AM is the most recognised face in clubbing today. From high profile appearances in LA, NY, Las Vegas and Miami to the underground of the thriving electro scene, AM’s mind-blowing, genre-spanning party-rocking sets have established him as the most sought after DJ in the world – come celebrate with DJ AM as we launch Stella Artois Legere – “remarkably light!”.

Canada Day Fireworks @ Burrard Inlet, 2008.

For the second consecutive year, the Burrard Inlet Fireworks Society is proud to bring us Canada day fireworks!!

The Burrard Inlet Fireworks Show is a unique multi-community event drawing hundreds of thousands of people and numerous communities together to celebrate Canada. As usual you can catch the show from a variety of locations: Downtown Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver and Vancouver’s West Side.

The spectacular fireworks display will start at 10.30pm on July 1st. Prepare for it to run a little late.. but who can't deal with a little fatigue Wednesday morning in exchange for a few bright and colorful explosions?

Summer is here in Vancouver: Surprise someone you love with a beach picnic for dinner!

I had an idea the other day for Vancouverites now that summer is here and "June-u-ary" is over (as I've so often heard it affectionately called). I think we should all take our friends or significant others down to the beach for a nice mid-week evening picnic! It's easy to do, just pack up some sandwiches, fruit, and maybe a dip and pita. Might I even suggest bringing a few bevvies with you?

Surprise someone this week with a summer picnic bounty! It'll be fun.. the days are starting to get shorter again. You better start enjoying the sunshine!

I got Vancouver NKOTB Tickets! (New Kids On The Block)

Did you know that NKOTB is scheduled to play at General Motors Place on Friday November 21st (right here in Vancouver)? I found out last week. Tickets went on sale June 2nd and some girlfriends and I got tickets. We have one spare one - so if you want to go, give me a hollar. They were pretty expensive though.. almost 75$ with tax.

H& M's Downtown Vancouver opens Thursday! (May 22nd, 2008!)

I have not been paying enough attention to the Arts & Lifestyle section of the news lately. For that, forgive me, for I have sinned!

I just found out that on Thursday (yes, May 22nd 2008) H&M's will be opening a new flagship store in downtown Vancouver. Get ready for more reasonably priced fashion! Winners you now have some competition.

Not to long ago, before they had the Coquitlam store which was erected about a year ago, I would locate an H&M store whenever I travelled. For example, my twice yearly trips to Toronto always included a days shopping in Toronto so I could whisk through the fashionable aisles of this super-store. I was thrilled when it opened in Coquitlam but disappointed that it was so far away. But, that didn't stop me from paying homage via 'girls night' car trips out to the mecca every few months. (Besides, Coquitlam is kinda nice actually). They then opened the second store in Lougheed Mall. I was flabbergasted. How could they open a second location.. that was still not VANCOUVER?

Need some good Karma?

I am participating in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, on Sunday, October 5th and I am asking for your support for a cause that is very important to me.

Help create a future without breast cancer by making a donation today! Donating online is quick, easy and secure. Your donation will be added to the critical funds raised by the Run, and will be directed towards research, education and awareness programs.

Thank you. I appreciate your support! I'm aiming at raising $1000.00. (Any amount is cool! 5$ 10$... 100$... whatever, I'll love you forever)

CLICK HERE TO DONATE!
(Over $20 will get you a tax donation receipt!)

Vancouver's Accelerator Program, here I come!

Today I (and my company's Syntric Design & October17 Media) was accepted into the Vancouver Accelerator Entrepreneurs Program.

So, what's the program about?
To qualify for the Accelerator Program you must apply before your 47th birthday and be the owner or founder of an operating business with gross annual revenues between US$250,000 and US$1 million. Membership fees are $1000.00/year USD & include the learning events ect.

In a series of quarterly learning events, Accelerator gives you tools, knowledge, and skills to grow your business to more than $1 million (US) in annual revenue.

Vancouver's Red Cross Celebrity Soiree

Last night I went to Vancouver's first annual Red Cross Celebrity Soiree! Don't hate me, but somehow, I forgot my camera. (Don't worry, I managed to find some.. see the bottom of the post). I know, I know, the epitome of stupidity. Lucky for me their was a huge amount of paparazzi-esque photo taking and I've already found some photos online.

I was the lucky winner in the silent auction of 4 tickets to Capilano Suspension Bridge and a gift certificate to India Gate restaurant. I'm proud to have supported the Red Cross in this endeavor.

Grape Juice Wine Auction

My two companies (Syntric & October17 Media) are sponsoring a charity wine auction next week. This is our second year on the sponsorship panel and I'm really excited to share with you that they've already received double last years fund raising dollars in wine & kind contributions.

Anyhow, it's not to late to donate! Minimum donations for the auction is wine of a $50+ value. All funds raised will go directly to Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland.

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LOCATION: OPUS BAR
ADDRESS: 350 Davie Street, Yaletown
TIME: 5:00 to 8:00pm

2008 Canada Cup of Beer July 5th!

It's almost summer and it's beer festival time!

I'm thinking about organizing a group to go to the 2008 Canada Cup of Beer July 5th! I've contacted them to see if I can get a group rate. If you want to go, let me know, I'm hoping we can do a massive 30+ person group beer party.

I've been invited to a real celebrity event.Paparazzi & everything!

I knew I was meant to be a celebrity, here's my chance! Just kidding, ok, no, I'm not. Seriously, moi was invited to the 'celebrity soiree' on May 7th at the Blue Water Cafe. It’s a fundraiser for the Red Cross and I've been told that wine will flow freely and yummy appies will be served.

Celebs who have accepted the invitation so far are:

Sunday Sessions @ The Whip

I'd like to propose a new tradition. 'Sunday Sessions' at The Whip Gallery Restaurant. Who concurs?

Seriously. Summer's coming, they have a patio, they serve yam fries, it's the day before we start the work week and.. (as if you needed one more reason) Granville Island creates a 'special' beer just for that restaurant every Sunday! Yep, unique one-of-a-kind cask beers just for The Whip Restaurant!

The cask is opened at 4pm every Sunday. Last sunday they had a Ginger Beer.

Ok, you're still not convinced to take part in Sunday sessions? Sigh, you're a hard sell. Well, if you're a local they offer a 15% locals discount on lunch and dinner. Nuff' said!

Want to go? Email me, I'll meet you there.

Vancouver White Caps & Mr. Beckham

Yesterday night, some of the entourage and I had a random outing to the Vancouver WhiteCaps game!

We sky trained it over to the game in Burnaby, the first of the season. When we arrived we managed to buy one ticket from a scalper on the way in for 10$. However, when we reached the gate they only had the expensive platinum seats left ($35). In this unpleasant change of event we considered going home. Though, somehow, through a variety of reasons we all managed to get in for FREE!!

Did you guys know that Beckham is coming back to play here again? Yep, L.A. Galaxy is coming and tickets from $25 are on sale right now. May 13th @7pm, Commonwealth stadium. The most expensive seats are $85 for all you british ex-pats out there from Man U.

Adara Hotel & Buffalo Bills Whistler

Got back from exciting night in Whistler!!!!!!

Went down for a girlfriends Stagette (Tammy) and stayed at the 5 star Adara hotel. Strangely enough, none of the constant stream of pizza boys, bell boys and concierges didn't rat out the 8 girls who were staying in a 4-person room.

Doolins Irish Pub for Easter Kick off!

Drink? or 10?
Seeing as it's long weekend next weekend - woooooo hoooooooo!!!
We should celebrate by getting wasted, ha ha!! Or at least having a good old shin dig! Not everyone has the Monday off, but I think most have Friday off, so Thursday night at Doolins it is! And for those hardcore drinkers it's Brit night in the Cellar too, with a live band playing old & new UK tunes.

If you are cool enough, come down and join the TamEntourage at Doolins. I'll be there at 9pm onwards. Cover is usually not more than 10$ or so but is free if you're there early enough. It's gonna get messy.

Partying in Whistler

Just call me the QUEEN-MOTHER of all stagettes.
I've been to over 15 stagette nights in my life and I know a thing or two about a thing or two! Invite me to yours and it's almost a full fledged guarantee that it'll be crazy. I know all the tricks of the trades, I've played all the fun drinking games and done all the cheeky dares.

Come Saturday, I'm joining an extended part of the TamEntourage family in Whistler for yet another ladies night in the town of Whistler! Amy, (the organizer), booked a cute little suite at the Adara Hotel (trés chic, non? I'll get picture for sure) where we'll party and crash.

Inside Scoop: Guest list at Kokanee Free Ride event!

WE MISSED FREE BEER! (But, it's not over)
Don't shoot me yet. The Kokanee Freeride Party series have STARTED already! Fear not, it won't happen again.

Hosted by the Glacier Girls, Kokanee lovers will have the chance to step into a snowboardcross starter hut to compete on Nintendo Wii’s SSX Blur video game for a chance to win passes on the Kokanee Freeride bus heading up to one of four local mountains.

The Kokanee Freeride bus trip includes return transportation, access to exclusive VIP area on the mountain, 1 day lift ticket and glacier fresh Kokanee at the après.

How do we enter and enjoy some glacier fresh goodness at the Kokanee Freeride parties?
So glad you asked...

The City Chase :: 2008 Vancouver BC

I've paid my $150.00 registration fee and registered for this years 2008 The Mitsubishi City Chase! It's like the Amazing Race but in my home town.

It's going to be AWESOME: Calling all of TamEntourage to come out for the day. Everyone is invited, grab yourself a partner and let's do it: Register here.

I'm thinking we may do a group 'dress-up' as one BIG team? If you're going let me know and we'll figure out a meeting point.

On May 10th, 2008 The Mitsubishi City Chase will begin its fifth national series in Canada with the beautiful city of Vancouver as its playground.

SO, WHAT IS THE CITY CHASE?
During the 2007 season, participants experienced some of the most unique and interesting challenges...
* Pulling a carriage through Stanley Park
* Making clothing out of fruit in Edmonton
* Rappelling the Muwata Armouries in Calgary
* Painting a nude model in Toronto
* Building wine racks in Ottawa
* Boxing against the Mayor of Regina
* Climbing to the top of the roof at Olympic Stadium in Montreal
* Fighting a raging car fire at the Canadian Championship ...
Just wait to see what we have planned for 2008!

Ethiopian food, Library Square and My Birthday :: Hungover

Doesn't that picture just scream GOOD TIMES?
I'm too hungover to possibly blog on it now. Thought I'd show you some of the classic photos though. :D

U2 in 3D at the Canada Place Imax

Shocking, shocking I know. How on earth could U2 and National Geographic ever make a good three dimensional concert experience? Hahaha... like really? Can two entertaining greats really get together and not produce something incredible? Is it even possible?

We're talking about National Geographic. The magazine and TV show with the most stunning visuals and mesmerizing content. And, U2. One of the rock music greats who are world famous for putting on truly blow-your-mind concerts.

Wednesday night at the Rusty Gull :: 28th of Feb/08

UPDATE
Want to hear the MOST disappointing thing ever?? The band cancelled. We drank to their absence.

Get ready to call in sick. Pre-plan your work absence excuses now! 'Cause the best wedding band in the world are playing at the Rusty Gull Pub (1st & Saint Georges) on Wednesday night. We're going to be heading down there - if anyone else fancies joining us, we can party hard again with the Band (whose name I cannot remember!!).

IDEAS:
- Your car died.
- You have a migraine
- Your kid is sick.
- You have a sudden bout of food poisoning.

Drink lots of water 'cause HANGOVER THURSDAY is coming right at ya!

WICKA, WICKA!

Brew Creek Lodge Wedding!

CHARLIE AND BEN'S WEDDING
In just three days the entourage and I will be heading up to Whistler for my friends Charlotte and Ben's wedding. Get ready for the English/Canadian bender of the year. The Brew Creek Lodge has no idea what's about to hit them!

Ethiopian Birthday Bash

RED SEA RESTAURANT
Get ready! The entourage and I are headed to the Red Sea Cafe on March 1st for Birthday Celebrations. We've rented out the Red Sea restaurant to celebrate my husband Luke, my sister Justine, her roommate Danielle, our good friend Matt Bellomo and of course yours truly birthdays!

U2 in 3D at the Imax!

ENTOURAGE OUTING!
Next Wednesday night I organized for my entourage and I to check out the U2 3D movie. Did you know it's a National Geographic Film?

80's Bachelorette in Seattle

My best friend Charlotte Watson is getting married two weeks from now in Whistler. So nine of us beautiful females traipsed down to Seattle to give her a well-wishing she'd never forget.