TamaraBrooks.com

Vancouver's India Gate Restaurant Review (2008)

My husband and I did date night yesterday. We used the India Gate 50$ gift certificate I won in the World Red Cross Celebrity Soiree a few months back at the Blue Water Cafe in Yaletown.

Judging by the outside (see the picture above) I wasn't expecting all that much. It was a bit dingy on the inside too which sealed the deal in my mind as I entered. Boy, was I wrong!

Food was phenomenal. I had the vegetarian Bhartha dish (eggplant) with rice and the best garlic butter nan you've had in your entire life. It was totally yummy (as long as we're clear here, it wasn't healthy at all). My husband had the lamb curry which was yogurt, spices and tomatoes. Delicious and basically a lamb gravy sauce! It's a little on the expensive side for portion size but the sheer taste value put it through the roof for me.

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?

It's baby-making time! Paid parental leave for Dads in Canada.

My husband and I just passed our 3 year wedding anniversary. We own our apartment in downtown Vancouver and I'd be lying if I didn't admit we weren't considering the family route. We've been doing a bit of house hunting and started to evaluate how we'd financially and physically handle a little muchkin. It made us question how kid-friendly our lives really were.

So, I cam across an article in the Province yesterday that was kind of interesting. Apparently more dads are doing diaper duty for longer periods of time!

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!

Closing the Presidents Choice Financial Fraud Loop.

I am happy to say the on going Mastercard fraud saga has finally come to an end. I feel it's my duty to report to the world what really happened and how it turned out.

Ok, here is the good news. We have gotten our money back and the remaining charges reversed. Now, the bad news: We would not have been able to do it without the help of two lawyers and many threatening phone calls and letters send on our behalf. I would say it is also luckily that we had two lawyers of exceptional stature (one being the lawyer for the Bank of Canada and the other a corporate and commercial specialist from BC).

Tuesdays at Earls = $6 White Peach Bellini Cocktails!

I want to share with the world (especially Vancouverites) that at Earls on Tuesday you can get a DOUBLE delicious white peach bellini made with natural peach syrup, blended with rum, peach liqueur and sparkling white wine for $6!

I'm hung over today but I just wanted to tell you how damn good they taste. (Ever since I finished my half iron man I'm a little out of control on the social front.. I just want to go around yelling that Eminem song "Guess who's back.. back again... Tamara's back... tell a friend".

Treat yourself. Treat your co-workers. You deserve a bellini. Go on. Make a date.

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.

Sex in the City Party Crashing!

Since I did my half ironman last weekend I've dramatically increased my social festivities time to compensate for my lack of 'life' over the last few months! It's been great fun.. and thus the lacks of posts!

On Tuesday night I crashed an uber fun private party / screening to see the Sex in the City movie! I was planning to do some shopping downtwon and then meet a girlfriend for dinner and drinks at Earls when she called me and said she was on the third floor of the Scotia Bank Theatre at a fun women-only private screening to see Sex in the City. She said they were serving champagne, martini's, hor'dourves (like mini burgers and samosas) and giving away free door prizes (like dinner for 8 at Cactus Club or something). How could I resist? I shot down there and told them my friend had invited me!

Nixon's brother is coming!

Some of you know my Siamese Seal Point, Nixon. I've posted his picture's on the left. Out of all the cat''s I've had in my life (and trust me I've had quite a few, 7 in total I think) he's my favorite.

Can you beleive some people think he's ugly? I get a lot of strange faces when people see him for the first time. People either love him or hate him. :) But, whatever, it works for me. His personality is second to none.

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?

I didn't get to see the Brett Dennen concert...

I was just too sick. It was a sad state of affairs but I had to skip the concert. I was really looking forward to it, but what could I do?

If you were interested, my friend has a great review of the Missy, Brett & Mason concert here in Vancouver on Monday night.

Next time, I WON'T be sick!

Drink for the cure!

I'm planning a new event for everyone to come to. It's called 'Drink for the cure!'. Sounds fun, non?

As you know, I'm fundraising for the Vancouver 5km Run for the Cure and I've been trying to think of creative ways to raise money.

I may be joining a new social book club @ OPUS Hotel.

I'm thinking of checking out a new 'social bookclub' sadly I can't go to this months meeting but I will aim for the following session. I thought I'd post the details incase anyone else is interested:

Date: Monday May 12th 6-8.30pm.
Book: A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Oprah's Book Club) by Eckhart Tolle.
Admin: Limited seating. $15 in advance, $20 (cash or cheque) on the door.
Where: The super-fabulous Velvet Room at the Opus Hotel. (350 Davie Street, Vancouver)
Valet parking as well as a parking lot kitty corner to the hotel

Interested? Register yourself here.

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.

2008 Vancouver City Chase! Tarantula's, UBC Ropes Course & Nakedness!

This past weekend my husband and I entered the 2008 Vancouver Mitsubishi City Chase! It was FANTASTIC fun. We will do it again next year. So, what was it like and how did we do??? I was 'in-it-to-win-it' but we sadly didn't.

We came in 56th or something like that out of 250 teams (Not bad considering we made some costly mistakes that I think were very 'newbie' of us, and probably would have cut maybe 20 minutes of time).

The day started out with a quick scavenger hunt to get your clue sheet. Stuff like:

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.

I can't even blog about this.

I'm so pissed off right now.

MORE fraudulent cash advances have been made on my husbands new card. Same locations, same amounts and through the same mastercard company. (PRESIDENTS CHOICE FINANCIAL).

I highly recommend NOT using presidents choice mastercard & their services. Their help during these fraudulent times has been appalling. Their so called 'fraud investigators' are really bullies who try to make you pay financially for their security shortcomings.

Mastercard --- Presidents Choice. It's war. Our lawyer has basically promised us that you will go down.
F* you PC Financial.

Positive Vibes: 2008 Vancouver BMO Half & Full Marathon

This coming weekend is the (May 4th, 2008) Vancouver BMO Half & Full Marathon. I'm running in the half and I feel like I've had only good signs about what a great race it will be!

1. I run 21km distances every weekend now because of my half ironman training (see my training blog here), so the sheer distance should be a breeze.
2. The weather is cooperating. It looks like it'll be 13 degrees with cloudy periods and only 10% chance of precipitation.
3. My husband has miraculously solved his knee injury this week and is going to be able to run after-all.
4. My friend Carol, who's been training for the FULL marathon and had a set back with a serious shoulder injury, is going to attempt to run. (Originally her Doctor was against it but she's since been given the thumbs up! She has a great blog with lots of running related stuff. Check out her 'Pool 88 blog' here and her recent entry on accepting the challenge!

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.

-----------------------------------

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:

It's Pay Back Time!

(I'll explain the parsley in a little bit). It's like Christmas around here.

Remember how we had all our stuff stolen out of our car garage on easter weekend? Well, our insurance has granted us the ability to purchase like or kind goods. Minus the $500 deducible and any upgrades that we want, it's pay for. See? House insurance is worth the money! Helped us out when we got screwed.

Shameless Self Promotion

I'm going to do some shameless self-promotion here, so only read on if you're interested in me, me and me! :)

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.

Flying from Seattle to Bali, Cheaper than Vancouver.

We got cheap tickets!!
I'll be calling to book my flight tomorrow from Seattle to Bali for October! I'm feeling really good about the price. It's going to be a long painful journey but worth the $426 per ticket we're saving! Or rather $1704 cheaper between the four of us just because we're flying from Seattle.

Indo.... here we come!

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.

Learning to fly?!

Kids should all be enrolled in air cadets! They should!

You think I'm crazy for saying that, don't you? Well, I'm not. I'm telling you it's the most cost effective educational activity you can send your child to. For a nominal fee (thanks to donations, fundraising ect.) your child can experience things such like paint ball, camping excursions, trips to army bases, flying gliders, sports, flying lessons, social events, learn leadership skills and the benefits of good old hard work to name just a few.

If I was in Vancouver this weekend I'd check this out

Vancouver Orchid Festival, 2008
VanDusen Botanical Gardens, March 29th-30th
Saturday: 9-5pm
Sunday: 10-4pm

Mary Comber Miles (whoever she is) present her stunning botanical artwork at this year's event. She is the Honorary Artist to the VanDusen Botanical Garden.