WHAT: EAT! Vancouver Food + Cooking Festival. “Wait, that just sounds like a bunch of people coming together to eat food and look at food and talk about food.” Exactly.

WHEN: June 10-12, 2011. You know, before the city was globally known for riots.

WHERE: Vancouver Convention Centre. Where that pixelated orca statue is!

EXHIBITS: International culinary demonstration stage, an Iron Chef-style competition, a wine and beer pavillion, even a cheese seminar. There was also a really popular Food Network Celebrity Chef stage, featuring the likes of Dale MacKay (Top Chef Canada) and Rob Feenie. Wait, didn’t he used to be in commercials for White Spot? Oh, we don’t talk about that?

HOW TO NAVIGATE: Prepare to spend the day there and eat your way through breakfast (McDonald’s coffee samples and fresh from the oven Bonchaz buns), lunch (a sample of Moroccan split pea soup from That Guy’s Soup), and dinner (a full plate of pork adobo and rice noodles from Chef Edgar Grajo’s Filipino cuisine demonstration). Did I mention all of these samples are free? Heck yes.

HIGHLIGHTS: The Bite of Vancouver restaurants, where cuisine ranged from raw sprouted grain goodness at Gorilla Foods to hearty roasted salmon and brioche at Ebo. Gramercy Grill served up classic comfort food – steaming, saucy meatballs with a slop of mac and cheese – while Sutton Place’s Fleuri plated a beautiful display of lemon meringue and rich chocolate mousse. Can someone just tell me why Milestones was there though?

MORE HIGHLIGHTS: Absinthe in the beer and wine pavillion. Eggplants carved to look like penguins.

GOOD FOR:

• Hungry friends (Bite/Taste tickets are only $10 for 20).
• Bored couples (gets you out of the house so you don’t have to argue over whose turn it is to do laundry).
• New couples (too much to distract you from any potential awkwardness).
• Families (feed everyone for cheap!).
• Hyperactive children (two words: food coma).

LAST WORDS: No, really, White Spot?

Photos by: Alex Taylor

Help combat bullying and ignorance in British Columbia by support Out in Schools – a non-profit who tries to educate youth about tolerance and acceptance.

Purchase your tickets and receive a cocktail reception, gift bags, access to an amazing silent auction, and a fashion show featuring the Bay’s White Space.

Participants (including a team from Global News – Steve Darling, Wesla Wong & Mike Madryga) are faced with the challenge of climbing one of Vancouver’s tallest staircases, the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel – which is a whopping 48 storeys high.

For more information on the event, check out the Lung Association of BC’s website. You can also find the event on Facebook.

DefneMag has teamed up with Stairclimb for Clean Air to bring you a contest! We’re giving you the chance to win 1 of 2 $150 gift certificates for any pair of Adidas running shoes from Rackets & Runners!

All you have to do is:

1) Comment on this post

2) Tweet: “I entered to win a $150 GC for Adidas at Rackets & Runners from @DefineMag & @stairclimbvan – #teammadryga” (or #teamdarling or #teamwesla)

We’re pitting the members of the Global News Team against each other, so when you enter, tweet your alliance! You can even tweet them your support – @stevedarling1, @weslawong and @mmadryga.

Contest closes February 25, 2011

Whose team are YOU on?

If you haven’t seen his work, you should, it’s amazing. In fact, I’ve already put my request in for his services for my eventual nuptials.

How did you get involved in photography and why weddings?

Back in college, I used to have a little 3-megapixel Canon Powershot that I would bring with me everywhere. It didn’t matter whether the subjects were flowers, food, people, whatever – I would take pictures of anything and everything I would see. Of course, being a complete n00b, I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I kept at it because it was so much fun! Eventually, friends started noticing my work – and so did a few other photographers whom I admired. This only inspired me to continue learning and improving. Then in 2006, I was connected with an amazing photographer- Scott Robert Lim – who helped guide me into wedding photography and laid the foundation of my success today.

Why weddings? Because it’s one of the few sectors of photography in which you can actually earn a living. Very few photographers can pay the bills doing purely landscapes, or travel photography, or non-wedding photojournalism.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Wow, where do I start? I love meeting people, love making new friends. Probably one of the best parts of my job is finding that many of my clients end up becoming regular friends. I’ve been invited to birthday parties, road trips, baby showers, home-cooked dinners, house parties, nights on the town, etc. Being included in one of the happiest days of a couple’s new life together is definitely also an incredibly satisfying part of my job. I would sometimes get asked, “Wouldn’t you rather come as a guest and enjoy yourself?” Definitely not, because I usually have more fun than the guests, and sometimes even more than the couple themselves! As the photographer, I get to hang out with the couple for the entire day, from the start til the end. I’m there for the behind-the-scenes drama, the spontaneous moments of celebration, the happy tears that come unbidden. During the ceremony and reception, I’m generally free to roam around instead of having to stay in my seat, and the photo session with the entire bridal party is almost always a total blast! I could probably go on an on about the other “best” things about my job, like being able to travel, and having a flexible schedule, and learning to become a successful entrepreneur. But I’ll stop for now.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Who are your favourite tweeps?

@scottrobertlim: This is my mentor. If it were not for him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. He now teaches students from around the world! Photographers, check him out!
@kellyoxford: I love her irreverent humor!
@pixelatedimage: He’s an amazing travel photographer, and I’m jealous of all the incredible places he gets to visit – for “work”!
@TSAgov: I’m not sure how it is up in Canada, but over here in the States, our civil liberties and privacy is continually being taken away by our government. Their latest brilliant plan in finding terrorists is to grope everybody who gets on a plane. This novelty account is sad and ridiculously hilarious at the same time.

What is the holiday season in California missing?

Sometime in the future, I’d love to live in a place with real seasons – where entire hillsides turn gold and red and yellow from the changing foliage, and snow falls on Christmas day. Here in California, we get maybe one and a half seasons!

Are you a romantic?

Being around people in love has paradoxically made me hyper-aware of the reality that many love stories don’t work out. I’ve known couples who seem perfect together, who seem like they have that rare and beautiful partnership we all long for – only to find them breaking up after 5, 10, 15 years together. After seeing so many failed relationships, and more than a good handful of broken engagements and divorces, there’s that risk of disillusionment. But one thing I believe with all my heart is that anything that’s worth gaining comes with great risk. And in this life, what is more worthwhile, what is more fulfilling, what is more beautiful, than risking it all for the sake of love?

All images provided by Junshien.

This Thursday, December 16, join Vancouvers bloggers and tweeters at Charm Modern Thai at 6:00pm.

This is the perfect opportunity to meet up with all those people you keep meaning to have a drink with, network, and make new friends.

We will be collecting monetary donations and non-perishable food items for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

So don’t be a Scrooge, put on your best Holiday attire (because it never gets old) and come have a drink, or 2…or 5, with us!

RSVP here and tell your friends!

Starting in 2011, Angela will be the official personality for UBCevents videos, while finishing up her undergrad. Keep an eye on her via Twitter, her website, or YouTube – you never know, she could be the next Anderson Cooper, Kelly Ripa, or Oprah.

What is yellowrainbootz?

Five years ago before rain boots were trendy, I bought my first pair of yellow rain boots. Since then, I still identify myself as the girl who proudly splish-splashed in her rain boots. Because it rains so much in Vancouver, rain boots really are the unofficial mascot for this city. And I especially love my yellow rain boots because they’re fun and spontaneous, like my videos! This influenced my YouTube username: yellowrainbootz. And now I use the name for almost everything.

What type of yellow boots do you have?

I own Hunters; they’re yellow, of course. Christmas gift hint alert: I’m looking for funky welly socks.

How has Twitter helped you expand your brand?

When I attend Tweetups and other similar events, it surprises me when people tell me that they’ve seen my videos. It makes me all gushy inside. So really, it’s the wonderful people on Twitter who have helped me expand my brand by helping to retweet my newly uploaded videos and blog posts. Thanks, tweeps!

What are you looking forward to most this holiday season?

The winter holidays are my favourite time of the year! I absolutely love admiring Downtown’s lights and atmosphere while eating roasted chestnuts. I really want to go to Grouse Mountain’s outdoor skating rink this year. And I am jetting to Las Vegas right after my last final exam, so that’s definitely something I am looking forward to. But really, I love this holiday season because everyone is so giving this time of year, and I look forward to seeing the generousity being carried over throughout all of next year.

Who are your MUST follows?

I love tweeps who make an effort to meet people from the online community in the real world. @karrabarron (Karra Barron) does just this, and she’s a complete tweetheart! If you want to find wonder woman, follow @mizzjblog (Jordana Mah) because she’s a software engineer by day, and by night, she manages her own fashion blog, oversees Schema Magazine’s events and social media, and writes for Killahbeez. Lastly, I must recognize @rickchung (Rick Chung) because we are both broadcasters, and instead of seeing me as competition, he has helped me immensely by building my website and introducing me to amazing people. I can’t think of a more selfless person.

Note: Big thanks to Peter, Angela’s cameraman, editor and neighbour. Without him there would be no yellowrainbootz!

First 2 photos by White Box Studios.

The gals over at Tales From a Bar Stool (@talesfromabar) excel at dating. They’re not afraid to take one for the team or make adjustments to improve. They’re also like coaches; at the end of every blog post they post some tips for the men and ladies – almost like a moral of the story. But don’t expect to be able to stalk them on the weekend, their identities are completely unknown.

Not cheesy, not cliche, and not rated-R scandalous, the ladies from Tales From a Bar Stool are funny and provide some insight into the complex dating world. Folks, take note.

Who and what is Tales From a Bar Stool?

We’re WT & SA, two happily single girls in Vancouver. We want to share our Tales and what we learn from them with our readers, with the hope that they’ll get out there and start leading some fabulous lives.

What is your favourite way to celebrate the holidays?

SA: With friends, eating lots of delicious yet terribly bad food and drinking wine. Everyone’s so happy this time of year, it’s a great time to meet people.

WT: With family, slowing down the pace and just enjoying those who know you best.

Online dating, a do or a don’t?

SA: For me, don’t. I’ve done it and wasn’t impressed with the quality of men online. I would rather let fate take hold and meet someone the old fashioned way.  Plus, internet dating is time consuming. But some people have found their soul mates… so it’s a personal preference, for sure.

WT: I’m open to it. I think everyone should do what’s best for them. Me personally, I want to leave who I’m intimate with up to chance. But if you want to take control of your own fate and have the time to meet a ton of new people, then why not.

Who are your favourite Tweeps?

How can we pick out of so many amazing ones?  It’s like pointing out who the popular kids are in highschool.

What date ideas are cheesy and over-played?

SA: A walk on the seawall. Shall we hold hands and gaze at the sunset too? Not a first date activity.

WT: Going for drinks or dinner. I know it’s standard, but I really enjoy randomness and creativity. If you really like the person, make a lasting impression.

Image.

Jeremy Lim recently moved into full time photography and also helps organize and host Third Tuesday Vancouver (#TTYVR). He takes on ambitious tasks, such as Colours 2010, and returned not too long ago, from Singapore where he was working the Youth Olympic Games.

What made you decide to quit your day job and become an entrepreneur?

Looking back, I think it came down to happiness.  I’ve always worked in awesome positions and industries, but I think I was missing a sense of accomplishment. Working on my own terms comes with a whole new set of challenges, but spending my days doing exactly what I want to do, knowing that at the end of my career, I can look back and be proud of every moment, is incredibly fulfilling.  Being king of the hill doesn’t matter if it’s the wrong hill.

Who are your favourite Tweeters?

If I had to pick one, it’d be my favourite producer, @BT.  I’ve admired the guy forever for his musical talent, and online is no different.  He always speaks his mind, but more importantly, he genuinely listens to his fans.  I don’t know any other celebrity who takes the time to thank and engage with the people around him.  I’m sure he does it naturally, but it’s amazing what he’s been able to do with the medium.  When his last album, “These Hopeful Machines” was getting ready for release, he announced it, and his fans stepped it up, pushing him to the top of the Amazon charts – just through pre-orders alone.  He’s real.  He inspires people and he comes out as a good guy.  I want to be just like him.
Locally – I want to say everyone here in Vancouver. With so much going on, I have to trust the crowd for all the goodness in Vancouver.

What’s the best dating advice you’ve received?

I think it’s the same as the best career advice I’ve heard: “If you’re not happy, move on.”  That’s not to say you shouldn’t fight through the hard times – you really should – but you owe it to yourself and whoever you’re with to be honest.

Favourite part of the holiday season?

The energy changes. Daylight hours are few and errands are plenty, so there’s a constant hustle and bustle.  At the start and end of every day, the world turns gold.  It might be cold, but you feel alive with every breath.

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?

I have too many to count, but these three seem appropriate:

“If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one.” – Russian Proverb
“A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her.” – David Brinkley
“Stay or forever go, play or you’ll never know.” – ‘Only This Moment’ by Royksopp

Photos by Jeremy Lim

Who and what is ‘A Haute Mess’?

“A Haute Mess” is my fashion blog and personal style diary. It’s a healthy serving of personal style, fashion news, shopping guides, trend reports, and editorial inspiration with a bit of pop culture, film, design, travel, music, beauty, and lifestyle on the side. Thanks to the blogosphere and Twitter, it’s also become my alter-ego. Or what people who don’t know me in person, call me when they meet me… in person.

Care to vent any fashion frustrations?

If you follow me on Twitter (hint hint) you’d know this already… it’s leggings worn as pants. Leggings as pants is a fashion faux pas that seems to be plaguing many of the female inhabitants of the Greater Vancouver Area. Ladies: there’s no need to put it all on display and even if you’re 110% convinced that you can pull it off… you can’t. It’s just that unflattering.

What is your favourite way to enjoy winter?

I do love me a good Holiday party, but my all time favourite way to enjoy winter is by playing Scrabble, especially by a nice fire and with a big glass of egg nog. I also enjoy hibernating and gaining holiday weight.

Holiday Must-have?

Excuse my cliché, but I would have to say that it’s time. Time to spend with family, friends, loved ones and time to relax and enjoy the merry season.

Who are some of your favourite Tweeters?

Anna Wintour (@AWintour), hands down. She’s like the Mr. Miyagi of fashionable tweeters — so wise and always re-tweetable. Jimmy Fallon (@JimmyFallon) is a great Tweeter, especially because he shares jokes that do and don’t make it into his monologue. He often incorporates Twitter into his show, or he’ll read out funny things that people tweet @ him on the air. I also thoroughly enjoyed following Lindsay Lohan. Sadly they do not allow Twitter in rehab, but if you’ve ever wondered what happens when crazy famous people do crack and take to the internet…you can find an anthology of work @lindsaylohan.

Headshot by: Georgia Esperolas. Other photos by: Ted Brookes.

Coming up on November 25, 2010, Andrea will be speaking at The Buzz Event: Reboot, hosted by Reach Magazine and Vancity Buzz. This is a great opportunity to listen to a successful, local entrepreneur speak. Plus, it significantly decreases your 6-degrees of separation with Oprah.

Why should people follow you?

If you follow me, you will most likely get the brutal truth on a lot of things I am passion about – both business and some personal. That, and why I am obsessed with Bethenny Frankel from the Real Housewives of NYC and from the SkinnyGirl mecca (really, if only you knew – she is a very smart business woman and built a hugely successful brand out of nothing)! When it comes to Twitter, I try and keep it fairly business oriented and share articles I read that I find helpful and interesting but also a mix of my passions, hobbies and interests (sparsely though). My life lately is all consumed not only in growing Bratface Marketing but also being invited to speak at some wicked business forums, universities and entrepreneurial events so I make sure I keep everyone in the loop on those as well. I think its a great platform to share things with an audience you otherwise would never have the exposure to.

What do you love about your job?

I could create a huge list of reasons why I love my job, but definitely the independence, freedom, control over my own destiny and business are the biggest reasons. I also love that I now get to choose who I want to work with and what projects I choose to take on. I also get to do a lot of things I never had the opportunity to do when I worked for a company, so its definitely opened those kind of doors to explore and see what is really out there.

What do you want to achieve through Twitter?

I definitely try to abide by the “tweet something important & engaging” rule but sometimes I get a bit overwhelmed and tweet on more, non-business related topics (for example, I like to brag about what I made for dinner and show it off)! However, my biggest goal in using Twitter is to position myself as an expert in what I do and share things I find that are relevant to my audience and customers (because my clients follow me too!). Its still a learning curve for me as well, no matter how much of a social media ‘expert’ people think I am. I think there is a lot to still learn about Twitter because it’s constantly changing and I am not afraid to say that I am still learning.

Can you be an entrepreneur and maintain a work/life balance?

Yes absolutely. Have I mastered this yet? Not quite but I am working on it. I think the hardest thing is knowing when to set certain hours to work and knowing when to shut the computer down.  I feel the need to constantly be connected and I don’t necessarily see this as a strength but more of a curse and bad habit. One thing I do miss about working for someone else and going into an office each day is the structure it created for me. Working at home is difficult but there are perks. I think most entrepreneurs are very well aware of this and always feel a need to obtain the work/life balance. I have yet to meet an entrepreneur who has mastered this and if you are out there, I want to talk to you!

Do you have any Twitter pet peeves?

Of course I do! I’m not a huge fan of the new Twitter ads that are popping up on celebrity twitter feeds….I don’t feel that its the best way to promote/advertise products/services but I also know its the direction advertising is going as a lot of traditional advertising mediums are now becoming obsolete. I also hate the “auto DM” when you follow someone or something. I really don’t see the sense of it and so many people are doing it now, its nothing new. I’m sure i have more pet peeves but I will keep my rant to a minimum.