And The Winner is...

The International Special Event Society (ISES Vancouver) was able to walk the red carpet so to speak during the 12^th Annual Louie Awards at the ISES Saint Louis Chapter. The Louie awards is an opportunity to showcase the organizations recognize those in the events industry to customers, potential clients, vendors and colleagues, reminding them of your accomplishments and industry expertise.

ISES has acknowledged the achievements of their members with the ISES Esprit Awards since 1995, with multiple categories that span from excellence in special projects to excellence in membership growth.

As the Vice President of Education and Programs for the ISES Vancouver chapter, I am proud to announce that we were this year’s recipient of the Excellence in Communications award for 2010/2011!

Congratulations to all of the Spirit of Excellence Awards Winners this year! Go ISES Go!

Chapter Awards:

• Excellence in Communications – Vancouver Chapter
• Excellence in Communications Honorable Mention – Dallas Chapter
• Excellence in Programming and Education – Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter
• Excellence in Programming and Education Honorable Mention – St. Louis Chapter
• Excellence in Special Projects – New York Metro Chapter
• Excellence in Special Projects Honorable Mention – Atlanta Chapter
• Excellence in Membership Retention – Calgary Chapter
• Excellence in Membership Growth – Calgary Chapter

Yummy Vegan Cooking - No Really!

Sally is a really cool new addition to my life. She is the delicious creator of the 24-7 Foodie blog looking for the next best dish, one tasty morsel at a time on the foodie trail. One thing I quickly found out about Sally is that she also has allergies. I know what you're thinking...what foodie can fully enjoy cuisine when you have to deny yourself of so many specifc foods?

Well, rather than just coping with not eating anything with dairy, corn or eggs, Sally has embraced vegan cooking. With some of the most dececious foods using tofu, dried fruits, fresh fruits, and veggies, she offers a variety of yummy creative combinations. Her poached pears in red wine and potato crusted halibut are out of this world.

But my ultimate favourite? Her vegan rum balls! From the first bite, I was hooked! And an added bonus, she had graciously shared her recipe with me and my Amaryllis Events followers! So, this is a must make if you want a tasty bit of heaven without being sinful!

Give this recipe a try and tell me what you think at the end of this blog!

Averie’s No Bake Vegan Rum Cake Balls-Gluten & Soy Free

Ingredients:

1/4 c Cashews–Grind them first, then add the remaining ingredients.
1/2 c Medjool Dates
1/4 c Raisins
1/2 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice (or similar clove, cinnamon, lemon spices)
1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
2 Tbsp Dark Rum (or a rum you enjoy; note that schnapps such as banana, mango, peach, or pineapple schnapps would all be heavenly in this recipe)

Optional Ingredients & Tips: (I used all and in the amounts listed)

2 Tbsp Agave (or stevia to taste)
3 Tbsp Almond Meal (or 1/4 c almonds that you grind)
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar

For more amazing food blogs and scrumptious recipies, visit Sally's 24-7 Foodie blog at:

http://24-7foodie.blogspot.com/

Till our next tasty tidbit!

You Gotta Be Here!

Question... What Vancouver attraction is to Vancouver what Disneyland is to Anaheim? What can hold a fully loaded 747 or 96 elephants?

...If you said Capilano Suspension Bridge to both questions you are right!

Not only did they wow us with the Bridge spanning 137 meters and 70 meters above the Capilano River, but then came the Treetops Adventure offering a squirrels eye view of the forest floor 30m below. Now, they just launched the new spectacular CLIFFWALK attraction described as a "heart-stopping cliff-side journey [that] takes guests through rainforest vegetation on a series of unobtrusive cantilevered and suspended walkways jutting out from the granite cliff face above Capilano River to previously unexplored areas of the park.

I was one of the lucky first comers at their Grand Opening Celebration last week and let me tell you it's not for the faint of heart. Its high, narrow and in some sections, glass (very strong glass albeit) is all that separates guests from the canyon far below. It was a great experience that isn't just for tourists; every Vancouverite should put this on their "to do list" this Summer and get a bird's eye view of their beautiful city! Like the saying goes during the Olympics..."You Gotta Be Here"!

We Will Win This Battle One Day!

Help Me Fight This Horrible Disease, MS - Multiple Sclerosis

Did you know that the risk of contracting Multiple Sclerosis if your father has the disease is approx. 1 in 100, but approx. 1 in 50 if your mother has the disease?

This definitely worries me. MS is an auto-immune disease that affects both men and women by damaging the protective coating of the body’s nerve cells. The cells get inflamed and then the body reacts by attacking its own cells in the brain and nervous system. And at this time, there is still no cure for the disease. I know this only too well, as I have lost my own father to MS.

My poor dad was stricken at the prime of his life with MS and was never able to enjoy the family he loved so much. The disease struck his central nervous system which caused a slow and painful demise. He spent most of his years at home with his family providing the constant needed care. What allowed us to do this was a hydraulic lifter that enabling us to get him in and out of bed.

This is the reason I now direct my donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Equipment Provision Program that provides MS patients with such things as wheel chairs, lifters and other expensive equipment that help people who suffer with this disease gain a better quality of life.

What is really sad is that the organization’s funds usually get depleted by July each year as most people donate to research. However, I really believe in supporting this department of the MS Fund as it really provides individuals with this disease and their care takers unbelievable assistance with day to day functions.

Starting today, I will donate $1 to the MS Society's Equipment Fund for every new person who clicks the “Like” button of my Amaryllis Events Facebook page. Please also feel free to share any of your stories with me after this blog or on my Facebook wall.

This is a great opportunity for those of us who have encountered this terrible fate to be able to share, connect, and support each other!

I appreciate all of your support in advance! Let’s fight this battle together and not let them run out of funds this July!

My Travel Adventures!

I’ve been fascinated by the Everest region of Nepal for years. It all started with my book club selecting Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer as our monthly read. Up to that point I thought anyone wanting to climb the highest mountain in the world had to be nuts! When I found out that this was the book we’d be reading, I had not initial interest, but thought to myself – Heather you should at least make an effort. Not expecting to finish the book, I was hooked by the middle of the 1st page!

So on October 3, 2009, my adventure buddy Darlene and I headed for a 17 day trek to Everest Base Camp, at an altitude of 18,000'.

Highlights of my trek:

• Hiking 4-8 hours every day
• No booze
• Strictly vegetarian diet
• Accommodation was in $2.00 a night tea houses
• No showers, electricity or flush toilets
  
• Going to bed at sunset and getting up at sunrise

But the amazing feeling of accomplishment and breath taking views were all worth it in the end!

Here are some photos of the adventure:

I am planning another trek to the Everest Base Camp in April, 2013 – Who wants to join me? Please leave a comment below or follow me on Facebook and let’s get in touch!

Everyone Should Have A Chef in Their Life!

No, I don't mean a personal chef...although, that would be nice!

I mean that fabulous little hidden gem that is tucked away in your local neighbourhood. One of my favourites is Crave on Main, a 30 seat casual bistro complete with its own veggie and herb garden.

Wayne Martin, Owner & Executive Chef brings his immense experience from the Four Seasons Vancouver Hotel to create this casual, yet trendy atmosphere bistro. Chef Wayne prides himself on showcasing fresh, local, and organic ingredients to create an innovative menu of classic dishes with a reinvented twist.

Some of my favourite dishes - the short rib poutine is a must, as is the dry aged New York steak with the wild mushroom and bacon ragout. They also have good cocktails list to choose from. I always have the Tokyo Rose and Sour Apple martini.

Chef Martin will also be sponsoring our food station at this year's North Shore Mayor's Golf Tournament! The Charity event will take place at the Seymour Golf & Country Club on Friday, May 27th, 2011. This will be an amazingly fun event, so come on out to golf, or join us for the dinner and silent auction.

You can find Chef Wayne's delicious creations at Crave on Main is located on 3941 Main Street, Vancouver, BC. I highly recommend dropping by to see what everyone on Main is craving! To learn more about Chef Martin and his culinary journey check out the March 8, 2010 article of Scout Magazine.

Meet The Person Behind Amaryllis Events!

Heather Baker is the owner and Founder of Amaryllis Events. But what do we really know about Heather other the fact that she is an amazing event planner?

I had a chance to interview her some questions about her event planning company, family, and hobbies.

Q: How long has Amaryllis Events been in business?

I started Amaryllis Events in the Spring of 2000. I can't believe it's been so long.

why did you decide to become an event planner?

I have always been the party girl – I either am the life of the party or planning the party. I have been involved in planning and organizing events all my life so its just a natural extension of what I have always done.

Q: What is something unique about you?

I also have a degree from SFU in Woman Studies.

Q: What do you like to do on your spare time?

I love to cook, garden read and most of all, travel. In the last few years, I have been fortunate enough to have had some really cool trips. My favourites and most memorable are: a month in India travelling over 2,800km through historic Rajistan and then some R&R in Dubai on the way home; a 17day trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal and 10 days in Shanghai at Expo using our home made VIP badges to avoid the long line ups at all the pavilions. My next adventure is a hike on the West Coast Trail.

My other passion – Gardening! It makes me really happy and I feel at peace in my garden. I even placed 1^st place in a North Shore garden contest. That’s why I decided on the name Amaryllis Events, it’s one of my favourite flowers.”

Q: Do you have any pets?

“I do. I have two beautiful pugs, Toby who is 13 and his daughter Maggie. Toby loves to eat everything in sight! He once ate a dead crow on a walk and pooped feathers! He’s a riot! Maggie is calm but she loves being the dominate female of the family.”

By: Anna Louie
Amaryllis Events

The Myths of Green Events

Happy Earth Day!

Today marks another Earth Day since its first launch day on April 22, 1970. As a professional event planner, I am cognizant that our industry has the potential to reduce the amount of waste and energy during the planning of an event. After 40 years of Earth Day's inception, I still hear common myths about why many people still choose not to use eco-friendly practices in their day to day lives. What are some myths that we buy into?

Myth # 1: Green events are too expensive – False. Simply switching to pitchers of filtered water at meetings and events instead of providing bottled water can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars?

Myth # 2: Green events are a hassle to prepare for – Is it really? The process of planning of an event is no different weather you print signage on sustainable cardboard than a foam core base.

Myth # 3: Green events reduce the quality of the event experience – This is not true. We are seeing many leading events such as the Juno Awards are making a transformation in their planning processes to include sustainable practices.

Here are some great recommendations on how you stay “GREEN” and help reduce the impact on the environment at your next event:

• Choose a caterer that offers locally grown, organic, and Ocean wise products
• Create centrepieces with edible products such as breads, fruits or potted plants
  
• Use recycling or composting as a part of your waste management procedures
• Select recyclable signage and invitations options whenever possible
• Incorporate natural lighting, candle lighting, or LED lights to reduc e consumption of energy