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March 19, 2012
March 07, 2012
March 04, 2012
March 02, 2012
February 13, 2012
Care to be my Valentine?
Making Valentines for my daughter's preschool class has to be
one of the most joyful things I have ever done.
XOXO
February 01, 2012
"The King of the Castle" turns 37 clicks
Happy Birthday Darrin (@dje )!
Like a fine wine, you keep getting more amazing with time. I love you like a Pinot.
XOXO
@elainajoy on Twitter · via Twitter
January 27, 2012
Market Dinner at Edible Canada with Guest Chef Andrea Nicholson
It isn't often that I find myself without babe in my arms and a toddler tugging at my pant leg ... but last night was one of those cherished occasions. I left Dad at home with the kiddos and headed off to Granville Island for a fun filled night of delicious eats + drinks and inspiring conversation.
Edible Canada launched their 2012 Market Diner series last night with Canada Top Chef contestant Andrea Nicholson from Toronto. In addition to preparing an incredible five-course meal (paired with wine and a bonus cocktail) she artfully introduced us to her line of handcrafted products called "Killer Condiments."
As luck would have it, I sat next to two food writers (goodlifevancouver.com and vancouverfoodster.com). Their commentary and perspective totally enriched my experience and has left me pondering how I could too can live that life one day. As they both were posting continuously throughout the evening I was prompted to post my first series of photo enhanced tweets, appropriate hashtags n' all.
The meal Andrea prepared extraordinary. The Dungeness crab brown butter risotto with local Steelhead trout was out. of. this. world. Seriously, the risotto was cooked to perfection. I thought I might have lost the passion, but Andrea rekindled my love for that darling high-starch, short- grain little rice. Not only did she knock it out of the park with her culinary skills, she could not be any nicer. We chatted a few times throughout the evening and I walked away feeling like I had made a new friend. She signed my Top Chef Cookbook and smiled for a few photos ... but I must say I got all giddy inside when I came home to notification that she has started following me on Twitter.
December 14, 2011
December 10, 2011
November 24, 2011
November 19, 2011
Baby Evan is here!
Visit his blog at www.evaneden.com
November 03, 2011
Playin' cribbage together once again ...
Rest in Peace Grandma and Grandpa Spring.
October 24, 2011
Eden Vineyard's Fall Harvest Release Party
“God made Cabernet Sauvignon whereas the devil made Pinot Noir.”
-Andre Tchelistcheff, Dean of California winemaking
Vino and Solera Eden, owners of Eden Vineyard, have personally invited you to join them for a special evening honouring the debut of the latest Eden Estate Reserve Pinot Noir. The party will begin promptly at 7pm this Friday, October 21st at their private estate in Dunbar.
This extraordinary celebration will feature pours from the remaining bottles of their award winning 2003 and 2007 vintages as well as the very first public pours of their highly anticipated new 2009 release.
On behalf of the entire Eden Vineyard crew, I am pleased to share that our latest release is scheduled to receive a coveted 98 point rating from Wine Spooktator. In light of this, a journalist and photographer from the magazine will be attending the party. The editor has asked us to provide a list of names, titles and brief background information for all attending guests.
Such details are noted below for your review. Please read this information carefully. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. I thank you in advance for your participation in this momentous occasion. I look forward to raising a glass with you on Friday.
With kind regards,
Ms. Marilyn Merlot
Marketing Specialist, Eden Vineyard
Guest name as it will appear on name tag:
Ms. Marilyn Merlot
Marketing Specialist
Eden Vineyard
Background info:
Marilyn has served as the marketing coordinator for Eden Vineyards over the past five years. She holds a Bachelor's degree in wine marketing from University of Auckland and worked at several vineyards throughout Marlborough before coming to British Columbia. Ms. Merlot currently oversees the development of the vineyard's marketing materials and yearly campaigns. She is also responsible for organizing tastings, festivals and parties.
Marilyn is a savvy and successful marketing professional with international sensibility. Her passion and appreciation for wine is evident across all her endeavors. Her effervescent personality and bubbly sense of humor never fails to leave a lasting impression. In her free time, Ms. Merlot enjoys spending time on the mountain with her life partner and best friend, the famous pro-snowboarder Al Leyoop.
Background info:
When he isn’t tied up in the lab doing research or teaching, Dr. Lepton works as a private consultant to top wineries around the world. He is often ask to present his cutting edge research on integrating vine development with environmental and cultural influences and how they affect vine performance and grape quality. Just last year Mr. Lepton received the International Wine and Grape Foundation Research Award for outstanding contributions to the industry.
Mr. Lepton has always enjoyed the wines produced by Eden Vineyard and has developed a personal connection with Solera and Vino through his wife, Dr. Annie Body. Mr. Lepton worked closely with the couple and their winemaker (Ms. Cathy Cellar) on the creation of their latest vintage. He is very much looking forward to sampling the fruits of their labour.
Guest name as it will appear on name tag:
Mr. Ben Dover
Attorney
Lye, Chambers & Steel LLP
Background info:
Guest name as it will appear on name tag:
Mr. Vin Yard
Harvest Coordinator
Eden Vineyard
Background info:
"Oh, Pinot Noir, its flavors, they're just the mosting haunting and brilliant and thrilling and subtle and ... ancient on the planet."
-Miles, from the movie Sideways
Who's who:
Mrs. Solera Eden, Owner, Eden Vineyard
Mr. Vino Eden, Owner, Eden Vineyard
Ms. Marilyn Merlot, Marketing Specialist, Eden Vineyard
Mr. Al Leyoop, Pro-Snowboarder, The Boardroom
Ms. Cathy Cellar, Head Winemaker, Eden Vineyard
Mr. Marshal Mulligan, Golf Professional
Mr. Ben Dover, Attorney, Lye, Chambers & Steel LLP
Mr. Jack Stud , Architect, Stud Canada, Architects
Ms. Crystal Flute, Brand Manager, Riedel Steamware
Mr. Mark Mywords, Associate Editor, Wine Spooktator Magazine
Mrs. Brie Chen, Cheesemonger, Noble Cheeses
Chef Kit Chen, Executive Chef and Owner, NobleRot Restaurant
Ms. Cava Concord, Olympian
Dr. Adam Lepton, Ph.D., Wine Chemist
Dr. Annie Body, ND
Ms. Hazel Sheen, Chocolatier, The Chocolate Bar
Ms. Rose Eden Bach, Florist, Garden of Eden
Mr. Art Flash, Photographer, Wine Spooktator Magazine
Ms. Moma Meritage, graphic designer + illustrator + tattoo artist
Mr. Vin Yard, Harvest Coordinator, Eden Vineyard
M.I.A.
Mrs. Paige Turner, Publisher and Owner, Turner Publishing
Councillor Bill Turner, West Vancouver City Government
A special thank you to Art Flash (aka Shawn Parkinson) for taking all these killer photos.
I just wish he was in some of them.
October 21, 2011
October 10, 2011
September 17, 2011
Simple "Six Step" Soup
I've heard everyone should know at least a few recipes by heart. So, here's an easy one for your personal memory bank. My girlfriend Lana told it to me a few days ago and, despite the preggo brain, it stuck. We've had an abundance of zucchini from the garden lately so the timing was perfect ... and with the recent change of weather a nice bowl of warm soup really hit the spot. Enjoy!
What you need:
zucchini
onion and/or shallot
butter
bouillon cube (chicken, beef or veggie)
water
salt n' pepper - yo!
What to do:
- Thinly slice a zucchini and an onion/shallot
- Saute them together with some butter until very soft and then add salt and pepper
- Let the mix cool slightly and transfer to a bowl
- Add one bouillon cube and a cup of water
- Puree everything together with a hand mixer
- Slowly add more water to taste and reheat before eating
Bonus! Add some shaved Parmesan cheese on top
August 20, 2011
Tiffany's monkey straw has a friend visit Vancouver!
Happy mokeys! Happy friends!
August 12, 2011
Garden Zucchini Bread
(modified slightly from a recipe found on Cooks.com)
What you'll need:
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspooon vanilla
2 cups grated zucchini (loosely packed)
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
In a medium bowl beat 3 eggs until frothy
Gradually add 2 cups sugar
Add 1 cup vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla and beat until thick
Stir in zucchini
In a seperate bowl, whisk together the following:
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt.
Stir dry mixture into wet mixture, stirring to combine.
Spray two bread loaf pans (approximately 8"x4"x3") with grease and flour to prevent sticking. Pour batter into pans and level off with the back of a spoon. Bake at 350°F for approximately 1 hour or until a wooden tooth pick comes out clean.
August 05, 2011
July 20, 2011
July 16, 2011
July 15, 2011
June 21, 2011
June 01, 2011
Our Fourth Wedding Anniversary!
"O" at the Bellagio, Las Vegas
XOXO
May 15, 2011
BC Spot Prawns! Delicious!
Boil some veggies to make a simple stock and then "steam" the prawns in it for about two minutes per side.
To enjoy them snap off the head (you can suck this part out if you want ... it is actually quite good) and then peel back the shell to expose the tail. Yummmmy!
May 08, 2011
April 11, 2011
March 07, 2011
February 12, 2011
January 23, 2011
Cedar-Planked Wild Salmon w/ Pecan-Orange Crust
Adapted from the recipe "Cedar-Planked Salmon with Orange-Pistachio Crust" in the British Columbia Seasonal Cookbook.
* Note: It is best if you soak the plank overnight before cooking *
Cedar-Planked Salmon with Orange-Pecan Crust
4 to 6 (8 oz [250 g] ) skin-on wild salmon fillets
1 cup (250 mL) of your favourite nut, chopped (pistacio, pecan, almonds, etc)
2⁄3 cup (150 mL) panko
2 Tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
1 Tbsp (15 mL) fresh dill, chopped
2 tsp (10 mL) Dijon mustard
zest from 1 orange
1⁄4 cup (60 mL) orange juice
sea salt and pepper to taste
Abundant year-round and easily harvested along spawning routes, salmon are traditionally key resources for West Coast First Nations. Equally abundant and important were the cedar trees on the coast. It made sense for the First Nations people to cook their freshly caught salmon on easily split cedar planks. They filleted the salmon and cooked it skin-side down, secured to the plank with saplings. The plank was then propped at an angle above the fire, thus perfuming the meat with a delicate, smoky flavour.
Home cooks can still use this traditional preparation today. Just remember, always use wild salmon and be sure to soak the cedar plank overnight before cooking. Otherwise, it could catch fire ... or crack while cooking.
Preheat oven to 325 (or cook on a grill set to medium-high.)
Mix nuts and panko together—it works especially well to pulse them together in a food processor. Place on a plate and set aside.
Mix oil, dill, mustard, zest and orange juice to form a paste. Spread paste evenly on flesh side of each salmon fillet, then dip in pistachio and panko mixture. As they are crusted, lay the fillets skin-side down on prepared planks. Season crust with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
Bake in pre-heated oven for about 25-30 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish. You can also place planks on grill, close lid and cook aoubt 15 minutes. For a nice crispy finish, broil the fish for a couple of minutes before serving. I like to top mine with citrus slices and some fresh cut chives.
Tip! You can heat the cedar plank in the oven (no hotter than 400 degrees) for about ten minutes before cooking the fish. This will help control the cooking speed and temperate.
Serve salmon with a nice bottle of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, some fresh baked bread and seasonal, local vegetables.
December 05, 2010
November 15, 2010
Mum's Weekend Away
As a special treat, Darrin graciously sent me on a weekend away with the girls. We stayed at the beautiful Tulalip Resort (30 minutues north of Seattle) and attended the Taste of Tulalip event. Not only was the experience filled with delicious food, amazing wines and heartwarming laughter, it provided a much needed opportunity for me to recharge my batteries.
My journey started on Thursday afternoon. After a long line up at the border I made it to Tulalip around 2pm. I started off with a quick explorative visit to the Seattle Premium outlet mall and then headed straight to the spa for a relaxing massage and facial. The facilities were wonderful and the treatments were incredible. I even took my time to enjoy a warm cup of seasonal apple spice tea in a robe by the fireplace before my appointment. I could have easily fallen asleep in their overstuffed chairs. Afterwards, I checked out the cedar sauna and took full advantage of the luxurious bath products in one of their fancy multi-head rainshowers. Quite honestly, I walked out feeling like a entirely new woman.
That evening Stacey and Jamie (two fabulous ladies from my Frontier/Global Crossing days) joined me for dinner at the Blackfish Salmon Grill located inside the Resort.
We kicked off with a vodka flight, paired with the cedar smoked wild salmon flight. We tasted four different chilled vodkas (served in champagne glasses) and agreed that Belvedere was the winning spirit. As far as the salmon was concerend, we sampled Silver (Southeast Alaska), King (Yuko) and Coho (Nooksack River). They were all decadent, but my personal favourite was the Coho. It was wonderful to catch up with these gals and I am so gratefuly they were able to join me for such a memorible meal.
After gambling a few dollars at the casino I returned to my room and promptly ordered a bottle of King Estate Pinot Gris. It came in mere minutes but by the time I settled into my cozy soft Queen bed it was sleepy time. Funny enough, the bottled didn't even get opened that night.
The next morning I woke up promptly at 7:03am (Ava's typical wake-up time) but managed to fall back asleep for several more hours. It was absolute heaven and the most sleep I have gotten in two and a half years. When I eventual woke up again I went straight to the Oasis pool for a swim and a soak in the hot tub. It was perfect. Next came my free breakfast buffet where I eat pot stickers and bread pudding (random, I know.) Believe it or not, it was already time for my second visit to the spa. This time around I enjoyed a lovely "Champagne and Roses" manicure and pedicure. Yeah, I know, life is rough.
Shortly thereafeter, I met my college roommate Heidi back at the mall for more shopping. I truly enjoyed wandering timelessly through any store I wanted. Hilary met us back at the hotel and we caught up over some bubbles as we prepared for the evening's festivies.
After gettin' dolled up, we arrived at 6pm for the Taste of Tulalip's celebration event. The evening begain with several glasses of sparklng wine and passed hors' oeuvers. Following the reception, we were seated to an amazing mult-course meal sponsored by the Wine Spectator Magazine. The food was super delicious and the wine pairings were perfect, thanks to a master sommelier who came to the event. I was totally impressed that several courses came with two pours from two different wines. When I first glanced at the menu I thought I was going to have to choose. The tables looked abosutely beautiful with eight pieces of Riedel stemware at each seating.
After dinner came the VIP party featuring port and cigars. Needless to say, this is when the real fun started. The photos say it all.
The last thing we really needed was a night cap and some gambling, but as they say ... when in Tulalip.
As my Facebook update read the next moring... "Waking up to the nauseating smell of a Cusano cigar in my hair and the lingering taste of a 20 year Tawny on unbrushed teeth. Day 3 begins!"
Needless to say, we were all feeling a bit rough, but there was more wine to be consumed and it was time to rally. We had delicious buscuits and gravy delivered to the room and then headed off the the next event. Heidi and I had tickets to a tasting workshop sponsored by Riedel. It was truly fabulous and worth every penny. We even walked out with a set of tasting glasses.
The next major highlight was getting in one hour early as VIP's to the Grand Tasting. What a blast! We wandered around for a while sampling wine and chatting it up with the various vendors. The next thing I know, wer are hanging out with Marc Mondavi. He was totally down to earth and didn't mind a bit when we asked if we could snap a photo.
I have been to several festival style wine tastings and I must say that this was the best yet. The wines were extraordinary, the food was amazing and everyone was having a fanstic time. From an event planning perspective, things were flawless. It was truly well organized and executed.
The next major highlight for me was being chosen to serve as an honoury judge for the cooking challenge. Not lonly did I get to see the action upclose I was able to enjoy the food and wine and held decide a winner. Both teams did an incredbile job with the challenege and it was extremely difficult to choose.
This is a photo of my Tweet being featured on the large screens throughout the ballroom. What a fun idea! #finallygethowusethe#symbol
That evening Miranda joined us for dinner and we all enjoyed sharing stories and updates of our lives since college.
I don't think the weekend could have been more perfect. I truly enjoyed every moment. Thank you Darrin for allowing me to spread my wings. XOXO
For more photos click here.
November 06, 2010
October 31, 2010
September 03, 2010
August 06, 2010
Enchanted Garden Suite {Portland, Oregon}
We surfed upon a very cool bed and breakfast in Portland that I simply must share. If you are ever seeking affordable full-service accommodations in the City of Roses this might be a nice option to consider. The one-bedroom suite is located in the main house, however, it is absolutely beautiful with every amenity you can imagine. There is a private entrance through a secluded pathway and guests have access to the gardens and a beautiful tea house.
Breakfast is included in the nightly rental and is truly delicious. Margaret is a wonderful cook and uses fresh local and seasonal ingredients in all her dishes. Her gardens are nothing short of extraordinary and she takes extra care to feature on your plate whatever she harvested that morning. Her and Dave are two of the nicest people you will ever meet and their home is just lovely. The Queen bed is extremely comfortable, they use all organic and environmentally safe cleaning products, super soft bathrobes and slippers are provided along with heated towels and there is reliable wireless internet. The only concern for some might be the west hills location, about a 15 minute drive to northwest. They also shy away from families with children or pets, however, infants and toddlers are welcome if you let them know in advance.
This is looking out the front door of the suite into the courtyard area. There is a fountain with two fish, a tabletop fire pit and some patio chairs.
The kitchen is well stocked with everything you need to prepare snacks and/or a meal. Coffee is also provided along with fresh cream.
Ahhh the food! We loved the food.
July 12, 2010
A Little Garden Party
On Saturday, June 12th we welcomed friends to our new home in Dunbar. It turned out to be a lovely afternoon full of sunshine, smiles and delicious sangria.
June 02, 2010
Three years of marriage
Darrin and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary together with Ava at our new home. We enjoyed a delicious Pinot Noir from Elk Cove and some finger lickin' pork ribs prepared on our very own barbecue. The only thing missing was our leather cowboy boots.
May 09, 2010
The grass is greener.
Home sweet home!
April 29, 2010
At the Shyba's Cabin
Baby on the back deck!
April 13, 2010
Our new home!
We're moving to Dunbar ... a wonderful little neighborhood near the University of British Columbia.
April 01, 2010
Cascadia Kids
Check it out! Our family has been featured on the Cascadia Kids website.
http://www.cascadiakids.com/families-travel-elaina-goes-to-tofino-bc/
Elaina Goes to Tofino, BC
BC Coast and Islands — By Lora on March 31, 2010 at 23:23Vancouver-based mom Elaina Spring Eden, husband and adorable 9-month-old daughter Ava just traipsed off to Tofino, BC for almost a week. Tofino — located off the west shore of Vancouver Island — is well-known for opportunities to hike, whale-watch and unwind from the world.
But that last part (unwinding) isn’t always so easy for new parents, as we all remember.
“My husband I both realized that our days of laying in bed in terrycloth robes and staring out at the ocean for hours on end are on hiatus for a while,” Eden says. “The idea of rest and relaxation has taken on a whole new meaning in our lives at this point.”
“I find it humorous that I would easily trade a million dollar view for a microwave and a few extra feet of ‘crawl space.’”
So let’s find out how Eden successfully chilled out with her little one:
Q. So, with the above in mind, did you stay in any standout hotels?
Yes!
The first three nights we were at the Long Beach Lodge. Overall, the property was kid friendly. They happily provided a pack n’ play and high chair for our room.
However, if you are traveling with little ones, I highly recommend one of their two-bedroom cottages over the beachfront rooms in the lodge. It is nice to have the privacy and the extra space (1,000 sq. ft) as well as a full kitchen.
We put baby upstairs in a pack n’ play and enjoyed having the entire downstairs area to ourselves after she went to bed. There is a gas fireplace as well as a private hot tub off the master bedroom. We used the BBQ one night and ordered food to go from their restaurant another night (they don’t offer room service). I emailed in advance to make arrangements for a babysitter one evening. It was $15 an hour and allowed us to enjoy a nice dinner in their restaurant that was not particularly family friendly in the evenings.
We also stayed two nights at the Wickaninnish Inn.
In a word, it was amazing. Their attention to detail was truly
extraordinary. Riedel stemware in our guest room, homemade butter with
every meal, cedar carving lessons, rain jackets, pants and boots, a
hybrid Lexus for borrow, the world’s best hair dryer, HBC wool beach
blankets, a caring smile at every turn and breathtaking scenes of rain
forest, rock and ocean. The staff could not have been more accommodating
and courteous.
We were in a fairly standard “deluxe” guest room and it was extremely spacious and absolutely lovely. The bathtub was enormous and provided our baby girl hours of enjoyment. It was as if she had her very own swimming pool! They also provided a microwave in the room, which made heating up her baby food a breeze.
On their third floor they have a wonderful little library with all kinds of children’s books, puzzles, games and videos. Perhaps the best part for us was the complimentary in-room childcare for guests who wish to dine at the famous Ponite Restaurant. We were fortunate to experience the chef’s five course tasting menu during our visit and it was simply amazing truly incredible. The meal was simply amazing.
We also ordered room service a couple of times, which was just as delicious. I was impressed that they came to our room four times to bring us our dinner in courses: appetizer, starter, entree and dessert. It was expensive but I have to say the return was worth every loonie. This is the ultimate “family friendly five star” resort in British Columbia.
We also spent one night in a cabin at the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksville. This place prides itself on being family friendly and it shows. We stayed in a private cabin that was adorable and had everything we could wish for, including a full kitchen (with a dishwasher and microwave), a back deck with a private picnic table and BBQ, and a wood burning fireplace.
The resort itself has a link on the website for “families” and features several different organized activities, programs and amenities for kids. We used their babysitting service to visit the spa and have dinner and were extremely happy. The restaurant is also 100% kid friendly for all meals. Apparently it is also a great place to bring the family during the winter holiday season.
I had no idea how easy it was to arrange an in-room baby sitter at each of these properties. What a pleasant surprise!
Q. Some families would be worried to leave their baby with a babysitter they’re unfamiliar with. What reassured you?
Regarding the babysitting service, it was easier than I thought it would be. I did some research in advance and all three resorts have such a good reputation it immediately gave me some confidence. It also helped that I knew we were just a few moments away on the same property.
The Wick and the Long Beach Lodge interview and train existing in-house guest services staff to provide childcare. At the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort they also hire and train staff. As noted on their website “All of our sitters have been interviewed by Tigh-Na-Mara and have their Babysitting Certification. Babysitters will provide their own transportation to and from the Resort. Children under the age of two years require a mature sitter, 18yrs and over.” The person who looked after Ava was the mother of the woman who ran the hotel gift shop. She was delightful. We were truly happy with all three babysitters.
My advice is to trust your gut instincts when the sitter arrives and if everything feels okay … escape and enjoy a leisurely two-handed paced meal. You will be so glad you did.
Q. Did you eat any memorable meals? A spot with great baby-friendly attitudes or options?
A friendly mum on the ferry
recommended we try Sobo
while in Tofino and I am so grateful. It was a bit hard to find (a
couple of blocks off the main drag) so it isn’t a place you would
just stumble upon but it is definitely worth seeking out.
Not only was the food fresh, local and seasonal, but the restaurant is perfect for families. There is patio with a play area for kids as well as some fun picnic tables. Our server (also the mother of a nine month old) was incredibly kind and even offered to bring out some special “baby friendly” food for Ava. They also offer all kinds of items pre-made and ready to take-away. Their fresh cookies and other decadent desserts are to die for.
Q. Which activities you enjoy with your daughter, in Tofino?
Photo credit: Christopher Pouget
One cool thing we did was hire a professional photographer to take some family shots. The scenery is so extraordinary that we simply couldn’t leave without capturing it. We worked with local photographer Christopher Pouget and he was great … personable, professional and patient. His price was extremely affordable and his images are priceless.
Rainforest Walk
Another fun thing was the “Rainforest Walk” in the Pacific Rim National Park. The path we did was an easy half hour journey on a raised boardwalk. It is not stroller friendly but we managed beautifully with our baby carrier.
Q. Did you find that it was easier to meet and talk with people when your daughter was with you, compared to before kids?
Yes, we found people to be extremely friendly. Having a baby is great conversation starter but then again, I am much more outgoing when I am with Ava. I enjoy talking with people who have kids and never hesitate to strike up a conversation. I guess it is the same as always … you tend to find what you are looking for, in that regard.
March 10, 2010
February 28, 2010
Evergreen Alumni Profile
http://admissions.evergreen.edu/profiles/elainaspring.html
Elaina Spring Eden '97
Event planner
Elaina Spring Eden took her communications skills and ten years of corporate event planning experience to new heights, pursuing a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity with the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. In 2006, she relocated to Vancouver, B.C. to serve on VANOC’s brand and creative services team.
From a high-rise office between East Vancouver and Burnaby, her 30-person team represented graphic artists and marketing professionals from all over the world, and were part of close to 1,000 full-time staff on the organizing committee. They launched the graphic identity that helped define “the look” of the city at Games time. She was also involved in developing the Vancouver 2010 motto “With Glowing Hearts/Des Plus Brillants Exploits,” ticketing, and Cultural Olympiad events, among others.
"Working at VANOC was a dream come true!" Spring Eden says. "It was so fantastic to work with the best of the best on this project."
Since the Olympics concluded, Spring Eden has continued her work as a corporate event planner, based in Vancouver. She holds a professional certificate in event management from the University of Oregon as well as a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation. She and her husband, Darrin Eden, were married in Canada, and have one daughter.
February 16, 2010
Dear Grandpa Allen,
Thank you for showing me how to appreciate the simple things in life ... the scent of a campfire, the sound of a trumpet, the flavor of scotch on the tip of my tongue, the artistry of cursive on a handwritten letter, the importance of history and the delight of yellow sun dresses on the first day of spring.
You will be dearly missed but I have no doubt you have received a warm welcome upstairs. In fact, I am certain Grandma has already given you a hard time about showing up two days late to be her Valentine.
I love you. Rest in peace.
--Elaina Joy
