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July 25th , 2008
Don’t know if you saw this, but last Thursday on The Daily Show our gal Kristen Schaal did a piece on “Cougars”—middle-aged single women who are on the prowl for younger men. We at the Picks are veritable connoisseurs of Cougs, as we know them intimately, and on their home turf. (Don’t forget we publish www.PhoenixPicks.com, which is adjacent to Scottsdale, which is the social anthropologist’s go-to site for studying the Cougar.) What was most genius about Ms. Schaal’s piece (see it here!) is that she not only admonishes the use of such a sexist stereotype while bantering with Jon Stewart, but in her “free time,” she hangs with Jemaine from Flight of the Conchords. (Be still our hearts!!!!) And we have to say, there’s no shame in the Cougar game. If things keep looking like they do for us romantically, we will soon count ourselves among their proud, fierce ranks. p.s. We have something fabulous to give away! Email 5 of your fellow Cougs, BFFs, ex-BFFs, whoever, and cc picks@portlandpicks.com to win a free necklace from Derby Girl Designs (see below for more on this local talent)! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Words Shmurds In the beginning, the BF could do no wrong. But after we tied the knot, his “I do” sometimes became, “Oops, I forgot.” Smart guy that he is, he quickly learned that flowers say “I’m sorry” better than words. Imagine his relief when we pointed him toward a little shop where not just flowers, but anything could blot out his latest faux pas. Both a floral design studio and a boutique, Ink & Peat is filled with all the stuff we love: soaps, candles, pillows, totes, vintage glass, pottery, paper goods, books and botanicals. Our wish list includes quilted organic cotton bedding from Plover, verbena hand crème from Lothantique, and darling ceramic bud vases from Judy Jackson. We also covet the adorable totes from Lotta Jansdotter, all-natural eau de parfum in scents of “Siberian snow,” and reclaimed vintage lockets with heartfelt inscriptions—made right here in Portland. And if our guy were to put ink to paper and actually pen us a note (on Egg Press stationery, no less), we’d just have to forgive him. Of course, a hand-tied bouquet of pretty peonies wouldn’t hurt either. Ink & Peat |
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| 2 | The Bigger the Better Good things may come in small packages, but good stores should have plenty of room to spread out. That’s the case with the new version of old-favorite Relish, which just opened in a much larger space last week. Well-stocked with hip housewares and bright, bold textiles, Relish is a frequent haunt for any Portland modernist (even if you’re not sure how to pull it all together, since they offer interior design consulting). Products read like a designer’s dictionary—Blomus, Chilewich, Marimekko and Sagaform. We were immediately smitten with lacy green bike baskets, pleated fleece blankets and semi-transparent placemats that reveal the wood tones of your table underneath. We also loved the multi-functionality of a propeller-shaped condiment spreader which, given the store’s moniker, was a perfect find! Moreover, Relish doesn’t just outfit the home. It’s also a prime place to find jewelry, from sleek silver rings by Xen to wide wooden cuffs by Tivi and laser-cut pendants from Melissa Borrell. Now that the store has more than doubled, so has our wish list! We thought we were done decorating... relish the thought! Relish |
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| 3 | 50 States of Mind We’re the traveling kind, heart and soul. In fact, earlier this year, we were bitten so hard by Wanderlust that we spontaneously booked a flight to Guatemala and flew out the next day. We are still paying for it. And when our bank account suffers, so does our social life. Our Aha! moment came when we discovered the new 50 Plates, with all their culinary exquisites from every region of... get this... our very own country. We delighted in simple classics like the sablefish and mash, dirty rice beignets and Maine lobster rolls. Yet we were wowed by the elements of elegance, like their clambake served in an oversized copper clam-basin, and hot-fudge fondue matched with toasted mallows and made-in-house grahams. With more than a flair for modern style (we can’t get over the chocolate-brown chef coats and aprons!), including a swank bar with daily HH themes such as Manhattan Mondays, we are convinced: America, the beautiful. And America, the scrumptious! Come July 28th (their opening day), we’re using our travel funds a bit more wisely—with regular trips to the Pearl’s 50 Plates! 50 Plates |
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| 4 | L.A. Looks We have a mild obsession with watching really bad MTV reality shows. More specifically: “The Hills.” (However, if you asked us if we saw last week’s rerun, we would deny, deny, deny.) We think our addiction stems from our other obsession—clothes. We too want to look like we belong on a beach in California with our skinny jeans, long tank tops, and totally adorable hoodies. This is where Urban Edge can help a girl out. The independently owned boutique in the Pearl (where Olive Shoes used to reside) offers women’s and men’s apparel and accessories from lines like Salvage Clothing, Antik Denim, and Kinetix Clothing, to name a few. And the skinny jeans? Oh yes. Their denim selection would make any jean-lover’s heart go ba-boom ba-boom. But after you’re done crafting your L.A.-inspired wardrobe, be sure to check out the art space in the back of the store. A-mazing! With one obsession in check (wardrobe envy no more!), maybe we can skip this week’s rerun. Then again, maybe not. Urban Edge |
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| 5 | Jealous Much? We have this friend who is uber-chic. And her loft is the coolest ever, packed with interesting accoutrements and international artifacts and art and... Okay, so we often find ourselves jealous of her unique digs. We realized, however, it’s not the fab décor that makes her house stand out, it’s the fresh flowers—the girl always has fresh flowers. Very classy. As though fate drew our name, we stumbled upon Jennie Greene Designs’ new location, a drastically expanded space that now showcases Jennie’s unique floral arrangements much like an art gallery. Because Jennie is known for her edgy, untraditional designs and combining flora with accents like fruit, metal, or other fun fillers, the shop does plenty of weddings. But they also have an abundance of weekly customers—businesses and ladies like us, who crave that subtle touch of floral sophistication in their lives. We think we’ll pick up our first bouquet this weekend and have our friend over for cocktail hour on the patio (bouquet adorned, natch)... and maybe she’ll be the jealous one for once! Jennie Greene Designs |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Time is Money We only see Midwest Grannie on holiday, but it doesn’t explain why we just this year noticed that she has the pinkest, softest skin we’ve ever seen! We didn’t get those genes. But we found a solution: Avitalin’s Time Defense Moisturizer. Created by local skin goddess Marina Volod of European Skin Care Clinic, Derma Esthetica, it’s the kind of product we place high on our shelf for a formula that protects, prevents, and replenishes! |
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| 2 | Flip-Flopping Every time we go for a pedicure, we forget to bring flip flops... because we don’t own any. And even though we are convinced they’re a fashion faux-pas, we did finally pick up a pair that are cute enough to grace our feet. Oka B. shoes are anti-microbial, waterproof, have built-in massage beads and can go in the dishwasher, though we’re not sure they should. Now we’re only sad that we didn’t pick up a pair months ago! |
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| 3 | Derby Style We were feeling super tough last week and put some serious thought into joining a Roller Derby team. But then we fell on our heinies (through simple walking, nonetheless), and almost cried. So we’re over it. We are however all about this beauty by Derby Girl Designs. With vintage glass beads and wire that is more or less crocheted, it’s unique and stunning, and totally moldable per outfit—whether we want to go glam, Goth or everyday-chic. Um, smitten! (Available locally at Adorn!) |
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| 4 | Isle Hopping A friend of ours used to visit Hawaii and torment us with multimedia messages of sandy beaches and Mai Tais. Now we’re turning the tables, gifting adorable Maui-themed bottle-cap magnets to remind her just how far from the islands she really is. With more than 500 choices, Kate Grenier Designs has themes that fit any friend’s fridge or file cabinet. Democrat or Republican, baby or birthday, you’re sure to find a perfect match! |
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| 5 | Doormat Syndrome We recently took a conflict personality test that put us in the “accommodating” category, and we simply refuse to believe we are doormats. So we took the test again. Still: doormats. For as much as we detest being one, it’s a real wonder we want so badly to buy one. But these mats are elegant yet simple, worthy of our mod-yet-humble abode. Plus, they’re ideal for summer soirees, when folks go from patio to porch to sunroom all eve! www.velocityartanddesign.com |
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| Wine of the Week: | |||
We are big fans of the Pinots and Grigios, and as mentioned before, this is The Summer of Pink Wine. So how excited were we to discover Substance’s Pinot Gris—basically a colorless Pinot Noir. It’s intensely fruity (we found notes of citrus, melon and a touch of honey) yet has some acidity so it’s not too precious. We served it with takeout fish tacos and ceviche—ramped up 10 notches by this delicious vino! |
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| 4 | Jewelry Trunk Show at Digs Inside & Out Digs Inside & Out welcomes jewelry designer Julie Wong and her fall collection for a fab trunk show! Julie’s baubles grace Neiman Marcus stores all over the country, and it’s fantastic to have her at Digs for one night. Luscious pearls, precious gems, silver and gold; and it’s on Last Thursday—so make an evening out of it! What: Julie Wong jewelry trunk show |
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| 5 | 4th Annual SHOC 10K/5K run/walk Run for a cause when you participate in the 4th Annual Sherie Hildreth Ovarian Cancer Empowerment 10K/5K and 1-mile family fun walk. Proceeds go to the OHSU Cancer Institute for Gynecologic cancers, making it a great opportunity to encourage, inspire, and celebrate with lots of fun entertainment, plus free buffet breakfast following the event. What: 4th Annual SHOC 10K/5K run/walk |
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| 6 | Fab New Restaurant Opens on MLK MLK is a tough stretch for restaurants—you can’t be too foofy for the neighborhood. What is appreciated is excellent, simple food at wallet-friendly prices, and a new restaurant called “belly” provides just that. With daily menus (try Yellow Corn Soup, Burger & Fries, Pan-Roasted Duck Breast and Loaded Potato Gnocchi) and seasonal ingredients, we predict success! What: belly restaurant opens in northeast |
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Mark your calendars for another Portland Picks for Men singles event!!! Grab your single ladyfriends and head to Vicinato Wine Bar for a night of mixing and mingling with some cute PPFM readers on Aug. 8. (You already have something in common—you read the Picks!) Win great prizes from NW Pilates, Mabel & Zora, Fusion Salon, McCormick & Schmick’s , Pin-Me and more, enjoy free wine and hors d’oeuvres, and maybe score a date! Proceeds help benefit the Red Cross. What: Portland Picks For Men Singles Night |
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Do you know some cool kids in Seattle who might like the Picks? Turn them on to www.SeattlePicks.com and www.SeattlePicksforMen.com. They’ll be glad you did them a solid. |
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