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August 8th, 2008
We remember when flying was luxurious. Now they’ve traded entrees for pretzels, legroom for shin scrapes and two bags for one. What’s more, we have not yet learned to limit our carry-on liquids to 3 ounces, thus we’ve lost some prized hair and face serums (not to mention, major moola!) to The Great Abyss of Beauty Products. We’d like to know where all of these thousands of dollars’ worth of valuable hair/face/body goodies end up. Not that we would dumpster dive or anything (who do you take us for?) but we’re thinking there’s got to be a hoarder out there whose hair is the shiniest and skin, the youngest. Seriously, if ever a job had its perks, this would be it. Here’s a condolence for your own travel woes: Email 5 of your top travelista sistas and CC picks@portlandpicks.com to win a pair of Ecologie bags (see below), perfect for toting those duty-free bevies from el aeropuerto to seat 8A. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Dream Big Sometimes we wonder if the dreams we had as little girls will ever come true. Especially the one about our Handsome Prince. Where is he? And does this have anything to do with the fact that our shiny glass slipper is more like a glass-bottomed boat? Okay, so we're tall and our feet don't fit into a dainty size 7 (let alone, size 9). It’s been tricky to find saucy shoes that fit these babies—until Big Shoe Envy walked (pardon the pun!) onto the Portland scene. They carry an amazing selection of shoes sized 9 through 14 only, so we don’t have to go hunting for the freak pair of tens in the bunch. After learning we could try on (and purchase) by appointment only, we walked in and found the brands we love, such as Taryn Rose, Dionella, Al Amira, Cydwoq, Highest Heel, and Kathryn Kerrigan. We felt like a princess as we tried on shoe after shoe after shoe—heels, flats, boots, sandals. Oh yes, heaven. Maybe our childhood dreams aren't far from reality after all. Big Shoe Envy |
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| 2 | Takes One to Know One We were once referred to as “pampery,” by an ex—in a not-so-positive manner, btw—and we have since decided to simply embrace the fact that we like to be pampered. But when we meet gals who have never ever in their life ever had a pedi, we heartily believe this to be a tragedy that needs fixing. So in our quest to end all un-pedied feet, we found the newish nail haven, Euphoria. Not only is it near our SE neck of the woods, it’s a far cry from the nail salons we’d previously given our business. The place is clean and quaint—as in, four pedi chairs, two mani stations and one small wax room. And they treat you like royalty, with complementary wine or tea and the best massage chairs ever! They even take walk-ins, and are always staffed in full (with sweethearts, no less), so wait times are short. And with a range of pedi options that are more than affordable, we can treat our friends to their First Ever Pedicure without splitting the piggy bank! Euphoria Nails |
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| 3 | Spin the Bottle We are extremely inefficient when we shop for gifts. We always think there is something out there that is bigger, better and badder. Of course, this means we often have to retrace our steps to retrieve that perfect item, four months and seventeen shops back. It’s a chore, you know? So sometimes we just want to spin the bottle. Just let fate decide. Well fate was on our side when we discovered Spin Designs—at a free-standing window display, of all places. After wide-eyeing the ultra mod mobiles, we discovered the sister team behind Spin recently moved its studio, opened it to the public (Wed.–Fri., 11 am–3 pm and by appointment), and will soon host art classes—everything from jewelry making to glass etching to garden art. With delicate detail in pretty patterns, and silhouettes ranging from birds to shoes to the Eiffel Tower, these mobiles aren’t meant to hang above Kiddo’s crib. They’re for mama’s crib. We think we’ll stock up and take a year sabbatical from gifting. Spin Designs |
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| 4 | Need a Little Motivation? Which is how we found group training at lifeBODY fitness. Their trainers are friendly, knowledgeable, the hour flew by before we knew it, and we didn’t need to lie down afterward! We felt energized and ready for our next session. And the best part? It’s surprisingly affordable. (We really appreciate that.) lifeBODY fitness is a boutique gym, so there’s no sign of sweaty, grunting dudes in Zubaz hogging the squat bar. And they go beyond the expected with towel service (we always forget ours), eco-friendly water bottles, and fresh fruit waiting at the end of your workout! (And if you don’t want a group class, you can still get one-on-one attention with a private training session.) We’re in! |
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| 5 | Sake it to Me So we acquiesced to our husband’s request and attended a classic auto show recently—really, it was kind of cool. Nay, very cool. While he drooled over the 1960s Mustangs, we totally knew we’d have felt at home in a classy 1930s Packard. That said, there’s no time like the present and while out there, we decided to treat ourselves to a little present—a stopover at Saké One. Saké One is the only American-owned sakery in the world, but you wouldn’t know it by what you’re sipping. We decided to take the tour, which was interesting and just long enough (because we tend to find brewery tours a snooze—let us have at the booze already!). And it’s worth the mileage from downtown. Saké One’s tasting room is a virtual emporium of nice things done to rice. (By the way, as a bonus to all you Celiac-afflicted folks, saké is gluten-free.) We sampled saké galore, and especially liked the “g” saké, maybe because right under the logo it says, “Men can’t find it.” Say no more, indeed. Saké One |
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| Wine of the Week: | |||
Cooper Mountain 2006 Pinot Gris Reserve We are learning a lot about wine this summer, and every bottle we try just gets better. Just think—we’re doing all this research just for you! Our latest discovery is Cooper Moutain’s 2006 Pinot Gris Reserve. The tasting notes don’t do justice to this aromatic bottle, but look for passion fruit, mango, pear, key lime, kiwi and melon flavors after the first tart hint of grapefruit. We like this at room temperature, btw. Salud! |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Outside of the Box If ever a lover wanted to impress us, he knew that chocolate was the quickest way to our hearts. And jewelry. In fact, if the two could somehow be combined... Oh sweet sugary snap, our wish has come true. This is the assortment of all assortments, with six fine chocolates set into a silk tennis bracelet box, and flavors like green tea, lavender, and sea-salt caramel. The bow on the box? These chocolate cubes are prettied with fun designs! |
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| 2 | Carry On, Carry On We don’t normally do this, but let’s talk politics. Word is a certain governor-to-be will put a price tag on plastic grocery bags—statewide! We’re so progressive... But it’s even more the reason to snatch up some cute totes, like those by Ecologie. Trendy and mod, sturdy and roomy—plus inexpensive!—these two-toned totes come in ten chic combos, so they can don’t clash with our look, whether we’re headed for the market, the library, or the beach. |
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| 3 | As Luck Would Have It When we were in our young hippie phase, we’d host and attend potlucks on a weekly basis. It remains as one of our fave ways to congregate with friends—and eat a good meal on the cheap. So when we found Potluck Fare, were ready to bring it back. Because what’s better than having old friends over? Having friends over to covet your chic potteryware! In colors like ice, milk and pistachio, they’ll see how grown-up you’ve become. |
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| 4 | Iron and Whine One of the hardest parts about being a Vegan is finding shoes that are animal friendly and don't look like grandma's orthopedic clogs. Sure, if we had a million dollars we'd rock Stella McCartney heels every day. Unfortunately that just isn't the case. Luckily, Iron Fist launched a line of Vegan shoes that deliver just what we're looking for—stylish, affordable shoes for those days when we're craving a veggie dog and needing to flaunt our inner gothabilly. |
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| 5 | The End We know all good things must come to an end, but what ever happened to Happily Ever After? Our fairy tale is painfully short on that factor. If we had to put that storybook on the shelf, we’d use these bookends by Netherlander, Pakhuis Oost. Reminiscent of the books of old, and cheerfully decorated in an all-over print, this pair of bird-shaped bookends makes us believe our Once Upon A Time is still yet to come. www.roseandradish.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Passport to Sellwood & Westmoreland Explore the retail stores, restaurants and services in Sellwood/Westmoreland. With no purchase required, try to amass at least 6 stamps in your “Sellwood & Westmoreland Passport.” Six stamps enter you in a raffle to win gift certificates from every participating business. Twelve stamps makes you eligible for one of three grand prizes! Plus enjoy sales and live music. What: Passport to Sellwood & Westmoreland |
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| 2 | Indie Designs—Sale This Saturday! Pick up handmade items at a sale tomorrow, held by the group formerly known as PDX ETSY. So much cuteness just waiting to come home with you! Visit these fab shops for a preview: Urbana, Phoebe1, Salmon Street Studios, Ruby Girl, Scrumptious Suds, Mini Muse Designs, Little Daisy Chains, PDX Beanies, RubiBlue and LeaK Arts. What: Handmade Sale |
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| 3 | Healthy Lifestyles and Beautiful Smiles We love getting compliments on our smile! And Dr. da Costa is our go-to guy for a pampering dental wellness experience. They’ll provide blankets, bottled water, even an i-Pod to make your appointment a positive experience. Did you know there’s a correlation between physical and dental health? Call to find out more—mention Portland Picks and get a free consultation! What: Free Consultations from Dr. da Costa |
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| 4 | Youth Auditions for The Portland Ballet! |
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| 5 | OFFICE PDX Anniversary Sale It’s the anniversary sale at OFFICE! Today through Sunday, enjoy 15% off any in-store product or artwork. Pick up a designer laptop bag, portfolio system, paper goods, vintage typewriters, or even one-of-a-kind art! Get a coupon for a discounted lunch at Lauro Kitchen with any sale purchase! Say, “I read this in Portland Picks” to get another 5% off! What: OFFICE anniversary sale + Portland Picks discount |
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| 6 | Get Ready for the Street of Dreams! Get ready for fabulousness at the Street of Dreams Tour of Homes. Portland pioneered the concept in 1976 and each year it gets more exciting. From green homes to creative use of space and materials, plus new design ideas galore, Street of Dreams reflects the best in luxury home design. What better place to pick up ideas for your own abode? What: 2008 Street of Dreams |
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| 7 | Community Warehouse Estate Sale We almost didn’t tell you about this—but we’ve been shopping the Community Warehouse Sale for years. (Antiques dealers shop here and mark up the prices in their own stores!) Antiques, mid-century furnishings, crystal, china, silver, artwork and more. Everything is priced to sell, and there’s new inventory all the time. All profits fund the Community Warehouse's good work. What: Community Warehouse Estate Sale |
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| 8 | Single? Mingle Tonight with PPFM! What are you doing tonight? How about having a glass of wine, hanging out with friends, and meeting someone new? Tonight is the Portland Picks for Men (PPFM) Singles Event. It’s a low-key, elegant vibe at Vicinato Wine Bar—and you already have something in common with the guys—you both read the Picks! Need more incentive? How about the chance to win Gift Certificates to NW Pilates, Mabel & Zora, Fusion Salon, McCormick & Schmick’s, Pin-Me, Popina Swimwear, Hair M and more, plus you can enjoy free wine and hors d’oeuvres, and maybe score a date! What: Singles Night with Portland Picks For MenWhen: Tonight! Event starts at 6 pm Where: Vicinato Wine Bar, 4605 NE Fremont St. Cost: $10 at the door. Proceeds help benefit the Red Cross. RSVP: picks@portlandpicksformen.com |
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| 9 | D.O.C Brings Italian… NE-Style There’s a new Italian in town, and it’s called D.O.C. Open just two weeks, it’s homey and intimate, despite the pedigrees (chefs hail from Fife, and the Tasting Room in NYC; owners are from Beast and Yakuza). The menu merges seasonal local ingredients with simple Italian cuisine, and the wine list is amazing. Reservations accepted—ask for patio seating! What: D.O.C. now open |
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| 10 | Save Big Bucks on Totally Cute Shoes!
If you didn't hit the sale from Talula's last weekend, there's still time to get steals on spot-on trends and hot new shoe styles this weekend. Look for the closeout sale downstairs, and save a staggering 50–75% off retail on current styles and brands like Miss Sixty, Seychelles, BCBG, L.A.M.B, Sam Edelman, Oh Deer!, Report, Betsey Johnson, Beverly Feldman and more! What: Final closeout sale for Talula’s shoe store |
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Have you been feeling the pinch of the “R” word this summer, or do you think it’s a bunch of hooey? Either way, we hope you’ve picked up some great ideas from this week’s issue—whether you want bargain furniture or all-out pampering! |
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Be sure to visit www.portlandpicks.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.portlandpicks.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address. If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@portlandpicks.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Chicago Picks! Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
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