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  life + style to you: every Friday
August 29th, 2008

Sending the kids back to school should be a relief—that is, once the shopping, scheduling, schlepping and prepping are in place. But somehow the new school year just marks the beginning of a new season of chaos. In a good way, of course.

So this is for everyone who has kids, or knows someone with kids, or is just looking for cool ideas that don’t involve kids! We’ve got all of you covered. And to you moms out there—this is your chance to find a carpool for Little Jimmy and get yourself into a fun workout class. Hire a babysitter on Saturday morning and take an art class. Entertain the entire family on a weekend day trip. Or just shop—without guilt—for Y-O-U. It’s all here!

Want more goodness? Forward this issue to 5 friends and CC picks@portlandpicks.com and you could win a free private session at NW Pilates! For one lovely hour, it can be all about you.

  1. Hoot-n-Annie
  2. Bullseye Glass Co.
  3. Black Radish catering
  4. Anne Bocci Boutique
  5. lifeBODY fitness
  6. A Brilliant Nanny
  7. Oregon State Fair
  1. Washington Square
  2. Fierce Fitness
  3. Bella Stella
  4. Portland Fit Camp
  5. Organizers NW
  6. Munchkin Designs
  7. Meringue Boutique
       
 

Portland Picks' Back to School Guide:

       
  1

Big Fashion for Little Kids!

Shopping for little ones has never been better at Hoot-n-Annie ... and the price is so right. Check out their abundance of adorable and functional fall and winter fashions for newborns through size 10! They have loads of gorgeous jackets, shoes and Halloween costumes, too. Mention Portland Picks and receive 35% off Cotton Caboodle leggings and Sternlein Tights! Psssst… Been dreaming of a place of your own? Hoot-n-Annie is for sale! Contact them through the website for more info.

www.hoot-n-annie.com

       
  2

Be a Glass Artist

We’ll never be the next Dale Chihuly, but now we can learn to work with colored glass, making sculptures, jewelry or vessels with guidance from our friendly, skilled instructors at Bullseye Glass’s SE Portland classroom studios. After our Introduction to Kilnforming class, we might even sign up for Open Studio sessions and make our own backsplash for the kitchen! Bullseye makes glasses in hundreds of colors and forms right here in Portland, coveted by artists around the world.

www.bullseyeglass.com/education

       
  3

Ready to Reward Yourself?

Now that the kids are in school and your schedule is filling up again (driving to band practice, tutoring and kickball games), it’s time for some individual—and gustatorial—attention… without even leaving your house. Chef Heather Mader of Black Radish creates fabulous menus for everything from cocktail parties to backyard soirees to tray-passed fundraisers, plus sit-down dinners and romantic dinner-and-massage packages! Check her website for descriptions and photos of her gorgeous food. You sooooo deserve this.

www.blackradish.net

       
  4

A Gem of a Day… with 25% Off!

Shopping for back to school can actually be fun at Anne Bocci Boutique, a tiny gem of a store in SW Portland's Multnomah Village. It's filled with darling back-to-school limited-edition coats from Seattle designer Suzabelle, and other must-have name-brand clothes. You and your daughter will adore the day out, and maybe even find some common ground in your tastes. (Imagine that!) Mention Portland Picks and she'll take 25% off all non-sale items.

www.annebocciboutique.com

       
  5

It’s Time to Get a Great Workout

So many of our girlfriends say they don’t have time to work out over summer—but now that it’s Back to School, what’s the holdup, right? We’re going to give them the gift of personal training sessions at lifeBODY fitness. And maybe hook ourselves up, too! They’ll get you back in shape, energize your life, and you’ll really truly have fun doing it. Mention Portland Picks and receive one free session with your first purchase!

www.lifebodyfitness.com

       
  6

Find Time for Yourself

You don’t have to do it all. Take some “me” time to do what you like—without the kids. With the help of A Brilliant Nanny, you can feel confident that your precious children are in good hands. They meticulously screen each caregiver, so whether you want a date night or errand sitter or a nanny until your kids go to college, they've got you covered. Go ahead—take the time for yourself. After all, mama, you deserve it.

www.abnanny.com

       
  7

Big Fun for Everyone!

After the homework is finished, treat the kids to an unforgettable day at the Oregon State Fair. Ride a Ferris wheel. Catch a concert by Vanessa Hudgens (star of High School Musical). Enter a watermelon-seed spitting contest! (And Mom can taste Oregon’s finest wines!) It’s wholesome family fun for less than a movie ticket, and with more than 9,000 things to do, see and taste. The 2008 Oregon State Fair is too big to miss!

What: Oregon State Fair
When: Aug. 22–Sept. 1 (Labor Day)
Where: Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem
Admission: Adults, $8 advance, $10 at the gate; Children 6–12, $3 advance, $5 at the gate; 5 and under Free!
Visit: www.oregonstatefair.org

       
  8

A Brand New Wardrobe to Wow the School

It’s every kid’s dream to go back to school in style. Heck, it’s our dream and we’ve been out of school for years. And what better way to celebrate Back to School than with a new wardrobe from Washington Square Mall? Enter for a chance to win $500 in One Great Gift Cards from Washington Square through August 31, 2008. Outfit your kids with the latest fashions from Lucky Brand Jeans, Metropark, XXI Forever, American Eagle Outfitters and more!

www.webinquiry.net

       
  9

Kapow! Pop! Punch! Kids’ Fitness = Fun

Maybe it’s not you who needs to move this season—get your kids in shape and show them a great time with the new iKick Kickboxing Fitness for Kids program at Fierce Fitness. There are two classes: ages 3–5 on Saturdays, from 11 –11:30 am, and ages 6-13 on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 5–6 pm. Mention Portland Picks and get the First Month Free with a new membership! (A $99 value!)

www.FierceFitness.com

       
  10

Reduce, Reuse, Re-Fashion

Forget everything you think you know about resale shopping for kids—Bella Stella totally redefines the medium with high-end brands that are sure to please everyone from the pickiest Pearl-dwelling toddler to discerning Beaverton babies. Find brands like Oilily, Hanna Andersson, Primigi and Ecco at about 80% less than their original retail price. Plus Pluie Pluie raingear and new overstock from Harlo and Speesees Organics. Bring in your own gently used clothes for store credit… it’s like shopping for free!

www.bellastellaresale.com

       
  11

Get Fit for Fall—at Camp!

Who says camp is just for kids? The difference is that this camp is all about getting healthy and in great shape. The fall session is starting at Portland Fit Camp, running Sept. 4–29 at Lower Macleay Park, with flexible times: 11 am–noon or noon–1 pm, and 6–7 pm Monday and Thursday evenings. It’s an innovative and fun outdoor experience in small group classes that are just for women. You will love the results!

www.portlandfitcamp.com

       
  12

Make Time to Organize

Ready to tackle your to-do list now that the kids are back in school? Don’t wait to clean up the garage, kitchen cabinets, closet, or home office. Make time for a project of your own to make your busy life easier. Organizers NW can help set up systems in your home that are customized to your individual needs, whether it’s finding a home for holiday lights or cutting down the time you spend hunting for a colander!

www.organizersnw.com

       
  13

School Rocks

Jack Black had it right—school really can rock. And nobody will rock your kids’ wardrobes harder (in the softest cotton) than Munchkin Designs’ adorable new tees. Emblazoned with “School Rocks” on the front, they’re a perfect way to celebrate your child’s big day. Pick Little Shelly or Scott’s favorite colors for a truly one-of-a-kind tee. These make fantastic gifts for the kids in your life—even if you don’t have one of your own. Rock on!

www.munchkindesigns.com

       
  14

Meringue’s Sale Saves the Day!

Why should the kids be the only ones to look fresh for Back to School? Shopping Meringue Boutique’s semi-annual online sale will ramp up your fall wardrobe and you can still shop for the kidlets. Enjoy savings of 25–80% off hot brands like William Rast, Juicy Couture, Splendid, Three Dots, Seven for All Mankind and more. Find $50 denim, and $10 tees and casual pants. Sale runs only until Aug. 31, so shop now!

www.meringueboutique.com

       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

 
       
  2

Singles Night at the Street of Dreams

Tired of going on blind dates, too busy to find other professional singles, or just looking to meet new and interesting people? Ever wanted to see the Street of Dreams? Combine them both tonight as It's Just Lunch provides unique, creative, and fun solutions to the dating scene during a fun evening at the 2008 Street of Dreams.

What: Singles Night at the 2008 Street of Dreams
When: Tonight, Aug. 29, 6–9 pm
Where: Take the Johnson Creek Blvd. Exit off of I-205 and follow the signs
Visit: www.streetofdreamspdx.com

       
  3

Model Call for Portland Fashion Week

PFW is around the bend, and they’re looking for models! So head to the Center of Excellence if you are someone, or know someone (female or male), who fits the bill. Females need be 5’8”–6’0” with a dress size between zero and four; males: 5’10”–6’2” with a waist of 28–32 inches and jacket up to 42L.

What: PFW call for models
When: Primary: Sunday, Sept. 7, 2:45–5 pm open call; Secondary: Sunday, Sept. 14, 2:30–4:30 pm open call
Where: Center of Excellence, 308 SW 1st Ave., Suite 200
Email: talent@PortlandFashionWeek.net
Visit: www.PortlandFashionWeek.net

       
  4

You Read This Right—$20 Sale at Talula's!

We've been tracking the departure of Talula's shoe store like monkeys on banana day, and have been back twice to snap up finds from Miss Sixty, L.A.M.B., Sam Edelman, Seychelles, Report, and even Betsey Johnson at bargain prices. But this weekend everything in the shop is $20—or even $10! Call in sick this afternoon! Rent a van! As they say, it is on.

What: $10 and $20 final closeout at Talula's
When: This Friday to Sunday
Where: 918 NW 23rd Ave. (downstairs in TAGG)

       
 

With all the shopping that needs to be done, we feel like maybe we should go back to school ourselves to justify it. Wonder if we can still take that class in Underwater Basket-weaving we always joked about in college…

       
 
 
 

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