We Have Soap on the Brain

Q. What does southeast Portland have in common with northeast Brazil?
A. Camamu.
 
In Brazil, Camamu is a town near Salvador. In Portland, Camamu’s a soap studio with a heady fragrance that embraces you as you walk by. Camamu’s owner, Lori Basson, has been crafting handmade soaps in Portland since 2000, and on SE Clinton since February, in an immaculate workshop that’s part retail, part studio, and all wonderland.
 
If we had to peg what “clean” smelled like, it would likely be one of Camamu’s soaps. All products are made on-site, and it’s a labor of love—Lori uses all-natural, animal-free, locally supplied product to make her creations, even growing some of the herbs (like mint and calendula) herself. All fragrances come from essential oils. The soaps have to cure for a month. Rose-scented soaps come with a dusting of dried petals, and coffee grinds stud one of the kitchen bars. We fell in love with the Honeybee, which combines wheat germ, honey, and geranium essential oil in a recipe that both calms and energizes when the alarm goes off too early for our liking.
 
Camamu also sells shampoo in bar form, as well as bulk slabs of soap and accessories like soap dishes and hemp washcloths. Also check out the gift sets; totally the thing you’d want as a housewarming gift (ahem). In the fall, they plan to use the space as a showcase for local artists and events. So stop by, clean up, and tell Lori that Portland Picks sent you!
 
Camamu
2021 SE Clinton St.
Portland, OR 97202
503.901.7419

Light Up Your Life

Sometimes the idea of owning an old house is nicer than the reality of owning an old house. It’s one thing to walk past a drool-worthy property and another thing to move into one and find out that you need to do, build, and replace a heckuva lot more than you (literally) bargained for.
 
But upon entering Rejuvenation Lighting, we thought to ourselves, “Maybe a third job or a second mortgage is doable!” Not because it’s expensive—Rejuvenation is actually quite reasonable—but because we wanted everything in the store. We’d checked out the catalog and the site, but walking into their store on SE Grand, we felt we’d died and gone to Craftsman heaven.
 
From the huge selection of lights beckoning from the ceiling to the stunning cherry mission tables to their well-edited cozy book nook in the back, we wanted to curl up and hide until closing, and then explore the place like Claudia in From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler. (Or that Culkin kid at the Plaza in Home Alone 2.) We also checked out their architectural salvage, which has got to be the coolest in town—antique door hardware, old card catalogs, windows, doors—Rejuvenation’s already done all the hard stuff and made it all pretty and impossible to resist.
 
So don’t. Go there, get some ideas, and then try to walk out empty-handed.
 
Rejuvenation Lighting
1100 SE Grand Ave.
Portland, OR 97214
503.238.1900
www.rejuvenation.com

(Not So) Tiny Bubbles

Imagine our surprise when a friend of ours remarked that she’d never tried bubble tea! Heavens, we thought, we simply must introduce her to the wonderful delights of drinking things with sweet stuff on the bottom. And we knew just the place: Fat Straw.
 
Fat Straw has a staggering variety of tea beverages you can choose from to personalize your drink. You can choose from the more common, like black, almond, or green teas, or go for something fruitier like blueberry or mango, or something odd like almond, red bean, or taro. They’ll also make you a smoothie with the bubbles at the bottom. It’s great, too, if you’re shopping on Hawthorne and just getting thirsty (not hard in these nuclear temperatures of late).
 
And the best part of course, are the bubbles: round tapioca “pearls” at the bottom of the container, awaiting your slurping by the namesake fat straw. They taste like softened, circular gummy bears, without the cloying fruit flavor. They’re sort of like pudding bullets. We know someone who likes to shoot them across Hawthorne, but we hate to put any of them too waste. Fat Straw also offers a tempting selection of biscotti, baked goods, and bagel sandwiches. Make sure to get a frequent-drinker card and have it punched each time you order—because you will be coming back.
 
Just like our friend did.
 
Fat Straw
4258 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR 97215
503.233.3369

For Pet’s Sake

We had to go out of town unexpectedly, but couldn’t bring our beloved feline with us. Besides, he’s a homebody anyway. But we wanted to find someone who would take as good care of him as we do. Who would get him. Who would understand what each meow meant—because they’re all different, you know. Who would intuitively understand which spots he likes to be petted on, and when. And who would inspire trust and confidence, since this caretaker would be in our house, without us there.
 
And then we found Harriette at For Pet’s Sake, and all our fears were allayed. Harriette is licensed and bonded, and has been doing the pet-sitting thang since 1995. When she came over for an initial visit with our cat she filled out a comprehensive questionnaire on his habits, health information, litter-box habits, favorite toys, and so on. She even brought treats and toys for our little buddy! Harriette also takes care of dogs, in-house or at her home, and offers daily walking services. She’s like a female Dr. Doolittle! In addition, if she comes to your house she’ll collect your mail and newspapers.
 
When we returned from our sojourn, we were thrilled to see our little kitty sweetheart all kinds of happy and healthy. And the icing on the proverbial cake? She left our home cleaner than we did.
 
For Pet’s Sake
503.679.9075
www.4pets-sake.com
info@4pets-sake.com

The Sweetest Gift(s)

So the other day we got notice that a friend of ours is having a baby shower…in Phoenix. Unfortunately, due to the travel and the timing, we can’t make it, but we have to send a gift—it’s her first kiddie and she’s one of our BFFs—but here’s the kicker...she doesn’t yet know the sex of her child.
 
So we’re struggling here. We want to find something unique and fuzzy and Portland-hippie-ish (she’s been receiving a lot of yellow onesies that read “Mommy and Me,” and “I’m Special,” so we figure some rainbow burping blankets and hemp bibs will be the perfect antidote), and anyhoo, we were striking out until we found Quirks and Quandaries. They were chock-full of adorable and locally made baby items like hand-knitted baby rattles, tiny sock puppets made from candy-bright washcloths, and little tees with adorable, non-saccharine designs.
 
They also have stuff for Mama, too, and home and garden, ranging from handmade Arcana soaps (made by a man, so they aren’t all flowery smelling and have hilarious names like Filthy Viking, Shipwrecked and Absinthe), to garden art like teacup birdfeeders. They also carry quirky gifties like bracelets made from vintage buttons, duct-tape wallets, bowls made from vintage records, and one-of-a-kind glass-pendant necklaces. Whether you’re shopping for a baby or for yourself, you’ll find the most amazing little items here.  
 
Quirks and Quandaries
3955 N. Mississippi Ave.
Portland, OR 97211
503.493.9716
www.qandq.biz

It’s Toe Time

Oh, how we’ve changed. Back in the day we used to claim we’d only run if someone was chasing us, but nowadays our backside has, in fact, caught up to us. And oddly enough, we find ourselves looking forward to our regular running plans—the clarity, the sweat, the sanctioned carbs. Even our mate says that when we go a few days without running we become intolerable (thanks, Honey).
 
But the constant go-go-go takes a toll on the body, especially on feet. Especially when we’re wearing the wrong kind of shoes, or the right shoes, but just for too long (what do you mean sneakers shouldn’t be smooth on the bottom?)  And when we found ourselves at Foot Traffic lamenting about our poor, tired, overworked feet, the guys there checked out how we ran, watched our pronation (runner-speak for high arches/flat-feet), and made suggestions that transformed our feet into wings. We haven’t been this excited about sneaks since we donned Mighty Mouse Zips! Here Foot Traffic comes to save the day, indeed. We also love their selection of athletic garb, especially the surprisingly cool Smart Wool socks that’ll keep you blister-free.
 
Even better – there’s a Foot Traffic for just about anywhere your stems will carry you: In NE Portland, on Fremont; in Lake Oswego, on State Street, and downtown Portland, on SW 2nd. They also offer free group runs on Fridays, so you can close out the week with an endorphin rush. Be kind to your body.
 
Foot Traffic NE
4040 NE Fremont St.
503-284-0345
 
Foot Traffic Downtown
824 SW 2nd Ave.
503-525-1243
 
Foot Traffic Lake Oswego
333 S. State Street
503-635-3577
 
www.foottraffic.us

What could be more Portland than locally distilled spirits? How about exceptional locally distilled spirits? We have to admit this—we practically accosted one of the master distillers from House Spirits at a party—he walked in with a bottle of Aviation Gin (which has the coolest retro logo) and we had to ask: What is it and where can we get it? Turns out they concoct amazing spirits – rum, vodka, gin, aquavit, and even bourbon – just down the street, and we can get it at most liquor stores in Oregon, California and Washington, as well as in-the-know restaurants in all three states. Plus they’re going to open a sales/tasting room off of MLK in a few months…we can’t wait!
 
We aren’t even regular gin-drinkers, but found theirs to be ridiculously drinkable, due to its balance of herbals and spice with florals and citrus. We highly recommend this cocktail, and ask your favorite restaurant for Aviation Gin (or Medeyoff Vodka) next time you dine out!
 
“The Salt & Pepper”
2 oz. Aviation Gin
Juice of half a lime
Juice of half a grapefruit
4 dashes of Peychaud bitters
 
Shake the ingredients with ice, and pour into a martini glass with a salted rim. Drink up and enjoy!
 
Recipe created by Kevin Ludwig at Park Kitchen

Pretty is as Pretty Does

And pretty girls wear pretty, “wearable art” jewelry by Anne Bocci. Her otherwordly designs use decadent and fabulous natural materials like South Sea and Tahitian pearls, and semi-precious stones like citrine, chalcedony and opal.
 
We found her when we were looking for fabulous wedding jewelry (for a friend…don’t get excited!) and discovered that her work is perfect for all kinds of special occasions…even if it’s just getting up and going to work! Treat yourself to something you’ll have for a lifetime…contact Anne for a private showing…because you’re worth it.
 
www.myspace.com/annebocci

The Coolest Stroller Ever

This is a Brevetatto - a baby carriage made in Italy by Giordani in the 1950's and for the price of a small car, it can be yours.

If they only had these cool things for kids when ours were little, we’d be...be...poor!  Check out this incredibly cool stroller. Now your baby will get the attention it deserves, and you’ll look like a real Jetson.

www.coochicoos.com

Afraid to Go Back in the Water?

You’ll Flip for These Flops

Here’s the perfect poolside sandal to flip for.  This is what we call wearable art, from the Flip Flop Shop, so who cares if you already have too many kicks... at this sale price you can go ahead and splurge.  And they are cute, cute, cute.  

Even our ugly feet look good in these (and this isn’t just weird girlie ickiness—we have a condition—in fact, our boyfriend of two years just noticed that our pinky toes look like little aliens).  But hurry, they are only on sale while supplies last.

We Only Have Eyes for You

Big Sale at Signal!

The sun is still beating down on hot city streets, just in time for Signal for Women's summer sportswear clearance sale! Feel cool, look hot and get great deals at Signal for Women that will carry you through the heat with style.

• What: Easy-to-wear summer dresses, that perfect bathing suit cover-up, a swimsuit that finally fits, skirts that beg you to play tennis, shoes that let your feet breathe, and clothes you can move in, all at 30-50% off.
• When: The sale begins July 28
• Where: Signal for Women
   1327 NW Kearney St.
   503.546.9905
   www.signalsports.com

Kids' Night Out at Portland Children's Museum

Kids' Night Out at Portland Children's Museum, Saturday, August 5th, from 6-10 p.m.!! It's a date-night for parents (Pink Martini Concert at the Zoo, maybe?), while the kids have a pizza party, and playtime at the Children's Museum. The Museum's top-notch Educators will organize playtime, claytime, pizza and stories for children ages 5 and up. Requires reservation and fee. $28 for first child.

Mention Portland Picks to get Museum member discount. Discounts for siblings too. Call 503-471-9911 to reserve your child's spot or register online at PortlandChildrensMuseum.org (click "camps & classes").

Portland Children's Museum
4015 SW Canyon Rd
Portland OR 97221
(503) 223-6500 main
www.PortlandChildrensMuseum.org

Feelin' Groovy at Portland Children's Museum's Baby Woodstock, August 11-13

It's the Age of Aquarius at Portland Children's Museum! Break out your bell-bottoms, your love beads, and your flower wreaths!

Follow the vibrations all the way to the Children's Museum where your family can enjoy eight mind-altering musical performances. Activities include tie-dye, beading and braiding. (Bring your own t-shirt to tie-dye. They will also have plain white bandanas available for purchase for $3, while supplies last). Lunch items will be available for purchase.

See www.PortlandChildrensMuseum.org for detailed performance schedule.

7th Annual Walk for the Wildwood

The 7th annual Walk for the Wildwood in Forest Park will feature 2.5-mile and 8-mile loop options. The event, located in Lower Macleay Park, will benefit the Friends of Forest Park Trail Program and include food, music, arts and crafts, prizes and booths.  The even is open to adults and children, families and friends — basically, anyone who cares about the preservation of Forest Park, the largest forested urban park in the country.

• When: Sunday, September 24, 2006
• Where: Lower Macleay Park – Forest Park, at the end of NW Upshur St. in Portland, OR
  Parking is located at 2701 NW Vaughn St. – Montgomery Park Visitor’s Lot
• Time: Staggered starts from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
  Festival to follow including food, music, activities, prizes and booths
• Cost: $10 for 2.5-mile loop, $15 for 8-mile loop  No charge for children 8 years old and under
• Contact: Friends of Forest Park at 503-223-5449 or www.friendsofforespark.org

To sign up visit www.active.com

Oregon Brewers Festival is Happening Now!

• What: Here's your chance to try 73 different craft beers from breweries across the country, from New Jersey to Hawaii.  Forget pale, fizzy lagers and belly up to the bar for a hoppy pale ale, malty Belgian, creamy Scottish, or whisky stout – more than 20 styles from which to choose. There's also food vendors, craft vendors, industry exhibits, homebrewers, beer writers, and breweriana collectors.  Plus live entertainment by Little Sue & Lynn Conover, Freak Mountain Ramblers, Rolling Boil Blues Band, Liv & the Warfield Project, The Jesters, Garcia Birthday Band, Piano
  Throwers, Fur Trappers, & Jon Koonce.
• When: This Friday & Saturday, from noon-9 p.m., and  Sunday from noon-7 p.m.
• Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park
• Visit: www.oregonbrewfest.com