You can scan a room in an instant for any lurking child hazards, an open window, a Barbie heel, a Chihuly vase, worst-case scenarios flashing through your head like a montage. You’re able to single-handedly shave your husband’s neck, and wipe your six-year-old’s bottom (still!). The boys pee all over the seat and after all these years defeated, there’s nary a wince out of you. Your powers of observation are only matched by your power to ignore; you really do have super powers.

So Superwoman, today’s mission is this:
Get thee Super Heiny to Aequis pronto; Portland Pick’s pick for number one day spa in Portland.

Because you are one, we suggest the Goddess Bliss Journey. Dip those cute little toes into a luscious rose petal footbath while your hair is being gently brushed and your hands are massaged, simultaneously. The breath of rose in the air, the warm relaxing tension-erasing pressure applied to your hands and you start believing you are the Goddess we’ve always told you you were. But wait, there’s more. Now picture yourself being lead to a room filled with flowers and candles to receive a mini-facial and gentle full body exfoliation. Keep your eyes closed and float away as petals are sprinkled the length of your body and warm oil is slowly drizzled from head to beautiful toe.

But the best part, if you don’t feel like talking, escape the constant hum of noise that is your life, they give you this little ribbon which indicates to everyone not to speak to you. WE LOVE THIS. (We thought this was so ingenious...we even tried wearing it at home. Not the same.)

Aequis Spa Retreat
1306 NW Hoyt St., Suite 201
Portland, Oregon 97209
503.223.7847
www.aequisspa.com

There are some parts of being a grown up that are not fun (see above) but there are elements of adulthood that quite frankly rock.

Having slept on a futon for our entire college career, owning a proper bed is a bit of a delightful surprise. A bed that isn’t two inches off the floor is a very grown up thing to have and a linen skirt is always nice for hiding your comic book collection or dust bunnies. Nothing screams maturity like a well-made bed.

French Quarter has just opened up shop at Bridgeport Village in a large space filled with everything for your dream bed with luscious, decadent, classic linens in a gazillion thread count (okay, 1020 to be exact!). Plus they have gifts and home accessories to die for.

You’ll find them right inside the main entrance of the Village, just across the street from Peet’s Coffee, and it is breathtaking. Or check out their new look on line. www.frenchquarterlinens.com

Bridgeport Village is off I-5 at Exit 290/Lower Boones Ferry Road and is anchored by Crate & Barrel.

Their phone number at Bridgeport Village is 503-639-3800.
www.frenchquarterlinens.com

Sometimes we need just a little extra incentive to get us moving. For example, many moons ago in Manhattan we'd get home from work and the last thing we wanted to do was go for a jog, but we knew we should. After all, we remembered John Kennedy Junior could be out there and we might miss our chance for him to notice us and see how much we had in common. This thought spurred us on. As we jogged through Central Park, there he would be, zipping past us. This was a shot of adrenaline that helped us increase our pace and go the distance.

We would then take the short cut across the park so we could get ahead of him yet again and then run in our best form. (We often contemplated feigning a sprained ankle so he would stop and rescue us...but that's another story.) The next day we'd be on our Mountain Bike, so we could keep up ("See John....we like Mountain biking too!") The moral is regardless of what it takes to get you out there, get out there. Whether it's the love of the sport, the healthy spirit of competition, good tunes, or the stalking of a celebrity... get moving, Honey!

And no better time to start, and train, then now. Nike’s 2005 Run Hit Wonder takes place in July, with several Nike training sessions to get you primed and ready. The event itself is not to be missed, with 6 bands along the coarse, a post-race concert, and a sold out crowd of JFK, Junior-types just waiting for you to chase after.

Stay tuned here for more details. It’s a race; it’s a party; it’s a run that will rock your world.

The newest media segment is revealing what’s in a celebrity’s handbag.

What does Anna Wintour carry in her bag? What about Candice Bushnell? (Usually a lot of swanky Chanel, etc. products) So we decided to do the same. But let’s get real. You can tell a lot about a person by the contents of their purse. Let’s see what our editor carries in hers:

Big sunglasses; 5 empty tubes of lip gloss (she can occasionally scrape last bits with finger); 11 crumpled gas receipts; a loose fuzzy gray mouse-like tampon with string;
cardboard applicator, 2 pieces (she is certain she can put it back together in emergency.); tampon wrapper (again, you never know. Could be used to dab lipstick); Zoloft; a sticky binky; breath mints (loose, dingy and located in the deepest crevices - very handy!); visine; piece of Happy Meal Toy; 12 credit cards including: Nordstrom card, Saks card, J crew card, Gap card (you get a discount after all when you open a new account); Starbucks card, and miscellaneous granules of unidentifiable material (but could be important).

Okay, head fake, just kidding. Don’t you know it’s not polite to look in someone’s purse! But on that note, maybe it’s time to simplify. Just in time for summer’s hottest trend: The clutch, made beautifully right here in Portland by Dylan and Dillion. And just enough room for the important stuff (and promise, the one tampon will stay intact.)

Dylan and Dillion is a local sister team that designs handbags and apparel using silk screened hand carved relief prints and a combination of rich fabrics and warm colors that create a sophisticated look.

We especially love their clutch bags. We feel so Audrey, so feminine. These bright blooming clutch bags will make even the hippest shopper stop in their tracks. Tried and tested with jeans or dressed up, this bag is a hit! And it’s just small enough; you can only carry what you need.

www.dylananddillion.com

io - herbal alchemy

Portland is amazing. There is so much talent here. We have just discovered io, herbal alchemy – natural herbal potions for body and soul. It’s magic.

Sometimes we can use just a little extra push, a bit of pocus, a little nudge. And Portland’s io potions are herbal restorative sprays to do just this. They are ceremoniously brewed to add a bit of magic to balance, enhance and enchant your life.

Our favorite, The Love Potion. Just spritz on your crush and wha-lah. Instant true love. (Shame they didn’t have this during grade school)

Then there’s Empowering Potion, another fave. It creates motivation, inspires ambition, and energizes your inner purpose. Just a little spritz and you’re off your fanny and running for president. They also make Tonic Elixers that do just about everything from promoting energy and youth to changing your light bulbs. Yes, occasionally, we need a little help.

Get Your Salsa On!!

Sometimes, okay always, we don’t want the weekend to end, especially Sunday nights. We were too tired to go out Friday night, and then we were good little girls and did our hour and a half yoga class on Saturday morning, then followed it with a rigorous walk around the newly opened Bridgeport Village while sipping lots of water and couldn’t resist picking up the HOTTEST little skirt and matching sassy strappy sandals. Then Saturday night was a lame night at the pub and beer is not bikini-friendly, so we sat there sipping water and dutifully dodged the tater tots. Come Sunday, no fair, we still haven’t really gotten out on the town!

Of course, Portland Picks has the answer. Salsa Night at H2O. We can put on that hot-ticket new skirt, then get swirled around by hot Latin men. (Don’t worry about your Significant Other, these men JUST want to dance. Really.)

Don’t have a clue which foot to start out your salsa step on? That’s NO PROBLEMA. The salsa DJ teaches a crash course from 9-10. If you learn the basic step, then dance with a seasoned leader, you will be looking like Jennifer Grey in no time!

H2O has an excellent menu, too. Get sassed up in your new duds and finish your weekend properly!!!

Every Sunday night

H2O Martini Bar
284 SW Yamhill St.
503.459.4218 or www.h2oportland.com

We received a BOX of lingerie from Jockey, it's exactly our style...a pink cotton tank, No Panty Line Promise boy shorts (love!) and camisoles and two fabulous new bras. They are sexy, sporty, and comfy. The bras are scientifically engineered, and let’s face it, after twins, some of us need that engineering. Plus those of us that are without, they have padded too, giving us a little (key word little) oomph and cleavage. Jockey – practical and sexy.

And Jockey loves us. Stay tuned here for freebies and offers just for you!

Pink is the new green…

We love pink; we love candy; we love a good cause.

M & M’s is coming out with special edition pink and white M & M's in October to support breast cancer awareness. They'll be donating .50 per packet, up to a maximum of $650,000, based on sales of the M & M's. And you can get a head start now through the M & M's website (www.mms.com) and buy online, a sweet gift for you and all your pals. So girls, get pink!

Smooch away sweetie!

Passport’s brand new Lipsticket is the most convenient and compact way to refresh your lipstick sans mirror and unwieldy cosmetics bag. Whether it’s at work, the gym or anywhere your little heart desires, just slip one in your pocket or wallet & you’re good to go! Each little ticket delivers the perfect amount of lipstick…leaving your lips kissably soft & moisturized with a glossy Vitamin E-enriched splash of color.

Choose between Après Skied in the Alps (pale pink), Catwalked in Milan (nude), and Passionate in Paris (sheer berry). Ooh La La! 30 tear and go lipstick tickets $16 at www.sephora.com…

Freshen up

Freshen up that frightfully dry skin in anticipation of a summer spent frolicking poolside with Fresh’s V-Tonic, a revolutionary new line of cleansing tonics & creams that promises younger, suppler & more hydrated skin.

Using an advanced delivery system to penetrate the skin’s surface and replenish nutrients lost due to stress, environmental pollutants, weather & workouts (who knew?), V-Tonic Foaming Shea Butter Body Cleanser utilizes a blend of antioxidants (like cranberry seed oil) and essential vitamins (A, C & E) to keep skin young and revitalized.

Even better, it’s got a wild mint cooling complex, grapefruit and lemon alpha hydroxyl acids & shea butter to encourage cell turnover and soothe and coat your skin.

More of a bath girl? Try their effervescent Bath Spheres & let their energizing blend of ginger, ginseng & caffeine-packed cola nut extract whittle away your worries and energize your mind, body & soul…

Bikini season here we come (Foaming Shea Butter Body Cleanser, $48; Bath Spheres, $42)!

Skirting the Issue

Stylish skirts and summer go hand in hand, but this season’s prints and cuts from J Crew are both classy AND sexy---think retro with a titch of attitude and colors & bold patterns to match!

Whether it’s ankle-skimming, knee-length or “up to there”, there’s something for every girly girl at www.jcrew.com; we adore the tropical floral A-line mini ($78) and garden print skirt with pin-tucks and detachable grosgrain ribbon ($59.99).

Invest in this little seasonal wardrobe pick-me-up to wear with those eye-catching espadrilles and you’ll be the belle of the beach party.

Lolly Lu is a girl team of two, two artists that believe life is more fun if you can laugh at yourself and see the humor in every situation (our motto too!).

They make darling cosmetic bags we can relate to, a painted groovy girly girl who is saying, “La, la, la….I can’t hear you…la, la, la.” A remark from our childhood we feel like using frequently.

Or their blue booty mugs, reminiscent of how we feel when we’re wearing our hip hugger jeans and we have to actually sit.

You can shop on line or find some of their products at Oblation Papers.

Remember when you were in 6th grade and a boy would pass you a note that read: Do you want to go? Check one. Yes, no, maybe (and you HAD to check one of the little squares).

You knew you weren’t really GO-ing anywhere, and though he wasn’t dreamy Ed, you checked yes. Well, these are kinda like those but way different.

Divine Ideas, not just another pretty card. Head-turners. Let someone else say it and you send it. They have invitations for any small date…. lunch, tea, movie night, girl’s night, or let’s meet for a drink. Clever little invites that will make someone’s day.

There is absolutely no faster, longer lasting way to get in shape than by training for a race. When you set a goal, map out the weekly milestones to hit, recruit support-team members, and reward yourself for small successes, you get the best body almost by accident. You are so busy concentrating on training for that race that you don’t notice that your skinny jeans are now hanging off your little behind!!

A great way to stay organized with your trips to the gym and evenings at the track is with The Endurance Bag. It has all the little compartments you need to hold your dangling earrings while you are running, a place for your cell phone, a special cargo hold for your sneakers (because it’s Portland and they are inevitably wet!), and space to spare for towels and water bottles. Perfect for your first 5k!

Never ran a race before? Make this season your year to start something new. Start training now for a 5k. Here are a few sites that can break the impossible down into very easy, manageable chunks of training.

Download a 5k beginner’s training plan here: www.runnersworld.com

Sign up on the site for free training plans, training logs, and advice on race day (not to mention, get to shop for hot Nike gear!): www.nikerunning.com

Summer is just around the corner (25 days and counting!) and we have got a lot of work to do before sporting around town. From top to bottom, we have GOT to get our hair soft a sensuous.

Philip B Botanical Products carries lots of cool eco-friendly body care stuff in pretty bottles (because even your shower is a place to display your inherent, fabulous sense of style!).

After we get our perfect highlights for the season, a little bit lighter in order to welcome the impending sun, we must protect the color with Shea butter. Follow up with a hearty conditioner and we are golden!

We have personal space issues.

You can’t cross into our Saturn-sized radius, and if you do, beware, we’ll step back (oooooh). It isn’t that we don’t like Close Talkers. It’s us. We’re afraid we have bad breath and just in case, we prefer to be kept at a distance.

But then again, if you’re a Close Talker and then you suddenly take a step back, that’s worse. We’ll think you whiffed our bad breath. And when you finally depart our orbit, we’ll nonchalantly cup our hands over our mouth just to see. We are so tortured. But now there’s help. With Origins Peace of Mind mints, your bad breath and your cares melt away.

Serenity to go!

• Blunt-cut bobs with sweeping bangs
  
  
• Oversized sunglasses (there’s a shape for every face type!)
  
  
• Halters, halters, halters
  
  
• Back-baring dresses
  
  
• Tunics (bejeweled and sequined or simple and straightforward)
  
  
• Belted coats and trenches in brightly colored hues
  
  
• Furry vests…a girl’s got to keep warm somehow…
  
  
• Peasant skirts
  
  
• Pleated cocktail dresses
  
  
• Lace laden blouses --- think romantic and Victorian but sexy!
  
  
• Turquoise, aqua blue & minty green
  
  
• Cowgirl finery
  
  
• Whimsical thongs (footwear, ladies!) to fit your soon-to-be summer mood
  
  
• Clutch purses

Two words…. TRAIN WRECK, but a collision we don’t mind watching or Tivo’ing for the sheer fun of it. Because the overexposed Britney and her hanger-on husband Kevin felt that their fabulous Cheetos munching life wasn’t documented well enough via Us or People Magazine, they’ve turned their own hand-held camera on themselves for our viewing pleasure while asking us, “Can You Handle The Truth”? Well, if the truth were any sillier or inane, it just wouldn’t be as fun…and this is a treat to behold…

When Britney isn’t browbeating her assistants and entourage, she’s engaging in Q & A with soul-searching questions like, “What’s your favorite sexual position?”. Kevin, whose nonexistent personality certainly isn’t going to lend itself to those big screen dreams of his, manages to mumble through the first episode with absurdly painful observations about love and commitment.

If you’d like a life lesson on the dangers of superstardom and too much money and fame at a young age, tune in to this documentary, which too often appears as an unintentional mockumentary. Too fun to fathom.

Crash, starring Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, William Fichtner, Brendan Fraser, Terrence Dashon Howard, Ryan Phillippe, Thandie Newton, Ludacris, Larenz Tate & Nona Gaye. Directed by Paul Haggis.

Fresh off the success of his powerful screenplay Million Dollar Baby, newbie director Paul Haggis has achieved another cinematic victory with his anguished look at prejudice through the intersecting stories of a dozen LA residents that is set in motion by a single event --- a car-jacking
(Haggis and his wife were car-jacked years ago---which ultimately lead to the screenplay for Crash).

The ensemble cast (Dillon and Cheadle shine) is superb, and they convey with unflinching realism the racial prejudices and assumptions which permeate America today. Crash is a movie that should (we hope!) lead you to be more cognizant of your own preconceived notions about strangers and friends alike based on race and ethnicity. Consider this a must see!

Looking for a refreshing alternative to the traditional strawberry or banana daiquiri? Try this yummy treat while you’re cavorting on that Caribbean cruise…

For this and more fabulous cocktail recipes go to www.cocktailtimes.com…

Hemingway Daiquiri

• 3 oz Appleton White Jamaica Rum
• 1 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
• 1 1/2 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 oz Maraschino liqueur

Blend all ingredients with ice until smooth and serve in a margarita glass, garnishing with a lime wedge.

Drink with chips and pool boy.

Looking for something fun to do this Memorial Day Weekend?

Grab your best cocktail buddies and head out to "Wineology Weekend" sponsored by the wineries of Washington County and the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Washington County, Oregon.

For $20, students (participants) receive a course syllabus, tastes at each participating winery, a free stem-less Riedel "O" glass, and access to all 11 classes, seven of which are new, held throughout the weekend.

Classes, beginning on the hour starting at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., range from the basics the of wine tasting to lessons on how to make your own Pinot Noir.

Featured wineries and classes include:

• Beran Vineyards – "From Dirt to Decadence"
• Cooper Mountain Vineyards – "Wizardry Blending"
• David Hill Vineyard & Winery – "Discovering Port"
• Freja – "Wine Pressing Operations"
• Gypsy Dancer – "Fundamentals of Winemaking"
• Helvetia Winery – "A Gris or Diss a Gris"
• J. Albin Winery – "The Cooper’s Craft"
• Momokawa AKA Sakeone – "Unconventional Pairs"
• Oak Knoll Winery – "Swirl – Sniff – Sip – Spit: The Basics of Wine
  Tasting"
• Patton Valley Vineyard – "Organic and Sustainable Vineyard
  Management"
• Ponzi Vineyards – "In Our Roots: An Oregon Wine History"

You can find more information and register online

Have fun and raise a glass to three-day weekends!

BCBG Sale!!!

Ahhhh …. nothing warms the heart like a sale. With all this rain … on again, off again, do I bring the umbrella or do I wear a tank top for the split second that it’s hot …. oh wait! It’s raining again. It’s so frustrating.

Sale shopping to the rescue!!! Who cares if we can’t dress in our sundresses yet, at least we can affordably stock up on 10 or 12. BCBG never disappoints us with their sales.

We’ll see you there on Thursday!

Garden Art Party

Thursday, June 2nd from 5-9pm Mint Tea is having a "Garden Art Party", featuring local printmaker and metal sculpture Jon Brittingham and large scale ceramicist Kim Murton.

There will be other artists (approx. 8 confirmed so far) all with an outdoor/garden focus to their work.

The event will be held primarily outdoor on the block of Main Street, sharing the energy and excitiment with the 3 other businesses and neighbors (Mike's Bikes, Recycled Sounds and Pacific Jewelers). This block, between 2306 and 2314 Main, is a pretty funky, eclectic mix of merchants, with a crowd to match.

They'll have Portland musician 'Yinka and friends of Earth Rhythms' playing and of course there will be some yummy (complimentary) treats and drinks served as well.

Mint Tea Imports
2306 Main Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
www.MintTeaImports.com
tel. 360-699-4991
store hours: Monday-Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sunday 11 to 3

Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club takes part in national initiative to get women on the golf course

Women of all skill levels invited out to Pumpkin Ridge for free golf lessons and events

NORTH PLAINS, Ore. (May 27, 2005) – Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club is one of the 300 golf courses across the nation hosting Women’s Golf Week, June 4 – 11. Pumpkin Ridge’s Ghost Creek is the only club in the state of Oregon that is participating in this initiative.

The schedule of events includes an introduction to golf clinic by Jerry Mowlds, a Golf Magazine “Top 100 Teacher;” a Speed Golf Exhibition by PGA teaching professional Christopher Smith; a wine and cheese reception; a golf seminar; plus much, much more.

Women interested in participating in Women’s Golf Week may reserve a spot by calling 503.647.9977, or by visiting womensgolfweek.com.

For more information or for a full schedule of events, please call Tege Sauer at 503.647.9977.