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December 21st, 2007
Crap! The holidays are here! We have finally amassed a bedroomful of gifts, but now we have to wrap them. This isn’t going well for us. We are very very very stressed (can we say “very” again?) and the television writers’ strike is doing us no favors (we absolutely need to see “The Minor Adventures of Jackie Woodman.” Of course, “30 Rock” will do in a pinch but we need us some Kightlinger. We need to relax … take a deep breath … sit down for more than 10 seconds at a time. But we find it impossible to do so at a time like this! There is so much work to be done, after all, and we have presents to wrap!!! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Skinfully Delicious In a perfect world, all our gifts would be thoughtful and beautifully wrapped, holiday stress would elude us and we’d be svelte in our skinny jeans no matter how many tempting treats we indulged in. *sigh* Only in our dreams. Well wake up, Sisters! Dish – Patisserie pour le bain is your dream come true. Who wouldn’t love the gift of relaxation in the form of an irresistible, calorie-free pastry? Owner Sara creates scrumptious bath and body confections (think cute frosted cupcakes, slices of Key Lime Pie and decadent Vanilla Raspberry Cheesecakes) that look good enough to devour and are nourishing for your skin. Dish’s “dessert menu” includes signature Frappés and bath bombes, Russian Teacakes, bath cookies, fizz powders, shea butter soaps and massage oils, all made by hand from natural ingredients. Awaken your senses with aromas of Choco Latté, Rosemary Mint or Chiffon. Unleash your imagination by dropping in an effervescent ball of Luxe, Bewitched or Come Hither. Ooh-la-la! Lounge in your bathrobe and shop the fab online boutique. Now we can all relax with visions of sugarplums in our heads … and in our tubs! Dish – Patisserie pour le bain |
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| 2 | To the Manor Born One sunny day among a two-week stretch of dowdy rain and we’re ready for spring. That’s how it is with us; no matter what the season, we’re always craving the next—which is why we understand Manor’s latest move to tease us with their treasures in a Can’t Wait ‘til Spring Pre-Opening Sale. Until their fer-realz opening (due to building development that will give them more space), Manor will open for the weekends during the month of December and by appointment. The perfect scenario for those who need a fast fix of what they call “fine wares and curious goods.” Curious indeed. We heart their leather armchairs and eclectic home-decor findings including ceramic artichokes, moose memorabilia and gifting staples like fine vinegars and oils, charming bags of scone mixes and scented oil distillers with long, wooden reeds. Come next week, this place will be a sure life-saver, considering the only way we do things is last-minute (our editor can attest to this), which certainly does not exclude holiday shopping. So we’re getting our Manor fix now, for this place—like the sun—won’t be back ‘til spring. Manor |
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| 3 | No Cause for Complaints A reporter, a PR gal and a mom walk into a bar… No, this isn’t the start of a joke, it’s a bi-monthly “meeting” to dish the dirt, complain about our jobs and kick back in our favorite neighborhood bar. Originally, we’d heard that C-Bar’s expansion would be done in January ’07 and might lead to a real restaurant. A year later, the vision is now complete, though it’s changed a bit along the way. The good news? The eyesore that was the Gladstone Market next door has been transformed into a cozy, dimly lit lounge with a familiar menu of classic paninis, tasty apps and fruity sake cocktails. The better news? The old space will soon become a game room for a different kind of late-night tête-a-têtes. One thing we know for certain—with Yoko’s sushi, C-Bar and the new game room all on one block, spending the evening close to home will never give us cause to complain! C-Bar |
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| 4 | Might as Well Face It… We believe whole-heartedly in comfort food this time of the year. It’s cold, it’s wet and who wants to go to the gym when dinner with friends sounds so much better? Especially, if said dinner is at the lovely Italian restaurant Iorio, a dream come true for all of us comfort-foodies out there. First we had the roasted butternut squash dip with crostini, then the calamari with cornmeal crust followed by beet salad with dolce Gorgonzola. For our main course we had the handmade ravioli filled with roasted pumpkin and mascarpone cheese. Now after all that food you would think that we skipped dessert. No such luck—the flourless chocolate cake with crema was simply too good to pass up. Not only was the service superb, the wine and drink selection was outstanding. Iorio also offers hands-on cooking classes on-site, for those of us who would like to master or at least muster up some Italian food in our very own kitchen. With food like this, our comfort food addiction can stay; well at least until Jan. 1. iorio restaurant |
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| 5 | Living Sophisticated We studied abroad in college and when we came back we felt soooo much more sophisticated than everyone else. We understood European politics and knew how to navigate mass transit. We ate crepes and “forgot” the English word for glamour. And though we eventually realized this did not make us more sophisticated than everyone else, every so often, we like to pretend we’re sooo sophisticated again. Lucky for us, AM-Living opened up their first stateside, retail store in downtown Portland this month. AM-Living is home to upper-end treasures like fancy globes, antique dominoes and hand-woven throws from around the world. They specialize in historical replicas and 99% of their merchandise is handmade. Their only other location is in Amsterdam, so worldly and unique finds are practically a given. It feels like you’re walking into a museum boutique where you can actually buy things! We had a really hard time resisting the urge to take a new piece of art home with us. And since we like to decorate and give gifts like we are so sophisticated, we are so relieved that AM-Living is there for us! AM-Living |
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| Date Spot of the Week: | |||
First dates, 40th dates … either way it’s hard to find a place that isn’t too dark, isn’t too bright, or doesn’t force you to yell across a large table. Which is why Vino Paradiso is our December Pick for Date Spot of the Month. Cuddle up in one of their intimate leather booths—but not too intimate—or peruse the wine list shoulder-to-shoulder at the bar. The lighting is perfect (everybody is good-looking! It’s magic!) and there’s an unbelievable wine list, so even if your date’s a flop, you’ll look good and drink well. The menu is delish, too, and small plates ensure your muffin top won’t push over your jeans. Hotness! Vino Paradiso |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Oh Happy Hour, Oh Happy Hour… How lovely are your listings? We love happy hour so much we refer to it in song. And since it’s nearing Xmas, we refer to it in “nog.” Um, ahem. Anyhooo. Wouldn’t it be better to refer to your new and improved copy of the Portland Happy Hour Guidebook? Nibbles and cocktails await with more than 240 pages and 170 rated listings, convenient maps, and even journaling space to make your own ratings. And did we mention coupons? Free appetizers, desserts, even discounts on entire bills. Happy drinking! (And gifting!) |
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| 2 | Babies Make a Statement Who says kids can’t make statements? From “Nourish My Earth” to “Nourish My Imagination,” your little one can be oh-so-Portland! Inside Out Kids is a line of 100% certified organic shirts and onesies for infants and toddlers, and they’re oh-so-cute! Seriously, why not start the kids early? Put a “Keep Portland Weird” sticker on their trikey, give them a (recyclable) box of organic juice, and they’re set! Here’s a special offer just for Portland Picks: Use the coupon code “PDXPICKS” and get 20% off! |
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| 3 | Age is Just a Number The other day we spotted a few new gray hairs. This, in addition to all the wrinkles we’re getting around our mouth. We’re accepting the facts—we’re getting old. But with the help of 29, we don’t have to look it. An age-protecting color cosmetic line, 29 utilizes the benefits of grapeseed extracts, known for protecting skin against free-radicals and pollutants. With exquisite colors, tons of anti-oxidants and a name inspired by the highway that runs through Napa Valley, we’re ready to drink this stuff up. |
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| 4 | Fly Around, My Pretty Little Miss So maybe you’re stuck at home for the holidays. If you’re feeling the yen for travel, but can’t hightail it out of town, at least you can longingly look at another city courtesy of Portland artist Rachel Austin. Austin’s map paintings incorporate some of our favorite places, from Anacortes to Victoria, and are layered with images of birds, clouds and paper airplanes. Each one is a super sweet original, so no matter where the winds take you, you’ll always be one of a kind. |
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| 5 | The Gift That Keeps on Giving Out of ideas for what to get your man? Or maybe you’re looking for the perfect topper to make the holidays—and the year ahead—really cool for a special guy you know. We recommend signing every guy you know up for Portland Picks for Men! It’s free to subscribe—just visit www.PortlandPicksforMen.com and enter their email address in the top left-hand box. Suddenly you’re the best gift-giver ever! It’s like a local magazine, just for Portland guys. They’ll get life and style and hangout and dining tips every two weeks—just like you do! But manlier. |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
It’s the crunch weekend—time to find those final gifts—and what better place to find them than the quaint adjoining neighborhoods of Sellwood and Westmoreland? Overflowing with shops to meet your every gifty need for absolutely everyone on your list, this Saturday & Sunday will really get you in the mood! With carolers wandering the streets and horse drawn carriages & trolleys, plus a raffle where you could win gift certificates to their businesses. And this weekend all of the Sellwood-Westmoreland businesses are taking donations for the non-profit Portland Impact to assist those unable to pay their utility bills this winter. Shop and do good. We like it. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Year-End Sale at SOFIA Don't miss this first-ever big Sale at SOFIA! Everything but the socks is 40% off at this sweet boutique with European flair, including handbags, jewelry, nylons, previously discounted items and spring clothing! With designers like Anni Kuan and Olsen Europe, Atenti bags and Ergee hosiery, you will be in heaven! What: Year-End Sale at SOFIA—40% off! |
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| 2 | Stop Procrastinating! Do you want a fit body, but hate the thought of sweating it out in a smelly gym? Girl, Pilates was made for you. Specifically, NW Pilates! Right now they’re having a special: Buy 4 private sessions, get 1 Free! Get your buns (and your thighs, arms, and especially your middle) in gear—call today! What: Buy 4 Get 1 Free at NW Pilates |
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Tell your friends about Portland Picks! Just because you’re hip and in the know doesn’t mean you should lord it over your friends. Be a good pal—it’s the holidays, after all—and spread the good news about Portland Picks. |
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