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March 28th, 2008
So much for the glamorous life. Our extremely polite “man-maid” (we reviewed him—Dad’s Housecleaning—look it up) gingerly just asked us if we ever got dressed in real clothes, or if our entire wardrobe consisted of eco-fleece. He knows how our office runs—we sit at the computer all day, not really moving much unless we have an appointment or we have to tinkle—and so we wear jeans and sweaters and jogging suits. But he always seems to see us on jogging suit day. (What a kawinkidink!) To save yourself from a bad jogging-suit day, go shopping this weekend! We have some great recommendations for you… from adorable new clothes for you to doggy accessories to stocking the fridge (so that’s why nothing fits!), and we’ll even put you in touch with someone who can step in if you can’t suss it out alone. Portland Picks is here to help you get out of the house—or maybe even stay in it—with your pride intact. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Tasty Threads We’re not certain, but we’re pretty sure that there’s a part in Charlie & the Chocolate Factory that features a candy prototype called “lickable wallpaper.” It came to mind as we twirled through Mabel & Zora’s second store in the Pearl, the walls as yummy as our favorite buttercream icing. But we refrained. But we’re positive it won’t be as easy for you to hold back from the adorable pieces adorning this fashion-forward factory. Sure, the new place sparkles with girly chandeliers and dressing rooms designed to flatter, but it’s the independent ingredients that make the store so tasty. Many of the duds in the new store differ from those carried in their Alberta Street store, though there is some overlap, like Kersh and Woolie originals. Get ready for Trina Turk, Tracy Reese, cool ‘70s stylin’ Dittos Jeans—and much more. Don’t miss Mabel & Zora’s Grand Opening celebration this Saturday, March 29—complete with champagne, sales, drawings and goodies. It’s all day from 11 am – 8 pm, with the "party" going from 5-8 pm. We know we’ll be there, reveling in the deliciousness. Mabel & Zora |
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| 2 | For the Love of Pets When we first got our dog, Max, the world revolved around him. We walked him often; he got weekly baths; we even let him sleep in our bed. Then we got married and had kids and poor Max has been second string ever since. We feel like bad dog parents. So we’re excited to take Max shopping at All for Paws. Located on NW 23rd, owner Kelli O’Connor proudly offers up an eco-friendly pet store. Not only is the interior eco-friendly, but the pet food is all human-grade and made in the USA. That means there is less threat that our pets could be affected by imported food. Remember that whole debacle? We do, and we’ve been scared to feed Max dog food ever since—he’s been living on chicken. Our favorite kitty, Timber, will get safe treats too! Not to mention that both Max and Timber will inevitably be the happy beneficiaries of many new, “green” pet toys. From food bowls to fancy bath products, All for Paws truly has it all! We just know that Max will be so happy—and that makes us feel so much better! All for Paws |
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| 3 | How ’bout a Little One-on-One? Spring’s here (maybe) and summer fashions are blooming in storefront windows. It’s time to shed those winter layers, and we’re not just talking about the chunky cable-knits. If you’re anything like us, rich, indulgent comfort foods were your solace this winter too. But spending hours in a stuffy gym is so not our style. We found a better way to become sleek, strong and bikini-ready. Picture a gym that looks more like a ballet studio—with hardwood floors, natural sunlight and a personal trainer dedicated to you—and you’ve got Geometry Pilates. Alicia and her team of certified instructors design personalized routines for each client, using mat work and equipment like the new Gyrotonic, which strengthens muscles in fluid, circular gestures. They’ll aptly guide you through each precise movement because it’s not about getting through the reps, it’s all about you. Geometry Pilates’ focus is on your individual needs, whether your goal is to add variety to your workout or to become long and lean and finally fit into that body-skimming little number without Spanx. So get moving—you can thank us later! Geometry Pilates |
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| 4 | Spice Girls In a fit of spring cleaning, we threw open our pantry doors—well, not really. We just opened a drawer where we put all the random herbs and things required for recipes over the past three years or so. And our spice rack was, well, a racket. How could we justify using this brown dust as legitimate seasoning? So we went to Penzey’s. You might have heard of their catalog, but we urge you to head out to their store in southeast. We love the clean freshness of the store, the ease with which all seasonings are laid out, and the immense helpfulness of the staff, who can demystify Tahitian versus Mexican vanillas—repeatedly. At Penzey’s we feel like food tourists when we inspect the more random of their offerings: Dundicut peppers from Pakistan? Ajwain seed? It doesn’t matter. We filled our basket like a modern-day Marco Polo (Polette?) and hopped out of there with recipes in our head and a song in our heart. And when these spices turn to dust, at least we’ll know where to restock our larders. Penzey’s Spices |
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| 5 | Never Felt Better This weather has been making us crazy. One second the sun is out, the next second it is pouring down rain. We can’t tell if it feels like winter or spring outside, and we want to stay in and hibernate on our couches and watch “Grey’s Anatomy” reruns until the sun comes out again, which is why we are thrilled that one of our friends has turned us on to a new hobby—needle felting. Stepping inside Gossamer, a newly opened fiber arts, crafts, and Waldorf supply store is pretty much a dream come true for all of you crafty types out there—and according to Rose, the owner of this beautiful store, needle felting is “very in” right now. She carries wool batting, 100% wool felt, and organic plant-dyed wool, to name a few. If you haven’t tried needle felting, be sure to stop in and sign up for a class, and if you are in need of a “mini-vacation” (from the rain) every Tuesday evening you can escape reality for a night at Gossamer with a weekly changing theme. Gossamer |
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| 6 | Good Junk for Your Trunk Sweet or salty, we have a major weakness for junk food. But as the world offers up trans-fat filled temptation, we feel fortunate to have found our soy salvation in the form of Food Fight. Whether you’re crazy for Cheetos (try Tings!) or swayed by Slim Jims (grab a Primal Stick!), Food Fight is stocked with all-vegan alternatives, kind of like a relatively healthy 7-Eleven. Looking to re-enact 9 ½ Weeks with a veggie boyfriend? Try soy whipped cream. Can’t give up mayo but want to stick to your 2008 resolutions? Check out the miso-based version. And even though it’s why we go there, Food Fight is certainly about more than just snacks. It’s a great place to find mouth-watering Field Roast sausage, Tofurky jerky and prepared meals from heavy hitters like Amy’s and Morningstar Farms. While we aren’t going vegan just yet, knowing that Food Fight’s around to curb our cravings makes it easier than ever to take the plunge. Food Fight Vegan Grocery |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Send Your Sofa Back in Time Fact: 1976 was a good year. Or at least we think it was… we didn’t actually pop out until a bit later. But we weren’t the only twinkle in the eye of the late 70s. That’s also when the original designs for Blossom Pillows were born. These ruffle-y, decorative pieces are perfect for couch or celebration, taking over ring-bearing duties as needed. We love the quality fabrics and the retro chic style—older, wiser and prettier? We’re totally jealous. |
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| 2 | Here Comes Baby! New parents are sure to be overloaded with onesies and burpies at the shower, so we’re giving them something they can really use: birth announcements from nemia creative. Their fabbo designs are so original and adorable—so cute, in fact, that our own clock might be ticking! Who wouldn’t want to send out a gorgeous, graphic announcement that there’s a new member of the family? The designs can also be adapted for adoptions, save-the-date and whatever else you like. And we like! |
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| 3 | Closet Cinderella Every morning we stare into the closet as if it were an oracle, waiting for new and fabulous outfits to appear. They never do. We need Cymbre Gudal, style consultant extraordinaire! She can help us objectively assess our wardrobe, shop the right trends for our bodies, and improve our outfit confidence on any occasion. Never again will we feel like the ugly stepsister—Cymbreinc promises to transform us. She’ll help play up our greatest assets and leave some change in our pockets. Hooray! |
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| 4 | These Take the Cake Whether you go for a tiara or a train, a wedding is all about adding over-the-top accessories. And when it comes to decorating your cake, why would you want regular old birthday flowers? No, you want wedding cake bling in the form of handcrafted gemstone flowers from SillaDesigns. Each bloom is bound with gold or sterling wire and is entirely non-perishable. At the end of the celebration, this is one bouquet you can keep forever! |
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| 5 | Too Much is Never Enough We were recently told that we were very pampery. We’re not sure what that meant, but nevertheless we got very defensive and shot back, “Heck yes, we are ‘pampery,’ so get used to it.” And with that, we found our way to Megan Julianna for said indulgence—and radiant skin. (The best revenge!) We thought we were just getting a facial, but then came the hands, feet, and the décolletage massage, then a paraffin hand dip, then warming mitts and booties! Now that’s the attention we deserve. |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
Stock up on elegant essentials at EILEEN FISHER. Enjoy $25 off*, light refreshments, and a gift with purchase (while supplies last). Their clothes span the seasons and work together for sophisticated comfort. This is style that lasts—pure shapes, fine fabrics—and you can shop for a good cause! *Discount valid on event day only. Limit one per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Minimum purchase of $25. A full 10% of the day’s proceeds will benefit Girls, Inc. What: Special day of shopping at EILEEN FISHER |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 2 | Seventh Annual Celebration of Syrah Get ready for a two-day revelry of wine, food and fun. McMenamins Edgefield resort and winery will host winemakers and distributors from the Pacific Northwest, Australia, France and beyond to showcase their best Syrahs throughout the weekend. The fun kicks off on Friday evening with a reception and dinner hosted by seven Northwest winemakers. Must be over 21. What: Seventh Annual Celebration of Syrah |
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| 3 | Green Never Looked So Good We are all about sustainable living, and the Better Living Show is must-attend event of the season! With six lifestyle pavilions and a bevy of green vendors, you’ll get tips on going green and being hip. Learn more about everything from lifestyle to home & garden, clean technologies and cool cars. See Ed Begley, Jr., at 7 pm tonight! What: Energy Trust Better Living Show |
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| 4 | Put the Fun Back In Your Workout! Break the stereotypes of a typical gym. Trade mirrors and machines for hopscotch and hurdles! Try running, jumping, climbing … all the fun stuff you did as a little kid when fitness wasn’t a chore. Expect the unexpected at Recreate Fitness. Mention Portland Picks and get a free 45-minute introductory session! What: Free intro session at Recreate Fitness |
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| 5 | Spring Shopping Affair Grab the gal pals and head to the Spring Shopping Affair, where local artists and craftspeople will have their fabulous wares for sale … just for you! Jewelry, handbags, clothing, bed and bath, stationery and cards, pet supplies and accessories, children’s wear and accessories, kitchen accessories… and more! What a fun way to spend the day. What: Spring Shopping Affair |
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| 6 | Eco-Fashion c/o Portland Fashion Week Don’t miss this one—Portland Fashion Week is present an Eco-Fashion Panel and Installation Fashion Show at the Better Living Show! Check out the fall and winter collections from Nau, Anna Cohen and Lizzie Parker in a high-fashion atmosphere, learn about sustainable fashion, and check out the cool eco-options at the Better Living Show. What: Eco-Fashion Panel and Installation Fashion Show |
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| 7 | Spring Cleaning & Party for a Cause |
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Be on the lookout next week for the annual Portland Picks Wedding Guide! If you are getting married—or know someone who is going to tie the knot—this is the go-to resource for all your wedding needs. Be sure to forward it to all your wedding-minded friends, relatives, office mates and frenemies. (Hey, do them a solid … these are the scoops … and it all comes back to you!) |
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