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April 25th, 2008
So the other day after a tasty lunch with a girlfriend, we got a wild hair to go to the Rack. Hey, sometimes a girl just needs to look at 500 pairs of discounted shoes, ya know? And while we were prowling the two aisles in our size for the 40th time, we heard a little voice ask, “Can you help me find shoes for my prom dress?” We looked at our girlfriend, who was also included in the request, and we started nodding our heads, yes! Yes! We were not going to let this girl promenade without shoes! So we took one side of the aisle, our pal took the other, and the girl trailed behind, trying on shoes and loading them into her arms until we found the perfect pair. Based on her footwear alone, she is sure to be Prom Queen (Go Milwaukie High! Yeah!) and we had the satisfaction of knowing that through shoes, we had brought some good karma to the universe. Ps: We’re not done sharing the love! Forward this issue of Portland Picks to 10 friends and cc picks@portlandpicks.com for the chance to win a one-night stay at The Cannery Pier Hotel in a Deluxe King or Deluxe Double Queen room, complete with complimentary breakfast, wine, hors d’oeuvres and a Finnish sauna. We scooped the hotel back in November of 2007, so we know how incredible it is, and it was recently chosen by National Geographic Traveler to be featured in their first-ever annual "Stay List." Just think ... it could be on your own Stay List! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Great-Grandmother, May I? Sometimes you go into a store and it’s almost like a museum. Not in the “don’t touch” way, but in the “please admire” way. That’s how we feel about the new downtown boutique Frances May. We’re struck by how pretty it is, but at the same time, want to immediately commence exploring the fabulousness (fabulosity? fabulousivity?) of it. Frances May, named after the owner’s great-grandmother, features independent designers—some local, and some from as far away as Brooklyn! We love the shift dresses they carry —fresh and summery, without excessive girliness. (And if your tastes incline to the tailored, we spied a sharp black suit.) We also spotted adorable sorts in many colors, and all-organic cotton shirts. Not to mention jewelry that has a vintage touch but is actually all new. We a love the layout of the store, and the sheer coolness—everything from the light fixtures to the shape and weight of the dressing-room curtains. At one point Frances May was a costume and magic shop. The way it draws us in, we’re pretty sure some kind of otherworldly captivation still remains. Frances May |
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| 2 | Simply Beautiful The other night we bounced to a fancy dessert place to satisfy our insatiable sweet tooth. We wanted something chocolate (what else?), but were completely overwhelmed by the menu novella. With so many desserts and mind-boggling descriptions, we couldn’t decide. Our men told us we make things way too complicated and should just pick something. They’re right (just this once)—sometimes we don’t know what we want. But lucky for us, when it comes to skincare, we’re glad someone else has a clue. Tucked in a tiny corner space off NE Prescott we found Beauty Mark, where estheticians Danielle and Rebecca serve up a delightfully simple menu of skincare treatments. Their modest lineup is merely the foundation to luxurious, multi-step treatments, customized for each client. They start with classic European, anti-aging or deep-pore cleansing facials and add glycolic or super-moisturizing therapies. Plus, they offer complete waxing services from brows to toes. We love Beauty Mark for making our skincare decisions a no-brainer, leaving our pretty little heads clear to contemplate more important matters like, “What’s for lunch?” Beauty Mark |
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| 3 | Perfect Adornments The older we’ve become, the less attractive those cheapy mall jewelry places are. You know the ones—the walls are lined in inexpensive, plastic costumey jewelry, designed to appeal to 12-year-olds and 21-year-olds, alike. We’ve been places by now, we have careers and lives and a great sense of fashion—and we want our adornments to reflect that. What is more reflective of the sophisticated image we’ve created than the ability to design our own jewelry? Let it Bead, which recently relocated to NW 23rd Avenue, lets us do just that. We can choose from what seems like thousands of beautiful necklace elements—glass beads, polished rocks and stones, shiny gems—you name it. Need that perfect necklace to go with your work party/cocktail/wedding dress? You’ll find it here—and you can design it the way you want it! Let it Bead offers weekly classes and the option to book private jewelry-making parties. They also offer private design consultation—we might need the help! As we mature, so should our jewelry collection. Let it Bead is the perfect place to start! Let it Bead |
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| 4 | Think Spring! About this time last year, we were wandering N. Mississippi Avenue with a cold drink in our hands and a dream in our hearts—to find the perfect summer dress. Lo and behold, we happened upon Amalee, and found the perfect shift to take us from May to October in style—without breaking ye olde bank. Since the initial discovery we’ve been back often—when we need party frocks or just want to lift our spirits with some retail therapy. And some of our favorite jewelry is from Amalee—in fact, our favorite pair of earrings is not only from their shop, but they’re the ones that get the most compliments! (We love compliments, just fyi.) And right now their spring merch is ramping up—stop by to check out adorable dresses, cute tops and great accessories, perfect for (we promise it’s coming) spring! And save the date for their anniversary party on May 3 and 4—they’re celebrating by offering 15% off the entire store, with all kinds of new spring lovelies from Kersh, Virginie Castaway and Smitten. Amalee |
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| 5 | Little Italy We were famished from wondering around on First Thursday when we stumbled upon a little slice of Italy, right here in the Pearl. We were immediately drawn to the soft, warm glow of the wood oven, and the scrumptious smell of baking pizzas wafting from Mercato. From panini and pasta to piadine (flatbread panini with mixed greens and balsamic oil), Mercato's extensive menu offers something for everyone, with portions perfect for sharing. While we waited for our main dishes, we sampled their Antipasti Misti and Caprese, though the arugula salad with fresh fennel at the table next to us looked amazing. Looking for something a little heartier than pizza or pasta? Try the pan-roasted chicken breast, grilled lamb chops, steak, or seared diver scallops. But save room for dessert! There are several choices, including Tiramisu and gelato. Mercato proudly offers local and organic ingredients when available, and they even have a menu for kiddies. Though we were stuffed after our meal, we immediately began planning our next visit to Mercato. We’re happy to report that we’ve already been back—twice! Mercato |
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| Website of the Week: | |||
There are websites to help you find rates on car insurance, dentists, and even plumbers, but not until Your Baby Your Way did being a mother rate its own resource guide. This comprehensive site is incredibly helpful—you’ll find local resources you can trust, from the best local retailers and caregivers to hints and help with everything from conception to pregnancy to post-natal care. You can also comment and interact with other local moms, and there's even a free gift when you register! |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | What a Great Idea! We love giving presents in multiples—a couple of candles, a few bottles of wine, a bag of socks… and we love giving jewelry in multiples, though it’s often hard to do because, hello? Cha-ching! Until we found Littleput Pendants. Made from recycled Scrabble tiles and fine papers, these beauties are original and affordable, so we can buy in bulk! Between Mother’s Day and the three birthdays we’re celebrating in May, we just might clean them out! |
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| 2 | Say Hello to My Little Friend We have previously shared our love/hate affair with waxing. We love not shaving—but we hate the pain, the humiliation, and the just plain nekkidness of a nether-region wax. But certain products (and a shot of brandy) make the whole process so much easier. Among them, Bikini Kitty’s genius Waxy Kitten Care Kit. With all natural and paraben-free products specifically designed for their pre- and post-waxing skincare regimen, if you have problems with ingrowns or rashes from waxing, bid them bye-bye. Hello, kitty! |
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| 3 | Girls Night Out—Or In? Recently, while trying to think of a fun birthday idea, we discovered the most delightful place to hang out—and in—private-party style. It’s called The Screening Room and we seriously can’t wait to go back! With indoor and outdoor spaces—including a gorgeously appointed cinema for your favorite shows or flicks—this is the ultimate spot for a girls’ night, family night, work parties, birthday parties ... anything! With a convenient location (19th & Lovejoy) and the fact that it's totally affordable, why go anywhere else? |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
Ultimate Open House™ is back! Walk through nearly 100 new condos, townhomes and custom-designed homes crafted by the area's top builders—38 of them showcasing green building practices. If you’re not in the market to buy a new home, it’s still a great way to pick up ideas about the latest trends in décor, home appliances and creative uses of space. Click here for their map so you can get started on your own tour! What: Ultimate Open House |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Art @ the M
Celebrate First Thursday with Capital M Lending and Artist Tammy Paladeni for Art @ the M. Enjoy food, drinks and music as well as beautiful works of art. The show and silent auction will support the programs and services of QUAD Inc., which provides people with severe physical disabilities with the housing and assistance they need to live successful, independent lives. What: Art @ the M |
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| 2 | Spring Clean Your Hard Drive! You don’t need a new computer, you just need a spring cleaning! Metro Computerworks is offering a spring cleaning tune-up for just $85—it's a great way to give new life to your PC or Mac. Their 8-step process will revamp your computer, and their friendly office is more chic than geek. Give them a call! What: Spring Cleaning from Metro Computerworks |
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| 4 | Calling all Mothers and Daughters! Family Circle and Wilhelmina Models announce the second annual nationwide Model Mother-Daughter Search. Judges are looking for mother and daughter duos, daughters 8 and up. Winning teams will win fab prizes including a five-year Modeling Contract with Wilhelmina Models, plus TV appearances, a trip to NYC, jewelry, a $2,000 JCPenney shopping spree, a $500 Sephora gift basket and more! What: Model Mother-Daughter Search |
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| 5 | Celebrate & Pamper at emily-jane emily-jane is celebrating their anniversary with a day of pampering and relaxation, and you’re invited! Stop in for a complimentary chair massage while you enjoy live jazz and sparkling wine. Nibble Saint Cupcake cupcakes while they adorn you with jewels, and be the first to see the feminine line "à ma mère" from Seattle clothing designer Stacy Paczan. |
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| 6 | Fitness for Mom, Fun for Baby! Moms, get ready for a workout! Stroller Strides’ 60-minute classes offer a full-body workout with the help of, you guessed it, a stroller. It’s a great way to get in shape, meet other moms and have fun with your little ones. Check their website for special Mother's Day classes and Luna Mom Clubs! What: Stroller Strides fitness classes |
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| 7 | Get a New Look at DaCosta Dental Get a new look for spring—and we don’t just mean a new handbag. It’s time to do something you’ve always wanted—a smile makeover! And right now DaCosta Dental is offering makeover specials for $500 off, as well as specials on Invisalign. Flash those pearly whites at graduations, summer weddings, birthday parties… or just in the mirror! What: Spring specials at DaCosta Dental |
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| 10 | Oregon Wines Are Hip, Baby The 40 artisan producers selected for the 2008 Portland Indie Wine Festival represent the heart and soul of Oregon’s world-class wine industry. Experience them at the Grand Tasting, where the actual producers will pour them for you! Nibble on small plates, take home a commemorative tasting glass, and purchase the 2006 vintages—not found in stores! What: Indie Wine Festival Grand Tasting |
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| 11 | Wow Your Mom at Mona Spa Ladies, get ready to wow your mom this Mothers Day! Mona Spa & Laser Center is having a one-day event where your mom will receive 20 units of Botox® free with your Botox® touch-up purchase! Also enjoy a complimentary, exfoliating hand peel as a "thank you" for joining them. Space is limited, so please RSVP by May 1st. What: Botox special at Mona Spa & Laser Center |
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Do you know any guys in Seattle who like to dine out, hang out, shop or enjoy the nightlife? The first issue of www.SeattlePicksforMen.com premieres today! Tell your friends! |
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Log onto www.portlandpicks.com and check out past newsletters (archives). If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to log onto www.portlandpicks.com and become a free subscriber. If you would like to subscribe or contribute, please email us at Contribute@PortlandPicks.com Website and Newsletter maintained by Studio Ridge.com |
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