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November 14th, 2008
Have you ever tried to snowboard? It’s flippin hard! We wish we could say we had some rad story about shredding a half-pipe last year, but we didn’t even make it through the lessons. All we got out of them was a freaky case of altitude sickness and a total of two hours spent watching our eleventeen-year-old “instructor” flirt with the other eleventeen-year-old instructor while we were stuck on our bum, not even able to get up after falling for the 50th time. So we stick with skis. At least on skis we have (some) control over our legs, and thus our downhill destiny. But really, we’re just in it for the pre-ski egg sandwiches and the après-ski Peppermint Patties. Oh, and the outfits! We look totes adorable in goggles, ferreals. Want to step up your winter wardrobe? Forward Portland Picks to 5 friends and CC picks@portlandpicks.com and you could win a $50 gift certificate to Signal Sports… just in time for ski (or snowboard) season! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Dress Your Age When we were kids, we loved dressing up, from frilly dresses with matching handbags to fuzzy coats with oversized hats and, naturally, momma’s pumps and pearls. We'd get all dressed up and head anywhere—it didn't matter where—just as long as we arrived in style. Our Big Wheel helped with that. While our style has most certainly changed throughout the years, our desire to look good coming and going hasn't. So thank you Suite 6 for opening your doors! We heart the unique jewelry, like locally made elk's tooth earrings, plus the cute little dresses, super-stylish coats, and oh-so-fun handbags. The goods come from all over the world, from as far away as New Zealand and as near as here. Plus, Suite 6 offers a variety of price tags, so it’s perfect shopping grounds, no matter what our financial climate, even if our current status is “cloudy with a chance of rain.” We know they’ll keep us fashionable for every occasion, from casual-chic Fridays to evening glam. |
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| 2 | Green with Gratitude You know the inspirational quotes on those Yogi Tea bags? Yesterday ours said "An attitude of gratitude brings opportunities," and today it was "Gratitude is the open door to abundance." We're not quite sure if Mr. Yogi is just feeling the Thanksgiving spirit or if he's trying to tell us something. Nonetheless, we're truly grateful for our latest find: the new Jade Teahouse & Patisserie in Sellwood. The owner, April, is a tea tour de force, sourcing premium teas from around the world and creating her own signature blends. Her mom, Lucy, bakes everything, from the baguettes for their amazing Bahn Mi sandwiches to the gluten-free macaroons made with almond flour. The French-Vietnamese menu has a little something for everyone: from steamed Hum Bao and Vietnamese wedding cake to truffle oil French fries and Red Velvet cupcakes. Plus, with more than 50 varieties of loose-leaf tea, who needs hyper-critical tea bags? But then there are gems like this one: "The purpose of life is to enjoy every moment." Mr. Yogi, we think you're on to something. Jade Teahouse & Patisserie |
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| 3 | Completely Squared Away These days, it’s all about green living and sustainability. Sure, we’re into that, but what we’d also love is another kind of sustainability: enduring style. Fashion changes with the season. We’ll want a new car before the lease is up. And that pink stand mixer? Well, pink isn’t our color anymore. We want good design that lasts. In our quest to fill our homes with steadfast style, we discovered the new Ann Sacks Tile in the Pearl. Step into the pristine showroom and one’s idea of home décor will be elevated to the level of art. Express personal style with stunning pieces from the Designer Collection (Angela Adams, Barbara Barry, Michael S. Smith). Transform a tired bathroom into a luxurious sanctuary with handcrafted tile from the signature Ann Sacks Collection (classic, rustic, architectural). Or give a space an updated look with a modern motif of geometric shapes and patterns. There are oodles of colors, finishes and textures to choose from, and even eco-friendly options, including recycled glass, metal, concrete, and renewable mesquite wood tile. Ann Sacks Tile |
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| 4 | Let’s Face It We want to believe that we can pop a pill and lose pounds while we sleep, that our donations to multiple non-profs will somehow render us wealthy, and that aging can miraculously be reversed. But we have the same wide waistline, the same thin wallet and the same old face. Then we discovered Beautifully You, and their non-invasive Perfector Face Lift. We can see why it’s all the rage among the youth-obsessed celebs—it really works. And it finally found its way to Portland. Using a high-def nano current, it’s a smart and healthy (not to mention affordable) alternative that increases collagen and elastin, builds new tissue, and actually lifts and sculpts the muscles. Plus it’s a spa experience—half treatment, half facial. (We fell fast asleep, no joke!) The best part? We saw immediate results—perky eyelids, firmer skin, all-over radiance. Take it from us, it’s not too good to be true. What’s more, schedule a facial within 30 days and receive a $50 discount on your first treatment when you mention Portland Picks. Beautifully You |
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| 5 | Shop Smarter, Not Harder We’ll be the first to admit that these days, shopping is more of a luxury than ever. We’re thinking positive, but we’re also thinking, “Do I need another pair of jeans right now?” (Hilariously, the answer is often, “Yes! Yes!”) But the thing is that we don’t want to make the same mistakes over and over—coming home with, say, new jeans, when we really need a cocktail dress to wear when the invite says “dressy/girly/cute” and we have no idea what that means. We know we need a new outfit, but we can’t risk buying something that we’ll wear once and will languish in the closet like a bad investment. So we call our style gurus at Inspire Style. They put an end to a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear! By helping you decipher the perfect clothes for your body and your lifestyle, the Inspire Style gals not only save you time and money, but help you look smoking hot and age-appropriate at any occasion! (No matter how confusing the invite is…) Inspire Style |
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| 1 | Love Those (Local) Locks! Not quite curly, not quite straight, our locks are mostly a mess. When attempting loose curls, it’s not the “beachy waves” of Kate Hudson—we look more like a charter member of the Def Leppard fan club. So we stick with straight. Happily, sidlab haircouture’s “haute” Smoothing System makes it all better—no straightening iron required. It’s gorgeous haircare, paraben- and sodium laureth sulfate-free, and it’s made in Portland. Love is truly in the hair—even the bottles have hearts! |
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| 2 | Cuteness is in the Bag Backpacks are so last millennium. Outfit your kids with an adorable, durable Mini Messenger bag from Outside Baby, available at Play Outdoors.com. Just like the real thing! It clips on a bike or doll stroller and has plenty of pockets for important kid stuff. Sign up for their free newsletter for special deals and great ideas for getting outside with the kids. And enter the code freeship0809 and get free shipping on orders of $50 or more at Play Outdoors.com through Dec. 15. |
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| 3 | Smart Gifting We are not above mass-gifting. We find something we like, we buy a dozen, print off shipping slips and mail from home. Really, there’s no other way. Our new such fave: Smart Sets by Pacifica Candles. These adorably packaged bundles include a little tin of solid perfume (organic!), travel-size Body Butter (paraben-free!), 3-oz soy candle, and mini box of matches. All design-color-scent-coordinated (we adore Mediterranean Fig with peacock packaging!), they don’t even need wrapping. Holiday shopping? Done. |
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| 4 | Bachelor-ette Pad We are the kind to slowly, carefully disrobe packaged presents—just to salvage the pretty wrap. We even recycle greeting cards into “homemade” wonders. Paper waste is just not acceptable. Which is why we love this select-a-size pad of paper—as elegant as it is functional. Whether you need an inch just big enough for a number, or a long strip for your never-ending To Do List, just slide the metal piece into place and cut. Love it. |
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| 5 | Punch Up Your Lunch Gone are the days of lunchboxes with Muppets and Strawberry Shortcake, which is why we love the new take on the old ‘box from DoriMara. Any girl on the go would fall for these beauties which, with plenty of room for wallets and cell phones, can easily replace a purse during the work week. With an ice pack inside and a holder for your coffee, we think you’ll be ready to rule the school… or the office! |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
Nike’s Doernbecher Freestyle Collection Shoe Launch What: Doernbecher Freestyle Shoe Launch |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Getting Married? The Bravo! Wedding Affair will transform the Embassy Suites into themed wedding vignettes, such as “Old Hollywood” and “Moonlit Beach,” staged to look like a reception, rehearsal dinner or ceremony. Every detail has been taken care of, from the invitations to the dress. The first 10 brides to click here will win tickets to the show! What: Bravo! Wedding Affair |
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| 2 | Junk to Funk in the Hizzy Tonight! Love fashion? Love the planet? Check out the Junk to Funk Recycled Fashion Show—tonight at the Wonder Ballroom. It’s “trash” as wearable art, and it’s a blast. There will be local celebs, entertainment, and of course, avante-garde “trashion” that’s truly awe-inspiring. You can even get in on the act by dressing up yourself. What: Junk to Funk Recycled Fashion Show |
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| 3 | A Special Celebration Check out CCLC at Fred Meyer’s innovative child care solutions—with the newly renovated location, they're planning a very special celebration. Tour the facility, learn more about CCLC’s programs, bring your friends and enjoy fun for the whole family! Your child can be a part of this exclusive educational program that helps children develop intellectually, socially and emotionally. What: CCLC at Fred Meyer Grand Opening |
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| 4 | Make Your House a Home One of our favorite vintage furniture boutiques, Janus Home, is celebrating their first anniversary and a new location with special savings! Everything in the store will be 30–50% off, including furniture and upholstery fabrics. Now is the time to choose the pieces that become a part of your life. Mention Portland Picks for 20% off custom refinishing! What: Janus Home Anniversary Sale |
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| 6 | A Rockin’ Lunch Spot Looking for a great lunch destination or just a cool place to hold a large meeting or private party? (We get asked those questions a lot.) Check out Café Rocks in the Pearl Design Center. Open Mondays through Fridays for lunch, 11 am–4 pm, and now open for happy hour from 4–7 pm! What: Café Rocks’ new Happy Hour |
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| 8 | Weekend Winos We might be a bit too excited about this one, but The Northwest Food and Wine Festival is happening this weekend. We don't know if we can actually taste 500 NW wines and food from more than 50 local chefs, but we're going to try. Food and wine samples are included in the ticket price. Woohoo! What: The Northwest Food and Wine Festival |
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| 9 | New Arrivals at Europa Antiques Just in time for the holidays, two new containers of French and English antiques have arrived at Europa Antiques! Browse the new goods, as well as the city’s finest selection of European reproduction furniture, art, decorative accessories, mirrors, lighting and found objects. Forget the 401K—invest in your home and enjoy it every single day. What: Just off the ship—new arrivals at Europa Antiques |
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| 10 | One-Stop Eco Shop CRAVE throws the shopping party of all shopping parties, with 50+ local designers and boutiques, including Portland’s sustaina-savviest, Greenloop. Find eco-fashions on the catwalk and eco-goodies in your Swag Bag, plus eco-fabulous prizes in the raffle, benefiting Go Red for Women. Add a complimentary sake-tini, and this isn’t holiday shopping; it’s a party—with presents! What: CRAVE Green Holiday Shopping Party |
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We’re finally figuring this “modern electronics” stuff out. Follow us on Twitter! www.twitter.com/portlandpicks |
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