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January 30th, 2009
There is no glamour left in flying. Jet-setting doesn’t exist. Now you have to wait in a cattle call for two hours just to get on your flight, and you’re definitely not going to have an armrest to yourself. And when the person in front of you puts the seat back? Ugh! That should be outlawed—ferreals. Your 12 inches of “face space” suddenly shrinks to six and you’re left contemplating someone’s dandruff as you passive-aggressively knee them in the ribs every so often, just to make sure they know how much they’re inconveniencing you. (Not that we do that… of course.) If we could invent some “Star Trek” way to beam ourselves up, we’d do it. Even if it was dangerous. No—even if it meant flying without luggage. Hey—it’s just another excuse to shop, right? What’s more fun than a Staycation? Forward this issue to 5 friends and CC picks@portlandpicks.com and you could win a $100 gift certificate to bluehour! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Bitchin' Camaro |
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| 2 | Proud To Be An American After backpacking across Europe for two months, we got tired of schlepping from one museum to the next. The “Mona Lisa”? Yawn. We longed for some real local flavor. So we chucked the guidebook and found ourselves ogling pastry cases instead of museum cases. With a bakery around every corner, we quickly got schooled in Bread 101 and Pastry Appreciation. Yum! At Little T American Baker, we've found that same old-world baking with a new-world twist. Unlike the quaint bakeries in Europe, Little T's resembles an urban loft from the pages of “Dwell” magazine. The bread and pastries represent a wide range of cultures with everything from traditional French baguettes to Indian naan to Boston Cream Pie. That's our kind of melting pot! Not to be missed are the flaky, buttery croissants that literally melt in the mouth and the decadent chocolate tarts. Everything at Little T's was so delicious that we're already planning our next visit. We won't be trekking to Europe anytime soon, but at least we've got the best of both worlds right here in Portland. Little T American Baker |
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| 3 | Baby Plue Our BFF just traveled to Me-hee-co for a seven-week affair with her hubby and toddler, and we were just emerald with envy. Except, we heard this child is up to some serious mischief. One story involved locking mum and daddy out of their hotel room (purposefully). And, well, we just don’t know how to react, as his Godmama. ‘Course, we can’t not spoil him. And we found just the place to do it. Stocked with good, green finds, Plue is a gem of a gem of a gem. We eyed a round of precious duds made from Portland designers (adorable little screen-prints!), See Kai Run shoes (for the hip, urban toddler), and a spread of children’s books that made us squeal (storytime is our fave!). And with all the wooden wonders—kitchen sets, push carts, cars and dollhouses decked out in mod décor—Plue is the place to outfit every child under eight. Too bad we don’t have any. But the BFF is expecting numero dos, so that kinda counts. We are hoping for a girl, cuz we found this darling poodle skirt jumper made from recycled wools. Adore! Plue |
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| 4 | Size Matters We've never been accused of being perfect little angels. But we're still ladies, so we don't find ourselves associated with smut (too often). All our rules fly out the window, however, when it comes to this SMUT (So Many Unique Treasures), a favorite little vintage shop that recently tripled its size. Aside from the old-school “Playboys” (a great birthday gift, we might add), there's nothing dirty about SMUT. Already well-known for their killer collection of vinyl, they've expanded the furniture and home décor in the newly spacious digs. Stack up a bunch of the vintage suitcases for a funky side table, or set up that mid-century vanity you've always dreamed of. You can also perk up your wardrobe with their well-chosen (read: not overwhelming) selection of vintage purses, cowboy boots and dresses. The best part: nothing will cost you your dignity. Vintage coats—even leather—are all under $40. A working rotary phone was a steal at $20. Pulp paperbacks, like “The Evil Men Do”: just a buck. Bigger and better and still a bargain? It's enough to make us go bad for good. SMUT |
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| 5 | Observation Deck One of the things about the clear, cold weather: You can see a lot of stars. That’s great, but we’re also freezing! So let’s stumble out of the cold and into… The Observatory—a month-old restaurant and bar in the Montavilla neighborhood and a new fave for tidbits and tippling. Here, the stars are inside. Whether it’s the star lamps dangling from the mirror-coated, stylish, chocolate brown-walls, the awesome bar that’s a converted bowling lane, the utter niceness and competency of the staff, or the food itself—it all shines at The Observatory. We started with a Santorini Martini, a little bit dirty with feta-stuffed olives, and then moved onto a perfectly dressed Caesar salad. And then, heaven-sent, just for our gluten-intolerant souls: A quinoa-mushroom veggie burger. We are in love. As a matter of fact, everything on the menu looked damn good; from the regular burger to the chicken-fried chicken to the sirloin steak, and no entree was above $12—greatly welcomed nowadays. We’ve seen our star chart for 2009, and it’s got The Observatory written all over it. The Observatory |
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| Website of the Week: | |||
Born to Be a Star! From breast-pump mishaps to food cravings to mood swings, pregnant women always have a story to tell. So YourBabyYourWay.com is searching for a new online video diary personality to share her own ups and downs of pregnancy, and the life-changing journey of becoming a new mom. Think you can do it? Apply now for their Born to be a Star online video personality contest. If selected, you could win a prize package worth more than $3,000 (including $1,000 cash)! Applications accepted through 4 pm, Feb. 28, 2009. |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Hold Onto Your Hats! Truth be told, we’re more about shoes than handbags. It doesn’t mean we don’t love (and collect!) both, but—when it comes to purses—it takes a lot for our proverbial socks to be knocked off. Enter Amanda Pearl, a NW designer whose uber-glam offerings have us rethinking our preferences. Sparkly, floral and very vintage-inspired, her spring line is swoon-worthy and sure to bring compliments and more than a little envy. Socks? Consider them knocked. |
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| 2 | Glamorous Locks In high school we were short, somewhat chunky and sported a retainer. Not exactly supermodel material. Now we can get model hair courtesy of Oribe’s new products, exclusively at Ziva Salon Store. Superstylist Oribe did Christy and Cindy’s hair, and now brings his gorgeous lineup of shampoos, conditioner, serums, sprays, and our favorite—a smoothing cream—to you! The products smell terrific, work like a dream, and the packaging alone will leave you feeling ready for your close-up! |
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| 3 | For the Dogs We are obsessed with our dogs. It’s kind of an affliction, but they’re so darn cute! And we probably take better care of their health than we do of our own. So when we found the line of animal wellness products by Nature’s Inventory, we were elated. From organic Flea and Tick Wellness Oil to products for motion sickness, liver and joint support, and even doggie breath (yes!), we can be sure that our dogs are well-protected. |
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| 4 | Pretty Up the Planet We readily admit to being a bit of a nerdy-bird, and we definitely subscribe to the philosophy of “waste not, want not,” so we were immediately smitten with the strangely alluring plantable papers we spied at Botanical Paper Works. Every paper on this eco-friendly site, from stylish wedding invites to birth announcements and thank yous, is made to be lovingly planted in the earth, magically transforming what would be garbage into beautiful blossoms. |
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| 5 | Stitch-N-Bitch We like to read. (Really, we do!) But we’re busy. Lately our “reading material” has come from catalogs and food labels. So book clubs are out of the question. Now a fine stitch-n-bitch, on the other hand = priceless. Nothing like a bunch of gals gossiping over crochet needles. ‘Course this screen-printed pair of porcelain cups with saucers is so precious that we’d rock Knit Night on a daily basis, just to bust them out. Too bad we’re not as disciplined with reading. |
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| Drink of the Week: | |||
Full-Leaf Tazo Tea from Starbucks Because we are delicate flowers, sometimes we get loopy from too much caffeine. We love our morning coffee, but sometimes a cup of tea is what we need. And what’s more glorious than a steamy mug of Vanilla Rooibos Full-Leaf Tazo Tea Latte from Starbucks? It's a natural infusion of botanicals, uniting South African rooibos, Tahitian vanilla, sweet blackberry, a hint of peach and freshly steamed milk. It always starts (or ends) the day just right! |
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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 “Tuscan Vineyard” and “Bring on the Bling,” 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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| 3 | Portland Picks Girlfriend Night at Mario’s! Mingling and shopping, sipping and shopping... rockin’ out and shopping… all good things. And Mario’s knows. So take advantage on Feb. 12, when the Portland Picks Girlfriend Night combines top fashions with champagne and hip beats. Enjoy a duo trunk show with Dodo jewelry and Hudson jeans, and receive $50 toward any pair of regular-priced denim! What: Portland Picks Girlfriend Night at Mario's |
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| 4 | Happy Year of the Ox! (And Sale!) Lotus Antiques and Arts is offering savings of 20–60% off their amazing array of Chinese modern, vintage and antique furniture, including an astounding selection of accessories. Deck out your house or just find that one perfect piece… lamps, vases, tables, chairs, ceramics… heaven! Mention Portland Picks and save an additional 10% off dramatically reduced prices, this weekend only! What: Year of the Ox sale at Lotus Antiques and Arts |
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| 5 | 4th Annual Valentine’s Day for CCA February is all about spreading the love. So why not start by supporting the Children’s Cancer Association? Don’t miss their Valentine’s Day Radiothon (not on Feb. 14, btw) ... you can pledge moola, bid on auction goodies, and even donate online prior to or during the Radiothon. Listen all day; your heart will melt as children recount their stories and inspire. What: Radiothon for Children’s Cancer Association |
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PortlandPicksforMen.com is publishing their Valentine’s Day Gift Guide on Feb. 6, so feel free to sign up your hubby, boyfriend, cubie mate or BMFF for a free subscription now! Trust us, they will thank you. (And you will thank them… unless you like getting that freaky fruit roll-up “underwear” and a shrink-wrapped mini-mart rose.) |
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