|
 |
May 8th, 2009
Mother’s Day is this weekend, and we have to give a big shout-out to our own mama for giving us common sense, a slightly twisted comedic slant, a love for good books, big brown eyes, the ability to suss out a good Chinese restaurant, and the intuition to be drawn to the kind of friends you should keep for life. We also have to “thank” her for giving us man-hands, early-onset gray hair, a love of Gene Kelly movies, and a carb-tooth that won’t quit. We can’t pass a bagel without salivating. But mostly, we’d like to thank her for being there, through good times and bad, breakups and make-ups, life-changing moments and silly, hysterical laughter in the dressing room while bra shopping. We are soulfully grateful that we can experience this crazy-thing-called-life together. Have you already taken care of your Mother’s Day gift? Then it’s time to treat yourself—just forward this issue to 5 friends or more and CC picks@portlandpicks.com and you could win a $50 Gift Certificate to Mink! (If you haven’t found your perfect summer dress, stop into Mink Boutique to get some wardrobe satisfaction.) |
||
Portland Picks: |
|||
| 1 | Picture Perfect Mom always told us that it’s best to use stale bread when making French toast… somehow that makes it taste better. But we hate stale—stale is such a disappointment. Stale is so…. winter. And with summer on the way, our current ’do, which is about as stale as they come, has got to go and we’re soooo over our current hairstylist. But last week, we spotted an oasis in our hair desert—the Pearl’s brand new SmashCut Studio. SmashCut is the exact opposite of stale; it’s fresh, vibrant and colorful. The Website alone made us feel giddy at the transformation SmashCut offers—you can imagine how we felt when we actually walked through the doors! (Excited!) Dreamed up by a former film-industry diva, SmashCut is the fusion of fashion and film, aiming to give every customer the personal attention that you might find on a movie set—more than just a cut. More like a new image—beautiful and ready for your close-up. And in our case, fresh and ready for summer! SmashCut Studio |
|
|
| 2 | Caffeine Kitty If there is one thing we love, it’s cats. If we were to name a second thing, chances are it would involve caffeine. That’s why we’re thrilled about the new Flying Cat Coffee Co. on SE Division. Located in a former knitting store, Flying Cat immediately warms you with their service and tasty goods—all cookies and protein bars are baked on site. In addition, bagel sandwiches are available every day, as well as waffles on Saturdays and Sundays until 2 p.m. (or until the batter runs out), and they serve tasty Caffe Vita coffee. The décor is kitty themed, but totally not to a creepy, uncomfortable amount; art on the walls changes regularly, and the place is full of cozy areas to perch as long as you need. And we’re even more identified with the owner, who’s named the café after her own little black cat (we have one, too) and is involved with animal rescue. With this great a story, and this great a place, how can you not love? Flying Cat Coffee Co. |
|
|
 |
|||
| 3 | The Excuses Stop Now Some days we’d rather lie on the sofa and watch Lifetime movies than make the effort to drive to the gym and do treadmill hill-climbs while staring at a closed-captioned Regis and Kelly. Ick, right? So we’ve made ourselves a promise—we’ll join Recess Wellness’ Health Immersion, and we’ll skip the excuses. After all, when you join a group fitness class, people will notice if you don’t show up! And Recess makes it fun to participate—you might even get into the best shape of your life. You’ll be schooled with seminars on nutrition and cooking, plus exercise and integrative arts like yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and Budokon. The personalized reports will keep you tuned in to your progress, and there will be goodie bags and prizes. Now that’s incentive! The 2009 Recess Health Immersion runs from July 1 to August 29, Mondays & Wednesday, 6:15–7:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10–11 a.m.; or Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:15–7:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10–11 a.m. Get 10% off enrollment fees if you sign up by May 15. Recess Wellness |
|
|
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Best Face Forward Last summer we discovered that tinted moisturizers are one of the best things ever. It’s a great way to fake a little sun-kissed color and still get your SPF on. Now DEX New York has taken it a step further with their Mineral Tinted Hydrator. Formulated with SPF 20 (nice!), the multi-mineral complex of enriched botanicals (ginseng root, chamomile, vitamins A and E) is gentle and beautiful on the skin. Check out their entire line online, or at Product in Bridgeport Village. |
 |
|
| 2 | The Key to Our Hearts We’ve been obsessed with skeleton keys ever since our Scooby Doo crime-solving days. There’s just something mysterious and fanciful about a key that can open anything, so we were immediately taken with the unusually cool wallets we spied at Urban Heirlooms. Handcrafted from rich leather and adorned with antique skeleton keys, these luxe beauties are perfect for stylishly toting your calling cards and money, and their edgy originality will leave onlookers drooling! |
 |
|
| 3 | Who’s That Lady? We recently heard a word that totally summed up our Monday through Friday existence: Frazzled. We run from one thing to the next, do repetitive assignments at work, and scarf down dinner just so we can wake up the next morning and do it again. Phooey! So we relax with Charmed Naturally’s aptly named Frazzled Lady Formula. From bath salts to lotion to soy-wax candles, it’s aromatherapy designed for a woman’s moods. (Try “Stressed” and “Exhausted” too.) Genius. |
 |
|
| Cocktail of the Week: | |||
It’s cocktail season (really, when is it not?) and we just had to share two of our recent favorites from one of our favorite places: the Ruby and the Ryder at downtown’s El Gaucho. The Ruby: citrus vodka, Chambord and fresh lemon; the Ryder: grapefruit, pomegranate liqueur, and Hornitos tequila. They’re as delicious as the perfect spring day. We suggest stopping by El Gaucho and sampling them both… why not, right? |
|||
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 | Earn Free Jewelry with Stella & Dot! The jewelry is adorable (shop online!), and hosting a Stella & Dot trunk show is fun and easy. Receive up to 25% of the total sales in free jewelry, and up to four half-priced items. It’s affordable, luxe jewelry, featured in Lucky, InStyle & more, and seen on “The View” and Paris Hilton! Book in May for a $20 gift certificate! What: Host a Stella & Dot Trunk Show |
 |
|
| 2 | Catlin Gabel Home Tour We love seeing how the neighbors live. Get a peek inside by touring four beautiful Catlin Gabel family homes, representing a range of architectural styles and interior design, all updated with stunning detail and the amenities of modern family life. Tickets are $25, and proceeds benefit Catlin Gabel students, teachers and programs. These homes will inspire you! What: Catlin Gabel School Home Tour |
 |
|
| 3 | Enjoy Dinner on the Vine Treat yourself to an elegant Sunday supper at the stunning Zenith Vineyards estate and support an important local nonprofit. “Dinner on the Vine” brings together a local menu, Oregon wines, and area chocolatiers to celebrate ChristieCare’s 150th anniversary. ChristieCare is a non-profit that provides mental health solutions for Oregon’s children and families. Click here for more details. What: Dinner on the Vine |
 |
|
| 4 | Mother’s Day Sale at Shoefly In honor of Mom (and of course, your own great taste), Shoefly is hosting a Buy One, Get Another Half Off sale this weekend! We suggest taking Mom with you to shop the sale—you’ll get to bond with the most important woman in your life and score a pair of cute kicks for her… and yourself, too! What: Mother’s Day sale at Shoefly |
 |
|
| 5 | Single? Mix and Mingle with PPFM! Round up your single gal pals and head to Vite next Friday for a no-pressure evening of mixing and mingling with some cute Portland Picks for Men readers! You could win gift certificates to Nolita, Portland Spirit, Mabel & Zora, Fada Salon, Gypsy Chic, Mama Mia Trattoria, NW Pilates and more—and maybe even score a date. (Woohoo!) Be sure to RSVP. What: PPFM Singles Night |
 |
|
| 6 |
|
||
| 7 | We Will Miss You, Cecily Ink Sadly, Cecily Ink is closing up shop. However, this bad news is cushioned by some good news for stationery and paper fans: they’re offering 50% off everything on the website with no minimum order! Just enter the coupon code “closeout” during checkout. Show them your love by shopping their sale! What: Online closeout sale at Cecily Ink |
 |
|
| 8 |
|
||
| 9 | An Orchid Says a Thousand Words Who needs another toss-away Mother’s Day card when you can give bright, exotic orchids that will bloom for months? Orchid Exchange, in the heart of the Pearl, is offering a gorgeous large white waterfall phalaenopsis in a black square, with free delivery in a 25-mile radius, for just $69! (Ask about their O|X 15% off return credit!) What: Mother’s Day Special at Orchid Exchange When: Extended hours for Mother’s Day Weekend Where: 404 NW 12th Ave. Call: 503.295.6899 Visit: www.Orchidexchange.net |
 |
|
This weekend, take that $50 you’ve been hiding in your Thesaurus and visit a local boutique… spending the money feels good, and you’ll be doing good by supporting our local merchants. |
|||
|
Be sure to visit www.portlandpicks.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.portlandpicks.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address. If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@portlandpicks.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Chicago Picks! Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
|||
