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PORTLAND PICKS™ |
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life + style to you: every Friday
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May 15th, 2009
Last Saturday was barbecue weather, so we called some pals, brined a turkey and hosed down the patio furniture. Someone brought a keg (we don’t mess around!), everyone brought a side dish and we hung out in the sun as the turkey smoked for its final hour. We all kept saying, “Oh man, this is totally going to be worth the wait.”
Finally, it was time to dine. People were lining up with plates and then—in a flash—the bird was on the ground. One of the dogs had jumped up and snatched it right off the table when the designated carver turned his head. So there it sat, on the grass, a steaming pile of what-used-to-be-dinner. We all gaped at the mess and contemplated an unsatisfying meal of roast potatoes and quinoa salad. Finally, someone snapped us out of our stupor. “I’ve been camping and this always happens,” she said, “You just pick it up and put it back on the grill.” So she did just that. And you know what? The turkey was just fine. In fact, it was almost better, since now we had a story.
Need a cute accessory for your next BBQ? Forward this issue to 5 or more friends for your chance to win a free (and just plain adorable) Olive Juice bag, made in Camas, Wa. See the Chick Picks below for info! |
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Portland Picks: |
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Hometown Favorite
When traveling abroad, we like to reinvent ourselves. Armed with a glossy international look-book of the fashion-du-jour, we ditch the fleece and pick up a new persona. But after the jet lag subsides—and we soberly assess our new wardrobe—we realize sequins, silk and stacked stilettos aren’t everyday Stumptown-wear.
Stateside, we’re ready to don sweet frocks and beckon picnic weather. One of our fave boutiques for unique finds and local flavor is Donna & Toots. Not only do the co-owners carry their own hand-stitched apparel (blouses, dresses and skirts), they showcase local designs like Fancy Clothing’s cute and sassy pinafores with plunging necklines inspired by Marilyn Monroe, easy-to-wear pieces by Dervish, and screen-printed knit tops from Zuzupop. We love the adorable organic hoodies by Mystree and boho chic sundresses by Voile (think affordable Anthro-esque styles).
Just need a little sumpin-sumpin? Sprinkled throughout the shop-come-studio you’ll find handcrafted, vintage-inspired jewelry, silk-screened leather clutches, and eco-smart totes built from recycled billboard vinyl. So whether you choose the embellished denim skirt or a locally made souvenir, you’ll fit right in with the natives.
Donna & Toots
1631 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR 97211
503.241.5570
www.donnaandtoots.com |
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Add it to the List
We love making lists; chores, men we’ve dated, and most of all, lists of our favorite things. We keep a book of these lists, in fact... favorite vacation (Hawaii), favorite non-alcoholic drink (tap water), and of course, our favorite food (grilled cheese).
Today, we have a new list to make—Favorite Restaurants that Appeal to our Inner Kid, with Alberta’s Grilled Cheese Grill taking the number-one spot. We fell in love with this place instantly; it felt warm and fuzzy, like being a kid again. With the option to dine in a refurbished school bus, we were excited from the second we walked up—and knowing that we were about to devour a good, old-fashioned grilled cheese helped too. But these entrepreneurs du fromageoffer so much more than just the traditional grilled cheese—there are 12 variations including a crust-less version, a jalapeno version and even an Italian version. And for a side? Why, tomato soup, of course!
The Grill is guaranteed to spawn happy memories of being a kid; times when you didn’t care about calories, money or getting food on your face. Put the Grilled Cheese Grill on your list of restaurants to visit this week!
The Grilled Cheese Grill
On the corner of NE Alberta & 11th Ave.
503.206.8959
www.grilledcheesegrill.com |
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You’ve Got the Look
We’re famously fickle about our hair. It’s been long, short, black, bleached, braided and baliaged. We’ve copied celebrity styles and the marketing director’s at work (both with mixed and slightly embarrassing results), and frankly we have yet to settle on “the cut” we’ll rock for life. So we muster on with the search.
Recently, instead of chopping it all off once again (growing it out was horrible—we wore those fake-hair ponytails for almost a year and drove the boyfriend kee-razy—he’d freak out if he found one laying around, poor guy), we called Fada Salon. You know Fada—they’re a Portland institution—and the excitement hasn’t waned. Their swank downtown digs are home to talented colorists (they even have a “color room” with tons of fun mags) and sure-handed stylists who made us love our locks once again.
We’re thinking we may keep the Fada look—enhanced by their array of Bumble & Bumble products. We’ll still change our mind about other stuff, but this time, we’re keeping the hair.
Fada Salon
615 SW Broadway, Suite 400
Portland, OR 97205
503.224.7655
www.fadasalon.com |
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Chick Picks: |
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Spring in a Bottle
We’ve been feeling a little under the weather lately, but it’s not that flu that’s been going around. No, we’ve got spring fever, and we’ve got it bad.
Enter Tokyo Milk perfumes, which make us feel like it’s 70 and sunny despite the layer of morning frost. With vintage images and typewritten labels, you’ll want to collect every bottle, though we’d surely point you towards the springy Sparrow. See? We’re feeling better already!
Available at Ink & Peat
www.tokyo-milk.com |
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Olive You
The other day this girl walked by with the most adorable bag. We stalked her for a block before she stopped at a light , then we sidled up to ask her where she got it.
Turns out it was from Camas-based Olive Juice bags. We jumped online to check them out. Totes adorable (pun intended). We’re offering up a free bag to one lucky reader, but for another way to win a free bag, check out their website!
www.olivejuicebags.com |
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Know Your Grapes
Regarding wine, we fall somewhere between $5 mini-mart bottles and paying $15 a glass at a restaurant. Plus—we’re Portlanders—so we’d prefer organic, if you’ve got it.
Enter PureVineWines.com, offering up organic, biodynamic and a few indie wines (stored locally at Portland Wine Storage, just FYI), sans the snobbery. Try a Maysara Oregon Pinot Gris for just $17, or a biodynamic French Cotes du Rhone for $20! Bonus—it’s all online with great descriptions!
www.purevinewines.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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Redecorating? Save 25% at Bravado Home!
You know when you walk into someone’s home for the first time and you just think, “Wow!”? They’re clearly shopping at Bravado Home. Visit Bravado Home & Design during the month of May and receive 40% off anything in the showroom, including 25% off special orders. Bonus: Mention Portland Picks to receive free local delivery on all furniture purchases!
What: 25% off Sale at Bravado Home & Design
When: The entire month of May!
Where: 536 NW 14th St.
Call: 503.224.0555
Visit: www.bravadohome.com |
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Recess Health Immersion Starts Soon!
Get in the best shape of your life, and have a blast doing it. Pilates, Tai Chi, Yoga, Budokon—it’s all a part of the plan. You’ll also receive nutrition and cooking instruction to fit your lifestyle. Meet three times a week to get healthier, make new friends, and drop a dress size. Call Recess now and receive 10% off the price of the program if you sign up by May 15th.
What: Recess Health Immersion (formerly Boot Camp)
When: July 1-Aug 29, Mon/Wed/Sat or Tues/Thurs/Sat
Weeknights 6:15–7:30 pm; Sat. 10–11 am
Call: 503.282.5560
Visit: Recess Health Immersion Sign Up |
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Bella Stella is Moving!
bella stella has moved! The new, bigger space has stroller parking (love it!) and a larger play area. Find shoes from Naturino, Ecco, Primigi, Pediped and Pedoodle at wholesale prices, plus an exclusive-print “Pascual” Beco Baby Carrier, designed by bella stella and only available there! Their original 2635 NE Broadway location will re-open mid-June as a big kid (5-14) store.
What: Visit bella stella’s new location
When: Open now!
Where: 2751 NE Broadway
Call: 503.284.4646
Visit: www.bellastellaresale.com |
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It’s Good to Be Bad
We live to suss out new talent, and BadJoan.com—a fashion-forward site featuring indie designers’ overstock—delivers. (e.g. local fave Lizzie Parker!) Bad Joan members always score a whopping 80% off everything, but for one fabulous week Portland Picks readers can get 80% off their entire order without a membership. Use the discount code PPICKS80 at checkout!
What: Portland Picks Discount at BadJoan.com
When: Now through May 22
Where: www.badjoan.com |
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Shape Up at Portland Fitcamp
Remember Field Day? We always looked forward to it since it made exercise seem fun. As “grown-ups,” we can still make exercise fun—at Portland Fitcamp! Their summer session starts soon, with morning and evening classes: Wilson High School, 6:30 a.m. Mondays–Thursdays; and 6 p.m. Mondays–Thursdays at Macleay Park. Mention Portland Picks for 10% off!
What: Portland Fitcamp’s Summer Session
When: Begins June 15
Call: 503.740.4475
Visit: www.portlandfitcamp.com |
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Trunk Show & Giveaway at Pie Footwear
During tomorrow’s Alberta Art Hop, stop into Pie Footwear, try on a pair of Simple shoes, and enter to win a Simple Swag Pack. No purchase necessary, but once you try on Simple’s new styles (for women and men) you’ll want them. Sneaker-inspired silk peep-toes? Hello! And check out the Trunk Show—preview fall styles for eco-conscious feet.
What: Simple Shoes Trunk Show & Swag Giveaway
When: Saturday, May 16, 11 am–6 pm
Where: Pie Footwear, 2916 NE Alberta St.
Call: 503.288.1999
Visit: www.piefootwear.net |
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PPFM Singles Night Tonight
Round up your single gal pals and head to Vite tonight 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!)
What: PPFM Singles Night
When: Friday, May 15, 6 pm
Where: Vite Wine Bar, 4605 NE Fremont St.
Cost: $10 at the door; proceeds benefit the Red Cross
Visit: www.PortlandPicksforMen.com |
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It’s Beautypalooza at Blush Beauty Bar!
Get pretty, gals, with three days of glamour and customer appreciation at Blush Beauty Bar! Celebrate Blush’s birthday at Beautypalooza 5, with $5 and $10 beauty bins, a gift with every purchase, a beauty raffle for a food bank, makeup services redeemable in product, plus specials and discounts throughout the store. Hook yourself up for summer!
What: Beautypalooza 5 at Blush Beauty Bar
When: Friday–Sunday, May 15–17
Where: 513 NW 23rd Ave.
Call: 503.227.3390
Visit: www.blushbeautybar247.com |
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Spring Baby Sale at Meringue!
Baby, kids and maternity too! Pick up the adorable styles you love for gifts, for yourself, or to stock up. Save 20–70% off Meringue’s fabulous selection of designer clothes for little ones, plus music boxes, blankies, hip maternity wear and more. Shopping online? Enter the code WELOVEM5 for an additional 10% off!
What: Spring sale at Meringue
When: May 15–22
Where: 385 1st St., Suite 121
Call: 503.365.7725
Visit: www.meringueboutique.com |
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