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August 14th, 2009
We have clearly hit rock bottom with reality TV. We thought the “Rock of Love Bus” was as low as we could go (with “Intervention” at the high end of that spectrum). But with the broadcasting of shows like “More to Love” and “Megan Wants a Millionaire” and our complete inability to look away from their weekly train-wreckery, we have nothing left to lose. This is it. We’re beyond shame. Sayonara, PBS. See ya, George Stephanopoulos. Even “60 Minutes” has become too high-brow for our fast-food TV tastes. We couldn’t stomach an episode of “Nova” if we were force-fed it through an eyeball IV. (Too gross?) In any case, now you know our dirty secret. And if you’re interested, “Is She Really Going Out with Him?” is on in a few minutes. Meet you at the boob tube? |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Shopping 2009: Yes We Can! While strolling around Bridgeport Village—consoling ourselves with buy-one-get-one-free lattés—we spotted Romy, a new boutique filled with trendy, wallet-friendly styles. An entire wall is dedicated to dresses (halter, strapless, cocktail) in summery floral patterns and modern prints with details like embroidery and satin sashes—each under $30! We also found cute skirts, sweet tops, and tanks in every color for tons of layering options. And with fall just around the corner (trust, it’ll be here before you know it), check out the fall preview pieces—knit shrugs, cropped jackets with ruffles and oh-so-soft scarves in shades of cranberry, navy, and mocha. We stretched our fashion cents, picking up a paisley top to pair with boyfriend jeans and a darling sundress for a weekend soirée. And with cash to spare, we bought a bottle of Pinot for our hostess. Mum always said, “Don’t arrive empty-handed.” Romy |
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| 2 | Sugar Mama! We just spent the morning making cupcakes; vanilla with homemade sugar-drip icing, toasted-coconut topping and buttercream accents. We’re pretty proud of ourselves. Just call us “Betty” from now on. But to anyone who knows us, Betty Crocker we are not, and we’d rather have spent the morning at our favorite little day spa, Blooming Moon. We fell in love with Blooming Moon when it first opened, and we’re in love with it now more than ever. With two massage therapists, three estheticians and an acupuncturist coming this fall, it is truly our one-stop shop for all things girly… all performed in a quiet and peaceful sanctuary. Okay, so the bikini wax is not the most peaceful part of their service list, but hey, a girl’s gotta do what girl’s gotta do. And when you follow that bikini wax with a rose petal facial or a hot-stone massage, it really takes the sting away from the entire hair-removal process. In fact, we’re pretty sore after all the cupcake baking, and standing over the hot oven made our chin hairs start growing… we’d better pick up the phone right now! Blooming Moon Wellness Spa |
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| 3 | Who Needs Wall Street? Despite the depressed economy, we’re always looking for investment opportunities. Real estate? No thank you. 401K? Gone. Stock market? So two years ago. Statement jewelry and great handbags? Now we’re talking favorable returns. And we’ve found just the place to expand our portfolios. Jane Currin recently opened on NW 23rd and carries an amazing selection of jewelry, handbags and accessories by local designers. It’s a haven for any fashionista looking to invest in some glitz and glam. Our eyes were immediately drawn to local designer Vicki De Ville’s bold and colorful dangly earrings made from recycled textiles, it was love at first sight when we tried on one of Lily Zenner’s beaded fabric statement necklaces, and we nearly lost our breath when we discovered their vintage! Crystal starburst brooches, Oscar-worthy earrings and necklaces, gem-adorned cuffs. All timeless pieces your daughter will surely thank you for someday. And the handbags! From decorated day clutches to bold beach totes, ornamented evening bags to white-leather hobos, eco-chic to hand-painted, the opportunities are endless. Who would have thought diversifying your assets could be so much fun? Jane Currin |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Me & Mia Confession: We’ve never had our eyebrows done. Maybe it was the fear of those freakish “comma brows,” or having someone use tweezers near our eyeballs… anyhoo, we were chickens. Until we met Mia at Ginger Salon on NE Fremont. Her Beverly Hills Eyebrow Design gave us gorgeous, perfectly even brows (“sisters, not cousins,” she said) with just the right arch. Love! Mis is offering a new-client special on eyebrow design through August—two services for the price of one. (Go in on it with a friend!) Double love. |
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| 2 | Pretty, Oh So Pretty Why is jewelry so appealing? Is it the primal instinct to react to shiny things? The appreciation of artistry in such a delicate form? Or is it the need to find something to match that pink blouse? Eh, who cares when the choices are this good! Kevia’s drop-dead gorge collection mixes precious and semi-precious stones in 18k gold, 22k gold vermeil and sterling silver. With prices starting at just $20, there’s something for everyone. Did we mention she’s local? Can you stand it?!? |
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| 3 | Baby, You’re the One Portland moms are all about the “O.” As in “organic,” silly. And we’ve found a new way to satiate your desires with a little French twist—Petite Miette, a darling purveyor of baby blankets, toys and wraps. While the bright pinks, blues and yellows are super saturated, they come from low-impact dyes that skip the heavy metals and toxins. To keep it simple, Petite Miette’s natural fabrics are good for baby, good for planet, and definitely good for you. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Bargain Hunting 101 is Back! Bargain Hunting 101 isn't called the Mother of all Clearance sales for nothing! Shop more than 60 local, independent, boutiques and designers—they’ll be hawking their wares at rock-bottom prices in both the Crystal Ballroom and Lola's Room. Stop by the most unique indie clearance sale ever—you won’t leave empty-handed! What: Bargain Hunting 101 |
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| 2 | What Did You Do This Summer? We learned about wine! The next class in vinology is “Wine Closures and Controlling Cellar Contaminates,” taught by Carson Wright of Cork Supply, and Greg Lint, President of Oak Knoll Winery. There’s a fascinating history of bottle closures, and the effects of potential contaminates will thrill any oenophile. (Plus commemorative wine glass, free wine tasting and 10% off wine purchases.) What: Vinology: “Wine Closures and Controlling Cellar Contaminates” |
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| 3 | Sample Fall Fitness! Did you have one too many cocktails this summer? Get back on track with Portland Team Fitness’ 6-week Fall Fitness Program! Get toned up and feel amazing this fall, and sign up by Sept. 1 to receive the discounted 8-person group rate. From beginners to advanced, you can box, jump, leap, lunge and sweat to your best body ever! What: Fall Fitness Program from Portland Team Fitness |
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| 5 | Planning a Seattle Getaway? During the month of September, all suites at the Alexis Hotel will be 15% off—and rates start at just $179 for a fireplace suite. (A real, wood-burning fireplace, too… trés romantique!) It’s also National Literacy Month, so we suggest booking the Author’s Suite, packed with good books, a wood-burning fireplace, and a jetted tub. Yes, please. |
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| 7 | Jake’s Dog Day of Summer When: Sunday, Aug. 23, 4–10 pm |
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| 8 | Save 10% at FitCamp! What: Portland Fitcamp 10% off special |
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