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December 18th, 2009
We are awash in nostalgia right now. Romantic, hazy nostalgia. Something about the coming of the New Year makes us think of the “goings” of past boyfriends (and one husband. Oof.) Anyhoo. We’ve been daydreaming about the moment the man said “I love you.” One boyfriend dragged us to a country bar with six of his friends—on a Wednesday—because we heard they let drunk people ride bulls. WHAT. He said “I love you” after we danced to “Neon Moon,” and honestly, people, we didn’t know up from down—did he really just drop the L-bomb “Urban Cowboy” style? Another said it after a week-long bout with the flu. We weren’t sure if his brain was still addled by fever, but there it was: “I love you” instead of “thank you” when we brought up a bowl of soup. We feel lucky to have been in love—and especially thankful for those first, butterfly-inducing moments. Granted, they weren’t cinematic, but they sure were powerful. So our wish for all of our lovely Portland Picks ladies (and ourselves, too) is that we all start the New Year right by feeling the love—whether it’s hanging with your BFFs, your spouse or partner, or your dog Spot. It all counts. Ah, love. Happy holidays. |
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Portland Picks: |
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Sweet Equity In college, our boyfriend worked part-time at a chocolatier. He could eat all the truffles he wanted and never gained any weight. So unfair. Just being in the shop made us fat! Thankfully, our tastes have changed. Workroom719 is a temporary pop-up boutique in the old See’s Candy space downtown where we can splurge without gaining an ounce. The shop-come-artist-studio, curated by fashion designer Rachel Ancliffe, is filled with sweet treats (like her collection of Charles & Victoria clothing). We drooled over racks of ethereal silk-crepe dresses, fluttery tops and sumptuous wool Melton separates (coats, skirts, pants). The steeply discounted designer threads left us with dinero for Scarlet Chamberlin’s body candy—necklaces of sexy dripping chains, accented with gemstones and leather—and fabulous Italian-crafted boots from Halo Shoes. We also scooped up a few locally-made gifts that would make us look good: silk-screened scarves and felt clutches by plainMade, artisan leather goods by Entermodal, and recycled-wool “B-ings” by Suzy Root. With age comes wisdom, and we now realize that shopping in a candy store is way better than working in one. Workroom719719 SW Morrison St. Portland, OR 97205 503.793.8932 www.workroom719.com |
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| 2 | Three Cheers for Beers We have a friend who once lost a bet and had to fork over a case of Guinness. Except that she mistook how many beers were in a case and simply bought a 12-pack. Now that she’s due to purchase another 12 to complete the wager, we’ve got just the place for her to pick up something a bit more unusual: The Beermongers. Can’t wait to get home to have a brew? The Beermongers has a rotating selection on tap. Order one up and hang out in the store to watch TV, or peruse one of the many beer books they’ve got lying around. Or put together a six-pack of your dreams—want three porters and three IPAs? Go for it. The beers are arranged by style, not by location, so if you’re a fan of the hefeweizen, it’s all in one place. Even gluten-free brews and cider! The Beermongers also hosts Monday evening tastings as well as various special events. Take this and add a staff that’s friendly, knowledgeable about the product, and fun? We’ll raise a glass to that. The Beermongers |
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| 3 | Marguerite-ahhh We realized lately that we’ve spent far too much time denying ourselves. Dessert, wine, shopping, staying up late, second helpings. And now it’s the holidays, so let’s make up for lost time. Let the decadence begin! (Or continue.)Why shouldn’t we have pretty things, after all? In this mindset, we encountered Marguerite, Westmoreland’s newest boutique for all things prettiness (without being twee). Open just a month, Marguerite is heaped with gracious items for the home (and lots of things we’d be delighted to receive… hint, hint). We’ll go here not just to purchase, but to experience… it’s positively lovely. Ever go to someone’s house and blatantly covet? This place is like that—except here, you can snap up what you love, and we love it all. From candles to perfumes to antique teapots to fine linens, slips and camisoles—and the hilarious letterpress cards, made locally. When we visited Marguerite, the shop was white-and-silver-themed, but January will bring a new look (plus more changes every two months to suit the season). Which means we’ll just have to show up more often. As should you. Marguerite |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Saint or Sinner? Tis the season for decadence. From Halloween to New Year’s Eve we happily indulge in chocolate treats with no guilt. (We save the guilt for January.) And we don’t have enough adjectives to describe Missionary Truffles—they’re perfectly, deliciously divine, and they’re 100% vegan and gluten-free. (They use a 55% semi-sweet Fair-Trade chocolate and pair it with organic coconut milk.) So, okay, they’re a little bit sinful, but you won’t regret how heavenly they are! Enjoy. |
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| 2 | Fluff and Fold We’ve got a long list of boozy tricks to make any party rock the hizzy. But when it comes to décor, we often get stuck after “setting the table.” Prost to the Host to the rescue! They create absolutely adorable tissue-paper poms in an array of gorgeous colors—just fluff and hang to create a festive atmosphere for any occasion—weddings, birthdays, showers, New Year’s Eve. You can fold them up for easy storage/future use, but we might leave ours up permanently. |
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| 3 | Domestic Goddess We’re the butt of family jokes due to our kitchen ineptitude, and during the holidays, we are totally forbidden from bringing important dishes like stuffing, yams or turkey. We’re assigned “safe” items like a bottle of wine or bakery rolls. But we always look feminine and stylish in custom aprons from The Hip Hostess. In adorable prints like Pink Mocha or paisley Melon Splash, they’ll keep the focus on you, instead of what you’re dishing.www.thehiphostess.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Brides-to-be, Get Happy! You’re invited to the Art of Weddings 2010. The inspirational evening includes a fashion show by Option Model Management, mingling with the top wedding vendors in Oregon, and unique ideas to make your wedding day perfect. Enjoy culinary delights from Ten-01 and the Art of Catering, and SakéOne cocktails. (The first 200 guests receive an amazing gift bag!) What: Art of Weddings 2010 |
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| 2 | Mr. Formal’s Annual Blow-out Sale Have a holiday party coming up? A cruise? A dance? Mr. Formal’s Holiday Blow-out Sale is the place to go! Find amazing deals on men’s formalwear. New tuxedos start at $169.95, shoes from $10, used shirts from $1.00 and used coats from $9.95 (kids’ sizes available). Plus gift items galore—from flasks to accessories. What: Mr. Formal’s Holiday Blow-out Sale |
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| 3 | Holiday Special at Denderah Healing Arts Want a personal, wonderful gift for the special people in your life? Denderah Healing Arts is offering a Holiday Special—buy 1 gift certificate, get the 2nd for 50% off! You can purchase in any amount, and they’re good for any of their unique services, from massage to body treatments to energy healing sessions. Amazing. What: Holiday Special at Denderah Healing Arts |
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| 4 | Showcase of Wine & Cheese ...you had us at “cheese”… The Showcase of Wine & Cheese benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Portland, and this tasty evening will present more than 300 exceptional wines, gourmet cheeses and delish hors d’oeuvres, plus entertainment! Bring your friends & consider upgrading to a "Gold" ticket. Tis the season! We suggest snagging a couple now for stocking stuffers. What: Showcase of Wine & Cheese |
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| 5 | Take Time for Yourself at NW Pilates
You're on the go right now (tis the season), but it's so important to take time for yourself. Spend an hour at NW Pilates and get a great workout, some "me-time," some laughs as your stress turns to bliss, and finally, your buns in shape for party outfits! And NW Pilates is offering a Buy 2 Private Lessons Get 1 Free package! Be sure to mention us when you call! What: Buy 2 privates Get 1 Free at NW Pilates |
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It’s not too late to give the greatest gift of all—the gift of Portland Picks or Portland Picks for Men! Sign up your friends for free at www.PortlandPicks.com and www.PortlandPicksforMen.com |
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