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February 5th, 2010
We just spent a weekend in the country—well, for city girls it was the country — we didn’t go camping or anything. (Get real!) We spent a weekend near Hood River, and it was everything a bucolic rural getaway should be—beautiful, serene, relaxing. And since we spent it with good friends, we laughed for like 48 hours straight. (Nothing recharges the batteries like a belly laugh, ferreals. Well, except for nookie, but that’s another story.) Sure, it didn’t hurt that their house had a swanky set-up (a huge flat-screen TV and hellooo, Jacuzzi bathtub!), but honestly it was the view from their kitchen window that really impressed us. Diaphanous foggy clouds clinging to rolling hills. Deeply green stands of trees. More rolling hills. More trees. We even saw a bald eagle! This morning, as we sipped coffee on our own front porch and surveyed the trash tidbits in the gutters, the gargantuan power lines, and the neighbor’s decrepit old pickup truck, we mentally cut and pasted their view over ours. Ahhh… that’s more like it. Now if we could only cut and paste our nightlife, dining and shopping into their pastoral surroundings, we just might have something… |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Queen for a Day Every January, in the midst of the winter doldrums, we wonder if this will be the year we're okay with the fact it's probably gonna rain through May. We are, after all, Oregonians; the rain shouldn't even faze us. But alas, it does. At least we'll always have our favorite indoor activity: shopping! So how excited were we to discover that one of our fave boutiques moved to a bigger, brighter space? Queen Bee Creations—designer of super cute, locally handmade bags and accessories—recently opened shop along hip and happening Williams Avenue in North Portland. More space = more goodies! From Queen Bee's classic wallets (maxi and mini versions), purses, and totes to an array of bike panniers and even one-of-a-kind items, the styles are fun, functional, and fab. Queen Bee even carries adorable diaper bags through its Chickpea Baby line. Queen Bee Creations is helping us appreciate the rain just a wee bit more with our chic new Edith Tote. It’s PVC- and leather-free (as are all the bags), which means no harm will come to our pretty little purse in the rain. Queen Bee Creations |
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| 2 | Mais Oui! Our 2010 goal is to visit Europe. We haven’t been in more than five years and have been longing for a Euro-tour with the Hubs. Our hope is to fly into London, catch the train to Paris, over to Switzerland, up to Germany, over to Amsterdam… or maybe just Paris? But until Tour de Europe 2010 embarks, we plan on getting our Euro-fix at Suzette, NE Alberta’s newest creperie and dessert cart. We have never tasted such authentic or delicious crepes in Portland. Ever. Suzette offers crepes of both the savory and sweet varieties in addition to a robust “build your own” menu that allows for seemingly endless combinations of deliciousness. (We confess that we also ordered a breakfast appetizer comprised of their divine little teacakes. We’re still debating whether we like our appetizer or our main course better.) So, yeah, that whole Europe thing? Maybe we’ll just stay in Paris… or maybe we’ll just stay in Portland! After all, we can get the essence of Paris—or at least a delicious taste— right down the street at Suzette. Suzette |
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| 3 | Look No Further We were invited to a holiday party, last-minute, and had absolutely nothing to wear. We had to look smashing—the ex was going to be there!—but a rummage through the closet revealed a big zero. We panicked, called our best girlfriend, and bless her heart, she gave us the dress off her back, literally. We looked amazing, if we do say so ourselves (the ex even spilled his drink!), but we don't want to go through that again. We need a few outstanding items in our closet at all times. Thanks to an established favorite, Ipnosi on NW 23rd Avenue, we can look fabulous for any occasion without going broke. Ipnosi's ever-changing inventory is up on the latest fun and funky styles, from sexy shirts, beautiful blouses, and sweet sweaters to shapely skirts, delectable dresses, and adorable accessories. We can even pick up a little something for our honey since Ipnosi also carries some impressive men's clothes. Before spring arrives and the garden-party invites start rolling in, we're heading to Ipnosi for a few sassy must-have essentials! Ipnosi |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Reduce, Re-Use, Re-Style We love to bake desserts, but that’s where our domestic talent ends. Sewing machine? Forget about it. Cobweb removal? Don’t hold your breath. Knitting sticks? Not happening. Luckily for us (and you!), knitting is not a worry anymore because of Reknit. Reknit takes in your old knit stuff and re-knits it into something new and fabulous. And get this: they send the new, fabulous item back to you. How Portland and cool is that? Rethink your old knits—send them off to Reknit today! |
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| 2 | Beauty and the (Hairy) Beast When you have eastern-European lineage (as we do), you’re gonna get some chin hairs. They pop up slowly, and silently multiply until you want to chuck it all, run away to Romania and hide in a cave until you die. Too dramatic? Well, thank goodness there’s a remedy. We called Deb Beers at The Center for Aesthetic Medicine at the Oregon Clinic. In five quick and affordable sessions, she nixed that Babuschka Beard via painless laser hair-removal. No more tweezers in the handbag! Life is truly good. |
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| 3 | Eco-Sexy Underwear Anyone tuned into environmental issues can tell you that it’s not just your food choices that can make the world a better place. We suggest that you start with your underwear. Hanky Panky’s new line of sweetly sexy organic-cotton panties are comfy, cozy and good for the Earth… and your booty. As always, they’re one size fits all and VPL-free! Pick up yours today (or stock up for V-day presents) at Mabel & Zora, and tell them Portland Picks sent you. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Bargain Hunting 101 is Back! The Mother of All Clearance Sales is back with steals and deals from more than 50 of Portland’s best boutiques, designers, and artists. Bargain Hunting 101 offers up clothing, jewelry, artwork, accessories, furnishings and more at super-low prices. Gotta catch the score? The game will be on in Lola’s Room—with even more shopping. Oh, and cocktails! What: Bargain Hunting 101 |
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| 4 | A Gift for Him (That’s Really for You) Pamper him this Valentine’s Day with a gift that’s also for you! Under U4 Men’s new Australian underwear line, AussieBum, has a style called “Flaunt” in three cuts from $39. What he’ll like: it’s made from the environmentally friendly beechwood, three times stronger than cotton and softer than silk. What you’ll like: Everything! What: AussieBum at Under U4 Men |
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| 5 | Make Your Wedding Day Spectacular Planning a wedding? RSVP to the Bravo! Wedding Affair for creative ideas and inspiration! Local wedding vendors will transform the Embassy Suites into a sampling of reception and wedding décor ideas, with fabulous resources to create your own unforgettable wedding. This show is not to be missed, and the first five people to email Denise@bravoportland.com will receive complimentary tickets! What: Bravo! Wedding Affair |
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| 6 | Is There a Football Game This Weekend? Shop Mario’s Super Bowl Sale on Sunday, and save 50% off the last sale price. Don’t wanna miss the game? Shop the Women’s Tailgate Party Friday or Saturday for 30% off the last sale price! (Most sale merch is already 60% off!) Clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry … from Prada, Seven for all Mankind, Paige Premium Denim, Christian Louboutin, Vince and more! What: Women's Super Bowl Sale & Tailgate Party at Mario's |
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Get Lust-Worthy Hair at Tribe! Tribe Hair Studios has a Valentine for you—new stylist Danielle Despain! She is exceptionally talented—just look at her own fabulous hair!—and we can’t wait to put our locks in her hands. Even better? Mention Portland Picks and receive 20% off any hair service for the entire month of February. We want, we want, we want. What: Danielle’s at Tribe + discount! |
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| 8 | Spread the Fitness Love from PTF February is Friendship and Fitness month at Portland Team Fitness. This gets you and a friend 4 killer workout classes for only $45 when you sign up together, or purchase them as a gift for someone. Come experience highly personalized attention in small group classes, and see what it can do for you—you won’t believe the results! What: 4 classes for $45 at Portland Team Fitness |
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| 9 | $10 Drop-in Yoga Classes! NW Pilates is offering drop-in Yoga classes at just $10 per class! Hop into a yoga class, then pick up the kids. Join a class before work or on your lunch hour to bliss out for your day. NW Pilates also offers top-notch, affordable Pilates instruction with group or private lessons. It’s a one-stop body shop. What: Drop-in Yoga Classes |
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| 10 | Singles CPR on Valentine’s Day! Pucker up for some mouth-to-mouth! Sign up for Singles CPR at Hotel Lucia and enjoy complimentary appetizers from Bo Asian Bistro, truffles from Pix Patisserie, fabulous door prizes, and a free two-week membership to the Portland Mercury's Lovelab personals. Plus you’ll walk away with the skills to save a life. What: Singles CPR on Valentine’s Day! |
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| 11 | Pairing Art and Wine |
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Portland Picks for Men is publishing their helpful Valentine’s Day Gift Guide today! Direct your man-friends and secret lovers to www.PortlandPicksforMen.com so they can see all the great ideas. You’ll be glad you did—trust. |
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