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July 9, 2010
It’s about time, Summer! Sheesh, you certainly made us wait long enough. We can finally trot out those sandals and sundresses that we bought back in March—back when we thought you might be coming for an early visit. And now, it’s time to enjoy. Time to hang out on restaurant patios, drinking lemonades (or spiked lemonades) and luxuriating in long meals. Time to walk in the park with the dog, time to window-shop (and shop-shop) at all of Portland’s fabulous local boutiques. Time to BBQ, to call in sick (wha?), and read books on the lawn. Summer, we love you. Please don’t fry us to bits—we don’t need all of your love in one week—but you’re certainly welcome to stay a while. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Totally Vibing We used to think that eco-friendly clothing meant choices were limited to A) hemp-y stuff suitable for gardening, or a head-trip at Burning Man, or B) super-expensive catalog apparel, where outfits cost as much as a car payment. Happily, eco = fabulous these days. And eco = affordable. What? Ohhh yes, shoppers—the eco-fabulous mothership has landed, in a sharp little spot called EcoVibe. Every fashionable/friendly item is sustainable, from the handbags (including local fave, Ellington) to the organic-cotton denim by goodsociety. Whether you’re dressing for a night on the town or everyday life, there’s something at EcoVibe to capture your heart. We lusted after floaty turquoise tops, pink and purple tanks (so sexy—and flying off the racks), and a gorgeous dove-gray ruffled blouse. Top it off with local jewelry (including Amy Burgess), and a decadent line of soaps and scents, and it’s eco-epic. And the prices are soooo right. We’re thinking of recycling our old clothes into pillowcases—and stocking up on a sassy new wardrobe at EcoVibe. (Even the Burners would approve!) EcoVibe Apparel |
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| 2 | The Pursuit of Perfection We celebrated the recent holiday weekend with cupcakes. First, they’re irresistibly cute… decked out in red and white polka dots on blue frosting. Second, they’re the perfect small dessert … less risk of holiday overeating being just a couple bites big. Less guilt doesn’t mean no guilt, however, so we made sure to get plenty of exercise over the weekend, starting with a great yoga class at Elementum. Elementum isn’t just another yoga studio; it pulsates with a community of yogis committed to bettering their health from the inside out with focus and dedication. Elementum is a sacred space where classes and services are offered with whole-life sustainability in mind. Students are encouraged to practice in the moment—not any more, not any less. And speaking of in the moment, classes are taught in a rustic and private outdoor space on warm days, at the park on other days, and with family in mind on others. So even though the holiday is over, we’re going to keep on eating those cupcakes to give us an excuse to go back and practice at Elementum! |
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| 3 | Breakfast Bliss We have many sacred traditions, but few are as important as Saturday-morning breakfast with our sweetie. There’s just nothing quite like kick-starting the weekend over steaming coffee, fluffy banana pancakes, and the New York Times crossword puzzle (nevermind that we’ve still never completed it). John Street Café has all the makings of one mighty fine morning. It’s a cozy little spot with delicious food, fresh ingredients, and piping-hot coffee that’s refilled as soon as it disappears. We ordered a black-bean omelet that came piled high with fresh salsa and stuffed with melted cheese and avocado. The toast and strawberry jam popped in our mouths, and even the orange slices that garnished our plate were juicy and ripe. We took an indoor seat, but noticed the back patio is beautifully landscaped with herbs and flowers, the tables perfectly positioned to catch the morning sun. At John Street Café, we can see why they say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Some Things Never Change We found a photo online of Cheryl Tiegs, circa 1976, and she looked so gorgeously sun-kissed, relaxed and louche that we thought (for a moment) we could recreate that ourselves. Haaa! (In all seriousness. She’s Cheryl Freakin Tiegs.) Anyhoo, these fabulous Piper sandals recall Malibu-colony beaches, Maryland boardwalks and senior-high summers all at once. Piper perfected them in 1971, and haven’t looked back since. We love the Tan, but the Purple, Red and Green are poking our eyes out, too! |
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| 2 | Reach a Place of Acceptance We have a mild obsession lately with animal-themed art. It used to be just a tiny bookend to our ever-growing collection of local works, but now we’re in a full-fledged fauna fixation. And Nikki McFerren’s art just feeds the beast. Her adorable depictions combine whimsy, fantasy and humor to create wonderful pieces with incredible character. (She also creates inspired “Frida” pieces, but we can’t help but love “Queen Kitty,” even though we’re allergic to cats!) |
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| 3 | No. 1 in Our Book One of the perks of living in Portland is the outstanding array of locally produced spirits. And New Deal Distillery just rocked our world with their latest creation—Gin No. 3. If you’re new to gin, this might be the perfect way to gain an education, since it’s great on its own and pairs sooo deliciously with your favorite mixers. Pick up a bottle at the actual Distillery: 1311 SE 9th Ave. (That alone is way cool!) www.newdealdistillery.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Hot Denim, Hot Prices! What: Agave Denim Warehouse Sale |
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| 2 | As Local As (Art) Can Be Jewelry, handbags, ceramics, artworks—these words that make our hearts pound! And the Summer Art Sale brings several talented and amazing local artists together for one day. Find original pieces by Nikki McFerren, Sean McFerren, Jeni Lee, Otto Designs Jewelry, Miel-Margarita Peredes, Molly A. Bailen, Audra Santillo, Caitlin Lash and Nicole Curcio. What: Summer Art Sale |
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| 3 | Make a Date with Creativity It’s Friday night. Maybe you’ve got the kids, you want a low-key night with friends, you’re tired of bar-hopping, or you’re on a first date. You crave something fun, creative and original, and Mimosa Studios is it! Paint your own ceramics, BYOB and food, relax, and enjoy! (Last Fridays = free Margaritas, and they’re available for private parties, too!) What: Friday Nights at Mimosa Studios |
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