For Your Little Knucklehead

Living in boy land, we've always cringed at the foofy girly-boy clothes on the market. Of course times have changed a bit since our boys were tiny, and now there are finally choices, like Knuckleheads. These are clothes that let boys be boys, in all their reptile-loving, pull-my-finger, puddle-jumping ways.

Knuckleheads Little Threads is the creation of designer Melissa Nash from Vancouver, Wash. The incredibly cool Knuckleheads line of threads has cool shirts for little squirts. We adore their genius garage line. There are mechanics' coveralls, called "Grease Monkey," and a bowling-style shirt named "Gutter Ball." Your son can't help but grow up supremely "with it" in these clothes. In fact, the little girls will swarm him when he steps out in his newsboy cap and cuffed jeans.

Knuckleheads is so cool that even Dad will approve! And that says a lot.

Knuckleheads
14300 NE 20th Ave. D102-225
Vancouver, WA 98686 360.281.7155 www.knuckleheadsclothing.com

Hands Off the Hands On Café! Mine!

Just kidding. We love to share, but only with you, so shhhhhhh. If you want a cool place to go for brunch (or lunch) we have the best kept secret: the Hands On Café in the Oregon College of Art and Craft. This cafeteria-style eatery is a gem.

You can pretend to be a student again and hang out at the student café, loitering over buttermilk pancakes with caramel sauce, their healthy veggie frittata, or their yummy Hungarian Pork Benedict (frankly we've never met a benedict we didn't like). Their menu is limited and changes every three weeks, allowing them to try new and unusual dishes and then move on.

Soak up the creative vibe, mixing art with noshing. After stuffing yourself, take a stroll through the lovely campus. It's a great place to bring the kids. Head over for Sunday brunch, 9:30 to 1:30.

But remember, it's the best kept secret...so don't tell.

Hands on Café
Oregon College of Art and Craft
8245 SW Barnes Road
Portland, OR 97229
www.ocac.edu

Pour One On

We were watching the flick "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," savoring the chemistry of the gun-toting, bad babes as they fell in love. And of course, it's hard not to also be hypnotized by the curves of its painfully gorgeous star. No, we don't mean Brad Pitt's hiney (which is quite nice), but the va-va-va-zoom of Angelina. Against your will you're swept up in how gracefully she's poured into her 1950s clothing styles, accentuating what her mama gave her.

A similar feeling overwhelms you as you step into the cool lounge-chic vibe of Pour Wine Bar & Bistro. At Pour, it's all about the humps. The same parabolic arch permeates all of the design elements; the vestibule, wine rack, tables, even the business cards, and of course, the circa-1952 chairs that all those luscious curves are based on.

Besides the hip design elements (like Angelina and Brad, it seems almost unfair to hoard that much beauty in one space), the food isn't half-bad either. But noshing is really a side issue to the fabulous wine list. You can feel at ease; this is not a pretentious wine bar, where the waiter will approach you with his bleached-white towel and sneer as you tentatively say you prefer "dry" wine, possibly the only vino-lingo you may know. Instead, he will sit next to you and ask probing questions, interview you, and charm you. Talk about an A+ tableside manner!

This, of course, doesn't mean Pour Wine is about cheapening the wine experience; Volz, its owner and proprietor, is currently studying to be a Master Sommelier. What's that, you ask? It means he's really, really smart about wine. And that's good for you, because it means you don't have to be!

Pour Wine Bar & Bistro
2755 NE Broadway
Portland, OR
503.228.7687

In Search Of...The Perfect Brows

We are constantly on a quest for "best of" when it comes to our grooming. And it isn't an easy task since there are so many excellent choices in our town. And then we met Mahria. For years we've been hearing about Mahria -- the Brow Queen, but only recently were we able to experience her.

We have brow imperfections, just like everyone else. One brow is higher than the other, but only if you look really, really close, which of course we do -- in the bathroom mirror, prodding and poking and making various Bond expressions. We analyze our brows (and pores and emerging wrinkles) when we're not pulling on our forehead and picturing what a brow lift would look like (making it just so...so it doesn't look like "mommy you tied my ponytail too tight") even though it's something we won't really ever do - too much knife-work. Blah!

For years Mahria's name resonated among those in the brow know. Mahria is the Brow Babe, the Brow Doctor, a connoisseur of brows. And man she's fast. She works at 77 in the Pearl, our fave salon. And she's sweet and adorable. We didn't want a brow buzz, as in a wee pencil line, mind you, just something natural, clean, and for heaven's sake, even. And she did it. Voila! Just like that. And our asymmetrical brows look symmetrical. She's the Brow Bodhisattva...for sure.

77
1100 NW Glisan, B2
Portland, OR 97209
503.223.7331
www.seventyseven.us

Pamper Your Sweetheart -- At Home

When it comes to pampering, everyone does it a little bit differently. You can do a night on the town, or a swanky restaurant meal, but for some the most decadent pampering is spending a night at home, laying on the sofa in a pair of pajamas.

If your sweetie (or you!) fall into the "happier at home" set, check out Urbane Zen for the most delightfully delicious selection of items to make a night at home -- or many nights -- luxurious and relaxing.

For Valentine's Day, they recommend a silk pajama set by PJ Salvage. It's just $34 for the top and $48 for the lace-trim pants. Pair it with a beautiful handmade necklace by local artist Michelle Woodruff ($120), and you have a special, memorable, one-of-a-kind gift that is sure to thrill. (They also have plenty of sexy jammies, or not-so-sexy, if you prefer.)

Ooh, or you could pamper your loved one with a decadent bath! A love bath! Urbane Zen has a bath set called "Sex Bomb" (ay, Papi!) that contains one Starry Starry Night body lotion bar, one scented conversation-heart soap, and two conversation-heart fizzies in their exclusive scent of Nightblooming Jasmine. It's gift-wrapped and topped with a box of real Necco conversation-heart candies, all for just $20. You can even try the "Mini Sex Bomb" for $11.50.

Happy Valentine's Day, from Urbane Zen!

Oh, L'Amour...

Ah, L'amour, it's in the air at Mimi & Lena! If your "special someone" is shopping for the perfect gift, send them to their beautiful new NE Broadway store. They have delicate 14K and 18K vermeil necklaces with tiny hearts or delicate inlayed garnets and ruby briolettes...guaranteed to make any girl swoon.

Or, if you need something special to wear for your romantic night out, they have a fabulous selection of early spring dresses and pretty tops by Tree, Rebecca Taylor, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Ann Ferriday. Our favorite is the rose pink cashmere dress with a scoop neck and ruffle flounce hem -- gorgeous and oh so soft. While you are there, you could pick up a gift certificate for Mom or Sis, just to say "I love you."

Be sure to mention you saw this ad on Portland Picks and receive 10% off of your purchase of $50 or more. (Offer expires 2/18/06 and does not apply to gift certificates.)

Mimi & Lena
1914 NE Broadway
Portland, OR 97232
503.224.7736
www.mimiandlena.com

Shine on

Here it is February, and get this: We haven't broken our resolutions yet (gasp!) Well, we do keep them slightly general, which allows some wiggle room, (highly advisable or else we'd blow it immediately and put it off 'til next year, again.) One of our biggest goals this year is to be healthier. Can't get more general than that. There's the gym of course, eating healthy, drinking tea, more massage and yoga, as well as exploring other healthier lifestyle alternatives.

In terms of the latter, we have recently heard of something new called Energy Light Facial Rejuvenation from Clarissa Smith's Acupuncture clinic. In addition to traditional Acupuncture, herb therapy, massage and nutrition counseling, Clarissa Smith is offering this amazing beauty treatment and health treatment in one.

Using color and a gentle low intensity electrical current to stimulate the muscles of the face, this relaxing treatment helps stimulate deep circulation and good lymphatic drainage. As a result, it encourages collagen production, smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, and firms skin tone and texture. Puffiness is reduced and radiant color comes into the skin, so you will Shine On with a natural glow from within!

It's also totally non-invasive, relaxing, and health enhancing (we like that). You will actually leave your session with a stronger inner balance that translates into radiating outer beauty. (Yes, please!) And guess what? Sessions are normally $75, but for you, our pretties, your first session is $60! So give Clarissa a call asap...and tell her Portland Picks sent you.

Clarissa Smith, L.Ac
Acupuncture Clinic and Energy Light Facial Rejuvenation
1216 NW 21st Ave.
Portland, OR
503. 417.1774

The ever perplexing question: What Makes Men Tick?

Understand Men 101, a three-hour seminar offered by PAX Programs, covers such questions as:

• What is the number-one thing women don't know about men?
• What makes men want to take care of us, or just take our clothes off?
• Why is it that the men we're sexually attracted to never like us, and the ones we aren't attracted to always do?
• What can men tell just by looking at us?

Find out the answers to these questions and more at the Celebrating Men, Satisfying Women weekend workshop! And best of all, it's free when you reserve in advance (Normally $45.) Be sure to mention Portland Picks!!!

One of the Portland Picks subscribers who participated in the weekend workshop said:

"It was very exciting to receive such valuable information on how to view the men in my life differently. I feel much more at peace and much less frustrated. Thank you!"

Understand Men 101 upcoming seminar dates: Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006 7-10 p.m., Portland Hilton

Reservations Required. Please go to www.PaxPrograms.com or call 800.910.7011 to reserve your seats. While you're on their site be sure to check out the article "Averting a Valentine's Day Disaster!"

The Gift of Sanity

For New Year's, all we wanted was a dumpster. Everyone should have dumpster. Forgo the storage unit...if you can put it away for years, obviously you don't need it. However, a dumpster can be a little extreme as well. "You can't throw away everything," we oft hear as we drag that old sofa to the alley. (We do a lot of that...seriously...it's like a hobby.) So for Valentine's Day we've asked for an Organizing swat team to come to our rescue. Nothing shows the love like organization amidst chaos.

In our romantic dreams we're models of efficiency. We know where everything is at all times. Our closets are organized - we finally know how many blue blouses we own. Our kitchen countertops and cabinets are set up so we can cook and clean with ease. And thanks to all this organization we get more work done and have more free time!

It sounds like a dream, doesn't it? Well, it can be yours...with a little professional help. We found Missy at Organizers Northwest, and after our initial 1-hour consultation she had amazing ideas for managing our space and time.

She can help you organize every room in your house, from the piles of paper on your kitchen counters to the Barbie bomb that exploded in the family room. Plus she can help you reduce stress....once everything is in place you'll feel eminently better...leaving more time and energy for the things you love! Isn't it romantic?!

Organizers Northwest
Missy Gerber
503.939.8800
info@organizersnw.com
www.organizersnw.com

Flower Power

Maybe you're not exactly in the diamonds or lingerie phase in your relationship, but certainly flowers...and none of this pink carnation business -- a sure giveaway "somebody's" stopped on the side of the road. Instead a bouquet of extraordinary flowers from Francoise Weeks, whether you're giving to him or he's giving to you (hint, hint), these will WOW.

And if you have no valentine, never fear. Simply go to Francoise' Valentine's Day flower arranging class (Tuesday, Febuary 7, 6:30 - 9:00 pm) and create the most incredible, jaw-dropping arrangement for your office cubicle. Your co-workers will be so jel at your impressive and polished suitor that is so clearly in love with you...which isn't a fib exactly.

To sign up for a Valentine's Class or to send gorgeous flowers to your loved one (or to yourself), visit www.francoiseweeks.com

Françoise Weeks Florist
European Floral Design
503.236.5829
www.francoiseweeks.com

Sarah Dylan is a darling morning traffic reporter here on KOIN, but what we love even more about her is her sense of humor and her fun celebrity fashion blog. Let's see, what's the word? And how do you spell it? Shadenfreude. When you find pleasure at someone else's expense.

Sarah does it comically, pointing out hilarious celebrity fashion faux pas and A-lister gossip to get us through these dreary days with a little sunny entertainment.

www.sarahxdylan.com

Belly Bar

Through pregnancy and nursing, your belly comes and then goes. But we know that one thing doesn't change - that uncontrollable, inexplicable, desperate need to eat something right now! We understand ravenous (and delicious).

Happily, someone created the "Belly Bar," the before, during & after pregnancy nutrition bar to satisfy your hunger and to provide you with key prenatal vitamins and minerals you need pre-conception, during pregnancy, and while nursing.

Check out Belly Bar and discover why women crave it now, and long after they've given birth. This is so cool...and delish. (Frankly, it's tasty whether you're prego or not.)

Check Your Boobies

Breast Cancer affects all of us. And now we've found an organization that takes this fight on with a lot of personality: Check Your Boobies.org.

In addition to their important message, they also sell cool stuff, like the signature Check Your Boobies Kit that includes a shower card, post-it notes, fridge magnet, calendar stickers, and a bookmark. We hope the contents of this kit will inspire and remind you and the women in your life to Check Your Boobies!

Buy one for your girlfriends, daughter, mom, or for any special woman in your life to show you care. Buy one for yourself!

All proceeds from your purchase go back into the organization to promote educating women to take a proactive role in their breast health. You can also have a check your boobies party (girls only -- sorry guys).

Get Personal This Valentine's Day

Champagne & Roses are for amateurs! Personal Shopper.Com lets you gift like a pro, and you get all the credit. The service actually combs the entire market place for just the right gift, while you sit at your desk. It's truly amazing for the super busy, lazy or just plain unimaginative! You are sooooo thoughtful!

For your gal pal looking for a prince, how about a box of chocolate fairytale-esque truffles in the shape of frogs?

And you thought Chocolate came in a red satin box! Treat yourself to a lil eye candy with this Coco demi balconette & thong set.

Really, the sky is the limit, and you've never been so clever! Give it a go. Check out www.personalshopper.com

Aloha

Bet you're dreaming of that summer vacation about now, at day 47 of rain. Really, it's never too early to start thinking of it! Just pick up your own kitschy planner. An American classic reborn. Take a trip across the USA, circa 1950, with this retro tourist map tablecloth. Adds lively fun to any gathering as you plot and plan for sunny summertime fun.

If you can't get out of the rain and take a vacation, just fake one at home. Check out Spoon Sisters for planning a sunny luau at your place, chock a block with Hawaiian 60s kitsch, hula tablecloth and all.

And visit them for other clever gift ideas.

Oh Yeah... It's A Cell Phone Flask

Okay, if a hula party at your place doesn't do the trick...have a nip and a nap and dream of sunnier daze. And to be nonchalant about it, so you're not a lush, pick up a tricky cell phone flask. It looks like the real thing...with better reception.

This is just right for your favorite hooch or go-go juice, and it comes with a case and belt clip for dependable access.

Finally! A cell phone plan with great coverage.

Love You Long Time

• 1.5 oz stoli strasberi
• 1 oz lemon-lime juice
• Splash sour cherry juice
• 1/2 oz cherry heering
• Simple syrup to taste

Shake over ice, strain, and serve up in a sugar-rimmed martini glass. After knocking back a few of these, you'll be muttering, "Love you long time!" (At least 'til tomorrow.)

And for scrumptious cocktails and supremely cool and romantic dining, make your Valentine's reservation at Saucebox.

Call 503.241.3393.

Geek Love

You love your sweetie. You love your Mac. Now here’s a way for you all to love each other and not get arrested. A FREE SEMINAR AT MACFORCE!

Learn how to make great valentines with Pages software from Apple this Saturday from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at MacForce. You’ll get a pack of passionate papers from Paper Zone and a Cupid’s quiver full of desire-inducing designs. Get started now by downloading some customizable card templates at macforce.com!

Awww...it’s enough to make your hard drive skip a beat.

Drop by or reserve a spot by calling MacForce at 503.231.7707.

MacForce
100 SE Salmon St.
Portland, OR 97214

It's a Live Wire Anti-Lovefest!

On February 15th, the day the world has officially had its fill of love, Live Wire! Radio offers up hearts on sleeves, on fire and our favorite: on a platter.

This 2-hour Extravaganza of Exes will feature:

"Savage Love" columnist DAN SAVAGE discussing his latest book "The Commitment: Love, Sex, Marriage and My Family," and answering as many questions about sex as he can on public radio; writer Anthony Effinger with a searing and darkly funny report on lover's revenge; Portland's own torch singer with a twist Storm Large and the Balls, singing songs of "love"; Jen Bernard (of the Stolen Sweets) and a host of local Portland musicians performing a couple of sweet and salty tunes inspired by the annual Night of Murder Ballads; and much more...with you as the audience.

The show taped on February 15th will air on OPB on Saturday, February 25th, at 7 p.m. Variety for the Ears. Vaudeville for the Mind.

• Wednesday, February 15
• Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave.
• Door: 6:00, Show: 7:00
• Tickets: $9/$10, available at the Aladdin Box Office and Ticketmaster

Luv The One You're With

Realize your fantasies and make your dreams come true. Pack your toothbrush and head over to the Jupiter Hotel for a night of romance and LUV. Guests who sign up for the special LUV package will receive champagne, a half-hour massage for two from Mana Massage, a $12 Doug Fir Restaurant voucher for those late-night munchies or breakfast, and your choice of a naughty or nice Spartacus Leather passion kit to put you in the mood! Luv @ the Jupiter is available from February 9 through 14th starting at $175 per couple.

The Jupiter Hotel is located at 800 E. Burnside. For further information or to make a reservation, visit www.jupiterhotel.com or call 503.230.9200 or 877.800.0004.

Portland Showcase of Wine & Cheese

One of our favorite events, near and dear to us: The Portland Showcase of Wine & Cheese, a benefit for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area, is back!

Three thousand oenophiles and cheese lovers will be sipping and nibbling their way through a delicious evening in late February, at the Oregon Convention Center. The Portland Showcase of Wine & Cheese, presented by Safeway, is one of the region's most unique (and tasty) evening events. Coupled with the food and drink will be live music and both a voice and silent auction filled with high-end yet affordable items.

• When: February 24th, 6:30 p.m.
• Where: Oregon Convention Center
• What: A benefit for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area
• Cost: $35 in advance/$40 at the door. Credentialed press are invited to attend free of charge. Tickets are available at Local Safeway stores or by calling 503.232.0077. Tickets may also be purchased online by visiting www.bgcportland.org.

A Bravo! Wedding Affair...Plan your wedding in just three hours.

Imagine being a guest at four extraordinary wedding receptions designed and planned by local consultants, each featuring its own unique style and personality, overflowing with exciting trends and fresh ideas. From the favors to the centerpieces, every detail carefully thought out and meticulously taken care of - all to help simplify the task of planning your own wedding.

Following each of the four receptions, you'll have the opportunity to meet personally with photographers, dress designers, caterers and other wedding experts to get their advice. And before you walk away armed with a vast collection of new ideas and valuable information to plan your own fabulous wedding, you'll have the chance to indulge yourself with a little relaxation and much-needed pampering with your girlfriends.

Not your typical bridal show - it's an affair you won't want to miss. For more information or to reserve your spot visit bravowedding.com

The Bravo Wedding Affair
Sunday, April 9, 2006
Morning Session: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Afternoon Session: 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Held at The Governor Hotel
614 SW 11th Avenue
Portland Oregon 97205

Sole - Find your "Sole" on Superbowl Sunday

What better way to "Kick-Off" the game than a sole sister sale and VIP brunch! Your VIP status entitles you to shop before the store opens, so grab your girlfriends, we'll pour the mimosas and you get 20% off the entire store!

• When: Sunday, February 5th, 2006 at 10:00am
• Where: Sole 1033 NW Couch St. Portland OR
• Why: cuz we love a good deal!

R.S.V.P. 503.222.SOLE (7653)

Go Red Fashion Show for American Heart Association Feb 3rd!

February 3rd is the kickoff for the Go Red for Women Campaign by the American Heart Association! Heart Disease and Stroke take more lives than the next six leading causes of death for women. The campaign goal is to promote awareness of heart healthy living for women. The kickoff festivities will be held at Pioneer Place Mall Atrium lower level from 11AM to 1PM this Friday. They will include free heart health screenings and consultation for women, free heart healthy giveaways by local vendors, plus red dress modeling by Moda Nova at noon!

If you are attending this year's Heart Ball and need the perfect red dress, Moda Nova will donate 20% of the profit from your red dress purchase to the American Heart Association. We have new red dress deliveries arriving this week for the Heart Ball and Valentine's Day!

We hope to see you this Friday. Regards, Keith, Linda, Rocio, Vangie, Esmeralda, Sheena, Mariana and Zohra

Moda Nova at Pioneer Place
Fashion forward dresses and evening wear by international designers
700 SW 5th, #3015, Atrium Second level
Portland, Oregon 97204
503.546.6557

Thank You!

The holidays are over and your thank you notes have long been delivered (Mother should be so proud. And it’s practically still January).

So you are never caught without, time to restock your stationery and save 10% from our very favorite PaperRabbitDesigns.com. (Hey, and it’s never too early to think about those holiday cards!)

Receive a 10% discount on all folded notes when you place your stationery order by February 28, 2006.

Enter Special Discount code sfn02282006.