You are Hot

Let’s face it.  Portland is hot.  We are a very happening city filled with indie boutiques and small businesses with great design that make Portland pulse.  We’re cooler than any other city around (but don’t tell).  Obviously we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t filled with these incredible artistic shops popping up all over, or else Portland Picks would be picking the sensible shoe sale at Walmart, and well, you wouldn’t be reading.  We grew up here, and couldn’t wait to leave.  That was then, way then, pre-Pearl, pre-Mississippi, pre-restaurants, when downtown was scary empty at 9 p.m.  Then we visited from NYC and omg, we high-tailed it right back in!  

And now to add to our sizzle factor, Hot Box Betty has arrived, and with great fanfare, to Irvington on NE Broadway, behind Sugar Laboratories.  Hot Box Betty was featured in Lucky magazine.  It’s an upscale women’s boutique with the latest designs, trends, and wardrobe must-haves like Citizens of Humanity, AG Jeans, Rock and Republic, Trunk Ltd., Splendid, Antik and so many other faves.  Get your hot booty to Hot Box Betty and do some shopping.  They’ve only been open days, and they’re waiting for you (with complimentary champagne and cupcakes)!

Hot Box Betty
1623 NE 15th Ave.
Portland, OR
www.hotboxbetty.com

The New New Old Lompoc

As you’ve probably surmised, one of us Portland Picksters just moved to Northeast.  We love the up-and-comingness of our neighborhood, and get so excited when new things open, which they do like practically every day.  And aside from the cool factor of having new businesses unique to P-land in our backyard, some of the best local standbys (like Pix and the New Old Lompoc) have opened right in our backyard! Well, practically.
 
We wish our backyard was as inviting as the picnic-tabled patio at the new New Old Lompoc. It’s inviting and casual and everyone is so friendly. (Bring your dog! They provide little bowls of water. Or ride your bike! They have bicycle lock-ups right there.) We recently braved the beginnings of a thunderstorm to finish a delicious drink – a $2 bloody mary special – who says no to that? – and a heavenly plate of hummus, topped with sriracha hot sauce, kalamata olives, feta cheese and grilled pita bread. It was worth getting wet to finish our plate!
 
If you’ve been to the old New Old Lompoc in Northwest you will be surprised by the vibe of the new New Old L. They’ve adopted a bright, clean Northwesty look for the inside which perfectly showcases the deliciousness of their house-made beers. Try the Fools Golden Ale, the Centennial IPA, or if you’re feeling randy, the Sockeye Cream Stout. And the menu is terrific, too.
 
So stop by and hang out for a bit, and tell them Portland Picks sent you.
 
New Old Lompoc
3901 N. Williams Ave., Suite B
Portland, OR 97217
503.288.3996
www.newoldlompoc.com

 I Want Candy

Looking for a little something to brighten your day?  Bored with the same old, same old?  Want an adventure?  Maybe an interesting little outing with the kids?   Enter the enchanting and magical world of Candyland.  No kidding, Candyland is such a land of candy.  It's truly of another world, a wonderland, a fairy tale, what dreams are made of, especially if you are five years old.  

We've driven by Candyland so many times and finally decided to check it out.  Like any good piece of candy, it's yummy on the outside and even more scrumptious on the inside.  There's candy on the ceiling and all around you, literally.  It's whimsically painted in all kinds of bright candy colors, every room a different theme.  You can dine among the candy forest, stare at the sparkling walls painted with fairies and frogs and of course, candy.  You can go for dessert, or have a birthday party there.  The proprietress has been decorating this gingerbread house for years, even busy at work the day we visited.  And it’s a special place beyond the candy.  Keana’s Candyland is also a safe house for children in need and all proceeds from their candy sales go back into the community, to help abused women and children and provide meals for local seniors.   Now that’s sweet.

Keana ’s Candyland
5314 SE Milwaukie Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97202
503.235.5177
www.keanascandyland.com

Babes in Toyland

Let’s face it.  There’s a kid in all of us and we like to keep it that way.  That’s why we love the Missing Link.  Perhaps telling of our own insanity, the Missing Link is part toy store, part gallery, part book store, and all fun!  But these aren’t your kiddie’s toys.  No, these are toys for grownups, slightly twisted like us.  They are a morph of toys and art, or toys as art, and visa versa.  These are conversation pieces, to say the least.  They are mostly toys to look at, display, collect.  They have a gallery of funky art, uber-creative murals (even in the loo), entirely a feast for the senses.  Think Godzilla and Big Foot and Cardboy, oh my.

And don’t miss their gallery shows with an ever-revolving and evolving roster of artists and artist receptions.  The Missing Link is fun and fantastical, down to the floor you walk on.  So walk on in.  The only thing missing at the Missing Link is you.

Missing Link
3314 SE Belmont Ave
Portland, OR 97214
503.235.0032
www.missinglinktoys.com

Contain Yourself

Summer is nearly here, the sun rearing its perky little head, the allergies a-bloom, and we’re outside soaking it all up.  This year we are convinced we are going to have a green thumb, we’re going to enjoy toiling in the yard, and take pride in our garden beyond Memorial Day weekend.  Despite the fact that we have no experience or knowledge at all when it comes to plants and flowers, and spending time in the yard reminds us of the punishment of our youth (had to pull weeds), despite the prehistoric mosquito bites we got yesterday when we began to hoe (which may very well be the West Nile version), we went and spent a bajillion dollars at Revenna Gardens and we’re determined to have a garden we can brag about.  

We got so many fun seed packets, and these gloves and clothes that are cute AND repel bugs, and these extremely cool pots and outdoor containers for 20% off.  Oooh, and the cute cards and gifts and patio furniture and coffee table books, and plants and garden tools.  They even have stuff for Dad (don’t forget Father’s Day!)  Check out the huge space in Lake Oswego (with a view of the Lake).  You won’t be disappointed.

Ravenna Gardens
Catering to Gardeners in the Pacific Northwest
15 First Street, Suite 103
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
503.636.4484
www.ravennagardens.com

You Dirty Dog
 
There must be, what, 20,000 dogs in the Portland area? And how many of them are smelly? Our guess: LOTS. Hey, our dog is smelly. He is a bundle of sweetness after a bath, and then two days later, whammo. Stinkbomb! That’s why we were so tickled when we discovered a phenomenon called the “dog wash.”
  
There are a few of them in this town, and now those in Northeast can have sparkling clean, spring-fresh pooches, thanks to Fetch, a newcomer on MLK. They have big tubs where you can hook your dog in, so he won’t scramble away, hoses with adjustable jets, towels, clippers, brushes, Earthbath natural shampoos (for true Portland Pooches) and even dryers, so you can be the groomer your dog always wanted you to be!
    
They also offer doggie daycare, pet supplies like good food and leashes, grooming services, and training classes for the unruly canine. Ooh, plus they have  dog-wash packages…which we need to take advantage of…that clean smell has a limited shelf-life, if you know what we mean.
  
Fetch
2021 NE Martin Luther King Blvd.
Portland, OR 97212  
503.281.0508
www.fetchdaycare.com

The Power of Portland Picks:

Did you know you can advertise on Portland Picks?  Well by-golly you can!  And it is all powerful.  See what some of our recent Picks have to say:

We are in awe of PP power.  Wow. We got a ton of orders after appearing as one of your picks. Thanks so much for mentioning us!!!
Skirtsports.com

By the way, I love you. And Portland Picks. We had a great night Thursday, an incredible, INCREDIBLE turnout Friday, and another REALLY great night Saturday night. I have no doubt that it is largely in part to the phenomenal dedicated email sent to all by Portland Picks.
Tami Wood
SoLo Bar

Thank you for the kind mention - I can say for certain that it really helped my business!!
Debbe Hamada
www.hamadajewelry.com
 
Thanks so much for the mention in Portland Picks -- we've had such a bustle since we opened, and much of it is due to you!
Thanks for all you do.
Elizabeth Dye
www.theenglishdept.com

Thank you so much for showcasing my line in your fabulous newsletter! I got a huge response and am so grateful.
Christy
www.petitepirouette.com

I wanted to thank you for the "press". I have had more response in the first hour than I could even imagine!!!

For more information on how to advertise, visit: www.portlandpicks.com/advertise.php

It seems like each year there is one album that becomes the soundtrack for summer.   When you hear it, you automatically start reminiscing about warm summer nights, barbeques, and that permanent good mood summer in Portland brings.  This summer that album is Jamie Lidell’s “Multiply.”   With a voice so soulful it makes you ache to hear more, and an amazing ability to take inspiration from the 60’s and 70’s and create something fresh and modern, this British vocalist is breaking boundaries while exceeding all expectations.

A combination of soul, funk, and electronica, Lidell’s genre-blending abilities are both captivating and passionate, guaranteed to keep you humming all day long.  Jamie has been called “British music’s best kept secret” and is about to be unleashed on the States.  See Jamie Lidell live at Holocene on May 26th or at The Sasquatch Music Festival at the Gorge Amphitheatre on May 28th. Can’t make the show?  

Pick up your copy of “Multiply” at amazon.com and let your soundtrack to summer begin.

Poof...dePuff

I've always wanted to be pretty when I cried, to elicit the most sympathy of course, but also so I can still remain in public afterward.  (Is there a personal trainer for this?)  Instead I blubber, my face turns red and splotchy, the tears flood out when others just shed them sweetly.  My eyes are swollen afterward and well into the next day.

At this beautiful funeral yesterday, I sat with all my old girlfriends.   Everyone around me was pretty when they cried.  I used toilet paper, unfortunately remembering at the last moment to grab something.   At the end of the funeral when everyone was socializing, I chatted with people I hadn't seen in years, wondering why everyone kept asking if I was okay, wondering if I was so evidently fragile.  Later I went to the bathroom and noticed bits of toilet paper stuck ALL over my face.  If you have any tips on how to cry pretty, let me know.  In the meantime, I found Depuffing Action Eye Gel from Benefit.  It won’t make me cry pretty...but at least the after-effects aren’t so painfully long-lasting.

www.sephora.com

Making Changes Easier

Leave it to a mom.  Now there’s an adorable all-in-one solution for changing squirming babies.  No more rolling off into the potentially germ-filled uncharted waters.  The round changing pad is a smart, stylish and practical solution to the diaper bag.   This award-winning, patented patemm pad makes changing your little one quick and simple.  The round design accommodates squirmy infants and serves as a sleek, all-in-one bag for diapers, wipes, and even a change of clothes.  The patemm pads have received national and international acclaim by parents, caretakers and the media, and have truly become an essential baby item!

www.patemm.com

Old Guys Rule!

Perfect for Father’s Day, now Papa can shout it to the world that indeed Old Guys rule.  And if anyone questions this, they can go to the Old Guys Rule website for proof.

There comes a time in your life when comfort meets substance. When all your hard work seems to have paid its dividends, and the world is at your command.  All the things you hoped you could do someday, you're doing.  The toils of youth are now your experiences...no longer the student, but the teacher. To celebrate your accomplishments, adopt "Old Guys Rule" as a badge of honor for a life well spent, but not nearly over...

www.oldguysrule.com

Body Linens

Listen to us now and hear us later: we know where you can find 800-thread-count pajamas if you can believe it!  Nothing but the finest to wrap yourself in.  And this sexy little number with the sweet pink ruffle beats even the silkiest sheets.  

Why buy high thread-count sheets if you’re just going to sleep in a 200 thread-count t-shirt, right?  Now your entire body can be comforted in glorious linens.

www.bodylinens.com

Wow Your Guests

With summer entertaining just around the corner, you must serve Aztec Iced Chocolate, an icy version of your favorite hot chocolate from the utterly famous and decadent MarieBelle New York.

MarieBelle Chocolates unveils their newest beverage, Aztec Iced Chocolate. Sip a chilly glass of Aztec Iced Chocolate and satiate your need for chocolaty richness, even on the most sultry summer day.   Wow... you impress.

www.mariebelle.com

Don’t Forget to Water

This is so cool.  Now when we are vacationing we don’t have to worry about our plants dying,  and we don’t have to pay anyone to come and water them.  

 Driwater is time-released plant watering that can water your plants for up to 90 days.  And if some of you, like us, just plain forget to water, why not forgo the hassle and always use Driwater?  Genius.

www.driwater.com

Finally – Nightlife in Beaverton

Dessert Noir Café & Bar introduces Beaverton’s first late-night ultra lounge. The special late-night menu will include appetizers, small plates, and desserts, the bartenders will serve the restaurant’s signature cocktails and mixed drinks, and Paradox DJ Productions will spin everything you want to hear – from the latest hits to Old-School 70s to 80s classics.

Club Nocturne at Dessert Noir is all about an uptown, sophisticated hangout (for 21 and over – which is genius) where you can go with dates or a girlfriend and always feel right at home, late at night, without making the trek into the city. So check out Club Nocturne every Friday and Saturday, from 11 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. 

Club Nocturne at Dessert Noir Café & Bar
Cedar Hills Crossing
3205 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard, Suite #22
Beaverton, OR 97005
503.626.8787
www.dessertnoir.com

Big lucy Warehouse Sale

We all know and love the lucy warehouse sale – in February, women lined the street in freezing weather to shop the warehouse sale – it has a bit of a cult following locally. But this sale is new and different! Check it out – it’s not the warehouse sale that is held twice a year, it’s an overstock sale!  Turns out that lucy has an overstock of basic products they must liquidate. (We know, it sounds like a car commercial, but imagine getting great deals on basic activewear – the stuff you use every day – but with terrific lucy style!)
 
And the best part? EVERYTHING IS JUST $20.

• What: Come to the lucy warehouse in NW Portland and shop the overstocks from their popular essentials collection, including crop pants, jackets, and more.
• When: Thursday, June 1, from noon to 8 p.m.; Friday, June 2, from noon to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, June 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., as long as supplies last
• Where: The lucy warehouse: 3135 NW Industrial Street, Portland, OR 97210

Cash or check only. All sales are final.
 
lucy – active style. any time.
3135 NW Industrial St.
Portland, OR 97210
1.877.999.5829
www.lucy.com

Calling All Dads: You Could Be This Year’s “King of the Grill”

• What: McCormick & Schmick’s Grill Off
• When: May 22-June 5; finals on Saturday, June 10
• Where: McCormick’s Fish House in Beaverton

McCormick & Schmick’s Restaurants and G.I. Joe’s stores are giving grill-loving dads the chance to become “King of the Grill,” just in time to celebrate Father’s Day.
 
From May 22 through June 5, dads can submit their favorite grill recipe and fill out entry forms at any of the Portland-area McCormick & Schmick's restaurants or G.I. Joe’s stores, or at McCormickandSchmicks.com to enter the “King of the Grill” competition.
 
The winning recipe will be featured on the McCormick’s Fish House menu from June 12 through Father’s Day, June 18, and the winner also will receive a brand new Weber Genesis Silver B grill with cover, valued at $549, courtesy of G.I. Joe’s.

Chefs in Your Garden

Pair some of Portland's most renowned chefs, such as Cathy Whims of Nostrana, with some of the area’s most intriguing private gardens, add in some garden celebrities, some wine and some good company, and top it off with being a fundraiser for an amazing organization (Growing Gardens) and you get CHEF IN MY GARDEN! The fourth Annual Chef in My Garden dinner series will begin on June 25th. There will also be dinners on July 9th, August 13th, and August 27th.

Below is a link with all the details: dates, chefs, garden info, etc. Tickets are on sale now and go quickly, so we would encourage you to buy your tickets online as soon as you can!

www.growing-gardens.org