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June 9th, 2006
Picture the most embarrassing thing that could ever happen to you. We were trying to think of it recently, having kind of a “top this” discussion with some gal-pals, and we remembered a certain horrifying incident that has yet to be topped. To set the scene…age: early 20s, a new boyfriend, a Monday afternoon off, and just enough nerve to hit the nearest Borders for a copy of…the Kama Sutra. No big deal, right? It’s not like I’m looking for triple-X porn or anything, but I’m still shy enough to spend 45 minutes searching the store before asking for help. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Bubble, Bubble Let’s see, what shall we do this weekend? We could either jet off to Manhattan for some shopping, or go to Tucker’s t-ball game and then grab a free dinner at Shari’s (one of 97 free ones we have left from the new windshield). Hmmmm. That’s a toughie. We wish we could jettison off to New York to go shopping at our whim but that’s not really practical in these lives of ours. But we won’t let it burst our bubble. We can now actually look like we shop LA and NYC with the hottest styles from the new Bubble Boutique in the Pearl. Bubble Boutique features a variety of super swank labels (Antik Denim, Custo Barcelona, Mint and Sweet Pea, among others) that have been tricky to find in Portland. Items ranging from beautiful dresses to super-soft luxury tees, designer denim and locally designed jewelry will satisfy the most stylish shoppers’ needs (that’d be you!) Bubble Boutique will celebrate its grand opening with an open house this weekend, June 10-11, and you’re invited to drop in for a glass of wine, hors d’oeuvres and to peruse the just-arrived clothing and accessory lines (along with a storewide discount on both days!) Bubble Boutique |
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| 2 | Put a Cork in it So we’re wandering down Alberta to satisfy our very un-glamorous burrito jones when we sense the siren call of…yes, wine. We open the door, and heaven. Open for scarcely a fortnight, cork provides a selection of wines from around the world at prices that won’t preclude a round trip ticket. And, awesomely, no cheesy Wine Spectator scores! Most bottles in this well–curated collection are priced $25 and under. We found wines from all prices and regions, with the largest selection from France, Italy, Spain, and of course, the great Northwest. There’s a clawfoot bathtub full of bubbly selections. And we even delighted to find an obscure South African Sauvignon Blanc we tasted at a supah-sophisticated friend’s house and thought we’d never see again! But cork doesn’t stop at wine; they also carry a variety of tasty artisan chocolates, pastas, olive oils, and other goodies. Plus they offer wine–tasting classes and a private room they rent out to conduct whatever tasty gathering your heart desires. If you want, you can even rent the whole sustainably furnished store. Whatever you do, make sure to put a cork in it. cork— a bottle shop |
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| 3 | Zagat Does Portland! The best thing about Portland is feeling like you “knew it first.” When restaurants we love show up in national papers and magazines you might say, “I could have told them that.” You’re an insider – you know what’s up in P-town! And now Zagat – renowned, well-known and respected – is doing a Portland Restaurant Survey, covering 76 restaurants, and you can participate! Everyone who votes on Portland Restaurants by the June 18 deadline will receive a free copy of the resulting 2007 America’s Top Restaurants guide when it is published in November (and it will contain a section on Portland). Registration is required, but it’s also how you receive your free guide! To vote in the online survey, click on www.zagat.com Express your opinions! They count! Zagat Survey has expanded to cover more than 70 cities worldwide and a range of leisure activities including dining, travel, nightlife, shopping, golf, theater, movies and music. The Zagat Survey’s guides – which are also accessible through Zagat.com – let people search for and find the best places to meet their individual needs based on a variety of criteria. That breadth and depth of information has made Zagat Survey a name that consumers can trust – even if they aren’t sure how to pronounce it. Zagat Portland Restaurant Survey |
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| 4 | Seeing Red Ah, the search for a perfect card. Our wedding anniversary was in a couple of days and while we had the gift, we didn’t have the card. Oh, we could have gone to the Hallmark store and picked up something generic—it’s not like the hubby would have really noticed—but we couldn’t bring ourselves to spend our hard-earned singles on cursive platitudes and fold-out cards with mice couples. But then we found redbird studio. While redbird has been in operation as a business for two years, the store on Alberta has only been open two months. And what a welcome addition—we found cards, stationery, silk-screened shirts and pillows—all handmade, and delicate and fun without being overly precious. The store even contains a small, comfy-couched performance space, called “haiku,” that can be rented out on a donation basis. The whole experience made us want to write all kinds of lilting correspondence while wearing diaphanous gowns. And best of all? It saved us from another year of Maxine’s non-rapier “wit.” redbird studio |
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| 5 | Buzz in the Hood You know when something new is opening in your neighborhood, and the neighbors can’t wait to see what it is? They’re peeking in dirty windows and making wild speculations – it’s a dog salon! It’s a shoe repair shop! It’s another Starbucks! Well, we would be lying if we didn’t say we get excited when we find out the place is going to be a bar. Especially a cool one like Vendetta, which just opened at the corner of Williams and Skidmore, in Northeast. (See? We told you NE is getting more awesome every minute!) Anyhoo, this place was PACKED the first weekend it was open – which was just last weekend! – there were lots of neighborhood locals, hot boys and girls (even trendy types) and of course some South-siders looking for someplace hip to hang where they won’t be recognized. Vendetta’s open-air establishment is perfect for milling about and meeting people. You’re inside and outside at the same time, sorta, and they have a huge back patio and a vintage 1969 shuffleboard table, and WiFi…and a small but appealing menu…uh oh… We have a feeling that Vendetta is probably too inviting, and too close to home…if you don’t hear from us for a while, you know where we’ll be. Vendetta |
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| 6 | Here's the Skinny We have figured out a brilliant way to trim down! Come closer, it’s a secret: Eat less and exercise more. And guess what? It really works! Though remember to do as we say, not as we do, especially after a rainy Memorial Weekend of marathon eating and much too much relaxation (a.k.a. jammies and bad tv). But we started Tuesday and we’re mentally getting back on track. We cut our cals and we’re making them count, and we are moving again. Sometimes we forget though, and need a little help – professional help. We probably need a lot of professional help, but this is a start: it’s individual nutrition counseling from Ruth Carey. It’s also helpful that she practices what she preaches (she used to be in our spin class – well, she probably still is, but we’re not) and is a model and spokesperson in addition to being a nutritionist. She’s been on the Today Show, CNN, Food Network, Good Morning America...she’s a pro. Ruth can guide you in this big, scary, gluttonous fast-food nation of ours by customizing a nutrition and exercise plan, personalizing your grocery list, giving you healthy recipes and quick and easy meal tips, and providing dining-out tips when you may otherwise be glazed over by the menu in front of you. Before you check yourself into Jenny Craig, check out Ruth Carey. Ruth Carey, RD, LD |
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| 7 | Makin’ Time for the Ladies We’re a little freaked by the prospect of summer...and our beloved chickadees home ALL-the-time. So we are planning on getting a sitter once a week for a regular Girls Afternoon Out. And we have got the first one all lined up, and we think you should do it with your gal pals too. Here’s the plan: Get a few of your best girlfriends together and spend an afternoon with Magazine Photographer Kristina Wright at her loft-style Live/Work space in Portland, indulging in a Maxim-Style photo shoot complete with make-up artist, and wine and cheese. You’ll never know how gorgeous you can be until you go through an afternoon shoot with Kristina – you’ll look and feel sexier than ever, channeling your inner glamour-puss as you vogue for the camera. Your party also includes good music, a gift of lip gloss or mascara, and an 8 x 10 from your finished images (you'll have 18 or more final shots to choose from), though you can purchase more prints for an additional cost, to give out to all your fans. |
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| CD of the Week: | |||
| Someone Give That Girl a Guitar! Tristan Prettyman is a 23-year-old surfer girl hailing from San Diego, Calif., with something to say. From the moment you hear the first few notes of her seductive voice and chords on her acoustic guitar, you will beg her to put the surfboard down and keep the guitar in her hands. Often hailed as the female Jack Johnson, Tristan is one artist rising above the surf. With a loyal following that is growing by the second, this girl is conquering the coffee shop crowd faster than Starbucks can open a new location! Inspired by Ani DiFranco’s raw and honest lyrics, Prettyman’s debut album, “Twentythree,” is filled with smooth melodies, mellow vibes, and soulful poetry. With a breezy, laid-back sound, this is the CD that long summer road trips beg for and memories are formed around. Pick up your copy at www.amazon.com or download her single "Love, Love, Love" from iTunes (you’ll LOVE it!) |
 amazon.com |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Throw a Party for Your Bedroom! Ever been to a Private Quarters Party? Now’s your chance! Private Quarters is a new home party company focusing on luxury hotel quality linens and accessories for the bed and bath. See beautiful duvet covers, fluffy featherbeds, super-soft sheets, comfy robes, luxurious towels, relaxing spa products and all the components for a cozy bed at a party you throw in your own home! PQ will show you and your friends how to create a relaxing, romantic and luxurious retreat, affordably. Learn how to build your "blissful bed," just as the luxury hotels do, as well as shop for items you can’t find in stores. Contact Stacie Gatz or Laurie Pottmeyer at privatequarterspdx@yahoo.com to learn about hosting a party, getting a catalog and the fabulous hostess rewards. Luxurious Linens! |
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| 2 | Small Things Designs Big things come in small packages! Hand-made, locally made jewelry is always a feel-good purchase in Portland, and it’s even better when it’s totally adorable and completely to-be-coveted stuff. We love the earrings, rings and pendants made right here in Southeast Portland by Small Things Designs. Their botanical-based designs are made from sterling silver, and so dramatic and lovely all at once. We love the bee and the florals the most! And we are amazed that they spend so much time on each one. It’s affordable art, for reals. |
 smallthingsdesigns.com |
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| 3 | Be Clean Check out Clean Flicks. It’s genius and perfect for summer because your kids can watch all the cool movies their friends are watching, but you don't have to worry about warping them, because all the yucky stuff has been taken out. There are some funky jump-cuts in the action and as a grown-up you wonder what they took out, but it's so worth it because it reduces your anxiety that they're going to be screwed up for life. It’s like Netflix, but kinder and gentler for the kids (and you!) |
 cleanflicks.com |
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| 4 | Boom Bag |
 lifepod.net |
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| 5 | It’s a Miracle We love this suit...this and its other sister, the Slim Suit. And these guys have swimwear that slenderize and lengthen your thighs, minimize your waist…whatever your heart desires, they have a suit that is the perfect flattering fit. |
 cyberswim.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Mark Your Calendar for CRAVE CRAVE Party in Portland returns July 22 with a Summer Extravaganza & Sample Sale (50% off select inventory until 5 p.m.!) featuring fabulous party hostess Daria from 105.1 The Buzz. CRAVE brings together over 50 of the best local designers and boutiques, offering exclusive deals and designers you won’t find anywhere else. Featuring live fashion shows that will showcase designer trends for fall, along with wine tasting, local food, and fabulous Crave Goody Bags. Get a new look in the Ultimate Makeover Lounge, sponsored by 105.1 The Buzz. Gather your friends together and reserve your spot today! Visit www.craveportland.com to view the fabulous party line-up, which will be updated regularly. Saturday, July 22 |
 craveportland.com |
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| 2 | Be Nourished Be Nourished invites you to explore:
Be Nourished is an innovative collaboration between psychotherapist Hilary Kinavey and nutrition therapist Dana Sturtevant. Their shared passion is to help people explore how an enjoyable relationship with food happens naturally when the focus is more on nurturing the body and mind, and less on dieting and food/weight obsession. Individual and group services are available. For more information visit www.benourished.org or call 503-288-4104 |
 benourished.org |
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| 3 | The Gentle Art of Conversation Successful communication is not easy -- networking events, managers, coworkers, even family members can present challenges. On June 13, news anchor, reporter, interviewer, writer, speaker and multi-media entrepreneur Diana Jordan will address Portland Female Executives on The Gentle Art of Conversation. She will share techniques that have enabled her to do hundreds of successful interviews, illustrating them with audio snippets of her interviews with Rudy Giuliani, Terry Gross of NPR, and author Nicholas Sparks. Putting these tools into practice, attendees will be challenged to use Diana's specially-designed techniques to learn more about each other. This entertaining and enlightening evening with one of the Northwest's most respected broadcast journalists will provide you with the tools you need to make the most of every opportunity for effective and engaging conversation. Tuesday, June 13 |
 DianaJordan.net |
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| 4 | Inaugural Portland Fundraising Run/Walk for Juvenile Diseases Just last August, local mom Debbie faced heartbreak when her two-year- old daughter Anna was diagnosed with a juvenile rheumatic disease. After months of research, doctor's visits and treatment, Debbie hatched a fundraising idea -Race for CARRA - a just-for-fun 5k run/ walk with 100% of the entry fees going to CARRA (Childhood Arthritis& Rheumatology Research Alliance)! Most of us are aware of common rheumatic diseases (arthritis, lupus, etc.), but most of us don't know that rheumatic disease is the #1 cause of acquired disability in children and the sixth most common childhood disease - more common than leukemia, cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy. Bring your strollers and dogs, family and friends, and join Debbie and her daughter Anna at the Race for CARRA on June 11 at 8:30 a.m. on the Eastbank Esplanade at the Main Street Plaza. You can sign up at www.signmeupsports.com. For more information, please call 503.701.1400 or email at CARRArace@comcast.net |
 signmeupsports.com |
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| 5 | Avoid the 2000-Calorie Burrito! Small changes in the way we prepare food can avoid huge amounts of unnecessary fats and calories. This workshop covers a few simple recipes that are big on flavor and nutrients, skinny on fat and calories, and can be prepared quickly (to avoid that post-work case of the munchies that ruins even the healthiest intentions). Tuesday June 13 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Salud school - upstairs in Whole Foods on 1210 NW Couch in Portland, OR The class costs $10. Burritos provided. To RSVP either email Recess, or, call Salud 503-525-4343. |
 recessfitness.com |
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| 6 | Families in Business Come for a day of family fun, supporting Oregon family-owned businesses at Oaks Park in the dance pavilion then stay for a night of amusement park excitement. FREE EVENTS with admission: (entertainers may have a tip jar)
Bring your own picnic, or enjoy our reasonably priced pizza & free lemonade! |
 familiesinbusiness.org |
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| 7 | Summer Solstice Party at Artemisia Boutique! Come spruce up your summer wardrobe, and enjoy terrific savings at Artemisia Boutique, NEXT FRIDAY, June 16, from 4-8 p.m. You'll be treated to hot fashions as well as cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Invite your friends and make it a girls' night out - beginning with great shopping! And if you bring in this ad, you'll receive 20% off any item (excluding sale items). Artemisia Boutique |
 artemisiaboutique.com |
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Okay, the Kama Sutra thing was a little much. Maybe next time we’ll share an accomplishment or a feel-good moment, but sometimes it’s just plain cathartic to tell all. And don’t forget: We love to read your comments…do you have an embarrassing story you’d like to share? Write us! |
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