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February 16th, 2007
Because we have the teeny tiniest masochistic bent, we were reminiscing the other night about big disappointments that should have been big thrills. For us, it was during a trip to Disneyland. We were on our favorite magical experience—the Peter Pan ride. The whole gimmick is that you feel like you’re flying with Peter and Wendy as they play the “You Can Fly” song. And for dorks like us, who own the movie (and don’t have kids), it was practically mystical. We were just passing Captain Hook and the elation in our souls was almost unbearable and then…the lights came on. The ride ground to a halt. And instead of a wondrous world, we saw a narrow, cylindrical room, cutouts of alligators and stars, and a rinky-dink rollercoaster. It wasn’t even that long—it just circled around and around on itself. We were devastated. Thankfully (sadly?), we were college students at the time—not little children. (Can you imagine how much MORE cynical we would have turned out?) But it was so disappointing that we are still nursing the wounds all these years later. Ferreals. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Always the Bridesmaid… Last week we received not one but three “save the dates” from friends who are getting married this summer. We had a mini panic attack—not because we don’t love weddings, because we do—we were just concerned about what we’re going to wear to all these nuptials. Lucky for us, we know just where to go for beautiful dresses—Tumbleweed, which has recently moved two doors down. This dreamy shop features owner Kara Larson’s own Kara-line dresses, which are simple, romantic and timeless. Tumbleweed |
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| 2 | You Dropped a Bomb on Me If you follow fashion in this town, you’re probably aware of two recent closings that we fashion-happy gals will miss…Duchess Clothier, and Yes. But as they say, as one boutique door closes, another one opens. Thus is true in our beloved PDX. Open just under a month, Bombshell Vintage now holds court in the former Yes retail space on Eighth and East Burnside, and it’s chock full of well-chosen vintage finds. The afternoon we dropped in was dreary and soggy (read: the perfect storm for sweater shopping). We had absolutely no problem desiring half of the store. “Yep, we’d wear that, and that and that and…” Yeah, tons of stuff in there was way cute. Even though we craved a girly embroidered cardigan, we refrained. We were birthday-belt shopping and had to stay focused. Of course, that didn’t stop us from looking through the racks of long- and short-sleeved lovelies, as well as admiring their super-hip skirt collection. So if you’re ready to get out of that winter shell, we suggest stopping by—it’ll be your newest fave find. Bombshell Vintage |
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| 3 | We Adore a Happy Ending We have a good body-image, which is quite healthy, but when we saw our reflection while seated before a mirrored wall, we lost our shiznit. It looked like we were smuggling someone under our sweater. Though a hemlock cocktail came to mind, we decided to find another way out…through exercise. But we’ve grown bored with our regular routine, so we decided to round it out with one-on-one Pilates sessions at NW Pilates. The first week, they had us on machines called “the Reformer,” “the Cadillac” and “the Chair,” which sound medieval, but are actually booty-shaping, tummy-flattening, serious workouts! They’re also serious fun, so each hour flew by. (We even showered afterward in their spa-like powder room, & they have lots of girly products you’ll want to use.) After 10 sessions, we took stock. Had anything improved? Why…yes! Miraculously, we have cheekbones—and collarbones! The “granny grabbers” on our upper arms had shrunk, our midsection looked more toned, and our thighs were thinner! Goodbye hemlock, hello bikini! NW Pilates, we love you, with all our parts. NW Pilates |
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| 4 | Pretty in Tiki We were never a cheerleader, but we did have one claim to teenage fame—queen of one of our high-school dances. Ahh, yes, we still remember that night vividly. We felt resplendent in a vintage pink chiffon dress, a younger man with slicked back hair on our arm, and of course, dinner at Trader Vic’s. Sadly, Trader Vic’s is long gone, and we’ve been anxiously awaiting a new smoke- and karaoke-free tiki paradise. Thank goodness Thatch has arrived! From the bubbling fountain and wood bridge at the entrance to the tiki gods sprinkled throughout, Thatch is simply infused with island style. It’s like the ultimate cheap vacation—sip a fruity drink from a coconut, nibble crab Rangoon, and enjoy the fact that you didn’t have to pay for a plane ticket to the tropics. But what we love most about Thatch is its appreciation for the past. They’ve decorated with orange booths from Denny’s, an outrigger canoe from the old KonTiki and—the icing on the coconut cake—actual tiki god statues from our beloved Trader Vic’s. Aloha! Thatch |
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| 5 | Who Says Magazines Are Trashy? If we could name the major contributor to clutter in our home, it would definitely be magazines. We have subscriptions to keep up with fashion, to decorate our space, and even to hold a somewhat intelligent conversation. That’s why we’ve long been fans of Periodicals Paradise, where you’ll find rows and rows of back issues of popular magazines, as well as vintage copies of classics like “Life.” Part of the Paradise experience is the thrill of the hunt. There’s nothing more rewarding than picking up the premiere issue of the now-defunct (but future classic) “Budget Living,”or filling in your collection of “Lucky” city guides. You can even try out the pricey Metropolitan Home for around $1. Okay, so maybe you’ll walk away with more magazines rather than fewer, but the great thing about Periodicals Paradise is that—like their cosmic cousin Powell’s—they buy them, too. In exchange for cash or credit, you can get rid of your last five years of magazines and banish clutter at the same time. Spring cleaning, anyone? Periodicals Paradise (inside Hollywood Reruns) |
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| 6 | Our New Haunt T.S. Eliot was so, so wrong. April is not the cruelest month. It’s totally January. After the holidays are over, and just one more day off to recognize MLK Day, the hours ruthlessly tick by until President’s Day sales. Your fall sweaters have gone from cute to pilly—and your persona has followed suit! Q: What’s a girl to do? A: Snuggle up with some coffee. We have just the place, too: The Shop on Belmont. You might miss it when you’re driving down the street, for it’s right before the Morrison Street turn. But make a detour, and you’ll be so glad. It’s the coziest coffee shop in Portland, and probably one of the best ones we’ve ever frequented. It’s in a fully restored 1914 Craftsman home, with unpainted woodwork and uncountable lovely nooks for sipping and reading. The service is friendly and the definition of mellow. And the coffee makes us want to whip out another “Twin Peaks” ref (promise, it’s the last): “Damn good coffee. And hot!” The Shop on Belmont |
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| 7 | It’s Getting Closer to Bravo! When we got married, we decided to plan the whole thing on our own. We had backyard nuptials in mind, so we asked a band we liked to do the music, we bought the booze, and we found a gorgeous floor-length trumpet skirt off the Neiman’s sale rack and paired it with a white wrap blouse and sandals. We thought, “okay, we’re set!” Then came the reception. How were we going to get tables, chairs and plates and servingware? Did we have to rent tablecloths? And what about centerpieces? And food? And a cake? Our big ideas about keeping it easy/breezy were rendered moot—we needed help. But you, darling brides-to-be, won’t have those worries if you check out the Bravo! Wedding Affair at The Governor Hotel on Sunday, Feb. 25, from 12-5 pm, where you can meet wedding experts like caterers, photographers, stationers and dress designers. Mention Portland Picks when you buy a pair of tickets, and get one free! (Value $30). To order online, enter promotion code PDXpicks. Bravo! Wedding Affair |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | We’re Suckers for Good Deals… And we are fiends for beauty products. Which is why we flipped when we discovered Bombshell Bargains.com, where items are 20-50% off retail! And they’re all current items in the hottest colors—plus hard-to-find favorites. No back-room leftovers or musty old colors here. Just fabulous must-have items at shock-inducing prices. (In a good way.) New stock arrives weekly, and they do quick airmail shipping to the U.S., so you can have your beauty booty lickety split. |
 BombshellBargains.com |
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| 2 | Your Bed Isn’t Just a Bed… … it’s your nest, comfort zone, nod pod, and for goodness sakes you want the thing to look good, don’t you? If you’re a modern-design lovin’ gal, click on over to www.in-fusions.com. This local bedding design-and-manufacturing company makes some of the chicest sheets around. And what’s that? You crave ultimate comfort and plush style? How does the fact that these linens are built with 320-thread count 100% cotton-sateen feel? We think mighty nice! |
 in-fusions.com |
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| 3 | Like Buttah The next rage to hit the supermarkets is Barney Butter, an all-natural almond butter that is no-stir, no fridge, and tastes incredible. |
 barneybutter.com |
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| 4 | So Tubular There's a gal in Portland that created this genius new mascara called “Tube Your Lash.” It gives you gorgeous lashes and won't cry off or swim off, but comes off easily with a splash of warm water. It was just chosen to be among the exclusive products in the Oscar Gift bag. That means in a week it will be on Jessica Simpson, Katie Holmes, Ivanka Trump, Sarah Jessica Parker, and…You! Scoop the celebs—buy online now! |
 tubeyourlash.com |
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| 5 | We’ve Found “The One” We’ve tried every skincare product & bought into every claim. Our skin has seen it all, and our drawers are filled with the discarded remains of products gone wrong. But we've finally found “The One.” Emerita makes dreamy skincare products like a face cream with spf 15, and a dark-circle and fine-line eye serum (Hello!), all fragrance- and paraben-free with organic botanicals. And they’re home-grown in Portland. Check 'em out ASAP for a free sample of their whole line. Your skin will thank you. |
 emerita.com |
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| 6 | Wear and Share the Promise Show your support by wearing the new Susan G. Komen for the Cure Promise Ring. These cute pink-striped rings will be all the rage! The idea is to buy a pair—one to wear and one to share (just $5). Clint Eastwood was recently spotted wearing one at the Critic's Choice Awards, but it will look soooo much better on you. The band symbolizes the unbroken promise of two sisters to end breast cancer forevah. Get one for yourself and your BGF. |
 komenoregon.org |
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| Cocktail of the week: “The Woody” | |||
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“The Woody” (Terry, bartender extraordinaire and creator of The Woody, says that Amarena cherries are available for purchase at Martinotti’s Café, Delicatessen, & Premium Wine Merchant, located in downtown Portland at SW 10th and Stark. Thanks for the tip!) |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Sakétini Saturday at SakéOne Here’s a fabulous way to spend a Saturday: Learn how to make wonderful winter cocktails with sake, and take home a recipe booklet to enjoy all year long. In addition to the cocktails and lessons, Sakétini glasses and accessories will be available. The tasting fee is $3. See you there! What: Sakétini Saturday |
 sakeone.com |
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| 2 | Portland's Modern Home Tour "Street of Eames," Portland's modern home tour, returns this spring to recognize the city's
mid-century and contemporary homes. The annual event features seven Portland homes, most of which have never been open to the public. The self-guided tour raises money for an after-school enrichment program for homeless Portland public school students. |
 streetofeames.org |
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| 4 | Private Sale at Kush Hand-Knotted Carpets Everything in the store, and even custom orders, will be 20% off, plus selected pieces will be up to 50% off. There’s only one sale a year on fabulous rugs that are hand-woven from hand-spun wool and vegetable dyed. Every piece is hand-picked and plucked from overseas—and ready for your home! |
 kushcarpets.com |
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| 5 | The Progressive Sale at Signal Continues! Our favorite women’s-only ski and snowboard shop is having the most tantalizing sale of the year. All ski and snowboard outerwear, resort wear, and every ski, board, boot and binding is on Week 2 of markdowns! Shop early for the best selection? Shop late for the best deal? What’s a girl to do? What: The Progressive Sale at Signal |
 signalsports.com |
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| 6 | Custom Sale at Europa Home Couture If you've been daydreaming about more beautiful, comfortable rooms, this is definitely the time to get started. Europa Home Couture's February sale has begun. They have hundreds of showroom fabrics & trims, beautiful up- to-the-minute designs, an in-house workroom, and the expertise to help you get the look you want quickly and affordably. What: 20% off all custom fabrications at Europa Home Couture |
 europahomecouture.com |
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| 8 | Kids Rule at Sunriver Resort! The whole family will enjoy Spring Break with the Kids Rule! Promotion at Sunriver Resort. From skiing to biking, the kids will be happy. With tennis courts, a pool and a gorgeous spa Mom & Dad will be happy. Kids stay free*, eat free* and ski free*! (*With a paying adult.) What: Kids Rule! Promotion at Sunriver Resort |
 sunriver-resort.com |
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| 9 | Personal Style for Every Body & Budget Workshop Join KPTV's MORE show Style Editor Sara Dahl in a two-hour workshop where you'll leave with a workbook detailing your specific needs in: How to make the most of your body type. Shopping for a wardrobe, not outfits. Keeping an efficient closet. Accessorizing for your style. What: Personal Style for Every Body and Budget Workshop |
 dahlstyle.com |
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| 10 | Jewelry Sale at The Arrangement You love The Arrangement for their incredible taste, now all jewelry, wallets, Hobo and Sven handbags are 20% off for the entire month! Even though the month is half over doesn't mean the good stuff is gone. The Arrangement is receiving new jewelry shipments throughout the whole sale! What: Jewelry Sale at The Arrangement |
 thearrangementpdx.com |
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| 11 | Does This Sound Like You? You get stressed/angry/sad/etc and wind up binge eating, then you feel bad about it. But there's hope. Portland Health and Wellness offers an amazing program with Donald Altman, MA, counselor and former Buddhist monk, that will help you create a healthy relationship with your emotions and food. What: 12 Weeks to Mindful Eating |
 portland health and wellness.com |
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You’re bored at work—so spend that “down-time” searching Portland Picks for all the good stuff you might have missed! (We promise not to tell your boss.) Check out our online version at www.PortlandPicks.com! |
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