Portland Picks has got the most exciting new and wonderful things that the Portland area has to offer. We are becoming a cosmopolitan epicenter and we’ve got a hip new establishment to prove it! New scenes, fresh words from a fashion maven and the best margarita recipe available to man are all in this week’s Portland Picks!

Are you tired of the same ole’ bar scene? Then hop into the very new and very fabulous Blush Beauty Bar that opens TODAY on Northwest 23rd! Vanity has a very hip new playground.

It’s official. Just like New York. Just like LA. Portland is officially superdeeduper hip! We have arrived. We finally have our own Beauty Bar. Saddle up to this bar for all your fabulous faves like NARS, Lola, Paper Doll, Eyeko, Rich Hippie and tons more.

Blush is a mix of Fred Segal, Sephora, and Henri Bendel all wrapped up in one right here in humble little Portland!

What is it exactly? It’s part cosmetic counter (featuring the BEST cosmetics), part boutique, part make-up artistry, and part skincare. And if you want to have an after-hours party with all your gal pals, add cocktails, food and frivolity to this special mix! Or if you’re on your way out to do some bar hopping, stop by the beauty bar first for a little makeover and some new gloss for the occasion.

Cool things we had to stock up on:

Comodynes Convenient Cosmetics - wipes for all occasions to simplify your life. Now with Comodynes, you can excuse yourself to the ladies room and powder your nose and freshen up everywhere (and we mean everywhere). There are lady-like towelettes for under your arms (yes, deodorant towelettes), sunless tanning, skincare (for fatigued skin) and makeup removal. Just tuck in your purse and freshen up throughout the day. You will wonder how you ever did without!

The next AMAZING product we L-O-V-E is the Freeze 24.7. It’s like natural botox that quickly diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around your crow’s feet, outer lip area, and forehead within 10 minutes! It’s 100% natural with a treatment cream called RelaxodermRX. There are no side affects and as a treatment based product, the effects and benefits are cumulative. It’s a miracle! (And no needles, gotta love that!)

How does it work? It uses the body’s natural muscle relaxing agent, GABA, which is a neurotransmission inhibitor that appears to lower the excitatory level of the muscle cells which cause wrinkling. Okay, whatever, it really, truly works. We LOVE IT!

I am. A new fragrance for YOU (and me apparently). It’s designed for your personality. And we just love the catchy descriptions just like we love our horoscopes and fortune cookies. I am….wild for example. If this is your fragrance: “I am (or you are) spirit, leaping bright and free. Out of the cage. Grrr… Lush jungle citrus, wild flower radiance. Glowing, overflowing. I am natural, creative, sparkling. I am wild. Yes, I am.” (Reminiscent of the haiku we wrote in 2nd grade, we know, but it’s about us so we really think its good). Or, maybe “I am energy: I am a bright star. Glowing, sparkling. My spirit is radiantly fresh and alive. I celebrate my life with enthusiasm, excitement. I am energy. Yes, I am.” Or what about, (don’t tell my dad) “I am naked?” “I am a natural woman. Radiant as the sun. Removing my veil, I am perfect just as I am. Clothed in my true colors. I am naked. Yes, I am.” You can also be rich and hot. Whatever suits your fancy. I am. Try it out at Blush Beauty Bar TODAY- if you want to be really-really IN, since it is their grand opening and only the coolest of the cool will be there (aka YOU!)

Blush Beauty Bar, 513 NW 23rd Ave.

Ladies Who Lunch….

Just like Carrie Bradshaw and her other Sex and The City Gal Pals, take regular time out with your friends. Ladies Who Lunch is back and is all the rage. This is vital, essential; you need to treat yourself and your important relationships. And please, do not scrimp. You are worth only the very best!

What better venue for glamorous Ladies Who Lunch than Bluehour?! Picture yourself dishing the dirt while dining al fresco on a lovely spring afternoon. With ‘tini in hand and lovelies in abundance, try their WARM ASPARAGUS SALAD with pancetta, grilled country bread and poached egg ($10); their BLUEHOUR COBB SALAD with roasted chicken, zinfandel vinaigrette and fried red onions ($13); their HEIRLOOM TOMATO & PANCETTA SANDWICH with lettuce, avocado and herbed mayo ($8); their CLASSIC FRENCH OMELET with taleggio, black truffles and spring onions ($11); or their CLASSIC REUBEN SANDWICH with pastrami, our secret sauce and housemade potato chips ($9.50 ). What could be better? Surrounded by love, being served beautiful food and having a drink with the women who matter.

Do we STILL have to remind you: you must take time for yourself and your friendships. Say it with us, “It’s all about me, it’s all about me, it’s all about me…oh, and my friends.”

Now serving lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 am
Dinner served Monday through Saturday.
Cafe, Bar, Dining room, Private room

Call 503-226-3394 for reservations, or just stop by.
Bluehour • 250 NW 13th Avenue at Everett • Portland • OR • 97209

Tis the season…Yes, another holiday! But this time, no Hallmark cards. Just your presence requested!

All in the Family

Remember once upon a time we told you how we adored St. Honore’ Boulangerie? Well St. Honoré Boulangerie is starting a new Portland tradition. Dominique Geulin, Master Baker and Owner, is creating a special family day on Sunday, May 16th from 10 am to 2 pm to celebrate St. Honoré Day.

Saint Honoré is the patron saint of bakers. In France, May 16th is St. Honoré Day celebrating the heritage and tradition of French baking.

The St. Honoré celebration is a special family day to allow children to experience baking. The European imported stone grain mill will grind flour from wheat berries used to create St. Honoré Boulangerie’s signature bread, Miche Banal. The children can knead dough to make their own galette sucre. It will then be baked in the clay firebrick oven imported and installed by an experienced artisan manufacturer from France. The children can take home their galette sucre hot out of the oven. Traditional St. Honoré pastry will also be available.

100% of all proceeds for the galette sucre on May 16th will be given to the Raphael House, one of our favorite charities. Raphael House provides a foundation of hope and healing for women and children escaping domestic violence. Raphael House operates the state’s largest shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Donations will also be accepted.

Join St. Honoré Boulangerie in this new annual tradition while helping to support Raphael House!

St. Honoré Boulangerie was opened in December 2003. It is a retail bakery designed to create a true French Art de Vivre by offering an upscale gourmet experience with an emphasis on quality and wholesome ingredients. In addition to superior service, the bakery supports sustainable farming using only flour approved by the Food Alliance. The baking techniques and original recipes provide a sense of back to the basics in opposition to modern fast pace methods. St. Honoré Boulangerie is located at 2335 NW Thurman Street.

Portland Pick Book of the Week: Style, by Kate Spade

What more can we say? We LOVE everything about Kate Spade…her clothes, her handbags, her sunglasses & her date books (among other things). Imagine how happy we were when we heard she was publishing a book about style…we already considered her our style guru!

Illustrated with beautiful watercolor drawings, Spade discusses her style muses, experiences & influences, from films to cities to people. Most importantly, she conveys what we all know deep down…style comes from an inner self-confidence that ultimately shines outward.

Kate gives you a primer on the importance of accessories in pulling together an outfit, and takes you on a tour of her wardrobe closet, detailing her personal favorites & offering suggestions for different looks from day, to office, to evening. You’ll learn how to care for jewelry and vintage clothes, as well as organize your closet and maintain your wardrobe. If ever there was an Emily Post for style mavens, Kate’s our pick! Don’t miss what we think should be a staple on every Portland Pick Girl’s bookshelf ($14).

Must Have CD: Jem, Finally Woken

You can count among her fans Dave Matthews, Madonna and Fatboy Slim, and if you watch The O.C. (okay, we don’t. Swear!), you’ve probably heard her numerous times. This 28-year old Welsh-born singer (and ex-law student) is taking the music world by storm with comparisons to Fiona Apple, Dido (except funkier) & Alanis Morrisette; we couldn’t agree more. Her new disc (released on Dave Matthew’s ATO label) should prove to be the launching pad toward a long & prosperous career. Pick up this eclectic cd at www.amazon.com ($11.99)

Sites of the week:

www.RetreadThreads.com -- sign up for their fun and fashionable newsletter from Retread Threads and bone up on all the fashion gossip and must-have's found right here.

www.LeTrainBleu.com -- Also see this new and very fashionable line of clothing made right here.

Portland Pick Cocktail of the Week: Fresh Lime Margarita

Ay Carrrumba!

In honor of Catorce de Mayo (a very BIG holiday in Mexico, second only to Cinco de Mayo), and spring, make sure you whip up a pitcher of these delicious margaritas for your friends and loved ones.

Fresh Lime Margarita

Dipping the rims of the glasses into a mixture of salt and sugar is a nice touch.
1 1/2 cups gold tequila
3/4 cup Triple Sec
3/4-cup fresh limejuice
4 tablespoons sugar
8 cups crushed ice
2 tablespoons kosher salt
6 lime wedges

Combine tequila, triple sec, limejuice, and 2 tablespoons sugar in large pitcher; stir to dissolve sugar. Add crushed ice. Mix salt and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in shallow bowl. Moisten rim of 6 Margarita glasses with lime wedge. Holding each glass upside down, dip rim into sugar-salt mixture. Pour Margarita into glasses. Garnish with lime wedges.
Serves 6.

Pretty is as pretty does, and nothing is prettier this Spring than a pulled together “do” to set off the nape of your neck and those gorgeous pearl or rhinestone gems you’re sporting.

Bandostick, a celebrity secret to getting the perfect bun, French Twist or chignon, is a must-have for those hairstyles that devotees like Angelina Jolie, Mandy Moore & Vanessa Carlton are wearing on the red carpet.

Anything that simplifies our beauty regimen is a “must-have” for us, so pick up a Bandostick and you’ll have more time to play with that pretty new spring make-up of yours! ($20 at www.bandostick.com)

Portland Pick Sightings – What We're Seeing Now

• Aviator Glasses (Whether it’s Ray Ban or Gucci, this retro but always classic look is back)
• Bold, colorful prints (Think Pucci, Lilly Pulitzer & Prada –flowers are everywhere!)
• Funky footwear --- wedge heels, sexy ties that creep up your calves & jewels
• Alligator shirts --- but think sassy striped accents on sleeves and color.
• Sophisticated but playful mini’s --- think pleats, ruffles & surprising patterns
• The tote --- bigger than a purse for your sunscreen, magazines & Wall Street Journal
• Funky flip-flops…think jewels, fabric & patent leather
• Cuff bracelets in patent leather, fabric & metal
• Grosgrain ribbon (on anything, as a belt, on shoes, headbands or even around your wrist)
• Wicker or woven handbags & hair accessories
• Tweed (in fun Spring colors & styles)
• Turquoise --- so flattering on sun-kissed or self-tanned skin…

Other finds!

• Lancôme Juicy Tubes ultra shiny lip gloss in Grape Escape from Nordstrom
• Chanel nail polish in Rose Baby
• Michael Kors metallic silver birkenstock-inspired flats
• Marc Jacobs tweed jacket in blue
• Prada cap toe, kitten heel shoe in pink and black
• Pink, orange or green light knit poncho from Galore Department Store
• Capelet from Anthropolgie

Hip Happenings:

Other than todays Grand Opening of Blush Beauty Bar and Sunday's holiday at St. Honore' we also have a sale at Cielo in the Pearl.

Cielo is having their annual Spring Sale! 20% off everything from
May 7th to May 17th. Cielo is at 528 NW 12th Avenue in the Pearl.
Please visit this wonderful store and stock up on your favorite things for spring.

Hanna Andersson Huge Outlet Clearance. Oswego Towne Square, 7 Montroe Parkway, Lake Oswego, 503.697.1953. Starte May 14th, Friday.

Now go out there and have a fabulous Catorce de Mayo!
Celebrate your friends, your style and your life and continue to send us your ideas and feedback on the delightful finds in and around Portland. Portland Picks seeks the best, the newest, tastiest, trendiest, most must-haveable things that this area offers and we find it first.
Be safe, be bright, be beautiful
All the best,
Your friends at Portland Picks