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May 11t h, 2007
Do your friends pass the sniff test? One of our BFFs just asked us about Nair. No, really. As in, “Do you use it? And should I try it?” All these years we’ve known her…all the skirts and Bermuda shorts we’ve seen her wear…and it turns out she’s never had a wax! She’s afraid they’ll hurt, she says. We were like, nonono! Go do it! It’s only horrible in theory. Seriously, it hurts for like two seconds and then you’re so happy because you don’t have to shave for weeks. We’re not sure if she’s convinced about waxing (Thinking about a Brazilian? Like giving birth, it’s a pain you forget.), but we’ll know if she’s Nairing if she has that telltale smell…hmm… |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Hot Fun in the Summertime Is this Portland or Phoenix?!? For some reason Monday was hothothot…and on Sunday we wore a sweater. So weren’t we tickled when we found Amalee…open just a few days, and just around the corner from one of the major loves of our lives, Pin-Me. What caught our eye, you ask? The shop was open-air! We couldn’t help but notice the adorable outfits that were practically right there on the street! We popped in to catch a breeze and check out their offerings, and we’re so glad we did. It’s an occupational hazard so we try not to shop on the job, but we couldn’t leave without a pair of glorious earrings, and a pair for our friend. And the clothes were darling, too! A mix of independent designers (KKoni, Scrapbook, Mother Trucker, Margarita Sapala, Onion, Vintage Havana) and a touch of vintage (supercute 70s clutches were tough to resist), you’ll find dresses, tops and bottoms that are not only adorable, but clock in under $200. No breaking the bank to be the cutest girl on the block. Really, what’s hotter? The weather…or your outfit from Amalee? Amalee |
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| 2 | We Are What We Drink We are what you would call self-described winos. Back in college, we would host Wine and Game nights with our girlfriends, and we could always count on an unlimited supply of Two-Buck Chuck and boxed wines. Nowadays, we tend to choose our wine based on taste, not on price, but we’ve found a place where we can have our wine and drink it, too! Lupa wine bar and café is just what we’ve been looking for. It’s completely unpretentious, beautifully crafted, and ninety percent of Amanda’s wines (she’s the owner of the shop) are from independently owned vineyards. Stop in, take a seat at the bar, grab a bite to eat (the pink cupcakes were simply irresistible!) or choose a bottle or two off the shelf to go. Happy Hour is from 3-5 pm, and you’ll enjoy $1 off house pours and $1 off Guinness drafts (the only beer you’ll find in the whole place). This week, Wine and Game night is at our house, and you can bet that we’ll be stocking up at Lupa! Lupa |
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| 3 | One for You, Two for Me… At Portland Picks we really do send you to stores that we would be caught dead shopping in. And let’s say, if we’ve died and gone to boutique heaven, that hallowed setting would distinctly resemble the two-week old Frumoasa Boutique on NW 23rd. Frumoasa is a gift boutique where you can’t decide if you want to give the presents away or hoard them for yourself, Frumoasa (which means “beautiful” in Romanian) is positively packed with the kind of stuff you simply must buy two of. Sumptuous-smelling body butters, French-milled soaps, glassware, cards, handmade jewelry from France and local designs by Kicklet, plus chandeliers, soy candles, and handbags in every shade of awesome. The shopping experience is made even more heavenly by owner Jessica’s two little Yorkie pups, Lucky and Peanut, puttering happily underfoot, ready for petting. So while French music plays and your gifts are wrapped for free, bask in all that is wonderful about being a beautiful girl indeed. Frumoasa Boutique |
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| 4 | Bring Home a Bagel Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. No, that’s not us after a day at the beach, it’s bagels from Kettleman Bagels & Bakery, a brand-new (and much longed-for) addition to the Portland food scene. While we aren’t completely convinced that these rotund treats are as “New York style” as claimed, they’re still tasty and some of the best our area has to offer. Feeling sweet? Try a cinnamon raisin bagel with choco-almond cream cheese. Savory? Perhaps an “everything” bagel with scallion or jalepeno shmear is in order. Or go classic with an onion b, cream cheese and lox. Delish! Whatever the topping—hummus, Boar’s Head meats or egg and cheese—we’ve yet to find a flavor combo that we didn’t like. And even if you’re not feeling the bagel love (and you’d have to be crazy not to), there are plenty of options at Kettlemen. Be sure to check out the jumbo cookies, cinnamon rolls and brownies…rich, fudgy, and everything a girl could dream of! Kettleman Bagels & Bakery |
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| 5 | We Can’t Keep a Secret We needed a wax, STAT, as our legs were looking positively Planet of the Apes. Our boyfriend suggested doing a Bo Derek bead treatment, but we decided to do something more socially acceptable instead, and lo and behold, our wax was timed perfectly with the grand opening of Dirty Little Secret’s light and airy new spa! Tucked behind the famously awesome salon (if you have curly hair, this is the place to go), the new spa offers facials, waxing, manis/pedis, and massage, all at prices we really like, and by incredibly well-trained professionals. (Here’s a dirty little secret…some on their staff have emigrated from other fab Portland spas…shh…) Seriously, between the service, the pricing, and the hip urban vibe, this place should be first on your list if you’re looking to get pampered city-style. Ooh, and they use/sell Eminence facial products…all organic and mostly food-based. We can’t get enough of the stuff. We’re probably going to utilize DLS for a lot of services…it may actually get awkward, as more of their staff sees more of our body parts… Dirty Little Secret Salon & Spa |
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| 6 | Your Friends Know What’s Up Soo…is it supposed to be an English bar, or will it be anything like Bishops? Those were the questions we had as we headed to East Burnside’s newest hipster on the block: The Chesterfield. We barely had five minutes to peruse the place or the menu, when bam!—in walked some friends… then some friends of friends…then more friends of friends…you get the picture. Thankfully, the waitstaff allowed our posse to break the house rule of only two credit cards per table (p.s. they don’t have an ATM). What does The Chesterfield have to do with being English or Bishops Barbershop? Its namesake is a historic English borough, and it has the same owner as the salon chain. (The cocktail menu gave a subtle nod to England with the classic Pimm’s Cup, and it’s awesome!) The food was delicious (hellooo flan with white-truffle oil!), though “small bites” leaned toward mini. Also, they boast an elevated DJ booth, and we wanted to steal their chairs. Verdict? It’s a supercool hangout. And you have to love a place when all your friends are there. The Chesterfield |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | We Have Handbag Fever If we had to choose between new shoes and new handbags…we might have to go with handbags. We must have at least three grand invested in leather. But instead of an intervention, we feed the need with cuties from Style-Bistro.com. These original designs—in leather and vegan—are affordable and adorable. From mock-croc satchels to Austrian crystal clutches and the drool-worthy Detective bag (plus jeweled, studded, tasseled, bowed and beaded beauties), we definitely have a problem, and the only cure is more Style Bistro! |
 style-bistro.com |
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| 2 | Almost Elementary Even though our name has a Scandinavian spelling, we can’t claim any familial ties to that part of the world. Instead, we shop for items that reflect the heritage we never had, which is where Portland’s Elentari Handverk steps in. |
 elentari-handverk.com |
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| 3 | Pad Your Pad We are just the teeniest bit house-obsessed, so it’s no surprise that we religiously read home design blogs like Decor8 and Apartment Therapy. Just imagine how excited we were to see Portland’s own Frazier & Wing receiving shout-outs from the very best! This is fitting, of course, because the designs are amazing—graphic pillows in jewel-toned fabrics, and whimsical mobiles handcrafted from recycled magazines. Perfect for kids and adults, these hanging beauties are sure to have a place in our pad soon. |
 frazierandwing.com |
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| 4 | Get Dizzy with Izzy You’ve been invited to five weddings (all in July), and it’s all becoming a bit of blur telling one apart from the other. When it’s your turn, impress the rest with your own invitations and announcements from izzy girl. You get to be the designer (sort of)—you work directly with izzy girl to create original designs. And they’re not just for weddings, but for any event! From paper to packaging, izzy girl’s your source for splash. |
 izzygirl.com |
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| 5 | Think Outside the Bra Fashion Stick Cups (their latest design) and PermaCups (waterproof and work under swimsuits) are quickly replacing uncomfortable strapless bras and unsupportive, stick-to-the-skin bra cups as the undergarment must-have! |
 pk-fashions.com |
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| Event of the Week! | |||
| Carl Greve’s May Sale Cannot be Missed!
It’s about to bloom! After 84 years on Park and Morrison, Carl Greve will be pulling up roots and replanting them a mere 200 feet away on the corner of Broadway and Morrison. In preparation for this historic event, Carl Greve will be holding an epic sale on jewelry and timepieces…the very things you lust after can now be yours! Enjoy unprecedented savings of up to 40% off selected merchandise. Take note, though, ladies, this sale is being held exclusively at the downtown location. What: Carl Greve Jewelry & Timepiece Collections May Sale Event |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Mother’s Day at the Japanese Garden Celebrate at the Garden’s annual Mother’s Day event! This time-honored holiday is America is celebrated at the Garden with a presentation of teas, a make-a-Mother’s-Day card table for kids, live music, and special Gift Store offerings. Everyone is invited to enjoy the Garden and tribute to mothers everywhere. (Members: free; non-members: free with Garden Admission.) What: Mother’s Day Celebration at the Japanese Garden |
 japanesegarden.com |
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| 2 | Mother/Daughter Specials at Sylvie Day Spa It’s not too late to pamper mom! Sylvie Day Spa (with 25 years in Portland and a lusciously glam location) knows how to do it right. First, try the Mother & Daughter Paraffin Pedicure…normally $100, only $85 for Mother’s Day! Or the Mother & Teen Daughter Pevonia ™ Facials…now $140…$35 off! Mention Portland Picks to receive a complimentary gift the day of services! What: Mother/Daughter Specials at Sylvie Day Spa |
 sylviedayspa.com |
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| 3 | Shop Therapy—Get it Next Week! What: Shop Therapy's 2-Day Sale |
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| 4 | “Pajama Bowl” Shine that bowling ball and don your pajamas to raise money for area foster children. Sleep Country USA’s foster kids “Pajama Bowl” comes to Portland and strives to generate cash donations for its Oregon-based foster organization partners. Grab your friends, family, coworkers and neighbors to roll some strikes (or gutter balls) for a great cause. What: Pajama Bowl |
 sleepcountry.com |
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| 5 | Champagne, Caviar and Raw Bar Sample Bluehour’s favorite bubbles and fruits de mer in their luxe private dining room, For $75 per person you will enjoy tastes from some incredible producers, including A. Margaine, Bollinger, Deutz, Gaston Chiquet, Henriot, Jean Milan, Louis Roederer, Nicolas Feuillatte, Pol Roger, Taittinger, Argyle, J.Albin Winery, Soter, Adami, Ferrari, and more! What: Private samplings at Bluehour |
 bluehouronline.com |
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| 6 | Tutto Bene: Gelato for a Cause Tutto Bene Italian Cafe and Gelateria introduced a new gelato flavor. Charlie, a local high-school freshman, asked the owners if he could create his own gelato flavor. Taste Charlie’s creation and do good in the community! Tutto Bene will donate 50% of the proceeds from Charlie’s Chocolate Storm to the Thomas Edison School. What: New gelato at Tutto Bene helps out school |
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| 7 | Host a Foreign Exchange Student Make a difference in someone’s life…and yours. The Council on International Educational Exchange is looking for good families to host foreign exchange students for the academic school year 07/08. Students are between 15 and 18.5, come from 55 different countries and are financially taken care of, with their own spending money and insurance. All that’s lacking is a kind and loving home. Who: Council on International Educational Exchange 9526 NE Gertz Circle , PDX |
 ciee.org |
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| 8 | You’re Invited to the Veggie Ball You’re invited to the Veggie Ball, a Costume Ball and Benefit for GrowingGardens. What: Veggie Ball |
 growing-gardens.org |
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| 10 | I Love LO…and Justin Timberlake Not that you need an incentive to attend the hottest event this season, but the
first 100 people who purchase I Love LO tickets (see www.ilovelo.org and upcoming info from Portland Picks!) could win a pair of tickets to Justin Timberlake’s Portland concert!. Plus, get your tix by May 20 to receive a free VIP swag bag! |
 ilovelo.org |
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| 13 | Drumming Brings the Arts Alive The Celebration of the Drum is Caldera’s multicultural percussion extravaganza that brings local middle school students on stage in performance with world-class musicians Obo Addy, Portland Taiko, Catón Lyles, Hakim Muhammad, and Brian Davis of Pink Martini fame. And you're invited to come see their remarkable talent at a free concert. Founded in 1996 by Dan Wieden, of Wieden+Kennedy, Caldera is a nonprofit organization committed to bringing the arts to underserved youth and adults. What: A free afternoon concert |
 calderaarts.org |
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Have you seen or heard of a fab new shop that you’re dying to try? Let us know! Just reply to this email with the deets. We love hearing from you, especially with good scoops! |
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