Stingray.
Remember your old Stingray bike? I was so happy when I got one for my 6th birthday. I had the coolest silver sparkly banana seat (that my big sister sliced into with a knife the day I got it) and it had this really big bar thingy so I could sit way back as if I were riding a Harley. It was the quintessential Stingray bike from the 70s and it was hot! And I was so darn cool. So cool, in fact, others very obviously coveted my bike. So, guess what? They’re back!

Schwinn has reintroduced the Stingray and now they are even cooler than you remember. Part chopper, part cruiser and 100% muscle bike -- The new Schwinn Stingray is all about the ride. Built with customized parts -- like the Big Boa Tire and signature V-back Handlebars – Oh my machismo! Straddle the saddle and hit the pavement, Girl... the rebirth of cool has arrived.

So, get that pretty little bum of yours outside and ride, baby, ride!

Electra Bike.
Okay, speaking of bikes, let’s go back a little farther, to the lovely 50’s. If the stingray is a bit too much of a muscle message, you need to go for the Electra Bike.

These are the cutest vintage bikes around. Though they may be vintage looking, however, they are constructed with modern day technology. No uncomfy booty here, and they come in 7 gears. Oh man, these are state-of-the-art with old cool.

Since style is always the most important thing, you need to note the look: They are so groovy in pink pearl, Martha mint green, and in styles like the Twiggy, which has tassels and Western-stitched leather seats, The Betty, which has flames and whitewall tires and the Rosie, which comes with rose-tattoo decals.

Get your bottom out there and get cruisin’, baby!

Okay. Slightly off subject but gadgetry nonetheless: The Sidekick from T-Mobile.

One of our super sly savvy spies – who knows her technology – has offered up this latest must-have gadget. Of course, we are still waiting to pay someone to show us how to set the clock on our cell phone and show us how to use the iPod that we got for our birthday. However, we will assume the rest of you are savvier than we are and will figure it out. But if not, fear not (see below). Our spy mom has also discovered a handy dandy class that will show you how to maneuver through this technology and then some.

Here’s what dear Danielle has to say: “High tech tip...I've got to improve upon my last one (Brazilians). I just got a new gadget called a "Sidekick" from T-Mobile and it allows me to surf the web in color, receive e-mails from all of my accounts; it’s also a phone and includes a calendar/day planner, which can interface with your computer. It is a nifty little hand-held thing. You could find out the specifics from the T-mobile website under ‘Sidekick.’ It's a Blackberry, of sorts, but not as geared toward business tasks (I hate to say it...but it is definitely more of a girl thing.) Very easy to use and dainty… Also, The Computer Store at 503-238-1200 in N.E. is for Mac users...and I just took a full day class there. It was great. They offer tons of classes, from making home movies to daily productivity.”

This is right up our alley, Girls. (Though…always remember our motto: do as we say, not as we do. We’re still looking for someone we can pay who has already taken the class, instead of waste our precious shopping day, to show us how to install our ipod, Sidekick/Blackberry, upgrade our computers, integrate all our technology, and set the time on our cell phone. Tell us if you know someone and we’ll post for all the Queen Bee’s to see.)

Drinking Buddy – God forbid a lady ever get too tipsy.

But if she dare, she better at least stay out of the brink or risk seeing her pinky pure reputation blasted all over the Review. If you are ever unsure, take a long a “drinking buddy.”

The Legal Limit Breath Scan Alcohol Detector…a portable breathalyzer that reveals whether those crazy cosmos have made you indeed too crazy too drive.

It’s also a handy key chain so you never leave home without it (though not quite sure of the carpooling message).

Oh, those pesky UV Rays…. how many times do we have to tell you?!

Well, if you’re not going to listen to us, than perhaps you’ll listen to the APA Optics Sun UV Personal UV Monitor. This clever doo-hickey adds a high-tech shade to sun protection.

All you do is program your skin type. (We white wonders, for example, would be type 1) along with SPF of your sunscreen, and this smart monitor shows how much sun you can get without burning. It also conveniently clips on to your beach bag so you are always prepared.

Of course, our other motto, just remove the sun from sun-goddess altogether.

The Anti-cellulite Sneaker, quite a gizmo indeed.

Yes. It’s true. There is now a funky looking anti-cellulite shoe. Of course, it’s not the sleek Nike Shox or Addidas trainer, but apparently your cellulite will disappear if you so dare wear.

Like an invisible personal trainer, they subtly strengthen and engage, increasing precious blood flow to “problem areas” every moment you have them on. They are coveted by cottage cheese afflicted supermodels, moms and athletes alike.

They tone muscles, better your balance, improve posture, help varicose veins and—God Save the Queen – have been known to swiftly sack cellulite. One British reporter measured a 50% reduction in a month.

They are hard to come by, so order quickly. They aren’t pretty, but remember, no pain no gain!

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a UFO? No, it’s Flugtag!

What is Flugtag, you ask? Flugtag is Flying Day: Speaking of big time doo-hickeys this is a must for everyone! At least, to witness. An extraordinary and outrageous flying contest sponsored by Red Bull.

Red Bull accepts 30 teams to take flight for each Flügtag. Selected pilots spend about two months building their homemade human powered flying machines and creating their pre-launch show.

On event day... expect to be wowed as you witness wannabee pilots attempt to achieve flight... or at the very least a couple laughs and cheers from the crowd!! (It sounds hazardous, but apparently they get all amped up on Red Bull and fly their flying machines over/into the Willamette so it isn’t supposed to be terribly harmful.)

All flying machines must be entirely human powered. No external energy sources. Prepare to be amazed and amused by these nutty daredevils.

For more information and to see the qualified teams, log onto: redbullflugtagportland.com

Got a question about Portland’s Red Bull Flügtag? Email missioncontrol@redbullflugtagportland.com.
Saturday, July 31st, gates open at 11 am, free to the public.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park. First flight lifts off at 1:03 pm

First, when no one’s looking, stop by Cold Stone and get the biggest double scoop of decadent Cake Batter ice cream infused with all kinds of candy.

Forget the dish, eat it in a chocolate dipped cone, and meander around, hoping not to bump into anyone you know during this binge, and relish this anti-South Beach moment.

Cold Stone Creamery
3420 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
503.235.1900
www.coldstonecreamery.com

Second, only when you’re completely done and sticky, pop into Imelda’s!

Surely there’s a pair of green BCBG pumps beckoning your name, or perhaps Kenneth Cole champagne leather sling-backs that can easily transition into fall. Of course, don’t stop there.

How often do you get this time? Grab a couple of Pucci-esque hair ties, hair bands or hair clips by Rachel Weissman.

Also note their Cris Notti Bag and the Holly Yoshi vintage style charm bracelets and jewelry. This is a one-stop shopping mecca for all-things important.

Imelda's and Louie's Shoes
3426 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR 97214-5049
Phone: (503) 233-7476

Lastly, if there’s still time to kill, especially if you’ve shopped with your super bionic powers, you can still head over to Dosha for a quicky pedi.

Try their Aveda sensory journey, soak in an aroma filled footbath. Extra attention is given to soothing and pampering those tired overworked shopping feet. Gentle exfoliation to reduce calluses, a warm hydrating moisture masque and an amazing foot massage with Aveda Foot Relief is our answer for tired feet.

Ultimate Relaxation! Just $45.

Dosha Hawthorne
3490 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, Oregon 97214
503-231-4993

We are not always in the know, gasp, as you will certainly find hard to believe. Sometimes, we need a little guidance when it comes to our beauty. We went into Blush Beauty Bar and said, “Tell us!” and they did. And we loved the natural look they designed for us.

Here it is. Feel free to copy, though it’s best if they see you in person and derive what is best suited for your skin tone, eyes, lips and cheeks. We like to look naturally beautiful without too much effort. So here’s our recipe for success:

• Lorac oil free Wet/Dry Powder Makeup. It gives us a smooth even tone very naturally. Just a little cover and we’re perfect.
• Nars Lovejoy Blush – we look tanned and naturally blushed.
• Lorac Lashes in black – our wee small lashes look beautiful. They pop! We have eyes again.
• GirlLactik Beauty Star Gloss for our lips in Ooh La La Red. We are not one for big color but it’s a gloss with a hint of it. These lips are ready!

And there are so much more fun cosmetics to play with. We think simple and natural is best, but only the best for simple and natural, that’s why Blush has it all for us, and sweet, smart, experienced people to show us how to put it on.

They also have the to die for cosmetic bags and purses! Check them out!! (We like the “Mrs. Kutcher” bags the best. Watch out, Demi!)

Cardigans: Fall is around the horizon and we are going to take just a squeaky peek at one of the hot trends: Cardigans. We know it’s unthinkable in this 80-degree weather, but cardigans will take you into the October thaw.

A cardigan, like Jerry McGuire, will complete you, but not just a boring old cardigan. It must have shorter 3/4-inch sleeves a la Grace Kelly. Or it should come in every color (blues, greens, pinks, and don’t forget reds, grays, orange). It should be of the finest fabric, cashmere, or at least be adorably adorned. Anything goes in ladylike classic cardigans.

Anthropologie has a beautiful selection of cardigans: We love their pink and gray petal cardigan blooming in hand-cut petals and a removable Swarovski crystal pin.

Lilly has a huge line of feminine cardigans at Nordstroms, Saks, Meringue and other local retailers.

J crew (shown) has adorable classic 3/4 inch cable knit cardigans that they dub “The Jackie.” Mercantile has a beautiful selection of the finest cashmere plain and cable knit cardigans. Most are fitted, and smallish. The sky’s the limit for this wardrobe staple, so get shopping.

T-shirts are still the continuous staple for casual wear, though they will transform into fall with longer sleeves, or short sleeve t’s and polos worn over long sleeve cotton t’s.

Just about everyone has them around town, small boutique or large department store, so selection abounds. T-shirts with silly or ironic messages like, “Free Martha” or Olive and Bettes, “Miss Sunshine,” Three Dot t’s, Michael Stars t-shirts. Lucky has great baseball style t-shirts.

Everyone is well stocked with this must have item. They are even showing small fitted sweater vests over long white t-shirts…. a very classic easy look.

Cherrytee.com, one of our favorite online t-shirt stores has a fabulous selection of t’s in uncompromising quality and unparalleled style. The new standard in t-shirts. They are all the rage. Who’d of guessed, but if you’re going there, go with Cherry Tee. Regularly featured in In Style magazine, they have darling selections of high quality 100% cotton girl fit t-shirts. We especially love their two-tone cap sleeve bright colored t’s and their sky blue skin fitting tanks. You’ll be a sexy mama in these girlfit wonders.

Cords: Broken-in vintage looking cords.

Cords from Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and J crew (shown). . And every store has a different take on it. Lucky has great chocolate brown wide legs.

Always very cool, devil may care, classic Jesuit schoolboy, and perfect to take you into the winter thaw and throughout the year. They go with the whole preppy theme and look like you borrowed his pants.

From one of our favorite New York boutiques, Olive and Bettes, visit: www.oliveandbettes.com for fun fashion and pop entertainment.

Olive and Bettes is a darling store in Soho frequented by the ultra in-the-know fashion mavens, rock stars and celebs.

ILovePeanutButter.com – what a dreamy creamy name! We wish we owned it. We do flips for Peanut Butter. Peanut Butter is our weakness. One little smidge of a taste and Poof! The whole jar of Skippy disappears.

IlovePeanutButter.com is the appropriate extension of Peanut Butter & Company. And Peanut Butter & Co. is a cozy little sandwich shop in Greenwich Village, famous for their hand-made peanut butter and unique sandwich combinations. And now, much to our delight, you can buy their six different kinds of peanut butter online - from your own comfy cozy kitchen.

They have the Smooth Operator, Crunch Time, Dark Chocolate Dream, White Chocolate Wonder, Cinnamon Raisin Swirl and the Heat is On.

Now if only they had Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Peanut Butter!

The best part is Hastings House. This breathtaking country estate makes the trip, and getting away, priceless. Hastings House is a member of Relais & Chateaux and one of the finest inns in the world. They have an award-winning restaurant overlooking the harbor, a full service elegant spa, and oodles of picturesque charm and beauty. This is an ideal romantic getaway, a chance to unwind among blissful perfection.

Toll-free 800-661-9255 or
250-537-2362
email: info@hastingshouse.com
www.hastingshouse.com

Post Ranch Inn at Big Sur is one of the most breathtaking places in the world, overlooking the beautiful coastline, and set among the Redwoods. Nestled on the cliffs of Big Sur, California, this luxury resort's organic architecture embraces the dramatic beauty of Big Sur's coastline.

From here you can explore all that nature has to offer, or take a short drive to the picturesque towns of Monterey and Carmel. Located off Highway One, this Small Luxury hotel member is a sanctuary. The rooms have a rustic elegance with luxury and comfort.

You can relax by the pools; awaken your senses with a massage, spa treatment, or daily yoga classes. Award winning Sierra Mar restaurant offers an awe-inspiring setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean, perfect for a romantic dinner for two.

Zagats calls it the “ultimate hedonistic experience.”

Now, hurry up. Chop, chop. Get away.

Accidentally in Love, Counting Crows –

Okay, it’s from Shrek and probably overplayed. Two strikes against it. But it’s also from our beloved Counting Crows, and deserves the attention it’s gotten.

You’re accidentally in love!

It’s actually only dysfunctional if you’re with someone else when it happens.

Take me as I am, Wyclef Jean –

“You take me as I am, even though my girls can’t understand, I choose you as my man, cause you take me as I am.”

This is so fabulously fun, though the lyrics describe less than desirable qualities in a relationship.

“I don't mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain, oh
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
She will be loved”

We love that!

“I'm not a perfect person
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you”

And of course, we are still (!) obsessed with Maroon 5’s new album, Songs About Jane. We love it so much, every song, that we must insist ya’ll buy it and share the love.

Nolita has been open for one month now...and many fun store events are on the horizon! The most exciting news is the NOLITA GRAND OPENING PARTY on August 5th ("First Thursday" in the Pearl). Please be their guests!!!

They are inviting any and all to stop by for a preview of fall fashion for men & women...in-store specials, chilled libations, and great music! They will be open till dark here on the Boardwalk. They are amazing!! You’ll adore this happening new store!

Nolita
923 NW 10th Ave
(503) 274-7114

Be sure to include The Shoe Club's latest offering in your 1st Thursday art gallery tour on August 5th. Special Guest Shoe Artist, Jennifer Strait, will be appearing from 7 to 8:30 pm at the mini-gallery hosted by Bella Moda Designs in the Pearl District.

The perfect combination of art forms, art on canvas and art as shoes, will delight your discriminating tastes during the evening. And you will be able to take home Jennifer's paintings and note cards from the Shoeniverse Collection along with a pair of exquisite European-styled imported shoes for ladies.

Check out the details of this event at www.theshoeclub.com

Don't forget to tell them you heard about The Shoe Club (www.theshoeclub) from Portland Picks.

Details and map at www.theshoeclub.com

It's that time of year again.

Experience atomic savings of up to 50% on spring and summer merchandise from Prana, Tyoga, Sugoi, Hind, Pure Lime, Pezzi and more! As always, come early for the best selection!

Physical Element
1124 NW Lovejoy Street
Portland OR 97209
503.224.5425

We love Portland. We love the bridges. What we REALLY love is biking over every single one of them during Providence's Bridge Pedal. This incredibly fun event is right around the corner (August 8th), so be sure to sign up soon. Go to Rose Pedal Info for details.