Desperado

First of all, you need to mosey on down to Desperado for the coolest, brightest, cowboy boots. And while you are there, check out their stylin’ cowboy hats, perfect to get the sun out of your ever youthful face. Also, have fun perusing all their cowgirl accessories from sequence jeans, hair bobbles, bandanas, kitschy cowboy gifts, bags and house decor. Every cowgirl thing you’d ever need for home and hearth and horse alike:

• Great rodeo purses with swarovski crystals and silk lining, wonderful denim detailing, plastic overlay. This is a Green Acres compromise that you will adore! $220
• Rodeo Cosmetics and Natural Skin Care products are inspired by the natural, simple, and beautiful “Cowgirl in All of Us”. Their high quality, dependable products are essential to your demanding lifestyle. From bucking broncos to board meetings, every hardworking woman will benefit from Rodeo Natural Skin Care products. If it can correct the chapping effects of a dust storm, imagine how quickly it will restore your face after a late night of lassoing Cosmos!

Desperado
428 NW 11th Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97209
http://www.godesperado.com/

Speaking of cowboy boots, why not go vintage?

Vintage cowboy boots are so hot. If you’re ever going to shop vintage style, do it with cowboy boots. A classic, gently worn boot from, say the 40s, is more valuable than a stiff new pair that’ll never look this cool. It will appear that you embraced the trend before it existed and therefore are so cutting edge as to make others wince!

Shop on ebay for a wide selection of vintage boots or let Rootintootin Cowboy Boots do it for you.

´Pina Rancher´ Hat

Riding the range or just walking the beach, this Tommy Bahama straw hat makes a stylish shield from the sun.

Woven raffia gives a look reminiscent of Hawaii's cowboys. On sale at Nordstrom.

Was $42.00 Now $27.90

Buckle UP

Be sure and check out these treasures: One of a kind belt buckles handcrafted from vintage jewelry and the coolest classic western buckles. Each belt buckle is designed and crafted so no two are ever the same. These unique buckles add a western twist to any outfit - from your favorite jeans to your dressiest dresses. Dressing up or down, they are stunning!

Check them out at www.GiddyUpJane.com.

Pick up your denim jeans and western shirts from Lucky Brand on Northwest 23rd.

Cowboy-style shirts are flattering and youthful and Lucky has a nice selection of Western Shirts like this Stripe Dobby Western for $58.

And speaking of vintage, pick up these Gap boot cut jeans.

Available in dark indigo denim vintage style that’ll look so cool with those vintage boots.

You will not look like a try-hard cowgirl, but real, fresh off the ranch and ready for trouble southern sister, just like we like ya!

Now for that outdoorsy alluring beauty of yours, you NEED Cowgirl Skin Care products.

Cowgirl Skin Care has been endorsed by users as diverse as climbers to Mt. Everest, track and bike teams, New York City firemen, Harley Davidson riding cowgirls, gardeners, sailors, and hardworking, hard-playing cowgirls everywhere!

If you work hard and play hard, you need Cowgirl Skincare.

And to go with those Levi’s or Gap Boot Cut Jeans, the perfect cowgirl girl fit Tee but of course.

When you’re off a’wranglin, you need to wear your retro cowgirl Wrangler’s 47.

Retro in style, these killer designs are back. Built By Wendy in New York has designed a new collection of Wranglers just now available for sale, and they are hot, hot, hot! In fact, featured as ‘what’s hot’ in Lucky, W, WWD, Bazaar and every other ‘in the know’ fashion magazine, this new cowgirl line of clothes are a must-have for your every day cowgirl way.

And you can be the first since they have just now arrived on the market.

And for that wee small cowgirl or cowboy, a must-have blanket with his/her name and birthdate on it from Pendleton Woolen Mills. Talk about a cool little chap from the get-go. And to decorate those bunks for your older cowboys, you need a pendleton wool blanket for sure.

This is a must-have for a true Oregonian baby and kids on the range. And no family room or cabin is quite complete without a Pendleton blanket thrown over the cushions.

If you need a gift idea that is all Ory-gone, a blanket is it!

There's a new store in town! Anthropologie has opened and it's such a fabulous space, great displays, a cottage feel. They are filled with cardigans and skirts and many of their things have that Cowgirl touch.

For our trip to the dude ranch, we filled our shopping bags with the Odille Western Shirt with snaps and 3/4 " sleeves, Sitwell women's blue corduroy western shirt to go with our eyes and (the brown Aquarius pleated skirt we bought!), cool Louie Western cords, and many other must-haves.

While we were there we admired EVERYTHING....glassware, books, photo albums, baby gifts, gorgeous jammies....but we'll save those for the next trip. Anthropologie is packed with shoppers and is The Hippest Happening.

Anthropologie
Next to PF Changs, Across the Street from Addidas
In the Brewery Blocks.

Flat Head Lake Ranch

This is Truly Montana’s Finest: Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge is a 2,000 acre, family operated Montana dude ranch. Nestled in a bay on the east shore of Flathead Lake, Averill's ranch features horseback riding in the Rocky Mountains of northwest Montana as well as a variety of other activities including fishing, sailing and swimming. They have something for everyone, rodeo, wranglers, sailing, kayaking, water skiing, fishing, tennis, swimming and cookouts to name just a few.

This is a hot ticket and reservations are hard to come by...

Or try one of these and LIVE IT, LEARN IT, BECOME ONE WITH IT! Two outstanding Cowgirl vocation vacations!

1. Become a Horse Whisperer, or a cattle rancher! (How cool is that?!)
   
   Anyone can take a vacation on a dude ranch. But not everyone can take a working vacation on a cattle ranch that includes an in-depth, hands-on education in ranching while still being pampered with wonderful accommodations. But you can at Willow Springs Guest Ranch!
2. Daydreaming of letting your hair and dreams run wild on horseback? Oh wait, you’re still stuck in that drab office. Well, not for long! A Horse Trainer VocationVacation with Gerald Thompson of Springwater Station may just be the Vocation Vacation that sends you riding into the sunset following your own dreams…and out of the office!

   Known internationally for his involvement with the legendary Kiger Mustang and the American Paint, Gerald’s unique approach to ‘gentling’ horses has earned him the reputation as one of the nation’s best trainers of the wild mustang.

   Amid the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley just 30 minutes southeast of Portland, Oregon, Springwater Station offers the chance to work with the legendary Kiger Mustang, descendants of what are thought to be one of the most pure herds of Spanish Mustangs existing in the wild today. Known for their agility, strong build, exceptional intelligence and courage, the Kiger thrives as an endurance horse and is remarkably calm, gentle and willing to please.

Pendleton Roundup

Pack up the rig and head east to Pendleton for some rompin’ stompin’ cowboy fun at the famous Pendleton Roundup.

This one is so easy, just a few hours away.

September 15-18, 2004 at the historic Pendleton Roundup.

City slickers wishing to ride back in time will find the ranch's authentic western tradition and telephone and television-free atmosphere a welcome relief from the harried pace of suburban life. The resort offers a full equestrian center with 100 quarter horses suited to all levels, two championship golf courses, a 100-acre spring fed lake, tennis, hiking and more.

The "Cowgirl Bootcamp" is an all-inclusive adventurous women's retreat in laid-back Alisal style. Before exploring over 50 miles of trails, woman wranglers train cowgirls in "Saddle Up" instruction. With the preliminaries out of the way, guests hit the trail for a two-hour morning horseback ride led by a notable resident cowgirl. For the more experienced rider and horse enthusiast there is also an opportunity to try barrel racing and lasso lessons in the open air arena. And experienced and novice riders alike, will enjoy an invigorating breakfast ride to the historic Old Adobe. In the unlikely event that any of the stresses of the outside still linger, the package includes an in-room fireside massage.

Beyond the equestrian events there are plenty of other activities tailored to the interests of adventure-minded cowgirls. Events include a fly-fishing lesson out on the lake and a cooking demonstration by Executive Chef Pascal Gode. As the sun goes down cowgirls are invited to kick up their heels with a line dancing and two step lesson followed by live entertainment.

While action filled adventures await around every corner there is still plenty of time to relax in grand style. The itinerary includes a gourmet barbeque on Alisal Lake, followed by a demonstration on how to form a traditional western hat. Wranglers can socialize at a cocktail reception featuring the region's premium varietals like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah served on the Creekside Deck.

During the "Cowgirl Bootcamp" each participant has full and unlimited access to all the Ranch has to offer. So whether a cowgirl wants to spend all her time riding the range, or would like to include golf on Alisal's two championship Ranch and River courses, sailing on Alisal's lake, or tennis, hiking or biking, or simply relaxing by the pool, the possibilities are endless.

For reservations or further information, contact:
Alisal Reservations Department
1054 Alisal Road
Solvang, California 93463
Phone: (805) 688-6411 Toll Free: (800) 4-ALISAL
FAX: (805) 688-2510 E-Mail: reservations@alisal.com

Take western or English riding lessons at the Hunt Club in Lake Oswego: www.lakeoswegohunt.com

The Hunt club – for you or your special princess. This is the place!

The Riding School at Lake Oswego Hunt

At the Hunt Club they offer group and private riding lessons and other classes for students of all ages. They also host special events and seminars in horse related fields. They teach independence, and they teach each rider at the pace that their skills, confidence, and intentions demand. Their classes are fun, their teachers are outstanding, and they intend that you'll go home happy at the end of each ride. That’s what they live for! But wait, there’s more. The best part is yet to come:

Picture this: after your private English riding lesson, you get to walk around the whole day in your slimming riding pants and riding boots and look straight out of a Ralph Lauren ad. Course you’ll have to run LOTS of errands on this day in particular. Pick up little Susie from preschool so all the other mums see you. “Oh, I was just riding,” you let slide nonchalantly when someone makes a comment about your outfit, as if you’ve been doing this for years. Let’s see, where else could you go.... your husband’s office, gotta drop off his pen he left at home. Let’s not forget the grocery store, the cleaners...near your old boyfriend’s house. You can get real mileage out of this hobby!

Lake Oswego Hunt Club
2725 Southwest Iron Mountain Boulevard
Lake Oswego, Oregon 97034
www.lakeoswegohunt.com

Portland Pick Cocktail of the Week: If you’re a real cowgirl, you need to drink a real cowgirl cocktail. It separates the men from the boys, or, er, the women from the girls.

The Rhinestone Cowgirl -

3 lemons
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup chilled grapefruit juice
1 can light beer
Lemon slices, for garnish
Maraschino cherries, for garnish

Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from lemons, leaving behind the white pith, and set aside (reserve the peeled lemons). In a saucepan over high heat, combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Add the lemon zest and remove from the heat. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Remove and discard the lemon zest from the mixture and let it cool to room temperature.

Juice the peeled lemons. Add the lemon juice and grapefruit juice to the sugar mixture. Pour into a large serving pitcher and chill for at least 2 hours. Just before serving, stir in the beer. Serve in glass mugs, garnished with the lemon slices and cherries.

Okay – after that cowboy cocktail you might now be ready to consider FANTASY BULL RIDING or a CLOWN-BULLFIGHTING EXPERIENCE.

Oh, yes, these experiences could be yours! Wow, would you have stories to tell.

Old-fashioned barbecue

This is real old-fashioned barbecue. This casual spot just off MLK Boulevard is decorated with pig knickknacks and red-and-white vinyl tablecloths.

Families and groups pile into booths and deliberate over the five different barbecue sauces to accompany huge plates of smoked meats. In addition to the standard ribs and brisket, fun starters like warm peanuts and hush puppies are available. Don't miss the truly Southern dessert--deep-fried chocolate pies.

Russell Street Bar-B-Que
325 NE Russell St Portland OR

Clay's Smokehouse Grill
2932 SE Division St
Portland OR
Tel: (503) 235-4755

Finally, no cowgirl’s day is complete without kickin’ back and spoiling herself after a long hard day on the trail with Cowgirl Chocolates.

Cowgirl Chocolates offers an exceptional line of truffles, truffle bars and gifts.

Known for spicy chocolate truffles and truffle bars and their unique combination of rich European chocolate with a spicy kick from the Wild West is an unforgettable treat!

Carl Greve Special Event
In September, Carl Greve is bringing a very interesting jewelry designer in from London by the name of Stephen Webster.

Stephen is a multi-award winning British designer that has captured the hearts and minds worldwide with his striking and flamboyant jewelry collections. Stephen Webster's celebrity clientele includes Madonna, Michael Stipe, Pink, Jennifer Lopez, Elton John and Christina Aguilera.

It will be the first time Stephen will have visited Portland and he will be bringing his entire new collection to Carl Greve Jewelers for a one-day-only public appearance at the store. The public event will be hosted at Carl Greve, located at 731 SW Morrison St., Portland, OR on September 15 from
10:00 am until 5:30 pm.

Carl Greve will donate 10% of the sales proceeds to benefit the Portland Art Museum's North Building Project and new Center for Modern and Contemporary Art.

The Fem-lots present Firstgirls Day

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Fem-lots (female art in a parking lot) representing 11 female artists, have joined efforts to celebrate the arts while supporting community.

On First Thursday, September 2, 2004, street-goers who venture just west of I-405 from the Pearl District will discover a free arts event featuring film, music, dance, sculpture, painting, jewelry and other accessories.

Ten percent of proceeds from the sales will benefit Planned Parenthood and the Oregon Bus Project. Built into a “cubicle maze”, the fair will run from 4:30 to 10:00 pm and is located in the parking lot of the Lovejoy Car Company at 1015 NW 17th. Emanon Café, located across the street, will provide free appetizers at the event as well as coupons for special discounts on food and beverages good for that evening.

Free samples of Café Botanica’s newest blend of herb and mineral infused coffee will also be available.