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| PORTLAND PICKS | ||
| life + style to you: every Friday | ||
| October 22, 2004 |
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It is all terribly romantic, seasons change, trees turn and our hearts are veiled with a subtle melancholy. Resist the temptation to hibernate early, we must get out there. At Portland Picks, we have just the thing for that early-sunset blues—shopping and not just any random retail therapy, we have goals! We’re bracing ourselves for that festive season that is already sneaking itself into stores by truly kicking our fall heels up now! The perfect centerpiece, photos with your pooch, removing those stress induced wrinkles between your eyes (without a stressful injection!) Count on Portland Picks to bring the best and most beautiful this season has to offer to your doorstep each Friday. |
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| Tricks and Treats… | |||
Don’t get spooked, sweetie…we’re here to shower beauty and fashion goodies into your trick or treat bag! Halloween is just around the corner, and it’s one of our favorites as it harkens back to the carefree days of childhood when we could dress up and binge on candied apples, chocolate bars & pixie stix without the calories or carb awareness. It’s fun, even for a day, to be someone we’re not (or someone we’d like to be…). So, immerse yourself in the most carefree holiday of the year before the season gets serious. The time for youthful indiscretion is now; you’ll have plenty of glam soirees to attend through the New Year, so kick up your heels and seize the day and tickle your inner child. That will be the trick and after, you will deserve a treat from us to you! Just refer 10 friends, family or co-workers to sign up for our Portland Picks Friday e-column (and cc us at contact@portlandpicks.com) and we’ll enter you in a drawing to win this handbag from www.fabfauxfashion.com. Now, gather round for some treats for your body, mind & soul… |
 Fab Faux Fashion.com |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | The holidays are coming. The dreaded photo for that all important seasonal card hangs over your head. If you don’t have a child, it is all the more stressful. A holiday card with a photo is a must. Whether it features your beautiful offspring, just you and your significant other, or if it contains a frame-ready pic of your four-legged love, you want the job done right. If, like Paris, your totes carry dainty pet poop bags rather than diapers, we have the perfect photographer for your little pooch. Paw Prints photographer Cary Leach will feature your beautiful furry friend at his best. Paw Prints is the purrrrrfect photographer for your holiday card. Show off your best friend beautifully with Paw Prints Photography. Gorgeous classic black and white, candid photos for your holiday card, or simply beautifully framed black and white keepsakes for your home. |
 Paw Prints |
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| 2 | The Oregon Symphony’s new Soiree is soooo....!! If you are a hip and happening young professional between the ages 21-39 you must join the Symphony’s new swinging Soiree. Just think, a room filled with literate, classy and sassy folks your age who value culture and treasure the ‘better things’ in life. Come and check out the Soiree and meet other like-minded educated, cultured and classy peers at the Soiree’s splendid kick-off event on Nov. 12th. For more information and to see if this is a match for you, visit www.orsymphony.org/soiree |
 www.orsymphony.org |
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| 3 | Amy Schwab Designs – Last week we told you about our friend Amy’s new bags, but we didn’t show you our favorite handbag. Specifics are very important in the handbag department and this one is our beloved best. We feel like Audrey with this brooch and black classic. She’s taking orders now, or you’ll find her in local stores come January....but for your drooling pleasure. |
 Amy Schwab Purses |
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| 4 | Doug Fir. Nestled in the deep Northwest backwoods of East Burnside....huh? We love this, an ideal compromise for our multiple personalities. Wow. There’s something for all of us. Our alter ego loves the northwest style log cabin feel, and our flip side loves the modern city night spot. It’s such a unique concept, ya gotta love it. Yes. That’s right. If you can imagine an upscale woodsy log mountain lodge-slash-trendy modern nightspot, likely a very difficult feat but trust us, you are picturing Doug Fir, Portland's newest hip and cool hangout. Doug Fir features a restaurant that is open from 7 am until 4 am where the menu favors classic Americana: burgers, filet mignon and eggs at the wee hours, biscuits and gravy, venison tenderloin, and field greens with blackberry salad...exactly the kind of comfort food you want after dancing the night away. If you are more interested in cocktails, head over to the lounge or find a spot by the fire pit in the cozy Fir Nook (we love this and like to pretend we’re après ski). Sitting in the nook, one can't help but appreciate the feeling of relaxing at a favorite ski lodge, only without the 2 hour drive and all the cumbersome ski gear that makes our butt look fat. So, whether it's to have a drink, have a meal or see a show on the lower level, we recommend you find an excuse to come check out this unique space. Doug Fir |
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| 5 | Making Chocolate with Panache: Forget Willie Wonka, you’ve graduated to Verdun Fine Chocolates. This swanky chocolatier in the Pearl makes the most unbelievable, melt in your mouth chocolate you have ever had in your life. Excuse us, but to be frank, we liken it to drugs, really good drugs. One bite of their decadent milk chocolate solids and you’re on the moon. Each precious, priceless piece is wrapped lovingly, a confection perfection and makes quite a statement as a gift, an elegant party favor, or indulgent treat for you, my princess. This tightly-run family establishment firmly believes chocolate should not
only have exquisite flavor and texture but should also be beautifully presented.
Verdun chocolates are individually hand-wrapped in gorgeous colorful foils.
You don’t want to destroy the wrapping but because of what it cloaks,
you must. Indulge and soon! Verdun Chocolates & Gifts |
 Verdun Chocolates |
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| 6 | My Next Garden Ho hum about your garden? There’s something you can do now to make it spectacular now and even more so come spring. Check out My Next Garden located at The Jealous Gardener in Sellwood. The shop is fabulous with Tag doormats and garden hostess gifts, gorgeous flowers and plants and classic accessories and pots. In the rear of the store, there is a special space dedicated to you and your ‘next garden.’ There are books and resources to thumb through with that ever-hopeful green thumb of yours and they provide a professional to consult and help you design something splendid. My Next Garden design studio is a place where clients are welcome to come in, browse books, be inspired, and get some feedback regarding their gardens. The design service is a "mini makeover" for the garden where the designer consults at the client's home, bringing a new perspective to the garden at question. This is a lovely service located via The Jealous Gardener in Sellwood next to Caprial’s. For a mini-makeover for your garden, consult My Next Garden. $200 consultation fee can be redeemed for product at The Jealous Gardener. Your friends will be oh-so jealous when they see what you’ve done with your green thumb. For more info, call Chris Bolesky at The Jealous Gardener, 503.231.4500. |
 The Jealous Gardener |
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| 7 | Too tired to cook, but don’t want to ingest the preservatives of Pizza Hut? Bring a healthy, organic dinner home to your family from Smart Monkey Foods. Having a small dinner party? Have it catered with Smart Monkey Food and offer only the most delicious and freshest menu around. Smart Monkey Foods -
See some popular menu items
Smart Monkey Foods are located in the Pearl. And, the highest quality organics are used to prepare your meal. Call for scheduling and more menu ideas, (503) 236-7878 |
 Smart Monkey Foods |
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| 8 | Get Creative: Chances are, come this time of year, you’re up to your eyeballs in Sally Foster Wrapping paper; the designated school fundraiser for apparently every school in the tri-state area. If you want to be a little different, learn to wrap a stunning package that will take other’s breath away, check out the Packaging Specialties store “for creative packaging.” What’s in? Stripes...big striped wrapping paper, multi-stripe grosgrain ribbon. Dots....pink and brown or blue and brown. They have beautiful gift bags, matching tissue, a huge selection of ribbons. They have Rossler Papier paper, the high quality stationer from Europe, to add a distinctive flair to any invitation or creative project. Want to be even more perfect than you already are? They have classes and events to help channel your inner-Martha: Halloween Pizzazz – Cynthia Whitney-Ward will demonstrate fun ways to package treats, decorating tips galore, door knockers and table toppers. Saturday, October 23rd, 10- 11 am. Novel Gift Wrap – Would you like your wrapped gifts to stand out from the crowd? This class is for you! Have you ever wondered how to wrap a gift for a man? What about a package that looks like a shirt? Or even a gift that can be wrapped to look like a purse? This is your class. $30 for a 2-hour class; Saturday, November 20, 2-4 Basic “How to’s” - Learn basic gift-wrapping techniques to give your packages that professional look. It’s easier than you think! From lining a box with tissue paper to creating bows, you will gain the skills to wrap that perfect package. Also learn to add special touches to your gift bags. $30 for a 2-hour class, Saturday, November 20, 10:30-12:30. Packaging Specialties |
 Packaging Specialties |
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| 9 | Okay, now you can wrap a gift, provide beautiful food, and now all you need is the floral centerpiece. Our Portland Pick florist, Francoise Weeks will teach you how to make perfect and breathtaking holiday centerpieces. Thanksgiving Centerpiece: Using a hollowed-out pumpkin, create a festive harvest arrangement by learning to mix small fruits and vegetables with flowers, foliate and berries. Unique, simple and colorful for your Thanksgiving table.
Creative Centerpieces for the Holidays
You should call early to reserve your spot. These hands on classes are limited to 8 students each. Francoise’s studio is located at 2754 SE 33rd Place. Prices include flowers and supplies, and your creation goes home with you! Check out the Events Section of the Portfolio Page for examples of these arrangements. www.francoiseweeks.com (Gift certificates for classes also available.) 503.236.5829 |
 Franciose Weeks |
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| 10 | With Halloween just around the corner, you may
be thinking that the only costume you have time to put together is a bed sheet
with eye-holes. But consider this: Halloween is the only time of year that
you can wear anything you want - wigs, false eyelashes, go-go boots, over the
top make-up - and get away with it. And a recent poll suggests this year more
than ever adults are dressing up.
Our theory for Halloween is to find something you would Lady Luck Vintage |
 Lady Luck Vintage |
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| Portland Picks Website of the Week: | |||
Fresh off the catwalks to your closet....www.Rag-Nation.com. Straight off the backs of this season’s models, discover designer duds at Rag-nation in New York. (The presentation isn’t as great as it could be — think e-bay – but they have Chanel and other valuable treasures at a steal.)
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 Rag Nation.com |
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| Portland Pick’s Guilty Pleasure TV Pick: | |||
Desperate Housewives, starring Felicity Huffman,
Eva Longoria, Marcia Cross, Nicolette Sheridan, Teri Hatcher, James Denton,
Steven Culp, Ricardo Antonio (Sundays 9 pm on ABC; check your local listings). Ex-Melroser Cross shines as Bree, a housewife who takes Martha Stewart perfectionism to unprecedented levels. Huffman, as Lynette, is a hilarious harried mother of three, while Sheridan’s man-eating Edie may remind you of certain women you know. Meanwhile, Gabrielle (Longoria), manages to keep herself busy with a 17-year old gardener in the absence of her workaholic husband. Hold on to your hats, ladies, this is one wild ride you won’t want to miss! |
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| Portland Pick’s Movie Pick: | |||
Shaun of the Dead, Directed by Edgar Wright; written by Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright; starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Dylan Moran & Lucy Davis Poor Shaun! His girlfriend Liz has just broken up with him, and some of it may have to do with the fact that he’s in a serious rut. Shaun lives with his best friends, Ed and Pete and spends every evening at the local pub getting drunk. Sure, Liz loves him, but is looking for a little more, shall we say…effort? Unfortunately, when Simon bungles a romantic dinner for two, Liz hits the road. Simon Pegg (who pulled double duty writing and acting) is Shaun and offers a champion comedic performance as he desperately tries to win Liz back. There’s one complication, however…London has been overcome with a zombie apocalypse, though it takes Ed and Shaun awhile to catch on given they’re hung over most mornings and in the pub most evenings. We loved Shaun’s valiant efforts to both win Liz back and save the day from the zombie onslaught. It’s scary…it’s funny…it’s touching…Opt for a “lighter” scary movie than the usual Hollywood slasher fare…this one’s a keeper. |
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| Portland Picks Books of the Week: | |||
| A | The Commitment Cure, by Rhonda Findling, M.A., C.R.C. It’s time for some tough love, Sweetheart, and Rhonda Findling is
just the psychotherapist to give it to you! Findling has conducted hundreds
of seminars and workshops as well as being a regular on the talk show circuit.
Findling, author of Don’t Call That Man!, is now taking us through the
uncharted territory of the “Ambivalent Man” (AM). We’ve
all met them, dated them & pined over them…now she’ll help
you figure out whether to stick with him or ditch him for someone whom can
actually commit. |
 Buy Now! |
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| B | MILDEW, by Liz Bluper and Renee Plastique Liz Bluper and Renée Plastique are the authors of the recently released Mothers-In-Law Do Everything Wrong: M.I.L.D.E.W. (Andrews McMeel, ISBN: 0-7407-4208-6, trade paperback, $9.95). They have sparked a revolution with their code word: MILDEW. With the book now in its 2nd printing, their playful acronym is infiltrating today’s vernacular as women talk to each other about that all-too-familiar marriage by-product—the mother-in-law. The authors are helping millions “laugh their MILDEW away” by sharing their hilarious strategies, stories and relatable experiences. Women from across the globe are now opening up and sharing their stories, lending support to those also suffering from “MILDEW build-up” and confirming that, indeed, they are not alone. Women are discovering that when it comes to MILDEW, laughter really is the best medicine. “M.I.L.D.E.W. is truly therapeutic!” says one reader. With its broad appeal, M.I.L.D.E.W. is inspiring mothers-in-law, too. After taking the scientifically calibrated quiz in the book, more than one mother-in-law has been surprised at the results and subsequently changed her ways. Bluper and Plastique are hearing reports of reduced marital stress and improved family relations. “World peace can’t be far behind!” quips Plastique. This is a great book for those of us who have less than stellar Mothers-in-law and even better if you get along! Call her and tell her, “Thank you for not being a weapon!” |
 Buy Now! |
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| Portland Picks Chick Stuff: | |||
| 1 | Uncrease that brow, Cutie, and fret no more! Not into botox but feeling the furrow between those perfectly tweezed brows of yours? Your worries are over (at least for the short term). Just plop the Brow Lift Treatment Patch above your brows and this collagen enhancing treatment will plump those wrinkles in 30 minutes or less! So, get your pretty self to www.blissworld.com and get yourself to that holiday party “crinkle” free (4 patches for $20)! |
 Bliss World |
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| 2 | Want a versatile wardrobe wonder that will take you through this season with a myriad of different looks? Enter the Sweater Wrap! Made of 100% cashmere, we’re loving the many ways you can wrap and alter its look to suit your mood and occasion. Whether it’s running errands, out on the town or as a comfy luxury while cramped in coach, this is a piece that will undoubtedly become a fall mainstay… go to www.shopintuition.com
and pick one up while they last (only $198.00!). |
 Sweater Swap |
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| 3 | Hey Sexy! You don’t need a come-hither stare when these Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes are available to lure that handsome hunk your way. We adore the keyhole toe and cute contrast-piped bow; pair them with a sexy shift and a capelet or sweater wrap & you’ll be channeling Ava Gardner. Ooh La La! Glam it up and go to www.nordstrom.com for this and other fabulous footwear ($390). |
 Marc Jacobs |
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| 4 | Nothing “spooktacular” going down on the Halloween party circuit this year? Get your sassy self to www.fredflare.com and check out their Halloween Boutique for some fun and playful accoutrements that will make throwing a party for that gaggle of girls and guys as easy as pumpkin pie! Start off with some bags for your tricks and treats; this set of 12 has assorted scary characters (only $6!) to get your guests in the mood for some Halloween mayhem…fill to the brim with candy, gag gifts, mini-liquor bottles & groovy cosmetics for the gals. They’ll love Spookie Pookie Lip Balm --- tastes like bubblegum and candy corn & keeps your lips super soft ($7). Top it off with some party hats and your guests will be dancing the night away at your own little Haunted House Party. |
 Scare-d-hats |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Bring the whole family to Portland Farmers Market's annual Great Pumpkin Event sponsored by New Seasons Market! This free celebration blends the best of Halloween and harvest season in the Northwest. Amateur pumpkin carvers of all ages will be inspired by the Jack-o-lanterns and decorative carvings created by the pros at Typhoon! Restaurants. Choose a free pumpkin to carve on site, courtesy of Typhoon! with awards given to the best carvings. Plus, stock up on dozens of varieties of pie pumpkins, apples, pears, gourds, fall flowers, fresh cranberries, nuts and pumpkins. Kids can participate in the costume parade at noon and receive trick-or-treat goodies at the farmers market information booth. Pumpkin lovers can savor a delicious plate of warm pancakes from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Chef Micah Camden from 750 ml will perform a free cooking demonstration at 10 a.m. And, Pug, a children's favorite, will provide live music. Adults and children can select a free pumpkin to carve on site and leave the clean-up behind, with awards given for the best carvings. Pumpkin lovers can savor a delicious plate of warm pancakes from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Chef Micah Camden from 750 ml will perform the Chef Demonstration at 10 a.m. Pug, a children's favorite, will provide live music. The Great Pumpkin event is Saturday, Oct. 30th from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Portland Farmers Market at PSU, in the Park Blocks between SW Montgomery and SW Harrison streets. For more information, contact the Portland Farmers Market at 503-241-0032 |
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| 2 | Inspiration Meets Art in a Little Book That’s Changing Lives Exclusively at TWIST for Holiday What
When
Who
Why
How
Where
Contact for TWIST and Kevin Carroll:
Contact for Friends of the Children - Portland
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| 3 | Vancouver Event to Aid Portland Woman’s Battle with Hodgkin’s Family and friends of Britney Land are hosting a fundraiser to help pay for her medical care. Britney is an active, loving and compassionate twenty-two year old graduate of Madison High School, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma a few weeks ago. Her treatments are aggressive and have led Britney to leave her job as “the best Nanny in the world,” according to her little charge Riley. Her courage through this journey is an inspiration to all that know and love her. “Anyone who meets Brit, loves her unconditionally,” Says, close friend Dawn Cooper. “When help is needed, Britney is the first one to step forward and offer it.” For example you can always find Brit on Halloween, dressed up in a costume entertaining the children at Shriners Hospital. She believes they need to see something fun and silly other than the walls of their room. Family and friends believe in “B-la,” that is the nickname bestowed upon her when she was little. All will show their support for her and a cure by walking in the “Light the Night” walk on October 1st, the team name, “The B-la-la’s.” Please join us at Juliano’s Pizzeria, located at 15606 SE Mill Plain Blvd. in Vancouver, WA. Tuesday October 5th from 11:30am to 9:00pm. “There will be a few surprises during the evening and a lot of fun to be had by all!” said Britney’s favorite cousin Aimee James. Many of the proceeds for the day will go to help pay for Britney’s medical care. We “hope” the community will come out and support this wonderful young lady. According to the National Cancer Institute, and estimated 110,960 people in the United States will be diagnosed with Leukemia or Lymphoma in 2004. For more information on Hodgkin’s Disease please visit: www.leukemia-lymphoma.org Juliano’s Pizza, is a Vancouver institution founded in 1987. With a “Classic Rock” atmosphere it’s a well-known place for family and friends to gather and have fun. For more information please call Aimee James at 503-221-3706 or Dawn Cooper at 503-257-1740 |
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Ta Ta, tantalizing temptresses! Embrace Halloween and get a wee bit witchy with your costume AND your attitude. Who knows, your winsome warlock may be just behind the next gravestone or
at least attending one of the fabulous events discussed above. Sign your friends up and share the wealth, we love hearing from you. It makes all the hard work feel effortless. All the very best from all of us to you and yours, |
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