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| PORTLAND PICKS | ||
| life + style to you: every Friday | ||
| December 3, 2004 |
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Portland Picks Holiday Hangover Turkey and Pumpkin Pie...OH MY! Whether it was Turkey, Tofurkey, Turdukken or a holiday ham, we think it’s safe to say there was a little overindulging going on this Thanksgiving. Don’t fret, gorgeous... we’re hoping you gave yourself permission to dig in and enjoy everything this yearly feast had to offer, and if that included one too many glasses of champagne and holiday cheer, make sure you rest and revive this week because the holiday countdown has begun! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanza, we’re here to give you the tips, deals & steals for everything girly and glamorous, not to mention the perfect picks for that selective sweetie of yours! We have an ideal Holiday Gift Guide, your comprehensive yet concise manual to what’s hot, what’s not, what’s a splurge & what won’t pillage your holiday piggy bank... Now, take some well-deserved rest and peruse some Picks to get you in the holiday mood! |
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Portland Picks: Holiday Gift Guide |
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| 1 | Miramaré European Skin Care Spa The holiday season is upon us, and that means shopping until your feet hurt, preparing for company or traveling, and of course, attending big holiday events. All that hustle and bustle takes a toll on our skin, at a time when we want to look our best. What’s a girl to do? Tucked away in NW Portland on Thurman Street, you will find your answer at the charming boutique skin care spa - Miramaré European Skin Care. Owner Melanie has added a special 'Big Event Facial' treatment to her menu of services. This facial is designed to make your skin glow using a dazzling combination of massage, exfoliation, steaming, gentle extraction and exclusive products from Eminence and G.M. Collin. The ingredients in the products used - like grape, lemon, sour cherry, carrot vitamin, and quince apple smell as great as they work. Melanie understands that getting your skin plumped, soothed and tightened takes more than great products. She also works her magic to soothe your soul, expertly massaging your hands, weary feet, shoulders and face. After an hour and a half of pure pampering, you get the glowing skin you desire and a rejuvenated spirit to look great for all your important holiday events.Bring the natural blush that only human touch can provoke and take the ache from your bones. Stress is natural, appearing harried is avoidable. And while you are there, have Melanie sculpt the most prominent framing element of your face - your eyebrows. This waxing treatment is gentle and meticulous; leaving you with perfectly shaped brows that will make you look years younger and bring out the best of your features. Looking for a gift to pamper those special gals in your life? Share this secret to beauty and relaxation with a beautifully wrapped gift certificate from Miramaré. They'll certainly thank you! Miramaré European Skin Care Spa |
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| 2 | Hub Optix You walk by, cool shades covering those gorgeous peepers. You hear whispers, people stop and stare. "Who is it?" . . . . "It's that movie star" . . . . "No, no it's that model" . . . . and so it goes when you wear your cool glasses from Hub Optix. They carry the big city styles and the latest designer choices to make you look always fabulous! They are our Holiday Pick for the best Big City happening eyewear! There's no stopping you when you shop for shades at Hub Optix! Holiday Picks For Him
Holiday Picks for Her
If you are due for a visit to the optometrist call Hub Optix to schedule your eye exam today. Doctors Armstrong and Fast are in the office Monday through Sunday, by appointment. Hub Optix |
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| 3 | Black Wagon You just found out your friend is having a baby and you want to find them something more exciting and unique than the wash cloths and diaper genie on their registry list. As new parents, Matthew Harris and Sarah Shaoul bring you those fun, beautiful and inspiring selection of gifts for babies and kids they sought out for their own children. They bring you www.blackwagon.com filled with everything from Dwell baby bedding, gorgeous and sophisticated crib sets with pink or pear polka dots to Infantile’s t-shirt line designed by underground artists. They even have 6 pack egg cartons of socks and the classic black and white checkerboard slip-on Vans. With Black Wagon you’ll be looking forward to that baby shower, as everyone oohs and aahs over that, "Where did you find that" gift! |
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| 4 | We Love, Love, Love lucy! lucy - the store where style meets sport The verdict is in...you MAY have overindulged a titch on Turkey Day. Well, maybe it wasn’t so much the turkey... could’ve been the potatoes...or maybe the pie. Buck up, baby! Boot camp is always an option, but we suggest investing in some workout wear that gets you excited to get to the gym. Enter lucy (www.lucy.com)... the store where style meets sport! Is there a lucy or two on your holiday gift list? You know, any active woman that looks great whether she's running a few miles or running errands? Then come to lucy to find her gifts that workout. You may even find something for yourself! lucy offers the best from brands like Nike and adidas, the latest from hard-to-find designers like allen allen and om girl, and their own exclusive lucy label. Whether the lucy on your holiday shopping list likes sweat-proof performance or no-sweat styles, you're sure to find something to wrap up especially for her. Check them out at their newest store in Portland's Brewery Blocks on Couch Street between 10th and 11th or try them online at www.lucy.com and look like a million bucks while you’re working off those extra holiday calories.
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| 5 | Retread Threads Retread Threads has long been an oasis for the Portland hipster, carrying both the camp and the classic for men and women. We adore their selection from independent designers like Nisa’s modified wool military trousers. When you pop in for your Free People dear in camouflage wrap skirt, grab one of Queen Bee’s new cloud clutch bags. Be sure to pick up holiday gifts like Penguin’s argyle sweater for your son or nephew and Le Tigre’s bright green corduroy flip skirt for your daughter or niece. Gifts from Retread Threads will make you a big hit on Christmas morning! Retread Threads |
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| 6 | Olivia Belle Got a sister, wife or friend who is a regular clothes-horse? Well, then she certainly already knows about Olivia Belle in the Pearl and that’s why she would love a gift from this fun little shop filled with things she will love to wear. You’ll find party dresses galore with selections from Jill Michelle, Theory, Notice, and Helen Wang – if you are feeling fancy for the holidays. And lots of great sweat outfits by Rose Wear to keep you cozy and casual if you are not feeling quite so fancy. While you are there, be sure to check out their a new arrival of Love Tanjane pj's and undies; too cute to hide. Don't forget, they're open every First Thursday for late night shopping and snacking where they feature the collection of a local designer as well as their varied assortment of designer boutique merchandise at outlet prices. On any given day you can be sure that you will enjoy this unique storefront location with vintage and vintage - inspired fixtures, chandeliers, slip covered furniture and personalized service that you thought was extinct. Just for you, every Sunday this holiday season, they will serve treats & refreshments. And don’t forget, they offer gifts certificates for those who have you stumped. Holiday hours Olivia Belle |
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| 7 | aMENity In case you haven’t heard the buzz, the old-fashioned barbershop-style shave is SO in right now. And why not? It hearkens back to a time when shaving was a time-honored ritual where the boys gathered, read the paper & were pampered like us gals at the spa! Thank heaven for Amenity, a line of products designed for men who care about looking their best, being healthy, and achieving success in life. The entire line is so luxurious we may even pick up some for ourselves...but why not upgrade your man from his mundane drugstore-purchased shaving cream to a line of products both you and he will enjoy? With everything you need for a shave, your honey will thank you (and did we mention how sexy it is to give your man a shave?). We love the Squeaky Clean Daily Cleanser ($24) and the Original Pink Shaving Cream ($19) --- all items are available in convenient travel sizes. Some of our faves:
And Amenity features four distinct Face Care Packages...Perfect Portland Picks for holiday gifts or stocking stuffers for your man!
Go to www.getamenity.com and peruse the entire line for his sake (and yours)! A Bonus Just for You: Amenity is offering a 15% discount to Portland Picks subscribers so be sure to enter the code PP2004 in your order. |
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| 8 | Cell Belle If you are anything like us, your cell phone has become an extension of your hand. And if you are even more like us, this had led you to wonder how to best accessorize it. Well, the Founder’s of Cell Belle* have a few suggestions: Inspired by the creative phone accessories they spotted in Asia and Europe, Cell Belle* is now bringing the trend to North America. At Cellbelle.com, a local company, you will find an assortment of clever antenna pendants, with new products being added frequently. And the rage is catching on, fast! It isn’t enough to adorn your ears and neck and fingers with baubles. Now there’s jewelry for your keys, your purse, your shoes....and now, naturally, your cell phone....the one thing your busy life will not allow you to be without. Remember the holidays are rapidly approaching and products from Cell Belle* would make great stocking stuffers and a cool, unique gift...get ‘em now and be a trendsetter! |
 Cellbelle.com |
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| 9 | Urbane Zen in the Pearl and in Lake View Village is the perfect one stop shopping for everyone on your list. Whether it’s a lovely hostess gift that makes an immediate impact, a gift for your mother, your sister, your husband, your dog, this is your beautiful and very clever store for the holidays. Some of their cool items we love for the holiday include:
They also offer 7 pre-wrapped gift boxes ranging from $12 - $44. They include Sex on The Beach, Instant Karma, Sea you Soon, Drinks on Me, Flower Power, Face Basics, and Attitude Adjustment Arsenal. The gift ideas abound at Urbane Zen. Save time and get the best for everyone on your list. The oohs and ahhs will echo when they open up a gift from Urbane Zen, our Portland Pick’s favorite shopping destination! Urbane Zen |
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| 10 | In Good Taste has the perfect gift ideas for the foodie in your life. For the latest cookbooks, wine, classes, knives, glassware, and more, head to In Good Taste. They have everything you need to make you an instant gourmet.
All Clad Stainless Steel Rectangular Chafing Dish
Staub’s Stylish Cocotte
Professional Knives
Wine
But you’ll Need Something to drink it out of. In Good Taste also offers the complete selection of Riedel “O” glasses; the perfect gift for anyone on your list that’s of drinking age. These are hot! In Good Taste Cooking School – get cooking! In Good Taste |
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| 11 | Farwest Golf No worries. Enter the E-Z Go Freedom, the ultimate state of the art personal golf car to limo you around. And you can totally cherry it out with gold hubcaps, spike cleaner, dual halogen headlights and so much more. The perfect holiday gift idea for you. Let Freedom Ring. Farwest Golf |
 Farwest Golf |
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| 12 | Art Media Ever since we saw Ghost, we imagined that if we only had a loft studio with a potter’s wheel, we could very easily throw a pot. Okay, we could probably throw a pot, but we mean, wha-lah, an exquisite one. We figured if we had the tools, we’d be practically famous. And we could say, buh-bye Honey, I’ll be in my studio (of course then he’d sneak in later.....or so it goes in your mind; why can't he read it?!!). We’re almost positive if we had watercolors, we could paint; if we had charcoal and a sketch pad, we could create a portrait, and it would surely look like something, no doubt something recognizable. And then we could have a real live art show, maybe even more than our family would attend, maybe we’d even become annoyingly famous and no longer be able to dine out. Or not. At least we could still say, “I’ll be in my studio.” It sounds good, and it’s good for our mental state, all that creating. Who knows what we could do. We are still young and the sky’s the limit. Our life is a Works in Progress, and we can still aspire to be something we when grow up. Art Media....art therapy. Get shopping. Art Media |
 Art Media Online.com |
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| 13 | Cielo! Our favorite Store in the whole wide world, Cielo Home, has the most incredible holiday gift items. We are hyperventilating...still. Cielo Home in the Pearl has “enticements old and new.” And believe you me, enticed is an understatement. We don’t even have enough friends and family for all we “accidentally” bought there (we may have to make some quick new friends to rationalize this extravaganza....think they’d be creeped out? You know, so soon.) They have one incredibly unique and lush gift after the next. From their adorable Chocolat mug and decadent hot chocolate, their elegant French Milled version of soap on a rope, Diptyque candles, clever and beautiful ceramic styled dishes in the shape of your glasses (obviously a little home for them when not on you), one of a kind china and antique accessories, gorgeous silver holiday star candle holders....oh my, we could go on and on. Of course their furniture, man, out of this world quite literally, but that’s another story.... Oh yeah, since, let’s face it, it’s really all about you, they have a gift registry too. Cielo |
 Shop Cielo.com |
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| 14 | First you buy the shoes, then you buy the outfit to go
with the shoes.
Halo Shoes is filled to the brim with one-of-a-kind exclusive footwear from top Italian designers. If you are getting all duded up for the holidays, remember it's the shoes that make or break any ensemble....and Halo Shoes has a unique selection of sexy high leather sling-backs, updated white patent leather Mary Janes and gobs of fabulous boots! Our very favorite is the Le Silla brown and blue pumps in the window. We just stare at them wantonly; adorned with brown silk ribbon and bejeweled with sparkly bling for the well-heeled attention your tootsies deserve. Can't you just picture how sexy you'll be at that holiday cocktail party wearing these? For unique shoes you won't find elsewhere, like their fur-lined shoes and boots, locally made knit caps, and the coolest selection of darling handbags, Halo is a must on your next Shopping trip! Halo Shoes |
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| Portland Pick’s Movie Pick: | |||
| Sideways, starring Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church,
Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh
If you haven’t heard the reviews of this small indie film, then you probably haven’t heard there might just be 5 or 6 Oscar noms for the cast as well as the movie. Paul Giamatti (American Splendor), one of our favorite character actors, stars as Miles, a middle-school English teacher, wine connoisseur and buddy to Jack (Thomas Haden Church of Wings), a handsome “has-been” TV actor who’s marrying into a wealthy Armenian family. While Jack loves the ladies, Miles is still mourning the breakup of his marriage (it’s been two years since the divorce)... Miles cooks up a wine country tour in the Santa Ynez Valley as a send-off to Jack’s last days of bachelordom, and the adventure begins... Let’s face it, Jack’s trying to bed as many women as possible before he marries AND get his buddy Miles laid so he’ll forget about the divorce. Miles, on the other hand, is just psyched for some fantastic wine and bonding time. What follows is a touching film with plenty of laughs but a lot of heart. In the genre of buddy movies, it reminds us a bit of Swingers...yet it’s a quieter film. We’re even more excited there are two strong female roles in a male
buddy film as Jack and Miles meet up with biker chick/wine pourer Stephanie
(the talented Sandra Oh) and waitress Maya (the long absent Virginia Madsen).
You’ll be thinking about this film long after leaving the theater... |
 Movie Phone.com |
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| Must Have CD: | |||
U2, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb If you missed Saturday Night Live with U2 as the featured musical guest, you missed quite a show! Not that we didn’t know Bono, Larry Mullen, Adam Clayton and The Edge were talented Grammy Award-winning musicians (to the tune of 14), but they’ve returned after a prolonged absence with a renewed vigor that’s making us think they’ll soon be up for another. Standouts are Vertigo (the catchy tune in the new iPod commercials), Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own (an ode to Bono’s dead father), and A Man and a Woman. Sure, it’s no Joshua Tree, but it’s a mature sound from an ever-maturing band. Pick it up today at www.amazon.com ($10.99). |
 Buy Now! |
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| Portland Pick’s Cocktail of the Week: | |||
| Cider and Tequila Hot Toddy (this and more seasonal cocktails
at www.epicurious.com)
Huddle around a crackling fire at your Ski House to enjoy this Tequila-infused alternative to the traditional Toddy...
In a saucepan heat cider and cranberry juice cocktail just until hot (do not let boil) and remove from heat. Stir in tequila and liqueur. Garnish with lime slices or cinnamon sticks. Makes about six cups. Serve them up holiday style in a mug from www.crateandbarrel.com
($10.95)! |
 Crate and Barrel.com |
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| Chick Picks: Comfort and Joy | |||
| 1 | Tis the Season for ..... Aluminum?! Okay, ‘for real,’ we are persnickety about our trees. It MUST have only clear lights, antique glass ornaments, only a Noble Fir will do, nothing else is good enough (no Charlie Brown trees here.) But there is something intriguing about just storing your tree in the basement after Christmas, and you don’t have to water it, or forget to water it, no fussing with lights, and then there’s the dreaded pine needles that clog the vacuum. And it certainly beats the flocked tree of yesteryear. You could have a theme....go retro. Simplify. Introduced to the market in 1959, the aluminum Christmas tree soon became a staple in people's homes during the holidays. Aluminum trees had a unique, "modern" look that appealed to consumers during the Space Age. Well Surprise, Surprise, they're making a comeback! And why not?! They're easy to set up and take down and they don't require the stringing of lights, due to the potential of electrical shock (!). Instead lighting is provided separately by a rotating color wheel - a spotlight with three or four colored lenses that changed the apparent color of the tree as the lens rotates in front of the light. Makes sense to us. You can’t get more Doris Day than that! Why have a boring tree when
you can have a conversation piece? |
 Aluminum Christmas Trees.net |
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| 2 | Philosophy’s always cooking up something divine for your bod, and this year’s no exception. While we don’t recommend actually imbibing these yummy cocktails for the senses, we do advise you to head to www.philosopy.com and pick up their Hot Toddies Cookbook ASAP! Inspired by the flavors of the season, relax and enjoy their super luxurious 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner and body wash formulas in three sumptuous scents ...old-fashioned eggnog, double rich hot cocoa and spiced apple cider! Warm yourself up on a cold winter’s day --- your body will drink up every last drop ($30)... |
 Philosophy.com |
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| 3 | Pucker up, pretty girl! Science comes to the rescue once again! You wouldn’t dare leave the house without your lips looking luscious, and now there’s an easy way to get that plumped up, pouty look with City Lips Sets. This revolutionary collagen enhancing lip treatment uses Celadrol and Oligopeptide Technology. Talk about kissable! Those pesky fine lines and wrinkles will fade fast, leaving you with a full, sexy pout and an attitude to boot. And...the shades are to die for...Sun Diego, San FranKissco, Plum Springs, Barecelona & a Clear Nighttime Treatment (a $75 value for only $29 at www.sephora.com.)
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 City Lips |
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| 4 | What don’t we love about Development’s luxe velvet hobo bags at www.shopintuition.com? Hobos abound this season, but if you’re looking for an elegant statement when you’re hitting the holiday hot spots you’ll adore this indulgent item that will surely satisfy your runaway purse fetish! The sturdy leather handles and chain mesh detail make this the primo purchase for accessorizing that “look at me” get-up you’re sporting this weekend. Pick one up before they vanish at www.shopintuition.com ($410). |
 Shop Intuition.com |
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| 5 | Foxy fashionistas know the devil’s in the details this season, so show them your sassy side and invest in some signature pieces that take your outfit to a whole new level. We’re loving Banana Republic’s elegant and frisky additions to their holiday collections. Invest in some long gloves and pair them with a bling bling bracelet as shown, or pick up this flirty, feminine blouse and make his heart go pitter pat when he arrives at your doorstep... Check out these holiday musts and more without breaking the bank at www.bananarepublic.com (gloves $88, silk ruffled blouse $68).
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| 6 | With the holidays, and the chilly time off, comes the snow, and hopefully enough of it to get us to the mountain for some skiing! After all, we need somewhere to show off all those Alpine chic clothes we just unwrapped. Maybe if you’re really, really good, Santa will bring you some Bogner Skis. But these are not your normal Bogners. No, these are a limited edition high-performance collector’s item. Made of bamboo and steel, each pair comes with a silver microfiber traveling case and personalized nameplate. You will look so slick on the slopes, they are even bound to significantly improve your skiing. You will not only feel good, you will look good too, which, let’s face it, is the most important thing. |
 Indigo Snow.com |
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| 7 | Snowday! Get ready, get set, be prepared. It’s coming.
And you know what happened last year. A whole additional week of Christmas
vacation with the darlings. Make sure you are prepared this year, to keep those
kids busy and outside for hours.
Restoration Hardware has everything you need to occupy the little buggers for endless outdoor play. A snowman Kit – comes with everything but the snow – to help your little ones make the perfect Snowman and be the envy of the hood; there’s a sno-ball maker for the little persnickety chip off the ole block....makes a perfectly round snowball and you don’t have to get your mittens wet; and for mommy dearest, retro Ski USA cards so while the kids play, you and your neighbor can play rummy in front of the fire, and chill out. |
 Restoration Hardware.com |
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Once again, thanks for visiting Portland Picks! If we haven’t said it before, thanks for being such loyal readers...we are incredibly inspired by you every day... With that said, we’ll do everything in our Portland Pick’s power to reward you with plenty of holiday cheer --- mental, spiritual and, of course, keeping you in the know about the holiday items we deem you simply MUST have... We’ll see you next time; be sure to email us at contact@portlandpicks.com with feedback, questions, rants & raves! XOXO, |
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