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presenting |
| PORTLAND PICKS | ||
| life + style to you: every Friday | ||
| December 10, 2004 |
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Portland Picks: Pick me, Pick me! We would be remiss in our duty if you were sitting there worried about
what to get all the difficult hers and hims on your list! Banish the thought,
we at Portland Picks are full of all the very best things to get the very
best folks in your life. We even have shops that you enter and leave having
successfully purchased the lion’s share of your list! We will tell you
where and what and how much. And after you’ve shopped, we will tell
you where to drop (a spa, of course!) Check out the holiday gift guide and
leave your worries on the doorstep. We have all that and more! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Cheeky B in the Pearl Just weeks new, we felt like we walked into a store named ‘Portland Picks’. Hello! Mind readers, we wanted everything (this job is so hazardous.) A colorful and glorious space, a one-stop shopping center for all things cool and unique, try to leave unburdened! Your friends will think you put so much thought into their gift, when truly they are at your fingertips jumping out at you (“pick me, pick me”).
“I’m picking out a thermos for you…and not an ordinary thermos will do…” from their darling collection of the classic thermos...in stripes, dots, funky flowers; handmade purses, hats and flowers from the Scandinavian designers En Gry & Sif (www.engryogsif.da), adorable kids section including our favorite Mini Mink; modern glassware and Pucci style china; Hat Box gift sets of soaps and lotions from Dressed; and fluffy pink feather wreaths from Tres Femme (our favorite!). Make sure you write down your own wish list of goodies and then tell everyone you know where they need to go: cheeky b. cheeky b (across from rei.) |
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| 2 | Glitter Ornaments These sparkly handmade fashion ornaments are the perfect hostess gift. In
fact, we wanted to get our own little pink aluminum tree to decorate with
every one of their collections. We had to buy the high heels for our shoe
fetish friends, the pink tutu for our nieces, the gold and fur party dress
for a holiday hostess gift, and a collection in every color for each of our
girlfriends. She makes 4 dress styles - Wave, Audrey, Doris and Strapless
($8.50); 2 shoe styles, Pump and Spike (The pump can be either rounded or
squared off - $6.50, 7.50...important details!); purses in 3 styles, Classy,
Cocktail, and Angular (6.50); and mittens (8.50). Hannah makes them with glamorous
attention to detail that radiates love and care, created right here in Portland.
We simply cannot have enough. |
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| 3 | Purple Haze Purple Haze creates fuzzy handmade thick knit skirts for little girls. We loved the pink one with the fuzzy white seam for the holidays, just perfect for some little girl to get all dolled up and wear to the Nutcracker. We wished they had grown up ones. We’d be all over that (hint, hint). Our Purple Haze creator was easily inspired by her adorable three-year-old daughter. Love is the best motivation, especially this season. Contact: purplehazeljean@yahoo.com |
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| 4 | Make Your Bed and Lie in it. French Quarter has luscious gifts. In addition to their dreamy high thread count linens, they have something for everyone on your list. We picked up a delightful coffee table book, Hamptons Bohemia, about the evolution and history of the famed artists and writers who colonized the Hamptons over the past decades. They had beautiful Estaban products from France and we loved their very clever Eucalyptus Blue Rock Potpourri ($35). They have candles, pillows, china, books, robes, room fragrance and linen sprays, and on and on. And everything is elegantly displayed. If only this could be your boudoir, and you could just curl up and take a nap. Think they’d mind? French Quarter |
 French Quarter Linens.com |
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| 5 | Urban Outfitters has kitschy and catchy friend gifts. From their Miss Swiss pink knife (think Swiss Army Knife but pink and girly) that contains a nail file, perfume, bottle opener, tweezers, needle and thread, compact and everything else you need for survival when you are “out there” in the wild [shopping malls]. A must for every woman’s purse. They also have fondue sets, cool toaster ovens, soap on a rope (actually “Pope on a Rope” to be specific). And a great array of books like Pat the Politician (a funny take on Pat the Bunny) and games (for grownups), furry pillows, edible candy cane shot glasses, not to mention their very cool clothes. There is something for everyone on your Naughty list, especially if you’re after a good laugh. Warning: this store is not suitable for kids, unless they can’t yet read. www.Urbanoutfitters.com |
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| 6 | Rumi Simone With a gorgeous retail space downstairs and a soothing, beautifully designed spa upstairs, Rumi Simone is our new favorite spa in town. It feels like an elegant destination spa with attention to every detail. After an exhausting day of shopping, ascend the staircase into their tantalizing spa and into an oasis from the frenzied hustle of the holidays and the outside world. Enter one of their private suites; a peaceful place of pampering just for you. From facial treatments, resurfacing, royal baths and massage, hand and foot care, and salon services, this is a divine experience for you, or a brilliant gift idea for another. We loved the beautiful Duet Suite with fireplace, and the romantic duet package is a great present for the two of you. Sometimes we need to get away for date night, and this makes a very special evening. You remember that handsome fellow you live with, don’t you? The Perfect Romantic Duet journey starts with a relaxing customized Royal Bath followed by a one hour side by side aromatherapy massage. This “journey” is fulfilled with a rain shower and a glass of champagne. Rekindle the flame and soothe the soul and be exchanging blushing glances come new years ($285) You’ll feel pampered and relaxed after a visit to Rumi Simone. It’s quite frankly difficult to get people to leave. Rumi Simone |
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| 7 | Ring in the Holidays The holidays are often a time when couples profess their undying love for one another, and offer a symbol of their love. There is no greater gift under the tree than that tiny little ring box (Hint, hint. Do we have to spell it out?) But wouldn’t it be even more meaningful to give a one-of-a-kind customized engagement ring? Something thoughtful and created just for you? That’s where Dailing Designs comes in. Jim Dailing will work closely with you (or him) to create a ring that transcends a powerful symbol and becomes something much more meaningful than a generic store bought special. Okay, the holidays aren’t always filled with love. They can sometimes be a bitter reminder of not-so-great holidays past with what’s his face. If that’s the case. Santa has something perfect for you too! "The Great Ring Meltdown", which is a micro workshop that Jim Dailing offers on Saturdays. It is a ritualistic and somewhat therapeutic workshop for divorcees to melt down their old wedding rings. Now, that’s golden! Contact Jim Dailing, 503.481.1323 |
 Dailing Designs |
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| 8 | You are a Wonder Woman Physical Element has all the yoga, fitness, and comfort wear you will ever need for every activity in your life. These outfits make you feel good while you’re doing it, not to mention look good. And they are also selling Wonder Woman Underoos, a must have item for every Wonder Woman in your life. Other Holiday Gift Ideas under $40
Physical Element will be open 7 days a week between Thanksgiving and Christmas. They will be offering a gift registry as well as free gift-wrapping to make your holiday a little less stressful. Physical Element |
 Physical Element.com |
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| 9 | Cielo Home for the Holidays Cielo has tons of incredible gifts from $5 to $5,000. Their china selection is out of this world. If you plan on getting married, or are just tired of your current china, why not start collecting another set? You can never have too many sets of china (think heirlooms). Why, you can have one for your every mood, your every occasion. Why not register at Cielo and tell all your family and friends to buy a piece for every birthday or holiday and until you have them all? You don’t need to just be getting married to register for china. Cielo has a unique collection of books that always make a great gift, New York and California Pop Up books, great coffee table books (like the photography book by Tom Ford). They have beautiful vintage-inspired initials to hang on your tree and light things up for the holidays or year round. They carry Mor skincare products that are beautifully packaged and heavenly to use. We loved their Antica Farmacista from France! They carry Elton John Rocks. Okay, he rocks, but this is actual “rocks”.... a potpourri like you have never seen before... Exquisite, they can be displayed in any room of the home, in any container you choose and they smell divine in fragrances like hyacinth, freesia, rose and jasmine. Very innovative and a great gift idea. These new additions to the Elton John Collection help benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Cool stuff, fantastic cause, great vibes and wonderful scents to lift your spirits. Their Marie belle chocolates are the greatest in the world and always make a lovely gift. MarieBelle™ chocolates combine the finest chocolate eclectic ingredients, and artisanal techniques, creating nothing less than works of art. The chocolates resemble semi-precious jewels as displayed in their beautiful Italian boxes. Instant royalty status, just holding one! Cielo Home is a must on your next outing. Cielo Home |
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| 10 | Give Strength - Hope- Courage Strength-Hope-Courage bracelets are $2.00 each and raise money for the local Komen foundation. Order online www.clickon.kpcorp.com/nwcancer
Or pick them up for all your girlfriends at the following retail locations:
While you’re at it, buy 10. This would make a very special stocking
stuffer for every woman in your life. |
 Strength - Hope - Courage |
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| 11 | Art House Winter will officially be here in 11 days. We in Portland know what that means - time to get to work on that project you have been thinking about all year. For some it will be knitting that sweater with the hood and zipper (good luck!). A few patient souls will take up pottery, we are certain the pinch pot will be stunning. And others, the most ambitious of you, will finally tackle the 43 shoeboxes of photos you want to get organized. We at Portland Picks support you; you are very, very brave. But of course, if you are going to do it, you may as well do it with style, and that's where we come in! We know where all the coolest paper crafters in Portland get their supplies, Art House on NE Broadway. Behind the doors to this nondescript storefront, you will find enough papers, colors, accessories, scissors, stickers, ribbons, stamps, pens, and scrapbooks to inspire and encourage you - you can do this! The shop is divided into themes - baby, wedding, sports, vacation, school, etc. - making it very easy to find exactly what you need and what goes together, all the while giving you lots of ideas (we need lots of handholding in this department). Examples of completed pages decorate the store for further inspiration. But Art House is about more than just scrapbooks. They carry a large selection of cards and stationery that you can personalize with stickers, stamps, or your own artwork. (Hey, make your own holiday cards!) And for those of you who think scrap booking is about teddy bears and gingham, think again. Art house offers hip designs from lines like Waste Not Paper, Chronicle Books, Memory Box, Pulp Paper Products, Sassafras Lass and Savvy Stamps. If you really don't know how to get started or want to pick up some new skills try a class or let Art House host a fun and creative party for you and your friends. Art House |
 Art House |
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| 12 | Tea for Two or Just for You Brrrrr the weather out there is frightful and you need to feel delightful. Your feet are starting to swell. Your hands are aching from carrying all those shopping bags. Why not duck into the historical Heathman for a warm break? Sit in front of the fireplace and have some hot cider in the Tea Court beautifully decorated for the holidays. The Heathman is filled with incredible works of art including a collection of Andy Warhol, the two 18th century Claude Galle and, of course, original works of art in every guest room. You can make a mini vacation. Shop until you drop and then stay the night. Take advantage of their special holiday package: Drink, Shop and Be Merry. Package includes one night's stay with valet parking, continental breakfast for two, holiday tin of spiced cider and a Heathman tote bag. $159 per room, double occupancy. Additional nights $139. After a long day of shopping you can come back to hotel and curl up with a good book from their library and sip your hot cider. Heaven! Pure Heaven! Heathman Hotel, Portland, Ore. |
 Heathman Hotel.com |
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| 13 | Foo Foo Bunnies: Made in Gearhart, OR The Foo Story FooFooBunnies are quirky. They are unique. They make folks smile, that is their job and they are designed just for that reason. Our world is staggeringly complex and increasingly scary. Our days and experiences are filled with machines that buzz, hum, beep, honk and ring. Lights flash, whirly gigs whirl and everything goes fast. Signs tell us what to buy, where to go and how our dreams should look. If you crave simple, happy and unique for you and your loved ones... start with a Foo. No batteries required. We promise! Foo Foo Bunnies (which by the way, we love to say) donates bunnies to hospitals and children’s programs, and a percentage of the profit from the sale of every Foo Foo Bunny product goes to non-profit organizations that benefit the well-being and safety of children. Buy something lovely for someone lovely and make someone far away smile. foofoobunnies |
 Foo Foo Bunnies.com |
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| 14 | Jelly Bath – Find Your Happy Jelly Bath is so cool. It’s like a bath blanket, a cradling feeling, soothing luxury, and there’s nothing like it in the world. We scoffed and poked fun but when we tried Jelly Bath, we became believers. Deep warmth delivered to your muscles, this amazing instant soothing sensation and a feeling that all is well in the world, it is a must have for the season. Jelly Bath is a rejuvenating experience with therapeutic and deep cleansing remedies. Give this unique experience for the holidays. To get a feel for the product you must check out their website...feels like you’re taking a bath. You can buy online or pick up Jelly Bath at Ziva Salon at 610 NW 23rd; 503.221.6990 |
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| 15 | Pick a Flower Give a flower for the holidays: With
this holiday season fast approaching us, omondieu! rings and brooches
make for the most ultimate gifts of giving. Sharing with those we hold closest
to hearts, they've created flowers that are lasting, unique and individual
in their statements. Each flower symbolizing it's own meaning. Love, Friendship,
Honesty, Loyalty, Beauty, Compassion, Wealth. Flowers that last on and on
and on, regardless of the season, just as a true gift should. |
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| 16 | Pet stockings You mustn’t forget the pets on your list. They are a part of the family and deserve a special holiday treat. We have a local pet stocking maker just for you. The stockings are $36 and that includes the monogram (your pets monogram…all the rage). The pet name can be embroidered on the stocking band for an additional $9 (1-5 letters) or $12 (6-10 letters). Who knows how many bad guys Fido has chased away while you snore (demurely, of course), show your love with a stocking that Santa will not miss. These stockings will be available online and at Urban Grind Coffee in the Pearl District (911 NW 14th) or via their website, www.wagswag.com And be sure to check out their other great gifts for the urban pet. |
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| 17 | Ipod: Love me Love my Playlist For the
music lover on your list, this truly is the IT gift of the season. (Apple
is selling millions to the Early Adopter…that’s you!) Honestly,
the mini Ipod is really all you need, with room for 1000 of your favorite
songs. It plugs into itunes, you can dangerously and with great ease, download
song after song, and wha-lah it goes right into the ipod. It just knows. It’s
practically magic. And if we can use it, anyone can. And then you are a member
of the cool club, and you can share playlists that you have created and feel
like a teenager again. You can even buy the ipod with 400+ U2 songs already
in it. And then there’s the case. Another Must-have accessory of the
season. |
 Ipod.com |
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| 18 | Get Organized! The Northwest is so filled with talent, we can’t stand it. It makes our job of Picking, or knit picking in this case, so easy. The Organized Knitter makes the most clever and adorable handmade knitting needle cases. This is the ideal present for the knitter you know. The Organized Knitter needle cases are built with durable materials in fabulous fabric selections. Cases are designed to hold combinations of straight, circular and double-pointed needles. We do not knit, nor know anything about knitting, but we want to take up knitting so we can use these stylish cases. |
 Organized Knitter.com |
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| 19 | “Please pass the cabana boy!” Give a set of unique and clever girlfriend cards to your best friend or
the desperate housewife on your list. Each card set includes 6 different 5
x7 cards with colorful envelopes. Show them your love and remind them to keep
in touch. Inside messages include: ”Please pass the cabana boy,”
“Is anyone else hot? Or is it just me?” “Sales on. I’m
going in. Cover me,” to name a few cute examples. |
 Cullen Reed Sullivan.com |
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| 20 | eat.shop.portland 2005 The new edition of Kaie Wellman’s book, eat.shop.portland is finally out, featuring gobs of businesses we adore! This book is gorgeous and all about everything we love in this beautiful town (eating and shopping at the hottest places!). It has a spread with color photographs; address, phone number, website and hours; featured items and a descriptive paragraph. The book also has detailed maps with indicators of the profiled businesses. It’s a bible, a staple, a must on your list. Pick up one for all your friends. They make a great hostess gift for your savvy sistahs. And with 76 businesses profiled (50 of them new to this edition!), you have
your shopping and eating cut out for you. These are your marching orders for
the new year -- resolution: patronize every venue in eat.shop.portland by
March! Chop chop. Times a wastin. |
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| 21 | Teddy Bear Gifts Bring Joy to Women With Cancer One of the ways the OHSU Center for Women's Health's gynecologic oncology team has been offering hope and comfort to their patients is by bringing them a cuddly teddy bear soon after surgery. Now, by making a gift of five teddy bears to the Teddy Bear Program, you can receive your own teddy bear. When you send a contribution of $50.00 ($30.00 is tax deductible) five women will receive Healing Teddy Bears from you, and we will mail a sixth Teddy Bear to you or someone of your choice. Please contact Wendy Mitchell, program manager of the OHSU Center for Women's Health, at 503 494-1295, to make your gift. For information about the Teddy Program. |
 OHSU Womens Health.com |
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| 22 | Santa Calling Sometimes it’s not enough to just send a letter to Santa. He might not totally get how much you want that Barbie video camera or that puppy your parents would never get you. He might need to hear it from the horse’s mouth. And let’s face it, how many of your friends get to talk to ‘the man’ himself? You’ll be the coolest kid on the block. And if anything makes a believer, it’s this personal experience. Only the best for your precious. A more realistic MAGICAL Santa experience is ready for your child at Santa Speaking.com. No more long lines at the mall, no more icky looking Santa with a bad beard or bad breath, and no more excuses. Your children can talk to Santa Claus in the comfort and safety of their own home. No more scary, strange Santa at the mall for your babies, no siree! ALSO! The real Santa will know their name including middle name, who their teacher is, and if they have been the good little kids Santa knows they are. You personalize the call by providing information for Santa to reference when he calls! And what about the Santa keepsake? They’ve got it covered! Your little cherubs cute little voice will be captured on CD talking with Santa. You will be able to hear the excitement in their voices, what they asked Santa, what they said that they wanted for Christmas, everything. How great to have it recorded so you can listen to it over and over, you can even share it with their children one day! Calls are 3-5 minutes in length and are $15 before December 15th and $20 after December 15th. Calls are personalized and scheduled when you place your order. You can tell them as much or as little about your child and choose the best time for Santa to call. Telephone! Santa’s calling, and it’s for you. Hope you’ve been good this year. |
 Santa Speaking.com |
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| Holiday Book Ideas: Chick Lit | |||
Are You My Boyfriend? From the funny girls of SimplyShe comes Are You My Boyfriend?, a book for any woman who has braved the wide world of dating. Here are 19 familiar guys we all know and have dated (or hated) at least once in our lives. The book's canny wit sheds light on the recognizable characteristics and behavior patterns of the "It's Not You It's Me Guy", "But He's Got a Great Personality Guy", "Couldn't Be Nicer Guy", "Mr. Lady Lover Guy", "Are You Gay Guy", and more. Are You My Boyfriend? is a comical reality check, an essential post-date classification tool, and a must-have impulse gift for friends, girlfriends, co-workers, and even for you. Get the skinny on who you’re dating, who you’ve dated, quite
a conversation piece for women and men alike. Hilarious. |
 Buy Now! |
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He's Just Not That Into You : The No-Excuses Truth to
Understanding Guys He says: Oh sure, they say they're busy. They say that they didn't have even a moment in their insanely chaotic day to pick up the phone. It was just that crazy. All lies. With the advent of cell phones and speed dialing, it is almost impossible not to call you. Sometimes I call people from my pants pocket when I don't even mean to. If I were into you, you would be the bright spot in my horribly busy day. Which would be a day that I would never be too busy to call you. For ages women have come together over coffee, cocktails, or late-night phone chats to analyze the puzzling behavior of men.
Finally there’s a book that is here to tell you -- despite good intentions -- you're wasting your time. Men are not complicated, although they'd like you to think they are. And there are no mixed messages. The truth may be He's just not that into you. This book will spare women hours of waiting by the phone, obsessing over the details with sympathetic girlfriends, and hoping his mixed messages really mean "I'm in love with you and want to be with you." (Even though it’s simply fun to do! That and pranking and driving by. Kills time at any rate.) He's Just Not That Into You is provocative and intoxicatingly liberating. It knows you're a beautiful, smart, funny woman who deserves better. The next time you feel the need to start "figuring him out," consider the glorious thought that maybe He's just not that into you. And then set yourself loose to go find the one who is |
 Buy now! |
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| Portland Pick's Guilty Pleasure TV Pick: Huff | |||
Huff, starring Hank Azaria, Paget Brewster, Blythe Danner, Oliver Platt and Anton Yelchin (Showtime, 10 pm Sundays) If you’re looking for an off-kilter dramedy with an infinitely talented cast, look no further than HUFF on Showtime. Multiple Emmy-winner Hank Azaria, the talented character actor and voice for at least a dozen characters on the Simpsons, has finally found his groove in the role of Dr. Craig “Huff” Huffstodt, a successful and wealthy psychiatrist cruising through life on autopilot. After an unforeseeable tragedy (graphic for the squeamish) in which a 15-year old gay patient kills himself in Huff’s office after coming out to his parents (no spoiler --- the premise of the entire series is built around this event), Huff’s life is inevitably altered. While it may seem gruesome, this unique series is about re-awakening, including how one deals with roles such as parent, friend & lover after such a life-changing event… Blythe Danner plays Huff’s mother (who lives upstairs in the manse)
with zeal, delivering her share of caustic barbs to Huff’s wife (Paget
Brewster a.k.a. Punky Brewster). Also of note is Oliver Platt as Huff’s
decadent and off-color attorney who shocks and surprises each episode (think
hookers, drugs & whatever else he can get his hands on). Look for laughs,
trials & tribulations for the Huffstodts over the 13-episode arc. Is Huff
imagining the homeless man he keeps coming to the aid of? Will he stop seeing
his dead patient and will his dead patient stop talking to him? To complicate
matters, Huff’s brother is a schizophrenic in a long-term care facility…Will
Huff end up rooming with him anytime soon? Tune in Sundays at 10 pm (you won’t
miss Desperate Housewives!) --- you won’t regret it. |
 Sho.com |
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| Chick Sightings – What We're Seeing Now | |||
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | “Riches at Rimsky’s”. Ten women artists selling handmade gifts. Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 11-12, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Rimsky-Korsakoffee House |
 Riches at Rimskys.com |
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| 2 | Over My Naked Body.” Fashion, music & performance with local designers Cherish, Chemical Weddings, Bella Sisters and elohe. Sunday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. The Fenix |
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| 3 | Shop Olivia Belle. Olivia Belle Holiday Hours:
Come by the store before December 24th and enter to win a $250 gift certificate! Olivia Belle |
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Tis the season to get unreasonable and we have one word for you, delegate! As our dear friend Stuart (terribly English) always says, “I have a man to do that for me.” We will be your ‘woman’ to do the legwork and find the fantastic holiday shops and gifts and gear. Delegate, darlings! We simply refuse to get worked up about this hectic holiday season. A little libation, giving into temptation and lots of delegation! All the best to you and yours from all of us at Portland Picks. XOXOXOXO |
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