Simply Divine:

Valentine’s Day was created for proposals. Want to reign "supreme thoughtful male" for all of eternity? Buck up and pop the question! Sure, it’s scary at first, like all extreme sports, but once you make the decision to take the ultimate challenge—love ever after, you’ll be calm as a cucumber and ready for that life-extending intensity that is marriage. Don’t relish the moment too long; you gotta kick it into gear. There are plans to be made!

To start, send her on her “marry” way to only the finest bridal boutique in Portland, Divine Designs. There’s no time like the present to shop for gowns, check out the marketplace. Divine Designs Bridal Boutique, the premier bridal boutique in Portland, opened the doors of their new showroom yesterday on the corner of 17th and Glisan (512 NW 17th Street) in the Pearl District. The showroom is in the Sweeney, Straub and Dimm historical building, and it’s simply divine.

In celebration of their new location, Divine Designs will be holding a Vera Wang Trunk Show today and tomorrow, February 4 – 5, 2005. Vera Wang has become an icon in America for couture fashion. The trunk show will feature Vera Wang’s newest collection, which will only be available at Divine Designs, February 4 – 5. A 10 percent discount will be offered on all purchases during the trunk show.

Also, all brides who visit during the trunk show will receive a complimentary Bravo! Wedding Resource Guide. You are now officially on your way to wedded bliss!

Nothing but the best for your princess! So Wow her with the Perfect Valentine’s Day gift she’ll never forget.

Nothing will make her happier than a Valentine's Mercedes-Benz C230 Sport Sedan from Mercedes-Benz of Portland! (Okay, you can drive it too.) But wait, that's not all, if you say you heard about it from Portland Picks, just for test driving any car, she can enter to win a gift certificate to a swanky Portland spa (or you can have it for yourself)! Now if that doesn't make it worth a visit and a purchase, we don't know what does.

Now don't be afraid, this is affordable. Did you know that you can purchase a Mercedes-Benz for the Low $30’s? (That’s thousands by the way). And Mercedes is offering it at a lease payment of $349 a month if you act now. That’s practically what you spend a month on Starbucks.

This Mercedes-Benz makes quite a statement. Sporty, stylish, just like her. It has her name all over it. Every time she turns the key, she will think, “I am loved!” Plus they have many new models out and more to come. And did you know they are the very first Mercedes-Benz dealership in the United States! You simply must stop by to take a look. The people at Mercedes-Benz of Portland are lovely, just like their cars. We adore them! It’s a very civilized experience. Just stop by and meet the really nice people of Mercedes-Benz of Portland and see for yourself, and hey, the lattes are on them! (See....more money toward that lease!)

Mercedes-Benz of Portland
SW Naito Pwky. Portland, OR
Located on the corner of SW Market and Naito Pkwy. 1605
(Downtown, with complimentary valet parking included)
503-228-8351
www.portland.mercedescenter.com
“Really Nice People. Really Nice Cars”

Urbane Zen, one of our very favorite stores in the whole wide world, has gorgeous gifts for your sweetheart that will bring a pitter patter to her heart. One look at their signature take-out boxes and she’s forever yours.

• Be Mine gift box $20
  A box of 6 conversation heart bath fizzies in assorted colors and scents, tied up in a pretty package topped with Necco Conversation Heart Candies. Get these early, or call us to reserve some as they sell out VERY FAST. These are great for the love in your life as well as for kids and teens. They also make a great teacher gift.
• Edge of the Petal... gift box $14
  "It is at the edge of the petal that love waits" a quote by renowned poet William Carlos Williams epitomizes this wonderful gift; a rose bath fizzie, rose soap, rose heart-shaped candles and a feather all wrapped up in a beautiful gift box. This is the 2005 addition to their traditional Valentines pre-wrapped gift boxes. These will sell out early, too!
• PJ Salvage Valentine pajamas - leopard print cami and boy shorts with red lace and rose trim set. $70
• Latitude heart print capri pajama pant and cami set is $58. It is vibrantly multi -colored and VERY CUTE!
• Kiyomi 'hearts and roses" pajama pants in pale pink and white. Looks so amazing with a sexy cami.

All these and more. And they offer free gift-wrap for all Valentine’s gifts. You must stock up!

Urbane Zen
Pearl District
205 NW 10th Street
503.227.8852

385 First Street
Lake Oswego OR
503.697.5229.
www.urbanezen.com

A new Twist on Love
Visit Portland’s Twist at uptown or Pioneer Place and woo her with jewelry that shows her just how much you care:

• Cathy Waterman
  Love Pendant
  Wear Cathy Waterman's version of love around your neck with this 22K gold circular pendant. At 1 1/8" in diameter, this pendant looks gorgeous alone or coupled with other pieces. It comes on a long leather cord and can be worn at any length. It can also be worn hanging from Cathy's 22K Gold Lacy Chain. Make a statement that is both elegant and heirloom.
  $1,155.00
• Devon Page McCleary
  Open Heart Fleur de Lys Necklace
  This is an amazing piece from Devon Page McCleary's collection. A white gold open heart with a fleur de lys on the inside is entirely encrusted with pavé set diamonds. A little crown connects it to the center of a 16" white gold rosary chain. This necklace is spectacular and will be her most special piece. $4,500.00

Hub Optix: Jeepers Peepers, these are keepers!

Surprise the lady in your life with a glamorous pair of Robert Marc handmade sunglasses from Hob Optix! These gorgeous frames are handmade in France and have special details like rhinestones on the temples (our favorite!) Robert Marc’s frames feature his embellished temples and shapes and color combination to flatter any face. The sunglasses have gradient and polarized lens choices.

A new pair of glasses for your sweetie is a great Valentine’s gift. Ladies will love the new frame shapes and color combinations from French frame designers Face a Face or Alain Mikli. Sweet details and shapes for spring make Face a Face frames stand out. Alain Mikli is known for having unique styles and shapes, sure to please even the trendiest eyewear connoisseur. You can’t go wrong at Hub Optix! Hurry up and have a "look".

Hub Optix
700 SW 5th Ave
Portland, 97201
(503) 242-9090

Fancy That:

Gap Body has beautiful, sexy, frilly, silky lingerie—something she’ll actually wear, fancy that?

It’s vintage inspired and will definitely bring out her sexy side. Maybe it’s time to replenish the granny panties with some fancy pants. Gap body has darling undies in Valentine’s hues available in lace, mesh, eyelet, and florals.

And remember, this is a gift that keeps on giving!

Tie One On: Tie Bow Basket Bag

Well, really, isn’t it obvious? You can’t go wrong with a handbag. And just to ring in the season, pink is always perfect.

This little sweet bow basket bag from Isabella Fiore will do the trick just nicely (plus there’s room for Toto too). With wild wicker basket weave and a leather wrap around bow.

Show the love.

Send your affection with a little confection. Love letters cookies

There’s nothing more romantic than a love letter. Written with love, sealed with a kiss and no postage required from our favorite: Eleni’s NY • 18 hand-iced sugar cookies, the perfect sweets for your sweet.

A bitty bling: swarovski-encrusted crystalmini ipod

She is an early adopter, always the trendsetter, and the first on the block to have the pink ipod. Well don’t stop there, mister. You can’t forget the case, and not any old case will do for her. Handcrafted in pink with clear and light rose ribbon and swarovski crystals, this bit of bling will keep her getting noticed. $799 and 10% benefits breast cancer.

You can also choose among solid colors and funky patterns to custom design your own, decked out with about 1,000 swarovski crystals. Need we say more?

Available at www.crystalmini.com

Slightly Naughty Weekend Kit

Toss this in the overnight bag and turn a romantic weekend for two into an ever-so-slightly naughty escapade. Made in England, this kit includes a velvet blindfold, a feather tickler, Angelic Body Dust, Tender Kissing Glaze, fragrant bath salts, massage oil and floral soap.

Plan ahead to show you care. There's also a scroll with helpful suggestions for using the ingredients just in case you need some guidance, oh my!

My Flat in London

Hued fur is all the rage right now with the celebs, but try saving a few bunnies (and your conscience!) by picking up this plush faux fur pink satchel from My Flat in London.

Faux French mink is perfect in pink! Ultra-femme, furry purse throws in a bit of British wit with a Big Ben charm, sparkling rhinestone crown and signature grosgrain bow.

Want A Happy Love Life?

What if this year, instead of treating each other to candies, flowers or expensive meals, you did something good for your relationship? Wouldn't that be truly romantic?

Now is as good a time as any to invest in your relationship. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a workshop with Val Baldwin, certified professional coach, will help you clean out the dusty corners of your relationship, getting you in tip top shape for the arrival of spring.

How To Have The Ultimate Love Relationship
Discover the Secrets that Make Love Last a Lifetime

Why do some relationships work and others don't? Whether you're single, dating or married....this life-changing workshop is for you! Val Baldwin, CPC - TV show AM Northwest's monthly Life Success Coach and her husband of 25+ years, Matt Baldwin, M.S., M.P. - Neuro-Psychologist, are teaming up to share the proven secrets and solve the mysteries of what is needed to have the forever relationship everyone desires and deserves. They have seen why marriages fail and can prevent your relationship errors before you make them!

You will learn:

• The 3-part magic formula for relationship success
• How to speak each other's love language to feel respected, understood and cherished.
• The 3 scientifically proven ways to successfully resolve couple conflict.
• The secrets of the opposite sex and how to get along
• And much, much more!

When: Saturday, Feb 19, 1-5pm at the charming Oswego Heritage House, 398 10th Street, Lake Oswego, OR

Cost: $69/single, $109/couple

Register: Go to Val's website at www.valbaldwin.com
click on public seminars to register and pay on-line.

Questions: Call Val at 503-473-7901 or info@valbaldwin.com

Nothing says love like chocolate! Give the philosophy Chocolate-Lovers Cookbook to your love!

The Chocolate Lovers Cookbook is for chocolate aficionados across the planet that just can't get enough cocoa beans in their life.

A true chocolate lover's dream, the cookbook includes three delectable flavors: White Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, Chocolate Cream Coffee and Cafe Au Lait....all sans calories.

Pretty in Pink

I know it’s hard to think of spring right now, unfathomable, but maybe a glance at these fancy pants will get you in the mood or at least the spring mindset. If you’re going anywhere warm for spring break, think how comfy and cool these French terry capris will be.

Imagine her, poolside! They have printed cotton panels and pockets with solid on one side and floral on the other.

Simply wild, like your honey!

Swing out with the pink or candy stripe golf bags by Keri Golf available at Meringue in Lake Oswego. Okay, she already is quite a stand out, but she’ll make a serious statement on the links with this delicious bag. $375—and you’ve been trying to get her out there playing more. This is all she needs. You’ll be able to golf to your heart’s content if you get her this!

Meringue Boutique
385 First Street
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
ph 503-635-1063
www.meringueboutique.com

Bows and Pearls for Beautiful Girls:

Don’t forget the little love of your life. Nothing but the best for your princess with this rhinestone tiara, and this pink cocktail dress, topped off with some oh so dainty pink Parisian pearls...all the rage!

What about your best friend?

Show her she’s your special Valentine (before boy germs and through ye olde walks of shame—girl deserves) with these Best Friend long sleeve t’s.

They come in sets of two and fit nicely. Friends forever! From the very hip Priorities New York $54 each, sold as a pair

Pamper your prince with a Dermalogica Men's Facial at Ruby Violet.

This 60-minute facial, specially designed for the needs of men's skin, includes a scalp and shoulder massage to encourage deep relaxation. Open by appointment only, you can feel rest assured your guy will have the undivided attention he craves at this cool Alberta Arts district spa.

Ruby Violet
2641 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR 97211
503.282.887
www.rubyviolet.com

Who says men don't want to be romanced?

Put your heart on your sleeve (likely a diamond encrusted sleeve) with the You Can Buy Me Love package at the Hotel Lucia. Check this out:

The Hotel Lucia will pick your lover up at a designated location and bring you to the hotel where champagne, chocolates and rose petals will be awaiting you in your Gallery Suite. You will then be whisked off to a popular local restaurant by a personal driver. For after dinner fun, you will be taken to the H20 club with two VIP passes. On the following morning, you will be taken on a helicopter tour of the city, landing in Cascade Locks for a short ride to Skamania Lodge where you will enjoy a romantic breakfast. Your flight back to the hotel will include a tour of St. Helens from above.

Only one lucky couple can have this amazing package so you had better hurry! If this one doesn't fit your budget, visit Hotel Lucia's website to see the romantic packages they are offering that are sure to delight Mr. Right.

The Hotel Lucia
400 SW Broadway
Portland, OR
503.225.1717
www.hotellucia.com

Boys need a little sparkle too.

We love these Nantucket red pinwheel cuff links from Banana Republic. Eye-catching, sophisticated, and the perfect to way to spoil your favorite gentleman.

Banana Republic
Fox Tower
710 SW Yamhill St
Portland, OR
503-274-7963
www.bananarepublic.com

Hip new sunglasses from Paul Smith and Oliver Peoples are a perfect gift idea for the man who wants a combination of great style and great quality frames and lenses. Oliver Peoples features stylish aviator styles with cool flash mirrors and lenses that transition from light to dark, depending on lighting conditions. Paul Smith is a brand known for the British designer’s hip menswear and features plastic frames in sleek wrapped shapes.

For the sporty man, Hub Optix features the newest styles from Oakley. Whether the man in your life is an extreme sports enthusiast or a weekend cyclist, Oakley is a great choice in sunwear. For the man who has to have the newest technology, the Oakley Thump combines Oakley’s half jacket sunglass with an MP-3 player. We also have a great selection of Oakley’s goggles for a weekend getaway to the slopes.

Hub Optix
700 SW 5th Ave
Portland, OR
(503) 242-9090

We’re not big jewelry people, but this bracelet is just plain cool. Perhaps something the guys on Lost would be wearing as they survive on the creepy island. Sleek elegance reigns supreme with Hedi Slimane's minimalist jewelry designs.

A polished silver ring unites double strands of smooth textile rope – symbol of your endless love. The exotic leather ties at the wrist for adjustable sizing. Hunky!

Ring Lace Bracelet by Dior $105.00

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. (And they also have his candle collection!) 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.

Cielo Home
528 NW 12th Ave
Portland, OR
503.445.0111

Guck-in-a-Puck

He’s in control.... except for maybe his hair. All he needs to do with Guck-in-a-Puck is Rub in a little for nice, soft, healthy hair. Rub in a lot for extreme style. Guck-in-a-Puck looks like a lunar gel, but acts like a soft hold wax. He can be a grease ball if he wants, but who wants a greasy forehead?

Reactivates and washes out with water. Works on damp or dry hair. Very cool.

aMENity was created for men who care about looking their best, being healthy, and achieving success in life. When it comes to looking their best, they appreciate simplicity and effectiveness. These traits are the cornerstones of aMENity.

aMENity sells five essential tools, for enjoyable shaves, healthy skin, and a great overall appearance. Perfect for the man who doesn’t like ‘fuss’. These products are sleek, stylish and superior to most of the gunk marketed to men with scents that will make you swoon.

Available at Portland’s own b-glowing.com.

Sample this: cigar sampler

Settle the debate over the best cigar with this sampling of 10 of the world's finest. Each is handcrafted in one of several premier cigar-producing countries, including Honduras, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.

Arrives in a wooden box with a humidification element to ensure freshness. Now he’s set for endless hours outside on the deck....with the dog (p.u.)

Slatkin & Co. Kabbalah Candles

Slatkin has launched a collection of Kabbalah candles inspired by spiritual wisdom. The fragrances, eight in total, are based upon the 72 Names of God from the ancient Kabbalah text. Each time that a person recites one of the 72 Names of God, you open the power of that message. Using rare ingredients that are traced back to early biblical times, each fragranced candle will bring light to all who burn the candle.

The word perfume in Latin translates as "wall of smoke" and in the year 5000 BC, the first perfumes were burned to bring positive spirits into the world and cast out evil ones. Housed in a red embossed tin, each candle will come with the “red string” which is to be worn on your left hand to guard against evil. The color RED for Kabbalah symbolizes power and energy.

Choose from a variety of inspirational candles that are said to grant his wishes... including Sexual Energy, Power of Prosperity, Passion, and depending if he’s been a good boy or not, Spiritual Healing.

A very fun gift for him, and you!

Fresh on the success of No Doubt’s “The Singles” CD and prior to that their “Rock Steady” triumph, Gwen Stefani stretches her wings solo on her eclectic compilation of ‘70’s, ‘80’s & ‘90’s inspired tunes.

Love, Angel, Music, Baby seems to be inspired by everything under the sun…hip hop, punk rock, R & B, dance, electronica…you name it. However, what could have been a scattered mess seems to work as each successive tune keeps you guessing on first listen --- after that, expect to give this CD a whirl multiple times. Since all the songs are so markedly different, you’re sure to have tons of faves, but ours include Hollaback Girl (think Toni Basil) and Eve and Dr. Dre’s collaboration on “Rich Girl” --- and if you’re as in to girl power as we are you’ll love “What You Waiting For?” Expect much more from Stefani solo if this is any indication of where she’s headed.

We’re hoping No Doubt remains together, but we’re loving Stefani out on her own. Get your Gwen groove on at www.amazon.com ($10.99).

• Color Color Color! Infuse your wardrobe now and you’ll pop at that next winter white party
• Coral lips and cheeks (we can pretend it’s summer, can’t we?)
• Coral accented clothing (‘nough said)
• Chocolate party dresses (think Hilary Swank and Kate Hudson at the Globes)
• Lace dresses, tops and skirt detail --- it’s pretty, girly, feminine
• Big, chunky knit scarves
• Champagne-hued wraps, shirts, dresses…SO flattering on the blondes
• Gathered & draped skirts and dresses
• Ruffled blouses
• Empire-cut dresses and tops
• Pastel suedes --- purses, jackets, boots…you name it
• Colored fur
• The Grecian look…it was only a matter of time with those get-ups in Troy, but embrace your inner Goddess for a long, lean look…
• Multi-strand necklaces with varying bead size
• Bohemian/Gypsy-inspired clothing
• Madras plaids and block prints (India will continue to gain momentum as a major fashion player)
  

Compliment’s of Vault Martini

What is sexier than a berry dipped in white chocolate and savored in slow bites? A cold, crisp cocktail with that flavor trapped in every sip! This is a beverage equivalent of silk sheets, in fact, after two of these, that’s where you’re headed! Meow, mama!

The Ophelia
2 oz. Cranberry
1 oz. White Godiva Liquor
p oz. Raspberry Liquor
1 oz. Vodka

All ingredients go into the shaker and pour into a chilled martini glass. Or if you simply want to be served, don’t lift a pretty little finger. Just head on down to Vault Martini with your valentine and have some loving cheer.

Vault Martini
226 NW 12th
Portland, OR
503-224-4909

Valentine’s Day at Andina

February 14th ONLY; Available along with regular menu on Feb. 11, 12 and 13th.

Special dinner menu with champagne and an oyster appetizer. Check out the website for the complete menu and special pricing options!

Andina
1314 NW Glisan
Portland, OR
503-228-9535
www.andinarestaurant.com

Valentine’s Weekend at Carafe

A 4-course prix fixe menu will be available featuring Fresh Hawaiian Prawns, Sonoma Foie Gras Terrine, Butternut Squash Bisque, Roasted Quail, Trout with Dungeness Crab and Jamie’s Valentine Dessert for two prepared by Carafe’s pastry chef, Jamie Bell.

The Valentine’s menu is available February 11, 12 and 14th for $69 per couple.

Carafe Bistro
200 SW Market St.
Portland, OR
503-248-0004

Fratelli is serving up romantic Valentine's options for you and your sweetie this year!

• Valentine’s Day Weekend at Fratelli:
  A tantalizing menu designed with ingredients that have aphrodisiac effects.
  
  Friday, Feb. 11th – February 14th
  $35/person. Call for reservations or email: fratelli@fratellicucina.com

  OR

• Fratelli at Cuneo Cellars
  Fratelli chefs will prepare a romantic 4-course dinner at Cuneo Cellars, a Tuscan-style winery in the heart of Willamette Valley’s wine country. Menu prepared by Fratelli and paired with wines from Cuneo Cellars.
  
  Friday, Feb. 11, 12 and 13th

  Contact:Cuneo Cellars
  503-852-0002 or wine@cuneocellars.com
  750 Lincoln Street Carlton, OR $75 per person includes 4-course menu and wines

Fratelli
1230 NW Hoyt
Portland, OR
503-241-8800
www.fratellicucina.com

Two Valentine’s Weekend Hotel Packages:

• Love Shack-Up @ the Jupiter, 2/11-2/14
  Overnight accommodations for two, tickets and VIP entrance to the Doug Fir Lounge, two Love Shack Martinis, continental breakfast and a Shack-up Lust
  Kit. $129 per room.
• ValenTango @ the Jupiter 2/17-2/21
  Overnight accommodations for two, tickets to the 8th annual ValenTango’s Evening Tango event, two Love Shack Martini’s, continental breakfast and a
  Shack-Up Lust Kit. $129 per room.

Jupiter Hotel
800 East Burnside
Portland, OR
503-230-9200
www.jupiterhotel.com and www.dougfirlounge.com

Chocolate Kisses from Italy

Baci Gelato (A Special Gelato just for Lovers) Il Baci is Italian for “kiss”. In Italian culture, lovers exchange the small Baci candies with each other on Festa degli innammorate or Festival of Lovers.

The chocolate is wrapped with a poetic love note. Mio Gelato will make Baci gelato with crushed pieces of Baci chocolates mixed with Perugia cioccolato and hazelnuts. Available by the pint for $6.95 perfect for sharing.

Mio Gelato
25 NW 11th Ave
Portland, OR
503-226-8002

St. Honoré -

Dominique will offer several Valentine treats including Chocolate Bonbons, Macaroons and Strawberry tartes.

The macaroons are being introduced as a new item at St. Honoré. They will be offered in a variety of flavors with two macaroon shells joined with a ganache filling as offered in the tearooms of Paris. Take your sweetheart out for sweet treats at St. Honoré.

St. Honoré Boulangerie
2335 NW Thurman St.
Portland, OR 97210
503-445-4342
www.sthonorebakery.com

• What:
  Don’t know what to get her for Valentine’s Day? Well then, with a PBR in hand, let five sassy ladies set you straight.
  
  Shop for that special someone in your life and select from a to-die-for collection of jewelry, lingerie and clothes, and home décor at the Magma Showroom on NW Lovejoy. On Saturday, February 12th The Dolce girls will be serving sparkling wine and chocolate for our single sisters to come select a treat for themselves. On Sunday, February 13th, gentlemen who know what is best for themselves can enjoy a Ghetto Bloody Mary at 11:00, PBR throughout the afternoon, and oh yes, pretzels, while choosing a gift that will guarantee no silent treatment for a year, we promise.
  
  Special Valentine lines, collections, and designs have been made for sale this weekend only.
  
  Who: Presenting at Dolce Amore are:
  • Blake Van Roekel – Handcrafted glass jewelry reflecting the natural flow of glass, capricious and colorful. www.magmajewels.com
  • Magali Corzo – Fashion that emphasizes activity, movement, and flow in celebration of the female form, always vibrant. www.magalicorzo.com
  • Lei Kotynski – Handmade scarves, brooches and cards, everything crafted with care, elegance and style. Lkotynski@aol.com
  • Mariana Tres – A collection of whimsical work incorporating photography and that has shown across the West Coast from San Francisco to Seattle. tresmariana@yahoo.com
  • Nicole Linde – Magical collages and cards inspired from her narrative and
    experimental film footage of Iceland. www.brittlestar.org
• When & Where:
  Saturday, February 12th and Sunday February 13th
  11:00 am to 5:00 pm each day
  
  Magma Studio & Showroom
  1720 NW Lovejoy, #103
  Portland, OR 97209CONTACT:
  Blake Van Roekel
  Cell 503.753.1655/ blake@magmajewel.com