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presenting |
| PORTLAND PICKS | ||
| life + style to you: every Friday | ||
| April 8, 2005 |
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We absolutely adore spring but peeking over the horizon is that utterly-evil bikini season and it simply must be reckoned with. This week’s Picks has the best get-in-shape location and a new wine shop to pop into and reward yourself for a job well done (yes, signing up at the gym is an Olympic event!) From lovely bras, perfect tunes and a sensational new game for you and your girlfriends, we’ve got it all in the Picks! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | You can’t bear to lift a finger. To you, a good workout means a nice facial and massage, and if you’re really feeling ambitious, you might try one of those machines that have the belt that shakes your fat around (what were they ever thinking?!) And always one to spot genius, you were one of the first to buy those miracle contraptions that attach to your thighs. You know the one, from tv, where little pulses of electro shock effortlessly exercise them so you don’t have to (and all the while, you can just kick back, file your nails and watch Oprah!) Talk about multitasking! Well, it’s your lucky day. 24 Hour Fitness in the Pearl is waiting for you. Go on line to www.24hourfitness.com and take advantage of a 10 Day free trial (at the Pearl or any area 24 Hour Fitness.) It’s very swanky and you can experience the sauna, the steam, the tanning, the whirlpool and the juice bar. Whew! We’re sweating just thinking about it. Hey, and guess what? This is the place to meet HIM. It is filled with buffed-out dudes that are waiting for you!! 24 Hour Fitness |
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| 2 | Isn’t it Just Like a Woman? Just as our moods shift, as the wind blows, so do the size of our breasts. It can be such a darn nuisance sometimes, painful, and in the way. Depending on the time of the month we can vary a full cup size. What is one (or two) to do? Enter: Just Like a Woman, a fabulous shop that caters to every woman. If you’ve just had a baby, they can fit you and your ever-growing breasts for ideal comfort, support and breastfeeding. They also cater to breast cancer patients. From littl’uns to biguns they’ve got your size. But Just Like a Woman is more than a retail experience. In this elegant and inviting setting, you can shop for lingerie that meets your changing needs. From puberty to maturity, from 28AAA to Z, a woman's body changes and so do her under-things. From your first bra fitting until you retire to the comfort of camisoles, Just Like a Woman’s qualified fitters will be there to assist and advise. Add in a cup of tea and some heartfelt laughter and you have the ingredients for a warm and wonderful experience. Isn’t it Just like a Woman? Just Like a Woman |
 Just Like A Woman.com |
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| 3 | Create Lollygagging down Lovejoy, we happened by these little cute mini storefront windows. Darling Blake of Magma Jewels occupied one, busy designing her amazing glass pieces and jewelry, a couture custom bridal gown designer occupied another, and another by an artist, and a photographer...and so it went. While we continued on our merry way, we began daydreaming (something we are very good at) and pictured ourselves there in our own artist studio. We saw ourselves painting on a large canvas as the noses of passersby pressed against the window in awe of our “modern art.” (Oh –meh-God, we are soooo Jackson Pollock!) Or there we were straddling the potter’s wheel a’ la “Ghost,” sans Patrick Swayze (you know, with the window and all). Or may be not, but you can. You ooze “artist.” If only you had a venue, and one you can afford, fame would surely follow. Now you can live out your creative fantasy, escape to your “studio” in Northwest Portland. Activ Space is a refurbished industrial building divided into individual artist’s working space in the up and coming Alphabet District; space that’s custom and affordable where you can escape and create and display your creations. Whether you’re an artist, a hobbyist, or operate a business, you need affordable space that will facilitate your entrepreneurial spirit. Activ Space is a safe, functional, private space where your creativity can flow. It’s so cool, so urban, and waiting for you! Imagine. ActivSpace |
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| 4 | Spring is here, they say. They also say our world is all about color these days: color in fashion, color in food, color in home décor, color in emotions. Well, the friendly staff down at French Quarter Linens gives us the inside scoop on the luxury linen business: white and ivory towels and sheets consistently outsell even the best of the brightest colors (think persimmon, red, gold). Soooooooo, it’s April and it’s time for the French Quarter Annual Yawn Sale. It’s a yawn, because it’s boring. But everyone needs it and everyone buys it. It’s all about white and ivory and it’s all 20% off through the end of this month. Yep… sheets, towels, duvet covers, shams, coverlets; whatever you can uncover in the store: if it’s white and/or ivory it’s yours at a discount. They’ll even special order stuff for you. Don’t worry about crowds, shoving and hair-pulling as it’ll be a genteel crowd. The Yawn Sale is being quietly announced only in this rarefied venue and by postcard to French Quarter’s best customers. Shop regular store hours and, don’t forget to fill those linen closets for the busy summer ahead! French Quarter Linens |
 frenchquarterlinens.com |
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| 5 | Numbers never lie.... We are a little bit superstitious because we can’t really risk the bad luck. So if you send us a chain letter that says we have to send it on to 14 people or our hair will fall out, we HAVE to forward it, even if it puts our friendships in jeopardy. We steer clear of tarot cards or palm reading because we can’t bear any bad news. And the Ouji board, it’s scary for us to even hear the word (though we did fake it once when we were in 3rd grade, slyly moving the little bugger to E and then D, hoping if we made it so, Ed would really love us.) Though admittedly, we secretly read the horoscope section of Vanity Fair, Elle, and Cosmo first, “just out of curiosity,” and then we wait and see, looking forward to being really popular this month, or landing that big financial windfall. Which is why we thought it would be fun to gather a group of our girlfriends together for an out-of-the ordinary Girl’s Night Out. It’s Numerology Made Easy! And it’s fun and safe. If they can’t say anything nice, they don’t say it at all. Numerology Made Easy: Join Numerology expert Jennifer Elliott and find out what your birth date and name say about you. The unique combination of YOUR numbers can help to uncover hidden aspects of your career, health, and family. Just a few simple computations may help you gain a richer understanding of yourself and those around you.
**Course registration form can be downloaded Here: www.pcc.edu |
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| 6 | Play! (Oh, that’s hard.) If there is one “business” event you attend this year, make
it a playful one! Go see “The Genius of Play” (sounds fun already,
doesn’t it?) at Wieden and Kennedy. Kevin Carroll, a local Nike vet
teamed up with artist Kurt Perschke to play with Portlanders. The Genius of Play |
 red ball project.com |
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| 7 | West Elm opening If you haven’t heard of West Elm, you must visit this store! It has
the hippest, most reasonably priced and well made furniture. Think in between
Design within Reach and Ikea. The woods are solid and sturdy and the designs
are stylish. West Elm is based out of New York and was recently purchased
by Williams-Sonoma, which in turn made them bring one right to us! |
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| 8 | Escape If you haven’t noticed, tea is the new coffee. And the loveliest zen-like ambience in town is Tao of Tea just off Northwest 21st. This is the place to meet up with friends, imbibe on their divine menu of good-for-you teas, and soak up the scent-uous surroundings. Coffee houses are the McDonalds of relaxation meeting spots. Or pay a visit to their International Teahouse at 3430 SE Belmont; an authentic tea house made of reclaimed wood and bamboo materials. In addition, the teahouse was the 2000 Zagat Survey winner of the best interior amongst 600 restaurants in the Pacific Northwest. The teahouse serves over 100 pure leaf teas, including a variety of vegetarian organic snacks from different parts of the world. Or visit them in the Chinese Garden. Whichever you choose, you will be transported. It’s a heavenly, relaxing, divine experience. They are truly tea artisans! The ambience and décor combined with the best tea selection on earth makes Tao of Tea your new civilized clubhouse. Tao of Tea |
 taooftea.com |
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| 9 | Fashionably Late to Work The laptop bag is the new handbag and we can’t have just one. We’re stretching our physical limits here (about 300 miles north) but we can’t help ourselves (willpower has never been our strong suit). We live on our laptop and can’t leave home without it. We love the new girly laptop bags that are popping up on the market. Now LaLa Laptop of Seattle has them too. How cute are you with this white and brown suede bag in hand (remember white year-round is IT). Or how about this pink laptop bag that holds all your girly necessities? You are a girl on the go and these La La Bags go with you in style. Plus LaLa Laptop gives back to the community by donating 10% of all profits to charities that empower women in business, such as dress for success and Susan G. Komen breast cancer. Check out their darling website: www.lalalaptop.com |
 lalalaptop.com |
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| 10 | How About That Guy! ? How About That Guy is the hilarious game that puts you and your girlfriends on a scavenger hunt for guys. Okay, okay that’s nothing new, but at least this time you have an excuse. It’s not you. The game made you do it. The object is simple: Hit the town and find real-life guys who match the cartoon characters on the cards that you've been dealt. Play it to meet guys, make fun of them, or both. The deck also includes 13 bonus Dare and Catty cards. (We love that!) According to InStyle, Entertainment Weekly, and Glamour magazines, That Guy! has gained A-List celebrity fans such as Julia Roberts, Drew Barrymore, Charlize Theron and Minnie Driver. So, whether you're planning a bachelorette party, girls night out, or a
divorce party That Guy! is the perfect accoutrement. |
 thatguygame.com |
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| 11 | Foot Bar Listen up, Guys, you have no idea how hard it is to look good. We know, no pain, no gain and no whining when we have to wear our $500- 4 inch stilettos, but at least give us some empathy....and maybe a gift certificate to the new Foot Bar that’s opening next month in the Pearl. You know, if you rub our feet on occasion, we’ll find your newfound beer belly attractive. (And if you don’t, we’ll ask you repeatedly, several times a day, “What are you thinking?” and “Do I look fat?”) And then you’ll find us hanging out at “The Bar.” Introducing the Foot Bar. Stress Relief for Urban Feet. Coming in May, next to Cheeky b in the Pearl (we’ll make sure to give you the low-low down when we’re first in line to get our foot in the door. Stay tuned.) |
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| 12 | Shoe-bration! Speaking of feet, Nordstrom is having their “once-a-year celebration of footwear.” Wahoo!!! Oh wait, but isn’t every day a shoe celebration?! Regardless, they are offering free shipping on shoes (if you order on line!) There is a huge Cole Haan boutique on Nordstrom.com (if you just can’t bear to park the car, heaven forbid). This is not your mother’s shoe! We have been watching Cole Haan for the last few seasons and they just keep getting hipper and sexier! Don’t these “Jorah” slides look so comfortable? When the sun finally peeks out, they’ll be perfect for Saturday afternoon shopping trips with a sweet pair of capris! And you can never go wrong with a pair of BCBGirls. They are the perfect Fashionista shoe – super chic and super cheap. These babies called “Docre” will show just the right amount of toe cleavage for our transitioning weather. They are only $88.95! |
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| 13 | Here is a refreshing new site for you, our lovelies! Print overnight bags. Didn’t you have a pair of pajamas like these? We love this print. It reminds us of Dad’s fly-fishing shirts! This type of retro printed fabric will be popping up all over this season, on bags, skirts, dresses...and overnight bags. (Let’s see. Why do we need an overnight bag? Oh yeah, all those sleepovers.) |
 bodenusa.com |
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| 14 | Are we the only single girls who spend waaaaayyyy too much time, okay, an exorbitant amount of time, perusing engagement rings? It’s sick, we tell you, but we can’t be the only ones! Judith Arnell Jewelers has the most amazing collection of Daniel K designs. We LOVE this one pictured, Christopher Designs. The shop is a cute little boutique on NW 10th in the Pearl. They have non-engagement jewelry there too! (and Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Tuck this little hint into his wallet. Remember too, the right hand ring...all the rage.) Judith Arnell Jewelers |
 judith arnell jewelers.com |
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| 15 | Okay, we admit, call us Doctor Vino, but we’re thrilled to announce that there is another new wine shop in town! They are popping up like condos in the Pearl! Vinopolis has a gigantic selection, and they were so excited to open that they don’t have shelves yet! All of the wine is on the floor! But never fear, you will be able to find your Argentine Malbec and your Italian Barolos. Quite the selection! Vinopolis |
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| Chick Sightings: | |||
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| Portland Pick’s Guilty Pleasure TV Pick: | |||
| PoweR Girls, “starring” Lizzie Grubman (Thursdays at 10:30 PM on MTV --- check your local listings). Leave it to PR maven Lizzie Grubman to shop an idea for a reality show around Tinseltown and then succeed in bringing it to MTV as a six-part series revolving around her New York City PR firm. Let's face it, Grubman needed a rep revamp after that unfortunate Hamptons incident with Tara Reid a couple of years back...we're just not sure if this is the right venue. What we will say is it’s fascinating television, and we mean this in a voyeuristic, train-wreck kind of way… Just grab some popcorn and sit back and watch as Rachel, Kelly, Millie and Ali (with Grubman heading the team) vamp their way through glamorous parties, openings and launches, hobnobbing with the A-List while vying for a permanent spot in Grubman’s “power” entourage. Grubman has come under fire of late for projecting an image that reflects poorly on the PR industry, but you won’t want to miss it when the gloves come off and the claws come out as this “competition” heats up. Don’t miss it as she trashes Lindsay Lohan for coming in the side
door to a party…meowwww! |
 mtv.com |
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| Ipod itunes mix: Don’t DiS! | |||
| First there was Drunk Dialing, then Drunk Emailing, and now equally hazardous .....the growing phenomena of Drunk iTunes Shopping (commonly known as DiS). You had a few cocktails and you think it’s a really good idea to make a new iPod Playlist, so you go cruising for songs. That one looks okay, you think to yourself, I’ll take that one. And it was just so darn easy. The morning after, you wake up remorseful. “What did I do?” you think, overtaken with foggy images from the night before. “Why did I buy THOSE songs? I don’t even like them. Sure they looked good last night....” You wish you could do it over, but you can’t. Well, you’ll just have to live with yourself and hope you use better judgment next time. Or just lean on us. We are here to rescue you. Think of us as your designated driver and we will not lead you astray. (And remember, you are not alone, we’re certain iTunes sales skyrocket in the wee hours. And they have your credit card like a running tab, it’s so easy to have one too many. ) Following is a new iTunes Playlist of our new faves! Drive Responsibly!
Warning: Don’t Drink and Shop |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 |
The English Department The fabulous new English Department opens tomorrow on Northwest 23rd. Don’t miss their Grand Opening. See you there! The English Department |
 elizabethdye.com |
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| 2 | Pugs and Pale Ales, Oh My! Pugs and Pale Ales will be aplenty at the Portland Brewing Company on Sunday, May 22 for the Fifth Annual Pug Crawl. The zany event, featuring a Super Hero Pug Costume Contest, a Pug kissing booth, retail booths selling doggie goodies, complimentary health screenings by Banfield, The Pet Hospital, grand prizes and lip-smacking treats and drinks, is a fundraiser for the Oregon Humane Society. This year’s benefit is expected to raise more than $15,000.
With 100% of ticket and t-shirt revenues going directly to the Oregon Humane Society, The Pug Crawl depends on volunteer staffing and the generosity of the following local sponsors: The Oregon Humane Society, Meridian Realty, Banfield, The Pet Hospital, Portland Brewing, KINK, and Dog Nose News. For more information, please go to www.pugcrawl.org. |
 pugcrawl.org |
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| 3 | This April 28th-30th in Portland, an emotionally
charged, inspiring and highly unique theatrical event takes place that will present an experience that will impact you. Women of Courage. Having played to sold-out houses, Women of Courage is a striking blend of theater and literature, dramatic readings with a surprising edge. From the public to the private, courage comes alive in the stories of five women portrayed by actresses. The show includes a potent dramatic device, which brings the real women unannounced into the performance. The cast for the April event will include premiere local actresses, and feature the stories of five women (two from Portland). The Women of Courage show is written by former Portland author Katherine Martin, adapted from her bestselling book, Women of Courage: Inspiring Stories from the Women Who Lived Them. Of the show, Allen Nause, Artistic Director of Portland¹s Artists Repertory Theatre, says, "Women of Courage is one of the most riveting, emotional, and ultimately inspiring pieces of theatre you are ever likely to see. It stays with you long after the lights come up, seared into the memory. This is theatre at its most powerful. It can change your life." Tickets are available at Safeway at TicketsWest, or on-line at: www.ticketswest.com. For more information, contact Cindy Thompson Event Productions at: 503-295-6500. |
 ticketswest.com |
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| 4 | OHSU Center for Women’s Health April Brown Bag Discussion:
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 ohsu womens health.com |
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| 5 | Magma Spring Events Light Up Jewelry designer Blake Van Roekel, owner and designer of magma, is on fire this spring with a series of events showcasing her work and craft. At the magma showroom and studio in Northwest Portland, Blake fuses metalsmithing techniques with her glass pieces to result in the compelling, colorful and organic shapes typical of her work. With a dedicated and growing clientele, Magma designs can be found throughout the Northwest in several galleries and boutiques. First Thursdays – FREE Torch Demos May 7 & 8 – Dolce Mamma For more information, call Blake Van Roekel at 503.753.1655 or email her at blake@magmajewels.com. Visit her website at www.magmajewels.com. |
 magmajewels.com |
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| 6 | "The graduating class from The
Portland French School is hosting an online auction to help raise money
for their upcoming trip to Toulouse, France where they will be attending a
space camp! They would like to invite you and all of your friends to check
out their online auction." The Online Auction runs from April 7th - 11th Here are a few of the items that you can bid on:
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 pfsmerch.com |
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Life is fleeting, so wear expensive shoes. It is the only way to make the whole thing bearable! Our retail therapy prevents us from needing to seek actual therapy, so we feel it is actually a bargain! If we had a penny for each time we told our significant other that the Visa bill is far less than what he’d spend in Zoloft, we’d, well, go shopping!! Be good, be wise and witty and wonderful and if need be, and you have our permission, be wicked! Then, write and tell us all about it! XXOO |
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