Pucker up, princess!

TINte Cosmetics new line of scented and flavored lip glosses (Trust us…they taste as yummy as they smell!) are chock full of Shea butter and come in a sassy vintage slider tin for easy access when your lips need a touch-up the most!

Choose from among seven delish “flavors” including Root Beer, Peaches and Cream, Miss Pepper, Peppermint, Blackberry Jam, Cream Soda & our favorite, Bubble Gum… even better, TINte promises (wink, wink!) their products are tested on boys, not on animals (just think of all the bunnies you’re saving…).

Pamper your pretty self with the scents and tastes of a bygone era now at www.nordstrom.com or a any area Nordstrom near you ($14)…and don’t forget to check out their Flavored Lip Shine while you’re at it!

Enjoy The Simple Life (Sans Paris & Nicole)

We always wanted to live on a farm, with our pick-up truck, hunting dogs and hay bales in back (a’ la Martha Stewart pre-pen/Hamptons-days).

But it might be hard work. So maybe we’ll just have dinner on the farm. Oh, yeah, and be served fine cuisine from chef Paley of Paley’s Place, and wines from Sokol Blosser. Yes. All things considered, a farm would be nice.

Now we can experience this fantasy in our princess-like way, while celebrating and supporting our local farmers with Plate and Pitchfork Farm Dinners

Imagine (You are Here): Your evening begins with a wine-tasting reception with the guest winemaker- just a taste because soon you’ll head out on your farm tour. Led by the host farmer, you’ll tour the fields and learn about the farm’s history, operations and products. Your tour concludes in the dining area, a picturesque spot in the field where tables dressed in white linen with twinkling candlelight offer a view of the al fresco kitchen where two local chefs have prepared a delectable meal with produce plucked from the fields you just toured. A five-course meal is interrupted only by the low sounds of neighboring cows and far away crickets.

Dinners are prepared by various local chefs from Paley’s Place, Park Kitchen, Mint, Pazzo, Higgins and more, and served with wonderful local wines.

Now this is a novel date. If this doesn’t put a spark in your romance, you need to check pulses.

Yes. A farm would be nice.

Plate & Pitchfork
4118 SW View Point Terrace
Portland, Oregon 97239
Phone: 503.241.0745

If you want to stay closer to home, pack a picnic and head up to Pittock Mansion. We used to park and smooch here in high school. Three kids later (no relation to said smooching), we’ve changed, but the Pittock Mansion hasn't. Now we can actually appreciate the expansive manicured lawns and limitless city and mountain views unblocked by the head of pimply high school suitor. Grab a blanket and box lunch from Elephants on NW 22nd. If the Mansion is open, you must take a tour.

Once the private home of Henry Louis Pittock, founder of The Oregonian newspaper, this 22-room house was built in 1914. The mansion sits 1,000 feet above sea level and commands a view of five mountains in the Cascade Range. It is an outstanding architectural achievement, combining fine plasterwork, cut and polished marbles, cast bronze, and superbly crafted hardwoods and paneling. The house is completely furnished with antique furniture and objects d'art appropriate to its 17th, 18th, and 19th century French and English designs.

Pin Me

Pin Me is the name of our favorite new darling boutique. Barely two months new, this place was packed – lovely ladies trying on flouncy polka-dot dresses with sassy pink round-toe shoes. We got pinned ourselves with a picture of a little pooch. They sell lots of cute, kitschy pins. We couldn’t resist. (I was pinned in college. Trust me, this is better.)

Liz Peixoto (pronounced pay-SHOW-too) co-owns this hot boutique with two other folks and it is a gem. You will keep coming back again and again. We know we will. Maybe you’ll see us there (our hands will be full and we’ll still be looking)!

Prices are very reasonable, like butter colored cap-sleeved t-shirts with brown, hand-stitched flower details for only $28. They carry everything from shoes, to sexy, LBD’s (little black dresses), to creative, hand-crafted jewelry.

The style of this darling shop is flirty and colorful, polished and playful, sophisticated and fun – just like you!

And Pin Me participates in the North Mississippi “Second Thursday” music walk with local participating businesses. Each month, Pin Me features a new local artist. Catch this month’s edgy, industrial photos of Portland.

Right around the corner is a strip of brand spanking new shops just opening or opening very soon (read: more Picks on N. Mississippi to come!): Memoir, a beauty product boutique with locally designed clothing from Zuzupop, a coffee shop, a doggy store, and a nursery (see Pick Pistils Nursery).

We love this street!!!

Pin Me Apparel
3705 N. Mississippi
Pin-me-apparel.com
503.281.1572

Bold-Sky Café

A local interior and landscape designer resurrected an old church and turned it into a super funky eating joint! Nicole Davis, owner of Bold-Sky café explains she remodeled the church owned by the Reverend Miniweather and his wife Minnie Miniweather (true story). Open 8 months, this place will be so amazing in the summer. We can’t wait!

Nicole landscaped herself, turning a sketchy back yard into a mountain cabin-style retreat, complete with a huge fireplace and a waterfall. Sip Ollallieberry wine (easier drunk than said) with house rubbed-mole pork chops (not sure if that’s a great wine pairing but it jumped off the menu) within a candle-lit outdoor sanctuary.

The inside is plush, too. It’s cozy with another fireplace, an inviting bar with hand-made stools, uneven with recycled parts like pool cues and broomsticks. The place has such a comfortable ambiance with a historical feel of an old Portland building yet with modern, rustic interior design.

You can rent out the “speakeasy” basement for private parties – think book club or your best friend’s 30th! Food is local and organic. Nicole features local artists, too, including some of her own. Enjoy a place so comfortable that it feels like home. Believe me, if they offered cots, we’d sleep there!

Bold-Sky Café
3943 N. Mississippi
503.287.0154

Cute Chicks: Pistils Nursery

This is the cutest little building on the blocks of N. Mississippi. Pistils is a garden shop/nursery with tools, seeds, plants, and chicks! Funny-looking, curly feathered roosters run around the back yard where they have a wide selection of greenery. The coolest, however, is that they hold gardening workshops! This is a must do now and bring a friend. We planned our gardens on the ride home—great advice, right when you need it.

This Saturday (4/16) they have a workshop on keeping chickens!

Here are some more:

• Sunday 4/17 – City Beekeeping with Scott and Julie Hansen of Hansen Honey
• Plant swap Sunday 5/1 1 p.m. and on
• Saturday 5/7 container culture with Michelle Koeppe of Pistils Nursery

Pistils Nursery
3811 N. Mississippi
503.288.4889

Bridgeport Village: The Scoop

We are not mall/chain people, but something big is looming over in Tualatin. The Bridgeport Village that houses the new Crate and Barrel has attracted some of our favorite local boutiques, which says something about Bridgeport Village and our community (e.g. likely they want to avoid parking downtown.)

Perhaps not idyllic, located at the intersection of Interstate 5 and Boone's Ferry Road, but pragmatically Bridgeport Village will enjoy the highest daily traffic counts to be found in the State of Oregon.

Wild Oats is moving there; P.F. Chang’s and McCormick & Schmick’s; French Quarter Linens, Cielo Home, Oblation Papers (we have heard, not confirmed), Bella Casa, Peet’s Coffee, Haute Flowers, Mac Cosmetics, Kiehl’s; Regal Cinemas with 18 screens. Approximately 30 stores will open their doors opening weekend, May 19-21. See you there.

And parking? It’s valet!

The Long and Short of It

Our "friend" recently went for her annual exam. They were really nice. Just as she was about to remove all her clothes, earrings, and earwax to get weighed, the nurse just said, "What did you weigh this morning?" She told her, and the nurse took her word for it, writing it down!! Then the nurse measured her and said she was 5'8 1/2. Taken aback, our friend said she was 5'9 just the other day....she was certain. Had she started to shrink already? Oh no, the nurse said, you probably just rounded up all these years and eventually came to believe it. It's common practice. You round up for height, round down on weight (esp. on your driver's license.)

In the exam room, our friend took off her clothes, carefully hiding her panties under her sweater so the male doctor wouldn't see them, and climbed into the stirrups.

Her doctor came in and perusing her chart, asked all kinds of probing questions:

"Do you still drink one or two glasses of wine a week?"

"Ha! A week?! Did I say that? Oh, I obviously lied. Sorry."

"And intercourse? Any problems, concerns?"

"Well, it's pretty good. We have it a few times a week," she told him.

"It's kind of like skiing." The doctor looked at her puzzled. She continued, "It's such a hassle to get ready and get up there, but once I'm actually doing it, I'm glad to have gone to all the trouble." And so it went....

Anyway, the "long and short" of it was, her worst concern was the shrinkage.

"Take your calcium supplements regularly," the doctor said. "......And you should try Pilates."

We couldn't agree more. We at Portland Pick's are pushovers for Pilates (PPPP). Not only will you look like Jennifer Garner, and gain a six-pack like you've never known, but you will also firm up that lady-like posture and look inches taller. Pilates is a gift that you can engage in for years, and it's truly amazing and addictive.

There are many fabulous Pilates studios around town: Transformations will transform you and is nicely challenging, Northwest Pilates is one of our favorites, Bodies in Balance is a charming studio with excellent instructors. If you belong to the MAC, they have a marvelous program (hi Gina!)

Bottom line, get that fanny, and that spine, and that core moving! You'll be so happy you did.

To learn more about Pilates, visit:

Pacific Northwest Pilates
5201 SW Westgate Dr.
Suite 114
Portland, OR 97221
(503) 292-4409
www.pacificnorthwestpilates.com

Pacific Northwest Pilates
2105 NE 129th St.
Suite 207
Vancouver, WA 98686
(360) 574-7800

Bodies in Balance
852 SW 21st
Portland, Or 97205
www.bibpilates.net

To celebrate women, Nirvana Apothecary & Day Spa will present ‘Girls’ Night Out’ on Friday nights from 6 -8 p.m. beginning April 15th. (Considering it’s TAX day, it’s the perfect time to relieve some of the stress!) With services that include complimentary cocktails and wine along with delicious appetizers, Nirvana, located in Portland’s hip Pearl District at 736 NW 11th St, is showcasing an exclusive line of products and activities for Girls’ Night Out.

Starting April 15th, Nirvana will offer a variety of unique decadent services and gifts during Girls’ Night Out on Friday evenings, including:

• Gift with purchase such as free eyebrow waxing with the purchase of a facial or body glow and one free Microdermabrasion treatment with purchase of series of five.
• Gifts with purchase from any number of their exclusive lines such as Get Fresh, I Colionali, Alchemy, etc.
• Fun activities such as Henna Tattoo Artists and Tarot Card Readers, are available
• To launch the campaign, Nirvana will start the month with manicures and pedicures at Girls’ Night Out such as their exclusive Watermelon-themed pedicure served with a Watermelon martini or sparkling water and other treats.

From 10 types of skin and supplemental treatments to 13 types of waxing services, Nirvana is a boutique spa that presents an intimate environment with warm, rich colors and a Mediterranean feel offering an array of exclusive product lines. Nirvana also specializes in bridal, bachelorette and other unique group packages that include transportation, tarot readings, spa cuisine, belly dancers and magicians. Get the girls out and remove stress while ingesting calories and cocktails, sounds like Nirvana!

Nirvana Apothecary & Day Spa
736 NW 11th St.
503.546.8155
www.nirvanadayspa.com

BabyOliverBoutique: Luxuries for little ones.

With offices in West Linn and their warehouse in Portland, you can support the Oregon economy while shopping from the comfort of your beddy bye. Choose among dozens of baby luxuries and unique gifts that will make you drool and coo. In fact, this home-grown upscale on-line baby boutique has oodles of amazing goodies for baby; so many in fact, you’ll want to get pregnant again.

They offer a wide array of very cool baby items that are boutiquey, unique, not mainstream. Diaper Bags from OiOi, Luna Flower Ferry, and three piece Little Brother Collection. Baby Oliver Boutique caters to the busy professional who doesn't have time to shop for baby gifts and they offer gift wrap with a handwritten- handmade gift card so it looks like you put some thought and time into it even if you didn't, which is really all that matters.

Toll free ordering phone number: 1-866-483-5847

Bloom 'n Bags are the perfect gift for Mom. Bloom’n Bags are multipurpose bags that are the answer to everyone’s toting needs — Fill it with gardening gloves and supplies for the garden lover; arts and crafts for the artist, beach toys and snacks for the beach, and wine, glasses, cheese and silverware for your romantic Pittock picnic.

Each tote is available in a variety of colorful floral blooms and is currently sold at Occasions Fine Gifts and the charming Gearhart Grocery Store. You can also email Gigi to purchase directly. Each tote retails for $25, and theme totes range from $35- $45.

Happy toting!

Bloom’n Bags..A New Way to Present a Present
G.golb@comcast.net

Introducing Knit Purl, where style meets creativity. Portlanders who have embraced one of the hippest trends right now -- knitting -- have something to be thrilled about. With the grand opening of Knit Purl, Portland knitting fashionistas now have a place to call home.

Built around the concept of great design, from the layout of the store to the hand-painted artisan yarns that adorn the shelves, Knit Purl is primed to become a shopping destination for locals and visitors alike. With exotic imported needles, fashion-forward patterns and the best selection of luxury fibers in town, Knit Purl is already carving a niche as a one-of-a-kind boutique.

To fuel that passion, Knit Purl will be offering classes seven days a week for all ages and experience levels. Beginners can get their feet wet with classes such as Rockin’ Socks or Spring Poncho. More adventurous types can knit their own beach wear in the Bathing Beauty class or create jewelry in Knitting With Wire. A class schedule and descriptions are available at www.knit-purl.com.

Knit Purl will host Stitch and Sip every Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for those who want to relax with a glass of wine and friendly conversation while working on their personal knitting projects. A Knit Purl instructor will be on hand to offer free advice and assistance at each Stitch and Sip.

Knit Purl is located at 1101 S.W. Alder Street (corner of 11th and Alder) in downtown Portland. For more information, go to www.knit-purl.com or call 503-227-2999. Or stop by their Grand Opening tonight from 6-9.

The authors of The Right Address have found yet another way to skewer the rich and famous in their hilarious follow-up novel, Wolves in Chic Clothing.

Vintage chic and fresh-faced Julia Pierce works at Pelham’s Department Store as a salesgirl, and is about to be made-over and bestowed a faux society pedigree (think Pygmalion!) by the bored heiress to Pelham’s and her snooty Manhattan friends. As Julia forsakes all that she holds dear (thrift shops, burgers and the ordinary) to become a swanky jewelry designer, her relationships suffer & chaos ensues.

Think summer beach read and “laugh out loud” moments ($14.93 at www.amazon.com).

With Bleed Like Me, Garbage and Manson returns to the charts with an edgy ode to rocker chicks everywhere (think Debbie Harry!). Look for the Foo Fighters Dave Grohl on drums for “Bad Boyfriend” (a favorite) and Butch Vig (one of Nirvana’s producers) to make this CD as hard-driving but with less of the “techno” sounds of per previous CDs. Don’t miss “Bleed Like Me”, the title track and a confessional of sorts for Manson, who was a former cutter.

If you’re looking for some old-school rock with an edge from a seasoned pro, pick up this CD now at www.amazon.com ($10.99).

Frumpy No More

Admit it…we’ve all had them --- those undeniably frumpy days when nothing seems to perk up that pretty face of yours. Well, un-furrow those perfectly manicured brows of yours because Bourjois (one of our favorite lip gloss purveyors) has come up with a “tool set” that even the hottest celebrity stylists will be clamoring after…Frumpy to Foxy in 15 Minutes Flat!

This spectacular set is packed with eyeshadow, blush, mascara, eyeliner & lip glosses that we guarantee will brighten up those days when you feel ultra drab and dull. Even better, it includes a copy of a helpful handbook by Elycia Rubin and Rita Mauceri for expert style tips and super quick fixes that will have you runway ready in no time!

We can’t think of a better gift to yourself or your best girlfriend --- includes eyeshadow in Beige Rose and an antique cream pearl to sweep across lids, a fab liner and a Pump Up the Volume Mascara in Noir. Finish it off with their sun-kissed Sepia blush and Effet 3D Lip Gloss in Rose Idyllic (a sexy yet everyday shimmery pink) and you’ll feel the clouds begin to part and the color seep back into your face in no time (available at www.sephora.com, $49)!

Tropical Punch

This flower power is everywhere. And you don’t have to pay a pretty penny. Old Navy has darling floral summer dresses for cheap! Or, hey, if you want to spend a pretty penny, we can help you there too. (Think Cynthia Steffe.)

But the florals don’t stop there. They are on shoes, bikinis, skirts, sweaters. The tropics are brewing in your perfume, the banana scent of your shampoo. The rain may still be here, but we’re dressing like it’s Hawaii!

The Root of the Problem

How come one day your hair is lovely, naturally (highlighted) blonde, and then the next evening, gasp, you’ve got 2 inch wide screaming black roots? How can that happen? And such a buzz-kill since you have a hot date tonight with (probably, for sure) Mr. Right.

Well now there’s Root Touch Up from Clairol Nice ‘N Easy, just $7 from Walgreens. Just brush it on roots, at your part and around your temples, wait 10 minutes, rinse, and there. You’re perfect again.

• Warning/disclaimer/caveat: Nothing beats the salon. We have not personally tried this ourselves but have heard nothing but good things about it thus far. We are still a bit shell shocked from the other desperate times when we Quiet Touched our hair to an all over white gray color because we were too impatient to wait for our appointment. So please use at your own risk – and then write to tell us about it. (But don’t be mean. It hurts our feelings.)

Snack time: Green Tea Kit Kat

How cool is this? Chocolate and Green Tea. Two things that are good for you. And now you can eat your chocolate and have your tea too. Okay, maybe not the same as our fave ‘you got your peanut butter in my chocolate’ Reeses, but pretty cool.

It’s a huge-osa hit in Japan and not sold here yet, but apparently on its way. For now it’s a big ebay phenom! Keep your eyes, ears and mouth open for it to hit the U.S. soon.

Self Tanners

Self tanners are the new, well, suntan. Perhaps not new, but let’s just say, improved. You don’t have to look like an Oompa Loompa (no offense to our Oompa Loompa readers). You don’t have to look like Paris. No, really, DON’T look like Paris. (Moderation, girls).

The lazy girl’s self tan is the Spray On tan from Tan Rio. You get nakey, go into the booth, you get sprayed, you turn around, you get sprayed, you wipe it off, it stains your clothes and you smell, but you are very tan. It’s really like a drive thru carwash. Although, at least at the one we go to, they have a fat mirror that is really depressing, and shows every varicose vein, cellulite ripple, blemish, but when we are finished, a couple hours later, wha-lah, no more cellulite, no more veins. We’ve lost a good 5 pounds and a good 5 years. We are fabulous.

If that’s too wacky for you, we have found two at home self tanners that give a natural tan without too much streaking or nuclear orange after-glow.

• Dior Bronze Natural Glow for Body, $27 at Nordstrom, or
• Neutrogena Build-a-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Face with spf 15, $10 at Rite Aid.

In Spades: Wicker and Straw Handbags for Summer

Everyone has the summer wicker or straw handbag. They’re everywhere! Of course, we love the wicker bags from Kate Spade. Though wherever you go, you’ll find something adorable (and adorably adorned). Wicker radiates that old-fashioned charm (think Toto!).

Nordstrom carries the Monoco and Sienna bag from Kate that is simply peachy. But don’t stop there. Coach has their own line of to-die-for straw bags with that old classic Southern lady feel. (Oh dear, we need a little lemonade and porch swing just thinking about them.)

I Dream of Jeans

We love our jeans. Anything goes with jeans. They are so hot, if they fit right. Of course we pay a price. We can never sit down unless we bring that sweater to tie around our waist for fear of the unlady like exposure. But a good fitting pair of jeans is priceless, and can be worn with tees and boots or that sexy Miu Miu sleeveless and heels.

Feel free to always splurge on a good fitting pair of jeans. It’s worth every blue cent because you’ll wear them. Blake on 23rd Avenue carries 42 brands of denim from Seven, to Citizens of Humanity, to Indie Jeans to Levis. They are all there and Blake will help you look svelte no matter the shape of your booty. Let them help you find your perfect match.

Blake
2285 NW Johnson St (corner of NW 23rd and Johnson)
503.222.4848

Charming Darling

Show her just how charming she is with a customized charm necklace from VincentEagor.com. Just send or email a photo of you, your baby, a pet, a boyfriend and they will create a silhouette pendent with a retro feel. It’s personal and worn close to the heart. You are always so clever and thoughtful!

Oh and while you’re there, check out their show-stopping collection. Breathtaking, like you.

Romantic Tunics

Everyone has a sheer tunic or whispy, bright romantic camisole. Grapevine has a huge selection in every color and pattern and adornment. Elizabeth Street has a ton.

Naturals in Lake Oswego has a great Boho selection. Show off those buffed arms, and pair with long black linen pants and high summer wedges.

You will be so sleek and sexy!

Heavy Metal

Silver, gold, metallics are popping up all over and are a must have accessory for the season....but, as always, invest wisely. You probably shouldn’t spend lots of money on metallic handbags and shoes. Instead purchase a very reasonably priced one since it will likely be “out” in less than a season.

We wouldn’t spend lots on wedges, either. Enzo Angiolini has a $79 pair that is just as cute as the D&G metallic wedge (double no-no), only you won’t be dodging the creditors until next summer when you finally pay off the $485 splurge that you won’t be able to wear again because it’s already out of style!

White!

Wear white, even if it’s before Memorial Day. Pair a sexy white tank with dark dressy jeans that touch the ground, even in stilettos.

White is white hot, but don’t over do it. You shouldn’t wear white eyelet with white eyelet. And we’re not really big on white shoes. Can’t quite get past the nurse thing. Definitely do not wear white bridal-looking shoes, leather OR SATIN to the office.

NO NO. Otherwise go white!

Finally, always invest in good bras, ALWAYS!!!! You want to take good care of those girls!

There are ridiculous stats on the number of women suffering in ill-fitting bras (87%!!)

Stock up at Lucy during their Support Sale through the end of the month and save 30% and receive a pink Susan G. Komen pink Promise bracelet.

We are so not this type. We are pragmatic, scientific, on-earth. We are not Nancy Reagan (yet). However it is spring, the sun shines, and we get that little spring crush feeling.

So to help you on your way, to making the right crush decision, to give you the efficiency you need this skippy time of year, we’ve asked the starry pros to make sure you don’t waste your time.

Following is (apparently) who is suited for you:

So girls, don’t waste your time, and coyly ask, “What’s your sign?”

It’s that time of year to make shopping fun and charitable with Spring Fashion Frenzy at Woodburn Company Stores! This charity shopping event will raise money for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, the Christie School and SMART (Start Making a Reader Today).

Part of the allure of Spring Fashion Frenzy -- besides helping Woodburn Company Stores add to the nearly $50,000 they have raised over the years for these three non-profits and many others -- are the amazing perks involved in the event! With the new Calvin Klein outlet open as of Wednesday, April 13, Spring Fashion Frenzy will be the first opportunity for shoppers to get great deals on the fashion icons latest clothes, fragrances and accessories. Not only do attendees get amazing discounts at all of the outlet center’s stores, they will also get a live fashion show orchestrated by the talented Amy Maxwell, wine tasting, a gourmet dessert bar, gardening demonstrations and the chance to win up to $15,000 in gift certificates.

But the most exciting part of the day is when The winner of the “Diva for a Day” package is announced. The winner receives a diamond tiara from the Zales outlet, a $500 Woodburn Company Stores shopping spree, a spa package from Nirvana Apothecary and Day Spa, dinner, and a one-night stay at the Lake Oswego Crowne Plaza.

• When: Saturday, April 30
• Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: Woodburn Company Stores, 1001 Arney Rd. Woodburn, OR 97071
• Cost: Tickets - $15 (sold at Woodburn Company Stores, at any of the three participating charities or at www.woodburncompanystores.com)

Doggie Dash

Saturday, May 14 Doggie Dash at Tom McCall Waterfront Park (SW Front and Stark)

Put on your shoes and grab the leash for the 18th K103 Annual Doggie Dash. Join us for a two mile fun run/walk along the Willamette River. The run begins at 9:15 am and the walk at 9:30 am. Stay afterwards to shop and to participate in the festivities and meet some dogs looking for homes. All proceeds benefit the animals at the Oregon Humane Society. To register visit www.doggiedashportland.com .

Learn how you can help the Oregon Humane Society bring homeless pets out to the community by contacting the volunteer department at (503) 285-7722, ext. 204. Training sessions are held monthly.