What Rhymes with Gelato?

Nothing in our mother tongue, and does it matter at all when the gelato is this delish? Skip lunch and run, run, run to Staccato Gelato for a “not-alot” of Chocolate Orange, Marion berry, Crema or Mint Chocolate Chip gelato. At $2.50 the “not-alot” serving is figure- and wallet-friendly, and it means you can come back often to find your favorites among their limited but divine selections.

If you haven’t had enough of a sugar fix, try to resist their cake doughnuts…we went straight for the Prince of Darkness, and our girlfriend swore by the Fairy Princess – her boyfriend’s favorite. (We were thinking, “That’s a bold choice for a man,” as we devoured our doughnut and contemplated the polka-dot explosion on the wall.)

The best part about Staccato Gelato? The magical mirror in the loo. It’s enchanted, for sure, as it made us look much slimmer than is humanly possible given our caloric intake and reproductive history. Since we can’t move in or sneak the mirror out in our handbags, we decided to eat gelato every day. If we can look this good doing it, then why not?

Staccato Gelato
232 NE 28th Ave.
(503) 231-7100

Ooh La Spa La La

We have raised the art of enjoying a good pampering to dizzying new heights. We love to be fawned over and complimented, and if the planets align just right, you might even see us wearing our tiaras. But don’t count on catching us bejeweled and off-guard, as tiara wearing is simply ridiculous, and we are above such things, in public.

However, we are not above an Express mani/pedi for $30 (and yes, we’d love a glass of champagne, thank you) at Spa La La. The shabby chic chandeliers and white leather massage chairs (which remind us of our regular seats on the Concorde, dahlings) are so decadent and welcoming, and a perfectly girly complement to the rest of Spa La La – a fun boutique!

Treat yourself to a Luxury mani/pedi ($48) and then pick up baubles, trinkets and tank tops on your way out. Oh, and flip-flops. Or a handbag. If you can’t resist the items by the check out stand in grocery stores (ooh, pastel Chapstick, lint traps, a pink disposable camera) prepare to be burdened when you exit this delightful, enlightening and relaxing slice of heaven.

Spa La La
234 NE 28th Avenue
(503) 233-2106

When we visited Simply Divine in the Pearl, we were greeted with a giant kiss. Of sorts.

Front-and-center in the window was a hot pink wing chair shaped like a pair of lips, and we felt the love before we stepped in the door. Once inside, we noticed that Simply Divine smells delicious. Oh, and they had some home furnishings, too – décor designed to knock your socks off.

The furnishing for sale are just this side of outrageous, and we were completely enchanted by unique finds like a lamp with a massively oversized shade, sofas in bold colors like turquoise, magenta and cobalt blue, and lots of terrific, patterned glass tabletop items. The selection here is stylized like a Hollywood movie set, and yet homey at the same time.

We don’t know how they do it, but the effect is…well…Simply Divine.

Simply Divine
828 N.W. Hoyt St.
503-796-0999

A Beachin’ Weekend

Summer is zipping by way too fast and it scares us. We haven't really done anything. What will the children write when their teacher asks them about their summer vacation? "We went to camps all summer to get out of mommy's hair." Gasp! We better think of something fun...and fast.

We've got it. Simple. We'll head to the gorgeous Oregon Coast, to the Ocean Lodge at Cannon Beach. It's so cozy and lodgey, sitting on the beach with a view of Haystack rock. We can stay in a suite and watch the kids from the balcony while we drink our wine; in front of us, a vision--perfect childhood memories of sun-kissed offspring frolicking and playing in the sand under our watchful eyes. We can borrow books and magazines and games from their library, check our email (the whole place is wireless), watch any movie from their dvd collection, binge on the homemade cookies and organic coffee they always have out, eat the complimentary breakfast and snacks (the best blueberry scones and bagels in the world).

Really everything is complimentary, so many sweet little touches. You really feel at home and the children, possibly to the others dismay, can run around safely. They even give you a bottle of local Pinot Gris, wine glasses and a little note when you arrive. Forget your shovel and pail at home? They'll give you that too. Oh you want to work out, they have free club membership to the local gym. It's very friendly and cozy, an easy trip...and you can't beat the view. And they welcome your four legged friends (with their own little cookie jar). This place is beachin'.

The Ocean Lodge
2864 South Pacific Street
P.O. Box 1037
Cannon Beach, Oregon 97110
888-777-4047
www.theoceanlodge.com

And if you catch it on a rainy day (which let's face—it is plausible here) spend an afternoon at Evoo Cooking School in town. If one is blessed with little ones, as we are, they think for some odd reason that baking is fun. The sight of flour, measuring cups and a dictatorial ingredient list sends us running for Mr. Tollhouse but the smaller members of our home think this stuff is super. Thankfully, Evoo has cooking classes for kids, or fancy romancey classes for grown ups. A good friend claims Evoo revolutionized her marriage! That famous route to the heart through the stomach must not be underestimated.

Evoo, Cannon Beach Cooking School
188 S. Hemlock
Cannon Beach, OR. 97110
ph: 503.436.8555
cell: 503.440.2793
free: 1-877-436-EVOO (3866)
fax: 503.436.8999
www.evoo.biz

Get Tangled

A delicious bit of news for our creative Portland Pick's readers...there's a new knitting store in town to salivate over...Tangle Knitting Studio is now open! Tangle, appropriately named after our personal knitting skills (how did they know?), has been receiving rave reviews from all those who enter its new space on 1st Street in beautiful downtown Lake Oswego.

Tangle's owners, Alice Burnham and Zen Menasche are glad to report that they are achieving what they set out to...to help all knitters, new and seasoned, young and old(er) to become happy, successful fiber artists!

As they always tell our customers, "It is not the final product but the joy of the creative journey that leads you there". Our journey fits their shop perfectly, Tangle.

Get messed up in something wonderful.

Tangle Knitting
440 1st Strret
Lake Oswego
503-636-knit

Couch Potatoes Paradise

Comfy couches for both company and kids? Fashionable furniture you'll love and still use 10 years from now? It may sound too good to be true, but it's the standard that has made Mitchell Gold, President, and Bob Williams, Director of Design, so successful.

Their showroom on W Burnside (across the street from Powell's), offers a stunning selection of chaises, ottomans, chairs, and couches, including their too-cool Dr. Pitt slip-covered sectional comprised of six separate pieces that can be rearranged depending on your situation.

This shop has unique furniture solutions for everyone from families living in Old PDX Victorians to sassy and single Pearl District condo owners. Plus, their English Bulldog mascot, Lulu, is adorable.

Mitchell Gold@ Hip
1106 W Burnside
Portland, Oregon 97209
503-972-5000
www.mitchellgold.com

A Grown-up Clubhouse

Man! This is the life. If you want a grown-up “clubhouse”, this is for you. This is where you must do your banking…. socializing, relaxing, reading, sipping, and man spying (if you’re single).

This is your new hangout. Forget the no-fee checking and all the other wonderful perks, you just want to move-in here. This is banking your style, and how it should be. Forget stuffy, formal and intimidating, Umpqua’s staff makes you feel like you matter.

It’s truly amazing! Read the selection of papers, watch CNBC, do a little emailing or web surfing, eat some donuts, and even help yourself to their quarters if your parking runs out.

And now they've even trumped themselves...they have just launched a new program called Discover Local Music, which connects Portland customers with the eclectic sounds of the city’s vibrant music scene. Customers who open a new account at the Umpqua Bank Pearl Store have the opportunity to browse Umpqua’s Discover Local Music Catalog and create a free custom CD of 10 songs by the region’s top artists. Just visit their Computer Café. It’s so easy, and so cool.

And in addition to helping Portlanders discover local music, a portion of Umpqua’s Discover Local Music proceeds will benefit Ethos Music Center, a multicultural nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting music and music-based education for Oregon’s youth.

Umpqua Bank in the Pearl. Wow. Where else can you feel good about Free-checking and Freeloading?

Umpqua Bank
1139NW Lovejoy Street.
Umpqua Bank.com

Baby Boot Camp

Baby Boot Camp has marched into town. It is the number one fitness program for Moms to exercise with their little ones, and the first stroller fitness program in Portland. There are 17 classes throughout Portland in beautiful park locations (Gabriel Park, Laurelhurst, Washington Park) as well as at the Oregon Zoo. The classes not only provide exercise (yoga, pilates, jogging) but also create a support community for Moms throughout Portland. You have everything in common at this Boot Camp. Think of it as Fitness meets Playgroup.

And Portland Picks readers are invited for a FREE class. Hup Two it, Girls!

For more information:
Erin Shirey
(503) 703-1269
Baby Boot Camp
Bring your baby. Get fit. ™
www.babybootcamp.com

There is a cute little store on NE Alberta called donna and toots, named after the owner’s very fashionable and eccentric grandmother and great aunt. A trip to their numerous walk-in closets filled to the brim with such items as leopard-printed trousers, pink Chanel suits and red vinyl galore could curl anybody’s toes. Together they were trouble, throwing elegant dinner parties and the occasional soiree! They were a huge impact on a little girl whose imagination had a hard time keeping up with their antics. And inevitably, donna and toots, the store, was born.

donna and toots carries vintage floral bags and sassy skirts, clothing designs from many local designers. Great colorful socks and Starlight jewelry. For the eco-minded shopper, Donna and Toots is now carrying handmade recycled bags that are constructed from plastic shopping bags imported by a Vancouver, Washington company called Gaia Goods. The bags are constructed without any colors or dyes, help reduce waste in landfills, and each bag is one-of-a-kind.

d&t also offer sewing classes for any of you would-be designers, ranging from beginner to intermediate skills. Visit their website for more details. Their July classes will teach you the art of creating an A-Line skirt (Intro to apparel sewing).

Donna and Toots
1631 SE Alberta
503-241-5570
www.donnaandtoots.com

We love to show off our photos. We are constantly emailing jpegs of our loved ones and ourselves, Looking oh so magical at this feigned perfect day out or that contrived happy-go-lucky vacation in the RV (obviously deleting, or shredding any less than perfect ones – particularly of ourselves lest they fall in to the wrong hands). But let’s face it, there’s nothing better than actual tangible photos that you can hold in your hand, put in a book, glance at with pride whenever you please. Someday we’ll look back, a tear in our eye, sad Life Insurance ad music playing in the background, and we’ll beam with pride at how perfect our life was...at least in the photos we chose discriminately to display.

We have found the cutest Brag books in all kinds of bright and funky styles with 24 pages for your best 4 x 6 pics. We can tuck them in our breast pocket and pull them out in an instant when anyone dare mention the kids. We can then send them snail mail – a card and gift in one -- since they come with an envelope. There’s no more perfect priceless gift.

The Pampered Pooch

Target has a new pet section filled with indulgences for your little pooch. Your little one can never have too many party dresses or tutus. And now you can splurge away without spending a fortune.

We are not all as blessed as Paris Hilton (although we occasionally spend as if we are) but don’t our hairy little ones deserve the darling things in life?

We think so.

Outta-Site

We found such a great site, Lululemon, cool fitness wear for active women. Right now it is only available to us in Bellevue, WA or online but it’s worth the visit.

And we love the Lululemon Manifesto (aka their mantra — they have MANY, like us!):

Your outlook on life is a direct reflection of how much you like yourself. Do yoga. It lets you live in the moment and stretching releases toxins from your muscles. LOVE. Do one thing a day that scares you. Life is full of setbacks. Success is determined by how you handle the setbacks.

A daily hit of athletic induced endorphins will give you the power to make better decisions and help you be at peace with yourself. Let sweat flow from your pores once a day to regenerate your skin. Wear Sunscreen. Average is as close to the bottom as it is to the top.

Do yoga so you can remain active in physical sports as you age. Dance, Sing, Floss, and Travel.

To help you do all of these things and look good doing it... .visit www.lululemon.com

Trend Watch

It depresses us to think fall right now, especially since we haven’t had a chance to wear our new summer wardrobe, but it’s rearing its little head and so we must go there.

But guess what? Just when we finally get the courage to show our belly buttons after much sweat and tears in our Abs Class, they up the waistline. This fall they’re introducing jeans that will surpass the thong-baring low-riders. I guess we can breathe a big fat sigh of relief and stop holding it in….we can finally sit down to dinner without a jacket tied around our waist. It starts with J. Lo’s faves, designer Elizabeth Charles from New Zealand, that have back pockets just so, to make your bum look just right.

And our old stand by’s from J. Crew and others here in America are embracing this trend, albeit a little more slowly. But hope springs (okay, falls) eternal. We’d love to look classy, sexy but covered….and until then, I guess we’ll still hold our breath.

Catch These!

Introducing fishnets with a twist.

Melonets, sold online or at City Girl in Lake Oswego (on A Avenue). These fishnets are so sexy and they actually stay up. No more fumbling with hooks that take forever, and then don’t stay up right, putting a damper on the precious mood.

And get this, now Melon makes scented underwear! For that all day powder fresh scent that lasts up to 15 washes. Now you’ll never fear that, ahem, not so fresh scent….and they’re so sexy.

Arm yourself for your next rendezvous with a little sexy confidence from Melon Fashion.

Scarlet O’Hara

• 2 oz of Southern Comfort
• 6 oz Cranberry Juice
• Splash of Soda
• Splash of Tonic
• Wedge of Lime

This must be served over crushed ice. It is a southern drink with a southern temperament and you will feel dramatic and prone to swooning.

This will not be your fault and you legally allowed to blame it on the beverage.

To celebrate the ninth edition of Sokol Blosser Winery’s popular Evolution wine, the winery will host the Lucky No. #9 Evolution Luau on Saturday, July 23, 5:30 – 10:00 p.m.

The fundraiser will take place at Sokol Blosser Winery, and all proceeds will benefit SOLV, a statewide non-profit organization which brings volunteers to hundreds of project sites each year to clean up, enhance and restore Oregon’s watersheds. The festivities will include food by Salvador Molly’s, a birthday cake for Evolution, and dancing under the stars to the reggae tunes of Sam Bamboo.

Come have a good time for a great cause.

Announcing Summer Sale
30 – 50% & Cynthia Steffe Fall Trunk Show
July 21 – 24th at Artemisia Boutique

Since she entered the business in 1989 she has remained consistent – namely flirty, feminine styling with beautiful detailing. There is a great versatility in her clothing. Pieces within the collection work well together or paired with jeans. The look is wellmannered,
urban coquette, flirty, fun, smart, current.

Come by and place your pre-order choose your size and color We will be serving Champagne and snacks from 4 – 7pm

300 SW Stark Street
Portland, OR 97204

The Bite of Oregon
Celebrates Oregon’s Bounty
August 12-14

Top Oregon chefs offering delectable dishes made with local products will be featured at The Bite of Oregon when another palate pleasing celebration of Oregon’s bounty is served up at Tom McCall Waterfront Park August 12-14.

The festival is now in its second year as The Bite of Oregon after a 20-year run as The Bite of Portland. At its debut in 2004, the all-Oregon food, wine and music festival was a huge hit with the public, who sampled foods and wines from Oregon’s seven geographical regions. Foodies filled their plates with treats prepared by chefs from the coast to cattle country and from the Willamette Valley to the Rogue Valley.

Once again, the lineup of superb chefs is dazzling. With more chefs still signing on, appearances have thus far been confirmed by more than 30 restaurants and more than a dozen featured chefs.

Street Festival Announces Call for Artist

(Vancouver, Washington) -- The 12th Annual Uptown Village Street Festival seeks artists ages 13 and up, amateurs and professionals alike, to participate in the second annual CHALK ON THE WALK sidewalk chalk art exhibition being held on Saturday, August 20th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the sidewalks of Vancouver, Washington's upper Main Street between 25th Street and McLoughlin Blvd.

Pre-registration is highly recommended as spaces are limited so be sure to register early to insure your space. Check-in time is between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Artists will have from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to complete their work. Teams of up to three people may register as one.

The registration fee is only $5, and includes an assigned sidewalk space on the day of the exhibition plus a free box of higher quality, brilliantly colored and durable non-toxic chalks more suitable for use on sidewalks than ordinary children's sidewalk chalk.

Registration forms and rules are at www.UptownVillage.com/festival.html, or you may email RNelson@pacifier.com or call 360-694-0079 or 360-882-1298 for more information.

If you've never tried sidewalk art before, no need to worry; it's easier than you'd think. The quality of art created by last year's chalk artists, many of whom were doing it for the first time, was truly amazing. When completed, all the art makes for a wonderful outdoor strolling art gallery for the enjoyment of the approximately 20,000 people who are expected to attend this year's two-day street festival.

p:ear of aces, a night in vegas

Students of Portland State University present “p:ear of aces, a night in vegas”. A Vegas themed evening in which all proceeds benefit p:ear. p:ear builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth through education, art, and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives.

The evening will include casino games, live music and entertainment, silent auction, and much, much more. For more information please visit www.pearofaces.com.

• Name: p:ear of aces, a night in vegas
  Benefit for p:ear
• Date: 8/05/05, Doors open at 7:00pm; Game Tables open at 7:30
• Location: Studio Concepts Inc. NW Portland
  2448 NW 28th Ave
  Portland, OR 97210
• Contact: (503)869-3508
• Cost: $20-$30

Mimi & Lena’s big Spring/summer sale begins Friday July 15.

This is one of the only sales Mimi & Lena has each year and it promises to be filled with deals. All of our Spring and Summer merchandise will be 20-50% off until it is all gone. Portland Pick’s readers should come early to have the best selection on clothes they can still wear through September!

This sale is in conjunction with the NE Broadway Sidewalk Sale