Slow Bar…

…so good. You knew we’d say that, didn’t you? The urge to say it was strong, very strong, especially after we imbibed tasty cocktails like the Northern Lemonade (Skyy vodka, fresh-squeezed lemonade, fresh mint and a splash of club soda), and the House Infused Bloody Mary (made with Italian tomato vodka!)

We are simply enamored of Slow Bar, with its dramatic, tall red booths and swanky lighting. We felt like glamazons as we slowly sipped and casually checked ourselves in the long mirror behind the bar. The night to go is Friday, said our friendly bartendress, she of the Pabst belt buckle and the swift and friendly service.

If you’re wanting to be the scene – as opposed to making it – grab about a dozen friends and appropriate the big white booth by the front door! When you have it all to yourselves you can check out the comings and goings of the hip patrons, and grab the spotlight spot for eating and drinking. That’s right – check out their menu – it changes regularly but standouts include Seared Tuna Salad, Ceviche and a French Cheese & Truffle Oil Fondue.

Take your time! It’s Slow Bar.

Slow Bar
533 SE Grand Ave.
Portland, OR 97214
503.230.7767
slowbar@comcast.net

Home Sweet Home

We adore beautiful, elegant things. We like to surround ourselves with sumptuous antiques, fabrics, candles, books, housewares, lamps, pillows, and bath products that are exquisite, and individually appreciated. Truly, they’re timeless collections that will last forever in our home.

That's why our favorite store is Cielo Home in the Pearl, and now – aren't we lucky? – Cielo opened an equally divine store at Bridgeport Village. Everything you need for hearth and boudoir to lounge in your housecoat and kitten heels eating bon bons like the movie starlet you pretend you are.

This store’s design trumps their Pearl store – dramatic original pillars with a tv buried within showed Breakfast at Tiffany's while we browsed.

We oohed and ahhed at every single item: the fabulous embroidered pillows; the matching retro tumblers featuring Lake Tahoe, Sun Valley, and Palm Springs (great gifts for those with a second home or ski house); great books and frames and soaps. The store is decorated so beautifully, demonstrative of their design skills, and guess what? They offer personal interior design services so your home can look like Cielo Home and you'll be the envy of the neighborhood in all your divine perfection.

And they have a gift registry. We signed up for everything (hint, hint). It truly is our favorite store. See for yourself, hurry now.

Cielo Home & Garden
528 NW 12th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503.445.0111

And at Bridgeport Village

Evening Wear with Latin Flair

We can’t get enough of dressing up, and we love making an impression on special occasions by showing flair, personal style, and an edge. Even a bit of spiciness. And when we crave outstanding, unique evening wear with Latin flair, we head straight for Moda Nova. Moda Nova boasts Portland’s largest and most interesting selection of evening dresses and separates for all occasions, in sizes 2-14, for women of all ages.

So what do we mean by “Latin flair”? According to Moda Nova, evening wear is something Latins do especially well, and the store specializes in independent, smaller designers from Spain, South America, and the United States. Last year they took eight buying trips to Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Spain to seek out the best, most original designers from those countries. You’ll find unique items that are not available elsewhere in Portland, or sometimes even in the U.S.

Look to Moda Nova for the perfect frocks for Salsa and Tango dancing, as well as sultry cocktail dresses and outfits for going to the club, out on a hot date, or to impress your significant other on your anniversary. They also have the Northwest’s best collection of Argentine Tango shoes, so even if you can’t dance a step you can look like a siren from the ankles down.

This fall, Moda Nova will also be introducing some new lines from Quebec and France – the French also have Latin Passion that shows in their clothing. And you can perfect your Latin look with spectacular accessories, too. This is a must-shop stop for everyone who wants to look good after 5 p.m.!

Moda Nova
888 SW 5th Ave.
Portland, OR 97204
503.546.6557

The DIY Lounge

Last year the Kindergarteners at Mother's Day Tea made life-size cut-out pictures of mommy and hung them on the wall for us to guess who was who. My son proudly pointed me out to the class because I was having trouble guessing. I was the one that was all blue: blue face, blue body, no hair. It was pinned up on the wall next to all the other "pretty mommies" like the one mommy with yellow hair that flipped up at the ends with red-colored poofy lips and big fat long eyelashes. (That's who I wanted to be!)

This year at Back to School the kids had to make life size pictures of themselves and we had to guess who was who. I knew right away which one was my son's self-portrait. Not because it looked like him, but because it was blue: a blue head, no face, with two legs extending from the head (also blue) and two arms extending from the kneecaps (blue). It had no neck or torso to speak of. The shoes were white, though. I grew slightly uneasy, thinking that he must have self-esteem issues. But oh well, I couldn't do much better myself. Apparently the blue apple doesn't fall far from the blue tree.

But then again, this just won't do. We're going to the Do It Yourself Lounge on Alberta in the back room at Frock Boutique. We are going to learn how to create some masterpieces together that we can brag about. This place is so COOL! You can do everything at this lounge, from making pasties, stenciling t-shirts, and designing fashion accessories, to learning Bowie songs on the keyboard. This is our hip and creative new clubhouse. You have to check 'em out.

DIY Lounge
2940 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR 97211
503.595.0379

Pretty Car! Pretty Car!

You can tell a lot about a person by their car, and even more so by how it's kept. Take us for example, we open the door and empty water bottles fall out. Wrappers and papers and soccer cleats and sweatshirts abound.

But there are bennies to this muss. For example, if we were stuck out in the wilderness and our car broke down, we could live for days off the scraps of food between the seats. (I like to remind my husband, in his shiny clutter-free car, that he would immediately perish). Like the rest of our house, we've got piles for school work, catalogs, bills we need to go through (and intend to one day....for sure). We tend to make apologies if anyone gets so close that they can actually peer into the car and see our terrible secret. ("Step away from the car...") It's even worse if someone has to get into the car and sit atop all the crap which we hurriedly scooch onto the floor, making more apologies. But we plan to change our evil ways...starting right now.

We're going to get our vehicle in ship shape so we can head-fake people that we are truly organized. We're going to take our car to fancy Autobella in Portland and Lake Oswego and they'll make it look like new. This will enhance your life, Princess. And remember our motto: A clean sparkly car makes for a clean sparkly life and a clean sparkly happy owner (aka you).

Autobella
2046 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.
Portland, OR 97212
503.335.6969
1.877.335.BELA

Coming soon to Lake Oswego

Oh Baby...

Enough of his big t-shirts. That was only cute once. You need to feel sexy, classy and sexy (another one of our mottos!) We don't mean you should look like a cheap tart, but how can you feel like a totally together woman when you know your underthings are “granny” or “boyfriend”? Imagine how good you'll feel when you’re in the boardroom and you're together head to toe, and inside and out. You'll ooze sexiness, confidence, intelligence, and poise, and you'll command the room.

And Oh Baby has the most luxurious underthings. They are the destination for every woman who seeks to inspire passion and fun in her life (you!)...and for every woman who wants to feel sexy every day and night (umm, again…you!) The boutique is packed with pretty, feminine items - from sensuous slips to wildly sexy corsets…all of the highest quality silks. You'll find a distinct array of European and American intimate apparel, from essentials to the purely frivolous.

We think it's important to feel sexy. It isn't bad, it isn't scary...it's good. And your boyfriend and/or husband will not be able to help himself when he utters the words, "oh baby...."

Oh Baby
1320 NE Broadway
Portland, OR 97232
503.281.7430

722 NW 23rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97210
503.274.4190

A Secret Family Recipe

The first dinner party I ever threw was in college. I was making dinner for my then boyfriend and another couple. I had no experience in the kitchen since mom was a Virgo and couldn't stand us in her hair when she was in the kitchen, so out we stayed for 18 years.

I decided to make fried chicken. How hard could that be? I got out the Bisquick and quickly scanned the instructions, whipping up a batch of pancake batter. I dipped the chicken into the batter and fried it. They looked and tasted quite remarkably like pancakes (since I had made batter, duh.) To this day I'm taunted with, "Would you like syrup with your chicken?"

Are you too tired to cook? Or are you lame in the kitchen, like me? Bring a healthy, organic dinner home to your family from Smart Monkey Foods. Having a small dinner party? Have it catered by Smart Monkey Foods and offer only the most delicious and freshest menu around.

Smart Monkey Foods is the premier resource for vegan and organic cuisine that is rich in flavor, and original in design. This is real culinary creativity that is packed full of fresh, local, high-quality organic ingredients, and they offer catering in all sizes. Smart Monkey Foods is located in the Pearl.

Call 503.236.7878 for scheduling and more menu ideas, or visit www.smartmonkeyfoods.com.

Sofa So Good

When you’re decorating your home, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest fads. We just heard about a whole ethos where you find a painting you like and dictate your furniture styles and colors by what’s on the canvas. And then there’s the one where you do each room in a different theme – one room is for romance (the bedroom – ooh la la), one is for comfort (the tv room, natch), another for making an impression (the living room – or the kitchen, if you’re oriented that way.) We prefer to decorate by following our instincts, and setting ourselves up with the basics.

And what better place to find what you need than the aptly named Sofa Table Chair? Do you need a sofa? Do you need a table? Do you – yes, here it comes – need a chair? Then look no further than this welcoming shop on Broadway. They do custom furniture so you’ll always find what you love, and the prices are surprisingly affordable!

No more searching showrooms for that dining room table you have “in your head.” Now you can order it just how you want it – choose the color, the size, the legs, the finish. And for upholstered pieces it’s the same – choose the fabric, the size, the number of cushions and pillows. Whatever you want. It’s all up to you!

Sofa Table Chair
1916 NE Broadway
Portland, OR 97232
503.231.2782
www.sofatablechair.com

Pearls for Everyone!

Ahhh, we love pearls. They are our birthstone. We've always worn our grandmother's simple little choker around our neck with everything. But now layers of pearls at varying lengths is all the rage, showing up on hot Hollywood trendsetters such as Selma Blair and Mischa Barton. And since we’re not the type to pass up a girly trend, we'll have to go shopping. But hmmm, lots of real pearls can be a bit spendy. What's a girl to do?!?

Enter The Pearl Outlet, our hero, right here in Portland. The Pearl Outlet (www.thepearloutlet.com) is a local online company that sells pearls at wholesale costs, saving you up to 80%, so splurge away. You are tres elegant!

And if he scoffs, tell him you're supporting the local economy by investing in these timeless jewels. You're soooo worth it.

Make “Arrangements” for the Holidays

Oh, we love the holidays! Trick-or-treating, cozy mittens, family get-togethers, roasting turkeys…it’s all so wonderful to contemplate! And since they will soon be here, we urge you to visit The Arrangement to get the goodies you need for a perfect holiday season. Right now, for instance, they are stocked with fab Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations, as well as fun party stuff. The Arrangement has everything from candy corn and cards to holiday themed housewares like gravy boats for that huge turkey you’ll be cooking!

They also feature a wealth of fabulous gift items like Blenko glassware, unique jewelry, lotions & potions from brands like The Thymes, and even scarves, clothing and Hobo bags. And for children, there are Robeez shoes and Petunia Picklebottom bags, plus fun items for pets…the list goes on and on!

There’s also everything you need to wrap those gifts! You can even bring in things you’ve (gasp!) purchased elsewhere, and the helpful staff can wrap them for you. Just choose from their enormous selection of wrapping papers, bags and bows, and ribbons by the yard.

And why not create an occasion of your own? The Arrangement has a decadent selection of invites, note cards and stationery to impress your guests…or just to tickle your own fancy.

The Arrangement
4210 NE Fremont St.
Portland, OR 97213
503.284.7142

Smile!

We have teeth fears and a dentist problem. We are very persnickety when it comes to the dentist and have "tried out" so many. We have regular nightmares that our teeth fall out. We are haunted. At least we were. Now we've found the dentist of our dreams! Green Apple Dental. It's more of a day spa than a dentist. From the moment you step inside, the experience is lovely.

And they are having a special month at Green Apple Dental in October. They will be giving all new patients a gift that supports the Breast Cancer Research Fund. All gifts will be purchased from companies donating towards BCRF, for example: pink and purple golf balls from Target, Sharing The Promise wristbands from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Lorac pink lip gloss from Sephora, Planet Dog red/pink squeaky toy, Lady Bug Designs chocolates, Riedel pink stemless wineglasses and a June Bijou strawberry quartz ring, and more. Most of these gifts have the Pink Ribbon on them and all have donated towards BCRF.

So, this month Green Apple Dentals wonderful new patients (that's you!) may leave with a box of chocolates or be extra lucky and get a June Bijou ring!

Ahhhh, so many reasons to smile!

Green Apple Dental
1320 SW 2nd Avenue
Portland
503.224.0133
www.greenappledental.com

Ellen Moscoe, Sharon Kitzhaber, Rebecca Webb, Carlos Kalmar

An elegant evening where classic sound met chic couture. The evening featured originally composed performances by Symphony musicians, accompanying models showcasing Mario's fashions, silent bidding, decadent hors d'oerves and specialized cocktails, with all proceeds benefiting the Oregon Symphony. www.orsymphony.org

I have no boobies to speak of, so I bought these fake silicone breasts for fun, as an experiment, to see what all the fuss was about. My cleaning lady found them where I had been hiding them at the top of my closet and gave me stink eye, like she'd just found my bong. I felt so ashamed.

One Date Night with my husband I surprised him with my new bigger boobs. We went out to OBA and ate in the bar. I wanted to see if he'd even notice, and I also wanted to gauge the crowd and see if I would be more popular. Well, no one noticed at all... So drastic measures, I secretly moved one of the boobies into the middle, so I actually had three breasts. Only then did he notice (along with a few others at neighboring tables that tried not stare). So see, it isn't bigger boobs you need, you just need more of them.

Cleavage Cupcakes...just like homemade!

Feel the Love with the Unite Tank

United we stand in support of our dear ones in New Orleans, and now one of our fave t-shirt designers has created a cool tee where we can advertise our support.

Wear the Michael Stars Unite tank to show your support for the families affected by Hurricane Katrina. For every purchase of the Unite tank, Michael Stars is proud to donate $5 on your behalf to the American Red Cross, with a guaranteed minimum of $50,000.

The rugged outer heart represents the devastation, while the pure heart in the middle stating “Unite” embodies the spirit of unity and love.

This style is a classic cotton fitted rib tank. Now you're sexy and charitable!

When your heart is aching, sometimes all you want to do is crawl under the covers and hide. We understand. Really, we do. But we’ve got a better idea.

Stop mourning and get back to that sexy, sassy single girl who’s ready to move on! You’re gorgeous. You’re fabulous. And now, you’re free.

This kit will give your sexy attitude an overhaul – and banish old whatshisname into oblivion! You even get a hot new date – one who has plenty of stamina.

So go on, freebird. Get back in the saddle.

I remember when I had my twin babies. The nurse tried to hand me one and I started crying. I told my mom she had to go first – I couldn't possibly hold it. I couldn't believe they were actually going to let me take a baby home, let alone two of them, remembering the beta fish, the guinea pig, and the parakeet that hadn't fared well in my hands growing up.

In no time at all the two plain car seats we purchased had their share of wear and tear and baby vomit. I remember when one of the twins threw up all over himself, just before a fancy event. I had to gingerly remove baby and barf and hose out the car seat. I left it out to dry and the next morning a slug (or a gaggle of slugs by the look of it) had traveled up and down and all around, leaving its swirly trail on every part of the seat. (It was a slug conspiracy). At that point I was so grossed out, I just threw it in the garbage and upgraded.

But now, instead of "out with the old," you can create quite an impression by decorating your hum drum car seat with car seat covers from lexierose.com. They have the cutest car seat covers in Diva dots and pink disco flowers! (Which is our fave, but the boys might prefer the retro route 66.) You can change your car seat covers as often as you change diapers. These are gorgeous...and something more to shop for! So next time, don't throw out the car seat, just get a new sassy cover.

Oh, it's tough being a girl. There's nothing more distasteful than bulging hip fat and panty lines. In fact we'll do just about anything to avoid this dilemma. We're even willing to go commando for a smoother look. But now we don't have to, because we found something that works equally well...and well, I'll be, it's even called Commando.

These Commando undies are "better than nothing." And you want to know the naked truth? They're designed with a patented fabric that lays smooth and flat on your beautiful body. Its naked construction is made without lace or trim or panty lines of any kind. You'll "barely" feel it and they'll never see it!

No week can go by without mention of chocolate. Well, actually no day can go by without consuming a little chocolate. It is, after all, a "superfood," so we're adding years to our lives by eating chocolate...it's delish and medicinal...or so we choose to believe, in order to rationalize this weakness.

We just discovered some amazing chocolates and caramels from a specialty confectionary in New York called Sans Souchi. They are available only at Ella Posie, right here in Portland. The packaging is darling (see pics) and the sweets are out of this world. Perfect for a thank-you or a hostess gift (since we’re starting to get into the party season), or just because. Mmm, delish.

Ella Posie
1916 NE Broadway St.
Portland, OR 97232
503.236.2933
www.ellaposie.com

What: Desperado in the Pearl is proud to announce a special trunk show featuring world-renowned cowboy boot designer Tres Outlaw Boot Company. If you love the thought of your own special pair of boots, Tres Outlaw boots can be completely custom designed by you, and you’ll get a completely custom fit; utilizing a patented foot-mold system guaranteeing a comfortable fit for everyone.

• When: The event beings First Thursday, Oct. 6, and running through Saturday, Oct. 8
  
  A custom pair of boots starts at $750, and the sky’s the limit when designing. Exotic leathers, your own designs…anything you want! Desperado is located in Portland’s Pearl District. They offer fine western clothing for men, women and children, fun gift and novelty items, jewelry and custom, handmade cowboy boots, cowboy hats and silver buckles.
• Where: Desperado, 428 NW 11th Ave., Portland, OR 97209; www.godesperado.com
• Contact: Appointments are available! Call 503.294.2952

October: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Understanding Breast Cancer Prevention

Arpana Naik, M.D., will provide an overview of options and trends in breast cancer prevention, including lifestyle modifications and types of chemoprevention. Naik is an assistant professor of surgery (general surgery), OHSU School of Medicine, Division of Surgical Oncology. Her practice is fully dedicated to the surgical management of breast diseases and the delivery of comprehensive, multidisciplinary care to patients with breast cancer and those at high risk for the future development of breast cancer.

Nordstrom Downtown Portland, October 13, noon to 1:00 pm

Incubate Oregon's Women's Business Idol Competition
GRAND FINALE
October 12th

A cross between American Idol and The Apprentice, join our audience as we hear from the final round of contestants in our first-ever Women's Business Idol Contest. Four finalists have competed for a fabulous grand prize including free logo design, new website design, free web hosting for a year, office supplies for a year and free public relations help through two rounds of competition performing their elevator pitch and marketing plan. At the final round vote live with our celebrity judges Gillian Floren, Publisher, Oregon Business Magazine, Holly Files, Former SVP of Services at NetIQ and Kathi O’Neil, Founder of Portland Picks for the idea that will win the big grand prize.

Come network with the best women entrepreneurs in Portland and vote for your favorite business idea!

Women's Business Idol Competition and Monthly Incubator Event

• Date: WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12th
• Time: 6-7pm Networking, Final Competition Round 7-8pm
• Place: Studio 1050, 1050 SE Water Avenue
• Cost: $20
• RSVP now, seats are limited. Visit www.incubateoregon.com/nominate to register and for contest details.

Oregon Symphony Soiree

October 8--next Saturday--is our first Soiree of the season and you’re invited to our kick-off! Even if Roberta Flack is not your kind of music, please join us at Alexander’s Restaurant at the top of the Hilton for glitter cocktails, free food and 70’s grooves.

Our pre-concert receptions are a great way to meet new people and enjoy a night out on the town. And at $12 a person, how can you go wrong?!

visit www.orsymphony.org/soiree

Key to the Cure at Saks

Key to the Cure, an event in support of Legacy Cancer Services, is scheduled for Oct. 28 and 29 at the Saks Fifth Avenue store in Portland. During these two days, Saks will donate five percent of its sales to the Good Samaritan Foundation in support of the hospital's Breast Health Center and the cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer programs of Legacy Cancer Services.

A kick-off party is scheduled from 3-6 p.m. at Saks on Oct. 28 and all are invited to attend for prize drawings, free health screenings and shopping!

Rock Paper Scissors Event

Bringing a combination of live hair cutting and fashion show to Mississippi Ave. at Belle Époque Salon.

Belle Époque, Portland’s premier neighborhood salon and leader in personalized client care and education, is presenting a live haircutting presentation with music on Thursday, Oct 13th, 2005, as part of the Mississippi Music Walk.

Belle Époque’s event takes place together with Amanda William’s from Arabella Salon. Amanda brings her years of experience of Opera, Film and Animation to create this event. The Rock Paper Scissors theme represents the playful, edgy side of fashion.

This will take place at Belle Époque Salon at 3713 N. Mississippi Avenue. Doors open at 7:00 PM, the show starts at 8 PM sharp. There will be dancing with music provided by DJ Disco Model immediately following the show. Photographs by: Craig Chamber.

Everyone is welcome. No cover.