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presenting |
| PORTLAND PICKS | ||
| life + style to you: every Friday | ||
| Oct 21, 2005 |
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It must be that time of year,
the gloomy transition into a long dark winter...that, and being gypped a
titch on summer. It’s almost enough to make you want to curl up in
bed with a good People magazine. Just forget about the gloom outside and
read up on all the skinny with Katie and Tom and their new bun in the oven
(can you feel our eyes rolling?). Or snuggle with the remote and veg out
on E! True Hollywood Stories (whatever did happen to the Eight is Enough
gang?!?) Ahh… And I don’t have to tell you, all 8,000 of you,
that dismal days mixed with PMS is truly debilitating.
Last week was record-breaking pms. To make matters worse, I couldn't sleep a wink. Instead of sheep, I counted all my To Dos. I felt crazy, unorganized. I decided, "If only I had a dumpster." “Yes,” I thought to myself, “A dumpster would make everything better! I'll just throw everything away." Fortunately my husband, having barely lived through the week, was fearfully accommodating. "Sure honey, whatever you want. I'll get you a dumpster..." (In hindsight, I realize jewelry would have been a better request.) At a failed attempt to brighten up, I even bought my first ever Powerball ticket. (How many of you did, too?) It was over $300 million so I thought it was worth it. ($200 million just isn’t worth my time.) And I thought I’d win for sure. I didn’t…but at least I got a dumpster! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Do You Canoe? There are so many reasons to shop, but one of our favorites is “just
because.” Don’t you feel better when you’ve picked up
a little sumpin’-sumpin’ for yourself – for no reason
at all – on a rainy Sunday afternoon? We know we do! Oh, and there
are “other people,” too. Friends and family who deserve little
gifties and forget-me-nots every now and again. |
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| 2 | Olive You We love shoes that are cool, different, fun and unique. Comfy is good, quality is enormously important, maybe with a little Euro flair, but none of this”same old same old” business. We want to stand out, literally, in style. And of course, we want the same for our kids. So where do you go for nifty shoes for the whole family? Stop by Olive in the pearl, a kickin’ new shoe store for shoes with flair (pardon our pun). Olive's owner, Ally Evershed, knows her business, hailing from just across the street at Henny Penny. Her business card alone speaks volumes about her business and her brand and gets her noticed. And she doesn't disappoint. Her shoes – each pair – are incredibly interesting, and the space quite urban and swanky. And there's no other kids shoe store on the west side that carries this type of edgy kids’ shoes (somewhat reminiscent of Haggis McBaggis in Sellwood in terms of styles). Run, skip, jump into Olive's for your perfect back to school fall shoes, for Olive you! (Get it? All of you? Oof.) (Oh, and they sell handbags too!) Olive |
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| 3 | Understand Your Man! Do you ever look at your significant other and think, “What goes on in that head of his?” Okay, dumb question. It happens all the time, right? Sometimes men and women just aren’t on the same page. It’s amazing, really, that we can even get along, let alone love each other, have children together, work together…it’s a lot to handle! And how many times have you held emergency meetings with friends/sisters/moms to diagnose and treat your man problems? And how many times have you actually found workable resolutions and strategies? Um…right! Thankfully, there is professional guidance out there. And it’s available right here in Portland through PAX Programs. We just found out about their 3-hour intro seminar called “Understand Men 101” on Thursday, Oct. 27, 7-10 p.m., at the Red Lion Inn Convention Center. This workshop will help you understand men and create satisfying partnerships with them, for only $45. (Free if you mention Portland Picks! Registration info is below.) In this intimate, women-only workshop you’ll learn how to get what you need and desire most from men, how to appreciate men – and yourself – even more, how to communicate with men, and how to transform your relationships with men forever. There’s also a core weekend workshop Nov. 12 and 13 that expands on the introductory class, for $395. Trouble with men…we’ve all been there. Now we can find out what to do about it. PAX Programs www.understandingmen.com Reserve your free seats today at: www.understandmen.com/reserve.htm Or by calling 800.910.7011. |
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| 4 | You Are Only as Cool as Your Hair Seven is our lucky number, but what if there were two sevens? Would we double our luck? You betcha. And that's how we felt having discovered 77, our new favorite salon in the Pearl. But it wasn't just luck when we got the ’do of our dreams. It took real talent. Talent our sweet Mandy oozes. ("...you came and you gave without taking, oh Mandy....") We walked in with desperate hair, in need of a real cut and a natural looking highlights. (".....and I need you today, oh Mandy...") We had gone way too blonde with haunting grow-out virtually overnight, and we needed a fix, and a beautiful fix we got. We walked out with gorgeous, natural-looking locks that we can actually repeat at home. Mandy and all the stylists at 77 are superbly talented. If you're going out on the town, swing on in for a gorgeous updo and makeover that'll get you red-carpet ready. And rumor has it 77 has the best brow girl in town too (next on our list...we'll keep you posted. Man, this is hard work.) So if you're shopping for a new do, 77 in the Pearl is for you, because let’s face it, you are only as cool as your hair. Your fall hairoscope: This season has its own touch of whimsy – fashion hasn’t been this colorful in years, and you are starting to incorporate your fashion into your hairstyles more than ever. This season hair continues to move away from super-straight and sleek toward something very kicky. Hair is an accessory to your wardrobe. It’s edgy, but not in your face, beautiful, but not conservative. And with the help of 77, good hair days abound! 77 |
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| 5 | Get Sauced at Happy Hour Okay, maybe not completely sauced, but feel free to have a cheap drink
around 5 p.m. And no, you don’t have to revisit your smelly old
college haunt to find a boozy bargain. You can wear your good clothes
and lipstick and feel swanky…and still get cheap drinks! Where?
Saucebox. |
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| 6 | Get Creative Chances are, come this time of year, you’re up to your eyeballs in Sally Foster Wrapping paper; the designated school fundraiser for apparently every school in the state. If you want to be a little different, or learn to wrap a stunning package that will take others’ breath away, check out the Packaging Specialties store for creative packaging. What’s in? Bright colors, think 60s, Pucci, think fun! Think stripes...big striped wrapping paper, multi-stripe grosgrain ribbon. See dots...pink and brown or blue and brown. They have beautiful gift bags, matching tissue, a huge selection of ribbons. They have Rossler Papier paper, the high-quality stationer from Europe, to add a distinctive flair to any invitation or creative project. You can make your own gift bag, your own cards, even try your hand at scrapbooking. Want to be even more perfect than you already are? They have classes
and events to help channel your inner Martha...so if you’re like
us and can’t even tie a bow, now you can learn how to make gorgeous
bows, decorative gift tags, holiday tassels and beautiful gift accents.
To find out more, visit the Lake Oswego store or log on below. |
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| 7 | Andy and Bax Halloween approaches, and we've made several trips to Andy and Bax. This is a great funky resource for Halloween. Even if you’re not costume shopping, you can just loiter at length among all their novelties. I have to say the little twinkle of “paranoid me” wanted to pick up a few of the gas masks just in case. They might come in handy one day (we’ll be wearing them for sure if this bird flu comes to the U.S.) They have dressed up mannequins popping out all over the place – as spacemen and retro army guys, wielding giant Uzis and cannons. I was constantly looking over my shoulder thinking the mannequins were humans and the humans were mannequins (which is telling). They have a nice selection of hatchets (my 6-year-old really wanted one of those), daggers and air-soft guns, grenades, parachutes, giant bullets...and other guy necessities. It was better than a candy store for the boys. I couldn’t drag them out. But they also have a huge selection of incredibly affordable real wool navy pea coats, new ones. Camo is all the rage in certain circles, and they have an enormous selection of cool camo pants. They carry wool pants that would be great for skiing or climbing Everest. Studly on your man. They even have snowshoes, hunting and camping gear, camo bikinis and undies for her. It's a fascinating store, novelties galore, and so much fun to explore! Andy and Bax |
 andyandbax.com |
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| 8 | Correction Everyone has been so excited about Moda Nova’s fabulous Latin
fashions, but we need to give you the correct address! Thankfully, our
intrepid readers have been calling Moda Nova to find out where they’re
located. Nothing will stop the urge to shop! Our hats are off to you,
ladies. |
 modanova.com |
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| Portland Picks Book of the Week: | |||
MATCH ME IF YOU CAN… Poor little rich girl Annabelle Granger. She’s the one in her family to mess up. She’s the one nobody thinks will succeed. But, she’s so sweet! And, she tries so hard! 31 and still single, Annabelle inherits her grandmother’s matchmaking business – and right away tries to sign-up the biggest catch of the day – a hunky Chicago sports agent, with a nasty little agenda of his own. We love Annabelle! She reminds us of…us…when we really, really want something…and nothing goes right! And, she has to find Heath Champion his Perfect Wife to make her match-making business a brilliant success. Only problem is, he insists she is exactly on time for their first appointment. Well, Annabelle dashes into Heath’s office late, speeds past the receptionist, dodging the woman’s lunge to stop her, and stumbles in, bright red curls toppling into her eyes. She gives Heath an offer he can’t refuse. And, he tops it! Does he have her at hello? No way of knowing. This guy is a rock. And by the time the meeting is over, Annabelle has agreed to find Heath the perfect wife now, to lure him away from her rival matchmaking agency, owned by the thin, rich, bossy Portia Powers. Who does Annabelle come up with…? Her best offer is her drop-dead gorgeous neighbor. Uh, who is married. Annabelle tells Heath, sorry, this amazing creature who he now desires, isn’t into him. And, the mad dash to the altar is on! MATCH ME IF YOU CAN is a little silly. But it’s so much fun, that we can forgive Susan Elizabeth Phillips, who creates a new best friend in the persona of Annabelle Granger, and very evil villains, and karmic justice that doesn’t quit! Contributed by Diana
Jordan |
 powells.com |
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| ITunes Mix of the Week: | |||
| In honor of our fall pms, and the changing of the weather, we’ve accumulated a mix of sad new songs. When we were little we called these dreary days, "Cowboy Days." They epitomized dark drizzly Sundays when it was too rainy to play outside and all that was on the tube was old cowboy movies. So this is infinitely better. Are you ready? Plug in, get your hankies, and climb under those covs.
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Push! It’s that time of year. The bikini goes in the “summer drawer” and out comes the hearty Mom food. You pile on the poundage, but no biggie, you can hide under the sweaters and worry about it come spring. But you feel crappy about yourself in the end. Stop your worrying – now there’s Push, where you can subscribe and get your very own personal trainer delivered right to your door. Every month Push delivers three customized training sessions just for you, led by your very own personal trainer. Each session is geared to your level, goals and equipment. And every month you will receive a completely unique DVD. You customize the product at the outset and on an ongoing basis so you see the changes reflected in your workouts. Now you truly never need to leave your house again...except when you want to show off that new babe-alicious bod of yours. |
 push.tv |
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| 2 | Chalk it Up You want to be a good mom. You really want to encourage your kids’ artistic talent. You want to keep them busy. But that sidewalk chalk thing...it’s, well, messy (especially for you Virgos), and you sometimes pray for rain before company comes over. Well now we’ve found the perfect alternate solution – and one you can take with you to a restaurant to keep them busy and quiet so you can enjoy your martini. Introducing the portable chalk mat! Adorable fabrics for easy-on, easy-off chalk art. Take them anywhere! Your little one’s chalk expression needs will surely be fulfilled. And you, you’re such a good mom! |
 samandbellie.com |
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| 3 | Is That a Banana in Your Pocket?
No, silly, it’s a banana briefcase. Who wants to eat a bruised banana? Not us. Have you ever cleaned out your gym bag or backpack only to find smeared banana coating everything? Well, now you can protect the banana and the backpack (or briefcase, purse, etc.) with the Banana Bunker®. Okay, phallic for sure, and you may get some looks when you remove it from your handbag in the lunch room, but who cares. It’s genius! Whether you’re on a hiking trip, day trip, athletic event, between classes, or at a board meeting, the Banana Bunker will keep your fruit safe until you’re ready to snack. Plus, the Banana Bunker comes in four colors so you can match it to your outfit. |
 bananabunker.com |
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| 4 | Eat Bon Bons! Okay, you’ve got your personal trainer visiting you via DVDs (big points for that!), so heck, that’s like having a hall pass for these bonbons. (They’re a must when you’re cozied up under the duvet with the remote.) No one makes a better decadent bon bon than Fauchon from Paris. And if you order anything in pink, they’ll donate $$ to breast cancer research. So eat bon bons, missy, and feel soooooo good about it! And as the holiday approaches, buy Pink bon bons for all your hostess gifts! |
 fauchon.com |
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| 5 | Get the Glow You long for that healthy glow, but it’s hard sometimes when your life is chaotic. Let’s guess: you’ve had almost no sleep, two cups of coffee in the a.m, that mid-day Red Bull, a couple glasses of wine while you cooked dinner. So what’s a girl to do? B-Glowing (from Portland) has Alchimie Forever just for you! Try Alchimie’s Intense renewal night cream with blueberries, jojoba, grape seeds and vitamin E. It increases the beneficial effects of beauty sleep with a mid-weight night cream that nourishes, renews, and brightens the skin, leaving it soft and silky the next morning. Packed with antioxidants, this cream revives tired, dehydrated skin and helps minimize the signs of stress and fatigue. Daily use softens the appearance of fine lines and leaves the skin soft and radiant. You are golden! |
 b-glowing.com |
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| 6 | Zit Zapper For the love of Pete, where was this when we were young?! When a pimple could ruin your week, when we cancelled dates, picked and picked, scorched with Oxy 10, only to make it 10 times worse? The days when we would confess up front, "I know I have this zit right here," you say, pointing it out first, so they know you know it's there, somehow making it less humiliating. Well now there's the zit zapper, like the weed wacker, but way cooler. The Zeno is a handheld zit zapper that heats up and zaps your zit away to invisible (without the burn). Remarkable. |
 myzeno.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Late Night at Lippman’s
It’s almost October 31st & Portland’s oldest party store,
The Lippman Company, has everything you need to accessorize your party,
your home, and yourself for Halloween. |
 lippmancompany.com |
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| 2 | WARNING! Pentaphobics Beware! If you have a fear of fives, this is not the event for you! Everyone else mark your calendars for Nov. 5, 2005 at 5 p.m. Because for the ensuing five hours, Urban Wineworks, Portland’s first downtown winery, tasting room and retail shop, will be celebrating five years in business. Throughout this night of celebration, you will be treated to cuisine from five caterers including Elephants Delicatessen, Fete Catering, Be Zinful, Wildplum Catering, and Jopa. You can choose from five wines: two Bishop Creek Pinot Gris, two Bishop Creek Pinot Noirs, plus the premiere of Urban Wineworks’ special 5th anniversary blend, made from 5 different grape varietals. All wines are $5 per glass. You can also taste the ’05 vintage from the barrel. Music will be a quintet, of course – the Echo Jazz Collective. During their breaks, listen for the music of: Maroon 5, the B-52’s, the Fab 5, the Dave Clark Five, maybe even the Jackson 5. Come dressed to the “fives.” Urban Wineworks is located on the corner of N.W. Flanders and 16th. It
is the winery and tasting room for Bishop Creek Cellars and allows visitors
to experience a taste of wine country without the drive. |
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| 3 | JEEP YAPPY HOUR You date around to find your soul mate, shouldn’t you do the same when adopting your soul pet? Would you propose marriage after your first date? Of course not! The same holds true for adopting a pet, which is why Animal Fair Magazine and Kimpton’s Portland Hotels are bringing Yappy Hour 2005 to Portland. Yappy Hour offers dog-lovers and pooches the chance to mingle with (and sniff) one another. If you’re looking to add to your family, you can “test-walk” an assortment of dogs to see which breed looks best on you. All dolled-up dames, dons, and their dogs are invited to attend this special puptail Yappy Hour. Guests will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, yappatizers for the dogs, and a great take home doggie bag for guests and their dogs! If you are looking to find True Puppy Love come to the JEEP YAPPY HOUR For tickets please call the Humane Society for Southwest Washington at 360-750-0847, or email jwilliamson@southwesthumane.org. |
 southwesthumane.org |
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Does it seem like we’re not that psyched about Halloween? Are we sending out a bit of a grumpy vibe? It’s just the dark skies…Perfect Spookiness for All Hallows Eve! You’ll find us on your trick-or-treat route…we’ll have the Scary House. Ha ha! And we’ll be costumed as someone who’s completely “out there,” like Carrie from the movie “Carrie” (well, maybe not around the kids), Mary from “There’s Something About Mary” (again, maybe not so kid-friendly) or Katie Holmes. OOH! That’s our scariest idea yet!!! |
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