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| PORTLAND PICKS | ||
| life + style to you: every Friday | ||
| Nov 18, 2005 |
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This is a big issue because we aren't doing much next week, due to the holiday weekend. But we are so thankful for you. If it wasn't for you we'd shop alone, and that's no fun. This issue is fat—just like we'll be after dinner next week! Jam-packed with valuable stuffing and sandwiched between wellness. We also have extra hip happenings to keep you busy with shopping, sales and things to do to get you into the holiday spirit until we meet again. | ||
Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Attention Bunnies: Let’s Ski! Oh my, is it true? Is ski season upon us? We still own moon boots and hit the slopes in a bland black bib from 1992. Not only is it severely unflattering, but it’s tough in the potty—you have to take off your gloves, your jacket, and unzip the bib, THEN pull the straps down…awful, just awful, like a giant onesie for adults…and obviously, it’s time to freshen up our look. This year we vow to look Hot on the mountain, and leave the bag-lady aesthetic to the Olsen twins. So where can we go for super-saucy ski togs that are cute and functional? Look no further than Helly Hansen, a longtime favorite of hunky ski-bums the world over. (We may have made that part up.) Their Bridgeport Village location is a great resource for skiwear and sports outfitting. They have everything you need: parkas, pants, sweaters, shoes, goggles, backpacks, hats, gloves, chapstick…and the best selection of long underwear you’ve ever seen, in delish colors like pink, baby blue, apple green, raspberry…no more tightie whities! Helly Hansen |
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| 2 | Oh, Maggie! We are tired of living like college Freshmen with our frayed bath towels that we accidentally pilfered from the gym and our four forks and our coffee mugs that read World's Greatest Dad. We want pretty things in all corners of our home. Monogrammed linen hand towels in the guest bath, plush cotton towels to wrap ourselves in, pink quilted bauble cases, and all kinds of loveliness in every nook. That's why we were thrilled to discover this new store in Lake Oswego filled with feminine finery that we so lack but hunger for. This store reminds us of a similar lovely monogram store we used to patronize in East Hampton, only this one is bigger and better! Maggie Elizabeth just opened in Lake Oswego. This store has everything you need for everyone on your list. It's stocked with wonderful girlie stuff just waiting for your initials. Jennifer and Claire, the proprietors, have developed this idea beautifully. They have the highest quality products: robes, towels, cocktail napkins, wine bags, purses, diaper bags, tennis covers, scarves, pashminas, purses, dop kids, adorable cuddly baby stuff, hand towels, compact mirrors, whimsical luggage tags...EVERYTHING!!! And great holiday hostess gifts like monogrammed soaps or linen cocktail napkins. Give something beautifully personal this season from Maggie Elizabeth....and don't forget you. Maggie Elizabeth |
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| 3 | Greenloop. Green Life. Green Style. We like green. Can't you tell? See...look around...this place is green
all over. And we're all over green, which is why we love our sister, Greenloop,
the hippest store in West Linn. Greenloop's mission is an alignment of style and sustainability, a fusion of aesthetics and ethics, by providing the opportunity for all of us to look fabulous, feel great, and do good. All of the items Greenloop offers are made by companies, small and large, that have made a clear commitment to use environmentally sustainable materials, and utilize fair trade, fair wages, and safe working conditions. And not only that, they're hip as hell. So what are you waiting for? Get your green on! Greenloop |
  thegreenloop.com |
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| 4 | Retreat to a Very Special Spa The Pearl District just keeps on getting better. From fabu restaurants to saucy salons to spectacular spas, this hood is pure genius. One of our favorites is Aequis Spa in the Telegram Building. In addition to the architectural appeal of the building itself, founder Megan Klein has created a swank, soothing and sexy retreat where they offer Ayurveda-based treatments, makeup, skincare, crystal healing, aromatherapy…oh, and you can get spa services, too! Try this special: for $175 you will be pampered by a Lemongrass Foot Bath, a traditional Thai massage, and a Marma Point Facial Rebalancing Treatment. There are packages for individuals, and even a special room where couples can have massages together in a richly colored, deeply soothing private space. Ahh…we feel better already. Aequis Spa |
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| 5 | Find Your Inner Diva at Mario's This is handsome, hunky Mario. Celebrated Mario, of Mario's, of course. We need to straighten that out because, silly us, we featured a misnamed set of photos last week. (We know, we know...big faux pas. We pretend to be perfect but now you're on to us. It's all a sham. We are so not perfect, darn it. Sorry.) And because 'tis the season of all those fancy soirees and holiday teas and luncheons, you need to don all those pretty party clothes. And what better place than THE place, Mario's, the palace of designer duds and dresses. This store is magnificent, breathtaking, a treat to our shopping senses. Let's just say fancy pants is an understatement. And what better day to start than today...with their Narciso Rodriguez Trunk Show! What other excuse do you need? What are you waiting for? And you can even bring the kids because they have a sweet little play area that will occupy them while you sip champagne and play dress-up, modeling all your fabulous finds. Look at you, looking spectacular on the red carpet in your Academy Award-winning gown. You are such a Glamourous Do...all because of your gorgeous dress that you found at Mario's. Oh, and then there's the shoes, the coat, the jewelry, the accessories. Don't worry...just thank him for the lovely holiday gifts. His shopping is done now and what a surprise! He's so thoughtful. Mario's |
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| 6 | Hip Duds for the Little Ones Is it a fight just to get your kids dressed? Do you find yourself making excuses for the way they look, happy they at least have clothes on? Have you given up on even trying to comb their hair, sending them to school with a bird’s nest in the back of their head, and faking like it just happened? Have you abandoned the notion of adorable and let them dress themselves, often in the same old favorite tinged shirt and filthy old floods? ("Ummm, they're capris," you offer defensively.) Well, to make matters worse, the holidays are coming and you'll have to dress the kids up in their Sunday best. Whether it's the children's tea at the Heathman, The Nutcracker, or the dreaded annual photo with Santa, the kiddies can't be caught dead in their usual daily duds. No, much to their dismay, tis the season for sweater vests and velvet dresses. Or for more groovy garb for the discriminating tot, hop over to Polliwog, the new children's boutique on Belmont. Polliwog is a hip and happening new children's store,filled with wonderful and whimsical clothing, shoes, toys and accessories for children of all ages. The owner, Phoebe, has a wonderful eye and a commitment to We hope you'll check them out. It's definitely worth the trip. Polliwog |
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| 7 | It’s That Time Again Yes, it’s that time of year again. The daunting challenge of sending holiday cards. Despite the harrowing experience, it must be done, because otherwise we'll be crossed off others’ lists, and let's face it, we gauge how popular we are by the number of holiday cards we receive. (Even if people are just compelled to reciprocate since we sent them one last year. We’re not proud.) But what is one to do when they’re just not prepared, but still need to get it done? Easy! Call The Paper Rabbit and they'll hop to your rescue, helping you create a masterpiece of a card that will surely be fridge-worthy. The Paper Rabbit has the best selection of custom-made baby announcements, wedding announcements, party invitations, and yes, holiday cards. They're online and they are local, and they’re very reasonably priced. You can choose from their selections and just email them your digital photo. Everyone will believe that you are indeed perfect. “My, how does she ever do it?” Why, the Paper Rabbit, of course. Check out what they have online: www.PaperRabbitDesigns.com. |
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| 8 | Are You Ready for Your Close-Up? The holiday card must have a photo or it will be tossed into the little corner basket instead of displayed on the fridge where it belongs. And you can't really get away with using a photo from last year or the year before—the last time you actually got a good picture of them all together. People will wonder and whisper about their growth deficiency. You'll just have to grin and bear it...or you could bribe your children with all kinds of candy and expensive toys to coax a smile, just for a sec. And don’t forget that at the same time, they should also look adorable, like they love each other, fake perfection for the entire world to see. (We need a cocktail just thinking about it.) If you can't take or fake the idealistic photo, you may have to call in the pros. Gifted Serene is our serenity. Or maybe you’re having a celebration? Thanksgiving, Bodhi Day, Solstice, Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve? Good deal, because that's Serena's artistic specialty. While everyone is fresh and fancy for the festivities, capture the moment with an heirloom professional portrait by Serena Davidson, or she can capture it in a more in-depth candid, documentary style. And if you want to be in the picture, too, she knows the art of capturing you looking your best so everyone sees how photogenic you are. For more information and to see samples visit: www.serenadavidson.com |
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| 9 | Just Cheeky Have you discovered cheeky b? If not, their First Anniversary Sale, starting today, November 18, is the time to check them out with 15% off everything! This is one of our favorite stores in Portland. And ideal for holiday gift-giving with something for everyone on your list. Cheeky b makes holiday shopping so much fun. Whether you need something wonderful or girly for your neurotic best friend, something wonderful for your beloved mother-in-law, or you just want to spoil yourself silly, you will find an abundant supply of fetching gifts for you and all your naughty and nice pals. They will be kicking off their sale today, with free tarot card readings
from 4-7, drawings for prizes, and tasty treats. We can't think of a more perfect way to spend our weekend. |
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| Portland Picks Book of the Week: | |||
Modern Girl's Guide To Life How to be a goddess from the kitchen to the bedroom - sexy and sage advice from the fabulous big sister you never had. With tips like how to cheat a Martha-worthy meal (homemade steak with Mc Donald’s fries), to how to relate with the opposite sex (with a helpful glossary of football terminology), this guide is the ultimate lifestyle companion for every modern gal. But what we really love is the advice on buying your guy the perfect gift, how to survive your first Brazilian, and delivering hot, dirty phone calls. |
 bootyparlor.com |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Go Orbit'in Sometimes you need a girl's weekend. You need to get away with your best gal pals. Those forever friends that love you for you. The ones who tell you when you have food in your teeth, or that you need a mint. The friends who will listen to you with feigned interest the 27th time you tell them about last week’s phone conversation with your new crush. The ones who won't mock you when you made a fool out of yourself the night before with a wee lapse in judgment. So for the perfect girl's getaway, head to Palm Springs to the ultra-mod Orbit In. Orbit In to the Palm Springs modern vibe, and leave your worries behind
as you lounge in luxurious mid-century style. Breathtaking mountain views,
poolside breakfast and cocktails, cruiser bikes and spa services—all
served up at a small boutique hotel called the Orbit In, where vintage
modernism meets the 21st century. |
 orbitin.com |
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| 2 | P*Phone Home Speaking of mod, you need a Pink P*Phone. This old-style phone plugs into your cell phone like a hands-free number. Imagine walking down the street talking on this. How cool are you? Boy, heads would turn. And ho hum cell phones are not only a bit boring, but there are also rumors that they cook your brain. Hulger thinks this is a bad thing and so do we. Initial tests show that the P*Phone cuts radiation exposure to the head by around 90%. Cooking is something good for food, not brains. Hulger also wisely thinks hands-free kits don't make sense. They might be practical, but they make you look crazy—as if you are talking to yourself in the street. Hulger shows if you are talking with a friend, not to one of your other personalities. |
 hulger.com |
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| 3 | These Are No Dumbbells. Bowflex Select
Tech 552s. My husband bought a Sonicare, the famed electric toothbrush all the dentists recommend. It's one electric piece with two brushes, for sharing. I have to take off his toothbrush head and switch it out with mine each time I brush my teeth. So guess what? I don't bother. Too much of a hassle. I'd rather just stick with my plain old toothbrush and risk gingivitis then take the grueling 3 seconds it takes to make the switch...so forget it. Well, I thought the same would hold true with these incredibly cool weights we just got. But I was wrong. I love them. If I wasn't already married I would marry them. These are no dumbbells. It's as easy as pressing a button to get the weight you desire. If you haven't noticed our theme...give the gift of health, to you and to your significant other, and all those you love. And part of that health is fitness. If you get one thing, get these! You'll really use them and reap the near immediate rewards. And if you give it to him, you get to use it too, so it's really like giving a gift to yourself. And these have the versatility of a whole rack of free weights in one space-saving set. Visit www.bowflexselecttech.com for more information, or view their entire Holiday catalog online at www.nautiluscatalog.com. Products must be ordered by December 9 to ensure delivery for Christmas! |
 nautiluscatalog.com |
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| 4 | Under Construction Oh my goodness, you’re pregnant! You are now a supermama under construction. These treats are designed to take you the whole nine yards and get you to forty weeks feeling mentally fit and well with fantastic skin…what more can you ask for, besides a pain-free birth, which, alas, is beyond even this product’s power! Whilst ‘under construction’ you will be amazed at how far and how fast your skin can stretch. Their job is to moisturize, nourish and elasticize your skin. Your job is to pamper yourself; luxuriate and massage while dreaming of flat tummies! This Congratulations Kit contains Moisturizing Shower Cream, Super-rich Body Cream and a Tummy Rub to prevent stretch marks and itching. |
 mamamio.com |
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| 5 | Calling Mama Hey there, hip mama! Now that you're on the go more than ever, you'll need your own contact cards to give out to potential new playgroup mamas, teachers, daycare providers—anyone who primarily knows you as "Ethan's Mom" or "Mary's Mama." These stylish designs keep you connected while letting the world know that you're one cool mama. To order your personalized mama calling cards today, give them a call at 503.250.4690, or send an e-mail. |
 eventbliss.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Understand Men 101 – For Women
Only Whether you're married or single, if you want to experience satisfying relationships, you must know how to understand the men in your life. What is the number-one thing women don't know about men? What makes men want to take care of us…or just take our clothes off? Why is it that the men we're sexually attracted to never like us and the ones we aren't always do?!? What can men tell just by looking at us? Find out the answers to these questions and more about The Celebrating Men, Satisfying Women workshop:
Please go to www.understandmen.com/reserve.htm or call 800-910-7011 to reserve your seats. |
 understandmen.com |
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| 2 | Go from Dreary to Cheery! Make your own Mac-nificent holiday photo cards! |
 macforce.com |
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| 3 | "Trunk Show" Meet the Artist, Allison Howard, of Allison Leigh Designs
www.oswegolakegallery.com |
 allisonleighdesigns.com |
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| 5 | Dolce Dicembre at the Magma Showroom
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 magmajewels.com |
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| 6 | Holiday Trunk Show at Mint 820 A group of independent designers, beauticians, on-line boutiques, and
even a local author are hosting a trunk show at 820 next Saturday, mint 820 |
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| 7 | EAT. SHOP. PORTLAND Book Launch + Holiday Party @ OFFICE! Jump start your Holiday celebrations by joining OFFICE for a FREE and totally fabulous party to celebrate Kaie Wellman, her latest Eat. Shop. Portland book, and the ecommerce site of www.officepdx.com - all this on December 1!
Please RSVP to event@officepdx.com. More information via www.officepdx.com. |
 officepdx.com |
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| 9 | Ale Festival It's the most wonderful time of the year, and what better place to celebrate than the Holiday Ale Festival! This year's 10th annual event will take place December 1st-4th at Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland. Event hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The Holiday Ale Festival is the only beer festival in the Northwest to be held outdoors in the dark, cold, and typically wet month of December. Yet attendees stay warm and dry under a large clear tent that covers the venue while allowing for views of the city lights. Gas heaters create a cozy ambience under the boughs of the city’s Christmas tree. |
 holidayale.com |
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| 10 | Souchi, Everyone! Souchi is having an after-Thanksgiving sale: 20% off anything in the store that weekend. They are also inviting everyone in to create a "Holiday Wish List." You can try on anything and everything you want to compile a list of all of your "must haves." We'll keep it on file so that you can send your victim, um, we mean friend or family member, in to the store to pick out the perfect gift. That way it can still be a surprise but you know you're getting something you want! souchi |
 souchi.com |
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| 11 | LOJWC Holiday Home Tour Don't forget to mark you calendars for Wednesday, December 7th for the Lake Oswego Junior Women's Club Holiday Home Tour & Boutique. Featuring four outstanding homes fully decorated for the holidays. Visit www.lojwc.org for ticket information and more details. |
 lojwc.org |
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Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for, and we’re especially thankful for you. We’re off next week, and we’ll miss you. But there’s work to be done. While y’all are watching the Civil War game, we’re preparing for another kick-off. The kick-off to the holiday shopping season that begins next Friday. Get ready, get set….here it comes! xo, your Portland Picks Pals |
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