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March 5th, 2010
How the? What the?!? It’s March, people. And we are so not ready for the marching forward of time. Especially since the appearance of the sun—though welcome—sheds its light on all the dust bunnies under the sofa. And speaking of things we don’t want to see—what is up with that construction on 23rd Avenue? Every single business on that street is open during the mayhem, so we suggest doing your civic duty to keep them vibrant and getting down there to support them. Dine at a restaurant (Insider Tip: there’s a parking lot behind 23Hoyt!), shop at a boutique, have coffee, sip a cocktail, pick up chocolates, home decor or gifts, or get a mani/pedi… just make sure you park several blocks away and wear your walking shoes. (Another tip: Put your heels in your bag!) |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | You Give Me Fever “It’s a small world” is so cliché, but so true! Case in point: happy hour with friends two summers ago revealed that one (now very dear) friend of ours grew up with our cousin, of all people! And the discovery of our mutual acquaintance was, not surprisingly, made on Facebook. She saw our posted wedding photos with Cousin in them, and the rest is history. While on a walk with said friend last fall, she introduced us to a store in her NE neighborhood that we had never heard of called Garden Fever, which has since become our gardening Mecca. Garden Fever is practically bursting at the seams with—quite literally—everything we need to garden: gorgeous plants, bulbs, seeds and pots, how-to books, stylish garden accessories (we’re smitten with the solar-powered “Japanese lanterns”), seasonal décor and gifts. It is truly a one-stop shop. As if they weren’t already fantabulous enough, their knowledgeable staff also provided us with excellent advice on planting strawberries in time to have summer Strawberry Shortcake! We think we’ll take the first batch over to our friend’s house and see if we can’t dig up some other mutual acquaintances. Garden Fever |
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| 2 | Yee-Haw Yum We’ve had a wee fascination with the south since our best friend left for college below the Mason-Dixon Line and came back four years later packing stories of Dixie Lager, farm boys, and keg parties in fields. There was also NASCAR, twang, cowboy boots (okay, those are kind of cute), pickup trucks, big hair and short-shorts, but the South is the whisky-drinkin’ stepsister to our umbrellas, bicycles, and micro brews. So where’s a northwestern girl to get her southern fix sans hopping a flight to Louisiana? The Fixin’ To, a new bar and restaurant in North Portland—it brings southern soul right to our doorstep. This place combines the food of the South with all that is hip about Portland. Case in point: Chicken and Dumplings grace the menu (very Southern), but are also offered Vegan (very Portland). Add that to a tap that includes the Dixie Lager our BFF used to brag about, as well as Portland’s own Hopworks brewery, and enjoy the best of both worlds. Next time we feel that freaky fascination to visit Dollywood, we’re headed to The Fixin’ To instead. The Fixin’ To |
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| 3 | Fitness S.O.S. We’ve been diagnosed with OCD (Obsessed with Chocolate and Desserts) and FADD (Fitness Attention Deficit Disorder). Not shocking. We love to eat, and working out bores us. But when we had to wrestle on our skinny jeans with bingo arms a-jigglin’ we rushed to the nearest bar—Barre3, that is. Their beautiful new studio just opened in southeast, where a variety of ballet-inspired yoga-slash-Pilates workouts are offered seven days a week. The instructors incorporate their own backgrounds (dance, paddle-boarding) into the full-body workouts, which can be tailored for any fitness level. After taking classes from several instructors, we never once got bored, just seriously worked. (Our abs were sore on Monday, triceps tender on Wednesday and our bums were feeling it on Friday.) Not only does Barre3 help us with our FADD, it was EZ to get started. They believe it takes three classes for the body and mind to “get it,” so they offer a new client 3-pack of classes for just $30. Take any classes at the SE location (or the Pearl)—online class sign-ups (and childcare) make scheduling no sweat. Barre3 (southeast)2523 SE 22nd Ave. Portland, OR 97202 503.206.4453 www.barre3.com |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Not-So-Basic Bedding So we went searching online and found Luxury Lab linens—shams, duvets and even pajamas are silk-screened by hand with cool designs. And the hand-dyeing means every item is unique and original. Just right for independent sleepers like ourselves. |
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| 2 | Science is Sacrifice We've been hearing for some time that science-inspired fashions are totally hawt right now. Good news for all of us brainy Periodic Table-lovin' types. Someone passed along this site before we could say Bunsen Burner. This clutch is crafted from 700 post-consumer pop tops. It has a zip closure, and comes in a futuristic metallic silver. It’s totally “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” with a “Dexter” twist. Lurv. |
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| 3 | Pretty in Pink Even as grown ladies, we sometimes find ourselves being drawn to frilly, pink, ultra-girly things, from clothing to home décor. So what if our 5-year-old niece shares our taste sometimes? We own our girly-ness! Our latest girly find is this necklace from dejarnette, with three layers of pleated pink tulle ruffles on a chunky antique silver chain. Oh-so-delicious. We’re picturing it with a distressed-leather biker jacket—you know, just to maintain our street cred. www.dejarnettenola.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Celebrate “Sweet 16” with Imelda’s When you’ve got the goods, you’ve got the goods! And Imelda’s has been bringing Portland amazing shoes, handbags and accessories for 16 years! As a thank-you to their wonderful customers (You!), Imelda’s is offering 10–70% off all merchandise at both locations. With spring in the air and this Imelda’s event, we might just explode from happiness! What: Imelda’s “Sweet 16” anniversary event |
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| 2 | See You at the Oscars®! For the fifth straight year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has chosen the nonprofit Film Action Oregon to host the only officially sanctioned Oscar Night® America party in Oregon. Hollywood Theatre will sparkle with a red carpet, paparazzi, photo ops with an authentic Oscar statuette, food from Portland’s finest restaurants, fun contests, and viewing the Oscars! What: Oscar Night® party at Hollywood Theatre |
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| 3 | Get Your (Organic) Bronze On We love having a spring/summer glow, so we turn to Portland Spa & Boutique’s fabulous new Organic Bronze Bar for spring/summer color. It’s a paraben-free solution that’s natural, odorless, non-streaking, and lasts 5–7 days, and each custom tan is expertly airbrushed. Go for sun-kissed or deep walnut—just tell them Portland Picks sent you! What: Organic Bronze Bar grand opening |
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| 4 | Get Your Desk in Order! Are you buried in paper piles? Need both how-to help and ongoing support? Join Vicki Norris, one of America’s favorite organizers (of HGTV’s “Mission: Organization”)for a workshopand book club series about digging out from the mess! The workshops are from 9:30–11 am, followed by the Book Club luncheon from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. First class is March 13! What: Paper Management Workshop & Book Club Series |
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| 5 | Frustrated with the Men in Your Life? Why do some men seem emotionally unavailable, selfish, self-absorbed and distant? And how can you get the communication, appreciation, and connection you need? Get these questions answered at the free “Understanding Men” workshop, and take home insights and tools to receive the love, respect, and adoration you desire. Reserve your spot now—free seats go fast! What: "Understanding Men: Path to Partnership" |
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| 6 | Feeling Bold? Girlfriend, here is your chance to capture that feeling forever! Bella Femme Photography is hosting a Boudoir Session at The Nines Hotel. Tasteful, gorgeous portraits capture your beauty—inside and out—and make great gifts for the special person in your life. But the experience is a treat just for you. Click here to see Jessica’s work! What: Boudoir Session with Bella Femme Photography |
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Next Friday we’re publishing Portland Picks’ annual Mommy Guide issue, with tons of ideas for moms, moms-to-be, friends of moms, kids, and getting Mama out of the house to spend some QT on herself. Sign up your mommy friends at www.PortlandPicks.com so they don’t miss out! |
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