Nob Hill The Place To Be

If you haven't checked out the trendy shops and restaurants on NW 23rd street you are missing out.  This wonderful little stretch is ideal for a little afternoon you time.  I love to ride my vespa down and spend a couple of hours exploring my favorite spots.

The Blush Beauty Bar is at the top of my list.  Owner Deborah Haynes has created a pink paradise of beauty products and treatments.  Unlike most Cosmetic shops here you can dab & spray to your hearts content.  Testers are available on many products with clever little tags saying "try me".  You feel a little like Alice before she leaps down the rabbit hole.  Deborah also has the most wonderful staff ready to help you with any beauty questions you have.
A couple of my favorite treatments-
Shirley Temple for all the girls who want to twirl 30-minute make-up for a special occasion. $30  My daughters love this one.
Fuzzy Navel  Beautiful brows.  Brows styled via wax or threading, tweeze and trim by one of their experts. $20
Sidecar  Anti-aging eye treatment.  Technologically advanced ingredients such as hexapeptides and pentapeptides will help smooth fine lines, de-puff and diminish dark circles. $12
Vita Tonic  MDT5 vitamin infusion for radiant skin.  Patented technology, MDT5 carries 6 highly engineered vitamins deep into the skin's cell receptors.  For any skin type or condition, this treatment will rejuvenate cells, repair damage and deliver dramatic, visible results. $50
Stop by the Blush Bar "where vanity comes to play"

Besaws  A wonderful cafe for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  This Portland favorite has a cozy atmosphere and a delicious menu.  Two of my favorite's The Cobb Salad and The Caesar Salad are healthy and delicious.  If you need some yummy comfort food order the Original Mac- mac and cheese even better than Grandma's.

Zelda's Shoe Bar  A popular upscale womens shoe boutique that features a covet-worthy collection of the latest styles from European shoe designers.  Zelda's has been around since 1994.  Owner Libby Hartung founded Zelda's Shoe Bar, her goal was to find quality shoes that make the women wearing them feel amazing.  She likes shoes that get noticed, shoes that set a woman apart from the crowd.
According to Zelda- A must have for Spring 2011-The Neutral Shoe
Whether you pair them with a crisp white ensemble ala Michael Kors, bright spring florals or your favorite pair of jeans, a neutral shoe adds the perfect finishing touch to your spring wardrobe.  Stop by Zelda's and check out these fabulous neutrals-
Bettye Muller "Katy" Espadrille
Bettye Muller "Sage"
Coclico "Morphos" Flatform

Stylish Downtown Hotel, Spring Shopping & Sexy, Delicious, Saucebox

If your looking for a wonderful hotel where style and comfort converge, then you need to stay at Hotel Lucia.  A sylish hotel situated in the heart of downtown Portland, the Hotel Lucia offers a unique alternative to all other Portland hotels.  Guests enjoy the personalized  service and lavish hotel amenities that have earned the Hotel Lucia Portland a spot among the world's best hotels.  Inside, experience cutting-edge design and unsurpassed comfort.  Venture outside and be at the epicenter of all Portland has to offer.  Enjoy the Pulitzer-prize winning Photographer David Hume Kennerly's work as you stroll through the corridors and lobby.................The Hotel Lucia is one of my personal Portland favorites. 
http://www.hotellucia.com/

Feeling a little Playful.......................let's head to Mario's
This spring, fashion's in a good mood at Mario's.  They just celebrated their 50th Anniversary, what a milestone.  If you haven't visited Mario's,  they have an amazing staff.  The 2011 spring collections offer fresh wearable fashion that evokes confidence and makes you happy.  Make sure you stop by and take a peek at Mario's jewelry & watches.  One of my favorite designers Temple St. Clair is there.  Last but certainly not least their fabulous handbags & accessories..................Prada, Lanvin, Brunello Cucinelli, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses and more...................Oh la la, it is Spring at Mario's.
http://www.marios.com/

My favorite Portland yummy spot..........Established in 1995, Saucebox has maintained it's reputation in the city as the place for the finest in pan-asian and pacific island cuisine with it's insider vibe and unique presence.  Unforgettable dishes and innovative cocktails have given Saucebox national notoriety in the New York Times, Bon Apetit, Travel & Leisure and The Wall Street Journal-but it's local attention and accoulades like being honored as "Restaurant of the Year" in 1998 that make Saucebox a landmark of the Portland restaurant and lounge scene.
http://www.saucebox.com/

Three Great Farmers Markets.....Bringing the best of the country to the heart of the city.

Ready, set.....get your basket.  The Portland Farmers Market located at Portland State University Opens this Saturday March 19th, 2011 8:30 a.m.  It runs through December with a slight time change for the last 2 months.  This is one of my favorite markets.  If you live close in it is an easy walk.  Many vendors selling a variety of goods- fruits & vegetables, beautiful flowers, candles, honey, fresh eggs, amazing pies, baked breads and so much more.  I never have enough room in my basket and I make a habit of only buying my fresh flowers at the market.  Like I said....get your basket.
http://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org/

Another favorite of mine is the Hillsdale Farmers Market.  I have to ride my vespa to this one as it is farther away for me.  Located by Wilson High School it opens this weekend on Sunday March 20, 2011 10 a.m. -2 p.m.  This is a charming market, not too big, same great produce, flowers, bread.  They have really great vendors to grab some lunch and if your lucky they have some entertainment.  Make sure to stop by Rebecca's booth River Wave Foods she has a Thai sauce that will change your life.
http://www.hillsdalefarmersmarket.com/

Last but certainly not least is the Portland Farmers Market at Pioneer Courthouse Square.  Located smack dab in the middle of our beautiful city.  It runs from June 20th-September 26th 2011 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  They have a Veggie Valet, Chef in the Market, flowers & sometimes entertainment.  This market has a great city Vibe.
www.portlandfarmersmarket.org/markets/pionee-square

Three places to jump start your spring break 2011

Let us all shake these rainy days away with a little pampering.  If you haven't had the joy of visiting Rejuvenation Day Spa in Johns Landing, it should be at the top of your pre-spring break list.  They have a treatment that will make your dull, dry skin shine like a star.  The Tangerine Dream lasts for one hour and is a delightful exfoliation for the skin.  A dreamy blend of natural sea salts and tangerine oil are gently yet firmly massaged over your body.  Your dry skin is sloughed away leaving you with a soft tangy glow.  You will then experience the stimulating effects of either their Vichy or Swiss shower.  The treatment concludes with an uplifting tangerine moisture massage.  Your skin will be smooth and supple, tingling with improved circulation.  The cost $115  Your spirits..............soaring.
http://www.rejuvenationdayspa.com/

The next stop, the best kept little secret in the Pearl Barr3.  They actually have locations in Lake Oswego and SE Portland as well.  Barr3 is where ballet barre meets yoga and pilates.  Develop the length of a dancer and the strength of an athlete with their highly effective 60-minute workout.  Each class follows a thoughtful sequence for fast body shaping results and long term postural benefits.  Come on...you will love your look.
http://www.barre3.com/

Your last stop before you board that plane on the way to your sunny destination needs to be Popina Swimwear in the Pearl.  It is near Barr3 and has the most wonderful swimwear you have ever seen.  You will love their collection and sure to find a tiny little something for your trip.  Enjoy and don't forget the sunscreen.
http://www.popinaswimwear.com/