Ella Posie, Irvington
January 22, 2006

Spend some time with Alicia Paulson and Carmen Bailey, owners of Ella Posie, and it won't be very long before you find yourself thinking, "I want to be friends with them!" These women pay thoughtful attention to life in ways that only the best women know to do. They are intelligent, and articulate, and dedicated beyond belief. They are concerned. They are involved. They have stories to tell and are generous in sharing them. And perhaps best of all, they know the importance of celebrating the small, whimsical joys that come along with being a woman. It is no surprise then that the small boutique created by these women is full of tremendous soul.

Nestled in the back of the home furnishings store, Sofa Table Chair, Ella Posie can easily be missed if you aren't paying attention. In fact Carmen and Alicia once told me that new customers, elated by their discovery, often exclaim, "I never knew you were here!" making this self-described "baby, bridal, birthday, just-because boutique," a hidden gem in the truest sense.

Dainty earrings made from buttons, wool purses adorned with hand-crocheted flowers, vintage hankies, colorful tutus, and delectable butter cream mints in a rainbow of pastel colors are just a few of the delightful surprises you can find at Ella Posie. The focus here is on showcasing the work of independent designers and the majority of items--from pearl bracelets to baby bibs--are handmade. Because of this one-of-kind nature of the store's merchandise, new items arrive regularly meaning it is best to pop in often, whether your search is for a surprise to give to your favorite girlfriend or for a special treat to give to yourself.

As if the boutique weren't enough, both women have creative endeavors outside of Ella Posie. Carmen is a special event planner while Alicia is an accessories designer whose creations are sold exclusively online and, of course, at this wonderful brick-and-mortar store.

Ella Posie
1916 NE Broadway ST
(503) 236-2933

Link to this article | Written by amanda | Filed in Shopping Girl

Costello's Travel Caffe
December 19, 2005

The day I stumped across Costello's, the cafe's two flat screen televisions where displaying scenes from Spain which put a smile on my face because just that morning I met a man from Sevilla who gave me his business card and begged me to keep in touch. He promised he would teach me Spanish and take me on a guided tour of his native country. "You shall never meet a man as romantic as me," he proclaimed, "and I shall never meet a woman as beautiful as you." So you can understand why I couldn't help but interpret my discovery of this cozy cafe and those images of Barcelona, Madrid and Cordoba as more than mere coincidence.

Self-described as neither a coffee shop or a restaurant, Costello's lives up to its proclamation as being the perfect blend of each. The food is outstanding compared to typical coffeehouse fare made onsite with fresh, local ingredients. Choose from soups, salads, sandwiches, beer, wine, and of course coffee, teas, and desserts. In addition to the televisions showing scenes from around the world, the cafe boasts a selection of travel books as well as a delightful collection mix-matched wooden tables and chairs that invite you to linger as long as you please. Costello's offers special events such as weekly foreign language conversation, international soccer games, live music, and foreign films.

I will definitely drop in for the next Spanish conversation night just in case I get the urge to dash away with my new Spanish friend. Si! Si! Maravilloso!

Costello's Travel Caffe
2222 NE Broadway
(503) 287-0270

Link to this article | Written by amanda | Filed in Famished Girl , Relaxin' Girl , Travelin' Girl

Vodoo Doughnuts
October 9, 2005

Who hasn't craved a warm doughnut at 3AM only to find that the bakery closed hours ago? Well, thanks to Voodoo's hours of 10PM to 10AM your early morning sweet tooth can be cured with their Dirty Snow Ball or have their Pepto-Bismol fix that not-so-good feeling you have coming out of a bar.

With naughty names and events to make your mother blush, this isn't your typical doughnut shop. People with piercings sitting alongside straight laced guys come for one reason - it's an event to be here - even at 5AM. Besides, sometimes a girl needs more than calories; for a mere $175 you can get married (coffee and doughnuts provided of course) and Monday nights you can even learn Swahili.

So satisfy your curiosity and need for something sinfully good in one place. Just not during daylight hours.

Vodoo Doughnuts
22 SW 3rd Avenue
Portland Oregon, U.S.A.

Link to this article | Written by alex | Filed in Famished Girl

Pittock Mansion
October 1, 2005

Don't call a decorator, girls. Instead, step inside this mansion and take notes. Marble staircase, simple, beautiful furnishings, sitting and dressing rooms, incredible view - this mansion has it all. Perfectly restored, this 1914 home is nothing short of spectacular.

Arriving in Portland young and poor, The Pittocks built their wealth in the city they loved and, when in their 80's, built their dream home overlooking Portland. Paying homage to their city by using only local artists, designers and architects along with stone and the latest engineering (including electricity and an elevator), the Pittock Mansion is truly a marvel both inside and out. The grounds offer stunning flowers, trees and views - perfect for walking, weddings, or photographing. Inside gives plenty of ideas for your own home (notice how some simple rooms seem fabulous due to linens and furniture placement).

Most of the rooms have the original furniture, photos and architecture, giving you a true idea of an era gone by but thanks to well thought out rooms, decor and restoration it's easy to see yourself living there right now. After my trip here, I was determined to set up my home a little more - even if it's only the size of the Pittocks walk in closet!

TIP: Tour busses stop here so plan a visit in the morning or later afternoon to avoid crowds.

Pittock Mansion
3229 NW Pittock Drive
Portland, Oregon 97210

Link to this article | Written by alex | Filed in Active Girl