Portland Home and Garden Show - Expo Center

If you're thinking about remodeling, redecorating, planting, landscaping, etc...be sure to check out the Portland Home and Garden Show at the Expo Center. An abundance of ideas present themselves at this extensive event. Not just for hardwoods, granite countertops and siding...they have specialty "home" items like a balsamic vinegar exhibit that completely opened my eyes to new cooking possibilities and another exhibit had 600 thread count sheet sets for $20 in a variety of colors (you can't beat that price anywhere!)

Open until 8pm Saturday, and open from 10am-6pm on Sunday, the 22nd. Tickets are $10 and parking is $7, unless you carpool with 3 or more and it's only $6 to park.

For more info, go to:
www.otshows.com/PHS/

Aveda Institute - Pearl District

I spent my Valentine's Day afternoon with one of my best friends down at the Aveda Institute Salon and Spa for some pampering and relaxation. We both had facials and mani/pedis. They also offer haircuts/color, waxing, and other spa services at a reduced rate from typical spas...the secret? The services are performed by students at the Aveda Institute! Although they are supervised by teachers, I found nothing but professionalism and friendliness from my technicians. My facial was only $25, my manicure was $10 and my pedicure was $15...what a deal! For a relaxing spa day at a fraction of the cost, check out: www.avedapdx.com

Portland Saturday Market

Portland Saturday Market opens up again on the weekend of February 28. Live street performances, local hand-crafted art and exotic food create a eclectic and fun atmosphere. The Market will be giving away gift certificates from 1:30-2:00 p.m. in the food court area. Make sure to bring the kids...there will also be balloons and hot chocolate!

For more info, go to:

www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com

Store Closing - Bee and Thistle

A store I love, The Bee and Thistle in the Pearl District, is closing its doors on February 28th. Everything in the store is 50% off! Head down soon for the best selection.

cheeky b - Pearl District

Need a last minute gift for Valentine's Day? Check out cheeky b at 906 NW 14th Ave in the Pearl District. Filled with quirky and eclectic lifestyle accessories, these handpicked products are designed to help customers discover new concepts in form and function. They have a range of items including kids stuff, novelties, house wares, bath, handbags, jewelry, paper, pets, books, and fine art. Many of the products are local, so if you want to buy something from Portland, you'll find a good selection here. For something fun, different and original this is a great place to start.

Old Spaghetti Factory - Clackamas, Portland, Hillsboro

From velvet armchairs to vintage-looking fringed lamps, this fun, personality restaurant is just the ticket for a family friendly meal. The Spaghetti Factory has a kids menu with smaller versions of their adult dishes, featuring multiple types of spaghetti, as well as macaroni and cheese and grilled cheese sandwich. For myself, I enjoy the browned butter and mizithra cheese spaghetti or the baked lasagna, with it's layers of noodles, tomato sauce and four kinds of cheese. Meals also include a salad, bread and ice cream.

For more info, go to:
www.osf.com

California Pizza Kitchen - Clackamas Town Center, Bridgeport Village

Even before I had a child, I loved California Pizza Kitchen! Great diverse menu, extensive drink list and a family friendly environment makes this one of the places that I can go with a group of friends or with my family to have a great meal. A kids menu (CPKids) with pizza, pasta, chicken, salad and sweets options for kids under 10 years old is affordable and delicious. My daughter usually goes for the cheese pizza, but there are also options like fusilli pasta with tomato sauce and chicken breast with broccoli. For adults, there are pizzas, salads, pastas and other entrees...it's a broad menu, so you are likely to find something for everyone. My favorites are the pizza with goat cheese, roasted red and yellow peppers, grilled eggplant, fresh mozzarella, caramelized onions, italian parsley, and tomato sauce. As well as the original BBQ chopped chicken salad. One thing to mention, these portions are HUGE, so splitting the salad and pizza is perfect for two people...and you will probably still have leftovers :)

For more info, go to:
www.cpk.com

Laughing Planet - SE Belmont, NW 21st, N Mississippi, SW Vermont, SE Woodstock, NW 9th

For inexpensive, healthy food, the Laughing Planet is the place to go. For less than $8, you can get a burrito stuffed with healthy and usually organic goodness like beans, spinach, edamame, and whatever else is fresh. You can also add chicken, tofu or tempeh to any burrito, as well as sour cream and guacamole. Not a burrito fan? Laughing Planet also offers bowls, salads, soups and quesadillas. The restaurant is definitely vegetarian and vegan friendly, although meat eaters can also get their fix.

This is a great place for kids, with toys usually lying around the restaurant on tables. With their healthy, but delicious food, kids will surely find something they want to eat. Items like mini-burritos, mini-quesadillas and taters & cheese are good kid pleasers!

For more info, go to:
www.laughingplanetcafe.com

Pix Patisserie - SE Portland/N Portland

Yum Yum and another Yum! Located at 3402 SE Division St in Portland, with a second location on North Williams, this delectable and artistic place for desserts goes above and beyond by creating edible masterpieces. If you're looking for something sweet to bring home for a night in with your sweetie or a place to go to enjoy a dessert together, this is a great option...and what kid doesn't like dessert?...no matter how fancy it is :)

Treats like the Tiki Tiki features passion fruit mousse-filled sponge cake, while the Aphrodite includes a cherry mousse, chocolate mousse, a single drunken cherry and moscato-soaked chocolate flourless biscuit all hidden inside a crisp chocolate shell. A small range of light bites and panini is also available. For beverages you can enjoy one of over 30 beers, a tasty dessert wine or Batdorf & Bronson coffee.

At their North Williams location, you can see a free movie at Monday Movie Madness, or go by on Thursday for Flight Night where various themed pours of unique liquors, wines and beer are just $10 with some education to boot.

Sure, these desserts are a bit of a pricey, but for a special dessert or night it's a great option.

For more info, go to:
www.pixpatisserie.com

Vault Martini Bar - Pearl District

Located in the heart of the Pearl District, Vault Martini Bar has a sophisticated, but relaxed vibe where you can enjoy a wide array of martinis and other cocktails. Plush couches, raised tables with stools and cozy corner booths give you a range of options to sit and enjoy any one of more than 50 martinis. There can be a little bit of the "wanna-be" crowd at times in here, but overall, everyone is really chill and just want to have a good time. It can get busy, so on Friday/Saturday, get there a little early to snag a seat or table if you're coming in a group. Some of their delicious drinks include the Gluttony martini with Smirnoff citrus vodka, raspberry puree, and fresh lime or the Chocolate Kiss with Godiva chocolate liquor, Frangelico, Kahlua and cream on the rocks. Although they don't have an extensive food menu, they do have some tasty dishes like a caprese salad, smoked gouda grilled cheese sandwich with tomato, flatbread pizzas, and smores fondue. Definitely a great choice for a girls night out or date night :)

For more info, go to:
www.vault-martini.com

Fratelli - Pearl District

A rustic atmosphere with stucco walls and candlelit tabletops, this Italian restaurant in the Pearl District is perfect for a special occasion. Intimate seating provides the ideal setting for a romantic dining experience. The menu highlights fresh, local ingredients in hearty, traditional, northern Italian cuisine. Yummy dishes like the pan seared rockfish with tomato, olives, and extra virgin olive oil or the seared chicken wrapped in prosciutto with parmesan polenta and mushroom jus make this a mouthwatering location to visit. Desserts do not disappoint and neither does the extensive wine list. Definitely a place to consider for Valentine's Day (during which they will have a special "aphrodisiac"prix fixe menu for $39 per person, call for reservations) or just anytime you want to have a special evening out :)

For more info, go to:
www.fratellicucina.com

Presents of Mind - SE Portland

Located in Portland at 3633 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Presents of Mind is a great place for jewelry, accessories, baby, stationary, cards and great gifts. Truly a neighborhood gift shop, they carry a large selection of local independent designers as well as environmentally conscious companies. The ample variety of products allows you to find something truly unique. You can definitely find something special for Valentine's Day or any other special occasion.

For more info, go to:
http://www.presentsofmind.tv/