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