Rock and Roll Camp for Girls!

Have a little rocker chick in your household?  If she's between the ages of 8 and 18 this could be the fun camp for Summer that you've been looking for!

The Rock and Roll Camp for Girls started nine years ago as a one-week experiment. It has since grown to five week-long camps during the summer and an afterschool program called the Girls Rock Institute.

http://www.girlsrockcamp.org/main/

The Roar Returns to the Oregon Zoo!

The Predators of the Serengeti exhibit, which opens on Sept. 12, marks the return of lions to the Oregon Zoo.

The new lion enclosure features open grassland, warm rocks, a heated den and an area where visitors can watch keepers interact with lions through a protective mesh screen.

In 1998, lions were phased out of the zoo to make room for a new exhibit, but the “Bring Back the Roar” campaign returned the king of the beasts to the zoo.

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/

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

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

ChocolateFest 2009 - Oregon Forestry Center

If you've ever wanted to learn how to make dark chocolate truffles or how to pair wine with chocolate, then this is the event for you! ChocolateFest 2009 will be going on Saturday and Sunday (Jan 31st/Feb 1st) at the Oregon Forestry Center.  There will likely be plenty of chocolate to eat, so wear some loose pants and go for it! :)  ChocolateFest is free with museum admission: $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children 3-18 years old.

For more info, go to:

www.worldforestry.org/organization/chocolatefest.php

Laurelwood Public House - NW/NE Portland

Laurelwood Public House & Brewery is located in NE Portland at 5115 NE Sandy Blvd.  As well as a NW Portland restaurant, Laurelwood Public House at 2327 NW Kearney St.  These family friendly restaurants, which include a kiddie play area, are just the ticket for a fun and enjoyable meal.  Offering breakfast/brunch on the weekends, happy hour daily from 3pm-6pm and 9pm to close (with food items offered at only $4 and pints of beer for $3), they also have lunch and dinner daily, except for the NW location which is closed on Mondays.

Appetizers like housemade beer battered onion rings and Laurelwood garlic fries are a great way to get started.  A few of the food options that grabbed my attention were a mediterranean sandwich with chicken or veggie patty, topped with spinach, tomato, smoked mozzarella, red onion, roasted red pepper and basil-pesto spread on focciacia bread.  They also had a kobe beef burger with garlic aioli, extra sharp cheddar, caramelized onions, mushrooms and charred tomato.  Yummy!  Make sure to pair your meal with a delicious pint of Laurelwood beer, certified organic.  The Mother Lode Golden Ale is a refreshing, easy to drink beer.  For the more adventurous, try the Workhorse IPA, featuring over the top hop flavor and aroma.  All menu items were definitely in the affordable range and a kids menu is available.

For more info, go to:

www.laurelwoodbrewpub.com

Pastini Pastaria - NW/NE/SE/SW Portland, Beaverton, Bridgeport Village,

A locally born chain, these quick and easy Italian restaurants pack in families and couples every day for yummy meals. Starters include multiple types of bruschetta, antipasto plates and a large variety of salads. For the main course, options like rigatoni con chicken cacciatore, baked ziti with grilled italian sausage, fettuccini alfredo are all on the menu to tempt your tastebuds. Grilled panini and other sandwiches are also available for those who want a non-pasta option.

There is also a kids menu with items like pizza bread, macaroni and cheese, and chicken fingers with veggies. All kids meals are $5.50 and includes a soda. All restaurants are open for lunch and dinner. The entire menu is available to-go, so feel free to call ahead if you're in a hurry. Pastini is also available for catering.

For more info, go to:
http://www.pastini.net/

Bouffant Hair Salon - Pearl District

Located in a light filled, lofty space at 33 NW 9th Ave in the Pearl District, Bouffant Salon is a place to primp, pamper and beautify. They offer a range of services, including: hair styling, hair color, extensions, mani/pedis, facials, waxing, uv free tanning and they also can accomodate bridal parties with styling and makeup.

First time I came here, I was visiting a friend during her cut/color and brought my 3 year old with me. They were incredibly nice to us and gave her as many lollipops as she wanted...trouble! There were several other children who came and went during our first visit to the salon who were having their hair cut...they were probably all between 8-10 years of age and all seemed very at ease and comfortable with their experience. On my second visit, it was just me...getting my hair cut. Not just any cut! I got bangs...yes, bangs! :) My stylist, Michelle, did a fantastic job and I keep getting so many compliments on my hair its unbelievable.

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

Aqui Mexican Cafe - SE Portland

At 1408 SE 12th Ave you'll find a cozy and casual dining experience at Aqui Mexican Cafe. Great for families, you'll enjoy a variety of traditional dishes and items with a twist. Their chicken enchilada casserole, goat cheese stuffed jalapenos and tres leches cake are just a few of the dishes you can order here.

Known for their outdoor/patio dining, they also have a lounge and a dining room for when the weather is not as hospitable. They make great margaritas here and they have good meal and happy hour prices to keep things affordable.

Hours change unexpectedly sometimes I've been told and they are closed most major holidays, but other than that they are open 5pm-10pm M-W, 4pm-10pm Th-Fr, 3pm-10pm Sat.

Old Town Pizza - NW Portland

Possibly haunted or not, Old Town Pizza at 226 NW Davis Street is a Portland icon, not to mention a great place to get amazing pizza. A wood bar and order-window greet you upon entering the restaurant. The multicolored, stained glass lights gently light the tables and booths. You can always sit on sofas and chairs around a coffee table if you prefer a even more relaxed setting.

Pizza is clearly "the thing" here, with traditional and customized pies available with medium-thick crusts, delicious sauce and fresh toppings. But they also serve panini, pasta and salads as well in case you want something different. They also serve a good selection of microbrews and wine.

I always have a great time here and it's very family friendly as well. Prices are reasonable and the ambiance and charm of this old building add to the dining experience. However, the pizza is always good as take-out or delivery too :)

They also have a location in NE Portland.
For more info, go to:
www.oldtownpizza.com

Sushiland - Pearl District/Beaverton/Tigard/Clackamas/Lloyd Center

Sushiland has 5 locations in the Portland Metro Area and 6 locations in Washington. I must admit that I probably go to Sushiland at least once a week for lunch and occasionally I go for dinner as well. At any given time, at any location I've gone to, there are usually at least a couple families with younger children enjoying a meal.

I must admit, I was skeptical of "affordable" sushi on a "train", but after just one visit I was hooked! I am not a person who eats alot of sashimi, I'm definitely a "roll sushi" girl :) The california rolls, asparagus tempura rolls and philadelphia rolls are my favorites and all are made well enough that I feel full and happy when I leave. With plate prices starting at $1.00 and ranging to $3.00 for most of their basic sushi items, you can't beat the deal that they offer.

For more info, go to:
http://www.sushilandusa.com/

Hopworks - SE Portland

Hopworks Urban Brewery...as I enter I am completely in love with the wood beams, high ceilings and copper finishes. I sometimes forget how seriously we take our breweries in the Northwest :) I am reminded of Rock Bottom Brewery, except minus the "frat/alumni" crowd that often convenes there. There is the main L-shaped dining rooms with lots of booths and in one section with tables there is a kids play area. The kids play area at this place is fantastic! It has a wooden toy train set on a platform, chalkboards and a variety of other toys for the kids to play with. My daughter went straight to the play area and absorbed herself in it until dinner arrived at our table...which means I got some "me" time to relax and enjoy some adult conversation.

When dinner came we were pleasantly surprised by the size of a "medium" pizza. 4 people could've shared it with 2 good sized slices apiece. We order the "Gatherer" which included mushrooms, caramelized sweet red onions, artichoke hearts, roasted garlic, red bell peppers & black olives, topped with fresh parsley. Sooooooo good! This is in my top pizza places list from now on...and the Organic HUB Lager complimented the meal perfectly. Great beer, great pizza...it doesn't get much better than that! My daughter had the cheese pizza with organic apple slices and apple juice for her drink, only $4.75! Great deal and she ate all of it.

I will definitely be coming back for happy hour as well, but without the little one. Happy hour is only in the bar area and minors are not allowed. The menu includes many of their dishes for a fraction of the cost, like a slice of pizza for $1.75 or a chicken caesar salad for $3.75. This is definitely a great after work spot for people who want to unwind, catch up with friends or watch a game on the tv in the bar.

For more info, go to:
http://www.hopworksbeer.com/

Blitz Ladd - SE Portland

Blitz Ladd is the sister restaurant and bar to Blitz Bar in the Pearl District. A great place to grab pub food and a beverage, hang out with your friends and watch a game. Children are welcome everywhere in the establishment, except for the bar/pool table/shuffleboard area. They have a pretty good kids menu for a pub/sports bar with mini pizza, chicken strips, grilled cheese, mac and cheese and several other options...All $5 with a drink included. My daughter had the mini cheese pizza and loved it! It came with celery and carrot sticks on the side, so that was a nice "healthy" touch. However, it would be nice if they added more kiddie friendly drink options...I think the options given to me were soda or cranberry juice. Maybe milk and apple juice would be a good start.

I was there for a get together with friends and found it to be a very relaxed environment where a noisy toddler could be silly and have fun without disrupting anyone else's good time. I had a great time and enjoyed the Blitz Black-n-Blue Burger with cajun blackened beef, smoked pepper bacon, Oregon blue cheese, grilled onions and honey dijon mayonnaise. Sooooo good! And huge enough that I had to take half of it home. It was a pretty great meal (or two with leftovers in my case :)) for just $9.

For more info on Blitz Ladd and upcoming events, go to:
http://www.blitzpdx.com/ladd_index.html

Noodles & Company - Pearl District/Beaverton/Hillsboro/Clackamas

With 4 locations in the Portland metro area, Noodles & Company is always nearby for you to enjoy a quick, convenient and tasty meal. With 3 distinct categories of noodles to choose from, like Mediterranean, Asian and American, you'll find something for you and for your little tortellini :) The kids will love the Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, while you can savor the very adult dishes of Whole Grain Tuscan Linguine or Indonesian Peanut Saute, just to name a few. You can add chicken, beef, shrimp or tofu to any dish. There is also the choice to expand your meal by adding soup or salad.

Friendly and quick service gets you and the ravenous little ones fed in no time at all. They also have healthy drink options for the kids, like milk and juice. They usually have cookies and rice crispies by the checkout too...so watch out for those! :) Overall, this is a great place to bring yourself during lunch or the kids on the weekend. Enjoy!
For more info, go to:
www.noodles.com

Portland Childrens Museum - Portland, OR

From the Grasshopper Grocery with its "food" and mini shopping carts, to the splish, splash fun of the Waterworks Exhibit, you will find no shortage of things to do in this seriously kid friendly museum. Definitely not the kind of museum we remember from our childhood, everything in this place encourages kids to touch, feel, explore, create and pretend. Even the littlest ones have a place here in the Baby's Garden, a multi-sensory forest for babies and young toddlers to crawl and discover a variety of sounds and textures. For older kids (age 5 and up) they have The Garage, Friday thru Sunday. This recycled arts studio allows aspiring creative types to design something unique to take home with them.

The Children's Museum has a variety of birthday packages to choose from, even themed parties are available. Discounts on birthday party packages are available if you have a membership. Entry to the museum is $8 for ages 1-54, $7 for ages 55 and up or with a military ID. As well as $2 for parking. Hours are Tuesday thru Sunday 9am-5pm. Sandwiches, salads, baked items, beverages and other treats are available in the Caterpillar Cafe.
I have to admit, even adults will have fun here! There is so much creativity and excitement for your child to experience here that it becomes hard not to find yourself acting like a kid again yourself :)

For more info, go to:
www.portlandcm.org