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Interview with Annette Warnick of Swanky Tables!

December 25, 2009 by Cecilia | Comments (2)

Annette Warnick is the owner of an adorable boutique event design company in Portland called Swanky Tables that specializes in chic and sassy events! If you’re constantly hosting parties and events for friends and family, Annette understands that you need time and energy to be a wonderful and gracious host—so let the event designing up to Swanky Tables and enjoy your own party. Annette’s portfolio of weddings, birthday parties, holiday parties and others give us a sense of her creativity and attention to detail. We knew that she would be the perfect person to do our CRAVE Holiday Party—and a beautiful job she did! Thanks Annette and we hope to be working with you more often in this New Year!

Annette, you are the founder of an amazing company. Tell us how you began your business.
I was working on my boys 1st birthday party, and was frustrated that I couldn’t find modern party goods and ideas that weren’t commercial and unoriginal. I had previously worked at a Seattle Hotel in Private Dining and Events and had always loved the little creative details that make each event unique and personal. I was lucky enough to turn my passion for event design into a career.

How did you come up with the name Swanky Tables?
I had a shampoo bottle with the definition of “swanky” on it and I wanted a name that people could read and immediately visualize.

People can actually save time and money by hiring an event planner. In what ways is this possible?
An event planner has done the research, made the connections, found the best deals and you can enjoy your party and not worry about the details!

What are your favorite parties to design for?
I love designing parties for life events (weddings, baby showers, anniversaries) and holidays!

Do you travel for event planning and designing?
I have not had the opportunity to do so yet, but would love to!

I love reading your blog. Where are your favorite places to look for content for your blog?
There are so many great blogs out there for inspiration, as well as décor/wedding magazines, and everyday occurrences.

Do you have a mentor or role model?
My mom and my brother also run their own businesses so they are great mentors and role models for me. I also have been amazed at the support and guidance I have received from the wedding and event vendor community in the Portland area.

How do you juggle work and family?
I luckily have a very supportive husband and family, so they all pitch in when I need extra help!

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
Sharing in the clients’ important moments in their life as well as building long-term relationships with them.

What are some of the challenges of designing an event?
Each event can have some hiccups that you may not expect. It’s good to be prepared and have a back-up plan.

I’m having a few guests over for a Holiday dinner. What are a few simple ways to fancy-up my home for the evening?
Candles and votives—everyone looks better in candlelight. Add a few orchid plants or float single blooms in bowls/vases. Bundles of cinnamon sticks tied with twine at each place setting or cranberries and floating votives also adds to a festive atmosphere.

What were some of your ideas for this past CRAVE Holiday Party?
A modern girly holiday look with a bit of glitz and a fuchsia and red color palette.

Do you have plans for the future of Swanky Tables?
I would like to expand into more innovative designs for weddings and special events that incorporate the personal details in a unique way (ie. snowcone cocktail bars, mini dessert tables, and fancy photo backdrops). I also would like to expand the profile of the Swanky Tables blog as a major resource for event design and décor.

Swanky Tables Website | Twitter

Best of Portland: Places to Experience the Holidays

December 22, 2009 by Katelin | Comments (0)

In a city renowned for its unique eateries, spectacular shows, and exceptional opportunities for adventure, it’s no wonder Portland offers a host of great places to experience the best of the holiday season. It is time to take advantage of those well-deserved vacation days, so this week we’re bringing you Portland’s most magnificent places to enjoy the holidays from here through the New Year!

Zoolights at the Oregon Zoo. The allure of exotic animals and mouth-watering elephant ears (the sweet treat of choice for many Portlander’s) has made the Oregon Zoo a top destination since the 1800’s. With the addition of a little holiday magic, this collection of creatures transforms after nightfall. From five o’clock on, the zoo remains open in limited areas, illuminated by over 200 swinging, diving, and leaping animated animals. Mountain goats, leopards, tigers, sea lions, sea otters, polar bears, farm animals, and elephants can still be observed, accompanied by these animated animals. Those visiting the zoo earlier in the day are invited to stay for the zoo light experience, provided they stay in the park until at least four o’clock. Otherwise, tickets cost between $6 and $9, with the option to purchase packages including rides on the zoo train. Views from the train offer some unavailable to those on foot, and a feeling of immersion in the zoo aglow adds something special the experience. The Oregon Zoolights is a great place for dates, and perfect outing for kids of all ages!

See the Nutcracker. Touted by the Oregonian as “a profound pleasure to see,” attending a showing of the George Blanchine’s Nutcracker is a must this holiday season. Few outings rival the sheer traditional value of entering this world of Sugarplum Fairies, dancing snowflakes, and waltzing flowers, as performed by the Oregon Ballet Theater. In true Portland fashion, a visit to the Keller Auditorium offers a complete experience, including festive entertainment in the lobby, and even nightly visits from Santa Clause! It’s a great time to start memorable traditions with loved ones! Visit OBT for ticket information.

Tinsel, Trees, & Tradition at the Pittock Mansion. Previously home to Portland Pioneers, Henry and Georgiana Pittock, the Pittock mansion has stood as a community landmark since 1965. This year, in celebration of Oregon’s 150 years of statehood, many of the rooms have been decorated to reflect different Christmas traditions, including Christmas tree decoration, holiday feast preparation, Christmas card writing, Christmas music playing, and gift giving. This historic mansion is a great destination year-round, and offers an exciting twist on its already impressive offering with this festive redecoration for the holiday season. Open until January 3rd, Tinsel, Trees, & Tradition is an ideal holiday destination for history buffs!

So take your coffee or eggnog to go, and come experience the best of Portland’s holiday happenings! Happy holidays to all!

Best of Portland: Holiday Party Wear

December 15, 2009 by Katelin | Comments (3)

‘Tis the season for festive fêtes, and I can’t help but get excited for my annual holiday celebrations. However, each year I undoubtedly find myself standing panic-stricken inside my closet with just one hour to unearth something fabulous for the evening ahead, and not one suitable ensemble in sight. This year I am eliminating my usual wardrobe woes and am pledging to find Portland’s best shops for holiday attire, appropriate for all occasions from work parties to cozy cocktails with the gals!

Mink Located at 3418 SE Hawthorne, Mink is well known for its extensive collection of party dresses year-round, catering to the needs of those shopping for both upscale outings and casual affairs. This season’s stock includes a large supply of Weston Wear, BCBG holiday dresses, pieces from Corey Lynn Calter, as well as many items for those looking to make better use of their attire investments. “Women this year want something they can wear more than once, so we’ve got a great selection of cross-over dresses for wintertime” says Austin, a manager at Mink. Perfect for glamming up with heels, or pairing with tights and boots, Mink’s dresses range from jersey to lux fabrics, and pair perfectly with their great selection of cropped cover-ups and jackets. Prices run between $110-198 for dresses, and the amazingly helpful staff can’t be beat!

Mabel and Zora Nestled in the Pearl on NW 11th Ave., his beautiful boutique may be decked out in yellow, but it is anything but mellow….as a self proclaimed sanctuary of sequence and sparkles, Mabel and Zora prides itself on providing glitz and glam to the modern woman, while making nods to the retro glamour of Doris Day films. Beaded tops and sparkly dresses abound here, complemented by a great selection of separates, jeans, and jewelry. Mabel and Zora stocks, Trina Turk, Ella Moss, Kersh, Max & Cleo, Betsy & Iya jewelry, and many more. Prices range from $58-$300, and for a lady in search of shine and shimmer, Mabel and Zora is this winter’s wonderland.

The English Dept In my recurring dream of being invited to an exclusive party, picked up in a limo by a handsome date, and swept off to an evening of elegance and luxury…I imagine I bough my dress at The English Dept. The owner, Elizabeth Dye, stocks her intimate boutique with many of her own designs and those of her favorite designers from around the world. Elizabeth’s focus is bridal dresses, but she keeps the English Dept. well supplied with special occasion dresses so intricate, distinctive, and fashion-forward that it is impossible not to gape at her divine mind. Each item comes with a story of vintage fabrics and inspiration drawn from literature and centuries passed, and Elizabeth even invites shoppers to consult on pieces for their own special occasions. Be it a high-collared silk shrug or handmade dress, a piece purchased from The English Dept. will surely be a splurge but is also an investment in one’s self-distinction. The English Dept. is located at 1124 SW Alder Street.

Happy shopping!

Portland’s Best Novelty and Gift Shops

December 9, 2009 by Katelin | Comments (1)

Bringing blankets of frost and festive tunes, December’s arrival always reminds me of my favorite holiday traditions. Caroling, Christmas tree cutting, homemade cider, and … gifts … oh my. The search for fun and original presents takes time and money, two things I’m running short on this year. Feeling similar sentiments? Never fear, CRAVE is here! We’re bringing you the scoop on Portland’s most spectacular gift shops, where you’ll find presents to knock the socks off all the lucky ones on your list.

Rose Garden Store The closest place to botanical bliss resides here, inside the International Rose Garden in Washington Park. This gift shop stocks so many products bearing Portland’s prized flower, you may find yourself a little rosy when faced with such a selection! The Rose Garden Shop offers internationally sought after products like the acclaimed Rose Thè, as well as those featuring local talents, such as stationary, photography, soaps, jellies, and hand-painted ornaments produced by local artists, even the craftsmanship of a 101-year-old Portland native! The gifts found in this shop are sure to be quintessentially Portland-esque, and since the proceeds benefit the upkeep of all three Portland rose gardens, it’s like you’re giving a gift to the whole city! Aren’t you thoughtful?

Presents Of Mind Opened in 1989 on historic Hawthorne Blvd., Presents of Mind is a one-stop shop for quirky, trendy, fun, and cool gifts. But shoppers beware…it is far too easy to spend an entire afternoon chuckling at clever cards, sniffing candles, and trying on the undeniably cool clothing. Presence of Mind has counters, cabinets, nooks, and crannies full of perfect gifts for all kinds of occasions! We’re positive you’ll be dazzled by the jewelry, and bowled over by this treasure trove of trinkets, but we think the best part of Presents of Mind is its support for local designers and eco-friendly products. Stop in at 3633 SE Hawthorne Blvd!

Christmas at the Zoo As you walk through this shop’s renowned red door, you enter a paradise of every plush and hand-painted item conceivable. Christmas at the Zoo is a true collector’s heaven, as it stocks numerous dolls and stuffed animals down to the rarest of species (even armadillos, aardvarks, sea dragons, and a seven-foot tall grizzly bear!). This shop also has over twenty Christmas trees assembled year-round, brimming with hand-made ornaments, crafted by artists from all over the world, including a large collection of Patricia Breen’s pieces. Located on NW 23rd Ave., Christmas at the Zoo has gifts to please people of all ages, and offers a great place to bring children, and enjoy their awe as they explore this fantasy of creatures and fun.

Portland Art Museum Shop Located inside the Portland Art Museum, gifts from the Museum Shop will impress even the pickiest of people on your list. Items in store include posters, prints, and catalogues related to current exhibitions, as well as jewelry, journals, coffee table books, toys, and home décor of spectacular variety. Exploring this shop is a treat in itself, as each item discovered seems to tell a unique story. One can find gifts for little ones, intrigued by Egyptian snap bracelets and ‘ancient’ rocks, as well as gifts for friends and significant others like CD’s, accessories, and home goods. Gifts found here are thoughtful and distinctive, not to mention that visiting this shop is a great excuse to drop into the museum itself! Located at 1219 SW Park Ave., the Portland Art Museum is a spectacular attraction for visitors and permanent residents alike!

There you have it ladies, gift-giving anxiety is a thing of the past! Just remember, when word gets out about what a great shopper you are, you may find yourself with a few new friends trying to squeeze onto next year’s list!

Interview with Jessica Davis of NW Kids Magazine

December 4, 2009 by Cecilia | Comments (0)

Jessica Davis is the owner of NW Kids Magazine and nwkids.com, a resource guide for local parents and caregivers to find family-friendly events and kid activities in the Portland, Oregon metro area. Jessica believes that time spent with your kids should also be fun for parents as well. Since taking over the publication in 2007, Jessica has worked to transform NW Kids into a hip, modern parenting guide that’s all about Portland. With a background in media, her career path has taken her from CNN, to Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, Forbes, Inc. and now back in her native hometown with NW Kids.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in Portland and I love it here, it’s a wonderful place to live. I have two small kids and I’m the owner of the media magazine publication NW Kids!

When you took over NW Kids in 2007, what were your objectives for the publication and how were you going to achieve them?
When I first took over the magazine there had been little content and hardly any design work in the magazine. This of course, has changed. My ongoing objective is to make NW Kids about parenting lifestyle, but not in the voice of an authority on parenthood. Instead, we look to provide fun, guilt-free information on parenting and activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Who is your ideal audience?
Parents and caregivers who look to find activities that are engaging for everyone in the family. Parents don’t have to be “martyrs” and do things just for the kids—they can also enjoy themselves while spending time with their little ones.

In your past career as a newsroom journalist for CNN, what was it like covering assassinations, bombings, airplane crashes, politics … and then switching over to a family-friendly publication?
My time at CNN was very high energy and high stress, there were a lot of unexpected things that were thrown at you and you’d have to cover it whenever it occurred. I was able to do it then, but I knew I couldn’t live with that news cycle forever while raising a family. With NW Kids, it is still high energy and I put in a lot of hours, but at least I know what to expect most of the time.

What were you able to take from your experiences working for such large media establishments and was able to apply to your current position?
At Forbes, everyone is really creative and there are a lot of reknown artists and designers who create amazing work. Knowing ways design can be used and working with designers are things I took from Forbes and have been useful in my work now.

If there’s one thing that would make NW Kids better, what would it be?
I see potential in web and the site’s navigation that will allow for more ways to engage our readers.

Where do you see NW kids 10 years from now?
We’ll always have new readers because there will always be new moms and new babies. But kids get older and we also want to grow with them, so we’d like to reach out to a broader range of readers. I want NW Kids to be the go-to resource for all parents at all stages of their child’s growth.

Can you share with us any memories of how you spent your childhood?
I grew up in Portland going to OMSI, the Oregon Zoo, local theaters, and reading a lot. These are all the things I’ve been able to share with my own children now. I remember Beverly Cleary, the author of the Ramona books that I read growing up. It was so exciting knowing she’s from Oregon and reading her books and having my kids read her works too.

What are your favorite activities and ways to spend time with your family?
We do a lot—we go to bouncy play houses if the kids need to release some energy, we spend time at community indoor swimming pools (great during the winter), we attend concerts together … there’s always so much to do!

What skills or traits do you feel are necessary to manage your own business?
Soft skills are very important if you have others working for you. I also believe that it’s important to know your limitations and know what your core competencies are—make sure you only bite off what you can handle.

How many copies of NW kids are distributed every month?
We distribute approximately 16-20,000 copies every month in Portland and five different counties. It is also offered online and available for download. We receive 4-5,000 views online per monthly issue.

We’re excited to have you as a premier sponsor for our Holiday Cravings shopping party on December 9th. Do you have any thoughts on the upcoming event?
CRAVE parties are one of my favorite events. It’s not just shopping, but shopping locally and supporting local brands and cute shops. And they always evoke such a fun and vibrant atmosphere!

Best of Winter Skincare

December 2, 2009 by Katelin | Comments (0)

Look out ladies! The holidays are here…time to get cozy with family, friends, and perhaps a special someone beneath the mistletoe! Don’t let dry skin or chapped lips put a damper on your mistletoe moment! We’ve teamed up with top estheticians, Casey Vaverka and Cassie Davenport, from Blooming Moon Wellness Spa and The Dragontree Holistic Day Spa to compile a list of tips and tricks to defend your skin as winter weather wages war.

1. Don’t neglect your vitamins! Namely, vitamin B. Traditionally used to cure depression, this supplement also contributes to skin immunity and is especially important as winter winds and dry indoor air strips skin of natural moisture. One a day and you’re on your way.

2. Buy a humidifier. As temperatures drop, we crank thermostats up, sucking moisture out of the air inside of our homes, and consequently out of our skin. Combat this cycle by placing a humidifier in your room to supplement moisture into the air. Your body will take in the extra humidity, making skin softer, and as a bonus by keeping your mucus membranes moist, you will be less susceptible to winter colds and flu!

3. Revamp your routine. During the wintertime many of our regular sources of moisture disappear. Cassie suggests going beyond simply applying extra lotion, and recommends moisture-minded individuals boost the amount of moisturizer in all products. Using a creamier cleanser, a heavier lotion, and an extra moisturizing body wash will give skin exactly what it needs to stay smooth throughout the season. Also, don’t forget to pamper hands and lips, as these areas are very prone to dehydration through the winter months.

4. Scrub, Scrub, Scrub! Turn the tides on moisture-sucking hot showers by using your time in the tub to exfoliate one to two times per week. Body scrubs containing sugar, coconut oil, and avocado oil will remove dead skin cells, allowing new growth and creating natural barriers against harsh weather to keep water inside the skin, rather than out.

5. Rethink your menu. A holiday season without tasty treats and festive feasts is like wearing the perfect outfit with the wrong underwear. The essential elements are there, but it just doesn’t feel right. Unfortunately, indulging comes at a higher cost than just added calories. Cassie explains, “Holiday parties encourage excessive drinking and salty holiday foods, which suck moisture out of your skin.” We’re not suggesting you swear off all Starbucks and holiday ham, but being mindful of the effects of dehydrating foods and drinks will do wonders for keeping your skin soft and youthful.

6. Don’t forget sunscreen! Though it’s difficult to believe that powerful rays reach us in even the chilliest months, sun reflecting off of snow can produce glare capable of causing major skin dehydration. Wearing sunscreen with a level of at least 30 SPF daily (even on hands and lips) is a must for maintaining healthy, soft skin.

Products to look out for: Livia Pure Skin Care is a great raw, organic, eco-smart, and fair-trade skincare line. Touted as an extremely active line of products, Livia nourishes without using harmful preservatives. Products such as the Creamy Shade Face sunscreen act simply as a physical barrier for skin, rather than allowing harmful chemical and carcinogens to soak in. While these skin-pampering products don’t come cheap, the ladies at the Dragontree Spa assure us it’s worth our investments.

The Blooming Moon Wellness Spa is located at 2050 NW Lovejoy Street and The Dragontree Holistic Day Spa can be found at 2769 NW Thurman Street. Drop in and give Cassie and Casey some love for sharing their expert advice!