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Interview with Entrepreness Megan Clark of Hi, Friend

September 10, 2010 by Megan J. | Comments (0)

Megan Clark is the co-owner of Hi, Friend, an online boutique specializing in fabulous stationary, too-good-to-open gift boxes and the cutest invitations and ribbons. Megan also runs her own personal design studio Clark and Co. Read our interview to learn more about Megan and her experiences as a female business owner!

So, tell me a little about your background and how you came to start “Hi, Friend”
I studied design in school, and I worked in an advertising agency for a few years here in Portland and one of the account managers at the Ad Agency and I worked really well together. Once we both left the agency we were really sad that we weren’t working together anymore and meanwhile I had had this brainstorm of an online retail company that was more focused on what I was trained in but would be a little more free form and fun. So, I approached her [Jennifer Mele] to see if she was interested in partnering up with me on the side because she had her day job and I still had my design studio. She totally loved the idea and together we started this new adventure of “Hi, Friend.” It has so far been really fun! It was in the works for at least a year before we actually launched because I had to do the design for all the different pieces and the volume of it is massive.

I was actually on the website and was so impressed by how much variety and diversity there is at “Hi, Friend!”
Totally! Well, and we kept getting delayed thinking that we were going to launch at a certain time but it never did. So as it happens the more we delayed I was able to produce more to put on the site; but there is always more to be making and more to add, which is a big challenge. We ended up launching in April of this last year and we took a huge deep breath and were like “Ok, this is it, we’re launching!”

What have you learned since the big launch?
A lot of it is actually boring technical stuff, like how to run a retail site and how to capture payments, how to deal with emails breaking down and how to actually build a website. I had dealt with the design of the site, which I do for a lot of my clients, but I had never designed something like this for myself, so I ended up being involved 100% which usually I hand off the design and someone else does the technical side. So now I’m like the user and the creator, which is a different story, so I mainly learned the technical stuff that goes into building a retail site. Then there’s also how to deal with customers, but luckily my partner does most of that stuff! I get to do the design work and she handles all the ordering and billing and all that fun stuff. I don’t have to do much once we get it up on the site, but we’re definitely still in it together. The decision making is always jointly done, we share all the finance stuff, which can be tricky but we’re really transparent with each other. Jen is really great at what she does, she handles all the people side of the business, because when we first started I was thinking “if I’m going to do this little brainchild, I need Jen’s help.” It’s great because I can’t do what she does and she can’t do what I do, so there’s a great balance.

So tell me a little about your creative process. Where do you get your inspiration from? How do you deal with no creative limitations, which is sometimes creatively more difficult, than having a client give you parameters. How do you self-edit?
Jumping into it I was thinking how cool it was that I could do whatever I wanted! But then a second later I realized how overwhelming it is! So, it can be really overwhelming and really hard to focus. In the beginning we were all over the place with the designs, so what we did is we met with someone who looked over everything and then told us what they thought and what advice they had and they suggested that we categorize everything by style and create a personality from each style which is how each of the girls where created, from that conversation. So, we created these fictional characters that works for the shoppers as well as for myself. Shoppers can go directly to the style that they are most interested in and find what they need to find, you don’t have to go through those portals but it makes it easier to look for things within the site. But, it works really well for me because they serve almost as muses, so I can think “I need to design a wedding invitation for Lila..” and now I can wrap my head around what to design. Each girl has something written about what they are to us on the site, so I can go back and look and know that if Lila was getting married that this is what she would swoon over, so that’s where I get my inspiration.

That’s really cool! Because I’m sure there are so many styles that you enjoy so it’s hard to narrow it down to just one.
Exactly, but it still can be really hard because I don’t have that other brain there to tell me what they want and what they don’t want, which is what you have when you’re working with a client. But I do find that I pay more attention when I’m out and about, I have a tendency to catch things that I think I should incorporate into certain pieces. I do that all the time for my clients, but it is especially helpful with Hi, Friend because it keeps it me generating new things. It also helps that I have my own studio stuff to do too, because when I’m feeling confined by client stuff I can jump over into Hi, Friend and be inspired and vice versa.

Each persona you’ve created are all so different from one another but there is a sense of cohesiveness, where do get the inspiration within each character?
I think a lot of the cohesiveness comes from the fact that it is just me doing all the designing so ultimately I get to make all the creative decisions. But when it comes to what inspires me, I am really inspired by photography. Also, if I’m online, I have a folder on my desktop that is titled “scrap” so when I find a picture that is really interesting I put it in there, so it becomes a kind of archive of all these things that I have find interesting. I’m also really drawn to old stuff, there is a vintage shop right down the street from my house and they have the coolest things. They actually have old can labels that never got used so now they are preserved in these plastic sheets, so I’ll go buy a couple and throw them on my desk as something cool to look at. I have never mimicked that style directly but I have found compelling color palettes and other things from those pieces which I’ll use in random projects. Like, if I find a killer color combination, it can work with so many things on Hi, Friend, whether its stationery or wedding invites.

I have found in the past with myself, that when I’m working on a project I start noticing different aspects of that project elsewhere. Do you ever notice or pay closer attention to stationary and invitations now that you’re designing them?
Ya, I do but I try not to actually. Because although I notice silly things about stationary I try not to focus too hard because I don’t want to be influenced by other peoples work. Sometimes once you get something stuck in your head you copy it without even realizing that’s what you’ve done which is what I try not to do. But, one thing that I have noticed is that a lot of people are relying on screen printing or letter press, and there are some people who do this excellently but there are some who rely more on the process than the actual design and it turns out kind of disappointing.

Where do you see Hi, Friend going in the future?
Well we definitely want to venture in further into wedding invitations. There is a huge market for that, and we really are interested in designing things for milestones in a woman’s life. So we want to design wedding invitations, baby shower stationary, etc..

Do you ever think that Hi, Friend will have a store front?
You know, probably not. We had talked about it and there is just so much overhead that goes into having a store and with online retail our overhead is relatively low.

Ok, so because this is CRAVE, what is it that you’re craving right now?
Oh wow! That’s a hard one! I think a good book….and a vacation!

Go Green for Less Green: Create a Healthier Living Environment in 5 Easy Steps

August 18, 2010 by Tina | Comments (0)

Did you know that you spend about 80% of your time indoors? Here in Portland, it’s important that busy entrepreprenesses are armed with the best technology, resources, beauty products, and now sustainable interior design! Sustainable interior design is more than just a trend. It refers to products and habits that foster a healthy environment such as having products that don’t emit harmful chemicals, practicing eco-friendly production methods, and supporting local businesses. If you thought sustainable living wasn’t within your budget range, think again! Read on to find out how you can create a healthier living environment in five easy steps!

1. Eliminate Clutter.
Remove materials that emit harmful gases or chemicals. Removing clutter drastically improves indoor air quality and well being in general. Taming what goes into our home, and recycling what you can helps us save money, time, stress while preventing less junk from going into the landfill.

2. Add Plants.
Plants are very affordable and beneficial in creating a healthy living space! Plants naturally eases stress and promotes relaxation. They can also be a great way to liven up a living space as they naturally clean the air and help improve overall health. Did we mention they’re beautiful as well?

3. Adjust Lighting.
The amount of lighting in a living space can directly affect your mood. Lighting can stimulate action, increase energy, promote relaxation, and encourage intimacy. Open your windows to let some natural light in, and use it as a natural source of illumination if you can. Natural lighting makes for a more attractive entrepreness as well!

4. Save Water.
Are you turning off your water while you brush your teeth? Washing a full load in the dishwasher and laundry instead of a small one? Can you take a shower in ten minutes or less? All of these small changes heavily impact our environment and your water bill over time. Water scarcity is an issue in many countries all over the world, and safe water is a limited resource that we must take care of.

5. Consider Remodeling.
After taking the baby steps to help create a healthier living environment, you may be ready to consider remodeling your home to make it more sustainable. During this step, you may consider updating the color in your home with no or low-VOC paints (ecofriendly paints). Purchasing local furniture or products from artisans in your area is a great alternative from importing overseas. Choosing local helps support your community and help thrive business in your area. We love our local businesses!

To find out more about sustainable interior design, visit these local resources!

Relish Design
1715 NW Lovejoy St
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 227-3779

The Joinery
4804 SE Woodstock Boulevard
Portland, OR 97206
(503) 788-8547

Hunt & Gather
1302 NW Hoyt St
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 227-3400

Ecohaus
819 SE Taylor St
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 222-3881

MetroPaint
4825 N Basin Ave
Portland, OR 97217
(503) 234-3000

Sizzling Summer Make-Up Trends

July 21, 2010 by Kelly | Comments (0)

Are you looking for a way to stay current and up-to-date with the latest fashions without breaking the bank? Look no further friends, we have found the trick to keeping up a chic aesthetic sans supplementing your closet with the latest shoes, sweaters, skirts and everything else. So what’s our secret? Make-up of course! Whether you’re feeling sassy or want to look classy, we have hunted down the most crave-worthy summer make-up trends that will keep your look sizzling long after the sun goes down.

The Silver Eye

For all you fans of the smoky eye, put a twist on the sultry go-to look by substituting your browns for a touch of silver. The silver eye make-up trend has been spotted on countless runways and fashionistas this season and you can get this look yourself. If you’re going for a more bold evening style line the entire crease of your eye with a metallic silver shade. Feeling a little more subdued? That works too. Simply dab a touch of silver on your inner eye for just a little added spark. Head over to Fez Studio on NW 10th & Everett to pick up this silver hue.

Old Hollywood Glam

Nothing is more timeless than this old Hollywood throw back. So channel your inner movie star, pair a nude face with bright red lips and get ready to say hello to a glam new you and a look that can take you from the workplace to happy hour without a complete face-overhaul. Pick up a lip smacking (organic!) shade at Camellia Pure Beauty on 4759 NE Fremont.

Bold Brights

Remember that entire eye palette you bought to complete your crazy Halloween look? Well don’t count it out yet. That funky costume make up can be put to new uses this summer season. Bold and bright colors are all the rage this season, especially paired with your newly sun kissed skin. So whether you dab a bubble gum pink shade on your lips or swipe a lavender hue on your nails you will surely be looking bright and cheery all day long! In the event that you did in fact throw away that Halloween eye palette, you can find other fun and trendy options at Blush Beauty Bar on 513 NW 23rd Ave.

Hello, Summer!

June 21, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

How many times a year do we utter the words, “If only there were more hours in the day…”? Well, on the summer solstice, you will get your wish since today, the sun shines longer than any other day of the year. Today of course also marks the official start of summer, and with it, we celebrate all the best things about this much-anticipated season! To welcome the return of flip-flops, barbecue’s, vacations and more, we’ve compiled a list of activities to do in order to take advantage of those extra minutes of sunlight. Grab your friends and family and head out – you won’t want to miss a second of your summer solstice celebration!

A picnic is a simple no-brainer for a summer occasion, but you might decide to get a little creative for the special occasion by coordinating a late-night sunset picnic in your city’s most scenic setting. Bring a playlist of songs with the word “sun” in them to set the right mood.

If you’re an avid outdoors-woman, you’ll want to really maximize your extra minutes of rays! Head out for an evening hike, run, or bike ride and extend it a little longer than usual. You’ll get an extra boost knowing that this is the only night you’ll be able to savor the sunlight during your routine workout.

Spending your solstice doing water activities is an excellent idea if you live near a body of water. Boating, surfing, kayaking, or even just lounging beachside will give you that summer glow you’ve been missing all winter. Plus, watching the sun lower over sparkling waves is a sight that can hardly be beat, and one you’ll want to store in your memory for the next winter.

Say Mother Nature decides to throw you a curveball and sends rain instead of shine, well don’t let that stop you from enjoying the spirit of the day. Curling up with a book and hot tea can be relaxing during a summer rainfall or storm especially if enjoyed from a patio or porch. If the day is more gray gloom than thrilling boom, head to your local arboretum or greenhouse to get your tropical nature fix.

Gifts We Crave for Recent Grads

June 16, 2010 by Stephanie M. | Comments (0)

Graduation is a special time in a person’s life. Whether finishing high school or college, this exciting occasion is typically shared and commemorated with family and close friends. It is often a joyous and sentimental event for the individual that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next. Show the graduate in your life how proud you are of their accomplishments by giving them something special from the following local businesses that we CRAVE. The list is diverse, offering an array of trinkets, flowers, cards, pampering, shopping and more – all with local flare.

CARDS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Oblation Papers & Press
If you are planning a party for your grad and really want to make a statement, schedule a consultation with an employee at Oblation Papers & Press. At this European-style stationary boutique, they will custom make your announcements and invitations on recycled handmade cotton paper and use one of their old-world letterpresses for printing. This method creates an original and personalized memento for friends and family members to enjoy.

516 NW 12th Ave. Portland
7243 SW Bridgeport Rd. Tigard

FLOWERS:

Geranium Lake Flowers
Geranium Lake Flowers is another great local shop to put on your list if you are throwing a graduation party. Owner Kim Foren is a master when it comes to styling events with the use of fresh flowers. Whether you need one bouquet or one hundred, she will work her magic to make your event special and beautiful. If you are planning a graduation party, make sure you give Kim a call in advance to book a consultation at 503-228-1920.

555 SW Oak St. Portland

GIFTS FOR GUYS:

Hair M
If you know your son, brother, or significant other has been working hard to finish school and could use some major relaxation, give him a gift certificate to Hair M. Here he will be treated like a king while indulging in a Hot Stone Massage or Hot Towel Straight Razor Shave.

101 SW Main St., Portland
3300 SW Hocken Ave. Beaverton

The Dapper Cap
At the Dapper Cap, choose from over 2,500 hats from which to give the (guy or gal) grad in your life and present it to them neatly wrapped in a proper hat package. If you can’t choose which one to buy, give your grad a gift certificate so they can come in on a day that The Dapper Cap is hosting one of their typical events with live DJ’s and performers.

128 NW 23rd Ave. Portland

Bridge City Comics
Now that the grad in your life has time to put down the textbooks, maybe they can reach for some more entertaining reading. Find it at Bridge City Comics where they offer thousands of graphic novels as well as a Portland-based creators section.

3725 N. Mississippi Ave. Portland

GIFTS FOR GALS:

Garnish Apparel
The best way to offer a gift from Garnish is to take your grad or give them a gift certificate, because at this local Portland shop they present each customer with individualized attention and personalized service. Your grad can pick out a dress for the big day and have it customized using ribbons, fabrics, and buttons to create a piece that truly reflects her personality and style.

1524 NE Alberta St. Portland

Stella’s on 21st
A personal favorite of mine, I turn to Stella’s for most of my small gift and card purchases. They have a great selection of local artisan jewelry, art, fun trinkets and other accessories; plus the ladies who work there are as sweet as they come. Pop in to Stella’s and you are sure to find something special for your graduate.

1108 NW 21st Ave. Portland

Blush Beauty Bar
Blush Beauty Bar is a fashionista’s paradise and sure to be a hit for the gal grad on your list. Take her on a mini shopping spree and watch her eyes light up as she looks through beautiful blush, shadows, lipsticks and more. She can even have her makeup professionally done at Blush before her commencement ceremony or graduation party.

513 NW 23rd Ave. Portland

More Cravings: Jewelry Designers and Shops

May 26, 2010 by Elijah | Comments (1)

Mother’s Day may have already passed us by, but is it ever too late for some of the finest jewelry Portland has to offer? Maybe you’re planning to pick up a little something extra for mom, but let’s be honest, after you see what these ladies have to offer, you’re going to be shopping for yourself!

Gem Kitty’s Arwa Jumkawala is the gal to know if you want beautifully crafted custom necklaces and earrings. Use her site’s easy jewelry designer to create your very own unique piece of jewelry with a whole array of stunning, richly-colored semiprecious stones. After you submit the design, Arwa will skillfully put together your piece and ship it to you for free! If you don’t trust yourself to design your own pieces (and if you’re anything like me, you certainly shouldn’t), Gem Kitty’s limited edition pieces will still allow you to enjoy Arwa’s work. If you see something you love, buy it quick though! Limited edition pieces truly are limited with fewer than ten of each being created, and once they’re sold out, you’re going to have to scour Ebay to get your hands on one. If I were you, I wouldn’t waste any time in ordering her upcoming limited edition piece: a gold and turquoise necklace perfect for summer.

Katy Kippen, owner of Grayling Jewelry, works magic with crystals, stones, and chains. Her current collection combines layered chains, stones in neutral colors, and clear crystals that pair beautifully with any outfit. Grayling pieces are understated yet complex and beautiful. Pick up something such as the Celestial, an enchanting necklace crafted out of silver chain and quartz crystal, at the Grayling online store or at local boutiques such as Relish. Keep checking the Grayling site in the coming weeks for the premier of Katy’s new collection, which will feature summery greens, blues, and burnished gold. Clearly, turquoise and gold are must-haves for your jewelry box this summer!

Betsy & Iya combines beautiful, unique pieces of antique metal and bright, retro celluloid plastic. Betsy & Iya carries a huge number of necklaces and earrings– most at very affordable prices– that will appeal to just about any style. Bold metal pieces like A Mighty Brass Shield earrings are a great way to add interest to an outfit for any season, and fun plastic Sunburst earrings are a vibrant addition to summer dresses. Browse the Betsy & Iya Etsy shop to see these and lots of other fun pieces that, at less than $40 for most earrings, you won’t be able to resist. If you prefer brick and mortar, you can find Betsy & Iya at Mabel and Zora as well as dozens of other shops around the city and around the world (yes, you can even find Betsy & Iya in the Netherlands).

Behind barred windows, emily-jane hides a wealth of unique pieces made by their in-house team of designers. emily-jane offers a full range of jewelry including the elegant yet fun Spyglass necklace or the bold, smoky Blue Labradorite ring. All of emily-jane’s pieces are edgy, exotic, and guaranteed to turn heads. If you’re looking for a bargain, you may want to look elsewhere: emily-jane pieces are made without cutting corners, and it shows in the prices. However, if you’re guilty of the occasional jewelry splurge, emily-jane is a must-visit. Shop their online store, or swing by their boutique on NE Broadway and get treated to champagne as you shop!

emily-jane
1428 NE Broadway
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 460-0516

If you just can’t get enough of Portland’s amazing jewelry scene, check out our very own Cecilia Doan’s visit to local designer and artisan Sahlia Michelle’s studio.

Best of Portland: Best Wedding & Event Planner Blogs

March 31, 2010 by Katelin | Comments (5)

Whether it’s cotton-tailed cupcakes at an annual Easter brunch, or homemade wine charms at your girlfriend’s dinner party; at some point we’ve all found ourselves envious of the creativity of others. But who has the energy to compete for originality points when time is precious and inspiration is elusive? Now you do! We’ve rounded up the best of Portland’s wedding and event planning blogs to help you put together your most sensational soirĂ©es. Below are the modern day cheat sheets to the most current information on themes, vendors, music, food, favors, and more! With the help of these experts, you’re sure to throw one unforgettable fete!

Little Black Book Vendor Blog
As part of Style Me Pretty, a style-centric wedding resource for modern brides, the Little Black Book Vendor Blog provides a perfect source of inspiration for brides-to-be. The weddings featured here are charming and unique, sharing the experiences of the brides and grooms (from the proposal to the wedding cake) in their own words. This space allows the newlyweds to share the details of their days and the resources they used to arrive at their finalized themes, menus, locations, etc. The photos included are beautifully shot and make viewers feel as if they are joining in on the intimate moments shared between couples, families, and friends. The details captured of centerpieces, gowns, and table dressings provide great insight and easy access to vendor information for those hoping to put on similar events. Vendors involved in each wedding are named in the post, and those that are members of Style Me Pretty’s ‘little black book’ (a thoroughly edited list of SMP approved vendors) are given special mention, ensuring reputable recommendations to readers.

Geranium Lake Flowers
Primarily comprised of posts by owner Kim Foren, the Geranium Lake Flowers Blog is reflective of the creative spirit this multi-talented owner. Originally trained as a fine art painter, Kim transitioned into the flower and events business sixteen years ago, bringing along her enthusiasm for innovation and creativity. After achieving incredible success with high profile clients and accolades from nearly every Portland publication, Kim decided to share her talent with a wider audience through her blog. Readers can find tons of great information here, pertaining to all kinds of lifestyle and events topics. Posts include information about upcoming trends (i.e broach bouquets, and chandeliers), as well as venue recommendations (reception sites, spas for rest and relaxation, etc
), photographers to note, and amazingly inventive DIY projects like onion peel egg dying, and plush pumpkin place card holders. The posts are fun to read and easy to follow with beautiful photography and detailed instructions.

Swanky Tables
Annette Warnick is one of our favorite women to work with here at CRAVE Portland. We love her commitment to furnishing stylish events and her unique creative visions (can you say Holiday Cravings Party 2009?), and she shares her fantastic talent with readers through her blog for Swanky Tables. Here, Annette shares photos from recent events, inspiration gained everywhere from shower curtains to patio furniture, and recipes for do-it-yourself drinks and dishes. Annette is truly an innovator and shares so much of her creative genius through her blog. Not only are special events, but also everyday life, enriched through the insight shared here by Annette. Check out this fun blog for all sorts of event inspirations!

HI-FI Weddings
Music plays a huge role in weddings, from walking down the aisle to rocking out at the reception, but arranging the perfect playlist is no easy task. This is where the HI-FI Weddings Blog comes to the rescue. Built upon the submissions of those who have already tied the knot, HI-FI’s blog is comprised of love stories and playlists submitted by countless couples. Brides and grooms-to-be may find this blog helpful in seeking out perfect playlists from couples with similar tastes in tunes, and can even listen to many of the recommended songs through the blog. Playlists are accompanied by pictures and descriptions from the couples, making this the perfect solution to the usual menace of mix-making.

Best of Portland: Local Bloggers

March 17, 2010 by Katerina | Comments (3)

They’ve all got something to say, whether about fashion, travel, business, or writing itself! Make sure you don’t sleep on some of the savviest and resourceful female bloggers, right from the Portland community!

The Neat Sheet
Produced by writer/editor Karen Vitt, The Neat Sheet is designed as a local shopping and fashion news “blogazine,” providing stylish Portland women a trustworthy, comprehensive and advertorial-free daily hot list of NEAT things to buy, wear, try and do in Portland and beyond! Karen has covered fashion, shopping, style and culture in her hometown of Portland for more than 10 years, writing for print and web publications including Lucky Magazine, The Oregonian, Willamette Week, Women’s Wire (iVillage), Oregon Bride and many others.

Chic Steals
Check out Chic Steals for daily advice on how to look like a million bucks, without actually doing so. Shoes, dresses, accessories, fashion shows and more, writer Carly covers it all. On Chic Steals, expect to find dead-on look alikes of runway styles for a much more favorable price!

Ann Schilling
As many of us are small business owners and entrepreneurs, we are all faced with the need to master social media marketing and SEO. Ann Schilling, an SEO and Social Media Marketing Consultant, gives advice on these topics through her blog, as well on developing small businesses in general. She has been a practicing Senior Technical Writer, Writer, Poet and Travel Writer for over 12 years. Ann continues to write and has recently fallen in love with creating videos as well. Check out her blog here.

Shopping’s My Cardio
A daily guide dedicated to making life a little more stylish. Whether they’re talking fashion, trends, beauty, home design, reading or random finds, it’s always about what’s beautiful, chic or just fun to have in your life! Editor and founder Becki Singer is a reformed attorney and devoted fashion addict currently living in Portland. She’s written for other publications such as Diablo magazine, Oregon Home, The Daily Obsession, Mankind Magazine, Luxaholics, Design Sponge, and more!

Golden Wordsmith
Kerri Buckley is a freelance writer, poet and artist. She has written articles for numerous publications, including The Oregonian,Portland Family Magazine, and Rochester Woman. Kerri had also been writing weekly columns on art, culture, weddings, beauty and dining for Meredith’s (FOX TV) online city newspaper at LivePDX.com, the Portland Lit Club. Additionally, she hosts and produces the Literary Cafe Radio Show through prx.org. Clearly, Kerri has something to say and many people like to hear it.

She had been recognized for her literary skills this past November when she was awarded first place for poetry in the Inland Empire California Writer’s Club’s (IECWC) Annual Poetry Contest for her poem, “The Man from San Jose.” Her website includes a blog and collection of her writings, whether poems or essays. Kerri also teaches writing classes around Portland. For those of who enjoy using words like paints to create a vision, Kerri is an excellent resource for inspiration and technique!

The Proprietress
Kate Fulford provides inspiration and retail knowledge for the savvy entrepreneur. A former boutique owner in San Francisco, Kate moved to Portland and blogs as The Proprietress, providing other boutique owners with resources and suggestions for creating a wonderful shopping experience for their customers.

Ruba
Writer Erin is a community manager for Ruba, a virtual travel and tour review site. She is constantly updating about hot spots in the U.S., abroad, and all kinds of fun-facts that will help you find a new adventure, whether it’s a new city, mountain or restaurant.

Written by Katerina & Cecilia.

Black Friday Steals and Deals

November 25, 2009 by Lilla | Comments (2)

The day after Thanksgiving is one of the biggest shopping days of the year! As much as you dislike the crowds and craziness of Black Friday, these deals and events at local shops and boutiques will have you excited to face the stampedes of shoppers. Check out this list of some of our favorite shops to see their sales and special deals for CRAVE Blog readers:

Adorn 503.505.1795 Spend $50, get $5 off. Spend $75, get $10 off. Spend $150, get $20. Off all of their stock! shopadornonline.com
Amai Unmei 503.234.3020 10% off all Holiday Dresses. Purchase one pashmina scarf and receive 50% off second! amaiunmei.com
Anne Bocci Boutique & Gallery 503.452.3711 Friday after Thanksgiving through Sunday, mention CRAVE deals and Take $40 off any Mycra Pac Reversible Designer Coat. Mycra Pacs reversible jacket with unique accordion pleat hoods are standouts! annebocciboutique.com
Aries Apparel 503.690.1900 ‘Pick ‘n Roll’ special where all customers will receive a discount upon checkout. Pick a number (1 through 3) and roll a die for the second number to total the discount! Ex: 2 plus 4 = 24%. Take an additional 40% off all clearance items. ariesapparel.com
Barre3 Exercise Studio 503.206.8308 3 unlimited months for $300! Starts Black Friday and ends December 4th at 12 midnight. barre3.com
Bask Tanning & Airbrushing 503.452.0344 Purchase any tanning package receivesame package FREE! Or purchase 1 Airbrush session receive 1 FREE! $10 off single airbrush sessions for CRAVE customers only!
Beaute Mineral 971.285.3054 Site-wide* 40% Off Sale. Stock up on all your holiday party (and everyday) makeup essentials. 40% off discount doesn’t not apply to discounted items, kits or value sets. CRAVE Exclusive: Get a natural, vegan lip color, hand-picked for you, with any purchase of $40 or more. Mention code CRAVE09 during checkout (in the Comments & Instructions section). While supplies last. beautemineral.com
bella stella 503.284.4636 20% off all toys, books, kits, art, science and craft projects. Mention CRAVE to get 20% off EVERYTHING at both stores this Friday. bellastellababy.com
betsy & iya 503.227.5482 Trunk show at Mabel & Zora in the Pearl (748 NW 11th Ave Portland, OR 97209) from 12-4PM. Mention CRAVE when you stop in or shop online at betsy & iya (1722 NW Raleigh Street, Suite 104). betsyandiya.com
Butterscotch 503.234.6877 20% off holiday items and 25% off Buddha Bags. shopatbutterscotch.com
Cardgirl Invitations 503.953.4056 25% off all letterpressed personalized stationery & wedding invitations! card-girl.com
Cat In An Apron 206.202.3620 Flipside Hats 50% off on Thursday & Friday. 20% off entire purchase with “CRAVECAT” at checkout. catinanapron.com
Clementine NW, LLC 503.919.0134 30% off coupon on all regularly priced individual items. Every single item on the site at 30% off with coupon code: THANKS! Plus, mark down our sale items too, no coupon code needed! Put “CRAVE” in the Special Instructions box during checkout and receive a free gift with your order! clementinenw.com
digs inside & out 503.460.3447 Enjoy 20% off your entire purchase on Black Friday! digs-pdx.com
DoriMara 503.380.1295 25% off of all designer lunch bag purchases and $5 shipping during Black Friday. Enter code: HOL09 at check out. dorimara.com
Dress The Drink 702.270.4346 Prices have been reduced storewide to launch new products for 2010. CRAVE members and fans receive additional 15% off storewide with a minimum purchase of $35.00. Make sure to use coupon code: CRAVE2009. dressthedrink.com
Duck Pond 503.538.3199 Taste a variety of red and white wines that will pair perfectly with your upcoming holiday feast. 11/27 & 11/28 from 11-5PM. $15 Admission – $5 refunded with wine purchase of $20 or more! $5 Wine Club Member – $5 refunded with wine purchase of $20 or more! Admission includes; logo glass, wine tasting of 5 wines, (includes new release), local artist and live music 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. on both days. duckpondcellars.com
Euphoria Nails & Spa 503.282.0667 50% off all Services at second location only (4047 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97212). Good until February 2010. euphorianailsnspa.com
Foliage 503.422.8720 Closed Black Friday, but have a Black Friday / CRAVE Sale that can be used up to 6 months after 11/27/09. Mention Black Friday or CRAVE and receive 10% off your order of plants (live or silk) and decorative containers. Or sign up for our weekly maintenance service on your live plants and receive one month of maintenance FREE. foliage-services.com
FOLLY 503.954.1334 25% off all coats, jackets & vests Friday – Sunday only. Including Anna Sui coats! Mention CRAVE and also get 20% off any sweater in stock that weekend! follypdx.com
Frock 503.595.0379 15% off on all outerwear coats. Mention CRAVE and receive an additional 5% off outerwear! frockboutique.com
Frumoasa Boutique 5032996300 Enjoy 20% off everything black! Selected new merchandise up to 35% off, and 25% off ALL handbags! Mention CRAVE and receive a free scarf with $20 or more purchase! frumoasaboutique.com
Galore 11/23-12/24 – 20% off everything when you mention Holiday Sale Email.
Garnish 503.282.3200 Bring in your gently used women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing to donate to Hope Dolls and receive 10% off your purchase. In addition to the clothing, we will donate 10% of your sale to Hope Dolls as well. Drive runs through December 10th. *excludes wedding dresses Mention CRAVE and receive an additional 10% off. garnishapparel.com
Gemkitty Jewelry 503.928.4360 Complimentary Holiday Edition necklace with any order ($50 value), free rush service delivery on all custom orders (3 instead of 10 days), and free UPS ground shipping! More details here. Use Gift certificate code: CRAVE09 during checkout for an additional $10 off any purchase. Valid Friday 11/27 to Monday 11/30. gemkitty.com
Grapevine 503-635-6009 Buy 1 regular priced item, get 2nd item 50% off. Offer valid Friday November 27th and Saturday 28th. 1 per customer and discount taken on equal or lesser value item. grapevinestyle.com
Green Ink 503.997.5952 Free ground shipping on any size order now thru December 15th! shopgreenink.com
Gypsy Chic Open late, serving holiday snacks and drinks. 20% off clothing & 10% off accessories (11/27-29). gypsy-chic.com
Hot Box Betty 503.288.1189 30% off storewide . . . FRIDAY ONLY!!!! Mention that you saw us on CRAVE and receive a 20% off coupon for your next visit hotboxbetty.com
Kami Gray Personal Wardrobe Styling 503.957.6122 ONE LOOK MAKEOVER: This service includes personalized wardrobe and accessory styling for a specific event or occasion and will also address hair and makeup options. COST: $195 per eventFULL SERVICE MAKEOVER: This full service package includes: -Personalized printed 8-10 page portfolio with full-color photographs of specific wardrobe, accessories, and hair/makeup options. -Shopping/wardrobe fittings -Closet makeover – includes putting outfits together -Tailoring/alterations -Arranging of hair and makeup styling COST: $695All styling packages include a copy of my book, THE DENIM DIET: Sixteen Simple Habits to Get You into Your Dream Pair Jeans (New World Library), as well as a healthy lifestyle consultation for clients interested in weight loss and improved energy and health. 20% off for consultations arranged on CRAVE Black Friday! kamigray.com
katherine mcconnell clothing 530.220.3471 Major sample sale on Etsy! Great deals on dresses, skirts, blouses, and other items. For Crave shoppers-free shipping with purchase for Etsy sales
Little Urbanties 503-227-8729 Purchase any 2 Kate Quinn items and receive a $10 Little Urbanites gift card. Buy 2 Silikids 8 oz. glass bottles and receive a $5 Little Urbanites gift card. Purchase any 2 books and Little Urbanites will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish foundation. Purchase any stroller with cup holder or car seat adapter and receive a $50 gift card! While parents shop, kids can make a special metal embossedornament to take home. Great for all ages! This is a fre activity but we will be taking donations for the Make-A-Wish foundation. For Crave shoppers only, take a 10% discount on all items online. (excluding strollers, furniture, and car seats) Use the code discount10 when checking out on littleurbanites.com
Looptworks 503.830.1546 Looptworks is offering a promotional code of 30% off of any of our online merchandise, if you sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter at www.looptworks.com. Come check us out!nLooptworks will be selling t-shirts for $20 (reg. $28) at the Crave Event and will be having a 50% off of selected merchandise during the VIP Shopping Hour. looptworks.com
Mabel and Zora 503.241.5696 15% off dresses Friday and Saturday Mention Crave to receive 15% off one item Monday through Friday the first week of December! (Not valid on sale items, cannot be combined with any other offers or used on previous purchases.) mabelandzora.com
MapleXO 619.277.1227 12am – 11:59pm and get FREE SHIPPING plus 10% off everything in the store! Type in promotion code: BLACK FRIDAY to get discount at check out. maplexo.com
Milagros Boutique 503.493.4141 Exclusive Coupon for CRAVE friends and fans at Milagros! Save up to $100 in our Portland boutique or our on-line shop! Claim your coupon and start saving today: http://milagrosboutique.com/exclusive-milagros-crave-coupon/ Hurry! This offer expires on 11/30/2009! milagrosboutique.com
Moxie 503.296.6943 Save 20% OFF your purchase* on black Friday 11/27 through Mon 11/29. Moxie now carrys Mens and Womens clothing, accessories & shoes. check out our newly launched website and webstore for your online shopping pleasure! Gift registry available, but hurry before it’s gone… *excludes gift certificates & art mention CRAVEdeal and start the sale a day early! Save 20% OFF your purchase starting on Wed 11/25* Get the best choices before the rest… moxiepdx.com
narcisse heidi 503.224.2422 Friday :10am-12pm buy one get one 50% off 12pm-8pm 20% off storewide saturday: 11am-7pm 15% off storewide sunday: 12pm-6pm 15% off storewide shopnarcisse.typepad.com
Naturally Knotty 503.360.2418 Naturally Knotty bamboo wraps will be one of CostCo.com’s Black Friday deals, for only 19.99 (including shipping! Regularly $39.99). Comes in an attractive, re-usable bamboo container, so no wrapping needed for this perfect stocking stuffer! 25% off order total for all CRAVE readers at naturallyknotty.com – enter discount code “CRAVE” naturallyknotty.com
Not Too Shabby 360.695.5174 “CHIC FRIDAY” @ Not Too Shabby Boutique in Vancouver! All Mellisa & Doug toys are BUY ONE GET ONE FREE of lesser value Also RED tags are an additional 50% off! Come in and enjoy Fran’s Caramel samples & Wine tasting while you shop OPEN 10:00am-7:00 pm notooshabby.com
PartyLite Candles and Gifts 503.350.3903 Shop online Friday November 27-Monday November 30th. Over 200 items at up to 80% off! Anyone who books a home show with me for December or January who mentions CRAVE will get an extra 1/2 price item at their show AND I will pay their hostess shipping. To take advantage of this… send me an email via my website and in the message metion CRAVE… partylite.biz/christya
pauline | photography 503.744.0634 Holiday season photo special: Book a (studio or location) portrait session for you, your child or pet before the end of the year for $ 200 and you will receive a $ 50 credit toward your print order. Surprise your partner with a truly personal gift: Book an artful black and white boudoir photo session before the end of the year for $ 200 and you will receive a $ 50 credit toward your print order. paulinezonneveldphotography.com
piper ewan 503 515.9694 20% off flower brooches mention CRAVE in the notes to seller on etsy or in person at my open studio sale. piperewan.com
Portland Spa & Boutique 503.222.0105 All Retail Products – 20% OFF Laser Hair Removal – 50% OFF Accent Body Sculpting – 50% OFF IPL Harmony Skin Rejuvenation – 50% OFF Organic Airbrush Tan – $20 OFF Mention CRAVE to receive 20% off any appointment during 11/27/09 – 11/30/09 portlandspa.net
Portland Truffle 503.913.5055 All online and email orders of $50 or more received between 12:01am and 11:59pm on Friday will receive a FREE handcrafted chocolate custard cup filled with four gourmet truffles ($10 value). orders@portlandtruffle.com All customers placing orders this Friday with the word CRAVE included in the email or online order form will be entered in a drawing for a gourmet Truffle Wine and Chocolate Basket, a $50 value! portlandtruffle.com
Pure Romance 503.475.5060 From 10am until 3pm Buy One item, Get the next item 50% OFF!! Exclusive CRAVE shoppers!! You will receive a FREE Pure Romance product with every $50 You spend with me. Offer expires December 15,2009 PattyMarmann.PureRomance.com
Sahlia Michelle Designs 541.513.8071 25% off all Merchandise at Flurry, downtown pop-up store. Just mention Crave to receive the discount. Also 25% off and FREE shipping on all website orders at sahliamichelle.com. Just enter “blackfriday” in the promo box at the bottom of the shopping bag page. sahliamichelle.com
Satya Jewelry 212.243.6930 The semi-annual sample sale is for 3 days online. satyajewelry.com
Simply Chic Bags 360.991.3140 Save 25% on any size order now through Christmas. Just apply XMAS09 at checkout. simplychicbags.com
Space Design 503.274.8800 Order any holiday flower or orchid arrangement through the month of December and receive free delivery, a $15.00 value. Mention “Crave” and receive 15% off of all orders over $100.00 spacedesignonline.com
Stella & Dot 541.941.2719 Enjoy 25% off any one jewelry piece with your next online order. Enter promo code FAMILY09 at checkout. Hurry! Offer valid November 25-27 only. Schedule a trunk show in December and recieve a ring of your choice FREE! Ask me how to get an extra $75 in FREE jewelry. stelladot.com
The Uncommon Gift (Downtown Camas, WA) Buy $20 gift card and receive additional $5 for free! Spend $50+ and receive 20% off coupon for regular priced item on next visit.
Una 20% off everything Friday 11/27 & 11/28 una-myheartisfull.com
Union Rose 503.287.4242 20% Storewide Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Final 3 days at the MLK location. Open at new location next week: 7909 SE Stark in the Montavilla Business District. hunionrosepdx.com
Wild-Wool 503.635.0002 Free shipping. No need to enter discount code. Automatic through Christmas. Cozy, cozy, cozy, soft and warm, Wild-Wool comes in delicious colors sure to keep you toasty this winter. Locally-owned company sells 100% natural fiber accessories (scarves, wraps, hats, gloves, etc.) 100% sourced and manufactured in New Zealand. Wild-Wool.com
Workroom719 503.793.8932 All Charles & Victoria clothing is marked 75% off original price. chcharlesandvictoria.blogspot.com
Zenana Spa and Wellness 503.238.6262 $10 off a 60-minute session or $15 off a 90-minute session.bBe sure to mention “Crave” to get this special offer. zenana-spa.com

Now that you know the special savings that are happening on Black Friday, grab your girlfriends and spend the day shopping in at these great local shops!

Also check out @craveportland for more deals look for #cravedeals

* the CRAVE company is not responsible for any changes and variations with these discounts and deals

CRAVE Portland & American Cancer Society “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer”

November 12, 2009 by Cecilia D. | Comments (0)

CRAVE Portland is proud to announce that American Cancer Society “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” is the charity we’ve chosen to benefit at our December 9th Holiday Cravings Shopping Party! We spoke to Gretchen Rosenberger and Amy Theberge from the American Cancer Society last week and are happy to have them and their organization as part of our holiday festivities!

MSABC is the premier campaign to help fundraise dollars for breast cancer research and to fund grants for awareness programs among other things. Although “fundraising isn’t all we do, all we do depends on it.” This is your opportunity to join your community to educate women, raise money to fund lifesaving research, and to celebrate breast cancer survivors. “At these events, breast cancer survivors are like celebrities on the red carpet at the Oscars,” states Amy, a community relationship manager at ACS. Last year there were more than 4,000 walkers who raised $170,000 for the charity. We encourage everyone to join the campaign and walk on May 8, 2010, create a team, and donate.

In 2009, it’s estimated that 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women. Of that, there will be 40,170 deaths. The chances of women being diagnosed with breast cancer is 1 in 8 (12.1%). With this daunting statistic, we asked Gretchen and Amy several questions about how women can lower their risks of getting breast cancer, and if it is detected, what resources are available for them to get support.

What are some preventative health strategies to reduce known risk factors?
At least 60 minutes of exercise a day, a diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables that are packed with vitamins and nutrients, limit alcohol consumption, and definitely smoking. Smoking increases your risk not only for breast cancer but all other types of cancers.

How can one’s lifestyle affect their chances of getting breast cancer?
Although age is the most important risk factor for breast cancer, it’s important to be aware of breast cancer early on in the teen years and to learn how to develop a healthy lifestyle. You can’t change your lifestyle overnight when you reach 40 and start taking preventative measures against breast cancer. By then, it may be too late.

How can breast cancer be detected early?
First, understand that a person should not fully rely on self-examinations alone. Although you may know your body well, physicians may have a better understand of knowing what to look for. We recommend getting screenings yearly and begin getting mammograms when a woman reaches 40.

Where can someone go for patient information and support?
We have MANY outreach groups, of them, our patient services is the most visible. Help and information is available around the clock by calling ACS at 1-800-227-2345. There’s also Look Good .. Feel Better, Reach for Recovery, YourShoes, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. You can check out Cancer.org for additional resources.

The American Cancer Society‘s (ACS) primary goals are to celebrate cancer survivors, raise awareness about early detection and prevention, and help put an end to the disease through research and development–to find cures. ACS is one of the best known and most respected health charities and has fundraised more than $3.4 billion dollars since 1946, making them the “largest contributor to cancer research behind the U.S. government.” They also invest more in breast cancer research than any other cancer type, and “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” is the campaign founded for this cause.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CRAVE PORTLAND MSABC TEAM OR TO DONATE!

There will also be opportunities for you to get involved with MSABC at our Holiday Cravings party on December 9th. For more photos and information, click here.

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