Tag Archives: Portland & Oregon

The Week in Pictures: 4.30.10

April 30, 2010

This last week has been so good! One of my best friends in the entire universe, Star was in town over the weekend for Stumptown Comics Fest and we did our best to make up for lost time. We try to get together at least once a year and have zig-zagged the U.S. between New York, LA and Portland to make it happen.

When we’re together, the running joke is that we turn into a two-headed monster known as Stubby. Our mutual friend Kaebel of Sequential Art took us on a mini tour of Portland and we discovered a photo booth at Backspace.

Last Friday when I was staying at the Jupiter, Star stopped by and we proceeded to have a late night dinner (1 AM, holla!) at the Doug Fir. It was her first time there and is still one of my favorite places to take visitors.

Some seemingly innocent snapshots of Rocky came out more like modeling head shots. Time to put that boy to work! Dog food and designer sweaters aren’t cheap!

I was pretty excited to go to Portland’s outpost of the Beauty Bar with my friend Pam this week. I’ve been to some of the others that are scattered across the U.S. but this one was the best by far. The paint colors, decor and cute drinks merged perfectly. So cute!

I’m not much of a comics buff myself but a lot of my friends are so I try to make it to Stumptown every year to support them. I ended up spending a few hours on Saturday snuggled up next to Star and John C. Worsley. Notice how we all had grumpy faces at first and had to put on a little show for the camera. Really, we only play friends on the interwebz!

My favorite discovery at Stumptown was a comic about homeless dinosaurs. The dinosaurs themselves put on a pretty convincing act, holding signs that read “THE END IS NEAR. I WAS RIGHT 65 MILLION YEARS AGO, TOO” and “LOST MY JOB. IT TAKES 7 GALLONS OF BOOZE TO GET ME DRUNK. PLEASE HELP.” I was sold.

Until next week,
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Sweet Dreams at the Jupiter Hotel

April 25, 2010

jupiter hotel portland oregon nubby twiglet

When people write me and ask what they should do while visiting Portland, the inevitable question of where to stay usually arises. Since I live in the city and 15 minutes or less from most of the hotels I like, I’ve never really had a reason to stay overnight. Until now.

The Jupiter Hotel is a quaint boutique hotel with a mid-century modern feel. Formerly a motor inn, the Jupiter is next door to the Doug Fir, one of my favorite places in town to grab a drink and dinner. I’ve sat around the Doug Fir’s fire pit out back and watched massive parties go down at The Jupiter – it’s definitely earned a reputation of being the ‘rock and roll hotel’ of Portland.

Awhile back, the Jupiter kindly offered me a room for review – I knew the basics but before recommending it to my readers, I wanted to experience it firsthand for myself. On Friday night, we packed our bags, sent out invites to some of our closest Portland friends and drove over to our temporary digs.

The Jupiter provided us with their most popular room, The Metro. According to their site, “The Metro has space to spread out and get creative. These rooms feature 32” flat-screen TVs and modern Tomita Design desks in addition to our standard amenities: Chalkboard door, free WiFi, private bath with eco-bath amenities, queen pillow-top platform beds, down comforters and pillows, and speakers for your notebook or MP3 player.” Nice.

Perhaps the coolest part of the Jupiter rooms are the chalkboard-friendly doors. World famous artists Star and Joey helped us deck them out in some lewd finery.

Star poses in front of our handiwork. In case you were wondering, I’m responsible for the drippy boobs and drumstick.

Isn’t the desk and work area cute?

Erin and I met on our first day of high school in 1995. Still goin’ strong!

Brent, Katie and Erin joined us for the festivities.

Joey and Jason also stopped by….

Star and I compare legwear at 2 AM.

You may be asking yourself…what are some qualities that make the Jupiter unique?

• Each of the 81 rooms feature a unique theme / wall mural. Mine had a floor-to-ceiling portrait of Buddha.

• The Jupiter is very green and uses low-voltage lighting, provides guest room recycling and cleans with environmentally-friendly products.

• Besides having the Doug Fir next door, an on-site hair salon called Wack is perfect for a quick cut and massage.

• There are pet friendly rooms! Read more about the LexiDog Metro.

• The Jupiter is barely a few minutes from downtown and surrounded by a plethora of independent businesses and indie boutiques.

Overall, I was very satisfied with my stay. The room was larger than I’d expected; I loved the modern decor and huge window. And, the convenience is unparalleled since the entertainment is right next door at the Doug Fir, where you can grab breakfast, lunch, dinner and a show all in one stop! If you are hip, love to party and aren’t offended by obscenities scrawled across people’s doors in chalk, this is your place. If you’re old, stuffy and lack a sense of humor, there’s a dumpy Thriftlodge down the road.

To find out more about the Jupiter or to book a room, please visit the website. Last but not least, I should mention that there’s an after midnight $59.00 special if you’re needing a last minute place to crash!

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The Week in Pictures: 4.2.10

April 2, 2010

Just in case you’re wondering, that’s not a Black AmEx…more like a Bank of America debit card. No Barney’s shopping sprees for you, Auntie Nubs! This week has consisted of errand running, photo booth fun and sorting through piles of tax receipts. I need to remind myself this year to sort the receipts by month as I go so I’m not up until 3 a.m. breaking a sweat. All those plane tickets and lattes do add up, though!

On my way to the coffee shop this weekend, I noticed this car parked in someone’s side yard. Pretty charming. Though, I’d hate to parallel park that baby.

After running errands, Joey and I usually end up at The Ace. With Clyde Common on one side and Stumptown on the other, I always recommend it to out-of-towners who are wanting to stay downtown.

Of course, a stop at The Ace isn’t complete without a few sittings in the photo booth. Since it takes debit cards, I always go a little overboard…and then wake up, log in to my checking account and wonder what multiple $4.00 charges are from.

This week, I had a total first. You may remember that I designed some custom racing numbers for my friend Jason’s son a few months ago. One day, I received a text from him, mentioning that he was going to get them tattooed across his chest. I just figured that he was drunk…but he was dead serious. He just invited me along to take photos. Go, Jason!

Auntie Nubs and I have been on a roll. I think it’s time for us to make another trip to New York to visit our ‘long lost relatives.’

One of Joey’s art shows just came down and as I was moving a stack of canvases, I decided that Shirley fit quite nicely in the corner of the black room.

I cannot believe that it’s already April! Do you have any big plans?

Until next week,
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The Week in Pictures: 3.5.10

March 5, 2010

Always and forever and ever. Another week, more of the same. Busy, work-packed, everything hitting all at once, multitasking to the max. April equals a vacation for sure. Vegas?

Issue #22 of POP Magazine is now out and the one page ad my brother and I collaborated on for the Swatch Colour Codes collection is featured. Thanks, Pop and Swatch!

Last Friday, my dad took me out to the famous Dan & Louis Oyster Bar which was literally like stepping 100 years back in time. I was in awe of the walls covered in collector plates. A definite must-visit if you’re ever in Portland!

In Portland, it really is true that anything goes. Having goats roaming through your front yard in the middle of the city? Totally cool. I’d prefer a llama, but that’s another topic for another time.

I am finally getting around to posting the painting that Joey surprised me with for Valentine’s Day. I definitely wasn’t expecting a portrait of myself and the fact that it’s composed of five separate pieces forming a red cross made it that much more special.

Until next week,
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The Week in Pictures: 2.26.10

February 26, 2010

It’s been two weeks since I’ve had a chance to do a Week in Pictures update but a lot has happened in that time and I promise it’s worth the wait! The weather in Portland has been remarkably good. And, I’ve taken an absurd amount of photo booth pictures.

Over the weekend, Joey and I stopped by the Ace Hotel for some photo booth fun. The whole day was pretty over the top and at one point, we even ended up out in some far-flung suburbs.

These signs are posted over some building windows a few blocks from The Ace. Totes obsessed with that type.

Since a lot has happened in the last two weeks, some of these occurrences aren’t quite linear. I have to backtrack a bit and show off the most amazing valentine EVER that I received from Miss Mary Bee. Even better, she texts me when she’s listening to Tupac (we bonded over him while she fake tattooed my arm during our road trip). I love her.

I quickly snapped these during my last day at Nike two weeks ago. I worked with the Global Communications Team which was super awesome and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Thanks, Nike!

My favorite color scheme always. Thanks to photographer Kristin Cofer for sending me a cute mix CD and letter. And, she just forwarded me this photo of the business cards I designed for her! The Avant Garde necklace is by Plastique.

Over the weekend, Joey and I did a bit of shopping (well, I did). I am a bit obsessed with this white leather skirt that I found for $14.00 at an antique mall in Seattle. When the weather warms up, I want to do a more nurse-inspired look with it. Anyway, we were dead tired and the reason why is perhaps the best ever:

On my way downtown…too many times to count lately.

These are some out-takes of snapshots I took for a cute little online magazine project. The Proenzas usually reside in the corner of my office on a stack of NEST mags with bright yellow spines.

Since I’ve been working so much, it’s been harder to meet up with friends. I finally caught up with Tyler over the weekend (who just got back from a month in Germany…jealous) and walked to the 7-Eleven with him and some buddies. When in Rome, do as the Romans do?

On Monday, I played more catch up with my friend Jason. We met at the Doug Fir for breakfast (which was mighty tasty, I might add). The atmosphere during the morning hours is markedly different than the late nights sitting by the outside fire with a pile of mashed potatoes and a stiff drink listening to the drunken patrons’ hilarious conversations.

Jason and I also ended up at the Ace photo booth trying to re-enact the infamous Murder at the Mountain. Actually, we’re constantly trying to relive the week-long bender of Christmas 2009 but have yet to succeed.

This is the Ace Hotel lobby. Tres chic.

After The Ace, we stopped by Clyde Common for mimosas. I adore the impeccably designed menus and minimal atmosphere.

On a closing note, if you leave my brother and I alone for too long, this is the type of stuff that transpires. But, if you leave my brother and dad alone for too long…you end up with an eight-foot tall bear in the corner of your living room. I am truly speechless. Maybe I’ll show you sometime.

P.S For all of next week, I am going to be working with Nike again and I have a ton of freelance projects due. So if posting is late or slows down, that is why. I am thankful for all of the work but also very, very busy.

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The Week in Pictures: 2.12.10

February 12, 2010

Nike Adventures with Auntie Nubs. On Monday, Auntie Nubs made the voyage out to the Nike Campus to join me for lunch. She always brings out the worst in me (probably because she isn’t my mom, so she thinks everything is funny). We had a total blast as always. Can I just say that Nike has the best cafeteria EVER?

The Doug Fir. This is the one hangout in Portland that never gets old. I met my friend Jason for drinks mind-week and by that point, I was a walking zombie. It’s pretty bad when you’re scheming how to stay awake…and decide that an Irish coffee might help. That’s the Jupiter Hotel above, which I am still dying to stay at!

Old School. I’ve been revisiting the classics lately including my Field Flowers cardigan, Dries Van Noten red boots and Tribute’s The Sidewalk Never Ends shirt. I just got a new white watch as well that you can sort of see in the photos. I’ll share the details in an upcoming post.

I apologize for the brief Week in Pictures and a slowdown in posting here on the blog. The last few weeks of corporate gigs combined with personal freelance clients has taken importance and as some big deadlines creep up over the next two weeks, blogging will continue to be on the slow side. I still love all of you! xoxo

Until Next Week,

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The Week in Pictures: 1.29.10

January 29, 2010

Details make a house a home. I am totally loving these serigraphs from House Industries which I finally got around to slipping into IKEA frames and setting against my matte black walls. All I can say is…I want more, more, more.

More jewels. I am still on a bit of a jewelry kick and Forever 21 always delivers. For maybe fifteen dollars total, I scored these studded bracelets and the LOVE ring. I used to hate gold with a passion but don’t mind it any longer as long as it’s faux and over-the-top.

The Boiler Room. Portlanders, you HAVE to check out the Boiler Room at the Kennedy School! My photos do it no justice. The site accurately describes it as, “Behind an unassuming, seemingly ordinary hallway door hides a wonderful space, a huge, multi-level spot (formerly the school’s boiler room) that has been turned into Kennedy School’s latest bar!” Winding railings, vintage signs and tons of dangling lights all mesh perfectly.

You know your life is good when….everything is perfectly color coordinated without any effort.

Handwritten. There’s still something very magical about receiving tiny, typed letters in your mailbox. I totally adore Miss Mary Bee and can’t wait for our next multi-state adventure.

Until Next Week,

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The Week in Pictures: 1.8.10

January 8, 2010

Welcome to Wolfgang. Our house finally has a name: Wolfgang Manor. Honestly, my brother and I usually aren’t posed on the couch like this when people stop by to visit. We just did a shoot for a Swatch / POP Magazine collaboration and took a few extra photos with one of the setups.

Passports. My brother decided that he wanted to go to the Olympics (long story) so we showed up at the post office Tuesday morning for passports. My photos look like mug shots. His make him look like a 70s era Journey roadie.

Mall Food. We then stopped at the mall food court because he was hungry. He is always hungry. Always. Then we bought matching gray jeans at Forever 21 (as seen on our motorcycle shot below). Finally, we forgot which parking garage we were at. Four hours of my life I’ll never get back….but it was worth it.

Fool’s Gold. I have the best aunts ever. For Christmas, one gave me a huge gift basket full of candy and miscellaneous treats. The other delivered cashmere socks and gold coins. Wait….are those chocolate inside?!! Short-changed again, Auntie Nubs!

Space Room. Earlier in the week, I joined a pack of snowboarders at the Space Room for good conversations, cheese fries and drinks (be careful, they are strong). Don’t you love the ambience? They decorate it for every holiday.

Jam Time. Afterwards, I kept them company in the basement while they had a jam session. We then watched a documentary on Aliester Crowley. Black magic is always a great way to end the night!

Like Brother, Like Sister. My brother and I went jeans shopping at Forever 21 and came out with the same skinny, shredded gray jeans. We thought it was so funny that we hopped on the back of his motorcycle for photos and threw on our white leather jackets to complete the look.

Paperdolls. I just completed a piece for the upcoming M.I.S.S. Paperdolls show at FIFTY24 Gallery in L.A. The ‘dress’ is affixed with gold nails and lifts to reveal the body underneath.

Until Next Week,

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