Step Away From the Shaving Foam

We see bright things in our future. Okay, after a blast of ol' man winter we're just praying we can pay our utility bills. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't put our best—and freshest—face forward in 2009.

Southeast Clinton Street's only olfactory factory, Camamu, has just the thing to take the sting out of a harsh east wind: shaving soaps and shampoo bars for men. Named for an ancient port city in the Bahia region of Brazil, Camamu imports tropical oils—including coconut and avocado—and pours them into hand-carved wooden molds, which are then cut by hand. Each batch takes about a month to make, but damn, if one whiff isn't worth the wait.

Masculine without being musky, but delicate enough for your gals gams too, find Camamu products stocked on the shelves of most New Seasons markets and nearly every food co-op in town. Or visit this sweet-smelling boutique where prices are about 10-percent off what you'd find in the market. Besides, where else can you get all lathered up about artisan soap?

Camamu
2021 SE Clinton St.
Portland, OR 97202
503.901.7419
www.camamusoap.com

Ocean Notion

We know what you're thinking: there is absolutely no good reason to go outside—it's cold, it's dark, and it's raining.
But if you don't get out of the house soon you're going to go stir-crazy, right?

When this happens to us, we head down to The Ocean Lodge
at Cannon Beach for an upgrade in scenery and a little relaxation. The Lodge is a cozy retreat right on the beach, offering spectacular views of the Pacific, friendly service, and comfy, clean rooms. Every room has a fireplace, a small kitchen area, and a flat-screen television with a DVD player. Some rooms also accommodate pets, feature a Jacuzzi, or offer oceanfront views. The Lodge doesn't skimp on freebies either, offering free DVD rentals, board games and books to borrow, a continental breakfast and pastries, homemade cookies and warm drinks.  

If that's not incentive enough, keep in mind that while ski
lodges are gouging wallets, The Ocean Lodge is giving away three-night stays for the cost of two. It's the perfect opportunity
to plan a romantic vacation with your girl or escape the cold and grayness solo.  

The Ocean Lodge
2864 Pacific St.
Cannon Beach, OR 97110
503.436.2241
www.theoceanlodge.com

I'm Getting A Donor

Europeans may have life figured out just a little better than us. They work less, they drink more, and they party all the freakin' time. And when it comes to late night eats, they've got food that pairs perfectly with those fourteen shots you just knocked back.

The best way to replicate that experience is to head downtown
to the recently-opened Doner Kebab, a family-owned German restaurant offering sandwiches, sausages, and, of course, doner kebabs. Similar to a shawarma (but better), the once Turkish sandwich is presented here in its German incarnation, with the sauce and salad added to meat that has been rotating on a spit and then stuffed in a pita. Those that dig an authentic German sausage aren't going to be disappointed either, as they offer juicy bratwursts, garlicwursts, bierwursts, and weisswursts.

If you've never experienced the orgasmic flavor combination
that is German beer and German food, don't miss out on
Doner's impressive bottled beer listing. Aside from a few local microbrews, the beers all hail from Germany and range in
styles from pilsners to hefes to bocks. What's the German word for "heaven"?

Doner Kebab and German Cuisine
515 SW 4th Ave.
Portland, OR 97204
503.295.4929

Photo courtesy of Oh Baby. (www.ohbabyforyou.com)

Belly Up to the Bar

Frivolous expenses are done away with in an economy like this. Fashion doesn't have to be one of them. A good way to update your shirts and suits is with new neckties. Not the ones that are priced like shirts, either.

Look no further than The Tie Bar, an online cache of quality silk cravats, in classic and contemporary styles, at just $15 each. Hint: Look for preppy staples like plaids and club stripes to be making a comeback.

www.thetiebar.com

For Our SUV Guys
 
We have had an ill-fated experiences with a hide-a-key. After all, in an SUV, a magnet doesn't quite stay put when you're off-road. And losing your spare in the river is no fun when you're somewhere you had to off-road to.
 
Enter Hitch Safe, an ingenious little combination vault that fits into your trailer hitch reciprocal. Not only does it hide that extra key, but it fits handy items like cash and credit cards too.
 
www.hitchsafe.com

Got Milk?
 
For those of us who get the (ahem) munchies, and for whatever reason don't have the energy or inclination to bake, we are normally left with some terribly processed snack options. Meanwhile, we want to keep it natural.
 
Check out Portland's own Little Ice Box. A container full of pre-mixed, pre-formed cookie dough balls, all you have to do is throw 'em in the oven and you're ten minutes from heaven. Just remember to turn the oven off.
 
www.thelittleicebox.com

Good Things Come in Threes

Due to the ridiculous weather, Janus Home has postponed
this party twice already! But the third time’s the charm, right? They’re celebrating the owner’s 33rd birthday on January
3 by granting three wishes—and you can ask for furniture
from their showroom, upholstery fabric yardage, hours of
design services—basically, any product or service that they provide. Yes!

What: "Three Wishes" event at Janus Home
When: Saturday, Jan. 3, 3 pm
Where: 1324 SE Grand Ave.
Call: 503.449.5126
Visit: www.janushome.com

'Tis the Season

While home for the Holidays, we love the opportunity to see the archival footage of our youth and even our parents' childhood. Unfortunately we don't have our Grandparents' playback abilities for VHS, Super 8, and the like. Thank god for Hybrid Moon Video. They'll convert it all into DVD format--even BluRay!

What: DVD Conversion Specials at Hybrid Moon
Where: 1321 NW 17th Ave.
Call: 503.502.1991
Email: eric@hybridmoon.com
Visit: www.HybridMoon.com