Discover Portland: Brow Betty

January 5, 2011

With hundreds of spa/salon options available in Portland, it is easy for consumers to be overwhelmed by choices and for salon owners to get lost in the crowd.  Brow Betty, a premiere eyebrow and waxing bar, hopes that their fun, no stress atmosphere and to the point slogan “Perfect Eyebrows in the Bat of an Eye…No Lie!”, will make them stand out from the sea of businesses for years to come.

Even though they offer other types of waxing and products, brows are of course their passion and forte. Unlike some salons where waxing is more of a secondary side business, Brow Betty does eyebrows all day every day, and they won’t let you leave until they have found the perfect arch for your face.

Surrounded by cotton candy pink walls and 50′s style wooden mirrors you just can’t help but feel upbeat and ready for beautification. The estheticians are all waxing veterans, and are all as cute as a button.  Besides eyebrows, the team also does all other types of facial waxing, body waxing and tinting.

They will also give you some great tips and tricks on how to keep your newly plucked/waxed areas looking great all the time. As someone who took off half her eyebrow last time I tried waxing it myself, I would very much appreciate that kind of advice.  You should also check out the shops highly entertaining blog here–where I found out about something called vagazzling, and yes it is what it sounds like.

Brow Betty is located at The Pointe at Bridgeport, 7114 Hazel Fern Road in Tigard.

Discover Portland: New Vintage Beauty Lounge

December 9, 2010

There’s something about Mississippi Ave in North Portland. It’s reminiscent of both SE Hawthorne and NE Alberta as a hub for the young and in-the-know Portland population. Although it’s become popular to rag on Alberta and especially Hawthorne for becoming generic, expensive and overcrowded, Mississippi has maintained its integrity as a legitimately hip destination. The establishments that pop up there cannot be accused of selling out — places like New Vintage Beauty Lounge, which is a truly unique salon.

New Vintage Beauty Lounge is a brand new salon located in my favorite stretch of Mississippi at N. Mississippi and Failing. It’s close to Fresh Pot, Bridge City Comics, and Amnesia Brewing. So the location is superb, but what makes New Vintage special?

For one thing, it’s pretty: they have an eclectic aesthetic with lots of hard wood, hunting-lodge decorations, and contrasting wall patterns. Like the name says, the design is both new and vintage, modern and old-school. There’s a makeup display counter with high-quality cosmetics (they do makeup application as well as hair and waxing. They’re a “Full Service Salon and Cosmetic Boutique”). Like other Portland salons, you can enjoy a drink during your time at New Vintage — they offer wine and beer.

New Vintage is brand new. They opened about a month ago in mid-November. Their website lacks very much content as of yet, but they already have a number of positive reviews on Yelp. Many of the reviews are from regulars of hair stylists who are now working at New Vintage. I find that a great indication of the quality of stylists. New Vintage hired well-established stylists with experience and loyal customers. Being brand new also makes the salon eager to please, and I bet you can expect VIP treatment from this beautiful and original establishment.

Make an appointment, get in there and make New Vintage yours before word gets out all over town about this promising new salon! New Vintage Beauty Lounge is located at 3864 N Mississippi Ave and online here. They’re also active on Facebook. And even if you’re on Mississippi browsing comic books or getting a drink at Amnesia, stop in to see their decor, cosmetics display and meet the great stylists.

Written by Forkfly intern Eleanor R. Brown.

Yo Yo Yogi

October 18, 2010

One of the uncomfortable things about attending a fitness class, especially at a new studio for the first time, is feeling self-conscious about your body, your fitness level, or your choice of activity. At Yo Yo Yogi you won’t sweat it until you hit the mat, because the studio strives to attract people of all ages, fitness levels and genders and wipe away any preconceptions about who can or should practice yoga.

Yo Yo Yogi began after an adventurous couple fell in love with yoga and toured 100 yoga studios in 100 days. They decided to open their own studio with an emphasis on the healing and meditative power of yoga and an all-inclusive philosophy, encouraging those not of the “skinny bendy pretzel variety” to give yoga a spin.

The names of their yoga classes reflect the happy, open attitude with which the studio operates.  For beginners they have a Yoga Virgins class meant to ease absolutely anyone into the basic concepts of yoga – “young or old, thick or thin,” the description reads. “No attitude, no mirrors”! I feel reassured and more confident already. Vinyasa Flow classes like Breakfast of Champions and Go with the Flow focus on breathing and poses that fit together with inhales and exhales. The upper-level Takin’ Flight class, a Vinyasa class, focuses on the breath and body connection, strength and flexibility. Power OM classes involve holding poses slowly and powerfully, and Adult Nap Time is a restorative class with pillows, comfortable postures, and “hands-on adjustments inspired by Thai massage.” And there’s also Yogaaaaah!, a class all about stretching and flexibility.

Yo Yo Yogi is affiliated with Street Yoga, a program that provides yoga classes to homeless and at-risk youth. Yo Yo Yogi clearly wants to make the world a better place, and they succeed by being inclusive, charitable and empowering. What more can one ask from a yoga studio?

Yo Yo Yogi has some sweet deals going on with Forkfly right now until the end of the month. Use Forkfly to receive a Free Yoga Session upon your first visit to the studio. Yo Yo Yogi is located in the Pearl at 1306 NW Hoyt St, Suite 101 and online here.

Written by Forkfly intern Eleanor Brown

Trendy Tuesday: The Brazilian Blowout

October 5, 2010

A few days ago my boyfriend asked me if I knew what a Brazilian Blowout was.  He was truly puzzled by the name and had heard mentions of the procedure in ads around town several times.  Knowing where his mind was going, I quickly assured him that a Brazilian Blowout has nothing to do with waxing, and that they are two completely different things.  I first learned about the blowout treatment a few months ago while visiting the salon SmashCut Studio in The Pearl District, and so I was able to give an accurate description of this hair procedure to my boyfriend.  But this got me to thinking, there is probably a lot of people out there like my boyfriend who think the blowout is some powerful new hair remover, and so I thought it would be nice to set the record straight.

The Brazilian Blowout isn’t  new in the celebrity/modeling world, they have been using the procedure for years, but it is still relatively new for the majority of us who don’t have personal hairstylists :)  The blowout is a hair smoothing treatment that is supposed to leave your hair frizzless, shiny, strong and a lot healthier.  It is a professional treatment, and so it can only be performed by a licensed beautician in a salon.  The entire treatment takes 90 minutes or less depending on your hair type, and is recommended for anyone with colored, dry, frizzy, curly, poofy, or unmanageable hair.  I know that years of dyeing my hair crazy colors has left my hair in a weak, brittle state, so I would be a perfect candidate for this procedure.  I also read that this treatment is safe on and beneficial for those with hair extensions, like me.

You will be able to see results from the treatment for up to 12 weeks, and after that period your hair will return to normal but still be slightly healthier than before.  The more you get the treatment the healthier your hair will permanently become.  Check out these before and after photos.  They are pretty impressive!

Visit The Brazilian Blowout website for answers to any of your questions on this procedure and to locate a salon near you.  If you live in the Portland area, Forkfly merchants SmashCut Studio and Amore Salon Spa are both certified to perform this treatment, and SmashCut is offering a free consultation to Forkfly users!

Trendy Tuesday: Barre3 Sparks a New Fitness Trend

September 28, 2010

After shunning exercise for most of my life, in the last year or two I have come to see myself as an athletic person. My routine is pretty limited to circuit training DVDs at home, but after reading recently that a person is more likely to find success with a exercise schedule if they work out outside of the house and with other people, I’m rethinking my technique and considering attending some classes. The most innovative and talked-about workout these days comes from Barre3, a ballet, yoga and pilates hybrid class with a high level of intensity and a focus on balance and flexibility.

You may have read that Madonna swears by Barre3. Celebrity endorsements are great, but after browsing the website I don’t need anyone else’s opinion to get excited about this Portland-based phenomenon. Sadie Lincoln, of Eugene, Oregon, worked for 24 Hour Fitness for ten years before founding her unique exercise studio. Sadie focuses on balance in her workouts and in her business, and she successfully maintains a balance between staying true to her local roots and seizing the opportunity to expand and share her methods internationally. She leads classes at her original Portland studio and personally trains franchise owners and class instructors, and the company has studios in Oregon, Washington, Oklahoma and the Philippines.

Barre3 classes are set to upbeat music and incorporate “the grace of the ballet barre with the wisdom of yoga and the strength of Pilates” to tone and lengthen lean muscles. Classes have a cap on the number of participants to ensure each person receives the attention they need to perfect their form and receive the most from their workout. Childcare is available, which I love to see, because busy moms deserve a chance to give stuff like this a try, too.

Much to my excitement, Barre3 just came out with a workout DVD, but I don’t think I should allow myself to buy it until I’ve worked up the courage to attend a class and receive Sadie’s expert instruction and attention. Take a look at the Barre3 website for locations and class schedules, and look for Forkfly deals for Barre3 to give yourself a good reason to check out this hot fitness trend!

Written by Forkfly intern Eleanor Brown

Transform into a Modern Day Rapunzel with Your Very Own Hair Extensions

September 27, 2010

Being patient while growing out your short hair is a difficult task.  I have been growing out an A-line bob for several months, and I hate this awkward middle stage where my hair isn’t short but isn’t long and I can’t do anything with it.  I threatened that I would cut it short again many times, but then I discovered the key to getting the look I want and growing out my hair at the same time—hair extensions!

Hair extensions are no longer something that only celebrities wear.  They vary in prices from as little as $40 to as high as $300 depending on what you want, but it isn’t hard to find a mid-range priced brand that is high in quality and reasonably priced.  You can also either choose to get clip ons and put them in yourself, or go to a salon for a more permanent fix and have them weave in the extensions to your natural hair.  I chose to just get clip ons so that I can easily take them on and off at my leisure, but for a more professional, natural look I am sure going to a salon to have extensions put in is a better option.

I love the Great Length extensions from Amore Salon and Spa!  They are made with 100% human hair, and are silky, shiny and come in hundreds of colors.  They also go through a process of “bonding” the hair extensions to your natural hair, instead of gluing, knotting or weaving, which can be painful and may damage your real hair.  You can do anything with the extensions that you could do with your own hair, so feel free to cut it, curl it, straight iron it, wash it, etc.

Amore Salon and Spa is located at 945 NW Lovejoy St in The Pearl District.  You can also get a great deal on Amore cuts and colors on the new Forkfly app: http://m.forkfly.com/

You Gotta Try This!: A Relaxing Facial and Skin Care Consultation at The Center for Aesthetic Medicine

September 8, 2010

I have gotten a pedicure, manicure and massage in the past as a gift or a treat to myself, but for some reason I have always thought of a facial as a relaxing, yet self indulgent procedure.  Facials have always seemed like something you only do if you have really bad skin problems or have free money to throw around, and my thoughts were, “If I want to pay for a relaxing luxury, I would rather it be a massage.”  What I didn’t realize is that at places like The Center for Aesthetic Medicine, which is a branch of The Oregon Clinic, a facial is much more than a one time rejuvenation treatment it is a chance to get educated on your individual skin’s needs.

The Center for Aesthetic Medicine’s Esthetician Deborah Beers is like a Fairy Godmother.  Her friendly demeanor and bright smile puts you instantly at ease, and as soon as she sets you down on her comfy chair and covers you with a warm blanket you know you are going to be transformed into a whole new person.  Although the facial itself is extremely relaxing, Deborah is busy dissecting your skin the entire time.  She first asks you some questions about your skin goals, daily skin procedures, and products that you use.  This information helps her determine what type of facial would be suitable for your skin, and also helps her figure out what you are doing right and what habits you might need to change.  I learned that my skin was in need of some major hydration, which means I need to drink a lot more water.  I also had no clue that I should be using a moisturizer at night!

The point of the actual facial treatment, according to Deborah, is to give you a glowing fresh palate to work with, but it is up to you to keep that palate looking good, and that is where the education part of the treatment comes to play.  Deborah’s goal is to provide you with the tools and knowledge to keep your skin young and healthy every day.  She understands that buying facial products is overwhelming, and it is hard to know when to splurge and when buying over the counter is a suitable option.  When I left the office I was given a step-by-step daily face regiment, supplements were recommended, and she suggested some great cleansing products.  I honestly never thought I would learn so much from one facial, but every procedure at The Center for Aesthetic Medicine is designed to educate you on top of providing rejuvenation.

It has been a couple weeks since the facial, but I have kept up my skin regiment recommended for me and I still have a glow and freshness in my face that was lacking before.  I am not good on upkeep outside of the home, so I was also happy to hear that I should only need to get a facial once or twice a year to look my best.  After everything was said and done, I got a card in the mail from Deborah thanking me for coming in, and in an age of email it was so considerate that she took the time to give me that personal attention.  If you get facials done on a regular basis, or are looking to get one done for the first time, do yourself a big favor and make an appointment with Deborah.  You will love it!

The Center for Aesthetic Medicine is located at 1111 NE 99th Ave, Suite 101 in Portland.  Check out their website to find out more about all the services they offer, and make sure before you make an appointment to check out their deals on our Forkfly application.

Forkfly’s Gluten-Free Friendly Merchants

August 23, 2010

Want to take advantage of Forkfly’s great offers but aren’t sure which restaurants or bars offer gluten free options?  Well here you go!  I have listed all of the Forkfly g-f friendly merchants for you to take advantage of.  Check them all out on Forkfly!  And if you are a Forkfly merchant who has g-f options but you don’t see your name listed, don’t fret just send me a quick note at duutela@forkfly.com and I will make sure to add you.

Brunch Box

Located at  SW 5th Ave & Stark, has gluten free bread!

Echo

Located at 2225 NE MLK Blvd, has gluten free options just ask your server about them.

Henry’s 12th St Tavern:

Located at 10 NW 12th Ave, has a number of gluten free beer options.

Koi Fusion

Located at a multitude of spots around Portland (check their Twitter page for updates),  is in the process of creating gluten free marinades.

P.F. Changs

Located in The Pearl District at 1139 NW Couch St, has a very impressive gluten free menu.

Seres Restaurant

Located in The Pearl District at 1105 NW Lovejoy St, also has a very extensive list of gluten free and organic options.

Theo’s

Located at 121 NW 5th Ave, has a tasty gluten free bun and gluten free chips.

Gluten-Free for 60 Days!

July 9, 2010

Awhile back on our blog we posted a piece about the gluten-free phenomenon.  After reading about the signs of Celiac disease (fatigue, stomach aches, cloudy thinking, etc.), I started to wonder if I too could benefit from a gluten-free diet.  I decided to seek out the help of Dr. Laila Nematbakhsh at Asula Chiropractic & Wellness Center.  Dr. Laila can do a complete gluten sensitivity and full nutritional test for you to determine the best healthy eating plan designed for your individual body.  After answering several pages of questions and taking the necessary tests, Dr. Laila recommended that I try going gluten, soy and dairy free for 60 days.  Within that 60 days we would monitor how I felt and if I saw any improvements in my health and mental wellness.  After the 60 days we would bring back the gluten, soy and milk in increments to pinpoint which foods might be causing the problems.  My goal after the 60 days is to feel more alert, energetic, have less stomach pain and a clearer head.

I think my biggest worry of course with this diet was eating out.  I was surprised and then overjoyed to find out that many of my favorite places to eat have a gluten-free menu or gluten-free items.  Theo’s, located at 121 NW 5th Ave, is a great place to get a yummy gluten-free burger or sandwich, and your meal even comes with some tasty g-f barbecue Popchips.  Seres Restaurant and Bar, located at 1105 NW Lovejoy St, has a full g-f menu complete with appetizers, entrees and sides.  

One of the biggest temptations for me eating out is the bread they serve before dinner.  I normally would devour half the basket before the server even came over to get our order.  Now I have to watch sadly as my date munches on bread, while I sit trying not to drool.  But at  Andina, located at 1314 NW Glisan, they have solved the premeal problem for Celiacs.  You can ask the waiter for a plate of delicious lightly fried yucas.  Yucas taste like a combination of a plantain and a potato and are widely used in South American dishes.  The yuca snack is served with a side of gluten free salsa, and believe me once you try these you won’t be thinking about bread any longer!

I am only into my second week going gluten free, and I will be blogging more about my findings in the weeks to come.  Please join me on this journey and be sure to leave a comment, suggestion, and if you have any questions about going g-f or to schedule a nutritional test call the fantastic staff at Asula Chiropractic & Wellness Center located at 1828 NW Overton in The Pearl District!  Tell them Forkfly sent you and look for their deals on our new Iphone app.

L’Oreal’s New Permanent Hair Dye Could Make Dyeing Your Hair With Ammonia a Thing of the Past!

June 28, 2010

I have been dyeing my hair since I was 15. My hair has stuck with me through multiple colors, bleaching, and over 10 years of ammonia abuse. This is me now pictured on the right! The older I get the more aware I become though of the importance of having healthy hair.  Hair masks and deep conditioners are great for making your locks soft for a short period of time, but they are really just masking the damage and not correcting it.  Does this mean men/women should stop dyeing their hair completely? Absolutely not! What a boring world it would be without our Blue Blacks, Cherry Reds, and Cotton Candy Pinks. I for one don’t ever want to know what it feels like to have dirt brown hair again. So what is a fire engine red head like myself supposed to do in order to not end up bald by the age of 70? The answer my friends is INOA.

The professionals at L’Oreal have created an innovative new permanent haircolor called INOA. INOA, which stands for Innovation No Ammonia, darkens/lightens or covers white hair using—you guessed it—no ammonia! There are already haircolors on the market that are ammonia-free, but the majority of them don’t last long, lack any luster or shine, and don’t improve the condition of your hair. INOA uses an oil-based delivery system, which is unlike any other permanent haircolor available in a salon or department store.

This is the way “normal” permanent haircolor products work—when the tint containing the alkalizing ingredient is combined with the developer it cause’s a chemical reaction that swells the hair permitting the tint to enter the cortex, where the melanin is located, and then the ammonia swells the cuticle of the hair to allow the color pigments to penetrate deep into the hair shaft. I must admit I still don’t really understand what that means, but I know that all that use of chemicals and swelling can’t be good for your hair.  I also know that ammonia clearly dries up your hair, and takes away any sort of shine and smoothness.

The edgy and sexy SmashCut Studio, located at 1015 NW Lovejoy St in The Pearl, is now able to provide INOA hair coloring treatments, and employee Brianne Davidson was nice enough to explain to me how INOA works.  Apparently INOA is applied to dry hair not wet hair, and unlike the rotten egg smell you get when using ammonia-based products, INOA actually has a fantastic flowery smell.  Its color dye molecules detract from the oil-based formula and are attracted to the water inside the hair instead.  This means that your hair won’t dry out, and you keep the essential amino acids in your natural hair.  INOA claims that after using their product, “the hair is as smooth as before the color was applied,” with virtually no fading and virtually no damage to your hair.

If INOA is able to do everything it says it does, we are looking at a MAJOR innovation in the haircoloring industry.  People have been using ammonia-based hair dye for over 50 years with little improvements in the products, so this is a very big deal.  Both Brianne and the owner of SmashCut, Victoria Mendeluk, have used INOA on their own hair, and I must admit their hair looked fresh and vibrant, as if they had just dyed it the day before instead of several weeks ago.  Better yet, you would expect for this new dye to be really expensive considering it is state-of-the-art, but at SmashCut it is only around $20 bucks more to use INOA instead of a normal ammonia-based color treatment. There are currently 49 shades available, and within the next year they will carry intense reds and white blondes as well.

INOA is popping up in salons around the country, so visit L’Oreal’s website to see when this fantastic product will be offered in your city.  And if you live in Portland, be sure to make an appointment with SmashCut Studio and be sure to tell us here at Forkfly about your experience!

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