Local artist, Ryan Berkley, has a way with animals and an eye for detail.  Ryan is mostly known for his whimsical animals dressed up in human clothing.  His color combinations and ability to evoke an emotion through their expressions make Ryan truly stand out as an artist.  And each animal comes with a little story all its own written by Ryan's wife, Lucy!

Ryan's latest collection is now available for viewing at Land Gallery.  Inspired by what his friends were up to, Ryan asked them to rate their top three things they were into at that moment.  He then took those three ideas and interpreted them as medal winners as if they had been in a competition- brilliant!  I love this concept and can't wait to see how Ryan has executed it.  I was unfortunately unable to attend his opening which was last Friday, but his work will be at Land for the rest of the month.  I can't wait to see these pieces in person!

To read more about what inspires Ryan's work, check out his blog at

www.letsshare.typepad.com and his website at www.berkleyillustration.etsy.com.

Land Gallery is located at:

3925 N. Mississippi Ave. Portland, OR

article written by Amy Olson.

illustrations courtesy of Ryan's websites.

These have to be, by far, some of the coolest and most unique art I have ever found on Etsy. I am so in love with the work by John of Splendid Shavings. Everything in his shop is obviously one of a kind, seeing as they are all carved by hand from a block of wood. [I'm sure he would be able to reproduce work very similar to previous items if asked]. My favorites are the sculptures, the fisherman in particular because it makes me think of what my fisherman brother will resemble when he is an old man! Just hopefully still having both legs.

I am also very much in love with this piece that I found in the SOLD section of the Etsy shop, entitled Mr. Man About Town. My friend Cori really needs this for her home! You should also make sure to check out his blog to see some of the very unique projects that he is currently working on.

website . www.splendindshavings.etsy.com

blog . www.splendidshavings.blogspot.com

. . .

article by misha ashton

I don't know about you, but I love Mt. Hood and especially Timberline Lodge. Many of you probably know that Timberline was made famous to the rest of the US by the movie The Shining. Room 237 is the most requested room at the lodge, but if you have ever been to Timerbline, you would know that the inside of the lodge is not what was used in the movie and there is no room 237. It is much much smaller inside than you might think by looking at the outside. It's very cozy, with a log cabin feel and a huge fireplace in the center of the main room on every level. There is a restaurant on the second floor and the Ram's Head Bar on the top floor. The rooms are quite comfortable. Most peole prefer top room floors, but I like the lower levels because at times the snow is so high that it either covers completely or comes right up to your window.

If you are a big skier or snow boarder or have never been and always wanted to, now is the perfect time of year. The spring ski pass is available from March 1st thrpugh May 31st and is oh so much less expensive than the winter pass. At only $109, you can ride the lifts 7 days a week for the next three months. There are less people in line for the lifts, less people to crash into if you are a newbie and better parking. The snow is great as well, with many more days of sun and not having to be completely bundled up from head to toe. I always enjoyed snow boarding days where I got to wear my sunglasses instead of my goggles. I also enjoyed not having to put chains on my tires.

Staying at the lodge is great, but you can make a day trip up just to drink some cocoa [or a few beers] by the fire. Maybe do some snow shoeing or go inner-tubing at the bottom of the hill near Government Camp on the bunny hill. I also highly recommend bringing a camera and lots of film. : )

Timberline Lodge . www.timberlinelodge.com

article and photos by misha ashton

I know it's not from a Portland artist, but I had to share this awesomeness with all of you. Postcarden, a mini living garden. It starts off as a post card, but then you open it up and follow the directions, and you end up with this freakin' adorable little garden. It's the perfect little plant for brightening up your desk. There's even a video to show you how. I kinda want all three of them.

website . www.postcarden.com

In my absence, I noticed that this Monday a post that I had been planning to write posted with only the link. I suck, but am making it up to you now by reposting with an actual article and photos. If you are like most Portlanders I know, you LOVE happy hour. Well, we have this great website called Urban Drinks where you can log on at any time of day to find out where the closest happy hour is to you and exactly what it is that is included in the happy hour. Some include just beer or appetizers, but some places have beer, wine, well drinks, appetizers and full meals...YUM. At the time that I am writing this [7:30 p.m.] there are 13 happy hours within walking distance of my home. Or 62 in all of Portland, out of the 569 locations.

Whether you are just meeting up with friends for some drinks or going out to dinner and wanting to keep it cheap, it's a great resource for all Portland neighborhoods. They also now have listings in 8 cities around the US. So if you are traveling to Seattle WA, Phoenix AZ, Dallas TX, Columbus OH, Washington DC, Boise ID or Pittsburg PA, check them out.

website . www.urbandrinks.com

click images for direct link to artist flickr pages

I've been a fan of Le Photique for some time now.  I just love the simplicity of her idea and the execution of her designs.  There seems to be such detail in the photographs and the translucency makes them look like they're floating!

Jacqueline, the mastermind behind these beauties, is always happy to do custom orders.  She can make a necklace to suit anyone's interests!  I'm thinking that I need more than one- I've got lots of interests!  For example, one with knitting needles, one with a stack of books, one with a tree, the list goes on.  But that's the best part- she can make any kind of necklace you want!

Jacqueline's necklaces can be found at: www.lephotique.etsy.com.

You can also see more of her work at: www.lephotique.com.

article by Amy Olson.

photos courtesy of the artist.

Carbon neutral and organic, Hopworks is a conscientious brewery that offers up a great line-up of beer. I was excited to see their Black IPA (a.k.a. Cascadian Dark Ale) at the store - a style that is rapidly becoming a favorite. Let's pour!

It pours opaque with a big tight head.

It is aggressively fragrant with big hop aromas and spruce. A nice roast malt echoes in the background.

It is smooth and bold. The hop develops on the tongue of this full-bodied beer. Hops are very pronounced, their tangy character bounces all around the palate. Spruce tones add boldness to the hops, while also sweetening the beer slightly. The malt backbone adds a little more fullness to the body. The roast tones develop as it warms, but the beer retains a nice crispness.

The aftertastes is considerably mild. The hop dissolves leaving the beer refreshing and crisp. The malt lingers a bit adding dimension and weight to the palate making the next sip even better!

Available now, it is absolutely perfect for these beautiful February days. The hop brightness compliments the sun, the dark color and malts compliment the fact that strangely, it is still winter! 6.5% with 70 IBU's.

Cheers!

To read more of Scott's reviews, check out his blog at www.myyearinbeer.blogspot.com.

Have a wonderful weekend!

As spring creeps towards us (and we have been seeing the signs!), wedding season gets closer and brides continue planning their spring weddings.   When I saw these amazing hair pieces, I thought that they could be the perfect finishing touch. 

I love their delicate petals, subtle colors, and beautiful details.  I have short hair, but if I had known about these pretty hair pieces 2 1/2 years ago, I would've done my best to make them work! 

To see more of Rachelle's pieces, check out her Etsy shop at:

www.lovelyweddings.etsy.com.

p.s. Misha and I decided to take a 3-day weekend to enjoy the amazing weather. We hope you enjoyed it too!

article by Amy Olson.

photos courtesy of artist's website.