More Neighborhoods to Consider in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on February 8, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

NeighborsWhen I meet with prospective clients considering a move to Lake Oswego, I do my best to get to know their priorities–what’s important to them in a home as well as what’s important to them in terms of location. Although Lake Oswego is only 11.35 square miles, there are 26 neighborhoods to choose from, each offering their own unique blend of features from lake views to Mt. Hood views, walking distance to downtown to easy freeway access.

Today I’m highlighting four neighborhoods in the east end of town that feature views, lake easement, downtown accessibility, larger lots and a treed setting—take your pick!

Neighborhoods 3If you’d like to explore these or any other neighborhoods in Lake Oswego, give me a call. I’d love to show you around.

Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Photo winnond @ freedigitalphotos.net

 

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5 Reasons to Shop for Valentine’s Day in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on February 1, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

valentine's dayIt seems that when it comes to Valentine’s Day, most of us resort to the tried-and-true. A recent survey by the National Retail Federation showed that 61% of men plan on giving flowers while 50% of women are going to woo their men with chocolate (hopefully my wife is among them).

Here’s where to track down what the National Retail Federation says is on your gift list right here in Lake Oswego.

FLOWERS. (Given by 61% of the men and 15% of women). R. Bloom’s has been in business in Lake Oswego for 26 years so they know a thing or two about Valentine’s Day. Their advice this year—try pairing your flowers with a little something extra that can serve as a memento. “It’s all about creating memories,” Richard Bloom explains. One of Hot Skwash’s three inch velvet strawberries might be just the thing or a pearl strand wrapped around the vase. As far as flower selection goes, R. Bloom’s offers the traditional roses but Richard suggests a garden mix for something new and romantic. He is full of ideas so let him put his years of experience to work creating just the right message for you.

CANDY. (47% of the men, 50% of women). If you’re like me, candy is just another name for chocolate and there are lots of places in Lake Oswego to track that down. Chocolates by Bernard’s is the resident chocolatier in town where you’ll find the traditional chocolate filled red velvet boxes for $36 or four champagne truffles housed in a champagne split bottle for $19.50.

Papa Haydyn’s Chocolate Cube (a bittersweet chocolate shell filled with dark chocolate mousse) is my wife’s favorite and luckily for me, Zupan’s Lake Grove Market carries it.

GREETING CARDS. (44% men, 58% women). Great finds are in places you’d expect like Graham’s Book & Stationery and Paper Caper as well as ones you wouldn’t like Lucky Me and Zupan’s Flower Shop.

EVENING OUT. (39% men, 36% women). Local restaurants are planning Valentine’s Day special menus and some, like Zeppo, who don’t normally take two person reservations, will do so for that night. Mix things up by buying tickets to the Lake Oswego Art Council’s Art Throb gala event on Saturday, February 14 in the Hawthorne Room at Marylhurst University. Admission is $125/person and includes silent and live auction, dinner and dancing to the music of Pepe and the Bottle Blondes. But hurry—registration closes February 11.

If you want to get an earlier start in your day, you could sign you and your valentine up for  My Muddy Valentine 5K Obstacle Mud Run at Lee Farms in Tualatin. Doors open Saturday at 8:00 a.m. with 60 person waves leaving every ten minutes beginning at 9:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Sunday the fun starts all over again with waves leaving every ten minutes between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Register online. $70/Run; $109 VIP which includes almost bottomless beer/mimosas, gourmet breakfast, showers and parking. Register as a pair and get a discount.

Get a jump start on your Valentine’s celebration with wine tasting at World Class Wines. Resident wine geek Rick Baldwin will be featuring a variety of reds, whites, and rosés to please all palates.

JEWELRY. (29% men, 9% women). Maybe your valentine is someone whose motto is like this one posted on Lake Oswego Jewelers’ Facebook page: “If someone tells you that you have enough jewelry and you don’t need anymore, stop talking to them. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.” If so, get yourself over to one of Lake Oswego’s jewelry experts like Lake Oswego Jewelers, Dyke Vandenburgh Jewelers or Trios Studios. Local shops like Accessories from the Heart also carry pieces from regional artists like Deb Funches or Dina McNally. Point is, you can’t go wrong shopping locally.

A NEW HOUSE. Okay, so that didn’t show up on the survey, but if you or your valentine are in the market for a new home, give me a call at 503.939.9801 or check out my website. I’d love to show you around because I love Lake Oswego!

Photo credit: Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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12 Reasons Why It’s Easy to Get Fit in Lake Oswego

Posted on January 25, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

OverweightIt may not be official, but in most people’s minds, January is National Plan to Get Fit Month. Fitness clubs in and around Lake Oswego are here to help.

Barre3, 201 B Avenue, #101. 503.636.0335. Workouts here borrow moves from ballet, yoga and Pilates to focus on balance, strength and length in your body. Classes combine dynamic movement with isometric holds for efficient workouts that are low impact while managing to burn fat and build muscle. Choose from a variety of packages for single classes all the way up to unlimited.

Star Cycle, 459 Second Street, 503.303.4498. These hard-hitting 45-minute indoor cycle sessions utilize invigorating music, choreography, dimmed lighting and upper body movements and weights to ensure a high-energy, full body workout. Child care available. Individual classes are $18 but packages begin at $36 and go up to $170 for unlimited monthly classes.

CrossFit Lake Oswego, 17425 SW Pilkington Rd., 503.901.7877. Get the support, education, and motivation you need to participate in this fitness program. New members are encouraged to sign up for Elements—an introductory course that features five private coaching sessions and one month of unlimited classes for $299. Monthly membership which includes access to group training classes is $150 per month for an individual with additional family membership rates at $85 per person. Guest fee is $20 per day.

Snap Fitness, 6296 SW Meadows Road, 503.968.7627. Enjoy 24 hour access to this gym that features free weights, cardio equipment, tanning, strength training, personal trainers, nutrition consultants and group classes. Currently new members can try it out for free for seven days. Membership rates begin as low as $32 per month.

Trainer’s Club, 333 S. State Street, 503.636.3900. This club offers cardio machines, free weights, personal training, nutrition counseling, massage therapy, acupuncture, as well as group classes in a variety of offerings from KettleBell to Tai Chi, Yoga and Bootcamp. Free Wellness seminars are offered on the third Thursday of every month. There is also a Pilates studio and chiropractor located on site. Membership rates vary depending on your age and usage. Group classes are offered free to members or $15 on a drop-in basis.

Providence Mercantile Health and Fitness Center , 4015 SW Mercantile Drive, 503.216.6606. Offers cardio and weigh machines, free weights, private sauna and spa, personal training, massage, and group glasses ranging from Cardio Fusion and Yoga to Zumba and Pilates Based Mat. Membership includes a free fitness assessment. Group classes are free to members and also available for drop-in ($7.50 per class or 10 for $60).

Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department. 503.675.2549. Check current catalog. Class offerings range from Zumba, Nia and Yoga to Kickball and Slow-pitch softball leagues. Tennis lessons are offered at the Indoor Tennis Center at 2900 Diane Drive, golf lessons at the Public Golf Course at 17525 Stafford Road and rowing at the Water Sports Center, 350 Oswego Pointe Drive.

Lake Oswego School District Pool, 2455 Country Club Road, 503.534.2000. Eight lanes are available for both lap and recreational swim as well as swim lessons. Local schools also use the pool for practice and meets. The pool is generally available for lap swim Mondays through Fridays from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and lessons from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Weekend schedules vary. Fees for residents range from $7 per visit to $508 for an annual pass.

ClubSport Oregon, 18120 SW Lower Boones Ferry Road, Tigard. 503.968.4500. Voted one of the top fitness clubs in the U.S. by Fitness magazine in 2014, this club has some unique offerings including a Rock Climbing Center with 11,500 square feet of climbing surface as well as an Air Fit Studio for high altitude training. The facility also includes four indoor basketball courts, three racquetball and two squash courts, a six lane indoor swimming pool as well as an outdoor aquatic center, The Edge performance training center, Pilates studio, Kids’ World, massage, and café. Most group fitness classes are free to members and are offered in two studios (Exhale which includes yoga, pilates, Nia, Tai Chi and Centergy type classes and Excite that offers classes along the lines of Zumba, Group Kick, Strength and Conditioning and U-Jam). Personal trainers are on hand as well as nutritional counselors. Family membership holders receive two free hours of childcare per day. Membership fees vary as do specials.

24 Hour Fitness, 17942 SW McEwan Road, Tigard. 503.670.0400. This franchise was voted “Best Big-Box Gym in America” in 2010 by Fitness magazine. The local center is open 24 hours a day and includes a full size basketball court, three lane indoor lap pool, Kids Club, sauna, steam and spa, free weights and circuit training, personal trainers, racquetball court, and cardio equipment. Group exercise classes include Zumba, Yoga, Bodypump, Cycle, willPower and grace, Aqua fitness, and Total Body Pilates. Membership fees vary.

Stafford Hills Club, 5916 SW Nyberg Lane, Tualatin. 503.612.2400. Tennis courts set this club apart from the rest of the local offerings. Stafford features seven indoor and three outdoor courts with an elevated skybox for viewing. In addition there is an outdoor saltwater pool with six lanes for lap and recreational swim, a small children’s swim area and a splash pad for kids. Family events and children’s programming are offered regularly and two hours of free childcare daily is available to family memberships. Studio Grace features traditional and hot yoga classes, Pilates mat and reformer training, and Barre classes. Group exercise classes run the gamut from Cycle Extreme and Kickboxing to Cardio Strength and Zumba. Personal trainers are on hand and for individual as well as Team Training sessions. A salon and spa and café round out the facilities. Membership rates vary.

LA Fitness, 7995 SW Nyberg Street, Tualatin. 503.620.7727. Opening in March. This 45,000 square foot facility will feature three racquetball courts, one basketball court, an indoor saltwater pool with three to four lanes, Jacuzzi, sauna in locker rooms, 50-60 classes offered per week including Zumba, yoga, Pilates, step, water aerobics and cycle and spin classes, SilverSneakers fitness program, juice bar and Kids Club. All new cardio and strength conditioning machines are being brought in for the opening. Personal training is also available. Membership fees vary.

Did we miss something? If your favorite place to work out is missing, let us know by leaving a comment here or give a thumbs up to one of these places so our readers know that you approve!

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4 New Year’s Resolutions for Lake Oswego Homeowners

Posted on January 18, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

New Year resolutionYour home is one of your biggest investments, and if you live in Lake Oswego, it is back to being an appreciating one. You want to protect it, so here are a few suggestions for New Year’s resolutions to help you do just that.

1. Make a “honey-do” list from fixing a leaky faucet to replacing the family room carpet. Try scheduling the improvements in the year ahead. You never know when the urge to move may strike and you want to be prepared. Plus, so many homeowners wait to fix things up right before they move and regret not having had time to enjoy some of the improvements themselves!

2. Find out what your home is worth. Your home could be your biggest asset. Factoring that into your financial future is difficult to do if you don’t know its true value. Feel free to give me a call and I can come out and prepare a market analysis based on comparison sales and current market conditions. You don’t have to be thinking about selling—I provide this service to many of my clients who just want to know what kind of value they’re really dealing with. In many cases, others financial decisions rest on this one.

3. Consider refinancing. Interest rates are still low but are poised to increase so now may be a great time to refinance, for a variety of reasons including consolidating your debt. Currently interest rates in the Portland metro area are hovering around these levels for conventional loans up to $417,000 (listed first), and jumbo loans from $417,000 to $4 million (listed second):

30 year fixed – 3.75%/4.0%
15 year fixed – 3.125%/3.5%
7 year ARM – 3.25%/3.25%
5 year ARM – 3.12%/3.274%

4. With that in mind, now is also a good time to use the equity your home has recovered (about 18% in the last two years) to remodel. Once again, knowing what your home is worth can help you in deciding if remodeling is a wise investment – will you get that money back? In most cases in Lake Oswego, the answer is yes. But I’d be more than happy to help you sort out that decision. Call me at 503.939.9801.

Photo credit.

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What Does Lake Oswego, Oregon Have in Common with the Giza Pyramids, River Kwai and Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory?

Posted on January 11, 2015 by lovelakeoswego
Lake Oswego Rotarians recently planted Peace Poles at the six elementary schools in town. This one, at Oak Creek, says "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in English, Spanish, Korean, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Russian and Hindi.

Lake Oswego Rotarians recently planted Peace Poles at the six elementary schools in town. This one, at Oak Creek, says “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in English, Spanish, Korean, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Russian and Hindi.

Lake Oswego recently joined the ranks of locations prominent and unassuming that have planted Peace Poles bearing the message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in different languages from around the world.

Lake Oswego Rotary members fanned out to the six elementary schools in town this past weekend to erect Peace Poles at each site. Three more will be placed at Lake Oswego City Hall, Marylhurst and the Lake Oswego Public Library (which will be unveiled as part of the Lake Oswego Reads program on February 22 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II).

The Peace Pole project began in 1976 as a way to spread Masahisa Goi’s universal message and prayer for world peace throughout the world. Since then, it’s estimated there are more than 200,000 poles in over 195 countries on all the continents. People as renowned as the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and John Denver have lent a hand in planting the poles.

In Lake Oswego, the Lake Oswego Rotary’s Peace Builder committee took on the project and donated these poles as part of their mission to build goodwill and peace in the world.

Stay up-to-date on what’s great about Lake Oswego and what’s new by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

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Lake Oswego Reads Kicks Off With Free Book Giveaway This Tuesday

Posted on January 4, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

loreads15This year’s Lake Oswego Reads book selection, All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr, is rich with themes that lend itself to a month of programming which will immerse Lake Oswegans in the World War II world of the book’s young protagonists: blind French girl, Marie-Laure LeBlanc, and an orphaned German boy, Werner Pfenning.

Program organizers are offering free copies of the book to library card holders this Tuesday, January 6, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 706 Fourth Street.

All the Light We Cannot See was the frontrunner out of the 21 titles considered by this year’s LO Reads selection committee and I can see why. Its story is compelling as you see how survival drove many of the decisions of people like Marie-Laure and Werner. It also scored highly on one of the committee’s selection criteria: the book must offer opportunities for additional citywide special events.

Take a look at what I mean. Here are a few highlights from February’s offerings.

Why Did So Many Succumb to the Siren Song of Nazism? Professor Brian Els, Department of History at University of Portland will address the things that influenced even young people like Werner, during Hitler’s reign. Monday, February 2, 7:00 p.m. at Marylhurst University Library, 17600 Pacific Highway #43.

French and German Wine Tasting. World Class Wines will introduce you to a Riesling and red French wine with assorted French cheeses. Monday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Center for the Arts Gallery, 368 S. State Street.

Alter Wiener: Holocaust Survivor. Hear his message of tolerance and strength as he recounts the murder of his father by German invaders and his own experience in five different labor camps. Monday, February 9, 7:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street.

Enjoy Dessert and Discover Author Anthony Doerr. Enjoy a complimentary dessert buffet and hear the author discuss his 10-year journey that led to the publication of All the Light We Cannot See. Admission is free but a ticket is required. Tickets will be given away on Saturday, January 17, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lake Oswego Library, 706 Fourth Street. Arrive early—two tickets per person limit and a Lake Oswego library card required. Wednesday, February 11, 6:00 p.m. at Lake Oswego High School, 2501 Country Club Road.

Memories of World War II. Learn from this panel discussion with people influenced by World War II in a wide variety of ways from rationing and blackouts to firebombing raids. Thursday, February 12 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Holy Names Heritage Center, 17425 Holy Names Drive.

The Role of Radio with OPB’s Geoff Norcross. Radio plays a key role in the young Werner’s life. Listen to Norcross’ radio history as well as his perspective on the role radio has played in historical and current events. Saturday, February 14 at 10:00 a.m. at the Oswego Heritage House, 398 10th street.

Hitler Youth and Edelweiss Pirates: Childhood in Nazi Germany. Professor Maureen Healy of the Department of History at Lewis and Clark College will share the ways the Nazi Party tried to mobilize certain children to further their efforts. Tuesday, February 17, 7:00 p.m., Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

Myths About Blindness. Richard Turner, Training Center Director at the Oregon Commission for the Blind will share his own personal experience of blindness as well as answer any questions you may have. Thursday, February 19, 7:00 p.m., Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

Food Tasting with St. Honore’s Dominique Guelin. Sample food representative of both France and Germany and hear Guelin’s perspective as someone who grew up in France as World War II was coming to an end. Saturday, February 21, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., St. Honore Boulangerie, 315 1st Street.

Visualizing War: Pablo Picasso and Guernica. Gain insight into this controversial artwork depicting the horrors of war. Wednesday, February 25, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 510 Museum and ARTspace, 510 1st Street.

German Food at Stickmen Brewery & Skewery. Enjoy authentic German food based on co-owner, Tim Schoenheit’s mother’s family recipes. Foods to purchase include pork schnitzel and sausage and pretzels. Free brewery tours will be available. Friday, February 27 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stickmen Brewery & Skewery, 40 N. State Street.

Find a complete listing of events here.

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Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department Ready to Help You Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Posted on December 28, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

resolutionsChances are “taking better care of your health” is one of those resolutions that makes your New Year’s to-do list every January. The Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department is determined to help you make good on that promise.

In planning their offerings this year, staffers have been guided by the mission to program opportunities to “Live Well in Lake Oswego” along these six dimensions: physical, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, social and emotional.

So see? They’ve already done the groundwork for you. All you have to do is sign up!

Here are some of the choices you have for “Living Well in Lake Oswego” this year. Find out more by checking out the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation catalog.

PHYSICAL. No matter your age, there are lots of reasons to get moving. From Tiny Boppers, an introductory dance and movement class for 3-6 year olds starting in January to Coed High School Flag Football in March to ongoing sessions of Strength Training for the 50 and over crowd, everyone can get in on the action.

INTELLECTUAL. Do yourself a favor by learning something new and see how good it makes you feel. Options include Spanish for beginners (ongoing), a Digital Camera Workshop in February, Social Security Planning Workshop for Women on January 17 as well as ongoing sessions of Hooked on Phonics Reading Enrichment for the 3-9 year old crowd.

SPIRITUAL. No matter your spiritual practices, feeling like you are part of something bigger than yourself contributes to a better sense of well-being. The Parks and Recreation Department offers you a variety of volunteer opportunities to provide that kind of connection. Depending on your age and interests you can help out at Luscher Farm, the Adult Community Center, Special Events, Natural Habitats, Youth Action Council or as a Junior Counselor.

ENVIRONMENTAL.  Strengthen the connection between your health and the health of the environment around you by pulling ivy or planting native seedlings as part of a Stewardship Friends Group. Adopt-a-plot at Luscher Farm and put organic practices to work to produce your first crop.

EMOTIONAL.  Having the ability to understand and release your emotions goes a long way in establishing a sense of wellness. Consider learning how to use movement and your breath to tap into your feelings and restore a sense of balance in the “Bring Your Breath to Life” workshop on February 7. Or practice Trauma Releasing Exercises to release the tension stored in your body (March 2-16). Creative expression is another way to tap into your feelings and offerings like the Creative Writing workshop for ages 10+ on March 21 or Bob Ross Oil Painting classes starting up in January are designed to do just that.

SOCIAL. Studies have shown that a feeling of connectedness with others contributes to a sense of well-being. Take advantage of opportunities to mingle by joining a Choral Group (beginning January 7), signing up for the Daddy Daughter Dance on February 21 or dropping by Foothills Park on a Sunday or Monday afternoon starting in April for a game of Petanque.

Make a resolution to stay informed on what’s going on in Lake Oswego by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

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Lake Oswego Neighborhoods Don’t Need The Great Christmas Light Fight to Put You in the Holiday Spirit

Posted on December 21, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

ABC recently crowned its 2014 winner of The Great Christmas Light Fight and he hails from El Paso, Texas. In a recent tour of Lake Oswego neighborhoods, my wife and I didn’t find any over-the-top extravaganza yard displays that would give winner Fred Loya a run for his money, but we did manage to come home filled with a little more Christmas spirit thanks to decorations like these.

Christmas 1Christmas 2Christmas 9Christmas 6Christmas 4Christmas 7Christmas 8Christmas 10Wishing you a joyous celebration with family and friends, savoring all that is special in our homes and our community.

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3 Reasons to Ring in the New Year in Lake Oswego

Posted on December 14, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

new yearsRing in the New Year close to home by joining the festivities at these Lake Oswego hotspots.

Step It Up Studios. Kristy Higgins has a gala affair planned for members complete with a masquerade ball and full sit-down dinner. Of course it wouldn’t be a Step It Up affair without dancing so there will also be a group class and social dance party. The good news is that the studio is offering a holiday special you can sign up for now which will give you member rights to join the party!

The special includes six lessons – two private, two group and two practice social—for only $70. So if learning how to step up your dance moves has been on your to-do list, this could be the time to check it off.

The party will run from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the studio before members depart to another location to bring in the New Year. Cost is $98/person. 449 3rd Street. 503.744.0105.

The Lake Theater and Café. Keep your night interesting with all the Lake Theater team has planned for you. Doors open at 9:00 p.m. and once inside you can choose from the jazz/blues/swing/boogie-woogie sounds of  the DK Stewart Sextet in the event space or the Latin American guitar style of Jason Okamoto in the lower lobby. Chef Scott will be putting out menu favorites as well as some of his revered off-menu hors d’oeuvres. There will also be something up on the screen for viewing as well as a few other surprises. Plan on a midnight toast, party favors and more.

Tickets are $60 for admission; $75 for admission and two drink tickets before tomorrow, December 15. Then prices increase by $10. 106 N. State Street. 503.683.2092.

To sweeten the deal, remember that the Lakeshore Inn is located just a few steps from the Theater. Book a room there and you can walk home after the celebration! 210 N. State Street. 503.636.9679.

Maher’s Irish Pub. If you want to get started early on your toasting, head over to Maher’s for a free champagne toast at 4:00 p.m. to bring in the Irish New Year. The offer is good at midnight too. In between you can enjoy live music from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. with Tyler Carson and Peter Duff; Open Mike from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. hosted by Peter Duff and offering free Feckin beer and a food item to performers; and wrapping it up with a live reggae band, the Shanky Yankees at 9:00 p.m. Located at 352 B Avenue. 503.305.8087.

Keep up-to-date on what’s new in Lake Oswego by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column. I aim to keep you informed about all the reasons to live (or want to live) here.

Do you know of other places to bring in the New Year in Lake Oswego? Leave your comments here.

Photo credit.

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Give Twice by Shopping in Lake Oswego This Holiday Season

Posted on December 7, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

holiday shopping 2Local Lake Oswego businesses are offering to double your gift giving power this holiday season.

How?

Recent studies have found that small businesses recirculate their revenue locally at a much higher percentage than the big box stores. The figures vary but in each case, local retailers trump the big chains in terms of giving back to their communities.

One study put the return at 52 percent for small businesses compared to 14 percent for national chains. Researchers came to this conclusion: “If residents and visitors were to shift 10% of their spending from chains to local businesses, it would generate an additional $235 million a year in local economic activity, creating many new opportunities and jobs.”

So this holiday season, why not be part of that shift researchers are talking about. Shop local. Here are a few places to start:

jjwinters handbagSoletta Shoe Boutique. 390 N. State St., Suite 116. 503.210.4125. Lucky for you, owner Carrie Elliott loves to shop…and her fashion forward sense means everything in her store is sure to please the recipients on your list. In addition to a sophisticated shoe selection, you’ll find handbags, jewelry and scarves culled from some of the finest designers both local (like a handmade chocolate ivy rose gold necklace by Grayling) and afar (like an Italian leather handbag with beautiful detailing by JJ Winters).

Accessories From the Heart. 220 A Avenue, Suite 100. 503.675.1144. Remember that statistic about local businesses giving back to their community? Owner Carol Winston walks the talk. When she’s not volunteering for the Rotary, Chamber, Lake Oswego Business Alliance, Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, or the Arts Council she’s tracking down the perfect gift to make your shopping easier. Inside her store you’ll find over 100 vendors represented including some bigwigs like Brighton, Versace and Kate Spade as well as artists who design exclusively for Accessories From the Heart like Deb Funches and Dina McNalley (jewelry), Sarah Fenwick (photography) and Patricia Rogers (artwork).

Holiday Gallery. 510 First Street. 503.675.3738. This is your one-stop-shop for unique gifts featuring handcrafted art by 30 local artists, many of whom reside in Lake Oswego. The wide selection guarantees that you’ll find something just right for the person on your list. Choose from a variety of mediums: paintings, Ukranian eggs, fiber art and weaving, ceramics, stone and metal sculpture, furniture, collage, photography, paper and poetry, hand-bound books, and printmaking. The Gallery is offering a special promotion through December 23–find one of 60 signed white porcelain stars hidden throughout Lake Oswego and receive ten percent off your purchase when you bring it in (you get to keep the ornament too!). Open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through December 23. Reception held each Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Graham’s Book & Stationery. 460 Second St. 503.636.5676. Paul and Teri Graham have a volunteer track record that speaks to how invested they are in the Lake Oswego community. They’re also invested in making your holiday shopping more merry and less harried with a wide assortment of gift items for everyone on your list. High on the cool factor is a line of upcycled products from Alchemy Goods. The company takes reclaimed bicycle inner tubes and old advertising banners and morphs them into classy gifts that will be an added bonus to the green person on your list. Choose from wallets, purses, luggage tags, toiletry bags and a Mercer Shoulder Bag with just the right compartments for storing your iPad, cell phone, journal and valuables—a perfect school or work companion.

Oilerie Santa Pants1reducedThe Oilerie. 438 1st Street. 503.675.6457. The Oilerie is a great stop for the foodies on your list. And the best part is you get to try before you buy. Sampling is encouraged. The Oilerie Duetto pairs one bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with another of Aged Balsamic Vinegar complete with recipes to put your gift to use right away. The store can also package the olive oil and vinegar you choose in a festive pair of Santa Pants topped off with their holiday chocolate covered almond “olives” or local hazelnuts.

Lucky Me Boutique. 385 1st St, Suite 115. 503.636.9595. The cold weather has put Pandemonium faux fur scarves, hats, gloves and neck warmers on many shoppers’ lists this year. Owner Marie Lerud is also seeing a big demand for reversible shawl capes with a variety of color combinations that make them a versatile, stylish gift. And if you’ve got a Department 56 collector on your list, Lerud carries ornaments—aren’t you lucky!

Paper Caper. 16829 65th Avenue. 503.620.9460. From stocking stuffers to hostess gifts you can check a lot of people off your list at this store. Kray-zee Bells harken back to old-fashioned school bells custom designed to encourage recipients to ring for a hug, a smile, beer, the remote, coffee, money or chocolate. Selfies is a photo album designed to get those “here’s looking at you kid” pics off the devices and into a book. The kids on your list will love (the above) plus snow globes, erasable crayons and all kinds of markers–scented, glitter and brush. A good selection of Tea Forté and wine charms make perfect thank-yous  for the holiday hostess.

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