Snow in Lake Oswego: Another Reason to Love Living Here

Posted on February 9, 2014 by lovelakeoswego
Snow beckons Lake Oswegans, like our daughter Riley a few years back, to come out and play.

Snow beckons Lake Oswegans, like our daughter Riley a few years back, to come out and play.

I spoke too soon.

 

Last week’s post claimed that there were no polar blasts shooting frigid temps our way like on the East Coast.

 

And then a winter storm warning rolled into town bringing up to six inches of snow in our front yard to-date with forecasts of sleet and possibly freezing rain.

 

I could do without the sleet and freezing rain but snow in Lake Oswego is unusual enough to cast a magical spell, made apparent by the glee of children sledding down neighborhood hills and building snowmen in their front yards.

 

While my kids are grown now and can usually be found basking in the California sun, snow days are some of their most treasured memories.

 

It was like bringing the winter wonderland to them instead of heading up to the mountain.

 

Hot chocolate, cuddling around the fireplace, movie marathons, playing outside with friends for hours, snowball fights…what was not to love?

 

Truth be told, however, as they got older, the thrill of playing in the white stuff was second to the thrill of school being closed. I remember when the “Arctic Blast” hit the Portland area in December of 2008 and school was cancelled for days. Every evening my wife would go to the computer to check for updates from the district. Night after night she’d announce, “No school tomorrow,” but somehow the news never got old.

 

That’s the way it is in Lake Oswego.  The snow doesn’t come around often enough or usually stay around long enough to get old.

 

And that’s another reason to love Lake Oswego.

Don’t miss one reason to love Lake Oswego. Click the “Sign me up” button in the right hand column and you’ll be notified each week when a new post is up.

 

 

Posted in Seasons in Lake Oswego Oregon | Leave a comment

5 Excuses to Get Outdoors This Winter in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on February 2, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

WinterSometimes we all need a little prodding to get outdoors in the winter here in the Northwest.

Luckily there’s no polar blast sending frigid temps our way like on the East Coast, but it’s also not in the 70s and 80s like my daughter is currently enjoying in Newport Beach, California.

So in case you find yourself feeling like hibernating, here are 5 excuses to get outside this winter.

Cross Country Skiing Trips offered through Adventures Without Limits. Beginners are welcome with lessons to jumpstart the day on Mt. Hood. Register through Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department. $75 Residents/$94 Non-Residents. Dates available Saturdays, February 8 and March 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Raptor Road Trip. There are lots of reasons to bird watch in the winter—less foliage makes them easier to spot and chances are they’re more apt to be on the prowl for food sources as they become more scarce. So take advantage of a day put together by the Audubon Society of Portland, Metro, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and HawkWatch International on Saturday, February 8 on Sauvie Island from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Visit four locations staffed by raptor experts who will ensure you get the most out of your viewing experience. $10 per vehicle (cash only). Learn more.

Coffee Tour. There’s a reason why the Pacific Northwest gave birth to coffee culture. When the going gets cold, the cold drink coffee. So immerse yourself in it. Third Wave Coffee Tours offer one way to do that with three hour tours that include tasting, entertainment, and education at Portland’s finest micro-roasters/cafes. Choose from different locations throughout Portland or take the Streetcar Tour and hit downtown, the Pearl, Northwest and Northeast. $40/person.

For a do-it-yourself version in Lake Oswego, you can hit  four within about eight blocks of each other downtown. Start at the ubiquitous Starbucks at 47 N. State Street and progress to Peet’s at 345 1st St., #111. Next stop is the drive-through Milestones Coffee Company at 144 A Avenue inside Wizer’s parking lot. End up at Chuck’s Place, a local neighborhood hangout at 148 SW B Avenue.

Winter Walks. The Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department has lined up a series of walks to fight the hibernation urge. Destinations include the Rosemont Trail (February 6), Irvington District (February 20) and Molalla River State Park (March 13). Check out the full schedule on page 14 in the catalog.

Winter Golf. With reduced fees, winter is a good time to work on your game at Lake Oswego’s 18-hole Par 3 golf course. During the weekdays, 9 holes run $9; $15 for 18. Weekend rates run $12 and $20. Good through February.

LO Reads kicks up gear with lots of offerings this week. Check out  Things to Do in Lake Oswego in the sidebar.

Sign up to receive weekly email updates when a new reason to Love Lake Oswego appears. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

Photo courtesy of digitalart at freedigitalphotos.net.

Posted in Seasons in Lake Oswego Oregon, Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Tagged | Leave a comment

5 Ways to Feel the Love This Valentine’s Day in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on January 26, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

Love for valentine's dayIt was Elizabeth Barrett Browning who gave us the idea that somehow love could be measured when she wrote, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.”

In case you’re keeping score, here are five ways to feel the love this Valentine’s Day here in Lake Oswego. Plan ahead so you don’t miss out!

My Funny Valentine. Last I checked, this show was almost sold out, so act fast! Enjoy comic love songs performed by Joan Freed (of the hit show Chocolate Confessions) and other favorite Lakewood Theatre performers as a fundraiser for the Artist Training Facility. Light refreshments at 7:00 p.m. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 12. $30/person ($20 is tax deductible). Lakewood Theatre Company, 368 S. State Street. 503.635.3901.

Valentine walk. Take your honey for a stroll around the beautiful Marylhurst University campus along with other Winter Walk enthusiasts on Thursday, February 13. Lunch at the cafeteria. Meet at the West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way at 9:00 a.m. to carpool. $2 fee. 503.675.2549.   

Valentine’s edition of William Stafford discussion group. In the spirit of the holiday, you’re invited to bring in one of Stafford’s romantic poems. One of my favorites is: “When I Met My Muse,” with this opening line, “I glanced at her and took my glasses off—they were still singing.” Friday, February 14, 1:00 p.m., Adult Community Center-Acorn Room, 505 G Avenue. 503.675.2538.

Wine tasting. World Class Wines is adding a valentine theme to its weekly tasting featuring “sweetheart wines.” They’ll include a Treos 2011 Stolen Kisses Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Gris that has been “lightly kissed by Muscat.” The taste “lingers on your lips and in your memory like a Stolen Kiss.” You might also enjoy the 2010 Pasqua Passimento Veneto, a full bodied red obtained from a blend of native grapes from Verona, the place that gave us Romeo and Juliet. The label features the wall where the star-crossed lovers left their love notes and thousands of tourists return to do the same every year. Friday, February 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. $15 for 6 wines; $5 bonus pour. 269 A Avenue. 503.974.9841

Speed dating. For all you singles out there, Maher’s Irish Brew Pub is hosting its fourth annual speed dating night on Valentine’s Day beginning at 7:00 p.m. (signups at 6:30 p.m.) Drink specials include $1 off all drinks, $5 Mangria, $3 beer specials and a free glass of champagne to all participants. 352 B Avenue, Lake Oswego, Oregon, 503.305.8087.

Photo courtesy of gubgib at freedigitalphotos.net.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

What Lake Oswego’s Old Town Neighborhood Has in Common with Trailblazer Wesley Matthews

Posted on January 19, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

2014 Old TownTo quell any rumors that Portland trailblazer Wesley Matthews had lost his edge or let up on his game at the beginning of this season, he wrote the lyrics from a song by hip hop artist Big Sean on a reporter’s notebook right before his first exhibition game, “I’m the new version of the old me.

The same could be said for Lake Oswego’s Old Town Neighborhood. Although it’s the oldest part of the city, an active neighborhood association and a forward-thinking neighborhood plan adopted in 1998, ensures that like a fine wine, Old Town is improving with age.

CONVENIENT LOCATION.  Ten year resident, Dick Reamer, calls Old Town the “perfect location.” He rattles off everything that is within walking distance: George Rogers Park, Willamette River, Albertson’s grocery store, coffee shops, movie theater, Lakewood Center, downtown Lake Oswego. And if it’s too far to get to on foot, public transit runs right along State Street which borders the neighborhood on the western boundary.

CHARM. Many bungalow style homes dot the streets and the neighborhood plan strives to incorporate more dense housing while still maintaining the quaint feel.

HISTORY. Old Town is the birthplace of Lake Oswego. It was platted in 1851 by Albert Alonzo Durham and grew as the iron industry developed, bringing with it workers who needed places to live. A portion of the iron smelting chimney remains and is on display at George Rogers Park. Historical landmarks include the George Rogers house and the Odd Fellows Hall on Durham Street which has been converted into several housing units. Walking down neighborhood streets is like walking down memory lane with street names assigned to important Lake Oswego figures like Ladd, Leonard, Wilbur and Durham.

AMBIANCE. Reamer describes the neighborhood as reminiscent of the neighborhoods he remembers as a youngster growing up. Life seems to slow down when you turn off State Street onto Leonard, Wilbur or Ladd. There is a Little Free Library located at the corner of Wilbur and Durham where the honor system ensures that a steady stream of books is available for borrowing.

ACTIVE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION. The association usually holds about two general meetings a year along with six or seven board meetings. Guest speakers are invited in, like a recent meeting featuring the police chief who discussed safety issues and neighborhood watch. In the past they’ve also conducted a neighborhood preparedness survey, gathering contact information in case of emergency and identifying resources like doctors, nurses and CERT trained volunteers. Twice a year they try to get together socially, once in the summer for a potluck at George Rogers Park and another in December which has included watching the Christmas ships go by.

Reamer says when people discover Old Town, they often ask if there are any homes for sale in the neighborhood. Currently there is one listed at $979,000, a renovated 4,000 square foot Craftsman on Furnace Street with 3 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths. Last month a 3,552 square foot Craftsman built in 2004 on Leonard sold for $665,000.

Seems the residents are quite happy where they are, so if you’re looking to get in, watch the market closely or let me do the legwork for you. Experienced Realtors like myself often hear of listings before they hit the open market so put my network to work for you!

Posted in Lake Oswego neighborhoods | Tagged | Leave a comment

Lake Oswego Preschool Forum Is First Stop When Shopping for Preschools

Posted on January 12, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

LOMC PSF Logo reducedThe Lake Oswego Mom’s Club and Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department are making it easy for Lake Oswego parents to check out their preschool options by bringing local providers all together under one roof on Thursday, January 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the West End Building, 4010 Kruse Way.

This is a great chance to narrow down your options before making appointments to preview these schools with your child. Representatives will be on hand to discuss teaching philosophies and answer questions.

Speaking of questions, the Lake Oswego Mom’s Club offers some things to consider when previewing schools.

●What is the level of parental involvement? At a cooperative program like Oswego Playschool, parents work in the classroom about twice a month. Depending on your schedule and other commitments this could be a plus.

●Is there before or after school child care available? This was a factor we considered for our third child who was extroverted even at the young age of four and liked the opportunity to stay longer at school. It worked for my wife too whose time was more committed with three kids under the age of eight.

●What does a typical day look like? Does the ratio of playtime to structured activity time fit with your expectations? Check to see if they offer additional aspects that might be important to you like languages (The Chinese American International School in Lake Oswego, for example) or religious elements (like Bethlehem Christian Preschool in Lake Oswego or Neveh Shalom Foundation School in Portland).

There are lots of choices out there—over 40 schools will be represented—so save yourself some footwork and take the one-stop-shopping approach by attending the forum. Limited child care is available.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Lake Oswego Reads Kicks Off This Week With Book Giveaway

Posted on January 5, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

LO Reads 2014 logo reducedLake Oswego Reads is honoring one of its own this year by giving away over 800 free copies of Ask Me, a collection of one hundred of William Stafford’s poems in celebration of his centennial, this Tuesday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m.

In addition to national fame, winning several awards including the National Book Award in 1963 for Traveling Through the Dark and serving as the Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress in 1970 (an honor now known as Poet Laureate), Stafford was a local celebrity who taught at Lewis and Clark College and lived in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Kickoff festivities include music by fiddler Kathryn Claire and Stafford’s favorite carrot cake. These are just to whet your literary appetite for all the events the LO Reads program has lined up in honor of William Stafford for February.

Here are some highlights:

●Stafford Discussion Groups held on February 3 at 3:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street; February 14 at 1:00 p.m. at the Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue;  February 21 at 1:00 p.m at the Lake Oswego Municipal Golf Course Restaurant, 17525 Stafford Rd; and February 26 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

●A free two day Stafford symposium at Lewis and Clark College, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Rd., Miller Hall. Registration requested.

●Centennial celebration filled with nationally recognized authors and poets at the Newmark Theatre, Friday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m., 1111 SW Broadway, Portland, OR. Tickets: $19-$57.

●Children’s puppet show at the Lake Oswego Library based on Stafford’s picture book, Everyone Out Here Knows: A Big Foot Tale. Saturday, February 8 at 11:00 a.m. , 706 Fourth Street.

●Complimentary dessert buffet and  presentation by Stafford’s son, Kim Stafford, Thursday, February 13. Dessert at 6:00 p.m. in Lake Oswego High School Cafeteria; presentation at 7:00 p.m. in auditorium. 2501 Country Club Road. Tickets are free but only two per library card and issued on Saturday, February 1, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

●High School Poetry Slam, Thursday, February 20 at 3:30 p.m. at Lake Oswego High School Black Box Theater, 2501 Country Club Rd.

Check the library for a complete listing of events.

Posted in Lake Oswego Library, Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions and How You Can Keep Them if You Live in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on December 29, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

2014If you’re part of the 45 percent of the population who make New Year’s resolutions, I have some bad news for you. Only 8 percent of you will actually be successful in keeping that resolution, according to a study by the University of Scranton.

You can stack the odds in your favor by making your goals very specific and measurable and by getting some support in helping to meet them.

Here’s a look at the Top 10 resolutions made last year and how you might pursue them in you live in Lake Oswego.

  1. Lose weight. Start training for the Lake Run and shedding those pounds. Set for Saturday, May 10 you have five months to get in shape for either their 12K, 5K or Kids Dash. According to the experts, that’s the perfect goal—measurable and doable. What are you waiting for?
  2. Get organized. Enlist the help of a professional like Danielle Liu, a certified professional organizer at Totally Orderly in West Linn.
  3. Spend less, save more. Take advantage of all the FREE opportunities offered here in Lake Oswego from the LO Reads program that kicks off January 7 to the summer concert series.
  4. Enjoy life to the fullest. I see some pretty happy people around town in Lake Oswego. They’re often spotted biking, running or walking around the lake, jumping off the docks at the Lake Grove swim park, harvesting their crops from the community gardens at Luscher Farm, enjoying the local cuisine at a variety of neighborhood favorite spots, debating the nuances of wines from different regions at World Class Wines…the list goes on. The opportunities to enjoy life to the fullest are here for the taking.
  5. Stay fit and healthy. Enroll in a fitness class through the parks and recreation department with offerings from NIA to meditation. And start working more fruits and veggies into your diet—the Lake Oswego Farmer’s Market will make that much easier for you.
  6. Learn something exciting. How’s Argentine Tango sound? You can try it for free (see resolution #3) on Thursday, January 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center at 505 G. Avenue.
  7. Quit smoking. Refer to #1. Start training for the Lake Run and you’ll want those lungs to be at full capacity. Smoking won’t seem like such a good idea.
  8. Help others in their dreams. Check out all the volunteer opportunities through the city of Lake Oswego from babysitting at the Farmer’s Market Doggie Day Care (contact Mary Kelly at 503.697.6517) or leading student groups on field trips to Luscher Farm (Dawn at 503.534.5284.).
  9. Fall in love. Circle Valentine’s Day on your calendar and then make a point to attend Maher’s Pub’s Speed Dating event.
  10. Spend more time with your family. Once again, the city of Lake Oswego is here to help. Take advantage of family-oriented programming from Movies in the Park during the summer to the Daddy-Daughter Dance, coming up March 8.

If one of your resolutions is to buy or sell your home, give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’ve been helping folks keep that New Year’s resolution for the past 25 years and would love to do the same for you.

Photo credit: Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net

Posted in Seasons in Lake Oswego Oregon, Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Leave a comment

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on December 23, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

Make no mistake–Lake Oswegans love their holidays and Christmas ranks right up there judging by the decorations lining our streets, donning our doors and lighting up our nights.

Here’s a peek at what you’ll find as you wander around.

R. Bloom's is all decked out for the season with lots of offerings to help you do the same.

R. Bloom’s is all decked out for the season with lots of offerings to help you do the same.

Lakeridge Pacers show their spirit on Black Forest Court.

Lakeridge Pacers show their spirit on Black Forest Court.

Santa spotted coming in for a landing in Village on the Lake.

Santa spotted coming in for a landing in Village on the Lake.

The Nativity Story greets passers-by at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church on A Avenue.

The Nativity Story greets passers-by at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church on A Avenue.

Looks like the North Pole decided to relocate to the First Addition/Forest Hills neighborhood.

Looks like the North Pole decided to relocate to the First Addition/Forest Hills neighborhood.

These Lakers are taking their holiday spirit on the road.

These Lakers are taking their holiday spirit on the road.

Let there be light! in Westlake.

Let there be light! in Westlake.

Even Eyore wishes his Bryant Woods neighbors a Merry Christmas and thanks them for noticing him.

Even Eeyore wishes his Bryant Woods neighbors a Merry Christmas and thanks them for noticing him.

This sculpture outside of Accessories From the Heart received a little help dressing up for the holidays.

This sculpture outside of Accessories From the Heart received a little help dressing up for the holidays.

Christmas is on display in Westlake.

Christmas is on display in Westlake.

Outlined in light in Westlake.

Outlined in light in Westlake.

Wishing you a merry Christmas from Lake Oswego, Oregon!

Posted in Seasons in Lake Oswego Oregon | Leave a comment

4 Ways to Unwind During the Holidays in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on December 15, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

holiday stressFinish this sentence: ‘Tis the season to be ___________. If you answered “stressed,” then take a moment out from your shopping, baking, wrapping, and entertaining, and make a point to unwind. Here are a few ideas to help you do just that in Lake Oswego.

Get a massage. You probably already know that a massage feels good physically, but why does it improve things emotionally too? Recent research shows that it affects your body’s biochemistry, lowering the stress hormone cortisol, by up to 53 percent. So get yourself to a local spa or massage studio. Or add it to your Christmas wish list. Relief is just a few blocks away at one of these Lake Oswego locations.

Lake Oswego Massage Therapy, 15110 Boones Ferry Rd., Suite 220. 503.850.4810. Receive $20 off your first massage and $20 off for referrals. Purchase five massages and get the sixth one free.

Blissful Massage, 460 5th St., Suite D. 503.936.3574. First time visit is $10 off. Holiday specials include $65 for a 60 minute massage or 3 for $175.

Massage Envy, 333 S. State St., 503.210.3689. One hour introductory session is $39. Holiday specials include: Buy two $75 gift cards and get one free; Purchase a 12 month membership and receive a free facial or massage.

Elements Massage, 3 Monroe Parkway, Suite U, 503.387.3205. Introductory 55 minute massage for $59. Holiday special: two 55 minute massage gift certificates for $99.

Tune out. Dial down the frenzy by cuddling up with a good Christmas movie. The Lake Oswego public library’s got your back with holiday favorites like Miracle on 34th Street, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story, and It’s a Wonderful Life.

Taste stars. Do like Dom Perignon who said, upon his first taste of his new newly created champagne, “Come quickly! I’m tasting stars!” World Class Wines is featuring bubbly and champagne flight tastings along with their regular wine tastings every Friday through December from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. For $15 you sample three bubblies and one champagne. For $5 you can add a bonus pour of two premium wines. 269 A Avenue. 503.974.9841.

Find your quiet spot. The lake is one of mine. I especially like gazing upon Lakewood Bay on a crisp wintry day as its calm waters make me feel the same way. You can view the bay from Sundeleaf Plaza, the Headlee Pathway, or the deck at Stickmen’s Brewery & Skewery.

For land lovers, bundle up and head out to one of the city of Lake Oswego’s nature parks. Some of my favorites include the Iron Mountain Trail behind the Oswego Hunt Club and Springbrook Park adjacent to Uplands Elementary School and Lake Oswego Junior High School.

If the thought of buying or selling your home adds to your holiday stress, give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’ve been in the business over 25 years and would love to make your experience stress-free by putting my experience to work for you.

Photo credit by Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net

Posted in Seasons in Lake Oswego Oregon, Things to Do in Lake Oswego | Leave a comment

Lake Oswego Shops Take Out the Stress, Put in the Fun in Your Holiday Shopping

Posted on December 8, 2013 by lovelakeoswego

Holiday shoppingBest way to make your holiday shopping stress free—shop local! Ditch the mall, the parking hassle, the crowds, and the grumpy sales associates and discover the friendliness of small business owners invested in their community.

Check out some of these Lake Oswego spots that are dishing up service, unique offerings and lots of holiday cheer.

Lucky Me Boutique. 385 1st St, Suite 115. 503.636.9595. Pandemonium Millinery seems to have a big account with Santa this year. The company’s scarves, hats, throws, gloves, and neck warmers are flying out the store. Why are they on everyone’s list? Owner Marie Lerud thinks it has to do with the fact that the faux fur is cuddly soft and the workmanship suggests these pieces cost more than they do. Lucky for you!

Graham’s Book & Stationery. 460 Second St. 503.636.5676. During this time of year, Graham’s should add, “& Gifts” to their moniker. This is just a fun place to browse, knowing you will always walk away with something special for someone on your list. Owner Paul Graham is particularly excited about a new addition to their book collection devoted to our town. Lake Oswego – A Great Place to Live! is a photo expose/coffee style book filled with exquisite photos of the events, people, places and homes that make Lake Oswego unique along with descriptions and historical information that tells the rest of the story.

Other fun gift ideas to add some surprise to your giving include:●the water-powered Bedol Water Clock, $24.99. That’s right—no batteries!●the Water Wizard, a laptop style drawing board that lets the artist use a water pen to create drawings that disappear as they dry, $16.95 ●The Elf on a Shelf, an interactive hide and seek tradition featuring an elf who keeps an eye on your kids by day and reports back to Santa by night. Each morning your children wake wondering, “Where will we find the elf today?” Comes with a book that tells his tale. $29.95. and ●Fusion Glass Side Tables, where art meets function, $99.

Accessories From the Heart. 220 A Avenue, Suite 100. 503.675.1144. Owner Carol Winston is a woman on a mission—to make gift givers look good. She has done the hard part—tracking down the perfect gift. Now all you have to do is come in. Popular choices include Versace watches that start at $150 as well as a brand new jewelry line by Uno de 50 that features bold designs with a handcrafted look. Winston has the pajama market in town cornered with a good selection of PJ Salvage, known for its chic patterns and luxurious fabrics as well as Minnesota Softies by Paddi Murphy that offer not only cuddly comfort but also practicality for the woman who, as Winston describes, “experiences summer daily.” The moisture wicking fabric keeps you comfortable no matter what season or time of life you’re in. The store is happy to keep a wish list on file to make things easy for the Santa in your life and will wrap up your purchases free of charge.

The Oilerie. 438 1st Street. 503.675.6457.  You know what they say, “It’s all in the presentation.” Well, pick up a festive pair of Santa Pants to hold your olive oil, vinegar and jar of spices from The Oilerie and you will have nailed your holiday gift on two counts—how it looks and what’s Oilerie Santa Pants1reducedinside! This shop is as much fun for the buyer as the recipient because you get to sample and learn all about the delicious oils, vinegars, and marinades they carry. There’s a health and wellness line too, including a travel pack that makes a perfect stocking stuffer. The shop is happy to take care of your shipping (you can choose from one of their popular gift boxes or customize your own) but get your orders in by December 16.

Soletta Shoe Boutique. 390 N. State St., Suite 116. 503.210.4125. Look no further for the fashionista on your list. Soletta has done the searching for you and brought in one-of-a-kind purses, jewelry, hats, gloves and festive socks (for men too) to complement their great selection of shoes and boots. To make your shopping easier, they are happy to help you fill out a “wish list” that you can take with you or keep on file in the store in case a certain someone comes in wanting to shop for you. Gift certificates are also available. Visit during the week of December 16-20 for their “mystery sale” featuring 30% off a different section of the store everyday.

Frog Pond Toys. 310 N. State St., Suite 102. 503.697.3764. The owners of this place are moms too so they know not only what kids like but what parents do too, meaning you’ll find toys that score high on safety as well as educational and play value. It’s like walking around in the Toy Hall of Fame with RingStix, winning the Best Toys for Kids award in 2013 from the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association and Tobble, a Parents Magazine Toy of the Year pick. Other popular choices include: Y’all Ball, Squigz, Snap Circuit Kits, Rody Horses, Bruder Trucks, Calico Critters, and Plus Plus, an interactive building system. The store is kid-friendly with room to roam and try out some of the toys, a café serving up lattes for moms, Goldfish crackers for kids, and special events including Music with Jodi on Friday, December 13 at 10:00 a.m. and a piano recital Sunday afternoon, December 15. 

Paper Caper. 16829 65th Avenue. 503.620.9460. Also known as Stocking Stuffer Central, you’ll find a huge assortment of gifts that put the merry in giving. Chat Packs feature 156 question cards designed to jumpstart the conversation from “What is one trip you have never taken but would really like to someday?” to “If you could be one inch tall for a day, what specific place would you most like to explore?” Flying wish paper brings a sense of ceremony to wish making as you write down your wishes on special paper, light them, and then watch them fly. Bacon lovers will get a kick out of bacon toothpaste, bacon soap, mints or jelly beans. Kids will love finger puppet books or pocket doodle books to keep them entertained. Part of the fun of shopping here is the element of surprise, so I’ll stop here and let you discover for yourself.

Lake Oswego Library. 706 Fourth Street. 503. 636.7628. Looking for one more stocking stuffer or a unique way to wrap a gift?  The Library has nifty reusable grocery bags and drawstring backpacks available for purchase for only $2 at the check-out desk.  If you’ve got a local history buff in the family, another great gift idea is a copy of the hardbound book In Their Own Words, featuring oral history interviews of Lake Oswegans captured in the mid-1970s. $35 at the check-out desk.

Photo credit: gubgib at freedigitalphotos.net


 

 

Posted in Shopping in Lake Oswego Oregon | Tagged | Leave a comment