A is for Antiques

Congress Street is full of sales this week, and some of the best deals can be found at Allen & Walker Antiques (600 Congress St., 772-8787). This annual sale runs through Saturday (Feb. 2), and everything in the store is marked down a certain percentage (20 to 60), with merch ranging from house wares and art to jewelry and decor.

Now, I’d walked by Allen & Walker for almost a year before I went in, thinking its treasures would no doubt break my budget. But, during the November First Friday they held a tag sale next door, with items marked as low as $1. Now that gets my attention. After perusing the tag sale, I popped into the main store, and yes, prices there were higher, but definitely not out of reach. I left empty handed, but planned to return. And, their annual January sale was all the incentive I needed.

Perhaps not surprisingly, I’m partial to jewelry, and was immediately drawn to their case stocked with one-of-a-kind pieces – all marked 30 percent off. On my first visit it was all I could do to leave the pretty jade pendant, but I thought I’d be back to get it. (Turns out my now-married sister did some investigative shopping and purchased it before I could get back to it – and then gifted it to me as a MOH present. Thoughtful and sly, that girl.)

The store itself is chock-full of eclectic merch, such as this Taj Mahal-esque birdcage (Who cares if you don't have a bird? Make it a lamp! Something, anything, I love it. See image below.)

There are a lot of Asian pieces, mostly Chinese and Japanese, but that’s all cozied up beside pieces from America throughout the 20th century. And, with lots of smaller pieces under $50, it’s easy to add vintage accents to whatever your home’s style. If that feels too steep, there’s another Allen & Walker tag sale in our future – they are trying to do them quarterly, so look for the next one this spring.

P.S.The other sales abounding in the Arts District to check out: Happy Yogi’s Winter Clearance to a storewide, 25 percent off sale at Material Objects (500 Congress St., Portland, 774-1241),

Soak it up

So, admittedly, Resolution No. 13: Blog More is not going well. And, at the risk violating Resolution No. 32: No Excuses, I’d like to offer some for my recent hiatus. Okay, I’ll limit the rationalization. But, how about just one? It’s a good one too – major: A beloved sister’s wedding.

Now, naturally there was lots of shopping involved for the occasion (that whole old, new, borrowed, blue is not as benign an errand as one might think), but could I file any of the pre-nuptial running around as therapy? Er, no. Why does no one tell you that the after-effects of a wedding weekend leave you feeling like you’ve just suffered through a transatlantic flight wedged in the middle seat of economy class? Not that the event itself wasn’t roses, it was. But, phew. No doubt I’ll be spending the next few weeks in my favorite shops, recovering from it all with shoes. And earrings. And purses.

But, in all the going-to-the-chapel chaos, there were a few moments of Zen – both for the lovely bride and her slightly frazzled, “seriously-you-want-me-to-write-how-many-place-cards?” MOH. Actually, we enjoyed a full hour of Zen, with a little foot maintenance thrown in, thanks to the women of Soakology.

Now, for those of you who find pedicures relaxing, Soak may feel a bit redundant, but if you’re like me and constantly worried that you’ll end up with too-short nails, color choice resentment or cut cuticles, Soak was created for you. A deep ceramic bowl filled with hot water plus an assortment of herbs, petals and other elements to treat and heal your feet. We booked the place (downstairs can accommodate up to 10 soaks), and assorted bridesmaids and friends joined in the fun. The Bride chose the Sweet Rose Melt, a softening soak filled with pretty pink petals, and added a foot massage to get her aisle (and dance-floor) ready. Other soaks included the Massala (Chai plus elements including fig), Omega-3s and Rose Hips, and I chose Energizing, a Chinese herbs plus citrus soak. It was both relaxing and restorative – perfection-plus. Each Soak ranges from $20-$50, and I’d say most average around $35. You can also add massages including foot; head/neck/shoulder or hand, or other treatments such as pumice at additional cost.

While we soaked, some munched on cupcakes while others sipped all-natural smoothies and pomegranate spritzers. Soak offers a teahouse menu of light fare plus teas, milkshakes and smoothies. And, yes, we were a very girly bunch, but this place is hardly ladies-only. Men too could easily get comfy in the oversized chairs and couches, and one foot in the soak erases any manly hang-ups you might have about telling friends where you spent your lunch hour or evening. But, caveat emptor: Soaking can be addictive. I’m already planning my return.

Work it while you work it

Last week was Resolution Week and I was so busy resolving I didn’t post. My running total is at 37 . . . And that’s already after ruling some out (Seriously, was I really going to trade in my daily capp for green tea? Um, no.) But, others I’m really looking forward to, such as 17. Find a winter sport, and 24. Yoga. Fitness first in 2008, I say. Okay, second to shopping. But that’s for the blog’s sake. Really.

Now, I actually really like going to the gym. Sure, it might have something to do with allowing myself to listen and watch anything – however trash-tastic – while I’m there. (Hey, it’s a judgement-free zone.) But, Gossip Girl and Britney aside, could I ensure a little more stick-to-it-ive-ness if I invested in some chic work out wear? Every fitness, fashion and in-between magazine tells me that yes, in order to walk the walk – or run, ski, asana – you’ve got to look the part. And, truth: the faded sweats and Reny’s-purchased tees are wearing a little thin. And while I’m hardly talking about prom dress-to-the-gym, maybe a little effort in the spirit of the new year would be good.

So up the street to Happy Yogi I went. On a freezing day, the warm, inviting glow of Zen was just what I needed. Can that count as a workout? The HY stocks a variety of yogawear for men and women, as well as mats. The pants, tees and tanks by Omgirl are chic and comfy, and there’s also a small sale rack for both men and women for those of you looking to align your Chakras without throwing your bank account out of whack. Or, if it’s bargains you seek and Target doesn’t overwhelm you, there’s some Champion-wear there that satisfies the three-Cs (chic, comfy and cheap), and comes in some fun colors (think pale green, magenta and silver, plus some prints) beyond the basic black and brown.

Next is on to footwear, and my money’s headed toward Maine Running Company – they will fit you right, plus give you $5 off your new shoes if you bring in your old sneaks to recycle. Which satisfies resolutions five through seven: Consign more, spend less and embrace green. Maybe I'll even add running. Maybe.