You can fight a drafty house and conserve on your energy bills by taking one of the free classes at Community Energy Project. For more info, check out their website.
November 13, 2009
Dodge the draft!
November 10, 2009
Fix It Fair
If you want to be more handy around the house you’ll want to check out the upcoming Fix It Fair at Roosevelt HS. Check out more info here.
September 24, 2009
Business Booms for the Bakery
All of New Cascadia Traditional's goodies are gluten free
As the economy continues to hit the snooze alarm, we here at GNPDX like to highlight businesses that are doing well in Portlandia. You don’t get much better than New Cascadia Traditional.
It started as a once a week stand at one of the Portland farmer’s markets a few years. Then, they added a second farmers market. Then a kiosk in north west PDX. Now, a full service coffee shop in SE with plans to start wholesale operations soon.
Nifty, huh?
Even cooler, New Cascadia’s products are all gluten free so completely safe for anyone with a wheat allergy (there’s some vegan fare to be had as well).
Not to be biased, the GNPDX has had the chance to sample their treats and believes that the cupcakes served at NCT are better than anyone in town. Period.
Don’t believe us? Check it out for yourself at the GRAND OPENING Friday from 8-5. Details are here.
July 17, 2009
Why does Providence care about bikes?
Every summer, thousands of cyclists get to cruise over Portland Bridges
Cyclists have a good reason to scour the garage for that old ten-speed that hasn’t been ridden since Paula Abdul was known for her music (and not judging other people’s vocal chops). Or that box of old bike parts that is just gathering dust.
It’s worth $35.00 And you don’t even have to haggle on Craigslist to get the money.
Providence is accepting donations of old bikes and bike parts at their Tanasbourne location this Saturday. In exchange, each donor gets a free registration to the August Bridge Pedal (a $35.00 value). Plus, you can bring the kids with their bikes and helmets for a free safety check. Oh, and if you’re thinking about riding your two wheels to work one of these days, make sure to catch the free commuting workshop.
For more info on the Bridge Pedal, click here.
July 10, 2009
Free block party on Mississippi
More than 20,000 people turned out for last year's street fair on Mississippi Avenue
It’s going to be in the 80’s and sunny on Saturday here in Portlandia. So … how will you spend the day? Mowing the lawn? Clean the garage? Maybe throw a few steaks on the grill?
Ho hum. You can do that any weekend. How about taking the kids to listen to bands on FOUR live stages … grab local food from the top restaurants in North PDX … win some prizes … oh, and benefit two local kids programs at the same time.
Beats chores, eh?
Every year, Mississippi Avenue hosts the mother of all block parties, reaching from Skidmore to Fremont. This year, organizers say more than 20,000 Portlandians will flood the neighborhood to join the fun. It doesn’t cost a dime to get in, but you will want to bring a few bucks for food and a couple more to donate to the Boise-Eliot Elementary and Albina Youth opportunity schools.
Lest you think this is just a free concert and a few diners opening their doors, think twice oh ye of little faith. The party includes the finest restaurants, games, a parade, kids area, info on local artists and some environmental projects as well. In fact, GNPDX bets you could start at Skidmore, walk down one side of the street to Fremont and then back the other side and STILL not see it all.
Prove us wrong, Portlandia . . . prove us wrong 
For more info on who’s playing, click here.
June 19, 2009
Finding cold hard cash in your fridge
A new fridge can save you hundreds of dollars
It’s pretty common these days for families to keep a spare fridge in the garage or basement. It keeps extra soda chilled. Stores that side of beef you got on sale at the grocery store. And in times like these, isn’t it wise to be buying in bulk when there’s a sale and stashing the extra in your garage?
Yes. But, there could be an even smarter way for you to save money.
Replace the fridge with the help of Energy Trust of Oregon. They’ll buy your old fridge for $30.00 cash and recycle it (guaranteeing 95% of the materials are recycled . . . something not many electronics recyclers can guarantee).
Then, when you go and buy a NEW unit, they’ll give you a cash rebate on any energy-efficient model. Plus, you’ll be saving money every month (about $160 per year if you pitch a model that was made before 2001).
Considering you can buy a decent fridge for about $1,000 (depending where you go and what features you want) . . . the new fridge has paid for itself in 6 years. Not bad, eh?
To call Energy Trust for a pick up, click here.
February 24, 2009
Free Pancakes!
Carb-watchers beware. Today, our nation pauses to pay tribute to that perfectly round, golden, flaky confection that, when properly drenched in butter and syrup, satisfies nearly any set of tastebuds and can slay any pang of hunger.
Yes, it is National Pancake Day.
To celebrate, IHOP’s nationwide are offering guest a free short stack (the flap-jackers ask that diners make a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network as a thanks for the free grub).
Now, if you’ll excuse us, there are more than ten IHOP locations in the Portland area and the GNPDX staff missed breakfast . . . . Pass the syrup!