The Portland addition of BRINKguide is picking up. I’m getting venue reviews just about every day now from our savvy new contingent in the North East. One editor raved about a flower shop in Nob Hill called Luv ‘N Stuff. This place has been family owned and operated for nearly 30 years and editor Lauren Murphy promises they know what they are talking about. Plus, they sell unique gifts to go along with the bouquets and they offer free shipping locally if you make an online order here. So go ahead and send a bud some blooms already.

(Luv ‘N Stuff, 1037 Nw 23rd Avenue, Portland)

This new review reminded me of an older one from one of our trusted guides in Madrid, Kelly Hurd. Hurd added the Tirso de Molina Plaza flower stands to our guide a month or so ago. I asked her for some additional photos for the blog because I was intrigued by her description: “If you walk through this small plaza between La Latina and Lavapiés at night, you may wonder “What are all these strange cube sculptures for?” But if you happen to find yourself there during the day you will discover that these mysterious giant cubes open up like origami into flower stands.” They slipped my mind until now but they are quite a sight. She says the cafes along the plaza are also good for café con leche and some people watching.

I’m proud to say we have received and edited all of the entries for BRINKguide Madrid, so soon reviews like Hurd’s will be easily accessible on your smart phone. And if you think you have what it takes to be an editor for Portland, Tucson, Bisbee or Boston, apply here.

-Caroline Jackson, editor of BRINKguide