Portland

For our second trip to Portland, the boy and I booked a room at The Nines on the recommendation of Anya and Adele. It was such a lovely hotel, very luxurious and modern. So pretty!

The view from our eleventh floor room

A chandelier on the ground floor

The highlight of The Nines: a beautiful courtyard/atrium that sits in the centre of the hotel, where guests can wine, dine and unwind.

While shopping in the Pearl District, I saw Camilla Skovgaard shoes on sale. But I was saving my money for my big splurge of the trip...

...a new camera! I'm still learning how to use it properly.

Other Portland purchases: J. Crew wool cafe capri pants and silk 'Lucinda' blouse, plus a black cashmere cardigan, Hanii Y print blouse and two necklaces from Nordstrom Rack. The black-and-gold necklace turned out to be Kate Spade when I inspected it closely; it was on clearance for $18.75. Score!

First night in Portland: dinner at Mother's Bistro followed by salsa dancing at Aztec Willie's.

It's my birthday and I'll dress up if I want to. Wearing an H&M lace dress and bib necklace, red Roots clutch, blue patent Pour La Victoire pumps.

Dinner and drinks at my favourite Portland restaurant, Toro Bravo. After an incredible meal, the staff surprised me with churros and dipping chocolate, all topped off with a birthday candle.

As with most vacations, it was too short and I'm kind of sad this trip went by so quickly, especially with a daunting schedule for the next couple of weeks. Oh well, c'est la vie! Besides, the wait will only make the next trip all the sweeter.