A Day in Portland & Big News!

~Hanging on the wall in the Pearl District’s Lovejoy Bakers is this wonderful piece of art (unfortunately, I did not write the details down). This four by four foot painting depicts one of the many rainy days that have always drawn me to this beautiful city of Portland.~

Over the weekend, I ventured down the Columbia River to Portland for a day of some business, exploring, shopping and coffee with a wonderful opportunity to catch up. There is something about making the three hour trek to the City of Roses that brings a burst of exhilaration. In fact, just knowing in advance of my plans to head to the city does wonders for my mood.

The visit this time was no exception to my heightened expectations.

While I spent the majority of my time in the Pearl District, I had to stop by my favorite consignment shop in Nob Hill – Seams to Fit. While the above khaki dress from Carolina Herrera caught my eye immediately, I reminded myself that my budget was much smaller than what its price tag listed and instead picked up these aviators and the wrap top you see here.

Making my way to the neighborhood of the Pearl District (home of Powell’s Books and so many other wonderful shops, parks and restaurants), this boardwalk led me to the Lovejoy Bakers which offers breads of all shapes and sizes, pastries and delicious lunch sandwiches and soups where I met my friend and her two daughters for a treat and catch-up.

The street car that runs through the district and up through Nob Hill is a simple way to quickly get to the Max or a destination that may be just out of walking reach.  I was excited to discover that there is an additional street car line that just began running last fall on the east side of the river as well. Interestingly enough, it stops right in front of my next stop for the day (below) . . . Rejuvenation.

On the prowl for hardware for my kitchen cupboards and drawers, I have come to love the unique variety and retro styles that Rejuvenation offers. Salvage items are available as well as new, and from lighting, to hardware, furniture, fixtures and more, they have what you just might not realize you need. Here are a few pieces that caught my eye:

Now as for what I decided to purchase, you’ll see the glass brushed nickel knobs recently installed and on display in my Kitchen Facelift post, but I must have been excited and overwhelmed at being in Portland because I incorrectly measured when it came to the drawer pulls. Oh well, just another excuse to stop there next month when I return.

Before heading out of town and back home, I stopped by my favorite fresh flower shop in the city, Sammy’s Flowers. This particular location was located on Lovejoy street in the Pearl, but the original location can still be found on NW Glisan and 23rd. Picking out these hydrangeas, I hopped back in my car for the return trip.

But . . . there is one thing I forgot to mention.

It has been nearly seven years since I left Portland to begin living in eastern Oregon, and I am beyond ecstatic to share with you that I will be moving back to Portland, specifically the Pearl District part-time beginning next month. What does this mean? Well, it means I will be gradually decorating my new studio which means more decor posts (see decor inspiration I rounded up for February’s Ideabook). It also means more posts similar to this one and all the things I will be discovering when it comes to fashion, food and anything that is simply luxurious.

Am I still teaching? Absolutely! Nothing has changed on that front. I am simply taking advantage of an opportunity that has presented itself. And the beauty of having summers free is that I can spend my time in two amazing places. I do hope you’ll continue to stop by and discover more specific inspiration and insights on how to live a refined life on an everyday income.  It has taken me time to share personal peeks into my life, but while keeping my boundaries in check, I would like to show you a bit more of why I genuinely believe that a simply luxurious life is an amazing life to live.

~A FEW POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~Why Not . . . Shop Consignment?

~Simple Strategies for Flower Arrangements

~The Kitchen Facelift

~Why Not . . . Become Your Own Decorator?

 

Images: All taken by TSLL via Instagram – follow me here.