We got to The Bravern at lunch time, so we hit Neiman Marcus for bathrooms and then tried "Wild Ginger". Last time we ate at Artisinal and it was amazing...well we had missed out because Wild Ginger was even more so. With a full dim sum brunch menu as well as a pleasing regular menu we had more than enough to choose from. We enjoyed the best meal I think I've had in some time... Well, ok, top 3! The point is- it was delicious and amazing and I branched out to try a "Radish Cake". I learned that I will eat anything as long as it has a Hoison sauce on it!
We chatted with our waiter and he mentioned that he has a sister who owns a spa in PDX,... it just so happens to be a very good one! He gave us a tip that it might be moving to LA soon, so we might just have to get in there for appointments in the near future.
It isn't a date with Shelley unless there is champagne involved- here enjoying Bellinis. 
Then it was back to NM to check out all the latest... so many compliments on my ensamble that day! Plus- it isn't a trip unless someone has their picture taken here, in this chair.
The trip was partially fueled by our latest "book club" read of "Bringing Home the Birkin"- a memoir about Hermes shopping to the extreme! Since Hermes wasn't open during our last visit, we made a special stop this time. Shelley is modeling her gorgeous orange bag, which houses the most beautiful scarf ever!
I'm holding salted caramel cupcakes. Also a very important part of the Bravern experience. We got a tip in an email that Trophy Cupcake had new flavors- and we have to try anything containing salted caramel. Worth it! We were disappointed that we couldn't try the "Tiger Tail" flavor...
Last stop of the day was Bellevue Mall, which has the Bellevue Art Museum across the street. Beth Levine was the focus of an exhibit which we were totally drawn to. She's the "First Lady of Shoes"! Many people have never heard of her- which isn't suprising, but if you'd seen the shoes on display, you'd know in an instant that she was a pioneer of the shoe industry.She's credited with introducing the stiletto to the USA, for designing Nancy Sinatra's famous white Go-Go boots for "These boots are made for walking" and shoeing many other famous people in her lifetime. With humble roots as a farmer's daughter, she made her way to the big city and when the other men wouldn't listen to her opinion, she made her dreams come true while being true to herself and women's feet everywhere. The designs were really fabulous and so intricate. What's really amazing is noting how many of her ideas have been recycled into current circulation!
One final stop at "Impress", a seriously amazing stamp shop (I am going to have to find a way back there!) and Nordstroms (Yay for shoe shopping!), we were back in the car on our way home. Sunday was reserved for a much needed day of resting!!
