They say it's your birthday

Its' a rainy Tuesday in the middle of an impossibly busy week, crammed in to a ridiculously hectic month. And it's also my birthday. Some year's are meant for over the top celebrations (hello, 30 flirty and thriving) and others just have a quieter vibe to them. One or two elements of celebration and the rest easy comfort. Either way, I plan to celebrate with as many Oreo cookies as I can fit on a platter and a relaxed midweek birthday dinner.

Birthday Dinner by agiffin featuring an onyx necklace

Read it, Know it, Live it:

A favorite quote that brought us this...

Designer Love: Sheila Bridges

Elle Decor released their list of top women to watch in the design world with the November issue and one of my long time favorites is on the list. Sheila Bridges' work is so infused with soul that it makes her high end designs feel impossibly warm, layered and cozy.

This quote from an interview with New York Social Diary speaks to me about a sometimes irrational push I feel to always go bigger and better. She found balance in her life by taking a step back (cue irrational worker bee syndrome) and bringing her office back into her home: "I’ve never had any desire to have a bigger and bigger life, to have a bigger and bigger firm. I’ve always been particular about the kind of work I’ve done and there have been other things that I’ve wanted to do under the umbrella of design."

I am still in love with this kitchen featured in O at Home ages ago

Sheila's den at home, which she had painted with quotes from some of her favorite book.

Shop Etsy: Shop Local: Shop Both

Semigloss Chic's Guide to
Washington DC Area Etsy Shops

Lately I've been noticing more cities building networks within their creative community. Shop owners, artists, bloggers, designers, even big box stores are coming together to infuse their city with good design and creative talent and support the local entrepreneurs. Case in point: Next week Boston West Elm is teaming up with PatchNYC and Etsy to showcase local Beantown artists. I love to shop Etsy for interesting finds and to support the artists. And I love to shop at my local area boutiques for the same reason. Thanks to the wonders of a quick search, I can do both. Here are some of my favorite pick for Etsy dealers from the DC area:

ArtShark Design-these red umbrellas are too freakin' adorable

Craftgasm
DC's crowd will appreciate these stylish buttons with words from our (ex) leader

K & E Concepts

Letterpress Light

goshdarnknit- I would totally sport this lunch bag on the Metro

Smitten Kitten
These scarfs are to die for cool and basically effortless on your part

Twirl Vintage
A large collection of some serious retro pieces and great vintage fur

Tulusa Home Goods
Great muted patterns to mix and match with some bright store bought finds