Laura Burciaga

I’ve seen this photo before, but ran across it again today and was reminded how much I love it! Pretty much everything about it is perfection!

via Windsor Smith

I used to browse Rate My Space on occasion, but have not in quite some time, mainly due to the oodles of, let’s just say, not-so-pretty interiors! However, today I stumbled across a darling blog, Pewter & Sage, and saw some jaw-dropping spaces that she gleaned from Rate My Space. I had to share!

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LOVE the coral chandelier!!

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Perfect shade of blue/gray on the walls. I would love to know the name of that paint color.

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I really love this house! So southern! The brick walkway  adds so much charm. And that window!!!

TABCAD

Beautiful lantern, window, and door knocker!

Do any of you have photos on Rate My Space?

I’m linking up to Kelly’s Korner- Show Us Your Life.

Today we are sharing our china pattern. Being the true southern girl, I LOVE china!! I love to set up a pretty table using our dishes, silver and serving pieces. Most of the china we received as wedding gifts, as well as some of my silver. My mom and grandma usually give me a place setting each year to add to my collection. I think it’s unfortunate that a lot of young ladies getting married now a’ days (I sound so old, ha!) don’t register for china or silver anymore. Maybe it’s more of a southern thing, but I love having something to collect and hopefully pass on to my daughter one day! I have to be honest though, I almost did not register for silver for the very same reasons that many girls today have– I thought it was a tad out of style and didn’t think I would use it. Well, when my mom found out, she and my sweet southern grandmama (born and raised in Georgia– pronounced “Joe- jahh” with the charming southern drawl) nearly had a conniption! So, they convinced me that I NEEDED silver– and I’m so glad I listened to them!

My everyday pattern is Wedgewood Portobello Road. We went with the cream place setting (looks white in the photo, but is very cream in reality) with khaki salad plates.

Sadly it is discontinued, and I could not find a photo of the khaki salads.

My fine china pattern is Wedgewood Vera Wang in Grosgrain. I’ve always loved this pattern! It’s so simple and timeless.

Our silver pattern is Reed & Barton Francis 1. I fell in love with this pattern because of its ornate detailing. The pieces are quite hefty and large. I have 7 place settings and one serving spoon and one slotted spoon so far.

The dishes in the photograph are not mine.

Hope you enjoyed seeing my patterns!

I’m loving this office space that belongs to Dave and Joi of Nuestra Vida Dulce. I’m such a sucker for black and white, and those curtains are rockin! Even more impressive is, she hand-painted those babies! I also really like the size of the Craigslist loveseat. You should definitely check out their blog for oodles of DIY ideas!

So much color= happiness!

I have the same white lacquer box that sits on her credenza– good ole’ Home Goods! Great job, Dave and Joi!

Summer is officially here & it feels so good! Last week I packed up my classroom and Friday said my good-bye’s after turning in my keys. It felt kinda strange to see my classroom empty and to be saying good-bye because this has been my workplace for nearly 3 years. I feel blessed to be beginning a new season and a new job. I cannot tell you how light I feel, like a 2 ton weight of bricks that has been on shoulders for 3 years is gone!!! I feel so much peace about where the Lord is taking me.

This week, I have been catching up with friends, old and new. Saturday, a big group of us went to Campania’s Pizza in Southlake Town Square to celebrate the end of my teaching career. It was so fun and laid back. Their pizza is so good! Sunday, my husband and I relaxed and decided last minute Sunday to go to Six Flags! Ha! We have not been there since we were dating and we felt like “kids” again! It was nice because it was in the evening, so the temperature was a little cooler (not much though) and there were no lines. Monday, I worked out, hit up Ulta for some new make-up, and then several of us got together to watch the Bachelorette. What do you guys think of Ali? I think she is really cute and fun, kind of a “girl next door” type.

We laughed so hard at Chris N. (I think that’s his name) because he seems to be lurking in the background in every shot with the strangest look on his face! I don’t think he and & Ali have even talked, but she keeps giving him a rose! He is the one on the right. We discussed that it is possible that he and Ali have talked and the footage has been edited out, because maybe he makes it really far?? I guess we’ll have to see

We all like Roberto! Something about Latin men

Then last night, we had our young adults group at church and got to see a lot of friends that I hardly see because work has kept me so busy! It’s been WONDERFUL to see old friends and catch up with new ones! I’m learning that people are so important and it’s vital to have a network of close friends surrounding you. Work is very important, and I completely believe in giving 110% percent at your workplace and having good work ethic, but people and relationships are even more important. I’m excited to be able to have more time to devote to my husband and family and friends.

In celebration of summer, I’m posting some pics with black and white stripes. I love black and white stripes and something about it feels so summery to me!

PS- I’m going to work on taking more pictures and posting them, as well as blogging more than once a month!

I am thrilled to announce that there are 11 days of school left!!!!! Hallelujah!! It feels SO good to FINALLY be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is almost within reach!!! I am so ready and thankful that it is coming to an end. You see, this school year has been full of storms. This was my 3rd year, and most say that the 3rd year is supposed to be the best year… um, yeah. Not so much. It almost killed me. No exaggeration. Never in my life have I encountered so many challenges nor had so many personal attacks made against me… but ya know what? Through it all, I have come to know the Lord on a deeper level. I have come to know Him as my Father, my Defender, the One I can trust when there is no one I can trust. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have known the Lord and walked with Him for many years, since being saved at age 3. But during these past 3 years, especially the past few months, I could not have gotten by without Him. He has won my heart over all over again. He has prepared a table for me in the midst of my enemies, literally. So, in light of the storms of the past, the end of this school year is especially significant, in more ways than one. It also marks the end of this chapter of my life and the beginning of a new one… And I am filled with joy!

Ummm, can you say “Wow!!!!!” I think my heart literally skipped a beat when I saw this picture of Paris Hilton’s closet. Must be nice!!!!!

*sigh*

Real Simple, found on Deliciously Organized

Eddie Ross

If I had a medicine cabinet, I would want it to look like these two photos. Who thought a medicine cabinet could be so beautiful?! Think how much more enjoyable getting ready in the mornings could be! The bottom picture is from Eddie Ross. Have I mentioned how great Eddie is?  He formerly worked for Martha Stewart and now is a fab designer. I recommend taking a peek at his site!

On another note, take a look at the kitchen I found on a favorite blog of mine, Bryn Alexandra Interiors. I LOVE the marble counters, chandelier and wall color!!! Gorgeous! And that window…sigh. I also like it because it seems attainable, which makes it all the more attractive!

Happy Easter and Passover!! I hope everyone has had a wonderful day with family and friends! Easter festivities are fun, but remember the true meaning of it all! Our depravity deserves death, but Jesus had mercy upon mankind and died the ultimate death, in our place. He took the sins and sickness of the world upon Him and died a terrible death. He experienced unimaginable pain and torment at the hands of you and I. But He was willing to make that sacrifice so that we could be redeemed!! Our death sentence was paid for by Jesus!! I am eternally grateful that He died in my place. But the Good News is that death could not hold my Jesus in the grave!! He arose on the third day with new life!! Something that has changed my life recently and brought everything to a new level for me was when I heard my pastor share that Jesus not only died for me– He LIVED for me!! He not only paid my debts and died a sinner’s death, but He lived a perfect and righteous life in my place!! Because I cannot!! No matter how hard I try, my best attempts fall WAY short. God deserves nothing short of perfection, but I can never have the perfect life that He deserves. The good news is that Jesus lived in my place and there is grace for me! This is not a license to sin all I want; on the contrary, it makes me WANT to live for Him! And He gives me the POWER to live for Him! What amazing freedom we have in Christ Jesus!!

“God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ–by grace you have been saved– and raised up with Him… For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2: 4-6, & 8

That is what Easter is truly about! Praise God!

I found a kitchen I instantly fell in love with at Style Files. Designer Caitlin Wilson lives in Dubai (how exciting and romantic!) and has such an eye for fresh, modern interiors with a classic feel. Check out her blog!

Just look at the marble tile backsplash!! Love the feet under the cabinets and that upper row of cabinets all lit up! How about the Viking range? Beautiful. I like the stainless steel Kitchen Aid! My hubby surprised me with the same one at Christmas! The well-lit space, cream cabinets and accessories, and neutral damask wallpaper keep the stainless steel and marble from feeling too cold. Enjoy!