Laura Burciaga

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!

moredesign

moredesign

LOVE the coral chandelier!!

moredesign

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

TABCAD

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!

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!

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!

Wow, it sure has been awhile since I last blogged! Time sure has flown by and so much has happened. I have wanted to blog many-a-time, but it seems that the pressure and demands of every day life has taken precedence lately. In fact, life has been more stressful than usual lately. However, this week has been Spring Break, and let me tell you, it was a much needed and deserved break. Teachers definitely get the benefit of wonderful holidays and summers off, but let me tell you, they are much deserved. So during this week off, I furiously scrubbed my house, caught up on laundry, and went grocery shopping (things  teachers frequently do during time off ) in preparation for a special visit from my favorite cousin from Georgia!! It was so special to have her here with us for the week. We had beautiful weather and spent a lot of time showing her the city, eating out, and sleeping in. I will hopefully post pics soon.

In other news, I found a photo that serves as an inspiration photo of sorts for my living room. I found it on La Dolce Vita.

Eric Roth Photography

I love the calming white color palette, the pendant light fixture, the contemporary sofas and armchairs. Aren’t the cowhide ottomans to die for?? LOVE. Now, I’m not loving the artwork between the curtain panels. Just too Pottery Barn-ish and I’ve seen it a million times. Equestrian photos, like the one above the fireplace, seem to be the rage right now.

I promise to blog more often. With that, I leave you.

I have been on the search for the perfect living room rug… on a budget. We have oak hardwood floors (which I love) in the entry, living and dining room. When we first bought the house, we purchased a dark brown thick jute rug from Crate and Barrel. We paid a pretty penny for it, too. Well, a year and 2 puppies later, this rug was not working for our space. First, it was too dark… just sorta weighed down the room. Second, too thick. Third, too small (6×9). The room really needs an 8×10 or larger. The final straw was when our jute rug became the spot of choice for our puppies to relieve themselves. I guess something about the texture made it seem like the place to go. Needless to say, we got rid of the rug after having it for only 1 year. Oh, also it was very rough. If you sat in it for any length of time, you would be left with imprints of the rug in your knees, legs, etc. I wanted something soft that invited people to sit and lounge on it, as well as a place for our future babies to play on.

Which leads us to where we are now: Rugless. I’m okay with it for now because our floors are pretty, but the room needs something to warm it up and ground our furniture. So I currently am on the hunt for the perfect rug. I would like something large, neutral colored, soft, easy to clean and maintain, looks expensive, but costs very little. I am debating on a wool jute rug in a smaller weave and lighter color. I love the texture of seagrass/jute/natural fibers, however, I am worried that it will not have the plush feel I am looking for. I have also debated on an oriental rug in a subtle, neutral pattern. This would give the space a timeless look, but I am not sure if I want to go that route (might be too traditional). I also like something fun and contemporary like this:

Or like this:

This I found on Home Decorators.com. The price is very reasonable and since it is an indoor/outdoor rug, it can be hosed down! Sometimes indoor/outdoor rugs are not the softest, but this one appears soft. Which color do you like better?

Which rug would you go with– jute/seagrass, oriental, or something like in the photo?

Okay, I found another thing I must add to my Christmas wish list… so I lied, the Dyson is not the only thing I want/need… I’m a girl, ok! I’m allowed to change my mind!

Here it is:

It’s the Ikea Trollsta Sideboard. It would be perfect in our living room to house all of our media equipment. Right now we have a tall bookcase from West Elm that is housing all of media stuff (our flat screen is mounted above the fireplace). I love the bookcase but after we bought it, we realized we really needed something that was meant to conceal all the lovely wires, controls, remotes, etc. that come with electronics. I’ve been looking for just the right piece of furniture for that wall, and has been a bit challenging to find one that is not too traditional, too country, too tuscan-y, too low, you get the picture. Our living room is contemporary/transitional, so I wanted to find something with the right feel and look and functionality. Then I happened across this lovely sideboard on Ikea’s website. I think it is new from them. Best of all, there are cord outlets in the back and 2 adjustable shelves. And you can’t beat $349! I love that it does not look like a “media cabinet”.