Laura Burciaga

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”.

This is my one and only wish for Christmas:

The Dyson Animal Vaccuum.

I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is around the corner! To get in the spirit, I am joining the Show Us Your Life over at one of my favorite blogs, Kelly’s Korner.

Last year, we had our first Thanksgiving at our new house. We had my in-laws over, and it just was wonderful to enjoy our first holiday in our first home. Now, I have to say that I did not make the turkey… Ish’s mom did and it was so good! I don’t think I’m quite ready to tackle cooking a turkey, but maybe next year. Here is one of my favorite family recipes for Thanksgiving. I have seen it made several different ways, but this is the way we make it and it’s my favorite:

Sweet Potato Casserole

• 3 T. butter melted
• 2 T brown sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1/3 cup milk
• orange juice to taste
• cinnamon
• ginger
• Topping: Marshmallows

Mix all ingredients (except marshmallows) in a casserole dish. Completely cover the top with a layer of marshmallows. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes.

So easy, and so yummy!!

Friday evening, my hubby and I went to the Client Appreciation Gala for Granite Financial. It was held in the beautiful Petroleum Club in Downtown Ft. Worth. The food was delish!! When we came home, we began to relax from our night on the town and from a busy work week. Now, our dogs have been fighting a lot– a lot! And it could be over food, a bone, my lap, anything can trigger it. Well, all of sudden I heard growling and then a fight erupted, before I could even get to them. I knew it was bad this time, and when my husband picked up Gus, I looked at his sweet little face, and sure enough, blood was pouring out of his eye!!! Oh, I just felt awful!! And Gus is so sweet and gentle, he never cries or whines, or initiates the fighting. He was just there in my husband’s arms, silent, and the pain was evident on his face. We threw on the nearest shoes (I, in my pj’s, grabbed my silver bejeweled sandals- this was not a time to worry about fashion–) grabbed Gus’ blanket, keys/purse and jumped in the car. We sped to the pet hospital which is open 24 hours, all the while praying that he will be ok and no permanent damage is done. He just looks pitiful. He is squinting his eyes and blood is steadily streaming out of the right eye. When we arrived, the wonderful people at VCA Pet Hospital whisked us back to a room. After getting everything checked out, turns out there were scratches around the eyelid and rim of the eye, and the eye itself had a small scratch on it. We were instructed to put eyedrops in, but no permanent damage was done!! Our Gussie was such a trooper! I just felt awful though, and responsible. As his mother I should protect my babies from all harm. Our dogs are like people to us! Anyway by the time we left at 11:30ish Friday night, his eye was looking much better although still red and swollen around the eye. Thank goodness he will be ok! Sidenote: We are getting them both neutered very soon to hopefully help with the aggression. We are also looking into doing Bark Busters for some behavioral training.

Dear Blogging World,

I am proud to be a new member of the blogosphere.  I guess you could say that this is something I have thought about starting for awhile now (of course, this does not in any way imply that I have been a blog stalker for the past 12 months ). This is a place for me to journal my thoughts, ideas, experiences and connect with others in the process.

Here is a little about me:

I live in Texas and I love the South for its food, traditions, old fashioned manners, and big hair.

My husband and I have been married 2 1/2 years now and time sure has flown! I love being married and I am blessed to have a thoughtful, talented and wise Christian man as my partner in life.

I am a teacher. I love kids (well, most of the time I do). I love being able to see them learn and grow.

Interior Decorating is a passion of mine. I love making our home a beautiful and comfortable place to make memories. It is a creative outlet for me.

We have 2 dogs, six month old chihuahuas. They are brothers and they are so darn cute. They are spoiled to say the least.

I guess that is all for now. Have a Wonderful Sunday!