Closing and Opening Doors

 {Adding a few fall touches around the house~}

Good morning everyone, I hope you've all had a lovely week.

I know for a lot of you, summer has ended and the kiddos are back to school. My son starts next Wednesday so we have been trying to pack in as much activity for him as possible.

I've had to make a few tough decision's this week, one being that I'm leaving my beloved Country Roads. This one was pretty hard to do, especially since the owner Sue is so fantastic and supportive. 

But when one door closes, another opens, so I've re-opened my Etsy shop.

Right now, I have vintage items listed and eventually I will be designing some new pieces of jewelry and adding that as well.

 I know, I thought I was done with designing my jewelry line, but lately I have realized just how much I have been missing the creative process of it all.

Here's just a few things available right now.

Much more to come next week.

Alabaster Rose Lifestyle 

 On another note, I'll be announcing my giveaway winner on Monday, so if you haven't entered, there is still time.

Just go HERE~

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Sincerely,

Melinda

Let's Get Ready For Fall Giveaway~

Hi everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful week.

I thought I would take the next couple of weeks and offer a few giveaways.

The first one being this super soft 100% cotton plaid wrap in blue-gray, white, and brown with a detachable raw edge ruffled linen pin. You can wrap this several different ways and the colors are perfect for Fall.

{Designed by Alabaster Rose}

All you need to do to be entered is to leave me a comment and let me know that your a follower.

That's it!

If you want extra entries,

Post on:

 Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

So that's 5 chances in all.

Good Luck and I'll announce the winner next week.

Change... Let it Begin~

Hello all~
I hope you all had a wonderful week.
Its been quiet around here, just staying cool and readying ourselves for change.
We {my family & I} are getting ready to start a new chapter in our lives, for one, I'm beginning my new job on Sunday, which will take some adjustments for us all, daddy will be in charge now on the days I work. :)
Secondly,
I'm also starting another new job, as teacher, for my oldest son, who begins home school on September 5th. I have so many things to do to get us all prepared for homeschooling, and I am praying we can all transition well, especially my son.

I'm nervous about all of these new changes, but if these changes make life better for my family, than I am all for it!

There are things that have had to take a backseat lately, unfortunately, this happens sometimes and first and foremost, I have to remember that my family must come first.

Sorry for all of this personal stuff, I think that's why I like to throw in a pretty picture or two, so you don't get bored. :)

***Thank you to all of my blog friends for always being so supportive and lifting me up with your kind words, it means more to me than you can ever know.
Please forgive me if I am sometimes unable to get back to you with my gratitude, but just know that I do sincerely appreciate all of you!

I'll be back next week to let you know how my first day goes. It shouldn't be too difficult because I'll be working with someone I have known for the past 14 years. She will help this transition go smoothly.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend.
Blessings,
Melinda

Lavender~

                                                      
 "As Rosemary is to the spirit, so Lavender is to the soul." ~Anonymous

Changes~

"Rêve" meaning Dream in French~

I have so many dreams that I wish to follow.

So many things I want to do in my life~

It has been a difficult road lately, and I am praying for the light at the end of the tunnel~

It helps to keep busy around the house, keeping my mind occupied & hopeful~

I'm starting a part-time job next week so I can help my family through this rough patch~

Things will change, life will be busy, but sometimes a change is needed for the good.

Wish me luck!

Blessings ~

Melinda

Dried Flowers~

Good morning friends,
I hope you all had a great week.
It has been so hot here that all we have been doing is going to the pool and staying inside where it's nice and cool.
I've been adding some dried floral arrangements around the house and trying to warm things up a bit in regards to color.
I love tucking sprigs of dried lavender in books tied with twine and on top of little vignettes like the pillows below.

I made this floral arrangement for my room using dried hydrangeas and lavender and placed in a vintage iron urn.

I placed these sprigs of lavender in some old bottles to dry out.

And my vintage lavabo is filled with beautiful dried hydrangeas from my lovely friend Cheryl's sweet mom.

 This wonderful green cabinet was a birthday present from my husband a couple of months back, It came from Loretta's wonderful shop, Full Bloom Cottage.

You might have noticed that I've changed my blog name, it is now Alabaster Rose Lifestyle. Since I am no longer designing, Alabaster Rose Designs didn't really fit any longer.

I'm wishing you all a fantastic weekend, stay cool everyone!!

Sincerely,

Melinda

Creatively Made Home Winners~

Good morning everyone.

I just wanted to say thank you to all who entered the "Creatively Made Home" giveaway, and a big thank you to Sara from "Sadie Olive" for allowing me to host this wonderful giveaway!!

Okay, without further ado, the winners for the 3 free "Creatively Made Home" e-course spots are:

#1 Jamie from Two Wild Roses Antiques

#20 Jennifer from Town & Country Living

#25 Cheryl from Fresh Vanilla For C

***Congratulations to the winners, please e-mail me with your e-mail address at:
alabasterrose@live.com
 

If you didn't win, you can still register for this wonderful inspirational course by clicking on the "Creatively Made Home" Paypal button below. Just $58.00 for the 5 week e-course with all of the talented ladies above!!

Have a great weekend all!!
Sincerely,
Melinda

CMH Giveaway Ending Tomorrow~

 Hi all,

Just a quick reminder that my "Creatively Made Home" giveaway will end tomorrow at midnight.

So if you're still wanting to catch one of the 3 free spots available, make sure you go and enter the giveaway HERE.

***I also have the "CMH" Paypal button up on my side bar if you'd like to go ahead and register.

Just $58.00 for the 5 week e-course and it is going to be chalk full of fantastic inspiration from the 5 talented ladies above!!!~

To read all about this

wonderful new e-course by Jeanne Oliver, click HERE~

Best of luck and don't forget to enter!!!

ENTER HERE

Sincerely,

Melinda

Thinking of Fall & Other Thoughts~

Good morning everyone, I hope you all had a lovely weekend.

I spent the weekend with my boys and painting, yes again. I finally painted the dark gray walls in my living room a light beige color. I think it will be a wonderful backdrop for the fall.

Did I say fall? Yes, I'm already thinking about fall and cooler weather, and of course cute sweaters and boots.

I've seen a few fall posts popping up on other blogs, so I think a lot of us are dreaming of fall.

I'll be registering my son in the homeschooling program in less than a month, so we're all excited about that. I'm nervous, but hoping it will be a great year for him academically.

I've been feeling a little bit lost creatively so to speak. I don't have that creative outlet that I had when I was designing my jewelry line. I have to say I kind of miss it.

I am still taking my professional photography course, but it has been hard without the necessary equipment. We hit a slight rough patch this summer financially, so the camera has had to be put on the back burner. It is still my dream and I will continue to pursue it no matter what, but it is a slow-going process.

Also,

if anyone is interested in advertising with me, I would love to have you. The price right now for 1 month is $20.00 and for 3 consecutive months, is $40.00.

E-mail me if you have any questions.

Well, I hope you all have a lovely week and don't forget to enter my giveaway for 3 free spots for the upcoming "Creatively Made Home" e-course. The giveaway ends this Thursday at midnight.

Click "HERE" to enter.

~Melinda

Creatively Made Home & An Exciting Gift~

Hi everyone, I hope your all enjoying your week.

I have the honor of announcing the new up and coming "Creatively Made Home" e-course being given by 5 of the most talented ladies in blogging.

This is an exciting 5 week course which will include an intimate portrait of each of these amazing women's homes and lives; how they decorate, entertain, and how they live a beautifully creative life.

I know this is going to inspire you all!

Here's the line up of the wonderful ladies who will be sharing their talents:

Sara Duckett from "Sadie Olive"

Tracey Leber from "French Larkspur"

Jeanne Oliver from "Jeanne Oliver Designs"

Jennifer Rizzo from "Jennifer Rizzo.com"

Kimberly Taylor from " Kimberly Taylor Images"

Here's all of the details on the "Creatively Made Home" e-course courtesy of Sara Duckett of " Sadie Olive":

"We wanted to create a course that celebrated what really matters in your home…..you and your family. Celebrating what makes life beautiful in the everyday. Life is not about having the perfect home with the most expensive furniture and accessories. It’s about loving what you put into it, and making sure your home reflects your personality and passions.
Since becoming a mom last year, my home has changed and so have many of my priorities. Spills happen, white sofas have dog hair on them more days than not, and “kid clutter” is everywhere! We all live differently, and much of what you see on my blog and in my photos is so NOT real life around here. Many of you have lovely homes already and many of you are longing to make changes to “beautify” your homes in large or small ways. We hope this course will inspire you to get started, inspire you with new ideas, and overall just show you how our own homes became what they are today – a reflection of our hearts and families."

"Our desire is that this five week online course will change how you see yourself, your home and your family."

* Each week you will have amazing truthful videos from not only the five teachers but other creative women.

* Each week we will take a room from one of YOU and all five women will give their suggestions telling you how they would transform the room with their style.

* There will be 50+ project videos. (These will be incredible videos that include everything from gardening, cooking, gift giving and decorating.)

* There will be written tips from each woman telling you how she starts a room, picks paint, fabrics, etc.  You will learn where to start when putting your own home together.

* Tons of beautiful and inspiring house photos from each of the five women.

* Videos that truly reflect what life is like in each of their homes.

* Each woman will share their own truthful journey about how they started making their home a reflection of their hearts.

* Each person registered will get an easy entertaining e-book to download. It will contain go to recipes for beautiful and easy entertaining (they do go together), photos of table settings that take the stress out of having people over, favorite drinks and so much more (and their funniest entertaining story).

* There will be a private Facebook group to connect with other class members.

* There will be a once a week live discussion with one of the teachers!

* You will get printables and pdfs to keep and use again and again.

"This course is about loving your home, loving your family and blessing those around you….and having fun doing it."

"If you have taken any of the courses that Jeanne Oliver has taught you know how much she puts into them."

"This course will lavish you with ideas, beauty, inspiration, joy and encouragement!

Come and play house with us."

**Class begins October 22.**

Registration is now open!

****Early registration price is $48 for the next two weeks.

After August 6 the price will go to $58

To sign up for the "Creatively Made Home" e-course~

 Just click on the Paypal button below, or visit Sara at "Sadie Olive" to join now!!~

Okay so now for the exciting news~

The lovely & kind Sara from "Sadie Olive" is letting me gift 3 of my lucky readers with a free spot in the "Creatively Made Home" e-course!! 

Just leave me a comment on this post and I'll choose the winner at random on Thursday, August  9th.

**Thank you so much Sara for this gracious giveaway!!

Best of luck to you all!!~
Sincerely,
Melinda