Alabaster Rose Designs

Living Room~ Before

2012-02-15T16:38:00.000-08:00

Hello all, hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day!!~

I wanted to show you what my living room looks like. Now, before I show you all, just remember that these are the before photos~~!!

I'm planning on painting the living room next week, so that should make a huge difference!

In my last place I painted my walls "Newsprint" by Martha Stewart. I loved the color, but it was just a tad too light for my living room. I think I might do Newsprint in my bedroom this time.

I'm going to use "Pearl Gray" in my living room, also a Martha Stewart color. I got the inspiration for both of these colors from Maria's blog, I love how they look in her beautiful home.

The vintage yellow vanity I'm thinking of selling. It was one of my first antique pieces that my husband and I bought together, but it just doesn't seem to go anywhere in my home any longer.

What do you think? Keep or sell?

Here's another photo of it holding my vintage baskets.

As you can see I have tons of windows all through my house which I completely love. But they need something on them like maybe some sheers.

The vintage settee will probably find a new place as well. I don't know if I'll just move it somewhere else or sell it at my space in Country Roads.

There is another side to my living room, but that's where my t.v. cabinet is and I hate the way it looks. So I might have to find a different storage solution for my t.v.

Here's a photo of Maria's living room painted in the Pearl Gray color~

Gorgeous right!!? Now if only my living room could look like this, it would be perfect!!~ :)

Well, that's it for today.

Also just to let you know, I just joined Linky Follower's, so if you'd like to follow me through Linky, I would love to have you! {It's under my Google Follower List}

Have a great night all.

Sincerely,

Melinda

An Imperfect Table~

2012-02-09T15:18:00.000-08:00

Hi all, just wanted to do a quick post and show you the table I changed up a bit. It didn't turn out perfect by any means, but I really like how it turned out.

I was inspired by a photo that I saw on Tracey's blog "French Larkspur", but of course, who isn't inspired by her lovely home?!!

She had a small table placed in front of her vintage mantle with chairs and I just loved how it looked.

I had a small table , but the top wasn't very big, so I removed the reclaimed barn wood from my coffee table and put it on top of the smaller table. I had to place the top a little off center because the 2 end pieces of wood were separate pieces and I wouldn't have been able to nail it to the table properly.

It took a while to remove the wood from the the coffee table and a lot of not so nice words, but it was worth it in the end, I got the look that I was looking for.

I replaced the old wood knob with a vintage milk glass knob.

My vintage French cake plate ~ Love it!

I hung my petite chandelier over the table. This is one of my favorites.

I have some very special chairs coming soon to go around the table, I can't wait to get them.

This will be the perfect spot for my oldest son to do his homework and to have his snacks.

Now, I just have to make a new top for my coffee table, the projects never end, do they?

But that's okay, I love having projects around the house to do, it makes me happy!~

Hope you all have a beautiful day, it's already hot here in So Cal and I'm off to watch my son's square dance performance.

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Joining the lovely Debra and Courtney for "Vintage Inspiration Friday" at Common Ground, and "Feathered Nest Friday" at French Country Cottage~
Stop by to see the wonderful inspiration!~~

Also joining Aimee @:

My Bedroom~

2012-02-08T16:20:00.000-08:00

Hi all, hope your having a great week!~

I finally got my bedroom fixed up enough to photograph it. The photos didn't turn out that great, so I was a little disappointed. My birthday in coming up in a few months and I asked hubby for a new camera and lenses. Hopefully if I get it, I'll take a photography class at the local college so I can learn a few skills to help me better my photos.

The curtains I made from creamy linen with petite pale green stripes. You can't see the stripes unless your super close to the curtains.

{all photos by Alabaster Rose Designs}

I'll be back with more photos in the next couple of days.

Have a great day.

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Vintage Grain Sack Pillow & A Favorite Room~

2012-02-07T11:13:00.000-08:00

Hi All, hope you had a lovely week and are gearing up for a great weekend.

I've been a bit ill this past week, but felt a bit better today, so I took some photos of my son's room.

I had this vintage grain sack for a couple of years and decide it would look cute as a pillow for my son's room.

I hope my boy's room isn't starting to look too girly, cause I really like it!~ In fact, I think I like it better than mine.

The lamp shade is a floral print, so I just covered it with strips of burlap I sewed elastic strips onto.

I know your all probably tired of seeing these flowers, but I just love them in this vintage coal bucket.

Here's a better shot of the lamp shade I made.

I love their new room because it is super big and they have tons more room now to play. This is just my older son's half of the room. My little one's side was a mess, so that will be for another day.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

And I just wanted to say thank you all for your continued visit's and support with my blog. Even though I don't respond all of the time to your comments, they do mean the world to me, so thank you!!

Sincerely,

~Melinda

~Tonight I'm Linking up with Jennifer Rizzo for her "Refresh Your Room" Linky Party~ And Kathleen at Faded Charm for "White Wednesday" ~Stop by and join in!~

Simple Treasures~

2012-01-31T10:51:00.000-08:00

Simple things make me happy!!~

{all photos by me~}

Enjoy the simple things in life~and treasure them. Most importantly, family and friends, and the little not so important, but well loved things, that make your house a home!

Have a beautiful day.

Sincerely,

~Melinda

~Joining Kathleen at "Faded Charm" for her wonderful "White Wednesday"~

A Little Glimpse Part II~

2012-01-29T11:56:00.000-08:00

Sharing with you today a few random photos~

Hope you enjoy!

This antique Mary was my mother-in-law's. She gave it to me right before she past away, so it is extremely special to us!

A little spot in my kitchen~ I got the yummy vintage towels with my initials "M.R." for Christmas from an Etsy shop in France. It came as a set of 5 and they are huge! I have a collection of these and I just love them.

Enjoy your Sunday!
Sincerely,
~Melinda

A Little Glimpse~

2012-01-27T17:09:00.000-08:00

Hello all, I finished unpacking and sprucing up the dining room and thought I'd show you some photos.

I really wanted to change things up in this house, but I always find it hard to deviate from what I've done in the past. Sometimes I wish I had someone that could come in and give things a fresh perspective. That's what I really need!

A quick thank you to my sweet friend Cheryl and her lovely Mom Julie for the wonderful dried hydrangeas. I'm just giving you a peak right now, but wait until you see my antique dough bowl full of these beautiful blooms!

Well, what do you think?

I'm off to take a much needed rest, I'm so dog tired!!

Talk to you all soon, have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Guest Post~Joanna W/ "Design Shuffle" ~Irresistable Vintage Headboards

2012-01-26T07:55:00.000-08:00

Good Morning all. Hope everyone is doing well. Just a quick stop in this morning to introduce Joanna from Design Shuffle. They were kind enough to contact me about guest posting and I thought this was the perfect time!
We moved in this week and I'm in the process of unpacking and putting things in their place. So I'll be back as soon as I get the boxes unpacked and arranged.
Have a great week!!~

Hi, I’m Joanna, a blogger for Design Shuffle, a terrific online source of all things interior design. My job has me searching the internet for the most beautiful decors to share with blog readers like you. Thanks to Alabaster Rose Designs for letting me share some of my favorite vintage headboards. Nostalgic and romantic, the collection of vintage headboards below has us dreaming of the past when décor was soft and comforting. One thread we find running through many of the rooms is the use of repurposed and unexpected materials, such as the fireplace mantel used as a headboard.

A wrought iron canopy, ornate headboard and vintage hats create a romantic feel in this lovely bedroom.

An antique fireplace mantel offers a focal point in this crisp blue and white bedroom design. The shells on the mantel give a coastal touch.

Another antique mantel heads up a bed with vintage linens and throw pillows. The rustic setting gives a truly vintage feel to the room.

This tufted headboard with shelf feels a bit country. The vintage print on the bed linens brings the room together. Does this room inspire any DIY bedroom decorating ideas for you?

An oversized print of vintage laundry looks incredibly realistic. The modern furnishings give the room an eclectic feel.

An ornate wrought iron headboard with rustic finish gives this vintage room a chic touch. Wouldn’t you love to see what the rest of the room looks like?

This elegant bedroom gets its sophistication from the stately mantel headboard and lovely flowing bed skirt.

Tall antiqued shutters tower over a bed with vintage linens and pillows. The robin’s egg blue on the walls creates the perfect backdrop for this lovely bedroom design. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Love all these vintage looks? Then check out Design Shuffle to discover the history of interior design. Here you'll be able to connect with Boston interior designers and more!

~Moving on~

2012-01-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

Hi all, I know its been a while, but, well, you know, life!

Everyone's been sick with pneumonia and bronchitis here at home for the past few weeks. Has this hit your home yet? I think we're finally in the home stretch now, so yippee!!

Also here on the home front, we're moving! Yep, that's right, we're finally moving into a bit bigger place with lot's more windows! Thank goodness, now I won't feel like I'm living in a basement with no light. I have 3 windows in my entire place right now, so it is a bit dark, all of the time.

Anyway, the new place is wonderful. Since I've been sick, I just started packing yesterday and we now have 7 days until the move, so I am now in panic mode! And I'm out of tape and packing paper, so I need to make a run to Uhaul for more supplies. The one good thing though is we're hiring mover's this time, so my husband and I won't break our backs moving our heavy vintage furniture up and down the stairs. Boy, they made good ole' solid furniture back in the day didn't they?!!

As much as I hate the moving process, packing, unpacking, lifting, boxes piled to the ceiling, I do LOVE decorating the new place!! It's a blank canvas ready for endless possibilities. I can't wait to try some different decorating ideas and would adore anything like the beautiful rooms below~

{All photos from "De'cor de Provence"}

Yummy inspiration right?

Hope you all have a wonderful week and I'll be back once I'm all settled into the new place.

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Vintage European Wall Sink Lavabo~

2011-12-30T18:37:00.000-08:00

Hi all, I hope your having a wonderful and relaxing week.

I wanted to show you another gift I got for Christmas. I have been wanting one of these sinks forever and found one in a fantastic on-line shop that I found through Lulu at "DustyLu". The shop owner has the most amazing style and the most wonderful French and European vintage treasures for sale. Her name is Debra Hall and her shop is called "Debra Hall Lifestyle".

Vintage European Wall Sink Lavabo from the 1920's.

I love the chippy green paint on the sink basin.

I think this would be beautiful filled with fresh or dried hydrangeas!

If you haven't stopped by Debra's shop, do so now, I know you will love her treasures. She also has a blog where you can see a tour of her beautiful home full of French farmhouse antiques. I could look at her photos for hours!!

I changed a few things around the house the day after Christmas. I'm always ready for something fresh and clean after the craziness of the holidays.

I really need to finish upholstering the arms on this vintage settee in the New Year. And I think I'll change out my bucket chandie for a small crystal chandie. The bucket light would look great in my boys room.

I love these vintage wicker wine bottles. I would love to have a collection of these, but they are so expensive now. I remember when I lived in No. Cal, I found 2 of these for $18.00 a piece and I never got them. I could just kick myself for passing these up!

Have you done that, passed up something you wished you wouldn't have?

Well, I can't wait to start the New Year!! I actually woke up early this morning and walked on the treadmill. Yoga starts next week, and I'm more than ready for that too!

Thanks to all of you for your words of encouragement and again for your prayers!!

I wish everyone a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Joining the wonderful Courtney at "French Country Cottage".

Thank You, Ramblings, & Christmas Gifts~

2011-12-28T18:57:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone.

I just want everyone to know that I am so truly thankful for all of your prayers and well wishes for my dad. I haven't heard anything else other than he is to visit his Neurologist and then have rehab today.

That's the hard thing about living a million miles away from a loved one, you feel so helpless.

I have been working so hard these last couple of days trying to work through these feelings of sadness over my dad. So, I am trying to keep busy with my family to keep my mind occupied. My hubby and I have been playing a lot of Scrabble at night when the boys are sleeping, and that seems to help, especially when I win :)!

I am so determined to do things differently in my life this year.

I just read the most beautiful post on Anne's blog, and I have the same wish for the New Year.

So, if you haven't read Anne's post, stop by and read it and be inspired.

This year I am doing something I have been wanting to do forever!

I've been wanting to start Yoga for the past 10 years, I know, that's a long time, so next week, I will be starting my beginners Yoga class. I am hoping this will help not only my body but my mind and spirit as well.

At this Yoga studio, they have heated Yoga. Has anyone taken a heated Yoga class? How was it?

This is when the room is heated and it is suppose to help prevent injury to your muscles when stretching and also helps to detox the body.

I don't think I'll start out in the heated class though, I wouldn't want to pass out on my first visit! :)

I thought I'd show you some of the gifts my husband and boys gave me for Christmas.

My husband purchased all of my gift's on the internet this year. This lovely vintage French desert/cake plate came from a wonderful shop on Etsy.

This wonderful old chippy gray scale came from the same shop.

Hubby also got me this wonderful vintage French Nun's Rosary which came from this great shop in L.A called "Vintage Weave Interiors". They have gorgeous things and have an online shop as well.

Thank you boys for my amazing gifts!!!

I am so fortunate to have the most amazing husband and son's, and believe me, I know how fortunate I am! I thank God everyday!!!

I got one other thing, but I need to find the perfect spot for it first before I show you. It is super heavy, so I'm having a hard time lugging it around.

Again, thank you for your continued prayers and I'll let you know when I hear anything else about my dad.

Happy New Year everyone!!

Sincerely,

Melinda

Pray~

2011-12-27T08:01:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

I just wanted to ask everyone out there to pray for my dad. I just learned from his wife last night that he suffered a stroke and is partially paralyzed. Unfortunately, he lives in the Philippines, so I am unable to see him. It is really hard for me to even imagine my dad being ill, he has always been so strong. I feel so helpless being a million miles away! At least I was fortunate enough to see him in October and we had a wonderful visit, thank God for that!

Anyway, your prayers would mean so much to me and his family and I know the power of prayer will help!!

Thank you all!

Sincerely,

Melinda

Christmas Wreath~

2011-12-22T13:01:00.000-08:00

Hello again.

I didn't think I would post again until after the holidays, but I just had to show you my beautiful wreath from "Wintersteen Farms" that I won from Maria's generous giveaway.

I knew it would look so pretty on my old gate.

Thank you so much Maria and Wintersteen Farms!!

I had previously posted about a not so nice comment I had from someone earlier toady on the internet that deeply hurt me. But after talking with a good friend, I decided to remove the post. I refuse to let anyone, especially someone I don't even know hurt me anymore!
So, enough of that!

I want to wish you all a very~

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
~Sincerrely,
Melinda

My Paperwhites & Some New Vintage Plates~

2011-12-21T12:50:00.000-08:00

Hi all, how's everyone's last minute preparations for Christmas going? I'm finally done! Woo~Hoo. I got the stocking stuffers last night and that's a wrap!

I thought I would show you some photos of my paper whites, they are finally getting ready to bloom and I'm so happy because they actually survived and I didn't kill them!

Here's one of the stocking's that I won from the lovely Maria. I hate to wrap them up when Christmas is over. Maybe I'll just fold them and put them with my other grain sacks.

I got these pretty little vintage desert plates a few weeks ago from "SadieOlive". The pattern is called "Forget Me Not". I would love to find dinner plates to match.

I have to admit, even though it is so pretty, that I'm a bit ready to get rid of all of the cedar clippings I have scattered around the house. It's making everyone's allergies act up and my poor husband has been sneezing like a mad man!

Well, hope you enjoyed and have a wonderful day all.

Sincerely,

~Melinda

A Winner~

2011-12-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

Hello all and Happy almost Christmas!!! Can you believe we only have 4 shopping days left until the big day?!!! I got most of the shopping done yesterday but I, or Santa, still has a couple of stocking stuffers left to get. How about you? Are you done with your shopping yet?

And the winner of my holiday "Winters Peace" bracelet giveaway is #1~Jessie from "A Cozy Cottage In The City".

Congratulations and Merry Christmas to you Jessie!!!!

Thanks to all of you who entered. I will be having another giveaway at the beginning of the New Year, so stay tuned.

If I don't talk to you all before Christmas, I wish you and yours a beautiful and joyous Christmas!!!

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Stir Crazy & New Shop Name~

2011-12-18T16:35:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

I've been cooped up in the house with my boys for the past week because we've all been sick. My little one has pneumonia and the poor thing hasn't slept for the past few nights, which means mom and dad haven't either. I do think he is on the mend though because he actually wanted to play with his brother today and he ate finally!

How is everyone coming with their Christmas shopping?

"Santa" still has a few gifts to get the little ones which she will go out and get tomorrow. I just can't wait to face the crowds! :)

I also wanted to let you know that I changed my home shop name from "Alabaster Rose Home" to "Taylor & Olive". I wanted something different from my jewelry line and the name comes from my grandmother. I like it, it's kind of spunky!

I just listed a few new things as well, so stop by and take a look.
Taylor & Olive

Vintage inkwell~

Vintage iron roses~

Vintage men's shaving cup from Germany~

Vintage German homespun linen pillow w/ down and feather insert~

I'll be adding more after the holidays, I want to get it as full as possible.

Hope you all have a wonderful week.

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Boys Room~

2011-12-13T11:16:00.000-08:00

Hi again everyone. I know, I think this is my 3rd post so far this week, but I wanted to show you a few photos of my boy's room before it gets destroyed again! :) You know how boys are.

I got this great bed and cabinet from Country Roads, of course, and that started the change.

Lots of photos ahead.~

This is the wonderful vintage bed I got from Country Roads.

I love the floral detail on the bed. It's on all 4 sides.

This is the great pale blue vintage cabinet I got from Debbie at Country Roads. It's perfect for their toys.

Vintage French coal bucket and vintage tractors.

I've had this vintage metal bed for years. It also came from Country Roads. I told you that I have been shopping there forever!

Well, that's it for now. Hope you enjoyed.

*****Don't forget to enter my giveaway if you haven't done so yet. It ends on Dec. 19th. Click HERE to enter.***********

Also, I just wanted to welcome all of my new followers and thank you to everyone for always coming back!!

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Linking up with Kathleen at "Faded Charm" for White Wednesday~

Petite Vintage Stockings From "Dreamy Whites"~

2011-12-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

How wonderful are these little petite vintage grain sack stockings?!! I won these along with 2 large stockings and fresh wreath from the generous Maria at "Dreamy Whites".

I was completely in shock but so thankful!!

I'll show you my other stockings when my wreath arrives.

{sorry for the horrid grainy photos, I think my photography is getting worse and not better! :)}

Hope you all are having a lovely day. It's been raining here all day so it is definitely feeling like the holidays!

~Melinda

Favorite Vintage Cabinet~

2011-12-11T14:48:00.001-08:00

Hi all, hope your having a great weekend. My mom and aunt were here the past few days and just left for home today. The boys were so happy to see their Nana and Auntie. We had a mini Christmas celebration with them last night and it was so nice to be with my mom again.

So you know how it is after the guests are gone, it's time to clean up and do laundry and re-arrange furniture. Well, maybe you all don't re-arrange the furniture, but it was time to change some things around.

I have this great vintage cabinet I purchased at Country Roads years ago. It usually holds our movies, but it's such a great piece that I thought it would look great in front of the kitchen holding some of our dish ware.

I also did a mini re-do on my boys room last week and I love how it turned out. I want to move into their room now! :)

I'll show you photos of their room next week along with photos of my goodies that I won from Maria! I'm still in shock about winning her fabulous giveaway!!

I hope your all having a beautiful holiday season!!!

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Rusty Hinge~One Of My New Favorite Blogs~

2011-12-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

Good morning my friends, hope your enjoying this beautiful season!! The weather has been just amazing here lately, very crisp and cool which is a bit unusual for So Cal, but it has been wonderful for getting me in the mood for the holidays.

I just wanted to share a new blog that I absolutely love.

It's called "Rusty Hinge" and the author Maria has incredible talent!!
Her style is truly inspirational, take a look and see for yourself~

Okay, are you now drooling all over the computer screen? Because I certainly did when I saw Maria's gorgeous home!

Please stop by and say hello to Maria, she is sweet as can be and super talented!!

~RUSTY HINGE blog~

*******Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway it you haven't already!!!

Just click HERE to enter~

Have a beautiful weekend all!

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays From Me To You~

2011-12-04T15:22:00.000-08:00

Hi all, hope your having a lovely weekend!

I just wanted to show you a little something...

Tell me what you think~

"Winter's Peace" double stranded bracelet from Alabaster Rose Designs.
Designed with vintage gray pearls, Miriam Haskell ice blue pearls, Swarovski bezeled crystal drops, sterling silver scalloped charm, and a hand soldered shadow box with vintage pewter rosary medal on vintage paper. The reverse side says "ciel" which means, Heaven, paradise in French.

Well, is this something you might wear?

How about I have a little giveaway and you could win it?

Sound good?

Okay, it's a deal, giveaway time it is!!!

***THE STERLING SILVER SCALLOPED CHARM WILL BE PERSONALIZED FOR THE WINNER.

Here's the info...

This giveaway is for those of you who leave a comment.

YOU MUST LEAVE A COMMENT AND TELL ME THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WIN THIS NEW BRACELET DESIGN!!

So... 1~ Leave a comment.

2~Follow along with my blog.

3~Post about my giveaway on your blog and/or put my giveaway on your sidebar.

4~Post about it on Facebook.

5~Tweet it!

6~Add it to your Pinterest page.

6 WHOPPING chances to win if you'd like. ***Leave a separate comment for each.

Good luck all!!!~~

Giveaway ends on December 19th.

Have a great day!

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Jeanne Oliver's Coming Home Collection~

2011-12-02T11:03:00.000-08:00

Aren't you amazed by the sheer talent out there in blogland?

One of the most talented is Jeanne Oliver who just released her new "Coming Home Collection" today, and to celebrate the launch she is gifting a $500.00 gift certificate to her shop.

******That's right, $500.00*****

Stop by her blog for details and check out the wonderful new collection!!!

Jeanne Oliver Designs.com

Have a great day!

~Melinda

Oh Christmas Tree....

2011-11-29T12:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends, how was everyone's Thanksgiving? Mine was really nice, just a quiet day with the one's I love the most!

I got the Christmas tree set up last night and decorated it in record time. I have always wanted a flocked tree and finally got one this year.

I decorated it with my vintage pink and silver ornaments this year with a few new mercury glass ornaments thrown in for added sparkle.

How's your decorating coming along? Almost done, done?

I also just wanted to say thank you to those of you that are still following me after all this time. From the bottom of my heart I thank you!!! I know I haven't gotten back to you much, but I'm taking time for my family first, so just know that even though I may not leave a comment on your blog, I still try and stop by all of your blogs to see your beautiful inspiraion.

Hope you have a wonderful day.

Sincerely,

Melinda

Christmas Touches & Happy Thanksgiving~

2011-11-23T10:48:00.000-08:00

Good morning all. I know everyone is probably prepping for Thanksgiving tomorrow and I just wanted to wish you all a wonderful and joyous day with your loved ones!!

I'm cooking as usual, but this year's menu will definitely be different from the past. Because of my illness and issues with my stomach I have had to dramatically change the way I eat, which means lots of healthy foods and cutting out all of the fat including no more red meat! It's been a month and half without all pf the fat and red meat and it hasn't been that difficult. So tomorrow I will be cooking a light yet delicious meal, cutting out all of the high in fat foods. It will still be good but much better for us all.

What's on your menu?

I also wanted to show you a few more touches of Christmas that I've added around the house.

So please enjoy and again, have a great Thanksgiving!!!

~Melinda

My Sweets~

2011-11-18T12:22:00.000-08:00

I usually never show photos of my children on my blog, but these were just too darn adorable not to share!!

I love this boy, he is an amazing person and I am so proud to have him as my son!!

Yes, I said son. His hair always fools everyone, and I'm always hearing, "Oh, your little girl is so cute". But that's okay, their right, he is cute!!

He's not ready to have it cut, but neither is his daddy or me.

Someday, maybe, or maybe not!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Melinda

It Begins, Part II~

2011-11-17T16:55:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

I got the Christmas tubs from the garage today, or should I say hubby did, and I started on some holiday decorating.

I did the kids room first and I have to say that I'm loving it. I used a lot of red in their room and used all of their ornaments that they've had since they were just babies.

The boys helped decorate their tree, and I think it looks fantastic!

The awesome name banners in the background were a gift from my sweet friend Amy last year. Thanks so much Amy, I still adore them!

This is a collection of my vintage and new bottle brush trees that I am slowly adding to the living room.

This is one of my favorite vintage Christmas cards that I have framed.

This little vignette is inside my new old cabinet that I got a couple of weeks ago at the flea market. I am still loving it!

Well, that's all for now.
Hopefully I can pick up the tree this weekend if it doesn't rain.
Have a lovely night.
Sincerely,
~Melinda

It begins~

2011-11-16T15:52:00.000-08:00

The season of "Hope" has begun! Let's make someone's hopes and dreams come true this holiday season!!

Linking up with Kathleen for "White Wednesday". Check out the other inspiring participants at"

Faded Charm!"

Welcome In The Holidays~

2011-11-16T09:21:00.000-08:00

*****30% off your entire order!!!!*****

****ALabAstER RoSe DeSigNS****

Music Monday~

2011-11-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I'm trying something new today and every Monday for the next few weeks called Music Mondays.

Who doesn't love music? It makes us laugh, it makes us cry, it makes us get up and dance and it always brings back memories.

So every Monday I'll post a few songs that I am loving that week and hopefully I'll turn you on to some new music or some old favorites.

If you have a song you want to share, you can link it at the bottom of my post or e-mail it to me and I'll post it on the next Music Monday.

What do you think, something you'd all be interested in?

We'll try it out just for fun!

My first song this week is one I have been listening to over and over again for the past few days. I love this trio and this song is beautiful!

Lady Antebellum's "Just a Kiss".

Bring back any memories for you?

Kelly Clarkson

"Mr. Know It All"

Boys Like Girls, Featuring Taylor Swift
"Two Is Better Than One"

The video doesn't have Taylor on it, I guess she wasn't available that day when they were shooting. :)
But I love this song~so pretty!

Hope you enjoyed.

Have a great week.

Sincerely,

Melinda

More iPhone Photos~

2011-11-13T12:29:00.000-08:00

Hi all, hope your having a beautiful weekend. It rained all day yesterday and it really got me in the mood for Christmas. The Christmas tree farm opens up next weekend and I think we might go and and get our tree. I know, a little early, but I'm ready to deck the halls!! We usually put up a fake tree due to mine and my hubby's allergies, but everyone wants a real tree this year, so we'll see how it goes.

So on to some more iPhone photos. I switched bedrooms with my boys yesterday, our bedroom was a bit bigger and they really needed the extra space more than hubby and me. After all, we just sleep in our room, they play and jump and run in theirs. :)

Hope I'm not driving you crazy with my phone photos, but it is so much easier taking photos and editing them with my camera app. And they look so much better than some of my digital camera shots.

Hey, would anyone be interested in a "Music Monday" blog party? I've forgotten how much I use to love listening to music until I started searching iTunes this past week to download songs for my phone.

Anyway, let me know what you think.

Sincerely,

Melinda

New Gadget~Having Fun With My Phone Camera~

2011-11-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends.

Its been like Christmas around here the past few days, at least for hubby and me, we both just got new iphone's. Yes, these are our first, and no, it's not the new iphone 4 series, it's the iphone 3gs, but we are in love anyway. It was time for an upgrade and we got these babies for free! Woo-hoo, gotta love that! That was the only way we were going to be able to afford them.

Can I just say that I LOVE the camera!! I think it takes better photos then my regular camera. Anyway, I got this new camera app called "Tap Tap Tap Camera" and it is awesome. You can do so much with it. Does anyone else have this?

Anyway, I thought I would show you a few of the photos I took and edited with my new phone.

I love all of these grungy photos!

I love the look of this frame called "viewfinder".

Oh course one of the girls had to get in on the fun!

I am seriously in love with new phone!!! Now I know why everyone is so crazy over anything made by Apple, that's why their store is always packed!

Hope everyone has a great day. I'm off to play with my new phone some more. :)

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Flea Market Finds~

2011-11-06T13:30:00.000-08:00

Hi all. Hope your enjoying your weekend.

Just wanted to show you some awesome pieces I found at the flea market today. Our flea market that's been in our town at the local college for years just moved to a different spot. It's still pretty close, and now it's a lot bigger it seems and is in a great location. I went this morning and just about froze, the wind was super chilly and then it started to rain, so I was lucky to find the wonderful treasures I did.

FYI~ The photos are not that great. Like I said it's rainy today, so I had to edit them a bit. I really need to take a photo class!!!

These Antique French documents I purchased form a wonderful Etsy Shop called "The Petite Market".

The top document is a beautiful blue color but my photos just didn't turn out very well.

I got this amazing vintage cabinet made from old barn wood, SUPER cheap!!! It has two doors that close and 3 drawers on the inside. It use to be part of an old work bench. I thought I was going to sell it at first, but it looks awesome as my TV stand.

I also picked up these 2 vintage baskets, again, they were cheap. I paid for them and ran for the exit before she changed her mind!

Here's another photo of the cabinet.

Sorry about all of the photos of the baskets, I'm loving them!!

Wishing you all a great week!

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Dahlia's~

2011-11-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

Dahlia and a green chippy box~makes for a pretty picture.

I truly am so ready to decorate for Christmas, but I saw these Dahlia's at Trader Joe's yesterday and just couldn't resist.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!!

Sincerely,

~Melinda

.COM

2011-11-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

Hi all. Hope everyone had a fun Halloween.

Just wanted to let you all know that Alabaster Rose Designs is now a .com. It might be difficult to find my page at first, but in a couple of days you will automatically be re-directed to my blog without you having to do anything on your end. Also, I'm cleaning up my blog a little, getting rid of some things and bringing in some new ones.

On another note, I have had some medical problems over the last few months, so if I don't get back to you when you leave a comment, just know that I am appreciative for all of your visits and sweet comments, but right now my family and health are taking precedence over every thing else.

**And to all of the wonderful women who left such warm and kind comments on my last post about my mom, thank you from the bottom of my heart. She is doing okay. Still pretty sore and a little blue about the accident. But she will soon be as good as new. So thank you!!

Have a great day all.

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Life Can Change In An Instant~

2011-10-29T23:20:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I have so missed hearing from you the last few days.

Things have been hectic and nerve racking today. I got a call last night at 12:35, never a good sign, saying that my mom had been in a car accident. She had passed out behind the wheel as she was driving to her sister's house last night and hit a parked car. She totaled her car. When I heard this I was sure she was in bad shape. Luckily and by the grace of God she only suffered lots of bruises from her seat belt and the airbags. When I spoke to her she sounded like how you would expect, sore! She is resting at home today and starting her recovery, but it could have been much worse. I am so thankful it wasn't!!!

This has been such a tough couple of years for my mom, first she had cancer, then she had to have spinal surgery which she still hasn't recovered from.

It's strange how life can change in an instant, and it had me recalling the night 3 years ago when my husband didn't come home until 2 in the morning one night and almost died. And even though its been 3 years, I still get frantic when he's late coming home from work or I don't hear from him. This happened tonight and I was beside myself with worry. His phone ended up dying before he could call, but all I could do was think of that horrible night 3 years ago.

They are lucky, my husband and my mom, but some aren't so lucky.

So hug your loved ones today and make sure they know how much you love them, life can change in an instant!

Thank you~

2011-10-29T22:29:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say a quick thank you to those of you who purchased with me this weekend during my bedding sale. I really appreciate it.

Remember all sales are final and your items will be wrapped and sent out next week.

Hope you have a lovely Sunday.

Sincerely,

Melinda

Rose Blossom Cot Cover

2011-10-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

Cot cover in "Rose Blossom". Rachel Ashwell use to have these wonderful canvas cots in her store and made custom cot covers for them in some of her fabrics. This is one of those.

If you don't have a cot, this would be perfect to use for making pillows. It measures 84x31. Never used, it has been sitting in my linen cabinet.

$35.00

+5.00 S/H

ALL SALES FINAL!!

SOLD

Bemberg Floral F/Q duvet

2011-10-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

"Bemberg" F/Q Patina blue floral Duvet with Double Ruching.

Zippered closure.

This duvet has a couple of tiny holes to right corner of the duvet, one has been sewn a bit. *{As seen in photos above}

But it definitely does not detract from its beauty and it feels so soft and silky.

I will discount this one pretty low. It retailed for over $300.00.

Remember **ALL SALES FINAL!!

$65.00

+6.00 S/H

SOLD

Peonies White/Pink F/Q Duvet

2011-10-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

"Peonies White/Pink" F/Q Poplin Cotton Duvet with zippered closure.

ALL SALES FINAL!!

$75.00

+$6.00 S/H

Sold

Rose Chintz 30x30 Euro Sham

2011-10-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

"Rose Chintz" 30x30 Ruffled Euro Sham With 2 button closure on back with R.A signature buttons. {1 Euro sham only}

Poplin cotton.

***This Euro sham must have a R.A* euro insert. She is the only one that makes 30x30, at least she use to be. I believe you can still purchase them from her stores at a relatively low price.

ALL SALES FINAL!!

$40.00

+$6.00 S/H

SOLD

Wildflower Cream/Pink F/Q Duvet

2011-10-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

"Wildflower Cream/Pink" F/Q Duvet with zippered closure

ALL SALES FINAL!!

$75.00

+S/H $6.00

SOLD

Bedding Sale... "Rose Wreath" Ruffled Duvet With Double Ruching

2011-10-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

**Before I start, I just want to say that I hate having to sale my beloved bedding, but unfortunately things are really tight at home right now. This is all of my bedding that I purchased with my money. So I have the right to sale these items.**

"Rose Wreath" poplin cotton ruffled duvet with double ruching and zippered closure.

Full/Queen duvet.

ALL SALES FINAL!!

$98.00
+6.00 S/H

SOLD

Christmas is coming.. and other good stuff

2011-10-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Hello all. Hope you enjoyed your weekend.

I was finally able to complete a couple of projects for my booth at Country Roads and set up a few things for Christmas. Can you believe it, Christmas will be here sooner than we know it!

I designed and created some new pillows made from beautiful Ralph Lauren fabrics. I had a hard time parting with them as did my hubby.

This and the next few photos are from my booth at Country Roads.

Here's my tree with all of my hand made ornaments on it.

Vintage German glass glitter crown ornaments.

If you live in the area, make sure and check out Country Roads, I have a feeling after Halloween, Christmas will start popping up around the store!!

Have a beautiful week all!!

Sincerely,

~Melinda

My Gal No. 1~ Silly Post :)

2011-10-20T15:58:00.000-07:00

This is my gal, No. 1. She is by far my favorite, but don't tell No. 2 & No. 3. They have special qualities that I adore too, but No. 1 holds a special place in my heart, she was my first!

She always insists on modeling my designs, she does look pretty darn good in them even though she is 63!

She loves being adorned with vintage millinery flowers as well. That's her thing!

She always said she would look fabulous in magazines advertising my line of jewelry. What do you think?

Maybe my jewelry should just speak for itself, she is a bit of a ham with the camera.

Hope you all have a great day.

Oh by the way, I missed my two year blog anniversary. It was yesterday. I can't believe I've been on here for 2 whole years. I'm thinking maybe a giveaway is in order. Stay tuned.

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Joining up with Debra for "Vintage Inspiration Friday"

Organic Apples, Carnations, & Vintage Monogrammed Linen

2011-10-18T03:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone, Happy Monday!

I had a fabulous Sunday. It was spent with my husbands family filled with lots of delicious food like carne asada, homemade mexican rice, homemade pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting, I know, it was amazing!!, and great company. My sister-in-law's sister was there as well and gave us a bag full of yummy little organic green apples from her apple tree. They looked so pretty in my ironstone bowl that I thought I'd take a few photos.
Enjoy.

I got this this monogrammed linen towel from Debbie a couple of weeks ago. These are my new obsession. {like I don't have enough already}

I love how the green apples look with the red monogram on this vintage towel. And the carnations smell so spicy and sweet.

I'm linking up today with the lovely Kathleen for White Wednesday at Faded Charm.

Hope you enjoyed and have a great day.

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Vintage Vignettes

2011-10-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, hope your having a lovely weekend. My special guest arrived this morning and shot photos of my home for several possible magazine publications. Unfortunately, I won't be able to tell you who came until I'm published. I'm sorry!! But it was such an amazing experience and truly a dream come true.

I took a few photos of some vignettes that I did around the house and just thought I'd show you all. Thank you to everyone who left such wonderfully sweet comments, it was much appreciated!!

I love this last photo. It was a complete accident, but I love how the background is blurred and the

center blossoms are in focus.

Hope you all have a lovely Sunday and I'll talk to you all soon.

Sincerely,

~Melinda

**{all photos by me}

A Cozy Cottage In The City~ First Giveaway

2011-10-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

Hi all, just a quick post before I go back to my house cleaning. My sweet friend Jessie from the fabulous blog "A Cozy Cottage In The City" is having her first giveaway and you must check this one out!!

She is gifting the newest book by Rachel Ashwell "Shabby Chic Inspirations".

Please stop by Jessie's blog for all of the details.

On another note, one more day until my special visitor comes. She just e-mailed me for confirmation, so we are on!!

Hope you all have a great night.

Sincerely,

Melinda

Up To My Ears...

2011-10-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hi all, hope your week is going well.

Me? I'm up to my ears... in paint, patching, re-arranging, cleaning... You get the picture. My very special visitor will be here on Saturday and I'm so excited and nervous. I feel like I've been working on my house for weeks and it's still not the way I want it.

The good thing about having guests, is that you get that "to do" list conquered, which is exactly what I've done. I finally finished painting my son's room after a year. What can I say, I ran out of paint. :)

I thought I'd show you a sneak peek of the new chandie I just made.

I got this bucket a few months back at the flea market and never really used it. Now it's the perfect chandie in my living room. I love it because I can put things on it with magnets. Love these vintage ledger sheets that Tracey from French Larkspur sent me.

What do you think?

Well, wish me luck. I'll post again after Saturday, so everyone have a beautiful week.

Sincerely,

Melinda

The Vintage Inspired Home Features: "Arbor House Lane"

2011-10-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Just a quick note~ Please check out October's feature of "Arbor House Lane" at "The Vintage Inspired Home".

I know you will fall in love with Alaina's beautiful home.

One of Alaina's fantastic Halloween display's.

If you haven't been to her wonderful blog, please stop by for a visit, I know it will become one of your favorites!!

Have a beautiful week.

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Busy~

2011-10-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, hope your all enjoying the week. I'm loving it because the rain has finally come to So. Cal! Its been so nice and cool and finally feels a bit more like Fall.

I have been so busy these last few weeks with everything from my kiddos to my jewelry business. But the thing that has been occupying a lot of my time and brain is preparing my home for my special guest, who hopefully, if all goes well, will be here in a week and a half. I'm painting and cleaning and re-arranging everything insight! I just want everything to look perfect. I am so excited and can't wait!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and left me messages congratulating me on being published in "Jewelry Affaire" magazine. I really appreciate the ones who took the time to do so!!

I created a new design yesterday and took some new photos of other designs for my shop.

I have been creating ornaments for my booth at Country Roads as well. Do you think it's too early to start putting up Christmas in the store? Even so, I think this weekend I'll go in and re-paint my booth and start putting a few pieces of Christmas up. I'm so ready!

Well, hope you all enjoy your day.
Sincerely,
~Melinda

~Proud Moment!!!!!~

2011-09-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, I can finally spill the beans on the exciting news I've been holding onto forever. I am featured in the Autumn 2011 issue of Jewelry Affaire magazine! 8 beautiful pages, I am completely thrilled and so proud! This has been a dream of mine since I started designing jewelry 2 years ago, and for Jewelry Affaire to consider my designs to be even remotely good enough to be featured in this amazing publication is awesome!!!!

Thank you so much Beth and to Stampington & Company!!

Have a beautiful night all.

Sincerely,

Melinda

New Treasure

2011-09-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

Hi all, hope your having a great week. I received a wonderful treasure in the mail today from Tracey at French Larkspur. I had ordered this jute rug a week ago and when I opened the package I loved it even more in person!! Tracey packaged it so beautifully, I didn't want to unwrap it.

I ordered this jute rug for something special that's hopefully happening next month, so I can't show you what it looks like just yet. Just a little sneak peek!

I got this cute little vintage English marmalade pot from Country Roads the other day. I think it will look beautiful with flowers in it.

Well, I'm signing off for now. Have a lovely night.

Sincerely,

Melinda

Re~Arranged & New Paint

2011-09-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

Hi All, and Happy Fall! No, I wasn't trying to rhyme. :)

I spent all day yesterday painting my living and dining rooms and re-arranging furniture and then I spent this afternoon finally putting my jewelry in my booth at Country Roads. So needless to say, I'm pooped! I wanted to re-paint my space, but I just didn't have the energy.

I'm not sure if you can see my new wall color. I got the color idea from Maria at Dreamy Whites. It's called Newsprint by Martha Stewart. Maria had this color in her daughter's room. I love it because throughout the day it changes color. It's a really pale gray, and so pretty.

This is my table center piece I made using a large white Fairytale pumpkin, mini white pumpkins, shredded paper, and vintage books in an old wooden crate.

I put my collection of vintage French tea towels on my old blanket ladder.

One of my ladies. She's my petite one.

I hope you all have a wonderful week. Talk to you soon.

Sincerely,

Melinda

Getting In The Mood: For Fall

2011-09-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

Hi all, hope your having a great week. It took me a little while, but I'm finally getting in the mood for Fall.

I went out yesterday and checked out my booth at Country Roads and straightened up a little and added a couple of new things. I purchased my jewelry case and put that in, now I just have to clean it up and put a couple of locks on it.

While I was supposed to be making money, I spent a little too. I got some great things for my bedroom for its Fall transformation. I love the way it turned out!

As you can see, I'm posting here again. I know I'm a pain but I'm not quite sure how I like Typepad yet, so until I figure it out I will be posting here and there.

Now on to the photos.

Have a wonderful night.

~Melinda

I got this awesome vintage ceiling tile and vintage basket from Hungary from this wonderful store in Old Towne Orange called "Eikon". If you live in the area and haven't been to this store, you have to check it out. The owner has the most beautiful things and a lot of his vintage stuff comes from Europe.

I love the color of this chippy ceiling tin, it's a chocolaty brown. It's perfect for Fall don't you think?

I also picked up this little scalloped mirror from "Country Roads". I have 3 of these vintage mirrors now. I think it would look gorgeous to have a collection of these grouped together on the wall.

Some vintage grain sack linen pillows from my home line. These are perfect mixed with your Fall decor!

Linking up with Debra @ Common Ground.

New Blog Address

2011-09-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

Hi All. I just wanted to let you know that I am switching my blog to Typepad. Here is my new address:

http://alabasterrose.typepad.com

I became a bit frustrated with all of the issues I was having here, so I felt the need for a change.
I hope you'll all follow me to my new blog.
Have a beautiful weekend.
Sincerely,
Melinda

Vintage Favorites....

2011-09-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

Random photos from the around the house.Vintage favorites...
Enjoy.

2011-09-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

{photo by me using a texture by Kim Klassen}

Just checking in to say "hi" and I hope you all had a lovely weekend. I stopped by my booth at Country Roads today and was so excited that I actually sold some things. I was a little worried about not selling anything.

I also found the perfect, and I mean perfect, jewelry display cabinet, so my jewelry will finally be in the store by next Monday.

I'll show you some photos once it's set up.

Hope you all have a beautiful week.

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Remembering

2011-09-10T23:16:00.000-07:00

I didn't plan to post on the 9/11 anniversary, but I spent a good portion of my day on the internet reading about the lives that were lost and the heroes that emerged on that same tragic day 10 years ago. I found this incredible poem that was written about 9/11 that I wanted to share. It's a 4 part poem written by the British poet, playwright, and novelist, Simon Armitage.

"9/11: Out of the Blue"

I tried to embed the video to my blog but it wouldn't let me. So just click on the link above. Make sure and watch all 4 parts.

***Please take the time to watch it. It will truly move you. The reading by British actor Rufus Sewell is simply breathtaking. I know it will touch you in some way!**Not everyone is going to like this poem, it is very raw and quite emotional and some of the footage shown is from the actual day that the planes hit the towers. I just know that it moved me beyond words!!

My heart goes out to all of those who were affected by that tragic day 10 years ago.

Bless you all!!

Rustic Meets Elegance

2011-09-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I purchased "these" at the flea market and wondered how I could spruce them up. Well I think I figured it out.

Take a look:

Vintage rustic crates lined with elegant vintage fabric.

LOVE!!!~~~

These will be available next week in my booth at C.R.

Have a great day.

Vintage Bracelet

2011-09-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

I just designed a new bracelet that's a little different for me, but I like the combination of all of the vintage rhinestone and hazy aqua Czech glass together.

I still have my designs available through my Etsy site until I can find a glass cabinet for my space. Hopefully I can find one soon!

And of course, one photo with textures. I know I'm obsessed lately with these textures!

Hope you all are having a great week, my oldest starts 2nd grade tomorrow and I think I'm more nervous than he is. I feel like I'm the one starting back to school!

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Moving In...

2011-09-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hi all, hope you had a wonderful weekend. I had a busy few days painting and moving into my new space at Country Roads. It was a bit difficult due to the Orange street fair, but I got most of it done thanks to my amazing husband!!

I took a few photos of how it's looking so far, but believe me it's not even close to being finished, I'm not happy with how it looks yet, I just can't seem to get it right!
I just found a beautiful antique cabinet today for an amazing price to house my pillows and such, which hopefully I can get in the next couple of weeks. I'm also frantically trying to find a glass cabinet for all of my jewelry, but so far no luck!

I painted the walls "Light French Gray" by Behr, but I'm thinking it might have turned out a little too blue.

Can anyone recommend a paint color in a pale gray?

Please excuse the ugly mattress behind the table. These barn doors are so fantastic in my space!!

I also have this great vintage door and window, I think it really adds to the charm of the space.

Thanks again to Sue and her Country Roads family, they have all been so warm and welcoming to me and I am so thrilled to be apart of such an amazing shop!!!

Have a great week.
Sincerely,
Melinda

Okay, I'm Tellin'

2011-09-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, I can't hold it in anymore and it's happening tomorrow!!! I will be selling my jewelry designs and my home line at............

Yea, can you believe it?!!! I am beyond excited, thrilled and hopeful!! Thank you so much to the amazing Sue and her wonderful CR family. Thank you for welcoming me back in with open arms!!! I'll see you tomorrow!!
Now I'm off to paint furniture and to do a million other things. Isn't it funny how you think your prepared for something but when it comes down to it, you remember a million other things you need to do? I'll be running around like a maniac today, but I'll love every minute of it!!

****Oh, and by the way, this is a wonderful weekend to stop by Country Roads if your in the area, Monday, Sept. 5th CR is having their "I survived the Orange street fair" big Labor Day sale. Tons of fun to be had and you can go home with some fabulous new treasures!!!

2011-08-31T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hi all. I see that Blogger has made some new updates. I wish they would stop making updates and fix the issues that I and others have been having for months. I started a post last night and now I can't for the life of me find it thanks to the new "updates".

Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying their week.

I thought I would show you a quick photo of the new zippered gray/black linen clutch I just made.

Hopefully I can tell you my good news in the next few days, I'm dying to tell you but I better wait.

Hope you all have a great night.

Sincerely,

Melinda

~Gray~

2011-08-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

Lately, I love everything that is gray, dark gray, light gray, blue-gray, light French gray~my favorite!! I especially love to add touches of red here and there through accessories such as vintage red striped grain sacks and vintage linen towels monogrammed in red. What about you? What's your new favorite color to decorate with?

These are the vintage linen towels I bought at the flea market, LOVE THEM, and I will keep them, no sale!! :)

I made this funky lamp shade from a vintage grain sack, it definitely did not turn out great, but I like it anyway.

This vignette is in my dining room, I re-worked it yesterday and I am so happy how it turned out.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

P.S. Tomorrow is my 18th wedding anniversary!! Happy anniversary to the best husband, friend, and father
in the world!!

Randomness

2011-08-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

Hope your all well, just a few photos of flowers and vintage aqua bottles I thought I'd show you. I also started re-covering my vintage garden chairs to sell, tell me what you think.

This is one of the vintage prayer cards that my sister-in-law brought me back from France.

I have a set of 4 of these vintage garden chairs. So far, I've recovered one chair. I only have enough grain sack left for 2 chairs, so I'll have to figure out what to do about the other 2.

I soaked this grain sack for 3 days in Oxy Clean and it came out really clean. There was just one spot that I couldn't get out so I added a patch of a vintage grain sack I had left over from another project and I love how it turned out.

Have a beautiful day all!

Sincerely,

Melinda

"Caruso"

2011-08-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, hope your having a wonderful night. I just had to share something utterly amazing and beautiful. One of my most favorite songs is "Caruso" by Lucio Dalla. It is a beautiful Italian love song dedicated to Erico Caruso, the famous Italian tenor from the late 19th century, early 20th century, and romanticizes his last days in Sorrento and Napoli. I first heard this sung by the great Andrea Bocelli and fell in love with its haunting melody. I looked up Andrea's performance of "Caruso" on You Tube the other night and came across another artist who sang this song as well. Her name is Lara Fabian and she is a Belgian-Italian international singer who can sing in several different languages. And let me tell you, she is the most passionate and breathtaking

songstress I have ever heard. Please watch her "live" performance and tell me if you don't cry like I did. She sings this song like she's lived it!

Enjoy!!!

English Lyrics

Here where the sea sparkles,
and a strong wind blows,
on an old terrace overlooking the gulf of Sorrento,
a man holds a little girl in his arms
after he's been crying.
He clears his throat and sings the song again.

I love you so much;
so very much, you know.
It's a bond, now,
you know, that thaws the blood in the veins.

He looked at the lights, out at sea,
and thought about the nights in America.
But they were only the lamps of fishing boats
and the white of wake.
He felt the pain of the music.
He got up from the piano,
but when he saw the moon come out from behind the clouds
death seemed sweeter to him.
He looked into the little girl's eyes -
those eyes as green as the sea,
then suddenly a tear fell
and he thought he was drowning.

I love you so much;
so very much, you know.
It's a bond, now,
you know, and it thaws the blood in the veins.

The power of opera!
where every drama is a sham;
where, with a little bit of make-up and mimicry,
you can become someone else.
But two eyes that look at you,
so close and so real,
make you forget the script,
confounding your thoughts.
And so everything became insignificant,
including the nights in America.
You look back and see your life
like the wake [of the boats].
Ah yes! Life is ending,
but he wasn't worried about it any more.
Instead he felt happy
and began to sing the song again.

I love you so much;
so very much, you know.
It's a bond, now,

you know, that thaws the blood in the veins.

More Vintage Goodies

2011-08-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hi All, here's a few more goodies I got on Sunday.

Vintage Cointreau Liqueur shipping crate from France with original leather handles and the original shipping labels. This is the only piece that will be staying with me!!

My sister-in-law just got home from a month in Italy and France, {so jealous :)} and actually toured the Cointreau Liqueur factory in France. She said the whole place smelled like oranges.

I got 3 of these old crates, not sure what I will do with them yet. I also got some vintage grain sacks and made this pillow out of one.

I bought some beautiful vintage French monogrammed linen towels as well, but they are still soaking in Oxy Clean. I'll show you those in another post as well as some beautiful things my sister-in law brought me from France and Italy.

Have a wonderful day.

Sincerely,

Melinda

New~Vintage Goods For a Special Place

2011-08-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hi all, hope your having a nice week so far. I went to the flea market on Sunday and got some great things for my upcoming project. Can I just tell you it's killing me not to keep these treasures for myself, they are so wonderful!

Take a peek:

Vintage French coal bucket, vintage aqua medicinal bottles, and fabulous vintage European dough bowl.

The ruffled tea towels, pillow and cosmetic clutches are from my home line that I made out of vintage grain sacks.

My new labels came in, what do you think?

I am in love with this dough bowl, but I bought it for my new venture. I got some other beautiful things as well, so I'll post those later.

Have a fabulous day!!

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Saddened

2011-08-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

9/11 Memorial

Photo via: {http://wandermelon.com/2011/07/20/911-memorial-in-new-york/}

Whenever I log into my Yahoo e-mail, I will every once in a while click on the news stories and read the comments posted at the end of the stories by Yahoo readers. I don't know why I do this because most of the time it sickens me to find out what people in America are really feeling. With the anniversary of 9/11 coming up next month, there have of course been many stories about the dedication of the World Trade Center memorial, which I have to say is truly breathtaking and quite moving. Just typing about it makes me tear up. If you haven't seen it, you have to go and take a look.

Anyway, the comments at the end of the 9/11 stories are shocking and sickening!!! I can't believe the hateful words that people type about the poor people who were killed in the 9/11 tragedy. I at times, am so ashamed of what our world has become and the heartlessness of our own citizens. I'm sorry, but I just had to get that out, it is truly heartbreaking!! How do your feel about it? Also, why can't Yahoo come up with some kind of filtering tool to get rid of these nasty comments? I know, freedom of speech and all that, but when your saying something to hurt others, that's different, at least to me, and it's inexcusable!!

Collages and What's Up With Blogger?

2011-08-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hello all. Hope your having a nice week. I've been having problems with blogger again for the past few days. Yesterday, my blog wouldn't post any new updates on my blog list. And now my friend list has disappeared. Has anyone else been experiencing these or other issues?

Also, can anyone tell me the difference between blogger and the other blog host's that charge a monthly fee? Is it worth my while to pay?

Here's some collages I did recently. Sorry, no new photos, so if you've seen them already I apologize. I haven't had any time for staging my home or to even clean it. I've been busy pricing things.

Have a beautiful day all. I'm off to the flea market on Sunday to purchase goodies for my new venture. I'll be back then to show you all what I pick up.

Debra from Common Ground is having a fabulous giveaway, make sure and stop by her blog and enter for a chance to win.

I'm also linking up with Debra today for her fabulous blog party, make sure and stop by!

Sincerely,

~Melinda

New Designs & Exciting News

2011-08-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I hope your all enjoying the soon-to-be end of Summer. My oldest starts 2nd grade in 3 1/2 weeks, I can't believe it's almost here. Time for back-to-school shopping. I always loved this time of year when I was in school. I loved going shopping with my Mom and getting new clothes and shoes and my favorite, school supplies. I was told recently that this was not exciting for my son, he wanted toys, not clothes and school supplies. Oh well, it must be a girl thing!

Anyway, I have a couple of exciting things happening for me in the next couple of months. I can't tell you all of the particular's yet, but I will be closing my Etsy shops in September, but will be selling my jewelry and home line in a fabulous new place. I'm so excited I could burst!! I'll tell you more as I get closer to the date. The second exciting thing is dealing with my jewelry, and I'm still pinching myself about it!! I never like to talk about things too early before they happen, I guess I just don't want to jinx myself. :)

Anyway, here's a couple of new designs I just finished. It's a good thing I was inspired, because it gave me something to do when I couldn't sleep, ALL NIGHT LONG!! I hate when that happens!

Lots of soldering going on around here.

"French Letter & Faith" Necklace

"London & France" necklace

Have a beautiful week all!

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Farmhouse Friday With Laurie Anna

2011-08-12T10:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I might not have a farmhouse, but I just had to join up with Laurie Anna for Farm House Friday.

I took some photos of flowers and my vintage windows that could have been hanging in a farmhouse once.

You never know!

Check out all of the other farmhouse gals at "Laurie Anna's Vintage Home".

Have a beautiful weekend.

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Also, a quick "Hi" to all of my new follower's, it's a pleasure to meet you all!!

~White Wednesday~

2011-08-09T17:16:00.000-07:00

{vintage white grain sack linen pillows & vintage grain sack linen upholstered settee by "Alabaster Rose Home"}

{vintage grain sack bolster from "Full Bloom Cottage"}

Happy White Wednesday!!

Linking up with Kathleen @ "Faded Charm".

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Freshen Up

2011-08-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

Happy weekend to all. Just wanted to share some photos of my bedroom re-do. I needed something different so I spent all day yesterday re-arranging.

Have a great weekend all!!

Sincerely,

~Melinda

**{All photos by me, some edited, some not}

Joining Courtney at "French Country Cottage" for Feathered Nest Friday.

Settee ~ Almost Done~

2011-08-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

Hi all, hope your having a wonderful week!!

Just wanted to say a quick thank you to all of you who always leave me such beautiful comments! It is much appreciated and loved!!

So, last week I showed you a little photo of a vintage not-so-cute settee, here, that I've had for a while and wanted to re-upholster. I had ripped off all of the old ugly orange velvet a while ago, so that will save you a scary photo of the before! :)

I still have to upholster the side arms and the back, but here's a sneak peak:

Sorry for the bad photos, the light is bad in the late afternoon so I had to edit them a bit.

I covered the settee in vintage grain sack linen and painted it Ash White by Behr. It actually looks light gray once it's dry. It's a beautiful color.

I'll show you better photos when I'm finished with the arms. That's going to be the difficult part!

Have a great night.

~Melinda

Joining Debra today for:

~Le Fleurs~

2011-07-30T23:29:00.000-07:00

Le Fleurs

Decorating with Vintage

2011-07-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

Hi all, hope your enjoying your Summer. I know its been a while since I've showed you photos of my home, but quite honestly, I've been in a decorating rut! Plus I just haven't felt up to it since my surgery and weaning myself off my medication that made me so ill. But I finally changed around a few vintage pieces yesterday, but I still feel like I need a major change.

I made the table runner from the left over grain sack I upholstered my chair in last month. You can see my chair HERE.

Vintage string atop vintage linens.

Vintage metal letters with mine and my and husbands initials.

1948 dress form.

My latest upholstery project. I ran out of foam batting so I can't start until I get more. I'm hoping once this piece is upholstered, it will look better than it did before. It was covered in orange velvet and the insides were stuffed with batting and what looks to be horse hair, it's everywhere. My husband doesn't like this piece because the wood carving around the top of the settee looks like Aztec carvings, his words. I admit, it's not a cute little French settee, but I bet I can make it pretty with some vintage grain sack linen!

Hope you all have a beautiful day.

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Joining sweet Debra today @:

And Cindy @:

And Courtney @:

Fall 2011 Collection

2011-07-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

Fall Wraps

2011-07-24T14:52:00.000-07:00

Now available: Wool and cotton wraps with raw edged linen ruffled pin for Fall 2011 by Alabaster Rose Designs.

Have a beautiful week!

P.S. It was so wonderful seeing you Irma, Debbie, and Kate!!

Sincerely,

~Melinda

Divine Salvation Fall 2011 Collection

2011-07-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, hope your all having a great Friday.

I've been busy the past couple of days designing a new collection of jewelry. Finally I am inspired!!

Here's some pieces from the new "Divine Salvation" Fall 2011 collection from Alabaster Rose Designs:

"Divine Visions in Blue" Necklace

"Divine Scarlett" Necklace

"Divine Filigree in Blue" Bracelet

"Baroque Divine" Necklace

More to come. These are now available in my Etsy shop.
Have a great night.
Sincerely,
~Melinda

I'm Featured!!

2011-07-20T00:44:00.000-07:00

I am so excited and thrilled to have my blog featured in the August issue of Romantic Homes magazine!! It has always been a dream of mine to be featured in a huge publication like Romantic Homes and I still can't believe my little blog made it in!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the amazing and super sweet Beth Livesay from Stampington & Company for allowing me to be apart of this issue!!! I am so grateful to you Beth!

And thank you to Romantic Homes for making a wonderful dream come true!

Have a fabulous day .

Sincerely,

Melinda

Alabaster Rose Designs

Living Room~ Before

An Imperfect Table~

My Bedroom~

Vintage Grain Sack Pillow & A Favorite Room~

Simple Treasures~

A Little Glimpse Part II~

A Little Glimpse~

Guest Post~Joanna W/ "Design Shuffle" ~Irresistable Vintage Headboards

~Moving on~

Vintage European Wall Sink Lavabo~

Thank You, Ramblings, & Christmas Gifts~

Pray~

Christmas Wreath~

My Paperwhites & Some New Vintage Plates~

A Winner~

Stir Crazy & New Shop Name~

Boys Room~

Petite Vintage Stockings From "Dreamy Whites"~

Favorite Vintage Cabinet~

Rusty Hinge~One Of My New Favorite Blogs~

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays From Me To You~

Jeanne Oliver's Coming Home Collection~

Oh Christmas Tree....

Christmas Touches & Happy Thanksgiving~

My Sweets~

It Begins, Part II~

It begins~

Welcome In The Holidays~

Music Monday~

More iPhone Photos~

New Gadget~Having Fun With My Phone Camera~

Flea Market Finds~

Dahlia's~

.COM

Life Can Change In An Instant~

Thank you~

Rose Blossom Cot Cover

Bemberg Floral F/Q duvet

Peonies White/Pink F/Q Duvet

Rose Chintz 30x30 Euro Sham

Wildflower Cream/Pink F/Q Duvet

Bedding Sale... "Rose Wreath" Ruffled Duvet With Double Ruching

Christmas is coming.. and other good stuff

My Gal No. 1~ Silly Post :)

Organic Apples, Carnations, & Vintage Monogrammed Linen

Vintage Vignettes

A Cozy Cottage In The City~ First Giveaway

Up To My Ears...

The Vintage Inspired Home Features: "Arbor House Lane"

Busy~

~Proud Moment!!!!!~

New Treasure

Re~Arranged & New Paint

Getting In The Mood: For Fall

New Blog Address

Vintage Favorites....

Remembering

Rustic Meets Elegance

Vintage Bracelet

Moving In...

Okay, I'm Tellin'

~Gray~

Randomness

"Caruso"

More Vintage Goodies

New~Vintage Goods For a Special Place

Saddened

Collages and What's Up With Blogger?

New Designs & Exciting News

Farmhouse Friday With Laurie Anna

~White Wednesday~

**Freshen Up**

Settee ~ Almost Done~

~Le Fleurs~

Decorating with Vintage

Fall 2011 Collection

Fall Wraps

Divine Salvation Fall 2011 Collection

I'm Featured!!

Freshen Up