Now Booking Viola Pearl Haus in Fredericksburg Texas

My guest house in Fredericksburg, Texas, Viola Pearl Haus, is now open and booking! Viola Pearl Cobble was my mom's grandmother and this guest house is named after her and in my mom's honor. I decorated the space similar to my own house. I often found myself buying "one for Viola Pearl Haus, one for me" - but I guess that's how you know you're on the right track to create a cozy, comfortable and homey guest house. From the Pottery barn bedding, Anthropologie "V" initial coffee mugs, Pioneer Woman dishes, vintage marquee letters on the building front, to the Anthropologie mirror (that I ALMOST kept for my house) and vintage chickens - everything was purchased for this guest house to make it feel like home. I hope my guests feel it when they stay!

To book my guest house in Fredericksburg, Texas, visit http://www.violapearlhaus.com.

Before the Renovation

When I was looking to buy a house this fall, I knew I wanted mine as soon as I walked into it. And after only looking at three houses, I made an offer the next morning. It really used the square footage, so there was no wasted space. What I didn't like was the paint, flooring, color scheme...pretty much everything on the inside of the house! Over the next couple of weeks, I'll share progress of my house and things learned along the way. Here are a few of the before photos:

Greetings from Fredericksburg, Texas

Whenever I tell anyone where my family lives, Fredericksburg, Texas, they always comment on how much they love visiting and immediately ask where I like to stay and what I like to do. If you aren't from 'round here, you *might* have heard of the Texas Hill Country or Texas wines. Fredericksburg sits in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and is surrounded by 20 wineries and growing. Here's a little wrap up of what I like to do, what wineries are my favorites, where I like to eat, with some of my favorite photos I have taken. I hope you enjoy...and if you make it out this way...let me know!

Things To Do in Fredericksburg, Texas:
Oktoberfest - This is my favorite festival all year. It is when fall is beginning (100 degree days are behind us), Halloween is around the corner and pumpkins are everywhere. Everyone is happy and having a great time at this festival! If you go, make sure to visit the Kiwanis food booth for potato pancakes. They.Are.Amazing.
Food & Wine Festival - I have been going to the festival for about 20 years. It is a great way to introduce yourself to all Texas wines. Make sure to enter the grape toss!
Fredericksburg Trade Days - The third weekend of every month is my shopping heaven. With over 350 vendors, 6 full barns on multiple acres, surely you will find something you like. I love the outdoor wire furniture and antique trinkets.
Evening Flight of the Bats at the Old Tunnel Bat Cave - Okay this is really two things to do...eat outside at Alamo Springs Cafe around sunset, while witnessing the bats heading out for the evening. {as seen in the photo below-yes, those black specs are bats!}

Christmas Tree & German Pyramid Lighting on the Marketplatz - Each year, I love going to this with my family...because it makes me really feel like the holidays are here and I love the small town feel it provides. The mayor leads the Marketplatz lighting ceremony. There is hot chocolate and cookies usually, with Christmas Carols by the children's choir. It is very Rockwell. My favorite part...bringing a bottle of wine, sitting on the grass and enjoying.
Shopping Shopping Shopping! - This is a great town to antique in-my favorite shops are Smitten and the Red Baron Antique Mall. For modern clothes, you can't miss Root on Main Street.
Climb Enchanted Rock - I would suggest this in non-summer months!
Pick fruit at Marburger Orchard - This an annual thing for me and my dad. We start with strawberries, then hit the blackberries and peaches.

My Week on Instagram

Just wanted to share a few of the fun pics from my birthday week. I had an amazing time with my friends-we rented a bed and breakfast, had yummy thyme sangria at an herb farm, visited wineries {that's us in the middle picture}, and later in the week I tried on {then ordered} Warby Parker frames, got the most beautiful scarf I had been coveting from my mom and dad {I still can't believe its actually mine} and was lucky enough to have my little brother join us for my birthday night, where he surprised me with beautiful yellow flowers. Just a perfect week, I feel like a lucky girl. Happy Monday all!

Find me on Instagram. 

Day 342, Stormy Sunday

Day 333, On the Road

Day 332, Vintage Sign

Day 324, Sundown

Three Key Vintage Pieces for Your Closet

How many times have you been out in your new outfit, only to find five people wearing the same Old Navy get-up that you had to have? It has happened to all of us. Everyone wants to be unique when out on the town. And while there is nothing wrong with shopping at chains (they are a staple of my wardrobe), remember to step up your personal style when doing so. One way to do that is by incorporating three key vintage pieces into your wardrobe.

My favorite first, vintage boots. They can be a timeless statement piece and are worn year round by both men and women alike. Brands like Old Gringo make beautiful, vintage-looking boots. New is easy and isn't a bad route, but also be on the lookout for 1970s Frye boots or an old pair of dusty cowboy boots at a local shop or online. Don’t be afraid to take risks - boots come in a variety of colors, heights or shapes that are easy to find. For women, you’re lucky to be able to pair your boots with anything! Some of my favorite ways to wear boots are with skirts, dresses or even shorts. No matter what you pair your boots with, the best part about buying vintage boots over the new…you won’t have to break them in. Major bonus.

Another great vintage basic that can do no wrong is vintage denim.

A Vintage Wedding

June is around the corner. And, it is without a doubt the most popular time to hold a wedding. Whether you are the bride who has been planning for months, or the guest excited to see your friend tie the knot, a major focus will always be on style.

Maybe you are one of the lucky ladies whose mother kept her chic wedding dress in perfect condition to pass down to you. If so, congratulations. Because for most of us, if we go that route, the only option is the tiara, lace and puffy sleeve fashions from the 1980s. Best wedding photo ever. If this is the case and that isn’t your style, it’s time to shop. Wearing something that you won’t regret 20 years down the road is sometimes more important than family tradition!

If you will be a guest of the happy couple, prepping for a wedding can be incredibly time consuming. You want to be dressy but not too dressy, of course. But you want to look amazing and unique! Enter vintage style.

For both brides and their exceptionally fashionable guests who are interested in shopping vintage, there are a few things you can do to get your shopping trip kicked off on the right foot.

Animal Chic

A couple of years ago I purchased three cardboard animal heads from Red in Fredericksburg (pictured above) to use as affordable "art" in my kitchen. These have been incredibly unique conversation pieces-there hasn't been one person that hasn't walked in my house and complimented them! 

And, over the past couple of years, I have seen more animal heads crop up and I am starting to think I might need a new piece for my bedroom. Hey, it's Texas right, so animal heads throughout are acceptable! I especially love the rhino, which is made with vintage French book pages. But the colorful heads, especially the Zebra in pink, are so amazing. Which do you like best? 

Zebra / Rhino / Moose / Deer 

Day 273, Treasure Hunting

Today's Treasures

On a search for vintage jewelry today I found these gorgeous bracelets from the 40s and 50s. They are in amazing condition and will soon get the Tom Binns inspired treatment for the Viola Pearl Etsy store. I will probably need to keep one for myself though!

My other painted necklaces were purchased new, so I thought it would be fun to mix in vintage. Now the question is...what color do I paint them?! I am thinking pastels like lavender or peach.

Day 257, Wine Tasting

Orange and Blue

I took this photo at the Wildseed Farm outside of Fredericksburg-these colors are great together! Spring in Texas is so colorful.
Happy Friday!