Viola Pearl

How-To: Put a Sweater on a Yorkie

2013-05-17T10:35:00.000-05:00

I'm obviously having way too much fun with Vine...at Lola's expense.

My New Do!

2013-04-18T14:24:00.001-05:00

Buh, bye long locks...loving my new do although it's taking a little time getting used to fixing it.

I was totally inspired by Olivia Palermo and her lob. It's been about 10 years since my hair was this short!

Sam Edelman Gigi: Only the Best Shoe Ever

2013-03-14T21:20:00.000-05:00

No need to exaggerate, this is the best shoe I've ever owned. Hands down. Proof is in the fact that I own seven different colors and counting. They're extremely comfortable and glued to my feet spring through fall in Texas, and really even some winter days. Now, they come in a rainbow. I think my bank account is in serious trouble. Get Sam Edelman Gigi here.

New in my Poshmark Closet: Louis Vuitton & Missoni

2013-03-10T15:51:00.000-05:00

New in my Poshmark closet: a barely-used Louis Vuitton Batignolles Horizontal Monogram bag, an Olloclip 3-in-1 lens for iPhone 4 or 4S, brand new Missoni Havaianas and brand new Old navy ballet flats. You can find my closet by searching "amberpresley" within the Poshmark app. For a preview go here.

Sunday Reading

2013-03-10T15:10:00.000-05:00

Sunday is my favorite day to do a lot and a lot of nothing. Besides doing laundry, cooking lunch for the week and reading The Walking Dead comic books, these are the blogs I'm reading today.

Carrie Loves. Well I read Carrie Loves pretty much everyday. She inspires me with her fun posts, introduces me to new blogs and has an awesome graphic feel to every post. This is her unique image showing her favorite pins from her Happy Flippin Friday post. OH, and I have to mention that the cute colorful social icons I use were free from her blog!

Mrs. Lilien Styling House Blog. I just want her life and her closet. That is all. This is the image this week from her Mrs. Sunnytime post. Makes me ready to go to the beach, now.

What are you reading today?

Saturday Inspiration

2013-03-09T08:23:00.001-06:00

From Daily Dishonesty, my new favorite site for a little laugh. Happy Saturday!

Foodie Joy: My Knoshbox Review

2013-03-06T21:58:00.002-06:00

I love trying new foods and I especially love trying local foods. Meaning, I'd rather buy chocolate from the local chocolate shop instead of Walgreens. Unless you live in a small town, it isn't always easy to find those local artisans. And, there's a whole world out there, so who wants to miss out on local vendors that could be just one city over. Luckily, that's where knoshbox comes in. They do the foot work for you and identify small, local artisans across the country and package them in a pretty little present that's delivered to your door.

The idea of a subscription box fascinates me. I tried Birchbox and it bored me though. There's only so many perfume samples and ponytail holders this girl needs. But I do need and never tire of food. Although I've been on a huge health kick, this box happened to deliver while I was taking a small break around Valentine's Day. Perfect timing.

In my knoshbox: California Harvest Sun-Dried Tomatoes from Sonoma, California; Great Bean chocolate from Austin, Texas; Clarine's Florentines chocolate and almond cookie from Berkeley, California; Two Cousins lemon pepper biscotti from Connecticut; and Sfoglini pasta from Brooklyn, New York.

I was saving this box to take to my parents house, so it literally sat on my counter staring at me for over a week. The Monday before I was supposed to head to visit my parents I got the call that my dad was very sick and in the hospital. I ate the cookie and chocolate on my four-hour drive. I was stressed and needed chocolate. And, it was incredible. The cookie was creamy and crunchy. I wanted a box more. The chocolate was different flavors for me, but really good! I am DYING to try their salt and almonds bar since I'm obsessed with salt and chocolate anything.

After my dad started getting better, he started getting back to his snarky self. After a week, he was so tired of being in the hospital and eating hospital food, I don't think I've seen anyone happier when I showed up one morning with a coffee and package of the biscotti. They were a perfect treat. The package came with quite a few so we had plenty left over. They were perfectly crisp, but not too hard. And the flavor was balanced.

Between all of the stress with my dad, I didn't have time to eat the pasta and sun-dried tomatoes before resuming my no carb thing. I'm saving them for Easter to use together in this recipe. I'm excited about the thought of using them together.

Unfortunately I missed the cut off for ordering the breakfast box for March, which is a bummer because the maple syrup looked too amazing. I was just too preoccupied during the end of February with my dad. But, I'll definitely pick up ordering from knoshbox again in April! Feel confident in ordering from knoshbox, they give an amazing array of products and plenty for you and for you to share.

Oh, Hello Spring

2013-03-04T22:26:00.001-06:00

Just can't stop. Pastel, neon and leopard oh my.

Neon Cambridge Satchel Company / Gap Sweater / J. Crew Necklace / Essie Polish / Gap Flats

My Current Obsession: Spring in Tweed

2013-02-20T20:26:00.000-06:00

Since it's March next week and hovering around 60 degrees in Texas, I've decided it's Spring. At J. Crew last weekend I was playing dress up and I ran across this striped 3/4 sleeve length top in mint, navy and tweed-looking taupe color.

I've noticed quite a bit at the store is in tweed, which I dismissed at first. But upon second look, the color palates are quite beautiful with the fabric. And although my striped top is faux tweed, you get the same look. Now, as soon as my white jeans are back from the tailor, I'm breaking the "white jeans" rules and pairing them with some tweed.

Short-Sleeved T / Skirt / Striped T

Product Review: Essie Nail Stickers

2013-01-24T18:00:00.000-06:00

I {finally} took off my Gelish polish this weekend and have been itching to try my first batch of Essie Nail Stickers. As I mentioned, I looked and looked for these after spotting them on Instagram. I'm happy to report that I tried them and {love} them! This is my first pair of nail stickers to try, so I can't compare them to others. Here's the skinny:

The Good

They're really easy to apply. It only took me about 15 minutes to do...counting the two times I messed up on one finger. Luckily you get plenty in the package so it's okay to mess up.
They look really beautiful on. I think they are a bit more classic looking than others I have seen.
I got a lot of compliments, and it's fun to share new finds with other ladies!
One day down and they still are on!
They cost $10, much cheaper than a manicure and just as cute.

The Not So Good

I kept snagging the end of one finger on stuff today-it has a bit of a rough edge where I filed it down. I think I might add a clear coat on top to make sure it lasts.
You remove them by putting oil on your cuticle. Now this is GREAT because the gel manicure and acetone is damaging. But, I use oils when I style my hair and am a little worried they will lift.
They cost $10. Let's hope they last just as long or longer than a mani at this price.

Overall, I would definitely recommend them! I have a few other pairs and I imagine I will get better with each application.

Saturday Find: Essie Nail Stickers

2013-01-12T17:21:00.004-06:00

Today I went to the nail salon for a much-needed gel polish and pedicure session (I went with Red Roses in the Gelish line and it's amaze). Afterwards, I headed towards CVS in search of the elusive Essie Nail Stickers I had read a review about on Bella Sugar. This was my second trip searching for them. And, today was my lucky day, hidden by the socks, reading glasses and canes (leopard print canes!) I found them.

They are really cute in person, even more than in the promo pics on the Essie site. They only had one set of the style photographed above in stock (my absolute favorite), which I grabbed, along with a really soft neutral leopard and red with gold dots. Although I can't report on how well they'll work, I will say they are beautiful and definitely a step above the style of other brands that have been around longer. Once my gel nail polish is ready to remove I'll let you know my thoughts. If you happen to have a review for them, please post it in comments...I would love to read it and link to it here!

Photo and review from Bella Sugar.

Wreaths I Love

2012-11-14T17:52:00.002-06:00

"My friend" may or may not be planning to put up her Christmas tree and decorate before Thanksgiving. I mean, if my friend were to decorate early, it's okay since she will be going home for the holidays and coming back to her house after Thanksgiving. She just can't help it...she loves this time of year, so we must forgive her for being so crazy, right?!

Succulent / Chili Pepper / Alphabet / Fleur De Lis

My New Favorite Thing: Merona Coat

2012-11-13T15:29:00.000-06:00

I am extremely picky when it comes to the perfect coat, probably because in Texas we don't get to wear them too long. My all time favorite coat was custom made for me (as a Christmas gift from my parents) at Al's Attire in North Beach, when I lived in San Francisco. Unfortunately it is way too big on me to wear anymore, which I guess is a good/bad problem to have. And, I am betting it would be a pretty penny to alter it. So, I have been on the hunt for something that works for now, but isn't too expensive. The other day I was killing time in Austin before a wedding and stopped by my old Target and there it was. This coat. A beautiful coat. A faux fur collar that actually looks decent and is removable...in case I want to pair it with my favorite leopard scarf. It looks Anthropologie'ish to me, without the price tag. Most of all, I am obsessed with the color. Find the coat here.

Life Lately

2012-10-31T17:22:00.000-05:00

So, I've been a bit absent since I moved to Houston last month. Life sometimes is just a bit to hectic for me to worry about color, design or style! And, honestly I think all of my inspiration has been funneled into on decorating my new place and just getting used to a new city. I'll probably be posting more, but it might be a bit more heavy on photos, life and everyday inspiration, instead of planned perfect pieces. And to kick it off I wanted to share that I am no longer a blond (see my before and after below). That may not seem like a big deal to many, but I haven't really changed my hair color in about 10 years. Come to think of it, the last time I lived in Houston. So, I am LOVING it and cannot imagine being blond again. I think it brings out my eyes and brightens my face. And dare I say, makes me look a little younger? :)

Hello Image

Back in Stock in the Viola Pearl Etsy Store

2012-09-26T11:18:00.002-05:00

The Linnea necklace is back in stock in the Viola Pearl Etsy store. Find it here.

Blogger Polish Swap

2012-09-17T00:05:00.001-05:00

In the midst of moving my life to Houston, I joined a blogger polish swap hosted by Rachel at lalalists and Carly at Lipgloss and Crayons. Being a total polish-aholic, this was right up my alley. And, I was lucky enough to immediately hit it off with my swap partner {and new friend}, Jess at the lily white english rose. We spoke beforehand and decided to do swap an affordable store brand and mid-priced brand. The best part was that I had no idea what Jess would send me-and she had no idea what I would send her!

Jess obviously has great taste because she sent Essie Stylenomics and {uber classic} Revlon Vixen in the cutest packaging I have seen in a while {see below}, along with Yorkie'ish emory boards. I haven't had the chance to actually use the colors sent to me...I will as soon as I am done hammering and unpacking and I will report back! Thanks again Jess for introducing me to two awesome colors!

What's your favorite polish right now?

Getting Settled in My New Place

2012-09-16T18:42:00.000-05:00

Since I have been absent for a while I wanted to share some pics showing what I have been up to-I am loving Houston and my new place! I still haven't hung any art or my huge Anthropologie mirror above my sofa yet, so that is my next project. But, I actually wanted to see how things were looking before I started nailing holes in the walls.

One of my favorite parts of my apartment is the really high ceilings and open rain shower in my bath! And, the location couldn't be any better. Hope you had an awesome weekend!

I'm Moving to Houston!

2012-09-05T07:28:00.001-05:00

I've been absent the past couple of days and {finally} took a short break to share some good news...I'm moving to Houston! As I type this, I am surrounded by boxes and dreaming of the amazing ways I'll decorate my new place. Back in 1999, I kicked off my career in public relations in Houston...so I'm excited to return to my old stomping grounds and reconnect with friends! So, I will be a bit absent this week while I move, but please keep checking back...I can't wait to share pics from my new place! Cheers!

Win a Viola Pearl Necklace! {closed}

2012-09-04T23:18:00.001-05:00

Want a free Viola Pearl painted rhinestone necklace? This week, one of my favorite bloggers, Niki at Glossy Blonde, is offering the opportunity for you to do just that! Click here to enter to win a necklace and other awesome prizes-you have one day only!

Good luck to everyone who enters!

Frilly Cactus

2012-08-31T07:37:00.000-05:00

I have always loved plants that I cannot kill, especially succulents and colorful cactus. It seems this plant is adorned with simple vintage earrings or pendants. Totally doing this.

Image From

Recipe: Tortilla-less Soup

2012-08-30T15:26:00.000-05:00

As the summer progresses, so has my low-cal creativity and cooking skills! Recently I whipped up a soup, with inspiration from one of my favorites, tortilla soup, I thought I would share. This is low calorie and very filling. Of course, you could add tortilla chips, cheese and avocado and it would be good, but I promise the soup without it is fantastic and full of flavor. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cloves minced garlic

2 cups diced tomatoes

4 cups organic fat free chicken broth

4 tsp cumin

2 tsp onion powder

2 tsp cayenne

1 lb. cooked chicken, shredded

1/4 cup fresh cilantro

3/4 cup diced celery

Boil chicken slowly on medium-high heat. This takes a while but the chicken will be more tender. Then, preheat pot for soup over medium-high heat. Add garlic and celery-cook for three to five minutes...I added a small amount of broth in the pan to keep the garlic from sticking (I didn't use any oil products).

Add tomatoes, chicken broth and spices then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, add chicken and simmer for 25 minutes. Stir in cilantro and simmer for five minutes more. Serves four. Really good the second day once the spices have had time to sit...I usually make it one day and eat it the next.

If you make this, let me know what you think!

Greetings from Fredericksburg, Texas

2012-08-29T18:39:00.000-05:00

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 I Like To Do in Fredericksburg:
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.

Texas Wines I Drink:
Pedernales Cellars - This is a winery I like to just go and hang out at. They are a bit farther out of town, but the wines and view are worth it. {photo above in bottom right hand corner} Great place to buy a bottle and sit under the big tree on the deck. They sell wonderful cheese and crackers as well.
Grape Creek Vineyards - This is one of the wineries that has always been a favorite of mine, while others come and go. This wine is hard to track down if you don't live in the area, so make sure you buy a few bottles while in town. The tasting is a bit pricier than others but well worth it. Also a beautiful setting to sit with a bottle.
Four Point Wine - This is actually a collaboration of three wineries in one tasting location. And, they're all good! Really beautiful location and plenty of room to sit outside by the outdoor fireplace.
Sister Creek Vineyards - Currently my favorite wines are from Sister Creek, including the merlot and four-blend. Do not miss this vineyard, do a tasting...you won't regret it. I do wish they had seating outside though, because it is such a cute little town they are in. Usually this is my first stop when taking friends to vineyards since we just taste and go.
Becker Vineyards - You probably shouldn't visit Fredericksburg without making a stop here. Although their wine is at every grocery store in Texas, it is a really cool location and they have a nice lavender farm.
Santamaria Cellars - Huge fan of their reds, especially merlot. I have only seen their wine at one of the wine tasting stores in town, so this is a must-visit.
{There are plenty of other wineries but I am including only my absolute favorites.}

Where I Eat {photos shared are my pics from Foodspotting}:
Navajo Grill - Can be a bit on the pricey side, but is the best steak in town. Superb service in an equally superb atmosphere. My favorite dish here is the crab cakes {as seen in photo above}. Must have a reservation. {dinner}
Cabernet Grill - Great food in a great atmosphere. My favorite dish here is the goat cheese appetizer. {dinner or brunch}
Hilltop Cafe - This place is owned by Johnny Nicholas and you can usually catch him playing at night in the restaurant. He sang happy birthday to me this summer and it was magic! I love the variety of food here. My favorite dish is the fried shrimp or gumbo...I seriously can't pick. {lunch or dinner}
Peach Tree Tea Room - Pre-diet I was a regular here. And, when I am taking a "break" I head here first. Best soups, sandwiches and anything in town. My favorite dish is the meatloaf sandwich or any soup {as seen in the photo above}. {lunch or brunch}
Der Lindenbaum - Want a taste of authentic German fare, look no further. My favorite dish is the sausage platter, which is exactly what I ate when I was in Germany as well. {dinner}
Friedhelm's Bavarian Inn - Another great German restaurant. My favorite dish here is the Jagerschnitzel with sauerkraut-just too darn good {as seen in the photo above}. {lunch or dinner}
Fredericksburg Pie Company - I have never liked pie in my entire life, until now. This place sells out everyday, so if you are looking for something in particular, call a day or two ahead and reserve it. My favorite pie here is the banana cream. You'll need two slices. {anytime!}
Bejas Grill & Cantina - Admittedly the service here can be *really* spotty, which can be oh so annoying. BUT, the margaritas are great and I love that it's on Main Street with awesome outside seating. My favorite dish here during a shopping break is the trio with chips, salsa, guacamole and queso. For brunch, the migas are amazing. {breakfast, lunch or dinner}
Java Ranch - I always feel welcome in this place and the owner really goes out of his way. I teared up moving to Fredericksburg because there is no Starbucks...but Java Ranch really makes up for it. They have all the drinks I could want, as well as fresh baked goods. My favorites are the cranberry scone and banana-nut muffin. {breakfast}
Fredericksburg Bakery {breakfast or lunch} - Be careful if you stay in the Bed & Breakfast located directly above this bakery...the smells at 5 a.m. will make you go wait in line at the door for them to open! This place is exactly what he name says-and it's one of the best in town. I am not a really sweets person {besides banana cream pie} but my grandma loves their pinwheels!
Others I Recommend: Porky's Hamburgers, Hondo's {burger as seen in the photo above}, West End Pizza, Cranky Frank's BBQ

Where I Hang:
House Wine - One of the nicest places to drink wine in town. The manager is super nice and they sell some cool furniture. My pick for the top spot.
Silver Creek - Great local live music. Sometimes I stop here for dinner or a snack before hitting wine bars in the evening.
Lincoln Street - I've been coming to Lincoln Street since I was in my early 20's. They have the best patio and outdoor fire place in town. And, love their cheese and fruit tray.
The Auslander - Great place to people watch, have a snack or a beer and hang, especially when they open up the huge front windows.
Fredericksburg Brewery - Wined out?! The brewmaster makes a mean "Not So Dumb Blonde" and plenty of dark beers. If it's football season, don't miss the back room with wall size screen. This is usually a stop for my friends after any fall festival. You can also buy a growler to take your beer with you!

If you visit, do not stay at a normal hotel! There are plenty of cute bed and breakfasts or rentals for the same price, and sometimes even cheaper. When I would visit Fredericksburg, I always rented through Gastehaus Schmidt or Absolute Charm. For more information on visiting Fredericksburg, Texas, click here.

{Linking up with Pink on the Cheek for Wanderlust Wednesday-please check out the other cities featured!}

Loving Lately: Pretty Notebooks

2012-08-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

I can't get enough pretty notebooks. It's like I've gone back in time to my elementary school years, when I would spend every dollar of my allowance {down to the penny} on every colored pen and pretty notebook I could find. My love was sparked again when Kendi at Kendi Everyday shared what was in her purse...including a bright yellow leather notebook from Anthropologie. I now own it in yellow and teal {in photo above}. And, once I bought two, pretty notebooks seem to be popping up and tempting me everywhere!

This post is part of the Lovely Lately link up! Make sure to click on the link and check out what everyone else is loving!

Botanical Notebook / Teal Leather Journal / Mint Journal / Paris Journal / Moleskine / Quote Notebook

Color of the Week: Ultramarine Green

2012-08-27T09:16:00.000-05:00

Green is definitely one of my favorite colors, especially this shade! This continues my Pantone Fall Fashion 2012 Color series-see my other colors featured: titanium gray, pink flambé, bright chartreuse and tangerine tango.

Eyeshadow / Cell Phone Case / Bag / Jeans / Dress

Currently Reading

2012-08-25T12:35:00.001-05:00

I'll be spending my Saturday reading these three books-I just picked up Cupcakes and Cashmere...it's so pretty! Have any home decor or style books you'd recommend?