A really good man

I’ve tried hard to keep the newlywed mushiness to a minimum here on Alexandra’s Joys, but today I can’t help but share what’s on my mind.

My new job is in full swing and I couldn’t be enjoying myself more. That said, things are hectic. There is so much to do and learn and contrary to my typical organized self, this morning was a bit rough. To begin, I was running late, couldn’t find a tank to layer under my great new Anthropologie Bretonnes blouse and then the jewel went flying off my feather headband the moment I put it on my head. Rough, I know.

In attempts to load my various items into the car, I spilled coffee all over the sunroof. Rattled that I was out three sips of java, away I drove into a.m. traffic. Red light, nice, I loaded up on the hand lotion. And there went one of my diamond wedding bands off into SUV oblivion. A panicked phone call to my hubby followed.

That little recap brings me to what my husband's morning looked like:

7 a.m. Wake up to frazzled wife cuz she’s late
7:30 a.m. Drive to fill up SUV with gas for wife who didn’t do it last night cuz she was in a skirt and heels
7:45 a.m. Pick up frantic wife’s favourite coffee
8:00 a.m. Make breakfast for hungry wife
8:15 a.m. Back to bed, Zzzz…
8:30 a.m. Panicked phone call from crying wife
9 a.m. Drive to mall to search SUV for lost diamond wedding band
9:15 a.m. Deliver found diamond wedding band to wife at work
9:30 a.m. Home to try and catch some sleep before a night shift

Prior to today's drama, I arrived home earlier this week from training in Edmonton and found a clean house, a list of to-do’s checked off and no laundry. I was also greeted by flowers from Pease Blossoms, the Sex and the City 2 DVD and a set of beautiful handmade cards. From our first date to our engagement, in the good times and the rough patches, he has been calm, caring and consistent.

You know those people in your life that make you want to be less selfish, more giving and more forgiving? My husband is that person for me. He is in simplest terms, a really good man.

I was blessed with an amazing dad, a great brother and now an incredible husband. I hope this inspires you to recognize and appreciate the good men in your life. Share with me about the good men you know. I’d love to hear and I’m sure they would too.

Little lotions and potions

Greetings from the Metterra Hotel in Edmonton. It’s my first week of training with Anthropologie and I am happily absorbed in the world of fashion and home design retail.

I don’t mind living out of a suitcase for a week or so, and there’s something refreshing about soft white towels, crisp sheets and coming home to a clean room every night. However, my fondness for a hotel is typically decided on by the brand of the bathroom amenities.

While staying at the 6 Columbus in New York, I “stole” the Kiehls products every day until the cleaning staff caught on that I wasn’t actually washing my hair that much. Here at the Metterra, they have a great selection of Pharmacopia, a fantastic line of organic bodycare products.


I’m pretty product-happy and always travel with an extended supply of my own, so the tiny bottles in the rented rooms can go unused. So I like to keep the surplus hotel products and set them out for overnight guests. (*Note – when I say tiny bottles, I don’t mean the ones in the mini fridge. Those aren’t free!).

When we host, I"ll to write a welcome note and leave out the mini amenities, fresh towels, a book or magazine, water, and other fun treats like chocolate or fruit. Guests always feel more at home when they’re greeted with goodies in their room.

We bought a couple of these bedside carafes from Crate and Barrel to leave water out for overnighters.


This cute idea warrants a shout out to my label-maker-lovin’ friend, Rachel, who on a weekend visit had these personalized cups waiting for my hubby and I in the bathroom. Adorable.



It's thoughtful to leave some local reading for guests to relax with. Avenue is a great Calgary lifestyle magazine about food, style, arts and culture.



An alarm clock is a practical addition to your guest room. I bought this little vintage inspired cheapie at Ikea.

Attention to detail can make or break a hotel stay and the same goes for hosting in your home. So make sure to take those little lotions and potions when you’re jet setting abroad and make your next visitors feel like they’re camping at the W.

Grandma's jelwery box

I have a lovely grandmother. When I was little and sad or sick, she always let me try on her diamond rings. Even at age four, sparkly jewels made me feel better. Now when I go home to visit she often catches me rummaging through her jewelry box. Although she still wears most of it, she’s handed over some amazing pieces to add to my small but growing collection.

She bought these earrings when she was in her twenties. I love that I'm wearing them this many years later in my twenties as well.


I love this delicate ring and wear it all the time. It came from another one of my jewelry box heists, but originally hails from Europe.


This bracelet, circa 1954, came from an island in Greece called the Island of Rhodes.


Remember the gold watch on my Fall fashion hunting list? Well over Thanksgiving weekend while I was visiting with my grandma, she gave me the most amazing gold watch with a tiny diamond on the face. Gorgeous. It’s no Marc Jacobs, but it belonged to my grandpa who was quite a classy man. He bought it in Barbados while on vacation.


This aquamarine, pearl and gold necklace came from Turkey and belonged to my great, great grandmother. Aquamarine is known as the stone of Greece and is extremely popular in the area.


I’d been on the hunt for the most amazing, delicate, sparkly, drop earrings for my wedding. Yet again, my grandma came through for me and I wore these white sapphires from Greece on my big day. They were my something old.


For my 25th birthday, my parents gave me this chic chunky gold ring with a diamond moon and star. It belonged to my dad’s mom and was made by a family friend in Montreal who often handcrafted her jewelry.


Lastly, a remarkable brown leather Gruen watch of my grandpa's. It’s versatile and classic. The back of the face is inscribed with the name, Ron. Which happens to be the name of both my grandpa and my dad. It feels special to wear.



Wearing vintage jewelry gives you a certain feeling. There’s always a story to accompany an old watch, bracelet or earrings. That history makes the piece far greater than a material object because it was a part of someone’s life.

Do you wear a favourite vintage or family piece of jewelry?

My recent career breakup

Leaving a job is a lot like a breakup. Both require awkward conversations, the giving back of stuff and the much anticipated final goodbye. I discovered this comparison last week after I gave my notice at the job I’ve been faithful to for almost three years. I found myself using phrases like:

“It’s not you, it’s me.”
“I just don’t see this working out long term.”
“We’ll keep in touch and still be friends.”
“We both want different things.”

Wanting different things is what it all boiled down to. My career was headed one way but my heart was somewhere else. Through a series of events it became overwhelmingly clear that it was the right time for a big change.

This week marks my last days at a job that launched my career coming out of college and I can’t be thankful enough for the opportunities I was given and the experience I gained. I am saying farewell to a large, successful company, a window office (that I’ve only had for a week!), some truly amazing colleagues and friends, and the career path that “makes sense”.

Often it’s not about what makes sense on paper, for your bank account or to those around you. It’s about taking a risk, trying something new and listening to your heart. Cheesy, but true.

On Friday, I close the door on an invaluable and stretching experience. On Monday, I open the door to a whole other world.

Enter, Anthropologie.

Birthday party in a box

I debated admitting this publicly, but as a child I used to cry on all my siblings birthdays. I'm not sure if it was because someone else was getting gifts or cake or parties or attention. But I am sure that I've since come a long way from those days of pouting in the corner while everyone cheerily sang happy birthday and ate cake.

Minus that confession, I am excited for this post. But like my birthday, I had to wait for it. I’d sent my little sis a lovely box of treasures for her 20th bday but had to hold off until she received the package to write about it.

Getting mail is the best, so I always try to send a treat for my long distance loved ones birthdays. Themes are always fun, so for Brooklynne’s special day I made her a birthday party in a box.

The heart of a good party is food, so I got started with an insanely delicious Sprinkles red velvet cupcake mix from Williams Sonoma.


My first taste of Sprinkles was in Los Angeles this summer. My super thoughtful gf, Mindy, met Chris and I at LAX with a box of newlywed themed red velvets. We destroyed them before we hit Sunset Blvd.




I included some cupcake décor in the package like little bird candles, mini DIY pennant flags and dessert napkins of a Paris map.




I got all giddy about florals at Fabricland and decided to make a birthday garland. A homemade banner or garland beats balloons and streamers any day and I’m hoping my sis will hang it in her room so the party can keep on going all year long.






Every gal needs a little something pretty and new to wear on her big day, so I bought Brooklynne an awesome necklace with a pink globe and camera charm from Steeling Home.

I bundled up the joy in a box decorated in wrapping paper and doilies. Off to Texas it went, ready for a celebration honouring a special girl. Hopefully no one cries at her party.


What's the most creative gift you've ever given or received?

Thankful for giving

Happy thanksgiving all! We spent the long weekend with family and friends in Saskatchewan, enjoying good food and lot's of visiting. There is no comparable feeling to going home to celebrate holidays with people you love. Add turkey and pumpkin pie and I’m a happy girl.

While driving through the prairies last night, I spent some time thinking about things I’m thankful for in my life. I hope you take a few minutes today to write out your own thoughts.

My thankful list:
Adventures
Beauty
Creativity
Family
Food
Forgiveness
Freedom
Friendship
Giving
Health
Healing
Husbands
Laughing
Learning
Love
Music
Nature
New family
Writing

Giving seemed like the odd one out on this list, but I am truly thankful for the ability and desire to give. I love blessing others through sharing or encouraging. Whether it be sharing a meal, offering a piece of advice, picking up a coffee tab, lending clothes, giving little treats or gifts, or simply making someone feel special. I feel fulfilled when I know I’ve contributed.

Desire to contribute to peoples lives in a positive way. Pass on encouragement and love and be thankful to give.



“I will give You thanks with all my heart” Psalm 138:1a

Falling for leaves, pumpkins and pine cones

I've discovered a new love for Fall this year. I'm a sun and summer lovin' girl but as the leaves continue to fall, boots and scarves come out of hiding and Starbucks serves pumpkin spice lattes, I can't help but feel comforted and inspired.

As we welcome October, a seasonal wreath seemed like the perfect way to celebrate. Not to mention our stark white door was less than inviting. So taking some cues from Martha's Autumnal Wreath project, I added my own twist and prettied up our front door.




It's also bee fun to see the seasonal changes at our local farmers' market. Goodbye berries and peaches, hello plums and pears. The Calgary Farmers' Market holds a special place in my heart as many early dates with Chris were enjoyed over Phil & Sebastian coffee while browsing the local meat, produce and flower stands. Today, the pumpkins and gourds were out in full force.






A creative friend inspired me with another awesome Fall idea to head out of the city and take photos of the evolving surroundings to use in her kindergarten classroom. This weekend, a couple of gal pals and I had an impromptu photo shoot in the leaves.






It could be as simple as lighting a spicy candle, picking up mini pumpkins to arrange in the house or making that first batch of chili, but I encourage you to embrace and enjoy the Autumn months. Share with me your favourite Fall adventures. I'd love to try something new.