Hair do's

The most ho-hum ensembles come to life with a little love from add-ons like scarves, jewelry, belts and bags. Can you tell I’ve been in Texas? Southern ladies are all about glitz and glam, and as an accessories girl I always love to scope how the Texan gals are jazzing things up. I left my scrunchies in the 80s but have recently been into hair accessories that add interest and fun to my otherwise classic locks. Feather clips, headbands and decorated bobby pins are my favourites.

Like most girls, I came to the pre-wedding crossroads- veil or no veil? This is tough stuff. Yes, it’s one fleeting day, but those photos live on and heaven forbid you make a bad call on your bridal hairpiece. From the get-go, I knew I wasn’t a veil bride. I fell in love with a Toni Federici satin and Swavorsky crystal hairband before I found my dress.






If you’re feeling brave enough to spice up your daily look with some hair accessories, Etsy is a great place to start.

Be something new


Untamed petals


Chrystal


These shops are great for styling inspiring and a perfect place to pick out some fun handmade pieces. I was feeling crafty myself and made these headbands for my sisters as thank you gifts for hosting me at their house in Texas last week. I designed them using bits and pieces from my sewing and craft boxes.






I'm hoping you are inspired to do as the Texans do and mix up your regular accessorizing. A hair piece is a great place to start.

Picture me merry

I got back last night from a short jaunt down to Texas. It was a wonderful few days and even as I enjoyed the sunny weather, the trip got me excited for the holidays. Texans know how to celebrate anything and everything and Christmas is no exception. Returning home, I can’t wait to get cooking, decorating, crafting and hosting. I’ve already worked out the perfect theme for our tree, planned my list of festive baking and started shopping for gifts. With snow on the ground, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas is coming.

Here's an idea that was a huge hit at our wedding rehearsal dinner and with a few tweaks this would be a blast at a holiday party. All you need is some fabric, mini chalkboards and chalk, a volunteer with a good camera, and you’ve got yourself a DIY photo booth. Most importantly, you’ll also need some awesome party guests waiting to get into the spirit of the season.

At our rehearsal dinner, we hung two pieces of patterned fabric as backdrops, had guests write messages on chalkboards, and pose for photos. A simple concept, but a big success.













I’m seeing festive plaid fabric, sparkly holiday outfits and merry messages to create a Christmas version. Props could be fun too. Think eggnog, mistletoe and Santa hats. Get creative!

I wondered how the photo booth would be received at our dinner, but it turned out to be a great addition to the night and everyone participated from the kids to grandparents. If you add a festive photo booth to your holiday party, send me your snap shots. I’d love to see your version of the fun.

What's the most unique idea you've seen at a holiday party?

The first lists of Christmas

November hits and Christmas seems to just want to burst at the seams. Coffee shops, bookstores, television ads, grocery stores. Everywhere you look, we’re ready to welcome December with anything and everything to celebrate the commencement of the holiday season. Christmas is only a short while away.

Fellow list lovers, I know you’ve already been busy, as have I. Wish lists, guest lists, baking lists, gift lists, card lists, play lists and party lists. As I started to brainstorm what to buy for friends and family, I wanted to share a little gift giving inspiration. I got to thinking about some of my favourite gifts I've received and products I'm loving that would make for great presents.

“Seasons” by Donna Hay
A recent gift from Chris, this cookbook is a collision of impressive seasonal recipes and the most amazing photography and food styling. It's earned a prominent place in my kitchen and doubles as a beautiful coffee table book.



Ugg slippers
The comfort and warmth of the boot, but for the indoors. A Christmas gift from last year, these cozy slippers quickly become a winter staple.



A girlie apron
Like closet, like pantry, I own several aprons to match my moods and menus. One of my favourites is a hand sewn black and white apron that was a wedding shower gift from my sister. These lovelies are from Anthropologie, who also carry several matching mini versions. A perfect mommy-daughter gift.



Circle scarf
I recently received a similar version in peacock blue. A circle scarf is versatile and practical, making it a perfect can't-go-wrong gift.

Julie and Julia
Okay, so this movie is totally old news, but I am still inspired every time I watch it. It's made my top ten list, competing with the likes of Devil Wears Prada and 27 Dresses. Don't judge me...



Some smaller treats to stuff those stockings.

Voluspa candles
A long standing favourite of mine, these candles boast pretty packaging and beautiful scents.


Le Pen
With a super fine tip and an array of interesting colours, these are my go-to pens for cards and letters.



Rosebud salve
This multi-purpose salve smells gorgeous and can be used for everything from dry skin to diaper rash. I keep it on hand to protect my pout. Rosebud also has an equally delicious strawberry counterpart.



Moleskine weekly notebook
A fellow Anthro manager swears by this planner and I can't wait 'til 2011 hits so I can start filling mine with organizational goodness. With a spot for lists opposite each weekly calendar, it's a great way to keep your to-do's and appointments all in one place.



Nail polish
I love jewel tones and I love nail polish. Sephora by O.P.I. polishes come in a bazillion shades, the price is right and they tend to last. Fall nail trends are showing purples, metallics, neutrals and gem tones as the main players.



Hope this gets you thinking about your own gift lists or wish lists or whatever lists. Stay tuned for many more Christmas prep tips. Happy holiday planning!

Sunday suppers

With a blog on the mind, I’m acutely aware of my surroundings and daily happenings. I’m always on the lookout for a great idea, photo opportunity and inspiration to share with you. While reading my October Bon Appetit, I came across the most intriguing story about a fabulous gal from LA.


Short of the long, Melissa McClure is a jewelry designer who started hosting friends on Sunday nights for soup and socializing. She named the evening, Soupapolooza!, and it’s turned into a crazy successful time of sharing with friends and a great little blog of recipes, photos and fun.


I absolutely love stories of small, unique ideas that turn into wild successes. It was cool to read about Melissa’s Sunday night soup ritual, because Chris and I had unofficially started a similar evening in our home.

We love to cook and constantly end up making big, elaborate meals for six, when there’s only two to feed. We decided to share the love (and food) and have friends over for causal Sunday suppers. We’ve done quick and easy chili, roast chicken or lasagna. Sometimes it's only a party for three and sometimes we eat on the couch, but either way we're doing what we love. Cooking and eating with friends.

Inspired by Soupapolooza! and the crisp November weather, last night for Sunday night supper we made soup. Farmhouse butternut squash soup and the insanely easy but impressive Pinoneer Woman’s homemade dinner rolls.






Hot soup, fresh buns, good company. Suddenly makes the Sunday night blues fade far away. Go check out Melissa’s Soupapolooza! blog and while you’re at it, cruise your favourite food sites for some recipes to host your own Sunday supper and share the joy of food and friends.

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.