Alexa Hamelin
Why Alexa
Alexa is a friend from work and her boss recommended her for a profile. I love what her boss had to say about Alexa, “sports oriented, whip smart and fearless, well read and cultured and traveled…new mom and crushing life if you ask me.”
Alexa’s Socials: Twitter & Instagram
Alexa’s Self-Description
“Just your average wine-and-cheese-obsessed gal whose entire identity is built around my daughter, reading, and being known as ‘the horse girl with curly hair.’ Not an Amazon Echo.”
Alexa’s Recommendations
Written in her own words…
📕 Book: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
The book series A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas is one of my favorite reads of all time. I could probably be getting royalties for how often I plug these books. It's a 5-book new adult fantasy series, which starts out as a re-telling of Beauty and the Beast and evolves into an action-packed story that will make you laugh and cry repeatedly. Think Game of Thrones' drama/romance combined with Lord of The Rings' world building/lore.
📲 App: Yuka
Yuka is one of my favorite apps right now. Scan the barcode of any food at the grocery store and it'll give a score out of 100 based on how "good" it is. It evaluates ingredients and nutritional content for any red flags such as preservatives, dyes, etc.
👩🍳Recipe: The Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Oh man... The Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup from Half Baked Harvest's Super Simple cookbook (or anything from HBH, really). It's the perfect cozy dinner for the winter. Recipe here.
🍷 Wine: Red Fox Red
Also gotta plug my favorite local Nashville wine, Red Fox Red. Swing down to Arrington Vineyards if you're in Nashville - it's worth the drive - for a bottle and enjoy a picnic, great view, and live music.
🎁 Gift: Kindle
My Kindle. I couldn't go a day without it. Also, a pop socket for said Kindle and a KU subscription. Perfect for the reader in your life.
✈ Travel: Rick Steves’ Books
If you're going to Europe, Rick Steves' way is the only way. All three of my trips to Italy (and a few others European destinations) were fully developed based off Rick Steves books. His free audio walking tours are fantastic and his restaurant recommendations are sensational. Better still are his tips for skipping insanely long attraction lines and being a respectful tourist that the locals will appreciate and welcome with open arms.
🛒 Amazon Purchase: Lalabu Baby Carrier
For my fellow moms: I recently got the Lalabu baby carrier and I love it! Easier to use and more comfortable than the Solly wrap, smaller and more stylish than the Ergobaby Omni. 10/10 recommend!
🔌 Personal Plug: My Calligraphy
I'm a calligrapher in my free time! Check out @alexahamelincalligraphy on IG. I do wedding invitations and save the dates, table numbers, seating charts - anything really!
🎯 Final Hits with Alexa:
Recent Passion: Does my baby count?
Ideal Saturday: Cold and rainy or snowing. A good fantasy book in my lap and yummy soup for lunch (read: aforementioned creamy chicken gnocchi soup). A Tennessee Vols win. Then, board game night with (lots of) wine and friends.
Hidden Gem: Quiplash - One of the most hilarious, endlessly entertaining games I've ever played. And it can be played on basically any device. It can be whatever kind of game you want: Witty, raunchy, family friendly. All time favorite game.
Brand Loyalty: Aldi - Affordable, good quality, and no BS. You don't have to pay for unnecessary frills. The cheese section is delightful, and they have a great organic selection.
Thank You Alexa!
Throwback Recommendation of the Week
🤠 Cowboy Boots: Tecovas
I’ll be honest, I never pictured myself as a cowboy boot guy, but when I put them on it’s a huge boost of confidence. They are really comfortable, and they are fun to wear.
Has anyone done Whole 30 and if so can they recommend a cookbook or plan? Asking on behalf of a friend who asked if anything had come up on past profiles (nothing yet!)