Hi Reader 👋

Happy Friday! I'm switching things up a little this week — no recipe roundup, no themed menu. Just me, showing up like I would in your texts, sharing what's been going on in my world lately. The exciting stuff, the fun stuff, and a few things I've genuinely been telling all my friends about.

Grab your coffee. Let's catch up. ☕

🐟 MY NEW FAVORITE RECIPE

First things first — I have a new recipe on the blog and I am so excited about this one. Creamy Poached Halibut with Leeks has quickly become one of my absolute favorite dishes and honestly I think it might be one of the best things I've made this spring. It's elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight, and the flavors are just stunning. If you make one new recipe this month, make it this one. → GET THE RECIPE​

🌿 BIG NEWS: SIDEDISH IS NOW AVAILABLE AT SPROUTS — WITH AN EXCLUSIVE FLAVOR!

This one has me doing a little happy dance. I am SO excited to share that my products are now available at Sprouts Farmers Market — and we launched with an exclusive Chili Lime Vinaigrette flavor that you can only find there! I have been wanting to get into Sprouts for so long and I genuinely could not be more thrilled about this. If you have a Sprouts near you, go find it and let me know what you think... I have some fun Chili Lime recipes to inspire you! Tag me — I want to see every single one! 🙌

🐱 WE GOT A KITTEN

I couldn't write an April favorites without mentioning the newest member of our family — we got a kitten and he is awfully cute. I am officially an obsessive Cat Mom of 2. Since we have two dogs who are besties, I felt like Prince (cat #1) needed his own bestie. More kitten content coming to Instagram, whether you asked for it or not. 😂🐾

🔥 GRILL WEEK IS COMING

Consider this your official warning — Grill Week is right around the corner and I am so ready!!! I've been testing recipes for weeks and I cannot wait to share everything with you. Stay tuned because it's going to be a really good one. In the meantime, start cleaning your grills, fill the propane tanks, and get ready to fire them up. Can't wait any longer? Check out my entire archive of grilling recipes here!🔥

🌸 ALEX'S APRIL FAVORITES

Okay and now let's talk about things I've recently purchased and couldn't be loving more...

BEAUTY

✨ No-Makeup Makeup: I am obsessed with this foundation-concealer hyrbid. It's like a magic eraser for your skin — it covers blemishes beautifully while still looking like you're wearing nothing. I cannot tell you how many of my friends text me after buying it saying it's a game changer. It's become my go-to product whenever I want just a little bit of coverage.

🧴 Tata Harper Oil & Cream Cleanser Duo: The best way to take off makeup at the end of the day. The two of these together leaves my skin so soft and clean. I use the oil cleanser first, then follow with the softening cream cleanser. My skin has never been happier and neither have I.

🌊 Trademark Beachy Waves: I get asked about my hair constantly and the secret is this tool. That's it. That's the whole secret.

😴 VIO2 Mouth Tape: I know this sounds weird but I've been using this mouth tape for a while now and it has genuinely changed my sleep. If you're a snorer (like me), it gently encourages nasal breathing while you sleep, which can help reduce snoring and give you a deeper, more restful night. It's changed my sleep — and my marriage (haha Clayton loves that I'm not snoring as much!!)

WHAT I'M WEARING

👖 Go-To Jeans: I don't think I've taken off these barrel ankle jeans since I bought them. Jeans + loafers + a cute top is basically my entire personality this spring and these are the pair I keep reaching for.

👟 Easy Sandals: These slides are instantly chic with jeans, a dress, or even shorts. I've been wearing them everywhere and always get compliments. The best find.

👗 Favorite Dress: This dress is SO good for spring and summer. I've already worn it three times and have a feeling that I'll be wearing it all season.

💛 Everyday Jewelry: I wear these gold earrings basically every single day. I have them in silver too — both are on constant rotation.

😎 New Fave Shades: I'm one of those girls that has worn the same sunglass style for, like, four years (I am who I am)... but I recently decided to venture out and bought this pair and am LOVING them.

IN THE KITCHEN

🥩 Meat Masher: If you cook ground meat, you need this meat masher in your life. It breaks everything up so perfectly and evenly — total game changer.

🍝 Pasta Bowls: These pasta bowls are my most-used kitchen item right now. They're beautiful for everyday and equally stunning for entertaining. I get asked about them constantly.

CURRENTLY READING

📚 We are currently reading Theo of Golden for book club right now . It was a top read of 2025 and has been on my list forever. I'm not going to lie — the middle has been a little slow for me, but I hear it comes together beautifully so I'm committed. Stay tuned for my full review and book club dinner party recap in a few weeks! 🍷

That's everything I've been loving this April — hope something on this list makes your life a little better or your week a little more fun. 🤍

See you Sunday with a brand new Dinner = Done menu drop!