Fashion Photography
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Christmas Stockings
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Stockings are one of my favorite parts of Christmas. There's something about miniature awesome gifts that gets me so excited. Anyone else feel the same?
Well, I decided to list some stocking stuffers for you ladies. Guys, you may want to take some notes. ;) (Click to read on)
1. Aveda makes my favorite tea in the whole world - Aveda Comfort Tea. It has a peppermint aftertaste.
2. Forever 21 always has affordable trinkets. The store can be overwhelming, but there are a lot of options in the accessories section.
3. Old Navy has quite a few items for $5.00. Cami could be a great stocking stuffer when rolled up and tied with a bow.
4. Nail polish is always a great idea. Essie and O.P.I are my favorite brands. You can find them at Ulta.
5. Philosophy has several clean scents available in small bottles that are perfect for a gal's purse.
6. Benefit's lip glosses may be pricey, but they are probably my favorite.
I Smell Memories
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My number one Christmas gift this year is Narciso Rodriguez perfume "Her." I've wanted this scent for about two years, and finally feel like I have found my signature scent - although I'm sure something else will come along the way in the future.
For many people, our olfactory sense brings out specific memories or faces. I've gone through many perfumes, and so whenever I smell certain ones I am reminded of seasons in my life. Though the list isn't that long, occasionally I'll come across a scent that reminds me of a person. On my wedding day, I gave Ryan a Calvin Klein cologne, and now my wedding day is marked with a specific smell. I LOVE that! (Click to keep reading).
Below, I've listed scents I've worn or others have worn and what/who they remind me of...Are there any perfumes or colognes that bring a time or a face to mind for you?
CK One Summer - My wedding day
Burberry Touch, Juicy Couture Dirty English - Ryan
Chanel Number 5 - Nana
Estee Lauder Pleasures - Dad
Coco Chanel - Mom
Clinique Happy - Danielle Axtell
Kenneth Cole Black - Erin Blohm
Vanilla Sugar - Michelle Hays
Hanae Mori Butterfly - Emma VandeReit
Burberry Brit - Amaris Kress
Anna Sui for Women - High school
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue - Sophomore year of college
Lacoste Pour Femme - Junior Year of College
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist - Senior year of college
Items in this set:
Juicy Couture Dirty English 6.7 oz Up With A Twist Shower Gel, $30
Chanel - Coco Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml/3.4oz, $155
Chanel - No.5 Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml/3.3oz, $148
Dolce & Gabbana - Light Blue Eau De Toilette Spray 50ml/1.7oz, $70
Hanae Mori Butterfly 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray, $65
Answered Prayers
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I know this is not fashion related, but it's Alex related and this is www.alexandraevjen.com after all. ;)
My life has been NUTS these past few months and has put me on my knees with anxiety and stress. I believe that God hears our prayers always, though He may not answer them in the way we want or expect, I know He hears me and I find comfort in that. So, I would like to share with you a bit about my recent circumstances and encourage those of you that are struggling in your faith that God is with you. And though, the knots in your stomach may not cease, mine never did, keep clinging the best that you can. Click to keep reading.
I was sick for about a month and a half. I had severe joint pain to the point where I couldn't even walk to my bathroom, random episodes of nausea - one in particular forced me to cancel my trip to San Francisco where I was going to visit FIDM SF campus and vascular distress. The doctors were unable to figure out what was wrong with me after three different blood tests and four trips to the doctor until last week...It turns out it was a combination of the flu, flare up of old mono and severe allergies to ragweed, mold and cedar. Though I have been feeling better for awhile now, to know of these allergies is such an answered prayer because throughout my childhood I have dealt with allergic reactions of which we that we could not figure out the cause.
As most of you know, I was in a car accident the week of Thanksgiving. You can read about the accident here. My paid off car was totaled, and now has put us in a situation of buying a car and paying for rentals - super stressful to say the least. Well, God has provided us with a used CRV that we will be picking up this Saturday. We are so excited! Not only is it a price we can afford, but it's our number one choice car.
Our new puppy, Wendy, broke her toe at the beginning of November, had to have a cast, got sores from her cast and then ate an ornament, which resulted in an emergency endoscopy to retrieve the top of the ornament from her stomach. These issues have resulted in five veterinarian visits within one month. Super pricey! Wendy has finally healed, and thank goodness stomach surgery wasn't necessary because that would be WAY more money.
Lastly, I work for a professional association - a non-profit that has been anticipating hard times. We have managed to stay strong through the economic downturn. Expecting to get a pay cut and a possible layoff in my year-end review, God not only spared me from that, but I received a raise and a bonus (which will be going to our dog and car)! Such a wonderful blessing!!!
This season has been very hard. Hard on my relationship with God, hard on my marriage and hard of my friendships. However, I've come out on the other side, breathing and joyful. Dealing with an illness and surviving what could well have been a fatal accident has made me really appreciate my health and life. I wish all of you a new year full of good health!
Obviously, finances have been a source of anxiety, but Ryan and I have been so blessed in this area of our lives, and we are glad that we can continue to bless others in this lagging economy.
By no means am I saying that prayers will always leave you with warm fuzzies and amazing blessings, but there is always growth and wisdom to be gained. For me, it's an appreciation for life and my job - something that many people are without this holiday season.
Praise be to God!
Men's Outerwear Featuring TopMan
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A friend of mine has been searching for a cropped trench coat for her husband, and the only place she could find one was TopMan.com - the male version of TopShop. I started browsing through their outerwear, and fell in love with some of their pea coats and military styled jackets. So, I thought I would share my finds, ranging from $70 to $120, with you. 
