You are my go-to kitchen person. Like... Who else has a tortilla press? Well, I do now, but that is because you inspired me.

Will be getting out of the shower at the time she tells everyone to meet somewhere.

Alex has been part of my life now for north of 5 years. I've watched her wear many hats during this time – from wedding/event planning, daughter/sibling, wife, and, of course, friend. Through all the ups, downs, and inside outs, one constant trait stands the most. No matter the day or situation – Alex is truly authentic in all she does. I find it to be one of her most captivating qualities. It's something that is often overlooked in today's world.

Will remember the random little fact you told her about yourself forever ago and casually mention it in conversation without realizing how impressive it is to remember these things.

You always show up for everyone else, but you also give us a great example and permission to prioritize our own needs. Like in Disneyworld when you left the park early, Ubered yourself to Whole Foods, and we came back to you sitting on the bed surrounded by all your favorite snacks. You needed your time 😂😘

I always know I can count on Alex giving me her honest and unedited opinion. Even when it’s not necessarily what I want to hear, I go to her time and again because I trust she will give me her true feelings.

If you ever need a conversation starter, just ask Alex how many rugs she currently has in her living room... No, seriously, ask her!

I know many people say this about folks that host events, but Alex really is the hostess with the mostess! When she hosts a friend's brunch or Friendsgiving, she always goes above and beyond to make it such an amazing time for everyone there. For Friendsgiving, Alex has always given me the honor of carving the turkey and I always look at this as a great honor haha.

I learned from a young age that Alex is the type of person you could go to with anything/ everything. I have a vivid memory of spilling a bottle of red nail polish on the carpet in our parent's bedroom. When I told Alex, she immediately came to help. She tediously removed all evidence of the nail polish from the carpet and never said a word about it. It might not seem like a big deal now, but to a child, this felt like the equivalent of calling a friend to help you bury the body.

Alex always makes sure to do something for your birthday. A few years ago, I was just expecting to hang out with my friends; when I arrived, Alex pulled out cupcakes and started a round of "Happy Birthday." It was a small act, but it had been a tough day at work, and Alex doing that meant a lot to me.

Gonna do light brainstorming but honestly “Obsessively into olives” was an initial thought

Always looking for an excuse to gather people and will make a point to talk to everyone in the room. In addition, she makes sure everyone is fed or there is a plan for food either a tasty spot, something delicious she whips up herself, or potluck style.

She’s fiercely loyal and loving, and Alex is one of the best friends I have.

She’s also the most incredible host and best cook I know (and it looks like a tornado flew through when she’s working in her element).

If you know Alex, you know she is an amazing cook, especially for large groups. What I really value is that I’m the only vegetarian in the group, but Alex always makes sure I have a vegetarian dish (or two, or three) set aside! She manages to make sure there are options for everyone. In doing this, she shows each of us that we are valued and welcome.

I love that Alex and I have the type of friendship where even though we don’t text every day, it’s totally normal for us to randomly have a long text conversation about all sorts of random shared interests. Example are Indian food, skincare, secondhand furniture, and board games (real examples from scrolling our text thread). Even if we go a few weeks without seeing each other, when we do get together it feels like family and we talk about any and everything.

Who brings their entire house for ultimate hostessing on the road? Alex does. Alex brings more kitchen equipment to Airbnbs for group trips than they have in the house. On the road Taco bars will never be the same without Alex’s homemade tortillas. She even packs 30+ board games are packed in travel-sized bags for ultimate game marathons.

Alex will show up for activities that bring joy to her friends even if not her particular cup of tea. She has sang more karaoke with me in 10 years than she probably thought she needed to in her entire life.

Speaking of the winter cabin weekend - a funny story, to me, at least. I remember carpooling to the winter house with you guys, but we had to stop at Costco on the way. I was all ready to be sent to grab stuff/help however I could. I remember being very politely informed to stand back that you guys’ got it. I’ve never seen a Costco more strategically attacked. Two carts. An insane amount of food. But everything was needed and used. I try to take that same approach at Costco. It’s a work in progress for me.

You’re also totally capable of partying without alcohol — like you have fun, top time with everyone and it escapes me that you’re totally sober 🙃