I'm back

New Year, New Stories

DESIGN | CONCEPT | REALIZATION 

Dear Sensible Reader (s), while it is national handwriting day I'm starting off by celebrating with a new blog post of the year. Greetings! Since last month of December, I've been extremely busy with the holidays which meant I had a ton of work load to do. Naturally, I feel bad when I neglect the things I enjoy doing like writing on here, especially, so I apologize in advance that I have neglected you. But not to worry, I have a plethora of pictures of that I had taken over winter break 2013, beginning with my mini vacation trip to the city of angels. I cannot believe it's already almost the end of the month of January 2014. I'm quite certain that time flies when your having fun. I'm experiencing Christmas withdrawals. Now that it's the new year with more new memories in the making, I'm hoping for some change in my daily notions. I try to avoid sappy new years resolutions (not that I'm against it or anything) just because I have a stronger belief now than I did before about taking action every day instead of announcing to the world a list of all sorts of worn out possibilities. I've learned that doing is actually better than just saying what you want. There's not much to lose. It solely begins with yourself and only yourself. I remember when I used to be the one shouting new years resolutions aloud and instead, I resulted to nothing. Mistakes aren't permanent, but they're also inevitable. There are many things that we cannot control like promises and expectations. It is in my desire to inspire you with my imperfections.

instagram: luxmobehave

Update: Book Traveling

I have relationships with my books. There is a newly inspired concept I created while snail mailing and drinking loads of coffee. I've executed a plan to start my very own book club. I chose to share the new page smell with a close audience. It wasn't until the end of last year that I created some well kept self-philosophies. Believe me when I say, Read for your own good. Ever since I was a little girl, I remember being so young not attending school yet. And because I was Curious-to-the-bone, someone would  be able to find me reading in a small corner in my house. I think I began to to pick up reading at such a young age while teaching myself to pronounce and enunciate difficult words. I soon realized that all words have either similar or different sounds. Slowly, and yet rapidly I read words and full sentences in my head. At this point, these letters were more than just words; they had meaning. In a matter of time, I began to enjoy reading more and more. I don't think it was ever difficult for my parents to force me into reading as a child unlike most children my age who disliked reading. Come to think about it, I've met a majority of teenagers and adults in my life who also dislike reading. The problem here is, books tend to be judged based on their covers like people vs. strangers. Sometimes we all need to get out of our comfort zones and dive straight into the wild. The first book I opened is Gone With The Wind by, Margaret Mitchell. It wasn't until later in my adolescence that the book was assigned to me but this time in high school. I firmly believe that feeding one's knowledge on stories of the universe can be quite captivating. So, Book Traveling is based on a circle of readers or shall I say "penpal-ship" via mail. Instead of just writing letters (snail mail)  to each other back and forth, I created a way of sharing my library with loved ones near or far. That way, more folks could enjoy reading and communicate the old-fashion way. Are you ready?

How It Works:

1)  I choose a random book to send to a fellow pen pal. (I'm a sucker for packaging so expect cute packaging)

2)  Once they receieve it, this person has a certain time frame. Realistically, a whole month is given to to each person receiving book so this should be enough time to catch up. If not, that's okay. It just means you didn't like the book! 

3)  After he/she is finished reading the book, they either have the options of returning the book back to me via mail or recruiting another book enthusiast aboard of my book club. 

4)  The cycle of sending new books starts over again! 

Well Sensible Reader (s), Book Traveling is a way of communicating and sharing stories to one another especially to those who read for pleasure or not. There are tons of tiny stories in pages with hidden messages that some might not be aware of. The stories surround us tremendously and this idea could give others a chance to read more often and as well as learn something new each time. Good luck!

xxxx, MO

For contact/inquiries: 

V I A // F A C E B O O K | M E S S A G E: https://www.facebook.com/luxmobehaave

In December....

| The Christmas spirit grows with each new day, and i'll never outgrow the thrill of Christmas Day |

Dear Sensible Reader, despite everything that has happened during the time span of my grandma's passing on Thanksgiving Day to now I wouldn't have it any other way. How ironic and strange it is that my grandma passed away on a day to celebrate family. Family over everything. I don't think I can ever remember Thanksgiving the same again. Death teaches you a lot and I know that it's taught me having been witnessing it over the years growing up with the passing of family and friends that have surrounded me in my life. It makes you realize how important it is to cherish one another, especially your loved ones and not let anything get in the way of family. It also teaches you to always remind someone whom is important to you that you love them and just love one another despite differences because you never know when you'll ever get to physically see or hold them again. It is always the do now, never later. Their physical existence vanishes in an instant and chances are, the moment you realize they aren't living, the thought of you still existing in this world makes you appreciate life's chaos. When I first heard about my grandma's passing, it didn't come clear to me at first because it felt so unreal. The thought filled me with sadness also staring at my Father's reaction to not only losing his dad but now, his mom too. I can't even grasp the thought of losing both of your parents. At firsthand, I couldn't help but think back to the memories I had with my grandma when I was a child. In some or most of my childhood growing up she took care of my older siblings and I. Even when my family and I had lived so very close by, she offered to babysit us. She always felt the need to give and her acts of kindness every day seemed too simple for her that she always felt it wasn't enough. If it's one memory that won't ever leave my mind and sight is my grandma's will to be selfless. I'll always remember how during that time when my grandpa was still alive, she'd never hesitate to ask my grandpa for small allowance for my siblings and I. Even with how much little she and my grandpa had, she never ever hesitated to give what she only had. It's so sudden that she had to leave so soon but I can't thank her enough for her generosity, care and love she had given to each of her children including my dad. I can't thank her enough for teaching me this. I love you Nanay. 

The scent of Douglas Fir

Christmas Tree Hunting w/ my Dad

On a much positive note, I'm currently multi-tasking between a Grace Kelly documentary, going over my Christmas list for people, and brainstorming creative ideas for Christmas gift wrapping and holiday DIY projects. Lately, I've been constantly thinking of new projects/ ideas while continuing to listen to Christmas music and drinking only tea or coffee. I've also been pen-pal-ing and getting some snail mail in just to get my thoughts running. Writing can feel so refreshing especially writing to those far. I find seeing someone's handwriting more meaningful because you get to read what they're thinking on paper. Once Thanksgiving ends, then comes Black Friday and the holiday rush begins. (Note: I survived another year of working Black Friday) which I am thankful for. About two days after Thanksgiving (December 1st) I helped my dad search for the perfect Christmas Tree. It took about two stops to finally find a tree. During this time of the year, I feel so much spirit and love for the holidays despite of how cold it's been. I can't wait to start my newest fav- Christmas Card Making. Just about 6 more days 'til my small trip to LA with the bf! 

An array of gifts I received during the holiday month (via instagram: @luxmobehave) :
1) Vogue Italia November Issue & Stratta Chocolate from Turin, Italy from a good friend of mine.
2) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania postcard from my brother.
3) Etsy Vintage find- My newest Cole Haan Tassel Loafers added to my collection!

Happy Holidays! More Christmas DIY/ Gifting up soon. XX, Mo

Strange fruit

10 Random Facts About Moi:

1. I'm a sentimental kind of gal. I keep movie ticket stubs, letters, dead flowers, et cetera.

2. I'm not a fan of saucy foods, too much sauce grosses me out. For example: Spaghetti

3. I listen to Christmas music all year round. 

4. I enjoy live music and I can't go on a year without seeing a concert/show.

5. I'm in love with vegan desserts even though I'm not vegan myself

6. I always have my nose in a book. Books are my bffs.

7. I like the smell of coffee breath.

8. I remember familiar faces easily

9. The shower is my thinking place

10. You'd find me at a thrift joint if I was gone missing

Itinerary: Tea & Scones It Is

Dear Sensible reader, Ohhhh the weather outside is weather. It's pouring rain and cold out. There might be a slight chance that I probably didn't layer enough especially because I feel like my socks are damp in my Marc Jacobs rain boots. I feel like I came out of an 80's time machine, my sweater reminisces of the early 80's vibrant zip pullover surf era. Too much to describe and not enough words to fit here. The stares are real whenever I step in and out of the gym. But I don't care, it's too comfy to leave behind my ugly sweaters. How could that be? I don't know I think I'm just imagining wet pavement outside under my feet. Today, I woke up with an icky sick feeling but I'm sure it's allergies creeping on me. I think I almost burnt my tongue drinking this hot Earl Grey. My tea tastes even better right now but, I expected more from the mini vanilla scones I ordered. Hard scones are a thumbs down. I did get an extra one for free so I can't complain. This is the first time in weeks since I've lessoned my visits to coffee shops. Next week is already Thanksgiving AND Black Friday which means the beautiful holidays are near but the year is at its near end. There is so much on my plate that I have to go over. I wanted to do so much today but the weather is making me feel lazy and all I want to do is drink tea, watch Hepburn's classics: Funny Face, Charade, Sabrina, Roman Holiday, et cetera, and cuddle all day. I've been losing track of snail mail with Jane, but I finally have the chance to write and I'm almost done writing my newest letter. I plan on starting my Christmas gift lists and crafts. I've gathered some ideas during my leisure walks going over Mason Jar gifts, Card making, and Gift Tag making.

For some inspiration, feel free to visit my Pinterest. 

Current loves:

1. Zooey Deschanel & M. Ward (Perfect for Yuletide cheers, voices are dreamy)

2. Masala Chai Tea 

3. IT by, Alexa Chung 

4. Diana Vreeland

xo, MO