Epiphany of the Moment: O How He Loves

It's almost like clockwork. As soon as the hands of time tick 12:00 AM in January 1 of every new year, deep seated thoughts arise. Thoughts that hope the best for the days to come, that resurface unbridled optimism, that motivate resolutions. But how often do we adhere to these? Oftentimes, we don't. Even worse is we forget them.

How fascinating is it, then, that our Father in heaven never forgets to love us. Isn't that amazing? God chooses to love us self-determined and wayward creatures that He built a way for our salvation through Jesus.

Why not be thankful today?

"How He Loves" by David Crowder Band is a song that expresses just that, God's unconditional love. In the lyrics, Crowder describes how God's affection is akin to the forces of a hurricane to a tree--immensely powerful that once we realize its existence, we can't help but embrace His glory.

So before we greet each other Happy New Year, let's not forget to thank God, the creator of the universe, time, space and life. Even better, why not be thankful today?

Video from youtube.com

Archive of the Moment: Zara in Hollywood

This was one of my early posts about Zara coming over to Hollywood. It's interesting how I saw things differently back then (actually it was just last year). I don't know how to describe it though. Anyway, below is my account of my first visit to Zara:

I haven't been out for a while so I decided to head to my second favorite spot (first place goes to Eagle Rock), Hollywood/Highland. The mission: to score one of them quarterly magazines from H&M. Unfortunately, as soon as I stepped onto Hollywood Blvd., I immediately failed my assignment.

The perpetrator: Zara

Little did I know that the space bombarded with scaffolding right next to H&M is now the new Zara store. And since Zara is pretty new here in Hollywood, I thought it would be a great idea to tour the place, to get the feel and ambience of the Spanish label's version of fast-fashion.

Frankly, I was overwhelmed by all their offerings!

On the first floor, I saw Fall dresses, thick jackets, faux fur, and a myriad of platform heels. On the second floor, I viewed racks and racks of men's coats, and some more jackets and shoes. Frankly, I was getting overwhelmed by all their offerings that I didn't know where to start. Then again, my mission wasn't to go there in the first place.

As I perused their coats (because I deem it necessary for Fall), I discovered that their price range is lightyears away from me! I was so disappointed to get this realization. But, that didn't prevent me from discovering more of what Zara has to offer. They have faux fur-collar coats at $279 (!) a pop, and cadet jackets that suggest Sergeant Pepper and his ilk. Also, they have hi-top trainers that I thought would look great on me.

Alas, no cash means no shopping. But on the positive side, Christmas is on the horizon. That means cash, and hopefully lots of it!

Image from la.racked.com

Playlist of the Moment: Tra-La-La

I know half the world is prepared for Christmas Eve. Too bad here in GMT-8, it's still December 23rd (as of this post). So to kick off Santa's arrival, here are a couple of tunes I'm replaying over and over. Some of them, I'm sure, will hearken back memories:



"Sway" by Bic Runga - the 90's in all its angsty yet oh-so-romantic glory.



"What's My Name?" by Rihanna featuring Drake - it's so catchy, too catchy in fact.



"Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats - just because I can't get enough of the 80's. This one is covered by the good people from "Glee."



"Good For Great" by Matt & Kim - happy days never sounded this great!



"Northeast" by Matt & Kim - watch out for this duo in their new album Sidewalks.



"Dynamite" by Taio Cruz - for those dance-crazy nights.

Image from blogs.pitch.com

Update of the Moment: New URL

Hi everyone! If you reached this site successfully, then I want to personally welcome you to http://luhblah.blogspot.com! I believe a new URL and light cosmetic upgrades are long overdue. Just in time for the holidays, right?

Mood of the Moment: Holiday Highs

We're in the middle of December, and I'm counting down until the big day, Christmas! I really can't wait because I simply adore family gatherings and everything fun. I am already done with school (until dreaded January kicks in) and all I'm doing is hang out with friends, particularly Abby who came from Las Vegas. I'm so glad to see her again.

Anyway, a little update on the wishlist, I am pleased to announce that I got the coat checked out! Well, it's neither Martin Margiela nor is it camel-colored, but I love it anyway; it's warm and I got it on sale. What matters (to me at least) is I am not dirt poor this holiday.








What matters is I am not dirt poor this holiday!

Among other things, I am watching films that are set in Los Angeles. It's rainy right now and I want sunny L.A. back. I got "Inception" and "A Single Man" (that movie by Tom Ford) down, and what's left are "(500) Days of Summer" and "L.A. Story" with Steve Martin.

Though I am out of school, I guess it'll still be a busy month! My type of busy this time around. I bid you all a Merry Christmas! Enjoy the weather, and if you're in the Southern Hemisphere, do wallow in that sunny scape.

P.S.: Pre-Fall 2011 collections are already out! Take a sneak peek at Vogue.com. Time flies by don't it?

Image from losangeleshomesguide.com; videos from youtube.com

Wish of the Moment: The Man With The Bag

It's officially December and it's high time to break out those knits! They're perfect for the inclement weather plus they remind me of good ole family gatherings. Need inspiration for knits? Just look at Prada, Michael Kors, Missoni, Reed Krakoff (my current favorite) and Rodarte. And if you feel brazen, ask the Big Man for those looks yourself!

Time to break out those knits!

Speaking of Santa, this song "The Man With The Bag" is my current Christmas theme. I'm just hoping I get to be the man with a new schoolbag by next year. Nevertheless, I am going forward with my narrowed down wish list:


1. Multi-purpose Bag - I'm really liking Alexander Wang's Rocco duffle, now with a shoulder strap. I saw it in Barneys New York CO-OP one time and it looks so nice. I want one in the blackest black!


2. Coat - Brown, camel, beige, nude and any shade in between are the IT colors for Fall-Winter 2010. I want in too, that is, until the new year comes. Maison Martin Margiela's coat looks very warm indeed, but it's gonna break the bank.


3. Snood - This has got to be the all time accessory for cold climate because it'll be useful no matter what. An added bonus is there's no need to wrap it around your neck! Burberry's snood still got my eye.


4. Dazed and Confused - Their December issue features electro/dance powerhouse Daft Punk! FASO or the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra is included in the spread too. Definitely more than one reason to buy.

Do you think I missed anything? Well, if you find yourself jolly generous this holiday, don't forget about me! Though, I'm sure I'll get the magazine soon.

From top: bag by Alexander Wang, $875 at www.barneys.com; coat by Maison Martin Margiela, $1275 at www.saksfifthavenue.com; snood by Burberry, $325 at us.burberry.com; magazine at dazeddigital.com

Video from youtube.com; images from barneys.com; saksfifthavenue.com; us.burberry.com; sharif.st