When sisters Maritza and Maika Moulite think of the holidays and reflect on 2019, they don’t think about their beloved and critically acclaimed YA debut, Dear Haiti, Love Alaine (on sale now, Inkyard Press). No, they have many more accolades than that – whether they’ve become wizards, mermaids, or millionaires, the Moulites have come, seen, and conquered. Here are just some of their favorite things that they’ve fallen in love with in 2019:
Maritza’s Favorites
Matcha can Make You a Millionaire: One day I sat down and calculated how much I spent each week on venti-matcha-green-tea-lattes-with-coconut-milk-please at Starbucks and it made me sick to my stomach (which is ironic because I pay extra for non-dairy milks so that won’t happen). I decided to give making them on my own a shot and fell in love with the matcha powder I mix with almond milk, maple syrup, and crushed ice. I’m using the money I saved to pay for the down payment of a modest vacation home in the Hamptons.
BAMF (Bad A** Mother Feminist) Uterus Shirt: My younger sister Jessica gifted these amazing Jezebel shirts to me and our youngest sister Lydi’Ann. I get lots of compliments from amused women whenever I wear it to run errands and so many confused looks by men who stare intently at the shirt as they try to figure out where they’ve seen that image before. Buy it for your favorite feminist (and least favorite non-feminist).
My Real Tail or My Handmade Mermaid Tail Blanket?: Apparently I texted my sisters in our group chat many months ago at like three in the morning demanding a mermaid tail blanket for my birthday and they obliged! It’s so comfy, cute, and slightly creepy looking. (I am obsessed.)
Maika’s Favorites
Yer a Wizard Maika: This year I celebrated my birthday by heading to Universal Orlando Resort and Islands of Adventure with my sisters. We spent a full day exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and stopped by Ollivander’s to get a wand. Lo and behold, I was selected for the demonstration and went through the entire process of letting a wand choose me. It’s safe to say that I happily geeked out and I’m now the proud owner of a vine wood wand. Sure it might not create real magic, but that doesn’t matter to me one bit. Every time I look at it, it’ll serve as a reminder to always keep my childlike wonder, no matter how old I get.
Winning Wood Wick Candles: There’s something about a burning fireplace that just screams holiday time. Unfortunately, I live in an apartment in Miami so a fireplace doesn’t make the most sense. But I’ve found a workaround that’s perfect for my humble abode: wood wick candles! (This Oakmoss & Amber fragrance from a local business in Miami is one of my faves.) The fire burns through the wood creating a nice crackling sound as the flame casts dancing shadows onto the walls. It’s really the perfect ambiance for digging into my latest read while sipping on a glass of wine. All the cozy vibes of a fireplace with none of the cleanup. Win!
My Library Card: True story: having a library card while growing up in a very strict Haitian household was the only thing that prevented me from turning into stone and dying from boredom as a child. Our parents forbade my sisters and me from watching TV during the school week so the library was our entertainment sanctuary. But somewhere along the years, I lost my library card and never went to get a new one. (A girl finally gets permission to watch television during the week and *poof* there goes all the good times.) However, that all changed a few weeks ago because I finally went down to the library (shout to Miami-Dade Public Library System!) and now I’m back in business. And not only am I able to check out physical books, I can rent ebooks and audiobooks too! My commute just got 50x better. In fact, I’m currently listening to With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo and my heart couldn’t be happier.
May your days be merry, bright, and bookish this holiday season. Love,
Maika & Maritza Moulite