Friday 27 September 2013

Being Birthday girl Mum

Hello lovely readers!

The morning of my birthday, I woke up to have my little one in pain with swollen glands and in excruciating pain :'( As any mom knows, when you have a sick little one, all plans go out the window and auto pilot nursemaid kicks in. So when the older boys and dad had left and the first appointment slot with the doctor booked, we hurried out. Ihsaan bundled against the cold in his PJ's and padded windbreaker... me with a roughly thrown together outfit

So this post is dedicated to Ihsaan (9), who despite being sick with a viral gland infection, insisted on taking pics for my blog. He really likes this parka I bought on the Woolworths sale recently and felt it had to be on the blog! While I think its just an impulsive ensemble, make up free and beanie to boot, he thought I looked good enough to photograph (eeeek!!) Kids are so sweet and loveable like that.

Besides, being a mum, this is my reality and I'm sure as for many other mums out there too, who have to dash out without having the time to think or plan an outfit. In my haste, I threw together my black Asos maxi with the Woollies leather sleeve parka. 










My outfit:

Asos Maxi
Woolworths parka
Factorie slouchy beanie
Country Road boots 
Various accessories form Honey, Aldo and jewellers


PS: At least I had the opportunity to dress up the evening for my birthday dinner after the patient had been put to bed. (See that post here)

Ciao for now,
RuBe xoxo


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Thursday 19 September 2013

Bronzed Hepburn Inspiration

Hi All,

To anyone who has attended a Cape Malay wedding before, you would know that it is all about the food, decor and outfits. Whilst we do not have as much gem-encrusted saris, or gorgeous colourful silk outfits like the traditional Indian weddings, it is a tradition all its own.

Two weekends ago we attended a family wedding; the decor was all white and gold organza, with crystal chandelier type candle holders as centrepieces. It was really a gilded affair, with oversized martini glasses, mini cheesecakes and red velvet cupcakes in a beautifully decked entrance hall. We were served cocktails in the foyer before being called in to dinner, where the decor looked positively grand.

I love weddings, just the promise and hope that such an event brings out in one is so uplifting. The speeches are inspiring, and brings back memories of your own wedding day. The moment bride walks in is so ethereal and I believe that every single bride looks radiant on their special day (making me want to re-live mine all over again!) It was after all one of the happiest days of my life :-D

Since Cape Town had decided to cancel Spring, it was still extremely cold. It is alway such a challenge to dress up in freezing temperatures, especially if you're unsure if the venue has heating! My look for the day was elegant and classic, inspired by my timeless style icon, Audrey Hepburn. I dug out another unworn dress in my closet, a bronze piece which seemed just right for the chilly day. For some extra cover up, I accompanied it with a faux fur stole and tights.

















One of my style icons




My outfit:

Dress by Queenspark (old)
Fur stole by Long Street (old)
Falke tights
Guess heels
Pearl necklace old
Honey earrings, bracelet and ring
Clutch by Vickson on Style36
Scarf from Indian Trade Fair
Lip colour by Dior


Ciao for now, 
RuBexoxo




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Tuesday 10 September 2013

Living the Crystal Life

Bistro at Life Day Spa

In honour of my birthday celebrations hubby and I enjoyed a  lovely weekend break at the world class Crystal Towers hotel and Life Day Spa.

Aside from the weather being absolutely miserable, Ghaalid and I were driving all over Cape Town carting the kids. I had an early morning meeting at 7:45am, Ziyaad had to be on the hockey field by 7am, Ameer played soccer on the other side of Cape Town and the same for Ihsaan who played in Tableview. So a rather crazy start to the weekend!

We eventually made it to the hotel and after checking in, we popped downstairs for a light sushi lunch on the terrace overlooking the swimming pool. It was so relaxing and the perfect place to unwind after our hectic morning schedule.

Thereafter we made our way to Life Day Spa for a couples massage, no other word to describe it except, heavenly! We were practically floating out of the luxurious spa and into the magenta lit lifts on our way back to the room for a little nap.

The service at the Spa and Hotel is absolutely perfect, from the valet parking (and hubby doesn't just let anyone drive his car), to the check-in and attention to detail. Even though it was a mere 16 km away from home, I felt so removed from the outside world which was just what I needed for a recharge.

We had supper at the Towers restaurant, which was did not offer the same standard of service as we had experienced all afternoon. It was unfortunately a big let down, but not enough to ruin my evening.
We waited about 30 mins before anyone approached us to take drinks order, or starter order, after which we waited an eternal time for the food to arrive. My salmon was not cooked according to my request either, but we were filled with such langour from our lazy afternoon, we just left it, ate and left.

Our room was opulent and open plan, even the bath and shower were in the open with the loo in a little room. The view was amazing and at night one can see the lights and even the stadium from our vantage  point.

The next morning breakfast was as good as a buffet can be, I suppose also in the Towers restuarant. I particularly liked the decor, the finishes and light fittings throughout the hotel.

I would most certainly do another stay... a holiday with actually going on holiday!

Our room, with the shower at the back and concealed TV


Pictures courtesy of African Pride Hotels

Some of my own pics:


Enjoy!

View from our room

This magenta backlighting runs throughout the hotel

Winter dinner menu at the Towers restuarant

Fireplace in the breakfast room

Lighting in the breakfast room is so opulent






I love books..so this bookshelf was heaven to me!



Ciao for now,
RuBexoxo





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Monday 2 September 2013

My Birthday evening out

Hello again!

My birthday is usually overshadowed (in my mind, I suppose) by my eldest son's birthday which is 3 days later. This year, even more so as it kind of slipped my mind that my birthday was around the corner until the night before! I suppose this happens when you're a mum, and having to ensure that someone else's day is special and preparations are in order.

I usually cook their favourite meals, bake the cake, try my best to get the right gift and then set up a treasure hunt when they first wake up on the day of their birthday.

So my day started like any other, waking the family, preparing breakfast... and a sick baby. Of course my presents were unveiled to the sounds of happy birthday being sung in extremely slow tones (everyone having just woken up). Then the routine kicked in, followed by a visit to the doctors surgery.

All that aside, I would not want to spend my birthday with anyone else, whether it be to prepare breakfast or lunch for my sick kid. The day ended on high note, spending it with my soul mate and best friend at Baia at V & A Waterfront. It was indeed a spectacular dinner, with outstanding service and food.

My celebratory outfit included a crushed satin blazer which I dug out of the archives with a slim black trouser and reworked vintage silk shirt.







Gifts from hubby over the years: Tag watch, tennis 
bracelet and rings. I am really spoilt (and grateful)!



Lovely food as always, prawns, langoustines and baby lobster

I love the decor at Baia, so elegant


This is what the waiter sourced for me as dessert since I didn't
really want anything except a cappucino. Along with
the birthday song!

I wore:
Scarf from Indian Fair
Crushed silk blazer (old) 
Silk shirt from Guard the vintage
Country Road Slim pants
Guess suede heels
Accessorize clutch
Earrings Lovisa
Necklace Sass Diva 

Ciao for now,

RuBe xoxo




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