Valentine's Musings

Welcome lovely readers, 

This week Valentine's Day was the highlight for many, for me, it was another weekday peppered with romantic posts and images of flowers and hearts popping up every couple of minutes. Hubby and I don't really do a big Valentine's Day fuss, although I got the cutest card and I just about managed a special sushi dinner to be delivered for the two of us. But I really do enjoy seeing the declarations of love everywhere, couples planning romantic evenings and just the effort people put into making their significant other feel special and adored. 

It gives me hope in humanity, at a time when our news headlines report daily murders, rapes, child abuse and gang violence. The cynics may say it is a huge marketing drive, aimed at consumers who spend money unnecessarily. I would think that if we at least have one day in the year that people can take the time out of busy schedules to connect, then I am all for it. I believe it is important to let your special partner know they are appreciated and loved, and sometimes our lives are so busy that we pass each other by like ships in the night. 

Our time becomes so consumed by chores, work, family, routine and of course, social media, that time passes by in a haze of activities. None of which is planned, and occasionally we remember the abandoned practice of a weekly date night, and resurrect it for maybe two weeks before life engulfs us again. And on those dates nights, parents spend the time watching the clock, worried about the baby with the sitter or wondering if the homework is done and if the kids are down for the night. (I am clearly referring to myself here...)

For me this week passed by in a blur, with a stolen moment to post a cheesy Valentine's Day picture for my guy and then back to crazy. However, hubby and I usually take time to catch up while I'm cooking, or while we're waiting for the eldest to get home. We try to grab the little moments to check in with each other, a call during the day or by sending an uplifting note. 

With that in mind, and the fact that I now have the time... I dedicate these few words to my other half, my best friend, confidant and biggest supporter:

I know life grabs us and throws us into the whirlpool, 

I know it sometimes feels like a neverending rollercoaster, 

But I also know that without you by my side,

I'd feel washed out and fatigued, 

I'd feel sick and weary. 

You bring a vitality to my days, 

And a purpose to my ramblings.

You make me feel like I can do anything, 

Like I can vanquish any obstacle.

And with you by my side, 

I know the sky is the limit.

And with these words

I want you to know this,

I love you, 

I appreciate you,

and

Pray that we're blessed with many more adventures.

💑

Today's post is a Valentine inspired outfit, the romantic floaty skirt, paired with the pink leopard print top finished off with statement pearls.

Once again, all pieces worn are classic items, some of them from about 3-4 years ago.

Outfit details:

Witchery pleated skirt

Glamour top from Asos

Daniella Michelle heels

Scarf bought abroad

Studded pastel bag from ZARA

Superbalist pearl necklace

Ralph Lauren sunglasses purchased abroad

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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A Glitzy Welcome to Ramadaan

Dear beauties, 

The Holy month of Ramadaan is nearly upon us, and I can’t wait. The heightened spiritual awareness, coupled with the solitude I’m yearning, for will set the scene for much needed introspection.  Aside from abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, it’s a time for reflection, increased charitable acts and regular recitation of the Holy Quran. Last Ramadaan was my first at home, with no work distractions, it was certainly my best fasting experience. 

It’s an added bonus being school holidays (although not really for the boys!) so no endless driving and a leave of absence from soccer. My wish is for all my friends, family and everyone observing this Holy Month to realise their hearts desires and reach their spiritual goals.

Let’s all take time out to be thankful for the abundance of blessings bestowed upon us and remember those less fortunate.

Today’s lookpost is an oldie, but a glitzy one, specially brought out to celebrate the start of this beautiful month. This outfit was worn to a wedding a few months ago, and as you can see I’m still loving the sequin and metallic trend.

I’ve paired my Polo dress with a sequinned blazer for that extra glam factor.

Outfit details:

Supertrash blazer from Zando

Polo dress by Stuttafords

Asos belt

Witchery heels

Scarf online purchase (can’t remember)

Forever New Clutch

Falke stockings

Aldo Earrings 

Honey Ring

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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An evening with Cirque du Soleil

Last weekend I attended Cirque Du Soleil, the Canadian "circus", or rather, an organized show of street performers. They are actually a group of amazing contortionists and performers and I was thoroughly entertained. The costumes, props and music all culminated into a spectacular show. It is obvious why they are such a huge hit worldwide, they also incorporate various cultures into their acts.

The cute clowns (not really clowns in the traditional sense) also brought a welcome element of humour to evening. I was further impressed by the singing, the two performers had such beautiful voices. All in all it was an enjoyable evening, and really what I needed to relax! Nothing like a trip into fantasy land to help you ease the mind.

I decided to wear a sparkly top with spikes (my favourite trend of the moment) with gladiator heels. I also paired a cropped leather jacket in case it turned chilly (unfortunately I don't have a pic ;( ) 

I was wearing:

Top by Linx @ Zando

ZARA jeans 

Witchery Sandals

Images courtesy of BIG Concerts

Ciao for now,

RuBe xoxo

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Stay at Home SuperHero Mum

It has now been about 3 weeks since I left work to start my sabbatical, and as strange as it may sound, I am seriously missing work! It is amazing to be able to spend every day of the school holidays with my kids, however exhausting it may be. But one does miss the purpose of getting dressed up in your formals and heading to the office or some meeting. People say, ‘enjoy it” and “I wish I was in your shoes” and “how lovely it must be to have nothing to do”!

Nothing! That’s the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard! Instead, my kids have usurped all the “free time” that I am now blessed with. I have found myself taking the train to Kalk Bay beach (again), baking cookies, setting up art and painting areas and playing chess.  Previously, I would have been too tired to do these activities #sad&embarrassed#, had I just finished a day at the office. Since staying at home though, I barely have the time to post as much as I would like, or take photos as much as I would like! 

 

I now have a great respect for stay at home mums (SAHM’s) who devote their days to raising their offspring, foregoing the corporate ladder and formal suits. Any woman, who has a family and a home to take care of, is a modern day superhero in my eyes. Especially with all the car pooling and lifting (which I spend a lot of my time doing), endless meals for hungry kids, setting up play dates, getting dirty helping future gardeners  and painters. Setting up campsites indoors, sleeping bags, running to the store for supplies for whatever new activity the day has brought, cheering from the sidelines at sports matches and packing treat boxes. The list can go on and on...

This post is a tribute to SAHM’s who are often forgotten and always envied as women who “do nothing”! Hats off to you ladies!

And since I miss my work wear and dressing up in the morning, I’ve added another short look post of one of my work outfits:

Wearing:

Trenery dress & Cardigan|Witchery heels|Sass Diva Neckpiece|Guess Watch|Tiffany bangle

 

Ciao for now,

RuBe xoxo

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Linkin Park Baby!

This week has really been all about the build up to the Linkin Park concert. Yeah, I did some work and had some meetings, and everywhere I went I played their music. The old CD’s dating back to 2000 all the way through to current music.

Lookpost of my Monday outift - a pop of neon:

Country Road pencil skirt| Country Road cardigan and embellished t-shirt

 

My Tiffany bangle, an anniversary gift bought in London *special item*



Swarovski crystal chain bought in Venice

Witchery snakeskin pumps

Cameo earrings from Lovisa

And this pump arrived this week - more neon accents! 

A little something I bought at Zando this week



 

So it is apparent that I am a BIG fan, unfortunately I could not find the time to get a t-shirt, but definitely queued for one at the concert.


Ayesha, Aneesa (my two sisters-in law) and I

 

Wednesday turned out to be an extremely windy day (typical Cape Town). It was really unfortunate that it wind caused such a disastrous accident. Whilst standing in the howling wind, we heard a loud crash and saw people running towards the sound. It was awful, people around those who were stuck under the scaffolding structure were trying to lift and help the injured.

Just after the scaffolding was blown over onto some fans

Ayesha on her way to check out what was happening, before paramedics arrived
 

 

All the while someone was calling on a loudspeaker for any medics in the crowd or anyone familiar with CPR. A few seconds later, disaster vans and paramedics arrived. We were then ushered away from the scene and asked to proceed towards the stadium. It was such an unreal scene, like something from a movie!

My sincere condolences goes out  to the families.
 

What a start to a highly anticipated concert!

 

Once inside the stadium, one could feel the excitement building, or it could just have been mine? Either way, I was on a high, dampened slightly by the tragic accident. It was an eternal wait, probably around an hour before Linkin Park arrived on stage, after the opening act. By then, the crowd was chanting and screaming - a real ROCK concert had begun.

Ghaalid & I awaiting the opening act

They certainly didn’t disappoint, my favourite band member, Mike Shinoda, was in top form; closely matched in talent by Chester Bennington. And of course the rest of the band deserve a mention for their amazing performance, namely, Joe Hahn, Brad Delson, Rob Bourdon, Dave Farrell, Kyle Christener, Scott Koziol and Mark Wakefield

Aneesa rocking herr Ed Hardy T-shirt

Looking very windblown inside the stadiun, with my t-shirt!

Concert outfit:

Denim Shirt- Legend

Country Road t-shirt, jeans & canvas sneakers

Scarf by Sass

Gifted bag

Ray-Ban sunglasses

Despite the wind and the accident, it was one of THE best concerts ever!

Ciao,
RuBe xoxo

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