The 21 Questions Blogger Tag

Happy Monday readers, 

Today's post is a blogger tag, another fun way for my readers getting to know me. I have been tagged by blogger friend, Sandy Nene (On Point with Sandy Nene) and was asked to answer these questions...

1. What is your current fashion obsession? Faux Fur and blanket scarves and capes

2. What are you wearing today? Leather leggings, t-shirt, cardigan and studded sneakers.

3. Hair? Up in a loose bun as always when I'm pottering about the house

4. Do you nap a lot? No, as a busy mom one never gets the opportunity to nap!

5. Why is today special? Everyday in this month (Ramadaan) is special, every day is an opportunity to strengthen your faith and reflect.

6. What would you like to learn to do? Photography

7. What’s for dinner today? Soup, roast chicken and vegetables.. Along with some Ramadaan treats (samoosas, chilli bites)

8. What are you listening to right now? Since its Ramadaan I'm not listening to music, instead the sounds of kids playing around the house.

9. What is your favourite weather? Summer

10. What’s the last thing you bought? Some great sale finds at ZARA, shoes and knits.


11. What are your essentials when travelling? Camera, pain meds (since its difficult to get codeine abroad eek!) and iPad (to Face Time the kids if they're not with me)

12. What’s your style? I have a multifaceted style, so I usually wear classic pieces paired with trendy items. My outfits are usually based on how I feel on a specific day.

13. What is your most challenging goal right now? I'm busy with a new venture, which is quite challenging as its still in infancy.

14. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be? Anywhere along Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town.

15. Favourite vacation spot? Wilderness

16. Name the things you cannot live without? My family, they ground me and at times drive me crazy. But I am who I am because of them.

17. How was your childhood? Pretty painful. Nothing more to say on the matter.

18. What would you like to have in your hands right now? A ticket to a far off destination

19. What are you most excited for? Right now? I'm in such a chilled state right now because of the fast, so all I can think of is planning a family holiday :-D

20. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Oxford Street, London!
21. Which countries have you visited? England, Italy, France, United Arab Emirates

All images sourced via Google

I hereby tag the following bloggers, and kindly request that they answer the questions above as well:

1. Namreen Sonday (Life and Times of the Fireflies)
2. Naeema Ajam (The Jam Jar)
3. Fatima Wise (MeMrsMe)
4. Waseefa Hutton (Hse of Bespoke by WH)
5. Farzaanah Richards (Xana Make Up & Styling)
6. Iptishaam Davids-Francis (StitchedTheBlog)
7. Siyaam Ally (Simply Siyaam)
8. Cara Fay Glaser (CaraFay)
9. Yumna Cook (Cooked Culture)
10. Shaheeda Mahomed (Style By Shaheeda)

Happy blogging gals! Looking forward to seeing your answers.

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

Read more ...

Liebster nomination

                                                            Hello again readers, 

I have had another three nominations for this award and thought I’d do it all in one.

The beautiful Leana from (Hipstyler, Pretty & Ginger) nominated me for a Liebster award, and intially I was just going to direct her to my previous post(s) because I’m so limited with my time. Until I read her questions! Ha! Of course they would be as fun as she is, and so I shall do another Liebster post because I just can’t pass up on her nomination.

So onto her questions….

1. Is the dress black and blue or white and gold? I honestly don’t care! The corporate nag in me was wondering how many productive work hours were spent debating this? After 1.3m tweets that’s got to be a lot not so? 
2. Why is ironing so hard? Uhmmm, ironing? What in the world is ironing? Never heard of it! 

1. If you fart in space, what happens to it? It comes back to haunt your kids, after all you’ve cleaned their hoohaas and let them fart ON you REPEATEDLY 
2. Complete the following: 1 tequila, 2 tequila, 3 tequila …. ? NO IDEA 😮 
3. If the floor is wet and you slip and fall but nobody is there to see you… did you fall at all? Of course not! *Silent embarassed laugh* 
4. What does this mean to you: “One Two Three JFK!” Don’t think about it and don’t Google it. Again. NO IDEA 😮 Why is this so hard?! But I googled it after answering 🙈 I now understand. 
5. Who’s your favourite ginger in the entire world? Ed Sheeran obvs… and then I realised also Horatio Kain. He can catch killers with his hands on his hips and sunglasses, man. 
6. Harvey or Mike… and yes… there’s a wrong answer here. Who? (Don’t judge me….I’m a Mommy with very little time for series… remember) 

1. Introvert or extrovert? Extrovert 
2. What happens to the other sock? The hadedas that visit my garden take them to get ready for Winter hehe
3. Oreo, Jolly Jammers, Zoo Biscuits or Romany Creams… and why? Zoo Biscuits!! It brings back happy childhood memories. 

Nomination number two came from the lovely Leigh over at Fairleigh whom I have only met recently and I find her humour refreshing, not to mention the incredible manis and reviews she does - Respect!

Her questions: 

1. Where's your favourite spot in Cape Town? (because I need to get out more) I love the sea and its salty air, so anywhere near the beach. Actually the Mouille Point rock pools does it for me, because it’s never too full to just sit and take in the view. 
2. What’s your favourite flavour milkshake? Strawberry.
3. Gummy sweets, chocolates or fruit? Gummy Sweets or fruit actually. I grew up thinking fruit was a sweet and so it continues into adulthood. I even managed to pass that idea onto my boys (true story!)
4. Favourite season of the year? Summer, I love the outdoors, fresh air and even though Winter is pretty awesome, because it’s so wet I don’t enjoy the outdoors as much during Winter.
5. If you could be a super hero, who would you be and why? The Hulk, LoL! because nobody will mess with me when I’m angry. Most of the time I come across as pretty chilled, and I am really calm , but when I’m angry …. that’s another story!
6. Funniest thing you have ever overheard? And where did you hear it? I hear funny things all the time and usually its from the kids, but I cant seem to think of one (go figure)…

Nomination number three is from the beautiful Elzanne from Klets En Kook, a woman who can do some extraordinary tricks in the kitchen. I loved her 10 random facts about me, but alas because I have done numerous posts for Liebster love, I will answer her questions…bar the random facts about me bit *hides*.

Elzanne’s questions:

1. Why have you chosen the specific name of your blog? It was pretty easy RuBe make up the first two letters of my name and the first two letters of my surname. 
2. If you became president, what will the first law be that you will change? Bring back the death penalty for paedophiles! It’s rather harsh, but yeah that’s how I feel. 
3. According to you, what is the meaning of life? Shew, this is a deep question, I will answer it with what I believe is my purpose in life. (And this changes as my life circumstances change.) I believe my purpose at this point in my life has been to care for three little gifts hubby and I were entrusted to. We have been tasked with ensuring they grow into responsible adults, aware of a higher power, to teach them to look after earth, to learn and know the difference between right and wrong. 
4. What were you before you reincarnated? Um, probably someone from historical England, I am so fascinated with their history. Maybe it’s just an urge, but I am sure I would actually enjoy the Irish countryside, as dreary as it may be! 
5. What is that one song that makes you sing out loud in the car or make you dance no matter where you are, every time? I love music, and there are so many songs that do that! But right now, I was streaming and listening to a song I hadn’t heard in years…Counting Crows, Mr Jones has made me dance..
6. What is the one fear that completely paralyses you or keeps you up late at night? I try not to let fears paralyse me, I will attempt to confront it at all costs so I can sleep peacefully.
7. What does being successful mean to you? Being happy with yourself and where you are in life in general.

8. What is your alter ego like? I think I covered this in question 5 by Leigh above. 

Caio for now,
RuBe xoxo

Read more ...

Getting to know me with the Liebster tag

Hi everyone, 

It’s taken me a while to answer all of Amina’s ( The All Seeing Lens) Liebster award questions, but life has been hectic and filled with unexpected happenings. 

Thank you Amina for the nomination and because I have done this several times, I will duck out of nominating other bloggers and will just proceed to answer her questions.

1. What was the best memory you have from your childhood?
The best memory I have is of my grandfather taking me along in the wee hours of the   morning to the Fruit and Veg market in Epping. Spending time with him at his workplace was always so interesting.

2. What time in history do you wish to go back to?
I would like to go back to a time in history where the Moores (Aka those of muslim faith living on the continent ) were revered doctors, scientists, architects and philosophers. The things we could learn from them!

Cordova, captial of Moorish Spain and the cultural and intellectual heart of Europe from 8th to 13th centuries

Alhambra, Spain - A UNESCO world heritage site and the pride of ancient Moorish architecture in Spain

3. What was the best birthday gift you have ever received? 

        Well, since my birthday is still so fresh in my mind- my most recent gift from husby is the best. Diamond and Tanzanite earrings… *sigh*

4. What was your greatest achievement in life?
My greatest achievement has definitely been the ability to balance a demanding career and at the same time be a hands-on Mum.

5. What has made you smile recently?
Shopping with my sister and my little nephew, who claims my lap as his spot!

6. Are you allergic to anything?
Certain types of fish

7. Do you have any fears? (give one)
That I would not always be able to protect my kids from hurt. As they get older, they have to learn to deal with all emotions, including hurt. 

8. What do you consider is the best thing about having a blog?
My blog is my own space, in which I express myself in anyway I choose. There are no restrictions and if people read and enjoy it- that’s a bonus!

9. Which restaurant do you find yourself always going to?
Willoughby’s for their sushi or Baia for a special meal

10. Who do you admire the most in the bloggersphere?
I admire those bloggers who do really well in their respective fields, and have the commitment to be themselves regardless of media pressure.

11. Where in the world would you love to explore?
There are so many places on my bucket list and I have been to a few, but right now India and Ireland are moving to the top of the list.

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

Read more ...

10 Things you don’t know about me

I’ve recently been tagged by the darling Leana from Hipstyler, Pretty and Ginger and found her post so interesting, I had to do one of my own.

A couple of things you may or may not know…

1. I can’t sleep in an unmade bed… even when sick! I will get up in the morning, make the bed and will not get back under the covers. Seriously.  And if I haven't made the bed, and its bedtime… I need to make it before going to sleep, or it will freak the hell outta me. Weird. But that’s me. 
   
2. I totally enjoy cooking for my family and love it when they enjoy a meal. Like a Stepford wife.  (Tee hee)    

   

   All the way to the heels

3. I hate anything that will waste my time, like being stuck in traffic or queues. In the same vein I cannot stand tardiness either. Hence I hardly do sales as I can’t handle standing in queues. A solution? Online shopping! Yay!
4. Have a slight germ phobia- I don’t touch door handles or taps in public toilets, stair rails and escalator rails. I will always have hand sanitiser or hand wipes in my handbag.
   
5. I was a major academic geek, I was awarded colours, honours and scored several distinctions at tertiary level. This information only comes out when trying to get my kids to study otherwise I don’t discuss it. Ever.
6. I only have one kidney, born this way.
7. I quit smoking 10 years ago… and have never looked back. Besides, quitting during two pregnancies, and having to smoke outdoors so I didn't expose the kids became a tiring affair!
8. I enjoy a varied selection of movie and TV genres… horror movies, fantasy (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Star Trek are big favourites). I also enjoy historical programmes and PVR Great Battles on the History Channel every week.
   
9. I hate cereal, the mushiness of oats and Weetbix just makes me cringe. I’ll only eat yogurt, fruit and muesli.

   

    This
   vs
   This

   
10. I paid for my own tertiary studies whilst being married and a Mum to two little boys.

After reviewing this list, I have realised that there are some uncanny similarities which I share with Dr Sheldon Cooper! Cue *disbelief*

That’s my story, hope you found it enjoyable!

Ciao, 

RuBe xoxo

Read more ...

Liebster Awards continued…

Hi All,

I have been nominated once again for this honorary award by two lovely bloggers, Ivy from Bridge ’91 and Priyanka fromPurple Sparklez. See my previous post on the Liebster award here

It warms my heart to be nominated so many times which shows that my blog is being read, Yay!!

So this time around, I will be answering the questions set, but since I have previously nominated blogs, I will side step that requirement. At least you’ll get to know a little more about me ;-D

Right onto the questions,

Priyanka’s questions:

1. What is your dream beauty product or hair styling tool? YSL, Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara

1. What is the best part of being a beauty blogger?   I unfortunately am not a beauty fundi, just generally buying whatever looks like the colours I want. Eep!

1. If you had an unlimited bank balance, what would you purchase? Uhmm, a pair of Casadei Jewelled courts… to just walk into London’s Selfridges Shoe Galleries and buy them. 

Photo courtesy of Selfridges website

1. Are you a matte lipstick person or a crème lipstick person? Creme Lipstick
2. If you were a perfume, what fragrance would you be? (Try for one which matches your personality) Juicy Couture by Juicy Couture. Its fun, sophisticated with  sparkly undertones.
3. Which electronic item can you not live without? (Cellphone, iPad, Tablet, Laptop or Computer)  Cellphone hands down… aside from calls it has everything my calendar, reminders, notes….
4. Would you rather spend your last R100 on a beauty product or a bath product? Bath product, as I said before, I’m not a beauty expert at all.
5. Which are the 5 most used beauty products in your daily routine? Face serum, moisturiser, body butter, mascara and perfume
6. How can you describe your make up look? Minimal most of the time B-)
7. What is your favourite flavour of ice cream? Choc Mint
8. If you could invent a beauty product, what would it be? Well,… this is a hard one. Probably a Sleep-in overnight body moisture mask.. hee hee. My skin takes such a beating in winter  so like the foot treatment, but a body treatment! I actually don’t know if such a product exists?

 And now for Ivy’s questions:

1. What made you start your blog? I felt the need to share my passion for fashion, that and the need to  express myself through writing. Kind of my public journal. 
2. Which Spice Girl were you? and Why? I wasn’t really a Spice Girl Fan, but I am a Victoria Beckham fan now, does that count?
3. Harry Potter or Twilight? (Sorry, I just had to.) Harry Potter of Course! I believe vampires should be dark and broody and not lovestruck?
4. Do you often use words that you've made up? If so, share! Not really, does that make me lame?
5. What annoys you most?Waiting in queues, and traffic! Aaargh ! I always feel like I could be doing more with my time.
6. Is there anything in particular that inspires you when choosing topics for blog posts?  Oh just about anything that happens….
7. Complete the sentence: I am lost without my faith and my family. Now that answer may just make me lame? But that’s me… 
8. Who would win a war against dementors? Android, IOS, or RIM(Sorry I just had to, again). IOS, Apple has invaded my life!
9. Have you ever stolen a car? Would you? No… I may just be persuaded… Ah who am I kidding? NO :-)
10. The most appropriate punishment for spammers is (I have a soft heart, so couldn’t think of one single awful thing they deserve! Maybe just forced to be locked in a room listening to Barry Manilow?
11. You can’t leave the house without Dettol handwipes, because you never know what germs lurk out there.

She is fashion perfection

That was rather fun… I think it also exposes me as a lame ass Harry Potter buff who is tied to her family! 

Ciao for now,

RuBe xoxo

Read more ...

Liebster award nomination

Hello beautiful readers :-D

I feel so honoured to have been nominated twice this week for the Liebster award by two lovely bloggers, Naeema from The Jam Jar and Faeema from The Sparkling Labyrinth. It's fitting too as I realised this week that my blog is a year old! Whoo hoo!!

This Liebster award makes me feel as if readers and fellow bloggers actually enjoy reading my ramblings, so thank you once again ladies!

The Rules:

1. Have 200 or less followers
2. No tag backs
3. You have to choose 10 bloggers to tag
4. Set 11 questions for those bloggers to answer

I think its a great idea as you get to know more about your fellow bloggers and they about you: 

So here goes, with Faeema's questions first:

1. How often do you read other blogs?  "At random times, but at least 3-4 times a week"

2. What is your favourite topic to blog about? "Fashion"

"EVERYDAY IS A FASHION SHOW,

AND THE WORLD IS YOUR RUNWAY.'

3. When do you usually write posts? 'In the mornings, when the kids have gone to school ;-D"

4. Your favourite social media platform? "Twitter!"

5. Recommend one blog that you personally love reading? "Lucky Loves"

6. Tag a fellow blogger who supported you in your journey as a newbie " Odette from O So Inspired"

7. What has been a highlight for you as a blogger? "Meeting so many lovely people along the way"

8. Describe your blog " Whilst my main topic is fashion, it includes so many other things that happen in my life. So I blog about things I do, love or find interesting"

9. What is your favourite book? " I love reading, so it would probably be one of my most current reads which left an impression. That would be the historical novel, The Kingmakers daughter, by Philippa Gregory."

10. Do you have any pets? " Yes, a cat called Twinkles"

And now for Naeema's questions:

1.While you are writing a blog post, which position is most comfortable?  "Sitting up, with the Macbook on my lap :-D"

2. What do you listen to while blogging? "Usually TV news for background noise"

3. Which beauty item is your holy grail? "Elizabeth Arden, 8 hour Face Sunscreen"

4. What's your favourite tv show? "Currently CSI and Fringe"

5. If you had to pick between a muffin and a cupcake, which one would you take? "Neither, I enjoy savouries, unless I could choose a savoury cheese muffin?"

6. How many times have you burnt yourself with a hot styling tool? Never, hardly use them, my hair is too limp *sad face*

7. If you could be any Disney character, which one would you be? and Why? "Ariel, The Little Mermaid. Because she made a huge sacrifice for love... I would sacrifice anything for my loved ones. I suppose that's the mom in me lol"

8. Horror? Comedy? Action? Thriller? Romcom? "Hands down HORROR!!! Although my husband aka movie partner would disagree."

9. Fill in the missing words: I would rather "hunt down a lion" than "eat oats! Eeeww "

10. If you could have anything made in your honour, what would it be? and Why? "Shoes! Do I need to explain how much I love shoes? Really?"

              "SHOES MAKE ME HAPPY. I'M SUPERFICIAL. WHATEVER"

11. Coca-Cola or Pepsi or ________? Coke Light LOL and only when we go out, I hardly drink fizzy drinks. I have to set an example for the kids to follow. Hence no fizzy drinks in our home ;-)

I would hereby like to nominate (tag) the following blogs for a Liebster award:

1. Odette from O So Inspired
2. Aneesa from The GLam Locket 
3. Imka from Glamorous Glitter
4. Farzaanah Xana Do Blog
5. Iptishaam from Stitched the Blog
6. Bronwyn from Mother City Mom
7. Charlene from Pretty Please!
8. Nicole from Princess Noo
9. Namreen from Life and times of the fireflies
10. Irina from I'll take it all

My questions are:

1. What is your favourite holiday destination?
2. Do you have a bucket list? If so, name one thing on your bucket list.
3. What is the one thing in your handbag you cannot leave home without? (Besides the cellphone and wallet)
4. What inspired you to start blogging?
5. Would you leave home without makeup?
6. What is your all time favourite movie?
7. What do you do to relax before bedtime?
8. Who is your hottie crush? (Mine is Hugh Jackman, followed closely by Ryan Gosling)
9. Your favourite item in your closet at the moment?
10. What is your favourite animal?

That's it! Lets get tagging....

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

Read more ...