This is Us...22 years later ❤️

Hello Readers, 

Today is very special, it marks the day I embarked on life with a forever teammate. Celebrating 22 years of partnership, of mutual growth, of learning and ever present support. Two years ago we marked the 20 year milestone, (read that post here) and it feels as if we have weathered another 10 years since then!

It's apt to say weathered, as things have not been easy these past two years for either one of us in our respective individual capacities, and yet it has also brought us the best realisations of ourselves. It has made us both stronger, clear on the way forward and what really matters. And with every personal challenge, you were there for me and I for you. The reciprocal encouragement, a boost for our low times, was paramount to our own personal growth. You give selflessly, take care of me, make me laugh and boost me up when things get a bit much. 

My darling hubby, you are an angel on earth, who has helped me heal, who has challenged me while filling my days with joy and love; standing by my side when things go awry ❤️.

This past year alone has been a whirlwind ride, we have experienced the most life altering journey together, spent 6 weeks alone in a hotel room, and emerged stronger, with a sense of rejuvenation. This #journeyofalifetime has captivated us and ensnared us in its majesty and has resulted in a bond with renewed grace. And while 2017 has been a year filled with intensity, for every single member of our family, we have grown closer with deeper understanding. There have been so many fundamental changes during this year, which started with our family vacation at the beginning of this year. Being away from everything familiar back home, making the most amazing memories, and spending every single day together for 2 weeks, was a catalyst to the extraordinary events of this year.

There is no magic formula to staying together for this amount of time, but I do believe that mutual respect, selfless love and acceptance of our vulnerability has played a huge role for us. I am eternally grateful that we crossed paths, I believe we were meant to be soul mates, bringing out the best in each other, each day ✨

For my life-partner, Ghaalid.,

All of our moments are cherished experiences,

We've travelled side by side on this journey, 

Forever evolving, always changing,

At times being forced to reroute our navigation.

There have been moments of discord,

Moments of disharmony, 

Which ultimately brought us closer,

Helped us grow and move forward on a new path.

We've meandered along this route, 

Welcomed three little angels as passengers,

As co-travellers on our route. 

They have brought new direction, 

Taught us new methods and compelled us to grow.

These little men have brought about a change,

Coerced new views and acceptance of new ways.

And all along, we have held fast to each other,

When we lost our way, 

When we climbed over difficult obstacles,

And when we had to tear down walls enroute.

All along we stayed true to our pact, 

We co-steered to our destination. 

Our route has been filled with the most unimaginable highs,

Joy in creating incredible memories,

Unconditional love in guiding our three little gifts,

Into wholesome young men.

I thank you, my co-pilot, for staying the course with me,

I thank you for making this voyage the most profound it could ever be.

I thank you for trusting me with all of you, 

And for embracing all of me.

Happy Anniversary my love!

Collecting our documents for our #journeyofalifetime was an outstanding moment for us this year

Our three treasures, present day

Roll back to 2010!

Our Euro vacation was the catalyst for a magical year!

Smile big, Laugh often, Never take this life for Granted

Because every picture tells a story :-D

It was one of the hardest things we had to do... leaving these 3 for 7 weeks!

Live simple, Laugh often, Love deeply

Another momentous moment for us this year, after our first Umrah

Our return home was such a joyous event!

Find Your Tribe. Love them Hard.

Happy Anniversary!!!

Caio for now,

RuBe xoxo

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Summer White reflections

Hello March! 

We’ve started the third month of the year and I feel as if I’ve just started 2016. I’ve made lots of progress in many areas, and my studies and classes can attest to it- and yet somehow I feel it’s not enough. I had planned this year very well on paper and life just doesn’t seem to be following the plan. There are so many ‘distractions’, so many things summoning me this way and that way, that my time each day is too limited. 

I know that some of you may feel the same way, and I understand that despite the best laid plans, life happens as it is meant to be. I know this to be true. However, I cannot fathom how an increase in my teenagers social life quickly translated to no social life for me and husby. This, coupled with an increase in their activities, sports, academic, music and cultural activities have just usurped whatever extra time I would have used for work. Whilst I can manage reduced work productivity, couple time has also suffered.  We find ourselves at the mercy of the kids schedules, reduced to ’stealing’ an hour or two here and there. An hour or two that is basically just spent catching up on the past few days where we may have just passed each other running to and fro, pausing at the dinner table. 

Nonetheless after 20 years of partnership, I am grateful for the place we are in - he understands me, listens to my crazy rants, supports me in so many ways and, more importantly, does his utmost at being the best dad he can be. I can only hope I offer the same or more in return. There really is no secret to a happy relationship - it is based on mutual love, respect, consideration, trust and being grateful for the flaws that make each of us human. It means being happy when they’re happy, offering that shoulder when they’re sad and being the best cheerleader on whatever sideline you find yourself on. The most significant thing for me, is that he accepts me for who I am, he’s seen the darkest parts of me and loves me regardless - he makes me feel safe and loved. 

That is what a relationship should be, it should be the space where you can be yourself without judgement. We already judge ourselves so harshly, we don’t need our closest adding to that.

So in this crazy time of reduced output, I have realised that even though I’ve had to slow down the work pace, my family has prospered. The hours we ‘steal’ to be together as a couple, and a family, will only strengthen the marriage and family bond. Those forces which attack from the outside will face a strong opponent, as we continue to reinforce our armoury. I am therefore content with whatever distractions have come my way, content to follow the road where it takes me. I am grateful to be able to face whatever challenges with my own little army behind me.

Today’s look is a summer white, paired with a bit of cool green and orange tints. This light layered coat was purchased on the H & M sale and caught my eye immediately, with a bit of a sleeve for some cool coverage and playful tassles as ties. A pair of bright coral sandals pulls the outfit together.

“White is a colour of protection and encouragement, offering a sense of peace and calm, comfort and hope, helping alleviate emotional upsets. It creates a sense of order and efficiency, a great help if you need to declutter your life.”

My outfit: 

H & M  gilet 

T-shirt- old

Woolworths skinny jeans

Woolworths, Studio W leather heels

Ted Baker bag

Raphaella Booz cuff

Country road necklace

Jo Borkett Scarf (old)

Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses from Sunglass Hut (old )

Caio for now,
RuBe xoxo

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Abu Dhabi meanderings

Hi lovely readers, 

I intentionally delayed part two of my travel post, so that when I do write about it, it will be just long enough after the actual experience so that I can reminisce properly! After spending about a week in Dubai, we opted to stay 5 days in Abu Dhabi to see a different side to city. 

Our previous trip to Dubai was most certainly a different one, we stayed on Yas Island, one of the islands quite removed from the bustling downtown of Abu Dhabi. Yas Island is home to the thrilling Ferrari World, YAs Water World, the Formula One track where one can experience racing first hand, yacht club and stunning beaches. In other words, a resort-like feel to the entire island. When we visited at the beginning of 2014, Yas Mall was in the process of being built, by December it was complete and occupied with retail stores - in true Emirati fashion.

This time round, we decided to stay in the city centre, close to Abu Dhabi mall. Although it was more for convenience than shopping that we chose to stay in the banking district. We decided to be typical tourists, and ditch the shopping- so we booked the red bus tour, a night tour and planned a few other touristy excursions.

Abu Dhabi slowly crept into my heart, the city is rich with culture, the atmosphere more relaxed and it’s clearly more conservative than the vibrant Dubai. It is apparent that there are lots of South African expats living in Abu Dhabi evidenced by a typical South African Woolies complete with RE: and Super Sport clothing ranges! Nandos, Mugg & Bean and even Steers have found a home in this chilled city.

Red Bus exploring 

The Volvo Ocean Race docked … all the way from Cape Town!

We enjoyed lunch at the Observation Deck, 74th Floor at Etihad Towers with the most amazing views
And that pic in the top right corner is actually a hotel, Emirates Palace, once of the most expensive hotels in the world.

How amazing, a building so green it has automatic shades which open and close depending on how the sun hits the exterior of the building to save on cooling costs (energy efficient!)

Abu Dhabi aims to be a cultural tourist destination and have embarked on building their very own Louvre and Guggenheim museums

One of the pieces of the seeing through light exhibition: Selections from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi collection

The UAE PAvilion, this majestic Dune shaped building was moved piece by piece from Shanghai. Designed by highly acclaimed London firm Foster and Partners

Many of the Middle Eastern cruises depart from Abu Dhabi, they have a busy working harbour 

The road runs along the Corniche, the Waterfont area.

World Trade Centre Souk & Mall, previously the old Central Market
I totally loved the architecture, all the timber works, lattices and atriums

One of the highlights ofAbu Dhabi was the desert safari, hosted by Desert Rose Tours and Safaris. The dune bashing was amazing (although not as hair raising as I was expecting but there were some loud screams in our 4x4). We were then taken to a camel farm, and had some time to interact with these gentle animals. We proceeded to do some more dune bashing and drove off into the sunset to our camp for the evening. 

We arrived at sunset at an authentic bedouin camp where we were treated to a traditional Arabian grill, some belly dancing for entertainment, sheesha pipes and henna art thrown into the evenings activities.

The setting sun on the desert horizon

I did not enjoy the Arabian coffee and instead opted for the familiar taste of Nescafe

It was interesting to see the young locals enjoying their Friday evening with dancing and singing

Ok, so maybe a bit of shopping, checking out the Marina Mall
And a proudly South African Woollies!

We had a superb time, but by the time we had to leave, we were so ready to see our kids and to spend the night in our familiar bed… Travelling is great, but there’s really no place like home!

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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