RuBe’s Closet - Modest Fashion and Lifestyle: grateful

Monday, 19 December 2016

Ending 2016

Happy holidays lovelies!

Even if you're not on leave, or leaving town, the holiday fever has descended. With long weekends, sweltering hot days, Christmas carols blaring in shopping malls and insane traffic. The festive cheer (and crazy throngs of tourists) have arrived to remind you that the year is almost over.

I always reflect on the year, what I've achieved, how much I have grown and what I have given back. For me growth is a constant, and I cannot thrive when I'm stagnant, it is in my DNA to be in constant reflection, introspection and learning - resulting in personal progress.

Last week was my 21st anniversary, and every year we sit back and contemplate our life together. We take a little bit of time away from the kids, even if it is for an hour or a few, just to connect on this special day, which invariably sparked a change our lives and set us on a certain path. We celebrate the day, for the significance it played in our individual growth, for the precious blessings in the form of our kids, for the trials from which we have grown stronger, together; and for the joyous moments which we experienced together.

I would not have survived 2016 without the guidance, support and unconditional love bestowed by my husband, my rock, my constant companion and partner in crime. During this year I had to confront many demons, I had to excavate inner parts of myself which were not always pretty- and yet he was still my constant companion. Whether he was quietly assisting from the sidelines, or cheering me in his spirited manner, he was by my side; always supported by my army of angels, my boys. This year has been a great journey for all of us, there have been traumas, losses, sadness and there have also been special gifts, precious moments, tough challenges and immense growth for each of us in this nuclear family. This year has brought an expansiveness into our home in a way that nurtures every individual in the space.

In the spirit of the phenomenal transformation this year has brought, we've decided to embark on a phenomenal vacation to celebrate. Whilst I will miss my Wilderness break, I will soak up the European experience with my kids. I will revel in seeing their reactions to some of my favourite spots in the world. I will bask in the special memories we'll create for a lifetime, and return for another year of trying to be the best version of me.

This is for you, my constant companion:

I could not envision a day without your presence,

I would not want to experience a day without your smile,

And I hope to always bring sunshine into our space.

You have gifted me a special place in your heart,

A lodging I have taken up and I pray have made jubilant.

I have planted seeds of joy in the space you inhabit in mine.

For joy is a constantly evolving state,

It blossoms at times,

It sheds at times,

And requires work to ensure it stays.

Our army we have raised is more than a blessing,

They're versions of us we send into the world.

And I know,

If they absorb just a fraction of who we are,

They will walk with love and compassion for always.

They will strive to be better,

Yet know they are always enough...

Always treasured, always loved,

Always supported.

Just like our bond.

Happy 21st!!💝💝💝💝

Today's look features a sequin pants with a Human Image tropical parka to dress it down for a light glam look. Perfect for a night out at the theatre or dinner date. It perfectly represents 2016, filled with so many areas of growth (like a rapidly sprouting tropical forest) and some really amazing achievements (the sparkling moments).

Have a great Festive Season, and see you all in 2017!

Outift details:

Human Image tropical lightweight parka (website launching soon)

H&M t-shirt and sequin pants

Country Road Scarf

Studio W sandals from Woolworths (shop similar here)

Lovisa neckpiece

Mango quilted slingbag

Earrings purchased abroad

Caio for now,

RuBe xoxo

An evening OOTD

Hello again readers,

It’s been another two weeks of hectic running around, soccer matches have started and cricket has entered our lives. (World Cup as well as the fact that my youngest has now decided to add cricket to his insanely busy schedule!)

This week I have decided to express my gratitude for things I do have. My 2014 one went out on 1 Jan and I am clearly a bit behind, so here goes..

I am grateful for:

My health, for all the things I am able to do without having to give it a second thought.
My spouse and partner in life, he gets me in a way nobody else does, and accepts me warts and all.
The ability to spend quality time with my kids, and even though they drive me batty, I enjoy every minute of my life with them in it!
Three well adjusted, healthy sons, who test the boundaries every day. I am still immensely proud of them and what husby and I have contributed to tomorrow by raising these young gentlemen.
The year that was 2014 through the challenges, the health scares and the parental trials I have learnt some new lessons and been reminded of old ones I have forgotten.
My extended family, who give true meaning to the saying it takes a village to raise a kid. These young ones learn such important aspects of love, humility and tolerance from family members other than their parents (who they say love them through obligation!)
Special friends, who are there in times of need, understand the distress I have been through recently and stick around despite my failings.
Special time outs with my main squeeze, whether it be as simple as sitting on a blanket in the park chatting and watching the kids… or dressing up for an evening out. These moments are treasured every day!
All the wonderful connections that constantly blossom from the constant interactions I have with new and wonderful people.
And… while material things are not high on the priority list, without them life wouldn’t be possible. I am grateful to have a comfortable home, warmth and other comforts many live without.

I have been blessed with many things and say thanks and offer prayers every single day…. So todays look is one from a cherished night out. Hubby and I attended a formal banquet followed by an opera in celebration of the Design Indaba. I wore a black mesh dress with a lace top underneath finished off with an embellished turban and metallic belt and shoes.