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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A birthday wish for my life champion...

Hello again lovelies!

Today's post is a special one, dedicated to the rock in my life, my constant, my best friend and partner - the hubby. The one who treks to all locations to take my photos, who never complains when I have to work late, and will offer his assistance at a the drop of a hat.

Most of my posts centre around my role as a homemaker and wife, the trials we face as mothers and nurturers and the tribulations we face whilst trying to be the best role models we can be. Today my other half celebrates his born day, a day to be celebrated, a day for me to give thanks that he has been placed here for me. I feel as if we have a bond that transcends the years we have been together, a bond that was formed long before I even knew him. A bond that was destined to be fulfilled on my path in life, to help the other fly. We have been through many ups, a couple of lows, some trying times and we have been able to forge a new path forward each time. Strengthening ourselves and our family along the way.

I firmly believe that everything has been ordained for us, so everything we experience, the good and the bad, has been gifted to us for a greater purpose. I trust in that, and will weather what I need to and will endure my trials with grace. And at every corner my partner has been there to cheer me on, to remind me that this too shall pass or to just hold me while the tears flowed. Every minute of our lives together has been an adventure, we cherish experiences and memories and have banked so many,  I am eternally grateful for every single moment. I am thankful that you walk this earth by my side. Algamdulilah 🙏

My dear husband, 

Time passes by so swiftly that I want to freeze frame some moments, 

The moments where we're laughing until our sides hurt, 

The moments when our hearts fill with love at a little token from the boys.

I am forever grateful for what we have, 

I am forever grateful for our blessings, 

As I am for our trials. 

Life with you is a gift to my healing heart, 

It is a panacea for my traumas, 

And has helped me become whole.

Your unending well of love

has touched all of us, 

Your kind heart,

is an example to model.

May your born day be special, may you feel the everlasting love surround you.

May the day bring you joy, a lightness and the knowledge that you are special.

And may we spend many more together, in search of new adventures,

forging new paths, with exuberance and purpose. 

All my love, 

ME 💖 

This lookpost is more about the beautiful  morning we spent at Rhodes Memorial, while the sun was not yet high in the sky, the fog a heavy blanket over the city. These moments are priceless, and I cherish them deeply.

The outfit features all my old favourites from past seasons put together for a comfortable look. Representative of life with my hubby, all the bits and memories in the tapestry of life have come together to form a beautiful life.

Outfit details:

Hse of Bespoke suede fringe dress/top 

A Sense of Style sequin long cardi

Guess jeans

Adidas sneakers

YSL bag (purchased abroad)

Feather earrings old

Scarf old

Giorgio Armani sunglasses

Ciao 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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