The versatile shirt dress

Hi Beautiful readers,

This has been the most gorgeous first week of Spring I can ever remember. It’s as if Mother Nature  is making amends for the absolutely freezing and wet Winter we have endured this past few months. 

Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, and this is exactly how I feel, having just restarted my exercise programme as well as feeling much better. I feel as if anything can happen, and only good things are in store. Maybe it’s just the sun and the birds chirping, and the flowers blooming - but I find myself in a positive frame of mind. I hope that everyone is feeling the air of new beginnings, it’s time to shed those heavy layers (figuratively and literally) and work towards those those hopes and dreams.

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” -Walt Disney

This is probably one of the last times I’ll be able to wear my long boots, this outfit was from a few weeks ago for a transitional weather day. I love bright colours when the sun comes out, as I said in my previous OOTD post, it brightens the mood as well. 

My outfit:

Shirtdress Trenery (Old)

Trenery boots (Old)

Marks & Spencer tights

Ted Baker Bag from Stuttafords

Scarf gifted

Collette Hayman Necklace

Leather Cuff gifted

ZARA studded belt

Aldo earrings

Love Ring from Lovisa

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Summer Tag

Hello again lovely readers!

Firstly Happy Spring!

Thanks to Shaheeda from Style by Shaheeda for the tag, it’s actually gotten me into a Summer frame of mind. Which is good, as it brings happy thoughts - beaches, holidays, braais (barbeques), no early soccer matches, and of course the vibe - Cape Town usually goes into full on chill mode in December. This past weekend also contained all the makings of a perfect Summer, the braai, the outdoors and gorgeous Cape Town weather.

So onto her questions…

1.What’s your favourite thing about Summer?
The Beach, and spending time outdoors! Living in stunning Cape Town is a huge privilege and I just love the beach and picnics, well actually anything to do with being outside. With my kids getting older though, it’s become harder and harder to do what I want to on weekends as it always ends up being an errand weekend, or driving them to and from activities. *sigh*

2. Do you have a favourite Summer drink?
I don’t really do soft drinks, or juice it’s usually tea in its various flavours, But if we go out in Summer it will be a virgin mojito or that KFC strawberry (?) sparkler. (Well I think that’s the name..)

Doesn’t this just make you wish you were there?

3. Is there a location you like to go to each Summer?

We own timeshare in Sedgefield at Pine Lake Marina and have been frequenting the resort every Summer for about as long as we’ve had kids, ie close on 16 years! It’s also the only time of the year hubby and I can travel abroad due to the long school holidays, so we may  take the opportunity and just go wherever the wind blows us. (It’s usually also dictated by the weather at the destination)

4. Favourite makeup look for Summer?

I’m not really big on make up, so mascara and lipstick is pretty much my Summer scene. Occasionally some blush, so usually very natural.

5. Dresses or skirts?

Both, I love my t-shirts and in Summer its great paired with a maxi skirt.

6. Sandals or ballet pumps?

Mainly sandals.

7. Do you prefer to wear your hair up or down for Summer?
I used to wear it down, this will be my first summer wearing the scarf… so wish me luck!

8. Deep smokey eyes or bold lips?
Bold lips, as I’ve said before I'm not big into make up. And when you apply bold lipstick it looks as if you’ve made an effort!

9. Favourite perfume for Summer?
Daisy by Marc Jacobs - I love light and fresh fragrances. My other favourite is Happy by Clinique.

10. Last but not least, favourite music for Summer?
I’m a big pop rock fan, so the likes of One Republic and The Script are my favourites. This will be mixed with Nickelback, Linkin Park and in some cases Taylor Swift (don’t judge me hehe).

Just because writing about Summer made me feel happy and sunny…I hereby tag, Namreen from Life and Times of the fireflies, Amina from A girl with a Camera and Annie from The Glamlocket

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Tropical print & Leather

Hi Beautiful Readers,

When the weather turns this bad just before Spring, it’s time to look forward to days when the sun comes out and warms the soul. Spring brings the hope of renewal, of nature showing us that there is a beautiful stillness after storm. In the same way, after a really dark time, whether it be mental or physical, hold onto the faith that better things are to come. 

The death of funny man Robin Williams, and the reports of his depression just prior to his death, has highlighted the debilitating nature of this disease. The importance is to be aware of the symptoms, to keep an eye out for the signs and offer support. It is such an overlooked disease, affecting all ages, all cultures. As a mum to teenagers, I am particularly alert to this, having heard enough horror stories of teen suicide. 

Its real.

Today’s post is aimed at brightening the mood and clothes can always lift my spirits. Floral is a big trend for Spring, and so are jumpsuits. I’ve paired this one with a lambskin jacket and my metallic heels for a festive feel.

My outfit:

MrP Jumpsuit (last year)

Leather jacket own import

Stylemology heels

Scarf from Bespoke Hijabi

Accessorize necklace

Ted Baker iPad cover (used as a clutch)

Silver earrings and ring old

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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My baby, My baby, My baby turns 16!!

Ziyaad, 

Your first birthday party

I can still remember the day you were born… Two weeks late, and we were eagerly awaiting your arrival. Dad And Mum, could not wait to meet this little person who would enter our lives to make it  brighter, fuller, challenging and so fulfilling.  

Your 7th birthday (2005)

2010 World Cup

Delivering your speech at your aunts wedding (2012)

(2013)

(2013)

From the moment you were born, you were a passive little person, 

An independent little being finding your own way,

In your own way.

 Anticipated and loved by so many before your debut into this world,

When you entered our universe, we lost our hearts,

And the ability to function self centeredly.

You made an impactful presence, 

A joyful prescence,

The presence of our love 

Manifested in another living person.

You transformed from that loveable, sensitive little toddler, 

Into a gentle, thoughtful young man.

Navigating your own place in the world.

Pounding at the boundaries whilst we try to keep them in place.

Debates have become the bane of my life

But the pride in seeing you expand,

In character, in personality and stature,

Have made them all worthwhile.

Our son, our first big building block,

May you find your purpose.

May you follow the path and stay true,

For all we strive for

Is happiness for you.

You are our first born, and therefore many of our firsts in this uncertain world of parenting. And while you may occasionally feel that we don’t understand, or know what you’re going through; know that we’re also just doing the best we can. My wish is for you to follow your dreams, your destiny, to always remember that you’re a young Muslim man, and soon to be captain of your own ship.

Eid 2014

With Lots of Love, 

Mum & Dad

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