Go Beauty revolutionizes spa bookings

Hi Beauties!

Many of you who follow my blog regularly or social media platforms will know that I love new technology, innovations and just generally anything aimed at making life easier. 

When I book travel arrangements, I religiously go to Tripadvisor and check out traveller's reviews and photos, as opposed to the establishments own photos. This has served me well, and I can make an informed decision, with no disappointments. 

So I'm really thrilled with Go Beauty's newest development. First an app which one can download, make appointments online, one can also view the closest salon, search for specific treatments and even buy spa vouchers via the app!  Another great function of the app which uses GPS location is the notification of specials being offered at salons close to you. This alone is very exciting, convenient and perfect for busy professionals. 

Founder and director, Tatjana addressing media at the launch

Go Beauty have now launched a full website, which in addition to the above also provides "Tripadvisor-style website for beauty establishments". 

'Currently listing over 400 salons, it is South Africa’s largest collection of salons, spas, beauty, hair, nails, laser, aesthetic clinics, spray tan technicians and makeup artists in one place, but our goal is much higher, to reach every corner of the country.'

'Each salon has their own page with all their info contained on one page. In order to make the site truly user-friendly, we made it ‘slimline’ - no unnecessary information, only the essence of the ‘experience’ of the salon. A lot of information is therefore only represented by icons: eg. the main services offered are illustrated by icons, while the brands they are using are represented by their logos.
We also want you to get a real feel of the place, so we are listing their amenities: are you going to receive a cup of a coffee while you are waiting for your hair colour to develop; is there a scent in the air that makes you feel relaxed or are you able to listen to soothing music in a luxurious environment while your facial mask is doing its magic; can you step into a garden after your treatment or rest in a relaxation room.'

When I see specials being offered by salons, and will immediately visit the website to check out the establishment. Here are a few of my concerns when evaluating a spa:

1. Parking: I need the spa to have parking readily available and preferably not off-street parking.
2. A relaxation area is very important, as I like to unwind a bit before the treatment- chances are I've just rushed from a previous engagement.
3. Atmosphere and ambiance is key, rather than being rushed into a treatment room to get undressed, I prefer a gentle welcome.
4. I recently visited the Mangwanani Spa at the Waterfront and was shocked to discover that I needed to leave the premises and use the public loo in the office park! Had I known this beforehand I would not choose this particular spa. So now, high on the list is changing room facilities and bathrooms.
5. Images are crucial, it gives me the general idea of the layout, upkeep and general luxury of the spa. This is especially where the client images and review will be appreciated.

Have a look at the site, which is still pretty new so reviews haven't been posted yet. But just imagine how awesome it will be once the reviews are readily accessible? I can't wait!

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Reality of a work from home mum

Happy Friday lovelies!

This week I've been reflecting on the roles of moms in the home, specifically work-from-home moms or business owners. While it is a well known fact that stay-at-home moms have a crazy workload, it is equally crazy for those of us trying to work in between trying to be around for the kids. 

I read an article yesterday about new moms need to refuel, being stuck at home with little ones and no time for themselves. It really gets even more crazy as they get older, and have a million commitments, exams, study sessions, sport, and the never ending need for food. I actually need to plan my day to ensure I have time to cook, and provide nutritious meals for my studying boys. When they were little, and I worked in a full time job while studying, I found life to be more manageable even without the help of a housekeeper at the time. Now I have a flexi-time occupation (which means late nights and weekends), they are older and able to do more for themselves; and still it is a mammoth task to remain sane and on top of everything. I even use time saving methods like Uber to cart my teenagers around when I really can't be in three places at the same time! I am mindful of needing to schedule time outs, and I usually do - but it is generally postponed as I have a work commitment or mommy duty to perform. The fact that I don't actually get annual leave either adds to  the mommy- fatigue; whereas before I used to get study leave and annual leave. And I used this time to chill, and actual study- now I don't have the luxury of leave until our family vacations. Which aren't really vacations if you're a mum- with self catering and so on. 

I have mostly been a career woman and mum, for a year a stay-at-home mum, and for the past two years, working from home. The struggle is real. Try having a work call, with bickering kids just outside the door, or to have them storming into your workspace with a mundane question like "why didn't you buy the Wellness Warehouse muesli?" Yes, really. I also have to schedule in time to shop organic vegetables, Wellness Warehouse goodies as I'm very keen on good nutrition- which comes at a time cost. Take-out is rare, and the boys are only treated on a weekend. 

Or try having an hour massage (which I did this week) only to find a million watsapp, missed calls and text messages from your son at home. Wanting to know what time you'll be done, how far you are etc etc etc. He should actually be studying, but he needs my presence around...

However, I have noticed a huge difference in my relationship with the boys, we talk more and spend more time in each others company. They are also more settled and calm, and less prone to excessive mood swings!

I am sure I am not alone, and there are many women who juggle each day. I am open to tips, advice and best practices. I wish all parents well with the exam stress and all the best for the students writing. 

Today's OOTD, features an embellished puffy boho top from Something Pretty, a boyfriend jeans and wedge sandals from Zara. I also decided to change the turban style a bit for this easy Saturday morning look. 

Outfit details:

Something Pretty embellished top

Woolworths RE boyfriend jeans (shop here)

ZARA wedge sandals

Various bracelets

Scarf Stop scarf

Lovisa earrings

Giorgio Armani sunglasses from Sunglass Hut (shop similar here)

Kate Spade handbag bought abroad

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Parenting tribulations with an OOTD

Hello dear readers!

I trust this has been a productive and fruitful week. My son has started his final matric exams and the home has gone into study mode. All I need to do is offer support, food, quiet and the regular lifts to and from study sessions. 

With all this happening with my firstborn, the other two have also started their own preparation for exams, year end athletics, music concerts and the list goes on...

I have had to make a conscious effort to schedule time in with each of my younger sons, in order to spend quality time with each of them in their preferred activities. My youngest is12, and soon he will be entering the teen years; and by then his interests will change, with a significantly reduced need to spend time with me. I feel as if I want to stall this inevitable passing of time, there is still so much I want to do with my boys. My baby especially, is growing into a little young person, who occasionally exhibits bouts of moodiness, the isolated rebellion and need to be on his own at times. 

From past experience, I can now identify this as the beginning of puberty and I am able to deal with it in a different way to my first time. I can understand that this too shall pass, and it is a rite of passage, it is his way of finding himself and asserting his place. I can now, with the benefit of hindsight, nurture his growth without the clashing of minds and personalities. I have learnt so much in the past few years, more about myself, and more about how to be best version of me as a parent. And I suppose the version differs with each parent, as it is driven by our experiences, our passion, our souls and spirit. 

I have learnt that honesty with my kids goes a long way, admitting my mistakes goes even further and appreciating and celebrating them for who they are is really the best thing for each kid. 

I definitely do not have all the answers, but it does feel as if I uncover a little more by talking to my boys, about their day, what their plans are and little anecdotes they like to share. It gives me insight into what they find interesting, what the best parts and worst parts of the day was. I have also learnt that each one of my sons are individuals, each with a very strong spirit, and it highly impossible to handle each of them in the same manner. And I am able to articulate this to them when questioned on my methods. 

In between my first born and his milestones, my youngest and his approaching teen years, I have my twin soul, my middle son. So many of his behaviours mirror my own (which sometimes drives me crazy and other times I can relate to); and in a twist he has a well of courage, a fearlessness to try anything, something I lacked at his tender age. I admire this quality, although it has also brought us so many challenges through the years. However, I accept that he is driven to explore, he immerses himself in anything he attempts, and the best I can do is caution (not threaten as I would instinctively want to do) and let him know we are always there to guide, support, assist and we'll always do it with love. He knows we are committed to working through any challenge together, as a family... as hard as it may sometimes be. 

Parenting is hard, being connected is hard, being a reasonable parent in today's time is difficult, but the reward of having that connection whether they are teens, or grown men, is such a special goal and well worth the difficult times. I pray for more connecting, for more shared experiences and moments, even though they are rapidly becoming independent, separate and strong young men.

In today's OOTD, my mood is playful, it's an outfit I will wear when spending time with one of my boys, whether we're sharing a coffee moment, visiting the library or shopping. The t-shirt dresses are so versatile this season, but has to be in the right fabric so that it's not too clingy (for that more modest look). This one I picked up Mango and is made of a knit which is drapes heavily and is not too clingy. I paired it with my all favourite gold platform Superga sneakers, a South African collaboration with Poppy Ntshongwana. Since the t-shirt dress can come across as dull, I have added a statement neckpiece for some character.

Outfit details:

Mango t-shirt dress

Scarf old

Superga sneakers from Superbalist (shop similar here)

Necklace from Superbalist (shop similar here)

Paul Boutique shopper

Caio for now,
RuBe xoxo

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Household cleaning at your fingertips!

Hi Readers, 

For those who have read my posts a few weeks ago (actually just before Eid), you would know that my housekeeper has been booked off - for at least 4 months! So I have been going insane slowly, trying to keep up with all the household duties, kids and work and it has not been going well. At all!

Trying to find a reliable person, who is able to only work certain days has proven near impossible with my crazy schedule. 

Until I was recently introduced to an amazing online company, Sweepsouth, who provide cleaning services, in a manner very similar to Uber. For me that was a no-brainer, an online service that would sort out the immediate crisis of a missing housekeeper? I was sold!

These were a few of the questions to which I needed some answers, these were:

1. The cleaners are thoroughly vetted.
2. The company provides insurance in the event of breakages etc.
3. The cost is R38 per hour and you are able to request the exact number of hours you would require services.
4. The service is available 7 days a week, and provide services from 7am to 6pm.
5. Once off bookings or recurring bookings can be done.
6. If you are really satisfied with a particular cleaning lady (known as a Sweepstar), you'd be able to request her for future bookings.
7. If for any reason you are unhappy, Sweepsouth will offer a free reclean of the premises.
8. They have introduced an app to make the booking process even easier.
9. It is possible to do a booking even a day before the time which is handy if you're as crazy busy as I am.
10. Arrangements can be made for a Sweepstar to be granted access to the premises required cleaning, in fact this is a common arrangement and is completely safe.
11. Once you have confirmed the booking, start times, number of hours, and the size of your home and if any additional services would be required (ironing, window cleaning etc), you receive a confirmation of the booking. You are then able to log into your account, and you will be able to check who the Sweepstar will be, a photo and short bio will be available as well as the area she travels from and cellphone number.

I personally use Uber on a regular basis, when I am unable to manage to collect or drop my kids, so clearly I am very comfortable with this offering  (placing my little darlings in their capable hands). So with the introduction of Sweepsouth, I only needed to confirm the safety aspect for myself, and thereafter I was really keen to use the service.

I was really impressed with the efficient manner I could book, easy and fuss free. The following day I received a notification via the app when the Sweepstar left home, when she arrived at my place and when she was done cleaning. 

She was professional, friendly and thorough. When you book, you are able to see what the cleaning service entails, right down to wiping down kitchen cupboards! 

If you're still unsure, visit their website or just download the app and check it out.

Furthermore, they have a comprehensive FAQ section on the website, which covers most if not all concerns.

So if you're stuck without any household help and in need of a proper clean, or merely assistance with a spring clean, or the oven, fridge or windows cleaned only, this is the answer to your prayers. 

Visit Sweepsouth for more information.

For first time clients, use the code below to redeem R100 off the first booking.

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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