hello 2013

With 2013 being well underway, may this year be filled with great opportunities , may all your dreams come true , may all the plans you have made materialize or start taking shape (we know how that goes !) , so here’s wishing you all that is good with your families , your careers and most importantly with yourselves (yip we know how that goes too!)

Our new year does not start in January , but I don’t mind the giving or receiving well wishes with the gregorian calendar. The islamic new year is Muharram which began in November 2012.

A couple of resolution for this year (I’ve heard these many times before),

- save money , stop wasting money on uneccessary items you really don’t need (especially clothing) …less will ALWAYS be more…. simplicity is key….I have tried to stick to  being frugal for many years , but it is so hard!

- start french lessons

- focus on my spirituality

- de-clutter my mind , my home , my priorities – create complete order/organization 

- blog more , not only does it improve your writing skills (if that concerns you) but it is also weirdly therapeutic , documenting , discovering , connecting  , escaping to blogosphere …

new fave mommy-daughter duo Monica and Alaia Rose aka stylist to the kardashians…

bought the same shoe a while back from Mr Price for my daughter , a size too big , ready for winter 2013

images from http://monicarosestylist.blogspot.com

www.pinterest.com

Oscar for kids - Boys in cords, Girls in couture

Why did Oscar Da La Renta take so long to launch a children's range? I'm dreaming about these gorgeous kids clothing from the new childrens range. True to his style. The range for children are classic , beautiful and sensible.Little girls in pretty dresses and little boys in classic corduroys and tweed. Yay to elbow patches...

cute classics

love panithose with shorts

images from Oscar PR Girl

Its been too long....

Work has been busy therefore lack of blogging. It is my intention to setup a ‘workstation’ at home but always excuses and procrastination being my middle name! It is a long weekend so looking forward to family time. In a couple of days , South Africans will celebrate Heritage Day , signifying our heritage , our past and hope for the future. Whilst I’m not particulary patriotic. I do appreciate the journey of my forefathers ,especially my father, fighting apartheid.I can’t imagine what it must have been like during the apartheid era. I am child of the new South Africa , my children are children are of the hopeful South Africa. There is still a large degree of unfairness, intolerance, prevelant in our society in so many aspects.There are days it irritates/upsets me more so than other days. I have to remind myself to persevere and to remember always how fortunate I am, in time.....!….does a perfect society even exist ??

Patience – Tolerance - Respect....

pretty amazing pics below...

images from www.islamicthinking.info

Spring in my step

Whilst I love winter!!, I am getting tired of wearing boots. Also looking foward to some change in styling the outfits...feels like im in a abit of a gloomy fashion rut , boots and greys , boring!!.Found these super great leather sandals at Mr Price for under R100., steal style Country Road !!In the mood for small changes...makes perfect sense , why else do season's change??
Change font from trebeuchet to courier
Change part of my lounge into a children's space
Change in habits (too many too mention!)
Change in thoughts (positive only!!!)





Country Road

The Queen of Maxis..

Rachel Zoe.I love her take on the maxi dress. I love how she pairs them with blazers , platforms - cool but covered! Her collections are pretty inspiring too....enjoy :)

I heart Ramadaan....

With Ramadaan well on it’s way , my absolute favourite month of the Islamic calendar. This month always comes just in time when I am at dire need of deep introspection. I become so consumed in my daily , normal routine the other 11 months of the year. Whilst I try my utmost everyday to uphold my faith’s daily practices with absolute devotion, truth is I misstep every now and again. This month to me is a struggle of ones inner psyche (nafs) ,abstaining from food and my happy substance coffee, is very hard. Everyday in Ramadaan is a blessing , and even though its abit hard in the beginning. When the month is over , my heart yearns for it’s sanctity….Ramadaan Mubarak...

Please remember my family in your duas (prayers)…

Images from Islamic Thinking

Wedding fever

This weekend a very close family member will be getting married , so it’s celebration time. Everyone is  running around frantically for last minute outfit ‘completers’. My kids are in the wedding entourage so when Im not running around for the endless shoe drama (looking for white ballet pumps in winter!! ) , then its shoes for me , the whole outfit for hubby who doesn’t understand the fuss , shoes for son (try finding mini formal shoes for chubby feet!) , white opaque tights for daughter etc. All part of the joy for sure , only in Cape Town….love it.

I heart weddings , the day is so pure and filled with loooove and serenity and taking pictures .You cannot  escape the inevitable crying though. Cry when bride walks in with her father , cry because kids look super adorable, cry when mother of the bride cries….why  cry?… I really don’t know why we cry at weddings…

Maher Zain - Masha Allah Lyrics
The most beautiful joy is on your wedding day – that’s for sure
This night’s memories will always be present and can never fade away

The way you feel on this day
How can any of you ever forget it?!
The most beautiful life shall unite you forever

Tonight is the biggest happiness in your life
By Allah, you’re both beautiful! Allah Allah
Allah has willed it ,What a joy ,let’s congratulate them, everyone!

In accordance with our Prophet’s teachings
You did the marriage contract [‘Aqd-Nikah]
And we’re overjoyed for the two of you
And our hearts are melting with happiness on this night

Say: “Allah has willed it”
And may you live the happiest of years
Say: “Allah has willed it”
And how beautiful it is to see such a pious couple!
May Allah unite you together in Paradise
And may He make you live your whole life together in harmony

Lyrics: Mahmoud Farouk
Melody: Maher Zain & Hamza Namira

Some pretty wedding inspiration….if I could have my wedding day over…