Life and Times of the Fireflies: September 2014

Thursday, 25 September 2014

Rumble in the Jungle!

Having kids is a never ending roller coaster! Just when you manage to find a proper feeding routine and think you've managed to get in some extra sleep at night, they start to teethe. Once life decides to quieten down again, they become mobile. You just get the hang of that and then the terrible two's start!! However the heck we survive, I have no idea! And then comes school, homework, sport etc. Finally, we start to see a light, sleeping in late on a weekend becomes a reality, shopping is no longer a disaster and you finally drag out 'em heels and then.....PUBERTY!!

Each age and stage sure comes with it's own set of challenges. We go through periods of comfort and quiet...and every now and again there comes along a horrible stage that sends us spinning and wanting to run for the hills! Some days I have no idea if what I'm doing is right, but I am always grateful to have the reassuring hand of my Mom guiding me through it and making me feel confident that everything will be OK :-)

I look at my kids and think how fast each stage has passed me by! The bigger two are fast approaching the Teens and very soon little Zee will be heading to Primary School!! It got me thinking about how many more cute concerts and costumes there will be before he's all grown up and onto the next stage!? It made me savour his performance this past weekend so much more. Witnessing his growth in confidence over the years has been such a pleasure and he really made his performance this year worth our while (I reckon he has his aunt's genes)! It's made me realise that it's no longer about "getting through a phase"...that I mustn't just "be there", but be present through each and every stage...even the bad ones!

The happy, proud moments far outweigh the worrisome ones and I strive as far as possible to be the Mom to my kids that my Mom is to me (although I sometimes falter in the discipline department!). Watching Zee do his thing on Saturday is among the countless moments that make this journey of motherhood so worthwhile! The family was out in full force to cheer the little guy on, obviously taking scores of pictures along the way! Here are a few of my favourite...

Saafiyah and Raqeeb way back in 2006! Time has gone by so quickly...

My face decorating skills have improved over the years! (Zaydaan 2014)

Supportive big brother

Getting into character

Pre concert photo shoot

Roar ;)

Zee could not contain his excitement

Some finishing touches

Zee enjoying the attention and praise after a very good performance

Zee's number one Fan!

Concert Day is a Family Affair

Ready...Steady... Pose

The rest of us were still pretty excited, but zee was done for the day!

Thanks for reading!

Peace,

NAMU :)

Tuesday, 23 September 2014

What Marriage Has Taught Me

Photo credit : Larry English Photography

There are certain experiences in life that nothing and nobody can prepare you for! Things that you have to walk the mile long for before you can understand the meaning and depth of that emotion. Moments that, when encountered, will ultimately change your perspective on life itself...Pregnancy, childbirth and Motherhood and Grief & loss are some of those things....Another is Marriage!

I admit, I was one of those girls who believed in finding Prince Charming, sailing into the sunset and living happily ever after. I admit to being disillusioned when things didn't play out the way I planned. I guess I had no idea how much work actually went into what comes after. I thought I had it figured out. That all you needed to succeed were good intentions and love and fresh air. But this journey is made up of so much more than that! Love is only the beginning of an adventure that will unravel and unlock so many of life's little treasures and mysteries.

Marriage is what happens when the dust of the grand wedding settles and the honeymoon is over and 'real life' begins...when the children start coming without warning or plan....when life throws you curveball after curveball...and you stand side by side, one with gloves and the other swinging a bat....through the moments you are unprepared for. The moments that throw you. The moments that make or break your commitment. 'Cos that's what marriage is. It's staying committed through the storm and shaking up our snow globes each time the sparkle begins to wane... 13 years has taught me a lot about love and life. I wrote this sentimental post last year.This year I decided to write some of the things I have learnt along the way....

Sacrifice...No marriage is perfect. Every marriage has a sacrifice! Sometimes we look across the border and what we see on the other side seems better than what we've got. What I've learnt is that every marriage, at some point, will have to make sacrifices. We've had to sacrifice quite a bit along the way, but I believe that those sacrifices has been the water that keeps our garden green!

Independence...When I got married, I thought it was my sole duty to fulfil all my husbands needs and desires. Similarly, he felt the need to be my saviour and provider. As much as we have duties towards each other, and as much as we love each other and lean on each other for support, we are also individuals who have our own independent interests. Our independence is what makes us more dependable.... We don't do everything together, which makes us appreciate our time together so much more!

Trust... Trust in a marriage is important. We as women worry about a lot of things! I have learnt that we are all just human at the end of the day and I need to put my faith and trust in God above all else! I have learnt to accept that whatever may come my way is God's plan for me! It stops me from worrying about nonsense.

Focus on the strengths...I would've loved my husband to be a hopeless romantic as much as he would've loved me to be more organised, but neither of us are perfect. What I do have is a partner who is hardworking, honest, loyal, sincere and humble and I would pick him over and over and over again! His strengths and weakness compliments my own in such a way, that being placed together in this lifetime has only made us blossom and thrive!

Laughter is the best antidote.... Through all my wonky moods and elaborate metaphors and sometimes helpless circumstances...laughter has been the best medicine! Sometimes we just have to find the humour in things!

Some rules are meant to be broken...Let's face it, Indian people have a stupid rule book!!! I'm not going to go in depth here, but some rules are just meant to be broken!

Marriage is not a Fairytale... He is not a Knight in shining armour and I am not a Princess! There will be times I will need to do the saving and there will be times that he will have his turn. We give and take and compromise and practice patience. My marriage will be a happy one for as long as I am happy. That's why it is important to have enough space to breathe and grow as an individual. My husband, as wonderful and charming as he is, is also navigating through life. He doesn't have all the answers and neither do I. We are doing this thing called life together for as long as we are blessed to do so. We will continue to help, guide and support each other every step of the way. I just hope and pray that those steps will lead us down the same path together till one day when we are old and grey...

Video montage by Deed <3

Marriage is not the beginning...nor is it the end. It is not perfect, though it is made up of numerous imperfectly perfect moments...It is only a small part of our life's purpose and I'm so glad I get to discover it all with you!

Forever & Always

NAMU :)

Friday, 19 September 2014

Boho Chic

Nothing in Life ever stays the same or lasts forever. There is no guarantee or certainty or predictability. The only constant in Life, is change....Throughout life, we all go through an evolution. A metamorphosis. Physically, emotionally, spiritually...change is inevitable. It is necessary! There is simply no escaping it...

Appreciating the here and the now is impossible without a little reminiscing about the past...The steps we have taken to reach this destination. The journey so far. As much as us humans thrive on familiarity and routine, sometimes change is the precise thing we need in order to thrive.

Which brings me to Moon's fashion evolution! As a kid growing up, while I was into Barbie and dresses, Moon was very much a tomboy and was more into bicycles, roller skates and shorts & tees. When she was a little older, she became more of a grunge girl in torn jeans, tie dye t-shirts and ear cuffs. As she blossomed and grew, her sense of style evolved with her. Now she prefers classic styles and colours...adding her own boho flair when it comes to accessories!

Boho, for me, never goes out of fashion. Although it appears to wane from time to time, it has repeatedly resurfaced in various guises. Here Moon captures a 70's inspired look, pairing a bootleg jeans with a loose top and wedge heels...and finishing things of with her trademark accessories! You see...change can be good thing ;-)

Came prepared!

Moon is Wearing

Jeans: Levis

Top: Woolworths

Wedge Sandal: Truworths

Earrings: Lovisa

Bracelet & Necklace: Gifts
Photography: Larry English

Thanks for reading today!

Peace,

NAMU :)

Tuesday, 16 September 2014

Summer Tag!

I've been in high spirits of late! I'm not sure if it's as a result of the onset of a new season, lots of sunshine D and exploring the great outdoors, or because at this moment in time my soul feels more at peace than it's ever been (Alhamdulillah). Whatever it is, it's a good place to be in and I've fully embraced this wave of positive energy that has enveloped my life...

Today's post is step away from my normal philosophical tone. It is fun and frivolous...much like the mood I'm currently in! I've been tagged to do this by Rushda from Rube's Closet & JustEllaBella and with Spring in full bloom and a wonderful Summer to look forward, it seems like a perfect time to delve into my Summer lusts!

1. What is your favourite thing about Summer?

Having the kids at home with no pressure of school runs and homework! Long, hot days and endless hours in the pool. Definitely barbecues and family time! Summer is all about relaxing, taking it easy and having fun exploring our beautiful city!

2. Do you have a favourite Summer drink?

I mostly drink water! Occasionally I will have an Appletiser...and very rarely I will be adventurous with my flavours.

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

Cape Town is such a beauty, especially in Summer, so there's no place I'd rather be than in my own home city! Summer holidays is also such a busy time of year since it coincides with Christmas and the roads are always so busy and unbearable. It is also husbands busiest time of the year work wise...so for me, the best location to be is in the tranquillity of my backyard! Kids spend hours in the pool and I use that time as an opportunity to put my feet up and stay cool in the heat. We usually take family trips during the course of the year.

4. Favourite make-up look for Summer?

I don't wear make-up on a daily basis, but when I do wear I opt for natural shades and lightly tinted lip.

5. Dresses or skirts?

I used to be big on skirts at one stage, but now I mostly opt for dresses...mainly maxi's!

6. Sandals or ballet pumps?

Definitely sandals!!! And lately I've been drawn to those printed sneakers...I bought my daughter a pair and I think I might borrow them ;-)

7. Hair up or down?
Much to my mother's dismay, down! I do it mainly to camouflage my chubby cheeks, although I do sometimes attempt a side braid to make it look a bit neater.

8. Deep smokey eye or bold lip?
Bold lips.

9. Favourite perfume for Summer?
I just have a favourite perfume... that I wear throughout the year....whatever the season! LOL. Narciso Rodriguez

10. Last but not least, favourite music for Summer?
At the risk of sounding boring, I don't have a favourite band or artist. I just listen to the radio (KFM), or whatever the kids are in to (Currently The Vamps). Thankfully they are no longer into Barney (Yes....there were days that was all I listened to)!!

Now I get to tag fellow bloggers to take the challenge! I nominate:

Charlene from Pretty Please Charlie

Fathima from Decadently Addicted

Abieda from Crazy Mom Journal

Thanks for reading today!

Peace,

NAMU :)

Thursday, 11 September 2014

Hey Gorgeous High Tea

Hey Gorgeous is one of those brands that stand out for all the right reasons! If you didn't already know, they specialise in pure, natural and 100% chemical free body and beauty products. Sourcing locally and cruelty free (they don't test on animals), clearly they are a brand with a conscience as well. I've been intrigued by this brand from it's very early days and have watched from the side-line as it blossomed and grew.

Not much of an online shopper, I gave in to my curiosity regarding this brand and purchased a few products online, my favourite being the body mousses and scrubs, that come in mouth watering flavours (Coconut soufflé, Blueberry Smoothie, Cappuccino, Choc Mint Whipped Mousse...you get the idea!) that sound and smell good enough to eat!! Not only do they smell good, but they also worked well in keeping my dehydrated skin, nourished and glowing, where other store bought products have failed...

Which made me very enthusiastic about their Summer product launch that took place this past Saturday at the One and Only Hotel! I was eager to see their new expanded range, curious to want to know if they could get any better...and they have!! I am absolutely smitten by their new range of body sorbets! As the name suggests, they smell like freshly sliced fruit and for once I find the smell of the product lives up to it's name. These sorbets are refreshing and cooling on the skin, which is ideal for the pending scorching summer days.

A bonus is that in addition to shopping online; (if like me, you have not quite taken to the whole online shopping route) these products are now available in all Wellness Warehouse stores too! Who knows...at the rate they are expanding, there might be a few franchise stores popping up soon!

As always, when us bloggers get together, there is always plenty of laughter...only this time I took Moon with to join in on the fun! The High Tea offerings was absolutely decadent and I did develop a slight addiction to a particular chocolate cookie! I was too caught up in having fun to take any good pictures (I only took pics of the food!!), so fellow blogger Naeemah from The Jam Jar shared some of her amazing pics with me!