As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I s As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I share with you some pictures of mine at 9 months, 9 years, 19 years, 29 years  to today 39 years old of age. Looking back at each decade, I feel both ‘older’ and ‘younger’, I see the change in my features, the change in my way of life, the change in my personality and the experience itched on my face. I am grateful for the life I have lived thus far and excited for the life I am yet to live. 
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

2026 - 39, (Home, England), I am ready for this final year before my 40s but also ready for this next decade. 
2016 - 29, (Oslo, Norway), this decade was about self discovery and building the life I dreamt about. The life that I am super proud of and truly grateful to be living. This decade, I built my financial life and in later years choose to heal from the trauma gained in the last decade and now I feel well equipped for the future. 
2006 - 19, (Glasgow, Scotland), I thought I was grown (look at the cheekbones 🤣🤣) and ready for the world, chiiiild was I wrong, let’s just say, I am still resolving the trauma the decade brought me but I am grateful because I met my best friends and made decisions for the future I wanted to have. (Spoiler alert - I did better than I dreamed). 
1996 - 9, (Home, Zambia) this was my birthday but my little sister insisted she had to be the one in the middle. The only way we knew whose birthday it was, was by standing in the middle but this year I remember baby sister crying her eyes out and refusing 🤨
1988 - 9 months, (Chililabombwe, Zambia) although my mother looks tired and traumatised😟, I know I was loved and happy. 
#happybirthday #happybirthday❤️ #newera #39
Attended #ascotraces for the second year running a Attended #ascotraces for the second year running and I am glad to have experienced the ‘Village enclosure’ this year, whilst I loved ‘Windsor enclosure’ last year, it’s not for me. Next year, I want Queen Anne’s enclosure. 💕 #girlsdayout #girlslikeus #ascotfashion
How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰 #hertripsabroad #bla How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰

#hertripsabroad #blackgirlstraveltoo #maldives #neverstopexploring #welltravelled
Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london because why not. My feet still hurt from the thought of how much walking we did, the fact that we walked from #bigben to #buckinghampalace is still fresh on my mind. 

#neverstopexploring
🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 So much happened and 🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 

So much happened and yet I can’t find the words.
It has been an amazing week here, definitely recom It has been an amazing week here, definitely recommend @iberostar in Agadir. 
#neverstopexploring #wanderlust #welltravelled #lifeofadventure #hertripsabroad
I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most rela I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most relaxing and fulfilling time of my life. Sometimes taking it slow and living in the moment is what the soul needs. 🥰🥰🥰
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 #hertripsabroad #solotravel #solotravelingisfun 
#blackgirlstraveltoo
I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after no I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after not visiting for almost 8years. 📍

#qatar #doha #qatarphotoinstagram  #solo travel #travelbug bestvacations igtravel travelpic travelblog beautifuldestinations tlpicks instatravel roamtheplanet traveldeeper travelgram travelinspo wanderlust instapassport exploretheworld travelpics travelmore passionpassport travelawesome lonelyplanet travelblogger travelphotography traveltheworld worldtraveler
Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the ye Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the year.
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A July Dreamer

A Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Christmas · December 8, 2015

Christmas gift idea for her

Gift guides, I have been seeing a lot of  them but t’is the time and I felt it was time for me to do one for myself. I wanted to do a gift guide for her first because well it’s like a pinning board for ideas of what I want to get my mum, my sister, my (future) mother-in-law and sister-in-law.

gift guide for her

Those who know me know I am not good at getting gifts, I can do personalised gifts no problem but as traditional gifts go I do not do well in that department so I give people gift cards or just money so they can get what they want.

I have mentioned the four women I need to get gifts for so in no particular order:

Mum – Necklace and Spa day

I have been seeing a lot of spa deals on groupon, with the amount of stress she is always under lately she could do with a day off to be pampered and taken care of since I can’t do it myself being so far away from her. I did manage to pick her a necklace from Victoria secret when I was on the states a few weeks back. I have always gotten her jewellery so I wouldn’t stop this tradition any time soon.

Mother-in-law – The body shop gift basket

I am not really sure what to get my future MIL nor do I know what she likes the most but I do know she would love anything from me (she tells me so), as they say it’s the thought that counts but I still wanted to make an effort.

christmas gift guide

**

Sister – clutch bag and watch

My sister is the easiest of them all to shop for, she works in (fashion) retail and she is always telling me what’s new, what she likes, so she is easy to shop for. I thought any one of these beautiful clutch bags from Radley would make an awesome gift for her since she can never get enough of clutch bags. I also thought both me and her been talking about Michael Kors and how lovely it would be to own something (this is more for me) from his collection, I thought since she already has an MK bag a watch is the  step up.

Sister-in-Law – Virgin experiences

My SIL is another one person I find hard to shop for as I do not know what to get that would have my hearts meaning on it. She is a very creative woman and such an amazing wife to my brother and mother to my nephew, what can I get her that shows my appreciation of the love she’s added to our family? I was thinking a spa day but we did this for her Hen do so I was thinking maybe a meal for two in London with my brother whilst we look after my nephew. Or maybe a night at the theatre or just a night off all together.

So there you have it, my idea of a gift guide for her this Christmas. As I mentioned I love personalised gifts and I think the more personalised the better and for me that includes tailoring the gift to the person’s needs or loves.

signature

*Collaborative post*

**image from The Body shop

In: Christmas

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Comments

  1. Louise says

    December 13, 2015 at 9:29 pm

    Ooh, the ladies in your family are going to be spoiled this year 🙂 I always buy at least one Body Shop gift for someone for Christmas. This year I picked up one of their star shaped wands with 5 lip butters in for my daughter X

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 14, 2015 at 1:20 am

      Thanks Louise and the lip butters will be a hit with your family I am sure

  2. Amanda Tempel says

    December 12, 2015 at 9:14 am

    Great ideas for gifts! I got my mom a gift basket last year, and she surprisingly used everything in it! I’m definitely going with another this year.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 12, 2015 at 10:41 am

      Thanks, glad your mum liked her gift basket, I got mum one two years ago and only managed to finish it now lol

  3. valmg @ Mom Knows It All says

    December 11, 2015 at 3:26 am

    You have some very lucky ladies in your life! Awesome job with finding a meaningful gift for each one of them!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 11, 2015 at 5:53 am

      Thank you so much, I am not good at giving presents but I do try to be attentive to their needs

  4. Stephanie Robinson says

    December 10, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    They all sound fab gifts. The ladies in your life look as if they’re going to be well and truly spoiled this year – enjoy! 🙂

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 10, 2015 at 10:53 pm

      Thanks Stephanie

  5. XmasDolly says

    December 10, 2015 at 4:25 pm

    I love gift baskets, don’t you? Seeing those under my tree is terribly exciting. I need to get to work and start dropping hints for this one for sure. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 10, 2015 at 4:32 pm

      You’re most welcome. I too love gift baskets

  6. Adrienne says

    December 10, 2015 at 2:10 am

    Great post. I was given a Body Shop gift basket last year for Christmas and I loved it! Great gift.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 10, 2015 at 2:18 am

      Thank you and yes the body shop is always a hit, glad you liked yours

  7. Britni says

    December 10, 2015 at 12:28 am

    I love products form the Body Shop! And I am getting my mom a gift card to the spa for Christmas this year! Looks like we are thinking a like!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 10, 2015 at 2:07 am

      Oooh how lovey, I am sure your mum will enjoy the spa treat

  8. Lizelle Cruz says

    December 9, 2015 at 9:52 pm

    These gift ideas are really useful! The spa is a wonderful idea! Thank you for sharing these with us!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 10, 2015 at 2:10 am

      Thanks lizelle

  9. Sarah says

    December 9, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    Gosh, I could really use a spa day! And the virgin experiences is a fab idea! A meal out would be nice, too! Great ideas. Love the body shop gift set 🙂 Great post, thank you for sharing. xx

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 9, 2015 at 4:16 pm

      Thanks Sarah, a meal out would be nice indeed

  10. Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy says

    December 9, 2015 at 10:38 am

    These sound like great ideas. I still have my mom and mother-in-law to buy for, and I just have no idea.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 9, 2015 at 10:54 am

      Thanks Stephanie, sometimes mothers can be had hardest to buy for.

  11. Zoe Forde says

    December 9, 2015 at 9:15 am

    My mum would love a spa day! I’ve already sorted her Xmas present, but I’m going to write down a spa day for her birthday xx

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 9, 2015 at 9:25 am

      I am sure she will love it and enjoy it too

  12. Alex Lamb & Bear says

    December 9, 2015 at 7:16 am

    Nice gift choices! I’d love someone to buy me a spa day. Body shop is always a winner, their stuff smells delicious x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 9, 2015 at 7:17 am

      I want a spa day for January lol, I love body shop coconut and strawberry are my favourite smells

  13. Franc Ramon says

    December 9, 2015 at 7:01 am

    I have several friends that loves body shop. You can really shop for affordable but useful gifts there for ladies.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 9, 2015 at 7:16 am

      Yes body shop is a great place for that and more

  14. Wendy says

    December 9, 2015 at 1:07 am

    My brother’s girlfriend can be hard to buy for. I think she would love The Body Shop gift set. Who wouldn’t!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 9, 2015 at 1:31 am

      Who wouldn’t indeed

  15. Lisa says

    December 9, 2015 at 12:42 am

    Great ideas. Since you have a hard time picking something for your sister in law, I think a night out either with your brother or with girl friends would be amazing. Throw in some free babysitting and that is a gift any mom would love.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 9, 2015 at 1:31 am

      Thanks Lisa, definitely aiming for exactly this to give her

  16. lisa says

    December 8, 2015 at 10:00 pm

    This is a great list of Christmas gifts. I am always looking for ideas for my mother in law and my sister in law.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 8, 2015 at 10:36 pm

      Thanks Lisa, glad you think so

  17. Leighanne M says

    December 8, 2015 at 9:26 pm

    I’m loving reading everyone;s gift ideas. You can’t go wrong with Body Shop as there is something for everyones taste

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 8, 2015 at 9:49 pm

      I couldn’t agree more, The Body Shop caters for all

  18. Heather lawrence says

    December 8, 2015 at 8:44 pm

    I love it when bloggers make my life easier! It is so hard to shop for my mother-in-law and now I have some ideas!
    My sister on the other hand is super easy..I am knitting her a scarf (shhh, it’s a secret!!).

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 8, 2015 at 8:55 pm

      oh wow I am sure she will love it. I am glad this post gave you some ideas

  19. Rachel says

    December 8, 2015 at 7:21 pm

    That Bodyshop set looks absolutely divine, I love the way it is packaged x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 8, 2015 at 8:55 pm

      Me too

  20. Carmen Perez (listen2mama) says

    December 8, 2015 at 6:19 pm

    Ooh these are such great ideas, I always have a hard time shopping for my mother in law!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 8, 2015 at 7:12 pm

      Thanks, I am just hoping my (future) mother in law likes them.

  21. Cathy (MummyTravels) says

    December 8, 2015 at 5:27 pm

    Lovely ideas – I do like getting experiences myself, although a Radley clutch bag would probably go down very nicely indeed!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 8, 2015 at 5:27 pm

      I know what you mean, thanks.

  22. Jenn @ EngineerMommy says

    December 8, 2015 at 4:25 pm

    These are great gift ideas! I love the Body Shop. They always have such great products there and I always find so many great body washes and lotions there!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 8, 2015 at 4:36 pm

      Thanks, the body shop always has my favourite lotions

  23. Emma T says

    December 8, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    Experiences are such a good idea. I’d love to get one as a gift, and give the OH one, but he’d never do it. Boring

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 8, 2015 at 4:15 pm

      Hahahaha lol am sure he would if you ‘persuaded’ him. I too would love an experience as a gift

  24. Jaime Nicole says

    December 8, 2015 at 12:40 pm

    You have some great choices for gifts. My sister in law is also the most difficult on my list – but maybe I can look for some sort of experience for her around their area.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 8, 2015 at 1:26 pm

      Thanks, just checked with my sister in law and she loves the idea of an experience day so worth checking for your SIL too 😊

  25. Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says

    December 8, 2015 at 11:28 am

    Those re all great ideas. I am always down for a spa day, but experience gifts are my favorite. I love doing new things.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 8, 2015 at 11:31 am

      Thank you, I am hoping my sister in law will love the experience gift

  26. Sophie O'Reilly says

    December 8, 2015 at 5:19 am

    I love The Body Shop, I think anything from there would most definitely make a great gift.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      December 8, 2015 at 5:31 am

      Me too, they have some awesome products

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I'm Miranda. Travel-Addict. Blogger. Moscato Addict. Weekend Escapist. Homebody. Countryside dweller residng in Oxfordshire.

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