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 7, 2016

Five Useful Christmas Presents 

The Five Useful Christmas Presents roundup lists all the items I am thinking of gifting my family. These items are not only useful at Christmas but throughout the year. I have always declared on the blog, for my family Christmas is not about presents but about family. And if we are going to give each other Presents it has to be those which are useful and can be used passed December.

 

Five Useful Christmas Presents

Five Useful Christmas Presents

Clothes

Winter is currently underway and while it’s prudent to think of buying warm coats and jackets. It is equally important to think of other piece of clothing that are useful not just in winter. Things like under garments, socks, ties and handkerchief (who still use them).

Most men are quite bad at buying themselves clothes and rely on partners to get them something decent. My dad is one who though loves to shop but is not quite good at buying relevant and lasting clothes. Mum always picks him up some items for him to last him through the winter and next season.

Personal hygiene products 

Yes it’s Christmas not a time to forget about personal hygiene products. These products can be anything from face cleansers to electric toothbrushes. During the festive period we are always busy eating sweet foods but how many thinking about brushing teeth. As someone with more fillings than the dentist and a root canal I am a big believer in oral hygiene. 

Because I know how crazy this time of year gets I always stock up on personal hygiene products. Anything from toothpaste, toothbrush, pads, tissues to wet and cleaning wipes. It truly pays to be ready especially this time of the year. 

Digital photo album 

Back in the day I used to love photo albums and would spend hours looking throw the pictures. With the current technology advances it makes sense to move with the times. Not all of us have our families close by and though we can make a photo album it’s easier to digitize them now.

Passport and travel document case 

As a frequent traveler this is something that’s important and handy for me to have. Whether your family or friends are regular travelers or not I think this is a useful present for anyone. It takes the stress out of trying to find documents instead you put them in one place.

Charging cables 

I am have mentioned this before on the blog. Charging cables have saved my life and I am absolutely loving them. Charging cables are something everyone needs all the time when traveling away from home.

What would make your list of Five Useful Christmas Presents?

In: Christmas

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Comments

  1. Vicky Hallnewman says

    December 27, 2016 at 9:24 pm

    There are some fab ideas here for gifts, happy new year

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 7, 2017 at 11:52 am

      Thanks Vicky! Happy new year to you too and thanks for stopping by

  2. PrimeBeauty says

    December 12, 2016 at 3:31 am

    My top five would be clothes, shoes, tech gear, beauty products, and a great pair of pjs. I would also probably put some tool for taking picts for the blog. It seems like every year I add something new in that realm.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 17, 2016 at 12:46 pm

      I know what you mean, same here every year

  3. Anosa says

    December 11, 2016 at 7:36 pm

    That’s brilliant and thanks for stopping by

    Reply
  4. Sarah Bear =] says

    December 9, 2016 at 9:23 pm

    I have bought electric toothbrushes for my little ones this year!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 11, 2016 at 7:35 pm

      Awww how lovely I am sure they will/do love them

  5. Ave T says

    December 9, 2016 at 6:02 pm

    These are really great gift ideas! I have an electric toothbrush on my wish list! My parents would love didgital photo album, so they can show the pictures of their grandkids to all their friends.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 11, 2016 at 7:35 pm

      Thanks and I am sure your parents would love that big time

  6. fashion-mommy says

    December 8, 2016 at 11:47 pm

    I love gifts of clothing but am so picky I usually end up taking them back.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 9, 2016 at 12:53 pm

      Oh bless I think a gift card for your favourite clothing store would work best then

  7. Ickle Pickle says

    December 8, 2016 at 8:37 pm

    Great list – charging cables drive me potty! With two teens and myself all on iPhones and iPads, we literally fight over them at times! Kaz x

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 9, 2016 at 12:53 pm

      I know the feeling hence why I got the charging cable for multiple devices on one

  8. Anthea says

    December 8, 2016 at 8:30 pm

    Some great suggestions. I think the cable idea is brilliant and something that most people could do with. It’s a modern day stocking filler for sure!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 9, 2016 at 12:52 pm

      Absolutely definitely and modern day stocking filler

  9. Jocelyn Brown says

    December 8, 2016 at 7:02 pm

    Very useful and awesome gift ideas. I love giving presence but sometimes it’s hard for me to think on what to give and this great ideas will help me. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 9, 2016 at 12:52 pm

      I am glad this article is helpful

  10. Dena Jayne says

    December 8, 2016 at 6:25 pm

    Lovely gift ideas! I would love a face brush cleanser! xo

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 9, 2016 at 12:52 pm

      I have a few and they are so awesome

  11. Angela Milnes says

    December 8, 2016 at 1:46 pm

    What a nice gift ideas, These are all great and very useful

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 9, 2016 at 12:51 pm

      Thanks Angela

  12. Ourfamilyworld says

    December 8, 2016 at 12:01 pm

    This is a great gift ideas for Christmas. Yes, They are all useful. I prefer to give clothes and photo albums.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 9, 2016 at 12:51 pm

      Clothes always welcome ain’t they

  13. Mai C. says

    December 8, 2016 at 6:40 am

    I would always prefer to give gifts that people can use than yo give ones that they don’t really like and will just ignore for the rest of the year! I think these are amazing ideas!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 9, 2016 at 12:51 pm

      Exactly my thinking no point in giving people something they can not do anything with

  14. TheNewClassy says

    December 8, 2016 at 2:06 am

    I always like to get personal hygiene products for Christmas. A lot of people think that it shows poor taste to do that, but I really do enjoy getting things like soaps and shampoos.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 9, 2016 at 12:50 pm

      I am the same I really do love getting personal hygiene products as they are useful

  15. Faith Stephenson says

    December 8, 2016 at 1:43 am

    This is a very helpful article! Even me would love to receive this type of gifts, thanks for sharing this idea!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 9, 2016 at 12:50 pm

      I am glad to hear that and thanks for stopping by

  16. Katrina Jean Carter says

    December 7, 2016 at 10:05 pm

    I love getting and giving presents and the best ones are certainly those that you can put to use! These are great ideas and I find it interesting and cute that chargers made in on the list…it’s an essential nowadays :p

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 9, 2016 at 12:50 pm

      It sure is essential and thanks so much Katrina. Presents which are useful are worth it than something you can’t do anything with

  17. london_unattached says

    December 7, 2016 at 9:23 pm

    Gosh, for me – well, chocolate…because I’ve always eaten it all, power banks, charging cables, spare lens caps and cleaning cloths for my lenses

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 9, 2016 at 12:49 pm

      Hahaha chocolate definitely on everybodies list lol but yes charging cables making a huge difference in my life

  18. Nicole E. says

    December 7, 2016 at 1:44 pm

    Those are really great practical ideas! I always need charging cables. It seems like I’m either constantly losing them, or we just have more devices than we have cables at this point so someone is always waiting on one.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 9, 2016 at 12:48 pm

      I had the same issue so I am glad to have one charging cable for multiple devices and can charge multiple at once

  19. Stella Kashmoney says

    December 7, 2016 at 11:32 am

    Fab gift ideas here for Christmas. Clothes always make a great Christmas gift.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 7, 2016 at 12:29 pm

      That they do indeed

  20. Nikki Hamilton says

    December 7, 2016 at 10:07 am

    I would never have thought to buy someone a charging cable but you are so right! It is always the one thing people need! Great post!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 7, 2016 at 12:29 pm

      Thanks Nikki, it’s something we always overlook.

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

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