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 1, 2017

{Christmas 2017 #giftideas} For Her

Christmas 2017 is a mere 24 days away and most of us are still getting our ducks in a row. I have been fortunate this year to have done all my Christmas present shopping for the family. This has not been all my doing but thanks to the many brands we’ve collaborated with. Looking back over the last three years, all the Gift Guides for her are based on my family. It is natural for me to put together a gift guide with the people in my life as a focal point. Most of us have pretty much the same family structures of; Mother, Father, Sister, Brother and so on. Though this is not the typical dynamic for everyone, some of us fall in that category.

Those who know me know that Christmas is about spending time together as a family and not presents. Yes presents are nice to have and we should be grateful for them. Not everyone has the same luxuries and therefore we should always be gracious. Another important aspect to remember is not about the gift but the intention behind it from the giver.

Christmas for her

Related: Gift Guide for Him and Her

{Christmas 2017 #giftideas} For Her

As I have mentioned already, I use my family {and friends} as my focus for creating a gift guide and sharing gift ideas. The gift ideas for her are some that are simple but are thoughtful and practical gifts I am sharing. We all know British weather is an enemy of progress therefore I am always thinking of practical gifts. But when you are having Christmas on a budget, it is important to look at the  associated costs.

Those who know me know I have four important women in my life; Mum, Grandma, Sister and Sister-in-law. Normally when I put Gift Guides for her, I focus on these four women in my life. I rarely include my best girls in these guides but when I do I mention them specifically. Getting presents for these four women can be tricky especially for Grandma who lives abroad. Lucy is another one whose tough to get presents for so often I just ask her what she wants.

{Christmas 2017 #giftideas} For Her

With the weather turning for the worst {we had snow yesterday in London} I am thinking practical gifts. For my Grandma or me I would most likely choose a warm outerwear like a sweater or jumper from *The Sweater shop. A shop which offers of value, a wide selection and quality Irish Aran knitwear. For my mother, regular readers know I got her a lovely winter coat from *JD Williams. A shop offering on-trend and colourful women’s fashion from size 10-32 including footwear and accessories.

For someone as fashionable as my sister, I knew having an accessory like a *JOULES Purse would be a hit. But my sister is not only fashionable but creative too, I got her *Contrado Fabric. She is a creative designer and she absolutely loves the fabric which she herself designed. Contrado are a London-based specialist company who quality custom products on demand. For my sister-in-law it can be a bit tricky to get her a present, often I opt for gift cards. But this year thanks to JD Williams she got to choose her gift and opted for a popcorn cardigan.


What about Gifts for me?

One thing I have realised in the last few years is to always add myself to the list. I don’t know about you but I am constantly preparing lists for what to do for others and never for me. Self care should not only be applicable to other situations but Christmas too. I know if I don’t look after myself or put myself first no one else will. This got me thinking, what do I want for Christmas.

Well I want;

  • Urban Decay Lipstick
  • A Spa day followed by afternoon tea
  • A Watch; wooden or metallic
  • Beauty Advent calendar
  • Jewelry

There are many things that I want, at Christmas {and Birthdays} it’s a time I can be truly materialistic. Last weekend I picked up this Faux Leather Biker Jacket from Oasis because I was in need. Forgot completely that I had requested this *Cushy Coat and Socks from EMP.co.uk. A few weeks ago I was treated to some lovely and sexy night wear from Hunkemoller which I totally love.

This year’s Christmas ideas for her is not only items I know my females would love but new items to try. Thank you to all the brands that made this Christmas gift guide for her possible.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

*Collaborating for this gift guide

In: Christmas

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Comments

  1. Sarah says

    December 13, 2017 at 9:31 pm

    Great list, I love the watch and make-up is always a great gift!

    Reply
  2. Sarah says

    December 10, 2017 at 10:31 pm

    Some good gift choices here, love the watch and make-up is always good!

    Reply
  3. Stephanie says

    December 5, 2017 at 9:08 pm

    I love the watch, very classic looking and classy

    Reply
  4. Kara says

    December 5, 2017 at 3:02 pm

    That fabric is stunning, I just wish I could sew

    Reply
  5. TheMummyToolbox says

    December 4, 2017 at 9:29 am

    I am in dire need of spa day, about 10 years overdue and after the little miss was born this year I think I earned it!!

    Reply
  6. Justine Robson says

    December 3, 2017 at 8:02 pm

    Anything from Joules is a hit with me. I’m no good at treating myself. So it’s nice when others do.

    Reply
  7. Beach Hut Cook says

    December 3, 2017 at 7:45 am

    I’d be so thrilled with a lipstick too. I can’t tell you what a spring in my step a new colour gives me.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 3, 2017 at 9:25 am

      I am a sucker for a good lipstick and need to replenishing my current collection

  8. Helen Actually... says

    December 2, 2017 at 11:45 pm

    You’re so right, everything costs so much, and it’s difficult to keep up sometimes. We need to remember it’s the thought and the people that count

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      December 3, 2017 at 9:26 am

      Exactly, it is the thought and not the price tag that makes all the difference

  9. Katy Stevens says

    December 2, 2017 at 7:07 pm

    I would love a spa day with afternoon tea too!

    Reply
  10. Stella Kashmoney says

    December 2, 2017 at 5:38 pm

    I would love a spa day and some afternoon tea too!

    Reply
  11. Laura Dove says

    December 1, 2017 at 10:29 pm

    Gorgeous gifts! I love that watch, and my husband would love that nightdress, haha!

    Reply
  12. GorgeousGeorgesMama says

    December 1, 2017 at 3:20 pm

    I do wish you were my sister in law lol. We have so many children in our family now that we only buy for them so I don’t get many gifts for me anymore sadly.

    These all sound great though. Merry chrimbo to ya.

    Reply
  13. Clairejustineo says

    December 1, 2017 at 10:39 am

    What a lovely list. I love red and anything red in Winter. I need that red lipstick :):)

    Reply
  14. mammasschool says

    December 1, 2017 at 10:28 am

    I am right there with you about the spa day…I am definitely over due one of those!

    Reply

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

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