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

Lifestyle · January 6, 2016

Lifestyle: Christmas Presents

Some #christmas presents from family. I am loving this #reindeer bag my sister in law made for me for my presents. #christmaspresents #presents #christmas2015 #christmas2015 #c2k15Happy belated Christmas, I hope you had an amazing day with family and friends and hope Santa brought you some of the things you wished for. In my family Christmas is about being together and less about presents but with MOH we do like to use Boxing Day as a presents giving day since we hit up London and grab a few bargains in Harrods London. This year was no different and you can read more about our Boxing Day shopping on the blog next week.

Christmas presents

This gone Christmas I received a lot more presents compared to any other year in my life so far. My SIL in particular has an amazing knack for picking out Christmas presents and this year was no different. The only difference this year was she made me one of my Christmas presents, she has been taking lessons from my mother (something I should be doing too) and learning how to knit, she has gotten so good that she knitted me the best scarf ever. It was the first present I opened days before Christmas (oops, sorry SIL) and it turned out to be a saviour as I used it throughout my trip to Vilnius and Kaunas. The other presents she gave me included;a very beautiful put together presents bag (reindeer bag) and in it were some lovely beauty products which included the No.7 eyeshadow and shine & tint lipgloss I mentioned in my Beauty ~ Recent additions post.

boots no7

From the rest of the my family I got LOVE!!! 🙂

MOH on top of taking me to London for our yearly Harrods shopping trip, he bought me a new pair of knee-length boots from Lithuania, they are real leather and absolutely beautiful and warm. Last time he got me boots was in 2008 (or was it 2010) which lasted me until 2 years ago as I didn’t really take care of them so the leather got ruined. I am loving my new boots and rocking them every chance I get since the weather though not too cold has been raining buckets.

 

What did you get this Christmas? Did Santa bring what you wanted or something else which is still awesome?

In: Lifestyle

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Comments

  1. dawn says

    January 9, 2016 at 3:56 am

    Happy New Year. you look like you had an awesome xmas. got some really cool things. i love that first photo. so cute.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 9, 2016 at 7:57 am

      Thanks so much dawn, it was an awesome Christmas indeed

  2. Joanna says

    January 8, 2016 at 11:20 am

    I got some fab gifts this year my top 3 favourites are my Pandora style bracelet, blogger planner and a Himalayan salt lamp

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 8, 2016 at 12:00 pm

      I need a proper blogger planner, glad you got some awesome gifts

  3. Michelle Murray says

    January 7, 2016 at 9:03 pm

    Happy New Year. Looks like you had a nice christmas! i love Soap and Glory, definitely on my top 5 list of presents I received x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 7, 2016 at 9:04 pm

      Happy new year to you too. I am loving soap and glory every day

  4. Janine says

    January 7, 2016 at 8:02 pm

    I got too much. But my main presents were a selfie stick, tripod, kettle and boots. Loved them all and I asked for them all.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 7, 2016 at 9:04 pm

      That’s great, I love getting useful and practical presents.

  5. Mudpie Fridays says

    January 7, 2016 at 7:45 pm

    Would love to read the Harrods post so will be checking it out, love bargains. The boots are lovely and such a nice present from your SIL. I was spoilt with a new pair of boots and very niffy little pen which has been making my life easier! Happy belated Christmas x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 7, 2016 at 9:03 pm

      Happy belated Christmas to you too and the Harrods post is live tomorrow. Glad to hear you got lovely presents too

  6. Jasmine Watts says

    January 7, 2016 at 12:40 pm

    Our Christmas & New Year was good too. But It looks like Santa was very nice to you and I love those boots!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 7, 2016 at 1:54 pm

      Thanks so much, glad to hear your Christmas and me year was good too

  7. Leighanne M says

    January 7, 2016 at 8:17 am

    I love soap and glory especially their body butter, most definitely worth the money. You’ll be hooked so make sure you make the most of Boots 3 for 2 offer

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 7, 2016 at 9:01 am

      Awesome, thanks I will

  8. Lisa says

    January 7, 2016 at 2:14 am

    Looks like you lucked out with gifts this year! I can’t complain…I got everything I needed and then some, which were great surprises!

    Reply
  9. Lisa says

    January 7, 2016 at 2:14 am

    Looks like you lucked out with gifts this year! I can’t complain…I got everything I needed and then some, which were great surprises!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 7, 2016 at 6:06 am

      That’s great to hear and yes I was blessed

  10. Ickle Pickle says

    January 6, 2016 at 9:07 pm

    My girls love Soap & Glory! and I love those boots! I had some lovely presents and had a fantastic Christmas with my children. Kaz x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 9:39 pm

      That’s awesome it’s always best when you have Christmas with loved ones

  11. Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says

    January 6, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    Our Christmas was pretty good, very calm this year. Those boots are rockin’ – I love them!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 9:39 pm

      Thanks, that’s awesome

  12. Carmen Perez (listen2mama) says

    January 6, 2016 at 7:05 pm

    Looks like you received many nice presents. I was very blessed and also received nice things, especially a new camera (which I didn’t really need), but that I had been wanting for a while.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 9:40 pm

      Oh wow, I so want a camera and yes thanks I had such a lovely Christmas and so many presents

  13. Sara says

    January 6, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    I am seriously green with envy over those boots! What a great gift! I haven’t tried Soap and Glory yet, but after reading this and the comments, I want to! And I did get what I wanted this year! A Fitbug!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 9:41 pm

      That’s awesome, I am loving my boot they are just so comfy and so pretty

  14. Rachel says

    January 6, 2016 at 4:44 pm

    It sounds as though you had an amazing Christmas and you got some really nice gifts too, obviously on the good girl santa list x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 9:42 pm

      Hahaha yes I was good somehow last year hope to be again this year lol

  15. Esther @ The Cuteness says

    January 6, 2016 at 3:19 pm

    So glad you had a great Christmas! You got some really nice things, really like those boots!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 3:20 pm

      Thanks I had a lovely Christmas

  16. Emmanuel Mang says

    January 6, 2016 at 2:58 pm

    Seems like you had a great Christmas! Lovely boots there. Santa was good to me at least, I got a customized sweat shirt for me and my favourite cousin!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 3:21 pm

      Ooh that’s awesome I want a personalised sweat shirt too

  17. Travel Blogger says

    January 6, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    It looks like Santa was very nice to you! I love those boots! I got a beautiful new purse that was much need and appreciated 🙂

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 3:23 pm

      What kind of purse was it? I had lovely Christmas indeed

  18. Mimi Green says

    January 6, 2016 at 2:16 pm

    Looks like a good one for you. I needed a new computer and Babe got me an all in one. Its touch screen and everything. Hello to better blogging and productivity. lol

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 3:25 pm

      Lol hahaha awesome babe did good

  19. Jenn @ EngineerMommy says

    January 6, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    It’s great you had such a wonderful Christmas! It was really nice personally to step away from blogging for a bit to spend time with family & friends. I love those boots!!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 3:26 pm

      Thanks, it was nice indeed

  20. Alli says

    January 6, 2016 at 1:12 pm

    So glad you had a wonderful Christmas! I enjoyed spending time with family and as usual, my gifts from them were over-the-top. I think my husband and kids really love me. 🙂 My husband gave me a Nikon D750 – a big upgrade from my D90. I’m loving it!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 1:38 pm

      Oh wow that’s awesome so jealous as I need a camera right about now

  21. Karen says

    January 6, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    My favorite gift this Christmas was tickets to see a classical performance with my son. He’s a piano major and planning to study conducting in grad school, so seeing the performance through his eyes will be incredible. I also got a new bathrobe — which I need now that the temps have plunged. 🙂

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 1:40 pm

      I got myself a nice bathroom few months ago and loving it more now with the current weather. What a nice present

  22. Vicki says

    January 6, 2016 at 12:08 pm

    It looks like you had an amazing Christmas! I received something I have been dreaming about forever…. an embroidery machine to use in my custom sewing business! EEKKK! It was the best gift I could have ever received! Happy New Year to you!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 12:10 pm

      Happy new year and so happy for you, glad you got something you’ve always wanted.

  23. Nicole says

    January 6, 2016 at 11:54 am

    Loving your boots! Santa was very good to me this year too! I love the mess of paper on the floor Christmas morning, by far the best mess ever made.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 12:08 pm

      Hahahaha not sure I love the mess but it’s a nice feeling spending it with family and friends and mess is because of that lol. Thanks

  24. Jaime Nicole says

    January 6, 2016 at 11:03 am

    Those brown boots are cute! Santa brought time to rest from work, which is exactly what I needed.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 11:05 am

      That sounds absolutely perfect, I worked most of festive period (from home) but was good to have a few days off. Thanks

  25. Just Motherhood says

    January 6, 2016 at 10:49 am

    I love your boots they look very cosy and warm, perfect for the weather at the moment. x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 11:05 am

      They are exactly that and more, thanks

  26. Sarah says

    January 6, 2016 at 9:02 am

    Ohhh I love that Xmas mat! That’s so funny and cute at the same time! I got an adult colouring book and some sharpies! And a new camera.
    I really love those boots! They look very comfy and cosy 🙂 xx

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 9:52 am

      Oooh I need a new camera though for now my iPhone is doing a good job. Thanks so much

  27. Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says

    January 6, 2016 at 7:45 am

    Lovely collection of Christmas gifts. I need some new boots and yours look lovely.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 9:54 am

      Thanks so much Hun

  28. Ana De- Jesus says

    January 6, 2016 at 7:39 am

    I love Soap and Glory it is a gorgeous range of products. Their packaging is my favourite for a skincare brand.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 10:19 am

      I am starting to love soap and glory products

  29. Sophie O'Reilly says

    January 6, 2016 at 6:06 am

    I’m a big fan of Soap & Glory! I love their products so much! Those Boots are super cute too.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 6, 2016 at 10:20 am

      Thanks Sophie

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

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