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, Sponsor Roundup · January 21, 2016

Make this valentine’s weekend is one to remember

Valentine’s Day is a really special day of the year to a lot of couples. Whether you’ve been dating someone for a while, are in a long term relationship or are newly in love, you’re certain to be wondering about what to do to make valentine’s weekend special this year.

There are lots of different things you can do to make it one to remember, here’s some inspiration to get you feeling all romantic whatever type of couple you are:

A Romantic Dinner

A simple way to celebrate Valentine’s Day if you’re a couple not looking to make a fuss is to go for a romantic meal. If you’re planning on heading somewhere fancy, make sure that you make a reservation soon as with the special day being on a Sunday this year, Saturday night is bound to be busy. If you don’t want to go to a busy restaurant full of other couples you could even cook for your partner and make something extra special. Make sure that you’ve got a few candles lit, a lovely bunch of roses and something fizzy chilling in the fridge to make it super special.

 

A Weekend Away

If you’ve been together awhile and are looking to put a little bit of excitement back into your relationship or you’re in the honeymoon period and can’t wait to spend some alone time together then a weekend away is a great idea. Going on a city break or escaping to the countryside is a great way to spend some quality time together as a couple and get that romantic spark back. Complete with a gorgeous meal and beautiful hotel room, there’s no better way to spend Valentines. Take a look at the gorgeous weekend breaks at Classic British Hotels, which are sure to impress your loved one.

 

A City Break

If you’re really wanting to impress your loved one this year then the best way to do it is with a city break. Book tickets to a romantic destination and surprise them a few days before. Whether you head to Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam or further afield is up to you. Although a more expensive weekend, going abroad will certainly impress. Book a night at a famous restaurant or go sightseeing to make it extra special.

So, whatever type of couple you are, there’s definitely something you can do to make sure that this Valentine’s Day is one you won’t forget.

xoxo

**Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post**

In: Lifestyle, Sponsor Roundup

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Comments

  1. Mrs M says

    January 26, 2016 at 9:38 am

    We have celebrated V-day about twice in 14 years. This year we are going out for dinner at a local restaurant for a curry because it’s our absolute favourite!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 26, 2016 at 9:45 am

      That’s sounds lovely, I love curry. We don’t usually celebrate V-day on the day itself for us it’s either the weekend before or after

  2. Emma says

    January 24, 2016 at 12:38 pm

    I love the city breaks idea – however we are not ones to celebrate valentines day usually. I guess we should make the effort more!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 24, 2016 at 1:03 pm

      Me too I love city breaks

  3. Rachel says

    January 23, 2016 at 3:05 pm

    I dont know what we are doing, if anything, this year, it isnt something we tend to make a big deal of x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 24, 2016 at 3:44 am

      I am one of those people that don’t usually make a big deal about it but I want to this year

  4. Kara says

    January 22, 2016 at 1:54 pm

    I have to admit we don’t really celebrate valentines – we are on holiday with the kids this year

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 22, 2016 at 2:49 pm

      Have a nice holiday

  5. Lisa (Travel Loving Family) says

    January 21, 2016 at 10:55 pm

    Great ideas, I will leave this article up on my screen as a big hint to my husband!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 21, 2016 at 10:59 pm

      Hahahaha

  6. Baby Isabella says

    January 21, 2016 at 9:56 pm

    We love the M&S two can dine in offer, as we never have time or the money for a romantic weekend break!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 21, 2016 at 10:22 pm

      I love M&S but never tried it

  7. Emma says

    January 21, 2016 at 9:22 pm

    We don’t really do much on valentine’s day as it’s hubby’s bday on the 11th and our wedding anniversary on the 21st. I might cook a nice dinner though

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 21, 2016 at 10:18 pm

      Awwww that’s so cute, I would just cook too

  8. BloggerMummyLauren says

    January 21, 2016 at 8:57 pm

    Some really great ideas here. We’ve never really celebrated valentines day, I usually buy my husband a card but that’s about it!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 21, 2016 at 10:09 pm

      Thanks, a card is nice. We usually go for a meal but I want to cook something

  9. Lukeosaurus And Me says

    January 21, 2016 at 8:09 pm

    Nice ideas, I’d love a weekend away or a city break. Unfortunately we don’t have any spare money 🙁 Ray xx

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 21, 2016 at 8:11 pm

      Thanks. I think in that instance a romantic meal at home for two is a great idea

  10. Eve Redmond says

    January 21, 2016 at 8:07 pm

    I love the idea of a city break. Unfortunately though as we are now parents it just isn’t feasible! We will definitely be doing something romantic together though like going for a meal x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 21, 2016 at 8:10 pm

      As much as I love city breaks I am more of a weekend getaway kind of girl

  11. Roxie says

    January 21, 2016 at 6:54 pm

    I love your ideas. I really need to put more effort in this year, although I have no money so it will prob be a handmade card and a M&S dine for two deal!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 21, 2016 at 6:56 pm

      Thanks, I think that sounds amazing too. What’s important is that you spend it together however you can

  12. Tori Gabriel says

    January 21, 2016 at 5:29 pm

    Great ideas but with two under twos I think our Valentines Day will be a movie at home interrupted by calls of “a glass of water” and “I can’t sleep”. LOL.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      January 21, 2016 at 6:12 pm

      Lol! Bless I am sure even that will still be very special

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

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