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 · July 4, 2018

Are you ready for summer 2018, Summer Essentials

Are you ready for summer 2018? British weather is very unpredictable at best but of late, we’ve been enjoying summer. The weather has been amazing and it’s forecasted to continue for another few weeks. Not knowing when we might enjoy such glorious weather again, we definitely need to make use of it.

Whenever summer comes around, there are always summer essentials that I make sure I have. Whether I will be off to the local beach of to a neighbours pool, these are my summer essentials. These are items I make sure I have with me always or make sure to replace them.

SUMMER ESSENTIALS

Summer Essentials – #beachready

This year I am hoping I will make it to a UK beach and just bask in the incredible weather. I don’t have any specific plans yet but I know one of these weekends I need to venture off to the beach. But before that happens, here are some items I encourage everyone to make sure they have handy.

Skincare – SPF50

If there is one piece of advice I can give to my readers is the importance of protecting your skin. People often rush to enjoy the summer but often forget they need to stay protected in the summer heat. The UK might not bask often in the heat but it regards it is important to have sunscreen. Even during the winter months, the heat waves as strong enough, sunscreen is paramount.

Beachwear – *Simply beach or *UK Swimwear

I have a few pairs of beachwear items that I often fall back on and have worn out. Thankfully, Simply Beach and UK Swimwear sent me some lovely swimwear that I can’t wait to show off. When the opportunity arose to collaborate with these two brands I jumped at it. Having previously worked with both and loved their items, I couldn’t accept fast enough. Whether you’re a one-piece person (like me) or prefer bikinis, you won’t be disappointed. If you are struggling to choose between a bikini or swimsuit this summer, UK Swimwear and Simply Beach can help you decide.

SUMMER ESSENTIALS

Hydration

If there is one thing I am often guilty of day in and out is forgetting to stay hydrated throughout my day. But of late, the heat has been unbearable it has been easier to always have a bottle of water with me. During the summer months, we lose more water than other seasons, hence why it is important to stay hydrated.

Outfit Essentials

When it comes to items that I often take with me to the beach, apart from swimwear its a few essentials. At the beach you will often find me wearing one of two favourite items; maxi-dress or denim shorts. It is more convenient for having these two items as I can wear my swimwear underneath.

Aftersun care

I wasn’t always too keen on having aftersun care until I tried the Hawaiian aftersun cream. Its been a few years now and I always make sure I have my aftersun care to protect my skin. I don’t often wear SPF so I make sure when I come back in I apply some aftersun cream.

Apart from ensuring my pack my beach bag full of snacks and a beach towel, I rarely take anything else. I might pack a book or magazine but be honest, after splashing I enjoy a long snooze. And there you have it, my summer essentials, what is on your list? Are you ready for summer 2018?

In: Lifestyle

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Comments

  1. Cynthia says

    October 8, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    Protective cream with SPF is the first thing I buy when warm days come. For me, this is the most important thing.

    Reply
  2. Nina says

    October 8, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    I love aloe vera, also keeping hydrated is so essential 🙂 thank you for these reminders

    Reply
  3. Gen says

    October 8, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    Yes to sunscreen! People always neglect using one but I hope we tske good care of our skin and use sunscreen everyday even if its not summer, your skin will thank you later.

    Reply
  4. Rosey says

    October 8, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    I need to get some new beachwear. I got some for my son recently because he outgrew last year’s but I’m ready for a change in style too!

    Reply
  5. Nina Kasper says

    October 8, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    Sunscreen is my number one product to have on hand during the summer!!! Skin protection is a big concern for me.

    Reply
  6. Christiana Acha says

    October 8, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    Summer is such an amazing time, so sad that it’s passing by so fast. These are definitely summer essentials that every lady should have.

    Reply
  7. Jessica Martin says

    October 8, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    All of these are essentials for summer at our house. The sunscreen is definitely important here because we don’t want to burn. We use spf 50 as well.

    Reply
  8. Kim Munoz says

    October 8, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    Sun protection, hydration, and aloe for after! We always pack a portable speaker with us too, because music is life 🙂 And don’t forget sunglasses. I hardly ever wear mine but at the beach, they are a must!

    Reply
  9. Sudipta Dev Chakraborti says

    October 8, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    Thanks for the interesting post on summer essentials. We&#8217ve just faced a tough summer in Mumbai, before the onset of monsoons.

    Reply
  10. Christina Beauchamp says

    October 8, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    Yes, I am always ready for summer! I love summer!!!

    Reply
  11. Sandra Crespo says

    October 8, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    Great list! Hydration is super super important during the summer months right now as we explore the rocky mountains we can’t seem to get enough water it is so dry here in the mountains!

    Reply
  12. Aashima says

    October 8, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    Agree with after sun care. It is so much needed. Great post!

    Reply
  13. Casey says

    October 8, 2018 at 2:07 pm

    Thanks for the reminder, I really need to get all of the above as mine are either out of dated or finished last year. Agreed that we need to take care of our skin.

    Reply
  14. Amber Myers says

    October 8, 2018 at 2:07 pm

    Skincare is so important in the heat! I always have different lotions with me. I also try to always have a water bottle.

    Reply
  15. Monidipa says

    October 8, 2018 at 2:07 pm

    I do agree with your points but in India the city where I stay doesnt have beach. It is way too hot and humid. Moreover No sunscreen suits me as my skin as it is way too sensitive. Please suggest something for me.

    Reply
  16. Cynthia says

    July 17, 2018 at 2:30 pm

    Protective cream with SPF is the first thing I buy when warm days come. For me, this is the most important thing.

    Reply
  17. Nina Kasper says

    July 7, 2018 at 10:45 pm

    Sunscreen is my number one product to have on hand during the summer!!! Skin protection is a big concern for me.

    Reply
  18. Christiana Acha says

    July 7, 2018 at 10:35 pm

    Summer is such an amazing time, so sad that it’s passing by so fast. These are definitely summer essentials that every lady should have.

    Reply
  19. Gen says

    July 6, 2018 at 10:55 pm

    Yes to sunscreen! People always neglect using one but I hope we tske good care of our skin and use sunscreen everyday even if its not summer, your skin will thank you later.

    Reply
  20. Sandra Crespo says

    July 6, 2018 at 6:21 pm

    Great list! Hydration is super super important during the summer months right now as we explore the rocky mountains we can’t seem to get enough water it is so dry here in the mountains!

    Reply
  21. Nina says

    July 6, 2018 at 1:39 pm

    I love aloe vera, also keeping hydrated is so essential 🙂 thank you for these reminders

    Reply
  22. Christina Beauchamp says

    July 6, 2018 at 9:25 am

    Yes, I am always ready for summer! I love summer!!!

    Reply
  23. Jessica Martin says

    July 6, 2018 at 12:46 am

    All of these are essentials for summer at our house. The sunscreen is definitely important here because we don’t want to burn. We use spf 50 as well.

    Reply
  24. Aashima says

    July 5, 2018 at 9:02 pm

    Agree with after sun care. It is so much needed. Great post!

    Reply
  25. Rosey says

    July 5, 2018 at 5:20 pm

    I need to get some new beachwear. I got some for my son recently because he outgrew last year’s but I’m ready for a change in style too!

    Reply
  26. Casey says

    July 5, 2018 at 2:34 pm

    Thanks for the reminder, I really need to get all of the above as mine are either out of dated or finished last year. Agreed that we need to take care of our skin.

    Reply
  27. Sudipta Dev Chakraborti says

    July 5, 2018 at 12:15 pm

    Thanks for the interesting post on summer essentials. We’ve just faced a tough summer in Mumbai, before the onset of monsoons.

    Reply
  28. Amber Myers says

    July 4, 2018 at 10:38 pm

    Skincare is so important in the heat! I always have different lotions with me. I also try to always have a water bottle.

    Reply
  29. Kim Munoz says

    July 4, 2018 at 8:08 pm

    Sun protection, hydration, and aloe for after! We always pack a portable speaker with us too, because music is life 🙂 And don’t forget sunglasses. I hardly ever wear mine but at the beach, they are a must!

    Reply
  30. Monidipa says

    July 4, 2018 at 2:57 pm

    I do agree with your points but in India the city where I stay doesnt have beach. It is way too hot and humid. Moreover No sunscreen suits me as my skin as it is way too sensitive. Please suggest something for me.

    Reply

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