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 โ€˜olderโ€™ and โ€˜youngerโ€™, 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. 
โ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ขโ€ข

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 ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ) and ready for the world, chiiiild was I wrong, letโ€™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 ๐Ÿคจ
1988 - 9 months, (Chililabombwe, Zambia) although my mother looks tired and traumatised๐Ÿ˜Ÿ, I know I was loved and happy. 
#happybirthday #happybirthdayโค๏ธ #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 โ€˜Village enclosureโ€™ this year, whilst I loved โ€˜Windsor enclosureโ€™ last year, itโ€™s not for me. Next year, I want Queen Anneโ€™s enclosure. ๐Ÿ’• #girlsdayout #girlslikeus #ascotfashion
How I missed you my love ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿฅฐ #hertripsabroad #bla How I missed you my love ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿฅฐ

#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
๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ–คMARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ–ค So much happened and ๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ–คMARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ–ค 

So much happened and yet I canโ€™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. ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿฅฐ
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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. ๐Ÿ“

#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 · August 17, 2018

Top 5 Friday ~ Established Travel Blogger Nominee

Top 5 Friday is a random roundup of top 5 things I am loving, lusting or wanting. Its been a while since I last shared a Top 5 Friday and most times it’s over on The Myrabev Life. Before I jump into the Top 5 Friday, I have some news which I have plastered on all my social network.

!!!!!Guys, I have (or rather, A July Dreamer) been nominated as an Established Travel Blogger by Flight Centre UK!!!!!

I can not tell you how much this means to me and before I get all teary, help me by voting for me. Established Travel Blog nominee in the 2018 #FCTravelAwards!ย Vote here. Help me surprise my mother with a trip to Australia, I mean it wouldn’t hurt me either. It would definitely be a dream come true to be able to fly to Brisbane and explore the incredible city.

Back in 2013 when I started the blog it was more of a ranting platform than a blog but still my platform. Over the years this little corner of the www has transformed into a small business where I am able to earn passive income. I have shared tips on how to earn passive income from your blog but its different for everyone. Most of us have found one or two avenues that generate income and we capitalise on that. I am always amazed that this little space earns me a passive income that helps with everyday bills.

Top 5 Friday

What I love about writing roundup posts is that I can share what I am loving, lusting or wanting. The last few months I have been loving a couple of things which I will share in today’s post.

Jumpsuits and Summer Dresses – with all the travelling have been doing, they have become my best items. I made such a huge order on Wish and I must say I am surprised at the good quality of the clothes. I also made an order on Groupon where the material quality was truly impressive and price very affordable.

Family time – my sister has moved in with me for a short time. We don’t always get along because we have strong personalities and often clash. But if I were, to be honest, I would say we’ve been having lots of fun staying together. Its been nice having someone to share an apartment with even when I am feeling low and want space. Knowing she is in the next room really helps me stay calmer and be grateful to her for being there.

Top 5 Friday – Travel Related

Backpack – my trusted backpack has failed me which led me to buy a mini suitcase. Whilst I am loving the suitcase I rather much prefer a backpack as it’s on my back eases weight. On my current trip to Cologne, I have had to borrow my sister’s backpack which is very sturdy and strong.

Travels – speaking of sturdy backpacks, I have been doing lots of travelling again. I am so fortunate to be able to travel as much as I do without money worries. Earning passive income has certainly continued to support the solo travel lifestyle. This month alone I have been to Croatia, Slovenia and Germany

Planned travels – this blog has been a great source of opportunities for me. Just today I got an opportunity to visit Tenerife in the near future plus I have a trip planned for Seoul. If you vote for me and I win the awards competition, I will get to go to Brisbane. It would be such a dream come true and I have always wanted to visit Australia.

Blogging has brought me so many wonderful opportunities and I do hope winning the Travel Awards will be another such great opportunity. Please vote for me and help make my dream come true. Once again I have been nominated underย Established Travel Blog in the 2018 #FCTravelAwards!ย Vote here.

In: Lifestyle

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Comments

  1. Alan Miguez says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Good to feel that you are having a good time. Congratulations.

    Reply
  2. Louise Joy says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Conrgats on the nomination – and good luck! This week I’ve been loving unicorn smoothies, re-watching old favourite series on Netflix and catching up on sleep x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      October 8, 2018 at 1:53 pm

      Thanks, I too have been catching up on sleep, I needed it.

  3. Kara says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Well done on the nomination and good luck, I would love to go to Australia

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      October 8, 2018 at 3:54 pm

      Thanks, me too I hope to win and visit Australia

  4. Melanie says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    How amazing!!! Congratulations on being nominated. I wish you all the best x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      October 8, 2018 at 1:54 pm

      Thank you Melanie, much appreciated

  5. Katie says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Congratulation on the nomination. I’ve got my fingers double crossed for you ๐Ÿ™‚

    Katie xoxo

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      October 8, 2018 at 1:54 pm

      Thanks Katie, I have my toes crossed too

  6. Lilinha says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    It’s lovely that you are having a good time with your sister. Good luck with the awards! Well done for being nominated! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      October 8, 2018 at 1:54 pm

      Thank you Lilinha, its been incredible traveling with my sister

  7. Rachael says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Congratulations on your nomination. It sounds like you’ve earned it!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      October 8, 2018 at 1:53 pm

      Thanks Rachael

  8. The London Mum says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Wow congratulations what a huge achievement!!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      October 8, 2018 at 1:54 pm

      Thank you so much

  9. Jenni says

    October 8, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Yay congratulations, that’s an amazing achievement. Good luck x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      October 8, 2018 at 1:54 pm

      Thank you so much, fingers crossed I win

  10. Alan Miguez says

    August 28, 2018 at 11:14 am

    Good to feel that you are having a good time. Congratulations.

    Reply
  11. Rachael says

    August 22, 2018 at 7:57 am

    Congratulations on your nomination. It sounds like youโ€™ve earned it!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      August 22, 2018 at 11:03 am

      Thanks Rachael

  12. Kara says

    August 20, 2018 at 6:56 pm

    Well done on the nomination and good luck, I would love to go to Australia

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      August 22, 2018 at 11:03 am

      Thanks, me too I hope to win and visit Australia

  13. Lilinha says

    August 19, 2018 at 11:31 pm

    Itโ€™s lovely that you are having a good time with your sister. Good luck with the awards! Well done for being nominated! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      August 22, 2018 at 11:02 am

      Thank you Lilinha, its been incredible traveling with my sister

  14. Melanie says

    August 19, 2018 at 10:52 pm

    How amazing!!! Congratulations on being nominated. I wish you all the best x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      August 22, 2018 at 10:49 am

      Thank you Melanie, much appreciated

  15. Louise Joy says

    August 19, 2018 at 7:54 pm

    Conrgats on the nomination – and good luck! This week I’ve been loving unicorn smoothies, re-watching old favourite series on Netflix and catching up on sleep x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      August 22, 2018 at 10:49 am

      Thanks, I too have been catching up on sleep, I needed it.

  16. Katie says

    August 19, 2018 at 4:04 pm

    Congratulation on the nomination. I’ve got my fingers double crossed for you ๐Ÿ™‚

    Katie xoxo

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      August 22, 2018 at 10:48 am

      Thanks Katie, I have my toes crossed too

  17. Jenni says

    August 19, 2018 at 1:36 pm

    Yay congratulations, thatโ€™s an amazing achievement. Good luck x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      August 22, 2018 at 10:47 am

      Thank you so much, fingers crossed I win

  18. The London Mum says

    August 19, 2018 at 11:59 am

    Wow congratulations what a huge achievement!!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      August 22, 2018 at 8:14 am

      Thank you so much

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