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, 2017

Valentine’s Day ideas 

Valentine’s Day ideas, say what now? Christmas ain’t even cold in the ground and I am sprouting Valentine’s Day ideas!! But in blogger world everyone knows; there is no such thing as being too early to prepare. Have been blogging for almost 4 years and have seen Christmas ads in July. The only late being advertised celebration is Valentine’s Day since we need to wait until after New Year to advertise.

valentines day

I was sat at home minding own business when I read on social media about what people are expecting this Valentine’s Day. One girl said she was hoping for an engagement ring 💍{a girl to dream right}? I mean if that’s what both parties want then why not but if it’s just one side thinking about it, ah well. Last year I put together a Valentine’s Day Wishlist, then I had a reason to celebrate. This year though I won’t be celebrating I thought it would be fun to put some Valentine’s Day Ideas together.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

I love Valentine’s Day but I am also not one to go all out about it, because I feel love is everyday not just one day. It is always nice to see all the ads on TV most unnecessary and some unrealistic but it is still nice to see them. The sad part it too many are over commercialised and lose the true value of what most of us consider Valentine’s Day to be. The ideas I am sharing below are some that I have done/received before so I thought I give someone some ideas.

Dinner Date.

One of the most overused but fun idea during Valentine’s Day is to have a dinner date, now you can go out or cook at home. I feel cooking at home is much more romantic and most cost-effective but I can appreciate the need to go out. Not all mammas are able to have some free time to themselves so date night is the perfect excuse.

valentines dayvalentines dayvalentines day

Jewellery Gifts

Over 60% pf he time, the most received gifts during this ‘celebration’ is jewellery. As someone who’s a sucker for jewellery I can never complain but sometimes it can become to dull and meaning less. However you can take a different path and check out  Berganza antique jewellery, for a unique and gorgeous gift for your love. Not men like to wear jewellery so you could pick up some cufflinks or personalise a watch with a sweet message.

Flowers 

Flowers are not just for women and they do not have to be bouquets all the time. Men do like flowers too, some like plants so they can look after them others are ok with flowers that wont die easily. I love having flowers in my home though they tend to die after a week so I now get orchids.

Make time for each other 

This might be totally easy for me to say since I am newly single, but looking back I think making time for each other is very important. Whether you’re a SAHM or office worker, I think it’s important to allocate sometime to be with each other. Remind each other of the time before the kids, the time before the careers or the honeymoon phase. Whenever or wherever you can, make the time for each other and not just on Valentine’s Day but always.

And there you have it, my Valentine’s Day ideas. If you’re planning to celebrate with your love, I hope these ideas help and if not then have fun anyway.

Valentine’s Day Gift IdeasValentine’s Day Gift Ideas

In: Lifestyle

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Comments

  1. Anthea says

    January 11, 2017 at 9:27 pm

    I don’t like to get overly lavish gifts for Valentines Day. I’d rather get surprised with loveliness throughout the year although I do love a romantic home cooked meal

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:39 am

      I can relate to that for sure

  2. La French Connection says

    January 11, 2017 at 4:57 pm

    I never celebrate Valentine’s day, so for me it’s just a regular day. But I’m the least romantic girl you could meet ahah!
    Still, I hope you’ll enjoy your night very much!

    Mika

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:38 am

      I am one for celebrating myself so I am sure I will think of something

  3. fashion-mommy says

    January 11, 2017 at 10:00 am

    I find Valentine’s Day to be a nightmare, overly busy restaurants with substandard service is a real problem. We tend to celebrate on a different weekend now.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:38 am

      We used to do that time when it wasn’t too crazy

  4. Deborah Nicholas says

    January 11, 2017 at 9:49 am

    I love a quiet night in and hopefully hubby will cook something for me! Usually though i end up having to buy my own flowers and pay for a take away! oh well maybe next year! lol

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:37 am

      Hahahaha girl I will be buying my own flowers this year and cooking for myself. Here is to hoping your hubby does it for you this year

  5. Daniella Keating says

    January 10, 2017 at 1:09 pm

    I think there’s nothing better than staying in, cooking a meal on Valentines.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:36 am

      So true and it’s even more romantic

  6. Tanya Brannan says

    January 10, 2017 at 10:50 am

    Wow I haven’t even thought of Valentines Day yet, I am still clearing up from Christmas lol x

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:36 am

      Hahaha I know right, but you know in blogger world everything starts early

    • Tanya Brannan says

      January 31, 2017 at 5:35 pm

      Isn’t that the truth!

  7. Nicol Wong says

    January 9, 2017 at 8:32 pm

    im not fond of valentines day. i prefer staying in and away from the busy crowds

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:36 am

      I am the same, I don’t mind going for dinner a day or two after or before

  8. Stephanie Merry says

    January 9, 2017 at 11:38 am

    This is the first time in a long time I’ll be celebrating with someone, but I’m not sure what we’ll do yet x

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:35 am

      Awww how sweet, well whatever you guyz decide will be awesome

  9. Rhian Westbury says

    January 9, 2017 at 9:36 am

    This is the very first year that I’ll be celebrating Valentines Day with someone and although I want the day to be special I don’t want to go too overboard. I’ll be a very happy bunny if I got flowers x

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:35 am

      Awww I too would love some flowers even if I am single lol, might just buy some myself

  10. GlamourGlitterGloss says

    January 8, 2017 at 10:09 pm

    I am single and I will be spending Valentines weekend with my fellow single friends and having an anti Valentines Day of sorts. Hope you have a lovely time

    Reply
  11. Shannon Bryson says

    January 8, 2017 at 9:45 pm

    I’ve actually finished my shopping for valentines day already, isn’t that crazy? Lovely list here, one year I made my partner a cake for VD!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:34 am

      For real? Oh wow like when did you start shopping, before Christmas?

  12. Kiyshia Goche says

    January 8, 2017 at 9:37 pm

    If Easter eggs are in shops then its definitely too late to start thinking about Valentines. I like how you cover different gift ideas from budget to splurge. thanks…might have to start thinking about preparing for it!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:34 am

      Aww thanks Kiyshia, it definitely feels late night talking about V day when Easter Eggs are already on display

  13. Ami Elizabeth says

    January 8, 2017 at 8:04 pm

    We are on a budget for things like Valentines this year with baby on the way, but we will likely have a cosy date night at home with a movie and make a special dinner x

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:33 am

      I think V day shouldn’t even be about eating out but just spending time together weather at home or not. Good luck with the baby

  14. Laura says

    January 8, 2017 at 8:02 pm

    I love receiving a special gift for valentines day as our anniversary is a couple of days after… a Chanel something something <3 xxx

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:33 am

      Hahaha I love that, a chanel something something

  15. Hannah Latoya Bond says

    January 8, 2017 at 7:33 pm

    I’m not really one for Valentines day. I’ve also seen loads of Easter Eggs starting to appear

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:32 am

      Oh wow I need to visit the stores and start getting easter eggs

  16. Jodie Whitham says

    January 8, 2017 at 6:15 pm

    Already seen easter eggs in shops, so have to agree it’s not too early. Also feel showing someone you love them shouldn’t be one day. I also believe valentine’s day should be about showing family members and friends you care. I sometimes feel if you say you dislike v day you sound like a bitter single, but never liked it much in a couple either. I do think it is a nice way to remind couples who have been together longer to make the effort. It’s easy to forget to do the nice romantic gestures when you’ve been together a long while! x

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:32 am

      That is so true Jodie, whenever a single person says I dilike V Day people think you’re bitter lol.

  17. Beautyqueenuk says

    January 8, 2017 at 5:30 pm

    If Easter eggs are already in the shops then it is definitely not too early to be discussing Valentines Day x

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:31 am

      For real? Easter Eggs are in stock now?? Oh wow

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

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