22 Things About Me You Probably Wouldn’t Guess

A not-so-serious Q&A from Kirstin Explores

So you’ve landed on my little corner of the internet—welcome! I’m the voice behind the photos, stories, and weekend travel guides. I’m a mom, a military spouse, a sometimes yoga teacher, a freelance website designer and consultant, and a woman who’s slowly (sometimes stubbornly) learning how to build a life that feels good from the inside out.

This isn’t the curated highlight reel version. This is the real, slightly-messy, definitely-human version. Here's a quick way to get to know me—no filter, no fluff, no Instagram perfect poses required.

1. What season of life are you in right now—and how does it feel?
The “soft reset” season. Less hustle, more alignment. I am preparing for a lot of changes and trying to maintain a “slow life” mentality even as things are about to speed back up.

2. How has becoming a mother changed the way you show up in your life?
I don’t waste time pretending anymore. I know how to ask for what I need (usually). I cry more freely, laugh louder, and have zero tolerance for small talk when my kid needs a snack right now.

3. What surprised you most about postpartum life?
How incredibly difficult it was and how long it took for me to feel connected with my son. I suffered from postpartum depression and it took me until we were living in Italy, when my son was over a year and a half old, for me to finally start to recognize myself again.

4. What are you currently unlearning?
That my worth is tied to how productive I am. That I have to earn rest (especially in regards to fitness). That there is no room for mistakes.

5. What’s something people assume about you that isn’t true?
That my son stays home while we travel because I don’t post photos of him in my travel recaps. Nope, he travels with us on basically every trip (and humbles me often because traveling with kids can be rough). I just choose to not share his face on the internet!

6. What keeps you grounded when life feels chaotic?
Sitting outside in the sun with headphones on listening to music or going for a long walk around town.

7. OK, how many countries have you been to—and which one stole your heart?
32 countries! Montenegro might be my soulmate, but Norway is the one that made me believe in magic. I can't choose. Don’t make me.

8. What do you miss most when you’re far from home?
The view from my house.

9. What’s your relationship with your body like these days?
I am deeply grateful for my body and what it does for me, mentally and physically, in this season of my life.

10. What kind of movement makes you feel most like yourself?
Yoga or strength training.

11. How do you stay connected to yourself while showing up for everyone else?
Meditating every night before bed and making use of the Do Not Disturb feature on my phone.

12. What are you craving more of?
”Face to face” conversations with friends versus just texting.

13. What are you learning to let go of?
Perfection. Over-explaining. That voice in my head that says, “You should be doing more.” Justifying my choices.

14. How do you handle starting over—again?
At first? I complain a little to my friends (I need a solid venting session). Then I light a Trader Joe’s candle, make a To Do list (titled Stressy Lemon Zesty) and remind myself I’ve done hard things before.

15. What does “home” mean to you right now?
Anywhere with people I love and strong espresso. Bonus points for sea views.

16. What do you love about freelancing?
Making my own schedule. Building something that feels like me.

17. And what’s hard about it?
The self-doubt. The lack of a pre-determined path. The days when your work and your worth get tangled up in a very messy knot.

18. What’s one thing that helps you feel more human?
Going outside without my phone. Diving off a boat into the sea. Blasting reggaeton.

19. What’s one thing you always pack “just in case” that you never use?
I use pretty much everything I pack, but maybe my Kindle because I never end up making time to read when we travel (I know, I know, I need to).

20. What’s a moment that made you feel completely alive?
I can’t pick just one so here are a few: seeing the fjords in Norway, hiking through Plitviče Lakes in Croatia and standing under the waterfalls, climbing the Parthenon in Greece, and swimming in Favignana.

21. What are you still figuring out?
How to slow down without feeling guilty. How to show up fully for myself, my partner, and my son without burning out. How to be both soft and strong—at the same time.

22. What do you hope people feel when they land on your blog?
Relief. Resonance. Like someone else gets it. This is a place for stories, messiness, magic, and truth. Come as you are.

Still reading? You must be my kind of person. Thanks for being here. I hope this blog reminds you that you’re not the only one winging it, craving connection, and trying to live (and travel) a little more honestly in a world that wants perfect.