Author: Harper

I honestly don’t even know where the last few days went.

It feels like we just got here, and at the same time like we’ve already lived a whole little life here in Aruba. The first days have been so good, like genuinely one of those moments where everything just clicks without trying too hard.

We’ve mostly kept things really simple. Mornings usually start slow, coffee, opening the laptop, getting some work done. It still feels kind of crazy that this is our “normal” right now. Sitting outside in the warm air, working on things we actually enjoy, knowing we chose this.

Both of us have had stuff to do, so we’ve been focused during the day. Emails, clients, building things, creating. But it feels different here. It doesn’t feel heavy or stressful. Everything just flows in a way it didn’t before.

And then once the work is done, it’s straight to the pool or the beach.

Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that.

The water here is unreal. That clear, bright blue that almost doesn’t look real at first. Just floating, swimming, laying in the sun, letting your mind slow down. It’s such a simple thing, but it feels so good.

We’ve been going between the pool and the beach depending on the day. Some days we just stay by the pool for hours, other days we head straight to the ocean. Either way, it’s been exactly what we needed.

Evenings have been just as good.

Nothing too planned. Just going out for a few drinks, walking around, seeing where the night takes us. But somehow those nights have turned into some of the best moments. We’ve met so many amazing people already. The kind you randomly start talking to, and suddenly you’re laughing like you’ve known each other way longer than a few hours.

Everything just feels more open here.

And the biggest thing… we’re not in a rush.

That’s probably what feels the most different. There’s no pressure to go back right away, no strict timeline. I’ve already arranged things back home so I don’t have to stress about it. My parents are going to take care of emptying my rental apartment, which honestly gives me so much peace of mind. It means I can just stay present here and not feel pulled back.

And instead of thinking about going home, I’ve actually started thinking about where to go next.

That thought alone says everything.

I’ve also had a lot of time to think. About the breakup, about the relationship, about everything that led up to this moment. And being here, away from everything familiar, has made things so much clearer.

I’ve realized how much I was holding back. How much I was adjusting myself, making myself smaller, trying to fit into something that didn’t fully feel right.

And now… I don’t want that anymore.

There’s this strong feeling growing in me that this is my time. Not to rush into anything, not to prove anything, but just to live. To do things on my own terms, to go where I feel pulled, to be fully myself without questioning it.

And right now, that means staying a little longer, seeing a little more, and not going back just because it feels like I “should.”

These first days in Aruba have been more than just a trip. They’ve felt like a shift.

Simple days, good energy, new people, space to think, and the realization that I don’t have to go back to a version of my life that didn’t feel like me anymore.

I already know this is just the beginning of something new.

-H- <3

Okay… so this was definitely not part of the original plan.

We were supposed to have our little Cancún trip, enjoy the beach, reset a bit, and then head back home like normal people. But somewhere between beach days, good food, and those long warm evenings, both me and one of my friends just looked at each other and said the same thing…

“I’m not ready to go home.”

And the funny thing is, neither of us really has a reason to.

We’re both entrepreneurs, which makes everything a little more flexible. I can work remotely creating fitness programs for my clients and doing content marketing, and she runs her own digital marketing agency (she’s actually the one who built my website, which still feels kind of surreal). So technically, as long as we have WiFi and a laptop… we’re good.

So instead of forcing ourselves back into routine when we’re not feeling it, we made a very quick decision.

We’re continuing the trip.

And yes… we booked flights!!!

We’re going to ARUBA NEXT!

Our other two friends are still heading home like originally planned, which honestly makes this feel even more real. Like this is actually happening, and we’re choosing something different for ourselves right now.

Of course, once the excitement settled a little, we had to actually figure out what we need to do to make this smooth. Because spontaneous is fun, but I still like to know I’m not forgetting anything important.

The good news is, it’s actually pretty simple.

First thing, no visa needed for us since we’re US citizens, which makes everything easier. As long as your passport is valid for the trip, you’re good. You usually get up to 30 to 90 days when you arrive, and they might ask for proof that you’re leaving at some point, so having a return or onward ticket is important.

Then there’s something called the ED Card, which is basically a mandatory online form you have to fill out before flying to Aruba. You usually do it within 72 hours before your flight, and after submitting it, you get a QR code that you show at the airport. From what I read, you definitely don’t want to skip this, because it can actually cause issues at check-in.

Health-wise, nothing complicated. Since we’re coming from Mexico, there are no special vaccine requirements, and there aren’t any COVID-related rules right now either. Still, having travel insurance is just one of those things I always make sure to have, just in case.

Money-wise, Aruba uses its own currency, but US dollars are accepted pretty much everywhere, which is really convenient. Cards work well too, but I’ve heard it’s not exactly a cheap destination, so we’re mentally preparing for that.

Getting there from Cancún isn’t always super straightforward either. There aren’t always direct flights, so most routes go through places like Miami, Panama, or Bogotá. Travel time can be anywhere from around five to ten hours depending on connections, but honestly… worth it.

One thing I found really interesting is that Aruba actually has US preclearance at the airport. So on the way back, you go through US immigration before you even leave Aruba, which means when you land in the US, it feels like a domestic flight. The only catch is that you need to get to the airport early, like 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight. Do correct me if I got this wrong!

And then there’s the weather… which might be the best part. Around 30 degrees, barely any rain, and apparently Aruba is one of the driest islands in the Caribbean. So basically, sunshine almost every day.

EXACTLY what we’re looking for.

We also checked the little practical things. Tap water is safe to drink, electricity is the same as in the US, and English is spoken everywhere, so no stress there either. Overall, it just feels like a really easy place to go, even on short notice.

Right now, it still feels a bit surreal. Like we just decided to extend this little escape and take it somewhere new, without overthinking it too much.

But at the same time, it feels right.

Sometimes you don’t need a big reason. You just need a feeling.

And right now, the feeling is to stay a little longer, see a little more, and not rush back to real life just yet.

So… Aruba, here we come.

-H- <3

I honestly still can’t believe I’m writing this, but here we are.

The last few weeks have been a mix of everything. A lot of emotions, a lot of thinking, and also a lot of quiet moments where I’ve just been trying to get back to myself. So the fact that this happened right now feels almost unreal in the best way.

A few days ago, my friends completely surprised me with something I never saw coming. And I mean completely. No hints, no clues, nothing. They had secretly planned a five-day trip for me to Cancún, Mexico. Flights, accommodation, everything. All I had to do was say yes.

I don’t think I’ve ever been that shocked in my life.

At first I just stood there like… are you serious? It took me a moment to even process what they were saying. And then it hit me. The timing, the thought behind it, everything. I got emotional so fast. It just meant so much more than just a trip.

They knew I needed something like this.

One thing I’m really grateful for is the fact that I’m an entrepreneur, so I was actually able to make it work on pretty short notice. Of course I had to move a few things around, answer some emails, and make sure everything was under control, but it honestly wasn’t a problem. That flexibility is something I don’t take for granted.

So… I said yes.

And now it’s actually happening.

I think what makes this even more special is where I’m at right now mentally. Coming out of everything I just went through, I didn’t realize how much I needed something positive to look forward to. Something light. Something fun. Something that has nothing to do with stress or overthinking.

And this is exactly that.

Just the thought of being in Cancún for five days feels like a reset. Warm weather, ocean, sunshine, slow mornings, no pressure. I can already picture myself waking up, going for a walk by the beach, maybe getting a workout in, and then just enjoying the day without rushing anywhere.

And of course… let’s talk about bikinis.

I already know what I’m going to do once landed. I’m going shopping. And not just a little bit. I’m talking about a full restock. New bikinis, different styles, colors I haven’t tried before, pieces that just make me feel good. I want to step into this trip feeling like myself again, fully.

There’s something about picking out bikinis that feels fun again right now. It’s not about impressing anyone. It’s just about feeling confident, comfortable, and happy in my own skin

That feeling alone is worth everything.

I’m also really excited about just being present. No pressure to post, no pressure to do anything specific. Of course I’ll probably share some moments because that’s part of what I do, but this trip feels more personal. Like something I’m doing for me.

And I think that’s exactly what I need.

I keep coming back to how grateful I feel. Not just for the trip itself, but for the people in my life. The fact that my friends took the time to plan something like this, thinking about what I needed without me even saying it, that’s something I’ll never forget.

It reminded me that I’m not alone, even during moments when things feel heavy.

Right now, I just feel excited. In a calm, happy way. Not overwhelming, not stressful. Just genuinely looking forward to something good.

Five days in Cancún, sunshine, ocean, new bikinis, and a chance to just be me again.

I don’t think I could have asked for a better surprise.

-H- <3

I didn’t plan on writing about this, but I feel like it’s time.

I’m 24 now, and I just went through a breakup that honestly hit harder than I expected. Not just because the relationship ended, but because of everything I slowly lost along the way without even fully realizing it at the time.

I think the hardest part to admit is that I wasn’t really myself anymore. It didn’t happen all at once. It was small things at first. Comments about what I was wearing, little remarks about what looked “better” or what I “shouldn’t wear.” At some point I started second guessing outfits I used to love. I started asking for opinions I didn’t need. I started shrinking parts of myself just to keep things calm.

And that’s not me.

If you know me, or if you’ve followed my blog earlier, you know I’ve always loved expressing myself through what I wear. Whether it’s something simple or something a bit more bold, it’s always been my thing. It’s never just been about clothes. It’s about confidence, mood, and just feeling like me.

Somewhere along the way, I lost that.

After the breakup, I had a moment where I looked at my closet and realized I didn’t even feel excited about my own clothes anymore. That honestly made me a little sad. It sounds like such a small thing, but it really isn’t. It was a reflection of how much I had held back.

The first time I put on an outfit after everything ended and didn’t ask anyone’s opinion, didn’t think about what someone else would say, I felt this weird mix of emotions. A little nervous, but mostly free. Like I could finally breathe again.

And that’s when it started to shift.

It’s been a little while now, and I can honestly say I feel like I’m coming back to myself. Not all at once, but piece by piece. I wear what I want again. I don’t overthink every little detail. I don’t feel like I have to explain myself.

Being “my own Harper Anna” again feels really good.

What surprised me the most is how this has affected other parts of my life too. Especially things like working out and being outside. During that relationship, even though I still did those things, it didn’t feel the same. My energy wasn’t there. My motivation felt off. I didn’t feel fully present.

Now it’s completely different.

I actually look forward to moving my body again. Going for a walk, getting a good workout in, just being outside in fresh air. It feels natural again, like it used to. I don’t have that heavy feeling in my chest anymore. I feel lighter, both mentally and physically.

And now that summer is getting closer, I can feel that excitement coming back too.

This time it feels different though, in a good way. It’s not about looking a certain way for anyone else. It’s not about fitting into someone else’s idea of what’s “right.” It’s about enjoying it for me. Wearing the bikinis I like, feeling confident in my own skin, spending time at the beach, moving, laughing, just living.

I think going through something like this teaches you a lot, even if you didn’t ask for it.

It made me realize how important it is to stay true to yourself, even in a relationship. The right person won’t make you feel like you need to tone yourself down. They won’t make you question who you are. If anything, they’ll make you feel even more like yourself.

And if that’s not happening, something isn’t right.

Right now, I’m just focusing on getting back to the things that make me feel good. Dressing how I want. Taking care of myself. Spending time outside. Looking forward to summer without overthinking it.

It’s a really simple place to be, but it feels strong at the same time.

So yeah, this chapter didn’t end the way I thought it would. But maybe it ended exactly how it needed to.

Because now I get to be fully myself again. And honestly, that’s something I’m not willing to give up for anyone.

-H-

I don’t know what it is about this time of year, but the closer we get to summer, the more I start thinking about all the little things I’ve been missing. The light changes, the air feels softer, and suddenly everything just feels a bit easier. I always catch myself daydreaming about long beach days, warm evenings, and that feeling of not being in a rush all the time.

I think one of the biggest reasons I wait for summer every year is how different life feels. There’s this shift in energy. People are outside more, everything looks brighter, and even simple things feel more exciting. After months of cold weather and being bundled up all the time, the idea of sunshine on your skin just hits different.

Of course, I won’t lie, bikini season is definitely part of it. There’s something about putting on a bikini or a cute swimsuit and just feeling confident in your own skin. It’s not even about looking perfect. It’s more about that feeling of freedom. No layers, no heavy clothes, just you, the sun, and the moment. I always feel more like myself in the summer.

Beach days are probably my favorite part of the whole season. There’s nothing better than packing a bag, heading out early, and spending the whole day by the water. The sound of the waves, the smell of sunscreen, the warmth of the sand. It’s one of those things that never gets old for me. I could honestly just sit there for hours doing nothing and still feel like it’s the best day ever.

And then there’s swimming. I don’t think anything compares to that first time you jump into the water after it’s finally warm enough. It wakes you up in the best way. After that, you just want to stay in as long as possible. Whether it’s the ocean, a lake, or even a pool, it always feels like the most refreshing thing.

I also love how active summer naturally makes you. You don’t have to force yourself to move. It just happens. Walking more, swimming, playing beach volleyball, even just exploring new places. Beach volleyball is one of those things that always turns into something fun, even if you’re not taking it seriously. It’s more about laughing, moving, and enjoying the moment than actually keeping score.

Another thing I really look forward to is how social everything becomes. In the summer, plans don’t feel complicated. It’s more like “let’s go to the beach” or “let’s hang out outside.” Everything feels more relaxed. You spend more time with people without overthinking it, and those are usually the moments you remember the most.

There’s also something about summer evenings that I can’t explain properly. The light stays longer, the air is still warm, and everything feels calm in a different way. Those moments when the sun is setting and you’re still outside, maybe a little tired from the day but in a good way. That’s one of my favorite feelings.

I think for me, summer is not just about the activities. It’s more about how it makes me feel overall. Lighter, happier, more present. It’s easier to slow down and actually enjoy things instead of always thinking about what’s next.

After a long winter, I really start craving all of this. The warmth, the movement, the freedom, the simplicity. Summer just has a way of bringing everything back to basics in the best way possible.

So yeah, I’m definitely counting down the days. For the beach, for swimming, for those long evenings, and for that feeling of just being completely in the moment. I don’t think I’ll ever stop looking forward to summer.

How about you? 😉

-H-

I’m 24 years old, and my love for the outdoors goes all the way back to my childhood. I grew up in North Carolina, where nature just kind of surrounds you without you even thinking about it. There were tall trees everywhere, warm air most of the year, and those long, golden evenings that made you want to stay outside as long as possible.

As a kid, I didn’t really have to be told to go outside. That’s just where I wanted to be. I was always running around barefoot, climbing trees, exploring little paths in the woods, or riding my bike until it got dark. Looking back, I think that’s where everything started for me. Being outside wasn’t a hobby. It was just part of my everyday life.

Now I’m 24, working in modeling and running my blog, and life is definitely more structured and busy than it used to be. There are schedules, deadlines, traveling, photoshoots, and a lot of time spent indoors or on my phone or laptop. But no matter how hectic things get, I always come back to the same thing. I need to be outside. It’s something that keeps me grounded.

My Go-To Way to Reset

One of the biggest reasons I love being outdoors is how it affects my mind. If I’ve had a stressful day or I feel overwhelmed, stepping outside changes my mood almost instantly. It doesn’t have to be anything dramatic. Sometimes it’s just a walk, sometimes I sit somewhere quiet, sometimes I go for a run. But every time, I feel my thoughts slow down. It’s like the noise in my head gets quieter, and I can actually think clearly again.

I’ve noticed that I’m more creative when I spend time outside too. As someone who blogs and works in a creative field, that’s really important. Ideas come easier when I’m walking or just being in fresh air. When I stay inside too long, I start to feel stuck. Getting outside kind of resets everything for me.

Then there’s the physical side, which I think people sometimes underestimate. Moving your body outside feels completely different compared to being inside a gym. The air feels better, the light is different, and everything just feels more natural. I have more energy when I spend time outside, and I don’t feel as tired or sluggish during the day. Even my sleep is better on days when I’ve been active outdoors.

I also feel like my body responds better when I move outside. Whether it’s walking, running, or just being active in general, it feels less forced. It doesn’t feel like a workout I have to get through. It just feels like something I enjoy doing. And that makes it so much easier to stay consistent.

Emotionally, being outside has a really calming effect on me. There’s something about nature that puts things into perspective. Watching the sky change colors in the evening, hearing the wind in the trees, or just noticing small things around me helps me slow down. It reminds me that not everything needs to be rushed or perfect all the time.

Working in modeling can sometimes make life feel very fast-paced and, honestly, a bit intense. There’s a lot of pressure, a lot of expectations, and it’s easy to get caught up in that. Being outside helps me step away from all of that for a moment. It brings me back to something simple and real.

I think growing up in South Carolina is a big reason why I feel this way. When you spend your childhood outside, it kind of stays with you. It becomes something you naturally turn to when you need to feel better. I never had to learn to love the outdoors. It was always there.

These days, I make a conscious effort to spend time outside every day, even if it’s just for a little while. Some days it’s a long walk, some days it’s just sitting in the sun with my coffee. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated. What matters is just being there.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that being outside is one of the simplest ways to take care of both your mind and your body. It doesn’t require anything special, and you don’t have to be perfect at it. You just have to step outside and give yourself that time.

For me, it’s not just something I enjoy. It’s something I need. And no matter how much my life changes, I know that part will always stay the same.

-Harper

Why I keep it simple

I’m someone who’s happiest when there’s fresh air and a plan that leaves room for spontaneity. Over time I’ve learned that the best days (and the best photos) usually come from packing lighter, moving more, and staying ready for whatever the weather decides.

This post is my go-to essentials list for travel days, fitness sessions, and outdoor adventures—built for comfort, confidence, and content that feels natural rather than forced.

My 10 essentials (that actually earn their space)

• A clean, neutral base outfit (black/white/cream): easy to re-wear, easy to style, always looks polished.
• One “hero” layer: a structured jacket, oversized knit, or lightweight shell that instantly upgrades a look.
• Comfort-first trainers: if your feet aren’t happy, nothing else matters—especially on travel days.
• Hydration + electrolytes: long walks, flights, and workouts all hit better when you’re properly hydrated.
• SPF you’ll reapply: face, neck, hands—every day, even when it’s cloudy.
• A small resistance band: perfect for glute activation, warm-ups, and quick hotel-room sessions.
• Hair + skin “reset” kit: dry shampoo, a simple moisturiser, and lip balm—tiny items, big difference.
• Minimal jewellery: a pair of hoops and one necklace can make even a basic outfit feel intentional.
• Portable charger: maps, music, photos, messages—this saves the day more often than you’d think.
• A lightweight tripod or grip: for self-shoots, golden-hour clips, and hands-free shots when you’re solo.

How I use this list (without overthinking it)

I aim for pieces that mix easily, feel good on my body, and work across settings—city walks, a quick gym session, or an outdoor trail. If something only works for one very specific moment, it usually doesn’t make the cut.

My rule: pack for the day you want, not the day you’re worried about.

Quick checklist before you head out

• Can you walk comfortably for an hour in what you’re wearing?
• Do you have one layer for wind/rain and one option to dress it up?
• Are you covered for hydration, SPF, and a phone battery top-up?
• Do you have a simple way to capture a photo/video without relying on someone else?

If you’re into travel, fashion, fitness, and the outdoors, you’ll feel right at home here. I’ll be sharing more of what I’m wearing, where I’m going, and the routines that keep me feeling strong—without losing the fun.

Want me to turn this into a printable packing list? Send a note through the contact form and I’ll make a downloadable version.

-Harper.