We’ve been back from our family beach trip for a few weeks now. I don’t know what’s gotten into me these days but I’ve been feeling next level nostalgic lately (even more so than usual, ha). I’m sure it’s something to do with the fact that all of the little ones in my life are growing so darn quickly. And because they change so much over such a short period (truly – it is a blink!)… It has made me feel keenly aware of the passing of time.

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I already know that I will look back upon these years as “the golden years” and I find myself bound and determined to soak them in. I read somewhere that you only get four summers with your child before they realize you aren’t their whole world. And though I’d like to refuse to believe it, my three year old was an entirely new person on our family beach trip this year. She was far more independent, played with her cousins happily forever without a second glance… I even finished a whole book and I can’t believe that I’m already in the phase of child rearing where I’m capable of finishing a whole book?! It was such an adjustment! But it gave me more of a reason to slow down and prioritize this time spent with her. And them!

I find it can be a difficult balance of mourning what is sure to be lost (toddlerhood, childhood and beyond…) all while remaining present and enjoying how beautiful and hilarious and special it is in that very moment. As an emotional person I tend to sway drastically between presence and nostalgia. I also find it can feel scary to allow joy when you know it won’t be there forever. But that might be a story for another time.

I already know that I will look back upon these years as “the golden years” and I find myself bound and determined to soak them in.

I’m proud to say that things have felt very aligned lately and this really has been the summer of “yes” – from new exciting projects, to visits from far away friends, to late night ice cream runs, to family beach trips – all 13 of us crammed in a tiny bungalow at one point… Chaos and coziness combined. And though I know we still have weeks left to enjoy what’s left of the season, I’m already feeling glossy eyed around the memories surrounding the summer of 2023. It’s been such a lovely one.

Here’s a little peek at our most recent family trip (and here’s a post inspired by a grown-up version of said trip!)

{I taught her to yell “road tripppp” when we left and it was excellent <3}
top | glasses

{the minute we landed. It was raining, too. Actual magic.}

swimsuit

{signs of summer}
swimsuit | floatie

{dream scenario}

{post-beach naps always hit differently}

romper

{the nostalgia}

{unlocked a phase of parenting where I can *actually* read (parts of) a book or magazine}

swimsuit

{this kids scavenger hunt was a hit – we had a 3, 5 and 7 year old with us}

Thanks for indulging me <3

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The post Our Family Beach Trip appeared first on Lark & Linen Interior Design and Lifestyle Blog.

We recently came back from vacation and it was such a wonderful treat. We used to be such avid travellers but kind of fell off the last few years (for obvious reasons). Having a baby in the thick of the pandemic definitely shifted things for us. Travelling became a non-option, and then that became our norm. It wasn’t until we were driving to the airport did I realize how desperately I had missed that buzzy pre-vacation feeling. In addition to this being the first trip we’ve taken in years, it was our daughter’s first trip ever – which only compounded the joy.

RELATED: Our Honeymoon | My Trip to India

We stayed at the Hilton, Cancun, and I kid you not it was the best all inclusive experiences we’ve ever had, which is why I feel the need to share about it. It really felt like we were staying at a lovely hotel that happened to have delicious cocktails and a killer chef serving free food at all hours of the day. The dream, really, is it not?

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Note: I also started a travel toys shop here – it’s filled with all of the things we actually used and actually loved on this trip. I’ll be adding to it as I stumble across new things!

Everything was brand new and beautifully designed, which is always a treat. The best part is that it was absolutely kid-friendly, too. The kids pool/splash pad was an entire experience of its own. Throw in kids cooking classes, an epic park, an indoor playground, a churro-meets-ice-cream bar… and we had a happy little one on our hands.

the cutest swimsuit

It was a luxury kid friendly all inclusive resort through and through – for both adults and kids alike. It was so nice to slow down, to spend time with family, and to not have to worry about a single thing. To this day Ivy still asks when we’re going back (and tbh I’m with her).

It was a luxury kid friendly all inclusive resort through and through – for both adults and kids alike.

As an added bonus, it has completely re-ignited our love for travel once more. I seriously can’t wait to show our daughter all the beauty our world has to offer. It’s going to blow her adorable little mind.

Here’s a peek at our trip…

As an aside, we’re planning on doing a trip to Europe this fall – even daydreaming about travelling once more is thrilling. If you’ve ever taken a toddler somewhere (anywhere!) in the world and loved it, I’d love to hear about it.

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The post A Luxury Kid-Friendly All-Inclusive Resort appeared first on Lark & Linen Interior Design and Lifestyle Blog.

I’m not going to lie, life has been absolutely insane lately and I am a whole new level of exhausted right now, but I’m secretly here for all of it.

First and foremost, we’re loving our temporary living situation. I’m certain that a big chunk of it is just the novelty of it all, but we are thoroughly enjoying this downtown Toronto experience. As a homebody at heart I wasn’t sure I’d feel all that settled outside of my normal “routine” and environment. But with a toddler in tow, I’ve found that it has been so much fun. Ivy is apparently a city girl herself, which is likely a large part of why I’m enjoying it so much. Our girl is just thriving right now and it’s such a joy to experience. We’ve been park hoping, brunching, coffee shopping, restaurant hopping, smoothie hunting, squirrel chasing, swimming, pumpkin patching, baby snuggling… It’s been fantastic! So much so that for a while there I was trying to convince Justin that maybe we should sell our home and try the downtown Toronto adventure for a few years. He’s not convinced (and I’m beginning to miss our home and the quieter pace of life) but we’ll see where this adventure continues to take us.

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In addition, we recently welcomed a new little squish into our lives. My brother and sister in law had a sweet baby girl just the other day, and if that’s not reason to celebrate I just don’t know what is. Plus, my nomadic little sister is now here visiting for the occasion, which is the loveliest. I’m feeling very grateful for this particular season and wanted to share a few snapshots that make me happy to help commemorate all of it <3

{coffee at Milky’s}

{Ivy meeting her new cousin}

{Chudleighs Farms}

{brunch at Manita}

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The post Life, Lately: A Downtown Toronto Adventure appeared first on Lark & Linen Interior Design and Lifestyle Blog.

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We just got back from our annual family beach trip and I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful it was. Located just steps from a white sand beach in the sweetest town of Southhampton, Ontario, my mom and her partner rent a family-friend’s cottage for our whole family each year. This is now our third year in a row, and it’s a tradition that we’ve all grown wildly fond of. It has proven to be the perfect way for us to reconnect as a family.

Though I had prepped a few blog posts to go up while I was in Southhampton (which is always my number one priority), you might have noticed that I stepped back from Instagram while I was gone. It wasn’t intentional, but lately I’ve been feeling the intense pull to only show up when I truly feel like it. When I really have the capacity or something worthwhile to say. I no longer have the desire or the interest to add unnecessary noise or to post for the sake of keeping up with the algorithm (it just doesn’t work for me, personally).

I’ve been going through a lot mentally, emotionally, and spiritually lately. I’ve had a ton of clarity on topics that I’ve been flip flopping on. And having the time and space to step back and integrate my recent aha moments was really beautiful. 

I’ve been going through a lot mentally, emotionally, and spiritually lately. I’ve had a ton of clarity on topics that I’ve been flip flopping on. And having the time and space to step back and integrate my recent aha moments was really beautiful. So if you do follow along over there, I want to thank you. I really appreciate your support as I navigate what these spaces look like for me going forward. I’m going to be making some big changes around here across the board. I’m feeling really aligned with the direction everything is headed.

Additionally, at just over two years old, my daughter is at such a fun age right now and it was beyond special to watch her play with her older cousins in Southhampton all week long. Having a few little people to play hard with all week proved to be so beneficial for her – perhaps making a strong case for a second kid (eek). I’m fully aware that I’m in the thick of my golden years, and I’m feeling as present and peaceful as I can be through it all. I’m so glad I gave myself the gift of checking out (and checking in). For old time’s sake, here’s a little peek at our week, in photos. You can also check out the reel I created right here (I’ve watched it no less than 822 times already). 

ps – this month’s desktop wallpaper feels particularly fitting – it’s bringing me back

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