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

MORE VACATION POSTS: RIGHT HERE

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While everyone in social media land has seemingly moved on to all things fall, I am digging my heels in and I simply refuse to comply. At least, that is, for now… As much as I adore the fall season, I’m still busy over here basking in what’s left of summer. I’m convinced that the secret to surviving a Canadian winter is to soak up as much sunshine as I can while I’m able. So that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

We just returned from a family beach vacation ourselves (I’m posting about it next week, if that’s your thing!) and the destination couldn’t have been more perfect for my current mood. Think: all things summer in Nantucket. Our trip (what with four young kids in tow) was a much (much) more laid back version of what I’m about to share (read: not nearly as pulled together). But if I could really do it my way, this is the vibe I’d be after. It’s giving all things summer in Nantucket through and through, and it’s filled with all the loveliness one needs to really take advantage of what’s left of the season (in style).

Photos: Julia Berolzheimer

SUMMER ON NANTUCKET

SOURCES:

1. Linen Dress | 2. Sunglasses | 3. Leash

4. Sun Hat | 5. Beach Chair | 6. Hair Clips

7. Cardigan | 8. Rattan Basket | 9. Chino Cap

10. Seagrass Glasses | 11. Beach Bag | 12. Beach Bats

13. New Balance Sneakers | 14. Pearl Paper Clip Necklace | 15. Beach Towel

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STYLE

Photos: Julia Berolzheimer

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SUMMER on NANTUCKET

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I’m struggling to find the words to describe how it feels to be turning my daughter’s nursery into a little girls room without sounding over the top or cliché. But it really does feel like this huge rite of passage. One that I wasn’t really anticipating? Or, perhaps, never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined we’d be here so quickly. I must admit, I’ve been far more emotional about the whole thing than I thought I’d be. And though I’m sad to be saying goodbye to some of the last remaining remnants of my baby’s babyness, I am equally as excited for her and this next phase of life. Motherhood really is all of the things all at once isn’t it. Does one ever get used to the whiplash of emotions that come alongside this role?

SEE THE REST OF MY HOME: RIGHT HERE

All that said, it’s an honour to have been able to help take her room to the next level. Sometimes I wish I could design kids rooms exclusively – they just bring me so much joy. And, shocker, I get so sentimental about the idea of this space being the backdrop to her many childhood memories. She’s been sleeping here for a while now (we just had her first little sleepover with her cousin on Sunday and it was THE CUTEST) and she is just nailing the transition. I know she was ready for it, and I’m getting there too (in my own time, hah). Take a peek at the update below, if you’d like…

SOURCES

Bed | Mattress | Pillows | Sheet Set | Duvet Cover
Quilt | Lamp | Star Pillow | Rainbow Pillow | Rug | Nightstand

MY LITTLE GIRL’S ROOM

As an aside, if you’re looking for an organic mattress and pillows (something that was very important to me), I highly recommend Obasan. They are an absolute 10/10 for comfort and style. They’re fully customizable depending on your sleep needs, which I love. Plus they go above and beyond and do things like embroider your daughter and her stuffy’s name on their pillows (she LOVED this). Just so stinking cute!

The one we have for my little girls room (here) is the same mattress that they use at Fogo Island and Wander the Resort (amongst many other really luxe boutique hotels). Girl is living her best life, let me tell you. It’s so so good.

This is not sponsored, but they did gift the mattress to us and I have since specified them for a few clients because I’m instantly sold. As a thank you, they wanted to offer my readers a little gift with purchase:

If you use LARKANDLINENBED at checkout you’ll receive two complimentary pillows of your choice with the purchase of any adult mattress from the Auberge & Residential collection.

SOURCES

Bed | Mattress | Pillows | Sheet Set | Duvet Cover | Quilt | Lamp | Star Pillow | Rainbow Pillow | Rug | Nightstand

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The post An Emotional Transformation: From Nursery to Little Girl Heaven appeared first on Lark & Linen Interior Design and Lifestyle Blog.

Design & Photo: Studio Mcgee

The weather here in Canada tends to be misunderstood in most places around the world. People often seem a little shocked when I mention that we have some of the most incredible summers known to man. I’m convinced it’s one of the main reasons we grin and bear it through the harsher winter months – ha. However, come this time of year? It’s absolutely our time to shine. The days are long and lingering, our lakes are cool and refreshing, and dining al fresco becomes a daily ocurrence.

And though we’ve eaten many dinners in our yard over the years, it was only this year that I picked up a set of really beautiful melamine dishes to set our table (these ones, here!)* In all honesty, having a dedicated set of light & unbreakable dishes that I don’t have to worry about has been a game changer when it comes to our outdoor dining experience. They are so beautiful and I swear they’ve encouraged us to take advantage of the outdoors even more than usual. It has me thinking about the other things that could really bring our dining al fresco game to the next level. Here’s how I’d do it in a dream world. A few things I’d like to slowly collect over the years, really.

Dining Al Fresco

SOURCES:

1. Glass Cloche | 2. Cocktail Shaker | 3. Melamine Dinner Plates | 4. Cocktail Napkins | 5. Acrylic Tumbler | 6. Fluted Cashepot | 7. Check Tablecloth | 8. Wooden Cutting Board | 9. Ruffled Napkin | 10. Outdoor Dining Table | 11. Candlesticks | 12. Floral Pillow | 13. Rattan Side Cart | 14. Serving Bowl

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** As an aside, I managed to grab a few of the Jillian Harris x Joe Fresh melamine dishes before they sold out (instantly). I LOVE them though. Anyway, I know a lot of people had their eye on them so if you’re one of em’ I really love this option as an alternative

DINING al FRESCO

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