For my 40th birthday, I wanted nothing more than to wander France with some of my favourite humans, and that’s exactly what we did. After the magic of Paris (click here, if you’d like) and the storybook charm of Annecy (ugh, so good – more here!), the three of us made our way to Lyon for the final leg of the trip. My hope is that this Lyon photo diary captures those last, quiet days before real life called us home.

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I’ll be honest… it took us a minute to warm up to Lyon. Maybe it was the rain, or the end-of-trip tiredness, or simply that Paris and Annecy are tough acts to follow. But slowly, between the cobblestones and the little courtyards and the absolutely unreal food (probably the best we had on the trip!), the city started to work its way in. Lyon reveals itself gently, and before long, we found our rhythm there.

It was the loveliest way to wrap up an already incredible adventure. And as much as I savoured every bite and every moment, there was also something really comforting about feeling ready to return home, reset, and slip back into our everyday routine.

WHAT I PACKED:

WHAT I PACKED

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For my 40th birthday, we made a trip I’d been dreaming about: Annecy, France. We started in Paris (see my Paris photo diary), then Justin joined us, and we took the train to the most enchanting town I’ve ever visited.

Annecy felt like stepping into a fairy tale. Truly. Beauty and the Beast vibes everywhere. The mountains rise dramatically around the medieval town, pastel buildings line the canals, and every cobblestone street felt like a little secret waiting to be discovered.

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We rented the coolest space (this one!), where we could feed ducks from our bedroom window, watch the sun glint off the water, and feel completely suspended in time. Wandering through the town, pausing for coffee, snapping endless photos. Listening to church bells ringing while our daughter played with the local kids in the playground!? I mean, it was pure joy.

Annecy, France captured our hearts, and this trip was everything I dreamed of and more. Here’s a little glimpse into that magic, one photo at a time, from canals and mountains to quiet streets and golden-hour light.

A FEW THINGS I PACKED:

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A few things I PACKED

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{Bistrot des Tournelles}

Paris has always held a certain kind of magic for me. It is, after all, where we kicked off my mom’s 60th birthday trip years ago, plus it’s where we celebrated our first year of marriage (wherein I found out I was pregnant!). And this Paris family vacation was of no exception. Truly, it was everything I dreamed of and more, I’m still on cloud 9.

To celebrate my 40th birthday, my mom, my five-year-old, and I flew to Paris for a few unforgettable days before my husband and my mom’s partner met us for one final whirlwind together. Justin arrived on our last day bearing the sweetest gifts, and I felt spoiled beyond measure the whole way through.

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From buttery croissants for breakfast, to cobblestone strolls, as well as high-tea at Le Meurice (a surprise gift arranged by my sweet girlfriends), every moment felt touched by magic. Seeing Paris through our daughter’s eyes (the Eiffel Tower twinkling at night, the carousels sprinkled throughout) made it all the more special. I even introduced her to Berthillon ice cream, which was an experience that led me to believe I was pregnant the first time around (you can read about that here, if you’d like) – such a full circle moment.

Traveling with three generations, surrounded by love and beauty, reminded me exactly why I adore this city. Here’s a peek at our trip to Paris, in photos.

A FEW THINGS I PACKED:

{The carousel in jardin des tuileries}

{We always travel carry-on only, so I opt for neutral pieces I can mix and match – here are a few things I packed}

{There’s a vintage photo booth in the Galeries Lafayette – the one on the Champs-Élysées}

{Christian Dior’s desk}

{Le Meurice}

{The *best* travel buddy}

The post Paris Photo Diary: A 40th Birthday to Remember appeared first on Lark & Linen Interior Design and Lifestyle Blog.

Earlier this spring, we snuck away for a luxury Bahamas girls trip to celebrate a dear friend’s 40th and, let me just say, it was pure magic. We stayed at the Albany, which delivered a five-star experience at every turn (no Justin Timberlake sightings, though… maybe next time). From the food and drinks to the impeccable service and the effortlessly chic vibe, it was the kind of trip that leaves you glowing for weeks. The perfect reset, both body and soul. Nervous system? Fully restored.

Between slow mornings on the beach, finishing an entire book (unheard of lately!),sunset cocktails on the roof, and dinners that felt like events in and of themselves, every detail was thoughtfully designed to make you feel pampered. It’s not often I get to fully unplug, but this trip reminded me just how necessary, and transformative, that time away can be. If you’re dreaming up your own luxury Bahamas girls trip, I can’t recommend it enough. No notes, just bliss.

(You may notice my daughter’s toy cat, Sprinkles, came on our Bahamian adventure, too. Lucky little thing!)

A FEW THINGS I PACKED

A FEW things I PACKED

The post Our Magical Girls Trip to the Bahamas: A 5-Star Escape appeared first on Lark & Linen Interior Design and Lifestyle Blog.