April vacation is finally here! I reached out to many of you to find out what you love doing with your kids, and you all delivered! So, grab your favorite beverage, settle into a cozy spot, and explore this collection of ideas from fellow parents and caregivers just like you! photo by Tracey Westgate Photography Date specific: All Patriot’s Day weekend: Patriots Day Activities in Lexington, including battle reenactments. A full schedule can be found here: https://lexingtonma.gov/2011/2024-Patriots-Day-Schedule-of-Events Sunday, 4/14 and 4/21, 2:30 p.m. Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Chi ..read more

For most of my life, I did not own a raincoat. I often told myself it wasn’t worth spending the money on one. For the longest time, I kept telling myself that I'd buy a raincoat once I lost weight. It felt like my current size was just a temporary stop on the way to a smaller, more "acceptable" me. I didn't want to invest in something that might not fit me in the future. But then, it hit me. Why was I waiting to live my life fully? Why was I postponing my comfort and happiness for a future that was uncertain? That's when I realized that buying the raincoat wasn't just about staying dry—it was ..read more

'Tis the season to celebrate the joy of giving and the warmth of community! As you embark on your holiday shopping adventure, I'm delighted to be your guide through a curated selection of local gems. This Shop Local/Shop Small guide is your ticket to discovering unique treasures that not only make thoughtful gifts but also support the heartbeat of our community—our local businesses. Let's navigate this festive season together, finding the perfect presents that not only bring joy to your loved ones but also contribute to the vitality of our neighborhood. Happy gifting! Kid Spaces: Children’s ..read more

In the past, all you really needed in terms of photography for your business was a strong headshot. Since the age of social media, this has changed dramatically. Today, customers engage in a different way with businesses. People are eager to hear more about your story and to connect with you, not just your brand. Brand photography is a catalog of images that is unique to you and that tells the story of who you are. Included in a branding gallery are lifestyle images, product photography, headshots, workspace images, and other images that may be helpful for your business. When you look at your ..read more

“I have always enjoyed working with my hands. Growing up in Hawaii, this manifested itself in sewing, cooking, photography and other “hands on” hobbies. I was involved in 4-H growing up and always curious as to how things worked. For me, being an engineer is an extension of who I am and what I love to do. Engineers essentially create things to help others around the world. For me, this is helping to design, build and test jet and helicopter engines. I heard that every two seconds an aircraft powered by my company’s technology takes off somewhere in the world. It is amazing that I can be a part ..read more

We’re all booked and ready to go and now the age old question- what should we wear? Here are a few tips as you prepare for your session. 1. Start with the most difficult person to style There is usually one person in the family who has either strong personal tastes- or may be a little more difficult to style for whatever reason. For example, a few years ago, that was me! I started by planning my own outfit and then we built the rest of the family’s outfits from there. This year, with a teenager, they have very strong opinions, so we started there. Our family portrait by Autumn Skye, 2020. 2 ..read more

Summer is in full swing and parents everywhere are on the lookout for engaging activities to keep their kids entertained and create lasting memories. Luckily, I’ve got you covered! I asked a bunch of you what you love and you came through! Grab your favorite beverage, find a comfy spot and take a look at this treasure trove of ideas from other real parents and caregivers just like you! Coming right up — and in my own town: Art Grows Here: “Art Grows Here is a FREE, map-guided tour of outdoor art made by people in Hamilton and Wenham. It’s a wonderful way to get to know your community and you ..read more

Rain, rain, go away! I don't know about you, but this summer weather has been a little frustrating for me! I am thankful for the handful of classic summer weather days we've had. Here's a few tips for capturing that summer fun, whatever it may be! 1. Utilize Natural Lighting: Make the most of the beautiful summer light by taking outdoor photos during the golden hours, which are typically early morning or late afternoon. Try to avoid harsh midday sunlight that can create unflattering shadows. 2. Find Vibrant Locations: Seek out colorful backdrops that showcase the essence of summer, such as pa ..read more

“Being among the plants, flowers, and the earth I feel like I belong to something bigger than myself. It’s home, and it always will be. I someday hope to use agriculture and the farm as a place for healing. I hope that it can be a place for learning, growth (in all forms), and a pillar of hope for younger generations to come. I have so much pride to be a woman in agriculture! Farming and agriculture historically have been occupations held mostly by men. I’m honored to be in a position to lead by example and show other women and school age kids that you can grow up to be ANYTHING you want, make ..read more

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