Blog

Welcome to our blog, a captivating online space that encompasses the diverse worlds of photography, traveling with kids, stay-at-home mom life in Massachusetts, and the importance of social emotional learning. We are passionate about capturing precious moments through the lens, exploring the wonders of the world with little adventurers in tow, and embracing the joys and challenges of being a stay-at-home mom in the beautiful state of Massachusetts.

Through our lens, we aim to inspire and empower fellow photography enthusiasts by sharing expert tips, techniques, and creative ideas that will elevate your skills and ignite your artistic vision. Whether you’re a beginner seeking guidance or a seasoned photographer looking for fresh inspiration, our blog is your go-to resource for all things photography.

Embarking on journeys with kids can be an exhilarating experience, filled with unforgettable memories. Join us as we take you on exciting adventures around the globe, offering valuable insights, practical advice, and engaging stories that cater specifically to traveling families. From destination guides and travel hacks to family-friendly itineraries and must-see attractions, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.

Being a stay-at-home mom is a beautiful and rewarding journey, but it can also present unique challenges. Dive into our heartfelt articles, personal anecdotes, and practical tips that address the ups and downs of this incredible role. From managing time and finding personal fulfillment to nurturing family connections and fostering self-care, our blog offers a supportive community for stay-at-home moms seeking inspiration and guidance.

In addition, we strongly believe in the power of social emotional learning, understanding that nurturing emotional intelligence and empathy in children is vital for their overall development. Explore our thought-provoking articles, research-backed insights, and actionable strategies that shed light on the significance of social emotional learning. Discover how to cultivate a nurturing environment, empower your children’s emotional well-being, and equip them with the necessary skills to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Join us on this enriching journey as we celebrate the art of photography, embrace the adventures of traveling with kids, provide solace and guidance for stay-at-home moms, and advocate for the importance of social emotional learning. Our blog is here to inspire, educate, and connect, creating a vibrant community where we can all learn, grow, and capture life’s most treasured moments together.

The cover image of a YouTube video. The picture features a copy of "52 Weeks of Love and Gratitude" by Lauren McDonagh-Pereira, a cup of coffee, multi-colored pens, and a profile image of the author. Overlay text reads "10-Minute Journaling Challenge"

10-Minute Journaling Challeng with “52 Weeks Of Love And Gratidude”: What Does True Love Mean to You?

Introduction Welcome to week two of the “10-Minute Journaling Challenge!”  I am so excited to continue this weekly journey with you.  My name is Lauren McDonagh-Pereira. I am a school counselor, photographer, author, blogger, and mom.  In today’s video, I will be responding to the week 2 prompt from my self-published gratitude journal, “52 Weeks

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The cover image of a YouTube video. The picture features a copy of "52 Weeks of Love and Gratitude" by Lauren McDonagh-Pereira, a cup of coffee, multi-colored pens, and a profile image of the author. Overlay text reads "10-Minute Journaling Challenge"

10-Minute Journaling Challenge: Cultivate Gratitude & Positivity with “52 Weeks of Love and Gratitude”

Introduction Welcome, everyone, to a new journey of self-discovery and positivity with the “10-Minute Journaling Challenge!” I’m thrilled to introduce you to this transformative series, created to inspire a deeper sense of gratitude, love, and joy in our lives. My name is Lauren McDonagh-Pereira. I am a school counselor, photographer, author, blogger, and mom.  It’s

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A digital poster advertising a self-help gratitude journal. The text reads "Gratitude Journal - Learn how "52 Weeks of Love and Gratitude" can elevate your journaling experience, cultivate positivity, and unlock personal growth." The poster features an image of the front cover of a gratitude journal created by Lauren McDonagh-Pereira

Embracing Gratitude: Discover the Transformative Power of Journaling with “52 Weeks of Love and Gratitude”

Introduction to Journaling and practicing Gratitude As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  In our digitally-driven world, finding moments of reflection and practicing gratitude has become increasingly important for our overall well-being. One practice that has gained significant recognition and popularity is journaling. Journaling offers a therapeutic outlet for self-expression, introspection, and gratitude,

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An image of a pink mouse and keyboard to show computer research. Overlay text reads, "Career Exploration: A Free School Counseling Lesson Plan for High School Freshman"

Career Exploration for High School Freshmen: Free Lesson Plan

Career Exploration for High School Freshmen: Free Lesson Plan As education professionals, we understand the complex challenge students face when it comes to choosing a career. To provide effective support in this process, I’m delighted to introduce a comprehensive lesson plan, “Career Exploration for High School Freshmen.” This invaluable resource aims to promote early career

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An image of a classroom. Overlay text reads: Mental Health Screening and School Behavior: Predicting and Preventing Problem Behaviors in High School Classrooms:

Mental Health Screening and School Behavior:

Predicting and Preventing Problem Behaviors in High School Classrooms Mental Health Screening and School Behavior: Predicting and Preventing Problem Behaviors in High School Classrooms As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Mental health difficulties have become a common problem in primary and secondary schools throughout the United States. Meanwhile, the research literature is

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A large T-Rex sculpted out of sand at the 2023 Hampton Beach Sand Sculpture Competition

A Memorable Family Day at Hampton Beach Sand Sculpture Classic

A TRip to the 2023 HampTon Beach Sand Sculpture classic My family has a long history with Hampton Beach. My maternal grandmother (Nana) started visiting with her family every summer as a child.  When my Nana had a family of her own, she and my Pa packed all of their kids into a station wagon

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An Instagram style graphic with a green background, featuring the image of an ipad, glasses, a globe, and flowers. Overlay text reads, "SEL Lesson Plans"

SEL Lesson Plans For Kindergarteners

Social-EMOTIONAL LEarning Lesson Plans for Kindergartners As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Welcome to my first social-emotional learning blog post, where I  proudly present five comprehensive 60-minute social-emotional learning lesson plans designed specifically for kindergartners. Created by Lauren McDonagh-Pereira, a licensed school counselor in Massachusetts, these thoughtfully crafted lessons aim to foster

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The Perfect Mom Bag: Vera Bradley Campus Backpack for On-the-Go Adventures

The Perfect Mom Bag: Vera Bradley Campus Backpack for On-the-Go Adventures As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  As a busy mom with a 1-year-old and a 4-year-old, having the right bag is crucial for staying organized and prepared during our daily outings. After trying out various options, I discovered the Vera Bradley

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