The Social Bark

I am leaving for Vermont this afternoon, on my way to pick up Sir Winston Finley.

I’ve been thinking a lot about Lilly as I venture on this new journey. I often wonder what life is like over the Rainbow Bridge…if there are more treats than she can handle, and no baths required. I’ve run the gamut of emotions since her passing and have questioned my decision to move on with a new dog more than once.

But it’s not often in life that we experience true, unconditional love. Even in the best of times, our fellow humans…spouses, partners, and friends…are busy with their own lives. There is simply not enough time in the day for anyone to be everything to someone.

Except with a dog.

You are its world. And it reminds you of that – daily – with warm paws, wet kisses, and well-loved toys at the door. The car is a chance to share the next adventure, and a simple walk around the block is an excitable trek full of smells, sounds, and feels. Dogs remind us to slow down, breathe, roll in the grass and appreciate every second of every day.

I’ll do that again.

Still missing you my sweet girl. I know you’ll be grinning from over the bridge when I pick up Winston tomorrow, as if to say, “Mom, this is gonna be fun…and I’ll be watching.”💗

Are you still giving that same old bottle of wine as a business gift? CHECK THIS OUT!

Elevate your corporate gifting with something truly memorable: Mrs. Mekler's Mercantile Booze Infuser Bottles.🍾

These unique infuser bottles are the ultimate way to your customers, clients, and friends with style....and get them custom branded with your logo!

The Collection boasts seven distinct infusions, each with its own flair and personality. Hosting a breakfast event? Opt for the Bloody Mix to add a zesty kick to your brunch. Planning a party? The Lime Light will infuse a refreshing tang that's perfect for sunny days.😎

Whether you're organizing a grand gala, an intimate gathering, or simply seeking the ideal way to express gratitude to your colleagues, these infusers are your ticket to a world of flavor and delight.

For added inspiration, each bottle features a QR code that provides access to a curated list of cocktail recipes. And for those who prefer non-alcoholic options, these infusers can also enhance teas, lemonades, and other beverages, ensuring everyone enjoys the celebration.

Discover the full cocktail recipe guide here: https://mrsmeklersmercantile.com/pages/recipes

Make your next business gift unforgettable with Mrs. Mekler's Mercantile – where every bottle is a celebration waiting to happen. 🍹✨

Need more information? Message The Social Bark!

Pembroke Chamber of Commerce South Shore Stuff Jennifer Mekler Sea Salted by Mrs. Mekler's Mercantile Cohasset143

It's CHRISTMAS IN JULY at Mrs. Mekler's Mercantile!🌲🎅

Here’s a quick rundown of what's brewing:

Friday, July 26th - Pie Day Friday! 🍰

Looks like spirit might have clouded Mrs. M's math skills here at Mrs. Mekler's Mercantile. She intended to bake a few dozen Key Lime pies but ended up with almost three times that amount. If she doesn't sell out by Sunday, she’s getting a Key Lime Pie to the face! Help her avoid that fate by grabbing a pie (or two) at their Cohasset, MA or Pembroke, MA locations! And don’t miss out on the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, which Jennifer Mekler nailed perfectly!

Saturday & Sunday, July 27-28 - Fresh Baked Fun
Pie Day Friday is great, but the holds even more fresh-baked delights. Visit at either location for a range of treats starting Friday at 10:00 am. They've got scrumptious muffins like Blueberry and Banana Nut, plus English Muffins that are almost donut-like and perfect with their preserves. Look out for freshly baked loaves of Cinnamon Bread and Lemon Blueberry Bread, and don’t miss their Triple Chocolate Chunk and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. It’s a weekend of delicious reasons to visit! 😊

Don’t forget to snap a pic during your visit and tag Mrs. Mekler's Mercantile on Facebook or Instagram to share your sweet moments! 😁

Pembroke Chamber of Commerce South Shore Stuff

The Social Bark meets with Kathy Prevett and Jennifer Mekler for "Calm and Chaos…a 15-year friendship forged through ice cream, cookies, and big dreams!"

When I moved to Cohasset in 2023, I stumbled upon the area known as “Beechwood” of this quintessential New England town. Many of the homes are part of the Heritage Trail, featuring 250 of Cohasset’s earliest properties and structures still standing. The architecture evokes a simpler time, and the Beechwood Ball Park looks like a set straight out of Field of Dreams. ⚾️

Down a meandering dirt road in Beechwood lies “The Sugar Shack” – a cozy cabin straight out of Norman Rockwell where you can fill your pantry with candies, custom grazing boxes, craft maple syrups and artisan gifts. Living within walking distance of this little box of sunshine, I often visit, enjoying the honor system of payments in a small cash box or Venmo.

It might be heaven.

I was introduced to the owner, Jennifer Mekler through a mutual friend. Several dog walks later, she invited me to a “Woman’s Mastermind Event” – a gathering of ambitious and talented women Jenn hosts for dinner. The group provides a platform for networking, mentorship, and the exchange of valuable insights. We share ideas, support each other’s goals, and collaborate on projects - fostering a keen sense of community, empowerment, and friendship. It was here I learned Jenn was an accomplished restauranteur, and where I would later meet Kathy Prevett.

In the 1990’s, Kathy owned “The Scoop,” a beloved ice cream shop in Hingham, MA. However, the arrival of the Boston train altered the ambiance, prompting her to close the shop. Kathy then met Jenn when she went to work as a server at one of Jenn’s local restaurants. However, it quickly became clear that waitressing was not Kathy’s “sweet” spot. She excelled in customer service and building relationships, but unfortunately, her long conversations led to delays in service! Recognizing Kathy's talents, Jenn decided to put them to better use, and when she purchased an ice cream shop in Cohasset, she asked Kathy to manage it…because Jenn hates “being sticky.” 🍦

And a friendship was born.

For the next 20 years, Kathy searched for the perfect spot to open another South Shore ice cream parlor. In 2020, she found it, establishing Scoops Ice Cream Company on Kernberma Street in Hull, MA, quickly followed by storefronts on “L” Street and at the famed Paragon Carousel. Kathy is passionate about employing local high school students from Hull and the surrounding towns, many of whom return every summer. She does all of this while also operating a bookkeeping business, servicing several local firms.

Today, Jenn is Master of Mayhem at Mrs. Mekler's Mercantile, with a second location in Pembroke, MA aptly titled Sea Salted by Mrs. Mekler's Mercantile. She is fiercely ambitious and often leaves people wondering when she sleeps. Jenn and Kathy, two powerful female entrepreneurs, make a dynamic, if not quirky, pair. Jenn thrives in organized chaos, while Kathy takes a calmer approach to business. The two will often bicker like an old married couple, but both realize they each bring something unique and special to their friendship table.

Their latest collaboration? Jenn’s dreamy chocolate chip cookies are now featured in Kathy’s shops for her famous ice cream sandwiches. Whether visiting Jenn’s delightful locations or any of Kathy’s 3 locations, be sure to bring your sweet tooth. These two are working on snack attacks, decorated cookies, and candy demonstrations! Life is “sweet!” 🍪🍪

Laurie Barrett - The Social Bark



South Shore Stuff Pembroke Chamber of Commerce Taste of Hull (Takeaways & Restaurants)

The new Chief Canine Officer of The Social Bark has arrived…and he’s already reaching for the stars.🌟

Presenting Winston Finley the 1st.

It’s been an emotional journey since losing Lilly in February. Her passing left such an immense void that I began visiting breeders and shelters within weeks, desperate to find that connection again…as if replacing her with another dog would somehow fill the enormous hole in my heart. My and grief had nowhere to go. I was drowning in sorrow. I needed to breathe.

For months, I’ve struggled to comprehend the depth of my pain. Lilly was never “just a dog,” but I also felt this inexplicable, gut-wrenching sadness, the likes of which I had never experienced before. Her absence reduced me to unpredictable bouts of sobbing at the sight of a golden retriever, leaving me wondering if I would ever feel whole again. It’s only recently that I’ve come to understand - dogs are unique in their unconditional happiness to see you. Whether I was gone for 6 minutes or 6 hours, Lilly would always greet me with such delight. She would bring me a ball or a toy – never giving it to me but nonetheless presenting – wagging her tail, circling around my legs and gazing at me with such pure, unadulterated joy.

Our human connections rarely match this level of adoration. Yet our souls crave it – acceptance, unconditional love, and the comfort of knowing who we are is enough at any moment in time. When we lose that , we lose the one thing that truly both mends and protects our broken hearts.

I’ve spent time alone, untethered, questioning whether I want another dog - vet bills, time restrictions and p**p bags serving as reminder of what lies ahead. Friends and family have advised me to “take some time…travel…do your own thing,” but after months of trekking, every picture I’ve taken is missing the one thing that brings out my unconditional smile.

Life is better with a dog.

It’s nice to meet you, Winston. I can’t wait to explore the world with you. 💕 🐾

Thesocialbark.com

Give Dad a day he'll never forget.

You will feel as if you’ve stumbled upon the best of both worlds here…the “Beechwood” area of Cohasset harkens back to old New England. Many of the homes are part of the Heritage Trail, which includes 250 of the town’s earliest homes and structures still standing. The architecture hearkens back to a simpler time and the Beechwood Ball Park looks like a movie set for Field of Dreams.

And down this quintessential New England dirt road is Mrs. Mekler's Mercantile…a sugar shack straight out of Norman Rockwell where you can fill your pantry with candies, custom grazing boxes, craft maple syrups and delicious coffee beans. If live within walking distance to this little box of sunshine, self-discipline is key. Purchases are based on the honor system – you can either place your cash in a small box or Venmo your payment.

In the mid-19th century, the Beechwood neighborhood was a thriving farming community with a general store, post office, school, fire station and Congregational Church, which is the only remaining historic building. The village general store is being restored, and the area borders the Aaron River Reservoir and Wompatuck State Park with an extensive network of hiking trails and a campground.

This might be heaven.

Come visit, and bring Dad for Father’s Day. The Sugar Shack is open 24/7 at 492 Beechwood Street, Cohasset, MA.



South Shore Stuff Sea Salted by Mrs. Mekler's Mercantile Hingham and South Shore Living

The BIG EVENT is almost here!

Join The Social Bark at the GRAND OPENING and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Sea Salted with the Pembroke Chamber of Commerce! 🎈👏

Experience the nostalgia, bask in the sweet smells, and indulge yourself…come visit Sea Salted by Mrs. Mekler's Mercantile on Thursday, May 23rd from 4:00-6:00pm. Mrs. M promises plenty of treats, surprises, soaps by Hidden Acres Homestead, signs by Citrus Daisy, and of course…CHOCOLATE! 💝

We’re so excited for this official unveiling. You’ll find us at 50 Corporate Park Drive, Unit 770, Pembroke, MA.



South Shore Stuff Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce

The Social Bark is thrilled to announce our partnership with Scoops Ice Cream Company Hull, MA! 🎉🍦

Owner Kathy Prevett is thrilled to bring her sweet creations to the heart of Hull for another year. So, grab your friends and family, and head over to any one of their 3 locations this weekend…better yet, visit them all! They can’t wait to serve you some smiles, one scoop at a time! ❤️

🍦540 Nantasket Avenue / Kenberma - open 2:00-8:00, where you’ll also find 2 vegan flavors, and be sure to bring your for a pup cup!

🍦205 Nantasket Avenue at the Paragon Carousel - open 12:00-7:00.

🍦752 Nantasket Avenue (formerly Frost Bite) – open 2:00-8:00.

Join Scoops for a tail-wagging, cone-licking good time, and make this summer the best one yet!

“Because one scoop is never enough!”

Stay tuned for more updates and special events coming your way. See you at Scoops! 🍦🐶❤️

Friends...The Social Bark is proud to work with Mrs. Mekler's Mercantile and we hope to see you next week!

PLEASE LIKE AND SHARE 💕

Join us for the official After Hours & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the company's new location at Sea Salted by Mrs. Mekler's Mercantile in Pembroke, MA! Hosted by the Pembroke Chamber of Commerce, this is the official GRAND OPENING!

When: Thursday, May 23, 2024, 4:00pm-6:00pm EST
Where: 50 Corporate Park Drive, #770, Pembroke, MA

They'll have lots of great goodies and sweet on hand, including Lemon Blueberry Breads, Colossal Cookies, Grazing Boxes, and more. Plenty of gifts and surprises for Mom, too! Be sure to check out our Queen of Hearts Grazing Boxes, Cranberry Candles, cute caps, and our special variety 100% Vermont Maple Syrups will be available!

If you can't make the Grand Opening, they are open weekly Wednesday-Saturday, beginning at 10:00am.

PSST...this is a great place to order your business gifts!

Plymouth and South Shore Association of Realtors PACTV, Rotary TV Auction South Shore Home, Life & Style South Shore Stuff

Don’t let anyone steal your shine.💙

Flowers, owls and dogs…the search continues as I look to grow team.

This is Willy…with a little bit of work, he might be ready for a junior corporate role by the end of the summer. I’m not pawsitive – he needs to clean up a little and lay off the sauce. 🍷

The owls pose a flight risk…likely not a good fit. 🦉

Wishing you wagging tails and a Happy Saturday! 💗

I found one of her favorite toys under the couch last night.

Words have been elusive…it’s as if when Lilly died, she took that part of me with her…the part that could articulate the inspiration, desperation and chaos of life. I struggle with digging deep, knowing with that comes pain and uncertainty I’m not ready to confront. I remain at surface level, distracted and safe.

But the moments do come…like when I lifted the couch to finally retrieve the remaining fur and there it was…her favorite bunny, peaking up at me as I caught my breath. I stared at it for several painful seconds, frozen with the vacuum in one hand and my heart in the other. I slowly bent over to pick it up, feeling the roughness of it on my fingers, matted fur on its back.

Each encounter with her memory reminds me I need to embrace the grief and memories that await, to stop quickly swiping past the images that pop up on my social feeds. That time will come. But for now, my mind finds solace in imagining her by my side on our favorite trails, patiently waiting for my heart to catch up.

thesocialbark.com

Attention Entrepreneurs and Business owners! 🌟

Are you ready to make your mark in the digital world? At The Social Bark, we believe that every business is a unique story waiting to be told – and we're here to help you share yours!

We're thrilled to announce a FREE one hour consultation to the first 5 business owners that message The Social Bark! We’ll help you craft and amplify your business story…whether you're a budding startup or an established brand, storytelling is key to building meaningful connections with your audience and standing out in a crowded market.

We'll dig deep into your business journey, uncovering the passion and purpose behind your . We'll explore what sets you apart, the challenges you've overcome, and the values that drive you forward. Then, we'll work together to craft a compelling narrative that resonates with your target audience and showcases the heart and soul of your business.

So, whether you're looking to attract new customers, build brand loyalty, or simply share your passion with the world, let The Social Bark be your trusted guide Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step towards unlocking the power of your business story. 🌟

thesocialbark.com

Stories are up!

Comment sections are available at the end of each story. 💕

If you like, comment or share, please use hashtag!

The Kitchen Table — The Social Bark Pull up a chair. Perspectives welcome.

Excited to have written this piece on Andrew Johnson, General Manager of Orvis Sandanona! For the full read, please visit: https://bit.ly/OrvisSandanonaAndrewJohnson

Storytelling is a dynamic and influential method of conveying narratives through social media platforms and blogs. It leverages multimedia elements such as images, videos, and concise text to engage audiences and evoke emotional responses.

By crafting compelling and relatable stories, individuals and businesses can effectively build connections, foster brand loyalty, and spark meaningful conversations within the digital realm.

Why use social media storytelling for your small business? 🌟

✅Using social media storytelling for a small business can offer several benefits, contributing to enhanced brand visibility, engagement, and customer connection:

✅Humanizing Your Brand:
Storytelling allows you to showcase the human side of your . Sharing stories about the people behind the brand, their experiences, and values helps create a more relatable and authentic image.

✅Building Emotional Connections:
Stories evoke emotions, and when customers connect emotionally with your brand, it fosters a sense of loyalty. By sharing compelling narratives, you can create a deeper with your audience.

✅Showcasing Your Values and Mission:
Social media storytelling provides a platform to communicate your business's values, mission, and purpose. This transparency can resonate with customers who align with your beliefs, fostering trust and loyalty.

✅Differentiation in a Crowded Market:
Effective storytelling can set your apart by highlighting what makes it unique, whether it's the journey, values, or the impact it seeks to make.

✅Increasing Engagement and Reach:
Engaging stories that capture attention are more likely to be shared, increasing your brand's reach and visibility on social media platforms.

✅Encouraging User-Generated Content:
Sharing customer success stories or experiences with your products/services encourages user-generated content. This not only provides social proof but also involves your audience in the storytelling process.

✅Enhancing Brand Recall:
Memorable stick in the minds of consumers. Well-crafted narratives can contribute to better brand recall, ensuring that your business remains in the thoughts of your audience.

✅Showcasing Product or Service Benefits:
Instead of simply listing features, storytelling enables you to demonstrate how your products or services solve problems or enhance the lives of your customers, making your offerings more compelling.

Social media storytelling is a powerful tool for your small business! Let us help you create a distinctive brand identity, connect emotionally with your audience, and stand out in a competitive digital landscape.

In loving memory...wishing our Branch Manager the very happiest of birthdays over the Rainbow Bridge today. 💗

Ms. Lilly - you are so very missed. The void is massive, but I know you are chasing squirrels and eating bacon with your sister, Chloe. I am walking without you now, and will hold your memory close to my heart until we trek our next mountain together.

Ms. Lilly Tuukka
2/26/14 - 2/6/24

The tranquility of a winter wonderland, snow crunching beneath my boots, and the crisp cold air offer me an unmatched sense of connection to myself. Icy trails lead to nature’s frozen beauty in its most pristine form, and I am in awe at what lies ahead. 💚

thesocialbark.com

It has been a while since it was just the two of us on a leisurely Saturday…nowhere to go, nothing pressing to get done. We’ve unpacked. Settled in.

It almost feels…foreign. Life has slowed down. I am no longer visiting a storage unit to find missing books, clothes or reminders of what used to be. I make coffee in the mornings now, and stroll Lilly around the block while she waits for biscuits from the postman. Sometimes she gets two. It’s quiet here, and if I listen closely, the owls follow us home on evening walks. Life here is idyllic, surreal.

And yet I know, during these moments of stillness, that I am truly not still at all. There is a restlessness, a sense of urgency, that continues to tap my soul. I recognize that perhaps I am not living authentically, but also that I have grown beyond extreme action…movement that would result in discarding everything and everyone simply to quiet the insatiable desire to roam.

I have been on the sidelines now for a little over two years, having taken a sabbatical from world eruption. But I am far too curious to find permanent calm.

“I want to feel the adrenaline of a bear sighting as I hike the Appalachian Trail; talk with strangers as I explore the main streets and back roads of small-town America; learn to play the guitar and write my favorite guy a song that we’ll sing as we sip whiskey in dive bars. Let me struggle to catch my breath as I'm kissed under the Dark Sky in Maine. I want to debate over politics, question God, and never satisfy the incessant hunger to experience more.”

When I grabbed the leash this morning, Lilly grunted and cocked her head as if to say “what took you so long?” I briefly held her back from chasing seagulls when we arrived at the beach, knowing that if she ran too long or fast, she would limp later. But after a few minutes of leash pulling and gasping, I set her free.

Life is meant to be chased. Settled in, but not settling.

https://www.thesocialbark.com

The Social Bark is expanding and I am now a Brand Ambassador for Sea Love! 💕

Working alongside friends and fellow female women entrepreneurs, Lorraine LeClerc DeVaux and Stacy Miller, I am thrilled to be affiliated with this cherished New England candle bar and boutique. It's an inspiration for life and home - a curated collection of coastal-inspired products combined with a custom experience to help bring your memories alive through the art of scent blending and 'pouring your own'. 🕯️

We are so passionate about fragrance and helping you create a space you love, feel good about, and which reflects a life well lived!

Click below to visit my Ambassador page and enter "LAURIE10" as the promo code when you purchase - this will give you 10% off.🌟

Thank you for your support!

Sea Love | A Candle Bar and Boutique Sea Love is for the inspired to help create their happy place with thoughtfully curated home fragrance and lifestyle accents. With the commitment to choosing and crafting products with the least environmental impact and supporting US makers and craftsman.

I stumbled upon this hidden gem while searching for a different restaurant...

Lenny’s Hideaway in Cohasset takes you from the "Barrio to the Beach" with recipes from the family’s barrio in Irapuato as well as food typical of Baja and the Mayan Riviera.

A full flight of stairs brings you to a visual paradise where the walls are covered in album covers (I found several favorites) and the covered porch overlooks the beer garden next door. The church bells from Saint Stephens Parish Church chime as you sit under the disco ball and experience sensory overload. A must visit!