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The Social Bark Creating content that inspires, empowers, and converts.

Sometimes, when you’re focusing on yourself, it happens.And sometimes, you might owe it all to a dog.💗I’m thrilled to sh...
05/06/2025

Sometimes, when you’re focusing on yourself, it happens.

And sometimes, you might owe it all to a dog.💗

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve officially contracted as a contributing writer to The South Shore Magazine! It’s been quite a journey.

In March of 2020, as Covid reared its ugly head and the world shut down, I was unexpectedly laid off due to a corporate restructuring. What initially felt like chaos soon revealed itself as opportunity. I saw small business owners struggling to survive, desperate to connect with their communities online and adapt to a new digital reality.

So, I dove in — helping entrepreneurs build brand awareness, establish their online presence, and navigate social media. Some promoted contactless delivery; others were simply embracing the digital age for the first time.

And me? Well, I had a dog. A dog who made me social in the most wonderful way. Lilly pulled me into friendships – with strangers on the street, the kind souls behind counters with biscuits, and countless others.

The Social Bark was born.

I continued to tell stories, with sweet Lilly by my side. For those who know my story, you know I lost her in February of 2024 to an aggressive form of cancer. But her spirit and legacy live on in every word I write.

Since 2000, South Shore Magazine has been a beloved direct-mail publication, reaching 15,000 homes from Milton to Plymouth, MA. It’s also available digitally, extending its reach to an additional 15,000 readers. Copies can also be found through local advertisers and at the Hingham Commuter Boat newsstand box. You can explore past issues here: https://www.thesouthshoremagazine.com/

The magazine celebrates our vibrant communities through profiles of local businesses and nonprofits, with sections including House & Home, Health & Wellness, Our Community, Business, Life & Style, and my personal favorite, Great Tastes — celebrating restaurants, craft beers, wines, spirits, and the local music scene.

If you have a story to tell, drop me a message! I’ll connect you with the magazine’s owner, Stan Blackmur, to discuss pricing. And a huge heartfelt thank you to Stan for this incredible opportunity.

Stay tuned for my first story — in print!

12/03/2025

Join two of my FAVORITE clients tomorrow, March 13th!

Get Ready for a Shamrockin' St. Patrick's Day Celebration with Mrs. Mekler's Mercantile and Scoops Ice Cream Company!

This dynamic duo has teamed up again to bring you the luckiest treats around! Indulge in a sweet spread of St. Paddy's Day delights, including:

☘️Caramel Apple Streusel Pie
☘️Key Lime Pie
☘️Chocolate Crack Pie
☘️Irish Soda Bread (Regular with Caraway Seeds or Seedless!)
☘️And of course… Shamrock Shakes for some minty magic!

Get your green on and show up with your best leprechaun impression…we promise not to judge. 🤣

Join us this Thursday, March 13th, 2:00-5:00pm at L Street, Hull, MA!

Pembroke Chamber of Commerce

I can't love this enough. My dear friend Jennifer Mekler (and fabulously fun client of The Social Bark) is going nationa...
06/03/2025

I can't love this enough. My dear friend Jennifer Mekler (and fabulously fun client of The Social Bark) is going national!!

Be sure to tune into the Kelly Clarkson show on March 11th at 3:00pm EST and watch Jenn rock the stage!

Congratulations, Jenn!!!!

The new Chief Canine Officer of The Social Bark is all muscle and ‘tude. 🐾💪
16/11/2024

The new Chief Canine Officer of The Social Bark is all muscle and ‘tude. 🐾💪

There are moments in life when you can feel it—the quiet tension between where you are and where you’re about to be when...
08/11/2024

There are moments in life when you can feel it—the quiet tension between where you are and where you’re about to be when you finally cross that bridge.

It’s as if the universe is holding its breath, and so are you. The path ahead feels both uncertain and full of possibility, like standing on the edge of something extraordinary that you can’t quite put into words yet.

It’s not a moment of arrival, but of becoming. You’re on the verge of something bigger than yourself, and the pieces are starting to fall into place, even if you don’t have the full picture yet. It’s the sense that greatness isn’t just a distant dream—it’s something you’re stepping into, one choice, one challenge, one breakthrough at a time.

You might not know exactly how it’s going to unfold or what shape it will take, but you know one thing: you’re ready. Ready to push past the limits, ready to trust the process, ready to embrace the unknown. Because greatness isn’t always about the grand, flashy moments. Sometimes, it’s about the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you’ve already put in the work, and the best is yet to come.

So if you’re feeling that quiet excitement, that spark of something huge on the horizon—trust it. You’re on the verge of something incredible. And while the journey may be full of twists and turns, keep going. Greatness is often most profound when it’s inexplicable. Keep moving forward. It’s coming. 💗🐾

thesocialbark.com

When he woke at 5:30, barking and rearing to go, I knew I had found my spirit animal. 💛🧡💙
27/10/2024

When he woke at 5:30, barking and rearing to go, I knew I had found my spirit animal. 💛🧡💙

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...
06/09/2024

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...
07/08/2024

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 Da...
26/07/2024

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 ic...
17/07/2024

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 ...
11/07/2024

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” ...
14/06/2024

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

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