Hydrangea How-To

One of the showiest and ubiquitous of summertime blooms, hydrangeas are a popular choice for South Shore residents looking to add a pop of color to their yard. Here are a few tips from local master gardeners for keeping hydrangeas happy and cultivating bountiful blooms.   Consider Color “Hydrangeas have the widest range of colors … Read more

Just Add Salt Water

A passion for community and coastal living inspired a Kingston couple to create 3N3 Apparel and the Salty Harbor Shop. By Kate Sheehan  As the summer season kicked off in July—a mere four months into a global pandemic—Brandi and Jared Waitkus made the unlikely choice to leap into entrepreneurship by launching a boating-inspired apparel and … Read more

Keeping Things Rolling at Funtastics

By Jennifer H. McInerney – Photography by Jack Foley Patti Miller, the founder of Funtastics in North Scituate Village, remembers vividly (and fondly) the very first child who signed up for her gymnastics program in 1987—a 3-year-old girl named Siobhan. Fast-forward 33 years: Siobhan Karlberg now sits behind the Funtastics reception desk reminiscing with Miller about … Read more

Totally Turquoise

Aqua and white giraffe print linen Hank pillow. Available at Trellis Home Design, 28 South St., Hingham, 781-385-7907, shop.trellishomedesign.com.     This bubbles chandelier by Regina Andrew Design radiates light through a cluster of hand blown glass globes. Available at Welch Company, 132 Front St., Scituate, 781-545-1400, welchcompany.com. Poly Adirondack Chairs, available at Chapin Sheds, … Read more

Falling in Love with Colorful Spaces

Local designers reveal how vibrant paint, tile, fabrics and wallcoverings can add personality and an uplifting atmosphere to your home.  by Maria Allen We’re all spending a lot more time at home these days. If you’re tired of staring at white walls and looking for ways to beautify your surroundings, you might want to consider … Read more

Getting Back to Baking

Quarantine offers a fresh start for a Kingston entrepreneur. By Jennifer H. McInerney — Photography by Jack Foley During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, many South Shore businesses discovered that “business as usual” was no longer an option. This led to a dramatic reimagining of existing business models, with some entrepreneurs “pivoting” in … Read more

Art Couture

Holly Nichols Illustrations

Quincy artist Holly Nichols reveals the magic behind her fabulous fashion illustrations. By Maria Allen – Photography by Derrick Zellmann A rainbow of Copic Sketch markers fans out atop a desk in Holly Nichols’ home office. An artist who specializes in fashion illustration, she gently shifts the angle of her wrist and tightness of her … Read more

Bright, Bold and Blooming

10 expert tips for creating a sensational spring flower arrangement. By Maria Allen – Photography by Kate Rogan After a long, cold winter, one of the best ways to celebrate the arrival of spring is by filling your home with the color and sweet fragrance of fresh flowers. Depending on the blooms that you choose, … Read more

Not-Your-Average Doughnuts

By Maria Allen, Photo by Jack Foley   Longtime friends Janelle Brooks of Weymouth and Lynne Gray of Hanson are the founders of a boutique baking business known as The Doughnut Bar. The two friends, who have worked as bartenders for years (Brooks at Bay Pointe Waterfront Restaurant in Quincy and Gray at Stockholders Steakhouse in … Read more

Stay Golden

A Scituate entrepreneur’s stylish lifestyle brand is an ode to New England. Story and Photography by Kate Rogan Scituate resident Robbin Mangano is a natural storyteller. Whether bringing a client’s story to life via her public relations and social media marketing company, Wave Collective, or documenting her life on the South Shore to her more … Read more

Pretty in Pink

10 Tips for hosting a memorable Galentine’s Day brunch By Maria Allen Each year, after spending countless hours designing picturesque New England weddings and other personalized social events for her clients, Kate Murtaugh, owner of Kate Murtaugh Events & Design, likes to take a day to raise a glass to her closest friends and colleagues … Read more

Hometown Designer

Raised on the South Shore and trained in Italy, Mya Royal returns to her roots to launch a bespoke apparel business on the Plymouth waterfront. By Kelly Chase Photography by Julia Cumes and Ella Farrell Photography A salty sea breeze blows off the harbor as fashion designer Mya Royal opens the doors to her second-floor atelier … Read more