sailor tote bag

With our summer Cape week near in site, I just might have to get myself one of these sailor tote bags. Only problem is, I can't decide which color...navy, red or yellow. You'll just have to take a look at bayanhippo's collection on Etsy, and while you're picking out which color I should get, you should get one for yourself too :) Check out her Etsy shop!

the flower series

CALLING ALL BRIDES: The Flower Series has launched! BOSTON JACK is offering an inexpensive way to thank your bridesmaids with these perfect little gifts. Whether it's pink roses, white hydrangeas or classic calla lilies, Boston Jack will incorporate the chosen flowers of your wedding into a body scrub. The scrub will be scented and decorated with the flowers! To top it off, we will personalize the label. Think: "Jenn and Mike, August 12th, 2011" with a very special quote or personalized thank you to your girls. Send us an email to bostonjackhandmade@gmail.com for inquiries!

dead sea mud

I have officially become obsessed with dead sea mud. I use it 3x a week. On my face and on my hair. About 10 minutes before my shower I gently massage it into my face and scalp. For the hair it cleanses hair and scalp, strengthens hair and roots, helps to remove dandruff and, of course, leaves hair soft, with a healthy shine. For the skin, it naturally cleanses and disinfects skin while removing toxins, exfoliates, and gently removes dead skin cells. Also, tones and softens the skin while unclogging pores, stimulates circulation and replenishes essential minerals such as Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium. I can automatically feel the improvement of my overall complexion. I'm about to take a trip to the Dead Sea!

boston jack is back

Boston Jack is back... it's simply convenient and fun. I passionately work with Jack at my feet. His senses are ripened by the smells of essential oils and the feeling of sea salt at his fingertips. He plays with the bamboo scoops and bangs them against the mixing bowls, making music. I've sourced out Dead Sea Salt and Dead Sea mud to create luxurious body products. Infusing them with almond oil and essential oils creates a delicate yet invigorating shower experience. My favorite is the Coffee Bean Kitchen Scrub, which is made with fair trade coffee, dead sea salt and vanilla essential oil. The coffee grinds take the smell of fish and garlic off your hands after cooking- I keep one next to my kitchen sink...you should too! Starting tomorrow, they will be available at Mercato Del Mare (The Fish Store) on Salem St. So if you're a North End local, check it out! Each scrub comes with a bamboo scoop...not only are they useful, but they're pretty damn cute! Every few months I will rotate the products out to reflect the season. Think: Brown sugar scrubs and Gingerbread body butters; I may even linger on the gourmet side of things too! Lots of ideas, lots of fun. Check out the new website and stay tuned for updates through our Facebook page. See you all there!

bring it home boys!

lentil soup in june

It might be June, but New England weather always brings us a November chill at random. This lentil soup recipe is a favorite of my mothers. That's right, I dug into the family recipe box to share it with you. (For you Julianne) Enjoy!

Ingredients:

3 carrots (chopped)

2 sticks of Celery (chopped)

1 onion (chopped)

2 cloves of garlic (minced)

1 lb of green lentils

11 cups of liquid: half chicken broth, half water

(I usually do 6 cups broth, 5 cups water)

15oz. can of diced tomatoes

fresh thyme

salt, pepper to taste

olive oil

grated parmesean cheese

Directions:

saute mirapoix (carrots, celery & onion) in olive oil

throw garlic in

add tomato, cook down for 5-6 min

add lentils

add liquid

throw thyme in during last 30min

salt and pepper to taste

cover and let cook for 1 hour.

When served, drizzle olive oil and sprinkle parmesean cheese

DELISH :) enjoy!

handmade gnocchi

After much hesitation, I have decided to FINALLY woman up, tap into my strong Italian roots and make gnocchi from scratch. Being a mom and all, I'm supposed to make things from scratch right? This will be a Sunday night affair so please stay tuned for my recipe and photos!