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By Ginger DeShaney Jane Hayes Handrahan loves dogs. Some might even call her a “crazy dog lady.” “Anyone who has surrendered their heart to their dog understands what I mean. I love dogs because people …,” she said, trailing off. “Dogs are wicked cool. They all have their own cool personalities. They’re kind of like people, but they don’t talk back. They are always happy to see you. They don’t make snide remarks.”  Then there’s that unconditional love dogs offer.  Jane turned her passion for pooches into a business. Several years back, Jane made the unfortunate mistake of buying her beloved black German Shepherd, Leyna, chicken treats made in China. She then realized that polyurethane was an ingredient in the product to increase its shelf [...]

By Ginger DeShaney Candles are so much more than a source of light or the perfect gift. “Each part of lighting a candle, the glow from the flickering flame, the warm fragrance wafting through the air, elicits very personal emotions,” said Ashley Seamans. “A familiar scent can trigger joy, calm, focus, and bring new energy to your sacred space.” Ashley and her team at Noted make each soy candle and reed diffuser by hand in small batches in her open, light-filled South Boston studio at 423 W. Broadway, Suite 302. “Our candles and diffusers are used as a tool for creating a happier life and making your house feel more like home,” she said. Noted’s core foundation is powerful: fresh and unique fragrances inspired by [...]

By Ginger DeShaney After an almost year-long hiatus, Cafe Polonia is open again! The famed South Boston Polish restaurant is under new management with a pair of hard-working Polish brothers at the helm: Marcin, 32, and Damian Biedrzycki, 24.   But the small, homey restaurant looks the same, the menu is the same, the cooks are the same (amazing Polish mamas), and the food is as good as ever.  “We’ll blow your mind with the taste,” said Marcin. “We offer traditional Polish meals,” Damian said. “It’s nice and filling.” “And you get a solid portion,” Marcin added.  What makes polish food so special? “Everything,” said Marcin, who loves pierogi. The restaurant offers different styles of pierogi: cheese; potato and cheese; cabbage and mushroom; and meat. Damian [...]