Somerville
Beacon Street in Somerville probably doesn’t top anyone’s list of places to shop. Yet on a nondescript stretch of the road, we found an adorable boutique with a well-edited set of products: Satinbox (353 Beacon Street, Somerville, 617.497.0141), which serves as the pint-size showroom for the much larger Web site of the same name. Owned by a Stanford-educated couple with a passion for wonderful wares, the store stocks everything from Asian teas to stylish guidebooks and scented candles. What catches our eye, however, is their selection of goods for the body. Fragrant Maria Evora Spanish Soaps ($28), Celestial Shower Gels ($16), and Terax Shampoo ($12) could fill our shopping bag. And don’t miss SatinClouds ($5), the store’s own line of 100-percent-cotton pads ideal for removing makeup. Speaking of makeup, when your face has had enough of it, indulge in a little pampering at Breathe Spa (37A Davis Square, Somerville, 617.628.7772), recently relocated to Davis Square. The funky décor and friendly staff are great, but the real treats are the wide range of body treatments, facials, waxing, and nail services. A Dew Drop body scrub ($60) helps ready skin for summer styles, while the thorough Beach Feet pedicure ($65) is an absolute must before donning strappy sandals.