by Emma Brennan | Sep 29, 2021 | October 2021, Stuff
Local skincare brand Good Juju Herbal offers natural and sustainable bar soaps for happy skin.
Judith Jones’ severe eczema gave her a run for her money (quite literally—dumpster diving was even involved…), but after unearthing allergies to 17 common chemicals found in most skincare products, she spent her last $20 on a soap-making kit, to which—guess what—she wasn’t allergic.
Classic sob story turned inspiration, Jones used this basic allergen-friendly soap as the launchpad for her now very successful female-run, 100% natural, sustainable (and affordable!) skincare brand, Good Juju Herbal—and, more recently, as a platform for the Happy Skin Project, which provides people undergoing harsh treatments like chemo or radiation with free, discounted and deeply moisturizing bar soap.
As a former health care provider and a longtime sufferer of troubled skin (who also has a long list of family members touched and taken by cancer), Jones knows that proper and affordable skincare products for fragile or medically impacted skin is an important—yet often overlooked—part of holistic care.
“The Happy Skin Project is a forever type of project for me,” says Jones. “Not only does this work help me process my mom’s terminal cancer diagnosis, but it also highlights the things I care about most in the work that I do… helping [people] achieve healthy skin and thus a more comfortable life.”
The Happy Skin Project is just one of the ways in which Jones is providing better skincare basics, education and community to others. And it’s working out pretty well for her too. After all, she went from dumpster diving to being featured in the likes of Vogue, HuffPost, People, BuzzFeed and more. Talk about a success story.
Good Juju Herbal is also currently going zero waste as part of the company’s focus on sustainability (all products are made from plants and naturally derived ingredients). The gentle yet hardworking handmade soap is vegan and formulated for any sex, any age, any skin—hence every “body”—and can even be used as a laundry detergent (a win-win!).
So if you have skin issues yourself, or just appreciate well-made skincare products that’ll make you feel good, throw a bar of soap in your cart (there are tons of great seasonal scents from which to choose—including spiced pumpkin and cinnamon oatmeal!)… and consider donating a Happy Skin Project bar for just $2 more while you’re at it. Scrub-a-dub-dub… feelin’ good in the tub! goodjujuherbal.com
by Emma Brennan | Sep 7, 2021 | Do, September 2021, Web Exclusive
WEB EXCLUSIVE Stressed out? Stretch Out. Tap into your inner Zen this month with these local yoga classes and events that will have you downward dogging in no time.
If you’re bent out of shape and looking for an excuse to better your mind, body and soul this month, try taking up yoga. The benefits of yoga stretch far beyond the mat—beyond improving strength, flexibility, balance and sleep, yoga is also great at shrinking stress, battling back pain and alleviating arthritis symptoms. Whether you’re a bona fide yogi or a newbie, these local yoga classes are sure to position you in a great state of mind. See you on the mat!
Sculpt your bod from head to toe through one of CorePower Yoga’s most popular yoga fitness classes, Yoga Sculpt. The workout combines free weights with CorePower Yoga’s signature CorePower Yoga 2 sequencing and cardio for a class that builds lean muscle mass and leaves you looking and feeling your best.
Who doesn’t love a hard-earned drink after a yoga sesh? Check out Raleigh’s new development, Smoky Hollow, while bending and stretching through Joy Worthy Co.’s Sweat & Sangria beginners’ yoga event on Sept. 9. Tickets include an introductory yoga session with Pamela Hope of Wanderlust yoga, two handcrafted sangrias and, well, what else could you need? If nothing else, do it for the sangria!
Turn up the heat and flow to the beat through 110 Yoga’s signature Hot Flow class. Practice sun salutations, standing postures, simple arm balances, core strengthening exercises and more in a 103- to 105-degree studio that’ll have you feeling the burn in more ways than one.
We all have to start somewhere. So, if you’ve never done yoga before or are intimidated by the yogis that frequent your local studio, consider getting bendy with Bliss Body Yoga’s 6-week Beginner Series starting Sept. 13. Through the class (offered both in-person and virtually), you’ll learn the basics in a safe and comfortable environment and graduate ready to bend your way through Raleigh’s studios.
Looking to stretch it out while soaking up the last of those warm summer days? Head out to Dix every Wednesday evening for Yoga in the Park (gentle flow yoga takes place the first and third Wednesday of every month, while Yin Yoga takes place every second and fourth Wednesday). Classes appeal to both beginners and pros.
Be healthy and happy at Indigo, where the heat is cranked up to allow for deeper stretches in your body and improve the quality of your breath. A variety of classes are on offer this month, from Hot Vinyasa Flow to Hip Hop Flow to Gentle Hot Flow and more. Whichever class you choose, it promises to be hot!
On Sept. 22, Midtown Yoga is taking over North Hills’ Midtown Park to offer a variety of yoga styles from various traditions. It’s the perfect opportunity to try out some new poses—and it doesn’t hurt that Vita Vite is right there for a well-deserved post-yoga glass of vino.
Is there a better way to start your weekend than with a yoga sesh and a round of mimosas with your crew? We think not. Head over to Dogwood Bar + Eatery every Saturday morning for a 60-minute yoga class with Oak City Yoga founder Paula Fraschetti—followed by our fave weekend morning combo of OJ and Champagne. Cheers!
Coming Soon
Providing yet another op to bend it out in Smoky Hollow is Emily Wallace’s forthcoming Dose Yoga + Smoothie Bar. The new digs will offer hot yoga, warm yoga and meditation—plus a smoothie bar for refueling after a tough sesh. Perfect for getting your “daily dose” of fitness and rejuvenation. “Positive side effects, guaranteed.”
by Emma Brennan | Sep 2, 2021 | Do, September 2021, Web Exclusive
WEB EXCLUSIVE Activate Good is offering over 250 volunteer opportunities through its September Month of Service and 9/11 Day 20-Year Anniversary Remembrance.
“People-powered projects for good” is what Activate Good is all about, and that’s exactly what the nonprofit will be offering during its September Month of Service and 9/11 Day 20-Year Anniversary Remembrance—with over 250 ops (virtual and in-person) now through Sept. 30 to get out and give back to the community.
In previous years—excluding 2020—Activate Good has hosted a single day of service to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11. With the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the nonprofit has molded their tradition into a monthlong endeavor seeking to safely “do some good.”
“Last year, we saw a light shine on some of the biggest needs in our community,” says Amber Smith, executive director of Activate Good. “People stepped up to help their neighbors and volunteered in communities across the Triangle. But we know the need is not over yet—we’re hoping people will keep it up.”
Our community could always use a little help, but especially now. Here are 10 ways to get involved this month—and keep the do-gooding train running full steam ahead. For Activate Good’s full list of featured volunteer opportunities this month, go to activategood.org/september-month-of-service-2021.
Horses for Hope is looking for volunteers to help beautify the grounds with mowing, weed-whacking, power-washing, pasture-dragging, fence-mending, tree-cutting, trail maintenance and more on Sept. 11.
Help keep Raleigh’s streets clean by picking up litter on sidewalks throughout Downtown on Sept. 23 from 8am to noon.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)’s signature fundraising event helps raise both awareness and funds to eliminate drunk and drugged driving. Sign up to volunteer at Knightdale Station Park on Sept. 25.
Calling all aspiring gardeners! The North Carolina Victim Assistance Network (NCVAN) is looking for volunteers to help spruce up its garden on Sept. 26.
Carroll’s Kitchen, which provides women with healthy employment and stability in its REM program, is throwing its five-year anniversary event on Sept. 28 and needs volunteers to help set up, serve and break down.
Help package and sort food for distribution to relief centers and food pantries around the region through the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina (multiple dates).
Don’t mind getting your hands dirty? Help Wildwoods Farm prepare for fall by spreading mulch throughout their gardens and planting beds (multiple dates).
The Historic Oakwood Cemetery invites you to write letters of sympathy to those who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19.
Make those experiencing homelessness in Wake County feel right at home by creating a warm and inviting environment in Oak City Cares’ community lunchroom and helping assemble and distribute meals to guests (multiple dates).
Help organize and restock items at The Salvation Army of Wake County’s Family Store, which sells items to the community at low prices and then uses the proceeds to help pay for our other programs (multiple dates).
by Emma Brennan | Aug 19, 2021 | Do, July/August 2021, Web Exclusive
8/19
CHATHAM RABBITS
Listen to the timeless bluegrass sounds and deep lyrics of North Carolina-based duo Austin and Sarah of the Chatham Rabbits. There’s no way you’ll be “blue” while listening to this band! garnernc.gov
8/19
JASON ALDEAN
Aldean Army, attention! This country heavy-hitter is back in the saddle and bringing his long-awaited tour to Walnut Creek—joined by HARDY and Lainey Wilson. “We back!” walnutcreekamphitheatre.com
8/19
RALEIGH NIGHT MARKET
Everyone’s favorite nighttime market returns to Downtown to deliver live entertainment, food trucks and over 40 local vendors. Good times, good food and good music abound! raleighnightmarket.com
8/19
LAUGH OUT CLOUDS
Join Clouds Brewing and some of the finest comedians from around the country for a “cirrusly” laughable stand-up comedy show. LOL-ing to be expected. eventbrite.com
8/19–21
AZALEA FESTIVAL
Stop everything. Avett Brothers will be playing this year’s (summer!) Azalea Fest at Riverfront Park in Wilmington (not to mention Sublime, etc.). Hey, “if it’s the beaches…” ncazaleafestival.org
8/19–21
MICHAEL RAPAPORT
Phoebe’s BF Gary (“The One With the Cop”)—not to mention 60+ other film credits and sitcom star appearances—and host of worldwide phenomenon I am Rapaport Stereo Podcast swings into town for some must-see laughs at Goodnights. goodnightscomedy.com
8/22
ALANIS MORISSETTE
Famous for her moving vocals, Alanis Morissette will be gracing us with her presence at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre. walnutcreekamphitheatre.com
8/22
BLACK FARMERS MARKET
Find fantastic farmers and florists, bodacious bakers, super-cool seafood sellers and more at the good ol’ City of Oaks’ Black Farmer’s Market. Support these communities and fill all your farm-fresh foods and handmade goods needs in one go! We’re so there. blackfarmersmkt.com
8/24
HARRY CONNICK JR.
Jazz sensation and leading man to the likes of Sandra Bullock and Hilary Swank, Harry Connick Jr. exemplified excellence in almost every area of the entertainment world. So… where are you gonna be when he and his seven-piece band grace the stage at Koka Booth? boothamphitheatre.com
