Hot—er, cold!—off the presses… juices are on trend—and, no, it’s not 2012. … If you thought the trend was so 10 years ago—you’re right—and it’s clearly packed with staying power. The main squeeze has now gained global popularity for its myriad health benefits and on-the-go ease—NTM a host of celebs reach for ’em (s/o to that green juice Gwyneth Paltrow brought to court). Thanks to its immune-building, well, building blocks, the potable potion continues to rank high in beverage market trends. In fact, according to Market Data Forecast, “the cold-pressed juice market size is expected to reach $1.05 billion by the end of 2027 in terms of value, with a compound annual growth rate of about 7%.” No surprise, given the immune system takes the cake—er, juice—for health goals at 66%, followed by digestion at 56%, heart health at 53%, and so on, according to FMCG Gurus. Add to that the bang for your buck—read: not having to buy all the expensive low-shelf-life fruits and veggies and press them yourself—and, well, it’s sort of a no-brainer that this liquid gold is likely here to stay. And if you’re lookin’ to up your flavor game, Flavorman predicts a tropical lean for 2023 (hey, pineapple, mango, grapefruit!)—and that’s a vibe we can get behind. Here, the juices that have us sippin’ into summer.
Slay your summer via new sound shops, books, sustainable brands and more.
All about the frills? Find Frills Atelier selling sustainable + upcycled styles and accessories in its new pop-up shop on Martin Street. After all, nothing looks cuter than being green! @shopthefrills
You’re gonna wanna frame this one. Warby Parker’s newly opened storefront in Fenton is a sight for sore eyes indeed. How spec-tacular! @warbyparker
Raleighites and sisters Natalie and Ashley Yakopec—who you might know from their fashion/lifestyle page Polished Pineapple—are the proud new owners of women’s boutique Gena Chandler in North Hills. Slay! @genachandler
Book it over to nab a copy of Sassool co-owner Lisa Saleh’s latest book, Moussa Domit: A True Artist, a biography about a Lebanese man who comes to America and eventually starts a bakery (psst it’s Neomonde!). BRB, adding to our must-read list!@sassoolcafe
Grab the popcorn! Triangle Cinemas is now playing in the previous Six Forks Cinemas spot. … And, scene! @trianglecinemas
Do you hear what I hear? Sound Off Records & Hi-Fi recently spun into a new locale lauding used records and vintage audio equipment in the Warehouse District. As Rihanna would say, “please don’t stop the music.” @soundoff_hifi
New store, who dis? Check out H&M’s new Crabtree digs flaunting an expanded array of fab fashions and an updated ambiance. Let’s shop till we drop! @hm
Popcorn, Adobe Stock; remaining photos courtesy of brands
Getting dirty in the garden has never felt so clean.
We’ve all grown up hearing the phrase “a little dirt never hurt” (thanks, Dad), and the words ring truer than ever with Good Dirt’s new Dirt in a Box. Just in time for spring planting, the Raleigh-based garden supplies biz has released its proprietary potting mix in sustainable (and totally chic) packaging made entirely from post-consumer waste materials.
In keeping with their mission of simple, successful and sustainable, founders Al and Suzy Newsom decided to say “see ya” to virgin plastic in their packaging and create an industry-disrupting alternative that would be as Earth-friendly as their one-of-a-kind potting mix.
“One of the things we were always talking about was that we’re working in a zero-waste manufacturing facility; we’re doing all the things we can for what’s in the product to be sustainable, chemical-free, and vegan- and nut-free—but then there’s the plastic,” says Suzy, whose marketing background complements her husband’s lifelong career in horticulture. “So, we did a ton of research and came up with what we kept calling Dirt in a Box. … But it had to be more than a box because anybody can ship dirt in cardboard. It had to be a box that was sustainable, a box that was a compostable, a box that you can use in your garden and would suppress weeds.”
In addition to constructing the box from 100% post-consumer waste, Al notes the company uses local resources whenever possible, driving a circular economy that ensures sustainable growth and keeps the company’s carbon footprint low. “We’re not perfect, but we strive to be,” he says.
Did we mention the box is also gorgeous? Featuring a lively watercolor print by Seattle artist Sarah Simon (@themintgardener), the elevated packaging speaks to the Newsoms’ own appreciation for art (they are avid collectors and heavily involved in Raleigh’s creative scene) and is a far cry from the industrial-looking garden products carried at most big-box stores. “We really wanted to bring the human element to all of our products,” Al shares.
In short, Dirt in a Box doesn’t harm the environment, looks fabulous on a shelf and can be renewed once empty (take Raleigh City Farm’s lead and lay out the corrugate as mulch). What’s not to love? And the good news is Good Dirt continues to innovate, thrive and grow, both here in Raleigh and beyond. “The collaboration with different people is a huge gratification for us,” says Al of the local community. Adds Suzy, “In general, I believe plant people are the best people.” Select Target stores, Grove Collaborative and getgooddirt.com
Earth to Raleigh… here’s a slew of ways to show our planet it rocks this Earth Day.
Our world revolves around Earth Day—and we hear going green is in this season! So for what it’s Earth, here’s where to relish in Mother Nature and show our planet some love April 22 (and every other day too!).
Lake days for the win! Grab your paddle for a foray out on the water; lace those sneaks up for a stroll; or grab a seat at one of the park’s picnic tables. … We lake that a lot!
Water you doing this Earth Day? Take a trip to this NC State gem hidden away on the university’s centennial campus for an open-air meal spot, a paddle or a jog along the greenway trail.
Calling all happy campers! Trek the trails via this respite from the hustle and bustle of Raleigh livin’. Find a plethora of hiking ops, three man-made lakes (!), picnic shelters, fishing spots and camping areas to boot.
Sprawl on the grass and gape at the skyline or join the community ahead of Earth Day April 21 to explore environmentally conscious vendors, play games, give some love to the City of Raleigh Environmental Awards and watch WALL-E.
Somebody put “Heal the World” by Micheal Jackson on blast ASAP. And check out ways to roll up your sleeves on Earth Day—and during National Volunteer Week—to clean up our city with this org… “one piece at a time.”
Make your way to Moore Square for a daylong event feat. workshops, educational chats and other Earth Day activities to keep ya grounded. … That’s pretty neat!
Raleigh Reservoir gives existing clothing a new life.
If protecting the environment and looking great while doing it is your MO, meet Raleigh Reservoir, a recently launched gender-inclusive online sustainable clothing and accessories brand. Giving existing clothing a new lease on life, owner Shelbie LeBron handselects preloved and vintage selects that fit the store’s guidelines of high-quality fabrics (cotton, wool, silk) and unique artistic items, and releases them in themed collections a la high-fashion. The green garb biz also offers gallery lookbooks, styling tips, and weekly blogs informing customers on the impact their purchases have on their closets and the environment.
A born-and-raised North Carolinian, LeBron has always been drawn to fashion: As a child dancer she frequented thrift stores and made costumes for herself. “I never lost that love for expressing myself and hunting for unique items that spoke to me,” she says. “I still feel the clothing that already exists has such a strong story to tell.” After working in high-end fashion boutiques for several years, LeBron found Raleigh Reservoir truly aligned with her core values of sustainability. And while the brand is currently online only, she has big plans to expand and offer face-to-face shopping and styling soon. Clearly, sustainable fashion is always in style. raleighreservoir.com
