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Chill Out, Recharge with Ganja Goddess Getaway at Venture Retreat Center in Pescadero, CA
Story, photos/video by Cassie Hepler I’ve been writing essays about how marijuana should be legalized for medical purposes and beyond since high school (and also the ice caps melting, but that’s another story). So when I got an invite to check out the Goddess Ganja Getaway, I went for it. When people asked what is was, I would reply that I had no clue, and honestly, I didn’t. Not one to shy away from adventure, I boldly went where most East Coasters have not gone before. The website copy says the Original Ganja Goddess Getaway, “is an all-inclusive retreat filled with cannabis, camping, food and fun. It’s a retreat for women focusing…
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Stand Out in Rocked-Out Motorcycle Jackets, Vests and More from Vicious Vesture
Story by Jill Beckel, photos by Vicious Vesture Explore Philly first met Shelby Cobra of Vicious Vesture at the Punk Rock Flea market in Philly and knew right away that she was one cool chick! She makes and sells all her own unique clothing items that have a rocker edge. She started her business two years ago with the help of her mom and has been working side jobs as well to keep it running. As an independent designer, Shelby often gets frustrated by the fashion industry and wants to see change. Fashion corporations who mass produce items are making millions off the backs of children in China and underpaid women in Bangladesh.…
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Breaking Gender Stereotypes at the Philly Fashion Week Style Gala Kickoff Party
Story, photos by Jill Beckel This year’s Philadelphia Fashion Week Style Gala refreshingly broke traditional gender norms. The event was held at the Sugarhouse Casino on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016. Located in the Grand Ballroom in the event center, guests started to arrive a little before 7 p.m. The event was free by invitation only. Compared to last year’s Style Gala, this year’s event definitely wasn’t as lavish. Last year’s featured an abundance of delicious hot appetizers, a buffet and desserts with complimentary cocktails. This year’s had a few passed appetizers, but the hungry crowd had to fight for them. A cash bar kept guests refreshed but mostly sober. Explore Philly enjoyed…
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Over 3,800 Collages Decorate ‘City of Murals’ Thanks to Mural Arts Program
Photos, story by Jill Beckel It was a beautiful city morning when Explore Philly got the chance to go on a Mural Arts tour. Mural Arts tours are perfect for year-round social gatherings, business outings or fundraising events. We took a walking tour, but there are train and trolley tours offered as well. Our lovely tour guide of the day, Elise, gave us some background about the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. It began in 1984 when the mayor of Philadelphia opened an anti-graffiti network for kids and young adults. He hoped that this would dissuade kids from vandalizing Philly buildings with spray paint graffiti, which was becoming a huge problem…
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The 2nd Annual Rad Awards Honored the Raddest Women in Philly
Photos, story by Jill Beckel The 2nd Annual Rad Awards event was the place to be if you wanted to hang out with some seriously smart, cool chicks (and dudes) all night. The event was held on a cool spring night Tuesday, May 3rd at Stratus Lounge. Everyone was dressed in their most fashionable attire and ready to mix and mingle. Stratus staff served up some tasty light bites, gin cocktails and Prosecco. According to their website, Rad Girls is “a celebration of spirited women who are constantly achieving, innovating, and inspiring. It is an ongoing conversation between empowered women. Let’s celebrate success. Most importantly, Rad Girls is about collaboration. It is about making…
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Philly Phaithful: Giving T-Shirt Fashion A ‘Phresh’ Vibe While Showing Philly Pride
By Jill Beckel Photos courtesy of Dan Hershberg Dan Hershberg, owner of the online store Philly Phaithful, has loved Philadelphia his whole life. Born and raised here, he grew up in Mount Airy. His father was a professor at Penn and helped him learn what it meant to be your own boss and run your own business. Dan studied at Cornell University and has always loved sports. After graduating college, he moved back to Philly and had several jobs in the sports field including working with the Phillies and at ESPN. However, he soon grew tired of the corporate lifestyle and wanted more control of his life. He knew that he…