Event: Central Florida Natural Hair & Beauty Expo 2012

Let’s face it. Tampa Bay’s natural hair scene ain’t too big. While there are a lot of loc wearers and afro sporters we’re still nowhere near hair meccas like Atlanta and Philly. We’re a growing scene. And that’s OK. Because growth is always a good thing. We’ve got some nice hair salons and enough that if you don’t like one you can always go try another. There are plenty of stores to find natural hair care products and a variety of natural chics walking around from professionals to college students to girls around the way.

And now we’ve got a natural hair show. Well, technically it’s located in Orlando but hey close enough. I went to this show last year. Taking into account it was only their second show I’d give it a C+. It was strong on vendors and that I liked. There was entertainment. And folks were really nice and genuinely happy to be there. I would have liked to see more organized workshops on caring for natural hair and styling options though… and could have lived without the fashion show.

Nevertheless, I’d go again especially because it’s only about $15. Below are the details:

What: Central Florida’s Natural Hair & Beauty Expo 2012

When: September 29, 2012

Where: : Doubletree by Hilton, SeaWorld International Drive

For more information go to the site: http://www.naturalhairandbeautyexpo.com

To buy tickets in our area go to:

Natural Essence Salon & Barber Shop

1224 E. Fowler Avenue

Tampa, FL 33612

(813) 402-2969

Raw Honey Facial Mask

We talked about honey earlier this week in Kitchen Sink. Now let’s talk skin. Honey is a really versatile product, and it makes for a good skin treatment. I searched around and really like the following recipe. It’s by Dr. Oz and has easy to find ingredients, plus has a great scent because of the essential oils (I love lemongrass.) For great local honey check out Fisher Honey Bees. They’re based in Land ‘O Lakes but you can find their honey at Tampa farmer’s markets all over the place.

Ingredients
2 tbsp raw honey
1 tbsp French green clay or rose clay
2 drops lavender or rose otto essential oil (optional)
Water to thin as needed

Directions

Wash face and leave slightly damp. Apply mask all over face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Gently pat dry.

Kitchen Sink Thursday: Sore Throat Remedy

Normally our KST will include hair and skin recipes you can do at home, but this week we decided to focus on something that hit close to home. A quick sore throat remedy.

I’ve got the cooties in my home, everyone is walking around coughing and sniffling. And the little one is too young for store bought cough syrup. So whenever he gets a tickle in his throat or a nagging cough I pull out these ingredients to soothe him. It works for grownups too and is doctor approved for children 12 months and up.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. Honey

1 tbsp fresh squeezed Lemon Juice

1 teaspoon fresh shaved ginger (skin on is fine.)

1/2 cup boiling water

Directions:

Put ginger in a tea cup. Pour boiling water over it. Let steep for 2-3 minutes. Add Lemon juice and honey. Stir to dissolve honey and let all the ingredients steep for a few minutes. Serve up by spoon just like you would cough syrup. A tablespoon or two should do it.

Did you know honey is a great hair treatment as well. Check out one of our fav bloggers Curly Nikki’s take on the the Buzz About Honey for your hair.

Event: Inspire Natural Beauty Open House

Refreshments, samples and facial demos will be given away during this open house hosted by Inspire Natural Beauty Eco Spa. This spa is devoted to health and beauty and features all eco products, natural oils and the essence of rejuvenating fruits to revitalize your body while reducing the chemical exposure derived from traditional beauty products. This is a great chance to check out what it’s all about.

What: Inspire Natural Beauty Eco Day Spa Open House

When: Saturday Sept. 22 | 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Where: 1041 Central Avenue  St. Petersburg, Fl 33705

To RSVP call 727-290-9855.

Event: Free Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Cooking Class

So I was sitting in the salon the other day close to tears because of a hair set-back. In the back on one side of my hair was broken and brittle. I needed a cut badly. I vowed right then and there to always get my hair trimmed at least every 6-8 weeks, like I had been told so many times before.

A girl sitting in the booth next to me sporting the most beautiful locs I’ve seen asked me what I had been eating. I confess my diet hadn’t been that great as of late. It got me to thinking about how healthy eating can and does contribute to healthier hair.

If you’re thinking the same way, this class might be worth a look.

What: Vegetarian and Gluten Free Cooking Class

When: Tuesday Sept. 25 | 7: 00 p.m.

Where: Abby’s Heath and Nutrition, 14374 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, Fl 33618

For more information call 813)-265-4951

Deal Alert: 25 Percent Off Entire Purchase at Jem’s Natural Living

Dr. Bronner’s Miracle Soap

 

Need to stock up on essential oils or skincare products? Head over to Jem’s in the Citrus Park area where you can get 25 percent off your entire purchase through Sept. 23.

This is a great place to know about in general since they’re always having good sales. Sad part is we’re not sure they’re doing that great business-wise. Never see too many people coming and going.

Nevertheless, they carry a smorgasbord of natural stuff including favorites like Dr. Bronner’s Miracle Soap and Agardir Argan Oil.

Jem’s is located at 11909 Sheldon Road in Tampa’s Citrus Falls Commons Plaza. 

 

Event: Workit! Day To Night Natural Hair and Fashion Expo

When: Saturday, Nov. 3 | 11:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Where: Enoch D. Davis Center, 1111 18th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL

Cost: $12 and up.

What: WorkIt! Day to Night Fashion & Natural Hair Expo is an event presented by Tru_Essence Events in partnership with Sisterhood of Natural Hair Divas to help empower, promote and encourage boldness of our natural Kings and Queens. 30 percent of proceeds will benefit Sickle Cell Foundation of St. Petersburg.

-DAY & NIGHT FASHION FASHION SHOW
-LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
-FOOD

For tickets visit: http://workitnaturally.eventbrite.com/

Mic Check…1, 2

Welcome to Tampa Bay Natural…

In the last few years the natural hair movement has been taking the world by storm. Droves of beautiful chicas are embracing the hair texture they were born with and with it finding and re-inventing themselves and the world.

This blog aims to highlight their stories, educate the public on what it means to be natural and inform on topics, events, tips and any other information we think is important to this community, specifically as it relates to the Tampa Bay area.

Like the rest of the world, Tampa Bay’s natural hair community is growing. From the Pinellas Beaches to the Suburbs of Brandon, we’re finding more salons offering natural hair care services, products for natural hair in stores, and events focused on this group.

But don’t get it two-strand twisted.

We are more than our hair. And Tampa Bay Natural will reflect that. So, don’t be surprised when you see great shopping deals, fashion tips, and music featured on our site too.

And if you’ve got a topic, event, or just want to drop us a line don’t hesitate to reach out. We can be reached by e-mail at tampabaynatural@gmail.com