Going Green Tampa

I recently got my hair cut and colored by Jules, and it's hands-down the best hair experience of my life! I usually get my hair cut at Aveda or Paul Mitchell schools, and the hair never comes out perfect. This time, I decided to leave it to the pro. Jules' place is conveniently located in Land O' Lakes, where I live, but she's so good, I'd gladly make the drive from anywhere else in the state to get to her! She gave me a great haircut that falls in the right place, so minimal styling is necessary. She gave me some sassy Bettie Page-like bangs and a beautiful golden-reddish brown single-process color to cover up those darn grays. My hair has never looked better. She also uses all organic products. The hair dye did not reak of all those strange chemicals they put in the traditional ones, and the color still looks great! Jules is also a fascinating, extremely sweet and awesome gal herself. Had a wonderful time chatting with her while she did her thing with my hair. Highly recommended and I plan on being a repeat customer!

Worm's Way has been in Tampa for eons, and they're just good people. I've gone there for gardening needs to eschew the dreaded Miracle Gro route, and the salespeople are extremely helpful. I bought some really great Organic Gold soil, which came in handy to start some seedlings. You can get hydroponic gardening supplies there, too. They're always happy to lend a sympathetic ear and advice for brown thumbs like me!

I've bought Plantopia's soaps at least several times at Ybor Fresh Market, and really love their rose soap. It's all natural and has a great fragrance, but not that little-old-lady rose scent, more of a clean, natural one. Will buy again!

I love this little Saturday market! Really good local produce, baked goods, artisan products like soaps, candles, and art! I've bought organic produce, a mini-print from a local artist and soap, all in one trip! They also have really fun events, like Flan Fest. A very delightful outing!

I've been to Sweetwater's Sunday Market, and it was fun and convenient to get organic produce without having to join their co-op (there's a long waiting list!). They also have fresh-squeezed juice to enjoy while you're browsing their wares. The owner, Rick, is incredibly nice and informative. He felt like family, he was so fun to talk to! And a very admirable person, doing all this in Tampa.

I grew up in Plant City, and it wasn't exactly what you call a progressive town like Seattle. It's a rather small town, but that's part of its charm! The Corner Store, and businesses like it, is slowly changing downtown/historic Plant City into a diverse, artsy, and as Marie Osmond used to sing, "a little bit country".

The Corner Store is much more than its namesake. It's a lunch counter; mini-grocer with lots of specialty, hard-to-find items and specializing in organic bulk items and local produce; a music venue (with my cousin's awesome band sometimes making the scene) with plenty of microbrewed beer to enjoy (the store stays open later on those nights); and just a beautiful place to enjoy and shop in. I was taken aback and nearly gasped at the beautiful, eco-decor. They have "chandeliers" made of branches and wood, and art.

All in all, The Corner Store is a fascinating, relaxing little place to nosh and shop, and it makes a Plant City girl proud!