How to Vote in Florida

This week, the blog is taking a departure from our usual hair talk to share information that we feel is incredibly important. One of the biggest ways to effect positive change in our communities is to vote. Get your voice heard! We just wanted to take a moment to share with you some key information on how to get registered so that you can influence what happens in your local community.

In order to register to vote in Florida, you must:

1. Be a Citizen of the United States of America (a lawful permanent resident is not a U.S. citizen);
2. Be a Florida resident;
3. Be 18 years old (you may pre-register to vote if you are 16 years old, but you cannot vote until you are 18 years old).
4. Not now be adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting in Florida or any other state without having the right to vote restored;
5. Not have been convicted of a felony without your civil rights having been restored; and
6. Provide your current and valid Florida driver’s license number or Florida identification card number. If you do not have a Florida driver’s license number or a Florida identification card number then you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number. If you do not have any of these items, you must write “none” in the box or field.

Voter Registration Process:

1. Fill in the Voter Registration Application online. If you wish, you can print the application and write your information in with a black ballpoint pen.
2. Print the application out.
3. Verify that all of the information on your application is complete. The office where you register, your decision not to register, your Social Security Number, your Florida driver’s license number and your Florida identification card number will remain confidential and will be used only for voter registration purposes.
4. Sign your application. The application requires an original signature because you are swearing or affirming to an oath.
5. Place the application in an envelope with a first class stamp.
6. Mail the application to your county Supervisor of Elections. You may also opt to mail or hand deliver the application to any Supervisor of Elections’ office in the state, a driver’s license office, a voter registration agency including an armed forces recruitment office, public library, or the Division of Elections.
7. If your application is complete and you qualify as a voter, the Supervisor of Elections will mail you a voter information card as official notification that you are registered to vote. Make sure all of the information on your card is correct. If you do not receive your card within 2 weeks, or if you have any questions, call your Supervisor of Elections.
8. You must be registered for at least 29 days before you can vote in an election.

***If the information on the application is not true, the applicant can be convicted of a felony of the third degree and fined up to $5,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 5 years.***

The deadline to register for the 2014 November midterm elections is only a week away! You have until October 6 to send in your application! Please, get out and vote!

For additional information on the voter registration process, click here.

To check your registration status, click here.

For further information, such as absentee voting, early voting, and what offices will be up for election, click here.

10 Reasons to go to Curlfest This Weekend

Curlfest, formerly know as the Natural Hair and Beauty Expo, is in Orlando this coming weekend (Sept 27). It promises to be the ultimate celebration of natural hair. So why should you go?...

1. Hard to find Hair Products- There will be vendors representing brands you can't find in your local Wal-mart.
2. Unique chance to talk hair with the experts- Speakers include Rochelle Graham, Melissa Hibbert, and James Bonds.
3. Refresh your love for your hair- Come learn a new trick or style to give your hair a fresh start!
4. Stay up-to-date on the latest hair trends- Hair shows are where stylists get to flex their creative muscles. This is where new trends are made!
5. Vendors offer special deals at these types of shows- You could get an exclusive discount on a new styling tool or product!
6. Meet others who love hair as much as you do-
7. For professionals: Make useful connections in the industry- Networking doesn't just happen online, people!
8. Support the community- This expo features local businesses, not just big brands.
9. Product Samples!!- You could pay $10 a bottle to try that new product you saw in the store, and risk not liking it. Or, you could pick up a free sample at their booth and lose nothing!
10. All Dolled Up!- ADU is the featured salon at this year's Expo.Come see us show off!

Event Info

DATE: September 27, 2014
TIME: 11:00am – 7:00pm
WHERE: Orlando World Center Marriott
$15 (with advance ticket purchase)
$20 advance VIP (includes swag bag)
$20 day of the event
Children 13 & under free with a paid adult
PARKING: $7.50 (save $ and the environment, consider carpooling)

5 Popular Hair Methods Explained

So you've got a chronic hair issue, right? Maybe it's split ends, fairy knots, or just general dryness. And all the products you've tried don't seem to be very helpful. So you talk to some friends or you visit a forum online, and people start suggesting these "methods" you've never heard of. "Try Cherry Lola! Max Hydration! Curly Girl!"... what? Don't fret, we've collected some brief but thorough explanations of each of these widely practiced hair methods here!

1. Cherry Lola Treatment- This process uses a yogurt mixture to combat frizz and define curls.
2. Max Hydration Method- This 5-step method uses clay to help low-porosity hair hold moisture.
3. Curly Girl Method- This method teaches you to care for your hair without shampoo, because harsh chemicals in many shampoos are not curl-friendly.
4. Tightly Curly Method- Be ready to purchase stock in your favorite hair conditioner. But, the creator's hair is down to her hips, so it must work, right?
5. Caramel Treatment- This concoction uses mostly common kitchen ingredients to give you more manageable hair, relaxed or natural.

While each method is different, one common philosophy rang true: get to know YOUR hair. Any of these processes can be a great start to building your healthy hair regimen, but you have to let your hair be your guide. If you want a little more tangible guidance, schedule a free consultation with a natural hair specialist to get your questions answered.

5 Free Hair and Beauty Apps You Need in Your Life

Your phone. You use it for phone calls, e-mail, and social media. Most come with a GPS app and music playing capabilities. It's about time you used your phone to help you look fabulous! Check out these 5 apps we love for hair and beauty.

1. I Love Your Hair- This app by House of Mikko is great for times when you’re in need of a dose of "hairspiration". The app allows you to filter photos in your news feed according to who is uploading near you or you can follow specific users whose hairstyles you adore. You can also sort by hair type, texture, color and length.
2. All Dolled Up Salon Stores- This app has appointment booking features and style galleries. It also instantly connects you to their Facebook and Twitter feeds. New features are being added every week!
3. My Black Hair Diary- This app lets you track all your hair appointments, product reminders, even hair growth; and you can share it with your sister community. Your next "big chop" could mean someone else's new do!
4. The Natural Community- Connect with a community of vlogs, blogs, salons, and other websites dedicated to natural hair.
5. Natural Black Hair for Children- An app full of forums, tutorials, and videos all about your child's hair. All the ideas you could want are here!

Some of these are only available for Apple or Android, but many are available for both. Just go to your app store and search. Make your phone work for you!

How to Care for Your Hair when the Seasons Change

It seems like Summer just started only days ago, but Fall is already right around the corner! (You can tell because retail stores are already displaying Halloween gear.) Changes in weather can be just as bad on your hair as they are on your sinuses. Do you change your hair care habits when the temperature drops? If you haven't been, you should. Here is a video with some great basic tips for adjusting your home regimen to be ready for the coming cold. (Bonus! These vloggers also offer some great skin care tips as well.)

Don't forget to visit us on Facebook and join the discussion! How will you be modifying your regular routine for the Fall?