My Natural Journey - One Year and Counting, Part One

So I have been meaning to post these pictures for a while now...no time like the present. In May 2010, I had my last encounter with the "creamy crack!" Honestly, I wasn't too sure about that last perm, but my hair dresser talked me into it. Her plan was to have me continue with the creamy crack until the fall....my heart (and hair) had other plans. I figured why wait? Besides, waiting just increased my anxiety. On 8 July 2010, I went ahead with the Big Chop (BC). I stepped into the Bubbles salon and told the stylist what I wanted. She was very supportive and even agreed to take before and after pictures. (These won't be posted here; sorry, no scanner!) I was excited and nervous, but moving forward. My man was very supportive in my decision, which was super awesome. I pretty much kept it a secret from everyone else (except for a couple of friends in the area) just in case I decided to back out at the last minute. Well I sat down in the chair and I never looked back! I was afraid to look so the stylist turned my back to the mirror. I was very pleased with the end results and shed not a single tear for that damaged, dead hair. I remember thinking how awesome it was - not having to sit under a hot dryer for hours and hours. I was able to let my hair air dry for the first time. Plus, my hair appointments went from 2-3 hours to 45 minutes, which was pretty amazing. Here are some pictures of my natural hair journey over the past two months...stay tuned for another post commemorating my 1 year natural anniversary.

1.) This pic was taken before I left the salon 2.) Taken a little while later on the same day after my hair dried some.

The family was not into my new short 'do - but I loved it!!! When my mom saw it for the first time (July 2010) she looked at my boyfriend exclaimed, "Why did you let her do it?!" As if he could have stopped me! Little did she know she would grow to like my natural hairstyle.

I love this picture of me...I miss the easier maintenance of the shorter hairdo.

Any 1 yr natural anniversaries? What was your experience like?

Surviving the Summer Outdoor Movie Experience

Now that it is summer, I think it is time for the official guide to successfully attending outdoor movie screenings! I don't know about you, but movies are my favorite pastime. There's nothing I enjoy more than snuggling up alone, with my honey, or a group of friends to watch a great flick. Last summer I discovered something better - watching my favorite movies out under the stars!! Who wouldn't love to see Don't Tell Mom I Killed the Babysitter on a cool summer evening?! After last summer I am officially hooked on outdoor movies. The season has just started and I have already seen two movies - Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Anchorman. I figured why not put my love of outdoor movies to use? So without further ado, here are my tips for maximizing the outdoor movie experience.

1. Location, Location, Location. It's the same as in real estate! There's nothing worse than arriving to the movie location to find that there are no good seats left. Arrive at least an hour early to scope out the best seats, especially if you are planning on a group. Arriving early will allow you time to have dinner, relax, and even play games provided by the sponsors. And it can also double as an excuse to leave work early; I'm sure we could all use a little of that action. Woo-hoo!

2. Know the location of the nearest bathrooms/port-a-potties. This is most important. Know where the bathroom is just in case you need to use it before the night is over. When I went to the viewing at the Navy Yard, the (very smelly) port-a-potties were across an empty parking lot, which is a bit scary after dark. Think twice before heading over alone. Gateway Park in Rosslyn, VA has actual bathrooms, which was refreshing. They were out of hand soap, however, so it may behoove you to bring hand sanitizer or your own soap.

3. Bring something comfy to sit on. A comfy blanket or a low level chair is ideal to protect you from the scratchy grass. You'll be sitting out on the ground for a few hours, so you'll want to be as comfortable as possible. Also bring a light jacket if you're prone to the late night chills.

4. Don't forget the snacks...and remember to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

5. Bring some mosquito repellent! Just in case those pesky creatures start biting. Off works wonders. No one can enjoy this experience while swatting at the bugs all night.

6. Shhhhhh! Keep it down...no one can enjoy the movie if you're talking (loudly) on your phone or to your neighbor. This is not a coffee shop. Be mindful of others.

7. Respect the space. Remember to take all of your belongings when the movie is done, and this includes your trash! Leave the place cleaner than when you found it - an old girl scout adage that continues to be useful :-)

Here is a list of the outdoor movies that are playing this summer in the area. Enjoy! http://dc.about.com/od/filmfestivals/tp/OutdoorMovies.htm

What's your favorite place to watch outdoor movies?