BC Thread Tracker!!

[Soliel185]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

I took my twists out friday night and wore a twistout all weekend.

I got sooo many compliments. The girl at Starbucks, a bunch of people at our event saturday, some Italian tourists that came in Sunday..

I think I might make this my routine - twisted during the week (which makes the mornings SO much easier and keeps my hair moisturised) and then twistouts for the weekend.

 

[Brownchiq]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

This is TOO funny! I have been cutting pieces here and there since I chopped and I vowed that I would not cut anything until like 3-4 months from now when I have maybe and inch or so of growth. I may even try and hold up until the New Year...Do I smell a "Recent BCer/No Snip" challenge????? I do believe I have issues...



This was my latest that I cut, JUST TODAY....


Here's what I started with after the BC and I straightened/cut it to make it into a style:


Here's where I am today, less than a month later:


Anyone want to join me in a "Recent BCer/No Snip" challenge until Jan 1?????

Meaning, we cannot touch a pair of scissors until after the beginning of the New Year. FOR ANY REASON....


My issue is that I keep imagining that I have scab hair and or relaxed ends still left on the end and when i twist, they wouldn't curl, so I cut them.

I CAN honestly say, tho that I love the new shorter do and the styling and care is SOOO easy (and bc of this sometimes I feel like I just want to keep my hair at this length for a minute...)...and I can still pull into a nice puff and/or pony tail, so I am not stressing too bad....I guess.....erplexed...Somebody help me....

Stop Cutting! Although it is soooooo cute!!!
Um yeah count me in after this weekend. I havent gotten my hair shaped up since I just got the end LOPPED off in no particular shape of any sort. But yes, after this weekend, no more cutting!!!!!

 

[countrychickd]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

Ok, so to deliver on what I said, here's some pics of my little puff.

Also, I tried a new technique today that I think I will use from now on with my wng's! I saw it a long time ago on a youtube video by lexiwiththecurls (I heart her hair!!) and decided to give it a go. To my surprise, it worked fantastic!! I'll post pics when I do my next one... I gotta stop comin' in here with no pics of what I'm talking about



Missed you too!!

Your hair is just gorgeous! Love that puff! It looks great. I can't wait to have enough length for a puff. You ladies with your gorgeous hair.

This is TOO funny! I have been cutting pieces here and there since I chopped and I vowed that I would not cut anything until like 3-4 months from now when I have maybe and inch or so of growth. I may even try and hold up until the New Year...Do I smell a "Recent BCer/No Snip" challenge????? I do believe I have issues...



This was my latest that I cut, JUST TODAY....


Here's what I started with after the BC and I straightened/cut it to make it into a style:


Here's where I am today, less than a month later:


Anyone want to join me in a "Recent BCer/No Snip" challenge until Jan 1?????

Meaning, we cannot touch a pair of scissors until after the beginning of the New Year. FOR ANY REASON....


My issue is that I keep imagining that I have scab hair and or relaxed ends still left on the end and when i twist, they wouldn't curl, so I cut them.

I CAN honestly say, tho that I love the new shorter do and the styling and care is SOOO easy (and bc of this sometimes I feel like I just want to keep my hair at this length for a minute...)...and I can still pull into a nice puff and/or pony tail, so I am not stressing too bad....I guess.....erplexed...Somebody help me....

I'm in! I need to stop cutting seriously. I was telling myself that I won't cut another hair until at least 3 or 4 months....so this challenge is right on time. I'll do a good trim when the challenge is over.

im down finding me!!! even though i have been wigging it up i plan to show it off soon and i know those scissors might call my name!!!

ETA: How are you ladies planning to wear your hair during the upcoming winter months?? I know wash and gos are going to be a no no since its going to be cold!!

I haven't the slightest clue. I'm thinking I'll do cowash during the night, and do twist outs that I can retwist at night until my next cowash. That way I'll never leave the house with wet hair. I know that I'll need to increase my moisture for the winter months. What are you ladies thinking of doing?

I took my twists out friday night and wore a twistout all weekend.

I got sooo many compliments. The girl at Starbucks, a bunch of people at our event saturday, some Italian tourists that came in Sunday..

I think I might make this my routine - twisted during the week (which makes the mornings SO much easier and keeps my hair moisturised) and then twistouts for the weekend.

I can't wait until my hair is long enough for this. I would love to see pics lady!

 

[FindingMe]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

im down finding me!!! even though i have been wigging it up i plan to show it off soon and i know those scissors might call my name!!!

ETA: How are you ladies planning to wear your hair during the upcoming winter months?? I know wash and gos are going to be a no no since its going to be cold!!

My usual. Wash and twist at night to air dry and then wear twists and then a twist out the rest of the week. I am dry twisting my hair at night with a little oil to maintain. I may also do some roller sets for a different look. I also want to try some new flat twist and corn row/puff styles in combination with my twists. I haven't really done a WnG yet...well I shingled twice, but didn't like the products and the way my hair felt after, so I've been twisting it up since then. The fat chunky twists in my siggy take me about 25 min to do initially wet and maybe 15 dry.
_______________________________________________________
It's OFFICIAL!! Recent BCer/No Snip Challenge Members:

KarmelQT
Brownchiq
countrychickd
FindingMe
Vonnieluvs08
Taina
Morenita
SexySin985
Loves Harmony
yaya24
scampbell


Challenge begins M, Aug 24, 2009. After that, no more trims, cuts, dustings, etc. to our newly BCd hair until Jan 1, 2010!!!! ...So if you need some shaping or some relaxed ends trimmed, you better get it taken care of this weekend!!! We will be allowing 1 pass during the challenge for a dusting or shape up ONLY. Snipping single strand knots does not count against the challenge and you may do at will!! Everyone is welcome to join, just holla!

 

[Taina]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

OK i made my big chop 9 days ago. So here are some pics taken yesterday xD

 

[Vonnieluvs08]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

Morenita-your hair looks lovely. I loved your puff. What did you use to secure it? That black headband looking thing was super cute.

My usual. Wash and twist at night to air dry and then wear twists and then a twist out the rest of the week. I am dry twisting my hair at night with a little oil to maintain. I may also do some roller sets for a different look. I also want to try some new flat twist and corn row/puff styles in combination with my twists. I haven't really done a WnG yet...well I shingled twice, but didn't like the products and the way my hair felt after, so I've been twisting it up since then. The fat chunky twists in my siggy take me about 25 min to do initially wet and maybe 15 dry.
_______________________________________________________
It's OFFICIAL!! Recent BCer/No Snip Challenge Members:

KarmelQT
Brownchiq
countrychickd
FindingMe


Challenge begins M, Aug 24, 2009. After that, no more trims, snips, dustings, etc. to our newly BCd hair!!!! ...So if you need some shaping or some relaxed ends trimmed, you better get it taken care of this weekend!!!Everyone is welcome to join, just holla!

FM put the darn scissors down...I love your hair stop cutting it off. I understand the frustrations with straight ends. It took my hair a month to rest and finally behave right meaning that my hair has grown some and the curlies are more defined since the moisture/protein balance is on point now (had my best wash n go ever this weekend, pic in fotki). I wanna join the challenge. I know I need a shape up but I refuse to cut until after my Birthday next month and I'm scared to let a stylist near my head at this point. Might cut all my progress off. I'll fix my bangs this weekend and leave it alone.

I took my twists out friday night and wore a twistout all weekend.

I got sooo many compliments. The girl at Starbucks, a bunch of people at our event saturday, some Italian tourists that came in Sunday..

I think I might make this my routine - twisted during the week (which makes the mornings SO much easier and keeps my hair moisturised) and then twistouts for the weekend.

Where are the pics!! ***drooling just thinking about them*** I <3 your hair and make up.

im down finding me!!! even though i have been wigging it up i plan to show it off soon and i know those scissors might call my name!!!

ETA: How are you ladies planning to wear your hair during the upcoming winter months?? I know wash and gos are going to be a no no since its going to be cold!!

Twists and flat twists with twist are my plan for the next few months. I'm all about the protective styling (tho I don't do weave/wigs). I was thinking about getting some Sengalese twists in October and let my hair rest. I wanna learn how to do two strand twists so i can rock them and braid outs. My individual braid outs dont work right on short hair. I will rock a WNG to go out on weekends if I can't get my twist outs on point.

****Has anyone henna'd their natural hair yet? How did it turn out? What mix did you use, etc? I just got mine (Karishima Henna and some Vakita Oil) in the mail today and after reading the various threads I'm ready to take the plunge. I want the henna more for color at this point because I'm tired of my natural black hair.

 

[Vonnieluvs08]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

OK i made my big chop 9 days ago. So here are some pics taken yesterday xD

Your hair looks so cute. I love that pixie cut. How long did you transition for?

Welcome!!!HHG!!!

 

[FindingMe]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

Your hair looks so cute. I love that pixie cut. How long did you transition for?

Welcome!!!HHG!!!

Welcome, Taina!!!! Your hair is PRETTY!!!!!

 

[FindingMe]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

FM put the darn scissors down...I love your hair stop cutting it off. I understand the frustrations with straight ends. It took my hair a month to rest and finally behave right meaning that my hair has grown some and the curlies are more defined since the moisture/protein balance is on point now (had my best wash n go ever this weekend, pic in fotki). I wanna join the challenge. I know I need a shape up but I refuse to cut until after my Birthday next month and I'm scared to let a stylist near my head at this point. Might cut all my progress off. I'll fix my bangs this weekend and leave it alone.

Gotcha....I am trying to work on my scissor issues...I have added you to challenge participants. Remember, no more scissors after Monday until the beginning of the year.

 

[song_of_serenity]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

Taina, welcome! Your hair is so CUTE! Seems like this will be an official "BC" thread than just July. Welcome, welcome and grow and learn with us!

 

[Taina]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

Your hair looks so cute. I love that pixie cut. How long did you transition for?

Welcome!!!HHG!!!

Thabks to all *__*
Well i had between 5 and 7 weeks (no pretty sure) and then cut it, i believe i got anxious xDD
I also want to be in the . BCer/No Snip Challenge as you can see i`m a scissors maniac. Normally i woke up thinking "i want to have a haircut today" ... i don't even re-think about it

 

[Vonnieluvs08]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

Gotcha....I am trying to work on my scissor issues...I have added you to challenge participants. Remember, no more scissors after Monday until the beginning of the year.

Til the beginning of the year!?!?! What did I sign myself up for?erplexed I want all my length but not trimming for nearly 6mos . I'm going to need all you ladies to help me because I'm by no means scissor happy but I know I'm going to need to shape this mop top up at some point. Do we get 1 pass? A dusting or shape up? No trims or cuts I can deal with (I think).

 

[CurlyCoilycourt]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

Taina, welcome! Your hair is so CUTE! Seems like this will be an official "BC" thread than just July. Welcome, welcome and grow and learn with us!

I know i want to change the name of the thread



WELCOME TAINA BEAUTIFUL HAIR!!

 

[countrychickd]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

OK i made my big chop 9 days ago. So here are some pics taken yesterday xD

Congrats on the BC lady! Gorgeous hair! Don't you feel so liberated! Oh, and welcome to the club!

Til the beginning of the year!?!?! What did I sign myself up for?erplexed I want all my length but not trimming for nearly 6mos . I'm going to need all you ladies to help me because I'm by no means scissor happy but I know I'm going to need to shape this mop top up at some point. Do we get 1 pass? A dusting or shape up? No trims or cuts I can deal with (I think).

You can do it girl! We can do it together. No more cutting. This will actually do well in creating a habit for me of not cutting. It takes 6 weeks to create a habit, so if I can put those scissors down for this challenge, I'll be set..lol.

 

[Impresaria]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

I BC'ed in April. I had been wearing lace wigs for about six months, and I just grew tired of relaxing hair that I wasn't showing anyway. I just grabbed scissors and started cutting. My last relaxer was January 2009. Even after I BC'ed, I still wore wigs, I just wasn't comfortable with the little TWA. Two days ago was the very first day that I wore my natural hair out (as in in public, and not caring what people think) since 1998.

April 2009

July 2009

August 14--First twist out ever!

I am just so excited and proud of myself. Right now, I am just returning to the States for a few weeks, so I will have access to products that I normally can't get my hands on. A friend of mine purchased some Karen's Hair Milk for me, and I really like that for moisture. I used some Lock and Twist Gel to set my twists. I wash and condition every four days. So far, so good!

 

[Soliel185]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

I don't know if I can commit to leaving scissors alone for 6 months... I AM trying to limit the sporadic trimming to once per month, though.

I didn't take any pics of the twist out - but I know there are probably some pics from Saturday that show it a bit. I'm just waiting to get pictures back from everyone.

Note to Self: the more moisturizing the DC - the longer your hair will stay wet.

 

[FindingMe]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

Thabks to all *__*
Well i had between 5 and 7 weeks (no pretty sure) and then cut it, i believe i got anxious xDD
I also want to be in the . BCer/No Snip Challenge as you can see i`m a scissors maniac. Normally i woke up thinking "i want to have a haircut today" ... i don't even re-think about it

OK, Taina! I will add you to the challenge! See post #214 in the thread! WELCOME!

Til the beginning of the year!?!?! What did I sign myself up for?erplexed I want all my length but not trimming for nearly 6mos . I'm going to need all you ladies to help me because I'm by no means scissor happy but I know I'm going to need to shape this mop top up at some point. Do we get 1 pass? A dusting or shape up? No trims or cuts I can deal with (I think).

OK, OK 1 pass for a dusting or shape up ONLY. That's it Vonnie!!!! See post #214 for updated rules

Congrats on the BC lady! Gorgeous hair! Don't you feel so liberated! Oh, and welcome to the club!



You can do it girl! We can do it together. No more cutting. This will actually do well in creating a habit for me of not cutting. It takes 6 weeks to create a habit, so if I can put those scissors down for this challenge, I'll be set..lol.

I am gonna do it, I don't need any more shaping/dusting/trimming, I have shaped myself outta about 2 inches already...

I BC'ed in April. I had been wearing lace wigs for about six months, and I just grew tired of relaxing hair that I wasn't showing anyway. I just grabbed scissors and started cutting. My last relaxer was January 2009. Even after I BC'ed, I still wore wigs, I just wasn't comfortable with the little TWA. Two days ago was the very first day that I wore my natural hair out (as in in public, and not caring what people think) since 1998.

April 2009

July 2009

August 14--First twist out ever!

I am just so excited and proud of myself. Right now, I am just returning to the States for a few weeks, so I will have access to products that I normally can't get my hands on. A friend of mine purchased some Karen's Hair Milk for me, and I really like that for moisture. I used some Lock and Twist Gel to set my twists. I wash and condition every four days. So far, so good!

Girl, I love KBB and I LOVE your hair! Your twistout is SO pretty and stylish!! WELCOME!

 

[Taina]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

_______________________________________________________
It's OFFICIAL!! Recent BCer/No Snip Challenge Members:

KarmelQT
Brownchiq
countrychickd
FindingMe
Vonnieluvs08
Taina


Challenge begins M, Aug 24, 2009. After that, no more trims, snips, dustings, etc. to our newly BCd hair!!!! ...So if you need some shaping or some relaxed ends trimmed, you better get it taken care of this weekend!!! We will be allowing 1 pass during the challenge for a dusting or shape up ONLY. Everyone is welcome to join, just holla!

For how long is going to be the challenge?

 

[countrychickd]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

I BC'ed in April. I had been wearing lace wigs for about six months, and I just grew tired of relaxing hair that I wasn't showing anyway. I just grabbed scissors and started cutting. My last relaxer was January 2009. Even after I BC'ed, I still wore wigs, I just wasn't comfortable with the little TWA. Two days ago was the very first day that I wore my natural hair out (as in in public, and not caring what people think) since 1998.

April 2009

July 2009

August 14--First twist out ever!

I am just so excited and proud of myself. Right now, I am just returning to the States for a few weeks, so I will have access to products that I normally can't get my hands on. A friend of mine purchased some Karen's Hair Milk for me, and I really like that for moisture. I used some Lock and Twist Gel to set my twists. I wash and condition every four days. So far, so good!

Your hair is gorgeous! Welcome lady and congrats on your BC and on your great progress!

 

[Morenita]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

Welcome Impressaria and Taina Love your b/c's

Lol @FM and her scissor happiness I'm in on the no scissors challenge. I'm not snipping anytime soon anyway, so I may as well join haha. And thanks to both you and Countrychickd for your sweet comments! I will re-do the wash n go technique that I did before in a few days and give you my take on it. I want to give an honest review and I'm trying to cut back on washing my hair lol. BUT, I did do a twist out!! I did 6 two-strand flat twists and I think it came out pretty good. I love the fact that I don't have to roll the ends now!!!

It's not really a drastic difference from my wash-n-go but I wanted to see how it would look.

 

[countrychickd]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

Welcome Impressaria and Taina Love your b/c's

Lol @FM and her scissor happiness I'm in on the no scissors challenge. I'm not snipping anytime soon anyway, so I may as well join haha. And thanks to both you and Countrychickd for your sweet comments! I will re-do the wash n go technique that I did before in a few days and give you my take on it. I want to give an honest review and I'm trying to cut back on washing my hair lol. BUT, I did do a twist out!! I did 6 two-strand flat twists and I think it came out pretty good. I love the fact that I don't have to roll the ends now!!!

It's not really a drastic difference from my wash-n-go but I wanted to see how it would look.

This is so pretty! I love it! I can't wait to have some length. I agree about not having to roll the ends now. I do mini twists and I just twirl the ends around my finger and it coils. It'll stay just like that until I loosen. I love this!

 

[CurlyCoilycourt]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

Welcome Impressaria and Taina Love your b/c's

Lol @FM and her scissor happiness I'm in on the no scissors challenge. I'm not snipping anytime soon anyway, so I may as well join haha. And thanks to both you and Countrychickd for your sweet comments! I will re-do the wash n go technique that I did before in a few days and give you my take on it. I want to give an honest review and I'm trying to cut back on washing my hair lol. BUT, I did do a twist out!! I did 6 two-strand flat twists and I think it came out pretty good. I love the fact that I don't have to roll the ends now!!!

It's not really a drastic difference from my wash-n-go but I wanted to see how it would look.

Lovely i agree i can not wait until i have this length

 

[FindingMe]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

For how long is going to be the challenge?

No cuts or trims until Jan 1, 2010!!! You get one pass....

Welcome Impressaria and Taina Love your b/c's

Lol @FM and her scissor happiness I'm in on the no scissors challenge. I'm not snipping anytime soon anyway, so I may as well join haha. And thanks to both you and Countrychickd for your sweet comments! I will re-do the wash n go technique that I did before in a few days and give you my take on it. I want to give an honest review and I'm trying to cut back on washing my hair lol. BUT, I did do a twist out!! I did 6 two-strand flat twists and I think it came out pretty good. I love the fact that I don't have to roll the ends now!!!

It's not really a drastic difference from my wash-n-go but I wanted to see how it would look.

LAWD......THAT'S PRETTY! I wish I could flat twist...I am trying, but I haven't quite got it down...

OK, now just add a little oil/moisture and re-twist those suckers tonight while dry, twirl the ends and put on a silk scarf. You can take out in the morning and fluff and go. If on the off chance you have a few straight ends, spritz ends with a little water and scrunch and keep it moving....My twist outs last about 4-5 days before the roots start getting real thick on me and I have to re-wet... I love not rolling the ends as well....I adore the fact that I don't have to use ANY appliances or tools if I don't want to including a comb!I truly believe that this was the way my hair was intended to be managed....

I added you to our challenge...

 

[FindingMe]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

Morenita-your hair looks lovely. I loved your puff. What did you use to secure it? That black headband looking thing was super cute.



FM put the darn scissors down...I love your hair stop cutting it off. I understand the frustrations with straight ends. It took my hair a month to rest and finally behave right meaning that my hair has grown some and the curlies are more defined since the moisture/protein balance is on point now (had my best wash n go ever this weekend, pic in fotki). I wanna join the challenge. I know I need a shape up but I refuse to cut until after my Birthday next month and I'm scared to let a stylist near my head at this point. Might cut all my progress off. I'll fix my bangs this weekend and leave it alone.



Where are the pics!! ***drooling just thinking about them*** I <3 your hair and make up.





Twists and flat twists with twist are my plan for the next few months. I'm all about the protective styling (tho I don't do weave/wigs). I was thinking about getting some Sengalese twists in October and let my hair rest. I wanna learn how to do two strand twists so i can rock them and braid outs. My individual braid outs dont work right on short hair. I will rock a WNG to go out on weekends if I can't get my twist outs on point.

****Has anyone henna'd their natural hair yet? How did it turn out? What mix did you use, etc? I just got mine (Karishima Henna and some Vakita Oil) in the mail today and after reading the various threads I'm ready to take the plunge. I want the henna more for color at this point because I'm tired of my natural black hair.

I'm right there with you, I'ma need Morenita to come on and tell us what she used to secure that puff... AND also what is this mysterious WnG technique she keeps referring to, but never giving details on....

Vonnie, I have done henna before, but not on my natural hair. I did it about 8-9 months into my transition and I just remember my hair being really hard afterwards. I was looking for the shine and strength but it didn't do much. I really want to try it again on my natural hair as I still have some stuff to do it with. I used 50/50 henna/indigo. It did give my gray hairs some color, tho- but that was about it...

 

[Morenita]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

No cuts or trims until Jan 1, 2010!!! You get one pass....



LAWD......THAT'S PRETTY! I wish I could flat twist...I am trying, but I haven't quite got it down...

OK, now just add a little oil/moisture and re-twist those suckers tonight while dry, twirl the ends and put on a silk scarf. You can take out in the morning and fluff and go. If on the off chance you have a few straight ends, spritz ends with a little water and scrunch and keep it moving....My twist outs last about 4-5 days before the roots start getting real thick on me and I have to re-wet... I love not rolling the ends as well....I adore the fact that I don't have to use ANY appliances or tools if I don't want to including a comb!I truly believe that this was the way my hair was intended to be managed....

I added you to our challenge...

Lol, you know I have SUCH an issue maintaining a braid-out/twist-out. If you hadn't told me this info, I prolly would have just put it in a ponytail and co-washed tomorrow I'll try this tonight

 

[SexySin985]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

My usual. Wash and twist at night to air dry and then wear twists and then a twist out the rest of the week. I am dry twisting my hair at night with a little oil to maintain. I may also do some roller sets for a different look. I also want to try some new flat twist and corn row/puff styles in combination with my twists. I haven't really done a WnG yet...well I shingled twice, but didn't like the products and the way my hair felt after, so I've been twisting it up since then. The fat chunky twists in my siggy take me about 25 min to do initially wet and maybe 15 dry.
_______________________________________________________
It's OFFICIAL!! Recent BCer/No Snip Challenge Members:

KarmelQT
Brownchiq
countrychickd
FindingMe
Vonnieluvs08
Taina
Morenita


Challenge begins M, Aug 24, 2009. After that, no more trims, snips, dustings, etc. to our newly BCd hair until Jan 1, 2010!!!! ...So if you need some shaping or some relaxed ends trimmed, you better get it taken care of this weekend!!! We will be allowing 1 pass during the challenge for a dusting or shape up ONLY. Everyone is welcome to join, just holla!

You can count me in also

 

[FindingMe]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

You can count me in also

Got it!!

 

[Loves Harmony]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

count me in the challenge as well

 

[FindingMe]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

count me in the challenge as well

Got it!

Also, for my TWA BC sisters, check out this FOTKI, if you haven't already. http://public.fotki.com/bermudabeauty/ Bermudabeauty's hair is FIERCE!!!!! (Here we go:... :lovedrool: )

 

[Taina]

Re: JULY BC Thread Tracker!!

I killed the rests of perm hair i had in my ends .. so im ready to not trim untill January the 1 or beyonf ... i jut want to take good care of my ends so they look pretty nice. Any suggestions?