Back to school is right around the corner and Hair Cuttery is helping provide an extra boost of confidence to local youths with a fresh new look! The Share A Haircut program gives a free haircut to a local child in need for every kid's haircut given at a Hair Cuttery salon between Aug. 1 and 15. You can also donate a haircut online through Aug 15: share the Share-A-Haircut Facebook app (http://tinyurl.com/c7gj5dp)  &  donate a haircut to a child in need.

The haircuts are donated to children in need through partnerships with local non-profit agencies. In DC, they're working with FACETS, Tahirih Justice Center, and the Arlington County & Alexandria Depts of Human Services, to name a few. Last year, Hair Cuttery donated more than 9,600 haircuts to children in need in the DC/NOVA metro area, and more than 625,000 haircuts since the program started in 1999.

Although not yet school age, I took my son in for a hair cut over the weekend. This is such an easy way to give back to our community! If you're heading out for a hair cut, do it with purpose!

You know those plastic jars or metal cans sitting on the counter at 7-11 where you can place your spare change towards donations for charity? They are usually only partly full with a few pennies and dollar bills.

Well, I have a friend whose husband owns three 7-11 stores in Northern Virginia... and she asked me if I knew where she could buy papers to roll her pennies, etc from the donation jars to take the bank. WHAT? Roll them? Is she kidding?

I told her about the modern technology that we have in 2012 where machines do all the work for us... but she said that the CoinStar machine at the grocery store charges 10% - and since the money is going to charity, she wanted to make sure every penny was sent to them. Makes sense.

Then I remembered the machines are free @ Capital One if you have an account there - and lucky for her,  I am a customer. Not knowing what I was getting into, I offered to take the coins over for her.

She had a man load the small box of coins into my SUV and I drove off to the Fairfax Corner branch. I parked a few spots away and hopped out to grab the coins and go in... but I couldn't even budge the box that they were in! Do you know how much 15,362 coins weigh? I seriously broke my back dragging the box into the storefront where I finally got some help.

In the name of charity, I stood in front of the coin machine for almost TWO HOURS while it counted all 15,362 coins. I was interrupted once while they had to come and empty out the machine so that it could handle my large job.

In the end, there was $867.16 in coins. In addition, there was $98 in dollar bills - someone even threw in a Jackson! I never thought those jars were legit, or that the money would actually go to charity, but I was proved wrong!

On a rare occasion, I got the chance to actually GO OUT with my neighbors (and no kids!) to enjoy a delicious meal at Maggiano's Little Italy in Tysons Corner. We decided to order off of the Family Style Menu - and of course, we elected for the most expensive options... and it was worth every penny! The food was incredible and they even sent me home with a serving of Tiramasu to go!

Click on the pictures for descriptions!

Valco Baby Astro High Chair in Chocolate

ENTER TO WIN ON OUR GIVEAWAYS PAGE!

Perfect for today's urban lifestyle, the chic Astro high chair simply does what a compact high chair should do...with style! With it's large and super soft easycare leatherette seat and deep adjustable/removable tray, the Astro sits on a stable yet compact base. The simple effectiveness of our unique fold system means the Astro collapses flat for easy storage! 
Retail value of $129.  Age range: 6 months to 44 pounds.

Baby Blossom: Fairfax & Reston
Follow on Twitter: @BabyBlossomShop

I NEVER order wings while out because I hate how messy they are. Take a look at this Hooters video from Jordan in DC - can I pin this?! Love it!

Friday, July 27: Go for the Gold

Before you settle in for the opening ceremony of the Olympics on Friday night, go for the gold with the Fairfax County Animal Shelter's Summer Olym-pets event. Dogs, cats, birds and other small animals will be showcased and families can adopt two cats or kittens for the price of one. All adopted shelter cats and kittens will also receive a free spay/neuter. A variety of canine companions will also be available to vie for first place in your heart and home. Noon to 6:30 p.m. (Tuesdays through Fridays, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through Aug. 11). Fairfax County Animal Shelter. For more information call 703-830-1100.

Saturday, July 28: Viva Mexico!

Bring a picnic, comfy lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the sounds of traditional Mexican folk music as Mariachi Los Amigos takes the stage as part of the Mount Vernon Nights summer concert series. The group, founded in 1979, shares a passion for the lively sounds of mariachi music. 7 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center.  Free.  For information call 703-584-2900.

Also on Saturday:

Celebrating Begonia Diversity: Johanna Zinn, begonia aficionado, introduces you to the many varieties of begonia, their growing environments and strategies for successfully rooting these treasures. Take the starters home to expand your own tropical collection. 9:30 to 11 a.m. Green Spring Gardens. $18/person. Register online. For information call 703-642-5173.

The Widow Spy - My CIA Journey: Meet Martha D. Peterson, author of "The Widow Spy: My CIA Journey from the Jungles of Laos to Prison in Moscow." Book signing to follow. 2 to 3 p.m. Kings Park Library. Free. For information call 703-978-5600.

Family Fun Concert Series - Rocknoceros: Coach Cotton, Williebob and Boogie Woogie Bernie are Rocknoceros, the Washington, D.C. area's award-winning band that makes very cool music for children of all ages. Don't miss this fun show. 10 a.m. Reston Town Square Park. Free.  For information call 703-476-4500.

Sunday, July 29: Still Waters...

Explore the widest part of the Occoquan Reservoir with expert guides during Paddle the Occoquan. Tours will focus on the natural and cultural history of the reservoir. Both canoes and kayaks are available for these tours. Appropriate for ages 12 and above. Children ages 12 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Fountainhead Regional Park. For reservations (required) and more information call 703-250-9124.

Also on Sunday:

Farmers Market: From May to November, Fairfax County's 11 farmers markets come to life with a feast for the senses. The vibrant colors of freshly picked fruits and vegetables, the fragrant perfume of cut flowers, savory artisan cheeses. In addition to fruits and vegetables, you'll find fresh eggs, meats and other edible delights along with gardening plants of all sizes. All products sold are produced by vendors within 125 miles of Fairfax County. On Sundays stop by the Lorton Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check out the county's Farmers Market page for days, times, locations and more on all of the markets.

Summer Sunday Concerts - Kinobe: Born in Uganda, Kinobe is a gifted multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and composer whose early abilities in traditional African music quickly garnered acclaim on the world stage. Enjoy his performance as part of the Summer Sunday Concerts in the Park series from the McLean Community Center. 5 to 6 p.m. McLean Central Park gazebo. Free. For information call 703-790-0123.

 A complete list of county calendars is also available online.

Free Concerts, Performances and Outdoor Movies in Your Fairfax County Parks
JULY 27 - AUGUST 1

FEATURED SHOWS OF THE WEEK
Saturday, July 28 - Bolivian Cultural Heritage Night (Bolivian Dance/Music) at Ossian Hall Park, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 29 - NAYAS (Reggae/Ska) at Mason District Park Amphitheater, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 1 - LARRY SPARKS and the Lonesome Ramblers (Bluegrass) at Lee District Park, 7:30 p.m.

COMPLETE LIST OF  PERFORMANCES THIS WEEK
 
FRIDAY, JULY 27

The ATOMIC Swing Club (Swing)
The atomic swing club delivers a high energy program of vintage swing, jump blues, big band and rockabilly swing. This five-piece combo brings back the savvy swingin' vibe that made swing music so very popular in the first place.
Grist Mill Park: 4710 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy, Alexandria, VA  22309
FREE  7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Project Natale (Jazz)
Project Natale is two brothers: Joseph on bass and Lou on drums.  They create music that melds a blend of influences from the Caribbean, Cuba and Brazil into American jazz.
Lake Accotink Park: 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield, VA  22152
FREE  7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Robin and Linda Williams & Their Fine Group (Traditional Country)
'Among contemporary country performers, Robin and Linda Williams shine like a diamond amid rhinestones ...' __ David W. Johnson, The Boston Globe
Mason District Park Amphitheater: 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
FREE  7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

The Logan Kraft Band (Pop/Rock)
With their harmony driven pop rock texture, woven together with threads of blues and folk, The Logan Kraft Band has generated a truly unique and energetic sound inspired by artists such as John Mayer, the Allman Brothers, and Maroon 5.
Royal Lake Park: 5344 Gainsborough Drive, Fairfax, VA  22032
FREE  7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.


SATURDAY, JULY 28

Blue Sky Puppet Theater (Puppets)
Blue Sky presents 'The Three Not So Little Pigs'. An updated adaptation of the classic story where the pigs play with remote control cars, rock & roll guitars and the wolf is a vegetarian!  For all ages of young people and parents too!
Burke Lake Park Amphitheater: 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039
FREE  10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

The GoodLife Theater (Puppets)
The Goodlife Theater presents 'The Rainbow Show,' a whimsical tale of a monkey who ruins a rainbow and needs help from the audience to find the colors.  And there's a live music sing-along and a great introduction to puppetry for young children.
E.C. Lawrence Park Amphitheater: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly, VA  20151
FREE  10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

The Great Zucchini (Comedy/Magic)
The Great Zucchini, Washington's funniest and most magical preschool and kindergarten entertainer, performs a colorful magic show where every child is a star and laughs are guaranteed. Experience the excitement when kids learn a magic trick at the end of the show! Lake Fairfax Park Amphitheater: 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA  20190
FREE  10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Pirate Jack (Songs)
Audiences set sail with this true son-of-the-seas.  His colorful costuming, energy and mastery of traditional instruments have hoisted sails and spirits from Sea World and Disneyland to the Chesapeake on the original Bounty.  This musical sea voyage explores the ports and lifestyles of adventurers who sailed the seas in the 1800s. The songs they sang tell of the diversity of their cultures.
Mason District Park Amphitheater: 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
FREE  10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Bolivian Cultural Heritage Night (Bolivian Dance/Music)
Enjoy traditional Bolivian music and dance presented by some of the best local artists.
Ossian Hall Park: 7900 Heritage Drive, Annandale, VA  22003
FREE  7:30 p.m.

Mariachi Los Amigos (Mariachi)
Mariachi Los Amigos performs a wide repertoire from the latest canción ranchera (country song) to romantic boleros, lively polkas and the traditional hard-driving jaliscienses, including  'Cielito Lindo,' 'Allá en el Rancho Grande,' 'Guadalajara.'
Workhouse Arts Center At Lorton: 9601 Ox Road, Lorton, Virginia 22079
FREE  7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.


SUNDAY, JULY 29

NAYAS (Reggae/Ska)
The Washington Post calls Nayas one of the areas finest, a band that 'deftly shifts from rootsy reggae to ska to introspective rock'.
Mason District Park Amphitheater: 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
FREE  7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1

 
Blue Sky Puppet Theater (Puppets)
Blue Sky presents 'The Three Not So Little Pigs'. An updated adaptation of the classic story where the pigs play with remote control cars, rock & roll guitars and the wolf is a vegetarian!  For all ages of young people and parents too!
Frying Pan Farm Park: 2739 West Ox Road, Herndon, VA 20171
FREE  10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

LARRY SPARKS and the Lonesome Ramblers (Bluegrass)
'Sparks style' is mature, seasoned and deeply expressive. Throughout his long career Larry has stuck with what works. He has followed his vision and he has made an enormous contribution to the music. In a world gone fake Larry Sparks has kept it real.
Lee District Park Amphitheater: 6601 Telegraph Rd, Franconia, VA 22310
FREE  7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

King Soul (Blues)
Born of a mutual passion for the deep, down home sounds of an earlier time,  King Soul brings you real Southern Soul, featuring original songs, gritty vocals, a slamming horn section and driving rhythms.
Mason District Park Amphitheater: 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
FREE  7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

For rain cancellation information, directions and questions, call 703-324-SHOW (7469)

wasn't feeling 100% motivated... thought a little change of scenery might do the trick!