Dear, Moms

Dear Moms, 

I have recently come to an epiphany! I'm not entirely sure who my audience is here, reading this. So, I will do a QUICK (😏 if I can) intro. I am Jessica, I am 31, I am a Mom to 2 young, very active boys, I am also a wife to a hardworking man. I work at a Salon and Spa part time, while the rest of my time is at home trying very hard to enjoy every minute of my young family! At the Salon, I am a Hairdresser and a Massage Therapist... To some that may seem like a weird split of my time but I will explain. 

Okay, so my epiphany recently is that I figured out my passion! My reason for doing what I do! My reason that I choose to work outside of my home! My TARGET MARKET! It's you! Its's Moms! Moms of all walks of life! If you are a care-taker, You are the reason I do hair AND massage! My goal is to bring beauty and happiness to YOU! Moms work SO hard (I know Dads do too. Really, I do.) but, Moms are very very good at putting themselves LAST! 

I want you to know, I SEE you! I am here for YOU!! I want to show you a low-maintenance haircut and low-maintenance color! I want to bring the best products that will bring some ease into your life! I want to give you the BEST freaking hair wash you've ever had! I want to style your hair so you can take your kids to their next event without worry! I want to show you how to finally curl your hair with your flat iron and make it stay! I want to show you our new colors that STAY! I want to give you a massage that melts away all your stress and sleepless nights! I want to give you time to sit and relax and talk to someone who will truly listen! I want to show you that YOU matter! You need to take care of you so you can take care of them! 💕 Can you let me do that? 

Here is how you can contact me!

Modifi Salon & Spa

107 South State Street, Orem, UT

Facebook @hairandmassagebyJessicaD

Instagram @hairandmassagebyJessicaD

JesDiamond7.wixsite.com/JessicaD

Declan's Birth Story

After Benson was born, I typed up his birth story. I did it for me and for him to read when he's older when he wishes. I saved it to the computer and no where else. Well, last year our computer got a virus that completely wiped it clean! I was devastated! I lost his birth story and many pictures from that day! Luckily, I had shared my favorites on social media so all wasn't lost. One day I will redo Benson's birth story to the best of my memory, which to be honest, is not that great these days. Mom brain! But, today, I am putting Declan's birth story out in the blogger world so I never lose those memories.
It was Wednesday, November 8th when the contractions started. I was driving to pick up Ben from work and Benson from my Mom. I had started my maternity leave shortly before and used this day to clean, do laundry and set up the bassinet. I had also gotten my flu shot and dTap shot that day. When we got home the contractions were starting to get more regular. First they were 20 minutes apart, slightly uncomfortable. They stayed that way until 7 or 8 at night. They were about 8 minutes apart and starting to feel painful. I tried to relax and watch some TV but they were consistently staying 8 minutes apart. I decided to text my mom and let her know the time may be coming. I gave a call to my OB and he told me to stay home until they were 2 to 4 minutes apart. So, we knew it would be a long night ahead of us.
We put Benson to bed and Ben and I went to bed, but their was no sleeping for me. About midnight I decided to get in the tub. I tried to relax and breath through the pain, which had become more painful but tolerable because it only last about 40 seconds. Still 8 minutes apart. I had one very painful contraction that came at 5 minutes and I had a feeling that I needed to get out and pack our bags! It was urgent! I felt like a baby because they still weren't 2 to 4 minutes apart. Well, as soon as I woke up Ben, they were INTENSE! I stopped timing but I'd guess 2 minutes apart, as I was packing, and texting my mom. I told my mom it was time! She told us not to wait, she was on her way to come get Benson.
We left and rushed to the hospital, Ben tried to joke, I don't even remember the joke but I yelled at him. I was not having it with this intense pain! It was 12:45 and I texted Ben's parents and told then we were on our way. We got the hospital which has been under construction for some time. We got to the check in desk the security guard told us the elevator was broken and smiled and said you'll have to take the stairs to 4. He laughed. I gave him a shake of my head and probably one of my signature glares. The other guy said he was joking and showed us to a different elevator. As we walked pass the  guy told the security guard, "that mom wants to kill you." Now, I can laugh at that. At the time, I did want to stab him.
We got to a room, contractions much more painful and coming what seemed like seconds apart. They quickly got me checked in, sent for all the nurses and Dr's they needed. It suddenly became very chaotic in there. Th nurse checked me and said I was 8cm dialated. I got the IV put in during a contraction. She kept telling me to relax! Sometime my water ruptured and my body was screaming to push! The nurse kept telling me don't push, don't push! So, I'm shaking, sweating, writhing in pain, while being poked and prodded and I NEEDED to push! The Dr came to do the epidural. I felt so bad for him, I was shaking and stiff at the same time. Ben was holding me and my mom came, i could see the worry in her eyes and I was in too much pain to acknowledge her or anyone. I couldn't open my eyes or my mouth. My hands were stiff in an awkward position.
Right after the epidural, Dr. Pennington got me in position and told me to push at the next contraction, no time to let the epidural kick in. It came quickly and I pushed! I felt the tear but I kept pushing as I screamed! I pushed even harder and felt the relief of baby being pulled out! I was in so much shock, I just stared at him! I was in disbelief that he was already here! The day before we had just hit 37 weeks. 1 and a half pushes and he was here. He cried and peed, there was no question that he was a boy now. 1:45am. 6lbs exactly and 17 inches long. I had barely been at the hospital for an hour and he was, so perfect!
He came so fast that he did swallow a ton of fluid, we had trouble nursing and he spit up mucus, he had his tummy emptied and I could tell he was doing much better. Our lactation consultant was amazing and taught us so much. Since he was so tiny we had to treat him like a premie. I had to pump and feed him breast milk through a syringe. Luckily because of pumping so soon, before I left the hospital I already some milk to store.
The best part of our stay was when Benson got to meet his little brother. He came into the room and we asked him where baby was, like usual he pointed to my tummy. I let him climb on my lap and I told him that the baby was not there anymore, he came out! And Ben picked up Declan and instantly Benson reached for him, held him and pethis head! I teared up seeing the love that radiated from him! It was a perfect moment!

Declan Lee Carter
6lbs 17 inches

1 year Gluten Free

When I was in high school, I was diagnosed with Hypothyrodism. I started a daily medication, felt a little relief from my symptoms, which at the time was a big relief. I did however continue to get more symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, weight gain, and weekly migraines. I got referred to several different doctors, had many tests, including an over-night sleep study and a scan of my ears, nose and throat. A few years later, I was officially diagnosed with anxiety, insomnia, and Hashimotos. I was put on several medications, which helped, but inside I HATED the feeling of being on so many medication and I still had many of my pesky symptoms. I had them switched several times to see what would help, I saw many Dr's and spent a lot of money along the way. I decided which medications I was going to continue and I basically gave up. The Dr's basically shrugged their shoulders. I decided this was it, I was use to feeling tired and sluggish all the time. I did my best to work hard, work out and even experimented with several diets.
Several years later, I heard about Dr. Redd and his specialized studies in Auto-immune Disorders, specific to Low Thyroid. I listened to a live show he had with the News. They were in a grocery store talking about what to eat and what to avoid if you have an auto-immune disorder and/or low thyroid.

Some of the things I specifically remember to avoid:
Aspartame (he actually said, if you must have a soda, go for the real sugar)
Gluten (Wheat, barley and rye)
What to eat:
Fresh fruit, veggies, meats
Tumeric
Coconut Oil

I bought his book titled, The Truth about Low Thyroid

As I read this book, I realized all of these patients had been put on a specific diet (Gluten free, some diary free, low sugar) and had been put on specific vitamins according to their needs. Right then, I had 2 thoughts:
1. I was going to start this right away! What could it hurt anyway to eat healthier?
2. Why had NONE of the Dr's and specialists EVER mentioned anything like this to me? I could have changed my lifestyle YEARS ago! This probably gave me the MOST motivation than anything else! I was livid that after all these years, I was on my own, left to research and research how I could possibly lose weight, sleep and feel better! By now, I was a mom of a 1 year old and working and housekeeping for our little family. I was exhausted all. the. time. and had been forced to tell myself it was normal.
3 days into being Gluten Free I was already noticing a difference! My first symptom to disappear was bloat! I had no idea, that I was bloated 24/7! I dropped 10 lbs almost instantly. Soon, after, I began to notice I was actually sleeping. Lets be real, I was still a tired mom of a crazy toddler but I found the desire to take him out to play, to go on walks, I finally felt like I was better Mother! My family, friends and clients noticed as well. Many of them mentioned that I looked great, they could see the change! Soon, I realized my weekly migraines were NO MORE! Let's talk about some symptoms that I had no idea were related. These also were gone within a few months.
Depression
Anxiety
Insomnia
Bleeding, swollen gums
Itchy red bumps on my arms and legs
Acne
Brittle, thinning hair and nails
Painful menstrual cramps, with heavy bleeding
Diarrhea
Constipation
Leaky gut/IBS

It has been 1 year of living gluten free, it has been SO hard to learn on my own the ins and outs of gluten, but I would not go back! I wish I could have started YEARS earlier and realized how horrible I was actually feeling! Currently, I am 7 months pregnant and I have not gained a pound! I am so much more healthy this time around. I suffered from insane anxiety when I was pregnant with my first son, I lost sleep over the littlest things, I had panic attacks, it was very hard emotionally and physically.
I share this story only to help others who may be suffering as I was! The frustration is real! I am not sure why several General Practitioners, an Endocrinologist, an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist and Sleep Specialist couldn't help me come to this conclusion years ago! I don't know why it isn't common knowledge that if you have any kind of Auto Immune Disorder, ANY, you should NOT have gluten! It is an inflammatory, for anyone, but to those with an auto immune disorder it flares your symptoms! It literally hurts your gut! If one person can be helped by my story, than I would find my journey all worth it!

A Vintage Bride

A Vintage Bride

This beauty is Lauren. Lauren is such a sweet heart! I just loved her story of meeting her fiancé and their love story! But, something I think is even more special is this story. Pictured here is her Grandmother's dress! Her Grandmother wore it, then her mother wore it as well as one of  Lauren's sisters. She went with a vintage style updo to perfectly flow with the vintage dress. Thank you, Lauren for giving me the opportunity to be a small part of your wedding day. Congratulations!



Hair by Jessica Carter

Photography by Megan Horn Photography

*******Attention Brides*******

I absolutely love being a part of a special Wedding day!! The hair is literally the cherry on the top! If you are in need of a wedding or formal style call me! 801-602-7497. I have great prices and will even do a complimentary practice to ease your nerves! I can go on location and any hour of the day. Here are a few of my previous Brides.

Why I choose Professional hair products

1. Professional hair color vs store bought. (Store bought includes Sally's! Sally's is generic, not professional) I can tell just by simply feeling and especially washing your hair that it is not professional hair color. The hair is stiff feeling...like straw. Probably because it has a weird coating. It may look shiny but I promise that it's totally coated...With the same ingredients as floor wax. True story.

2. Hairsprays. Professional hairsprays are water soluble, meaning it doesn't take 2 shampoos to wash it out. Most generic hairsprays will leave a coat on the hair, no matter how many times you wash it out. Eventually your hair will feel damaged and dried out when really it's just coated.

3. Thermal protectors are SO important. You should be prepared to pay for quality.  Generic may (AGAIN) coat your hair, which may 'protect' your hair from heat damage, but then you are back to the problem of now your hair is coated and will cause the same issue as above.

4. Tools, especially the heat tools are also things you won't want to scrimp on. Professional grade are top of the line products and you will feel it! It will work twice as fast as generic and they will keep the integrity of your hair!

5. This may be the top reason why I use professional products... Professional products are guaranteed! At the salon if you use it and hate it we will let you exchange it. If you hate your color we will redo it at our cost.

Exceptions to the rule: This is my own opinion. Natural remedies. I love coconut oil! Just remember the natural remedies take longer to see results. 

This is Me.

 This is me. Jessica Diamond (Mellor) Carter! I couldn't pick just one picture of myself because I LOVE to change my look! I am in desperate need of updating my blog for the purpose of re-building my clientel. (I have just returned from Maternity Leave) So, this is like a reboot! I will re-introduce myself and brag about a few of my client's looks. I am Jessica, most family and friends call me Jes. I just turned 28 years-young. I am so happily married to Benjamin, he is my favorite everything! We were sealed in the Mt. Timp Temple in 2014, we have a son, Benson (Ben's Son, get it? haha) He is incredibly cute and only 11 weeks old. He is my pride and joy! He is the reason I work only Part Time at the salon. Modifi Salon & Spa is 107 South State Street in Orem and I absolutely LOVE working there! I am a cosmetologist going on 10 years and a Massage Therapist. Yes, I do both at the Salon! Okay, enough about me. Here are my fantastic clients!

This is Bailey! In this style we added some subtle highlights to the ends in an ombre kinda way. And I styled it with a flat iron to give it a loose curl.

This doll is Abby. She was going to prom in a cocktail vintage dress. With her short hair she didn't think we could do much but we added some curls and pinned some vintage pin curls to dress it up! CUTE!

This is my Sister-in-Law, Whitney! She dresses like an 80's rocker all the time! Just Kidding, this was for Halloween. We added some neon hair extensions for a pop of color, we used a fancy crimper for texture and teased the heck out of it before french braiding it and pulling it apart for a mohawk look!

This is Lea. This was a big change for her! We cut it shoulder length and kept the layers really textured and long. Her highlights are melted to the ends with a mocha brown all over. Curled loosely with a flat iron. 

These 2 studs are my nephews Gage (right) and Krew (left). Gage's haircut is a faded fohawk and Krew's has his part cut into it and left long on top to help comb-over. 

This doll brought in a picture of Julianne Hough from Safe Haven. She had long, long hair. This was so fun! It is a slight A line with textured long layers.

This is Natasha, she has some purple triangle peek-a-boo panels and sassy blonde highlights. Her hair is curled with the flat iron and lightly pulled apart with some oil.

This handsome boy is also my nephew, Gage, he is rocking a full fohawk! So cute on the little guys!

This is Jake! You'll probably see him a lot on my blog because he loves to change his style and he doesn't like it to be like anyone else's. This cut is  faded from his nape to the front of the forehead. He is also playing around with a zig-zag cut into the back.

This beauty is my mom. She has a light brown Mocha lowlight and some gold blonde and light blonde highlights. 

This is my gorgeous sister, Nicole. She was feeling over-whelmed by her hair! She loves to work out and was having issues with her hair being SO heavy. So we cut 8 inches, and added long layers and thinned it majorly! She's cute!