Locs: This Natural Hair Thang

Let me tell ya’ll…….. Having Locs is not easy.  Whoever keeps spreading this lie is Cray Cray!!  I Love my Locs, but I have also explained previously that I am not a Hair Person.  But over the past 3 years, I have done more hair than I probably have at any time in my life.  Loc Maintenance is No Joke!  So let me tell you about the most important things that I have learned having locs:

• Hydration is Key
• Cannot Use any products that cause Buildup
• Keeping your scalp oiled keeps your locs looking healthy
• Still need to clip your ends regularly
• If you love color, use a color treatment Shampoo and conditioner
• Protective styling is great for growth
• Styling is UNLIMITED
• YouTube Tutorials are your Friend

My Lady Locs

Some of these things are also key to regular natural hair care. I use to have a closet full of products but after my 1 year old was diagnosed with asthma, I had to get rid of any products with strong fragrances or lasting aromas. Which made me narrow my product list down quite a bit. But to make sure I’m maintaining healthy Locs, here are some of my favorite mildly scented hair care products:

• Doo Gro Mega Thick Growth Oil (retail value $8.99 4.5oz.)
• Doo Gro Mega Thick Anti-Thinning Growth Lotion (retail value $8.99 12oz.)
• Clairol Root Cleansing Strawberry and Ginger Shampoo (retail Value $9.99 10oz.)
• 12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatments (retail value $17.99 6oz.)

What products would you refer for healthy loc maintenance that I could use around my asthmatic baby boy?

Directv, AT&T, and the NFL

I have been a Directv customer for 4 years and an  AT&T customer for 10 years.  In July Directv and AT&T merged offering more options for your entertainment and cellular needs.  This is the first ever nationwide combined tv and wireless service from one company. Which includes great discounts for customers of both companies.  The merger also opens the door for TV service literally at your fingertips. Directv customers will be able to access tv service on their mobile devices at anytime. Even after you sign up as a new customer and just say Directv can not get out to install service for a week or two, your service will be active via the app on your phone during that time. Didn’t I say, “Entertainment at your fingertips”.

This year we added the NFL Sunday Ticket package with Directv.  We are die hard Redskin fans #HTTR and regular Football watchers. So in my house this was a life saver since my honey works 6 days a week.  We never missed a game and could always catch up on the various games that have conflicting schedules.  No matter the day or time with the NFL Sunday ticket. It was so easy to catch up on missed plays, scores, highlights, player stats and extras without even being in front of the tv.

Directv NFL Sunday Ticket App.

This Sunday, I will be meeting with Executives from AT&T during the Washington Redskins vs Tampa Bay Football game at FedEx Field to discuss the many ways customers will benefit from this merger. Join me at 11:30am Eastern Standard time this Sunday, October 25, 2015 with your questions via Twitter @JayeCarter  and @DCMobility with the hashtag #NFLATTDirectv. Let’s find out what these companies have in store for their customers. Believe me AT&T and Directv have packages to fit the needs of many.

Photo Courtesy of Google

Did you know that if you’re a customer of AT&T *and* DirecTV, you can get $10 off your bill each month, just for being a customer of both? That is a annual savings of $120. Find out what you’ve been missing.

** I received tickets to Sunday’s game in exchange for this post. However all opinions are my own.

Growing Pains

This year along with the new addition.  My family also decided to make some physical changes together.  Over the past 2 years my oldest had been dealing with overcrowding in his mouth.  Literally his mouth x-ray looked like a shark head x-ray with rows and rows of teeth.  He had teeth growing behind teeth, teeth growing over top of teeth and he started experiencing mild pain.  After speaking with the Orthodontist they decided it was time to start fitting him for braces.  Unlike most kids he was ready and excited!  He had been asking for an entire year when they could start the process of correcting his teeth and it had finally come.  But he was a little nervous and wondered if pain would be involved.  Well I myself had dealt with dental changes after my 2nd pregnancy which were consistent throughout my last. My teeth had shifted, leaving small gaps here and there.  After I got my post pregnancy cleaning they were obvious. Because we go to the same dentist my son was present at my appointment.  We learned that as I aged that those spaces would stay there and most likely get larger.  So the dentist/orthodontist gave me an option which made my son smile from ear to ear.  That day we made the decision together.  I would go first to ease his mind.  After he saw how easy it was, he hopped in that chair and never looked back.  It was great to watch him let go of his fear because I never want him to be scared of any health physician.

I was scared myself for about 6 years when I didn’t have a regular dentist. We had a family dentist all my life and once he retired and I had to find someone new to work on my mouth, I was uncomfortable.  But once my kids became big enough to go, I had to trust someone so that they felt comfortable going regularly.  Our dental office is filled with friendly and loving staff.  They tell my kids stories, watch videos and play games with the baby when I am in the chair, and they are very informative regarding our dental health. Now we all Love our dental family. We are making healthy changes together. So when he looks at the list of things he can not eat, he knows mommy can not as well. No cheating and no cutting corners, because we are in this together. Insurance is only as good as a Great Healthcare Provider!  Thank you Dr.Reza Ulery Dental!!!

The Day after I got Mine! PAIN

8 Months Later! He’s 12 and Yes I’m 35 with braces. It’s never too late.