Tattoo

Fairy Tattoos

1. Fairy tattoos are one of the most feminine tattoo designs and are a favorites among women. Actually, there is not much of a difference between fairy tattoos and angel tattoos. While angels can be said to be messengers of god and are considered to be of the religious type, fairy tattoos doesnt have religion attached to it. Fairy Tattoo Design Fairies were just some supernatural beings with magical powers. Fairies are supposed to be fun loving creatures, who can be naughty too. According to various legends fairies used to punish the persons with an evil nature and helped the prince fight the big bad

2. flower sleeve tattoos

    
3.  http://jonotattoos.blogspot.com/
   My tattoos were my wedding present and I let me wife pick the flower. Female Lotus Flower Sleeve Tattoo Designs See more Japanese Tattoo Design Below: Hannya Mask Tattoo, Japanese Flower Beautiful Flower Japanese Sleeve Tattoo Designs Gallery Sleeve Tattoo Designs flower sleeve tattoo. art by Chris @ Immortal Images Wynnum, Brisbane Japanese Sleeve Tattoo Chinese Dragon Arm Sleeves Tattoo Design koi fish with lilly pad and flower tattoo · Lotus flower sleeve tattoo by dragon sleeve tattoo butterflies and flowers sleeve celtic tattoo sleeve designs flower ankle tattoo designs lily flower tattoo IMG_2344.jpg Flower sleeve Tattoo Cherry Blossoms Japanese Sleeve Tattoos Koi Half-Sleeve

   
   

    
    

Tattoo Tuesday V.84

Name/blog name: Tiffany Alexandria- forwardmotionproduction.com &  tiffanyalexandria.net

Age: 23

Occupation: I am a receptionist and concession worker in the morning and a professional photographer by night.  I work at a sports dome answering phones and selling popcorn to your children, and on the weekends I am photographing or doing video for weddings!  I also do freelance design of weird sorts and nearly anything else to bring in some green.    

Age of first tattoo: 18

Favorite tattoo: Tough question!  I'm not so sure that I really have a favorite.   They all have different meanings to me, but none really stand out more than others.

Featured tattoo/location: Peonies on my right arm.

Artist/shop/location of feature tattoo: My Peony tattoo, located on my right arm, was done up by Jason at American Inkwell in Pekin, IL.

1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art?

One of my most vivid memories from the only place I'll ever call home were the Peony bushes in the back yard.  I can remember always being so fascinated at the beauty of them.  I have no idea who planted them, or when, but they were the most beautiful flower I had ever seen.  It's more of a random memory I have, but it means enough to have it tattooed to the front of my arm.  I never want to forget being able to find beauty in the small things!

2) Do you have any other tattoos?  If so, what do you have and where?

The first tattoo I ever got was the quote " In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities. "  It was something I deemed myself to live by.  Over the years I've added around it (mostly on a whim) and it's actually the biggest tattoo I've currently got.  I must admit though, there is slight regret on how much I added to it!  I'm worried about prego belly and how it will look when that time comes :)

I went through the " I love this band and that band " phase and decided that I would get the idea from the cover of a CD.  It was the first CD I can remember ever being able to listen to every single song all the way through and absolutely love each one.  Therefore, the outline of a dead man floating to heaven made his way to my right rib cage. 

You'll find my third tattoo on the inside of my lip.  "Artist."  I did this shortly after moving back from Massachusetts   While hoping for a reminder of who I am, it seems to get lost quite often considering it's not the most visible tattoo I have. I also have yet to master the "is this still a cute photo even though we're looking in her mouth?" pose yet with this one...Any ideas?!

Fourth tattoo is located on the back of my neck.  "Lover" it reads.  I got this tattoo under a meaning of something I feel like I'll never really fully be able to explain to anyone.  It means more than "lover" of just one sort.  It helps to remind me that I have a passion for more things I could ever list off and that's really my purpose in life.  To love.

3) Do you plan on getting more?

Of course!  I need to finish my Peonies and then I'm sure I'll add elsewhere.  I don't have anything in mind at the moment, but like most of my other tattoos, I'm sure they will come on a whim.  The only thing I have planned out is where I DON'T want any future tattoos!  I think when I finish my right arm, I will probably wait until after the 'ol wedding day to get more.  I don't mind other people being all tattooed up for that occasion, but I just can't see myself as one of them.  I'm currently happy with what I've got! 

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)?  Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Do you have a significant other? Does he/she have tattoos? 

After getting my first tattoo while in college), I knew I would have some sort of battle to go through when my parents found out.  Of course I ended up getting my lip pierced out there as well, therefore, already hinting that I probably went all out and got ink too.  Parents were not thrilled about it and to this day still don't understand why I do it.

It's funny how often I get pulled aside or spoken to from complete strangers about my arm.  After getting the tattoo and getting use to it, I rarely even realize it's there.  It has, however, brought up some neat conversations and stories from other people that I have had the chance to speak to!  Good conversation starter :)

My best bud (boyfriend) does not currently have any tattoos but definitely plans on getting some.  When we first met I knew he was a little weird about how big my stomach tattoo is, but eventually realized it's there forever (I would hope so by now!)  He has a little different take on getting a tattoo than I ever really did.  He wanted to wait at least a year to see if he still wanted the same thing.  I can't blame him!  Getting a tattoo is a pretty huge commitment.  I will definitely be there supporting him when he gets his first ink though ;)

5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

Yes.  Definitely research and read comments and / or ask around about the artist you are going to choose.  It's just not worth it to go to someone because you're too anxious.  When I went for my dead guy tattoo, it was during a phase I thought I would be in the rest of my life.  Boy did that ever change!  I can't say I regret him, however, I could probably think of a few cooler things to put there now :)  It's always worth sitting on just a little longer though.  No need to rush! 

a playlist for a Monday afternoon.

It's Monday and I'm trying to get back on track from too much fun and too little sleep, so I thought I would share a playlist of some of the music Henry and I have been listening to today while we get organized. It's so pretty here today- a little warm, a little overcast, with a thunderstorm building up on the horizon. August always bring monsoons and lots of rain, and our backyard view of the mountains as far as the San Francisco peaks gives us a good idea of what to expect. For us, today is for  snuggling up, playing with new toys, and lots of tea and pretty songs. And a day like this calls for good music, right? I think so. Enjoy, and have a great Monday.

Sarah's Bachelorette Party

Well, I've been on a bit of a bachelorette party kick these past couple of weekends, and last night was the last of 'em, at least until my next friend gets married!

We spent the evening in Scottsdale, starting with a little bath and beauty product shower for Sarah (so much Lush!) at our hotel, the Hotel Valley Ho.  I adore the Valley Ho, and it's one of the cutest spots in town for both a little stay-cation or a cocktail. It's a mid-century modern resort so there is eye candy everywhere, and around every corner there's something beautiful.  After we opened presents, ate some candy and toasted with pink champagne, we headed to dinner across the street at Grazie (delicious pizza, salad, and wine - highly recommend it), then spent the evening being silly in Old Town Scottsdale.

Overall it was such a fun night. I got to spend a lot of time with some of my favorite ladies having a super fun girls' night and laughing, laughing, laughing!  We went to sleep around 3:30am, and due to my "awesome" internal clock, I woke up at 6:30. Oh boy. The rest of the day was all about relaxation, and I definitely enjoyed an early bedtime last night.

I am happy we could treat Sarah to such a good time - she's such a great friend to all of us and it was neat to be able to have a fun night in her honor. Next up, the wedding! So excited.

Here are some photos-

Friday links to love!

Happy Friday, y'all! Is is just me, or is saying "y'all" kind of fun? Anyway, it's Friday, and we have another busy weekend on the horizon. Tomorrow is my bestest friend Sarah's bachelorette party, and being the Matron of Honor, it was my duty to plan it! We'll be spending the evening at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, enjoying dinner at a local wine bar and pizzeria, and going out in Old Town. The next day it's all about pool time and relaxation. Hank is coming down to Phoenix with me and staying with Henry at my parents' for the evening. It's safe to say I'm pretty "pumped out" at this point and if I never have to switch my trust Medela on again I'll be happy. Alas, it won't be, but I'm thankful this is the last time I'll be leaving Henry for the next month or so. However, tomorrow night is going to be great and I'm really excited for Sarah to have a good time!

And being that is it Friday, here are some links to check out-

Check me out talking about making it work as a mama over on Letters to Ames.

Here's my very favorite post of the week- Mandy is just so honest and I could relate to this a lot.

And this is a very close second for favorite post - keywords AMAZING and "TROOP BEVERLY HILLS." Just click it, trust me.

Like falafel? Like pistachios? Then try this!

All of this is just so pretty. And those shoes! Love.

Hey celebrity lovers! Dog lover too?  Here's your new favorite Tumblr. You can thank me later.

I really like this head scarf tutorial. Simple yet inspiring.

Two of my favorite people, one place!

7-layer Greek dip: I feel like this would be a huge hit at a little get together.

I go back and forth with wanting to chop my hair off, and this post doesn't help one bit.

I'm such an avocado junkie so this pasta looks pretty darn amazing.

Henry needs one of these. So cute!

Alright. This place just kicked Greece off my top places to visit. ;) But really, Pie Ranch?! Ahhh. I need to be there.

I really love the idea of food in jars, so this round up is right up my alley.

Want a new playlist to listen to?  I'm liking Natalie's August mix!

Oh my word! I love Tom!

I totally enjoyed reading Lauren's summer recap post! I may have to do one of my own. 

One of my favorite families has now expanded to add a furry little someone!

This dinner looks delicious - and I definitely need to try the dressing.

And finally, I've been loving a couple blog more than ever this week- one and two!

Enjoy, and happy weekend!

9 to 5: Kim-Anh Nguyen, Tattoo Apprentice

[photo credit]

This week I am featuring one of the loveliest ladies on the internet- Ms. Kim-Anh!  She is no stranger to this blog - check out her Tattoo Tuesday- and I'm so happy to have her back.  Be sure to check out her blog and shop for some great posts and gorgeous art!

 

Tell us about yourself. 

My name is Kim-Anh Nguyen, I'm a Swiss girl from Vietnamese descent. I'm 22 years old and right now I'm working as a tattoo apprentice, since January 2011, at Inkvaders Tattoo (Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland.

Before beginning my apprenticeship I had a blog where I posted some of my drawings and paintings. After some months of having the blog people started asking me for commissioned works, so most of my time was dedicated to drawing or painting.   I don't have any formal studies in art... I succeeded at the admission tests for art school when I was 15 but my parents convinced me not to follow that path. 

So before having my blog and begin my tattoo apprenticeship I did some business related studies and worked a little bit for the city administration, but never felt happy doing that.

I live in Carouge with my boyfriend... :)

Describe a typical day at work.

I wake up at 7am, shower, coffee, breakfast, geeking, etc...
8am, first attempts at sketching some drawings or I try to finish or progress some others...
at 9am I begin my work day at Inkvaders Tattoo shop: various housework chores before the first clients arrival. Tubes cleansing. Daily shopping (supermarket, drugstore, etc)... Tattoo stations set-up...
Lunch time around 12pm and back to the shop at 1pm...

Afternoon: I just started tattooing some days ago, so I set-up my working space, draw the stencil, etc...
If I don't have any tattoos scheduled I work on some paintings or tattoos projects for future customers.

Thus said, some afternoons will only be about cleaning tubes!
Also a lot of phone answering and appointment setting (so funny how the telephone rings a thousand times a day on a rainy afternoon but just once or twice if it's a sunny day! ;)
A lot of email answering too...

End of the afternoon: tattoo stations cleansing once the tattoo sessions are over and prepare the next day stuff as much as I can!
Discussing some tattoo projects and ideas with some customers...
Back at home at around 7:30pm on a lucky day, most of time it's way later (except for summertime). :p

Back at home: Food, food, food! Tv... internet... drawing and painting with the TV as background noise...

Go to sleep at around 12am extremely tired... then, LOUD SNORING!!! 

Did you always want to be a tattoo artist? How did you get into this field? 

A Tattooer? Not really... thus said, I've always been into drawing and painting, since my childhood. I've always dreamed of an art related job. Then I began to get tattoos at around 15 y.o. and the idea (dream) of becoming a tattooist began to make its way on my head at around 18 y.o. It began to seem "logic" at some point as I was passionate by drawing and tattoos.

Is this what you hope to do for the rest of your life? 

I hope to become a tattooer someday soon (in the next years) and be able to do it for a living. I really don't know about that "for the rest of my life" part, it's still too far away right now, but I surely want to do this for the next years to come!

If you could tell your 17-year old self anything about your life today, what would you tell her? 

Well, I'm not so far away from the girl I was when I was 17 y.o. I'm still a lazy person a lot of times, procrastination is definitively in my blood... So, in a way, I'm still in that phase where I'm fighting against those bad habits... The main difference would be that I've become aware of it and I'm trying, as much as I can, to change for better. 

a thank you

I wanted to take a quick moment and say thank you to all of you for all of your sweet comments on my last post. Recently I've had a bit of a hard time blogging in this space. My readership has a grown a lot from the five readers I started with, and at times I struggle with not wanting to post personal things here due to thinking about so many people reading what I have to say. There will always be a line for me as far as over-sharing or taking away a special moment's "special-ness" by putting them here, but when it comes down to it, I love blogging and I love writing, and being able to share my thoughts and words with all of you is such an amazing gift. Recently though I've thought a lot about what this blog and what it means to me - why I continue to do it, why I have sponsors/if accepting money is discounting the value of what I produce here, if this is something that could endanger my family in any way, and often those thoughts can become quite discouraging. While on my extended vacation I didn't blog for an entire three weeks. I honestly enjoyed it, but also missed it. I thought about all the reasons I love blogging, and the reasons I don't. I thought about how, no matter how long I do this, on some days I enjoy sharing, and other days I feel like I'm making a mistake putting myself out there in such an extended way. Back and forth. It's weird. But the interesting thing about blogging to an audience of this size is that all of you are along for the ride. I have gotten such support for each of you in the different stages of my life, from being a newlywed to teaching to pregnancy to motherhood...and I appreciate all of that more than you could know.

When I started writing this post, I was just writing to write, and writing to express my gratitude. Somehow I ended up discussing something that's been on my mind for awhile, and it feels good to start to make some sense of it. I'm such a thinker by nature and writing is the best thing for me because it allows me to organize all of this, even a little. My main point (it's somewhere in here, I promise!) is still a huge thank you to all of you for reading. I'm definitely not going anywhere. If anything, this weird little bump in my blogging road has really refocused me and reminded me why I do this and what I should be getting out of it.

Sometimes I think as a blog gets bigger we allow the audience to take on the role of navigator- giving us directions, telling us where to go, all while keeping ourselves under the guise of driver and being in charge. Something is lost there. Continuing this space for me, and for Henry and Hank is the most important thing to me. Being able to write and feel as if I am contributing something here gives me a greater sense of identity, outside of a wife and mother. It's truly my outlet.

So moving forward, I'm going to cut myself some slack. This is my reminder to myself to have fun with it, stop anything on this blog that causes me stress, and just get back to the basics. Write. Share things and people and businesses I love, and create a warm space that encourages discussion and creativity.

So yes, my point: thank you. You are all a part of my life through this little corner of the internet, and I just want you to know how much I appreciate you, your comments, and your emails. I feel truly lucky to be able to reach out to so many of you via this site, and above all else I treasure that the most. I hope you have the best day. :)