A septum piercing is a type of facial piercing that goes through the thin strip of skin that separates the nostrils. The septum is the soft tissue between the cartilage that forms the nostrils' wall, and it's a relatively fleshy area, which makes it easier to pierce. The piercing process involves using a sterilized needle to create a hole through the septum.
Model: roaming.rose
Jewelry: 14k Gold Neptune's Child
On cover: adriana.chiara
Jewelry: 14k gold Tribal Beauty / Tribal Beauty Sterling Silver
The level of pain associated with getting a septum piercing can vary from person to person, but generally falls between a level 3 and 7 on a pain scale of 1-10. The pain scale is subjective and depends on individual pain tolerance levels. Factors that influence the level of pain include the piercing location, needle gauge, and the expertise of the piercer.
Location: The location of the piercing greatly affects the level of pain. Piercing through the thin, fleshy area at the bottom of the septum tends to be less painful than piercing through the cartilage.
Needle gauge: The size of the needle used for the piercing can also impact the level of pain. A smaller gauge needle is generally less painful than a larger one.
Piercer's Expertise: The expertise of the piercer is crucial in determining the level of pain. An experienced piercer will use the right technique, making the process smoother and less painful.
The pain associated with getting a septum piercing is usually short-lived, lasting only a few seconds. Some people may experience a dull ache, soreness, or tenderness after the procedure. To manage the pain, you can take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen, use a cold compress to reduce swelling, and avoid touching the piercing. Proper aftercare procedures, including cleaning the piercing with a saline solution and avoiding activities that can irritate the piercing, are essential.
Model: emelieaxelson
Jewelry: 14k Gold Neptune's Child
If you're planning to get a septum piercing, some additional tips can help you have a successful and enjoyable experience. For example, wearing comfortable clothing can prevent irritation during the piercing process. It's also advisable to avoid alcohol and caffeine before the procedure, as they can increase sensitivity and make the pain feel more intense. Additionally, it's essential to stay calm and relaxed during the piercing process, as stress and anxiety can cause the body to tense up, making the procedure more painful. Taking deep breaths and using relaxation techniques like meditation or visualization can help you stay calm and centered during the process.
Ultimately, the pain level of a septum piercing is subjective and varies from person to person. While some people may find the process relatively painless, others may experience more discomfort. However, understanding the factors that influence pain levels, preparing yourself for the process, and following proper aftercare procedures can make the experience more manageable and enjoyable. With the right preparation and care, a septum piercing can be a beautiful and empowering way to express your personal style and individuality.
Once the piercing is done, it's crucial to take proper care of your septum to ensure it heals correctly and minimize discomfort. The healing process for a septum piercing can take up to six to eight weeks, during which you'll need to avoid touching or rotating the
Model: Kika Von Macabre
Jewelry: 14k Gold Neptune's Child
Overall, it's important to keep in mind that septum piercing is a form of body modification, and as with any body modification, there are risks involved. It's crucial to do your research and find a reputable piercing studio with experienced piercers who use proper sterilization techniques to minimize the risk of infection and other complications. Before getting a septum piercing, it's also essential to consider factors like your lifestyle, job, and personal preferences, as the healing process can require some adjustments to your daily routine. By taking the time to weigh the pros and cons and prepare adequately, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a beautiful and unique septum piercing.
We hope this article has helped you better understand the pain levels associated with septum piercing and provided some tips for coping with the discomfort. We'd love to hear about your own experiences with septum piercing pain and any additional tips you have for making the process more manageable. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Remember, everyone's pain threshold is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. So, let's share our knowledge and experiences to help each other make informed decisions and enjoy our beautiful and unique septum piercings!
Model: Sash_son
Jewelry: 14k Gold Free Spirit
Model on cover: _wakantanka_
Jewelry: 14k Gold Neptune's Child
In ancient cultures such as the Aztecs and Mayans, septum piercings were often worn by spiritual leaders and shamans as a symbol of their connection to the spiritual realm. The piercing was believed to enhance their ability to communicate with the gods and access higher states of consciousness. It was also seen as a rite of passage for those who were chosen to become spiritual leaders, and the spiritual significance of septum piercings was a big part of these cultures.
In Hindu culture, the septum piercing is known as the "Nath" and is traditionally worn by yogis and ascetics. It is believed to represent detachment from material desires and a focus on spiritual growth. The piercing is also associated with the Hindu god Lord Shiva, who is often depicted wearing a septum piercing. This piercing is also associated with the third eye chakra, which is said to be the center of intuition, spiritual insight, and higher consciousness.
In ancient Africa, Septum piercings were also used in spiritual ceremonies and were worn by tribe's leaders and spiritual leaders as a symbol of their connection to the spiritual realm. It was believed that the piercing would bring the wearer good luck and protection in the afterlife. The Maasai tribe in Africa also traditionally wear septum piercings as a symbol of their connection to the spiritual realm and as a rite of passage into adulthood.
Model: valeriiakaraman for Zhen Nimph
Jewelry: IchiBan in Sterling Silver
In Native American culture, the septum piercing was also worn by spiritual leaders and shamans. The piercing was believed to enhance their ability to communicate with the spirit world and access higher states of consciousness. This piercing was also seen as a symbol of bravery, and it was believed that it protected the wearer from harm during battles. The Navajo tribe, for example, believed that the septum piercing would protect them from evil spirits.
In ancient Greece, septum piercings were worn by the followers of the god of love and beauty, Aphrodite. It was believed that the piercing would bring the wearer good luck in love and relationships.
In Borneo, the Dayak people believed that septum piercings were a sign of strength and courage. They were often worn by warriors to protect them in battle.
In modern times, septum piercings have regained popularity as a symbol of spiritual growth and self-expression. Many people choose to get a septum piercing as a way to honor their own spiritual beliefs and connect with their higher selves. This has led to an increased interest in the spiritual significance of septum piercings and how it is related to ancient cultures.
Model: _wakantanka_
Jewelry: Cool Breeze in Sterling Silver
It's important to note that septum piercings do require a significant amount of healing and care. It is crucial to make sure your piercer is experienced and use proper aftercare techniques to avoid infections. It's also important to choose high-quality jewelry that is made of safe materials that won't cause allergic reactions or other health issues.
Overall, septum piercings offer a unique way to express yourself and connect with your spiritual side. Whether you are inspired by ancient cultures or simply looking for a way to honor your own beliefs, a septum piercing can be a powerful and meaningful addition to your personal journey. It's worth mentioning that some people choose to get septum piercings for fashion reasons, and it's not necessarily related to the spiritual connection, it's all about personal preference.So, what is a simple, yet fun solution? We don’t want to toot our own horns, but we think we have one! And that solution is… OUTDOOR PARTY!! Well, and the dressing up that goes along with it! While it might sound like a strange time to be discussing outdoor parties, we promise that we have some suggestions that will make having the PERFECT outdoor party make complete sense! For everything from party theme ideas, to the kind of body jewelry you choose to wear, we can help you create the right outdoor party for you!
But What KIND of Parties?
Um… literally any! In our opinion, for example, it is NOT too late to host a belated Halloween party (though, if you ask us, there is NEVER a bad time for the creepy and spooky!) But, if you are over Halloween, and ready to move on with the winter holidays, we have some ideas for you, as well!
Ok, but… What to Wear?
Some of that depends on whichever type of party you have chosen to host. For example, you might like the idea of red and green clothing for Christmas themed parties, or warm fall colors like orange, brown and red, for Thanksgiving parties. If your party has no theme, or it is geared more toward something that is not about the holidays, then get creative! If you have chosen to host something exceptionally formal, go nuts with ball gowns and super sleek tuxes. If you just want to gather people you care about together to eat, drink and be merry, do something casual and comfy.
However, bear this in mind! Though outdoor parties can be wonderful and amazing, even in winter, you will likely need to take the temperature into consideration. No matter your theme, if it is cold where you live this time of year, or if it will be cooler then than it is now, make sure that you, and your guests, are appropriately prepared. Another tip… if you can’t build a bonfire or something where you live, consider making your party an indoor/outdoor one. It never hurts to be overly cautious, especially during flu season!
What About… the Elephant in the Room?
Ok, so we know that you didn’t come here to hear more about this horrific pandemic. But, if you are planning ANY sort of party, we must mention it, at least briefly: this terrible, horrible, no good, very bad COVID mess. We are at a point where, in some areas, restrictions are being eased, even lifted… and, in others, they are becoming more strict and severe. There are even some places where it is all up in the air, and no decision has been made about which direction to go. And, like we said, even though we KNOW you are sick of hearing about, and dealing with, it, we must express our concern for your wellbeing. You are, after all, part of our tribe!
Whatever you are choosing to do party wise, PLEASE do not forget to consult your region’s updated COVID policies and laws. Adhere to any social distancing regulations and, if still applicable, DO NOT forget your masks (yet another reason we suggested a Halloween party earlier). And, of course, wash, wash, WASH your hands! That can never do any harm, even if you live in an area that is almost COVID free!
How to Accessorize
Yay, our favorite part of EVERY party (or event… or day, really!). ACCESSORIES! Perhaps you were not aware, but we sort of heart body jewelry… specifically, facial piercings and jewelry. And, whether you are looking for a nice, new gold nose pin, if you wanna see what our tribal septum selection has to offer, if you are in the mood for something more like a hippie nose stud, or if you just cannot wait to update your facial jewelry collection all around, we can definitely help you! We assure you, we have ALL sorts of jewelry (possibly even some new stuff since the last time you’ve visited us) for any occasion. Let us help you look, and feel, your best, at your party this season!
As a result, we wanted to talk to you, our tribe, about something really important. In the midst of all the strife, grief and fear, it is easy to forget how important it is to take care of yourself and take time out for you. While it is the responsibility of all of us to help look out for one another, whether it be by following your area’s health and safety guidelines and restrictions, or showing support for, and helping, those directly affected by the virus or the quarantines, it's also of great import that we remember self-care, as well. It can be hard to justify taking time out for yourself when others need you during this stressful, frightening time, and we can even manage to convince ourselves that it is selfish and unnecessary. Well, we are here to tell you that that is NOT AT ALL TRUE! In fact, that line of thinking can be downright harmful to your own wellbeing.
As we all know, self-care is THE most important thing we can do for ourselves. Even when everything was “normal” in the world, we had tendencies to overwork ourselves, push ourselves to our very limits trying to please everyone we are about, and take on way more than we could handle, to accomplish more of everything in the same amount of time. And, as we know, that never got us anywhere fast, except exhausted, miserable and, in no time at all, completely unproductive. Now, with everything going on, things are more stressful than ever, and mostly for reasons that we cannot control. Whether it is a job layoff, or not being able to go out and do the things we most enjoy doing, we can find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and trapped. As we said, it is a wonderful thing, and the duty of all of us, to help out those who have been most seriously affected by the virus and quarantines. But do not be afraid to take time out for yourself, too!
How Can I Have “Me Time” During Quarantine?
In some places, the quarantine restrictions are slowly being eased. In others, however, they have not and, in fact, might be tightening. This can make doing the things we enjoy most difficult, if not impossible. Even something as simple as going outside for a picnic or a lovely hike can be difficult, what with social distancing. And, even if those things aren’t difficult, they can be awfully scary. We understand, trust us! But never fear! We have come up with a list of things that you can do to give yourself that al-important “me” time, without breaking any guidelines or worrying yourself to death!
The Point Is…
The point is, it doesn’t matter what you do to take care of yourself during all the craziness and turmoil. All that matters is that you DO take care of yourself and stave off some of the cabin fever and overwhelming stress that we all have been feeling. You may find yourself thinking that you must find solutions to all your troubles before you take a moment to relax and have fun, but that is simply not true. Being well-rested, relaxed and happier will make you more productive when you are focusing on finding solutions. Just remember, it doesn’t matter what you do. It only matters that you remain true to yourself and your unique interests, and that you do not neglect yourself!
Ok, so… maybe that wasn’t such a secret. But we felt that it was an important piece of information, nonetheless! In any case, we wanted to take some time to devote an entire piece JUST to nose rings, and we hope you enjoy reading it as much as we adore discussing the subject!
Well, that sort of depends on the person. We, personally, believe that many people get nose rings, as well as other body and facial
One thing we have discovered in our time loving facial
That’s right! You, as our beloved tribe, know well how much we love our stories! We believe that it is the best (and most entertaining) way to share our experiences, information and tips regarding facial
About ten years ago, I decided that I wanted a nose ring. I had gotten my eyebrow pierced the year before, and I had quickly fallen in love with it. So, I thought that I might want to have more facial piercings. However, I was not sure which ones would look right on me, so I was slow in acting on the fancy. At first.
Then, one night, I literally just grabbed a fistful of my savings, got into the car with some friends, and we went to our
Long story short, she talked me into it, and I ended up with an 18-gauge nose stud. Yes, it did hurt, and yes, I did cry (the nerves in your nose CAN make your eyes water like mad, and it happened in SPADES when I got my nose pierced), but when I looked in the mirror, I fell instantly and permanently in LOVE with it!
That is not the best part! Remember the friends I mentioned who went with me and got their various body modifications? Well, two weeks after getting my nose pierced, even THEY thought that I had had the piercing ever since they met me!
The point to this story is this: sometimes (MANY times, in fact), a nose piercing works SO well for people that friends and relatives honestly think you have had your nose ring for most of your life… when, in reality, you’ve only had it a few weeks.
Believe it or not, not EVERY nose ring is right for EVERY person. Being unique means being such ALL AROUND. And, just as with all other aspects of your uniqueness, it sometimes takes time to find what fits best with what makes you, you.
What does that mean? Well, remember when you were trying to find YOUR style, and you kept changing your wardrobe, makeup, accessories, etc.? Remember thinking, “Well, I haven’t had this outfit long, and I feel bad getting rid of it, but I can’t stand looking at it”? It took several outfits, several trial runs with certain colors and clothing cuts and styles, and several opinions from friends and family to FINALLY find that which worked best for you. And your facial
So, how do you know which nose right is right for YOU? Here is our advice: trial and error. Do not be afraid to try different rings in different styles and different colors. I, personally, hate yellow gold, but I found that the nose ring that worked best for me was a gold nose stud! Don’t be afraid to try nose rings that you might feel you will not like or might not look quite right
NOTE: This will also be a good opportunity for you to decide which kind of post you want for your nose ring. Are you ok with the plain Jane nose pin? Are you more comfortable with a nose ring with a nose screw (the corkscrew-
We know that you guys and gals MUST have some interesting, funny, thoughtful or just plain awesome stories about nose rings, piercings, or ANYTHING related to nose jewelry! For those of you who do and wish to share those stories with us, let us know! We are ALWAYS interested in hearing about the experiences of others, especially about nose
If that is the case for you, we wanna help pull the bah humbug out of your… hair, for you! We know that one of the biggest stress factors during the holiday season is the shopping part. What do you buy for which person/people? How do you know if they are going to like it? What do you get for someone who either already has everything, or only likes a handful of things? Or, the really big question: how do you shop for an ink addict or metal head??
If you want to get something special and unique for your best pierced (or
A What Piercing?
A (rhymes with faith) piercing! This past year, it has become ALL the rage in facial and jewelry (though, we must say that we it LONG before it became this cool!). Many of you likely already know what a daith piercing is, if you do not, in
Why Specifically a Daith Piercing?
In truth, the special metal heads in your life would likely enjoy ANY facial piercing, or jewelry for any facial piercing that they have. Again, we are being a bit biased because… piercing! However, there are actually very good reasons as to WHY it is
First of all, we will mention the most obvious reason: look super cool (and super-hot)! The piercing is one that has been around for goodness-knows-exactly-how-many years as a cultural/tribal piercing. Even though that is rarely the case today, it still looks just as cool and amazing as it did then!
Second, if the rumors are to be believed (more on that in a
One of our staff members has suffered with migraines for many years. Of course, she had tried all the medications, all the aromatherapy suggestions, homeopathy, all-natural remedies, and acupuncture. Well, guess what! Acupuncture was the most successful treatment option that she found, and a pressure point relating to the digestive system, as well as to the alleviation of migraine symptoms, is… you guessed it… right where the piercing is located! So, she decided to give getting a a try (again, this was before it became as popular as it has in 2019), and she said that the improvement in her headaches is astonishing!
(PLEASE NOTE: Our staff member spoke with her doctor before getting this piercing for healing/relief purposes, and you should, too! You should also ONLY get a from an experienced, legitimate piercing professional, and you should NEVER try to do it yourself at home! While this is a really cool piercing, and just as safe as any other, it is also NO less susceptible to damage, infection, or rejection than all other IF it is done improperly, inexpertly, or exposed to dirt and bacteria from a less-than-ideal piercing location or space!!).
Third, and finally… Pata Pata Jewelry rocks the piercing jewelry! Our selection of jewelry will blow your pierced minds! We have literally ALL types of earrings (including gold ones) that are nickel-free and easy on your (even new/recent ones), AND that are handmade TO order, to boot!
Ok, but HOW Do I get This for My Friend/Relative?
A fair question! You can’t exactly knock out someone and drag them unawares into a tattoo/piercing shop (and, even if you COULD, you probably… most definitely… shouldn’t). So, how, then, can you make this the perfect Christmas gift, without ruining the surprise?
Check out your nearby piercing parlors. Some of them, especially with the rise in piercing and facial jewelry interest in the last few years, either already offer something in the way of gift cards or the like, or they would be willing to work out something with you
Once more, we want to wish you the happiest of holidays and, as always, happy piercing (and inking)!
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Updated on December 6, 2019
The first time I tried to change my septum ring, it took 15 minutes or so, tens of tries and loads of deep “you can do it” breaths, before I found myself lying on the sofa, legs on the wall with my head hanging down, and having my young daughter lean over me, holding a torch pointed inside my nose, bravely guiding and encouraging me: “Yes mommy, you are almost there!! A little up, …to the right…don’t give up!! You can do it!” I realized I could NOT do it yet. Needless to say, it was WAY too early. Impulsive… I know, but I couldn’t help myself!
I know, you just can’t wait to take out the initial, too-generic septum piercing horseshoe and put in a gorgeous septum ring that reflects your true self, that looks STUNNING on you!
When the pretty septum piercing fully heals, you can feel it wiggling when you shake your head. If you feel that your septum skin hugs the ring tightly, or there is some resistance when you play with it, it means that it is not 100% healed.
However, it doesn’t mean that you cannot replace it.
If you feel pain, it stings when you play with your septum ring, or it still has some infection, it is too early. I know it is hard, but, you should wait some more. It is worth it.
If your septum piercing is not 100% healed, it doesn’t mean that you cannot change it, but it could mean that it would be a little harder, and that you might experience a small heart attack, thinking you lost it forever :)
Model is Queen Obsidiankerttu
If your mirror hangs over a sink, cover the sink hole.
Use a cup, a piece of paper, your favorite cream jar, your cat… anything. Just don’t make that mistake and cry as your septum ring falls down the drain.
Wash your hands until they are clean- like prepping for surgery. Looking at the mirror, use your fingers feel and find where your piercing is. Take your time, get to know your piercing. Because of its location, it is almost impossible to see the puncture location, so make sure that you have a good idea where it is located.
Prepare your beautiful new septum piercing ring that you are about to put in. Twist it carefully, but not too much, as in the example below.
Place your septum ring on a clean surface (tissue paper, cotton wool). Sterilize the jewelry that you are about to put in, as well as your hands and your septum piercing from both sides using cotton buds and the antiseptic that your piercing studio recommended to you.
Model is the super talented Naomi King
Unscrew one end and begin to pull out the horseshoe. Stop when the end is about to go through the hole and out the other side. At this point, you can place the new septum ring in a way that its tip touches the tip of the horseshoe.
Then, pull the old one and push the new one at the same time, so that the old jewelry kind of guides the new jewelry in.
If you find this way too complicated, simply pull the horseshoe out, take a deep breath and carefully find the way in with your new jewelry.
If your septum piercing is not 100% healed, it could take a while to find it.
Be very gentle, try not to irritate your septum too much and don’t worry, it’s still there!
It didn’t go anywhere, it just contracted a little. FYI, a fully healed piercing won't contract, and is easy to find.
After a few tries, clean the tip of the jewelry again and your piercing hole with the antiseptic.
When you are sure you found the right place, you might need to use some gentle force to push it back in. With a cured one, it will easily go in.
Once it is in, YESSS! YOU ROCK!!! Twist the ring's tips back to line up, and clean your pierce with antiseptic once again, to make sure you haven’t let in any infection-breeding bacteria.
Don’t give up and compromise on that horseshoe ring. It’s nice…kind of…But…
Step into your piercing studio. They would love to help you.
How did it go the first time you tried to change your septum ring?
Spill it below.
We all know the struggle of a damn rebellious nose stud, and that struggle is often TOO real. In fact, some of us get so angry with those slippery piercings that we end up giving up on them (either out of sheer exhaustion, or because we may or may not have accidentally pulled or pushed our stud too hard and stretched the hole)!
I myself lost my nose stud. A friend gifted me a couple of brand new nose studs that I had wanted FOREVER… but neither of us realized that they were just a single gauge too small, until it was too late. It must have been missing for 2-3 days by the time I realized it, and quite closed up (the piercing was only about 3 months or so old), and that was a pain I STILL cannot make myself relive (no matter how sexy the stud was)!
Fret not, our beloved tribe! We have a couple of tips, and some amazing jewelry, that will help tame that wild thing in your nose, and hopefully prevent you from suffering similar fates!
Shop a complete selection of nose studs.
Yes, it will be painful, and yes, you may call us everything except your favorite piercing gurus… However, if you have a nose stud that just will NOT stay where it should, try buying jewelry that is a gauge (just ONE gauge!) bigger than you have now. DO NOT attempt to put in the larger jewelry without the help of a skilled professional, however! You can hurt yourself, expose yourself to severe infections and/or piercing rejection, or create a problem that only letting go of your piercing can solve!
Eternal Balance 14k Gold Nose Stud
Or, try a nose stud with a little bit of a hook at the end (a small CURVE, not the strange corkscrew design that your piercing stud had), like the Eternal Balance 14k Gold Nose Stud. The hook will lie flat against the inside of your nostril and stay put. Be mindful to keep your piercing clean, just as you did while it healed. If you’ve unwittingly suffered micro-tears (small, imperceptible abrasions) to your piercing, infection could move in fast. Also, with the super sexy design, no one will ever know you’re trying to tame a rogue piercing!
The Lil Chakra 14k Gold Nose Stud is another piece that has a bit of a hook, for those who prefer a more classic look, but still need the support of that curvy metal.
We know how crazy this will sound; we thought it was insane at first, too! However, one of our staff members had a friend who always SWORE she was allergic to silver, but no other metal. Since such allergies DO occur, our team member, of course, did not press the issue. Until her friend got her nose pierced, that is. The poor girl tried EVERYTHING, but for some reason, her silver-hating body did everything in its power to rid her of the beautiful gold nose stud she had chosen.
So, on a hunch, our friend bought HER friend a silver nose stud. She told a little fib (she had, by this time, noticed the pure silver belt buckle her friend wore), and said it was white gold. The girl took it to her piercer and had him help her change the jewelry, and presto! No more slippery nose stud!
Of course, we KNOW it was nothing miraculous! However, it DID seem that the stud switch achieved a similar effect as that of placebos in certain people. Chance? Coincidence? Maybe… But just in case, we wanted to share that story with you!
Kali-MA Silver Nose Stud
If you’re battling with a stubborn gold nose stud now, try something like our Kali-MA Silver Nose Stud. It, too has a hook, but it also has a longer stem than many other nose rings, which means that, to slip from your nostril, the ring must travel a bit further… only to be stopped by yet another sturdy, reliable hook! If it truly is a placebo kind of thing, the switch of metals could be tall you need to stop the struggle.
To ensure a snug nose stud fit, sometimes we must have an almost equal grip on both the outside and the inside of the nostril. However, most of us are NOT in love with the idea of having a huge, bulky piece of metal protruding from our faces (especially from our noses when it can feel like a giant booger)!
Prosperity Mandala 14K Gold Nose Stud
Remember that not everything is always so extreme! Choose from a nice selection of nose studs with larger, round surfaces, and we rocked those designs! Take the Prosperity Mandala 14K Gold Nose Stud, for instance. It has a wide, circular design, but it’s still very feminine and graceful, not clumsy and odd. Trust us; we would NEVER let you wear something that didn’t make you feel like your best you, let alone ENCOURAGE you to do so!
And, if you almost loved our gold Eternal Balance nose ring, but didn’t love the gold so much, don’t worry! As with much of our selection, we have the Eternal Balance Nose Stud in silver, too!
Eternal Balance Nose Stud in silver
If you have your own tale of woe, heartbreak, and madness of the nose stud, please talk to us! We feel your pain, and we’re here to help! We heart you all!
]]>Anti-Tragus
We’ve previously discussed the tragus piercing, which is the one that is located on that thick piece of cartilage close to your ear canal. Well, the anti-tragus is a piercing almost directly across from the tragus.
There is a piece of cartilage that sits just above the earlobe (the part of your earlobe where the good old-fashioned earlobe piercings are located) and is almost as thick as that on which the tragus piercing goes. However, unlike the tragus piercing (and most other ear piercings), not everyone has enough room on this part of their ear to get this piercing. It is no larger than other piercings, but the piece of cartilage in which the anti-tragus rests is sometimes too small for some people. If you believe you might be interested in getting an anti-tragus piercing, PLEASE be sure to consult a qualified professional artist first!
Rook
Rook piercings are one of the ones that people sometimes confuse for others (and get confused with other piercings). Some people mistake this one for a daith piercing (another piercing we previously discussed) because it is located at the top of the “fold” of the ear, JUST ABOVE where a daith piercing would sit. If one were not paying close enough attention when discussing these two piercings, one might accidentally get a daith piercing in lieu of a rook, or vice versa.
Rook piercings CAN also be mistaken for snug piercings (which we discuss below), but not as often. For one thing, rooks are vertical, whereas snugs are not so much. For another thing, the rook is located higher up on the ear (again, detailed below).
Tragus stud - Prosperity Mandala in solid 14k gold
Snug
This piercing often mistakenly gets labeled as “a small industrial piercing for the middle of your ear.” Um… not exactly. For those who don’t know, industrial piercings are the ones at the very top of your ear that goes through the cartilage on BOTH SIDES of the very top part of your ear. They usually have rather long barbell jewelry in them, and they are SUPER cool.
Snugs are, indeed, in the middle of your ear. However, while they might appear to the untrained eye like an industrial, there are a couple of major differences. First, snugs are located in a rather painful place. There are many nerve endings where the snug piercing would go; industrial piercings are not quite so painful, because it is more cartilage than nerves. Second, the jewelry that goes in a snug piercing is small and often slightly curved, something like an eyebrow ring. The jewelry in industrial piercings is (as we mentioned above) a long barbell that you can see in its entirety from the front of the ear and is totally straight.
Transverse Lobe
The transverse lobe piercing (basically an upgraded version of the traditional earlobe piercing) is another piercing that can sometimes be confused with an industrial. However, unlike with industrial piercings, the post (or bar) of the jewelry is not visible from either side of the ear. Rather, the ENTIRE jewelry post goes all the way through the tissue at the bottom of your earlobe. That’s right. The WHOLE bar/post is hidden in that wiggly tissue that is your earlobe. And, believe it or not, many people say that this piercing does not hurt any worse than a traditional lobe piercing! Cool, huh?
Trident Piercing
Did you grow up with a place in your heart for the movie The Little Mermaid? Do you have a fascination with mythology, specifically Poseidon? Then, perhaps you have heard of this piercing! The trident piercing is… you guessed it… a piercing that resembles a trident. Don’t misunderstand, however! This piercing isn’t just one into which you can put trident-shaped or designed jewelry! There is much more to this piercing that meets the eye… err, the ear, that is.
A trident piercing is actually very complex. It involves multiple “piercing holes” and, in some cases, two pieces of jewelry. Basically, a trident piercing goes from the cartilage at the very top of your ear and runs all the way down to a spot on the cartilage at the bottom. Where, exactly, at the bottom is sort of up to you. It can either run straight down, off to the side a little, OR it can come down and then through the cartilage just above the bottom of your lobe (roughly the same place where one would get an anti-tragus piercing). The artist pierces the top of your ear three times, leaving three holes for the “tri” part of the jewelry, which can consist of a single piece of trident-shaped jewelry, OR two separate pieces, which consist of a wide loop (for the two outer holes on top) and a long barbell piece (for the middle top hole and the bottom). So, yeah, quite complex indeed, but the finished product is sooo cool!
Daith earring - Tribal Beauty in solid 14k gold
Orbital
Orbital piercings (often mistaken for simple hoop earrings, WHEN referenced or seen by name only instead of pictures or physical examples) are piercings involving two piercing holes side by side and relatively close together. You can get orbitals pretty much anywhere on your ear, so long as there is enough room for the two holes and to fit a piece of circular jewelry. The jewelry fits into the piercing like a rotating loop, so you can twist it around and around in a circle (hence, the name).
And So Many More!
As we said before, we could not get into EVERY kind of piercing in this piece. There are so many, and several have more than one variation, so we simply chose some of the best/coolest/most popular. If you have a unique, or just plain, piercing that we have not discussed thus far, and you wanna tell us about it, let us know! We would heart to hear about it!
]]>In the spirit of celebrating this important news, we have a sort of special post for you all. So, settle in and read on!
Authentic Self Expression
The
As a result, many of us don’t always feel comfortable staying true to our expressions of self, even on our own social media profiles or favorite forums. This fear leads to people putting up facades and “fronts” that they feel are socially “acceptable” to present online. That, in turn, creates the fear that they cannot genuinely express who and what they are.
Model - The incredible
Septum Ring - Neptune's Child
Wanna tip? Don’t let that fear win! Remember the spirit of “Refuse to Be Ordinary,” because it does not just apply to the way you express yourself behind closed doors, or with only your smallest inner circle. It also applies to the way you present yourself to the world! If you love the dark and demented, share that love! If you are into exotic pets that “normal” people would find scary or dangerous, let your love for those animals known with pride! If you are an activist or advocate for something that is the focus of controversy in society and/or online, stand your ground fearlessly. No matter what the case may be, Refuse to Be Ordinary, always!
Now, we know that it might take a little time of dipping your toes into the “Refuse to Be Ordinary”
ONCE you have jumped all in, however, do NOT forget to shine out loud, and SUPER proud! That’s right! Feel free to flaunt your uniqueness ALL up in social media’s face!
Model - Gorgeous shape shifter @kikamacabre
Septum Ring - Free Spirit septum ring in solid 14 k gold
Our journey with “Refuse to Be Ordinary” has been quite an adventurous and
However, now that we’ve achieved making this a trademark, we have a renewed sense of accomplishment and pride! And we want to share that with everyone in our tribe, so that you can all feel this way about
However, thanks to the super fads of the year, many of us begin to obsess about having the perfect beach body and the diets or exercise plans we need to make
However, thanks to the super fads of the year, many of us begin to obsess about having the perfect beach body and the diets or exercise plans we need to make happen. We at Pata Pata Jewelry are here to tell you that those things do not matter! As members of our tribe, we want you to love yourselves just as WE love you: completely, unconditionally, and wholeheartedly, EXACTLY as you are!
We understand that that may not be as easy as we make it sound. It is so easy to get caught up in the images of this season’s hottest celebrities, society’s ideals of what makes a “beautiful” person, or the newest fad diets and workouts. But none of those things are necessary! And we are here to help you see that you are just as beautiful as everyone else, and that you don’t need a perfect ANYTHING to be viewed as such!
Don’t understand what we mean? Keep reading, and we’ll tell you exactly what we are thinking! We have a few ways to help you feel beautiful in your own skin besides giving in to all those exercise regimens and ridiculous diets that only make you feel worse than when you started.
Makeovers
Yes, we know that you have likely heard this a thousand times. But this is a beautifying technique that bears repeating! So many people underestimate the power of a simple makeover. Yes, we just said
OR, for a fresh idea, try getting together with a few friends and swapping clothes. If you have friends who wear sizes similar to yours, have a “clothing swap” party. Get together at someone’s house, bring some clothes you are willing to loan to your friends, and… well, swap! This can be a great start towards a makeover! The same can
Find Your Birthday Suit!
Have you found it yet? Of course, you have! We mean your literal, actual birthday suit! No, we are not being dirty, we promise! What we mean is, if you are comfortable with yourself in the nude, then you will always be comfortable with yourself clothed!
Spend a few minutes every day looking at yourself nude in the mirror. We know, it may feel really weird at first (we have a member of our staff working on this as we speak, and she can attest to that)! However, there is nothing more empowering than being able to say that you are comfortable in your own skin (again, we mean literally!). Take some time to appreciate the way you look. Find the things you like about yourself (and remember that we are talking about what YOU like, not what OTHERS like). It may take some time, but before long, your eyes will move directly to your favorite parts of you, and before much longer, you will find reasons why you love EVERY part of you. And THAT is the only thing that matters!
NEVER Talk Bad About Your Body!
Your body can hear you! Whenever you are talking bad about yourself, your body is present for the whole ordeal! And, believe it or not, that can have an effect on a much larger scale on how your body changes, or how you perceive those changes.
Think about the way we talk about other people (which we should never do behind their backs, BTW): the more we talk, the more we can begin to alter the way we see or think about those people. That’s how it works with the way we talk about ourselves. We begin to see ourselves in the exact same way that we portray ourselves to one another. This can be harmful (i.e., telling our BFF’s that we are fat and gross), OR (and this is what Pata Pata WANTS you to remember) it can be the best thing we ever did for ourselves! No, we are not telling you that you should start telling yourself things that you do not believe to be true. That can actually be worse for you than listening to people who speak negatively about you. Instead, remember the things you liked about your body while doing your “birthday suit time,” and build from there. Take a moment to recall things that your friends have said they like about your body. And do not write them off or believe them to be false compliments! Your closest friends would never tell you lies about your greatest assets, and they might even help you improve on those. So, put your trust in them, and let them help you remember just how beautiful you are!
Remember to love yourself and all that you do. Don’t let anyone take away your sunshine. You are the only one of you (which is why we celebrate uniqueness here at Pata Pata!), so never try to be someone or something that you aren’t!
Shout-Out
Tell us about something you are doing this summer to build your confidence and love the body with which you were born! We love hearing the inspirational stories from our tribe members!]]>Are Tattoos Still Taboo?
That depends a lot on who you ask. For some social groups, tattoos are not just art: they are a way of life. For others, they are a way to show solidarity, brother (or sister) hood, fellowship. Still others view tattoos as a way to use their bodies as canvases to show the world what means the most to them, what they’ve been through, and who they are on the inside. And, of course, there are people who simply adore the beauty of the meticulous lines, rich colors, and permanency of the ink.
However, there are also those who treat the words “tattoo” and “ink” like it’s the worst swear word in the universe. They view body art as disgusting, repulsive, and vulgar. Some even think that tattoos symbolize nothing more than violence, gang association and a hearty appetite for drugs. Of course, WE know that could not be falser, but we cannot convince the entirety of the world of its misguided notions.
What we CAN do is prove to the world that they are wrong. Not by proving ourselves to them, of course. In ANY capacity. However, we can do so by continuing to prove our love for tattoos and the art of inking, and by proudly displaying our love and appreciation for the tattoos and tattoo-loving nature of others. After all, nothing trumps hate and misunderstanding like love and appreciation, right?
But we digress. The answer to the question of whether tattoos are still taboo lies largely in the company you keep. Or, at least, the company in front of which you discuss them. The REAL question is whether they are taboo to YOU.
How Much of Society Accepts Tattoos?
First of all, that is hard to say definitively. Social media seems to tell us that tattoos are literally everywhere. However, how many of your favorite T.V. stars have visible tattoos? How many celebs do you see in their red-carpet garb with ink on any parts of exposed skin? Yet, every day at the grocery store or gym, we see more and more people with tattoos, and no one around them seems to bat an eye. While it is easy to research information and statistics, stats are just numbers based on singular studies done with, and from, small numbers of carefully selected people. In truth, there is no way such groups can speak for larger groups of society, let alone all of it.
Secondly, who cares? Those of you we happily call our tribe know that loving yourself means not giving a rat’s tail about what “polite society” (or society in general) thinks about us! No matter what we do, what we love, or how we feel, there will ALWAYS be some one (or some ONES) who wish to impose their own opinions and ideals on us. There will always be nay-sayers and tsk-tsk-tskers who either truly disapprove of our styles, or just wish to be intentionally combative and obtuse. There will even be those who are envious because they DO care about what society thinks, and they feel that they can never be as brave or bold as you.
Regardless of the reason why they object to the wonderful world of tattoos, object to THEIR objections. Your happiness is only for you, anyway; don’t consume yourself with worry about what others think!
Are Tattoos for You?
Well, to be perfectly honest, that’s not for us to say. Although, if it WERE, we would say: OF COURSE, tattoos are for you! However, in the end, it’s ultimately up to you as to whether tattoos are your cup of… ink.
We WILL say that this a decision one should NEVER make based solely on the opinions of others. And not just the opinions of the aforementioned nay-sayers, either. Those who are enthusiastic about tattoos can be just as bad about pressuring you into something you may, or may not, be quite ready to do. And, if there is anything worse than NOT getting a tattoo just because someone disapproves, it’s getting a tattoo you really didn’t want because of peer pressure. Getting a tattoo should be a happy occasion, one from which you walk away with beautiful artwork with which you are in LOVE, forever displayed on your body. So, in the end, while you can research and ask for advice, the decision must be 100% up to you.
Talk to Us!
What do you think about tattoos being taboo? Do you believe they are? Do you think society still feels they are? Do you have an interesting story about a conversation you’ve had with someone about the subject? Let us know!
]]>However, how many of us take the time to apply the springtime sprucing to ourselves? Sure, a nice, clean house makes us feel better and more inspired for the year ahead, and that’s wonderful! But, what about US?? Don’t WE deserve to feel as fresh and spectacular as our living space feels to us?
The answer is: of COURSE, we do!! The problem is, sometimes we don’t know how to make that happen. Well, if you’re reading this, chances are that you adore piercings and tattoos, and we have just the thing(s) to help you feel as refreshed as you make your home! Keep reading!
Model - Super stunning in every possible way @beatrizmarianophotography
Septum Ring - Neptune's Child
Spring Has Sprung
Indeed, spring has sprung, and spring means the time for new life and new inspiration. However, many of us spend more time focusing on the new things popping up around us than on ourselves and making ourselves feel as inspired and refreshed as our homes/surroundings. While it IS nice to have a clean home, donate old items to local thrift shops, or sell unnecessary things at a small garage sale, we mustn’t forget one important thing: ourselves!
It’s easy to forget that we, as people, deserve a good “springtime makeover,” just like our homes and closets. That’s why we wanted to take some time to remind our tribe members that you are just as important as clean living and working spaces this spring season!
Inspired by Nature
We don’t know about you guys and gals, but to us, springtime is a very inspirational time of year! Nature slowly comes out of her wintertime cocoon and gently brings color and life back into the world. All the vibrant colors and creatures that vanished during the winter reemerge after several long, cold months of hibernating, offering promises of new life and renewed creativity to the world! But, why should these promises influence nothing but the natural events of… well, nature?
The answer is: they shouldn’t! At least, they don’t HAVE to. While we whittle away, adhering to the idea that humans MUST use the first few weeks of spring to scrub and empty our homes to be rid of all unsightly and/or unnecessary clutter, we’re neglecting one important thing: OURSELVES. In this age of self-care and self-pampering, we should also heed the call to spruce up ourselves and make ourselves feel more like springing into spring! (Yes, pun intended!).
Model - Breathtaking @sashu_sun
Septum Ring - Indian Mystique septum ring in solid 14 k gold
Springtime Makeover
For some people, changing their look or revamping their style is a part of their regular routine. They change looks with the seasons or holidays, as a birthday treat, or before special occasions. However, some of us need an occasional nudge to reassure us that it is perfectly ok to pamper ourselves a little bit once in a while. So, for those who feel this way, use springtime as your perfect opportunity! Make the decision to feel and look as fresh and invigorated as your home.
How do we do that? Well, you are part of our tribe, so we’re willing to bet that you probably have a few ideas for new hairstyles or colors, or maybe thoughts of a new (or a first) tattoo or piercing. Or, maybe you’ve considered changing your entire look completely. So, what’s stopping you?
This is an exciting time, especially if you’re considering your first piercing or tattoo. After all, what better way to begin really changing your look! To go from virgin-skinned to ink and metal makes a very drastic change to your appearance, and people won’t be able to help but take notice. Since it is your first, it might be beneficial to discuss options with a tattoo or piercing specialist, and to consult with friends who already have body jewelry and ink.
Model - Goth Queene @psychara
Septum Ring - Free Spirit septum ring
If you’re already tatted or pierced, but you’re deliberating on your next piece of body artwork, good for you! Try some experiments before you commit to something permanent. Try drawing the tattoo you want (or have someone else draw it on you) in the spot where you want it. Get a good idea of how it will look if inked onto your skin (even if it isn’t drawn perfectly), and maybe ask the opinions of some of your friends or family members. If it is a piercing you’re considering, try out some fake or clip-on jewelry. Get a faux nose or libre ring, clip-on earrings or belly button rings, or even rhinestones that you can temporarily adhere to your skin for a test run of your desired piercing.
If you’re just looking into new hair colors and wardrobe changes, spend a couple of days (with friends to give opinions and suggestions, of course), using a picture of yourself in several hairstyle and color apps, to figure out which is your best look. Then, you can go to your favorite stores and try on clothes you’ve been considering buying. Take lots of pics, so you can use them in the hairstyle apps (if you still haven’t decided on a hairstyle yet) and see how each of your favorite hair possibilities mesh with the clothing you try. Also, give mall makeovers a chance! There’s no better way to choose a new makeup style than by having new colors tested before you buy them!
Springtime Makeover Ideas?
Do you have an annual springtime spruce-up idea we didn’t mention here? Did something we said here remind you of something someone you know does (or did) to change their look? Please, let us know!
]]>Why Colors are Important
Colors don’t just look pretty, or match (or mismatch) with each other. Some people don’t realize this, but colors can actually affect your mood, and the moods of the people around you. It’s often on a subconscious level, so read on and, at the end of this post, try to consciously note the impact colors can have on yourself and those around you.
What Do Colors Mean?
Rather than try to list EVERY color shade in the world, we decided to list the basic colors (from which all the various shades develop) and give brief explanations about the meanings of each one. Here’s what WE know about colors:
Sure, we all have our fave color(s), but try an experiment! Pick a few things (makeup items, clothing, facial and/or body jewelry) in all different colors. Maybe even spring for some paint while doing your spring cleaning (pun intended, again) and change up the color inside your home. Observe the feelings those colors stir in you and elicit in others. Try out combinations of colors until you find one that works for you. Let your colors be another way in which you express your personal style to the world!
Do you have a story about a personal experience with colors and how they affect you? Let us know!
]]>However, did you know that SOME of this is still relevant today?
]]>However, did you know that SOME of this is still relevant today? Of course, not exactly to the same extreme as it was throughout history, although a few cultures DO still symbols of status. Today, septum rings often symbolize different sorts of “tribes.” Allow us to elaborate!
Septum Piercings in History
Once upon a time, jewelry (of all kinds) meant much more than it does now. Namely, because each piece was handmade AND was made from any and all resources available, including (but NOT limited to) things like dried berries and fruits, animal bones and tendons, unusual stones or gems, and even sometimes human bones!
Some of these, of course, didn’t exactly last a lifetime; however, in many cultures, they wouldn’t need to. In these cultures, members would receive a new piece (and/or a new piercing) as they rose in the ranks of their tribe. Thus, these jewelry pieces were enough to last just as long as they should.
That’s not to say that any of the jewelry was poorly made! Every piece was made with the greatest of care and most expert of skill. The jewelry was just as much as of the jewelry maker’s skill and status as it was a display of the wearer’s status. The craftsmanship was just as important as the rank the jewelry symbolized, which is a tradition and philosophy we are proud to say we still embrace with OUR handmade jewelry.
Septum in particular, a big indication of rank. Some tribes would use the size of a septum ring to represent their tribe members’ ranks. For example, all the males (OR females, depending on the tribe and region) would get their septum pierced at a very young age. Their first septum rings or posts would be very small, and indicative of their age/ranking. As they grew older, or as they reached important milestones, would be stretched, and the jewelry size upgraded. That’s how historical professionals have been lucky enough to uncover various jewelry pieces from ancient civilizations and tribes.
Facial Jewelry Today
These days, one of the biggest fashion statements seems to be “retro,” or “old-school.” We can see models all over the world hitting the runways with jewelry made in the same fashion (and, in some cases, with the same materials) as ancient peoples once wore. Some people even still believe in the magic that jewelry (such as talismans and charms) that some cultures once revered. This may seem like a disrespectful practice, like jewelry makers and fashionistas alike are mocking ancient cultures to make a profit. However, nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, these jewelry mimicking folks want nothing more than to show a deep respect and reverence for the people of yesteryear! This jewelry is made, and worn, to celebrate our ancestors and their beliefs and traditions.
But what does that mean in regard to tribes today? Today, things like septum and the various styles of jewelry worn therein are more a symbol of fellowship. Rather than differentiating people from one another, facial piercings and jewelry are meant to help us spot like-minded, unique individuals like ourselves. Instead of being a status symbol, elevating some of us above others, it symbolizes our status as unique, setting us apart ONLY in that it represents our open-mindedness and free-spiritedness.
Think about it: whenever you see someone with a bad ass septum ring, do you not think to yourself, “Wow, I bet that would be one cool person to talk to”? Don’t you feel a pull to approach them, on their jewelry and strike up a conversation? That’s because you recognize them as a member of YOUR TRIBE! After all, you already know you have ONE thing in common with them; the love of and septum rings. Who WOULDN’T see if that common interest could lead to a strong, lasting friendship (or, perhaps even more!)?
What Does Tribe Mean to You?
Does facial jewelry mean something special to YOU? Does the word “tribe” have a unique significance to you and your friends? Let us know! We stories about our tribe members’ cliques!
]]>Many people love this holiday of romance and passion. However, SOME people would rather do anything else besides celebrating it. Like spending a quiet evening alone. Or, gouge out their eyes!
However, we have a better idea! If you’re one of those (or you’re with someone) who hates the traditional Valentine’s day mush and it IS possible to celebrate the holiday YOUR WAY! Read on for some ideas as to how it!
]]>Many people love this holiday of romance and passion. However, SOME people would rather do anything else besides celebrating it. Like spending a quiet evening alone. Or, gouge out their eyes!
However, we have a better idea! If you’re one of those (or you’re with someone) who hates the traditional Valentine’s day mush and it IS possible to celebrate the holiday YOUR WAY! Read on for some ideas as to how it!
Halloween, . 2
Personally, I think Valentine’s day would be much better if it were a second Halloween. I know many other people who feel the same way! But, how in the world can you celebrate Halloween at this time of year? Won’t the Valentine’s day fanatics think you’re crazy?
First of all, who cares if they DO?? The point of enjoying ANY holiday is to celebrate it YOUR way! Make it special to you and those with whom you choose to celebrate it. There’s never anything wrong with being unique, remember?
The real question is HOW to celebrate it. We know that Halloween decorations and garb are not exactly falling from the sky at this time of year. However, where there’s a will, there IS a way! Break out all your Halloween stuff from last year and put it all up your house! This way, you can feel the Halloween atmosphere AND avoid making yourself shy if see you and start asking questions. And don’t forget your costume; no Halloweentine’s Day is complete without it!
If you don’t still have your decorations/costumes, get creative! Spend the day making your own! Dig up (or buy) some construction paper, cardboard, paint and old clothes, and go nuts! OR, you can always find all the Halloween stuff you could possibly want online.
Also, if you have a group of friends/relatives who love the idea of celebrating a second Halloween, get together and plan a costume party! Combine all your decorations and costumes, do each other’s makeup, and party down! That’s exactly what I’m planning to do!).
Anti-Valentine’s Day
If you’re not a big Halloween fan, but you still don’t feel like reveling in the pink-and-red gushy Valentine vibe, plan an anti-Valentine’s day! This can involve anything (literally ANYTHING) that you consider to be the opposite of all things Valentine’s day. You can spend the day watching movies or reading good books (NOT of the romantic persuasion, of course), eating healthy foods (as opposed to all the Valentine candy), throwing un-themed party, or anything else that speaks to you in an anti-Valentine’s day fashion.
Whether you do this alone, with a friend/partner, or a group of friends, is entirely up to you. The whole point is to find a way to enjoy Valentine’s day YOUR way. However, we do recommend that you don’t plan a shopping spree! Of course, you can if you’d like, but if your goal is to avoid all the Valentine’s day hype, shopping on Valentine’s day will be totally counterproductive. Of course, you could always go on an online shopping spree! That way, you can choose the through which you surf, and avoid the stuff you don’t want to see!
]]>Inspiration is, as the title suggests, EVERYTHING. Without inspiration, motivation exists in too limited supply, and we slip too easily into a hollow routine that, eventually, means nothing to us anymore. No matter how much we love something, a lack of inspiration can quickly make our favorite things more painful than chores!
Today, we wanted to discuss the importance of inspiration, and a few places that you might never expect to FIND inspiration (but, perhaps, provide the best inspiration of all)!
Negative Experiences
Some of you may know this, but we know that many people don’t. The rough times in our lives (i.e., loss, tragedy, breakups, illnesses, etc.) have a great deal of potential in the inspiration department. Of course, we realize that it never seems that way at the time; at the height of these events, all we can see, and feel, is the pain of them, and the hardships we expect to face in the aftermath. HOWEVER, these events can also be -openers and chances for self-evaluation and reflection and hold within them opportunities to do things differently than we have been. They also offer us the chance to show ourselves how quickly we can pick ourselves up and move forward, which is, in itself, one of the best of inspiration.
Studying Nature
We know that, for years, doctors, therapists and mental health advocates have been selling us on the idea of going for a nice walk to clear our heads and put things into perspective. What we mean, though, is taking it a step or two further. While on these walks, take the time to REALLY LOOK at nature. Examine trees and how their roots grow and expand and run further and deeper than we can often see. Think about the elements they’ve withstood and the time it took for them to become what they are. Feel free to compare yourself and your accomplishments and hard times to those trees. It may seem crazy, but thinking this way, if only for a few minutes, can help you see things in a different light and give you renewed inspiration.
Cartoons
No, we don’t mean that you’ll find life-altering advice or inspiration in a show. What we ARE saying is that taking the time to enjoy things like cartoons (or comics, if that used to be your thing as a child) can bring back pleasant memories from childhood, help you find a little piece of “home” in your heart, and help you relax enough to return to everyday life feeling refreshed and more like the “you” you were before rammed its way into your reality. Heck, feel free to make yourself a blanket fort and color in it, too, while watching your cartoons for a couple of hours a week! The point is to feel comfortable, safe and happy, so you CAN find that much-needed inspiration.
Reading
This is another one that many people likely know about, but we want to explain a little about WHY reading helps in finding inspiration. Even the most fictional of all (good) fiction stories has some conflict, some struggling characters, and some situations with which many of us can relate (if not 100%, or from a very literal standpoint, we can at least relate to the emotions the characters experience during their respective scenarios). And, while we know that the characters in fictional stories ARE, indeed, fictional, if we read with an open mind, we can learn a little something about how those characters handled themselves and take solace in the fact that, although they DID struggle, they came out on the other side and can now move on with their lives. Real or not, we can learn a great deal from fictional characters and their stories, which paves the way for a fresh dose of inspiration.
YouTube
Sure, it’s easy to watch our favorite YouTube channels/YouTubers and feel a deep, green envy. But no matter how successful they are, or whether they can make a full-time living doing what they do, they did NOT start out that way. They started out making one video at a time (as you, perhaps, started out with one project/client/task at a time) and worked their way up. The important thing you should take away from them is that if THEY could follow their dreams, so can YOU! NOT have to mean impossible, and you owe it to yourself to keep that in mind!
Inspiration Sharing
Do any of you have your own unusual, weird, or fun method of inspiration-seeking you’d like to share with us? Please let us know! There’s absolutely no such thing as too much inspiration info/advice!
]]>
Rather than tell you which changes you SHOULD make, we wanted to inspire you to think about which changes are right for you, and how you can make this year the year you step up and do YOU!
]]>Rather than tell you which changes you SHOULD make, we wanted to inspire you to think about which changes are right for you, and how you can make this year the year you step up and do YOU!
Ask Yourself “Why?”
Each year, we make resolutions, and then spend days (or maybe weeks) analyzing HOW we’re going to accomplish them. We stress ourselves out trying to come up with game plans, and eventually end up giving up on the goals we thought were so important to us.
Instead of worrying about the “how,” try focusing more on the “why.” Ask yourself why you chose the resolutions and goals you chose and meditate for a while on the answer. For example, why do you want to lose weight or quit smoking? Is it because you’re comparing yourself to someone you know, or your favorite celebrity? Or, is it for your OWN health and physical wellbeing? Trying to please, reassure, or keep up with the Jones’ will only set you up for certain failure and lead to you disappointing yourself by giving up on your goals in a few weeks. So, if the answer (and be completely honest with yourself!) is ANYTHING but “I’m doing this ALL for me,” do NOT do it!
Makeovers DO Equal Self-Care!
Sometimes, a simple makeover would go a LONG way toward lifting our spirits and renewing our inspiration to meet our goals. However, we often allow ourselves to believe that new outfits, new piercings or jewelry, different types/colors of makeup, or new hairstyles are selfish and unnecessary. Nothing could be further from the truth! And no, we’re not just saying that because we’re in the piercings business!
When you feel good about yourself, you feel better about life, and your outlook on many things tends to improve. Thus, you feel much more motivated to continue toward your goals (and much less likely to give up all the important resolutions you made)!
Avoid Too Much Bad News
There ARE important bad events occurring in the world today, and there is nothing wrong with keeping track of the news. To a certain extent. However, reading every article or watching every video you can find about the negative things in life will only serve to keep your mood low and strip you of your desire to do for you.
Instead, offer love and kind words to those directly affected by terrible tragedies, oppressive circumstances, major crises, etc. Spread the word about these awful events, so that others may do the same. Even give donations (in situations where those apply) if you’re able. But don’t dwell on these things, especially if there’s nothing else you can do besides the things we just mentioned. And, for goodness sake, do NOT go SEEKING all the bad news in the world! It does NOT mean that you don’t care! It only means that you care about yourself, too, and that you know you’re not doing ANYONE (especially yourself) any good if you become so burdened by all the negativity that you can’t think of anything else!
DON’T Try Brand-New Hobbies
Many of us feel a need to try new things in the new year. And, for some people, that might be an awesome idea! For the rest of us, though, researching new hobbies, trying to find time to learn how these things (and the time to actually do them once we DO learn), and our growing frustration if we don’t take to it fast enough or have the time to invest in it that we thought we would be is very discouraging. And discouragement is one of the quickest ways to kill our inspiration.
Think back on things you used to love to do, even as a kid or teenager. Do any of those activities still sound appealing? Are any of them practical now? Have you been really wanting to get back into (insert your hobby/activity here), but you kept coming up with reasons or excuses not to? Give it another thought. If it’s still a mentally (and physically) viable activity, and you once (or always) loved it, go for it! Revisiting old hobbies can take you back through some pleasant memories, and maybe even help you feel younger and livelier!
Love Others but Do for YOU!
We repeat this for a reason. There is nothing wrong with doing for those we care about, being there when loved ones TRULY need us (such as in times of dire crisis or emergencies) or showing kindness to total strangers. In fact, we strongly encourage it! All we ask is that you don’t forget about yourself in the process!
If you catch yourself frequently cancelling hair appointments, changing self-care plans, choosing to not MAKE plans because someone said they might need or want you to take part in THEIR activities, or abandoning any of your goals to help others with theirs, STOP! Remember, “no” will ALWAYS be a complete sentence! Part of caring for yourself is letting go of the notion that you have to explain yourself to others. If you’re already busy, and you’ve already rescheduled your massage or dance class two or three times, say no! Offer to help them or make plans with them on the next day you’re available, but do not change your mind, no matter their response! We know they matter to you, but don’t forget that you matter, too!
Thoughts on Resolutions
Do you have any resolutions you want to share, or thoughts on more ways to stay inspired to reach the goals you’ve set for yourself for 2019? Talk to us! Leave a comment and share your thoughts, or give us a shout-out! Oh, and Happy New Year, Tribe!
]]>That’s why, instead of giving you an article on “Christmas Gift Ideas” or “How to Survive the Holidays,” we have something a little different! A couple of our staff members wanted to share their cute pet stories. So, sit back, relax, and unplug from all the holiday chaos for a few moments! We hope you enjoy these tales!
]]>That’s why, instead of giving you an article on “Christmas Gift Ideas” or “How to Survive the Holidays,” we have something a little different! A couple of our staff members wanted to share their cute pet stories. So, sit back, relax, and unplug from all the holiday chaos for a few moments! We hope you enjoy these tales!
My Kitten Re-Pierced My Lip!
Many of us with facial piercings have experienced suddenly (and often painfully) losing our facial jewelry. Sometimes, the jewelry gets snagged on our clothes. Other times, children or pets help us involuntarily pull the rings from our piercings. Still other times, we don’t even know what robbed us of our facial jewelry, or where, or when. In any case, it really bites when we go without those rings just long enough for the piercing to close.
Well, a friend one of our contributors (we’ll call her Alice, to protect her privacy) had a rather unique experience. The kitten Alice adopted a few years ago (which she still has and could not imagine life without!) pulled out both studs of her snake bite piercing simultaneously! The piercings were still just fresh enough that the sudden trauma caused considerable swelling, so she could not put her studs back in right away. By the time she could, the piercings had closed, and at the time she could not afford to get them re-pierced.
It gets better! Just as Alice was getting ready to give up on the idea of ever having (and successfully keeping) her snake bite piercing, her kitten did her a favor (albeit a rather painful one)! In almost the same fashion as her sweet little angel ripped out her piercings in the first place (well, in reverse, that is), he managed to do the re-piercing FOR her!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Although Alice DID put in her old studs (after cleaning both the jewelry pieces and the piercings WELL), she also went straight to her piercing specialist and had her feline piercing job examined, to ensure that no damage had been done to the tissue surrounding the piercings and that she was not in danger of any infection. Lucky for her, her kitten seemed to be born to pierce (although Alice certainly hasn’t been in any rush to test that theory further)!
My Dog Ate My Gift!
This isn’t about facial jewelry. Rather, it involves an engagement ring. Another of our contributors told us about the wild circumstances surrounding the marriage proposal from her then boyfriend. (Don’t worry; absolutely NO animals were harmed in this situation)!
Her boyfriend, “Dan,” had planted an engagement ring in a vanilla cupcake. His dog, a golden retriever named Duke, LOVED vanilla cake (WE know it’s bad for animals, but our sweet angels don’t understand that!), and could not resist an unattended, dog-sized cake.
Dan was preparing for our contributor to arrive, trying to make everything perfect for the proposal. He turned his back on the small cupcake for less than two minutes… and poof, it was gone! He saw Duke sitting by the table, licking his chops, and he groaned. He pulled out his cell phone to call his fiancé-to-be and tell her to meet him at the nearest vet’s office because he was rushing Duke there… but then, Duke opened his mouth wide and grinned, and Dan saw a brief flash of gold. He moved ever so gently toward Duke and scratched him behind the ears, so he’d open his mouth wider. He did. There, resting on one of Duke’s enormous back teeth, sat the engagement ring!
Dan carefully extracted it from his best friend’s mouth, gave Duke a treat (and a HUGE hug, relieved that his buddy had not swallowed the ring and was safe), and cleaned off the ring.
The couple (now happily married) still share many laughs about that story, with Duke sleeping comfortably between them (of course)! And, naturally, no one leaves ANY form of vanilla cake anywhere within nose shot of Mr. Duke!
Christmas Tree Climbers
About two years ago, one of our staff members got a six-week old kitten for her birthday. By Christmas that year, the kitty was barely three months old, but growing like a weed; kind of big (and strong!) for his age. He also was (and still is, she says) extremely explorative and playful, and unable to resist investigating EVERYTHING.
Knowing this in advance, our girl tossed out her old small tree and bought a taller, fuller one with built-in fiberglass lights. She retired her shiny garland, and only hung her lightweight decorations that she could secure with the faux branches of the tree.
However, she forgot a few things. First, a heavier tree (even if only marginally heavier) requires a larger, sturdier stand. Even the adjustable stands that can expand to fit around a wider-trunked tree become less stable when adjusted, and most have a limit to the weight they can reliably support. Second, it didn’t occur to her that, though her ornaments were secured and light, they still sparkled, especially when illuminated by the fiberglass tree lighting. And third, that her tiny baby was Hulk strong when he wanted to be.
Long story short, she woke to a terrible crash in the middle of night. Thinking someone had broken in, she grabbed her baseball bat and tiptoed through her apartment. There, in the middle of her living room floor, lay her brand-new tree, branches squished, ornaments shattered… and her little angel sat perched, proudly, on the overturned tree. The baby was uninjured; however, many of the gifts under the tree were crushed and broken, and the tree was irreparably damaged.
Believe it or not, buying a mini tree may be the way to go if you have tree climbers. It is, after all, in the feline nature to climb trees, and that instinct is what leads to Christmas tree catastrophes. However, they can’t climb a tree that’s as small as, or even smaller than, they are. And even if they get curious and knock it over, it’s too light to break anything beneath it, and usually stands up well against abuse and falls. Plus, with something smaller than they are (that they can’t hunt and/or eat), your cat will quickly lose interest in your baby tree, leaving it safe from destruction.
Wrapping Paper Rippers
This is one of my own experiences. I have five cats (as I think I might have mentioned in another post); the mama kitty, and her four grown babies. At the time this happened, they were less than a year old, and they were ALL fascinated with ANYTHING that made noise.
Let me start by saying that I must accept a great deal of responsibility for this incident. When they were little and first learning to play, I would ball up pieces of notebook paper and play “Paper Soccer” with them. They adored the game, and they loved playing it with each other. The paper was harmless to them, it was cheap, and we all had a blast, so it worked out great. Until, that is, they encountered paper that was much louder (and shinier) than the notebook paper.
I should also mention that I don’t wrap gifts well. At all. (This is important to explaining how they pulled off their shenanigans). That Christmas, however, I had no choice but to wrap everything myself. There were gaps between pieces of Scotch tape here, wide open corners there, and terribly tied ribbon bows everywhere. My cats had, of course, seen and heard me wrapping the gifts, and made it twice the task that may lack of wrapping talent normally would. I got it done, however, and placed the presents under the tree about a week before Christmas.
Two days later, I woke to my son shrieking (in delight) at the top of his lungs. I rushed into the room to see what was happening… and he sat amidst all of his mostly unwrapped Christmas gifts. I opened my mouth to chastise him, thinking he must have done it all himself. Then, in prances one of the kittens, a piece of ribbon in his mouth and a shred of wrapping paper stuck, unacknowledged, to his tail. Upon closer inspection, I saw the female kitten peeking at me with big eyes from behind the tree… and from underneath a pile of shredded paper. I knew immediately what had happened.
What I wish I’d known then is that it IS often possible to desensitize felines to things, no matter how visually or aurally appealing they may be. For the next year, I utilized pieces of used wrapping paper to play the soccer game with my babies. I always left balls of the paper accessible in various rooms in the house. I even let them frolic and butt in any time I tried practicing improving my gift-wrapping skills. By the following Christmas, my cats couldn’t have been more bored with the shiny, wrapped presents!
Share with Us!
Now, it’s your turn! Tell us some of your cutest, funniest and/or most interesting pet stories! We love jewelry here (obviously), but we heart fur babies of all kinds, too!]]>Whatever the reason for your tattoo regret, there are solutions to help you cover your butt (literally, in some cases)! Below, we’ve compiled lists of options to cover up your tattoo uh-oh, as well as tips on how to prevent mistakes before you ever walk into the tattoo shop.
Avoiding Tattoo Regerts (Er, We Mean Regrets)!
Cover-Up Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
Don’ts
However, we won’t be discussing any of those activities in this piece. Instead, we’d like to tell you a tale… based on a VERY true story from one of our very own staff members. So, grab a snack and a warm blanket, and settle in!
]]>However, we won’t be discussing any of those activities in this piece. Instead, we’d like to tell you a tale… based on a VERY true story from one of our very own staff members. So, grab a snack and a warm blanket, and settle in!
The Cemetery Angel
(told from the P.O.V. of the staff member to whom it happened)
My two-year-old son died several years ago, and it’s always been exceptionally difficult to visit his grave. As his mother, that has always made me feel terrible, especially when I go months (or, most recently, over a year) without making the trip. When I do go, I prefer to go alone, and usually at night, or at lease close to sunset. The cemetery is located in a very small southern town, and the locals are quite superstitious, which means that the nearby cemeteries are always deserted long before sunset. This particular evening was no exception. It was also raining, which added an extra layer of insurance that the place would be void of (living) people.
The location of my son’s grave in proximity to the circular driveway that winds through the cemetery allows me to pull up right in front of his headstone, without impeding traffic. That evening, I did just that, and took out two little toy cars and a piece of his favorite candy that I had brought to leave on his stone. I had also written an apology letter to him for not visiting more often and took my laptop with a short play list of music to (try to) sing to him while I was there. I took one final glance around the small cemetery (ensuring that I was completely alone), then spread out a thick towel on his grave and commenced my gift placing and letter reading.
I got through the letter (relatively) tearlessly and went to my car to turn on the play list. Since it was raining, I left my laptop in the driver’s seat and rolled down the passenger side window. The music wafted through the open window, and I resumed my seat on the dampening towel. I took a couple of deep breaths and began singing along with the list. My hoodie was, of course, getting soaked, but I barely noticed.
About halfway through the second song, I began to cry… not a few streaks of tears, but hysterical sobs (as is often the case, and the reason I only visit the cemetery alone, rather than subjecting other people to such a scene). I miss him every single day, but all of a sudden, I felt like I couldn’t live one more day in a world without him. Moreover, I didn’t WANT to. Between sobs, I began to beg (I don’t know exactly who I was begging) to let me die. I know that, at the time, I truly meant it… and I (now) believe my son did, too…
The next thing I knew, the rain seemed to have stopped, and there was a cool arm wrapping itself around my shoulders. I looked up to see a woman leaning over me, in her early 40’s or so, holding a black umbrella so that it covered us both, her face as streaked with tears and snot and mascara as mine. I never heard her vehicle pull up, and I had no idea who she was… but the kindness of her action and the shared pain made me jump up and throw my own arms around her neck. We embraced and sobbed for 10 minutes, and she kept rubbing my back and telling me everything was ok.
Finally, when she and I could breathe without crying, we exchanged names (for the sake of privacy, I will not mention hers) and our stories of tragic loss. She pointed out the grave she had come to visit, which was just a few feet from my son’s headstone. Turns out, her son had died in a terrible accident in his early 20’s. She told me that she knew the sound of a grieving mother’s tears, and that was what prompted her to approach me. I thanked her profusely. Then, even though I had not said a word about how I had wanted so desperately to join my son just before she walked up, she put one hand on my face and met my eyes with a fixed, firm gaze.
“Your boy isn’t ready for you to join him just yet, sweetheart,” she said. “You have too much left to do here to make him proud. Remember that.”
Stunned, I just stared at her and nodded. Shortly afterward, she bid me a tearful goodbye and told me that if I ever needed her, to find her there and let her know. I watched her walk away, thinking about how odd what she had said was. Only then did I notice that I still could not see any other vehicles in the cemetery… but I wasn’t terribly surprised. The cemetery is, admittedly, located within walking distance of a few small houses. I quickly forgot the strangeness of the woman’s words and, a little while later, I left the cemetery, too.
The next day, I felt that I should do something to express my gratitude for the comfort, and (I still believe) for saving my life. I stopped and bought a couple of roses; one for her son’s grave, and one for her. I had also written a brief note for her and sealed it in a Ziplock bag to protect it from the weather (I had no idea when she might come back, and I wanted to ensure that she got the note).
I pulled up in front of my son’s grave again, and noticed something that hadn’t been there the day before: a custom-made teddy bear, with a baseball sewn to one paw, a bat to the other, and an oversized blue crocheted baseball uniform shirt with the letter “H” embroidered on it, . (My son’s first name starts with “H”). I was quite surprised, and very puzzled, but I decided to try to solve that mystery once I left the cemetery. I picked up the bear and took it with me to the gravestone the woman had identified as her son’s.
I knelt in front of the headstone and read it. There, in chiseled letters, was the woman’s son’s name, just as she’d said. However, I noticed that there were two columns on the stone, and another name. I was confused; the woman had only mentioned her son.
I was in the middle of assuming that the other name belonged to a spouse or parent… and froze solid, suddenly freezing-to-the-bone cold, despite the bright sunshine that had replaced the gray drizzle from the evening before. The second name on the stone, dated just a couple of years after the young man’s death, was the woman’s… and in the tall vase crafted into the large headstone, there were no flowers. Instead, there was a black umbrella, with water droplets still drying…
Later, I learned that the teddy bear was NOT placed at my son’s grave by ANYONE I know. To this day, none of my friends, family, co-workers or acquaintances know anything about the bear, or how it got there…
]]>So, what can you possibly do about that missing nose ring/piercing? Well, to be honest, it depends on about how long it’s been missing (or about how long you believe it’s been missing). What we’ve done is compiled a few lists of things you can do about a missing piercing based on how long it’s been missing, and the options available to you. Bear with us (and with that missing piercing), because all is not necessarily lost just yet!
A Couple (or a Few) Days
If you’re like many people, you can remember with a fair amount of certainty the last time you had your nose ring in, and (roughly) where you might have lost your jewelry. If you’re like me, however, you may have a time frame of anywhere from 1-4 days or more, and far more than one (large) area or location in which you could have lost it. In this case, you may be panicking, especially if you don’t have any other jewelry on hand to replace your lost ring, or if you aren’t sure whether a new piece will even go into your piercing.
First, take a deep breath and think back. While a cartilage piercing (such as your nose) can be a bit more difficult to reopen), it isn’t completely hopeless. If you’re working in a period of about 24-48 hours or so, you’re probably still ok. If you can narrow down where you most likely lost your nose ring/stud to 1-2 places, even better. Just remember to clean and sanitize your ring thoroughly when you find it, and BEFORE you put it back in your nose. You should be able to simply reinsert the jewelry with little or no resistance, IF you fall into the “first few days after losing” category. You may want to be a bit gentler than you would if you were just changing out the jewelry, but otherwise it should be no problem!
2-4 Weeks
If the last time you can clearly remember having in your nose ring/stud is at LEAST two weeks from the time you notice it missing, you may be in for a bigger struggle. Honestly, how MUCH more depends a great deal on YOU: your piercing cleaning/changing habits, your daily routine, the rate at which your body heals, how your body responded to the piercing when you first got it, etc.
Some lucky people can still just put in a new nose ring, albeit only with the gentlest hands and greatest of care. Others, however, must have a little assistance. Although we do not recommend trying this at home (not without a little help!), some people sterilize needles or safety pins and guide those through the closing piercing. Perhaps a safer alternative to this would be to use a nose ring designed for piercing, or one for a smaller gauge than your current piercing. This should minimize any pain or discomfort and make reopening your piercing a bit easier. If you have any nose rings with sharper or more narrow points on the end that match your gauge, these would also serve the same purpose (but perhaps with a bit more discomfort).
Six Weeks or More
The good news, if your piercing has been removed for more than a month is that it is not impossible to get it back. The bad news, however, is that the chances are slim that you can redo this piercing all on your own. In fact, depending on the way the piercing healed (and closed), and the amount of scar tissue where your current piercing is located, you may require a piercing specialist (preferably the one who gave you your piercing in the beginning, since he or she will likely remember you and any details about the piercing itself that might be critical to a successful re-piercing) to restore the awesomeness that was your bad ass piercing.
If this is the case, BEFORE you try any at-home piercing techniques, we IMPLORE you to call your piercing specialist. Discuss any methods you wish to try with him or her, and heed any and all advice he or she gives you. Remember, we know our own bodies, but our piercing specialists know piercings and piercing success rates better than we do!
Piercing Uh-Oh’s
It’s Halloween season, so if you have a scary missing piercing story to share, we wanna hear it!
]]>WHY Handmade Nose/Septum Jewelry Beats Stock Jewelry in Stores
You can have handmade jewelry made of materials that you’re sure you’re not allergic to! If you have an uncommon allergy to something typically used in the making of jewelry, handmade jewelry could be a great option for you! Many people have an allergy to silver and nickel. However, if you use handmade jewelry, you can request that a different metal, or even plastic or wood, be used as a substitute.
You can also request that your handmade jewelry is made a certain way, meaning you can have more unique pieces than most people! Aside from the materials used, handmade jewelry is fully customizable! That means you can have a one hundred percent unique, one-of-a-kind nose or septum ring that matches your personality and tastes, rather than one that was mass produced by big companies for general fashion statements and stereotypes.
Handmade jewelry is also made more meticulously and with greater care than any mass-manufactured stuff. Often, companies cut back on the quality of the materials they use for making their products, so they can gain a bigger profit. That, of course, impacts the overall quality of the jewelry, which often leads to the jewelry breaking, chipping, and/or turning that awful greenish color. We can say (confidently and proudly) that the same is NOT true of quality handmade jewelry pieces! For one thing, the process of creation is a bit more delicate when handmaking jewelry. The people who take the time to handcraft jewelry really care about what they’re doing, and about how each piece they create is a reflection of themselves and their love for jewelry making. Also, they care about how their customers feel about the jewelry they buy and want these customers to love the pieces as much as (or more than) they do!
Model - My favorite witch @obsidiankerttu
Septum Ring - Neptune's Child in solid 14 k rose gold
We could do this all day, but we understand busy schedules and quick readers! So, we’ve continued our reasons why we believe (nay, we KNOW) that handmade nose rings and septum rings are better than all the rest below:
Tell Us What You Think!
Do you have an opinion about handmade vs. mass-produced septum rings and nose rings? Do you have a reason you love handmade jewelry that we didn’t list above? Let us know!
]]>The most common way to shape eyebrows is by plucking the hairs. Great idea in our opinion, but it’s not everyone’s favorite. It hurts some people more than others and that’s okay, there are more options! If you can handle plucking, though, here are some helpful tips: you always want to be careful not to pinch the skin under the hairs. That hurts A LOT. Also, be sure to not pinch the skin around the eyebrow. You must use careful, deliberate motions; otherwise, your eyebrows will end up looking (and feeling) like your face was mauled by a tiger!
Another method people use to get the perfect eyebrows is waxing. For those of you who have never had your eyebrows waxed, this is where you apply heated cosmetic wax to the hairs you want removed. Place the waxing strip over the wax, wait a couple of minutes (if you do this at home, read the wax kit instructions CAREFULLY; if you go to a professional, they’ll know just what to do and how to do it), and then pull it off quickly, much like you would a band aid. Yes, it is about as painful as it sounds for some people. However, like getting a piercing, it only hurts briefly, and the end result is often well worth the little sting!
If, however, you aren’t quite brave enough for these levels of pain (and, trust us, you are not alone!), you could also use a razor to trim your eyebrows. This takes some practice, as one of my friends could tell you (she’s used a razor for years), but it does eliminate much of the pain you may experience from
tweezing or waxing. However, as with the tweezers, take care to not work in any hurry. Razors, of course, have very sharp blades, and can slice up your eyebrows in no time. Plus, you can accidentally shave off too much of one, or both, of your eyebrows, and, like with a haircut, you cannot put back that hair!
No matter which method you choose, there are some other things to help you get the perfect eyebrow shape before you even begin. For example, you could use an eyebrow pencil to lightly shade in the part of your eyebrows you wish to leave intact. Creating this boundary can help you “stay inside the lines” when learning how to master the aforementioned eyebrow grooming methods. If you don’t have any pencils specifically for eyebrows, you can use eyeliner.
Clear lip gloss also works well to glue your eyebrows hairs together to help you avoid removing too much. Put some on your finger or a makeup brush/sponge, and gently dab it on your eyebrows.
If you aren’t sure how you should “style” your eyebrows to complement their natural shape, don’t be afraid to use a makeover app! Most of them feature various shapes of eyebrows for you to apply to a good, clear picture of your face, and you can use the styles to compare to your original, to ensure that you choose a style that fits the natural structure of your face.
If you plan to go to a professional to have your eyebrows done, you can still store copies of the pics you edit with the eyebrow shape you choose. Your professional is an artist, after all, and he or she can ensure that you get the perfect eyebrows for which you were hoping!
Eyebrow Tales
Do you have a special or unique way you do your eyebrows that you want to share with us? Please don’t hesitate to let us know!
]]>So, you decide you want to get a tattoo. Great! The first step is to get a VERY good idea of what you want to see on your body for the rest of your life. You definitely don’t what to get something you will either regret later, or decide you don’t like over time, so you will want to really think on it! Original tattoo ideas have always been a sort of aesthetic of mine. I just think it’s so much more beautiful to have something YOU thought up, maybe with a backstory or just simply something you like, tattooed on you. Personally, it would bother me a bit if I found out that someone had the same exact tattoo that I did, unless of course it was on purpose. With original tattoo ideas comes one warning, though: don’t get a name tattooed on you other than a relative’s. It may sound like a promising idea at the time, but I strongly recommend, at the most, a symbol to represent the loved one, or maybe even a matching tattoo with that person. I’ve had someone very close to me tell me how absolutely ridiculous they felt after getting their significant others name tattooed on them as a spontaneous ‘gesture of love’, and they broke up shortly after. Talk about regret!
You’ll also want to carefully consider the placement of your tattoo. If you’re not good with pain, you’ll want to avoid boney areas for sure. If you just must have a tattoo in a place where the needles would hit bone, brace yourself! I hear it’s not such a cakewalk…
Once you have a good idea of what you want your tattoo to look like, start looking for tattoo parlors with high ratings and reviews. You don’t want to go to a tattoo shop that has had a number of unsatisfied customers, a tendency to have complaints of infected tattoos, or an unsanitary environment. Going to the shop’s website should tell you all you need to know, IF they have a website. If not, asking around until you find someone who has been there or someone who knows someone who has been there is a good idea. Even social media can be a HUGE help when looking for shops!
In many cases, you can choose the artist you want to do your tattoo and if you choose to do so, finding a tattoo artist that has a style you like is important. Most tattoo shops have reference books to view the artist’s former work. Some artist’s styles will be more cartoonish, while others may predominately realistic. Look through the previous art and make decisions based on that, but remember: the artist can and will, if need be, refuse to help you.
Don’t forget to ask about heavy handedness! You don’t want to get stuck with an artist who is heavy handed not only because the tattoo will hurt more than what a normal tattoo would, (and if it’s your first tattoo it may deter you from wanting another just because you had a crappy first time) but also because heavy handedness, in some cases, could lead to blowout. Blowout is when the ink in a tattoo spreads and begins to appear blurry. However, don’t blame the artist just yet! Stretching, pulling, and moving the skin too much during healing can cause the ink to move under the skin, too, especially if the skin is already thin in that area. You can expect blowout in places like the wrists, hands, fingers, and the back of the knees due to movement.
If you’re ever presented with the idea to receive a tattoo from a friend or even a friend of a friend my advice to you would be to refuse STRONGLY, yet politely! You may trust the person on the other side of the tattoo gun, but mistakes can happen, unfortunately. Dirty needles, hands, or contaminated ink could put you at risk for infection, especially if you don’t keep the area cleaned after. Also, you never know if they’re any good! Not to offend, but I wouldn’t want to get stuck with a sucky tattoo just because I didn’t want to hurt my friends’ feelings.
When you go in to have a tattoo done, pay attention to the things the artist does. Now, you don’t want to go to the extent of making him or her uncomfortable, but paying attention never hurts. If the artist engages in conversation with you, it’s most likely to get your mind off what they’re doing and to hopefully make you feel a tad more relaxed, or it could be because it helps them get into a more comfortable state of mind. If the artist does not engage in conversation though, he or she may need silence in order to concentrate. Having a friend go with you to get your tattoo could help, too, that way you have someone you’re comfortable with to talk with or at least know is there for moral support, especially if you’re nervous.
So, take a deep breath and go for it! Soon you’ll have a rocking new art exhibit on your very own body to show off! Good luck to all of you!
]]>If things like keloids and/or infections have never been a problem for you, you are very fortunate! We have a few tips for continued prevention of such issues in this piece for all you lucky ducks. For those of us who have experienced these things, or struggle with them right now, keep reading! We have some information that we believe will come in very handy for you, as well!
Model -Black queen @obsidiankerttu
Septum Ring - Indian Mystique
Model On Cover - Gorgeous pixie Amelie Axelson @amelieaxelson
Septum Ring - Tribal Beauty - 14 k Solid Rose Gold
And, nop. Both of them don't have any bumps or keloids issues, they are simply, well, stunning!
Piercing Bumps and Keloids
Piercing bumps develop from either pockets of pus (pustules) or skin lesions (granulomas) that most commonly occur six weeks after getting a piercing. Keloids are perhaps the most painful of the three piercing bump issues (depending on the size and amount of pressure caused by the other two, of course) because they develop from scar tissue, which is thicker and more difficult to soothe than fresh, uninjured skin.
There are a number of ways and reasons these bumps occur. It even happens, on occasion, that a person is inherently susceptible to these piercing issues (especially keloids), and therefore could have done little or nothing to prevent them. However, sometimes they develop because of improper piercing equipment, unsanitary conditions or tools in the piercing area or used to do the piercing, or bacteria in or around the piercing site just before the piercing took place, just to name a few.
Infection (Just a Refresher!)
Speaking of bacteria, we all know what an infection is. However, just as a refresher course, infection occurs whenever bacteria enter the piercing site, bred on the surface of the skin before getting the piercing, or foreign materials (I.e.: fibers from clothes, cigarette ash, pet hair, etc.) gets into, or too close to, piercings and agitates them.
Model - Super talented shape shifter @kikavonmacabre
Septum Ring - Neptune's Child - Solid 14 K Gold
Also Kika has no bump situation, only stunning, badass looks!
Avoiding the Issues
Obviously, the best forms of prevention begin with ensuring that all equipment and jewelry is one hundred percent clean, sterile, and, in the case of the jewelry, brand new (not something you borrowed from a friend or sibling and doused in alcohol at home!). Also, be sure to clean the intended piercing site well before you leave for the shop, as well as a wide circumference of the area around the area. Yes, your artist/professional will do this when they get you in their chair, but you can never be too clean when it comes to putting holes or ink in your body!
The next prevention step involves keeping your piercings clean AFTER you get them, even once they’re considered healed and they’re no longer sore or irritated. This is very important, because it is our body’s job to treat holes in our flesh as wounds, because… well, essentially, they are. Therefore, our body spends much of its time looking for ways, reasons, and excuses to close up those piercings, and some of those ways include (you guessed it!) bumps, keloids and infections! A vigilant disinfecting routine and keeping half an eye on our piercings, even years after we’ve gotten them, goes a long way toward preventing these troubling issues.
Know your allergies! One of the fastest ways to wind up with painful pus pockets is to put a material to which you are allergic or intolerant into your body. As we mentioned, your body is already trying to close up any piercings like it would wounds, so putting a piece of jewelry to which you are allergic only exacerbates the situation. If you have other piercings, make a note of which jewelry materials you could wear without difficulty, and jot down any that irritated you in any way, even if it was just a little itchy. Itching or pain, no matter how mild, could indicate an intolerance to certain materials and, while they aren’t as bad as infections, they are still not pleasant, and could lead to bumps and keloids.
Model - Beautiful Andukae
Septum Ring - Naughty Bites
Andukae is free of bump situation. It's her beauty that made me put her picture here.
Treating the Problems if They Occur
Our advice on treating bumps and keloids is to visit your piercing specialist ASAP! We know there are many different remedies and suggestions online, but these issues can quickly cause permanent damage and, in severe case, could result in you losing a large portion of the flesh in and/or around the piercing site! So, if you suspect you have even the smallest bump or pus deposit behind any of your piercings, it never hurts to double check with your specialist. Remember, having questions or concerns is NOT doubting your artist’s abilities or cleanliness, but it CAN save you from a painful lancing at an ER (which happens quite often with severe pustules), or a surgery involving removing the scar tissue and enough healthy tissue around it to be certain that no more granulomas or keloids develop on the site!
Bumps in the Piercing?
Do you have a story to share with us about you, or someone you know, and bumps, keloids and/or infections? Please reach out and let us know!
]]>Have you ever been sitting alone in a restaurant between meal rushes, or wandering through a department store on a lazy day to kill time before an important appointment, and all at once you got a whiff of what must be the spawn of Limburger and Parmesan cheese? Have you searched the area, prepared to give the thoughtless pervade of fresh, sweet-smelling a dirty look to rival his or her filthy smell, only to see people standing in a cluster, giving YOU that look? That’s because IT IS YOU! Well, your ear piercing, that is.
Ok, so no one else can smell it, to be honest. If people are clustered and looking at you funny, it’s because you look like something is disagreeing with you in an awful way, and they want to stick around to see if it should disagree with them, too. However, we repeat: they CAN NOT smell it. So, you can relax. A little.
However, you MUST get to the source of your ear piercing’s wretch-worthy odor and put a stop to it. Not only could it make you sick to your stomach (imagine tossing your cheesecake onto those clustered, frowny people!), it can create an infection bad enough to warrant hospital treatment or surgery. It could also in time cause permanent damage to the ear skin through which it is pierced. So, we wanna help you find the cause of the smell, and make a few suggestions for clearing it up.
Model babe @megramshaw for @dayofthedreads
Septum ring - Indian Mystique - solid 14 k gold
Despite the greatest of care with which you treat all your ear piercings, and your devotion to your cleansing and rotating rituals, your piercing can become infected. Think about it- your ears, and any other areas of your face are exposed to sweat, the elements, makeup, hairspray, etc. Even if you have no piercings, it is important to clean your ears regularly. For those of us who do, we must accept the fact that holes in our body are extra susceptible to any infection-rearing germs floating around us nonstop. This makes them the perfect breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria and infections.
So, don’t beat yourself up if a piercing gets infected. In many cases, it isn’t your fault (unless you haven’t been cleaning and rotating it properly; in which case, shame on you!). Instead, take immediate action to remedy the infection so you don’t suffer any permanent damage and so you can get back to wearing your awesome jewelry pain-free!
Until the infection clears, switch to plain, antibacterial soaps for cleaning, and double the amount of times per day that you clean your piercing. Ask your piercing specialist if they can recommend a good antiseptic to use in between cleanings, and keep a close eye on the piercing, should you need to consult a doctor. An infected ear piercing isn’t the end of the world, but it can get out of control quickly if you don’t act right away.
Model and Photo by @dayofthedreads
Septum ring - Delicate Beauty
Both kids and animals are fascinated by three things: bright, shiny and new. Chances are, your piercing(s) are all of these. What is the first thing they want to do with anything bright, new or shiny? Grab hold and investigate up close. This creates two issues for piercings: germs (which we discussed in the Infection section above) and tears, or rips.
When any ear piercing, old or new, develops tears and abrasions, those little nicks become brand-new crevices into which odor-causing germs can wiggle themselves and hide. In these instances, especially in older piercings, pain may not give you an indication that anything is wrong. It may only hurt for a few seconds, or the pain may subside once you clean and rotate your piercing. However, over time, you may notice a strange smell, and that the skin around your piercing is loose, or that the ear piercing hole seems bigger, or isn’t holding your jewelry in place as well.
Little can be done to reverse the process if your skin has already begun stretching. However, your specialist can help you prevent the problem from worsening and resulting in a “rejected” piercing, and he or she can certainly help you do something about the ear piercing smell!
Model is badass @meg.ecliptic
Nose Ring - Choker
Believe it or not, your unique body chemistry reacts with (or in some case, against) certain substances like perfumes and soaps and materials (metals, plastic, wood, etc.), which creates various fragrances and/or skin discolorations. Some people classify any such occurrence as an allergic reaction. However, unless you experience any pain, itchiness, redness or inflammation simultaneously, this typically refers to an “intolerance” to certain substances or materials. An intolerance is little more than your body’s way of telling you, “That stuff and I do not get along; please remove it and thanks!” That’s why some people smell irresistible wearing certain fragrances, and other people find themselves avoided by skunks.
Ear piercings react in a similar fashion by either “rejecting” jewelry made from certain materials where the skin recedes (shrink) as far away from the offending material as possible. Or, by omitting an offensive odor. We want to mention again that, if this is accompanied by pain or any other kind of irritation, it may indicate an allergy or infection, for which you should seek help at once. If, however, it is just the smell, try a simple jewelry change. If the ear piercing smell persists, be sure to consult an expert as soon as possible.
Do you have an experience with a smelly ear piercing and/or remedy you’d like to share with us? Please let us know! We’re always looking for new, helpful suggestions to add to our collection.
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