Sometimes Sweet

A Slice of...Nantes, France!

<div><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/4952370369/" title="for my new blog feature by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="for my new blog feature" height="184" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/4952370369_bc421ebbb1.jpg" width="469" /></a></center> This week, I am happy to feature the sweet Jennifer! Jennifer is an Australian by paper and a New Zealander by birth, and is currently living in Nantes, France. Be sure to check out her lovely blog at: <a href="http://indictivedaisy.blogspot.com/">http://indictivedaisy.blogspot.com/</a>. All of her art and photos and words are just perfect! Thank you Jennifer for sharing a little slice of your city with all of us. ...and a quick note from me- I'll be back in the morning with a little "life update," and now that we're settled I'll be regularly blogging as usual. :) But for now...a Slice of Nantes, by Jennifer! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTBShE75pFIQiKjxItMpAlS8qtRGX8YPLu3xXYvZ5uiJ24bR7ozqrFJgYGsQXgCHNfCPi2ILnG67yquvjSMDpfEjpk2CrHmI14f5qQAsFJnY8-vjipDSk0-Dd-q4XdZ3js4KpCQBkonY/s1600/061.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522906681540218962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTBShE75pFIQiKjxItMpAlS8qtRGX8YPLu3xXYvZ5uiJ24bR7ozqrFJgYGsQXgCHNfCPi2ILnG67yquvjSMDpfEjpk2CrHmI14f5qQAsFJnY8-vjipDSk0-Dd-q4XdZ3js4KpCQBkonY/s400/061.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> Nantes (pronounced 'nont') is a neat little city two hours south west of Paris. Nantes is a perfect example of a humble French city and much less crowed than Paris. It comes complete with Castle, Cathedral, cobblestone streets, big and small rivers, tram system, lots of water fountains, those yummy French bakeries, lots of crazy people and being France it wouldn't be complete without the French dog poo. </div><div>This city is my home away from home for many reasons and I'm glad I can share a slice of it with you. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifjhq103Rref2xJRn7miubOKnGfg4a85agBe4kS99gPMc5FwD4D9p8UezYsMHfGGgdgwe6-ymL3YOpmD8sC3SXEDo8qGPftlo4veCwRbSXceGbYFEhFUdT-j5WPS4UE9tyx-_mSkYNVU/s1600/105.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522908136951713410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifjhq103Rref2xJRn7miubOKnGfg4a85agBe4kS99gPMc5FwD4D9p8UezYsMHfGGgdgwe6-ymL3YOpmD8sC3SXEDo8qGPftlo4veCwRbSXceGbYFEhFUdT-j5WPS4UE9tyx-_mSkYNVU/s400/105.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> </div><div>The Jazz & Belle Plaisance Festival from the 26 - 29 August. The river side is animated for the weekend with everything from Jazz, Blues and folk music with Creperie and oyster stands and as much free fun as you want to have. Its a great way to experience the true Nantes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTEdHWJspSpoYy5CZbmNJ_hE2WQoEFEQSfUAR4aHSIUSEAD2m0IKcvgP6vsI9VrkvzUX927By3LdEBh9zd3qA46J6DnsPxMO_QTycs8aGsc1g0Winl85jFB9es8Rc-wtHbI4dMQTHl2g/s1600/011.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522907572211044754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTEdHWJspSpoYy5CZbmNJ_hE2WQoEFEQSfUAR4aHSIUSEAD2m0IKcvgP6vsI9VrkvzUX927By3LdEBh9zd3qA46J6DnsPxMO_QTycs8aGsc1g0Winl85jFB9es8Rc-wtHbI4dMQTHl2g/s400/011.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> </div><div>Rue du Marechal Joffre, one of my favourite places in the city. Just about every type of shop you can imagine is on this street. Two bakeries, three hair salons, six kebabs shops, music shop, beautician, six bars and four really good cafes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoLJ0tjdl9Yva_TMRtZJFUSdO-gK8VgDzO5t588_2mZl7mx9Bry3owSQo8NN3av9GYdDx2Xptm2Tfdxpw3Ftg86M3whQkgqnJwRZZYlhm0pCDIvX6QL8Ahd9ntkZaJErPgrce2F4yeKA/s1600/003.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522907564421591938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoLJ0tjdl9Yva_TMRtZJFUSdO-gK8VgDzO5t588_2mZl7mx9Bry3owSQo8NN3av9GYdDx2Xptm2Tfdxpw3Ftg86M3whQkgqnJwRZZYlhm0pCDIvX6QL8Ahd9ntkZaJErPgrce2F4yeKA/s400/003.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhk4viXiS04VZW10n5vN-LLeEa2Kaodwkmcu9XKIKJu_R3iZ_BwY3jftVmogSySvhHkasPRzCXwOzcOJNFOSj-5BPXuloVbNkMkIYs3bN4rOy3ZxXeUsqAnBfCM1yo_umsP6Ltmw59T4/s1600/159.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522908143845434162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhk4viXiS04VZW10n5vN-LLeEa2Kaodwkmcu9XKIKJu_R3iZ_BwY3jftVmogSySvhHkasPRzCXwOzcOJNFOSj-5BPXuloVbNkMkIYs3bN4rOy3ZxXeUsqAnBfCM1yo_umsP6Ltmw59T4/s400/159.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxSg9s4b9ELfha6g7h-KamYawC1LWgnB657jHPbedDr5Zz4TRU3CgpgddjdhBptPW4-AwBpv4U06r9HqhKx3oIZ0NBnz0B7nViHqneFWsLw5-7sjlSh18Kd7D4GkCJPxkEFl7x-CpmsQ/s1600/069.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522908128465832626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxSg9s4b9ELfha6g7h-KamYawC1LWgnB657jHPbedDr5Zz4TRU3CgpgddjdhBptPW4-AwBpv4U06r9HqhKx3oIZ0NBnz0B7nViHqneFWsLw5-7sjlSh18Kd7D4GkCJPxkEFl7x-CpmsQ/s400/069.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 364px; height: 400px;" /></a></div><div>On this fabulous street is Le Cyclope Theatre. Its an independent theatre that's in connection with one of the bars down the street. It features some truely unique pieces of original french theatre. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1lCoHpFMsLsOcLz-KBKwkiJJyqBsQid-ixp_gdcuei99HROA3VHmgBoMOBCE0tsSw6wO7pTRA41rrvorYTLJYLG-QmhQQJnnFGlFlX2TVmzfqb8HVFilhlz4-tGUIgmQrDZQuOIR1Yw/s1600/055.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522907584129402482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1lCoHpFMsLsOcLz-KBKwkiJJyqBsQid-ixp_gdcuei99HROA3VHmgBoMOBCE0tsSw6wO7pTRA41rrvorYTLJYLG-QmhQQJnnFGlFlX2TVmzfqb8HVFilhlz4-tGUIgmQrDZQuOIR1Yw/s400/055.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>La Meche Rebelle. Best Hair dressing Salon on the street. Gibus Dingriville is the owner and master of hair. He speaks French/English and is very friendly. The hair salon is named after a popular graphic novel. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7S9OFtnphcINfgg7pN07K-rqSZrIaXlPDMF-_TrW0HaLKP6c04OQrTRdDSGVUWWCizxXddT-XSMOWas_-f5U8VqYT9cQ-4IqlDojMBzRMTh7agkjrCFSWyXUxdYhE2Lydcem0s9nOWw/s1600/001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522907555454804514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7S9OFtnphcINfgg7pN07K-rqSZrIaXlPDMF-_TrW0HaLKP6c04OQrTRdDSGVUWWCizxXddT-XSMOWas_-f5U8VqYT9cQ-4IqlDojMBzRMTh7agkjrCFSWyXUxdYhE2Lydcem0s9nOWw/s400/001.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a></div><div>Frip in Shop. Also on Marechal Joffre. Great place to get cheap vintage finds, friendly service and a coffee or two. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pZB3zZ5w0bc-xoS1H70qikaY9Ae02UmI_cOx8AO53tyoeN9X6nmesrm2Fe1U0mXaqcgNI1IF1QYg72Bx4yHsPKe8mVNU7XDVOgiRinj94rwS8yWcqRETMZM1ejRWAEk04kqJcEAVQ0w/s1600/002.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522907559793471202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pZB3zZ5w0bc-xoS1H70qikaY9Ae02UmI_cOx8AO53tyoeN9X6nmesrm2Fe1U0mXaqcgNI1IF1QYg72Bx4yHsPKe8mVNU7XDVOgiRinj94rwS8yWcqRETMZM1ejRWAEk04kqJcEAVQ0w/s400/002.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a> </div><div>So there you go, a Slice of Nantes! I hope you enjoyed it. </div>

A Slice of...Nantes, France!

This week, I am happy to feature the sweet Jennifer! Jennifer is an Australian by paper and a New Zealander by birth, and is currently livi...

7:49 PM

Tattoo Tuesday V.37

This week I am featuring cutie pie Erica! Be sure to pop over to her blog and say hello. I think you'll love her great photos and posts. Thank you so much Erica for being a part of this feature! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1w5-IPl3qcvelQQrZ4HauUGL0frFXPRwh5ZaZZsQffnYWHj9MemGEx8ff_723wCz_RIfYBgq-Ex2jbQfhhMbSTCPLokioGteYx3Ygo1VFh1X7KlQNHIP1SF4xi1NvJf4B7OzbvwtG_mA/s1600/3877008632_83894ae925_b.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522179996595888658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1w5-IPl3qcvelQQrZ4HauUGL0frFXPRwh5ZaZZsQffnYWHj9MemGEx8ff_723wCz_RIfYBgq-Ex2jbQfhhMbSTCPLokioGteYx3Ygo1VFh1X7KlQNHIP1SF4xi1NvJf4B7OzbvwtG_mA/s400/3877008632_83894ae925_b.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a> Name and blog name: Erica Schrag / <a href="http://www.iamafungirl.com/">I am a fun girl</a> Age: 26 Occupation: Social Media Relations Manager Age of first tattoo: 18 Favorite tattoo: Panther on my right thigh that I like to call Blackie, haha Featured tattoos/locations: * Panther, right thigh (Bert Krak, Top Shelf Tattoo, New York, NY) * Dear John Letter, right arm (Bob Roberts, Spotlight Tattoo, Los Angeles, CA) 1) Tell us about the tattoo(s) you are sharing with us - is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinweTMbw1Tts4qY6CU8122Tywo5in8HzMBhpsNo4p1W6tekWBOhLHdzATJcrfUsuHfVl3wA1p4iWH1AUPO1IOEYdVYZ5IxPuHqQ36VIKINZg2J3xxkrniYGi5Uil_CL9gjs-o-EJWoiWA/s1600/1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522181541500578370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinweTMbw1Tts4qY6CU8122Tywo5in8HzMBhpsNo4p1W6tekWBOhLHdzATJcrfUsuHfVl3wA1p4iWH1AUPO1IOEYdVYZ5IxPuHqQ36VIKINZg2J3xxkrniYGi5Uil_CL9gjs-o-EJWoiWA/s400/1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a> There is no meaning to this tattoo at all. I got it because it's something I always thought would look incredibly sexy. I flew to NY to get it done with my good friends who all get tattoos from Bert. The lines are so thick and heavy handed. It's straight up traditional. Bert's work really stands apart. It's so simple and clean. Aesthetically it's a really pleasing tattoo. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0jyXkdPmvvW4zpuonGsn8xbEyZ-93MkNCjBmuww-NTn6grwrNfD3eYqQRQrWwkuWwnrNUHsJvIvBLi_bPsJy9JuZhklfm44xsgv2LzUyHT41Y7VPRnnqS4h2Sf13aECbjxbrfixJcXE/s1600/4926595153_eeab83d252_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522182159327476322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0jyXkdPmvvW4zpuonGsn8xbEyZ-93MkNCjBmuww-NTn6grwrNfD3eYqQRQrWwkuWwnrNUHsJvIvBLi_bPsJy9JuZhklfm44xsgv2LzUyHT41Y7VPRnnqS4h2Sf13aECbjxbrfixJcXE/s400/4926595153_eeab83d252_o.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> I was married for a year to a Swedish man. There's an amazing LA musician named Obi Best (http://www.myspace.com/obibest) who sings a song called, "Swedish Boy." It sums up everything accurately. I got this tattoo shortly after my husband left me. We were supposed to be moving overseas together. He went back home to set things up for us and a week later he sent me a letter saying he didn't love me anymore and it was over. Not to get all Lifetime, but it was very therapeutic for me. Bob assured me that the marriage ending wasn't the end of the world. He also offered to give me a shave that made me look 10 years younger. He had me laughing, smiling and feeling beautiful again despite things feeling really dark at the time. 2) Do you have any other tattoos? If so, what do you have and where? My right arm is covered in pieces I've collected as I've learned (about tattooing) along the way. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYK0UWk74DdgbQQ8WZzHM97eHSREW5H9VeVspqMAYFtJJWKrVMi85dyA3xgOL66a79nIRWh5TH-Kbw2xvLlNvAkJy1UATP48L4l-js3GJ_C_0Q4VgqEhu3DHoCfD_gQZwRdj-m2D91_1c/s1600/4366442521_7ffb26b293_b.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522182097885508626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYK0UWk74DdgbQQ8WZzHM97eHSREW5H9VeVspqMAYFtJJWKrVMi85dyA3xgOL66a79nIRWh5TH-Kbw2xvLlNvAkJy1UATP48L4l-js3GJ_C_0Q4VgqEhu3DHoCfD_gQZwRdj-m2D91_1c/s400/4366442521_7ffb26b293_b.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aFgviq27kWfQKUmXGLjeR6OzHbFleTAFwQsKAh4ut6LCZSh7p0L9d7LSImOunkC_uh9XMLPxiFeImUUjr8Wmb6fzvsnjtieL32Tj35NUCXamzK3XqbAeX_Z7OxzA5vuLg8K_eUucpFk/s1600/3876228171_56f93a4003_b.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522181552770485362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aFgviq27kWfQKUmXGLjeR6OzHbFleTAFwQsKAh4ut6LCZSh7p0L9d7LSImOunkC_uh9XMLPxiFeImUUjr8Wmb6fzvsnjtieL32Tj35NUCXamzK3XqbAeX_Z7OxzA5vuLg8K_eUucpFk/s400/3876228171_56f93a4003_b.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a> Snake and dagger: Rockabilly Ray, Tinta Rebelde, Hollywood, CA Praying hands out of a coffin: Rockabilly Ray, Tinta Rebelde, Hollywood, CA Anchor with a banner that says Dad: Kaz, New York Adorned, NY, NY Flapper girl with pinup spider legs: Nick Rodin, True Tattoo, Hollywood, CA Rose on my shoulder cap: Tyler Denesy, Seven Seas Tattoo - San Diego, CA Sparrows on my chest: some biker shop in North Port, FL that I'm sure is closed down. I had to have them fixed by Kaz at NY Adorned - NY, NY I have scripture on my back in Greek from the book of Acts in the New Testament. It reads, "In Him we live and move and have our being/breathe." <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gNmkvlls0QFAeaSLJwr2eTssY1RanzkFwyg2AjKvIOpOUQ-XVVZ3htNxitqiJhEDmKo8qjAfBZAE58mK2I2vfw0DsFgQkqCaaGu6iNb6A1qi4aaHnl5NSEJ4j_l-mXpFnr0jzsHML-o/s1600/2696966627_d483b8a04f_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522181544318538226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gNmkvlls0QFAeaSLJwr2eTssY1RanzkFwyg2AjKvIOpOUQ-XVVZ3htNxitqiJhEDmKo8qjAfBZAE58mK2I2vfw0DsFgQkqCaaGu6iNb6A1qi4aaHnl5NSEJ4j_l-mXpFnr0jzsHML-o/s400/2696966627_d483b8a04f_o.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 272px;" /></a>No name shop in New Port Richey, FL Love Free: Rockabilly Ray, Tinta Rebelde, Hollywood, CA <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-3sBT2lSFiAxC0FD_EmHDq2KceNJdmBEa63Q-6k9OQNDtgMYdxS6Us9rJfPWP7YH93Yab_AFCXKX9aJyTgvSoz9hjRlCxrj6JaVpcbM3P_Qgv8OWuG4xqTikhn05KKEPPBkWVEzBqUU/s1600/4291413494_d1aa3e140f_b.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522181560303293746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-3sBT2lSFiAxC0FD_EmHDq2KceNJdmBEa63Q-6k9OQNDtgMYdxS6Us9rJfPWP7YH93Yab_AFCXKX9aJyTgvSoz9hjRlCxrj6JaVpcbM3P_Qgv8OWuG4xqTikhn05KKEPPBkWVEzBqUU/s400/4291413494_d1aa3e140f_b.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a> 3) Do you plan on getting more? I plan on being completely covered, but I'm completely on a budget. I'd love to get more work done by Bert Krak as well as explore all the great tattoo artists here in Atlanta - I've got my eye on Jason Kelly's work at Memorial Tattoo, and Danielle at Only You Tattoo. 4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Things are a lot differently now than they were almost 10 years ago. When I got my first tattoo I was actually kicked out of Bible College. The long and short - there was a strict no tattoo policy at the school. I knew this an opted to get one on spring break anyway. An older girl in the dorms saw it and ratted me out to the dean of students. It was a weird and very political situation. They had me write a 10 page disciplinary paper on why I chose to break the rule. I was a good kid! I just liked tattoos! I guess the paper wasn't convincing enough because they gave me the boot. All the jobs I've ever had have been more than accepting of my tattoos, but I've also worked all jobs within entertainment / creative. Like I said, 10 years ago things were a little different. I think tattoos are pretty main stream now. 5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet? Good tattoos are similar to investing in pieces of art. They cost money and it takes time to build a collection. Research tattoo artists as if you were buying a piece of fine art. Get to know their background and style. Travel to get tattooed if need be. Plan -- invest! Some of the best tattoos are old tattoos - from people who have spent years traveling the world and collecting! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-XQnegvflfoKn-KNrKEdBISehbcN-F_tmLqHEWus6gvB6jguIKGXpnuGJdohgC2tlhmk14amBxNDFUjh9nYPYVCCM_8jar0c6tcq8HpzUfGi8iH0rW6xA9FWCq-3EugmjRNuRc1oJuU/s1600/3731210238_2059489888_b.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522179988739964002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-XQnegvflfoKn-KNrKEdBISehbcN-F_tmLqHEWus6gvB6jguIKGXpnuGJdohgC2tlhmk14amBxNDFUjh9nYPYVCCM_8jar0c6tcq8HpzUfGi8iH0rW6xA9FWCq-3EugmjRNuRc1oJuU/s400/3731210238_2059489888_b.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a>

Tattoo Tuesday V.37

This week I am featuring cutie pie Erica! Be sure to pop over to her blog and say hello. I think you'll love her great photos and posts....

8:56 PM

Moving!

<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/5031934533/" title="snapshot of moving by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="snapshot of moving" height="170" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5031934533_ef49f2e1b4.jpg" width="500" /></a></center> Well, this weekend was a wonderful, busy one...and quite the important one, since we spent both days moving into our new home! So yes, we are officially here and officially home owners. What a happy, exciting time. I'm so thankful it all worked out, and just overjoyed with everything. It's still surreal. I had no time to blog all weekend, and besides we had no internet but I have to say how much I enjoyed just focusing on my family and our huge task at hand, rather than being online for any amount of time. Even though I am a obviously a huge of the whole internet world, I also really like taking breaks from it and I think its necessary in order to keep enjoying it. Besides, the "real world" is so much more fun! But anyway, my parents and sister came up for the weekend and helped us pack and move into our new place, get our old place cleaned and in order, and just overall were the biggest help in the entire world. I'm so thankful for them. <center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/5032562146/" title="moving by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="moving" height="252" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5032562146_37052078d8.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/5032562278/" title="moving by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="moving" height="151" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/5032562278_ce60ea766a.jpg" width="500" /></a></center> I am currently typing this from new family room and like I mentioned above it's truly surreal to be here, getting settled into our HOME! We've been busier than ever these past few days getting everything done, from our appliances getting delivered, furniture, utilities, you name it. Hank and my Dad also spent some time starting to put together some of Henry's baby furniture. It's crazy to go into his bedroom and just think about the fact that he is going to be here so soon, in that room, in that crib, using that changing table, having clothes in that closet. Madeline is also loving having all of this space and she runs from bedroom to bedroom exploring and re-exploring. It makes me happy to see her so happy! I will be back tomorrow with Tattoo Tuesday, but I wanted to make a quick update before I head to sleep. Goodnight! <center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/5032564136/" title="1000000763 edit by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="1000000763 edit" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5032564136_905104aaa2.jpg" width="373" /></a></center>

Moving!

Well, this weekend was a wonderful, busy one...and quite the important one, since we spent both days moving into our new home! So yes, we a...

11:12 PM

A good reminder as we begin a weekend full of possibility!

A good reminder as we begin a weekend full of possibility!

I hope you have a beautiful, magical weekend! xoxo *image via weheartit

11:17 PM

A Slice of...San Francisco!

<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/4952370369/" title="for my new blog feature by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="for my new blog feature" height="184" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/4952370369_bc421ebbb1.jpg" width="469" /></a></center> This week I'm excited to feature my friend Mari, who is telling us all about her wonderful city of San Francisco! I've known Mari forever and ever, all the way back to our old livejournal days, and I've always adored her. Mari is a wonderful person in and out, and I had a great time reading through her submission, and I know you will all enjoy it too! And if you get a moment, pop over and say hi to her <a href="http://twitter.com/marilouise">via Twitter</a>! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pUb-5mNgD_ceEcVLSitBiqusYbaugzD11eSVxtDjjizEEvrgDe6yjA6K9eu4SSMgqqTYI-8YwUfAZ0beF9OxXelsdPfRxxZTrPtHQDgNySChyphenhyphen8J5CTLLBEnZQQ-u-iX16Z-eIUZDYls/s1600/1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520319039218450226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pUb-5mNgD_ceEcVLSitBiqusYbaugzD11eSVxtDjjizEEvrgDe6yjA6K9eu4SSMgqqTYI-8YwUfAZ0beF9OxXelsdPfRxxZTrPtHQDgNySChyphenhyphen8J5CTLLBEnZQQ-u-iX16Z-eIUZDYls/s400/1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" /></a>{a lovey little map of the San Francisco 'hoods by Wendy MacNaughton; view from Baker Beach at dusk} Everyone has this one single moment in San Francisco - your eyes meet something or someone and it becomes your city. My heart was stolen the moment I walked across the Golden Gate Bridge and I know I'll never get it back. This place is simply intoxicating and my words, photos and descriptions will never do it justice, as it means so much to so many people. I could write about the little things in every neighborhood for days on end. How around every corner lies a new treasure. This city packs so much in it's tiny 7X7 space and it's such an honor to be able to write about my San Francisco. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazQBNIVC6Fs5rgZG7W66rowJ5MYYgtPsZUyrzz3Zl-FsP1a5JoK-EAvS9Y3CKjpVC8WNh51WWITUB_fsLU_loFtqDz5X1YoXBLAjHDqL_z_GfiNPZG7g0sEx_4GYpq6E6iU68xeiqKo0/s1600/2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520319040795469906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazQBNIVC6Fs5rgZG7W66rowJ5MYYgtPsZUyrzz3Zl-FsP1a5JoK-EAvS9Y3CKjpVC8WNh51WWITUB_fsLU_loFtqDz5X1YoXBLAjHDqL_z_GfiNPZG7g0sEx_4GYpq6E6iU68xeiqKo0/s400/2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a> I'm Mari, a 29 year old living every day to it's fullest. I'm a mommy, a yogi, a cupcake enthusiast, and a lover of all things beautiful. Here are my top 5 places/things in the lovely San Francisco. (note: I started with a top 37) <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrVLBdNlLJLGVsa1nGrGZI4RaPMwvUPn8sNVzQojZBchn0tzn4B-SI2bVqGfo-A6NRhB5UQ08G9mfMyn5TQMJ2f37kTpMCkb7DRvE4apmgVKFxBu82WyR0e3vmt6FkGx5_hIcIkgGR08/s1600/3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520319043699451538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrVLBdNlLJLGVsa1nGrGZI4RaPMwvUPn8sNVzQojZBchn0tzn4B-SI2bVqGfo-A6NRhB5UQ08G9mfMyn5TQMJ2f37kTpMCkb7DRvE4apmgVKFxBu82WyR0e3vmt6FkGx5_hIcIkgGR08/s400/3.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" /></a>{Palace of Fine Arts} </div> Beautiful right? I figured this would be the best place to start. The moment I laid eyes on this magnificent structure I went through so many emotions. I cried, I laughed, I stood in awe. It's right in the middle of a neighborhood, and on any given weekend you can find families picnicing on the lawn, couples exchanging wedding vows, an ice cream man, children chasing ducks. It's where I went when my father died, it's where I go to collect my thoughts, it's where I go to remind myself how grand life really is. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhwt0KExULH5W1zymi0V4mvQmWs5GK4eAUg7TRQDYzhEPum3Jw8Q9fj4_HMSNVdFnzmxWQ_mCGFo-WgAikOyiEmfuFDu94ZGUhChAFlqpxxejGMczW2lefx5vDBaWpX1aAkIAWVBRTJQ/s1600/4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520319051662384370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhwt0KExULH5W1zymi0V4mvQmWs5GK4eAUg7TRQDYzhEPum3Jw8Q9fj4_HMSNVdFnzmxWQ_mCGFo-WgAikOyiEmfuFDu94ZGUhChAFlqpxxejGMczW2lefx5vDBaWpX1aAkIAWVBRTJQ/s400/4.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>{Flora Grubb} </div> Paradise. Flora Grubb is the mecca of fancy garden space. Who knew it was possible to make gardening to hip? This place is absolutely spectacular. Get a cup of ritual coffee, browse through latest issue of dwell, and be amazed at the the vertical gardens. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBNXir3D1aBJ8zw7t7Ve6Q7S-hyvSjCutQN2V-VhnLYyCaC7r1jpupOoRr_ku6rwVglAgWED4cIZ72oOAdXDPz8ydnIXOCrioK3XQ9T9nxGaVGybQRhQ3iT9_cbZq7OlLudwvLHUMM7s/s1600/5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520319054503822498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBNXir3D1aBJ8zw7t7Ve6Q7S-hyvSjCutQN2V-VhnLYyCaC7r1jpupOoRr_ku6rwVglAgWED4cIZ72oOAdXDPz8ydnIXOCrioK3XQ9T9nxGaVGybQRhQ3iT9_cbZq7OlLudwvLHUMM7s/s400/5.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 400px;" /></a>{Zazie} </div> Breakfast is my weakness and Zazie is my go-to spot. Yes, the wait is so long you feel like you're waiting with the entire Cole Valley neighborhood, but it's well worth it. My favorite? French Toast Tahiti with caramelized bananas and walnuts. It's heaven on a plate - trust me. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BJuBJdZ5f_5DffmC_yN_h15Jp2ehyuexQyaL_oxf3XDyy5tZ5rGBjHmCTeVaGFS48jq5nkXi-tAWd34X_tPkkOEManWjZMCms6aTexPMseRgSllDhC7L3Ee0LqSlKUM67pjqUZVWQcw/s1600/6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520319186937464786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BJuBJdZ5f_5DffmC_yN_h15Jp2ehyuexQyaL_oxf3XDyy5tZ5rGBjHmCTeVaGFS48jq5nkXi-tAWd34X_tPkkOEManWjZMCms6aTexPMseRgSllDhC7L3Ee0LqSlKUM67pjqUZVWQcw/s400/6.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>{Ferry Building Farmers Market} </div> Fruits, vegetables, flowers, breads, meats, eggs, herbs! This is by far my favorite farmers market in the bay area. It's open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and each season brings something new and fresh. It gets crowded, so I tend to be an early bird to avoid the masses. Added bonus - Miette. It's the most perfect little pastry shop inside the Ferry Building. Macaroon anyone? <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeDUhahgC2g3qLvxkUjAA5k_w0mqlua6ZNYiaCVMndoI94MLO-hkF20bO1qicLcdScQP144RmX968WhM6TSw0Vr1-kZnhNqnzGa8Ad4_WwVvXuv1gOzfLuPdo0A6vsjCLjtF54lU0Xlk/s1600/7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520319192897405186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeDUhahgC2g3qLvxkUjAA5k_w0mqlua6ZNYiaCVMndoI94MLO-hkF20bO1qicLcdScQP144RmX968WhM6TSw0Vr1-kZnhNqnzGa8Ad4_WwVvXuv1gOzfLuPdo0A6vsjCLjtF54lU0Xlk/s400/7.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" /></a>{Dolores Park} </div> Dolores Park has the most breathtaking views of the city. On warm summer nights it hosts movies in the park and on scorching summer days it's so packed you can rarely find a piece of grass to sit on, let alone a place to park. It's a lovely place to people watch, to picnic, to lay on a blanket and just simply be. Oh, San Francisco. You have my heart. You inspire me in ways I never knew possible. Honorable Mention: Shopping on Valencia, Bi-Rite creamery, Blue Bottle Coffee, and Mission Taquerias. I could go on forever. "San Francisco itself is art, above all literary art. Every block is a short story, every hill a novel. Every home a poem, every dweller within immortal. That is the whole truth." - William Saroyan

A Slice of...San Francisco!

This week I'm excited to feature my friend Mari, who is telling us all about her wonderful city of San Francisco! I've known Mari f...

8:33 PM

Little boys are made of...

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellehampton/4091505184/" title="favorite mug by daniellehampton, on Flickr"><img alt="favorite mug" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/4091505184_c8e4b99bf5.jpg" width="500" /></a> Okay. So at first when I found out we were having a boy a slight, tiny, mini little disappointment went through me ONLY because I adore all things girly, baby girl clothing, girl toys, etc. All along I wanted a boy first, but when this secret wish actually came true and my family and I hightailed it over to Target to buy Baby H's first items of boy clothing, I may or may not have lingered in the little girl's section for too long. AND I may or may not have shed a tiny tear for the mini-watermelon bathing suit that wouldn't work for our little guy, the adorable ruffly yellow dress that caught my eye, or the extremely girly pink rainboots that would never be (at least not yet!). This disappointment lasted for just a moment, and it was completely silly, and quickly dissipated. Now I couldn't be more excited about all of the absolutely darling little boy options my friends and I have found for Henry to wear, and I always have a great time shopping for him even though he isn't even here yet! Just today H.'s Auntie Amber (visit her blog here- <a href="http://amberjoyh.blogspot.com/">http://amberjoyh.blogspot.com/</a>) sent over a link to what might just be my most favorite selection of little boy clothing I've ever seen (with the exception of my "favoritest," <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/kids/boys.jsp">J. Crew's Crewcuts</a>!) via the wonderful Zara. I just had to share the cuteness with all of you! To see the entire lookbook, visit Zara at <a href="http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category/11719/en/zara-sales/27002/Boy">this link</a> and take a peek! And also feel free to click the photos to view them in a larger size. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVie3N4SimFpCOXsiCoh_koGhQjIR_NaNaGN9yxxa41S-K8KWWV9qAPFKWotBhFXL4BTHi28ckL-IYJCsIRlx_A3ssvoC_1L-2SjU3ScqdhjdVairVVh8Kr9GaYLlKmlBPLwgor18gQQ/s1600/Picnik+collage2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519981177283250802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVie3N4SimFpCOXsiCoh_koGhQjIR_NaNaGN9yxxa41S-K8KWWV9qAPFKWotBhFXL4BTHi28ckL-IYJCsIRlx_A3ssvoC_1L-2SjU3ScqdhjdVairVVh8Kr9GaYLlKmlBPLwgor18gQQ/s400/Picnik+collage2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZS3z-6m_LHy8_iPH5z2ci9UyFWHF8_cCy9nHG-Tu5EIyOBC79SmgMJ7FV3yFxP2-AmYPqbn-etJyGFlQd2zu6jZdjlNSyqpxF7JYdITPlu8pwc5sNZN7jdoiSK6NXbWWnzh3Sp1wWCc/s1600/Picnik+collage1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519981175143686818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZS3z-6m_LHy8_iPH5z2ci9UyFWHF8_cCy9nHG-Tu5EIyOBC79SmgMJ7FV3yFxP2-AmYPqbn-etJyGFlQd2zu6jZdjlNSyqpxF7JYdITPlu8pwc5sNZN7jdoiSK6NXbWWnzh3Sp1wWCc/s400/Picnik+collage1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" /></a> CUTE, huh?! The girl's lookbook is pretty darling too. Have you seen any super adorable little boys clothing lately? If so, feel free to share the link in the comments! xoxo

Little boys are made of...

Okay. So at first when I found out we were having a boy a slight, tiny, mini little disappointment went through me ONLY because I adore all ...

10:33 PM

Tattoo Tuesday V.36: Couples Edition!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzqNQNcQuaHMy_G7Fy8nfP4pAHh2xpXNc-aHD-Q_IFrK-QGY7KRYFtMF5dBoVqayVuKufhhf0ai7EVWLBCiYz7nXTpcUtDwZqhLQpJ1QTXRl0M80CE2q5ebfrjqwpqqe3RnkXqwhwzEQ/s1600/Nicole+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541010166000978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzqNQNcQuaHMy_G7Fy8nfP4pAHh2xpXNc-aHD-Q_IFrK-QGY7KRYFtMF5dBoVqayVuKufhhf0ai7EVWLBCiYz7nXTpcUtDwZqhLQpJ1QTXRl0M80CE2q5ebfrjqwpqqe3RnkXqwhwzEQ/s400/Nicole+2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 400px;" /></a>This week I thought it would be fun to try something new and feature a couple, in this case a darling husband and wife duo named Nicole and Rob. I'm super excited to present these two as our first Tattoo Tuesday couple, and I think you guys will definitely enjoy reading this extra-long, chock full of photos post! Be sure to check out Ms. Nicole's blog, linked below, and see hello. Happy Tattoo Tuesday! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcn0hkWE7phVL8r6sF1pVHi0Om805pqhxQ27_C1MJ_hL9uDDHX1JlFHPmY0SrRvPw0jRyaPA7tgiZnJ957KAkgPjjaR-srePlnCa_uAfebX3b6Lru8xhFfaEfBpaX7iaw84C45J-gGlgM/s1600/Nicole+10.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541274368531890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcn0hkWE7phVL8r6sF1pVHi0Om805pqhxQ27_C1MJ_hL9uDDHX1JlFHPmY0SrRvPw0jRyaPA7tgiZnJ957KAkgPjjaR-srePlnCa_uAfebX3b6Lru8xhFfaEfBpaX7iaw84C45J-gGlgM/s400/Nicole+10.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a>Name and blog name: Nicole Organ Highway 101 - <a href="http://highway101today.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://highway101today.blogspot.com</a> Age: 25 Occupation: HRIS specialist at the National Renewable Energy Lab Age of first tattoo: 18 Favorite tattoo: Diamonds on my feet Featured tattoo/location: Underwater 3/4 sleeve on left arm Artist/shop/location of feature tattoo: Jen Mathiesen, Mantra, Lakewood, CO<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6dyXL5EPT1bQ0HavQe_d1VfcGmJ8zz-Bv8HlIFzRZ8HOn_QLOXMQwsc74i4DOIPNM95XqjRmrjUyydWbnJy0qT0gwCXHTMqcVcBonkbMwvhFlcGlj_HZbhsb4xJXcA5chv77qlaPt4I/s1600/Nicole+7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541031380769266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6dyXL5EPT1bQ0HavQe_d1VfcGmJ8zz-Bv8HlIFzRZ8HOn_QLOXMQwsc74i4DOIPNM95XqjRmrjUyydWbnJy0qT0gwCXHTMqcVcBonkbMwvhFlcGlj_HZbhsb4xJXcA5chv77qlaPt4I/s400/Nicole+7.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOMfF9k6pvJ8NN-oqQWNejETQ2duA24GOwdhBuxMwy4Q37yCnsz1EcX4SwS7WggRCCWc9Y-JDaRyj8kMiLV4qXi5y4pZqnfGI3WEq7Ep7ipg8vRUUkXvxd1bTet98LpnRZjy2iQP_2dE/s1600/Nicole+6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541025610448098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOMfF9k6pvJ8NN-oqQWNejETQ2duA24GOwdhBuxMwy4Q37yCnsz1EcX4SwS7WggRCCWc9Y-JDaRyj8kMiLV4qXi5y4pZqnfGI3WEq7Ep7ipg8vRUUkXvxd1bTet98LpnRZjy2iQP_2dE/s400/Nicole+6.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoydyCYvv58CX1jOJEFXTz-y8hg1mAJkfSSJOYCIFM1JJW7o97uVefxdGuKjLm9QW2PvpXEiwg8YAGmMTdLzYJzJrIOhjVOzI2o7NsfOcjLE1kFto-vC71lz-lwBGyMAiwQHu3nqsoFw/s1600/Nicole+11.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541282001704146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoydyCYvv58CX1jOJEFXTz-y8hg1mAJkfSSJOYCIFM1JJW7o97uVefxdGuKjLm9QW2PvpXEiwg8YAGmMTdLzYJzJrIOhjVOzI2o7NsfOcjLE1kFto-vC71lz-lwBGyMAiwQHu3nqsoFw/s400/Nicole+11.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwfeIn2kKmiulqkDJPYUTK0lNZiuf24PJJMnqeKFe3HZetPV7XPJB1jqECxQiYghRxC84sAwBqJ9iAMLMT232DPFVJI9rHdFlh5hpALVPtafxJZSYEJUlbGc0OOY5RvVD_IQYT2dGETA/s1600/Nicole+8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541042800465218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwfeIn2kKmiulqkDJPYUTK0lNZiuf24PJJMnqeKFe3HZetPV7XPJB1jqECxQiYghRxC84sAwBqJ9iAMLMT232DPFVJI9rHdFlh5hpALVPtafxJZSYEJUlbGc0OOY5RvVD_IQYT2dGETA/s400/Nicole+8.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a>1) Tell us about the tattoo you are sharing with us- is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art? My husband made me an appointment to start my sleeve as a birthday present, back in 2008. I decided to start with a shoulder cap of flowers, with an anchor in the center. Not much meaning behind it, I just wanted something feminine. I also really liked the idea of the anchor as a sign of stability and foundations, since my husband and I were getting married later that year. It took me a while to decide what to do under that. I had been thinking about a California-themed piece, but I couldn't visualize a way to make it flow with the shoulder cap. Eventually I settled on an underwater theme, which basically symbolizes my love for all things aquatic. I have an octopus (said to represent creativity and flexibility, which I appreciate), a ship in a bottle, and a mermaid with red hair (I love mermaids). The piece was all hand-drawn by my artist. 2) Do you have any other tattoos? I have several tattoos on my back, including a skull and crossbones on my upperback, a star with swirled green and purple, a sparrow, and a horseshoe. And of course diamonds my feet. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBM-FlOr-0Wk7IYCDLF1Uc6KMSkOJ5-2oKd7nab8y-3oSo4riMEC1CPjS2ueOWj1rv5bkyfLQ_Vd_Bh1DnOW1gQnH0Rg__zgJ1Hd73SXSUqf5pAy3NZsfnnDQVzLQ07y2fM3CoVvR8Rw/s1600/Nicole+12.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541297366926770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBM-FlOr-0Wk7IYCDLF1Uc6KMSkOJ5-2oKd7nab8y-3oSo4riMEC1CPjS2ueOWj1rv5bkyfLQ_Vd_Bh1DnOW1gQnH0Rg__zgJ1Hd73SXSUqf5pAy3NZsfnnDQVzLQ07y2fM3CoVvR8Rw/s400/Nicole+12.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a>3) Do you plan on getting more? Yes, definitely. My last piece took several months to complete and I took the summer off from tattooing, otherwise I would already have more by now. The next one I have planned is a pair of swallows (cliche, I know) that were on my wedding invitations. I also have plans for a pin-stripe tattoo, a large family piece, and other various smaller tattoos. The areas that I really want to focus on now are my hips, legs, and chest.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtyl1KGyGhKwnC87k6thn-ebqrDaehbyXxo7PM9-rTka4XxrLe_eIWFSIl_-yQRojg_AutG0FE3w-OO2miMwqRWCLDSwmggj9Ox2TtW8Sjccl2zqIWOw5Dowwp3fGf_e3gHH1U-zBA2A/s1600/rob+3.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541508598989730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtyl1KGyGhKwnC87k6thn-ebqrDaehbyXxo7PM9-rTka4XxrLe_eIWFSIl_-yQRojg_AutG0FE3w-OO2miMwqRWCLDSwmggj9Ox2TtW8Sjccl2zqIWOw5Dowwp3fGf_e3gHH1U-zBA2A/s400/rob+3.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a> 4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? My parents were not happy at first, but now are some of my biggest supporters. I still think they would have preferred my tattoo-free, but it doesn't bother them anymore, and in fact my mother now has an appreciation and respect for tattoo art.. My in-laws have been a little slower to accept it, but it's not really an issue these days. Most of friends are tattooed. I work in a pretty conservative industry, but mostly my tattoos are looked at as a novelty and no one has been negative. I try to keep covered as much as possible when I am in the office. I get more comments and dirty looks when I am out at dinner! I waited until I had a stable career before getting more visable tattoos.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyk18yw975thyphenhyphenkVFvuCpLVuwIfFmr8xLUWG7giCjAldWk8IDP76yrQ4kBRdFOt2UKYd55Na6m67rV2OtSqL4lJuRIuKWWj5iagAPQ0YfXmMqaeoZToZ32Tnn7E7Dr1-8lz8cZnLquYlo/s1600/Nicole3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541302884306754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyk18yw975thyphenhyphenkVFvuCpLVuwIfFmr8xLUWG7giCjAldWk8IDP76yrQ4kBRdFOt2UKYd55Na6m67rV2OtSqL4lJuRIuKWWj5iagAPQ0YfXmMqaeoZToZ32Tnn7E7Dr1-8lz8cZnLquYlo/s400/Nicole3.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 400px;" /></a> 5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet? Make sure you are comfortable with your shop and your artist. It's nice to feel like you are hanging out with a friend rather than completing a business transaction (a mistake a made with my first few tattoos). Also, while I wouldn't say anyone should get a tattoo on a whim, don't feel pressured to pick something that has deep sentimental value to you, just get something you are going to love. Also, don't let anyone talk into something you don't want,but it is worthwhile to ask your artist's opinion. They've been doing it a long time and can recognize an idea that sounds great but may not translate to skin well.And now, onto Rob! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtZuKIolmCFv1P0RojX9aCZrZ7xhr93S5RB9Xny2i09lNoGcSqPAFeu4M358G4NOdHiSAmJTRMOOLMCdSBM84godK3v1unwYlGTiFaXSBjBBYIDBt-17-OpYxWXdEq0q9S1Um-CEwd3Y/s1600/rob+1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541316763243090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtZuKIolmCFv1P0RojX9aCZrZ7xhr93S5RB9Xny2i09lNoGcSqPAFeu4M358G4NOdHiSAmJTRMOOLMCdSBM84godK3v1unwYlGTiFaXSBjBBYIDBt-17-OpYxWXdEq0q9S1Um-CEwd3Y/s400/rob+1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a>Name and blog name: Rob Organ, no blogAge: 25Occupation: Gearhead, Husband and Dog wranglerAge of first tattoo: 22Favorite tattoo: The awesome ones (all of them)Featured tattoo/location: 1940s/1950s California/automotive sleeve, right armArtist/shop/location of feature tattoo: Chris Yaws/Mantra Tattoo/ Lakewood, CO <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzwsg_kTNzjYszNn7nhNuwo3qi02A2CtQdsrPgmSjE8yqV6iPw7w2WtT4sPTahDjEnPK3WNV298Iyw9Sa_0BHHSMdRtbamz9egxGtpUOxhO9gQl7SsL228eqvigQbDUSfHvXHlrzjko4/s1600/rob+10.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541822642864690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzwsg_kTNzjYszNn7nhNuwo3qi02A2CtQdsrPgmSjE8yqV6iPw7w2WtT4sPTahDjEnPK3WNV298Iyw9Sa_0BHHSMdRtbamz9egxGtpUOxhO9gQl7SsL228eqvigQbDUSfHvXHlrzjko4/s400/rob+10.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEVIXCwqn8c2k8DeIm6E-KOJ_fI3j0oQWWaozj0FC0befNocx6dqzqOKyDJkXNB4wG2AILI9BeylN7revd9bAFWhBOFNveDFHAQ9dtgAK3xZHyFJrEAWtZ2WXj82B81JnIH5cePqLxr8/s1600/Rob+9.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541805932583026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEVIXCwqn8c2k8DeIm6E-KOJ_fI3j0oQWWaozj0FC0befNocx6dqzqOKyDJkXNB4wG2AILI9BeylN7revd9bAFWhBOFNveDFHAQ9dtgAK3xZHyFJrEAWtZ2WXj82B81JnIH5cePqLxr8/s400/Rob+9.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYmceMMZsoxMECNvCslT-58EWmq3em3j8nwmSbWPmplg5fee7ei_k5fFCo4mYvas9rJ63CtnlduN4UIsOBIP5AA3aUpf0GIAQgqvx2PoJpm0QcFFxaniliYTaKHVVZBe2f9Rl30tL6bk/s1600/Rob+8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541796083472194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYmceMMZsoxMECNvCslT-58EWmq3em3j8nwmSbWPmplg5fee7ei_k5fFCo4mYvas9rJ63CtnlduN4UIsOBIP5AA3aUpf0GIAQgqvx2PoJpm0QcFFxaniliYTaKHVVZBe2f9Rl30tL6bk/s400/Rob+8.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a>1) Tell us about the tattoo you are sharing with us- is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art? Since I eat, sleep, and breathe cars, there was no questions what the theme of my sleeve would be, just how I was going to incorporate it all. I found images and ideas I liked, brought it to my artist, and he made magic on my arm. American traditional tattoos are really popular, and while I like them, I wanted to go in a different direction. We decided to do a realistic black and gray. The top car is a '3 Oldsmobile, and on the bottom is '6 Ford. I also have several vintage Oldsmobile icons because I have two Olds Rockets. The Highway 101 sign is a reference to the first song my wife and I danced to at our wedding (Highway 101 by Social Distortion). There also vintage parts and tools scattered about. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6q4jAREKBVnN197EijDg66W3iEDMcerx1r35tK9R4OOUZRjYAD0RlXZNXUObuuRWqI1Kqvt6exoY0s21T-LCQc9vPZ2dNA7GAk-3cyiOkp6eKc_iJhob21bBaskJw6C6CSiENoGe1Mec/s1600/rob.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541833625894674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6q4jAREKBVnN197EijDg66W3iEDMcerx1r35tK9R4OOUZRjYAD0RlXZNXUObuuRWqI1Kqvt6exoY0s21T-LCQc9vPZ2dNA7GAk-3cyiOkp6eKc_iJhob21bBaskJw6C6CSiENoGe1Mec/s400/rob.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a>2) Do you have any other tattoos? If so, what do you have and where? I have Sailor Jerry piece on my back and the words "' gonna live before I die"on my chest. The script on my chest was my first tattoo, and both the S.J. and the script was done by Jen Mathias at Mantra Tattoo. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKsvTKA3SnZsGcvXAX2JJQwEA14ZfgOohluff8dkvmIBrXH7QN2AI6LEYeO29IrBAK5FJunCZlaDPHxTiB6fJIcTWRDqy9uw4v5U5OEuviiiwdB3uzfN53NCsZ8EwM60sPZ931deFkcU/s1600/Rob+2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541493336775826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKsvTKA3SnZsGcvXAX2JJQwEA14ZfgOohluff8dkvmIBrXH7QN2AI6LEYeO29IrBAK5FJunCZlaDPHxTiB6fJIcTWRDqy9uw4v5U5OEuviiiwdB3uzfN53NCsZ8EwM60sPZ931deFkcU/s400/Rob+2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_CmVgI7BAwFbsFWwpF5AJfOyl8OEmd_eANb1zNb1RWMkD7Qcr2JqoCwpv90eCN3wkEogGuNFfr-QGKCp_NFd2YGJ-XeWBNradg1mUjvs_7N1qSX1cb3zNIjet8QF2aOzMkCdQsxRGzI/s1600/rob+7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541790145490578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_CmVgI7BAwFbsFWwpF5AJfOyl8OEmd_eANb1zNb1RWMkD7Qcr2JqoCwpv90eCN3wkEogGuNFfr-QGKCp_NFd2YGJ-XeWBNradg1mUjvs_7N1qSX1cb3zNIjet8QF2aOzMkCdQsxRGzI/s400/rob+7.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonckiY6mzrDWK11fPqhW1LKvgq42NGR62wUqLaibeCG7F77InSEcLvMPTsUu6DiQgIuma1Wuw_uzTZXKc56FiZ58ZoP7XgNMnJlTeV89bubjBPbzXx2kCpQiJzsmY_lrX0mMLc-KVCOw/s1600/Rob+4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541517446850898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonckiY6mzrDWK11fPqhW1LKvgq42NGR62wUqLaibeCG7F77InSEcLvMPTsUu6DiQgIuma1Wuw_uzTZXKc56FiZ58ZoP7XgNMnJlTeV89bubjBPbzXx2kCpQiJzsmY_lrX0mMLc-KVCOw/s400/Rob+4.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a>3) Do you plan on getting more? Yeah,I plan on on getting my other arm done and I have a bunch more ideas. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6r7Qo0W5iCwvC4i4Z0euO8gOGs3_ADHItBQNc_Mz5n2N9754WjUDNSNmP0Es6QJbkw4XiWQcUSPUjnnHd3op2KqxJALP9BxlBn7M19XCSdpk_jrIlVY3oJ5w6r4tZLPdrXvxQ_Zla-bw/s1600/rob+5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541538980853426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6r7Qo0W5iCwvC4i4Z0euO8gOGs3_ADHItBQNc_Mz5n2N9754WjUDNSNmP0Es6QJbkw4XiWQcUSPUjnnHd3op2KqxJALP9BxlBn7M19XCSdpk_jrIlVY3oJ5w6r4tZLPdrXvxQ_Zla-bw/s400/rob+5.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a>4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? My parents were not happy at first, but now they are pretty used to it. Most of my friends either are tattooed or don' care. "f you don' think you have the balls enough to wear a tattoo, don' get one, but don' try to make excuses for yourself, by knocking the fellow who does!"Sailor Jerry Collins 5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet? Have fun, be creative, and be picky about your artist.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIeUN9yOifgdvzOf3zmXTnjUtgoJXttWI_odrxv_mfoHUEW3yIqkhaQ3Xo4o7hkPOEYuTI7CIDq01UhW02gQodANKaqgmbSAWSVpn0j8cNCt3F4aEVO_C0m_qE-Rd_NIQMzdDOoXFers/s1600/Nicole+1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519541001241212642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIeUN9yOifgdvzOf3zmXTnjUtgoJXttWI_odrxv_mfoHUEW3yIqkhaQ3Xo4o7hkPOEYuTI7CIDq01UhW02gQodANKaqgmbSAWSVpn0j8cNCt3F4aEVO_C0m_qE-Rd_NIQMzdDOoXFers/s400/Nicole+1.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><div style="margin: 1ex;"> <div> </div> </div>

Tattoo Tuesday V.36: Couples Edition!

This week I thought it would be fun to try something new and feature a couple, in this case a darling husband and wife duo named Nicole and ...

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