Funny enough, I’ve never seriously thought about getting a tattoo until a couple of months ago. I’ve had passing thoughts about it, but in the end I could never think of something that I loved enough to make it be a permanent part of me, you know? Yet lately I can’t get it out of my head. I spend hours scrolling through Pinterest and I keep finding all these ideas that really resonate with me. Which seems weird because I’m not 18 (or 28), I’m a stay at home mama of two school age kids, a wife to a military man,  and a  style/life blogger (and a million other things, but we’ll condense for the ease of writing;) YET, I find myself wanting to get a tattoo, something that shows on the outside how I feel on the inside. I feel like I’m getting to the point where I know who I am, know what is important to me, and know that I probably won’t regret it. I think mulling stuff over in my head helps, and really taking the time to see if it feels right. And it does.

Now that I’m 99% sure I AM getting a tattoo, I have to figure out what to get. I’ve been thinking of what I love, where my life has taken me, and what I want to show to the world about who I am. Because that is what I think it all comes down to for me, showing that I am unique and my journey is unique. I know that a lot of tattoos out there are so personal, and though some designs are more popular than others, it comes down to finding something that speaks to me. It’s not about being someone else, or living by a prescribed formula, it’s about being authentic to myself. 

All images sourced from Pinterest

The big question then becomes, what tattoo(s) do I want? And how many? Ha! I went from wanting one, to maybe two, and now it’s sort of at three. (Don’t kill me, Dad!) I love the idea of smaller designs, dainty and feminine tattoos that aren’t altogether that noticeable until you look close. While I admire those that can go all out in the tattoo arena (my sister in law can ROCK this look), it’s not for me. Here’s what I’m thinking RIGHT NOW:

1) My favorite idea, and one that I’ve seen on others and loved, is a set of three birds on my inner wrist. I have a close friend who has these on her shoulder and I adore them. For me, these birds would symbolize my kids and husband. While I wouldn’t go out and get his name on my body (I can’t jinx it, right?!), having a set of three birds is like my own little reminder of my family, because they are my life. Birds are wild and free and remind me of the quote from “The Notebook” (you know…”if I’m a bird, you’re a bird.”) It makes me smile when I think of it.

2) I also adore the idea of a saying or roman numeral dates on my ribs. Very small and dainty, and only really visible in a bathing suit or backless dress. I’m still mulling over a design or thought I’d like for this, but it is pretty appealing to me. Also, the symbol of an arrow completely makes me happy, because  it contains the thought that it can only be launched far by pulling it backwards, and doesn’t that seem fitting for life sometimes? 

3) The last one I’m thinking of (er, I HOPE the last?), would be a tiny symbol on my inside heel. Again, small and dainty and unobtrusive. A shell appeals to me, because when I was a kid my grandparents had a beach house and it was a constant in my life. Being there made me happy, and so many of my memories as a kid are centered at the beach and at their house. 

P.S. On a completely unrelated (but still AWESOME!) note, my group giveaway ladies have pooled their funds together so they could give away a $100 gift card to Nordstrom! The giveaway will run for one week and is open to anyone that can receive a gift card via mail or email. I for one can find a ton of things to buy at Nordstrom, so this is pretty awesome;) 

Wishing you lots of LUCK!