Mommy ink

I'm not the only mommy who has a little ink to share.

These days, stretch marks are no longer the only permanent reminder of birth. Mothers are increasingly going under the needle and getting inked.

A survey published in June 2006 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that 24 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 50 had at least one tattoo, with the numbers pretty much even along gender lines. The rate is higher among the younger set. A 2003 survey conducted by Harris, an independent polling company, found that 36 percent of Americans ages 25 to 29 have tattoos.

Covered in ink

Raise your hand if you are as crazy as I about "LA Ink." I just love this show! Not just for the artistic aspect either. I love that Kat Von D. has put together this amazing team of kick-ass sexy women who create body art for a living. The traditional image of a tattoo artist is usually not so sleek and kittenish. It's nice to see the "traditional" turned on its ear.

Of course, these women sport a variety of ink and piercings of their own. Miss USA they are not. But therein lies the appeal for me -- that sexiness intermingled with a sultry identity. They have branded themselves apart from the crowd. They are kind of like rock n' roll -- sex, big hair and nasty tendencies. Perfect.

I'm particularly taken with Pixie, the store manager. She's got this amazing body, long black hair and some of the most adorable dimples in the world. I have a big thing for dimples. Really big. But her dimples are special. If you look really close, she has a metal studd in both indentions. Yikes! I prefer my dimples unblemished, but it really does make an impression -- literally.

Their art is incredible as well. I didn't know that such color and detail could be relayed through ink and skin, but they have some inspiring work in their portfolio. It makes my own little tattoo seem rather droll.

Maybe if I pierced a dimple I'd feel better. I might try that big one ... on my ass!

Or not.