Deathbat for Life (Tattoo #7)

Hello :)

Let's skip the intro today and get right into the post.  So, you know how I'm obsessed with Avenged Sevenfold?  And addicted to tattoos?  Well, this is what happens when those two things are combined: 

Yep, I finally got my Deathbat!!  I literally could not be happier with the way this turned out- Jimmy never disappoints!  Everything about this is perfect (to me); it's exactly what I wanted.  I thought about getting it in color, but since I couldn't decide on one, I stuck with black and gray- and I'm so glad I did.

Technically, this version of the Deathbat isn't on any of the album covers, but it's similar (almost identical) to the one Zacky Vengeance has on his chest.  I liked this version more than the original just because it was different from the other Deathbat tattoos I see all over Google/ Pinterest/ Tumblr (not that there's anything wrong with the original Deathbat!).  I don't think you can really see in the picture, but there are little nails holding the wings down; that's one of the reason I loved this version so much.  I also like the wings on this Deathbat more than the original.  Either way, I'm so glad I finally got this done!!

I wasn't planning on getting this tattoo until after the semester was over (it was supposed to be a reward for finishing the semester with a 4.0), but I went into the shop because they were looking for a front counter girl.  The job ended up being full-time and it didn't work with my class schedule for next semester. I made a really impulsive decision to schedule an appoint for the next day with Jimmy to get the Deathbat on my back. I've been wanting this tattoo since August, so I guess it wasn't that impulsive/ crazy. 

I got this one done on Saturday.  It took almost 5 hours, and it was definitely the most intense tattoo I've gotten (both pain-wise and time-wise).  The outline wasn't bad at all; I think it took about an hour.  The shading took almost 4 hours.  Honestly, there was never a point when I couldn't feel the needle, but some spots were more sensitive than others.  The skull was by far the most painful, probably because of the crazy amount of shading around the jawline and the eyes. The pain wasn't unbearable at any point, and we did take breaks every hour or so (thank god!). I'm convinced that I have a really high pain tolerance; or maybe I'm just able to focus on other things besides the pain? Who knows. I'm not going to lie and say tattoos don't hurt. They do. It's just a different kind of pain. I don't know how to explain it... If you have tattoos, you definitely know what I'm talking about. 

I'm pretty sure I've said this in one of my other tattoo-related posts, but the aftercare is the hardest part about getting a tattoo.  Since this one is so big, it takes a ton of Tattoo Goo/ Aquaphor to cover the whole thing.  It's totally worth it in the end, but the healing process is seriously not fun.  I usually use Tattoo Goo in the morning and throughout the day, and Aquaphor at night after taking a shower, just because the Aquaphor is pretty thick (it sticks to clothes, so I hate having it on during the day).  

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Anyways, enough rambling!  Thank you for reading about my tattoo adventures :)  I'll talk to you again very soon. 

Keri <3

Black Friday Haul

Hi!!

There were a number of reasons why I didn't go to the mall this Black Friday. The main reason being I was petsitting for a couple with 18 dogs (yep, 18!). Even though I wasn't able to make it to the stores, I still wanted to take advantage of the awesome deals. Thank goodness for online shopping!!

I managed to get some stuff I've been lusting over for awhile now for pretty cheap. I'm definitely not one to turn down a deal- especially when it comes to buying books, soap, and candles!

After a stressful week of class, I was so happy to come home to this wonderful sight: 

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Barnes & Noble

Original price: $26.99

Online price: $20.04

I paid: $20.04 

I've been wanting to buy Death Punch'd for a few months, but I was waiting until I had a decent coupon since it's a bit expensive. As soon as I got the email for 25% off one item I knew I needed to order this book. 

I just finished this today; I'm pretty sure it's my new favorite book. Jeremy has a really dark sense of humor, but I love it. He's open and honest about his past and his faults which makes him so relatable, despite his rockstar status. His writing is incredible, and I absolutely adore him as a person (even though he was a complete man whore in the past). If you love 5FDP or anything dealing with metal music and rockstars, definitely check this book out. 

Original price: $50

Online price: $27.78

I paid: $17.50 (30% off coupon)

As you probably already know, I'm a huge Game of Thrones/ A Song of Ice and Fire fan. This book has been sold out at my local B&N since it was released (which is weird for Arkansas). I'm so glad I was finally able to get my hands on a copy!! I haven't looked through this one yet, but as soon as classes end, I'm planning on reading it cover to cover. 

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Bath & Body Works

Shower gel: $12.50 (free)

Body spray: $14.00

Body scrub: $16.50

Body cream: $12.50 (free)

Body lotion: $12.50 (free)

Candle: $22

VIP bag: $20 (worth $100)

Bath & Body works was having a buy 3 get 3 free sale on everything in the store. Obviously, you have to pay for the 3 most expensive items, but I still ended up getting a good deal on what I bought. 

The "Wild Madagascar Vanilla" is one of my new favorite scents (thank goodness it's a signature scent!). I'm horrible at describing things... It's sweet but not overbearing by any means. I really like it, so I decided to buy the lotion, shower gel, and body spray. 

I meant to buy the "A Thousand Wishes" shower gel since the VIP bag included the lotion and the body spray, but I accidentally ordered the lotion instead. Oh well, I'm not too upset. I'll use it sooner or later. 

I also bought another "Champagne Toast" candle because I burned through my first one in about a week. It's definitely my favorite candle for the holidays. 

The VIP bag this year was $20, but was worth over $100. I'm not a huge fan of wearing the "Winter Cranberry" scent, but I think I'll like it as a soap. I love the "A Thousand Wishes" and the "Forever Red" scents!! Also, the "Holiday Wish" candle is amazing! It smells like apples and holiday spices; I haven't burned it yet, but I think the scent throw will be pretty awesome (like most B&BW candles I've tried). 

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Fall Out Boy Webstore

Technically, I placed my FOB order on December 10th when they released their holiday merch, but, I decided to include what I bought in this post just because. Nothing was on sale, so that was a bit disappointing, but I did buy two things.  

Original price: $19.99

Oh my goodness, I'm so glad I was able to order this beanie! They only made 500 and I somehow managed to get my hands on one before they completely sold out. I'm not sure when the package is supposed to get here, but hopefully it'll show up soon :)

Original price: $10.00

I recently read Pete Wentz's novel, Gray, and loved it. I figured I would order this book while I was already on the site since I can't find it in my local B&N. I'm pretty sure this book has been out for years, but whatever. I'm excited to read it. 

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Thank you for reading!! Hope you scored some awesome Black Friday deals too :)

PS: I may or may not have gotten another tattoo over the weekend. Check back soon for an update on that!

Keri <3

A to Z Bookish Survey- Round 2

Hi :)

So about a year ago I found the A to Z Bookish Survey on tumblr.  I don't know why, but I decided I wanted to answer the questions again and see how my answers have changed over the past year.  If you interested, here's a link to the first time I took this survey.  Some of my answers will probably end up being the same, but whatever.  I'm bored and need to take a little break from the project I'm working on for class.

A. Author you've read the most books from: Either JK Rowling (if you're counting number of actual books) or George R. R. Martin (if you're counting number of pages)

B. Best sequel ever: This is a tough one!  I think Insurgent by Veronica Roth is probably my favorite sequel of all time.  I really like the way she writes, and there were some pretty unexpected plot twists thrown in that completely threw me.

C. Currently reading: I'm reading The Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars for a class project, but I'm also reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling for pleasure.

D. Drink of choice while reading: Mocha frappechinos from Starbucks.  Or water.

E. E-reader or physical book: I have a nook, but I always find myself reaching for physical books.  I love being surrounded by books, so I probably won't ever completely switch over to an e-reader.  Even when I travel, I still bring physical books with me (they weigh down my carry-on, but it's totally worth it).

F. Fictional character you probably would have dated in high school: Gale from the Hunger Games series or Four from the Divergent series.

G. Glad you gave this book a chance: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.  I normally don't read Jodi Picoult's work (she's a wonderful author, I just don't have a ton of interest in what she writes about), but I ended up really enjoying this book.

H. Hidden gem book: The Way I See It by Temple Grandin is so eye-opening and absolutely amazing!  I had to read it for a special education class, but I definitely recommend it to anyone who works with special needs children or has a friend or family member with special needs.  Or, if you're just interested in learning about ASD, check this book out.

I. Important moment in your reading life: I'm pretty sure this is my same answer from last time I filled out this survey, but Goodreads has a had a huge impact on my reading life!  I love that it recommends books based on things you've already read, and it keeps everything nice and organized.  You can also set a reading goal for the year, and it keeps track of your progress; I've found that I've read a lot more thanks to the reading challenge feature.

J. Just finished: Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan (I read it for my project, but I like it; it's perfect for 4th or 5th graders)

K. Kind of books you won't read: I'll give most books a chance, but I just can't bring myself to read romance novels.  They're just not my thing.

L. Longest book you've read: A Dance with Dragons by George R. R. Martin

M. Major book hangover because of: After I finished The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, I don't think I read another book for a good week or so.  I was an emotional wreck. 

N. Number of bookcases you own: 2, but I'm definitely buying another as soon as I move into a bigger apartment.

O. One book you have read multiple times: The Harry Potter series.  I'm pretty sure I end up reading at least one of the books each year around the holidays (when school's out).

P. Preferred place to read: I have an over-sized white leather chair that used to belong to my grandpa; it is literally the most comfortable chair ever!  I can curl up with a blanket and read for hours.

Q. Quote that inspires you/ gives you all the feels from a book you've read: I'm gonna be super cliche here for a minute: "Always."  And "Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not." (Tyrion Lannister from A Game of Thrones).  I really, really, really want a tattoo of the Tyrion quote.

R. Reading regret: I know I've said this before, but I kind of regret reading the Twilight series.  I'm glad I read the whole series, simply because I can form my own (informed) opinion about the series, but I really don't like anything about the books.

S. Series you started and need to finish (all the books are out in the series): The House of Night series.  They're not my favorite books, but I feel like I need to finish the series.

T. Three of your all-time favorite books: Slaughterhouse- Five by Kurt Vonnegut, A Feast of Crows by George R. R. Martin, and Angels and Demons by Dan Brown (in no particular order) 

U. Unapologetic fangirl for: .A Song of Ice and Fire series.  I can (and will) fangirl about the book and TV series all day long.  Sorry I'm not even the least bit sorry.

PS: if you want to see how out of control my GoT obsession is, check out this post.

V. Very excited for this release more than all others: Death Punch'd by Jeremy Spencer (the drummer from 5 Finger Death Punch).  Technically, it was released awhile ago, but I just ordered the book yesterday because I had a coupon for Black Friday.  I love 5FDP, so I'm really excited to read his story (especially since he's a recovering addict).  Autobiographies are my thing- I wish all my favorite band members would write a book about their lives.  I guess I'm kind of a stalker when it comes to my favorite bands.

W. Worst bookish habit: I like to read in the bath, but I'm really clumsy.  My bad luck + books + water = not good...  I haven't dropped a book in the water for awhile now, but I'm sure it'll happen again sooner or later.

X. X marks the spot: start at the top of your shelf and pick the 27th book: I'm not at my apartment right now, but the 27th book on my Goodreads shelf is King Lear by Shakespeare.

Y. Your latest book purchase: A World of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin and Death Punch'd by Jeremy Spencer (I bought them both since they were on sale for Black Friday).

Z. Zzz-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late): Chrono Crusade Vol. 4 by Daisuke Moriyama.  It's a graphic novel, and I've read it before, but I can't seem to put it down!  If you're in to manga, you should definitely check this series out.


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Thanks for putting up with my craziness :)  I love you all!
Happy holidays (it's a little early, but whatever)!

Keri <3

Vengeance Will Be Taken Sevenfold (Tattoo #6)

Hey there!!

If you've been following me for the past few months or so, you'll know that I have a serious obsession with tattoos. I got my first one last May, and now I'm up to #6. Don't worry, this will be the last one for a while (I think). A lot of my friends/ family think I'm absolutely insane for getting these tattoos in such a short amount of time. 

Yes, I did get all of them done one right after another. No, I don't regret any of them. 

All of my tattoos have some sort of meaning to me; I think that's all that really matters. I have gotten some strange looks/ responses to some of them (my 30stm glyphs, especially), but it doesn't bother me. It's kind of cool when people are genuinely interested in them. I take it as a compliment :) 

Also, quick fun fact: all of my tattoos are band or music related. If you haven't checked out my other tattoo posts, I'll link them below for ya!

"I fell apart, but got back up again"

Glyphs (30STM)

Triad and bass clef

"Take This to Your Grave"

Ok, on to the tattoo!!

I took this picture the day after I got it done (sorry about the redness...). 

Ok, so this one doesn't have too long of a story behind it. I absolutely love Avenged Sevenfold, so naturally, I thought I needed an a7x-related tattoo. I can't remember what video I was watching, but Matt was talking about how the band got its name. It comes from the verse "Vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold" (Gensis 4?). Instead of getting the entire quote, I liked the idea of just getting the word "vengeance." Plus, Zacky Vengeance is my favorite, so it all works out. 

Quick side note- I adore all the guys in the band, I just couldn't see getting a tattoo that says Shadows, Gates, or Christ, ya know (lol). 

As always, Jimmy did an amazing job, and I couldn't be happier!! I love the placement of this one- it's on my left shoulder/ collar bone area. I originally wanted it to be a bit bigger, but my tattoo artist scaled it down (and I'm so glad he did!). It's easy enough to cover up for my classroom observations, but I can show it off with an off-the-shoulder shirt. I can't remember the name of the font... I do know it's on the first page of the calligraphy section on dafont.com, though. 

This one only took about 15 minutes, but the feeling (I can't really call it pain) was more intense than any of my other pieces. Probably because it's over a bone and the skin on your collar bone is pretty thin. 

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Well, that's pretty much it for now. Thanks so much for reading/ keeping up with my craziness ;)

I'll talk to you all again soon!

Keri <3

PS- I'm going to Florida this weekend for Fall Break (god knows I need a vacation from all this course work)! Check back soon for a Harry Potter/ Universal/ Orlando adventures blog :)

Tattoo Addict (Tattoo #5)

Hello!!

I've mentioned this in a few previous posts, but I'll say it again: I am addicted to tattoos. I can't explain exactly what it is that I'm addicted to (the pain/ rush from getting them, or the actual tattoos themselves? Both? Idk), but I'm definitely addicted. 

I've had this idea in my head for awhile now that I wanted to get a tattoo inspired by Fall Out Boy's album "Take this to Your Grave." Quick backstory: I listened to TTTYG for about 3 months straight while I was dealing with my depression/ suicidal thoughts. Obviously, Fall Out Boy will always hold a special place in my heart because their music got me through a really rough time in my life. I truly believe that they saved my life (I know a lot of people say that, but it's definitely a real thing). I needed something inspired by their album as a sort of "thank you"/ tribute to the band, and as a reminder to myself that their music got me through some rough times. Even though it's a daily struggle (another cliche... sorry), I think I've become a better person because of the things I went through. 

Anyway, back to the point. I found a design online (three skulls surrounded by roses), but turns out it's a really common flash design. So, my amazing tattoo artist, Jimmy, came up with a 100% custom tattoo. I was completely speechless when I saw it; he has got to he one of the best artists I know! I pretty much gave him total freedom with this tattoo. I trust him completely, which is saying a lot since I don't even trust people to wax my eyebrows! The only thing I absolutely needed to have was a banner with "Take this to Your Grave" written on it, and blue roses. Jimmy came up with the rest. 

Here's how it turned out (my skin is still a bit red since I got it done last Saturday): 

I still can't believe this beautiful piece is on my arm!! Honestly, I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out- it's beyond perfect. I told Jimmy I need to cut off the sleeves on all my t-shirts so everyone can see my tattoo haha! 

Tattoos aren't all fun and games, though. This one will probably take 3 weeks to heal, and I have to be extremely careful about washing it/ keeping it moisturized. I definitely want the colors to stay as bright as possible. Which means no sun for awhile, and tons of sunscreen later on. My arm is still a little sore, especially near the top of my shoulder. Getting the tattoo wasn't nearly as painful as I thought it would be; it only hurt once we started again after taking a break. I think I've said it before, but the only sensation I felt (for the most part) was similar to burning cat scratches. The outline was pretty intense, but the shading was a breeze after that. 

This bad boy took about 4 1/2 hours total. Nothing too crazy, but it's the longest I've ever sat for a tattoo. It was definitely worth the time and pain. 

It's crazy to me that I have a custom tattoo. I love knowing that no one else has anything exactly like this. I can't thank Jimmy enough for his awesome skills and the time he put into this piece.

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Thank you for taking the time to read about my lastest tattoo :) Love you all, and I'll talk to you again soon!

Keri<3