Tattoo Aftercare: the Best Method to Heal Your Ink Correctly

By Ben Swank

Tattoo aftercare is vitally important to the health of your new tattoo, and it must not be ignored. Many people believe that once the needlework is done, their tattoo is a lock, but that is far from reality. The fact is that unless you properly care for your new tattoo, it could easily fade, lose saturation, flake, scar, or you could wind up with an infected mess on your body.

But if you ask a dozen tattoo artists how to take care of a new tattoo, you'll probably get a dozen different answers. The conclusion is that no one knows precisely what will work for everyone, so your best bet is to follow a conservative, consensus-driven aftercare procedure.

Before getting into any specifics, it's important that you follow your tattoo artist's directions precisely. If their guidance conflicts with this article, always refer to their instructions. But in the absence of directions, here's what you need to know.

Tattoo Aftercare Do's

Do use an approved aftercare moisturizer / healing cream Do leave your tattoo covered with the initial bandage for the recommended minimum time period (usually four hours or more), and do remove the bandage in no more than 12 hours Do prevent your tattoo from becoming wet Do keep your tattoo moisturized Do pat your skin dry when the tattooed area gets wet Tattoo Aftercare Don'ts

Don't expose your tattoo to sunlight until fully healed Don't submerse your tattoo in water, and especially avoid chlorinated water Don't let your tattoo dry out Don't over moisturize your tattoo Don't pick your tattoo scabs Don't cover your tattoo with a bandage once the initial bandage has been removed Don't scratch your tattoo or allow it to bruise Tattoo Aftercare Procedure

1) Four to six hours after you leave the tattoo parlor, wash your hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap. You'll want to ensure that your hands are free from dirt, germs, or anything infectious.

2) Carefully remove the bandage that was placed over your tattoo at the parlor. With a mild antibacterial soap, carefully wash the tattooed area, removing any of the greasy covering, ink residue, blood, etc. You can tell that the area is clean when it just feels like wet skin. Be very gentle with your skin. Pat your skin dry -- do not brush or rub dry.

3) Apply a thin layer of antibiotic cream to the tattooed area. Don't gob the ointment on; rather, drop some small beads on your tattoo, spread it around with your fingertips, and work it in. The area should be moist, but there should not be any buildup or streaks. If you have an expensive or deeply saturated tattoo, you might want to skip typical ointments like Neosporin, and jump directly to tattoo-specific creams like Tattoo Goo, H2Ocean Aftercare, or Black Cat Tattoo Cream.

4) Three to four times per day, apply a small layer of anti-bacterial ointment to your tattoo. You will want to use enough to moisten the tattooed area, but not so much as to leave streaks or allow it to build up. Your goal is to moisturize the area only, so start with a small amount and work it in with your fingers.

The problem with over moisturizing the skin is fading inks. If you slather on a thick coating of Neosporin and keep it moist throughout the day, your tattoo might heal in just over a week -- but the inks will fade. If, however, you lightly coat the area three to four times per day, your tattoo might take two to three weeks to heal, but the colors will set properly. This is a tough lesson for many to learn. In some cases, letting the body heal at its own pace makes more sense to your tattoo.

5) Cover the tattooed area with light, loose fitting clothing, and be mindful of your tattoo. Don't scratch or pick your tattoo! If you must, gently slap the skin or use rubbing alcohol to relieve any itching or irritation.

While there might seem to be quite a few steps to follow, each step is quite simple. The bottom line is that you need to be mindful of your tattoo, and allow the body to heal itself as naturally as possible. You will do everything you can to assist that process, but you don't want to rush it -- just help it. If you can do that, and stay diligent with your care for 2 to 3 weeks, you will be blessed with a rich tattoo that can be enjoyed for years to come.

About the Author:

Ben has a growing collection of body art and helps match people with their perfect tattoos. If you're looking for a high-quality tattoo finder, visit Ben's site for access to the largest collection of pictures of tattoos on the web! You'll find hip tattoos, shoulder tattoos, foot tattoos, tattoo crosses, sleeve tattoos, lower back tattoo designs, and more.

Get Ready, Get Set, Move!

By The Edmonton Storage Guy

Moving day is a hectic time, and it can be easy to forget things. Working your way through this simple guide will help ensure that your moving day goes as smoothly as possible.

Utilities: Make sure youve arranged to have the utilities turned off at the old place and turned on at the new place on the appropriate dates. Take meter readings to compare with your final bills. Write down everything youll need to have transferred: electricity, gas, water, sewer, garbage pickup, phone service, Internet connections, etc.

Services: Make sure youve given your new address to your bank, tax accountant, and former employer, if youre changing jobs. Arrange to have your mail forwarded with as little interruption as possible. Cancel any lawn maintenance and other cleaning services.

Security Deposits: Go over everything thats expected of you with your former landlord in order to have your security deposit refunded. If repairs or other items are pending, be sure to leave all of the details, and make arrangements to review the status of your deposit after theyve been completed.

Documents: Have you transferred important documents such as your driver's license, visa, passport or work permit to your new address? Your homes new occupants will also appreciate it if you leave out any manuals for appliances or other items you're leaving behind.

Final Walkthrough: All rooms should be clean and empty of everything except the items that are staying and the boxes containing the items you were using up until the last minute. Turn off all but one light indoors and an exterior light, for safety reasons. Make sure all the doors and windows are securely locked.

Check off each item as its completed. Watching your list shrink provides visual proof of your progress, and helps motivate you to continue.

About the Author:

Moving? Packing for storage? Stressed? The professional staff at this Edmonton Storage company is pleased to share this tip and more. Lots more tips at our web site. You are welcome to reprint this article - but get your own unique content version here.

Speaking to the MCs in your area before starting a new Club

By LJ James

Why speak to the MCs in your area before starting a new MC?

I want to address a question I have gotten a lot recently. (I am sure it has a lot to do with the hit show Sons of Anarchy) It is from people who want to start new Motorcycle Clubs. They want to know if they should go to the predominate MCs in their area to talk about starting a new MC first. Many have said to me they do not understand the reason why they should go talk to them! Some have even gone as far as to say that if they have to go to the predominate MC in their area and ask permission that just proves that MC is a Criminal Gang! Not sure how they came to that conclusion but they are some very strong words sent over the computer.

I want everyone to remember I am writing this info as a guideline to those who are looking to get into the MC world and individual results may vary. This maybe some new fad to you but to true Motorcycle Club Members this world is everything!

For my answer to this Question I am going to put aside any statements of having to ask permission of the MCs in your area. I am going to instead ask why would you not speak to the MCs in your area and get their Blessing first before starting a new Motorcycle Club. Many say its because they are going to start a different type of Motorcycle Club. They may even be calling themselves something different like a Riding Club or a Motorcycle Association. Are your Members going to ride Motorcycles and have Club patches on their vests? If the answer is yes, Then again why not go speak to those who have come before you and paved the roads you now wish to ride down!

For many I know the reason they don't want to ask is simple fear! Fear of what they do not know or what they think they do know. If it is fear, then it is because you do not know the real Motorcycle Club world! Now every Motorcycle Club in the world is different. But most Motorcycle Clubs don't mind helping to get a new MC started and teach them what it really means to be in a Motorcycle Club, I can guarantee you it is something you will not learn on TV no matter how many episodes you may watch!

Now if you have decided that what you really want is to start up a new Motorcycle Club, One thing I want to make sure you know is something every Father should have taught his Son as a Child and that is "Do not lie and Always do what you say you are going to do" One fact I will also give you is the MC world is all about Respect! If you just start up a new MC without talking to the other clubs in your area that will most likely be seen as disrespectful!

Lets think about some other reasons you would want to talk to the MCs in your area first. You are going to want to make sure your new Patch or MC name is not similar to another Motorcycle Club. Many MCs have worked hard over the years to create a name and image for themselves. They will not like the idea of you either using a name close to theirs or wearing a patch that looks like theirs. The reason being is a simple one, They do not want you being mistaken for them doing anything that would make them look bad. You also could be seen as trying to ride on their coat tails by using the reputation they have worked hard for. You may not understand it now but the MC world is a Brotherhood and if you are fortunate enough to be welcomed into it, You will understand after years of working hard creating a name for your MC. The bottom line is meeting with the MCs in your area and talking with them before starting a new MC is the right thing to do!

Another fear many have is they wrongly believe they will be forced to do things for these other MC's. The only thing most Clubs may ask of you is to come to a few of their events each year have fun and again to show Respect!!!

Now I have heard complaints from many that there are areas where the MCs have decided they do not want any more new MCs! Well all I can do is guess why that might be! The reason I would think that Motorcycle Clubs would say no more Clubs in an area is that there are already a lot of different MCs in that area and they all get along real well. These MCs would not want anything new coming in and messing up the harmony they have created.

Now like I said before the reason most say they want to start a new MC is because they want to start something different then what is in that area. Well often that is not the truth. The real reason People often want to start a new MC is because they do not want to have to Prospect! If the only reason you want to start a new MC is because you are not willing to prospect, My best advice to you is to stay an independent rider because you will not last long in the Motorcycle Club world anyway! I am Your Bro LJ James AmericanBikerX.com Listen to my Radio Show at BikerLowdown.com

About the Author:

LJ is an proud Member of the Mortal Skulls Motorcycle Club LJ works for a Collection Agency Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

All You Need To Know About Home Remedies for Toe Nail Fungus

By Rashel Dan

Toe nail fungus is not a life-threatening condition. However, you owe it to yourself to do something about it. Nail fungus could ruin the appearance of your nails so drastically that people may also begin changing their minds about getting near you. You can use ointments or take medication for toe nail fungi. Home remedies for toe nail fungus however are also growing in popularity.

Why Home Remedies

Treatment - Using conventional anti fungal creams or taking oral medication may eventually end up being quite expensive. It can take months for ointments and medicines to fully kill the fungus infection. Even when the fungus has disappeared however, there is no assurance that you will never get an infection again. The worst thing about all this is that oral medications can have serious side effects. Topical ointments on the other hand aren't very effective at all.

This is why some individuals turn to home remedies for toe nail fungus. The expense of conventional solutions, potential side effects of mediation and the non assurance of being completely cured have made home remedies for toe nail fungus more attractive.

Where to Find Recipes

The internet is your best alternative source of home remedies for toe nail fungus if you don't know anyone who may have recipes to these. Blogs, forums and websites are full with numerous home remedies for toe nail fungus. These sources are doubly attractive because you can actually interact with people who have had the same condition as you and who have discovered effective solutions. The best thing about the internet is that you have the option to maintain anonymity. Nobody has to know that you have toe nail fungus.

Problems with Home Remedies

Although home remedies for toe nail fungus may be your only real option, you should know that there are disadvantages to following home remedies that you find online. Before choosing home remedies for toe nail fungus, take note of the following considerations:

Nail Fungus Products - Products sold over the counter, whether natural or synthetic have been manufactured under strict standards. Manufacturers know exactly how much of an ingredient should be used and which ingredients should be mixed. Although not all manufactured products are 100% safe, standard amounts and frequencies of use can be set for general safe use. Home remedies just don't have strict standards.

Varied Reactions - Home remedies for toe nail fungus differ depending on who is recommending it. Different people may have different ways of mixing and using their remedies. It may be true that their recipes have worked for them but you cannot be sure if their home remedies for toe nail fungus will work for you.

Time Element - Even standard treatments for nail fungus take a long time to show results. You should expect some home remedies to equally take some time. The problem is that you will never be entirely sure if a remedy is not working because you didn't try it long enough or because it doesn't work at all.

About the Author:

Check out the best way of curing toe nail fungus. Find tips on home remedies for toe nail fungus.

Nine Tips To Get The Best Fabric Value

By Donna Trumble

Discover the worlds greatest hobby. Not only is sewing exceedingly practical, it is also relaxing, personally satisfying, and creatively expressive. Sewing stands alone as a hobby derived from millenniums of necessity and work. The invention of the sewing machine and subsequent improvements transformed much of the world. While the textile industry has largely relocated to Asia, the creativity and expressive possibilities have become a modern passion.

The convenience features of advanced computerized sewing machines have opened up vast possibilities. This hobby finds expression in embellishment, home dcor, heirloom, clothing, crafts, quilting, and embroidery. The ease and creative potential, make sewing a highly satisfying hobby.

Sewers today possess huge creative opportunities because of the wonderful variety and abundance of modern fabrics, colors, textures, notions, and threads.

One of the challenges creative sewing hobbyists faced, is choosing the right combination of fabrics, colors, and textures. The options are so great, that sorting through the choices is often very difficult. As a result, the following list of tips is provided.

Tip One: Consider the advice available to you. Too often we try to make our own choices without considering what the experts say. You can save loads of frustration by asking experts, teachers, and trusted friends for their advice. Reading the backs of patterns can shortcut the decision making process. While all advice is not equal, you are still in control. Use your own common sense, after getting all the suggestions you need.

Tip Two: Consider Quality. If you think about your project, and how much time and effort you put into it; ask yourself what quality materials do you need? Rest assured there are differences in quality. Three bolts of fabric may look just alike, one may be junk, another may be good quality, and the third may be top quality. Durability, finished appearance, and ease of sewing can vary greatly based on the quality of the fabric.

Tip Three: Factors To Consider. The quality and character of fabric depends greatly on the base fabric. Often the same fabric print will be produced on different greygood qualities. The fabric count can very greatly with low quality fabrics using very low thread count per inch, and top quality fabrics using high thread counts. Fabric may look the same at first glance, but be very different in real quality.

Tip Four: Learn how to identify quality in fabrics. Read books on fabrics. Take classes. Ask sewing educator about identifying quality. Price is not the only indicator. Generally, poorer quality goods will cost less, but prices do still vary. The key is identifying the real value of the fabric.

Tip Five: Use these six tests: touch, light, fray, grain, stretch, scrunch. The touch test examines how the fabric feels when you touch it. The light test is done by holding the fabric up to the light and looking for its density and thread count. The fray check examines the cut edges of the fabric for stray or loose threads. The grain test inspects the grain, cross grain, and bias. The stretch test explores the ability of the fabric to retain its shape. The scrunch test is used to identify the tendency of the fabric to wrinkle or not. Tip Six: To examine the quality of fabric use your senses. Touch it, look at it up to the light, examine the weave, stretch it to see if it retains its shape, and scrunch up the fabric to see if it tends to wrinkle or not.

Six: Read the tag on top of the fabric bolt. Some stores reuse bolts, so this is not always available. However, read the tag when available. What is the content of the fabric? What are the washing instructions?

Tip Eight: The most common and in many ways one of the most versatile fabrics are cotton fabrics. Many of the modern cotton fabrics are finished with low wrinkle qualities that make cotton the all purpose fabric. It is an easy to sew woven fabric popular for clothing, quilting, home dcor, and many other applications. Cotton does have a potential shrinkage factor that you need to consider. If you are making a project that you never expect to launder, it is not too important. If, however, you plan to use the fabric in a project that will require periodic laundering; it is best to set the fabric before sewing it. To do so, wash the fabric in lukewarm water, and dry in cool dryer or air dry. The fabric will shrink up to 80 or 90 % of its total shrinkage. Better quality cottons will have already been processed to eliminate shrinkage and similar problems.

Tip Nine: Many other fibers have been blended with cotton yielding an even more versatile fabric. Polyester is often blended with cotton provide a wrinkle free fabric. Check the fabric label and remember blended fabrics will retain the features of both original fabrics.

About the Author:

Sewing educator Donna Trumble is famous for her Beginner sewing classes. Download your free copy of her Top Ten Sewing Answers one of the best sewing book for a beginner.