piercing

If getting pierced or inked is a spiritual experience for you, you'll be glad to know that you're not alone. The Church of Body Modification, a 3,000 member congregation dedicated to helping its members "grow as individuals through body modification and what it can teach us" is taking its vaguely worded message to the streets. Most recently, the Church received a spate of media attention when one of its members, 14-year-old Ariana Iacono, got suspended for having her nose pierced in violation of school dress code. Her mother then took the school to court, where a judge ruled the suspension a violation of Ariana's religious freedom.

Recently on Facebook, I came upon some photos of my friend's baby — red-eared and crying — getting her ears pierced at the mall. This immediately conjured up images of my own first ear-piercing experience, although it was a lot less traumatic. However, according to my dad's strict rules, ear piercings were strictly forbidden until the age of 12. You better believe that the minute my 12th birthday arrived, I made a beeline to the nearest Claire's. How about you? When was the first time you had your ears pierced? And if you've never gone "under the gun," when's the first time you wore clip-on earrings, if at all?
Source: Flickr User Ken Wilcox.

In a world where vajacials are listed on a spa's menu and disturbingly wacky ladyparts trends are thrown our way, here's something to add to the excess — the Va J-J Visor ($10 for six). I groan at the name, although I suppose it's slightly better than the Hoo Ha Hoodie.

Similar to a cup for women, this gynecologist-invented disposable covering is intended to protect the dainty bits. Its suggested usage is to cover the region while tanning; for hygienic use while trying on underwear or swimsuits; for privacy when getting tattooed or pierced; and, of course, for hair removal. (I think it may be more awkward to wear a vulvar visor during a wax than to go naked, but that's just me.) Shaped to be held into place by your own natural muscular movement, the Va J-J Visor can also be "suctioned" on. Oh, and the one-use visors are recyclable, too. The mind reels. What do you think about this thing?

There are lots of different types of piercings, and with them comes lots of room for error. From infections surrounding the site to jewelry that becomes "ingrown" around the piercing, the fact of the matter is that things can go wrong. For instance, last year, I decided a third earring in my left ear would look really cute, but about two months later, the little stud had to be removed due to a raging earlobe infection. Not fun. So tell me all about any disasters you've had. Whether the actual piercing was more than just a painful experience or an earring accidentally tore out because it got caught on your sweater (ouch!), we're curious to hear your stories.

Source: Flickr User Tiffany Silva