Deciding what to get for your first tattoo isn't always an easy decision. And hearing the stories behind first tattoos show the thought that goes into getting one (or even the lack thereof). These women's first tattoo stories are inspiring and intriguing.

While some are faded and others are considered lovely mistakes, all carry incredible stories of life ... and that's nothing to regret. Check out these first tattoos and the meanings behind them.

Image via belle.fox/Instagram

Getting your first tattoo is a big deal that often takes a lot of thought. You want something you aren't going to regret in 10 or 20 years and a great artist to do it. Here are some of the best first tattoo ideas.

We cannot stress enough how important it is to go to a talented tattoo artist. Chances are they won't be cheap, but tattooing is a beautiful art form and you want work that will last and look amazing. Find an artist you are inspired by and get a tattoo that means something to you in some way ... even if it's just that you find the image beautiful.

Check out these first tattoo ideas for more inspiration.

Image via rommy_s/Instagram

In today's world, we are all expert online shoppers! We buy everything from clothes and shoes to Band-Aids and laundry detergent to our computers. But when it comes to online shopping for your wardrobe, are you tired of making the same mistakes over and over again?

As a personal stylist, I shop for a living. With years of experience, I’ve accumulated oodles of shopping tips, and today, I’m sharing my insider advice on how to shop smarter online so you can buy what you need, get the best price, and avoid having to make returns.

Image via iStock.com/Squaredpixels

One way to show your love and pride in the United States of America is to get a patriotic tattoo. While some of these tattoos are tough looking, others are strong and beautiful like Lady Liberty herself.

The military, in particular, has a proud and long-standing relationship with body art, and hundreds of thousands of proud patriots bear a tribute to our great nation on their body. But all citizens can show their pride in so many different ways. Here is a collection of different style all-American tattoos, and all carry great meaning.

Image via coire13/Instagram

Traveling tattoo artist Nhia Yang grew up in a huge family and first became enchanted with tattooing when her older brothers were caught tattooing each other in their bedroom. Nhia has an incredible style that is evident in the way she tattoos botanicals and nature. We feel inspired. 

Nhia really bonds with her clients, and it shows in her meaningful work. She currently tattoos at Eldritch Brothers: Tattoo and Piercing and she travels all over the country doing guest spots in different shops. She shared a bit about herself to us, along with some of her lovely tattoos.

How did you get into tattooing?   
I've always been an artist. Doodling on anything and everything. When I was 13, I woke up late in the afternoon on a Sunday to a buzzing noise. I was intrigued! I ran upstairs and listened to each door. I walked into my older brother's room, where he was tattooing my other brother. I thought that was the coolest thing ever -- creating a memory and permanently imprinting each other. My life was suddenly flipped upside down. I grew up in a relatively giant family -- eight brothers and six sisters, at each other's throats wanting and needing but always thriving to be better than the other. It took me a while but I found my niche. I had an off-and-on apprenticeship for five years starting in 2008, in Milwaukee, and here I am today! 

More from CafeMom: My First Tattoo: 16 Women Share Their Stories

What was the first tattoo that you got?   
My first tattoo I ever got was these horribly done angel wings on my back. I was young and really stupid. Back then angel wings were really trendy and I got it done in some weird guy's basement with my best friend. 

Share a good story about a tattoo that you have done.
I love how much therapy and bonding there is that goes into tattooing. I tattooed this 18-year-old kid and got to know him pretty well after three long sessions. Months go by and I get this call from his older brother. Their mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Unsure of time, they wanted to get mother-and-son tattoos. I was swamped the entire week, but I had to do it. I squeezed them in bright and early before all my other appointments on a Saturday morning. This will be her first and last tattoo and she's always wanted a tattoo by me. I felt incredibly honored and so appreciative! We got pretty teary eyed and there was a lot of emotion in the air. That itself is why I tattoo. People wanting and allowing me to bond with them. I love hearing and sharing stories, especially making a story together. 

More from CafeMom: Lady Tattoo Artists We Love: Meredith Little Sky

Have you tattooed yourself?  
Yes I have, multiple times. I needed to know how I was tattooing and also practice.  

Who and what influences you?  
I have so many people that I look up to. Just to throw a few names out there ... Jeff Gogue of Oregon; Justin Hartman of Arizona; Rob Goodkind of Chicago, Illinois; Joe Anderson of Madison, Wisconsin. Also, the people around me influence me. Daily life. My dog. How much I crave pizza and tacos. Life itself is an influence. I love being inspired by being alive and given the opportunity to share my work with the rest of the world.

Images via Nhia Yang

When a tattoo is done well by a talented artist, it's truly inspiring. This collection of insect tattoos are true works of art. From dragonflies and beetles to bees and moths, these bugs are beautiful.

Some are adorned with jewels and decorative designs; others are incredible replicas of the real thing or lovely abstracts versions. These winged and buzzy creatures are simply gorgeous as tattoos.

Image via briebrutal/Instagram

Shopping for new clothes at home in your pajamas whenever you want is a dream come true. That is, until your purchases arrive in the mail and you discover that everything is the wrong size. Ugh. Double ugh. To make things even more frustrating, some retailers have been known to play around with sizing so your size 4 at one store might be a size 8 at another. 

Want to learn a quick way to avoid the hassle of having to return items on the other end? Because honestly, who has time to drive to the mall to make returns? You're shopping online because it's convenient! No one wants any additional items on their to-do list.

Here's the simple solution -- learn how to take your own measurements! Don't know how? Read my step-by-step guide here.

Images via Michelle Moon

Meredith Little Sky may only be in her second year of tattooing, but this woman has an exceptional talent in this arena of art. Before tattooing, Meredith steadied her hand at intricate cake decorating, and it was that flair that gives her an incredible attention to detail that shows in her line and dot work. 

The tattoos Meredith creates at Terrarium Tattoo in Fort Collins, Colorado, are as meaningful as they are beautiful.

How did you get into tattooing?
I started noticing a lot of tribal arm bands and Kanji in my late teens, which didn't really help spark an interest in tattoos. When I was 21, I met my husband, H.H. Little Sky. He's been tattooing for 14 years and introduced me to beautiful, whimsical, creative tattoos. At that time, I had a custom cake business that focused on 3-D, sculpted, and intricate wedding cakes. He noticed my steady decorating hand and thought I'd be great at tattooing. I wanted nothing to do with tattooing, it's a serious responsibility to permanently mark someone's body, way too stressful! It wasn't until I began managing him and a custom tattoo shop in Colorado when my interest really grew. I began to simultaneously develop my drawing skills and bow hunting skills. Naturally after a few years, this led to a tattoo apprenticeship under H.H. I've been tattooing for two years. H.H. and I tattoo from our private studio, Terrarium Tattoo, in Fort Collins, Colorado. 

More from The Stir: 18 Back Tattoo Ideas That Are Incredibly Beautiful

What was the first tattoo that you got?
My first tattoo was my sleeve. Go big or go home! My sleeve is so colorful, it's filled with flowers, bumblebees, mushrooms, and honeycomb. 

Share a good story about a tattoo that you have done.
Tattoos can be really therapeutic; they can help one heal from a loss or celebrate a significant moment in life. A client of mine wanted a memorial piece to commemorate a 7-year-old who was a family friend, who had just passed away from cancer. This little girl loved everything about carrots. She was a carrot for Halloween, ate carrots, and even won an award for a massive carrot she grew in her garden. To capture her bright personality and insane love for carrots, I tattooed a colorful, magickal carrot on my client. We even made the leaves shaped like hearts. I love being able to help someone heal through tattooing. 

Have you ever tattooed yourself?
No, that will never happen, I cannot handle that. I love being tattooed, not getting tattooed, haha. 

More from The Stir: Lady Tattoo Artists We Love: Jennifer Trok

Who and what influences you?
I grew up in Pennsylvania. The foliage and Dutch Hex Signs that hung on homes and barns always intrigued me and led to a greater love of nature and folk art. I'm influenced by nature, magick, textiles, patterns, botanical illustrations, flowers, mushrooms, herbs, and most importantly food. There are so many awesome tattoo artists who inspire me, I discover 18 new artists on Instagram every day, it's equally overwhelming and inspiring. Some of my favorite lady artists are: Dea Vectorink, Keely Rutherford, Kelly McGrath, Laura Jade, Kelly Violet, Alex Strangler .... Of the gentlemen I really like: Brett Burnham, Lewis Parkin, Taylor Ross, and H.H. Little Sky.

Images via meredithlittlesky/Instagram

Moms understand the value of time. After all, parenting involves multitasking. Whether it's getting the kids to soccer and basketball practice or arranging playdates and sleepovers, no one does it better than mom. CafeMom wants to help one mom keep track of time in style. For today's #MayIsForMoms treat, we're giving away a gorgeous watch from The Fifth.

This stunning Rose Gold & Peach ($105) timepiece features a brushed rose gold casing with a peach Italian leather band. This wristwatch is sure to become an instant staple in any wardrobe. And one lucky reader will have the opportunity to win this statement piece.

To enter the giveaway, share with us:

What is one thing that keeps you organized?

Enter to win by commenting on this post, and be sure to check out more of our fabulous #MayIsForMoms giveaways!  

The "Giveaway: Rose Gold & Peach Watch From The Fifth" starts on May 26, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. (ET) and ends at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on June 2, 2016 (the "Sweepstakes Period").

Enter by replying to this post with an appropriate comment during the Sweepstakes Period. Limit one entry per day during the Sweepstakes Period. One (1) winner will be selected in a random drawing of all eligible entries on or around June 3, 2016, to receive the 'Giveaway: Rose Gold & Peach Watch From The Fifth*.'

Only entries from CafeMom members are eligible to win. Sign up for CafeMom here.

*No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 18 years and older. Void where prohibited. Click here for the rest of the Official Rules.

Images via The Fifth

Your fingers need to be decorated this summer and there are several really cool trends happening right now. We are in love with light stones (especially opals and moonstones), as well as gold and wrap rings and signets. And because it isn't just about one statement ring and instead several rings, we have quite a collection to tempt you.

The detailing of these rings are beautiful -- some ornate, some minimal. Geometric shapes and magical stones continue to make a big impression. And our love affair with the open ring is still going strong. Check out this collection ... and just try to pick one favorite. We have 12.

Images (clockwise from top left) via etsy.com; madewell.com; bananarepublic.com; etsy.com; localeclectic.com

Swimsuit season is here, and if you cringe at the thought of getting into a dressing room to try on bathing suits, change your mindset! Thankfully for us moms with imperfect bodies, swimsuits have come a l-o-n-g way, and I'd like to introduce you to seven styles that are going to get you excited about going to the beach this summer!

Meet your new swimsuit style BFFs: ruching, blouson/swing top, plunge, cutouts, graphic print, sexy back, and the colorblock. Take a look at my top picks and let's get you ready for the current beach season!

Images (left to right) via anthropologie.com; oldnavy.com; modcloth.com; everythingbutwater.com

Spring is in full swing! So, there's no reason why moms shouldn't be bringing out their favorite bright and pastel colors to celebrate the season. And CafeMom wants to help a few ladies add some color to their looks with a simple yet easy accessory that most women love: nail polish! For today's #MayIsForMoms treat, we're giving away not one, but several SinfulColors nail polish sets. 

Yes, multiple readers will be able to upgrade their nail game with these SinfulColors nail polish kits. Winners will receive sets that include a variety of colors along with a top coat and base coat. You'll have enough shades to mix and match throughout the spring and summer seasons. 

To enter the giveaway, share with us:

What is the nail polish color that you always keep in stock?

We're nearing the end of our #MayIsForMoms monthlong giveaway, but be sure to check out some more of the awesome prizes that you can still enter to win!

The "Giveaway: The Ultimate SinfulColors Nail Polish Sets" starts on May 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. (ET) and ends at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on June 7, 2016 (the "Sweepstakes Period").

Enter by replying to this post with an appropriate comment during the Sweepstakes Period. Limit one entry per day during the Sweepstakes Period. One (1) winner will be selected in a random drawing of all eligible entries on or around June 8, 2016, to receive the 'The Ultimate SinfulColors Nail Polish Sets*.'

Only entries from CafeMom members are eligible to win. Sign up for CafeMom here.

*No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 18 years and older. Void where prohibited. Click here for the rest of the Official Rules.

Images via iStock.com/iprogressman; SinfulColors

Having your nails done in summer is a must. When it's too hot for jewelry, decorating your talons is the way to go. We have quite the collection of some of the hottest manicures for the summer with so many cool designs.

In bright colors and bold designs, a new take on ombré and some serious buzzworthy art, these are the manis to put on your must-have list.

Image via petiteprune_nails/Instagram

The season of rosé, air-dried hair, and sexy, drapey dresses is officially here. The only problem? (Besides re-applying sunscreen without messing up your makeup.) Finding a bra that will work with that pretty cutout top you just bought.

From practically sheer T-shirt halter tops to dresses with crazy criss-cross happening in the back, we've got you covered when it comes to underthings for every summer garment -- literally. 

Images (clockwise from top left) via revolve.com; nastygal.com; asos.com; macys.com; target.com; zappos.com

Disney is said to be one of the greatest places on Earth, and its stories and fairy-tales have supplied us with endless dreams and incredible entertainment. For the Disney-obsessed, we have collected some of the most magical Disney-themed tattoos around.

From the enchanting castle to the iconic Mickey Mouse ears, and the sweet and lovable characters of old and new, these dreamy Disney tattoos will surely inspire.

Image via zoefrasertattoo; lottielizzie3/Instagram

For some people, going makeup-free is no big thing. For me -- lover of liquid winged eyeliner and the blackest black mascara -- it was. I have plenty of makeup-free moments, but I rarely leave the house without a bit of something on -- clothes and makeup. And so going makeup-free for a whole week was a challenge and taught me something.

I learned that it is very hard to go makeup-free for a week. Very, very challenging -- at least it was for me. But it also confirmed that we get used to the way we look with makeup, and that change is hard, but once a change becomes more regular, we get used to that, too. Sort of.

More from The Stir:I Tried It: I Went On a Date ... With Myself

Working from home made it easy to not put on makeup. For day one, I was makeup-free the whole day by myself in front of my computer working away. When the school bus arrived to drop off my kids, I went outside without any makeup on. My kids didn't notice. They see me without makeup all the time. But when we decided to go out to dinner and I looked in the mirror, I realized I just couldn't do it. Maybe just a little powder, I thought. Just to control the shine. A tiny bit of mascara. A little tinted lip balm. It was almost makeup-free ... but not really.

On day two, I was determined to try again. It was sunny and my tired-looking eyes (especially without makeup) could be shielded by sunglasses. When I stopped into the coffee shop to grab a cup to go, I kept them on. And that's when I realized that my makeup is my security blanket. My woobie. My shield of armor in the form of a cat eye. I had a problem: I was addicted to wearing makeup, so used to seeing my face with it that I didn't like the way I looked without it. It reminded me of that terrible phase I went through in the late '80s when I wore my hair higher than high and stiffer than stiff. On the rare occasion when I would get a haircut, I'd cry because no stylist ever made it high enough and I thought I looked weird without at least four inches of hair height. I wouldn't even go swimming. Sigh. Silly me.

Blame my teenage years and all the issues that go along with it, but my mind was warped and it may have had something to do with all the hairspray fumes. I thought I didn't look good without that ridiculous '80s hair. While my current makeup is arguably fairly mundane with just a little heaviness with the liner, I do feel not myself when I'm not wearing it. Which is truly warped because I couldn't be more "myself" when in my natural state. But, hey, being addicted to makeup isn't the worst addiction I could have, so I relish in it.

More from The Stir: I Tried It: Wearing a Bikini in Public for the First Time -- at 37!

Still, day two and three made me want to not face the world. And thankfully I didn't have any big plans with anyone. The weather was rainy so the kids played inside after school and I spent time playing with them or working on a home project. No makeup was NBD.

On day four, something changed. My face looked better than I remembered without my makeup. Because of those couple of days without it, I got used to how I looked without thicker lashes and berry lips. And as long as I was having a good hair day, the makeup didn't seem to matter as much. Though ... full confession. I did put on a little face powder, but it was only to control my oil and shine.

Okay, okay. I guess I hadn't gone completely makeup-free, but I'd say it was 95 percent free.

For the remaining three days, I didn't wear makeup but I gave up looking at myself in the mirror for too long. I wore clothes I loved and curled my hair (something I only do once in a blue moon). I needed to feel good about the other things happening with my personal appearance in order to substitute my strong desire to Cleopatra my eyes. But I also realized that smiling was a great makeup substitute. If I looked at myself in the mirror with my resting bitch face (I am afflicted), I didn't look so great without the extra color on my face. But with a smile ... not so bad. Walking around with a perma-grin would be a little weird, but it reminded me that smiling is a really good thing, and while my kids were makeup-free, they were mostly always happy faced -- and despite the massive age difference, that happiness really does make you look better.

I know I don't need makeup, but I sure do like it. For me, it's like putting on your favorite dress or wearing those earrings that you love. But going makeup-free for the week made me see that it's not that I look terrible without it -- it's that I just like to decorate myself a bit ... for me. And the best "makeup" is a smile.

Image via Michele Zipp

Swim season is fast approaching, and while most of us are thrilled to usher in the warmth and freedom of summer, shopping for the perfect bathing suit can really harsh one's mellow.

Take a deep breath and relax -- if you're in the market for a cute plus-size suit, we've done all of your homework for you. From sassy pieces to those for the more modest, you'll be having fun in the sun in no time (and feel like a million bucks).

Images (clockwise from left) via target.com; ashleystewart.com; swimsuitsforall.com; nordstrom.com; forever21.com

Get ready. Wedding season is officially upon us, and that means figuring out what to wear to all the festivities. Feeling stressed out? Well, you're in luck. I've rounded up some stylish Instagrammers who have serious wedding style!

From engagement parties to rehearsal dinners, these ladies will give you lots of inspiration. Plus, I've selected a similar outfit to make things easy for you. So take a look, get your outfit ready, and raise your champagne glasses to toast the beautiful couples!

Image via @rachelanne131/Instagram

If you're still wearing that old college tee shirt as your beach cover-up, please reconsider! For busy moms chasing toddlers around, a stylish cover-up is an essential part of your summer wardrobe. There are so many stylish options available from caftans to rompers.

Your bathing suit and cover-up do not have to match exactly. Don't worry about it! Just make sure you have a cover-up you feel confident in so you can throw it on over your swimsuit. Check out my top picks and have a great time at the beach this summer!

Images (clockwise from left) via everythingbutwater.com; nordstrom.com; zappos.com; loft.com; asos.com 

First-year tattoo artist Trudie Kaiser has such a beautiful sense of artistry, it's clear she learned a lot thanks to her bachelor of fine arts and through her tattoo apprenticeship under the incredible Josh Lord and other artists at East Side Ink and Graceland Brooklyn. Her gorgeous tattoos and insight into the craft are very impressive.

Trudie shared how she got her start and some of her favorite moments of tattooing so far. Her work is lovely, as well as thoughtful, making her tattoos ones to remember and cherish.

How did you get into tattooing?
I actually just started tattooing. I'm in my first year. I still feel incredibly green and indebted both to the craft itself and to those who've taught me. I began pursuing tattooing right out of college, after working as a shop girl through art school. I realized how hardworking and crafty tattooers were, and how seamlessly they seemed to be able to collaborate, face to face, with their clients. This is a feat that most other working artists aren’t afforded -- graphic designers, architects, and those in similar fields tend to communicate largely remotely, and much less often get the opportunity to work so intimately with their clients. I’ve always found bodies both dangerous and fascinating. They are incredibly complicated, as are our relationships with them. I haven’t always felt connected to my own, but learned quickly that decorating it gave it weight and energy. Bodies are more than the sum of their parts. 

More from The Stir: Lady Tattoo Artists We Love: Meredith Little Sky

What was the first tattoo that you got?
The first tattoo I got, I agonized over. I redrew it thousands of times, trying to control every aspect of it -- it was of a fossil called an ammonite. I chose an artist that I really resonated with from a reputable shop, and then quickly realized in the months succeeding as I learned about the craft that I had effectively prevented myself from participating in the best part of the process. Being tattooed is a delicate balance between control and chaos based largely in trust. As soon as this became apparent to me, I relinquished my obsessions and allowed myself to be complicit in the artistic play of those I admired. Subsequently, each tattoo has been exponentially more enjoyable. 

Share a good story about a tattoo that you have done.
I can’t speak to how I have affected a client, but I’m affected by most of my clients. Tattooing someone creates a shared vulnerability that is really palpable. I am most touched and honored to tattoo anyone who I can access those moments with. When I have the honor to tattoo someone who has clearly struggled with their body, that gets me the most. To be in dire conflict with your physical self, and to give me the trust to permanently alter that body? Kind of awe-inspiring. And certainly very humbling.  

I’d have to say my first tattoo experience was my most meaningful. It was a tattooer who I had worked under while I was a shop girl, who knew how badly I wanted to learn to tattoo. He let me tattoo Beavis from Beavis & Butt-Head on his leg. I was so honored to be let in on the craft though I wasn’t technically a tattooer or even an apprentice. I was also both immediately terrified by it and hungry to do it again, better. I still love that tattoo. 

Have you ever tattooed yourself?
Tattooing myself was a great experience. It felt like a special rite of passage. I worried that because I didn't tattoo myself "first" that it didn't count, or wasn't the same, but I ultimately realized that the experience to be gained was vital no matter when I did it. The design I chose was the first tattoo I did during my apprenticeship, a little dead sparrow shot with arrows, and I thought it would be interesting to tattoo the same design on myself. The act itself was pretty easy pain wise. It definitely gives you a little rush. 

More from The Stir: 18 Incredible Insect Tattoos You'll Want to Collect

Who and what influences you?
I think it’s as important to look outside of tattooing as it is to look within it -- not just as a tattooer, as an artist of any medium. Everything is derivative, but I think the best way to keep it from getting too nepotistic and dull is to draw from all sources available. I love Jenny Saville, David Maisel, Kiki Smith, and Louise Bourgeois. I’m inspired every day by the artists around me, my mentor Josh Lord and the kind and talented team of artists at East Side Ink/Graceland Brooklyn. I’m fascinated by biology and the images it produces on a more micro level. As trite as it may sound, nature is my ultimate influence, but it feels like there’s inspiration everywhere, bursting from the gills of everything I encounter.

Images via 2rood/Instagram