Where is the best place to get tweens’ ears pierced?
My 11-year-old has chosen getting her ears pierced as one of her Christmas presents. She asked around at school and all the girls said they got it done at Claire’s Boutique.
I have also heard of people going to the Piercing Pagoda or Merle Norman at the mall but I don’t see ear piercing offered as a service on the Merle Norman website.
When I Google searched “ear piercing” a bunch of tattoo and body piercing places showed up in the search so that was a little bit scary.
(From the Piercing Pagoda: “one step, single use, sterilized, prepackaged piercing earrings that meet or exceed FDA (Food & Drug Administration) guidelines. that means, no needles!”)
But Claire’s site also offer care information.
This is Claire’s site about piercing.
I was around 6 or 7 when I had mine done in the middle of the Northlake Mall. It was in a little hut sort of store in the center. The lady did the first ear and I didn’t want her to do the second. I had gold studs, double heart studs and gold hoops for my first earrings. Then I went on to ladybugs from my Aunt Linda and pears from my parents. I have never been a big earring girl. I guess because I wear glasses.
So give me all the info I need:
Which place do you recommend and why? Where have you had the most professional experience?
Do you recommend doing two ears at once? My 11-year-old thinks she wants two ears done at once because she’s afraid she’ll lose her nerve after the first ear. But I’m afraid if you jerk away you are going to screw up both ears instead of one. Any recommendations on this would be appreciated.
Also, what’s the deal with the starter earrings? I thought they had to be 24-karrat gold but my friend said you just needed the surgical steel or is it stainless steel for the posts? (I need to do more reading on this.)
Also how do you clean? Is it alcohol or hydrogen peroxide? Claire’s a special cleaning fluid — do I need that? How long does it hurt?
What are the best types of earrings for 11-year-olds? She thinks she wants dangly one but I think smaller the better. She doesn’t realize that earrings can be heavy yet.
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97 comments Add your comment
catlady
December 21st, 2012
12:36 pm
I got mine pierced at a neighbor’s house. He used an ice cube and a sharpened earing. My daughters got theirs done at Claire’s.
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
December 21st, 2012
12:44 pm
I kind of wanted to ask my pediatric surgeon neighbor if she would do it but I don’t have the nerve …
April
December 21st, 2012
12:46 pm
Both of my girls had theirs done at Claire’s. They also used the single use kits. They had a selection of starter earrings to choose from. The posts on the starter earrings are a little thicker. They provided care instructions and a cleaning solution. It was not a big deal. We chose the both ears at one time method. You have to make sure they have two employees available to do it. It happens so quickly there is no time for jerking.
Relax, she will be fine!
Aunt Shell
December 21st, 2012
12:47 pm
I got mine done at Clair’s…back in the 70s. They were able to do both ears at once. I’ve seen them in the mall doing one ear at a time and the kid aways freaks out and doesnt’ want the second ear done.
They don’t have to be gold. My starter earrings were stainless steal. I also had a starter set that had my birthstone in them.
The first time I had them done, I used their cleaning solution. The next time, I use peroxide. Make sure that her ears are completely healed before you move from the starter set to regular earrings. Mine had not quite healed completely when I started changing them. I forgot to put in a pair overnight and the holes closed.
Grasshopper
December 21st, 2012
12:48 pm
Wow. Obsess much Theresa?
homeschooler
December 21st, 2012
12:48 pm
You’re over thinking this. Claire’s is fine. Tell your daughter it does not hurt at all and she will be fine to get one done at a time. My daughter was 8 when she got hers done. Simplest thing ever. We bought the claires solution but I’m sure regular alcohol is fine. I got my ears pierced 35 yrs ago and there were no needles used even then. Except when done at home I’ve always seen ear piercing done with a little gun and the initial pair of earrings. It is REALLY not a big deal. She is more than old enough to handle this experience and to care for her new ear holes so they don’t get infected. Good luck!
Aunt Shell
December 21st, 2012
12:49 pm
I take that back. It wasn’t at Claire’s. It was at Bojangles.
Mayhem
December 21st, 2012
1:01 pm
TWG – DO NOT TELL HER IT DOESN’T HURT!!!! Tell her yes it will hurt, but only for a minute or two…..just like getting a shot. Don’t ever tell your kids it won’t hurt….be honest with them!!
Oldest daughter has multiple piercings in her ears. Two in the lobes, one in the upper ear, and one on the the part you use to close your ears ( I don’t know what that’s called).
Yes, you are overthinking…Claire’s is just fine, they know what they are doing. Piercing Pagoda is good also.
I had mine done by a nurse friend of my mom’s, who used ice and a syringe.
Oldest daughter had her ears pierce the first time at 8 years old. Two people did the piercing at the same time, so both ears were done at once. That child let out a scream that Gwinnett Place Mall had never heard before…….LOL.
It hurts, but only for a second. I had my second holes done at Spencers, at Northlake Mall….
April
December 21st, 2012
1:12 pm
As for earrings after she is done with the starters, let her wear what her friends are wearing. Kohl’s carries the Candie’s line of clothing and accessories for teens. Those earrings are stylish but most weigh practically nothing. My girls have several pair that are long and sparkly but you can hardly tell they are there.
Tricia
December 21st, 2012
1:22 pm
I got my ears pierced at Merle Norman at North Point Mall about 2.5 years ago for my wedding. I never had my ears pierced prior to that because I was so nervous about how much it would hurt. They just used a piercing gun and it was over so quick it didn’t hurt. It was easy and it wasn’t crowded and they didn’t make me sit in front of the store window like they do at Claire’s!!
Yes, they had their own special “cleaning solution” you had to purchase after the piercing. I believe the whole transaction, including the piercing, cost about $40.
Liz
December 21st, 2012
1:24 pm
Don’t use peroxide or alcohol on piercings. Use the solution that they give you or a salt and water solution. Peroxide and alcohol are too harsh. I had my cartilage pierced last year at a piercing place and this is what I was told.
Grape Nuts are neither grapes or nuts
December 21st, 2012
2:03 pm
When I Google searched “ear piercing” a bunch of tattoo and body piercing places showed up in the search so that was a little bit scary.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Why? Why is it scary? Because they look different? You do realize these piercing parlors have to be licensed and inspected. Since piercing is their primary revenue, they are unlikely to screw it up. I’d much rather go to an expert, than a kiosk at a mall.
You’re uptight perspective is so stereotypical of the white, middle class suburban house wife. You never go in town unless you absolutely have to, you go to church, not knowing why only that you are supposed too…..I bet you even refer to blacks as the coloreds.
How is anything you write about journalism? Change to the name to Uptight White Woman Worries About Everything!!! and it will be a more appropriate blog.
Tweens?
December 21st, 2012
2:23 pm
I don’t get it.
malleesmom
December 21st, 2012
3:04 pm
We used WalMart for our second child. The first one was done at the mall (Gwinnett Place). Pediatricians used to do it so if that makes you feel better, ask. The worse they can say is no. Whether she gets one done at a time or both may depend on available staff. She’s old enough to understand that it will sting similar to a shot. She also needs to understand that both must be done at one visit. None of this one ear, flaking out and then driving mom crazy to get the other one done later. Absolutely wear the piercing studs as long as recommended. I’ve used both alcohol and peroxide on my kids with no issues. Once the piercing studs come out, stick with smaller earrings until she learns to care for her ears well and adjusts to the new jewelry. We typically pick the ones marked for sensitive ears to avoid any potential issues with weird metals. My girls go do not have long earrings (age 14 and 10). They both have longer hair which gets caught.
This should not be a stress-inducing issue TWG :) My ears were pierced at 2mo. Each of my girls were pierced by 4mo. No complaints, no anxieties. No worries :)
Mayhem
December 21st, 2012
3:18 pm
@Malleesmom – I am sorry, but I cannot stand to see people getting their BABY’s ears pierced at that age. WHY??????
We were vacationing in Cocoa Beach one year, and went to the local mall. There was a young woman (couldn’t have been more than 20) with her baby, who couldn’t have been 2 months old, getting her little ears pierced. I don’t understand the need for babys that young to wear earrings. That baby howled when they pierced her little ears. It was all I could do not to slap the mom. They were hispanic, so we just assumed it was cultural….???
Nothing against you, I just don’t understand piercing a baby’s ears. Both my girls were 10 when they got the first piercings….Their father couldn’t stand it, and insisted we wait until they were 10.
MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!!! I’m on vacation in about 10 minutes until next Thursday,a nd plan on staying VERY far away from modern technology (other than my phone), which means NO COMPUTER!!!!!
Have a safe and Happy Holiday!!!
malleesmom
December 21st, 2012
3:21 pm
yep, cultural thing.
Where is the best place to get tweens’ ears pierced? – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)
December 21st, 2012
3:56 pm
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Techmom
December 21st, 2012
4:21 pm
I’ve had my ears pierced since I was 8 months old and I’m not hispanic.
Tattoo places are probably better/safer but I’m sure TWG would never dream of even parking her car in front of one. Claire’s employees make minimum wage and are hired as cashiers first and then given a quick lesson in piercing.
Tell her it hurts, show her a video and then go on your way. She’s old enough to want earrings in spite of the discomfort. Make sure she wears studs for closer to 3 months and then buy decent earrings for a while, nothing too heavy. I always had lots of issues with earrings until I was about 15 and then for some reason I wasn’t sensitive to them anymore.
Janice
December 21st, 2012
4:56 pm
over 40 yrs ago doc did mine. i remember he used his pen to mark the lobes to make sure the were level and put ice on the lobe and used a needle. i had 14k gold ball earrings, had to keep in for 3 weeks and every day put alcohol on them and turn them so the lobe wouldn’t grow around the post of the earring. i still have those little gold ball earrings. keeping lobes clean during healing was important.
i know people in the 60’s use to use self piercers, they were hoops that went into your lobe, small hoops and you would move the hoop through the lobe.
Don;t do it T...
December 21st, 2012
5:12 pm
…she will get an infection and her ear will fall off, then she will want a belly ring, and then nipple rings, then the favorite of all, the labia ring, but only after her tongue stud causes her tongue to fall off…
Georgia
December 21st, 2012
6:17 pm
I got my ears pierced by cannibals. But then again, I’ve got cauliflower ears. I guess the boxer Hollyfield did too, when Mike Tyson bit his ear. There’s many of us with cauliflower ears, okay? We’d all appreciate it if people would stop taking bites out of them…….what? I can’t hear you…..speak up…….huh?……what?………..stop mumbling……..
A person SMART enough to know.....
December 21st, 2012
6:33 pm
My girlfriend got a Hood piercing and Claire’s doesn’t do that.
A person SMART enough to know.....
December 21st, 2012
6:36 pm
Why can babies get piercings but they can’t get tattoos?
all i want for critmas
December 21st, 2012
7:31 pm
from all the way in AZ(?), she wonders aloud on _her_ internets about where to get her tween pierced. omg, it’s not that tricky… overthunk it x10k!!!
i think you should get yer tween pierced while yer at it, a wonderful holiday memory.
iRun
December 21st, 2012
8:22 pm
I wouldn’t use a place that uses guns. They’re notorious for causing infections. I would, in fact, recommend a piercing shop. They’re usually well trained in the most sterile methods.
Here in Atlanta I recommend Piercing Experience over in Candler Park, across from The Flying Biscuit. They use only implant grade stuff.
Even if you can’t go to PE, check out their site so you can get info so you know what to look for in a place close to you: www dot piercingexp dot com
I got my nose stud done there in 2009 and it was a very good experience, very little pain and an easy heal.
My ears were pierced when I was 6 by a jeweler using a gun. They got infected, bled all over, and the holes in my earlobes can pass an entire stud through them. Attractive.
DB
December 21st, 2012
9:00 pm
If you are at all worried, call a dermatologist and ask them what they recommend. They see and fix lots of mistakes. My daughter has super-sensitive skin that we have to be extremely careful about (can’t tell you the last time I used a dryer sheet in the dryer or used perfume-free detergent.) So when she she was 13, we made an appointment and went by the dermatologist. In and out in 10 minutes, and with a special antiseptic that wasn’t alcohol-based.
I can’t wear pierced earrings, unfortunately — some sort of odd metal allergy, even with 23K gold, surgical stainless, whatever . . . every time I wore them, my ears would get infected, no matter how careful I was. :-(
DB
December 21st, 2012
9:03 pm
PS: I used to work in a jewelry store while i was in high school, before I had my ears pierced. Part of my job was to do ear piercings. I refused to do babies — I simply explained to the mother that their shrieking unnerved me too much and I was afraid I would mess up the second ear. Occasionally, someone would ask me why my ears weren’t pierced. “Never got around to it,” I’d say, truthfully.
sarah
December 21st, 2012
9:34 pm
My daughter was 6 she got hers done. We went to Clair’s and had no issues. They mark the spot to be pierced on the lobe with a pen and had 2 workers so they could be done at the same time. It was over so fast (literally 2 seconds) that there were no tears. We dilligently used the solution they gave us and she loves her earings. She currently is wearing little soccer balls and they are adorable! I agree with the other poster… don’t over think this.
Winnie
December 21st, 2012
9:52 pm
I had mine done 46 (when I was about 10) years ago with circular “piercers” that you put on your ears and they painlessly worked their way through in about 2 weeks. My dad, a precise engineer, marked my ears and put them on. My oldest daughter had hers done when she was six, but I can’t remember where. The younger daughter begged to get hers done, but we waited until she turned six. They pierced the first one and she screamed out loud “Mama why did you make me do this??!!” All I could do was laugh – and make her sit still for the second ear!
Big Mama
December 21st, 2012
10:20 pm
If you are concerned that she is not ready for the pain of piercing (yes, it does hurt) then why not have her wait until she is older? She can always get them pierced in a few years. I did not get my ears pierced until I was 13. Waiting did not interfere with my social development…..
Jeff
December 21st, 2012
10:22 pm
I didn’t read all of the responses, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say it dependes on the child.
Are they an alternative-type child? five points-type in atlanta?
Are they debutante-type? Maybe Claire’s? (Help me out on the trend on that?
I’m a HUGE proponent of allowing a child to “reach out” for what fits their personality early in life so that they don’t run for it later. Let them have a some of what is in their nature. Meanwhile, set boundaries. You can do “x” when you’re ” x”. For example, my sister has the bikini rule for her girls; you can wear a bikini when you turn X age. There’s a goal, a limit, something to look forward to that isn’t like getting your nipples piereced, etc
But let it fit their personality.
Jean
December 21st, 2012
10:23 pm
We had my 13 yr old’s ears pierced at Wal-mart in September. Didn’t have any problems. The price of the earrings includes the cleaning solution. This is the second set for her. The lady at Wal-mart wore a pair of sugical gloves while she did the piercing and cleaned both ears before she pierced them. I have 4 sets, first one was done at the Doctor’s office when I was 12 (I almost fainted!). Second one was done at a Claire’s type store. The other two were done at mall kiosks. Never had a problem with any of them. Just make sure that she cleans them. I had my daughter clean hers at least 2 times a day. I also had her turn them at least twice a day, right before she cleaned them. So I know they got turned and then cleaned immediatly after! If she wants to turn them at other times, make sure she washes her hands before she touches them.
Phinazee
December 21st, 2012
10:55 pm
My ears were pierced for my birthday in 6th grade. My pediatrican did them. In high school I wanted a second set so I went back to my pediatrican. If not a doctor I would also highly recommend the Piercing Experience. Very professional and sterile.
Observer
December 21st, 2012
11:04 pm
Took a 7 year old visiting family member (by marriage) to Claire’s for ear piercing few months back per mother’s request. The child’s mother was there. The 7 year old did fine when her mother told her she could have her cartilage pierced soon after if she was a big girl just getting ear lobes done first. The mom also got her cartilage pierced on the spot to show daughter. I now know I’m old. Incredulous. Btw, no issues from their piercings at Claire’s. The mom indicated their piercings are on same level as getting a mani/pedi. Will say it again, family by marriage.
Kat
December 22nd, 2012
12:18 am
It seems like if the “patient” is too scared to get the second one done after the first may not be quite ready for this procedure. I would say one ear at a time, like others, who suggested two at once might mess up two.
Misty
December 22nd, 2012
1:24 am
I was 5 & done at a mall. Jerked a little so second ear is tiny bit off but it’s not noticeable. I use the hypoallergenic type earrings and do fine. She will be okay.
missnadine
December 22nd, 2012
1:35 am
are you really that stupid that you can’t figure this out on your own, I mean seriously?
missnadine
December 22nd, 2012
1:37 am
@Grape Nuts are neither grapes or nuts – you hit it right on the head, and you are funny too!
djs_NC
December 22nd, 2012
8:18 am
theresa it does hurt for a tiny second so dont tell her it doesnt. if she cant deal with a second of pain then she needs to wait. im with some above posters…go to a piercing place…they are certified and very experienced. its the upper part of the ear that hurts most when being pierced….the lobe really is such a tiny pain but it is a little pain. never tell your child something wont hurt if it will. and really…the people at the piercing places may look a little scary to you but they really are just normal and nice people. they are not mother rapers and father rapers. they just like piercings and tattoos :)
motherjanegoose
December 22nd, 2012
8:33 am
I got mine pierced on my lunch break at Wal Mart. The Grandmas I worked with decided it was time, as I was in college. They paid for it…haha! My daughter got hers pierced, when she was 7, at Claires. No big deal for either of us. Yes, it does hurt and yes you need to keep your ears very clean. I agree that you need to tell her the truth…it will hurt somebut it is quick! If she still wants to do it then fine.
What is normal to me may not be normal to someone else and vica versa ( sp?)…this I have learned.
homeschooler
December 22nd, 2012
9:37 am
Just reading the comments after posting early yesterday. You all crack me up. It.does.not.hurt! I know I got mine done at 8yrs old but I got second holes in high school and clearly remember what it felt like. Barely a pinch. That’s exactly what I told my daughter. It’s a quick pinch but I wouldn’t even say it is pain just like someone pinched you and in 1/2 a second it’s over. There is certainly no lasting pain and certainly not as bad as a shot. Maybe more like getting blood drawn. Which also does not hurt. I say this will all the love in the world. You guys are babies. ;-) Merry Christmas.
Karma
December 22nd, 2012
9:45 am
She had kids because a girl she went to high school had them, she got the mini-van because someone she knew had one, she got the mini mansion because..well you get the picture. Now with 3 kids, she doesn’t have a clue what to do with them so she relys on social media for the simplest thing. Little girls get their ears pierced every day. shes the only person I have every heard that has considered asking a pediatric surgeon (sly way of telling us she lives in a nice neighborhood) to pierce her 11 year olds ears! A pediatric surgeon!!!! Poor kids!
Dum-Bass
December 22nd, 2012
12:45 pm
Why not go to the tattoo place and go ahead and get her a tattoo while you’re at it? What’s the difference? You are “defiling the body” either way. This stuff amazes me and one of the reasons there are so many problems with teenagers today. The real problem goes back to guess who? The MOMS! I recall one of my nieces getting an infection, and if you could have seen her ear for about 6 months, it would be “no way”! Still has a scar.
Herpes Butter
December 22nd, 2012
1:11 pm
I just got a piercing in my nose and a tattoo of Uranus on my butt.
Atlanta Mom
December 22nd, 2012
5:25 pm
Around ten years ago I inquired of my pediatrician if they did ear piercings. They did not. Looked like an income opportunity lost to me!
flipper
December 22nd, 2012
6:07 pm
Kolo… Little Five Points. It really doesn’t hurt there. They do it the old fashioned way with a needle, not a gun. The girl who did my daughter’s ears took her time got my daughter to relax and was fantastic. My daughter said it didn’t hurt a bit.
motherjanegoose
December 22nd, 2012
8:00 pm
@homeschooler… everyone has a different pain tolerance. Mine is rather high. My daughter’s is not. I would not say it hurt ( me) a lot but it did hurt. A quick pinch is correct. I have O negative blood and give blood quite frequently. It does not upset me in the least. I also have rolling veins and it may take a few stabs to get the needle settled in. I still donate blood. Many people do not.
all the time
December 22nd, 2012
8:06 pm
Can’t the doctor do that? The idea being that a piercing is not something to do casually and there could be better compliance with a doctors’ cleaning instructions…
FCM on my cell
December 22nd, 2012
9:11 pm
I had mine done ar Yankee Peddler at Parkaire Mall in the 70s.
Eldest had hers done at Claires at Avenue East Cobb @ age 7 they were great. 6 yrs ago.
Youngest got hers @ age 7 at Sweet & Sassy @ Avenue in Cumming. They were also great.
The big thing is to keep the site clean.
FCM on my cell
December 22nd, 2012
9:14 pm
Neither of mine had hoops or dangles for a year after peircing. made aure fully healed & only light weight so not to rip…Both have better “holes” than mine.
FCM on my cell
December 22nd, 2012
9:17 pm
Oh both at once for sure. i had to bribe youngest to let us near her 2nd…same way my mom did me. Ice Cream! Older one had 2 at once & oh so much bettet
Quira
December 23rd, 2012
10:37 am
Gape nuts seems to have a race problem. Sad.
Grape Nuts are neither grapes or nuts
December 23rd, 2012
11:41 am
How?
FCM on my cell
December 23rd, 2012
9:20 pm
I have heard many get the earrings done on babies, because they will not remember the pain. I always felt they were not my ears so the decision was not mine. when child showed interest we came up wirh a time to get them done. I wantwd thwm old enough.tovtake cate of the cleaning & turning, supervised by me of course. 7 seemed right to us.
jw
December 24th, 2012
8:47 am
Claire’s is fine – my daughter got hers pierced there – safe, clean and healthy – and has a cool factor amongst that age girl –
I also remember the apprehension about that event – I think your fear is more in the line of her growing into another stage of life than the actual piercings.
It’s OK – try not to let the stressing out show – this is an event for your daughter – bite your lip, hold your tongue and help her enjoy it!!!!!
Just Another day
December 24th, 2012
12:13 pm
You put WAY too much thought into this…..I got mine done at Northlake also and my mom didn’t even go.
ATL Born and Raised
December 24th, 2012
1:31 pm
Go to an actual piercing shop. Needles hurt less than guns and the piercing site is less likely to get infected. Also, those people are apprenticed and trained and know what they’re doing much more so than the teenage girl at Claire’s et al.
Madea gets reassignment surgery
December 24th, 2012
1:43 pm
What about a boy getting his ear pierced?
jw
December 24th, 2012
3:25 pm
Madea – is this where we insert the “20 penny nail and gut it up” comment – he can go to the same place unless you think the tattoo parlor would suit him better.
DB
December 24th, 2012
7:59 pm
Ok, is it just me, or does anyone else find it a little disconcerting that the blog hasn’t changed since last Friday? I dunno, it just seems a little strange to be going into Christmas with an old blog about ear-piercing. Even if it was just a generic “Happy Holidays” or even a poll as to who is traveling the farthest for the holidays, or something like that . . . I know T has vacation just like the rest of us. Still . . . maybe something to keep in mind for the future?
Mariage Parfait Gueze
December 24th, 2012
8:25 pm
She is with her boyfriend.
M.E.
December 24th, 2012
11:19 pm
She got scared when she was nine and I let her. She got scared again when she was 11 and that was okay with me. She wasn’t really ready to keep up with the cleanings and the earrings. When she was 15, she told me it was time. I let her inspect the places—Claire’s or a hut in the center of Gwinnett Place Mall. She watched the women do it at both places and chose the place in the mall area. The lady talked her through it and she was fine. Go at her pace, not yours, for the best experience.
S.K. ANKY
December 24th, 2012
11:31 pm
HEPPY BURFDAY JEEBUS!!
catlady
December 25th, 2012
10:17 am
Where to get them pierced? On the earlobes, of course!
Bubba
December 25th, 2012
10:19 am
Am I the only one who thinks it might be dumb to start off taking an innocent little girls to a tattoo an piercing parlor to get her innocent little ears pierced? “Hey, while you’re here, why not pick out for next 20 tattoos and radical body piercings, liitle girl?”
cari
December 25th, 2012
10:39 am
Our pediatrician pierced my daughter’s ears. My Dad is a surgeon, and while growing up he pierced ears all the time.
FCM on my cell
December 25th, 2012
12:00 pm
@DB I wondered too but as most “regulars/long timers” were not posting that they found it pointless.
TWG & our blog “family” Merry Christmas
MsCrabtree
December 25th, 2012
6:43 pm
For my sweet 16, back in the mid-sixties, had it done in the doctor’s office. Perfect job.
christy perry
December 26th, 2012
2:39 am
Be careful with claires – there is really no training involved for the person doing the piercing!! First time for my daughter (age 5) at claire’s was almost like the earring had pushed out the skin rather than made a hole. Luckily once we took the earring out, it grew back correctly.
BEST place was our pediatricians office (Dawson Pediatrics)! Titanium earrings and trained professionals. Did cost $50, but that doesn’t matter when it was my child’s health involved! I’m sure other pediatricians offer this also! Good luck!
Frank
December 26th, 2012
3:55 am
Claire’s and anywhere in the mall is a poor choice for a proper piercing. The “Gun” they use is a mechanical type that is impossible to correctly sterilize and the excuse of using new ear rings each time doesn’t cut it when you’re dealing with Hep C & AIDS. All Tattoo & Piercing salons in the Atlanta area use single use sterile needles and have professional trained, licensed staff who do this every day. Not some squimish teen unaware of the effects of blood born pathogens. When it comes down to it she’s your child, choose wisely! ~Frank @ Allied Ink Tattoo & Piercing
FCM on my cell
December 26th, 2012
6:57 am
Hmmmmmm new topic? The movie theater was crowded yestetday. Long lines for Les Miserables. Lots of kids seeing Monsters Inc. The Hobbit still drew large auidence. Guilt trip & 40 seemed to have pretty full theaters. Rooms to go kept advertising a big sale & no intetest until 2018. The sale items/prices are same as before Christmas….so I will keep watching that bed set…..what after Christmas outing are you looking forward to?
DB
December 26th, 2012
9:38 am
We went to see Les Mis — bought the tickets the day before, which was a good thing. Apparently, every show was sold out as of 1:30 pm Christmas Day for Hobbit, Les Mis and several others in a 10-screen complex. I’m one of those rare creatures who disliked the stage version of Les Mis — and I LOVE musical theatre. Saw it in London and I dunno — it just never struck a chord in me. I always joked that they called it “Les Miserables” because it made the audience miserable. :Having said that, I decided to give the film production a shot, and hope that perhaps I just missed something 25 years ago . . . I loved the way the movie opened on the first scene and just went right into the story — no extended credits, etc. But except for a small note that identified the time and place, if you didn’t know any backstory, you’d have to wonder what all these guys were doing slogging in the ocean dragging a big ship around, and the lyrics sometimes were overpowered by the crashing of the waves. Anne Hathaway was magnificent — she was a comet across this production, brief though her visit was. She did her show-stopping song in one take — the camera is on her steadily for 6 minutes, and it was heart-stopping. Hugh Jackman as Valjean was wonderful, Russell Crowe was great as the inspector who puts his interpretation of duty before compassion. But again . . . the story just leaves me cold. As much as I wanted to be drawn in, I just didn’t care about the July Revolution of 1830 — I didn’t get a chance to really identify with the revolutionaries, or why they were revolting. Yes, there were individual vignettes that were interesting. The final scene was one of those that, while stirring, was more than a bit surreal. The production, though, is truly amazing, and I’m glad I saw it.
Theresa
December 26th, 2012
9:49 am
Sorry folks…..No blogs for awhile as Michael and I are separating for the time being.
More later.
FCM
December 26th, 2012
10:12 am
@ TWG…how horrible. Prayers to you during your leave of absence that all works out. Been there done that, don’t wish it on my worst enemy. Anything you need, you have my email.
@ DB…I think that was the problem with the revolt of 1832. The PEOPLE (whom Gen Lemark championed, thus the students used his deat, from plague, to attempt to “rally” the people). Gavroche (who is well done by Daniel H.) tells you that they had overthrown the old King but the new one is no better at helping the “people” (aka the poor). Thus the students failed…always wondered why Hugo wanted to write about what is largely an obscure footnote of French history. When I decided to not car as much about that, I realized that what makes this story great is the powerful message in it. The redemption of man, the rise and fall of one’s beliefs, the hand of God at work in so many lives. Truly the line “To love another person is to see the face of God.” in the fanale sums the reason of the whole story. I believe the bible has 7 kinds of love and at least 4 are presented in les miserables.
@ AJC…Can you get Keith to fill in? I am sorry TWG is going through this but this blog is about the only thing that has me on your site.
FCM
December 26th, 2012
10:14 am
@ DB sorry I did not complete my thought….the reason the revolt failed is that it did not inspire anyone to care about it. Not the PEOPLE it was helping…nobody but the handful that stood up to make a change. However, it is thought that those few sowed the seeds for the French Revolution which did succeed.
HB
December 26th, 2012
10:28 am
Theresa’s posts usually are shaded, so I think the above post is likely a troll. As for why Hugo wrote about an “obscure footnote”, the novel was published in the early 1860s. It may have even a moment that still resonated strongly with Parisians 30 years later as opposed to Americans studying French history 150 years out.
Valerie Lyons
December 26th, 2012
11:18 am
The French Revolution occurred between 1789 – 1799, much earlier than the setting for “Les Miserables,” if that’s when the story is set.
FCM
December 26th, 2012
11:22 am
@ HB good point. I did read recently that the original film was 4 (4.5?)hours long…they of course had to cut it…got it to about 3 and then trimmed more…leaving it at 2 hours 38 min. I also read that the actors went into the 1900 page book to really learn more about the story/characters and bring more of that to the movie than was in the play. I think you see glimpses of that (one part with Javert after the revolt in particular & another with Eponine/Marius) in the movie. It does however make me wish I could see the 4 hour version…as very little of the music is “missing”.
TWG has had times where her posts were not shaded (I think when she uses the blackberry?) so I am not sure if it is troll or not. I do find it odd that there was nothing about re-running previous columns or having Keith fill in…or anything offical from AJC. However, with the holiday that could just be a bad timing issue. I do not think TWG would leave us all hanging with a topic this lame/old for this long unless something really is going on her life though.
FCM
December 26th, 2012
11:25 am
@ Valerie the June Rebellion (the student revolt in Les Mis) occurred in 1832 so well BEFORE the French Revolution.
FCM
December 26th, 2012
11:26 am
NO sorry you are right….which rebellion after 1832 am I thinking of?
FCM
December 26th, 2012
11:39 am
And of course that goes back to Gavroche saying that they had overthrown the king, had a new one that was not better….he meant The Revolution….DOH!
Erin
December 26th, 2012
12:17 pm
Wow … hope that post above was just a troll and not a real separation.
As for piercings, I had mine done when I was 12, at a jewelry shop nearby which was offering free piercings with the purchase of the starter earring set. I don’t remember the name of the shop, but it was a sterile, single-use set. I do remember the woman who pierced my ears had several sets of earring holes in each earlobe, piercings all along the cartilage and a nose piercing as well. She got the holes exactly centered in each earlobe.
It didn’t hurt and I was very careful to keep them clean. I think I used alcohol, twice a day, and turned the earrings probably far more than was necessary. I DID have some problems later, but only because I took the starter set out a couple of weeks too early because I was just *dying* to wear all the cute little earrings I’d found in the meantime. So I did have a bit of an issue for a few weeks but then it cleared up and I haven’t had any problems since.
missnadine
December 26th, 2012
1:26 pm
I think it is a troll. She would have definitely put up another post, if only to get some advice or support from others who habe been through the same. If any of you follow her on facebook, send her a note.
Full time lurker
December 26th, 2012
2:23 pm
Wow…..What a surprise. Maybe a troll…..However when I was separated, then divorced, I avoided most of my family and friends and became a recluse. I know I did not want to talk about…..Especially to strangers.
Hope it all works out T
jmb
December 26th, 2012
2:36 pm
I seriously doubt that TWG would post such an intimate life detail on an open blog with so many trolls attending and I seriously doubt her and Michael are separating. She didn’t even tell us when she moved to AZ so why would she tell this?
S
December 26th, 2012
2:36 pm
How about NOWHERE! Tweens are TOO young for piercings!
FCM
December 26th, 2012
2:59 pm
She has posted on Facebook…12/22 about doing menus and a cute ee card. Sunday she asked if LOTR is the new holiday movie to be played endlessly. 17 hours ago 2 posts a picture of Jessica Simpson pregnant and “Bethenny Frankel, Jason Hoppy Separate: Reality Star And Husband Call It Quits”.
Full Time Lurker, you are right, I became a hermit (and then a cougar but that is a different set of baggage–he was 25 and I was 35) for a time after my marriage. In fact after I broke it off with Mr 25, I became a hermit again. Hermit is instinctive when we are hurt/vulnerable. It is not where you want to stay though. So if anybody reading the blog is in that boat this holiday know you can and will survive. It is not easy, it is not fun when you slog through it…but you will be better when you heal.
elizabeth
December 26th, 2012
3:22 pm
I realize that you may not want to take your daughter to a tattoo/piercing studio, but they use needles rather than piercing guns. The guns can do far more damage than a needle. I found this out first-hand. At Claires, you never know what training or experience the employee has had. At a tattoo studio, they have far more training, experience, and cleanliness. I’m not saying that Claire’s is bad, but don’t immediately rule out other options. And no, she definately isn’t too young to have her ears pierced! There are lots of cute appropriate earrings for tweens.
missnadine
December 26th, 2012
3:40 pm
FCM and Full Time Lurker – she has always posted really personal things, even cringe-worthy at times IMO, so I would not be surprised if she opened this up as a discussion point. It is were true, and the speculation about her not wanting to share at all was accurate, she would not have posted that they were separating. She would have either 1) said nothing or 2) just said that she was taking a few days off.
FCM
December 26th, 2012
4:09 pm
Having blogged here for 6+ years I am aware she posts really personal stuff (sometimes that causes her and Michael an issue at home). However I stand by the idea that it seems odd that NOTHING is being done by AJC or any thing. They posted a note when she gave birth that the column would stop for a minute (then Michael wrote a bit). They have said she is on vacation that Keith will fill in. The fact nobody is doing anything but let this stay up forever, is what got DB & I to question…WHATEVER has TWG sidelined, I hope it goes ok (even if it not her marriage).
motherjanegoose
December 26th, 2012
4:35 pm
test…my post evaporated…
missnadine
December 26th, 2012
10:06 pm
FCM- not trying to argue with you, really! I agree it is weird. While I have been pretty vocal at times and have told her that she is driving her husband insane with issues such as this, the gift giving, the holiday drama, and especially all that personal stuff, I certainly hope that nothing is wrong. As someone who has been divorced (now remarried for 18 years), it is an awful time. It is always a lot easier to be a Monday morning quarterback which is what I can be at times, but, when someone puts it out there, it is easy to comment, even if it is not positive.
Captain Kangaroo......The cheese and cracker guy
December 26th, 2012
10:11 pm
I swear I think I saw her at that Atlanta airport this afternoon. She had 3 kids with her, much like in her photo.
If this is true, sad…….However, I would like to ask her out.
Observer
December 26th, 2012
10:22 pm
I hope TWG is NOT reading nor posting new topics on this blog and enjoying this Christmas/New Year holiday time with her family. No explanation needed.
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
December 27th, 2012
1:00 am
Hey Guys — That was a troll. I just haven’t been posting because I’ve been spending time with my family! Everyone is fine, and I appreciate everyone’s concern. I hope to God I never have to post something like that. It would be awful.
It usually grays my posts when I am logged into the system but sometimes I comment without being logged in.
Rose got her ears pierced on Monday and we have family visiting for the week. Michael has two weeks off so we’re just hanging out. I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas!
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
December 27th, 2012
1:01 am
PS I banned the person that posted that. They commented with concern after starting the rumor.
Warrior Woman
December 27th, 2012
6:09 pm
I don’t think both at once or one at a time matters, as long you do both the same visit. We’ve done piercings at Claire’s and similar places, but our best piercing experience was at Lucky Draw tattoo. They were the cleanest, the most professional, the least painful, and just overall the best experience.