Local Biz Spotlight: Ink Penn Tattoo

Ink Penn Tattoo

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I should premise this post by saying that my hubby nor myself actually has a tattoo, yet. However, when we decide to get tatted in the future, Ink Penn Tattoo, would be the place we would go. 

Co-owners, Jamaal Wilson and Michael Gonzalez (Gonzo), recently opened their shop together but each have been tattooing for 4 -5 years now. Being that they are a young biz, a little word of mouth advertising can be pretty important, so I wanted to show some love to Ink Penn Tattoo in hopes that you would check them out the next time you need to get a tattoo fix.

I personally have known co-owner Jamaal Wilson from high school back in the day ('97-ish) and am very familiar with his artistic talent. So it didn't surprise me when I heard he entered the tattooing industry. It's a great industry for him to branch out and master his skills even more, even if it is on people! 

I know, I know, even though someone can sketch or paint doesn't mean they can tattoo but in this case, Jamaal is definitely quite the ar-teest! I have been following his career via Facebook and Instagram, so I have been able to view his great work almost on a daily basis.. 

Unfortunately, I cannot vouch for Gonzo at this time but knowing Jamaal, he didn't select his biz partner by chance! But looking at pictures of tattoos he has done, I can tell he is very talented as well.

With any piece of art, you have to see the piece of work in order to evaluate the talent. See for yourself, how good they are! Here are some pics of their work. 

*All photos were provided by Jamaal and are copyright material of Ink Penn Tattoo. I was given permission to share.

Interested in getting a tattoo? Keep Ink Penn Tattoo in mind! Call them today for a consult or get one of their custom designs!

Visit Ink Penn Tattoo at:

2505 Willow Park Rd

Bethlehem, PA 18020
610.504.5543 for Jamaal
610.417.0614 for Gonzo

Be sure to show some support and the spread the word! Ink Penn Tattoo is open for business!

Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post from Ink Penn Tattoo. These words are also my own opinion. My intention is to keep my fab followers informed of businesses in the LV that they can support. With any service, please do your research before committing to any one shop for your tattoo!

Liberty State Park

This past weekend was both my hubby's 32nd birthday and my nephew, A's 3rd birthday. Like every year, we take the trip to north Jersey to visit our nephew for his birthday, usually for his party. This year there was no party but we were able to spend quality time with my bro-in-law's family.

We all had such a fun time together! My In-laws took us to Liberty State Park for a picnic and to see the sights. That area is so beautiful! The first part of the park they took us was the area more dedicated to the Armed Forces. There were military statues and flags all raised high. We walked to the bridge area to get an awesome view of the Hudson river where you can see Lady Liberty right across. That was the closest I have ever been to her. She was absolutely beautiful even from across the river!

After our picnic, they took us down to another part of the park. This area was dedicated to the New Jersey 9/11 victims. They called it the Empty Sky memorial and out front of it was two salvaged pieces of steel from the towers. It was so beautiful and very humbling. I had chills while I was strolling between the walls reading the etched names of the victims. I was even more thankful for my life!

 Empty Sky Memorial - Freedom Tower to the left of memorial.

What I learned from my sister-in-law is that if you look in between those two walls of the Empty Sky Memorial walls, the open space is where the Twin Towers stood. Also, at the ends of each wall was an etched message. It read:

"Empty Sky: New Jersey

September 11th Memorial

On the morning of September 11, 2001, with the skies so clear that the Twin Towers across the river appeared to be within reach. The very essence of what our countr stands for - freefdom, tolerance, and the pursuit of happiness - was attacked. This memorial is dedicated to New Jersey's innocent loved ones who were violently and senselessly murdered that day at the World Trade Center, The Pentagon and in Shanksville, PA."

Freedom Towers across the Hudson

Freedom Towers in the making

Throwback Thursday

Sister Tanya and I

Well this is a teensy bit embarrassing! At least the photo isn't clear, sorry about that! This was taken during one of my first camping trips. Don't you just love the big plastic glasses and can you tell I am rocking my L.A. Gear?

Hope you have a HAPPY THURSDAY!

Help Me Support: Van 4 Brayden

I've been following Heather Helvey of Live.Love.Laugh since we were both planning our weddings back in 2009. I also have been following the development of her amazing miracle baby, Brayden, who was born 12 weeks early! Now one years old, he is still such a happy little boy, always smiling! Brayden and his parents are such an inspiration to me and many other of their followers. A true blessing that there are great people like that in this crazy world!

This is your chance to help out Brayden!

For Brayden's 4th birthday gift in 2 years, Heather and her hubby, D, would love to purchase a wheelchair accessible van for Brayden that will help with traveling now that he is getting bigger. They hope that with your help in addition to grants and fundraising, they can make this happen!

You can read the details on donating HERE, where she has a PayPal donate button you can use to send your donation.

Also HERE is Brayden's story to learn more about this little miracle!

Please help the Helvey family reach their goal!

Thank you!


ETA: Heather kindly gave me the permission to host a Scentsy fundraiser to help their cause! I will be donating my entire commission earned from this fundraiser to help Brayden get his van. Here is another way you can help! Please visit https://groddy.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Buy?partyId=99890119 and place an order. The fundraiser will be held until the end of September. Thank you again for your support!

Happy Monday!

Source: pinkserendipity.tumblr.com via lisa on Pinterest

So, get your laughter on! Even Monday's can be a great day!

Throwback Thursday

Top: My Pops, Alfredo (RIP), Flor, William

Middle: Samuel, Margarita

Front: Jose (RIP), Carmen & my cousin, Esther

A family photo of my Father and his siblings. Not sure if this was one of the last photos taken of them together or not but it is a classic! One of my favorite pictures of them. 

Definitely a throwback! Just look at those afros and shirts! Looking classy and sassy! ;)

I ♥ my family dearly! 

R.I.P. to my Tio Freddie and Tio Tony!