taryn k.
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My name is Taryn. I'm in my twenties. I come from the land down under. I'm married. I work full time. I like pretty things. My favourite food is watermelon. I hate dancing. I like to talk. I tend to contradict myself. I hate snails. I like you for reading my blog.

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SHOP TARYN K: here



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07 March 2013, 2:32 PM
I'm Back, Bitches!



Oh shizz. It's March already and I haven't blogged once this year. 

Bad, bad blogger.

I've written a whole bunch of draft blogposts but nothing is really working, so I keep deleting them.  I do want to get back into the swing of things though, so think of this as my "comeback" post.

I'll catch you up on things that have been happening over the last few months.  I'd do an "On Instagram Lately" post, but every photo I take is of my baby and although I think she is the cutest thing ever (uh, coz she is), I'm sure you'd get bored after the first 257 pictures of her doing messy/cute things.

So here goes in plain text.


  • I've been back at work now for almost a month.  I'm back at the same company, although in a different role and only for two days a week.  I was expecting to really hate being back at work, but I've been loving it! I've been really lucky that my mum and mother-in-law have been looking after Taylor while I'm at work as it means I can take my lunch break with her.
  • Pinterest and I have become the very best of friends (follow me!).  I can't believe it took me so long to jump on the bandwagon! At first I was just pretty much addicted to the Home Decor section, but now that I'm starting to plan Taylor's first birthday, I've been pretty much focused on the Kids section.  There's just SO MUCH.
  • Speaking of Taylor, she is just about to hit the 9 month mark. Wow! The time has gone so, so fast. She's been crawling since she was just over five months, eating solids since 6 months, pulling up and cruising since she was seven months, has five teeth and spends her days saying "DADADADDADADA!"  Needless to say, she's been keeping me on my toes!
  • I accidentally ordered some new boots online the other day. I just put them in my basket for fun, then I just entered my card details for fun and then I didn't realise what was happening and I had pressed the confirm button and it was all too late.  They are not here yet, but they will be soooooon!
  • It's mine and my husbands three year wedding anniversary today. Time flies.
  • The weather is finally, finally starting to get cooler now. Although that said, it's still just over 30C everyday. But it sure beats 42C everyday!
  • I re-ombred my hair - I kinda failed at it last time because I did it just as I got pregnant and all hell broke loose in my body so I didn't really give it the treatment it deserved. Not once did I tone it last time! This time is different - I am armed with toners, purple shampoos and hair masks galore! Come at me brassy tones and split ends!
  • Shop Taryn K is still doing well. I've just restocked with new colours from Essie and China Glaze, so if you're from the land of Oz (as in Australia, not the erhm wizard) get on it.
I know it's going to be a bit late, but I'm going to be posting a February Favourites post next, so that'll catch you up on a few things too no doubt.

Thanks for sticking with me through this unplanned hiatus. Talk to y'all soon!

xx

image via http://artpixie.tumblr.com/post/25285539425

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27 November 2012, 3:51 PM
Screw you ;)

I just unpacked my shopping from today and had a little giggle - looks a bit different from what I usually buy. Spent a bit of time at Masters (an Australian hardware store) and picked up a rather random assortment of goodies :) Most of it is for my pallet coffee table, but I'm gonna recaulk my shower and we needed a new dust pan and brush. So yeah. That's my haul of the day!

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26 November 2012, 10:06 PM

Guess I spoke too soon - on Saturday we lost all our phone lines. That's the Internet, tv, foxtel (cable) and the telephone. It's now Monday night and the technician is due to come out tomorrow morning, so this is coming to you from my beloved iPhone.

Although I must say, what we thought was going to be a tough few days turned out quite pleasant. We got heaps I jobs done around the house, got some hardening done and I even started working on the pallet coffee table I'd been planning on DIY-ing for a few weeks now. I'll share more on that later.

I don't really have much I say, just wanted to pop on here quickly and say "hello! I haven't abandoned this blog again, don't worry!".

So I guess I'm off to bed - hopefully tomorrow will bring technology back to the House of K. Fingers crossed.

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14 August 2012, 1:40 PM
stuff



I'm going to go off topic for a minute or two here.

Two of my favourite pop acts are releasing new albums in the near future.  Hell freaking yes!

Taylor Swift** is releasing "Red" on October 22 and The Veronicas are releasing "Life On Mars" in September/October.  I love the lead singles from both these albums, so I'm quite confident I'll enjoy the rest of the material on these albums.  Although, I thought I was going to LOVE Marit Larsen's latest album, "Spark", after hearing the first single, but no. I just don't, all the songs feel very...beige.  There's no 'spark' about "Spark" IMHO.  It almost feels blasphemous admitting that, since I L.O.V.E. Marit, but it's true.  So perhaps I shouldn't assume.

Also, one of my guiltiest pleasures (I have a few of them), Big Brother is back on TV in Australia. Yeesssss.  And even though I can pretty much feel my brain cells melting away when I watch it I just can. not. avert. my. eyes.  I haven't formed any opinions on the housemates yet - I usually try to reserve my judgement for at least a week.

And sadly True Blood is coming to an end. Only a few more episodes to go - I feel like it only just came back!  Actually, come to think of it, I was about to watch the premiere episode when I inconveniently went into labour! Time flies!

The husband and I have just started watching Mad Men - thought it was about time we found out what all the fuss is about! We're about three episodes in and, although it hasn't gripped me yet, it does seem promising.

This turned into a bit of a "What I'm Watching/Listening To" post, which I didn't mean it to be. Ah well. I suppose blogging is a bit like that, eh?  Sometimes you start writing and you're not really sure what's going to come out. I just hope for the best.


**Before you ask - no, I did not name my daughter after Taylor Swift, haha.

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19 July 2012, 7:18 PM
What I Actually Used From My Hospital Bag


I'm taking my chances here and sitting down to write a few blog posts - the baby is asleep and seems to be out for a while, but we shall have to see how we go. You may or may not get to read this post when it was intended.

I thought I'd follow up on the "What's In My Hospital Bag?" post with a "What I Actually Used" post. Thought they may be helpful for any mummies-to-be out there that, like me, weren't sure what they should take to hospital.

I would also like to point out that I had none of this mythical waiting around for things to get going time during labour that all the pregnancy books speak of. It was all go!
What I Used:
  • Underwear - had plenty, but probably didn't need to buy specific hospital underwear.
  • Nursing bras - although not the ones I had packed. My mum ended up going and getting me a pack of sleeping bras from Target that are absolutely amazing for lounging and sleeping in.  They're not very supportive, so I wouldn't go for them if you have an overly abundant chest, but for me they're a Godsend.
  • iPhone and headphones - all our photos and videos were taken on my phone since it's so gosh-darn convenient. I used the headphones a couple of times during nighttime feedings to watch some youtube videos on my phone, just to try and keep myself awake.
  • Flannel (during labour to wipe my brow and the following evening since it was quite warm in the wards), shampoo and conditioner, shower gel, cleanser, eye cream, hair ties, hair brush, toothbrush, toothpaste and lipbalm.
  • Maternity sanitary pads. Yes.
  • Plastic bag - used as intended, as a bag to take home soiled clothes in.
  • All three shirts, and got Joe to bring me a singlet from home, but only because the ward was so warm
  • All three pairs of pants
  • Jumper - only wore on the way home, but was necessary
  • Burp cloth
  • Nappies and wipes - the hospital did provide a pack of each of these, but once they were gone that was it. So very glad I took these!
  • Two of the onesies - I was only in hospital for two days, so that was plenty
  • Sleeping sack - OMG THIS THING IS AWESOME. I will elaborate another time, but seriously, get some of these
  • Nursing pillow
  • Dummies - wasn't sure if I would be judged by the nurses for using these (you know, people and their opinions), but they actually suggested them when she was crying a couple of times. No worries then!
  • Pink blanket - in the car on the drive home
  • Slippers
What I Didn't Use:
  • Socks - but only because it was warm in the hospital
  • Camera, video camera, battery charger and ereader - I would still suggest you pack these, we just found it easier to use my iPhone
  • Makeup removal wipes, hair dryer, hair straightener, all makeup - I sucked up my vanity and just went with it
  • Nursing pads and nipple cream - I found I didn't need these while in hospital, but did once I got home. I'd still pack them anyway
  • Husbands change of clothes - I packed these in case Joe wanted to get in the shower with me during labour, but as it turned out, I didn't want anyone touching me during that whole ordeal, so he stayed a safe distance away from me (he was there for me but not right there, you know?). Probably still a good idea to pack them though
  • Muslin wraps - the hospital provided linen, so not really necessary
  • Modesty apron - probably should of used this a couple of times (my poor male friends just didn't know where to look!)
  • Change mat - I knew I wasn't going to use this, but thought I'd list it anyway
  • Hats, socks and extra changes of clothes - technically I didn't need to take any clothes, since the hospital provided them, but I still would recommend taking a couple of sizes
So really, I didn't do too bad.  I didn't want for anything (besides the singlet top) and I didn't feel as if I had overpacked.  Pretty much everything I didn't use I would definitely still recommend taking, so I feel like that was a successful packing job. 

image courtesy of weheartit.com

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8:22 AM
Noooooooooooo

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28 June 2012, 3:07 PM
Debut

I really don't know how to start this blogpost - I tried "Hi guys!" and "Long time, no see", but neither seemed to work, so I'm just going to get straight into it.

Baby K is out!

I am finally, finally the proud and adoring mother of little Taylor Elise.  She is now sixteen days old and doing amazingly well.  She was born early on a Tuesday morning with a full head of dark hair and weighing in at seven pounds seven ounces.



Needless to say, life during these past two weeks has been slightly different to usual.  Sleep patterns have been altered, eating habits have changed, my nails haven't been painted in ages, home decor is quite different, time management has gone out the window and my heart has grown immensely and permanently. Nothing has ever felt quite so natural as having Taylor.

I'm going to try and keep up with blogging, but I wouldn't be surprised if the nature of my posts changes a little over the coming months.  At this stage I'm still getting to know Taylor and she's still getting to know what she wants and what her habits may be, so I'm going to be quite flexible with the amount I'll be posting and when.  Not that this blog has ever been particularly consistant, let's be honest.

I have a few posts lined up - a couple make-up reviews, hauls, home organisation and mummy-blog posts - that I'm eager to get uploaded and share with you, but I suppose it depends on when time (and Taylor) permits.

Take care, will speak to you soon!

xx




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14 April 2012, 8:14 PM
waiting for the cold









Gawd, I love winter clothes. Not that we're quite there yet - it was about 30 degrees Celsius today, so I'm still walking around in shorts and singlets - but I'm so looking forward to leggings and jackets and scarves and textures.

As always, I'll be on the hunt for the perfect winter knits again this season, knits that cover my bum so I can wear them casually with leggings and boots and just be good to go.  I find wearing jeans so uncomfortable these days - they're generally so stiff. Oh, and when I say 'these days' I mean even before I was with child.

Speaking of Baby K, she's cooking along nicely, we had the 31 week midwife check up earlier this week.  We're on a bit of a countdown now.  I've nearly finished setting up her bedroom ready for her arrival and may or may not have already packed the bag I'll be taking to the hospital (organised or a touch OCD?).

Ooh, I almost forgot to mention - I placed a cheeky order on shopbop.com just before the Easter long weekend. I finally, finally purchased myself a gold toned Michael Kors watch.  I've been contemplating this purchase for a good two years now, but I figured after the baby comes there may not be as much spare cash lying around - so I bit the bullet and ordered the Jet Set Sport Watch in Gold and it is bea-u-tiful.  I'm sure you've probably seen it somewhere on the interwebz before, but I'll take be sure to include it in my next OOTD (coz you know I'm going to wear that shizz every day for the rest of my life). 

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21 January 2012, 11:12 AM
Bit of nail chat, bit of interior chat

Trying the capture the sparkli-ness of Chi Chi's Disco Diva, but to no avail. Probably would help to use a real camera and not just my iPhone.  You'll just have to trust me that this is the sparkliest mother I have ever seen.


It's a sparkle polish in a clear base with so awesome multicoloured glitter going on.  It's also quite opaque - I did two coats to get a chock-a-block full of  glitter nail.  Worn as an accent over OPI's Skull and Glossbones, which is one of my absolute favourites, definitely the best from the Pirates of the Caribbean collection. I love the way it can look quite different depending on the lighting - indoors it looks a light grey, outdoors it takes on more of a beige-y tone. <3

The plan was to head out to ikea today to pick up some new organisational/storage furniture for around the house, but I've turned into a bit of a lazy bones so I don't think it's going to happen. I want to get these few bits -



Bedside table will be used as a telephone station - at the moment we've got everything piled haphazardly on our kitchen ledge and it just doesn't look pretty.  Trolley will go in the main bathroom as extra storage - at the moment the cupboards are filled with out beach towels, but since that will be the baby's bathroom, we're gonna be needing some more space in there. I wish ikea would sort out their online ordering/delivery policy so you could sort it all out online rather than order it, have them ring you with a quote, pay over the phone, then get your goods. Surely if other online stores can do it, so should ikea. Wah wah.

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19 January 2012, 8:56 AM
i bought some stuff..

I'd like to start today's post with a bit of an announcement.  In case you haven't worked it out yet, I'm pregnant!  I'm about five months along now and yes, this is why I've been so sick and less inclined to post Outfit Of The Days.  All is coming along nicely inside my ever-expanding womb, but I've not been having too much fun here on the outside.  Although most of my all-day sickness has subsided in recent weeks, I'm still not feeling the best, hence the slacking in my blog posts. I'm sure you'll understand :)

Today, however, my husband managed to drag me off the couch and out to Perth for a spot of shopping.  The main goal was to spend a David Jones gift voucher that was given to us as a wedding present almost two years ago.  Which we did.  I also managed to purchase a whole new maternity wardrobe and a few beauty products.  Yay me!

I decided to film this haul rather than take a bunch of mediocre photos since I thought it would be a little more efficient.  So below you will find my very first haul video.  What excitement.

As promised in the video, here is a more detailed list of everything I purchased:

  • Charlie Brown Black Lover CB058919 (it's not faulty! found it online and it's meant to be like that!!) - $64.50 at David Jones marked down from $129 - available online
  • Bebe Baby Comforter -  $9.95 - not available online
  • MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW25 (I always fancied myself an NW25 girl, so I was quite pleased when that was the colour she matched me with) - $32 via David Jones RRP$36 - available online
  • Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Makeup in 03 Fresh Neutral - $50 - available online
  • The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Cleanser - $17.95 - not available online, similar product available here
  • The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner - $16.95 - available online
  • Typo Flask/Thermos - $12.95 - available online
  • Temt - all items $9.95 - not available online
All links are Australian where possible :) and all prices are in AUD.  As stated in the video, most of this stuff was purchased using gift cards from our wedding and Christmas, so I didn't go as quite as crazy as it sounds.
I'm quite excited to try out my new "maternity wardrobe" so hopefully I remember to take some OOTD photos in the coming weeks.  If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment and I'll make sure to get back to you :)

xx

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14 January 2012, 2:39 PM
Brunette again...



Just a quick update since I finally remembered to take a photo of my new-old hair colour. I'll take some proper photos in the next few days, but I felt a bit silly since I was all "I'm gonna post aaall the time over the next couple of weeks" and then *silence*

About to run out and have a Saturday afternoon coffee with Joe and my friend Ruby, so all very casz. Spent the morning watching the final season of Friday Night Lights, just have a couple of episodes to go (yes, that's how awesome my Saturday night is going to be), then I'll have to find another show to move on to. Any suggestions?

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09 January 2012, 11:05 AM
Ramble



Shocking Taryn, just shocking.

I haven't blogged in almost a month and I really have no excuse, besides the regular old Christmas one, which I'm not going to use.  I've actually got quite a few things to show you, since I've been doing a fair bit of online shopping (I've found a new sales website, which I'll tell you about in the next post or two), but I haven't felt the inclination to sit down and write.

Once again though, I am on annual leave from work - I know, I know, girl when are you not on annual leave?? - so as is my way, I will be blogging a bit more consistently for the next couple of weeks.  Hell, you might even get a few tweets out of me ;)

The plan for today is to colour my hair.  I suppose this means I'm over the ombre.  I was looking through my old profile photos on facebook (how narcissistic of me) and decided that after a year and a half of having lighter hair it was time to go back to my roots, as they say.  So a trip to Priceline is on the cards once I manage to drag myself out of bed.  I'll be sure to take before and after shots *pinky swear* although my face has recently faced a bit of an apocalypse  - ie. all hell has broken loose.  You'll see what I mean.

Hmm, what else, what else?

This time last year I posted a bunch of resolutions of sorts.  I just had a quick look back to see what they are and, lo and behold, I didn't accomplish any of them. I don't really have any this year.  The main one I make every single year is to stop biting my nails, but since I did manage to break my habit in 2011 *cheers*, even though it wasn't an official resolution, I've got nothing. 

Oh - I watched Juicystar07's "Boyfriend did my makeup" video last night. I don't generally watch her videos anymore because I don't find I ever really get anything out of them, so it was kind of a last resort, but it was hilarious. I am now inspired to get my husband to try his hand at doing my makeup, just out of curiosity.  I might film it, I don't know. I'm not the most camera-friendly person, so it would probably just be awkward. He did get me a tripod for Christmas to encourage more blogging/vlogging. So that's a maybe.

Okay, that's enough rambling for one day.  I guess I'd better get up and get my butt down to Priceline or I'm just going to procrastinate and I'll have another six months of caramel coloured hair.

Oh yeah! Happy new year!

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05 November 2011, 6:34 PM
long time, no see



Hello lovelies - it sure has been a while!  I don't think I've posted in about a month, which feels like forever.  I've being really ill the past few weeks, pretty much bed ridden when I'm at home - there's certainly been no shopping or pretty clothes and make up to be shown.  I've still be going to work, but with my hair in a high messy bun or long plait, since I can;t be bothered, and just foundation and mascara - bronzer if I've been feeling particularly healthy.  I'm okay, but I just haven't had the energy (or inspiration) to blog about anything.

Wow, excuses excuses.

I've had a random burst of energy though, so I thought I'd get something down quickly.  I've got a BeautyBox haul (is that what you call them?) to do this evening and I might try and do a cheapsmells.co.uk haul tomorrow if I feel up to it.  I also placed an order at allwholesalecosmetics.com the other day, so that'll be up once I receive my beautiful package - I finally ordered Satin Taupe! So excited for that!

What else? Oh!  I can officially say that I have broken my horrible nail biting habit.  I attribute my success entirely to this blog.  I started trying to grow my nails about two or three months before my wedding - so January 09 - I wanted to have my nails long enough to have a classic French manicure on the day, but when it came to it, I had nibbled and ended up getting acrylics - or did I get gels? I can't remember.  I still wanted to try to break the habit, so I kept painting my nails to try and distract me from biting.  I hate the look of chipped polish, so I thought that might help deter me.  Then when I started blogging and taking nail of the day pictures I obviously didn't want readers to be looking at ugly, bitten down to the skin nails, so that was another reason to stop.  And it's worked! Last week I painted my very own nails with a French polish - and they have been long enough and strong enough to look good and last without the tips tearing or breaking.  The thought of biting my nails absolutely freaks me out now, so - success!!  I'm still working on chewing on my cuticles, but one step at a time.

I'm going out for high tea tomorrow afternoon, if I'm well enough, so hopefully I'll have a fun spring ensemble to show you.  Although it's almost Summer now.  I can't believe we're well into November already.  I haven't even started my Christmas shopping yet - ugh.  I can't even think about dragging myself down to the shops.  Maybe I can get everything online. That's gonna take some major thought and planning though.

So that catches us up a little bit I think.  I'll try and get back to regular blogging, coz I do really enjoy it and have missed it these past couple of weeks. Just depends on if my body will allow it I guess! 

Enjoy your weekend, keep well, and I'll talk to you soon. xx

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03 September 2011, 4:42 PM

Achhooo.


If only my nose would unblock.

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16 July 2011, 10:08 PM
Random thoughts

I've got a few things I want to talk about, but nothing of any real substance, so I'm gonna do it in bullet form.  Sorry in advance for any randomness!


  •  I've just created a twitter account.  I've had a personal twitter account for a little while now, but I never would do my own tweeting,  Just didn't really think anybody would actually care about anything I had to say.  So, since I have an iPhone now (upgraded from my old brickie thing that didn't have internet access), I've decided to set up a twitter as an extension of this blog. So follow me if you like :) Pretty, please?
  • My holidays are drawing to a close (sadface).  I have to go back to work on Monday and I'm not really looking forward to it. I like my job and all, but holidays are sooo much nicer.  Especially since Joe is on holidays for another week - being a school teacher sure has it's perks!  I hate having to get out of bed when he doesn't have to.  My favourite thing in the world during winter is to sleep in, so I get a wee bit jealous.
  • I've almost finished painting our house. ALMOST. I have one room to go. I will be so excited when it's actually done. But then we'll probably move houses and I'll have to start all over again.
  • My husband has been watching the Tour de France.  I must admit, I am not a fan.  I do like the scenery though. It makes me want to go back and visit France.  One of my friends is over in Nice at the moment, seeing all her photos gets me all nostalgic for my own eurotrip adventure.  Last year at a particularly slow part during the race, one of the cameramen decided it would be a fun idea to have an incredibly and overly extended shot of a snail crossing the road.  You can imagine how long this took.  You may also be aware that I am absolutely terrified of snails (I know it's ridiculous, don't worry).  This was not a happy night for me.
  • I took a trip to ikea the other day. All by myself.  Not something I'd recommend really.  For one thing, you can't take your trolley to your car if you haven't parked in the underground.  I don't know if this is all ikeas or just mine.  I had quite a few items, I'm sure a few people got a few laughs watching me struggle with it all piled up, trying to get back to my car sans trolley.  I loved everything I got though - a couple of bedside lamps for our bedroom, a side table for the living room, a throw and a few candles.  The best part is assembling everything.  I know not everyone will agree with that, but I do consider myself quite handy, so whenever I manage to put something from ikea together, I feel validated.
  • I've been reading Mamma Mia! by Mia Freedman (Cosmo Australia's youngest ever editor), and I love it.  I thoroughly recommend it if you are at all interested in the magazine industry.  I'm only halfway through, but that only took me a night of hardcore bookworming - looking forward to finishing it off in the next couple of days.
  • My birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks - I'm having a 1990s themed party at home.  I've been putting the playlist together over the past couple of weeks, and let me tell you - there are some gems.  I can't wait, for the music alone.  No idea what I'm going to wear yet though.  I recently finished a massive Friends marathon, and was getting very inspired by Rachel's outfits in the earlier episodes.  Just a matter of finding some good stuff.  To the op-shops I go!

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