taryn k.

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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Email: here
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19 May 2011, 8:35 PM

30 Day Challenge: Day 07

Day seven: a photo that makes you happy. Okay, so I know this isn't a photo, but this little GIF makes me laugh and get warm fuzzies everytime I see it - it never gets old. I squeal every time.

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

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18 May 2011, 8:54 PM

30 Day Challenge: Day 06 / Haul

Day five is whatever tickles your fancy - yay! So I'm going to do a haul. I feel like I haven't done a haul in soooooooo long - and I haven't, since I was on the spending ban. These purchases were from my first shopping trip after the ban was lifted. I didn't end up getting as much as I was expecting. It was weird - I think being forced to not make purchases frivolously made me think harder about what I really wanted. I think I've defined my sense of style a little more over the last couple of months.

My first port of call when I arrived at the shopping centre was the Chanel counter. My intention was to try out and hopefully purchase the Vitalumiere Aqua foundation. The counter assistant was out at lunch, so I played around with the shade myself. And I really wasn't very excited about the Aqua formula. I'd heard so many great things about it, but when I swatched it, it felt a little blah. So I tried out their other formulas and eventually settled on this - the Mat Lumiere in Cendre no. 30. I've been wearing it a few weeks now and while I like some things about it - the pump top, the scent (like roses!) and the initial application - I'm not liking it as much as the Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions foundation. It doesn't stay matte enough for my skin-type, despite what the name suggests. Ah well. You win some, you lose some.

The lipstick is Revlon Stormy Pink no. 011, a matte finish. This was inspired by the Candy Yum Yum lipstick MAC brought out in the Quite Cute collection. It's not as neon, but I think the basic gist is there. I've been wearing it a lot lately, I like the pop of colour against the autumnal palettes I've been wearing lately.

These jewellery items are from Forever New. The ring stack was inspired by the gorgeous set that Lisa Eldridge wears often in her videos. They're a size too large for me, so I've been changing out the plain 'love' band with another from a different set of rings that is a little tight on me, to keep them from slipping around.

The earrings were probably my second most exciting purchase of the day. I've got really small ears, but I love that large, vintage inspired studs look that Whitney Port was wearing a lot of in part one of The City - these are the perfect size, and I LOVE the colour of the stones. I've received a few compliments on these already, so really a good buy.

This scarf was on the sale rack (and then marked down further when I took it to the counter!), and I just loved the pastel print and the softness of the material. Such a feminine piece. Most of my scarves had skulls and crossbones or animal print or are grey and darks, so this is a nice, different, addition to my collection. I've been loving pairing it with my khaki anorak.

I've got a couple more purchases from this trip to share, but for some reason my photos won't upload. Ah well, something to look forward to posting later - including my absolute favourite buy.

I'll probably end up posting a couple of posts tomorrow - I've got an OOTD from today to post, but for now, I just gotta go watch Glee!! Talk to you soon :)

Labels: Fashion, Foundation, Hauls, Jewellery, Lipstick, Tags

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17 May 2011, 9:49 PM

30 Day Challenge: Day 05

Good evening blogworld! I'm not doing so good with this challenge. I've obviously missed another couple of days and I have no excuse. Ah well. On we go!

Day four is Your Favourite Quote. To be quite honest, I'm not really into quotes. I'll read something, think "Oh, that's nice/thoughtful/inspirational/tragic/ironic" and then move on with my life, usually forgetting about it. One that has stuck with me, however, is from Christopher McCandless - "Happiness is only real when shared."

If you haven't heard of McCandless I suggest you watch "Into The Wild", a 2007 film based on the his real life experiences. To give you the general gist - McCandless is a young man, from a upper middle-class family, who decides to rid himself of most material possessions, leave everyone behind and spend his life as a wanderer or, supertramp. His goal throughout the film is to live alone in the harsh wilderness of Alaska. He learns a few things on the way.

I think the reason this quote actually stayed with me is because I agree entirely. I believe the most important thing in life is the relationships we build, not necessarily romantically, but with every person we come into contact with. I believe happiness cannot be fully enjoyed if there is no one to share it with, same applies to every emotion. To be entirely and completely alone, now that would be tragic.

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14 May 2011, 3:28 PM

30 Day Challenge: Day 04

Your favourite book. When I first saw this topic, I was "Seriously? You're gonna make me?" How hard is this as a topic!?

I'm going to go with The Beach by Alex Garland. I read this a couple of years ago and it blew my mind. I'm not even sure what it was that I enjoyed so much. I was actually surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did as I couldn't relate to the narrator in the slightest. Nothing about him, his situation, his choices, his attitude and outlook on life was even slightly familiar to me. I'm not someone who really enjoys travelling, so it wasn't even that. I think it's just well written.

In case you haven't heard of it or have never seen the film (which ends quite differently, just FYI), the novel is told from Richards point of view, a twenty something backpacker travelling through Asia. The story starts when he arrives in Thailand, on a mission to have a different, more unique experience than that of every other traveller. He wants the road less travelled. He wants to get away from the world's corruption. He wants to find paradise. When he happens upon a map to a secret island paradise, he fearlessly and kind of naively takes the opportunity. He soon discovers that as long as you are amongst humans, you can't escape the corruption. Everything is always the same is any kind of society.

I'd recommend this novel in a heartbeat. I'd then suggest you take a trip to Thailand yourself.

Labels: Books, Tags

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2:34 PM

30 Day Challenge: Day 03

Okay, yes, so I missed a day. But it was completely not my fault - blogger was down all night last night, so I couldn't post. This made me very sadface. Yesterday's topic was favourite television show. Another tough one. I have at least three. In no particular order -

One Tree Hill: This is the only show I will wait the entire season until the DVD comes out before I will watch any episodes. I could never watch this show week to week, I hate cliffhangers. I love the relationship between Nathan and Haley, I love Brooke (although I prefer teenage Brooke), I hate Peyton, I love that they try to pretend like they're all regular everyday people, but they're actually all rich and famous, I love when they're always so shocked when a psycho shows up, since they have one at least once a year. I'm so excited for the latest season to be released on DVD.

Glee: I love the singing. That's all there is to it really. After every episode I'm like "Wow. I wanna be a singer. I wanna be like Lea Michele". Haha. The one liners are great too.

True Blood: Absolutely love True Blood. I'm a vampire fan from way back - Buffy is actually another favourite - so this is right up my ally. I am Team Eric all the way and I love Sookie's accent. I will watch three episodes in a row and then get confused when the real people in my life don't speak with a southern drawl. I must admit I get sick of all the Bill love, since I'm a fan of the books first, but ah well. What can you do?

I'm obsessed with all three of these, I can't put them in any order. And I'm not even going to try. So there.

Other honorable mentions go to Buffy The Vampire Slayer, LOST, Big Bang Theory, Dawson's Creek, Friends, The City (how can you not love Whitney Port) and The OC.

Labels: Tags, True Blood

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11:16 AM

30 Day Challenge: Day 02

{Above all things I believe in love}

Day two of the thirty day challenge is Favourite Movie. This is an absolute no-brainer for me. Moulin Rouge. Hands down.

I was absolutely obsessed with this movie, even before it came out. I remember buying the Lady Marmalade single - I must've been about fourteen - because I liked Mya and Christine Aguilera, and hearing The Elephant Love Medley which was a track on the single (speaking of, I used to love buying singles, just to get the B-Side tracks. I just don't do that anymore. Do they still make singles?) and falling absolutely head over heels in love with Ewan McGregors voice. The next week I spent my itty-bitty pizza shop wage on the movie soundtrack. I remember laying in bed listening to it on my discman, on repeat, every night. I didn't end up seeing the movie until it came out on DVD months later. I watched it three times in the one day, then at least once a day every day for months. I loved it. I could recite the entire thing to you now if you asked me.

I was that in love with the film, my friends and I filmed our own version of the movie in my friends games room (I was Satine) and I made a scrapbook dedicated to the movie.

Oh, and then a SECOND soundtrack was released. I got that too. Of course.

I'm not sure what it is exactly that makes me love it so much. It's definitely a love it/hate it film. I think it may be the combination of the love story, intertwined with the classic songs, the tragedy, the surrealism, the amazing costume design and sets, and Ewan McGregor. Plus, I always wanted to be in a musical.

{You're free to leave me, but just don't deceive me and please, believe me when I say, I love you}

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11 May 2011, 8:33 PM

30 Day Challenge: Day 01

Okay - I've been looking for a challenge tag to do for the past couple of weeks, coz I think they're really fun. I've finally settled on this one - which I found via deanne5253 - because it is quite varied with it's days themes. Hopefully I pull off the entire thirty days and don't slack off - time will tell.

So obviously, I'll be starting with Day 01 - Your Favourite Song.

Always a tricky question. My go-to favourite song of all time is "Romeo and Juliet" by Dire Straits. It is the most beautiful, tragic love song I have ever heard, has such amazing guitar licks, not to mention the main riff, is sang with such passion and emotion and has the most romantic lyrics.

This version performed by Mark Knopfler and band at the Prince's Trust Charity in London, September 2009 - he doesn't play the song in its entirety and he misses my favourite verse, but the guitar is amazing, leaves me breathless everytime.

Another version of the song that is to die for is performed by Lisa Mitchell for Triple J's Like A Version in 2009. Again, her guitar work is amazing. Plus I like her bow.

Other songs I'm really enjoying at the moment/are all time favourites are:

The Truth - Pnau
Contact High - Arcitecture in Helsinki
Into The Night - Benny Mendonas
Nothing Left To Lose - The Pretty Reckless
'Til The World Ends - Britney Spears
Rolling In The Deep - Adele
Under The Surface - Marit Larsen
So Jealous - Lisa Mitchell
Hotel Paper - Michelle Branch
Fast Car - Tracey Chapman
China - Sparkadia
How Soon Is Now? - The Smiths
Relator - Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson
The Cave - Mumford & Sons
Feeling This - Blink 182
Older Than You - Eskimo Joe
Naive - The Kooks
Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off - Panic! At The Disco
Fussy - End Of Fashion
The Blower's Daughter - Damien Rice
Superman - Five For Fighting
You Outta Know - Alanis Morissette

If you want to do this tag with me, leave your blog in the comments and I'll check it out :) I love tags.

30 Day Challenge List:

Day 01 — Your favorite song
Day 02 — Your favorite movie
Day 03 — Your favorite television program
Day 04 — Your favorite book
Day 05 — Your favorite quote
Day 06 — Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 07 — A photo that makes you happy
Day 08 — A photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 09 — A photo you took
Day 10 — A photo of you taken over ten years ago
Day 11 — A photo of you taken recently
Day 12 — Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 13 — A fictional book
Day 14 — A non-fictional book
Day 15 — A fanfic
Day 16 — A song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 — An art piece (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.)
Day 18 — Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 19 — A talent of yours
Day 20 — A hobby of yours
Day 21 — A recipe
Day 22 — A website
Day 23 — A YouTube video
Day 24 — Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 25 — Your day, in great detail
Day 26 — Your week, in great detail
Day 27 — This month, in great detail
Day 28 — This year, in great detail
Day 29 — Hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 — Whatever tickles your fancy

Labels: Music, Tags

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27 April 2011, 2:24 PM

Stylish Blogger Award

I was recently lucky enough to be awarded The Stylish Blogger Award by the very lovely Miss KittyVixen85 - thanks so much! Make sure you check out her blog - and now I get to play and pass it along. Yay!

The rules are as follows:

1. Thank and link back to the blogger who sent you the award.

2. Share seven things about yourself.

3. Award recently discovered bloggers.

4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about their award.

Seven things about myself:

1. I hate to bake/cook, but I currently have a batch of Lemonade scones in the oven, which I am very excited about.

2. I love to sing and play guitar

3. I am a complete geek - I love playing computer games (The Sims is my favourite), doing crosswords, reading, doing problem solving puzzles, am somewhat of a spelling Nazi and I taught myself basic HTML just for the fun of it.

4. I love Mandy Moore movies - I'll watch them over and over again

5. I'm currently looking into building/buying our second house. So much work to do, but I'm ready to move forward.

6. My favourite singer is Marit Larsen, a singer/songwriter from Norway. When we were travelling Europe in 2006, I posted on her messageboard to find out her tour dates, since I hoped to be able to see her while we were over there. Marit did one better - she put me, Joe and our friend David all on the guest list, so we got in for free as VIPs. Amazing.

7. Joe and I met when we were both working at a award-winning pizza restaurant when we were teenagers. We were instantly interested in each other but it took us several years to actually get together.

I'm passing on the award to these lovely ladies:

A Cup Of Style

Tuula

Little Bits Of Lovely

Autilia

All That Exists For Me
Elle-May

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25 March 2011, 8:56 PM

About Me Tag

Okay, so I know this is a youtube tag, but I'm bored and this seems like fun - so I wanted in!

1.Do you have a middle name?

Yes, Eva - my maternal grandmother's name.
2. What was youur favourite subject in school?

In primary school I liked English, in High School I liked Music and Drama.
3. What's your favourite drink?

Orange juice - hands down.
4. Favourite song at the moment?

Ooh, tough one. My favourite song on the radio is "China" by Sparkadia, my favourite song on my iPod is "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" by Glee - but my favourite song OF ALL TIME is "Romeo and Juliet" by Dire Straits
5. What would you name your children?

Owen for a girl, Jesse for a boy.
6. Do you participate in any sports?

No team sports at the moment, but I've been going to Pump class at my local gym.
7. Favourite Book?

I loved "The Beach" by Alex Garland, "Flowers In The Attic" by Virginia Andrews, "The Tomorrow Series" by John Marsden and "Straight Talking" by Jane Green.
8. Favourite Colour?

Yellow.
9. Favourite Animal?

I'm a crazy cat lady.
10. Favourite perfume?

I have too many! But if I had to pick one it would probably be "NYC" by Sarah Jessica Parker. Or "Midnight Fantasy" by Britney.
11. Favourite holiday destination?

Switzerland was absolutely amazing.
12. Have you graduated High School?

Yes, 2004.
13. Have you been out of the Country?

Yep, I've been the Thailand, Wales, England, Ireland, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Norway and Sweden - I went on a Eurotrip in 2006.
14. Do you speak any other Languages?

Sadly, no.
15. Do you have any siblings?

Yes, a younger sister, Tarra.
16. What's your favourite store?

Probably Myer, since there are so many different brands available.
17. Favourite Restaurant?

I don't really have a favourite - I like all kinds of place.
18. Do you like school?

Yeah, I loved school, but I have no plans to go back to study at the moment.
19. Favourite YouTubers?

Lollipop26, Allthatglitters21, Gossmakeupartist, Xsparkage, Lisa Eldridge, Michele1218, MissGlamorazzi and Fleurdeforce - but I tend to prefer vlog-style and review videos to tutorials.
20. Favourite Movie?

Moulin Rouge
21. Favourite Tv show?

True Blood, One Tree Hill, Glee, Buffy, Lost.
22. Pc or Mac?

PC - but I can honestly say I've tried a Mac for an extended period of time and I do think they both have their good and bad points.
23. What phone do you have?

I'm terrible at phones - I don't even know what model I have, but it's a Motorola circa 2006. It's time for an upgrade, methinks. I'm quite jealous of Joe's Blackberry, so it could be that.
24. How tall are you?

5'5" - I think!

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02 January 2011, 12:24 PM

Twenty Questions

1. Things you cannot leave the house without: Car keys, phone, wallet, my agenda. The rest I can survive without. Actually, I lie. I could probably live without the phone, but it seems safer to have some form of communication.

2. Favourite brand of Make Up: To be honest, I still have a baby beauty collection, most of which is drugstore brand makeup. From what I own at the moment, it'd probably have to be Red Earth. Just from research I've been doing of the net, I think I like Nars shadow and blush colours best, once I get my hands on them, we'll get a confirmation.

3. Favourite flower: Peonies and tulips. I wanted a white tulip and green hydrangea bouquet for my wedding, but it was the wrong time of year for the tulips. In the end, we went for a faux flower bouquet, which I now have in vases around the house. SO practical.

4. Favourite clothing store: I have a couple - Myer and Sportsgirl are the regular "highstreet" stores I love. There are a few boutiques in Leederville I love going to, although I don't tend to make the trip that often (maybe that's why they feel so special) - Varga Girl, Atlas Divine and Urban Records (I think that's what it's called, I tend to get it wrong every time).

5. Favourite perfume: All time is Christina Aguilera's original scent, I'm loving Sarah Jessica Parker NYC at the moment and am coveting Hugo Boss Orange like nobodies business.

6. Heels or Flats: Tends to be flats during the day, heels at night (always) and most of my boots are heeled.

7. Do you make good grades: I haven't done any further study since high school, but back then I did always test well.

8. Favourite colours: Lemon to look at; white, greys, black and navy blue for clothes; plums, neutral browns and whites for home decor; muddy greiges and deep reds for nail lacquer.

9. Do you drink energy drinks: No I think they are awful, makes me feel sick just thinking about them.

10. Do you drink juice: I love orange juice, I could drink it forever. But it has to be full strength, no added sugar.

11. Do you like swimming: I hate swimming. As soon as I'm immersed in water I get freezing cold, no matter how hot I am before I get in. And I hate to be cold. I also hate getting my hair wet. And the ocean scares me because of the sharks!

12. Do you eat fries with a fork: Sometimes, depends on the serving situation I suppose. I like to douse my chips in tomato sauce, so sometimes it's less messy to use a fork.

13. Favourite moisturiser: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel probably. I don't really love moisturiser, as I already have oily skin.

14. Do you want to get married later on in life: Haha, I'm already married, so I suppose the answer would be, I'd like to STAY married for the rest of my life.

15. Do you get mad easily: Depends on the situation. At work, not really. At home I can get a bit testy.

16. Are you into ghost hunting: No. I stayed in some old houses when I travelled Europe and I was scared to death that there might be ghosts around. My husbands auntie took us to the most haunted pub in the district where they live and I did not enjoy that experience.

17. Any phobias: Terrified of snails. I know, it's ridiculous. Also not really a fan of anything in the ocean. Spiders don't bother me though.

18. Do you bite your nails: I'm getting out of the habit. I still chew on my cuticles, which I hate (no, I love to do it, but I hate the look of it). One day I'll overcome it.

19. Have you ever had a near death experience: No, not really. My car crash was really quite tame, only got a bruise on my left knee. Apparently as a baby I choked on an orange, but I don't remember that, so it doesn't count.

20. Do you drink coffee: Yep, but certainly not everyday, or even every week. I drink it more as a luxury, never as a pick me up. When I do, I tend to opt for a vanilla latte. I'm far more into green tea than anything else.

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11:05 AM

Right Now

I'm reading: Influence by Ashley Olsen & Mary-Kate Olsen, Frostbite (Vampire Academy Series) by Rochelle Mead

I'm listening to: The Pretty Reckless, Lisa Mitchell, Marit Larsen, everything by the Glee cast

I'm watching: About to start on Season 6 of LOST, have been watching old DVDs of The Hills and The City during my holidays

I'm dreading: Nothing really. I'd say going back to work, but I'm only back for a couple of weeks, then I have another two weeks of annual leave planned. So not so bad!
I'm excited about: My sister's baby arriving in February (not long now!), planning her baby shower, all the new blogs I've discovered, spending the gift vouchers we got for Christmas on decor for our home.

I'm craving: Not much really. I really want to finish painting our house and putting the finishing touches on (hence the excitement about the gift vouchers). Oh, and for the weather to cool down just a smidgen - it's been 10 days of pretty much 40 degrees celcius. I love the heat, but this is just getting ridiculous.

I'm wanting: A whole bunch of new MAC shadows - I've made a list and am checking it twice before I do any ordering to make sure I get exactly what I want. Also wanting to get back into the fitness routine I was starting before I had my car accident.

I'm hoping: For this year to be as fantastic as the last!

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14 November 2010, 7:43 PM

What I'm Using Right Now Tag

Good morning! Just a lazy Sunday morning tag while I'm eating my yum-yum breakfast and drinking my tea.

My go-to products of late.

Shampoo - Tresemme Salon Silk Shampoo
Conditioner - Tresemme Thermal Replenishing Conditioner
Hair Mask - None at the moment, but have used Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Intensive Treatment in the past.
Styling Products - John Frieda Luminous Colour Glaze Shine Booster in Clear, John Frieda Root Awakening Leave In Conditioner, Tresemme Heat Protecting Spray, John Frieda Straight Fixation Smoothing Creme if I'm going straight that day, John Freida Take Charge Curl Booting Mousse for curls. If I need a dry shampoo, I use Batise in Boho - I can't stand the other scents.
Body Wash - LYNX Shower Gel in Fever (it's a product for men, but it smells sooooo good).
Body Moisturiser - Hardly ever use one, but when I do, it's a body butter from The Body Shop, probably a vanilla or coconut one.
Anti Perspirant - Lady Speed Stick in Orchard Blossom
Fake Tan - Nothing this year yet, but last year I was into Garnier Ambre Solaire
Makeup Remover - Johnson's Facial Cleansing Wipes for Sensitive Skin
Cleanser - ProActiv Solution 3 Step Program
Exfoliator - The Proactiv seems exfoliating enough!
Primer - Don't really use a primer, I find they make me break out - I've used a Nutrimetics in the past, but have nothing good to say about it.
Foundation - Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions in Fresh Neutral
Concealer - Not an everyday product, but the NP Set quad
Powder - Loreal Translucide Loose Powder in Medium - I'm just trying to use this up, I don't find it to be a great product.
Blush - I go between Max Factor Flawless Perfection in 235 Chestnut and Red Earth Tender Love
Bronzer - Physicians Formula Refined Face Powder Bordeaux Bronze
Highlighter - NP Set Liquid Veil in Houston
Eyebase - Don't really use an actual eyebase - usually just conceal then powder
Eyeshadow - Day to day is all Red Earth - Forever and Ever on the lid, Midsummer Dream in the crease and Tropical Punch as a browbone/inner corner highlight.
Eyeliner - I've just started using Revlon Colourstay Liquid Eyeliner in Blackest Black (but am not very impressed) and Bourjois Kohl and Contour Eye Pencil in Noir Expert (which is great for blending)

Eyelash Curler - Manicare
Mascara - Helena Rubenstein Lash Queen in Feline Black for top lashes, Loreal Telescopic Clean for bottom lashes (I find this one doesn't smudge)
Lipstick - I rotate between NP Set in Denver, Athens and Minneapolis for day to day wear.
Gloss - Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker plumping lipgloss in Perfct Peach and Plum Juice
Nail Varnish - Changes every second day, but at the moment I'm love OPI Tickle My France-y for my nude/neutral, Essie Merino Cool and Lapis Of Luxury, Chi Chi High Heeled Housewife and Blood Drops.

I tag anyone reading this! Leave me a comment with a link to your blog so I can check it out. Have fun!

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