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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12:02 AM

Coveting: Lola and Bailey for Sportsgirl

Okay, innocently browsing the net on a Saturday night, catching up on blogs, looking for interior design inspiration, checking my emails. Opened up my Sportsgirl e-newsletter and - bam! - fell in love. I am loving the new jewellery collection by Lola and Bailey for Sportsgirl. But it's pretty much all sold out online. Sadface. The geometric design and colours remind me of some of the pieces I've been loving on Jewelmint lately (but can't have since I don't live in the US).

My favourites.

Okay, so I left out three pieces. They're all my favourite alright! I wonder if there will be anything left in the shops by the time my self-imposed shopping ban is over. I've not very optimistic.

I must admit though, I'd cut off the fugly tassles. I am just not on board with that trend.

Labels: Coveting, Jewellery, Sportsgirl

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23 April 2011, 9:10 PM

What I'm Reading - Theme: Nostaglia

I've been loving my ereader the last few weeks. As soon as I'm done with a book, I'm frantically searching Amazon/Borders for another. I think it's the weather getting (slightly) cooler; I love that wintery feeling of curling up in bed with a good book, drinking tea and eating Ferrero Rochers (by the boxful).

I've read a few books the last couple of months, most of which have been a nod to my teenage library. I suppose I'll start with the most recent - finished less than a hour ago, started around 2:30pm this afternoon. "Finding Cassie Crazy" (also known as "The Year of Secret Assignments") by Jaclyn Moriarty. I loved it so much I wrote a review for Amazon, even though you know I'm really not the best at writing informative or helpful reviews. Well, I doubt this one will be any different. You judge:

"I decided to download this book to my ereader after rediscovering "Feeling Sorry For Celia" in the back of my bookshelf and getting all nostalgic. I'm 23 years old now, but read "Celia" back when I was 14 (or thereabouts) and absolutely loved it, found it summed up my experience of being a teenager.

I didn't even know that Moriarty had any other works besides "Celia", but was so excited to discover that "The Year Of Secret Assignments"/"Finding Cassie Crazy" was a kind of companion novel. I was especially excited to see the characters from "Celia" popping up, as the books run on a similar timeline (although it seems that the timeline of "Assignments" runs slightly after the events of "Celia").

The plot follows three girlfriends from Ashbury High - Emily, Lydia and Cassie - and their respective penpals from Brookfield High - Charlie, Sebastian and Matthew - told through their letters to each other, diary entries, emails and other forms of correspondence. What starts out as a tedious English penpal assignment soon develops into much more - intriguing relationships, tragic events, a full-out battle between rival schools and examples of true friendship - all from the point of view of emotional and believable teenagers. My favourite part about Moriarty's writing is the banter between characters and their tendencies to exaggerate and actually behave like teenagers. The romance was so realistic, it reminded me of my own teenage crushes and experiences. I laughed out loud on more than one occasion, much like I did with "Celia".

Five stars to this fantastic teenage read - did I mention I read the entire thing in one afternoon? Give this novel a go - I'm quite confident you won't be disappointed."

Prior to that was "Sweet Valley Confidential" by Francine Pascal (yes, by not created by - apparently the first in the entire series written by the lady herself). This book was technically terrible. Awful, even. But I loved it because it was about the ever-perfect, ever-dramatic Wakefield twins. If you haven't heard about it, "Sweet Valley Confidential" is a story about Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield, ten years after their highschool graduation. They are now twenty seven and, in my opinion, far more pathetic than they ever were. The thing I found most annoying about this book, is that Pascal seems to ignore the entire "Sweet Valley University" series. Almost every single event is conveniently forgotten about, as if it didn't exist. I don't think there was a single mention of any of the characters, besides Mike McAllery and Tom Watts. Frustrating, since it was my favourite spinoff and I preferred it to the original SVH books.

I must also point out that I found Jessica far, far more psychotic than I remember her being. Like to the point where it was disturbing. There was so much yearning and wanting and craving and needing for her sister and for her sister's touch and her sister's arms around her and her sister's smell and her sister's sweet smile and her sister's forgiveness, yet she DOESN'T MAKE ANY EFFORT TO RIGHT HER WRONG. What the hell is wrong with the woman?

Elizabeth wasn't much better, but at least she was kind of true to the teenage version of herself. Apart from the claim that she has a deserving reputation of always being faithful in her relationships - uh, really Liz? Really?

The final chapter really pissed me off, and creeped me out. I won't say anything about it because it may spoil the book (even though anyone with any intelligence can see the resolution coming a mile away).

I will say they really managed to throw everything into this one little book: romance, mystery, sex, drugs, alcohol, cancer scares, marriage, affairs, characters coming out as gay, death, sibling rivalry, theatre, betrayal, career highs and lows, baked goods, fistfights, jealousy, unrequited love, car crashes, even a birthday party. Everything, I tell you. I was under the impression that this was to be the first in a new series, but they kind of wrapped everything up in the last chapter, gave you a live summary for pretty much every character from SVH, so I don't really see where they can go from here.

Truth be told, I enjoyed reading this book (apart from the ending), but only in a "E! True Hollywood Stories: Where Are They Now" kind of way.

Now to my comedic recommendation (although SVC is so laughable, you could put it in the comedy category). "5 Very Good Reasons To Punch A Dolphin In The Mouth" by The Oatmeal aka Matthew Inman. I love The Oatmeal. Love it.

The Oatmeal is a blog/website based around the comic strips, commentaries and 'useful guides' by Inman - so popular it has been converted into book form. I kind of regret downloading this to my Kobo as I find myself wanting to show other people what I'm reading and the Kobo

Believe me, it's hilarious. One particular comic "5 Reasons to Always Carry A Shovel" had my giggling manically for a good ten minutes while my husband looked on in confusion. I've found myself trying to narrate the comics to work colleagues, but unable to get the words out through my laughter.

The best way for me to convince you to buy the book is to point you in the direction of his blog. Click there. Do it. Hell, even if you have no intentions of buying the book, go there and read all the comics for free.

I can't keep writing about this book without giggling to myself like a crazy person, and I'd rather people not think I'm crazy, so I'll stop there. Just go to the site. For me.

I received "Makeup: The Ultimate Guide" by Rae Morris in the mail this week. Such a stunning book, gorgeous photography, easy to follow tutorials, fantastic tips and hints. I've been meaning to order this book for months and finally bit the bullet a couple of weeks ago - and I don't regret it one bit.

It's really quite inspiring. There are a couple of looks in there that are only suited for a costume party, so now I'm eagerly waiting for someone to throw one so that I can throw GLITTER all over my face. As per the instructions in the book.

And since I got my copy directly from the Rae Morris website, it came signed, which is a nice little bonus.

I also read "Pretty Little Liars" by Sara Shepard not long ago and started reading the second novel in the series "Flawless", but found myself not that interested. I'll finish it eventually and maybe do a little review (if you can call them that) about it after I've decided if I liked it or not. I've got about four of the novels downloaded, waiting to be read, but haven't felt really compelled to read any further.

Next up I plan on re-reading the "Flowers In The Attic" series by Virginia Andrews (again for nostalgic purposes), "The Intimate Adventures Of A London Callgirl" by Belle du Jour, "Warpaint: Madame Helena Rubenstein and Miss Elizabeth Arden" by Lindy Woodhead, "Water For Elephants" by Sara Gruen (when I can get it on my ereader), "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins (same applies), "Babyville" and "Bookends" by Jane Green, "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens, "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte, "Interview With The Vampire" by Anne Rice, "Persuasion" by Jane Austen and "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy. That should keep me busy for a while.

I hope everyone is enjoying their Easter weekend and that I haven't bored you too much with my rambling (brava! if you've made it to the end). Feel free to leave any recommendations or comments about these books. Talk to you soon.

Labels: Books, Rae Morris

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17 April 2011, 12:04 PM

Coveting: Cox&Cox.co.uk

Coveting of a homewares kind this week. I found this site when I was searching for bomboniere for our wedding last year. I've never purchased anything from the store, but I love browsing through all the gorgeous pieces they stock. It reminds me so much of my time in the UK, I tend to get very nostalgic. I'm sure one day something will catch my eye that I just won't be able to resist, but until that day, I will continue to covet practically everything from Cox&Cox.co.uk.

All images courtesy of Cox&Cox.All items are currently stocked, excluding the last box shelf. I believe the company ships to most places (some items excluded).

I think my favourite items are the white votives, the wicker firewood basket and the "All You Need Is Love" canvases. Who am I kidding, I love it all!

Labels: Coveting, Interiors

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16 April 2011, 11:52 PM

OOTN: Girls Night April '11

Hello lovelies! Happy Saturday to you all. I had a pretty low-key Saturday evening this week - I had a lovely dinner at a local resturant with four of my best girlfriends - we hadn't caught up in a while, so it was great to have a chat over cocktails and dinner. I tried to take photos to do an outfit of the day, but I can never get it right, so I just decided to film it instead. The lighting isn't the best, but if you like these style of posts, let me know and I'll sort out a better filming location.

Since going on my beauty and fashion shoppng ban I've been doing a lot of 'shopping my closet', hence most of these items being a little older. I have never worn this combo before though, so it felt like a whole new outfit.

Earrings: Diva
Shirt: Mooloolah
Pants: Valleygirl
Heels: Steve Madden
Ring: Diva (I figured it out!)
Bracelet: Portmans
Watch: Urban Outfitters - still available here
Nails: Essie Lapis of Luxury & China Glaze Broken Hearted (blog post coming soon - probably tomorrow morning)

Hope you're all enjoying you weekend :)

Labels: China Glaze, Essie, Fashion, OOTD, Sportsgirl

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10 April 2011, 8:45 PM

AFL: Moroccan Oil

Yes. AFL. Absolutely Freakin' Loving. My new anagram and post series.

I've been using Moroccan Oil for about two months now - I'm pretty sure I blogged about it when I first got it - and honestly, it is the most amazing product I have ever used on my hair. Ever. In my life.

I bought the "MOROCCANOIL Light Treatment for blond or fine hair", since my hair is fine and at the time was a lighter shade, from a local salon for $55.00. I had considered getting it online, but found it was the same price in-store. The brand site claims this product will revive, strengthen and condition hair and lessen drying time. I wouldn't usually spend that amount of money on a hair treatment, but honestly, there was so much hype on youtube and the beauty blogosphere I thought there had to be something to it.

In case you haven't heard of Moroccanoil - just where have you been? - Moroccanoil is a brand that manufactures Argan Oil based hair products. The ingredient list for this particular product is Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Butylphenyl, MethylPropional, Argania Spinoza Kernal Oil (Aragan Oil), Linseed (Linum Usitatissimum) Extract, Fragrance Supplement, D&C Yellow-11, D&C Red-17, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, if that means anything to you. Basically, it's not 100% Argan Oil.

I had heard that you're only supposed to use a teeny tiny amount, but I think that my version of teeny tiny and other peoples may be slightly different. I was using about a five-ten cent piece size amount of product for the first couple of weeks and not really noticing much of a result. Sure, my hair wasn't dry but I certainly didn't consider it a life-changing product.

Oh, quick mention - I have oily roots, relatively normal ends, which are prone to splitting since it's gotten so long, and it's about down to my belly button.

Then one day I poured a little bit too much into my hand, about a fifty cent piece size. I shrugged and rubbed it into my ends and mid-lengths, combed through and went to bed. Woke up in the morning and OH EM GEE. Amazing. My hair was so soft, softer than I have ever felt it, without being even slightly oily or weighed down. I had a hair cut a couple of days later and had a few inches chopped off then continued using the oil - not a split end in sight and my hair is still so, so soft.

I have found it works best when I want to straighten my hair - I've learnt to use less and apply to just the ends when I want to curl my hair. It also helps to use a mousse or curl enhancer, otherwise the hair is a little soft to hold the curl. I also tend to apply is to clean damp hair, not sopping wet, and I haven't tried it on dry hair yet, but I understand it works as a good gloss that way. I also want to try it on my hands as a kind of moisturiser, but it feels like a waste, haha.

This is definitely a product I will be purchasing over and over again - bit of a Holy Grail item. Big thumbs up from me :) One hundred per cent recommend it. I've gotten a few people onto it since my discovery, all with different hair types, and I haven't heard a single bad review.

A. F. L.

;)

Labels: AFL, Hair

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09 April 2011, 3:45 PM

The Nail Files #11

Okay, I'll start with the good news - I love OPI's Baguette Me Not from the French collection a couple years back. I've had this for a while and worn it once or twice, but I always almost never reach for it. I always think of it as boring when I see the bottle - but it comes out so lovely on the nails. I'm not even sure how I would describe it - almost a dusty coral?

Then we have the bad news. I was so excited to try Electric Lilac by China Glaze. It's such a gorgeous glitter polish, and although it took three coats to get to this opacity, I was really impressed. that it ended up the same as the bottle.

Until the next morning when it all fell off. I'm not talking chipped off. No - it came off like a fake nail would come off, all in one piece. SO bizarre. Granted, I wasn't wearing a base coat, but I've never had this problem before. I wasn't even doing anything that would usually chip my nails - I was driving when the first two came off! Everything was gone by mid-morning, so I spent the rest of the day nail polish-less. Oh the shame ;) I'm gonna try it over another polish soon, see it a similar thing happens before I give up on this polish - it is really too gorgeous.

I bought some cuticle oil from my local beautician yesterday. It smells like "Honey Suckle" and so far I really like it. It's the brand 'Chemistry' and was $8. I really don't think this is going to be an easy habit to break, but dammit, the thought of biting my nails freaks me out now, so I have faith that I can do it.

Fingers crossed.

Labels: China Glaze, Nail Polish, OPI

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07 April 2011, 8:11 PM

Best Of: Kate Bosworth

The weather is finally (finally!) getting cooler here - I'm actually wearing trackie pants and a hoodie! I don't actually think the hoodie is necessary, since I have the sleeves pushed back, but I really felt like being all cozy :)

I've been completely loving Kate Bosworth lately. She's always been one of my favourites, but I think the fact that she is currently dating my favourite vampire, Alexander Skarsgard, has meant she's really been capturing my attention. I love the way she dresses so simply, not over accessorising and keeping hair and make-up neat and clean at all times. She always manages to look so effortless, yet so put together. I suppose it doesn't hurt that she is naturally stunningly beautiful.

Oops. Too much? Have a good Friday :)

Labels: Best Of:, Fashion, Kate Bosworth

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02 April 2011, 10:07 PM

Pretties

Labels: Mood board

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4:18 PM

The Nail Files #10

Okay, back to my regular Nail Files format. This week I wore some of the polishes from my last haul. I've already shown you "Lemon Fizz", which wasn't as exciting as I thought it was going to be :( Since I've already shown it, I won't bore you with it in this post.

First we have OPI's My Private Jet. Absolutely. Freakin'. Love. It.

This is actually as glittery on the nail as it is in the bottle. Not that I have many glitter polishes, but this is the first I've seen that applies this well. I think this is what Bloom's "Mena" is trying to be - except it fail miserably.

Next up is OPI's Vodka and Caviar. I said in my haul post that I bought this colour for my friend as a Christmas gift last year and that I've wanted it ever since. I am so glad I finally purchased it for myself - it's a very classy red, but I can't get it to photograph properly.

It really isn't quite this...tomatoey. Definitely a deeper, more classic red. I do have red polishes similar to this, but they are NP Set polishes and I haven't seen them for sale anywhere since I originally got them.

At the moment I'm wearing China Glaze's "Recycle". It's just a nice, flat grey. I love it. It's similar to my "High Heeled Housewife" by Chi Chi, but without any brown tones. It applied beautifully, lovely formula, nice and opaque after two coats.

See? Lovely.

I've really got to start working on my cuticles. I've definitely broken the nail-biting habit (hurray!!), now I've just gotta kick the cuticle-chewing habit. I need to buy some good cuticle oil to get me started. Hopefully next week will show some improvement.

I'm hosting my mother-in-law's 60th birthday tomorrow afternoon - it's a 60's theme, so I'm about to go paint my nail a pastel pink colour, which hopefully looks kinda 60's. I'll try to remember to take photos of my costume and decor, hopefully I'll post tomorrow evening. I've got a busy night tonight, I want to get everything prepared tonight, so I can focus on our costumes tomorrow morning. We'll see how I go - I'm not the world's most organised person!

Until next time!

Labels: China Glaze, Nail Polish, OPI

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