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.

Layout: vehemency
Email: here
Twitter: here
Bloglovin: here
SHOP TARYN K: here

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24 July 2012, 4:29 PM

Pink and Grey

As promised, here is an Outfit Of The Day featuring my new pink jeans from Factorie. I was just popping out to my sister's house for a visit and a cuppa, so I kept it casual and comfortable. And I think I may go back and get these jeans in another colour.

Jeans: Factorie Baxter Jeans in Baby Pink

Top: Kenji

Jacket: Purchased during my trip to Britain in 2006, can't remember the store

Shoes: Sportsgirl

Watch: Michael Kors

Rings: Wedding Ring, Engagement Ring and Eternity Ring

Every outfit needs inspiration, right?

image from mummamadeit

Labels: Factorie, Fashion, Kenji, OOTD, Sportsgirl

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20 July 2012, 4:40 PM

Ooh...New Make Up

Argh! I posted this haul a couple of days ago, but due to some technical error (or plain old fail) when I used the iPhone Blogger app, all my witty words (as well as all the not so witty words) were all deleted. Sigh. I shall have to start again, since I took the time to take pictures and all.

I placed this strawberrynet.com order back when I was still pregnant and it arrived the day after I got home from the hospital, which was a lovely surprise. I was really pleased with this order - I think I've found a few staples for my collection.

Packaged up oh-so-pretty - with the exception of the CK Lipstick (it was a free gift with order, so they obviously skimped a bit there haha)

Five seconds after I got my hands on it - none of this save-the-paper-for-use-at-a-later-date silliness.

Ooh, pretty black packaging.

Calvin Klein - Delicious Luxury Creme Lipstick - #112 Orange Too. I love this. Strawberrynet pretty much always has a promotional free gift with purchase and at the moment it happens to be Calvin Klein lipsticks. I've been wanting to try orange lipstick for a while now, but have been too scare to pay the money for one in case it turns out to be a disaster. But I love this one. It can be applied either to be quite sheer or to be quite opaque, whichever takes you fancy.

MAC - Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation - NW25. I am also quite impressed with this product. I've been using it to set my liquid foundation - the light coverage just isn't enough for my problem skin. I also much prefer this to a translucent powder for reasons I can't quite put my finger on.

Haha, my demonstration of how I place a brush onto a pan, in case you weren't sure.

Elizabeth Arden - Color Intrigue Gel Eyeliner with Brush. Now I haven't tried any of the cult favourites (ie. MAC, Bobbi Brown, Maybelline), so I can't really compare this to other gel eyeliners. But as a stand-alone, I'm really impressed with this product. It applies like a dream, the brush is a nice quality, and the gel itself is quite pigmented and didn't smudge on my lid. Thumbs up, Elizabeth Arden.

MAC - Eye Kohl - Smolder. Eh, I wasn't really impressed at all with this, especially since I always seem to be hearing about it on youtube. It's okay, but I found it smudged (when I wasn't trying to smudge it) and that is a big negative for me. I won't repurchase this again, but I will probably use it all up.

And just as an added bonus:

I bought these pants on the day I initially posted this haul...so Wednesday, from Factorie. It turns out none of my pants fit me at the moment - my maternity jeans are too baggy and my regular pants, well sadly, I have the dreaded muffin top. The only solution is to buy more clothes. Shame. These are the Baxter Jean and I chose them in the colour Baby Pink, much to my husbands dismay (he just doesn't geddit). I haven't had a chance to wear them yet, but when I do I'll try to take some OOTD photos, pending the approval of the baby haha.

Hope you're all looking forward to a terrific weekend! Until next time!

Labels: Elizabeth Arden, Factorie, Fashion, Hauls, MAC, Online Shopping

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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

Labels: Baby K, Blah blah blah

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8:22 AM

Noooooooooooo

Labels: Blah blah blah

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17 July 2012, 10:10 PM

Guest Post: Asos.com

When pregnant the last thing on your mind is looking fashionable, you want clothes that are comfortable and practical and if they happen to be in the latest trends then that just happens to be a massive bonus! Luckily the ASOS Maternity range is full of bump friendly styles to keep you wrapped up all snug this winter.

Coloured jeans and leggings are a great trend this season and they also happen to be really comfortable too, so a fab choice for all you mums to be. (Of course the traditional denim style will always be a winner if coloured trousers are a little scary!) With inbuilt elasticated waistbands they will grow with you throughout your precious nine months and also keep you nice and warm.

Tunics are a great floaty choice to cover up an ever expanding bump, this heart print one is super cute and looks great with leggings. For a laid back day look team with Chelsea boots and a leather jacket.

Chunky cardigans are great for snuggling up in with a good book, (well, if we ever get the chance that is) and you don’t even have to buy these from the maternity section. Buy a couple of sizes up so that you have plenty of room to grow into and if you choose a style with an added belt you can pull it in after you give birth, at least then you don’t feel like you have wasted money for only a short period of time!

When choosing maternity wear be sure to think about all your accessories that are already in your wardrobe as you don’t want to buy your clothes to then realise you have to buy handbags, shoes and jewellery to go with them (although this does sound like a great idea) and enjoy your pregnancy in style.

Labels: Asos, Baby K, Fashion, Guest Post

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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!

Labels: Baby K, Blah blah blah

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30 May 2012, 5:10 PM

Nearly there!

Hopefully this is one of my last pregnancy ootds! I'm due in less than two weeks and am SO looking forward to getting this pregnant part out of the way and on to the good stuff!

Tonight I'm headed out for dinner at a newish nearby restaurant with my husband and parents. This'll probably be one of the last meals I have out for a while, come to think of it!

I also had my hair cut last week, a few inches off the ends (to get rid of the last of the ombre-damaged split ends) and a few more layers put in. You may not be able to tell the difference, but it's the shortest it's been in years! I'm quite liking it though, feels very fresh :)

Not much else to report - I've spent the last couple of weeks organising different areas of our home, like the kitchen pantry and office, and watching lots of YouTube. It's felt like a lot of waiting around, waiting for the big event to go down! Hopefully I don't have to wait too much longer.

Top: Temt

Jeans: Jeanswest Maternity available here

Shoes: Gift from my parents

Watch: Michael Kors Jet Set Watch

Bracelet: Portmans

Rings on right hand: Diva

Labels: Jeanswest, OOTD, Portmans, Temt

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22 May 2012, 4:16 PM

What's In My Hospital Bag?

Day twelve of maternity leave and I found myself with not a whole lot to do. Up until now I've been busy pretty much every single day, but today I managed to sleep in until 9am and have quite a leisurely morning.

It did give me an excellent opportunity to finally finish packing my hospital bag - and since I found these types of posts and videos on youtube incredibly helpful, I thought I do a post of my very own.

Bit of a disclaimer first - I'm someone who is quite happy to overpack, and by no means is everything listed here necessity. I'd just much rather have something handy if I decide I want it rather than pack lightly and wish I had something.

I'm going through the public hospital system in Australia and my elected hospital doesn't really supply much besides linen, hospital gowns and a pack of nappies, so it's really up to the mum-to-be to bring her own bits and pieces. There's also no accomodation for the daddies-to-be, so Joe will be going home each night, which will be handy if it turns out I've forgotten something. Hospital stays are generally three days, or five days for a caesarian, so I've based my packing on the three day stay.

Of course I still have a few things I'll be throwing in at the last minute, so I've made sure I have my list next to my bag, so that hopefully nothing gets forgotton in the frenzy of early labour.

Underwear type stuff - pack of daggy undies in a larger size that I don't mind getting rid of if I have to; two nursing bras (one comfy and one slightly more structured); two pairs of cozy socks since it will be autumn/winter by the time I'm in hospital. I bought these from Big W a couple of months ago and have been waiting ever-so-patiently to wear them.

Tech stuff - camera, video camera, battery charger, rechargeable batteries, headphones, wall chargers and ereader. All fairly self explanatory. Iphone and its charger will be thrown in at the last minute.

Face cloth; mini hair straightener (just in case - I don't really intend to use it, but whatever, I've never taken it out of the box before); Biore cleansing wipes and toiletry bag.

Toiletry bag - cotton pads; kabuki; body wash; cleanser; shampoo & conditioner; argan oil; razor; bobby pins; hair lackies; dry shampoo; headbands; brown eyeliner; mascara; lipbalm; BB Cream and eye cream. Still need to throw in my face powder - I don't really intend on wearing too much make-up, but I figure if there's going to be lots of visitors and photos being taken and I might feel like I need a bit of sprucing up.

Super fun stuff - nursing pads; maternity pads (I'm taking two packs just in case); nipple cream and plastic bag (for dirty clothes to bring home for washing).

Two long sleeved t-shirts, comfy enough to sleep in and one short sleeved t-shirt, all with front openings for easy access to the girls.

One pair of super comfy, baggy pajama pants, two pairs on yoga pants. I'll probably end up wearing a pair of yoga pants on the way home since they're comfy and it's socially acceptable to wear them in public.

Soft pullover with open front - most likely to be worn on the way home, but might be handy depending on the weather and A/C of the hospital. Apparently I like all my loungewear to be grey, haha.

Husbands stuff - spare change of shirt, underwear and a pair of bathers. I plan of using the hospital shower during labour as a form of pain relief (God help me!) and if I decide Joe needs to get in there with me I'm sure the midwives would appreciate him wearing pants.

Onto the cute baby stuff! Now, I know that I have definitely overpacked for Baby K, but her bag was already semi-packed as a nappy bag, so I just left everything in there and added a couple of things.

Fuzzy pink blanket for the drive home; modesty apron in case I'm nursing and have visitors (I'm fairly modest, but who knows, that may all fly out the door in a few weeks time); two burp clothes; muslin wrap.

Nappy wallet with change mat; baby wipes and nappies (many, many more than pictured).

The nappy wallet is so cute - I know I won't be using it during this hospital stay, but it was an item I already had in the bag. I was given this as a gift from a friend, but I searched the brand and apparently she purchased it from this etsy seller. I love it.

Four singlets; three onesies; one long sleeved t-shirt; two pairs of socks; one pair of scratch mittens and two beanies. I've packed a couple different sizes since we obviously have no idea how big Baby K will be - I was a fairly average size baby but Joe was a bit of a whopper, so I wanted to be prepared for either situation.

Two sleep suits and a sleeping sack. The sleeping sack is an alternative to wrapping baby in a swaddle and I've read excellent reviews, so I thought I'd give them a go.

I found this blue bag organiser on ebay for a few dollars and added it to a regular tote bag I found in a local boutique. Everything fits so nicely :)

So all packed and ready to go! Baby seat has been fitted in the car, all baby linen has been washed and the moses basket is all made up, pantry and freezer are stocked with food, cameras are charged and ready, hospital tour and antenatal classes have been attended.

Feeling fairly ready to go!

Labels: Baby K

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16 May 2012, 4:39 PM

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Range

A couple of months back I posted a haul video that included some products from The Body Shop Tea Tree range - namely the face wash and the toner. Since then, I've finished a bottle and am halfway through my second of the face wash, am about to finish my first bottle of the toner and have added the exfoliating scrub to my collection.

The feedback? All positive.

The Background

It's been a while since I've been this happy with a skin care range. Just to give you a bit of background - I've struggled with acne and oily skin since I was around fifteen, although I've never attempted to seek medical advice or been to a dermatologist. When I started taking contraceptive pills at around 18, my doctor did prescribe me one specifically for problem skin, and I did notice some positive changes at the time, but eventually I started having problems again.

In case you're interested, I've listed the ranges I've used in the past - this isn't a definitive list, I've sporadically used other products over the years, but these are the ones where I've used the entire range and stuck with it for over three months.

Clinique 3-Step System (used the Skin Type 3 with Blemishes line)
Biore Complexion Clearing (quite like the Warming Anti-Blackhead Cream Cleanser and I still use the face wipes at night)
Dr Lewinn's Puressence (used this when my breakouts were very minimal, so wasn't seeking acne solutions - I loved the Purifying Masque in this line)
Proactiv 3 Step System (fast but not longlasting results)
Garnier Pure (this was one of the first lines I used, back when I was travelling and didn't have a very large skincare budget. Got me through, but no outstanding results)

Now, onto my current routine.

The reason I stopped using Proactiv and other Benzoyl Peroxide based products was because of their harshness and the fact that they aren't recommended for use during pregnancy. Even so, although I had quick success with the Proactiv when I started on it, I found that in the few months before I found out I was pregnant, I wasn't getting the same results. And although my skin had improved, it never did clear up completely and I still suffered regular (albeit less regular and less horrendous) breakouts and constant congestion. Then I got pregnant and it all went to hell.

I had breakouts everywhere - all over my cheeks and chin, some that were whiteheads, others that were blind and extremely painful and my entire face was slightly pink. I stopped using any skincare for a month or so while I was suffering the worst of my morning-extended-throughout-the-day-sickness, and skin psycho-ness is a common pregnancy side effect, so I wasn't too surprised. But it still sucked.

I received a gift certificate for The Body Shop from one of my friends for Christmas last year and since I don't usually shop at there, I had to have a good look around the store before I settled on my purchase. I'm not really a fan of body butters, lotions or pot lipglosses (although The Body Shop does have delicious scents) so I bypassed all those options and went for skin care. I'd used a tea tree spot gel years and years ago before I really had a problem with acne, and remembered that my skin had responded well to it, so I thought I'd give it another go, a good ten years later.

The Products

My first impression was that the face wash was SO refreshing. It didn't make the skin tingle or anything like some products do, but it just felt cooling and invigorating. There are no scrubbing particles in the wash, it's a gel consistency and lathers just enough. The scent is definitely not my favourite, and I did find it quite overpowering at first but as time went on I started to find it less offensive.

The toner requires shaking before use, as there is a sediment that sits at the bottom. I apply with a cotton pad, usually using only one to swipe over my entire face. Again, this doesn't make my skin tingle and is quite cooling. When I first started using it I did get very mild stinging on the active and broken breakouts that I had, but nothing uncomfortable. Now that I am fresh-pimple free, I get no stinging at all. I find my skin also feels quite taut after use - not tight and dry, just mattified. I also usually try to wait a minute or two before I apply any moisturiser.

I use the face wash and toner every single morning - without fail - maybe three times a week at night (usually I just use a face wipe to get rid of my make up, which I know is really naughty) and I reserve the scrub for just a couple times a week when I remember.

I'm not such a fan of the scrub as I am of the other two products. While it's not a bad product, I do find the exfoliating granules are a little too large and harsh. I usually try to only buff it into my chin, nose and temples, as this is where I get the most congestion, avoiding my cheeks and forehead.

The Results

My skin now still has some scarring and hyper pigmentation that is still dying down from the past trauma it suffered through, but it is easily covered with a little concealer and for the first time in a long time my face isn't sore. The texture is no longer bumpy and oily, but smooth to the touch and neither dry nor oily.

Sidenote: I don't generally use moisturiser any more. I have been using the Garnier BB Cream under my makeup as a sort of primer, but I don't moisturise at night and I don't feel that I need to.

My blackheads aren't really an issue any more - I still get them, and I still have larger pores than I'd like, but they're probably really only apparent to me.

I still need to try a couple of the other products in this line - I particularly look forward to the face mask as I do enjoy a good face mask.

The Advice

My only real advice for those of you struggling with acne and less than perfect skin - no one cares about the state of your skin as much as you do. While you may be feeling self conscious about a break out, no one else will really be taking any notice - they'll be too caught up in their own imperfections to care. And while I understand your frustrations and heartache - believe me, I've shed a tear or two over the appearance of my skin - the best thing to do is to try and remember not to worry about what other people may or may not be thinking - chances are they're not even thinking it.

I do apologise for the length and wordiness of this post. Probably not the most thrilling thing you've read today, but I wanted to get the word out there. Let me know if you have tried this range, especially what you think of the other products I've not yet tried.

stock images from Polyvore.com

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