Tiara King's Blog: Jewel Divas Style, page 30

Santa’s On His Way…

 

 

 

I’m Off On My Yearly Christmas Holiday for 2019

 

I’m off on my yearly Christmas/new year break for two months and won’t be back until February. I’ll be doing the usual chrissy and new years posts, and you’ll get one to let you know when I’ll be back next year.

Meantime, MERRY CHRISTMAS…

 

 

 

MY STYLE: NOVEMBER 2019

This month I decided to get out my kaftans. The ones I generally don’t wear out because I usually have nothing to wear underneath them. But, I got my tights out and went with it.

 

OUTFIT #1 – SHOPPING, LIBRARY, CHIRO

TOP: eBay kaftan from 2015 for $110.20

PANTS: Black tights from target, 2019, for $6

SHOES: Kmart gold stud boots from 2018 for $30

JEWELLERY: Lovisa earrings and bangle set, eBay rings and multi coloured bracelet

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OUTFIT #2 – SHOPPING, LIBRARY

TOP: eBay kaftan from 2015 for $110 (second fave knee length one of all time)

PANTS: Tights for $10 from Best Direction (that’s Best Direction, NOT One Direction) in the 90s

SHOES: Top End star boots from 2019 for $69

JEWELLERY: Earrings and left hand bracelets from chain stores, rings and heart bangle from eBay, bead bracelet right hand from op shop

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OUTFIT #3 – SHOPPING, LIBRARY, CHIRO

TOP: Kmart from 2014 for $15

KIMONO: Millers from 2010 for $20

SKIRT: Millers from 2009 for $9.95

SHOES: Django & Juliettes from several years ago

JEWELLERY: chain store earrings, rings, bead necklace, eBay red and black bangles, Jewel Divas Asian double layered necklace

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OUTFIT #4 – SHOPPING, LIBRARY

TOP: eBay kaftan from 2015 for $106 (my absolute fave of all time of the knee length ones)

PANTS: Tights for $10 from Best Direction (that’s Best Direction, NOT One Direction) in the 90s

SHOES: Top End star boots from 2019 for $69

JEWELLERY: Jewel Divas A Summer Bardot set (necklace, small rings, bead bracelets), eBay earrings, large ring, lime yellow bangle, yellow bracelet from Lovisa.

 

 

End of 2019 Catch Up. What I’ve Achieved this Year

 

At the beginning of the year, as I’ve done for the last couple of years, I’ve detailed my “to do” list for the year. All the books to be written, edited, released etc. You can read the original post for 2019 here. As of next year, I’ll be mentioning other things as well since I just realised that my plans are usually only for books.

Green is for ‘done’, orange is for ‘in the process of happening’, and red is for ‘not bloody happening’.

 

End of year catch up! A lot has happened this year. So, here’s my end of year catch up on my 2019 plans…

 

(1) Under Tiara King I have these planned…

– 1.1 – see whether it will be worthwhile updating my two paperbacks, How To Be A Jewel Diva and Closet Confidential.

– 1.2 – I added style sheets to the interiors in 2018, which will also be given away for free as a download on my style website when people sign up to an email list once I get it done. I will re-release under my own imprint, but it’s a matter of whether I have time, and if I can get the damn newsletter/sign up happening.

 

– 2.1 – I still want to get my jewellery back into its own website. Selling has been on hold for the last few years due to money, time and energy. I’m still looking for wordpress templates that would suit the type of website look I want, but with everything else going on, this won’t happen for some time.

 

—– Both of these are on hold still. I did re-upload Closet Confidential and Jewel Divas with updated back matter in e-book format at Amazon, and Closet did get a new cover for the e-book and the paperback cover was done this month, but that was it for the year.

 

 

(2) Under T.K. Wrathbone I have these planned…

– 1.1 – The paperback version of last year’s stories is done and will be released in March 2019

 

– 2.1 – Get three stories written up, typed up, edited, and out along with an anthology, and do the e-covers.

– 2.2 – Release all four in October for Halloween.

– 2.3 – Get the paperback version done ready for release next year.

 

ALL OF THE ABOVE DONE!

 

– 3 – Overhaul the website and give it a front page.

 

 

(3) Under L.J. Diva I have these planned…

 

– 1.1 – Put the next book, DeLuca through several rounds of editing

– 1.2 – Get it to my editor this month, and then edit some more.

– 1.3 – Get the cover finished, and release it as an e-book in March.

– 1.4 – Then comes the paperback interior and cover for release in September.

 

– 2.1 – Get the next book in the series, Spiros & Jenny, written in March

– 2.2 – Type it up through the year and put it through 3-4 rounds of editing.

– 2.3 – Send it off to my editor at some point in July or August.

– 2.4 – Release it in September as an e-book along with the paperback of DeLuca.

– 2.5 – Then comes the paperback interior and cover for a 2020 release.

DONE, DONE, DONE!

 

– 3 – Start on the Porn Star Brothers Short Story Collection. At least get them written, and then they can be typed up through the months and edited. I’m hoping to release them as boxed sets through 2020, that way I can write 10-40 pages per story, and not 40 pages per story, so they will get done quicker.

 

– 4 – I still want to re-release my four standalone novels. The covers are nearly done, and I’ve nearly finished the interiors. All they will need is for the paperbacks to be proofed before release. Hopefully that will be by June, as that is my deadline for getting all four novels out to the public.

DONE!!!!!

 

—– Spiros & Jenny was written in May and June but done and dusted and released. So was the paperback for DeLuca.

—– So far the short story collection hasn’t even been started. As I stated mid-year, I realised while trying to get Spenny written that I’m kinda over this series, and more to the point, having a six month deadline for releases. With the Wrathbone stories, and Porn Star stories vying for attention, something had to give. I’m looking toward ending the series next year with a short story collection based on the Stefan kids and how the rest of them met their partners. More than likely out in September to complete the five years this series will have taken by then. Never say never, maybe one day I’ll finally write the rest of the stories that were intended, but I’m going to require the freedom to get into them without deadlines looming over my head. So maybe in a couple of years.

Come next year though, lots of exciting ideas are to be had, and a very long list of ideas to bring to fruition. Stay tuned.

 

The Last of the Goodies I’ve Bought in 2019

I last posted about this year’s goodies back in July, and you can read the post here.

Now I’m finishing off the goodies for the year as there is so much more to talk about.

First off, more kaftans.

This awesomely peackocky kaftan is super long and super gorgeous. From ebay, it was only $48.

 

I FINALLY scored this Camilla drawstring dress after years of lusting after it. Unfortunately, I don’t look as neatly coifed and windblown as the model, but it’s doing okay. I scored it for $308.55.

 

And I FINALLY managed to find the full kaftan of Camilla’s Tides of Aurora for $240.

 

Next up, jewellery. 

Below is a ring, earrings, cuff and necklace all for under $50 each.

 

All designer label rings under $50 each.

 

I also scored these purses and face mask from Target for $5 each.

 

And these perfumes came home with me from Priceline. Anna Sui Romantica and FCUK’s French Connection.

 

And then I came home with Hot Water by Davidoff and Gems Power by Tous! So cute!

 

I found these gorgeous glass and wood trays from The Reject Shop for $5 each. Marked down from $12, they were the last two and I wasn’t about to leave them there for that price.

 

I also found these leopard statues from The Reject Shop for $10 each, and four silver stud skulls for $4.97 each (on sale from $6) from Cheap As Chips. The leopards go with my Jackie Collins books, and the skulls with my T.K. Wrathbone books. And I liked the skulls so much, that I went back and bought another three. This time they had black ones as well, so I grabbed one of those. All up I’ll be writing 13 Wrathbone books so now have seven skulls between them.

 

So that’s it for 2019. Just wait until February 2020 what I buy in the next few months.

 

 

RSL Art Union: Draw 371

WIN AN ENTIRE APARTMENT COMPLEX

 

The Golden Treasure is not only the biggest draw of the year, it’s the biggest prize ever offered by RSL Art Union. Totalling over $6.4 million in value, the winner will receive an ENTIRE apartment complex comprised of a penthouse, two townhouses and two apartments!

Located at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast, this professionally styled and fully furnished apartment complex boasts spectacular beach views from every level – our final draw in our LUXURY LINEUP and one not to miss.

Address: Sanananda Shores | 4 Twenty Seventh Avenue, Palm Beach QLD 4221

$6.4 million prize, $247,000 estimated rental income, $410,745 Furniture and electrical included

The Golden Treasure – Penthouse

This luxurious dual storey penthouse will take your breath away from the moment you step inside. With floor-to-ceiling doors that reveal spectacular ocean views and a coastal interior that will both relax and inspire, this penthouse is the cherry on top of this already impressive prize.

The Golden Treasure – Townhouse

As impressive as the penthouse, the two townhouses feature a stylish interior, separate private access to the complex pool, and ocean views! Live in the penthouse and rent out the two luxury townhouses for a combined estimated rental income of $109,200 p.a.

The Golden Treasure – Apartments

These spacious apartments offer the perfect spot to enjoy the relaxed, beachside lifestyle. Fully furnished for the lucky new owner or rent out for a premium price.

 

MY STYLE: OCTOBER 2019

If it’s two thing I’ve noticed out of this year’s pictures it’s that I need to lose weight, because that quadruple chin of mine is hideous, and I always need a damn hair cut, but they don’t stop me from wearing my fabulous clothes.

 

OUTFIT #1 – SHOPPING, LIBRARY

TOP: 2015 from ebay (originally Autograph) for  $35

JACKET: ETSY from 2019, $84.87

PANTS: Kmart jeans, $7

SHOES: Black stud Kmart boots from 2018, for $30 (not that you can see them)

JEWELLERY: rings are from ebay, the rest is from Lovisa.

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OUTFIT #2 – SHOPPING, LIBRARY, CHIRO

TOP: Millers kaftan from 2016 for $12

PANTS: Kmart jeans, $7

SHOES: Top End silver star boots from 2019, $68.

JEWELLERY: Jewel Divas earrings and double layered necklace, chain store right hand rings, round pendant and dark blue bangles, ebay the rest.

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OUTFIT #3 – SHOPPING, LIBRARY

TOP: etsy from 2019

JACKET: Alley from 2013 for $24.94

PANTS: Kmart jeans

SHOES: Gold stud Kmart boots from 2018 for $30

JEWELLERY: Three necklaces, earrings, left hand bangle stack from Lovisa, rings from ebay, right hand brac stack from Jewel Divas

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OUTFIT #4 – SHOPPING, LIBRARY, TAXES, CHIRO – WAY HOT!

TOP: Kmart from 2014 for $15

PANTS: Millers from 2014 for $15

SHOES: Django & Juliette from 2018

JEWELLERY: Lovisa earrings and bangles, op shop necklace.

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OUTFIT #5 – SHOPPING, LIBRARY – HALLOWEEN! – WAY HOTTER!

TOP: Ice from 2013 for $13

JACKET: From an op shop in the 90s

SKIRT: Millers from 2009 for $9.95

SHOES: Django & Juliette from  2015

JEWELLERY: Jewel Divas skull set (earrings, neck, brac stack), ebay other bracelets and rings.

 

 

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Cottage at Rosella Cove, The High Tide Club, and The Last Time I Saw You

THE COTTAGE AT ROSELLA COVE – Sandie Docker – 2019

Why had the house stayed empty so long? Why had it never been sold?

LOST

Nicole has left her city life for the sleepy town of Rosella Cove, renting the old cottage by the water. She plans to keep to herself – but when she uncovers a hidden box of wartime love letters, she realises she’s not the first person living in this cottage to hide secrets and pain.

FOUND

Ivy’s quiet life in Rosella Cove is tainted by the events of World War II, with ramifications felt for many years to come. But one night a drifter appears and changes everything. Perhaps his is the soul she’s meant to save.

FORGOTTEN

Charlie is too afraid of his past to form any lasting ties in the cove. He knows he must make amends for his tragic deeds long ago, but he can’t do it alone. Maybe the new tenant in the cottage will help him fulfil a promise and find the redemption he isn’t sure he deserves.

Welcome to the cottage at Rosella Cove, where three damaged souls meet and have the chance to rewrite their futures.

If you want a good Aussie read, read this. I cried all the way through so keep the Kleenex handy.

There are no real villains, just lots of love, loss and heartache and I’ll definitely be reading the authors first book.

I give it 8/10

 

THE HIGH TIDE CLUB – Mary Kay Andrews – 2018

When ninety-nine-year-old heiress Josephine Bettendorf Warrick summons Brooke Trappnell to Talisa Island, her 20,000 acre remote barrier island home, Brooke is puzzled. Everybody in the South has heard about the eccentric millionaire mistress of Talisa, but Brooke has never met her.

Josephine’s cryptic note says she wants to discuss an important legal matter with Brooke, who is an attorney, but Brooke knows that Mrs. Warrick has long been a client of a prestigious Atlanta law firm.

Over a few meetings, the ailing Josephine spins a tale of old friendships, secrets, betrayal and a long-unsolved murder. She tells Brooke she is hiring her for two reasons: to protect her island and legacy from those who would despoil her land, and secondly, to help her make amends with the heirs of the long dead women who were her closest friends, the girls of The High Tide Club – so named because of their youthful skinny dipping escapades – Millie, Ruth and Varina.

Even at the end of her life, Josephine seems unwilling or unable to face her past, deliberately evading Brooke’s questions. When Josephine dies with her secrets intact, Brooke is charged with contacting Josephine’s friends’ descendants and bringing them together on Talisa for a reunion of women who’ve actually never met.

Again, I cried. More love, loss and betrayal in this one. Your heart will ache at what they went through.

A few spelling mistakes (tsk, tsk traditional publishing), the FIRST WORD of chap 1!

Also a few continuity errors, such as the granddaughter being named Lizzie after her aunt. Her aunt was Diana who died as a teenager. The granddaughter’s full name was Ruth Elizabeth Quinlan.

There was also the line about a woman being called a “chunky brunette.” Hell, even wouldn’t use that term, and as a larger woman, found it rude.

Other than that, the book dragged out too long, the female lead was a touch too pathetic for my liking and you could figure stuff out along the way. It

really just goes to show one really does not know another as well as you thought.

I give it 7/10

 

THE LAST TIME I SAW YOU – Liv Constantine – 2019

Secrets, lies, betrayal…and murder.

Dr Kate English has it all. Not only is she heiress to a large fortune, she has a gorgeous husband and daughter, a high-flying career and a beautiful mansion anyone would be jealous of.

But all that is about to change. One night, Kate’s mother is found dead, murdered in her own home. And then Kate receives a message: You think you’re sad now, just wait…

Evidently, all is not as it seems in Baltimore high society, and as scandals, infidelities and betrayals are exposed, tensions rise to boiling point. The murderer could be anyone – friend, neighbour, lover, relative. And Kate is next on their list…

It’s an interesting premise, that makes you think it’s a murder mystery, but it’s more like a psychological mystery.

After some of the other books I’ve read in the last year or so, I’m really over psychological thrillers where the female goes off her rocker only for it to be found out that sh’e being gas-lighted. these women need to get the fuck off their drugs and alcohol and get a fucking grip. It really reminded me of The Woman in the Window (and I didn’t really like that either), where she’s supposedly sending texts and emails to herself.

I didn’t understand why you’d dress the little girl up and then send her off for a bath before dinner just to get her out of the way. That was stupid.

The end was a little confusing and you had to figure it out what happened to Blaire for yourself.

There were some spelling mistakes for a trad pub book, tsk, tsk.

Over all, I give it 5/10

 

What books have you guys read lately?

MOVIE REVIEW: Captain Marvel and Avengers Endgame

I finally got to catch up with these two movies.

 

I watched Endgame twice there was so much to it, and because I hate death, I cried. I cried when they all came back, I cried when Tony died, I cried at his funeral, I cried when Cap came back as old Cap and passed the shield on to Sam.

But there were a couple of things that got me.

1 – Regardless of half the population gone, the world could very well have moved on successfully. There would be jobs to fill, so those left behind would have employment, less litter, less crime, less issues to worry about, like politicians. Life doesn’t just stop because there’s half the people left behind, it should have gone on fairly seamlessly.

2 – When everyone came back, five years have passed, yet Peter goes back to school same spidey time, same spidey channel, and his friend is still there even though he would have graduated in the five years after the snap. Unless his friends got snapped too. I haven’t seen Spiderman Far From Home yet, so if he did, then yes, it would make sense. 

3 – Some of the jokes fell flat. Antman, god help him, just seems awkward at all times. I’ve seen the movies and quite frankly, they just seem less than. Thor, oi, really? And Cap America, yes, he has America’s Ass, and yes, I’m glad he got to show he was worthy of that damn hammer. Some things have come full circle and I’m glad they did.

4 – Why did Bucky seem unfazed when Cap left to return the stones and then noticed him sitting by the lake? It was as if he didn’t care that Cap had come back, old or otherwise. After everything he’d done for Bucky, from way back when they were friends, through the decades after, and getting him to Wakanda for help, Bucky just didn’t seem to care, and Sam only seemed to care a little bit more. Or is it because Bucky just has no emotions anymore?

I give it 9/10.

 

And because I hadn’t seen captain Marvel yet, so didn’t have much of an idea of how she came to be, I watched it as well.

I suppose this whole “movies out of order” thing has annoyed people, and I really don’t know why they do it because I like to see movies IN order, but I suppose, it explains a lot. It was probably also down to producers, Marvel Studios etc, etc, etc as to which movies got made etc, etc, etc in which order etc…

I thought the movie was a kick-ass girl power movie and good on it. The Hilarity with Samuel is always fun to watch and him with that cat was hilarious. Mother Flerkin is a line that needs to be used in real life.

Bloody Ben Mendelsohn, he’s gotta get his face into everything.

Overall, it was a fun watch, I’d see it again on tv at night for something to watch, but wouldn’t purposely rewatch the video. And I did cry a bit.

I give it 8/10

 

 

What I Did On My Last Writing Holiday For 2019

 

I got busy, that’s what I did, surprisingly, as other holidays writing hadn’t happened.

September 28 – did something…

September 29 – as above…

September 30 – probably wrote or typed or edited, can’t actually remember.

October 1 – wrote. Yay!

October 2 – wrote some more. more yay!

October 3 – shopping, library etc.

October 4 – housework, edited a story and sent it off for editing.

October 5 – not much. I was a bit headachy so watched Avengers Endgame instead and then cried, so had a bigger headache.

October 6 – wrote, edited, sent it off for editing.

October 7 – wrote. Yay!

October 8 – typed up story, edited another, sent it off for editing.

October 9 – wrote last chapter of story, typed it up, edited it.

October 10 – shopping, library, chiro.

October 11 – housework, edited story, sent it off for editing.

October 12 – edit other stories get ready for sale.

October 13 – as above.

October 14 – today! Stories should be uploaded for pre-sale.

 

What have you guys gotten up to these last two weeks?