Taryn is the voice of style behind TarynWhiteaker.com (formerly Design, Dining and Diapers). Taryn established her brand over 7 years ago in hopes to inspire others with design ideas, DIY tutorials, entertaining ideas and give you a glimpse into her life as a mom and business owner. Through her design blog, Taryn has made a name for herself in the industry and has partnered with several well-known brands including Michaels, JOANN, Better Homes & Garden, World Market, Floor & Decor, Overstock, Hayneedle and more. She has appeared on The Rachael Ray Show, and her work has been published in Better Homes & Gardens, Country Sampler, All You, Family Circle and appeared on Country Living, People,com, Elle Decor, InStyle and more.
Design, Dining and Diapers, the original blog, was founded in June 2011, shortly after her daughter was born. She retired her leather-bound notebook, pencil skirts and heels for a life as a stay-at-home mom. Design, Dining and Diapers reflects what she does in a given day: decorating her home, making gluten-free meals, while changing diapers and chasing smiles. Taryn’s blog has evolved over the years from a mom/craft blog to a lifestyle and design blog focusing on home decor, entertaining and everyday life.
Taryn lives in the greater Seattle area with her husband, three little kids and golden retriever. Prior to becoming a blogger, Taryn developed a career in public relations/marketing and has a diverse background in gaming, consumer-tech, clean technology, public affairs and non-profit.
If you are a brand and would like to partner with Taryn click here, if you have a question about a project for product click here!
Have you always loved crafts?
I was lucky enough to be born into a family where ‘arts & crafts’ time was just as important as reading and writing. Some of my fondest memories from my childhood have to do with art projects. I grew up with two girl cousins close to my age and every year we would have a ‘craft of the summer’—From friendship bracelets, beaded necklaces, tie dying, puffy painted sweatshirts (ok that’s dating me), hand-made cards, to making candles, we tried it all.
When I was 12 I discovered my niche, sewing. I had grown up watching my mom sit at her sewing machine making dance costumes and party dresses and I woke up one day and decided it was my turn. I didn’t want to start with the small stuff—No, I jumped right into designing and making my own clothes. I was too stubborn to use a pattern (drove my mom crazy), I would just lay out the fabric and start cutting. To this day, I’m not a big fan of reading directions. I tend to prefer to figure things out on my own. Sure, I make lots of mistakes but I think it’s the feeling of accomplishment in the end that I love.
Today, I channel all of my creative energy into making over our home with DIY projects and home decor crafts. And of course making fun things for my little girl.
Why are all of your recipes gluten-free?
In July of 2009, I found out I was gluten-intolerant. Aside from my wedding day and the birth of my daughter, it is definitely in the Top 5 best days of my life. I feel like a completely new person! Discovering how to live gluten-free can be a challenge and to this day I am always on the hunt for tasty new recipes because trust me, there are a lot of not so good ones out there. I love sharing my new finds with all of you and I hope you do the same! I would love to try some of your gluten-free goodness so please send them my way. (Side note: I am also intolerant to eggs and soy, so my recipes will reflect this too)
What did you do before blogging?
I grew up in the Seattle area, earned a degree in communication from The University of Arizona (Go Cats!), and settled back in the NW to be with my now husband. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the sunshine, but there is just something about the fresh salty air, endless supply of seafood and a surplus of Starbucks that makes the Northwest home. After college, I entered into the world of PR/Marketing where I represented some amazing clients and worked side by side with some crazy talented people. I still freelance on the side, but only when the right opportunity comes along.
And here are a few more fun facts:
Awesome blog Taryn. I am so proud of you!
I love that you say the day you realized you were gluten intolerant was one of your best days. I have Celiac disease and once I was diagnosed I cried, not because I was a sad, but because I finally had an answer and knew I would feel better.
Thank you so much for leaving a note, it’s always nice to hear other people’s stories and find out I’m not alone! There is a good chance I have Celiac disease too but I’ll never know for sure. When I found out I was Gluten-Intolerant I stopped eating gluten immediately and felt 100 times better, then later found out Celiac runs in my family. When I went to get tested I found out you have to be eating gluten for a month in order for the test to be accurate and that’s not going to happen :). It’s amazing when you find something that makes you feel better. I’m so glad you stopped by!
Dear Taryn,
I just discovered your blog – Skip To My Lou – and I’m thrilled. I love this and will definitely be checking back more often. This past summer we found out that my daughter is gluten intollerant as well as with dairy and eggs. I haven’t removed everything as yet but we have cut way back these items. There has been such an improvement with her. She is barely in the autistic spectrum – ratings start at 30 and she ranked 33 . All these years she has had trouble with sentance structure and math skills. She’s nearly sixteen by the way. And after two months, the child who still struggled with addition and subtraction, is able to multiply and do simple division in her head. Needless to say I’m extremely thrilled. She also takes seizures and these have decreased with the dietary changes as well. The seizures were bad enough last year that I quit my job to be available 24/7.
Have you heard of the book “Special Diets for Special Kids”? The woman who wrote this had a son who was severely autistic and now he is not due to these changes in diet as well. She also includes recipes in her book.
I am so glad you have your blog and I will be read every posting very soon.
Sincerely,
Maureen
Hi Maureen- Thank you so much for leaving such a wonderful note. I’m so glad to hear that your daughter has been doing much better after changing her diet! I cannot tell you how much my life has changed since I cut gluten, eggs and soy out of my diet. it’s amazing how much can change just by changing your diet. I haven’t heard of that book but I will definitely check it out. Thanks again :) – Taryn
I love your blog, Taryn! Glad I found it through the Uncommon Designs blog network link-up! I’ve been gluten-free for about 3 months now & love it but I am running really low on recipes so I’m excited about all the great recipes you have! <3 Heidi Rew from PartiesforPennies
You have a great blog! I have been blogging for three years or so, but feel like I have so much to learn! I am also in seattle and would love to meet up if you are ever interested in getting together with a local blogger. :-)
I just discovered your blog today and love it!!! I am a NW girl too and love it!!! Excited to read more. Thanks for sharing all your great ideas!!
I just discovered your blog! Love your projects! Thanks for sharing!
Just discovered your blog and I am so excited to explore it. We are also in the Seattle area and absolutely love it. I don’t think that I could live anywhere else. My dad has Celiac and I can’t wait to try out some of your recipes on him!
Just discovered your log, and I’m so excited for it! I love crafts and my little brother is 11 and gluten intolerant, so it’s great to find some recipes out there! Thank you so much!
Hey Taryn, just found your blog by reading knockoff decor. Loved the black “kitchen” sign you made. Bought a similar sign @ Target a few months ago (“French Market”) but I like yours just as well. If you’ll forgive a stupid question by a newbie. . . where do you purchase a Silhouette? And is it like a Cricut which I have been checking out@ my local joann’s? P.S. I live in Wa state too on the east side in a small town but we have all the chain stores here. . .
love the spider wreath but not sure of bowl size would like more information on bowl sizes thanks for sharing and any help