Kaoru Marie

Hello, hello, Happy Monday ;) How was your weekend? I meant to do a lot of cleaning since we have a friend arriving this coming Friday, but of course that didn't happen. Instead I did a lot of fun me-stuff. The highlight of my weekend was that I had my first volunteer shift with Found Animals,  at one of their adoption/retail locations. My first shift was a training session with their on-site kitten foster program. Apparently it's "kitten season" right now so there are tons of kittens that need taking care of so they can eventually get up to "adoption-ready" status. And then I got home and couldn't believe how enormous my own cat is! I decided to do a mid-year check-in of the goals I set for myself this year. I enjoy doing a mid-year check-in so I can remember what I've done so far and what I need to "work" (or rather, focus) on. If you recall my 2015 Goals, (I sure don't so I doubt you do; here's the link to that blog post ),...

This photo was taken a couple years ago. I came across this little guy chilling on the corner directly outside my apartment, when I went out to go for a walk. I quickly ran inside to get my camera because I didn't think anyone was going to believe me that a raccoon was just quietly sitting in the gutter in Hollywood! Several months later I almost came face to face with another raccoon when I was walking to the bus stop early one morning. I quickly ran across the street and was so paranoid the raccoon was going to chase me. Can I outrun a raccoon? I never want to find out. 1. I bring up my Hollywood Raccoon Stories because this week I came across an Instagram account of a PET RACCOON!!!!! I couldn't stop watching every single video clip. My husband was less than enthused when I kept texting him links to the videos. His exact quote: "This lady is teaching her 'pet' basically everything it'll need to survive after it kills her and eats her face". ...

After my initial attempt to spruce up my patio with succulents, I decided to go all out and start growing vegetables. I've been enamored for years with the gardens Pookie and Schnookie of Interchangeable Parts grow year after year. They're so lucky to have so much open land on their property! Let's see if I can have even a tenth of their success. Here's what I've planted so far. Everything, except for the basil and "curry" plants, was started from seeds. Most of the plants were started in a little Jiffy "Greenhouse" kit, but a couple things were planted directly in pots or the garden bed. The tomato plants have been growing the best so far. I think you're technically only supposed to have one plant per pot, but ehhhhhh.... Next up are green onions. They look so feeble. I'm always concerned about knocking over those teeny tiny stalks whenever I water. I don't have high hopes for them so wish them luck! The sweet bell p...

We did it you guys! Another workweek down! :)))))) June is my second favorite month of the year because it's my Birthday month and the start of summer. Here are a handful of things that caught me eye this week. 1. I read the NY Times Part 1 expose on nail salons when it first came out, but I only just read Part 2 this week. Then I fell down the rabbit hole of nail salon articles. Then I started wondering if my current nail polish is slowly killing me. { Perfect Nails, Poisoned Workers // NY Times} { Where to Get an Ethical Manicure in NYC // Racked} 2. I'm not much of a "let's recreate vintage everything" person, but this line of vintage make-up available at Sephora has such stunning packaging. I'm tempted to buy lipstick or a compact from the line just so I can carry something that pretty in my purse. { Besame Cosmetics // Sephora} 3. Honey and cream iced espresso drink recipe. I made it the other evening as soon as I got home from work and it...

Weekly Links!! Argh, I haven't done one in so long. I used to try and do them on Sunday nights, but let's try Friday evenings, so you can have something to read during the weekend. 1. I first learned about this story via the Start-Up Podcast (which is FANTASTIC, by the way). Listen to the podcast or read the article and then you decide: is it 'Sexual Harassment'? My opinion? Hells Yes! { Is it Sexual Harassment? // CNN Money} 2. This article highlights exactly why I have been so reluctant to take any "boutique" fitness class. While broadcasting your salary is still taboo, boutique fitness is an almost stealth way to display one’s conspicuous consumption. I'm fearful that I'll feel like I *have* to keep going and I can't afford to have that kind of habit. { Why Fitness Classes are Making you Broke // Racked} 3. Good on Melissa McCarthy for attempting to bring larger sizes to regular stores where they can be sold side-by-side with all th...

What's your definition of "Work Appropriate" when it comes to dresses? Of course, one's work environment will determine the definition of "work appropriate" so it's not necessarily a one-size-fits-all situation. I started drafting this post before I read Charlotte's recent post about dressing for work and loved reading her post and the discussion in the comments. Personally, I work in a fairly conservative industry. I'm an engineer, I work in an office, and when I go to client meetings, project interviews, public outreach meetings, and professional work events, the guys are in suits (mostly with ties) and the women are in similar attire (suits, pencil skirts w/ nice blouse, sheath or fit-and-flare dresses). Go to Banana Republic or Ann Taylor's website and check out the work styles. That's my "work appropriate" attire. Apparently my husband severely disagrees. And I found out we had drastically different opinions regar...