Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Real Obsessed!

Over the past few years, I have developed an obsession. . . to the Real Housewives. Atlanta, New Jersey, New York, Orange County and now Washington DH, I can’t get enough.

That is why I was delighted to see the newest reality franchise, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I’m sure these flashy women will be as over the top as possible – no doubt draped in diamonds, designer labels from head to toe and of course, drama. The show premiers October 14 on Bravo. There is no doubt I'll be watching!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Little Indulgences

Every August, one of my favorite things to do is buy all the September issues of fashion magazines. I love shopping in the fall. A perfect evening consists of an iced chai tea from Starbucks and my pile of magazines.

This year however, I got to thinking about my current style. And then it hit me – I don’t have one.

The reason: work!

In one of my financial planning books, I read that 80% of my clothing budget should be spent on work clothes for the first five to seven years of employment. So that’s what I have done. I have pencil skirts, dress pants, a few work appropriate dresses, and oxford shirts. Blah.

I need a fashion boost! So, in honor of my favorite fall traditions, I am going to make a dedicated effort to spruce up my out of office attire.

I also plan on taking a trip to Gap and Banana Republic. And – you can too because this weekend is the Gap Give and Get 30% sale. Click here and print your coupon!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Rosie and her esophagus

I don't call her nosey Rosie for nothin! Miss Rosie ate something. Something she wasn't suppose to eat.

And that mystery something ended up lodged in her esophagus. And not the top of her esophagus, the bottom of her esophagus that's behind her heart and difficult to get to.

Let me start at the beginning.

On the way home from Indiana this weekend, Rosie let us know that something was very wrong with her by throwing up in the car and yelping out in pain several times. After putting two and two together, we determined that she had eaten something and that we needed to get her to a doctor ASAP.

We found an emergency vet clinic on our way home and made a frantic stop. After a visit there and some heavy pain medicine for Rosie, we set off for Milwaukee to one of the nation's top vet clinics for emergency care (who knew this was right in our backyard!) - Rosie had an object lodged in her esophagus.

The drive felt like hours...and it was, but only three. Once we arrived in Milwaukee, we went straight to the emergency vet - they took Rosie away and two hours later we were in the vet's office hearing all the terrifying things that could happen to our sweet baby Rose.

I understand veterinarians have to be realistic, but ours was brutal. She had me thinking Rosie might not be recovering from this issue and asked questions that were not registering. I mean, dogs eat things. All kinds of things, but Joey and I were faced with the possibility that Rosie might not make it through this situation and I was mortified.

The doctors were able to remove some of the blockage through a scope in Rosie's mouth, however, the main blockage had to be pushed in her tummy.  We are hoping that this will work its way out and surgery on her tummy won't be necessary.

I was able to take Rosie out of the animal ER and bring her home. She is finally eating and drinking a little bit. At times she perks up and we see the Rosie we know and love, but for the most part, she is in recovery mode and does a lot of sleeping.

Day 1