What happens in Vegas...

Well friends – I would have to say a virtual wedding is a major first for me. Today, I attended a wedding from my office. Yep – it’s true, in the age of video cams and live streams, you don’t have to go to a wedding to attend a wedding. You can do it from the comfort of your office chair during the work day.

A good family friend of ours decided to bypass the wedding hustle and bustle for a laid back approach in Vegas. It was just her, her further husband, the photographer and the officient. And – whoever decided to tune in via the internet.

It was very cute and I am very thrilled for the happy couple!

It just goes to show that what happens in Vegas, is probably on web cam ;-)

Ale’s Delish Low-Fat Potato Soup

Yesterday, there were 47 mile per hour winds in downtown Milwaukee and it definitely felt like fall. The air was crisp and the temps were cool and if any leaves on the trees were about to fall - they are definitely gone now because it was like a hurricane with no water (ok that’s a little dramatic, but you get the point).

The drastic change in weather made me think – I need soup for dinner! So I went out Googling for a good recipe.

I found one and I’m telling you – the soup I found is a keeper – for life.

Below for your tasting pleasure, you will find a fantastic and easy recipe for a low-fat potato soup that is to die for. Even Joey ate it….and he like it enough for two bowls (only if you know Joey do you know what this means because he is the pickiest person I know). For all the ladies out there who get tired of eating low-fat food while their significant other chow’s down on a pizza, spaghetti and tacos, make this soup and enjoy a meal together.

Feel free to garnish with sour cream, scallions or bacon. I was happy with just the soup!

Ale’s Delish Low-Fat Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups diced peeled potatoes

• 1 medium onion, chopped (I only used a half)
• 1 leek sliced (optional – added for extra nutrition and flavor)
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth

• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated fat-free milk, divided

• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, combine the potatoes, onion, celery, broth and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
4. Combine cornstarch and 1/4 cup milk until smooth; stir into potato mixture.
5. Add the remaining milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
6. Remove from the heat. Stir in cheese until melted.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals 178 calories, 2 g fat (0 saturated fat), 9 mg cholesterol, 274 mg sodium, 26 g carbohydrate, 0 fiber, 14 g protein.

What I did when Joey wasn't home....

I decorated for FALL!! I also cleaned the house but Joey didn't seem to notice that. He was just mad that I put out a few fall decorations. He kept talking about how he isn't ready for fall and that I should enjoy the summer.

And to that I said  - It's September...bring on the fall....

For your viewing pleasure, below are a few fall inspirations that I like and may try to replicate at my house:

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!

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!

Miss Rosie - Day 2

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