Simple Living

Wine Review: Campi Rudi Appassimento Rosso Puglia IGT Passito I recently opened a bottle of Campi Rudi Appassimento Rosso Puglia IGT Passito , and I was immediately impressed. Tasting Notes The wine greets you with a lovely nose that hints at its rich character. The first sip is sweet and smooth, transitioning into a slight dry mouthfeel that provides a nice balance. It has a full-bodied character that makes it very enjoyable, perfect for sipping on its own or alongside a meal. Value At $13 from Trader Joe's, this wine offers excellent value. While it leans towards the sweeter side, I’d recommend rotating it into your selection rather than making it a daily drink. It brings to mind a Meiomi Pinot or Cabernet , but without that syrupy coating, making it a better deal overall. Food Pairing I can easily see this wine pairing well with pork dishes, complementing the savory flavors beautifully. Update (6/24/23) Unfortunately, I can’t find it at Trader Joe’s anymore. I’ll continue to s...

Paid Memberships and Subscriptions Overview It's easy to overlook ongoing memberships and subscriptions. Here’s a breakdown of mine: Groceries - $110 Costco: $60/yr Sam's Club: $50/yr Streaming - $108 Amazon Prime: $139/yr (Cancelled 2023) Netflix: $108/yr Disney+: $120/yr (Cancelled 2024) Utility/Maintenance - $400 Blink Camera: $30/yr Anti-Virus: $70/yr Car Wash: $300/yr Events - $110 Gym: $360/yr (Cancelled 2023) Museum: $165/yr (Cancelled 2023) Garden: $110/yr Total Membership Cost per Year: $728 Updates 2023 - Cancelled Amazon Prime: I decided to quit Amazon Prime as I mainly used it for free shipping, which I can achieve by bundling orders. 2023 - Keeping Costco & Sam's Club: Although I shop infrequently, I find the membership worthwhile for the cheaper gas. 2023 - Keeping Car Wash Membership: The unlimited car washes for $240/yr save me time and keep my car clean, making this expense justifiable. 2023 - Evaluating Cuts: I'm considering cancelling the Gym ...

Double Pouring Vertuo Pods for a Better Brew Double pouring the same Vertuo pod is a great way to enhance your coffee experience. By first brewing a regular Espresso or Double Espresso pod, you can then pour a second cup through the used pod. This method allows mostly water to flow through, softening the harshness of the initial brew and creating a homemade version of an Americano. It’s an easy and effective way to enjoy a smoother cup of Joe.

Trader Joe’s Private Label Wine Review I used to think Trader Joe’s was all about their 2 Buck Chuck (now $3.99), but they offer a lot more through their private label brands, which come in several tiers: Reserve Grand Reserve Platinum Diamond (seasonal) I haven't tried the Diamond tier yet, but I've enjoyed multiple bottles from the other tiers, both in Pinot and Cabernet varieties. The prices are impressively low, with Reserve and Grand Reserve costing $10 or less and Platinum priced at $13. The Platinum Pinot was quite good, and the Reserve Cabernet 2020 was excellent. However, I found the Grand Reserve to be hit-or-miss, which seems to be the case regardless of the tier label. Overall, it’s a fantastic find for affordable yet enjoyable wines!