Simple Living

My Weight Loss Journey: A Steady Path to Health It's taking longer than expected to lose weight, as I began this journey over a year ago during the summer of 2023. I successfully dropped 19 lbs, going from 184 to 165, but then plateaued for nearly a year. During a recent trip to NYC in May 2024, I jumped back up to 173 lbs. However, I resumed my dieting efforts and have since lost 12 lbs, reaching 161 lbs as of August 2024. I now feel optimistic about achieving my original goal of 150 lbs. I. Goal: 150 lbs by Summer 2025 What seems to have helped is accepting that this process will take time—likely another year. I’m aiming to reach my goal by the summer of 2025. II. Reward: Common Projects Achilles Shoes As a reward for reaching my goal, I hope to upgrade my shoe game with a pair of Common Projects Achilles shoes. Another unexpected benefit of losing weight is that I’ve noticed my shoes fitting a bit looser, indicating that some of the fat I’ve shed was in my feet. III. Diet/Hydrat

I’ve recently enjoyed Argentinian Malbecs and am continually impressed by the incredible value this often-overlooked grape offers. I found a delightful, inexpensive red wine priced at just $6, and I’m already on my second bottle—it’s that good! It’s easy to see why this particular Malbec is a bulk buy. Unlike many other Malbecs I’ve tried, this one is enjoyable right upon opening. Typically, other Malbecs require some time to breathe and are better on the second day. Taste Profile Fruit Forward Medium Dry This combination makes it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to explore the world of red wine without breaking the bank.

While La Vostra offers a delightful sparkling wine experience, it lacks the bubbles I would expect from a sparkling wine. Upon initial pour, it does present a sensation of carbonation along with a bit of foam, but it doesn't deliver the effervescence I crave. What it lacks in bubbles, it compensates for with its utterly dry (brut) profile, which is one of my preferred characteristics in sparkling wines. The taste features a light fruit profile, and I find online reviews spot on, noting hints of green apple and peach. Taste Profile Very Dry (Brut) Not Sour (Low Acidity) Not Sweet Need More Bubbles, but Kirkland is 2x Cheaper If La Vostra had more bubbles, it would be an amazing choice. However, its dryness is a highlight for me. That said, considering the price difference—La Vostra is $14 compared to Kirkland’s Asolo Prosecco at $7.69—I’d have to lean toward Kirkland and skip La Vostra. The value simply cannot be ignored.

Kirkland Sauvignon Blanc: A Bulk Buy Worth Exploring The Kirkland-branded Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough Ti Point is an excellent bulk buy, priced at just $7. This wine is a remarkable value, offering an enjoyable experience without breaking the bank. Taste Profile Dry Not Sweet Slightly Sour (Acidity) The higher acidity gives it a puckering sensation that indicates both dryness and slight sourness. This characteristic makes it an excellent pairing with food, as it effectively cleanses the palate between bites. Whether you're enjoying it on its own or with a meal, this Sauvignon Blanc is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious wine lovers.

Annual Wardrobe Review: Streamlining My Collection I'm currently going through my annual wardrobe review and making a conscious effort to streamline my collection. My goal is to reduce my inventory to 49 pieces, with plans to further downsize to 45. As part of this process, I’ve let go of 9 items, specifically focusing on Adidas track jackets and all my hoodies. Capsules: Winter & Professional Attire I’ve organized my winter wear into a separate mini-capsule to focus on my main seasonal outfits. Since my work doesn’t require formal dress clothes, I’ve also created a professional dress capsule and culled items I no longer need. Current Inventory *** Planned replacement in 2025 Shirts 👕 - 15 Polo (4) Uniqlo - Polo (Black x3) Burberry - Polo (Green)   T-Shirt (9) Uniqlo - U-Crew (Green, Black) Uniqlo - Airism (Black x2) Uniqlo - Supima (White x2, Black x3) ***   Gym Shirt: Adidas Black Long Sleeve Shirt: Old Navy - Orange Jersey Pants 👖 - 7 Track Pants: Adidas Black Jeans (2): Z

Exploring Sparkling Wines: Kirkland’s Asolo Prosecco DOCG While I enjoy champagne, I can only afford it for special occasions. To broaden my sparkling wine experience, I decided to test the waters with options like Prosecco. I’ve heard great things about Kirkland’s Asolo Prosecco DOCG, and at just $7.69, it’s ten times cheaper than my current favorite, Bollinger. I’m pleased to report that it doesn’t disappoint. Considering its price point, this Prosecco offers a fantastic experience. It’s categorized as Extra Dry, which means it’s slightly sweeter than a Brut. However, as noted in various reviews, it’s not overly sweet. It delivers a dry and crisp sensation that I appreciate in sparkling wines. If I could find this in a Brut, it would be exceptional. Nevertheless, for $7.69, this Prosecco is a keeper for any time I want the delightful sensation of a sparkling wine at an incredible price. I’m planning to keep a couple of bottles in my collection for future enjoyment. Flavor Profile Dry