Simple Living

It’s taking longer than expected to lose weight as I started over a year ago during Summer 2023.  I was able to drop 19 lbs from 184 to 165 then plateaued for a year. I jumped back to 173 on a recent May 2025 NYC trip and resumed dieting dropping 12 lbs and achieved 161 lbs as of August 2024 so I feel it’s achievable to hit my original goal of 150 lbs. I. Goal 150 lbs by Summer 2025 What seems to have helped is to accept the fact it’s going to take time and likely another year so maybe Summer of 2025…I’ll reach my goal. II. Reward…Common Project Achilles Shoes As a reward, I’m hoping to upgrade my shoe game to a pair of Common Projects Achilles shoes. Another benefit of losing weight.  I’ve noticed my shoes are a bit looser fitting indicating some of the fat I’ve been able to shed were in my feet.  So that’s certainly an unexpected benefit. III. Diet/Hydration Structured around: Calorie intake 2 meals per day - 6 days a week 3 meals per day - 1 day a week Nutrition Avoiding processed s

I’ve enjoyed Argentinian Malbec’s and am impressed at the incredible value you can get with such an overlooked grape.  This is a very inexpensive $6 red wine and on my second bottle already and it’s delicious. I can see why this is a bulk buy.  Unlike other Malbec’s I’ve had this one is good upon opening, typically other Malbec’s needed to breathe and were better the second day. Taste Profile: Fruit forward Medium dry

This lacks the bubbles I’d expect in a sparkling wine.  It does have the sensation of carbonation and a bit of foam upon initial pour. However, what it lacks in bubbles it made up in being utterly dry (brut) and my preferred characteristic of a sparkling wine. It has a light fruit taste profile and I agree with online reviews indicating 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 it had more bubbles this would be amazing.  The lack of sweet, though makes it delicious for me. But at 2x the price of Kirland’s Asolo Prosecco at $14 vs $7.69…I’d have to go with Kirkland and skip La Vostra.

This is a bulk buy.  The Kirkland branded Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough Ti Point.  It’s a bulk buy as it’s amazing and only $7. Taste Profile: Dry Not sweet Slightly sour (acidity) This gives a puckering sensation indicating it’s dry and sour from higher acidity.  This is great with food as it cleanses the palate.

Going through my annual review of my wardrobe and donating some items to bring me to 48 pieces with plans to drop it further to 45.  I let go 9 pieces specifically in Adidas Track Jackets and all my hoodies. Capsules - Winter & Professional Attire I’ve organized my winter wear as a separate mini-capsule to focus on my main seasonal outfits.  As my work doesn’t require dress clothes I’ve also moved that to a professional dress capsule and culled off things I don’t need. Current Inventory *** Planned replacement in 2025 Shirts 👕- 15 Polo (4) - Green, Black x3 T-Shirt (9) - Green, White x2, Black x6 *** Gym Shirt - Adidas Black LS Shirt - Orange Jersey Pants 👖 - 7 Track Pants - Adidas Black Jeans (2) - Dark Denim x2 *** Shorts (1) - Brown Sports Shorts (3) - Black, Red x2 Outerwear 🧥  - 9 Track Jackets (2) - Adidas Black, Red Crew Sweater (4) - Grey, White, Green, Red Bomber Jacket - Green *** Northface Rain Jacket - Navy Polo Varsity Jacket - Navy Shoes 👟 - 5 Sneakers (4) - Nike

I do like champagne, but can only afford it for special occasions.  I’m testing the waters with other sparkling wines like Prosecco and heard good things about the Kirkland’s Asolo Prosecco DOCG.  For a mere $7.69 this is 10x cheaper than my current favorite Bollinger. And it doesn’t disappoint.  Granted it’s 10x cheaper than a proper champagne so this a fantastic experience and only thing is it’s an Extra Dry so a little sweeter than Brut, but as others have said in reviews it’s not overtly sweet.  It does have a dry and crisp sensation that I enjoy with sparkling wines. If I could find this in a Brut this would be exceptional.  But at $7.69 this is a keeper anytime I want the sensation of a sparkling wine at an amazing price.  I’m keeping a couple bottles in my collection. Flavor Profile: Dry Slightly sweet Balanced