Simple Living

Chapter 1: Frozen Margaritas Lately, I’ve been on a frozen Margarita kick and decided to make my own cocktails at home. After realizing how expensive it was to order them at bars—ranging from $8 to $12 each—I figured it was time to take matters into my own hands. This is my first serious attempt at cocktail-making beyond simple Whisky Highballs. Here’s a look at the classic components of a Margarita recipe: Classic Margarita Recipe (3-2-1) 1.5 oz Tequila (Blanco 100% Agave) 🥃 1 oz Cointreau 🍊 0.5 oz Lime Juice 🍋‍🟩 For a frozen Margarita, I plan to add more lime juice and sweetness, either from sugary syrup or frozen fruits. I. Adventures Begin with Frozen Margaritas I’m experimenting with a variety of Margarita recipes and have settled on a base while exploring different flavoring options. I’m also learning basic cocktail-making techniques to gain a better appreciation for the drinks I usually order at the bar. II. Budget - It’s Cheaper to DIY Ordering frozen Margaritas was gett...

A Remarkable Find: $4 Pinot Grigio I was blown away by how amazing this ridiculously cheap $4 Pinot Grigio tastes. You really have to remind yourself that this wine only costs $4 and is almost as good as an $18 Santa Margherita. Let that sink in! It’s also a far better deal than the $12 Italo Cescon. Flavor Profile Dry Slightly Sweet Slightest Sour (acidity) The subtle sweetness is enough to make the slight sourness barely noticeable. It’s so smooth and dry, pairing nicely with a crisp salad and grilled pork. Stocking Up I’m stocking up by the case because it’s such a fantastic deal!

Exploring Affordable Wines from Costco I finally got around to purchasing some wines at Costco that were recommended from various online sources. I had already tried the St. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon, which is decent, but I was particularly impressed with how delicious and affordable the Kirkland branded wines are.  *BB denotes Bulk Buys Red Wines Kirkland - Bordeaux Superior - Grand Vin   *BB 2019 Kirkland Signature Châteauneuf-du-Pape   *BB Kirkland - Signature Malbec   *BB Kirkland - Gigondas - GSM   *BB Ste. Michelle - Indian Wells - Red Blend Ste. Michelle - Indian Wells - Cabernet Sauvignon Ste. Michelle - Cabernet Sauvignon D'Angelo White Wines Kirkland - Marlborough - Sauvignon Blanc - Ti Point   *BB 2023 Kirkland - Friuli Grave - Pinot Grigio   *BB Kirkland - Moscato   *BB Kirkland - Asolo Prosecco   *BB Italo Cescon - Pinot Grigio Bulk Buys: Malbec & Friuli The Malbec and Friuli are bulk buys that I recommend stoc...

NYC Itinerary: A Week of Exploring Manhattan Visiting NYC for a week in May was a fantastic experience. I focused on specific areas of Manhattan each day to minimize travel times, allowing me to explore 12 neighborhoods in just 7 days. My goal was to take my time and fully immerse myself in each neighborhood and its attractions, rather than rushing through everything. Lessons Learned The Met is #1: If you only have time for one museum, make it this one. Times Square is fun for 5 minutes: Consider staying elsewhere. Subway is cheap and efficient: Use common sense; it’s the best way to travel. Slow down and enjoy: Spending time in a local coffee shop can be more enlightening than an hour at a Starbucks Reserve. ❤️ denote places or things that were awesome and worth a visit. Original Itinerary Day 1 - Arrival/Times Square/Midtown South 10:40 am: Arrive at LGA ✈️ 11:00 am: Take Q70 Bus 🚎 to Subway E/F train 12:00 pm: Explore Times Square 1:00 pm: Lunch at Luke Lobster Roll/Udon L...