Simple Living

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

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 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 getting expe

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!

Santa Margherita vs. Italo Cescon: A Pinot Grigio Showdown Santa Margherita remains my #1 choice, but Italo Cescon is a close second. What holds it back is the higher acidity, which gives a sour pucker sensation. Fortunately, it’s not sweet and leans towards the dry side—two reasons I love Santa Margherita. If Italo Cescon had less sour acidity, it would easily take the top spot, especially since it’s half the price at $11, while Santa Margherita typically goes for around $20. However, bulk buy discounts can sometimes bring it down to $17. Because Italo Cescon is such a good price, I’ll carry a few bottles whenever I don’t want to open my Santa Margherita. Flavor Profile Dry Not Sweet Sour / Acidity

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 stocking up on, as they punch well above the

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