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

I’ve been on a Frozen Margarita kick lately and wanted to make my own as it’s getting expensive at the bar.  This is also my first serious attempt at making my own cocktails beyond simple Whisky Highballs.  To start here is the basic components of a classic Margarita recipe. 1.5 oz Tequila (Blanco 100% Agave) 🥃  1 oz Cointreau 🍊  0.5 oz Lime Juice 🍋‍🟩  A Frozen Margarita adds more lime juice and sweetness either from sugary syrup or frozen fruits. Chapter 1 - Frozen Margaritas I. Adventures begin with Frozen Margaritas I’m trying a variety of Margarita recipes and settled on a base and have experimented with the flavoring options.  I’m also learning basic cocktail making techniques to gain a better appreciation for what I normally order at a bar. II. Budget - It’s cheaper to DIY It was getting expensive to order frozen margaritas at bars and was spending $8-12 per drink when I can make it at home for about $3.  The main cost is about $2 for the Tequila and Cointreau.  Limes 🍋‍🟩 a

I was blown away at how amazing this ridiculously cheap $4 Pinot Grigio wine tastes. You have to remind yourself this thing only costs $4 and is almost as good as an $18 Santa Margherita.  Let that sink in.  And it’s far better deal than the $12 Italo Cescon. Flavor Profile: Dry Slightly sweet Slightest sour (acidity) The sweetness is enough to make the sour barely noticeable.  It's so smooth and dry pairing nicely with a crisp salad and grilled pork. I'm stocking up by the case as it's so darn cheap!

Santa Margherita remains my #1 but Italo Cescon is a close second.  What holds it back is higher acidity that gives a sour pucker sensation.  It fortunately is not sweet and on the dry side, 2 reasons I love the Santa Margherita. If it had less sour acidity then it would be the winner as it’s half the price at $11 whereas Santa Margherita goes for $20, but sometimes bulk buy discounts can get it down to $17. But because it’s 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

Finally got around to buying some wines at Costco that were recommended from various online sources.  I already had the St Michelle and it’s a decent Cab.  I’m impressed that Kirkland branded wines are actually delicious and extremely affordable. *BB - Bulk Buy Red Wines Kirkland - Bourdeaux Superior - Grand Vin   *BB 2019 Kirkland Signature Chateauneuf-du-Pape    *BB Kirkland - Signature Malbec   *BB Kirkland - Gigondas - GSM   *BB Ste Chateau Michelle - Indian Wells - Red Blend Ste Chateau Michelle - Indian Wells - Cabernet Sauvignon Ste Chateau Michelle - Cabernet Sauvignon D'Angelo White Wines Kirkland - Malborough - Sauvignon Blanc - Ti Point   *BB 2023 Kirkland - Fruili Grave - Pinot Grigio   *BB Kirkland - Moscato   *BB Kirkland - Asolo Prosecco  *BB Italo Cescon - Pinot Grigio Malbec & Friuli are Bulk Buys Stock up as these punch well above their price point.  The Malbec and Friuli were cheap and testing them as I’m seeking basic wines that are still delicious.  As I wa

Visiting NYC for a week in May and planning my itinerary.  I’m focusing on specific areas of Manhattan for each day to minimize travel times.  Giving me a chance to hit 12 neighborhoods in 7 days.  I wanted to take my time and soak in each neighborhood and tourist attraction vs trying to zip through everything. Lessons Learned The Met is #1.  If only one museum, go this one first. Times Square is fun for 5 minutes.  Pick hotels elsewhere. Subway is cheap, efficient and use common sense and it’s the best way to travel. You’ll see more if you take it slow and enjoy fewer things.  Sitting at a subway coffee shop for 20 minutes was more enlightening experience than an hour at the Starbuck’s Reserve. Original Itinerary Day 1 - Arrival/Times Square/Midtown South Day 2 - Midtown/Chelsea - MoMa/Highline Day 3 - Lower Manhattan/Brooklyn - Staten Island Ferry/Dumbo Day 4 - SoHo/Summit One Day 5 - Upper West Side & Central Park Day 6 - Upper West Side - AMNH Day 7 - Upper East Side/Departure