Wine Wednesday: Santero Asti Sparkling Wine

I often use the BC Liquor store app to check out what's new and what to try.  They have "wish" and "favourite" list where you can save wines that you have found.  Often I will browse and save sparkling wines on my Wish list.  

So on New Year's Eve it was easy to look at my Wish list and then choose a bottle of sparkling wine that was on sale.  Then when I ventured out into the BC Liquor Store that was completely crowded, I didn't have to browse at all.  I just grabbed the one bottle of sparkling Santero Asti Sparkling Wine and left.

The bottle is pretty and looks almost gold which is great for presentation.  Santero Asti Sparkling wine is sweet like a Moscato so it's perfect for a crowd because it's to sip and drink slowly.  It was our sparkling wine for the New Years toast!  

Give everyone half a glass to celebrate!  Any occasion will do.  

New Year's Resolution: Minamalism

Happy New Year!  It's a new year and a new word.  Instead of a new year's resolution, my word for 2017 is MINAMALISM.  I'm hoping this word motivate me the whole year through and make me stay true to my values.

This is inspired by the documentary Minamalism on Netflix and my own values on living a simple life.  I love the Minamalists definition.

"Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom." 

My journey with declutting began years ago but I feel that finally I am close to achieving the "why" of the minamalist lifestyle.  Due to financial constraints I have already been anti-consumerism and have reduced my spending tremendously over the past six months on material "things" or "possessions."  

The key for me in the new year 2017 is to truly continue the minamalist lifestyle.  To continue to let go of things of the past so I can live in the present.  To bring to life the gift giving of memories and experiences instead of "gifts".  This has been difficult for me because of the values that others hold on brand names or material possessions.  The hardest part is to be able to socialize and hang out with friends who do not share this lifestyle and yet still be able to enjoy the "window shopping" and not be tempted by the shopping malls.  

What does this mean for me?

- simplifying life 
- living with minamalist values
- focusing on quality time and experiences
- creating memories
- willingness to let go of possessions
- caring for my parents
- nurturing my self care 
- taking care of my health
- be happy and well

I'll continue to write about my minamalism journey with Minamailism Monday.  To share my decluttering tips, ways to let go, and books that have inspired me.  I am quite excited and hope you are too as I embark on this new year!

Fitness Friday: Keep Fit Without Committing

New Year's is around the corner and it is the time for everyone to make New Year's resolutions and promises for a fresh start!  Along with this comes the promise to workout and get fit.  This is the busiest season for fitness centres and gyms.  The memberships boost and then will fall dramatically before the summer and as the days get longer.  

So this year instead of being committed to a gym or yoga membership, there is a way to keep fit without committing.  GROUPON has coupons for all different types of fitness and is great for those who don't like to do the same thing all of the time.  It's best to keep fit and save money at the same time.  Here are some of the groupons for fitness that I've found for those in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

1.  Oxygen Yoga - This is a hot yoga studio that has unlimited one month long memberships for new members for only $49.  Keep in mind that sometimes groupon will have extra savings so watch out for those promotional codes.  Just type in Oxygen Yoga as the search function to see which one is closest.

2.  HIIT Fitness - High intensity interval training is good for your metabolism and they have a 10 punch card at their downtown location for $39.

3.  Zumba - Latin dancing that is also a workout for those who like to shake their booty.  The Zumba Latin Fitness Ztudio has a morning anytime 10 card pass for $35.  

4.  Cyklus Vancouver - Indoor spinning classes located downtown Vancouver have a 5 class pass for $70.  That is also the new client special on their website so this is a good deal on Groupon IF they have an additional promotion.

As for me, I've decided to go with Oxygen Yoga in New Westminister that is close to the skytrain station and on my way home.  That'll keep me busy for January and then I can revisit in February to see what I want to try next.  That's my style to reach new heights and keep fit without committing.

BlogHer Writing Lab Wednesday - Tradition of New Year Resolutions

"Why do you think we have the tradition of trying to change ourselves at the start of the year?"

In ancient times, they would make resolutions or promises to Gods in hopes of receiving a good year.  That still resonates in today's society.  I think that our nature is to stay safe but to grow we all know that it is about CHANGE.

What better way to instigate change than to ring it in with a new year!  It's like a fresh start and we can forget the past and learn to live in the present with resolutions for a healthy and successful lifestyle in the new year.  

One of my biggest new year's resolutions is all about FITNESS for 2016.  I want to lose weight, be healthy and fit.  That is a tough call and much harder now that I'm over 40 years old.  But since I am motivated I have already found a New Year's fitness center that will open in the neighbourhood.  

I live near Metrotown and Good Life Fitness is opening Sovereign on January 13, 2016.  It's going to be a 24/7 gym so there will be no excuses and with my premium membership it includes access to all locations and being able to bring a guest anytime all for around $56/ month.  

I'm looking forward to losing weight as my new year's resolution so I can be fit and healthier and have the confidence to do.  Wish me luck!  

New Year's Resolutions! Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  Welcome 2015!

What are your new year's resolutions that you can strive to work on the whole year through?  What are your goals and challenges for the new year?

My thoughts for the new year with words that say it all.  May you follow your hearts in the new year to find adventures, follow the path less taken, help others in need and may your actions have impact.  Find the happiness 

Happiness

Health

Compassion

Fitness

Love

Gratitude

Community

Family

Celebration