Cheap & Cheerful

I love wine, and since I've worked in the restaurant business for years, I've come to see that I'm not alone.  We (Canadians) are consuming more wine than ever, even though beer has long been our drink of choice. "Canada is projected to be the fifth fastest-growing wine market in the next five years".   Full article

I'm always looking for good value.  Finding a cheap wine that doesn't taste or feel cheap the next day is hard.  And I've searched for it - with many hangovers to prove it. That's why I was so pleased to come across this little green gem.

I don't doubt that KWV is big business in South Africa and would be the Canadian equivalent of recommending Jackson-Triggs, but for the price I am so impressed with their Chenin Blanc. It's priced nicely at $9.45, and since it's on the LCBO's General List, it's always available.

I'm so glad this came across my lips. It's now my go to white that I can keep a healthy stock of in my fridge. Great to keep on hand for Summer BBQs or just plain sipping. It's easier to ignore the flaws in white wine since we drink it cold but this one even passed a lukewarm test when I couldn't wait for it to chill one thirsty afternoon. Peach and apricot on the nose and green apple in the mouth, good acid and crisp finish. This wine works perfectly for my wallet and my taste buds. When those two are happy, so am I.

These are not Resolutions

Resolutions are hard to follow so I have a list of Intentions to share instead.  Let's hope my word trickery works and these intentions have some staying power.

Intentions for 2014

Be good to yourself. You’re the most important person in your life. Love every part and you’ll be well equipped to love and accept others.  Apparently we have 2000 parts, that’s a lot of love.

Accept when shitty things happen to you, they are out of your control. Accept them and find something valuable in those moments.  Like getting fired - you hated that job anyway, and now you can sleep in.

Stop judging. It’s easy to find fault in people, try finding the best in them, even if it is the tiniest minutest part of that person.

Read more than 140 characters. There is a wealth of knowledge and inspiration out there that can’t be summed up.  Read a book by an author who spent years as a starving artist to bring you their story. Think of how hungry they must have been.

Laugh at yourself because you’re ridiculous. We're all ridiculous, with our crazy thoughts and emotional reactions. It’s pretty funny even when you’re trying to be serious.

Stop criticizing your every move. Perfection doesn’t exist.  Embrace your mistakes and accomplishments equally.  Plus mistakes make for great stories.

Write everyday. It doesn’t matter if it’s good; chances are it’s not.  All that matters is that you show up. Keep your pen to page or fingers to keyboard. (this one’s mostly for me)

Do more of what you love. Whether it's reading, running, skipping or jumping - do more of it. 

Don’t eat or go to sleep angry. Neither of these things are good for you. Find a way to calm down before you dive in to that meal or before you hit the pillow. Maybe hit the pillow a few times, that might calm you down.

Get outside everyday. Unless you live in Canada and it’s -30 C, or if there’s a Master Chef marathon on – also an excuse to stay in.

      

Don’t look for happiness in other people. They can share it but they can’t give it to you.  Find it within yourself.  Even if it is buried by pain and disappointment, it’s still there.  Dig deep, it’s in there, I saw it once.