Spring Cleaning… for the Liver? Why I’m Taking a Break from Booze (and Tank Is Too – Well not exactly 😉 !)
Well, here we are—back in Canada, swapping palm trees for patio season, and realizing that all those “just one more” cocktails added up. The boozy, Florida lifestyle is officially in the rearview mirror for another season, and I’ve brought home more than just some cute sandals and a suspiciously high Visa bill. Let’s just say the Florida 15 is a thing, and I’m feeling it.
And it’s not just me. Tank, my ever-loyal (and slightly rounder) sidekick, indulged in his own version of vacation excess—treats from friendly neighbours, extra beach snacks, and the daily icecream he definitely wasn’t supposed to have. So, we’re both in for a little spring reset.
Now, before you go rolling your eyes and assume I’m about to tell you to overhaul your entire life, don’t worry—that’s not my style. This isn’t about forever or fur-ever in Tanks case; it’s about hitting pause for April, shaking off the winter (or snowbird season) sluggishness, and seeing how we feel.
Think of it as spring cleaning, but for your body. We declutter closets, purge junk drawers, and scrub the house top to bottom—why not give the liver a little love too? A short break from booze might mean better sleep, more energy, and (fingers crossed) a little less of that vacation fluff that somehow followed me home.
And if you’re one of my friends who stayed up north, emerging from hibernation with your own Winter 15, you might just be in the same boat. Or at least paddling next to it, wondering why your jeans are suddenly snug – I got news for you, it ain’t the dryer. (Although I have been known to use that as an excuse myself 😂)
The best part? I’ve got the perfect place to do this—The Gym on Plains. Owning a gym now means I have zero excuses, but it also means I get to cheer on anyone else who wants to join in. Whether you’re cleansing, moving more, or just trying to shake off the sluggishness, I’ll be right there with you. And so will Tank—though he’s mostly in it for the extra walks and games of fetch.
So, what do you think? Want to try a little April reset with me? No pressure, no rules—just a chance to see how we feel. Worst case? We make it a few days and learn that we really, really love wine/rye/tequila. 🤷♀️ Best case? We feel a little lighter, a little more energized, and a lot more ready for summer.
Either way, I’ll keep you posted. And if you see me eyeing a cocktail come May 1st, just remind me that patio season is long, but feeling good is better.
After the market at the Promenade I ask Tank if he wants to go trick or treating. He knows exactly which stores has treats stashed behind the counter for him. He is on a first name basis with them all. Here he is lined up with the ladies shopping at Evelyn & Arthur to get a cookie. So spoiled. 🤦♀️

12 Comments
Suzanne
March 30, 2025 at 8:43 AMThis is adorable Marion. Tank with his low cal popcorn and lined up with the ladies.
I’m in. I can commit to an April reset!!!
I am not a snowbird but it was a long snowy and very cold winter. I was inside way too much avoiding the weather.
What do I need to do?
Marion
March 30, 2025 at 9:26 AMThanks Suzanne, I happen to agree. He IS adorable 🥰 and a bit chubby lol
Let’s start chatting on an email and we can figure out our next steps together….actually ‘steps’ is probably the best place to start. Getting 10,000 steps in a day is sure to help us shed some pounds…that with some healthy food choices? I might not be rocking a bikini…but If I could just ‘comfortably’ get into my jeans! LOL
Have a great day. [email protected]
Tammy
March 30, 2025 at 8:45 AMDo we need to sign up for this? I want to join. Spring is the perfect time to give our bodies a break from the heavy winter meals and for me there wasn’t much exercise. Too damn cold out! lol
Marion
March 30, 2025 at 9:23 AMHi Tammy. Nope…no sign ups, but feel free to send me emails at [email protected] and we can share recipes and work outs!! I really hope this weather gets a bit nicer. I have been cold since I got home on Monday lol.
Have a great Sunday. I’ll watch for emails from you. Let’s get this done!
Tamara
March 30, 2025 at 8:48 AMWhat a great idea Savvy. I could stand to eat healthier and cut back on the cocktails too. You are so right about Florida being a vacation. We have been snowbirds for a good many years and every year it’s the same thing when I get home. I complain about how tight my jeans are. You have motivated me to do something about it starting now. Thanks.
Marion
March 30, 2025 at 9:21 AMGood morning Tamara. Ha ha…that is the first thing I notice. I go to put my jeans on to come home and – uh oh 😕
I am so glad that I motivated you. I find that once I am in the right frame of mind I am like a bullet out of a gun!
I started with a personal trainer on Friday and my behind is already feeling it.
Good luck. Message me at [email protected] anytime!
Leslie
March 30, 2025 at 10:36 AMMiss you girl, but lovin’ your pilates spot! xo
Marion
March 30, 2025 at 1:34 PMHahaha You are quite welcome!! 🤗 Love ya!!
Nancy Murtaugh
March 30, 2025 at 11:20 AMSo Marion, I don’t know if you will remember this, but the first time I met you was after you had scored a bunch of goals in a vivid game of street hockey in Rookery Lake. You were always a good athlete, it seems to me, and quite a dynamo of energy. So I predict success for you in this effort to ahed weight and firm up. You are a good writer and a wonderful motivator. I enjoy reading all of your blogs. So keep it up, if only for the sake of the rest of us blobby, boozy couch potatoes out here!
Marion
March 30, 2025 at 1:34 PMOh dear…I was hoping that memory would fade over time! LOL. I do remember you and that game. I actually still get comments on it and how much fun it was. One gentleman, keeps hiking up his pants legs to show me his ankles and says ‘remember me?’ Lol. I guess I hit him a few times. 💁♀️ thank you Nancy so much for the very kind message. I will never forget you or our time playing road hockey on Rookery.
from one blobby, boozy, couch potato to another…have a fabulous day.
Murphy Barbary
March 30, 2025 at 11:54 AMDear Tanky – my Mum read Aunt Marion’s blog to me and with a sinking feeling I knew we are also about to embark on a booze free (her), excess treats (me) April and doing this ’15 thing’. Personally I think a little extra pounds just means more of me to love and I’m more furry than fat. Mum also is in for recipe sharing – please include low cal treats for me. Love – Murphy xo
Marion
March 30, 2025 at 1:30 PMHahahaha Murphy!!! You made me and my mom LOL!!! I do agree that there is more to love…and we are all quite fluffy 💕 People need to stop judging us! 😉 I miss you all so much. Tell your mom I found a neighbour that gives me bacon every night! Sometimes my mum won’t even let me visit her. 😠
I hope you are all loving your Cali-life!!!
Kisses to all…especially your mum. ❤️