Simple Living

Choosing Between iPhone XR and iPhone 11 When I was looking for a replacement for my venerable iPhone 6s, the XR and 11 were high on my list. I debated which one to get, and I found that the XR and 11 are almost identical, with only two major differences: the faster A13 chip and the dual rear cameras of the 11. iPhone 11 Specs Screen: 6.1” (828 x 1792 pixels) ~326 ppi - 60 Hz Processor: A13 Bionic (7 nm) RAM: 4 GB Storage: 64 GB Battery: 3110 mAh Camera: 12 MP / 12 MP Weight: 6.84 oz Port: Lightning iPhone XR Specs Screen: 6.1” (828 x 1792 pixels) ~326 ppi - 60 Hz Processor: A12 Bionic (7 nm) RAM: 3 GB Storage: 64 GB Battery: 2942 mAh Camera: 12 MP Weight: 6.84 oz Port: Lightning Dual Cameras — Yes, It Makes a Difference I ultimately decided on the iPhone 11 and paid $300 during a special deal (the full retail price is normally $600). I am very happy with my choice, as I find the dual cameras to be a must-have. You don’t realize what you’re missing in casual photography until you’ve tr...

Retro Gaming: The Anbernic RG351p Review Retro gaming has come a long way since the early PC emulators. I was curious about how well a portable handheld could handle emulation and am impressed with the Anbernic RG351p. Based on online reviews, the RG351p is probably the best handheld for those serious about portable retro gaming and who want to own just one device. I have to agree with those reviews and was able to start gaming within 10 seconds of owning the device. This by itself is impressive. The RG351p is by no means perfect, but there are no perfect portable handhelds. Its competitors using the same chipset may have features and capabilities that outclass the RG351p, but they also come with their own drawbacks. The target audience for the RG351p is casual gamers who plan to spend 15 to 30 minutes in a gaming session. It can run for longer multi-hour sessions, but really this is for casual gamers. When shopping around for a portable device, I evaluated the following options: Retro...

2022 Wish List and Spending Summary As 2021 comes to a close, I'm planning my acquisitions for 2022, focusing on various collections and budgeting around $800. Summary Clothes & Shoes : $633 Knives : $58 Watches : $329 (final cost for SE2 only) iPhone : $200 Tech : $25 Final Total Spent : $1,245 Overall, I spent a bit more than expected, but each acquisition feels worthwhile. 2022 - Initial Wish List Clothes - $360 Uniqlo T-Shirts x3 - $45 - DONE Uniqlo Polo Shirt x2 - $50 - DONE Banana Republic Crew Sweater - $15 - DONE Uniqlo Heat Tech Shirt - $20 - DONE Uniqlo Ultra Down - $80 - DONE Northface Venture 2 Rain Jacket - $100 - DONE Adidas Red Gym Shorts x2 - $50 - DONE Total Spent : $360 Shoes - $200 ($110 spent) Air Jordan 1 - $110 - DONE Total Spent : $110 Total Spent Overall : $470 Wardrobe Refresh 2022 is a refresh year for my wardrobe. I’ve standardized on Uniqlo Supima Cotton T-Shirts . Despite being pricier than Hanes, Uniqlo’s Supima lasts significantly longer, ...

Updated Inventory List for Collections I've made some updates to my collections, adding a new category for Swiss Army Knives and shifting my focus from Clothing to Sneakers. Here’s the current overview: Inventory Overview Headphones: 11 Tech: 12 Watches: 7 Swiss Army Knives: 16 Sneakers: 4 Fountain Pens: 4 Whisky: 3 The only collection that hasn’t changed since 2018 is my Fountain Pens; all other collections have expanded or evolved. 1. Headphones (11) I reduced this collection by three items, letting go of my old MDR-ZX, ATH-EQ500, and WM-77 models, which I hadn't used in years. Breakdown: Over-Ear: Audio Technica - ATH-MSR7 Audio Technica - ATH-M50x On-Ear: Grado - SR80e In-Ear: AKG IG955 (Office) Klipsch R6i (Home) Beats Urbeats (Bag) Apple Earbuds x4 Wireless: Apple AirPods Pro 2. Tech (12) I added an iPhone 11, Amazon Fire 8 Tablet, and RG351p to my tech collection. I sold my Apple Shuffle and gave away my old iPhone 6s. I'm also planning to sell the LG K7. Brea...

Maintenance Log for 2007 Lexus IS250 Total Maintenance Cost Lifetime: 2018: $2,900 (warranty) 2019: $600 2020: $2,035 2021: $875 Total: $6,410 Currently, I'm averaging $2,137 a year in maintenance cost but this is due to major repairs due on engine and suspension. However, prepaying with a warranty helped defray $1,600 in additional maintenance.  Otherwise, the true cost would be $2,670 per year.  In either scenario the cost of this car was too high and not worth owning as even larger repairs were likely due like a short block, transmission, etc. Maintenance Cost by Type Consumables (21%) Tire Services : $460 Brakes and Rotors : $1,100 Battery : $50 (true cost $150)  Preventive (17%) Oil Changes : $1,400 Engine (30%) Alternator: $100 (true cost $1,100) O2 Sensor: $100 (true cost $600) Valve Cover Gasket: $100 (true cost $700) Suspension (31%) Front Bushings: $100 (true cost $800) Rear Axle: $100 (true cost $1,700) Total Maintenance Cost : $3,510 (true cost $8,0...

My Simplified Pocket EDC Lately, I’ve simplified my Pocket Everyday Carry (EDC) and generally carry seven core items with an additional four optional items. Core Items: iPhone 11 Wallet Keys Wristwatch USB thumb drive (on keychain) Swiss Army Knife (on keychain) Bandaids (in wallet) Optional Items: AirPods Pro Pen LED flashlight BIC Lighter More often than not, I include only the optional AirPods with my core EDC. The rest I find more convenient to leave in my messenger bag or backpack that I have near me.

Comparing Casio Digital Wristwatches: DW5600 vs. A168 Casio digital wristwatches have become famous for offering exceptional value. It can be challenging to find alternatives that match their quality at such low price points. The G-Shock DW5600 and vintage A168 are excellent examples of their respective model lines, available for around $45 and $20, respectively. It’s this affordability that makes these watches so attractive compared to their high-quality features. When comparing watches, you should consider five criteria: Features Accuracy Reliability / Durability Wearability Aesthetics I. Features - DW5600 Wins Digital watches have a significant advantage over analog watches when it comes to features. Analog watches require space on the dial for each feature, which can be inherently difficult due to limited real estate. In contrast, digital watches can cycle through multiple features using the same display. By pressing the mode button, either Casio watch can cycle through 4-5 screens...

Sneaker Collection Journey I began my quest to build a sneaker collection in 2019, focusing on classic staples. Now, I'm feeling confident enough to venture into the $100-$200 segment, exploring Air Jordans, Air Max, and other iconic Nike styles. Current Collection White - Adidas - Stan Smith // Size 9.5 White - Converse - All Star // Size 9.5 White - Nike - Air Force 1 // Size 9 Black - Nike - Miler React // Size 10 The Air Force 1s are my special pair, while the Nike Milers and Stan Smiths serve as my daily drivers. The Stan Smiths and All Stars are great for casual outfits, and the Milers double as trainers. This versatile set of four pairs provides great options for various occasions. Retired Shoes Adidas - Superstar Puma - Suede Red - Onitsuka - Serrano // Size 9.5 Future Acquisitions I'm considering the following future acquisitions: Nike - Air Jordan 1 Nike - Air Max 90 Nike - Air Force 1 (new colorway) Adidas - Superstar (replacement) I'm still debating th...

Nike React Miler Review After retiring my Adidas Superstars , I managed to survive for a while with the Adidas Stan Smiths , but I soon realized they were impractical for my work demands. With long hours on my feet, I needed something more supportive and comfortable. Discovering React Foam This led me to the Nike React Milers . These shoes feature an incredible amount of React foam cushioning in the sole, providing a soft, responsive feel with every step. The comfort they offer is phenomenal, making them ideal for endurance activities. From my research, I learned that Nike developed React foam as a response to Adidas' Boost technology, which initially gained popularity, especially with Kanye West’s Yeezy collaborations. However, Boost has since fallen out of favor, possibly due to a lack of compelling narratives that resonate like those associated with legendary Nike models such as the Air Force 1 , Air Jordans , or Air Max 90 . This is unfortunate, as Adidas also boasts storied sh...

Apple AirPods Pro Review After selling some of my watches, I decided to splurge on a pair of Apple AirPods Pro . Here’s my experience with them over the past few months. Initial Impressions I’ve only had the AirPods Pro for a few hours, but I’m already impressed by how seamlessly they integrate with my iPhone 11 . Everything just works, and once I learned the basic controls, they felt quite intuitive. The transparent audio feature is impressive, even surpassing my open-ear Grado SR80s in some aspects. Although I’ve only tested the noise-canceling feature sparingly, I plan to give it a more thorough trial soon. Three-Day Review After receiving the new AirPods Pro case, I noticed a design flaw: due to their size and shape, they tend to fall out of my pockets quite easily. My initial listening sessions relied heavily on the transparent audio mode, which isn’t ideal for actual music listening. When I switched it off, I immediately noticed that the sound quality of certain songs improved—a...

General Purpose Backpack Review: Adidas Foundation V I needed a general-purpose backpack that could fit between my casual Jansport and my Dakine hiking bag. After considering my requirements, I settled on the Adidas Foundation V . Here’s my breakdown of the experience. Requirements I had five basic requirements for my new backpack: Black color Polyester material Larger than 26 liters Utility pouches for water bottles Internal compartments for a laptop Options Considered I looked at several choices and was initially drawn to the Adidas Striker II , which was priced at $20. However, since I couldn't find it in black, I opted for the Adidas Foundation V , which costs $27. Here are the options I considered: Jansport Superbreak 501 - $17 Adidas Striker II - $20 Adidas Foundation V - $27 Size and Compartments The Adidas Foundation V offers a spacious 33 liters , which is a significant increase from the 26 liters of my Jansport 501. It features four compartments : A laptop sleeve i...

Streamlined Watch Collection: My Ideal Setup My watch collection has once again surpassed a dozen pieces, but like many times before, it consists of a mix of inexpensive and cheap watches that I rarely wear. I’m now focused on culling the herd and narrowing it down to four essential watches: Rolex Explorer 114270 Victorinox INOX Casio G-Shock DW5600 Casio A168 Here’s my thought process for establishing an ideal collection. I. Classics that Obey Form + Function Over the years, I’ve realized that I prefer simple tool watches that balance reasonable size with classic styling. My everyday wear usually consists of the humble Casio models, while I reserve the Automatics and the INOX for more formal or special occasions. Interestingly, the Casio A168 brings me a lot of joy. It meets most of my daily needs without the worry of wear and tear, which is a huge plus for an everyday watch. II. You Don’t Need Every Style or Design One mistake I made early in my collecting journey was the desire to ...

Choosing Your Casio G-Shock: 5600 vs. 6900 and More If you're diving into the world of Casio G-Shocks, you've likely encountered two iconic designs: the square 5600 series and the circular 6900 series . Both embody the durability, functionality, and iconic status of G-Shock watches. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which model suits your needs best. 1. Form Factor (Size) For those with smaller wrists, the compact, square 5600 series is often the better choice, while the larger, circular 6900 series tends to fit most wrist sizes comfortably. If you're new to G-Shock, it's a good idea to try both styles on to see which feels more comfortable. 2. Features (Modules) Each G-Shock model comes with its own set of features. The entry-level DW models cover the essentials, including a timer, alarm, and stopwatch. On the other hand, higher-end models (like the GW or GLX series ) offer advanced features such as solar charging, atomic time syncing, and world time. Consider...

Lexus IS250 Maintenance Update It finally happened—around 85,000 miles , my 2007 Lexus IS250 displayed the dreaded Check Engine Light and VSC indicators. I had just changed the oil at the dealer a few weeks prior and replaced the rear axle and front bushings, so it was frustrating to see my dashboard light up like a Christmas tree right after. Diagnosis I returned to the dealer, where they determined the issues were a dead O2 sensor and a leaking valve cover gasket . They believe that oil dripping from the gasket fell onto the O2 sensor, leading to its failure. Repair Costs The total bill for the repairs came to about $1,300 : O2 Sensor Replacement : $600 Valve Cover Gasket Replacement : $700 Additional Maintenance In addition to resolving the Check Engine light, I also had some other maintenance and repairs done. The total cost for the month reached $4,050 , which breaks down as follows: Oil Change : $250 Rear Axle Replacement : $1,700 Front Bushings Replacement : $800

Casio G-Shock DW-6900 Battery Replacement Experience The backlight on my Casio G-Shock DW-6900 stopped working, although the time display and all other functions were still operational. I suspected the battery might be low on power, especially since the backlight is a significant draw. Battery Replacement Steps After some research, I found the instructions for replacing the battery, which confirmed it uses a CR2016 battery . Here’s a summary of the steps I followed: Gather Tools : You’ll need a tiny Phillips screwdriver to remove the back screws and a needle or pin to release the battery harness. Remove the Back Cover : Use the Phillips screwdriver to carefully unscrew the back cover of the watch. Replace the Battery : Gently release the battery harness using the needle or pin. This step can be tricky; I had to watch several YouTube videos and review the online instructions multiple times to get it right. Caution : Take your time with the battery harness catch to avoid permanent damag...

Choosing My Next Watch: Casio G-Shock DW-5600 vs. Casio A168 In 2021, I found myself considering a new watch to add to my collection after my last purchase, the Victorinox INOX , in 2020. With the unfortunate demise of my Apple Series 2 , I had room for another timepiece. I was drawn to two classic options: Casio G-Shock DW-5600 Casio A168 Evaluating the Contenders Details Matter While my collection of G-Shocks has always been solid, I’ve found some lacking in certain aspects. My GLX-5600 is a striking red, but my DW-6900 is too bulky, and the G9000 has a hard-to-read negative display. This led me to consider the black DW-5600 or the silver A168 . Pro #1: Both Are Affordable One major advantage of these watches is their affordability. Although I’m leaning towards the DW-5600 , I’m also tempted to acquire both. Their prices typically range between $20-$40 , making them low-risk additions to my collection. Pro #2: G-Shock's Indestructibility I’ve always appreciated G-Shocks for ...

Cycling Through My Collection: The Seiko SKX781 Orange Monster Recently, I’ve been cycling through my collection and have been sporting the Seiko SKX781 , affectionately known as the Orange Monster . It’s fascinating how wearing larger watches, like the Victorinox INOX and Armani AR585 , makes the SKX781 feel just right in terms of size. Love/Hate Relationship The SKX781 evokes a mixed bag of feelings; I can completely understand why people either love it or hate it. Over my five years of ownership, I've experienced both sides. Its bold and blunt styling—with the metal bezel and case—can be off-putting for some. However, this design gives it a more modern and unique vibe compared to other divers, particularly the more traditional Submariner-style bezels found on watches like the SKX007 . What Draws Me In What truly attracted me to the SKX781 was its stunning orange dial. It’s undoubtedly one of the most legible dials I’ve encountered, and I wish more brands, including Seiko, wou...

Enjoying a Simple Cup of Instant Starbucks Via Coffee It's been a while since I've brewed a cup of instant Starbucks Via Coffee , and I must say, it’s a nice change of pace. While it may not be gourmet coffee, it definitely stands out when compared to its market niche of K-Cups and other instant brands like Nescafe . A Humble Pleasure There’s something refreshing about enjoying a simple cup of instant coffee. In a world where we often seek the finest brews and elaborate coffee-making methods, taking a moment to appreciate the convenience and straightforwardness of instant coffee can be quite rewarding. While it may not offer the complexities of a freshly brewed cup, Starbucks Via provides a solid flavor that exceeds expectations for instant coffee. Sometimes, it’s the humble moments that allow us to pause and appreciate the little things, and this cup of coffee does just that. Whether it’s a quick morning boost or a midday pick-me-up, there’s a certain charm in simplicity.

Embracing the Zenith with a New Oyster Style Bracelet I recently bought an oyster style bracelet for my Zenith , and it's made a noticeable difference in my watch-wearing experience. With the summer heat making leather impractical, this bracelet offers both comfort and style. Plus, I’m really enjoying the 36mm size of watches lately, which feels just right on my wrist. A Classic Look The bracelet gives my Zenith an appearance reminiscent of my Rolex Explorer 114270 , which was actually part of the reason I chose this particular style. There's a certain elegance in that classic design, and the combination of the two watches side by side is quite appealing. From Hating to Loving Interestingly, there was a time when I had buyers remorse about the Zenith. I often wished I had opted for a Hamilton Khaki or Seiko SARB , as they were all similarly priced under $500. However, my feelings have changed over time. I’ve come to appreciate the Zenith for its classic design , simplicity...

Maintaining White Shoes: My Cleaning Journey Owning white shoes definitely has its perks, but one of the obvious downsides is that they get dirty quickly and require regular cleaning to keep them looking decent. As I prepare to step up to nicer pairs of kicks, I've opted for some classic, affordable options to practice my cleaning skills. For now, I'm using basic home cleaning agents like detergent and bleach . Cleaning Schedule: Daily & Monthly I’ve established a two-part cleaning schedule: Daily : I wipe down any white shoes I've worn to minimize dirt and grime from setting in. This quick maintenance helps keep them looking fresh. Monthly : I perform a deeper clean for shoes that I've worn regularly or that are starting to look really dirty. This involves removing the laces and cleaning each component of the shoe separately for a thorough clean. Cleaning Methods Here’s how I approach the cleaning: Laces : So far, the laces have held up well with just soap and wa...