Simple Living

JBL 510BT Bluetooth Headphones Review I recently scored a deal on the JBL 510BT Bluetooth Headphones for half off, paying only $30 . So far, they’ve proven to be a solid, budget-friendly option for wireless headphones. Initial Impressions While AirPods are great, the added bulk of a charging case can be inconvenient, especially when I'm on the move and worry about losing earbuds. For just $30 , I’m not overly concerned about knocking around the JBLs. I’ll need to use them for a few days to give them a proper review, but here's what I've gathered so far. One Week Review Final Verdict: Buy these headphones for $30. While I wouldn't recommend them at full retail price, they deliver decent value for their lower price point. Sound Quality Decent and Pleasant : The sound quality is pleasant, reminding me of my wired Sony ZX310 headphones. Bass and Clarity : These won’t win any awards, but they’re great for their segment. They can sound muddled at times, especially with hea...

Meiomi Cabernet Sauvignon Review I finally found a fantastic red wine under $20 : Meiomi Cabernet Sauvignon . It has a delightful fruity, full-bodied profile with minimal bitterness, making it a delicious choice. The finish is almost syrup-like, adding a unique touch to its character. I appreciate that it remains enjoyable even the next day after being corked, which is a bonus for those who might not finish a bottle in one sitting. Overall, it’s a pleasant table wine that fits well within my budget. Update - 1/20/23: Meiomi Pinot Noir I've also tried Meiomi's Pinot Noir , and it's equally impressive. Both the Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are exceptional wines in the affordable category. Their quality far exceeds their price point, so I've stocked up on both. They are now go-to options for any casual gathering or dinner. Exploring Other Options Alongside Meiomi, I'm looking forward to trying Daou again and giving Josh another shot to see how they fit into my b...

My IKEA Collection Journey I've recently become enamored with IKEA and have built a small collection of pieces to furnish my place. By focusing on pre-owned items , I managed to save around $600 . Here's a look at my finds: Acquisitions Vika Grevsta Desk - $40 (originally $90) Jokkmokk Dining Set with 4 Chairs - $50 (originally $250) Malm Bed - $150 (originally $300) Tarva Bed - $40 (originally $200) Malm Dresser - $25 (originally $150) Kallax Shelf 12 - $129 Gladom Table - $25 Lack Tables (2 small, 1 medium) - $40 Rugs (5’ x 8’) - 3x - $130 Nissafors Utility Cart - $33 Hemnes Nightstands - 3x - $50 (originally $390) Billy Bookshelf - $50 Tagarp Lamps - 5x - $25 (originally $60) Vidja Lamp - $25 (originally $60) Omar Wine Rack - $60 Bankesta Coffee Tables - 2x - $25 (originally $150) Vintage vs. New I find that vintage pieces, particularly those made from solid wood , have a charm and durability that newer items often lack. The Vika Grevsta desk, a 20-year-ol...

Exploring the World of Red Wines The door has opened for me to the world of red wines, and I'm starting to appreciate the nuances and appeal of enjoying a nice glass of wine. I still have a lot to learn, but I've graduated from $4 Trader Joe's options to $13 Malbecs, and now I'm venturing into the $40 range. There is obviously a significant difference between these price points. Unfortunately, I haven't found much in the $20-$30 range, as they all taste quite similar to the Malbecs. So far, most $40 wines I've tried have been amazing, and I even sampled a $90 Cabernet that left me in awe. However, it's too pricey to become a habit, so I’ll settle for $40-$50 wines while I continue to hunt for decent $20-$30 options to stay within my budget. My Choices in the $40-$50 Range (All 2019 Vintage) Caravan Darioush Amici Royal Prince Among these, the Amici was the standout, followed closely by the Royal Prince. Caravan was also enjoyable. I'm discovering that I ...