Simple Living

Swiss Army Knife Haul & Collection Update Just added eight pristine Swiss Army Knives to the collection! This haul included essentials like the Fieldmaster and Huntsman, which I’ve now fully stocked for my car and backpacks. Here’s a quick rundown of what I picked up: Fieldmaster x2 Huntsman x2 Tinker Delemont Evo Junior 9 - Sold Pruning Knife - Sold Bantam - Keeping; it’s a unique piece. Champion Plus Deluxe Climber With these new additions, my collection now totals 35 knives, spanning various models and sizes. After selling the Delemont and Pruning Knife, I’ve optimized the collection to feature versatile favorites. Here's the latest inventory: Current Collection (35 Knives) 111mm (1) Trekker Black // 2011 91mm (18) Swiss Champ Red // 2011 Champion Plus Red // 2009 - 2016 Huntsman Silver Tech // 2009 - 2011 Black // 1979 - 1985 Red x2 // 2011 Camo // 2011 Fieldmaster Red x2 // 2011 Explorer Red // 1991 - 1992 Deluxe Climber Red // 1992 - 1998 Climber Red // 1979 - 1985 T

Taco Tour in North Texas: Mariana’s Tacos Review I recently tried Mariana’s Tacos, sampling their Chorizo, Pastor, and Barbacoa tacos. Each one was flavorful and generously sized, making for a satisfying meal. While it didn’t quite reach the level of Del Sur (my top spot in North Texas), Mariana’s is a solid second so far. With so many taco spots in the area, it’s hard to crown a definitive favorite, but Mariana’s is definitely worth a repeat visit—especially since I forgot to snap food photos this time around!

Pho Pasteur II in Carrollton: A Top Pick for Pho and Bánh Mì Pho Pasteur II on Belt Line Rd in Carrollton serves up some of the best pho around, and their Bánh Mì is equally impressive. I initially tried the sandwich out of curiosity and was blown away by the flavors—one of the best I’ve had. Update - March 2024 The Bánh Mì is still fantastic, and though prices have gone up slightly to $6.50, it remains a great value for the quality. This spot is consistently a go-to for both pho and Bánh Mì in the area!

Mr Tako in McKinney: Taco Review Mr Tako in McKinney offers decent tacos with reasonable pricing. The texture is a bit on the dry side, but overall, they’re satisfying enough for a casual meal—I’d rate them a solid 7 out of 10. When choosing between their street tacos and loaded tacos, here’s the takeaway: you’d need about double the street tacos to equal the size of one loaded taco. Both options have their perks—go with the loaded taco if you’re hungry, and the street taco if you’re after more flavor.