Simple Living

Reflections on a Decade of Blogging: Embracing Habits, Change, and Minimalism A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Blogging Since I started this blog in 2014, I’ve witnessed an evolution in my own thinking, goals, and self-understanding. This space has become a platform to look back, appreciate past lessons, and set a more intentional path forward. Reflecting on my experiences here has been instrumental in shaping the direction of my future, helping me find what truly matters. Accepting My Nature as a Creature of Habit One of the biggest surprises, though it shouldn’t be anymore, is how much I am drawn to certain routines. Like many people, I’m a creature of habit. Initially, I resisted this tendency, feeling that constantly pursuing novelty might bring greater rewards. Over time, however, I realized that embracing these patterns brings a sense of comfort and satisfaction. Rather than resist, I’ve learned to lean into those habits that enrich my life. Balancing Familiarity with New Expe

BBQ Review: Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum, Dallas, Texas I recently visited Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum, Dallas, to check out their BBQ. It was a solid experience overall, though I wouldn’t go as far as to call it the best BBQ around. Here’s a breakdown of what I tried: The Meat Selection Beef Rib : Easily the highlight of the meal—tender, flavorful, and satisfying. Brisket : Decent quality, but it didn’t quite reach the level of other well-known Texas BBQ spots. Pulled Pork : A bit of a letdown, as it was on the dry side. Sides That Stand Out Where Pecan Lodge really shines is in its sides. Compared to other BBQ spots like Hutchins or Rudy’s, their Cole Slaw and Potato Salad are standouts—delicious and well-seasoned, adding a fresh balance to the heavier BBQ flavors. If I could change one thing, I’d swap the rolls for classic white bread and would have preferred more onions alongside the pickles. A Sweet Finish Next Door Though Pecan Lodge doesn’t offer pecan pie, their proximity to a ne

October 2024 Everyday Carry (EDC) I've successfully streamlined my Everyday Carry (EDC) setup, fitting all my items into my front pockets by reducing weight. I opted for the 1-ounce lighter iPhone 16 (compared to my previous 7-ounce iPhone 14 Pro) and a slim Coach wallet , making it more comfortable to carry daily. I enjoy swapping between my various Victorinox models, with the Huntsman being a favorite for its utility. I also rotate between my Casio G-Shock 5600 and A168 watches, depending on my mood and the occasion. Current EDC Items Apple iPhone 16 Casio G-Shock 5600 Victorinox Manager (not pictured, on my car key ring) Victorinox Huntsman Coach Leather Card Wallet This combination offers a balance of functionality and style, ensuring I’m well-equipped for everyday tasks. First Aid For convenience, I also carry 2 band-aids and a wet wipe inside one of the card pockets of my wallet.  

Planning for 2025: Building a Thoughtful Wardrobe and Budget As 2024 comes to a close, I’m reflecting on my year and planning for what’s next. Each year, I set strategic goals that help increase my productivity in acquisitions and prevent impulsive spending. This structured approach keeps my wardrobe refined and tailored to my actual needs, with an emphasis on quality and thoughtful purchases. Affordable Learning An important lesson I’ve embraced is the value of testing with affordable options before committing to high-ticket items. Lower-priced alternatives offer a way to experiment and understand what works best for my lifestyle without overspending. This doesn’t require buying a lot; instead, it’s about identifying essentials and choosing wisely. Investing When Ready Once I’ve identified what’s essential, everything else falls into place incrementally. This approach enables me to budget more effectively, focusing on a few high-quality items that truly enhance my collection. Here’s h

Adjusting to the iPhone 16: Essential Settings You Need to Know Switching from the iPhone 14 Pro to the iPhone 16 has brought some challenges, particularly when it comes to enabling certain features. Here’s a breakdown of the key adjustments you’ll want to make for a smoother experience, especially around vibrate mode and photo quality. Vibrate on Silent Shut off Live Photo Improve Photo Quality 1. Vibrate on Silent To enable vibrate mode when your ringer is set to silent, follow these steps: Go to : Settings Select : Sounds & Haptics Under Haptics , toggle Play in Silent Mode to ON. It’s a bit convoluted, and you might expect "Always Play" to mean the same thing, but it doesn’t. 2. Disable Live Photo While Live Photo is a fun feature, it can consume excessive storage. To turn it off, do the following: Go to : Settings Select : Camera Choose : Preserve Settings Toggle Live Photo to ON. This ensures that Live Photo remains disabled when you turn it off in Camera mode, de

Reevaluating My Relationship with Alcohol While my overall alcohol consumption was low, having a drink almost daily began to take a toll on my body. I noticed that alcohol no longer provided the same satisfaction it once did. Even if it was just one beer or a glass of wine each day, it started to feel like a habit rather than a choice made for enjoyment. Taking a Break: Three Weeks of Abstinence To address this, I decided to abstain from alcohol for three weeks. Initially, I committed to just one week, but I quickly realized that I wanted to see how it felt over a longer period. So far, I’ve noticed a significant change—I no longer feel the same need for alcohol. The first day was definitely the toughest; I craved a beer. However, by the third day, that desire subsided, and after a full week, I found that I no longer had any urge to drink. While looking at an alcoholic beverage can still spark a bit of desire, it doesn’t carry the same weight as it did on that first day of abstaining.

Preparing for the iPhone 16: A Comparison with the 14 Pro With my new iPhone 16 arriving, I wanted to prepare a comparison to see how it stacks up against my 14 Pro. I’m anticipating a slightly lighter, faster phone, although I may be sacrificing a bit on the screen quality based on initial online reviews. That said, since I was already satisfied with the LCD display on my iPhone 11, I expect to be more than happy with the OLED on the 16. When comparing the specs, there isn’t much difference between the 14 Pro and the standard 16. My main reasons for choosing the 16 are the USB Type-C port and its lighter weight. Initial Review: iPhone 16—Good, Not Amazing Now that I’ve had my iPhone 16 for several days, I’m pleased with the form factor, lighter weight, and slightly improved specs. I do miss the superior 120 Hz refresh rate of the 14 Pro’s screen, but overall, the base model 16 feels like a better fit for me. While iPhones generally don’t have the best cameras compared to Samsung’s fla

Samsung S20 Fan Edition: Still Impressive After 4 Years Even after more than four years since its release, the Samsung S20 Fan Edition (FE) remains an impressive Android phone that holds its own against modern devices, particularly budget models like the A32 and A15. This speaks volumes about how overpowered the specs were at the time of its launch. Affordable Price You can find used S20 FE models on Amazon for around $130 to $150, often in excellent condition. This makes it perfect as a backup phone or for streaming videos. With its stunning display, snappy processor, and substantial battery life, the S20 FE delivers an exceptional user experience. It encapsulates why many users love their devices: you don’t necessarily need the latest features; the right combination can create an amazing smartphone. S20 FE vs. A32: A Beautiful Screen Comparing the S20 FE to my A32, which I use for streaming, the AMOLED screen of the S20 FE truly stands out. Its vibrant colors and deep blacks make it

A Closer Look at the Adidas Stan Smith The Adidas Stan Smith occupies a unique niche in the world of footwear. Its design closely resembles that of higher-end white leather shoes like Common Projects, making it an undeniable bargain when available for just $55. Form Factor: Adidas Wins When it comes to classic silhouettes, Adidas takes the lead. Nike has yet to introduce a shoe that can rival the Stan Smith in this category. Despite my past disappointments with the quality of newer Adidas sneakers, there's something about the Stan Smith that compels me to purchase another pair. While I occasionally lean towards the chunky Air Force 1 or the bold colorways of Jordan 1s, sometimes all I crave are understated classics. Quality of Build: Nike Unfortunately, the build quality of the Stan Smith has noticeably declined. The 2024 version lacks the craftsmanship of the pair I owned in 2021. However, for the price point, they serve their purpose, and this experience has given me clarity abou

Road Trip to Houston: A Relaxing Getaway I recently had four days off and decided to take a road trip to Houston. During my stay, I dined at Bori K-BBQ and spent the night at the Woodland Resort. Overall, it was a pleasant and chill experience. Dining Experiences Bori K-BBQ - Amazing! Hilton Woodland Resort - Phenomenal Sushi Masa - Meh, Okay Bori K-BBQ was the highlight of the trip. This upscale restaurant offered some of the best food I’ve had in a while, making it an unforgettable dining experience. In contrast, the other restaurants I tried were average at best. I ended up sticking to hotel food, which, while a bit pricey, was convenient and surprisingly decent. The best part of the trip was simply doing nothing and relaxing. I took it slow and soaked in the atmosphere, which made for a refreshing break. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my phone with me and missed out on taking more pictures. 1. Bori K-BBQ - Amazing! I visited Bori during lunch, and the food was both delicious and reas

My Weight Loss Journey: A Steady Path to Health It's taking longer than expected to lose weight, as I began this journey over a year ago during the summer of 2023. I successfully dropped 19 lbs, going from 184 to 165, but then plateaued for nearly a year. During a recent trip to NYC in May 2024, I jumped back up to 173 lbs. However, I resumed my dieting efforts and have since lost 12 lbs, reaching 161 lbs as of August 2024. I now feel optimistic about achieving my original goal of 150 lbs. I. Goal: 150 lbs by Summer 2025 What seems to have helped is accepting that this process will take time—likely another year. I’m aiming to reach my goal by the summer of 2025. II. Reward: Common Projects Achilles Shoes As a reward for reaching my goal, I hope to upgrade my shoe game with a pair of Common Projects Achilles shoes. Another unexpected benefit of losing weight is that I’ve noticed my shoes fitting a bit looser, indicating that some of the fat I’ve shed was in my feet. III. Diet/Hydrat

I’ve recently enjoyed Argentinian Malbecs and am continually impressed by the incredible value this often-overlooked grape offers. I found a delightful, inexpensive red wine priced at just $6, and I’m already on my second bottle—it’s that good! It’s easy to see why this particular Malbec is a bulk buy. Unlike many other Malbecs I’ve tried, this one is enjoyable right upon opening. Typically, other Malbecs require some time to breathe and are better on the second day. Taste Profile Fruit Forward Medium Dry This combination makes it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to explore the world of red wine without breaking the bank.

While La Vostra offers a delightful sparkling wine experience, it lacks the bubbles I would expect from a sparkling wine. Upon initial pour, it does present a sensation of carbonation along with a bit of foam, but it doesn't deliver the effervescence I crave. What it lacks in bubbles, it compensates for with its utterly dry (brut) profile, which is one of my preferred characteristics in sparkling wines. The taste features a light fruit profile, and I find online reviews spot on, noting hints of green apple and peach. Taste Profile Very Dry (Brut) Not Sour (Low Acidity) Not Sweet Need More Bubbles, but Kirkland is 2x Cheaper If La Vostra had more bubbles, it would be an amazing choice. However, its dryness is a highlight for me. That said, considering the price difference—La Vostra is $14 compared to Kirkland’s Asolo Prosecco at $7.69—I’d have to lean toward Kirkland and skip La Vostra. The value simply cannot be ignored.

Kirkland Sauvignon Blanc: A Bulk Buy Worth Exploring The Kirkland-branded Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough Ti Point is an excellent bulk buy, priced at just $7. This wine is a remarkable value, offering an enjoyable experience without breaking the bank. Taste Profile Dry Not Sweet Slightly Sour (Acidity) The higher acidity gives it a puckering sensation that indicates both dryness and slight sourness. This characteristic makes it an excellent pairing with food, as it effectively cleanses the palate between bites. Whether you're enjoying it on its own or with a meal, this Sauvignon Blanc is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious wine lovers.

Annual Wardrobe Review: Streamlining My Collection I'm currently going through my annual wardrobe review and making a conscious effort to streamline my collection. My goal is to reduce my inventory to 49 pieces, with plans to further downsize to 45. As part of this process, I’ve let go of 9 items, specifically focusing on Adidas track jackets and all my hoodies. Capsules: Winter & Professional Attire I’ve organized my winter wear into a separate mini-capsule to focus on my main seasonal outfits. Since my work doesn’t require formal dress clothes, I’ve also created a professional dress capsule and culled items I no longer need. Current Inventory *** Planned replacement in 2025 Shirts 👕 - 15 Polo (4) Uniqlo - Polo (Black x3) Burberry - Polo (Green)   T-Shirt (9) Uniqlo - U-Crew (Green, Black) Uniqlo - Airism (Black x2) Uniqlo - Supima (White x2, Black x3) ***   Gym Shirt: Adidas Black Long Sleeve Shirt: Old Navy - Orange Jersey Pants 👖 - 7 Track Pants: Adidas Black Jeans (2): Z

Exploring Sparkling Wines: Kirkland’s Asolo Prosecco DOCG While I enjoy champagne, I can only afford it for special occasions. To broaden my sparkling wine experience, I decided to test the waters with options like Prosecco. I’ve heard great things about Kirkland’s Asolo Prosecco DOCG, and at just $7.69, it’s ten times cheaper than my current favorite, Bollinger. I’m pleased to report that it doesn’t disappoint. Considering its price point, this Prosecco offers a fantastic experience. It’s categorized as Extra Dry, which means it’s slightly sweeter than a Brut. However, as noted in various reviews, it’s not overly sweet. It delivers a dry and crisp sensation that I appreciate in sparkling wines. If I could find this in a Brut, it would be exceptional. Nevertheless, for $7.69, this Prosecco is a keeper for any time I want the delightful sensation of a sparkling wine at an incredible price. I’m planning to keep a couple of bottles in my collection for future enjoyment. Flavor Profile Dry

Chapter 1: Frozen Margaritas Lately, I’ve been on a frozen Margarita kick and decided to make my own cocktails at home. After realizing how expensive it was to order them at bars—ranging from $8 to $12 each—I figured it was time to take matters into my own hands. This is my first serious attempt at cocktail-making beyond simple Whisky Highballs. Here’s a look at the classic components of a Margarita recipe: Classic Margarita Recipe 1.5 oz Tequila (Blanco 100% Agave) 🥃 1 oz Cointreau 🍊 0.5 oz Lime Juice 🍋‍🟩 For a frozen Margarita, I plan to add more lime juice and sweetness, either from sugary syrup or frozen fruits. I. Adventures Begin with Frozen Margaritas I’m experimenting with a variety of Margarita recipes and have settled on a base while exploring different flavoring options. I’m also learning basic cocktail-making techniques to gain a better appreciation for the drinks I usually order at the bar. II. Budget - It’s Cheaper to DIY Ordering frozen Margaritas was getting expe

A Remarkable Find: $4 Pinot Grigio I was blown away by how amazing this ridiculously cheap $4 Pinot Grigio tastes. You really have to remind yourself that this wine only costs $4 and is almost as good as an $18 Santa Margherita. Let that sink in! It’s also a far better deal than the $12 Italo Cescon. Flavor Profile Dry Slightly Sweet Slightest Sour (acidity) The subtle sweetness is enough to make the slight sourness barely noticeable. It’s so smooth and dry, pairing nicely with a crisp salad and grilled pork. Stocking Up I’m stocking up by the case because it’s such a fantastic deal!

Santa Margherita vs. Italo Cescon: A Pinot Grigio Showdown Santa Margherita remains my #1 choice, but Italo Cescon is a close second. What holds it back is the higher acidity, which gives a sour pucker sensation. Fortunately, it’s not sweet and leans towards the dry side—two reasons I love Santa Margherita. If Italo Cescon had less sour acidity, it would easily take the top spot, especially since it’s half the price at $11, while Santa Margherita typically goes for around $20. However, bulk buy discounts can sometimes bring it down to $17. Because Italo Cescon is such a good price, I’ll carry a few bottles whenever I don’t want to open my Santa Margherita. Flavor Profile Dry Not Sweet Sour / Acidity

Exploring Affordable Wines from Costco I finally got around to purchasing some wines at Costco that were recommended from various online sources. I had already tried the St. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon, which is decent, but I was particularly impressed with how delicious and affordable the Kirkland branded wines are.  *BB denotes Bulk Buys Red Wines Kirkland - Bordeaux Superior - Grand Vin   *BB 2019 Kirkland Signature Châteauneuf-du-Pape   *BB Kirkland - Signature Malbec   *BB Kirkland - Gigondas - GSM   *BB Ste. Michelle - Indian Wells - Red Blend Ste. Michelle - Indian Wells - Cabernet Sauvignon Ste. Michelle - Cabernet Sauvignon D'Angelo White Wines Kirkland - Marlborough - Sauvignon Blanc - Ti Point   *BB 2023 Kirkland - Friuli Grave - Pinot Grigio   *BB Kirkland - Moscato   *BB Kirkland - Asolo Prosecco   *BB Italo Cescon - Pinot Grigio Bulk Buys: Malbec & Friuli The Malbec and Friuli are bulk buys that I recommend stocking up on, as they punch well above the

NYC Itinerary: A Week of Exploring Manhattan Visiting NYC for a week in May was a fantastic experience. I focused on specific areas of Manhattan each day to minimize travel times, allowing me to explore 12 neighborhoods in just 7 days. My goal was to take my time and fully immerse myself in each neighborhood and its attractions, rather than rushing through everything. Lessons Learned The Met is #1: If you only have time for one museum, make it this one. Times Square is fun for 5 minutes: Consider staying elsewhere. Subway is cheap and efficient: Use common sense; it’s the best way to travel. Slow down and enjoy: Spending time in a local coffee shop can be more enlightening than an hour at a Starbucks Reserve. ❤️ denote places or things that were awesome and worth a visit. Original Itinerary Day 1 - Arrival/Times Square/Midtown South 10:40 am: Arrive at LGA ✈️ 11:00 am: Take Q70 Bus 🚎 to Subway E/F train 12:00 pm: Explore Times Square 1:00 pm: Lunch at Luke Lobster Roll/Udon L