Simple Living

$2,000 Control Arm Replacement on My 2016 Highlander — Worth It?  Yes, absolutely. Just replaced the front control arms on my 2016 Toyota Highlander—a suspension repair that set me back $2,000 at the dealership, including a required wheel alignment. Sure, it’s a hefty repair bill. But I’m not complaining. Why I Did It At 9 years old, it’s a little early for this kind of work, but not unreasonable. Parts like control arms naturally wear down over time, especially with daily use. I chose OEM parts and went with dealer service to ensure long-term reliability—because I plan to keep this SUV around for the long haul. Next on the list: replacing the struts and shocks. That’ll likely run another $2,000–$3,000, depending on whether I go with factory-spec KYB or upgrade to Bilstein B6 for better ride quality and control. The Bigger Picture All in, I’m budgeting about $1,000 per year in maintenance over the next decade to keep this vehicle running strong through 2036—its 20th year. That brea...

Spending More, Experiencing Less As 2026 approaches, I’m increasingly aware of how expensive everyday life has become. Whether it’s goods, services, or simple outings, it now takes significantly more money to have the same quality experience I once took for granted. Naturally, this has led to a kind of personal rationing. I’ve reduced the frequency of some experiences—not necessarily because I want to, but because the cost-to-value ratio no longer adds up. Taking Better Care of What I Already Own One area where this is especially clear is car ownership. With the high price of new vehicles, I’ve found it more practical to invest in repairs and upkeep for my current cars rather than replace them. It’s made me more attentive to maintenance and proactive care—stretching their usefulness as long as possible. Home-Cooked Meals Over Dining Out Dining out used to be a regular treat, but now it often feels like paying more for less. Food quality in many restaurants has declined, even as prices ...

Johnnie Walker Green Label Review: A Pleasant Surprise from a Familiar Name After years of drinking Johnnie Walker Red and Black Label, I finally decided to give Green Label a try—and I’m really glad I did. Red Label was my introduction to Scotch: bold, affordable, and unmistakably harsh. Over time, Black Label became my go-to for something smoother, with just enough peat and smoke to keep it interesting. I drank both for years, depending on the mood and occasion. But Green Label feels like a natural step forward. At first sip, it carries a touch of that familiar Red warmth—but it quickly evolves into something richer, smoother, and far more layered. The mouthfeel is round and satisfying, and it instantly reminded me of some of my favorite single malts—Talisker and Caol Ila, both of which are part of the blend. What makes Green Label stand out is that it’s a 15-year-old blended malt, meaning it’s made entirely from single malts—no grain whisky like in Red or Black. That differenc...

Took the weekend to visit Houston.  Was more to enjoy a nice drive on I-40 and eat at a few places in H-town.  Enjoyed some Cuban food at Cafe Piquet and I’m liking the Ropa Vieja (shredded beef). Stopped both ways at Madisonville Buc-ees.  Overall, a simple, short and fun getaway.  Also found a really nice shoulder bag at Buc-ees that reminds me of the Lululemon version.

Quick Review: IASS Lounge at Narita Terminal 1 Worth It If It's Free If you have complimentary access, the IASS Lounge at Narita Airport’s Terminal 1 is a decent place to relax for a couple of hours. It’s nothing fancy, but it does the job—especially when you're just looking for a quiet space to recharge before your flight. What’s Included One standout perk: they offer a free can of Asahi beer, which is a nice touch. The drink machines are surprisingly good, with a variety of options, and the lounge has its own dedicated Wi-Fi network, which worked well during my stay. Comfort and Atmosphere The chairs are on the firm side, so don’t expect to catch a nap here. Still, it feels like a more secure and calm environment compared to the general terminal seating, making it a good spot to relax, scroll your phone, or catch up on some reading. Surprisingly Good Tomato Juice The biggest surprise? The tomato juice. I wasn’t expecting much, but it ended up being my favorite drink t...

Comparing Zipair to ANA and JAL: Is It Worth the Savings? Why I Chose Zipair This Time For my return trip, I booked a flight on Zipair to see how it stacks up against ANA. Whether it's the right choice really depends on your travel style and priorities. Fares and Value Zipair’s fares are typically cheaper, which is appealing—especially for budget-conscious travelers. But if you're flying solo like I was, basic economy on ANA or JAL can also be quite affordable. Personally, unless the savings are more than $150, I’d still choose ANA or JAL over Zipair in basic economy. What to Expect on Zipair That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with Zipair. The experience is clean, simple, and efficient—but it’s also very no-frills. Nearly everything is à la carte—from water and coffee to meals—so you’ll need to pre-purchase food or bring your own onboard. That’s easy enough if you're departing from Japan, but much less practical from LAX, where buying food can be pricey. One An...

Japan’s Canned Highballs: A Surprisingly Delicious Upgrade Why Highballs in Japan Just Hit Different I’ve always enjoyed a classic Scotch & Soda, but Japan elevates this simple cocktail into something much more refined—and readily accessible. Whether picked up at a konbini (convenience store) or ordered at an izakaya, canned highballs are a staple of Japanese drinking culture. They’re crisp, refreshing, and often better than what you'd expect from a cocktail bar back home. Canned Highballs I Tried During my trip, I made it a mission to try a variety of canned highballs. Here are my top picks and thoughts: Suntory Kaku Best value. Clean, crisp, and well-balanced—this was the clear standout. It’s a major step up from my old college go-to, Jack & Coke. Black Nikka A great option if you prefer something with a touch of smokiness. Still smooth and easy-drinking, especially over ice. Suntory Strong Zero Lemon A bit more like a soda than a traditional highball, but r...

Planning My Next Adventure: Hawaii & Japan I’m gearing up for another exciting trip to Hawaii and Japan , this time for two weeks of relaxation, exploration, and re-discovery. Having visited both destinations multiple times, this trip will be more about unwinding and exploring new places, rather than the usual tourist checklist. What makes this year even better is that the prices are surprisingly affordable, and the exchange rates are favorable—meaning it’s actually more budget-friendly than my 2023 trip. Here’s my itinerary for the next two weeks:   Planned Itinerary: Honolulu (4 days) Osaka (4.5 days) Tokyo (6.5 days) Total: 15 days   Honolulu – 4 Days I’ll be flying into Honolulu (HNL) on a Delta Boeing 767-300 . I’ve been to Hawaii several times, but there’s something about the islands that always feels like home. I’m staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village , my go-to spot for its relaxed atmosphere and great discount rates. It’s the perfect place to ease i...

Riding the Shinkansen: Osaka to Tokyo in Style During my 2025 trip to Japan, I had the chance to ride the iconic Shinkansen bullet train on the popular Osaka to Tokyo route. I opted for the fastest service, the Nozomi , and made the journey from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station in just 2.5 hours —smooth, fast, and impressively punctual. Train vs. Plane: Why the Shinkansen Wins While it’s technically cheaper to fly , the Shinkansen offers unbeatable convenience. There’s no airport hassle , no long check-ins or security lines—just a quick boarding process and a seamless connection to Tokyo’s local subway system. For travelers who value efficiency, the train is a clear winner Tips for a Better Ride Book in advance for a window seat—especially if you want a view of Mount Fuji or just a bit more comfort. Same-day tickets are usually available, though they may not offer the best seat options. A minor downside: the change in elevation caused some ear popping, so it’s something to...

Flying the ANA Airbus A380: A Jumbo Jet Built for Vacation A Rare Bird in the Skies I recently had the chance to fly aboard ANA’s Airbus A380, a double-decker jumbo jet that’s become something of a unicorn in modern aviation. ANA operates this aircraft exclusively on the Narita (NRT) to Honolulu (HNL) route, and if you’re heading to Hawaii, it’s absolutely worth trying at least once. Spacious, smooth, and strikingly quiet for its size, the A380 offers a unique experience tailored for leisure travel. Comfort and Cabin Experience The flight was every bit as comfortable as you’d expect from ANA, with service that met the airline’s consistently high standards. The aircraft layout felt thoughtfully designed for relaxation—whether you’re in economy, premium economy, or business class, there’s a sense of space that smaller widebodies just can’t match. If you’ve flown ANA’s 787 or 777 aircraft, the service and seat experience will feel familiar. The key difference here is the novelty and...

Switching to Suica: Getting Ready for Japan Transit & Convenience As I gear up for my upcoming trip to Japan, I’ve officially made the switch to Suica for my IC transit card. It’s a super convenient option—Suica is widely accepted in both Tokyo and Osaka , covering trains, buses, vending machines, and even many konbini (convenience stores). I still have a bit of a balance left on my old Pasmo card, so I plan to use it up on a few konbini purchases before retiring it. Nothing goes to waste in Japan!   Topping Up: Suica Balance & Payment Tips The  maximum balance you can load onto a Suica card is ¥20,000 (about $138 USD , based on an exchange rate of ¥145 to $1).  I topped mine up using my U.S. debit Mastercard , and—no surprise—my bank flagged it as potential fraud. Luckily, a quick text confirmation cleared things up. Once approved, my next reload went through without any issues. If you're topping up with a foreign card, keep an eye out for similar alerts...

Rediscovering the Joy of a Tablet: My Experience with the iPad 8th Generation Lately, I’ve found myself appreciating the value of having a tablet again. After spending so much time switching between screens on my iPhone 16, I realized how much I missed having a larger display. Luckily, I was gifted an 8th generation Apple iPad, and it’s turned out to be exactly what I needed. A Perfect Balance of Portability and Usability The iPad 8th Gen hits that sweet spot—big enough to comfortably browse apps, stream content, and read, yet compact enough to carry around with ease. I no longer have to squint at my phone when reading articles or navigating apps. The 10.2-inch Retina display is a major upgrade for my eyes and my workflow. Streaming Made Better One of my favorite uses for the iPad so far is streaming. Watching Netflix, YouTube, and other content on the larger screen is such a better experience than using my phone. The display quality is crisp, and the sound is surprisingly solid for ...

2026 Wardrobe Upgrade Plan: Investing in Timeless Staples As I look ahead to 2026, my goal is to refine and elevate my wardrobe with quality pieces from trusted brands. I’m building a versatile lineup of essentials that combine classic style, function, and long-term value. Total Planned Investment Ralph Lauren Essentials – $430   Footwear – $50 Uniqlo Basics – $135 Other - $40 Grand Total – $655 1. Ralph Lauren Essentials – $430 Leveling up my casual rotation with timeless pieces from Ralph Lauren: Polo Shirt – Navy: $65 Polo Shirt – White: $65 Polo Sweater – Quarter Zip (Navy): $100 Polo Sweater – Crew Neck (Navy): $100 Polo Sweater – Cable Knit (Tan): $100 2. Footwear Refresh – $50 Replacing everyday sneakers with iconic styles: Adidas Stan Smith : $50 3. Everyday Basics – $135 Building a strong base with versatile t-shirts from Uniqlo: 6 tees in Blue, Gray, Navy, Black (x2), and White Estimated average price: $22.50 each 6 x $22.50 = $135 ...