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 ...

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, eve...

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 m...