Simple Living

$2,000 Control Arm Replacement on My 2016 Highlander — Worth It? Just had the front control arms replaced on my 2016 Toyota Highlander. Total cost: $2,000 at the dealership, including a required wheel alignment since it’s a suspension job. At 9 years old, it’s a bit early, but not unreasonable—these parts wear out over time, especially with daily driving. I opted for OEM parts and dealer service for long-term peace of mind. Next up: I’ll be replacing the struts and shocks, which will likely run another $2,000–$3,000, depending on whether I stick with OEM KYB or upgrade to Bilstein B6 for improved ride and handling. Pricey, yes—but these upgrades should keep the Highlander running strong for another 9–10 years, making it a smart investment over replacing the vehicle entirely.

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...