Simple Living

Eighteen Squares Cabernet Sauvignon – Trader Joe’s $24.99 First Impressions This Cabernet had a fruit-forward nose with promise, but the palate came off rough around the edges even after 30 minutes of breathing. It carries a heavy mouthfeel and notes of strawberry, cherries and stone fruit, though the tannins stay bold. In many ways it reminds me of Cruz Alta’s Malbec. With Food Paired with a cheese and fruit platter, the wine softened and showed better balance. It’s clear this is a bottle meant to be served with food rather than sipped on its own. Final Take For $24.99, it drank more like a $15 wine. While not a bad bottle, I’d be more inclined to spend a little more for something like the Caymus 1858 Paso Robles at $35, which offers a smoother and more polished experience.

2025 Job Market: From Tough to Terrifying I was reading a Business Insider article about the decline in tech jobs and realized something unsettling: even though it was difficult to land a job in 2021, that was during a tech hiring boom. Opportunities were opening everywhere, startups were raising record funding, and companies were desperate for talent. So if I was struggling in the midst of boom times… what does that say about now? Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape feels absolutely terrifying. Layoffs are constant, hiring freezes drag on, and entry-level opportunities have practically evaporated. The optimism that once surrounded tech careers has been replaced with uncertainty and fear. In 2021, the job search felt like running uphill. In 2025, it feels like climbing a cliff with the ground crumbling beneath you.

Why the iPhone Air Might Be My Next Upgrade I’ve been getting by with an aging Samsung A32 as my work phone, but the time has finally come to retire it. My main device right now is the iPhone 16, and my plan is simple: upgrade to Apple’s upcoming iPhone Air as my personal phone, then shift the 16 over to work duty. What excites me most about the rumored iPhone Air is how Apple might position it—lighter and thinner than the regular iPhone 17, but still carrying key features like the 120 Hz ProMotion display. A smoother, more fluid screen makes everything—scrolling, gaming, or just daily use—feel noticeably better. If Apple also manages to keep the design sleek while boosting display size slightly, that would be the perfect balance. The iPhone Air could represent Apple’s sweet spot: more advanced than the base model, but not as expensive or heavy as the Pro. For someone like me who wants performance, comfort, and practicality all in one, it might just be the most compelling iPhone u...

My First Impressions of the AirPods (4th Gen) I recently received a gift that I truly appreciate — a pair of AirPods (4th generation). Normally, these retail for around $99 for the base non-Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), so getting them for free was a pleasant surprise. Compared to my AirPods (2nd gen), these are a noticeable upgrade. They share the sleek form factor of the AirPods Pro (1st gen) but without the soft silicone ear tips. This makes them comfortable for quick listening sessions while still offering a secure fit. The seamless integration with my iPhone is classic Apple — instant pairing, smooth switching between devices, and that familiar “just works” feeling. I’ve found myself reaching for these far more often than my Powerbeats or JBLs.