Simple Living

2025 Nespresso Holiday Flavors: A Quick Take Festive Collection Highlights This year’s Vertuo Holiday lineup brings three seasonal releases:  Cinnamon & Candied Tamarind Sweet Almond & Hibiscus Double Espresso I also picked up the Barista Creations Gingerbread , which feels right at home in the holiday mix. I sampled the Sweet Almond & Hibiscus in-store and was pleasantly surprised—balanced, not overly floral or nutty, and genuinely enjoyable. Reflections on Favorites The new Double Espresso looks especially promising. I’m a dark-roast fan, and last year’s Pierre Hermé Double Espresso was a standout, so I’m hoping for similar depth this year. From the Pierre Hermé line, the one I still miss most is the Hazelnut . I’ve been slowly savoring my remaining Raspberry Espresso sleeve. I’ve also held onto a Kona sleeve, and I still find myself thinking back to Blue Bottle #1 , which was exceptional and hasn’t quite been replaced. Stocking Up - 10 Sleeves + 3 Free Bonus (Dec 1...

 December 2025 Everyday Carry (EDC) My Everyday Carry has stayed remarkably consistent since 2024, with just one major update: I now use the iPhone Air as my daily phone. The biggest shift actually happened back in March 2024, when I switched from a full-size wallet to the Coach Card Wallet .  That change made a noticeable difference in comfort and pocket space— as long as you keep it snug in your pocket . I’d hesitated to use a card wallet before because I’d had it fall out more than once, but after adjusting how I carry it, it’s been trouble-free. Since then, my EDC setup has remained simple, lightweight, and pocket-friendly. Current EDC Items (December 2025) Apple iPhone Air Casio G-Shock 5600 Victorinox Classic Victorinox Huntsman Coach Leather Card Wallet I still enjoy rotating between my Victorinox models—especially the Huntsman for its versatility. And depending on mood or occasion, I switch between my G-Shock 5600 and the classic Casio A168. Future Considerati...

DIY Car Maintenance: My Plan to Start Small and Level Up Why I’m Starting DIY Maintenance I’ve decided to take on my own basic car maintenance. The plan is to begin with oil changes and gradually work up to brakes, fluids, and eventually anything I feel confident doing. Beyond saving money, learning these skills just feels empowering. Cost and Break-Even Estimate The upfront cost for quality tools and supplies looks to be around $400 . Based on current shop prices, it’ll take roughly 8 oil changes —or about two years for my two cars—to break even. After that, every oil change is pure savings. But the bigger payoff is being able to handle larger jobs that would otherwise cost hundreds per visit. Mechanic Tools I'll gradually add tools and for now all I need for oil changes are quality ramps, oil drain pan, oil filter wrench and a 1/4" socket set.  I already have the socket so the ramps, pan and filter wrench are maybe $200 . Kobalt - 65 piece - Household (has 1/4" so...

2025 State of Wine Collections Finding a few bottles of Kirkland Gigondas 2023 for just $14.99 prompted me to reflect on how much my wine journey has evolved over the past few years. I’ve enjoyed French GSM blends for a long time, and learning that Gigondas borders Châteauneuf-du-Pape —a region whose wines I’ve also appreciated from Costco—only deepened my admiration for high-quality bottles at accessible prices. This discovery highlights a broader shift in my buying habits. After many years of relying on Trader Joe’s for everyday wines, I’ve now fully transitioned to Costco as my primary source. The combination of value, consistency, and surprising depth—especially from the Kirkland Signature lineup—has made the switch both rewarding and economical. With Gigondas added to my shelves, I’m excited to explore more from Costco’s selection and continue refining my collection. Current Wine Collection (as of December 2025) Red Wines — 20 Bottles Priorat — $40 — 1 Reignac — $30 — 2 K...