Simple Living

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...

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...

Reevaluating My Relationship with Alcohol While my overall alcohol consumption was low, having a drink almost daily began to take a toll on my body. I noticed that alcohol no longer provided the same satisfaction it once did. Even if it was just one beer or a glass of wine each day, it started to feel like a habit rather than a choice made for enjoyment. Taking a Break: Three Weeks of Abstinence To address this, I decided to abstain from alcohol for three weeks. Initially, I committed to just one week, but I quickly realized that I wanted to see how it felt over a longer period. So far, I’ve noticed a significant change—I no longer feel the same need for alcohol. The first day was definitely the toughest; I craved a beer. However, by the third day, that desire subsided, and after a full week, I found that I no longer had any urge to drink. While looking at an alcoholic beverage can still spark a bit of desire, it doesn’t carry the same weight as it did on that first day of abstaining. ...

Chapter 1: Frozen Margaritas Lately, I’ve been on a frozen Margarita kick and decided to make my own cocktails at home. After realizing how expensive it was to order them at bars—ranging from $8 to $12 each—I figured it was time to take matters into my own hands. This is my first serious attempt at cocktail-making beyond simple Whisky Highballs. Here’s a look at the classic components of a Margarita recipe: Classic Margarita Recipe (3-2-1) 1.5 oz Tequila (Blanco 100% Agave) 🥃 1 oz Cointreau 🍊 0.5 oz Lime Juice 🍋‍🟩 For a frozen Margarita, I plan to add more lime juice and sweetness, either from sugary syrup or frozen fruits. I. Adventures Begin with Frozen Margaritas I’m experimenting with a variety of Margarita recipes and have settled on a base while exploring different flavoring options. I’m also learning basic cocktail-making techniques to gain a better appreciation for the drinks I usually order at the bar. II. Budget - It’s Cheaper to DIY Ordering frozen Margaritas was gett...

NYC Itinerary: A Week of Exploring Manhattan Visiting NYC for a week in May was a fantastic experience. I focused on specific areas of Manhattan each day to minimize travel times, allowing me to explore 12 neighborhoods in just 7 days. My goal was to take my time and fully immerse myself in each neighborhood and its attractions, rather than rushing through everything. Lessons Learned The Met is #1: If you only have time for one museum, make it this one. Times Square is fun for 5 minutes: Consider staying elsewhere. Subway is cheap and efficient: Use common sense; it’s the best way to travel. Slow down and enjoy: Spending time in a local coffee shop can be more enlightening than an hour at a Starbucks Reserve. ❤️ denote places or things that were awesome and worth a visit. Original Itinerary Day 1 - Arrival/Times Square/Midtown South 10:40 am: Arrive at LGA ✈️ 11:00 am: Take Q70 Bus 🚎 to Subway E/F train 12:00 pm: Explore Times Square 1:00 pm: Lunch at Luke Lobster Roll/Udon L...