Simple Living

Costco Wine Haul for the 2025 Holiday Season Getting Ready for the Holidays I stocked up on a few wines from Costco for the 2025 holiday season—something for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. I love GSM blends from Côtes du Rhône, so I was drawn to the Bordeaux and Priorat options. Costco’s European wines continue to deliver great value compared to California bottles, though Paso Robles is catching up. I’m still not ready to spend $80–100 on Napa Cabs, so the $20–40 range at Costco is perfect. I’ve tried three of the four wines so far, saving the Priorat for Christmas. 2019 Reignac - Bulk Buy This one blew me away. It had everything I love—great aroma, smooth texture with a touch of dryness, and a clean finish. At $30, it rivals far pricier Bordeaux labels. I bought several more and plan to let a few age. 2023 Pauillac - Bulk Buy Another hit. For $20, this is a fantastic deal. I tried it after the Reignac, so I’ll need to revisit it on its own, but I liked it enough t...

Texas Roadhouse Bone-In Ribeye: Their Best Steak I recently tried the bone-in ribeye at Texas Roadhouse after years of ordering their regular steaks — and now I wish I had discovered it sooner.  The flavor and juiciness are on another level. The bone helps keep the steak tender and adds that rich, steakhouse taste I usually only find at higher-end places. At $30.99 for a 20-ounce cut, it’s an incredible deal. You get a big, flavorful steak that easily beats most others on the menu. If you usually stick with the sirloin or boneless ribeye, do yourself a favor and try the bone-in next time — it’s the best steak Texas Roadhouse serves. As I learn more about steaks, the bone-in ribeye is a secondary cut from the larger ribeye subprimal which is from the rib primal, 1-of-8 primal cuts.  The other popular primal is from the loin that yields filet mignon, NY strip, T-Bone and Porterhouse.

Stepping Out of the Box: My First Pair of New Balance 515s Moving Beyond Nike and Adidas For years, I stuck with what I knew: Nike and Adidas. My daily lineup included Air Force 1s, Stan Smiths, Air Jordans, and Nike Milers. But after logging 7–9k steps a day, I started craving something different — something built more for walking comfort than style alone. A Solid Find: New Balance 515 I’d always been curious about New Balance, so when I found the 515 in Navy, Size 10 Wide for $50 (down from $75), I jumped on it. Right away, I noticed a big difference. The uppers felt incredibly light , almost like I wasn’t wearing shoes at all — a huge contrast to the more structured feel of my Nikes and Adidas. That Retro Feel The 515s have a vintage, laid-back style that instantly reminded me of my old Onitsuka Tigers . That mix of suede and mesh, paired with a low-profile silhouette, gives them a nostalgic edge — like a modern update on a classic runner. It’s a subtle throwback that sti...

2026 Wardrobe and Reflections on my 5-Year Spending Patterns As 2025 comes to a close, I’m focusing on refining my wardrobe and budget for 2026. Over the past few years, I’ve built a system that prioritizes intentional purchases, high-value basics, and long-term wear. This year is about thoughtful upgrades, smart replacements, and sticking with what works. What surprised me was how much I spend on clothing & shoes.  For past 5 years its constituted almost ~70% of my total expenditures.  In comparison, I spend very little on hobbies and technology.  But this makes sense as I've been investing in more expensive but quality clothing items. Funding Source I budget myself $60 a week in discretionary spending for annual $3,120 personal allowance.  About 1/3 dedicated to these planned purchases and rest for meals, drinks and incidentals.  As I've not seen a major increase in spending, I've not seen a need to increase this any further. 2026 Budget Overview ...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone Air: My Take on Form vs Function Why I Care About This Comparison I’ve used the 14 Pro in the past, and more recently the base iPhone 16. Those experiences shaped how I look at Apple’s lineup today. While the Pro phones impressed me with their 120 Hz ProMotion displays, I found myself frustrated with their heft. The battery life wasn’t dramatically better than the base model either, which left me questioning whether all that extra bulk was worth it. That’s where the iPhone Air won me over. It’s slim, elegant, and feels fantastic in the hand — quintessential Apple design. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but it strikes a balance I appreciate in day-to-day use. The Form of the iPhone Air For me, the Air represents form at its best. It’s light, beautifully balanced, and carries that classic Apple minimalism I’ve always admired. It doesn’t overwhelm my pocket or my hand, which is more than I can say for the Pro Max models. Yes, it sacrif...

After One Month: Why the iPhone Air Is Losing Its Shine After a month with the iPhone Air, I finally understand why some people are returning it while others are holding on to it. Personally, I’m leaning toward the first group. The excitement has worn off, and I’m starting to feel a bit of buyer’s remorse. In hindsight, I probably should’ve gone with the base iPhone 17 instead—it’s got a 6.3-inch screen, dual cameras, better battery life, and it’s $200 cheaper. As sleek and modern as the Air is, it’s starting to lose its luster for me. Why I Chose the iPhone Air I’d been holding on to my aging Samsung A32 as a work phone for too long. My main device had been the iPhone 16, but with the launch of the iPhone Air, my plan seemed perfect: the Air would become my personal phone, and the 16 would move to work duty. What caught my attention was Apple’s marketing pitch—a thinner, lighter iPhone that still featured the 120 Hz ProMot...

The Best Smart Home Upgrade: Kasa Smart Plugs The Kasa smart plug has been the most cost-effective upgrade in my home. I’ve connected almost every lamp to one, letting me control them all from my iPhone with a tap or simple schedules. They’re inexpensive, easy to set up, and don’t require a hub. That made it simple to expand room by room without spending much. The biggest bonus comes when traveling—my lights can make the house look lived-in, and if my cameras detect movement, I can instantly turn lamps on for extra security. Small device, big impact.

When Retirement Savings Finally Got Real I didn’t get serious about retirement savings until just a few years ago. For most of my working life, I was contributing about 8% of my income into my 401(k). Not bad, but not nearly as powerful as what I’m doing now. As of last year, I finally committed to maxing out my contributions. That change has put my retirement trajectory on a whole new path. The Power of Compounding Using a 7% annual market growth assumption, here’s how things look: 11 years from now: around $1 million total balance. 15 years from now: about $1.4 million. 20 years from now: it leaps to $2.6 million. 25 years from now: crossing $4 million. Full retirement age (late 60s): close to $5.8 million. Compounding is slow and steady in the beginning, then suddenly exponential. Seeing the numbers stack up has been motivating. The Catch I can’t withdraw from my 401(k) without penalties until 59½. That means even if I wanted to step away earlier, I’d h...

Tasting Notes: 2022 Austin Hope Paso Robles Cabernet Recently, I opened a bottle of the 2022 Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, and it was a real treat. At $52, it isn’t exactly an everyday sipper, but after tasting it, I’d say it’s worth the splurge. First Impressions This Cabernet is fruit-forward in a way that California reds are known for. The first sip bursts with ripe cherries, offering that lush, almost jammy flavor profile that immediately pulls you in. Balance & Structure What stood out was how smooth and approachable it felt: No sour edges No harsh dryness No sharp acidity or overwhelming tannins Instead, it leans toward a softer, more polished structure. That might not be every Cab drinker’s preference, but for those who like their reds silky and easy-drinking, this one delivers. Texture & Comparison One interesting aspect for me was its slightly syrupy texture. Not overpowering, but enough to give the wine a rich mouthfeel. ...

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.

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.

Repairing a 10-Year-Old Car vs. Buying New: Why Major Repairs Can Still Be the Smarter Move The Decision Point: Year 10 Many drivers hit the 10-year mark and assume it’s time to replace their car. Suspension wear, aging components, and the first wave of “big repairs” start showing up — and the instinct is to avoid the bills by buying something new. But with today’s new-car prices, that old rule of thumb no longer makes sense. Often, what looks like a scary repair bill is actually the equivalent of one year of new-car payments — and that investment can extend the life of a reliable vehicle another 5–10 years, loan-free . A Real Example: My $2,000 Control Arm Replacement I recently replaced the front control arms on my 2016 Toyota Highlander. The job cost $2,000 at the dealership, alignment included. It’s not cheap — but it’s also not unexpected for a 9–10-year-old vehicle. Control arms, bushings, and suspension components naturally age, especially on a daily driver. And I chose O...

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 more layered. The mouthfeel is round and satisfying, and it instantly reminded me of some of my favorite single malts like 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, made entirely from single malts—no grain whisky like in Red or Black. The di...

Weekend Drive to Houston: Coffee, Cuban Food & Buc-ee’s Finds Took a quick weekend trip to Houston—nothing too planned, just wanted to enjoy a smooth drive down I-45 and check out a few spots in H-Town. Kicked things off with coffee at Carino’s, which was a solid start to the day. For lunch, I stopped at Cafe Piquet for some Cuban food. Tried the Ropa Vieja (shredded beef), and I’m definitely a fan—savory, tender, and full of flavor. Both on the way there and back, I made sure to swing by the Buc-ee’s in Madisonville. Their breakfast burrito hit the spot, and I found a shoulder bag that’s giving off serious Lululemon vibes—functional and surprisingly stylish. All in all, it was a simple, short, and refreshing getaway. Just the kind of low-key reset I needed.

Quick Review: IASS Lounge at Narita Terminal 1 — Worth It If It’s Free First Impressions I’ve tried several options at Narita Airport over the years, and this time I decided to visit the IASS Travel Lounge after previously using the Travel Pay lounges. The difference is noticeable. While I was able to access IASS for free, you really do get what you pay for—and it’s not on the same level as Travel Pay. That said, Narita is one of the cleanest, most comfortable airports around. The regular terminal itself offers great seating, tons of food options, and an overall pleasant environment. In other words, even the most basic lounge at Narita is less essential than what you’d find in U.S. airports like LAX or DFW, where the gap between terminal and lounge quality is far more dramatic. What You Get The IASS Lounge keeps things simple, but it does include a few solid perks: A free can of Asahi beer —a standout benefit Good drink machines with a surprising number of options Dedi...

Comparing Zipair to ANA and JAL: Is It Worth the Savings? Why I Chose Zipair This Time For my return trip, I booked a flight on Zipair to see how it stacks up against ANA. Whether it's the right choice really depends on your travel style and priorities. Fares and Value Zipair’s fares are typically cheaper, which is appealing—especially for budget-conscious travelers. But if you're flying solo like I was, basic economy on ANA or JAL can also be quite affordable. Personally, unless the savings are more than $150, I’d still choose ANA or JAL over Zipair in basic economy. What to Expect on Zipair That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with Zipair. The experience is clean, simple, and efficient—but it’s also very no-frills. Nearly everything is à la carte—from water and coffee to meals—so you’ll need to pre-purchase food or bring your own onboard. That’s easy enough if you're departing from Japan, but much less practical from LAX, where buying food can be pricey. One An...

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...

Planning My Next Adventure: Hawaii & Japan I’m gearing up for another exciting trip to Hawaii and Japan , this time for two weeks of relaxation, exploration, and re-discovery. Having visited both destinations multiple times, this trip will be more about unwinding and exploring new places, rather than the usual tourist checklist. What makes this year even better is that the prices are surprisingly affordable, and the exchange rates are favorable—meaning it’s actually more budget-friendly than my 2023 trip. Here’s my itinerary for the next two weeks:   Planned Itinerary: Honolulu (4 days) Osaka (4.5 days) Tokyo (6.5 days) Total: 15 days   Honolulu – 4 Days I’ll be flying into Honolulu (HNL) on a Delta Boeing 767-300 . I’ve been to Hawaii several times, but there’s something about the islands that always feels like home. I’m staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village , my go-to spot for its relaxed atmosphere and great discount rates. It’s the perfect place to ease i...

Riding the Shinkansen: Osaka to Tokyo in Style During my 2025 trip to Japan, I had the chance to ride the iconic Shinkansen bullet train on the popular Osaka to Tokyo route. I opted for the fastest service, the Nozomi , and made the journey from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station in just 2.5 hours —smooth, fast, and impressively punctual. Train vs. Plane: Why the Shinkansen Wins While it’s technically cheaper to fly , the Shinkansen offers unbeatable convenience. There’s no airport hassle , no long check-ins or security lines—just a quick boarding process and a seamless connection to Tokyo’s local subway system. For travelers who value efficiency, the train is a clear winner Tips for a Better Ride Book in advance for a window seat—especially if you want a view of Mount Fuji or just a bit more comfort. Same-day tickets are usually available, though they may not offer the best seat options. A minor downside: the change in elevation caused some ear popping, so it’s something to...