Simple Living

Hollys Coffee: A Sweet Alternative Hollys Coffee is another major chain of coffee shops in South Korea. I appreciate the variety of shops available, and I consider this my alternative to Angel-in-us when I'm looking for a sweet coffee fix. The ambience and decor here remind me of Seattle's Best, creating a cozy atmosphere. They also serve a fairly decent Patbingsu, which is a Korean shaved ice dessert topped with sweet beans, making it a refreshing treat on warm days.

Tour Le Jous: A Bakery Delight Tour Le Jous is primarily a bakery shop in South Korea, but I enjoy visiting for their iced coffee. It's the perfect pairing with their tasty baked goods. The sandwiches they offer are not bad either, making it a great spot for a light meal or snack.

Angel-in-us Coffee: A Sweet Escape Angel-in-us is one of several major coffee chains in South Korea. I usually hit them up when I'm at one of the many outdoor shopping districts or malls. Their sweeter variety of drink options is decent and provides a great way to cool off during the summer months.

The Appeal of 7-Eleven in Asia Idk how they do it, but 7-Eleven in Asia is just way better than what we get back in the States. I would love it if they carried the same products that I found while in South Korea or Japan back home. Not only that, the prices are much more reasonable.

Discovering Cafe Pascucci Idk why, but I actually like Cafe Pascucci quite a bit. I usually order their sweet flavored drinks, which are similar to those at Angel-in-us. It’s possible that I frequent this cafe because they have a location at Gimhae Airport, and I find myself there often.

New Addition: Zenith Caliber 126 I recently bought a Zenith Caliber 126 , a vintage dress watch featuring a sub-dial for seconds. Here’s a quick overview of my purchase: Purchase Details Price : $450 + $20 shipping Condition : Looks a bit beat up, but I'm hopeful it's authentic and in decent working order. Expected Arrival : In about a week. I’ll post pictures once I’ve examined it further. Why Zenith? I considered a Nomos Tangente, but there’s something about the Zenith that really speaks to me. Perhaps it’s the vintage appeal, or maybe I’m just embracing a classic style as I get older! Movement Specs Zenith Caliber 126 Variants : Cal 126 : Base model Cal 126-5 : Indirectly driven second hand Cal 126-6 : Features antishock Cal 126-5-6 : Combines both indirect second hand and antishock Beats : 18,000 bph (5 beats per second) Production : A fairly common, reliable movement known for its durability. Serial Number / Age Estimation The serial number on the movement can help estimat...

Frozen Green Tea Matcha Experience I'm currently enjoying a Frozen Green Tea Matcha at Island Vintage Coffee in Whalers Village, Maui. Details Price : $4.75 for a medium size. Location : Island Vintage Coffee, Whalers Village, Maui. Atmosphere It's a great spot to relax and take a break before my next overnight shift. The ambiance here is quite inviting, making it a perfect place to unwind. Conclusion This frozen matcha is refreshing and a delightful treat while I soak in the surroundings. Perfect way to recharge.

Coffee Experience: Coconut Mocha I tried a Coconut Mocha recently, and here's my take on it: Aroma Coconut : The coconut scent is definitely noticeable and adds a tropical twist. Flavor Taste : Aside from the coconut aroma, it tastes like a regular mocha. The expected chocolate and coffee flavors are there, but nothing particularly stands out beyond that. Nutrition Calories : This drink has a whopping 300 calories ! That’s pretty high for a coffee beverage, which is one of the reasons I think I’ll stick to plain black coffee going forward. Conclusion While the coconut aroma was enjoyable, the flavor didn’t really elevate the drink for me, and the calorie count is just too high. Plain black coffee is a more satisfying choice!

Tasting Highland Park 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky I decided to try Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 Year . It’ll take a few sittings for me to fully appreciate how this whisky holds up and whether it matches the positive reviews I've read online. Price Highland Park is about double the price of Speyside whiskies like Glenlivet or Glenfiddich and is on par with Macallan 12 Year . Taste Smoothness : Macallan is the smoothest 12-year-old single malt I've had, and Highland Park 12 ranks just below that. Flavor : There’s a hint of bite that nips at the periphery, with slight peatiness that gives it a more sophisticated flavor and aroma. Overall Impression : Well done! Highland Park 12 packs quite a bit into a mid-range single malt without sacrificing too much. I agree with online reviews that it’s a recommended choice for first-time single malt whisky drinkers, offering much more to experience compared to Macallan 12. Aroma Concerns One negative is the fragrance, w...

Establishing a Whisky Collection I’m in the process of moving and looking forward to building a more respectable whisky collection . Here are my planned choices for the initial lineup: Macallan 12 Glenlivet 12 Highland 12 Laphroaig 10 Glenfiddich 12 Budget I’m estimating the total cost for these whiskies to be around $300 - $350 . I plan to check my local liquor store to get a better sense of pricing and finalize my selection. Update on Prices I’ve found that Costco has the best prices around! While their selection is somewhat limited, they carry almost all the whiskies I want for my initial collection. Refining My Choices I’ve decided to narrow it down further, as I want to focus on a select few for personal enjoyment. My goal is to build my palate 'memory' before diving deeper into this exciting world. Future Plans After I’ve tried these five starter bottles, I’m considering trying higher-end options like Glenlivet 18 Year and Macallan 18 Year . Then I might circle back to ...

Early Afternoon Coffee Break I'm taking a moment to enjoy an early afternoon coffee break . While it's not quite the same as fresh brewed, it's quick and convenient for my busy day. Unexpected Find I couldn’t locate any other mug, so I settled for this one I found in the kitchen. To my surprise, it's a $75 Tiffany Cup ! I had no idea where this came from, but it certainly adds a touch of elegance to my coffee break. It’s funny how sometimes the simplest things, like a nice mug, can elevate an everyday moment.

Weekend Espresso Enjoyment This weekend, I'm savoring a nice cup of espresso . There's something special about the rich, bold flavor that makes it the perfect treat to unwind. Dreaming of Italy Someday, I'd love to experience the charm of sipping an espresso in an Italian street café , soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and watching the world go by. For now, though, my cozy setup will have to suffice! There's a certain satisfaction in making the most of what you have, and I'm grateful for this little moment of indulgence.

New Watch Acquisition: Swatch 'Faux Fox' SUOB709 I recently stopped by the Swatch shop and after some deliberation, I decided to go with the 'Faux Fox' model SUOB709 instead of the Sistem51. Purchase Details I paid full retail for it at $70 . While I noticed it’s available online for about $15-20 less, the savings didn’t seem worth the hassle. Why I Chose This Model I really like this watch because it fills a niche between a classic analog automatic and a rugged G-Shock digital. It's perfect for casual wear and allows me to not worry too much about it. Features and Considerations Comfort : It's casual and comfortable, making it great for daily use. Water Resistance : Unfortunately, it lacks water resistance, so I’ll have to keep it away from the pool or any water activities. While I was initially leaning toward something more vibrant, trying on various models made me realize that this subdued, classic look fits my style better.

Roundup of My Modest Watch Collection: The 3 and 3's Here’s a look at my modest yet versatile watch collection, showcasing six timepieces that balance style, functionality, and durability. I’ve divided them into two groups of three: my automatics and my digital/analog quartz watches. Automatics Rolex Explorer 114270 Omega Seamaster 2531.80 Seiko SSB003 - Quartz Digital/Analog Quartz Casio GLX-5600-7 Casio GLX-5600-4 Casio DW-6900-1 Overall, I’m comfortable with what I have in my collection. While I could always add more, I find that I have plenty of options to suit my needs. I typically wear one of the automatics during the week and switch to a G-Shock for outdoor activities or physical work. Future Additions I'm considering a dress watch to round out my collection, and the Nomos Tangente is currently on my radar. I also find myself drawn to the idea of adding some color and fun with a quirky Swatch or a Casio F91WC. Alternatively, a bright-colored G-Shock could also bring a ...