Simple Living

My 5 for 2020 Nostalgia can be a powerful feeling, and I've grown accustomed to the watches I own. Some of these pieces have been in my collection for nearly nine years and have become milestones in my personal journey. While they are just material possessions without intrinsic meaning, they hold significant value for me at this moment. In the first three months of 2020, I spent time alternating between my Rolex, Omega, and Zenith, ultimately rotating back to the Omega. Mechanical watches have become my preference, but I appreciate having at least one quartz option, which is why the Armani has a place in my collection. Although I rarely wear my Seiko, it remains a favorite. Every collection needs at least one reliable beater mechanical watch. Roll Call Rolex Explorer 114270 Omega Seamaster 2531.80 Zenith Cal 126 Seiko Monster SKX781 Victorinox INOX Armani Exchange AR585 Casio G-Shock DW6900-1 Casio G-Shock G9000-1 Casio G-Shock GLX5600-4 Apple Series 2 42mm Swatch SUOB709 Chopping

Reflections on My Watch Collection Recently, I've been re-evaluating my collection and shifting my wrist time away from the Omega and Rolex, which I used to wear most frequently, alongside my Apple Watch. For the past few weeks, I have primarily worn the Zenith Cal 126 vintage piece that I purchased in 2015. Its size is perfect, and the overall form factor and color combination align with my current preferences in watches. While the Rolex Explorer remains impeccable and the Omega Seamaster holds a special place in my heart, I find this simple Zenith to be truly phenomenal. Provenance Considerations I must admit that I'm not entirely certain about the provenance of this particular Zenith; it could be a replica or a knock-off. Regardless, it works well and meets my needs. In hindsight, while a Hamilton Khaki or Seiko SARB033 would have been great additions to my collection, I wouldn't have experienced the joy of owning something vintage. The Allure of the Sub-Second Dial The

Reflections on My Omega Seamaster 2531.80 I've owned my Omega Seamaster 2531.80 for several years now, and I’ve had a love/hate relationship with it as I have always yearned for a Rolex Submariner. However, it’s interesting how time can foster a sense of fond attachment to something. The Omega has been in my possession for almost nine years—approaching a decade—and it has proven to be a worthy companion through many trials and tribulations in life. Nostalgia and Daily Wear While I still admire the Rolex, I find myself feeling nostalgic when I wear the Seamaster. For the past few weeks, I’ve primarily worn it, only donning my Apple Watch on weekends. This return to my Omega has deepened my appreciation for it. The Beauty of the Seamaster One aspect that truly enhances the beauty of the Omega is how it glistens under certain lighting conditions. When illuminated just right, it sparkles like a thousand gemstones, showcasing its stunning craftsmanship. I sincerely apologize for ever co

My Adidas Track Jacket Experience Having tried a variety of jackets and brands, I’ve come to enjoy the simple Adidas Track Jacket - Essentials 3-Stripe with Tricot Weave. Understanding Tricot Weave It was quite interesting to look up what "Tricot" means. It's a type of weave pattern that gives the Adidas jacket its wavy look and texture on one side, while providing a smooth and soft feel on the other. The Tricot weave also enhances the fabric's breathability, making it comfortable for various activities. Color Patterns I’ve settled on the basic colors for my collection: Active Yellow / White Stripe Scarlet Red / Black Stripe Black / White Stripe In addition to these three track jackets, I also have a fourth navy color windbreaker. That should be sufficient in terms of my track jacket collection.

Building My Sneaker Collection There are so many options and choices in sneakers, and I want to build a simple collection of all the great basics. Here’s what I’m considering: Basic Sneaker Selection Converse - Chuck Taylor - All Stars White/Red Stripe Adidas - Superstar - White/Black Stripes Nike Cortez - White/Red Logo Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 - White/Red/Blue Nike Air Force 1 Low Cut - All White Puma Suede - Black/White Stripe Color Distribution I’m aiming for five white sneakers and one black shoe for the basics. However, I may reduce this count to three white and one black to simplify my collection. Additional Colorways Additional colorways will be handled by my two Onitsuka Tiger Serrano's (in Blue and Red). When they are retired, I’ll replace them with comparable shoes, likely a Burgundy Red New Balance and possibly all-black Converse, Adidas Superstar, or Air Force 1's. Collection Timeline I’m in no rush; it will likely take 2-3 years to fill out this collection s

Transitioning to Verizon Prepaid For over two years, I was on a Verizon Postpaid family plan, paying about $140 per month (approximately $153 including tax) for two lines with unlimited data. However, I recently reassessed my needs and made the switch to Verizon Prepaid. New Plan Details Monthly Cost: ~$90 for two lines (about $93 including tax) Line 1: 16GB of data Line 2: Unlimited data Significant Savings This change has led to a monthly savings of roughly $60 , which is quite significant! Limitations of Prepaid While the savings are great, there are three limitations to keep in mind: Video Quality: Video streams at a lower 480p resolution. However, since I mostly watch on a small screen and stream over WiFi, this isn't a major concern. Data Usage During Calls: I cannot use data while on the phone, which can be a slight inconvenience if I need to search the web during a call. Disney+: The prepaid plan does not include Disney+ for free. I already purchased it at a low price

Upgrading from iPhone 6s After owning my iPhone 6s since 2016, I've decided it’s time to upgrade due to deteriorating battery life and the impending release of iOS 14. I've evaluated several options: Options Considered iPhone XR iPhone SE (2nd generation) iPhone 11 iPhone 12 Battery Replacement In February 2020, I replaced the battery on my 6s to extend its lifespan and have been using it as a backup phone. The new battery made a significant difference, allowing the phone to last a full day instead of requiring constant recharges. iOS 14 Concerns One of the primary reasons for the upgrade is the potential lack of support for iOS 14 on the 6s, which may force my hand to upgrade in September when the iPhone 12 is likely released. Long-Term Considerations I'm leaning towards the SE or 11 because both feature the newer A13 chip, which I believe will ensure my next iPhone remains relevant for 4-5 years. Scenarios If iOS 14 supports the 6s: I might consider waiting for the iPhon

Ideal Wardrobe Update for 2020 I'm getting closer to achieving my ideal wardrobe with a few adjustments planned for 2020. I'm finding that Earth Tones (dark green, light brown/tan), burgundy red , and dark purple complement my style well. I'm planning to reduce my reliance on dark blue in favor of these colors to create a better balance with my black and white basics. Brand Preferences Uniqlo and Adidas I'm increasingly pleased with Uniqlo, which is becoming a larger part of my wardrobe. Adidas is also a favorite for sneakers and sporty jackets. I envision that in a few years, 50-60% of my 51 main clothing items will be from Uniqlo and Adidas. Focus Areas Shoes and Jackets I'll keep my shirts and pants basic, dedicating most of my budget to shoes and jackets. Shoe Choices I'm starting simply to find the ideal shoes and plan to stick with: Converse All Star Adidas Superstar Adidas Samba Nike or Air Jordan Possibly a Puma or Onitsuka 66 . Outerwear I'm con

The Sidecar I've recently discovered that the Sidecar is becoming my favorite coffee drink. It has a delightful blend of flavors and is perfect for when I have time to truly savor it. When I'm on the go, my go-to is still the cappuccino . I've noticed that while the espresso has remained consistent, the preparation of the cappuccino and macchiato can vary slightly with each barista. Since I only indulge in the Sidecar a few times a year, the differences in taste might be influenced by various factors, including the seasonal ingredients or the specific café atmosphere. I'm excited to keep exploring these flavors and refining my coffee experience!

Polo Shirt Journey After years of experimenting with various brands, I finally found the perfect Polo shirts . I initially relied on Ralph Lauren exclusively, but their quality has declined, prompting me to explore other options. Brands I've Tried: American Eagle Abercrombie & Fitch Old Navy GAP Banana Republic Foot Locker Armani Exchange Ralph Lauren Tommy Hilfiger Nautica LZOD Moncler Burberry While the higher-priced shirts often boasted better quality, I wasn't keen on spending $50 to $200 per shirt, especially since I needed about 5 to 7 polos. That's when I discovered Uniqlo , which offers excellent options at just $20 each. Initially, I was hesitant about the Uniqlo polos because they have two buttons on the collar, whereas I'm used to three. However, I decided to give them a try, and they fit perfectly. Quality Concerns The big question is whether the collars will hold up over time. This has been a common issue I've faced with most polo shirts. I’ll check

Vegas Work Trip Review I spent a week in Las Vegas for work and stayed at the Venetian on the Strip . I’ve always wanted to check out this hotel, and while it was enjoyable, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Overall, my experiences with other casinos like Bellagio, Mirage, Paris, and Caesars felt similar. Thankfully, there's something for everyone at nearly every price point, which was a plus. Highlights from the Trip Beer Prices: I finally found decent beers for $2-5 without having to resort to CVS or Walgreens. Craps: I learned how to play Craps ! Although I lost money, it was fun to try. Hotel Room: The Venetian hotel room featured double single beds with a very nice and spacious layout. 🤗 Drinks and Dining Experiences Old Fashioned at the Casino Bar: Rating: Meh 😑 I always seek the best Old Fashioned wherever I go. Using a 2-for-1 coupon at the Venetian, I tried the round casino bar, but it was underwhelming. Strong drinks, but not amazing for $18.75 . I l

Exploring the Amazon Fire HD8 Tablet After owning my Apple iPad 2 for nearly eight years, I still love it. However, I decided it was time to try an Android tablet and found the Amazon Fire HD8 (2018 Model) for just $50 —too tempting to pass up! Budget-Friendly Design Accepting the Fire HD8 as a budget device really helps in appreciating what Amazon has accomplished. They made thoughtful sacrifices in terms of screen resolution, speed, capacity, and design to create an excellent value for the price. Google Play Store: A Must-Have One critical feature I needed was the ability to install the Google Play Store . This addition significantly enhances usability, allowing access to apps like Chrome , YouTube , and others. Without Google Play, the HD8 would feel quite limited. With Google Play installed, the HD8 truly shines! I've only used it for a few days, but I’m already satisfied with the purchase. I plan to take it on several upcoming business trips to see how it performs. I'm

The Search for Mr. Brown Coffee Lately, I've noticed it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find Mr. Brown Coffee . In my area, I know of only two locations that still carry it. A friend mentioned a local specialty grocer that might have some in stock, so I decided to check it out. New Flavor Discovery At this new location, they offered four flavors, but instead of my favorite Cappuccino , I discovered a new option: Caramel Latte . Curious, I bought two cans of each flavor to give them a try. Disappointing Experience Unfortunately, the Caramel Latte didn’t live up to my expectations. While I appreciate trying new flavors, it seems my heart still belongs to the classic Cappuccino . Sticking to Favorites Going forward, I’ll have to stick to the known locations that still carry Mr. Brown Coffee and make sure to stock up on my favorite flavor. For now, these new offerings aren’t half bad and serve as a nice morning treat, but they just don’t compare to my beloved Cappuccino.

Celebrating Five Years of Blogging It’s hard to believe that I started blogging back in January 2014 —well, technically, it was November/December 2013 , but who’s counting? Now, looking back, it’s been five years since I embarked on this journey. Time flies, and it feels like just yesterday when I first hit "publish." A Shift from Social Media One of my primary goals when I began blogging was to wean myself away from social media. I’m happy to report that this effort has been successful. Blogging allows me to share whatever I want, whenever I want, without feeling the pressure or scrutiny from friends and family who might take offense to my thoughts. While I tend to write about benign, almost mundane topics, I appreciate the freedom that comes with a bit of semi-anonymity. (Of course, we’re never truly anonymous online!) Time Well Spent By freeing myself from the constant need to check social media every few minutes, I’ve likely reclaimed 2-3 hours a day —and that’s signific