Simple Living

My Watch Trinity for 2021 In 2021, my watch collection centers around three key pieces: a chronograph, a field watch, and a smartwatch. While I own watches with more prestigious backgrounds, these three have consistently captured my wrist time and will be my go-to options for the foreseeable future. Key Features of My Watch Trinity Chronograph This watch combines functionality with style, offering the classic features of a chronograph along with a timeless design. It’s perfect for those moments when I need precision timing, whether it’s timing an event or simply appreciating its aesthetic. Field Watch Known for its rugged durability and practicality, the field watch is versatile enough for outdoor adventures and everyday wear. Its clean dial and readability make it an ideal companion for both casual outings and more demanding environments. Smartwatch This piece brings technology to my collection, providing notifications, fitness tracking, and other modern features that enhance my daily...

Review: Malibu Rum Black While it may not be a true Cuba Libre (Rum and Coke) due to the lack of garnish, Malibu Rum Black has proven to be a decent option. The coconut flavor is quite pronounced, making it enjoyable both on the rocks and mixed with cola. A suggested ratio of one part cola to two parts rum works well, adding a nice balance to the drink. Purchase Experience I picked up Malibu Rum Black for $10, a steal for a spirit. Though I'm generally partial to dark rums from Bacardi, I found Malibu to be a reasonable alternative. A Bit of History It's interesting to note that Malibu Rum is technically not a true rum; it’s more of a liqueur with rum. Originally marketed as Coco Rico, the brand was revived by the inventor of Bailey’s, who rebranded it as Malibu. Update: 2/14/21 I've been enjoying Malibu Rum on the rocks lately. Its sweetness is quite noticeable, which makes it a bit indulgent. Interestingly, I find that a dram of whisky is even more appealing after having ...

Review: Armani AR0585 Chronograph on Leather Strap There’s something timeless about a chronograph on a good leather strap, and the Armani AR0585 is no exception. While this watch originally comes on a heavy steel bracelet that can be tough to wear for extended periods, switching to a leather strap transforms the experience. Comfort and Wearability The weight of the AR0585 can be cumbersome, especially with the solid bracelet that lacks micro-adjustments, making it challenging to find the perfect fit. However, once I switched to a leather strap, many of those issues were alleviated. The leather not only lightens the overall feel but also adds a level of comfort that makes it much easier to wear for longer periods. Aesthetic Appeal Switching to a leather strap gives the Armani a strikingly good look, resembling more of an aviator-style flieger watch. This change enhances its versatility, allowing it to pair beautifully with various outfits, from casual to slightly more formal. Nostalgia ...

Exploring New Whiskies: A Gift from a Friend It’s always a pleasure to receive thoughtful gifts, especially when they introduce me to new flavors in whisky. Recently, a friend surprised me with a box set featuring three intriguing whiskies that cater to my preference for peaty malts. Here’s a closer look at the offerings: The Whisky Lineup Caol Ila 12 Region: Islay Notes: Known for its role in the Johnnie Walker blend, Caol Ila is celebrated for its smoky profile and subtle sweetness. This whisky often features a blend of peat smoke and light floral notes, making it a great introduction to Islay malts. Clynelish 14 Region: Highland Notes: Another component of the Johnnie Walker blend, Clynelish 14 is recognized for its waxy texture and fruity characteristics. It often presents notes of citrus, honey, and a hint of brine, which can be quite refreshing compared to its peaty counterparts. Talisker 10 Region: Isle of Skye Notes: The first one I opened, Talisker 10, has pleasantly sur...

Side-by-Side Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs. Samsung Galaxy S8+ Recently, I acquired a Samsung Galaxy S8+ from a friend who was upgrading their phone. After using it for a few days, I realized that the S8+ could easily replace my older Galaxy Note 4 for streaming movies and overall media consumption. Before I part with the Note 4, I wanted to do a side-by-side comparison to highlight the differences and improvements. Specifications Overview Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Specs Screen: 5.7” (1440 x 2560 pixels) ~515 ppi - 60 Hz Processor: Snapdragon 805 (28 nm) RAM: 3 GB Storage: 32 GB (expandable via microSD up to 256 GB) Battery: 3220 mAh (removable) Camera: 16 MP (rear), 3.7 MP (front) Weight: 6.21 oz Port: microUSB Samsung Galaxy S8+ Specs Screen: 6.2” (1440 x 2960 pixels) ~529 ppi - 60 Hz Processor: Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) / Exynos 8895 (10 nm) depending on region RAM: 4 GB Storage: 64 GB (expandable via microSD up to 256 GB) Battery: 3500 mAh Camera: 12 MP (rear), 8 MP...

Troubleshooting PS4 Controller Connection Issues I recently encountered some frustrating issues trying to connect my PS4 controllers, and it took me over a week and three new controllers to figure it out. The real culprit wasn’t the controllers themselves—especially since they were brand new—but rather the USB cable I was using. Here’s a rundown of various troubleshooting steps and a workaround for connecting your PS4 controller without a USB cable. Troubleshooting Steps 1. Basic Connection with USB Cable Connect the Controller: Use a USB cable to connect the controller to the PS4. Press the PS Home Button: With the PS4 turned off, click the PS Home button. If the PS4 turns on, you’re in business! 2. Reset the Controller Locate the Reset Button: Find the small hole on the bottom of the controller, near the L2 button. Press to Reset: Use a paper clip to press and hold the reset button for a few seconds. Then, try the first method again. 3. Power Off the PS4 Turn Off the PS4: Hold ...

Upgrading to the iPhone 11: A Comprehensive Review I recently made the jump from my iPhone 6s to the iPhone 11 , and I couldn't be happier with the upgrade. I got a special deal and switched over to T-Mobile, which has significantly improved my signal, especially in areas where Verizon struggled, like Las Vegas and parts of my hometown. Here’s a detailed look at my experience with the new device. iPhone 11 Specs Screen: 6.1” (828 x 1792 pixels) ~326 ppi - 60 Hz Processor: A13 Bionic (7 nm) RAM: 4 GB Storage: 64 GB Battery: 3110 mAh Camera: 12 MP / 12 MP Weight: 6.84 oz Port: Lightning iPhone 6s Specs Screen: 4.7” (750 x 1334 pixels) ~326 ppi - 60 Hz Processor: A9 (14 nm) RAM: 2 GB Storage: 32 GB (16 GB on base model) Battery: 1715 mAh Camera: 12 MP Weight: 5.04 oz Port: Lightning Size and Weight Transitioning from the 4.7-inch display of the 6s to the 6.1-inch screen of the 11 is like night and day. The heft of the iPhone 11 at 7 oz compared to the 5 oz of the 6s makes it feel ...

My Experience with Adidas Superstars: From Daily Wear to Retirement I purchased a pair of Adidas Superstars in June 2019 for an incredible $20 and have been wearing them almost daily for nearly 18 months , especially since the onset of COVID. These shoes have truly been put through the wringer, and while they’ve shown signs of wear, they’ve also demonstrated impressive durability. The Journey of My Superstars Over this time, my Superstars have taken on approximately 3,096 miles (calculated from 18 months at 5 days a week with an average of 8 miles per day). Most of my walks occurred on flat and smooth surfaces—like concrete, tile, wood, and carpet—contributing to their longevity. The wear has mostly been gradual, with the majority of miles covered at a casual pace rather than running. Condition Over Time Despite their continued functionality, my Superstars have definitely seen better days: Cushioning : The soles have lost nearly all their cushioning, which has affected overall comf...

My Journey with Sneakers: From Adidas Superstars to Air Force 1s Since my experience with Adidas Superstars and Converse All Stars, I’ve developed a keen interest in keeping my sneakers clean and looking fresh. Transitioning to Air Force 1s has been a delightful upgrade, especially as I learned valuable lessons about sneaker care along the way. Sneaker Care 101 Using the cheaper shoes as practice has proven to be beneficial. Here’s what I’ve found most effective for keeping my white sneakers in pristine condition: Immediate Cleaning : The easiest method is to wipe them down right after each use. Since I typically wear my Air Force 1s on weekends, maintaining this habit has become manageable. Side-by-Side Comparison : I was shocked by how dirty my Adidas Superstars had become when placed next to my fresh-looking Air Force 1s. It highlighted the importance of regular cleaning and care. Embracing Nice Sneakers I’ve truly become hooked on nice sneakers! The comfort and style of the Air Fo...

Coffee Choices: Dunkin' vs. McDonald's It's interesting to see how coffee pricing varies between chains, especially when it comes to something as simple as iced beverages. Here’s a breakdown of my recent experience with Dunkin' Donuts and McDonald's: Price Discrepancies At Dunkin' Donuts , I noticed that a regular iced coffee costs more than an iced Americano. It’s surprising since both drinks offer caffeine but have different preparation methods. The iced Americano, made with espresso and cold water, seems like a more economical choice, yet it doesn’t always deliver the flavor I’m looking for. Taste and Value While the iced Americano tastes decent, the price feels a bit steep for what I got. I was in a rush and opted for convenience, but it’s hard to justify spending more when I know I could have gotten something just as satisfying for less. Spoiled by McDonald's I’ve become accustomed to the $1 iced coffee at McDonald’s , which is a game-changer in the cof...

Investing in a USB Charging Station: My Experience with Hometall I'm glad I decided to invest in a USB charging station, specifically the Hometall 5-port USB charging station from Amazon, which cost me about $30. It has proven to be incredibly convenient to have a single location for charging all my devices, especially since I have over half a dozen gadgets plus an Apple Watch. Benefits of the Hometall Charging Station Organized Charging Having all my devices in one place, with the right-length cables, has made a noticeable difference. It’s much easier to keep everything organized, especially with the various devices I use daily. Power Output From what I gathered, the Hometall station does not support Qualcomm Quick Charge (QC) 3.0. The output is labeled at 5 volts and 2.4 amps , which calculates to 12 watts (5 x 2.4 = 12). The maximum capacity of 50 watts indicates how much power can be shared among multiple devices, likely reducing to about 8-10 watts per port when charging s...

A Tribute to the Apple iPhone 6s: My Daily Driver My Apple iPhone 6s has been a loyal companion, especially throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its Touch ID feature has become even more valuable during this time, allowing me to unlock my phone quickly and easily. Design: Timeless Elegance While the design may feel dated compared to modern smartphones that prioritize full-screen displays with notches or punch-hole cameras, there’s something undeniably elegant about the simple aesthetics of both the iPhone 6s and the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 , which debuted around 2014-2015. Despite their age, both phones have held up well, but the iPhone 6s showcases impressive durability and continues to run the latest Apple iOS 14 smoothly. Display: Samsung Takes the Crown When it comes to display quality, Samsung consistently excels. The screens on Samsung devices are renowned for their vibrant colors and high resolution, often leading Apple to source its iPhone displays from Samsung...

The Perfect Video Streaming Companions: Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Amazon Fire HD 8 While I love my iPhone 6s , its 4.7-inch LCD screen isn't ideal for enjoying streaming movies or videos. My iPads are too large for casual viewing, so I decided to find something in between and ended up with both a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and an Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet . Overall, the Fire HD 8 is fantastic for its screen size, but the Note 4 shines with its beautiful display and superior specifications. It’s impressive how the Note 4, released in 2014, still outperforms many modern devices—excluding flagship models. When evaluating a device primarily for video streaming, I focus on five key aspects: Display Hands down, the Note 4 surpasses most devices regarding screen quality, particularly given its age. However, if your streaming source only supports resolutions up to 480p or 720p, the HD 8 works perfectly fine (e.g., for YouTube ). Ultimately, display quality should be the primary focus for a d...

Job Search Journey Summary Overview Duration: 18 weeks (with 5 weeks from application to offer) Initial Outlook: Optimistic due to high job openings, but faced challenges specific to Data Analytics roles. Key Insights Labor Market Shift: Labor Day marked a turning point; prior to September, it was mostly rejections. Burnout: Experienced a significant dip in confidence, requiring a break in Week 11. Resume Format Impact: Transition to Method E resume format (more modern, visually appealing) was crucial, with the first interview requests only appearing after its implementation. Rejection Statistics: 95% rejection rate (includes ghosting) 1 in 20 applications resulted in an interview 3 months for a screening interview 5 weeks from application to an offer Weekly Breakdown Q1: Weeks 1-11 Weeks 1-6: Method A: Direct applications to company websites. Results: 100% rejection rate. Total Apps: 19 Weeks 7-11: Method B: Focused applications to specific companies. Results: Continued high...