Simple Living

Apple AirPods Pro Review After selling some of my watches, I decided to splurge on a pair of Apple AirPods Pro . Here’s my experience with them over the past few months. Initial Impressions I’ve only had the AirPods Pro for a few hours, but I’m already impressed by how seamlessly they integrate with my iPhone 11 . Everything just works, and once I learned the basic controls, they felt quite intuitive. The transparent audio feature is impressive, even surpassing my open-ear Grado SR80s in some aspects. Although I’ve only tested the noise-canceling feature sparingly, I plan to give it a more thorough trial soon. Three-Day Review After receiving the new AirPods Pro case, I noticed a design flaw: due to their size and shape, they tend to fall out of my pockets quite easily. My initial listening sessions relied heavily on the transparent audio mode, which isn’t ideal for actual music listening. When I switched it off, I immediately noticed that the sound quality of certain songs improved—a...

General Purpose Backpack Review: Adidas Foundation V I needed a general-purpose backpack that could fit between my casual Jansport and my Dakine hiking bag. After considering my requirements, I settled on the Adidas Foundation V . Here’s my breakdown of the experience. Requirements I had five basic requirements for my new backpack: Black color Polyester material Larger than 26 liters Utility pouches for water bottles Internal compartments for a laptop Options Considered I looked at several choices and was initially drawn to the Adidas Striker II , which was priced at $20. However, since I couldn't find it in black, I opted for the Adidas Foundation V , which costs $27. Here are the options I considered: Jansport Superbreak 501 - $17 Adidas Striker II - $20 Adidas Foundation V - $27 Size and Compartments The Adidas Foundation V offers a spacious 33 liters , which is a significant increase from the 26 liters of my Jansport 501. It features four compartments : A laptop sleeve i...

Streamlined Watch Collection: My Ideal Setup My watch collection has once again surpassed a dozen pieces, but like many times before, it consists of a mix of inexpensive and cheap watches that I rarely wear. I’m now focused on culling the herd and narrowing it down to four essential watches: Rolex Explorer 114270 Victorinox INOX Casio G-Shock DW5600 Casio A168 Here’s my thought process for establishing an ideal collection. I. Classics that Obey Form + Function Over the years, I’ve realized that I prefer simple tool watches that balance reasonable size with classic styling. My everyday wear usually consists of the humble Casio models, while I reserve the Automatics and the INOX for more formal or special occasions. Interestingly, the Casio A168 brings me a lot of joy. It meets most of my daily needs without the worry of wear and tear, which is a huge plus for an everyday watch. II. You Don’t Need Every Style or Design One mistake I made early in my collecting journey was the desire to ...

Choosing Your Casio G-Shock: 5600 vs. 6900 and More If you're diving into the world of Casio G-Shocks, you've likely encountered two iconic designs: the square 5600 series and the circular 6900 series . Both embody the durability, functionality, and iconic status of G-Shock watches. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which model suits your needs best. 1. Form Factor (Size) For those with smaller wrists, the compact, square 5600 series is often the better choice, while the larger, circular 6900 series tends to fit most wrist sizes comfortably. If you're new to G-Shock, it's a good idea to try both styles on to see which feels more comfortable. 2. Features (Modules) Each G-Shock model comes with its own set of features. The entry-level DW models cover the essentials, including a timer, alarm, and stopwatch. On the other hand, higher-end models (like the GW or GLX series ) offer advanced features such as solar charging, atomic time syncing, and world time. Consider...

Lexus IS250 Maintenance Update It finally happened—around 85,000 miles , my 2007 Lexus IS250 displayed the dreaded Check Engine Light and VSC indicators. I had just changed the oil at the dealer a few weeks prior and replaced the rear axle and front bushings, so it was frustrating to see my dashboard light up like a Christmas tree right after. Diagnosis I returned to the dealer, where they determined the issues were a dead O2 sensor and a leaking valve cover gasket . They believe that oil dripping from the gasket fell onto the O2 sensor, leading to its failure. Repair Costs The total bill for the repairs came to about $1,300 : O2 Sensor Replacement : $600 Valve Cover Gasket Replacement : $700 Additional Maintenance In addition to resolving the Check Engine light, I also had some other maintenance and repairs done. The total cost for the month reached $4,050 , which breaks down as follows: Oil Change : $250 Rear Axle Replacement : $1,700 Front Bushings Replacement : $800

Casio G-Shock DW-6900 Battery Replacement Experience The backlight on my Casio G-Shock DW-6900 stopped working, although the time display and all other functions were still operational. I suspected the battery might be low on power, especially since the backlight is a significant draw. Battery Replacement Steps After some research, I found the instructions for replacing the battery, which confirmed it uses a CR2016 battery . Here’s a summary of the steps I followed: Gather Tools : You’ll need a tiny Phillips screwdriver to remove the back screws and a needle or pin to release the battery harness. Remove the Back Cover : Use the Phillips screwdriver to carefully unscrew the back cover of the watch. Replace the Battery : Gently release the battery harness using the needle or pin. This step can be tricky; I had to watch several YouTube videos and review the online instructions multiple times to get it right. Caution : Take your time with the battery harness catch to avoid permanent damag...

Choosing My Next Watch: Casio G-Shock DW-5600 vs. Casio A168 In 2021, I found myself considering a new watch to add to my collection after my last purchase, the Victorinox INOX , in 2020. With the unfortunate demise of my Apple Series 2 , I had room for another timepiece. I was drawn to two classic options: Casio G-Shock DW-5600 Casio A168 Evaluating the Contenders Details Matter While my collection of G-Shocks has always been solid, I’ve found some lacking in certain aspects. My GLX-5600 is a striking red, but my DW-6900 is too bulky, and the G9000 has a hard-to-read negative display. This led me to consider the black DW-5600 or the silver A168 . Pro #1: Both Are Affordable One major advantage of these watches is their affordability. Although I’m leaning towards the DW-5600 , I’m also tempted to acquire both. Their prices typically range between $20-$40 , making them low-risk additions to my collection. Pro #2: G-Shock's Indestructibility I’ve always appreciated G-Shocks for ...

Cycling Through My Collection: The Seiko SKX781 Orange Monster Recently, I’ve been cycling through my collection and have been sporting the Seiko SKX781 , affectionately known as the Orange Monster . It’s fascinating how wearing larger watches, like the Victorinox INOX and Armani AR585 , makes the SKX781 feel just right in terms of size. Love/Hate Relationship The SKX781 evokes a mixed bag of feelings; I can completely understand why people either love it or hate it. Over my five years of ownership, I've experienced both sides. Its bold and blunt styling—with the metal bezel and case—can be off-putting for some. However, this design gives it a more modern and unique vibe compared to other divers, particularly the more traditional Submariner-style bezels found on watches like the SKX007 . What Draws Me In What truly attracted me to the SKX781 was its stunning orange dial. It’s undoubtedly one of the most legible dials I’ve encountered, and I wish more brands, including Seiko, wou...

Enjoying a Simple Cup of Instant Starbucks Via Coffee It's been a while since I've brewed a cup of instant Starbucks Via Coffee , and I must say, it’s a nice change of pace. While it may not be gourmet coffee, it definitely stands out when compared to its market niche of K-Cups and other instant brands like Nescafe . A Humble Pleasure There’s something refreshing about enjoying a simple cup of instant coffee. In a world where we often seek the finest brews and elaborate coffee-making methods, taking a moment to appreciate the convenience and straightforwardness of instant coffee can be quite rewarding. While it may not offer the complexities of a freshly brewed cup, Starbucks Via provides a solid flavor that exceeds expectations for instant coffee. Sometimes, it’s the humble moments that allow us to pause and appreciate the little things, and this cup of coffee does just that. Whether it’s a quick morning boost or a midday pick-me-up, there’s a certain charm in simplicity.

Embracing the Zenith with a New Oyster Style Bracelet I recently bought an oyster style bracelet for my Zenith , and it's made a noticeable difference in my watch-wearing experience. With the summer heat making leather impractical, this bracelet offers both comfort and style. Plus, I’m really enjoying the 36mm size of watches lately, which feels just right on my wrist. A Classic Look The bracelet gives my Zenith an appearance reminiscent of my Rolex Explorer 114270 , which was actually part of the reason I chose this particular style. There's a certain elegance in that classic design, and the combination of the two watches side by side is quite appealing. From Hating to Loving Interestingly, there was a time when I had buyers remorse about the Zenith. I often wished I had opted for a Hamilton Khaki or Seiko SARB , as they were all similarly priced under $500. However, my feelings have changed over time. I’ve come to appreciate the Zenith for its classic design , simplicity...

Maintaining White Shoes: My Cleaning Journey Owning white shoes definitely has its perks, but one of the obvious downsides is that they get dirty quickly and require regular cleaning to keep them looking decent. As I prepare to step up to nicer pairs of kicks, I've opted for some classic, affordable options to practice my cleaning skills. For now, I'm using basic home cleaning agents like detergent and bleach . Cleaning Schedule: Daily & Monthly I’ve established a two-part cleaning schedule: Daily : I wipe down any white shoes I've worn to minimize dirt and grime from setting in. This quick maintenance helps keep them looking fresh. Monthly : I perform a deeper clean for shoes that I've worn regularly or that are starting to look really dirty. This involves removing the laces and cleaning each component of the shoe separately for a thorough clean. Cleaning Methods Here’s how I approach the cleaning: Laces : So far, the laces have held up well with just soap and wa...

Alox vs. Cellidor: My Experience with Victorinox Swiss Army Knives Having owned and used both Alox and Cellidor Victorinox Swiss Army knives, I've come to appreciate the unique characteristics of each. These materials define the handles, or scales, of the knives, leading to differences in durability, weight, and aesthetics. Understanding Alox and Cellidor Alox Material : Alox stands for Aluminum Oxide , a metal finish that has been used in military-issued Soldier knives for the Swiss Army since the 1960s, continuing until around 2008. Victorinox has also produced civilian versions, such as the Pioneer Alox , which is a near-exact replica of the Soldier with the addition of a keyring. Durability : The metallic scales offer increased resistance to impact and chemicals compared to plastic, making them a robust choice for rugged use. Cellidor Material : Cellidor refers to the plastic scales used on many Victorinox civilian knife models, most famously recognized by their iconic red co...

Farewell to My Apple Watch: A Transition Back to Traditional Timepieces After four years of faithful service, my Apple Watch Series 2 in Space Grey Aluminum (42mm) has finally succumbed. I bought it new when it was first released in April 2017, and while I appreciated its features, I'm surprisingly relieved that it has died. This unexpected freedom allows me to reconnect with my traditional quartz and mechanical watches. Embracing Analog Again Lately, I’ve been enjoying my Victorinox INOX for most days, which combines durability and style. When I need something lightweight, my Swatch has been my go-to option. I also feel a renewed excitement for my G-Shocks , which are now getting the attention they deserve during workouts and hikes. Considering Repair Options Update - 5/22/21 I checked the Apple Service website and discovered that an out-of-warranty battery replacement would cost $79 . Given that a newer Model 3 is just double the price, I’ve decided that repairing the battery ...

Excited to Welcome My First Limited Edition Swiss Army Knife I’ve finally taken the plunge and picked up my first Limited Edition Swiss Army Knife : the Aqua Blue Alox Pioneer . Released as part of the 2020 annual colors edition, I found it at a particularly good price, and I couldn't resist. Shifting Focus in My Collection I’ve decided to halt my collecting for the remainder of 2021 , with the exception of possibly picking up another Limited Edition, such as the 2021 Alox Pioneer X . With over half a billion Swiss Army Knives produced as of 2017, there’s really no need to chase after common models. Instead, I want to focus on the uniqueness of Limited Editions that stand out in my collection. Impressions of the Main Blade The main blade on the Alox Pioneer is the most substantial one I've yet to experience among my Swiss Army Knives. I own several models, from the svelte 58mm Classic to the 111mm Trekker , but the 93mm Alox stands out as a beefy contender. The blade features...