Simple Living

1858 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon Review I recently discovered 1858 Paso Robles and was really impressed by their Cabernet Sauvignon from Caymus Vineyard . For its price, it surpasses the more expensive options like Amici , Royal Prince , and Flowers that I’ve enjoyed in the past. The wine has a unique texture that feels like a blend between a Pinot Noir and a Cabernet Sauvignon , rather than being a heavy Cab. I appreciate this lighter approach. While it didn't have the aromatic qualities of a Pinot, I only tried one bottle and plan to sample more to identify consistent characteristics. Caymus also offers an intriguing choice called Red Schooner , made with Mendoza Malbec grapes from Argentina. After listening to reviews, I’m starting to realize why I’m drawn to Malbec wines; they possess a smokiness that resonates with my preference for Islay Scotch. Overall, it’s exciting to learn more about red wines and refine my palate.

Review of Vivitar WE-ES62-WT Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds For just $5 at Target, you can grab a pair of Vivitar wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Known for their basic design, these earbuds are a budget option that resembles Apple AirPods in appearance. Pairing Process Don’t expect a seamless pairing experience like with AirPods; it’s crucial to follow the provided instructions to avoid frustration. Many negative reviews stem from users not reading the guidelines, which is common with cheaper tech. Design & Form Factor The design is surprisingly decent for the price. They look good and feel okay, which is impressive for $5—making you wonder about Apple’s markup on their products. Sound Quality Sound quality is poor, described as tinny and harsh with little bass. While they may not satisfy audiophiles, they outperform some $20-$25 wired options. Adjusting the EQ can help, but the sound can still be tiresome over time. Build Quality The build quality feels flimsy, especially the case hinge, ...

JBL 510BT Bluetooth Headphones Review I recently scored a deal on the JBL 510BT Bluetooth Headphones for half off, paying only $30 . So far, they’ve proven to be a solid, budget-friendly option for wireless headphones. Initial Impressions While AirPods are great, the added bulk of a charging case can be inconvenient, especially when I'm on the move and worry about losing earbuds. For just $30 , I’m not overly concerned about knocking around the JBLs. I’ll need to use them for a few days to give them a proper review, but here's what I've gathered so far. One Week Review Final Verdict: Buy these headphones for $30. While I wouldn't recommend them at full retail price, they deliver decent value for their lower price point. Sound Quality Decent and Pleasant : The sound quality is pleasant, reminding me of my wired Sony ZX310 headphones. Bass and Clarity : These won’t win any awards, but they’re great for their segment. They can sound muddled at times, especially with hea...

Meiomi Cabernet Sauvignon Review I finally found a fantastic red wine under $20 : Meiomi Cabernet Sauvignon . It has a delightful fruity, full-bodied profile with minimal bitterness, making it a delicious choice. The finish is almost syrup-like, adding a unique touch to its character. I appreciate that it remains enjoyable even the next day after being corked, which is a bonus for those who might not finish a bottle in one sitting. Overall, it’s a pleasant table wine that fits well within my budget. Update - 1/20/23: Meiomi Pinot Noir I've also tried Meiomi's Pinot Noir , and it's equally impressive. Both the Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are exceptional wines in the affordable category. Their quality far exceeds their price point, so I've stocked up on both. They are now go-to options for any casual gathering or dinner. Exploring Other Options Alongside Meiomi, I'm looking forward to trying Daou again and giving Josh another shot to see how they fit into my b...

My IKEA Collection Journey I've recently become enamored with IKEA and have built a small collection of pieces to furnish my place. By focusing on pre-owned items , I managed to save around $600 . Here's a look at my finds: Acquisitions Vika Grevsta Desk - $40 (originally $90) Jokkmokk Dining Set with 4 Chairs - $50 (originally $250) Malm Bed - $150 (originally $300) Tarva Bed - $40 (originally $200) Rast Dresser - $60 Kallax Shelf 12 - $129 Gladom Table - $25 Lack Tables (2 small, 1 medium) - $40 Rugs (5’ x 8’) - 3x - $130 Nissafors Utility Cart - $33 Hemnes Nightstands - 2x - $20 (originally $260) Nordkisa Nightstand - $20 (originally $100) Billy Bookshelf - $50 Tagarp Lamp  - 5x - $25 (originally $60) Vidja Lamp - $25 (originally $60) Rodflik Lamp - $40 Omar Wine Rack - $60 Bankesta Coffee Tables - $12.50 (originally $75) Vintage vs. New I find that vintage pieces, particularly those made from solid wood , have a charm and durability that newer items often...

Exploring the World of Red Wines The door has opened for me to the world of red wines, and I'm starting to appreciate the nuances and appeal of enjoying a nice glass of wine. I still have a lot to learn, but I've graduated from $4 Trader Joe's options to $13 Malbecs, and now I'm venturing into the $40 range. There is obviously a significant difference between these price points. Unfortunately, I haven't found much in the $20-$30 range, as they all taste quite similar to the Malbecs. So far, most $40 wines I've tried have been amazing, and I even sampled a $90 Cabernet that left me in awe. However, it's too pricey to become a habit, so I’ll settle for $40-$50 wines while I continue to hunt for decent $20-$30 options to stay within my budget. My Choices in the $40-$50 Range (All 2019 Vintage) Caravan Darioush Amici Royal Prince Among these, the Amici was the standout, followed closely by the Royal Prince. Caravan was also enjoyable. I'm discovering that I ...

A Comparison of Two Iconic Shoes: Air Jordan 1 Low vs. Air Force 1 ‘07 I’m surprised so few people have posted comparisons between these two iconic shoes: Air Jordan 1 Low Air Force 1 ‘07 Both are basketball shoes that are famous in their own right, sharing similar price points of $110 with comparable materials and build qualities. Versatility: Air Force 1 When it comes to versatility, I give it to the Air Force 1s. In the Triple White colorway, they can match so many outfits and styles. A close second are the Jordan 1s, which in certain colorways can really make a bland outfit pop. However, Air Force 1s look better with baggy jeans due to their chunkier profile, while Jordan 1s pair well with slimmer jeans. Comfort: Air Force 1 In terms of comfort, I’ll need to break in the leather on the Jordan 1s, as they are stiffer than the Air Force 1s. The thicker sole and air unit of the Air Force 1s make me feel they will win out for long-haul treks. I'm sure that once the stiff leather of...

My First Pair of Air Jordan 1 Low: Reverse Black Toe I went with a classic colorway of Red/White/Black for my first pair of Air Jordan 1 Lows, also known as the Reverse Black Toe. I’ve wanted a pair of AJ1s for quite some time, especially after trying on a pair of Air Force 1s, which sparked my curiosity about the Air Jordans. I’m glad I waited; initially, I was going to get a pair of mids, but I decided that the lows are more versatile and can match better with the outfits in my wardrobe. I’m looking forward to wearing them and seeing how they perform. I anticipate buying a few more Air Jordans, as I want to explore different colorways. Future Planned AJ1s Green/White/Black Black/White UNC Blue/White Purple/White/Yellow — LA Lakers Red/White I’m undecided on whether to go for highs, mids, or lows, as well as the types of materials I’ll choose. I’ll figure that out in the coming years. 6 months later these AJ1’s have traveled the globe

My Nespresso Vertuo Experience I’ve grown tired of hunting for good coffee shops and spending $5-7 per pour, so I decided to invest in a Nespresso Vertuo machine, which I found for $140 at Costco. The machine came with 30 pods, and I used a $40 coupon to buy 40 more pods at the Nespresso store. I also ordered another 100 pods online to take advantage of the welcome gift, which included 10 more pods and two free coffee mugs. In total, I’ve purchased 180 Vertuo pods for this machine! Given my consumption rate of 2-3 pods a day, about 3-4 days a week, that adds up to 6-12 pods weekly .

Year-End Review: 2023 Purchases and Reflections Another year has gone by, and I’ve accumulated quite a bit of new stuff, from clothes to tech. 2022 was a banner year for me, but 2023 is the time to improve the quality of my wardrobe and invest in a new computer. Planned Purchases Tech - $106 Dell Precision 7530 - $250 - Sold JBL 510BT Headphones - $30 - Done Vuolao V8 Headphones - $16 - Done Apple AirPods 2nd Gen - $60 - Done Shoes - $311 Jordan 1 Mids 9.5 - $110 - Done Jordan 1 Lows 10.5 - $130 - Done Air Force 1s 10 - $71 - Done Clothes - $323 Uniqlo - Clothing Haul - $150 - Done North Face - Winter Jacket - $173 - Done Hobbies - $0 Swiss Army Knives - $0* - Done Total Expenditures: $740 I’m keeping it simple. For the Jordan 1s, I’m considering the Black & White Panda colorway or Green/Black/White to have something a bit more subdued than my current pair. I also added a pair of budget-friendly Bluetooth headphones. While I love the AirPods Pro, I’m finding it easier to have tra...

My old wireless keyboard died, and I was using a wired USB one as a temporary solution. I found an Apple-style set on Amazon for $25 . Initial Impressions Overall, it’s okay. I’ll see how it fares long term. Update - 11/17/23 - 11 Months Later This keyboard and mouse combo is still going strong! I use it daily and am still on the original battery, which is impressive. For the price, it beats the previous junk I bought from Best Buy. The mouse features a slimline design, but you quickly get used to it. Looking forward to seeing how it holds up in the coming months!

Visit to Otto Coffee at the Adolphus Hotel I finally made a visit to Otto Coffee in the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas. The place exudes a charming old-world style with dark wood panels and leather seating, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere. What I Tried Latte : Smooth and well-balanced. Cappuccino : Excellent; I rate it a 9.0 out of 10 . Texas Pecan Sticky Bun : Delicious and a perfect pairing with the coffee. Espresso Machine I noticed that Otto uses a La Marzocco for their espresso, which adds to the quality of their coffee offerings. Overall, a fantastic experience at Otto Coffee.

Boba Milk Tea from FULLL I decided to change things up and grab a Boba Milk Tea from FULLL (yes, three L’s). This spot is rated 4.6 stars on Yelp , and I can confirm that the rating is well-deserved—both the tea and the price are great! Order Details Sweetness Level : I opted for 30% sugar and requested less ice . Taste : Absolutely delicious! Comparison with Tiger Sugar While Tiger Sugar holds the top spot in Dallas, I found that FULLL offers better prices, making it a solid contender for my favorite boba spot. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.

Mr. Brown Coffee: The Sugar-Free Cold Brew One of my all-time favorite canned coffees is Mr. Brown Coffee . While it’s not exactly gourmet and might not be the healthiest choice, I can’t resist its appeal! They’ve recently introduced a sugar-free (or very low sugar) cold brew version, and it’s just what I’ve been looking for. Why I Love It Plain Iced Coffee : Sometimes, I crave a simple iced coffee without any sugar or cream—just plain black. This new option fits the bill perfectly! Convenience : At $1.49 , it’s a fantastic alternative to brewing and chilling my own coffee at home. This sugar-free cold brew has become a staple in my fridge, offering a quick and satisfying caffeine fix.