Simple Living

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone Air: My Take on Form vs Function Why I Care About This Comparison I’ve used the 14 Pro in the past, and more recently the base iPhone 16. Those experiences shaped how I look at Apple’s lineup today. While the Pro phones impressed me with their 120 Hz ProMotion displays, I found myself frustrated with their heft. The battery life wasn’t dramatically better than the base model either, which left me questioning whether all that extra bulk was worth it. That’s where the iPhone Air won me over. It’s slim, elegant, and feels fantastic in the hand — quintessential Apple design. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but it strikes a balance I appreciate in day-to-day use. The Form of the iPhone Air For me, the Air represents form at its best. It’s light, beautifully balanced, and carries that classic Apple minimalism I’ve always admired. It doesn’t overwhelm my pocket or my hand, which is more than I can say for the Pro Max models. Yes, it sacrif...

Why the iPhone Air is my Next Upgrade I’d been holding on to my aging Samsung A32 as my work phone for longer than I should have. My main device has been the iPhone 16, but with Apple’s new iPhone Air finally in hand, my plan is simple: the Air becomes my personal phone, while the 16 shifts over to work duty. Why the iPhone Air Excited Me What intrigued me most about the Air was Apple’s rumored positioning: lighter and thinner than the standard iPhone 17, but still carrying standout features like the 120 Hz ProMotion display . That’s a game-changer. A smoother, more fluid screen makes everything—scrolling, gaming, even just daily use—feel noticeably better. If Apple could pull off a bigger display in a sleeker form factor without the weight of the Pro models, I figured it might just be the sweet spot I’d been waiting for. 1 Week with the iPhone Air Now that I’ve lived with it for a week, I can say the Air was the right choice for me. But it isn’t perfect. You have to make a few t...

The Best Smart Home Upgrade: Kasa Smart Plugs The Kasa smart plug has been the most cost-effective upgrade in my home. I’ve connected almost every lamp to one, letting me control them all from my iPhone with a tap or simple schedules. They’re inexpensive, easy to set up, and don’t require a hub. That made it simple to expand room by room without spending much. The biggest bonus comes when traveling—my lights can make the house look lived-in, and if my cameras detect movement, I can instantly turn lamps on for extra security. Small device, big impact.

When Retirement Savings Finally Got Real I didn’t get serious about retirement savings until just a few years ago. For most of my working life, I was contributing about 8% of my income into my 401(k). Not bad, but not nearly as powerful as what I’m doing now. As of last year, I finally committed to maxing out my contributions. That change has put my retirement trajectory on a whole new path. The Power of Compounding Using a 7% annual market growth assumption, here’s how things look: 11 years from now: around $1 million total balance. 15 years from now: about $1.4 million. 20 years from now: it leaps to $2.6 million. 25 years from now: crossing $4 million. Full retirement age (late 60s): close to $5.8 million. Compounding is slow and steady in the beginning, then suddenly exponential. Seeing the numbers stack up has been motivating. The Catch I can’t withdraw from my 401(k) without penalties until 59½. That means even if I wanted to step away earlier, I’d h...

Tasting Notes: 2022 Austin Hope Paso Robles Cabernet Recently, I opened a bottle of the 2022 Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, and it was a real treat. At $52, it isn’t exactly an everyday sipper, but after tasting it, I’d say it’s worth the splurge. First Impressions This Cabernet is fruit-forward in a way that California reds are known for. The first sip bursts with ripe cherries, offering that lush, almost jammy flavor profile that immediately pulls you in. Balance & Structure What stood out was how smooth and approachable it felt: No sour edges No harsh dryness No sharp acidity or overwhelming tannins Instead, it leans toward a softer, more polished structure. That might not be every Cab drinker’s preference, but for those who like their reds silky and easy-drinking, this one delivers. Texture & Comparison One interesting aspect for me was its slightly syrupy texture. Not overpowering, but enough to give the wine a rich mouthfeel. ...

Eighteen Squares Cabernet Sauvignon – Trader Joe’s $24.99 First Impressions This Cabernet had a fruit-forward nose with promise, but the palate came off rough around the edges even after 30 minutes of breathing. It carries a heavy mouthfeel and notes of strawberry, cherries and stone fruit, though the tannins stay bold. In many ways it reminds me of Cruz Alta’s Malbec. With Food Paired with a cheese and fruit platter, the wine softened and showed better balance. It’s clear this is a bottle meant to be served with food rather than sipped on its own. Final Take For $24.99, it drank more like a $15 wine. While not a bad bottle, I’d be more inclined to spend a little more for something like the Caymus 1858 Paso Robles at $35, which offers a smoother and more polished experience.

2025 Job Market: From Tough to Terrifying I was reading a Business Insider article about the decline in tech jobs and realized something unsettling: even though it was difficult to land a job in 2021, that was during a tech hiring boom. Opportunities were opening everywhere, startups were raising record funding, and companies were desperate for talent. So if I was struggling in the midst of boom times… what does that say about now? Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape feels absolutely terrifying. Layoffs are constant, hiring freezes drag on, and entry-level opportunities have practically evaporated. The optimism that once surrounded tech careers has been replaced with uncertainty and fear. In 2021, the job search felt like running uphill. In 2025, it feels like climbing a cliff with the ground crumbling beneath you.

My First Impressions of the AirPods (4th Gen) I recently received a gift that I truly appreciate — a pair of AirPods (4th generation). Normally, these retail for around $99 for the base non-Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), so getting them for free was a pleasant surprise. Compared to my AirPods (2nd gen), these are a noticeable upgrade. They share the sleek form factor of the AirPods Pro (1st gen) but without the soft silicone ear tips. This makes them comfortable for quick listening sessions while still offering a secure fit. The seamless integration with my iPhone is classic Apple — instant pairing, smooth switching between devices, and that familiar “just works” feeling. I’ve found myself reaching for these far more often than my Powerbeats or JBLs.

$2,000 Control Arm Replacement on My 2016 Highlander — Worth It? Yes, absolutely. Just replaced the front control arms on my 2016 Toyota Highlander — a suspension repair that set me back $2,000 at the dealership, including a required wheel alignment . Sure, it’s a hefty repair bill. But I’m not complaining. Why I Did It At 9 years old, it’s a little early for this kind of work, but not unreasonable. Parts like control arms naturally wear down over time, especially with daily use. I chose OEM parts and went with dealer service to ensure long-term reliability—because I plan to keep this SUV around for the long haul. Next on the list: replacing the struts and shocks . That’ll likely run another $2,000–$3,000, depending on whether I go with factory-spec KYB or upgrade to Bilstein B6 for better ride quality and control . The Bigger Picture All in, I’m budgeting about $1,000 per year in maintenance over the next decade to keep this vehicle running stro...

Spending More, Experiencing Less As 2026 approaches, I’m increasingly aware of how expensive everyday life has become. Whether it’s goods, services, or simple outings, it now takes significantly more money to have the same quality experience I once took for granted. Naturally, this has led to a kind of personal rationing. I’ve reduced the frequency of some experiences—not necessarily because I want to, but because the cost-to-value ratio no longer adds up. Taking Better Care of What I Already Own One area where this is especially clear is car ownership. With the high price of new vehicles, I’ve found it more practical to invest in repairs and upkeep for my current cars rather than replace them. It’s made me more attentive to maintenance and proactive care—stretching their usefulness as long as possible. Home-Cooked Meals Over Dining Out Dining out used to be a regular treat, but now it often feels like paying more for less. Food quality in many restaurants has declined, eve...

Johnnie Walker Green Label Review: A Pleasant Surprise from a Familiar Name After years of drinking Johnnie Walker Red and Black Label, I finally decided to give Green Label a try—and I’m really glad I did. Red Label was my introduction to Scotch : bold, affordable, and unmistakably harsh. Over time, Black Label became my go-to for something smoother, with just enough peat and smoke to keep it interesting. I drank both for years, depending on the mood and occasion. But Green Label feels like a natural step forward. At first sip, it carries a touch of that familiar Red warmth—but it quickly evolves into something richer, smoother, and far more layered. The mouthfeel is round and satisfying, and it instantly reminded me of some of my favorite single malts — Talisker and Caol Ila , both of which are part of the blend. What makes Green Label stand out is that it’s a 15-year-old blended malt, meaning it’s m...

Took the weekend to visit Houston .  Was more to enjoy a nice drive on I-40 and eat at a few places in H-town .  Enjoyed some Cuban food at Cafe Piquet and I’m liking the Ropa Vieja (shredded beef). Stopped both ways at Madisonville Buc-ees .  Overall, a simple, short and fun getaway.  Also found a really nice shoulder bag at Buc-ees that reminds me of the Lululemon version .

Quick Review: IASS Lounge at Narita Terminal 1 Worth It If It's Free If you have complimentary access, the IASS Lounge at Narita Airport’s Terminal 1 is a decent place to relax for a couple of hours. It’s nothing fancy, but it does the job—especially when you're just looking for a quiet space to recharge before your flight. What’s Included One standout perk: they offer a free can of Asahi beer, which is a nice touch. The drink machines are surprisingly good, with a variety of options, and the lounge has its own dedicated Wi-Fi network, which worked well during my stay. Comfort and Atmosphere The chairs are on the firm side, so don’t expect to catch a nap here. Still, it feels like a more secure and calm environment compared to the general terminal seating, making it a good spot to relax, scroll your phone, or catch up on some reading. Surprisingly Good Tomato Juice The biggest surprise? The tomato juice. I wasn’t expecting much, but it ended up being my favorite drink t...

Comparing Zipair to ANA and JAL: Is It Worth the Savings? Why I Chose Zipair This Time For my return trip, I booked a flight on Zipair to see how it stacks up against ANA. Whether it's the right choice really depends on your travel style and priorities. Fares and Value Zipair’s fares are typically cheaper, which is appealing—especially for budget-conscious travelers. But if you're flying solo like I was, basic economy on ANA or JAL can also be quite affordable. Personally, unless the savings are more than $150, I’d still choose ANA or JAL over Zipair in basic economy. What to Expect on Zipair That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with Zipair. The experience is clean, simple, and efficient—but it’s also very no-frills. Nearly everything is à la carte—from water and coffee to meals—so you’ll need to pre-purchase food or bring your own onboard. That’s easy enough if you're departing from Japan, but much less practical from LAX, where buying food can be pricey. One An...