Simple Living

2024 Budget and Wardrobe Update I'm planning to stick to a budget of around $500 for 2024. I’m getting better at managing my expenses and am on track to hit $740 for 2023. Planned Items Most of my budget will be allocated towards clothes and shoes: Shoes - $141 Air Jordan 1 Low (Size 10.5M) - $86 - Purchased Stan Smith White/Green (Size 10M) - $55 - Purchased Clothes - $216 Bomber Jacket - $200 - Skip for 2025 Polo Letterman Navy - $160 - Purchased Levi Denim Jacket - $36 - Purchased Uniqlo T-Shirts (3x)  - $50 - Purchased Blue Jeans - $50 - Skip for 2025 Watches - $40 Casio A168WG - $40 - Purchased Tech - $240 iPhone 16 - $200 - Purchased Anker 10k Power Bank - $40 - Purchased Total Spending So far, I've spent a total of $637 .  I may increase my budget to $800 if I need to replace additional clothing items, but I don't anticipate needing much more. Future Considerations The only unknown factor is whether I will upgrade to the iPhone 16, depending on how it compar...

Weekend Coffee Update I’m enjoying a nice coffee weekend and recently stopped by the newest Summer Moon location in North Texas. As the weather is getting chillier, I treated myself to a very decent cappuccino, which I’d rate a solid 7 out of 10 . It’s great to discover a cozy spot like this outside of Deep Ellum. Another excellent option in the area is Pax & Beneficia , located in Plano near Alma. Both places offer a nice atmosphere for coffee lovers.

Milestone Achievement: 100,000 Miles on My 2015 Camry Today marks a significant milestone: my 2015 Camry has officially hit 100,000 miles ! When I purchased it in 2022, it had 88,000 miles, which means I've added just 12,000 miles over the past 22 months —approximately 600 miles per month . To put this into perspective, I'm driving at about half the rate of the previous owner, who would have needed to cover 1,000 miles per month to reach that 88,000-mile mark in seven years. Looking Ahead: A Decade More to Go Ideally, I want this car to last an additional 70,000 miles or 10 more years , assuming I continue driving around 7,000 miles per year . That would bring the total mileage to a reasonable 170,000 miles . I test drove another 2015 Camry with similar mileage before purchasing this one, and it drove effortlessly, which reassures me about the car’s longevity. While I’m less concerned about the mileage itself, I am mindful of its age. The Camry will reach 8 years old in 20...

Taco Bell Pass Experience: A Month of Tacos I decided to give the $10 Taco Bell Pass a try, which allows me to enjoy one taco per day for 30 days . This seemed like a fantastic deal, especially since it includes Taco Supremes for about 33 cents each ! Day 2 - Confirmed It Works I had no doubts about its legitimacy since it’s through the official app. I enjoyed my second discounted Taco Supreme today, and by Day 4 , I’ll have already broken even on my investment. Day 23 - This Was Such a Good Deal! I must say, I’ve indulged in quite a few discounted tacos 🌮—it’s becoming almost ridiculous! With only a week left in the challenge, I’m feeling the effects of my taco-heavy diet. On the bright side, I’ve also scored at least six more free tacos from welcome gifts and other promotions. By my estimate, I’ve spent $10 and received around $90 worth of Taco Bell ! Day 30 - And It’s Done As the month comes to a close, I feel a mix of sadness and relief. I’ve enjoyed the experience, but I’m al...

Embracing the Charisma of the Casio A168 The Casio A168 possesses a unique charisma and charm that captivates once you experience it—this inexpensive gem is hard to resist! I'm currently debating whether to make it my daily driver again. Update - 10/14/23 I decided to wear the A168 for several days, and I’ve come to realize how much I rely on my Apple Watch for quick updates, like checking the weather and accessing other information that typically requires pulling out my iPhone. While the A168 is perfect for at-home use—where I only need to check the date and time—it becomes less practical when I’m outdoors. The functionality of the Apple Watch truly shines in those moments. That said, I’m glad I gave the A168 a shot. While it may have disrupted my three rings and exercise records, does it really matter if it’s logged on my Apple Watch as long as I maintain my exercise routines? Absolutely not!

Growing Affection for the Huntsman Victorinox I'm increasingly drawn to the Victorinox Huntsman 4-layer model. Initially, I thought I'd prefer the Deluxe Climber or Tinker , but the added height from the pliers makes that preference debatable. Surprisingly, I’m also enjoying the Champion Plus for everyday carry (EDC); it’s even larger than any of my 4-layer models! What’s really swaying my preference towards the Huntsman is the inclusion of the wood saw . It makes it an ideal choice for true EDC functionality. In addition to the Huntsman, I have most of the common 4-layer options available, except the Mountaineer , Angler , Fisherman , and Deluxe Tinker . However, I doubt I would carry the Fisherman or Angler in a practical sense; they seem more suited for collectors. The Mountaineer sounds appealing, but I’d rather seek out a discontinued Passenger or Ranger for my collection.

New Addition: Deluxe Climber Victorinox I recently picked up a Deluxe Climber , a discontinued model that’s a bit more uncommon. It’s almost identical to the current Deluxe Tinker , but with one key difference: it features a corkscrew instead of a Phillips screwdriver. I'm currently debating whether to sell this model in favor of the Deluxe Tinker, but for now, I plan to pocket EDC it since I do appreciate the inclusion of the pliers. I got this for a fair price of $26 , which feels reasonable. In all honesty, this model only needs a bit driver and it's the Cybertool M . If a Phillips is what I’m after, I might as well splurge for the Cybertool instead!

New Addition: Champion Plus Victorinox I recently added a Champion Plus to my collection. This discontinued Victorinox Swiss Army knife model is the predecessor to the current Swiss Champ , but it notably lacks the pliers. I have to say, I find this 6-layer tool set quite appealing, although it does feel a bit impractical for pocket EDC. Nevertheless, I’m going to give it a try and see how it performs. If it doesn't work out, I’ll likely stick with my Huntsman or Deluxe Climber . As opportunities arise, I plan to pick up more discontinued models in good condition to enhance my collection. I paid only $45 for this one, a decent price!

My Secret Vice: Mr. Brown Iced Coffee One of my guilty pleasures is cheap iced coffee in a can from Mr. Brown . While my absolute favorite is the Cappuccino , I find that the others have their moments too. Here’s a list of the flavors I’ve tried or know of: Cappuccino Blue Mountain Iced Coffee Iced Coffee Black Black - No Sugar Macadamia Nut Caramel Latte Vanilla Mandheling While there are various sizes available, these are the ones I'm familiar with in the States. Additionally, some other flavors in the 8 oz can include: Chocolate Colombian Espresso (though this might be the sugar-free version of Black Coffee) These cans have become a go-to for a quick caffeine fix!

A Pleasant Surprise at Einstein Bros. Bagels Wow! I didn’t realize the bagels from Einstein Bros. were so great. Having been accustomed to Starbucks , I can confidently say this place beats them hands down. The coffee was decent, featuring a syrupy texture in the simple, unsweetened Americano, which made for a satisfying start to my meal. Smear Choices When it comes to the smears, I’ll definitely stick with the spicier jalapeño option over the chives. While the chives were okay, the jalapeño added just the right amount of kick, elevating the overall flavor experience.

Delicious Lunch at Fresh K Market I had a nice lunch of Seollungtang and Tonkatsu at the food court in Fresh K Market in Carrollton. The curry was delicious; I could eat just that with the rice! The Seollungtang beef soup was excellent, providing a hearty and comforting meal that truly hit the spot.

First Experience with Victorinox Repair Service I tried the Victorinox repair service for the first time and sent my knives to their Monroe Center in Connecticut. Here’s a quick summary of the process: Day 1: Created a repair order online. Day 1: Mailed my knives to Victorinox, paying $5.85 for USPS. Day 6: USPS delivered the package to Victorinox. Day 11: Received an email from Victorinox confirming they had my knives. Day 17: Victorinox emailed me shipping details with UPS tracking. Day 18: I was charged $5.41 per knife for the repair. Day 21: Received my knives back. Total Cost: $16.67 The total time for the repair was three weeks from printing the form to receiving my knives back. Out of this, two weeks (11 days) were for shipping transit time, so the actual repair took about one week (10 days) . Overall, the experience was quite good. The Huntsman is spectacular, and the Explorer is functional again, but considering its age, it might be better to buy a new one rathe...

Getting Back into Knife Maintenance It’s been a while, and I’m getting back into the habit of cleaning my knife collection. I’ll need to gather some oil, sharpeners, and other tools to do this properly. For now, it’s simply about cleaning off any residue on the knives and implements, as I often use them to open packages and end up with tape gunk on the blades and scissors. My Trekker sees the most action, and I’m finding the Phillips head quite useful. I’ll need to consider adding a Deluxe Tinker or Handyman to my collection to include a set of pliers. With a good maintenance routine, I can keep my collection in top shape and ready for any task.

Exploring Pho in Dallas: La Me Restaurant Review In the bustling area south of Richardson, tucked into an older strip mall in Dallas, I came across La Me—a modest spot that might not look like much from the outside, but it has its own charm. The place is a little dated, but it’s clean, with a welcoming atmosphere that quickly sets you at ease. The food here lives up to its reputation, and I can see why some people rank it even higher than Pho Pasteur. While Pho Pasteur serves a rich, almost overwhelming broth, La Me’s broth is more refined and subtle, allowing the flavors to come together beautifully without overpowering. The unique blend of ingredients adds a layer of depth, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. Their spring rolls were another highlight. Though it was a bit different to see whole peanuts in the dipping sauce—most places grind them down—the taste was fresh and delicious. Overall, I’d give La Me a slight edge over Pho Pasteur, rating it an impressive 8.75 out of 10...

Discovering Pax & Beneficia Coffee: Plano Location Review After enjoying Pax & Beneficia Coffee in Las Colinas and Grapevine, I was excited to try their Plano location, which sits conveniently near the old Collin Creek Mall. This location is beautiful, with ample parking and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for sipping coffee and unwinding. I tried both a Cappuccino and a Cortado here. The espresso was slightly on the bitter side, but in the Cappuccino, the whole milk balanced it out nicely, making it a smooth, enjoyable drink. For anyone in the DFW area, this Plano spot is definitely worth a visit!

Swiss Army Knife Haul & Collections Update Just added eight pristine Swiss Army Knives to the collection! This haul included essentials like the Fieldmaster and Huntsman, which I’ve now fully stocked for my car and backpacks. Here’s a quick rundown of what I picked up: Fieldmaster x2 Huntsman x2 Tinker Delemont Evo Junior 9 - Sold Pruning Knife - Sold Bantam - Keeping; it’s a unique piece. Champion Plus Deluxe Climber With these new additions, my collection now totals 35 knives, spanning various models and sizes. After selling the Delemont and Pruning Knife, I’ve optimized the collection to feature versatile favorites. Here's the latest inventory: Current Collection (35 Knives) 111mm (1) Trekker Black // 2011 91mm (18) Swiss Champ Red // 2011 Champion Plus Red // 2009 - 2016 Huntsman Silver Tech // 2009 - 2011 Black // 1979 - 1985 Red x2 // 2011 Camo // 2011 Fieldmaster Red x2 // 2011 Explorer Red // 1991 - 1992 Deluxe Climber Red // 1992 - 1998 Climber Red // 1979 - 1985 ...

Taco Tour in North Texas: Mariana’s Tacos Review I recently tried Mariana’s Tacos, sampling their Chorizo, Pastor, and Barbacoa tacos. Each one was flavorful and generously sized, making for a satisfying meal. While it didn’t quite reach the level of Del Sur (my top spot in North Texas), Mariana’s is a solid second so far. With so many taco spots in the area, it’s hard to crown a definitive favorite, but Mariana’s is definitely worth a repeat visit—especially since I forgot to snap food photos this time around!

Pho Pasteur II in Carrollton: A Top Pick for Pho and Bánh Mì Pho Pasteur II on Belt Line Rd in Carrollton serves up some of the best pho around, and their Bánh Mì is equally impressive. I initially tried the sandwich out of curiosity and was blown away by the flavors—one of the best I’ve had. Update - March 2024 The Bánh Mì is still fantastic, and though prices have gone up slightly to $6.50, it remains a great value for the quality. This spot is consistently a go-to for both pho and Bánh Mì in the area!

Mr Tako in McKinney: Taco Review Mr Tako in McKinney offers decent tacos with reasonable pricing. The texture is a bit on the dry side, but overall, they’re satisfying enough for a casual meal—I’d rate them a solid 7 out of 10. When choosing between their street tacos and loaded tacos, here’s the takeaway: you’d need about double the street tacos to equal the size of one loaded taco. Both options have their perks—go with the loaded taco if you’re hungry, and the street taco if you’re after more flavor.

I’ve been here 5 times in past 2 years but never stayed more than a few hours.  I remedied that and stayed 2 nights to catch up with how Los Angeles is doing.  Overall it has the same vibe as when I remember it from a decade ago. Day 1 - Arrived LAX - Hilton Hotel Day 2 - Santa Monica , El Segundo Day 3 - The Grove, Departure LAX Day 1 - Flight In to LAX and stayed at Hilton LAX Had some drinks and chilled. Day 2 - Santa Monica after Starbucks Breakfast and Dinner at Kagura Sushi Starbucks for breakfast.  Then Santa Monica and finished off at Kagura for dinner.  Fun, cruising about. Then Santa Monica Place & Pier Kagura in El Segundo for dinner.  Umai! More beer.  Enjoying the Lobby.  Kinda nice actually. Day 3 - Flight home Went to Century Blvd McDonald’s for breakfast.  Then ice tea at The Grove as well as a light lunch and said bye to LA.

First $100 Bottle Experience: Barnett Vineyard 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon For my first $100 bottle of wine, I went with the Barnett Vineyard 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon—a Napa Valley red that set the bar high and left me thoroughly impressed. The flavors were beautifully balanced, fruit-forward with just the right dryness, reminding me of a good sake. This was a New Year’s treat to welcome 2023, and it made the celebration memorable. I’ve since learned that wines like this are often best enjoyed after a decade of aging. While it was still absolutely delicious, I’ll now be rotating these special bottles, letting some age for future milestones. Update - Aug 2025 Enjoyed a second bottle of 2022 vintage and it was as good as I recall the 2019 bottle.  I’ll add this again and likely one for each bottling year.

Fiction Coffee: The Best Espresso in DFW After exploring 30 coffee shops across DFW, Fiction Coffee stands as my favorite spot for espresso. The espresso here has a unique, almost buttery undertone that you can’t quite taste but can sense, with a rich dark chocolate flavor that sets it apart from the rest. This quality has made Fiction my benchmark for all other espresso experiences. My usual order here includes both a straight espresso and an additional drink to fully appreciate their range—and Fiction continues to set the standard. Update Oct 2024 Sad to report, Fiction Coffee is no more.  

El Gordo’s: A New Taco Spot Worth Trying El Gordo’s, located just south of the I-75 and 380 intersection, is another top taco spot. While the portions aren’t as hefty as Del Sur’s, the flavor is impressively balanced and satisfying. Between the two, Del Sur still takes the lead for me, but El Gordo’s is a close contender. With tacos this good, it’s tough to even consider going back to chains like Fuzzy’s or Torchy’s. I’d rate El Gordo’s a solid 8 out of 10—a great spot for anyone looking to step up their taco game.