Simple Living

After One Month: Why the iPhone Air Is Losing Its Shine After a month with the iPhone Air, I finally understand why some people are returning it while others are holding on to it. Personally, I’m leaning toward the first group. The excitement has worn off, and I’m starting to feel a bit of buyer’s remorse. In hindsight, I probably should’ve gone with the base iPhone 17 instead—it’s got a 6.3-inch screen, dual cameras, better battery life, and it’s $200 cheaper. As sleek and modern as the Air is, it’s starting to lose its luster for me. Why I Chose the iPhone Air I’d been holding on to my aging Samsung A32 as a work phone for too long. My main device had been the iPhone 16, but with the launch of the iPhone Air, my plan seemed perfect: the Air would become my personal phone, and the 16 would move to work duty. What caught my attention was Apple’s marketing pitch—a thinner, lighter iPhone that still featured the 120 Hz ProMot...

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 Disclaimer & Personal Context (2025) These notes reflect my personal thinking and understanding as of 2025 and are shared for educational and reflective purposes only—not as financial advice. I began saving for retirement at age 23 through a 401(k), but made the mistake of cashing it out when changing jobs, assuming I had plenty of time to restart. In hindsight, that was one of my worst financial decisions . I opened a new 401(k) at 27 and made a second misstep by misunderstanding asset allocation . Instead of using a target-date fund, I self-managed and allocated roughly 40% to bonds and other lower-risk investments, which significantly reduced long-term growth. By age 30, after finally learning the fundamentals of retirement investing, I shifted fully into a target-date fund to better align with long-term equity returns, closer to historical S&P 500 performance of roughly 10% annually. Looking back, I effectively lost seven of ...

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. ...

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.

Repairing a 10-Year-Old Car vs. Buying New: Why Major Repairs Can Still Be the Smarter Move The Decision Point: Year 10 Many drivers hit the 10-year mark and assume it’s time to replace their car. Suspension wear, aging components, and the first wave of “big repairs” start showing up — and the instinct is to avoid the bills by buying something new. But with today’s new-car prices, that old rule of thumb no longer makes sense. Often, what looks like a scary repair bill is actually the equivalent of one year of new-car payments — and that investment can extend the life of a reliable vehicle another 5–10 years, loan-free . A Real Example: My $2,000 Control Arm Replacement I recently replaced the front control arms on my 2016 Toyota Highlander. The job cost $2,000 at the dealership, alignment included. It’s not cheap — but it’s also not unexpected for a 9–10-year-old vehicle. Control arms, bushings, and suspension components naturally age, especially on a daily driver. And I chose O...

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 more layered. The mouthfeel is round and satisfying, and it instantly reminded me of some of my favorite single malts like 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, made entirely from single malts—no grain whisky like in Red or Black. The di...

Weekend Drive to Houston: Coffee, Cuban Food & Buc-ee’s Finds Took a quick weekend trip to Houston—nothing too planned, just wanted to enjoy a smooth drive down I-45 and check out a few spots in H-Town. Kicked things off with coffee at Carino’s, which was a solid start to the day. For lunch, I stopped at Cafe Piquet for some Cuban food. Tried the Ropa Vieja (shredded beef), and I’m definitely a fan—savory, tender, and full of flavor. Both on the way there and back, I made sure to swing by the Buc-ee’s in Madisonville. Their breakfast burrito hit the spot, and I found a shoulder bag that’s giving off serious Lululemon vibes—functional and surprisingly stylish. All in all, it was a simple, short, and refreshing getaway. Just the kind of low-key reset I needed.

Quick Review: IASS Lounge at Narita Terminal 1 — Worth It If It’s Free First Impressions I’ve tried several options at Narita Airport over the years, and this time I decided to visit the IASS Travel Lounge after previously using the Travel Pay lounges. The difference is noticeable. While I was able to access IASS for free, you really do get what you pay for—and it’s not on the same level as Travel Pay. That said, Narita is one of the cleanest, most comfortable airports around. The regular terminal itself offers great seating, tons of food options, and an overall pleasant environment. In other words, even the most basic lounge at Narita is less essential than what you’d find in U.S. airports like LAX or DFW, where the gap between terminal and lounge quality is far more dramatic. What You Get The IASS Lounge keeps things simple, but it does include a few solid perks: A free can of Asahi beer —a standout benefit Good drink machines with a surprising number of options Dedi...

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...

Japan’s Canned Highballs: A Surprisingly Delicious Upgrade Why Highballs in Japan Just Hit Different I’ve always enjoyed a classic Scotch & Soda, but Japan elevates this simple cocktail into something much more refined—and readily accessible. Whether picked up at a konbini (convenience store) or ordered at an izakaya, canned highballs are a staple of Japanese drinking culture. They’re crisp, refreshing, and often better than what you'd expect from a cocktail bar back home. Canned Highballs I Tried During my trip, I made it a mission to try a variety of canned highballs. Here are my top picks and thoughts: Suntory Kaku Best value. Clean, crisp, and well-balanced—this was the clear standout. It’s a major step up from my old college go-to, Jack & Coke. Black Nikka A great option if you prefer something with a touch of smokiness. Still smooth and easy-drinking, especially over ice. Suntory Strong Zero Lemon A bit more like a soda than a traditional highball, but r...

Planning My Next Adventure: Hawaii & Japan I’m gearing up for another exciting trip to Hawaii and Japan , this time for two weeks of relaxation, exploration, and re-discovery. Having visited both destinations multiple times, this trip will be more about unwinding and exploring new places, rather than the usual tourist checklist. What makes this year even better is that the prices are surprisingly affordable, and the exchange rates are favorable—meaning it’s actually more budget-friendly than my 2023 trip. Here’s my itinerary for the next two weeks:   Planned Itinerary: Honolulu (4 days) Osaka (4.5 days) Tokyo (6.5 days) Total: 15 days   Honolulu – 4 Days I’ll be flying into Honolulu (HNL) on a Delta Boeing 767-300 . I’ve been to Hawaii several times, but there’s something about the islands that always feels like home. I’m staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village , my go-to spot for its relaxed atmosphere and great discount rates. It’s the perfect place to ease i...

Riding the Shinkansen: Osaka to Tokyo in Style During my 2025 trip to Japan, I had the chance to ride the iconic Shinkansen bullet train on the popular Osaka to Tokyo route. I opted for the fastest service, the Nozomi , and made the journey from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station in just 2.5 hours —smooth, fast, and impressively punctual. Train vs. Plane: Why the Shinkansen Wins While it’s technically cheaper to fly , the Shinkansen offers unbeatable convenience. There’s no airport hassle , no long check-ins or security lines—just a quick boarding process and a seamless connection to Tokyo’s local subway system. For travelers who value efficiency, the train is a clear winner Tips for a Better Ride Book in advance for a window seat—especially if you want a view of Mount Fuji or just a bit more comfort. Same-day tickets are usually available, though they may not offer the best seat options. A minor downside: the change in elevation caused some ear popping, so it’s something to...

Flying the ANA Airbus A380: A Jumbo Jet Built for Vacation A Rare Bird in the Skies I recently had the chance to fly aboard ANA’s Airbus A380, a double-decker jumbo jet that’s become something of a unicorn in modern aviation. ANA operates this aircraft exclusively on the Narita (NRT) to Honolulu (HNL) route, and if you’re heading to Hawaii, it’s absolutely worth trying at least once. Spacious, smooth, and strikingly quiet for its size, the A380 offers a unique experience tailored for leisure travel. Comfort and Cabin Experience The flight was every bit as comfortable as you’d expect from ANA, with service that met the airline’s consistently high standards. The aircraft layout felt thoughtfully designed for relaxation—whether you’re in economy, premium economy, or business class, there’s a sense of space that smaller widebodies just can’t match. If you’ve flown ANA’s 787 or 777 aircraft, the service and seat experience will feel familiar. The key difference here is the novelty and...

Switching to Suica: Getting Ready for Japan Transit & Convenience As I gear up for my upcoming trip to Japan, I’ve officially made the switch to Suica for my IC transit card. It’s a super convenient option—Suica is widely accepted in both Tokyo and Osaka , covering trains, buses, vending machines, and even many konbini (convenience stores). I still have a bit of a balance left on my old Pasmo card, so I plan to use it up on a few konbini purchases before retiring it. Nothing goes to waste in Japan!   Topping Up: Suica Balance & Payment Tips The  maximum balance you can load onto a Suica card is ¥20,000 (about $138 USD , based on an exchange rate of ¥145 to $1).  I topped mine up using my U.S. debit Mastercard , and—no surprise—my bank flagged it as potential fraud. Luckily, a quick text confirmation cleared things up. Once approved, my next reload went through without any issues. If you're topping up with a foreign card, keep an eye out for similar alerts...