Modern Simple Living

Wine Review The Japanese Old Fashioned: A Modern Twist on a Classic Exploring the delicate balance of Japanese whisky in a Mad Men-inspired staple 1 Cocktail 2 Whisky Varieties ~15 Minutes Section I A Unique Flavor Profile I've always wanted to try an Old Fashioned after seeing Don Draper enjoy so many of these on the show Mad Men. While out on the town with friends, the bartender offered a variation on the Old Fashioned that featured Japanese whisky and different types of bitters. This Japanese version was quite good, offering a distinct taste that set it apart from the traditional cocktail. It was a refreshing change and definitely beats a plain Scotch on the rocks.   Flavor Comparison Feature Japanese Old Fashioned Traditional Old Fashioned Spirit Japanese Whisky Bourbon/Rye Profile Delicate & Floral Bold & Spicy Bitters Experimental Blend Angostura Tip: When ordering a twist on a classic, ask the bartender to explain which specific bitters they are using to understan...

Food & Drink The Accidental Delight of an Afternoon Coffee *Why sometimes a detour is exactly what your day needs.* 1 Coffee Shop $4 Price 1 Classic Novel Section I A Change of Plans It's funny how life works. I was heading to my regular Starbucks, but it was closed for renovations. So, I continued down the road and decided to try a different coffee shop. To my delight, they offered a unique rendition of a cappuccino. The Tasting Experience The cappuccino was paired with a glass of sparkling water and some bitter chocolates. This combination not only elevated the coffee experience but also added a nice touch to my afternoon. → Cappuccino — A unique rendition of the classic coffee drink. → Sparkling Water — Served alongside to cleanse the palate. → Bitter Chocolates — A refined sweet accompaniment. Tip: Pairing your coffee with sparkling water and a dark chocolate is a simple way to elevate your afternoon caffeine ritual.   Value and Atmosphere At just $4, it was quite an ...

Feature A Look Back: My 2012 Bedroom Workspace *Reflecting on a simpler time of creativity and personal projects* ~12 Years elapsed 1 Bedroom workspace 1 Nostalgic archive Section I The 2012 Workspace Browsing old photos, I came across a picture of how I set up my desk in my bedroom back in 2012. It’s remarkable how time flies. Those were good times filled with energy and excitement.   Looking Back Reflecting on that period brings back memories of a simpler time, where my focus was on personal projects and hobbies. The setup was functional yet inspiring, allowing me to be productive and creative. Nostalgia serves as a great reminder of how far our habits and creative processes have evolved over the last decade. The Evolution It’s interesting to see how much has changed since then, both in terms of my workspace and my interests. Comparison 2012 Era Today Focus Personal Projects Evolving Environment Bedroom Desk Shifted Mindset Simple/Energetic Reflective It is amazing to see ho...

Feature Simple Indulgences: My Weekend Reset *Finding balance through literature, music, and quiet moments.* 2 Days 4 Essentials 1 Classic Novel Section I The Weekend Reset I treated myself to a relaxing weekend break, focusing on simple indulgences and some quiet time. Taking the time to disconnect and focus on these small comforts remains the best way to reset and prepare for the days ahead. Here are the items I brought along to make the experience complete:   My Weekend Kit → Starbucks ICM — Iced coffee with milk and no sugar; refreshing and the perfect companion for a relaxing weekend. → Audio Technica MSR7 — High-quality headphones that provided excellent sound, allowing me to immerse myself in music while I read. → Platinum #3776 Century — A fountain pen that makes jotting down thoughts or notes feel truly satisfying. → War and Peace — Leo Tolstoy's classic novel, which has been a great, leisurely read. Tip: Creating a curated "reset kit" of your favorite ho...

Travel Journal A Journey from Busan to Osaka: Korean Air Boeing 737-900 Review Navigating the skies between PUS and KIX on a short-haul flight 1 Flight 2 Countries 1 Exit Row Seat Table of Contents ① Route & Aircraft Overview ② In-Flight Experience ③ Overall Impression Section I Route & Aircraft Overview I recently flew on Korean Air using their Boeing 737-900, and this trip marked my first experience with this specific series of the 737. The route took me from PUS (Gimhae International Airport) to KIX (Kansai International Airport). The layout felt quite similar to Air Busan’s A321, featuring a single aisle with three seats on each side.   Section II In-Flight Experience I secured an exit row seat, which offered fantastic legroom—definitely a plus for taller passengers like myself! → The Meal — A standard box lunch provided by Korean Air. While simple, I found myself wishing for their signature Musubi rather than the cold ham sandwich provided. → Beverages — A varie...

Travel Journal The Journey: CTS to PUS *A high-value experience flying Air Busan on the Airbus A321* $125 Price 1 Aircraft 1 Meal Table of Contents ① The Journey: CTS to PUS ② Aircraft Overview ③ In-Flight Experience ④ Overall Impression Section I The Journey: CTS to PUS I recently had the opportunity to fly with Air Busan on their Airbus A321, and I was pleasantly surprised by the experience. I booked a last-minute ticket for just $125 USD, which was a steal compared to the nearly $400 fare from Korean Air for the same route. Section II Aircraft Overview The aircraft was well-maintained and provided a standard narrow-body experience suitable for regional hops. → Airbus A321 — The specific aircraft model flown. → Single-aisle layout — Standard configuration with three seats on each side, similar to the Boeing 737. Section III In-Flight Experience Despite the budget-friendly price point, the service and amenities felt like a step up from typical low-cost carriers. The flight cr...

Food & Drink Angel-in-us Coffee: A South Korean Cafe Staple *Your go-to refuge for a caffeine break while navigating the bustling shopping districts of South Korea.* ~200+ Locations 1 Endless Atmosphere 3 Menu Categories Section I The South Korean Cafe Experience Angel-in-us Coffee has established itself as one of the most popular coffee shop chains in South Korea. For travelers and locals alike, it has become a reliable go-to spot when exploring the country’s high-energy shopping districts and expansive malls.   Atmosphere and Vibe The atmosphere at Angel-in-us is designed to be cozy and inviting. It serves as the perfect sanctuary to take a much-needed break from the pace of urban shopping. Whether you are looking to rest your feet or just grab a quick recharge, the environment provides a consistent comfort level. The Menu They offer a wide range of coffee options, from classic espresso drinks to unique seasonal beverages, as well as a selection of pastries and snacks to ...

Travel Journal The KIX Experience *A brief stopover at Japan's man-made island airport* 1,800 Yen Cost 1 Layover 2 Hours of wooziness Table of Contents ① The KIX Experience ② Dining Experience ③ Feeling Under the Weather ④ Conclusion Section I The KIX Experience During my travels, I had a short layover at Kansai International Airport (KIX), another one of Japan's famous man-made island airports. While it’s impressive, I found myself preferring Nagoya's airport with its unique Sky Town Concept. KIX felt more like a giant airport set out at sea rather than an engaging travel hub.   Section II Dining Experience With limited time, I opted for a quick meal of sushi, which turned out to be quite decent. The price, including a beer, was reasonable at 1,800 Yen. It was a satisfying way to experience some local cuisine, even if just for a moment. → Sushi — Fresh local cuisine that was quite decent for an airport meal. → Beer — Paired with the sushi for a well-priced combo. T...

Food & Drink Seasonal Sips: Trying the Sakura Blossom Cream at New Chitose Airport *Sampling Japan's exclusive floral-infused Starbucks seasonal offerings* 570 Yen Price 1 Tall Size 1 Unique Offering Table of Contents ① Introduction ② The Experience ③ Conclusion Section I Introduction Japan is known for its delightful and whimsical culture, and this extends to its Starbucks offerings as well. During my time at New Chitose Airport, I spotted a drink called the Sakura Blossom Cream, available as either a Frappuccino or a Latte. Section II The Experience I decided to try the Sakura Blossom Cream Frappuccino, which was a bit pricey at 570 Yen for a Tall size. While it was a splurge, I felt compelled to sample this unique offering that isn’t available in the States. Flavor Profile → Sakura Blossom Cream — A floral-infused seasonal drink that offers a refreshing, unique taste experience distinct from standard menu items. Overall, the drink was quite good! The sakura flavor pro...

Travel Journal A Night at Nicoh Refre: Sapporo Capsule Hotel Review *An honest look at budget-friendly Japanese pod lodging.* 1 Night 3,300 Yen 20 Minutes (from Station) Table of Contents ① Introduction ② Capsule Hotel Etiquette ③ Review of Nicoh Refre Capsule Hotel ④ Conclusion ⑤ A Visual Tour of Nicoh Refre Section I Introduction During my brief stay in Sapporo, Japan, I opted for the Nicoh Refre Capsule Hotel, located about 20 minutes south of Sapporo Station. For 3,300 Yen (approximately $30 USD), I enjoyed a comfortable one-night stay on the 7th floor. Having seen videos and read about capsule hotels beforehand, I had a decent idea of what to expect, which made my experience smoother. Section II Capsule Hotel Etiquette Before diving into the review, it's helpful to know some etiquette for staying in a capsule hotel: → Hotel-Issued Pajamas — Guests must wear the provided pajamas in communal areas such as the lounge, bath, restaurant, and sleeping quarters. This policy he...