Modern Simple Living

Gear Review Building My Sneaker Collection A journey toward curating the perfect rotation of classic basics. ~3 Years Timeline $500 Budget 8 Total Pairs Table of Contents ① Basic Sneaker Selection ② Collection Timeline and Budget ③ Update: 7/4/2020 - Air Force 1 - OG White - Winner ④ Update 2021 - Upping the Sneaker Game Section I Basic Sneaker Selection There are so many options and choices in sneakers, and I want to build a simple collection of all the great basics. Here’s what I’m considering for the initial lineup:   → Converse — Chuck Taylor - All Stars White/Red Stripe → Adidas — Superstar - White/Black Stripes → Nike Cortez — White/Red Logo → Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 — White/Red/Blue → Nike Air Force 1 Low Cut — All White → Puma Suede — Black/White Stripe Color Distribution and Future Planning I’m aiming for five white sneakers and one black shoe for the basics. However, I may reduce this count to three white and one black to simplify my collection. Additional colo...

Gear Review Transitioning to Verizon Prepaid A budget-conscious guide to cutting your monthly mobile expenses ~2 Lines ~$60 Monthly Savings 480p Video Resolution Section I Switching Services For over two years, I was on a Verizon Postpaid family plan, paying about $140 per month (approximately $153 including tax) for two lines with unlimited data. However, I recently reassessed my needs and made the switch to Verizon Prepaid.   New Plan Details This transition has led to a monthly savings of roughly $60, which is quite significant. → Monthly Cost — ~$90 for two lines (about $93 including tax) → Line 1 — 16GB of data → Line 2 — Unlimited data Section II Limitations of Prepaid While the savings are great, there are three specific limitations to keep in mind regarding this plan: → Video Quality — Video streams at a lower 480p resolution. → Data Usage During Calls — I cannot use data while on the phone, which can be a slight inconvenience if I need to search the web during a ca...

Gear Review Upgrading from iPhone 6s A multi-year journey to finding the perfect replacement ~4 Years of Ownership 4 Options Considered ~$300 Final Price Section I The Upgrade Decision After owning my iPhone 6s since 2016, I've decided it’s time to upgrade due to deteriorating battery life and the impending release of iOS 14. I've evaluated several options:   Options Considered → iPhone XR — A device with a large battery and 6.1" screen. → iPhone SE (2nd generation) — A compact choice featuring Touch ID and the A13 chip. → iPhone 11 — The balanced option with a large battery, 6.1" screen, and a dual-camera system. → iPhone 12 — The latest flagship contender during the evaluation period. Context and Research ### Battery Replacement In February 2020, I replaced the battery on my 6s to extend its lifespan and have been using it as a backup phone. The new battery made a significant difference, allowing the phone to last a full day instead of requiring constant recha...

Style Ideal Wardrobe Update for 2020 Earth tones, focused categories, and a refined brand approach 51 Main Items 50–60% Uniqlo & Adidas Target 93 Total Incl. Accessories Table of Contents ① Brand Preferences ② Focus Areas ③ Proposed Inventory ④ Updates I'm getting closer to achieving my ideal wardrobe with a few adjustments planned for 2020. I'm finding that Earth Tones (dark green, light brown/tan), burgundy red, and dark purple complement my style well. I'm planning to reduce my reliance on dark blue in favor of these colors to create a better balance with my black and white basics.   The Brands Brand Preferences I'm increasingly pleased with Uniqlo, which is becoming a larger part of my wardrobe. Adidas is also a favorite for sneakers and sporty jackets. I envision that in a few years, 50–60% of my 51 m...

Food & Drink The Sidecar *Exploring the nuanced flavors of a slow-sipping favorite* 3 Coffee Types ~4 Occasions/Year 1 Perfect Experience Section I A New Coffee Favorite I've recently discovered that the Sidecar is becoming my favorite coffee drink. It has a delightful blend of flavors and is perfect for when I have time to truly savor it.   The Daily Rotation When I'm on the go, my go-to is still the cappuccino. I've noticed that while the espresso has remained consistent, the preparation of the cappuccino and macchiato can vary slightly with each barista. Since I only indulge in the Sidecar a few times a year, the differences in taste might be influenced by various factors, including the seasonal ingredients or the specific café atmosphere. → Sidecar — A sophisticated, slow-sipping blend reserved for special moments of indulgence. → Cappuccino — The reliable, go-to espresso drink for days when I am on the move. → Macchiato — An alternative espresso preparation ...

Gear Review The Polo Shirt Journey *Searching for the perfect everyday staple without the luxury price tag* 13 Brands Tried $20 Price Point 7 Polos Needed Section I The Search for the Perfect Polo After years of experimenting with various brands, I finally found the perfect Polo shirts. I initially relied on Ralph Lauren exclusively, but their quality has declined, prompting me to explore other options.   Brands I've Tried Throughout my search, I tested a wide variety of labels to find the right balance of fit and durability: → American Eagle — casual everyday wear → Abercrombie & Fitch — classic cuts → Old Navy — budget-friendly basics → GAP — reliable staples → Banana Republic — elevated textures → Foot Locker — athletic performance styles → Armani Exchange — fashion-forward fits → Ralph Lauren — long-time staple with recent quality concerns → Tommy Hilfiger — traditional branding → Nautica — maritime-inspired designs → LZOD — alternative options → Moncler — hig...

Travel Journal Vegas Work Trip Review A week of work, gambling, and the hunt for the perfect Old Fashioned at the Venetian 7 Nights 5 Casinos $50 Tech Upgrade ~12 Dining Stops Table of Contents ① Highs and Lows on the Strip ② The Culinary & Cocktail Tour ③ Travel Logistics & Tech Gear ④ Reflection & Looking Ahead Section I Highs and Lows on the Strip I spent a week in Las Vegas for work and stayed at the Venetian on the Strip . I’ve always wanted to check out this hotel, and while it was enjoyable, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Overall, my experiences with other casinos like Bellagio, Mirage, Paris, and Caesars felt similar. Thankfully, there's something for everyone at nearly every price point, which was a plus.   Trip Highlights → Beer Prices — I finally found decent beers for $2-5 without having to resort to CVS or Walgreens. → Craps — I learned how to play Craps! Although I lost money, it was fun to try. → Hotel Room — The Venetian hotel room...