Modern Simple Living

Coffee My Nespresso Journey Convenience Meets Flavor ~$1.50 Per serving 1 Sleeve per week 5 Top favorites Nespresso isn't cheap, averaging about $1.50 per serving. While it's still more economical than a coffee shop, its main benefit lies in convenience rather than delivering the best cup of coffee. That said, I've discovered some flavors that I find quite pleasant. The Pierre Homme Hazelnut and Double Espresso have become particular favorites.   Experiments Iced Coffee and Espresso Experiments I'm also loving the iced coffee options, especially the LE Coconut, which I've become somewhat addicted to. I'll definitely need to stock up on it when it's restocked. Additionally, my experimentation with the PH Double Espresso has led me to find that nearly every strong espresso pod, like Altisso and others, works perfectly when mixed with hot water to crea...

Tech My Journey with Android Devices A Comparative Insight from an Apple User 7 Android Devices Owned 3 yrs Android Lifespan 6 yrs iPhone Lifespan The Overview An Apple User Who Keeps Coming Back to Android Over the years, I've had the opportunity to own and try several Android devices, and while I'm primarily an Apple user, I'm continually impressed by how far Android has come. In many areas, such as screen quality, cameras, battery life, and user interface, Android devices often surpass iPhones.   The Gap Performance Gap and Longevity However, performance remains a critical area where Android still lags behind. It requires ever-increasing specifications on chipsets and memory to keep pace with the iPhone. Typically, after three years, an Android device is considered slow, while an iPhone can easily last another three years, maintaining usabili...

Gear & Tech Samsung Galaxy A15 5G A Budget-Friendly Option 6.5" AMOLED 90Hz 5,000 mAh battery 128GB Storage 50MP Main camera I recently picked up a Samsung A15 5G, and I must say, it's a decent budget phone. It offers comparable features to my older A32 5G, but with notable improvements, including a better 90Hz OLED screen, a robust 5,000 mAh battery, and 128GB of memory. One of the best aspects is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming rare in modern smartphones.   First Look Initial Impressions The screen quality is impressive; the resolution beats the A32 hands down and is even marginally better than my iPhone 14 Pro. However, I've noticed some performance issues after the phone goes into sleep mode. While the user interface (UI) and apps are generally functional, problems arise when apps are allowed to sleep. T...

Food & Dining Discovering a Gem Quality Bagels in Texas The Find Better Than Einstein Bros. I recently found a fantastic bagel shop in Texas that beats Einstein Bros. in terms of quality. While the prices are a bit higher, it's absolutely worth it when you're craving a top-notch bagel.   My Picks What to Order → Salmon Lox with Onion & Chives Schmear — deliciously rich and exactly what a quality lox bagel should be → Bacon & Eggs — a timeless classic that never disappoints Worth the slight price premium over Einstein Bros. — if you're in the area and love bagels, this one's a must-visit. Salmon lox or bacon & eggs — either way, the best bagel in Texas worth the extra few dollars.

Cocktails & Drinks Tasting Notes Negroni and Watermelon Energy Cocktail Tasting Notes The Drinks → Negroni — a decent pour with the classic balance of bitter and sweet flavors → Watermelon Energy Cocktail — refreshing with a nice burst of flavor During my recent outing, I enjoyed a decent Negroni, which had the classic balance of bitter and sweet flavors I appreciate. Alongside that, I tried a Watermelon Energy Cocktail, which was refreshing and added a nice burst of flavor. Both drinks complemented each other well and made for an enjoyable experience!   Tasting notes · Negroni · Watermelon Energy Cocktail

Food & Dining Simple Pleasures at Mi Cocina Margarita and Chips — A Classic Pairing The Visit Decent Drink, Great Ambiance Sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a margarita and chips. At Mi Cocina, I opted for their margarita, which, while not the best I've had, was decent and packed a strong punch. The ambiance of the restaurant adds a touch of elegance to the experience, making it a great spot for enjoying a classic pairing. Perfect for those casual moments when you just want something simple yet satisfying!   Not the strongest margarita on the Dallas scene, but the setting elevates the whole experience — sometimes that's exactly what you're after. Mi Cocina — strong margarita, good chips, elegant setting. Simple and satisfying.

Food & Travel Finding Dim Sum in Dallas A Hidden Gem in Richardson Finding good Chinese food in Dallas can be quite a challenge, but I've managed to track down a dim sum spot in Richardson. This place is reportedly very popular, which means the parking lot fills up quickly, and tables are in high demand early on. It's a testament to the quality of the food when a restaurant garners that much attention.   Dim sum · Richardson, TX · Arrive early — parking and tables fill up fast

Food & Dining Excellent Steak and Cocktails A Fantastic Dining Experience The Meal Steak, Appetizers, and an Amazing Old Fashioned I ordered the steak, and it was excellent! Along with that, I indulged in a variety of appetizers that complemented the meal perfectly. To top it off, I enjoyed an amazing Old Fashioned. This place has truly got it all, and the prices for the drinks were surprisingly reasonable. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience!   The Old Fashioned alone is worth the visit — and the drink prices being reasonable makes it easy to order a second. Excellent steak, great appetizers, an amazing Old Fashioned — and reasonably priced drinks to boot.

Food & Dining Delightful Barbacoa Mexican Breakfast A Great Way to Start the Day The Meal Barbacoa, Chips, Salsa, and Coffee I enjoyed a delicious Barbacoa Mexican Breakfast that reminded me of a similar dish I had in Austin. You can always tell it's going to be good when the chips and salsa are top-notch. The coffee was decent as well, adding to the overall satisfying experience. A great way to start the day!   The chips and salsa are a reliable quality signal — when those are good, the rest of the meal usually follows. Barbacoa breakfast done right — top-notch chips and salsa, solid coffee, Austin vibes in Texas.

Food & Dining Lunch at Platia Greek Kouzina Frisco, Texas I had a nice lunch at Platia Greek Kouzina in Frisco, Texas. I ordered the Brizola Steak, and it was delicious. While the flavors were fantastic, I would have preferred some fresh veggies on the side, as the meal felt a bit overwhelming with carbs. However, the pita bread was amazing, and the hummus dish was equally impressive, making it a worthwhile dining experience overall!   What I Ordered The Meal → Brizola Steak — delicious, fantastic flavors; would have liked fresh veggies on the side → Pita Bread — amazing → Hummus — equally impressive Platia Greek Kouzina · Frisco, TX · Brizola Steak, pita, and hummus — a worthwhile visit

Gear & EDC Updated Everyday Carry March 2024 EDC I've updated my everyday carry (EDC) over the years and have settled on some basic brand names.   Notes Card Wallet Concerns For the longest time, I've owned a Coach card wallet but always felt nervous using it, as I found it falling out of my pockets at home. I finally figured out how to clip it to my inner pocket and weigh it down next to my keys. I may explore other attachment options to clip it to my phone as well. Another reason for downsizing to a slim wallet is to keep my back pockets empty. It's painful during long drives and a nuisance to constantly relocate my larger wallet. March 2024 Current EDC → Apple iPhone 14 Pro → Casio A168WG → Victorinox Manager → Victorinox Huntsman → Coach Leather Card Wallet March 2024 EDC · 5 items · iPhone ...

Tech New Addition: Apple iMac M3 Back to the Desktop — in Orange $2.1k With CA Tax 16 GB RAM 512 GB Storage First Impressions Taking the Plunge Took the plunge and bought an Apple iMac M3. I opted for the larger 16GB / 512GB configuration. So far, it's been pretty good, and once I learn more of the OS and keyboard shortcuts, the easier it's going. This orange version cost me about $2.1k with California tax rates. macOS muscle memory takes a little time coming from Windows — the keyboard shortcuts feel counterintuitive at first, but they click faster than expected.   The Decision Why an iMac? I've been using Windows and Linux for many years, and for a few years in college, I owned an older MacBook. For most of this time, I've managed with cheap laptops. Although I debated getting a MacBook, the price was too much, and I figur...

Watch Reviews Casio A168WG Review Growing My Casio Collection 3 Casios in rotation 2 yrs Since last purchase 9 mo Long-term wear I recently took the plunge and added a gold Casio A168WG to my collection, marking my first watch purchase in two years. This new addition complements my silver A168 and G-Shock DW5600, bringing my digital Casio collection to three. Background Why Casio? The value proposition with Casio watches is exceptional. They offer a perfect blend of price and functionality. Lately, I've found myself feeling more self-conscious about wearing my Rolex and getting a bit bored with my Apple Watch. While both are still nice to wear (I use the Apple Watch for workouts and the Rolex for nostalgic moments), the convenience of Casio has been appealing.   First Look Initial Impressions The gold resin case of the A168WG really pops and shines, g...