We Tried Shake Shack's Cheapest Meal: Disappointed?

Is Shake Shack’s Basic Meal Worth the Cost?

Shake Shack has finally arrived in Toronto, bringing its much-hyped burgers and shakes to the heart of Dundas Square. But does the reality live up to the hype, especially when you're trying to keep things budget friendly? We decided to put their basic meal for two to the test, ordering two single Shack Burgers, a Coke, and an order of crinkle-cut fries. Our goal: to see if a simple, affordable meal at Shake Shack is a satisfying experience or just a gateway to more expensive options.

The location itself is prime, right near the Eaton Centre, making it a convenient stop for shoppers and tourists. However, the excitement quickly faded as we tasted our meal. The single ShackBurger, the supposed star of the show, was surprisingly underwhelming. While the patty was cooked well enough, it was excessively oily, leaving a greasy aftertaste. More importantly, the burger lacked any real flavor. It tasted…basic—disappointingly so.

The Coke was another letdown. It tasted noticeably watered down, a far cry from the crisp, refreshing drink we expected.

The crinkle-cut fries, thankfully, were the saving grace of the meal. They were crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and adequately salted. They weren't exceptional, but they were a solid side.

The final verdict? At $28.20 CAD for this basic meal, we weren't impressed. The underwhelming burger and watered-down Coke left us feeling like we hadn't gotten our money's worth.

It almost felt like Shake Shack intentionally made their basic menu items less appealing to encourage customers to upgrade to their more premium (and pricier) offerings.

If you're looking for a truly satisfying burger experience, you might be better off exploring other options in the city. If you're dead-set on trying Shake Shack, be prepared to shell out a bit more for their specialty burgers and shakes. The basic meal for two, in our opinion, is simply not worth it.

10 Simple Steps to Reduce Your Daily Microplastic Consumption

10 Simple Ways to Reduce Microplastic Exposure from Your Everyday Life

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, are increasingly polluting our environment and infiltrating our daily lives. While the issue may seem daunting, making simple changes to your routine can significantly reduce your exposure. Here are 10 easy ways to minimize microplastic intake:

1.  Start with your kitchen. Replace plastic spatulas and utensils with wooden, stainless steel, or bamboo alternatives. This is the easiest action you can take right now.

2. Remove microplastics- generating plastic cutting boards and replace them with glass, wood, or bamboo boards. Over time, plastic cutting boards can release tiny particles that mix with your food and, ultimately, your body.

3. I went through my cupboards and got rid of most of my plastic containers. Invest in glass or stainless-steel containers. Besides, you will probably only need to buy them once in your lifetime.

4. So-called safe water is no longer safe. Use a filter that removes microplastics from drinking water. Stay away from bottled waters, as they are the worst culprits.

5. Another area we often overlook is processed foods, which come in plastic packaging and contain microplastic additives. Try to limit these as much as possible.

6. This is very similar to #5. Fruits and vegetables that are wrapped in plastics may contain microplastics so replace them with fresh fruits and vegetables that are not wrapped in plastic.

7. I was buying sea salt as a better salt option, but was shocked to learn that I am ingesting more microplastics because our oceans are ruined. Opt for Clean Salt or salt that is less prone to plastic contamination.

8. I drink a few cups of tea daily and didn’t think of the microplastics in the tea bags. Now I remove the tea from the tea bag and put it in a stainless-steel tea diffuser to make tea.

9. Another common microplastic source is seafood. Be mindful on your seafood consumption and choose sustainably-sourced options.

10. Another common way to remove microplastic is to stay away from plastic straws and cutlery.

By incorporating these simple changes into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics and contribute to a healthier planet. Remember, every small step counts!

Why Switch to Double-Edge Safety Razors?

Are Safety Razors Better Than Other Razors?

I had always thought that better technology made razors more efficient and skin friendly, but I was so wrong. I was shocked to find out that this is one of the rare cases where technology has failed to improve the traditional shaving instrument we know as the DE Razor.

What technology has made possible is to let these big corporations that make disposable and cartridge razors make more money by charging ridiculous amounts for them.

If you're looking for an incredibly close shave while minimizing irritation, safety razors might just be the better option from the old days! Here's a brief rundown on why they're the best:

Single, sharp blade - Safety razors use a single, sharp blade that cuts hair cleanly, reducing tugging and irritation.

Cost-effective - Blades for safety razors are affordable, saving you money in the long run compared to cartridges.

Closer shave - The design of safety razors allows for a more precise and closer shave than multi-blade razors.

Less irritation - With proper technique, safety razors cause less irritation and razor burn, making them ideal for sensitive skin.

Environmentally friendly - Safety razors produce minimal waste since only the blade is replaced, unlike disposable razors.

Customizable - You can choose from various safety razors and blades to find the perfect combination for your skin and hair type.

The downside with safety razors I see is that you have to learn how to use it. It’s not like other razors that you can shave without knowing how to and with no experience.

However, once you learn and get used to DE razors, I can tell you that you will never go back to the other razors and regret not using DE razors earlier.

10 Carry-On Suitcase Features to Avoid for Stress-Free Airline Travel

10 Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Carry-On Suitcase

Airline travel is stressful enough without worrying about your luggage. The right carry-on suitcase can make all the difference. However, not all features are equally beneficial.

Here are ten features to avoid when selecting your next travel companion:

1. Heavy Empty Weight: A carry-on that’s heavy when empty will limit how much you can pack. Opt for lightweight materials such as polycarbonate. Stay within airline size limits for overhead compartments and under-seat storage to avoid fees or last-minute checked baggage.

2. Poor Wheel Quality: Opt for durable, multi-directional spinner wheels for effortless navigation through crowded airports.

3. Organization Is Key: Balance ample space with practical pockets and dividers. Utilize packing cubes for the best of both worlds.

4. Inconvenient Handle Design: Handles should be sturdy and adjustable. Test the handle for ease of use and comfort.

5. Complicated Lock Systems: Complex locks can be a hassle during security checks. Simple, TSA-approved locks are the way to go.

6. Unreliable Zippers: Zippers are often the first thing to break. Avoid flimsy zippers and look for reinforced, self-repairing ones.

7. Color Considerations: When it comes to bright colors and patterns,  they stand out but also show dirt and wear more easily. Consider neutral colors that hide scuffs and stains.

8. Weatherproofing: Water-resistant materials shield your possessions from spills and inclement weather.

9. Function Over Flash: Avoid unnecessary gadgets, such as power banks, USB ports, and built-in scales, which add weight and complexity. Focus on essential features that enhance travel ease.

By prioritizing durability, functionality, and simplicity, you can choose a carry-on suitcase that caters to your unique travel needs and delivers a seamless, stress-free experience.

This articled is a condensed version – I do have a video where I discuss the above in detail. Please visit this video here:

How to Deal with Scam Texts | What to Do When You Receive Scam Texts

Received A Scam Text? Do This to Protect Your Bank Account | How to Spot & Stop Scam Text Messages

What is a scam text? These are innocent-looking texts you receive like, “are you there”, “sorry, can’t now”, “how are you?”, and so on. The purpose of these texts to intrigue you to start a conversation. These questions are designed in such a way that a lot of us will respond when asked.

When you reply to these texts, the first thing that happens is that your phone number gets confirmed that it’s a valid and real number (Confirmation Trap). Your number then goes to a phone database which is the scammers’ favourite and gets sold on the dark web.

Later on, you will start receiving scam calls on your phone from various scammers from different parts of the world because you have a confirmed active number.

The second thing that happens is that scammers will try to make you click on a link to take control of your phone (Phishing Links). If that happens, you can expect your bank accounts and credit cards to get drained at some point.

If you do not click on anything, the scammers will try to keep the conversation going to lure you to fall in love with them or other tactics to make you pay (Emotional Manipulation).

There are many other things that possibly can happen, but now you know the basics on how scam texts work.

So the next time you receive a scam text, the best and the only thing to do is not to reply and delete it immediately.

If you want to go one step further, you can report this text as a scam on your phone. Depending on your operating system, there is an option to report texts as scams and you should utilize that whenever necessary.