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Nike Wishlist Update 1

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This is the first update of probably several of my Nike Wishlist. Remember, this list is the Nikes I would get if I can find them deeply discounted. My original wishlist includes:

  1. Air VaporMax Utility
  2. Air Max 270
  3. Odyssey React
  4. React Vapor Street Flyknit
  5. LeBron 15
  6. Air Jordan 1

The first change I’m making is taking the VaporMax Utility out of the rotation. I still love its look but after watching a review of this sneaker by Hes Kicks, I’m hesitant due to the squeaking and chaffing. If I find a pair, I’ll try them out of course, but instead I’ll probably opt for one of those “Past Meets the Present” hybrids like the Air Max 97 VaporMax or Air VaporMax Plus. I gotta like the colorway though.

I’ll leave the 270 on the list for now but again, I’d have to find a great looking pair. With so many variations coming out, this shoe is ultimately bound for discounters in a about a year.

The original Epic React runner still has the nicer colorways than the the Odyssey React, but for fit purposes, the Odysseys are a better match. These stay on the list. So do the React Vapor Street Flyknit if the price, color, and fit are just right.

Win or lose in the NBA Conference Finals this year, LeBron James continues to impress. Getting up in age, he’s still producing and playing at an unreal level. To pay tribute, I’d go for the LeBron 15 (which reminds me, did LeBron even switch to his Solider line this post season like he’s done in the past?). The LeBron 15 high top version is cool but the LeBron 15 Low sounds better for me according to the Weartester’s reviews by Duke4005 and Nightwing2303.

The Air Jordan 1 would have been crossed off this list if Nordstrom had come through. But instead, I took a loss with the AJ1 Shadow. Again, so disappointed with Nordstrom and its wonky inventory system, but I digress…

Another Nike that caught my attention recently is the new ACG Dog Mountain. Yeah, weird name, but kinda useful to have an outdoorsy shoe that can take a beating. This shoe may eventually replace the React Vapor Street Flyknit in my Wishlist.

So here’s my Nike Wishlist updated for May 28, 2018.

  1. Air VaporMax Utility Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
  2. Air Max 270 ($170)
  3. Odyssey React ($120)
  4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
  5. LeBron 15 LeBron 15 Low ($150)
  6. Air Jordan 1 ($145)
  7. ACG Dog Mountain ($110)

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Double Air Jordan Loser!!

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Not once but twice in the same day I became an Air Jordan loser. First, I totally missed the sneaky launch of the Off-White Air Jordan 1 collaboration in the UNC colorway. I learned of the drop one hour later, so it’s no surprise I took that loss.

 

A few hours later, I get an email from Nordstrom. I had ordered a pair of Air Jordan 1, Shadow colorway at a discount earlier in the week. Sometimes Nordstrom surprises me with what they carry, and they were clearing out the black and gray AJ1. After much refreshing and retries on their online store, my order successfully went through with a confirmation email. Well I guess a Nordstrom confirmation email is easily reversed with a cancellation email.

Dammit, Air Jordan loss number two of the day!! The day was just about a bust except for one saving grace at Starbucks. I hadn’t paid attention to their ads, but I scored a BOGO offer in the afternoon.

So I had two Caramel Macchiatos, one for each AJ1 I missed out on.

starbucks-reserve-haupia-nitro-1

Starbucks Haupia Nitro, a Hawaii Exclusive

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The Starbucks Reserve Roastery location in the Waikiki Trade Center is the only place in all of America where you can order a Haupia Nitro. Yup, that’s a nitro cold brew infused with a coconut blended mixture. The walls of the special Reserve cup are lined with condensed milk (I think), and the finished drink looks like this.

Like any other Nitro cold brew, this drink is amped on caffeine. The taste is kinda strong for my preferences, but the haupia mellows it out overall. This is an expensive libation though, coming in at $6 for a grande, but keep in mind that since there’s no ice added, it’s all unadulterated coffee.

If the Haupia Nitro is not for your palette, be sure to check out the other unique menu items at the only Reserve Roastery in Hawaii.

Or better yet, ask the barista for a recommendation, and let her photobomb her creation for you.

Loving the Starbucks Nitro Freddo

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Nitro Cold Brew on tap

My latest Starbucks obsession is the Nitro Freddo. This drink starts with nitro cold brew on tap. Then it’s topped off with a dark caramel foam and a sprinkle of what looks like Starbucks instant VIA coffee.

Alone, the Nitro Cold Brew is a potent drink – highly caffeinated and all coffee flavor. The Freddo balances the cold brew with that wonderful foam. If possible, don’t savor the drink and let it sit. Drink the layers as is before everything dissolves together and enjoy the waves of flavor.

Unfortunately, this drink is only available at two locations on Oahu – Waikiki and Nuuanu. Yup, the Nitro Cold Brew is only on tap at these two stores. And this drink is expensive with a grande coming in around $5.70. But since the drink has no ice, it’s all Nitro Cold Brew, but it does get lukewarm quickly. Also, this drink has its own special lid made for sipping, not for straws.

Check out the special sipping lid

Buzzed by a Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew

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The new Starbucks location in Nuuanu (in the former Hungry Lion spot) is open for business and is the second third store on Oahu to serve Starbucks’ Nitro Cold Brew. Cold brewed for hours, infused with nitrogen, and served from a tap, this is an interesting drink. Because there’s no ice, the drink isn’t super cold, but it feels like you get more drink for your dollar.

It’s foamy on top, and it doesn’t come sweetened or with any kind of milk or cream. According to the barista, it’s the most caffeinated drink on their menu, and I believe it. After a few sips, I started getting a headache that I tend to encounter after too much caffeine throughout the day. But did I feel more awake and alert.

The Nuuanu Shopping Plaza has gotten a resurgence with the arrival of Starbucks. Before whenever I would drive by, the parking lot had some cars, but the smallish lot is now packed with Starbucks patrons I’m guessing. The lot was completely full yesterday afternoon with several cars jockeying for an open stall. But as one of the few Starbucks serving Nitro Cold Brew, you gotta go and make a visit.

Missing the Matcha

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Looking at my pictures from Japan is making me miss the matcha-infused drinks and snacks. Of course, my surprising highlight was the Chocolate Cake Frappuccino with Matcha Shot. While I’m not a fan of the Frap, I ordered two of these while touring Japan.

starbucks-cake-matcha-shot

Other matcha items I should have tried…

Ah heck, I wish I tried these non-matcha goodies as well…

Missing the different items available in Starbucks Japan…

 

Coffee Day 16

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All good things must come to an end, and Day 16 marks the end of this memorable, caffeinated voyage to Japan.

My canned coffee drink was sadly dumped at Haneda Airport when we had to go through security for a second time. Having gone through security at Hiroshima, I figured it was safe to buy bottled drinks. But when changing to international travel at Haneda, there was another screening with typical restrictions. So there it went. Instead, I conclude this series with a playful artistic cup of my Starbucks Chocolate Cake Frappuccino with Matcha Shot.

Coffee Day 13

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With a new sticker affixed and majority of the labeling in Japanese, I tried this drink and thought the Wonda did live up to its slogan of “Wonderful Coffee.” This drink has the right balance of coffee and sweetness. Enough coffee flavor with some expected bitterness but with just the right amount of sweetness. The appearance is dark so I’m assuming very little to no cream. Probably my top pick overall.

Coffee Day 12

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A hot day in Kyoto warranted two drinks in order to keep cool. After walking from the Saga Arashiyama station to the Togetsukyo Bridge, I got an European black coffee via the Georgia brand. Nothing special, but because the day was just beginning, I didn’t want anything with cream that might spoil in the heat of the day.


After more exploring followed by the jaunt back to the train station, I got an energy boost from this Wonda drink that I couldn’t interpret.

Good enough on a sunny day!

Coffee Day 11

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Seems like my coffee picks are suiting my tastes more and more. Today’s pick is Suntory Premium Boss “The Mild.” And yes, I guess I like my coffee mild since I like this drink. It’s not too sweet, mildly bitter, but more importantly, it tastes like coffee. I easily finished this drink in no time.

Sometime during the day, I also picked up this sweet Georgia drink.

As the picture indicates, this light brown drink is creamed, and it’s good. But because of the diary, the drink is thicker. Oh, and yes, the bottle is smaller for the typical 140-yen rate.

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