Reviews

REVIEW: Ninja Coffee Bar

February 27, 2017 8 Eric Murrell

Bringing the coffee house home. As per most creatives, we’re big-time coffee drinkers in the Murrell household. When it’s just a quick cup, we used to hit up our trusty Keurig; when there’s more time to savor the process, we…

Reviews

REVIEW: Raden A28 Check Smart Luggage

February 17, 2017 3 Eric Murrell

Check in and check out. Now that I’m in my mid-30s (official grown-up territory), I decided recently that it was time to upgrade my luggage beyond the battle-worn black rectangle I’ve owned since college. I fly quite a bit these…

Health

REVIEW: Withings Body Cardio Scale

February 7, 2017 2 Eric Murrell

Stepping up to a healthier lifestyle. My body type in this stage of life is what I lovingly refer to as “skinny fat.” Besides a general lack of muscle definition and a seasonally soft mid-section, I’m generally healthy for a…

Automation

QUICK REVIEW: Philips Hue Dimmer and Tap Switches

February 1, 2017 5 Eric Murrell

The power of touch. We reviewed the Philips Hue system last summer, and have quickly fallen in love with having those awesome smart lights scattered throughout our home. As great as smart bulbs are, though, you’ll quickly realize that its…

Outdoors

REVIEW: GoalZero Nomad 7 Plus Solar Panel

January 23, 2017 0 Eric Murrell

Here comes the sun (power). Have you ever thought how many crucial systems in your life rely on electricity? Something as simple as a prolonged power outage or a long camping trip can make you realize how quickly you’ve grown…

Cooking

REVIEW: Nutri Ninja BlendMAX Duo Blender

January 4, 2017 1 Eric Murrell

Putting the smooth in smoothie. When you think of smart home technology, you probably think exclusively of WiFi connected gadgets and other electronics that are geeky new additions to every day life. The truth is, some of the best innovations…

Audio/Video

REVIEW: Klipsch R-15PM Turntable Pack

December 21, 2016 2 Eric Murrell

The delightful intersection of old and new. I will not get into vinyl. I will not get into vinyl. I will not get into vinyl. I’ve been repeating that phrase to myself for years now, but try as I might,…

Audio/Video

REVIEW: Ring Stick Up Cam

December 19, 2016 9 Eric Murrell

Security without wires. Living in the woods is really fun, until you realize how secluded you are. We’ve been at our new place for about a month now, and although we love seeing trees all around us instead of houses,…

Reviews

REVIEW: SwagTron T3 Hoverboard

December 14, 2016 6 Eric Murrell

The king of hoverboards. If you haven’t noticed, there’s been a renaissance in the rideable space. Bikes and skateboards used to be the only way to get around, but the tech revolution is finally making its way to new categories…

Heating/Cooling

REVIEW: ecobee3 Smart Thermostat

December 12, 2016 2 Eric Murrell

The new king of thermostats. I love my Nest thermostat. Well… I used to. As construction neared completion on our new home, I enthusiastically purchased two 3rd generation Nest thermostats since I had such a good experience with a first-gen…