Top Posts

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 1 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 3 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 10 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 8 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 5 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…

Automation

REVIEW: Samsung SmartThings

December 7, 2016 13 Eric Murrell

Give your home a smarter brain. Adding a few smart devices to your home is fun, but when you’re ready to get serious about home automation, you’re going to want a hub to tie everything together. I’ve been a Wink…

Heating/Cooling

REVIEW: Rheem EcoNet Smart Water Heater

December 1, 2016 4 Eric Murrell

Smart and efficient. There are lots of decisions to make when designing a home, but one that very few folks spend time on is choosing a water heater. It seems like the only meaningful decision to make over the last…