Brooke Hall

Brooke and Mason Hall are a mother-son team. She’s a freelance writer with a journalism background. He’s a teenager who loves all things electronic, which he often buys secondhand to fiddle with and dissect.

iGulu F1 smart beer maker review – It’s like a bread machine, but for beer!

igulu brewer 13

REVIEW – We’ve dabbled a little in home brewing but our results were not consistent. And what’s worse than spending time and money and then waiting months for a beer that’s just meh? When we saw this, it seemed like an almost guaranteed way to get (fast!) results. Like a bread machine for beer! We

iGulu F1 smart beer maker review – It’s like a bread machine, but for beer! Read More

4 gadgets that I’m sending with my son as he heads to college

College Gadgets e1723995066247

ARTICLE – Since 2019, I’ve reviewed 135 gadgets with my son and co-reviewer Mason. Recently, Mason headed off to college. Of all those gadgets, these are the four that he took with him to campus. JLabs JBudgs Lux ANC wireless headphones were a recent review, specifically chosen for college. They’re comfortable, have good sound quality

4 gadgets that I’m sending with my son as he heads to college Read More

Miofive S1 Ultra front and rear dashcam revew – high-quality video for your ride

MioFive DashCam 5

REVIEW – As we get ready to send co-reviewer Mason off to college three hours away, we thought it would be smart to send him with a dash cam for his commutes and his time on campus, just in case. While we’ve used dash cams before, this is the first time we’ve had one with

Miofive S1 Ultra front and rear dashcam revew – high-quality video for your ride Read More

JLabs JBuds Lux ANC wireless headphones review – great sound that doesn’t quit

JBL headphones 4

REVIEW – We’ve been searching for a good pair of headphones for co-reviewer Mason to take to college. He’s looking for comfort, good sound quality, long battery life, and nice looking over-the-ear headphones. When we had the opportunity to review the JLabs JBuds Lux ANC wireless headphones, they ticked all the boxes. Plus some we

JLabs JBuds Lux ANC wireless headphones review – great sound that doesn’t quit Read More

SMOROBOT Tank C1 cordless pool cleaner review – keeps our pool sparkling

Smorobot poolvac 7

REVIEW – This is our seventh season with an inground pool and our fourth robovac — we love them for pool maintenance, but seem to go through them quickly. The homeowners got rid of our pool’s main drain, so we were told early on that a robovac, in addition to our pool skimmer, would be

SMOROBOT Tank C1 cordless pool cleaner review – keeps our pool sparkling Read More

Anymaka hammock stand review – lounging made easier

anymaka hammock 7

REVIEW – I’ve always loved the idea of lounging in a hammock on the patio next to our backyard pool.  I’ve been looking at hammock stands to do just that — but I don’t want anything bulky or difficult to assemble/disassemble. Anymaka advertises that it only takes three seconds to put this stand together, so

Anymaka hammock stand review – lounging made easier Read More

eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum/mop review – cleans great with unique technology

eufy RoboVac 10

REVIEW – With two dogs and two teenagers, I’ve become a collector of vacuums in the nonstop fight against dirt, dust bunnies, and dog hair. I’ve reviewed at least five stick vacs and four robovacs, and I’ve become pretty picky about which ones I choose to review. Eufy ticked all the boxes for me: self-emptying,

eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum/mop review – cleans great with unique technology Read More

COZYINN walking pad review – Get your steps in with this mini treadmill

Cozyinn WalkingPad 1

REVIEW – I can be found walking outside in all kinds of weather, from the steamiest summer days to drizzly winter days. However, on the rainiest, coldest, darkest days, I like the idea of an indoor workout. I also have trouble sitting still after hours of working on my computer. The COZYINN walking pad compact

COZYINN walking pad review – Get your steps in with this mini treadmill Read More

Fogatti InstaCool Go portable air conditioner review

Fogatti PortableAC 12

REVIEW – We have a shed and garage that get extremely hot during Indiana summers, and even with the fan going, it’s really uncomfortable to hang out or get projects done in those spaces. Plus, co-reviewer Mason does off-the-grid camping and projects. We thought the Fogatti InstaCool Go portable air conditioner could be useful, especially

Fogatti InstaCool Go portable air conditioner review Read More

INNOVA 6030P OBD2 Scanner review – it tells you what that light on your dash means

Innova OBD 1

REVIEW – I don’t know anything about cars, but my son and co-reviewer Mason has been asking for one of these. He’s had a lot of car trouble in the past year, and every time a warning lights up his dashboard he goes to one of the automotive stores in our town to borrow their

INNOVA 6030P OBD2 Scanner review – it tells you what that light on your dash means Read More