NEWS – My son goes to a rustic camp each summer. The first year, he took note from the experienced camp counselors: Trade your bunk for a hammock. After that, he’s been on a quest for the best hammock so he can sleep under stars swinging from two trees, instead of on a bunk bed […]
Simple hammock from Decathlon is “perfect” Read More
NEWS – I was a bit shocked my husband wanted to spend more than 30 bucks on a swivel for our tree swing. But it was a good move, just ask the neighbor kids or any of my sons’ buddies. With 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon and 479 ratings, I was expecting high
AusKit Swing Swivel makes an awesome tree swing Read More
NEWS – I wrote about the Jackbox Party Pack on Feb. 5. And again on April 16. Because I’m a big fan of these quirky, online party games. But more importantly, because they’ve been a lifeline during quarantine and social distancing, as we’ve hosted virtual games nights with far-flung family members, old friends from all
Want to play Jackbox with a younger crowd? Get Party Pack 2. Read More
ARTICLE – I wrote about the Jackbox Party Pack on Feb. 5. Never did I imagine two months later this quirky trivia game package would be a lifeline to friends and family during a pandemic. But here we are. Longing for some company beyond our four walls, and especially missing our extended family over the
Jackbox offers quirky, fun games you can play remotely Read More
REVIEW – Senstroke connected drumsticks lets drummers play, record and learn from anywhere. What is it? These drumsticks have sensors that allow you to rock out, even during a global pandemic and quarantine. Using the Senstroke app and your connected device, you can customize your virtual drum kit. There are even foot pedal sensors to
Senstroke electronic drum set review Read More
NEWS – The first time we tried walking our two dogs together, it could have been a YouTube hit if anyone was filming. It was crazy, with two leashes and two dogs, accompanied by three humans trying to wrangle them, constantly tangled up and tripping over each other. Bummed that I may never be able
Double leash is handy for two-dog families but not all pups Read More
REVIEW – The Voiz AiRadio Duo isn’t your typical speaker. It’s classy, high quality and meant to stay in one place. What is it? The VR-80 AiRadio Duo smart speaker pairs with a variety of streaming services, Alexa and it’s own app. In addition to playing music, you can use it with Alexa to set
Voiz AiRadio Duo smart Bluetooth speaker review Read More
NEWS – We got our Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner and Upright Shampooer when we adopted our first dog four years ago. It was extremely helpful then, and since we recently added another puppy to our family, it’s been getting a ton of use lately. For only $129, on sale right now on Amazon,
New puppy? Get a Hoover Power Scrub carpet shampooer Read More
NEWS – When we brought home our cute little rescue dog, I was flummoxed when she tore her own collar right off. I thought it might have been a fluke. Until she did it a second time with a brand new collar. There’s nothing scarier than living near a busy street with a dog who
Pup likes to pull? Hamilton can help. Read More
NEWS – When I was in college in the late ‘90s, my friends and I enjoyed the You Don’t Know Jack computer-based trivia games. These days, the same folks are still at it with the modernized Jackbox Games. After hearing some promising reviews, we got the Jackbox Party Pack 3 for Nintendo Switch for $24.99.
Don’t know Jack? Try Party Pack anyway. Read More
REVIEW – The Amarey A980 robotic vacuum works well and is intuitive to use. But be cautious if you plan to take advantage of the scheduling feature. What is it? This robotic vacuum is easy to set up. It does a good job cleaning, avoiding getting stuck and alerting you to any issues. Unfortunately, the
Amarey A980 robot vacuum review Read More
REVIEW – Do you have hundreds of photos on your phone that you don’t know what to do with? The Epson Expression XP-8600 photo printer lets you make professional-looking prints and photo gifts at home for a reasonable price. What is it? The photo printer connects to your phone, computer, SD card or USB thumb
Epson Expression XP-8600 photo printer review Read More
REVIEW – GameSir’s VX2 AimSwitch is a light-up gaming keyboard and mouse combination that can be used on multiple platforms to enhance your gaming experience. What is it? This gaming extension offers lots of fun possibilities to ramp up your enjoyment while playing XBox, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch or your PC. It’s backlight with nearly
Gamesir VX2 Aimswitch and F4 Falcon gaming controller review Read More
REVIEW – The Exway X1 Pro-Riot belt-driven electric skateboard appeals to adrenaline junkies and commuters alike, covering 8+ miles on a single charge and zooming with speeds up to 29 miles per hour. What is it? This electric skateboard has a longboard design, with weather-resistant features and extra-large wheels. It’s controlled with a handheld remote
Exway Pro-Riot electric skateboard review Read More
NEWS – A year ago, I set a goal to incorporate more weights and toning into my workout routine. And while my friends invested in gym memberships and/or paid online exercise programs, I opted for free workouts from Fitness Blender. Best of all, unlike most of my New Year’s resolutions, this one is still going
Fitness Blender: One New Years resolution I actually kept Read More
NEWS – This time of year, I spend a great deal of time breaking down boxes and hauling them to the Recycling Center. I also clean a lot of closets to make room for Christmas gifts and attempt to declutter, which means hauling unused clothing and household items to local charities. Give Back Box knows
Give Back Box does just that Read More
REVIEW – The UBTECH JIMU Champbot kit is a very fun, complex toy that’s perfect for older kids who are interested in construction, robotics, coding or anything STEM-related. What is it? The Competitive Series Champbot is a building set that allows you to create the interactive ChampBot, BasketBot and ScoreBot. It requires a free app
UBTECH JIMU Champbot robot building kit review Read More
NEWS – I’m in a Facebook group for parents of teens and young adults. Moms often post questions for other moms, and this time of year many ask for gift suggestions or game ideas to entertain their brood. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. It’s a name that stands out. And one that keeps getting recommended.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza: Popular card game with a goofy name Read More
NEWS – Need a gift for your coach? Or have an athlete or superfan to buy for? Mug with a Hoop offers cute, versatile oversized mugs with (you guessed it!) an attached hoop. With two sons at home, I can envision hot cocoa time turning into a mini-marshmallow dunk fest faster than you could yell,
Mug with a Hoop makes it OK to play with your food Read More
ARTICLE – While traveling Europe, we knew we were in a nice hotel if it had a Nespresso coffee maker. So when I saw one of these fancy machines for less than $150 at a Black Friday sale, the temptation proved too great. While the foamy, coffee goodness did not disappoint, we quickly ran out
Penny-pinching Nespresso owners savor Geesta foils Read More