Every year, I gift at least one person an astrology-themed item. You can get them anything from a candle with scent notes specifically selected for a Virgo to a book with adorable artwork and fun facts about a Sagittarius. There are even socks for four different astrology signs that are still sitting in my closet, … Read more
I used to feel a little embarrassed by my home clothes—anything I wore when no one could see me. That included ratty shoes, shirts with holes, and old shorts I should have gotten rid of long ago. When I got a dog, my embarrassment swelled because I was too lazy to change when I left … Read more
According to my wife, the world comes with two types of people in it, “soakers” and “non-soakers.” She is the latter. Without question, I am the former. I still dream of a world in which I never need to leave the shower, living my life in a cozy, warm mist like Kramer in that one … Read more
If you were as obsessed with Disney’s Halloweentown as I was as a kid, then you likely have a vivid memory of the bottomless pit that was Aggie Cromwell’s magical purse. I have one scene burned into my memory, which involves her pulling spooky Halloween decorations from it—a toy skeleton at least 3 feet tall, … Read more
I like a fancy pair of headphones or a gorgeous TV as much as the next nerd, but these days what really gets me going is European Spa Source’s Eucalyptus Shower Spa Mist… No, I’m serious. It’s not a new piece of tech, but have you ever wondered why fancy hotel spas smell like the … Read more
That secure pocket I mentioned? It’s the perfect size to squeeze in a diaper and a small pack of wipes! My kid is currently in a size four diaper, so YMMV if your child is bigger, but it’s been a handy option when we’re running a super quick errand around the corner and just want … Read more
There was a day, thousands of years ago, long since lost to antiquity, that I think I went a full day without using a keyboard, mouse, or game controller. It might’ve been a Thursday. If such a day existed, it wasn’t enough to stave off the onset of wrist pain that will no doubt evolve … Read more
Before I covered technology, I was a home and design writer. Nothing breaks my heart more than how ugly technology devices often are–particularly ones you’ll be looking at all day in your home. Is it so hard to make it look nice? I mean, really? Maybe not. Creative’s Pebble V3 desktop PC speakers manage to … Read more
My progress toward a truly “smart” home has been painfully slow. I’m sick of unreliable voice commands, flaky smart switches, and poorly designed apps. Where’s the seamless experience that was promised? As my wife often points out, if it’s not easier than flicking the regular old switch or drawing the curtains yourself, it is not … Read more
I am looking for the perfect pants. Well, not the perfect pants for you; the perfect pants for me. Let’s be real, there are no pants that are perfect for everyone. But maybe we overlap, you and I. This is not a fashion magazine. When Perry Ferrell nasally sneered, “He doesn’t even understand fashion,” he … Read more