Do you have tired, achy feet after talking walks or being on them all day? Do you crave the soothing touch of a professional foot massage, but find it inconvenient to book appointments or spend money at a spa? This is where a personal Shiatsu Foot Massager comes in handy. I’ve had different types of massagers at home for quite some time, but until now, I hadn’t tried a foot massager. The Comfier Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat has been a welcome addition to my wellness devices at home.

Product Summary

The Comfier Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat is an innovative foot massager that combines the ancient art of shiatsu massage with modern technology. It offers a therapeutic and rejuvenating treatment right in the comfort of your own home. With its adjustable intensity levels, soothing heat function, and targeted pressure points, this foot massager is designed to melt away stress and tension while stimulating blood circulation. Say goodbye to sore feet and hello to blissful comfort with the Comfier Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat.

Main Features

• Dimensions: 17.5″L x 13.6″W x 7.5″H
• Fit feet up to size 13
• 15 & 30 minute timer
• Touch panel controls
• Heat function (up to 131 ºF)
• Kneading and Rolling function
• Three (3) air intensity
• 360º compression massage (low, mid, high)
• Package includes foot massager, home adapter, user manual, and packing box

Pricing & Availability

The Comfier Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat has a list price of $89.69 from comfier.com. It is also available from Amazon for $71.99 (at the time of publishing this article).

User Experience

For many years, I have suffered with arthritis in my right foot and I’ve found in recent years that my left foot has been exhibiting similar pain symptoms but I’ve not had anything formally diagnosed in that area. Because of these ailments, I’ve been cautious about having too many professional massages. I have tried them in the past, but found them to be far too painful due to the pressure applied in certain areas of my feet. Because of this past experience, I was concerned about using the Comfier Shiatsu Foot Massager.

Fortunately, my fears were assuaged when I first started using the massager. When I was testing it out, I had just completed several days of yard work and my feet were particularly sore. The massager did a good job of helping my feet be relaxed and loosening the tight muscles around my lower extremities. I thought the heat was a nice touch, but I would have liked to see there be even more heat available.

Using the massager was easy. You turn it on and then adjust the settings on the various functions. Then you let the massager do its job. What’s nice about this is you can set it up and then do other things while it works. I had it under my desk so I was able to start the massaging session and continue with my work without any disruptions.

Even though the massager does what it claims in its product description, I do feel there are some areas for improvement. I would have loved to see a remote included for adjustments. The only controls are found on the unit itself. This can be a little awkward for some users. I also would have liked to see an option to turn some options off completely. Sometimes it’s nice to have the air pressure without the rolling massager and vice versa. Finally, I would have really liked to see a protective case included with the package. I found that the ‘packing box’ is listed as part of the ‘package’ with the massager. While this is true, the box is not really suitable for long-term storage. So, an alternative sotrage

Pros

1. Relaxes tired feet.
2. The heat provides added

Cons

1. No remote – all controls are on the control panel on the massager.
2. There is no ‘off’ option for the different features.
3. The ‘packing box’ is not suitable for storage.

Conclusion

The Comfier Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat did help restore my tired, sore feet back to normal after lots of yardwork, but there are some additional features I would like to see this particular unit have. Despite my personal wishes for this device, I do think it’s a must-have for anyone seeking relief from foot pain and discomfort. Its advanced features, such as the deep kneading shiatsu massage nodes and soothing heat therapy, provide a truly relaxing and therapeutic experience. The adjustable intensity settings allow for customization according to individual preferences and needs. With its sleek design and easy-to-use controls, this foot massager is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

For more information, visit comfier.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Upgrade your self-care routine with the HEYCHY V2 Massage Gun.

In a world where self-care and relaxation are becoming increasingly important, finding the perfect tool to alleviate muscle tension and promote overall well-being is paramount. But visiting a professional masseuse can be far too cost-prohibitive and too time consuming. Fortunately, personal massage guns — like the V2 Massage Gun from HEYCHY — offers. users the same type of deep tissue therapy they might find in a massage parlor. These handheld devices have rapidly gained in popularity as a go-to solution for anyone in need of relaxation and rejuvenation.

About HEYCHY V2 Massage Gun

The HEYCHY V2 Massage Gun provides the ultimate solution for those seeking relief from sore muscles and fatigue. With its sleek design and advanced technology, this innovative device offers a personalized massage experience at your fingertips. Whether you’re an athlete recovering from intense workouts or an office worker dealing with daily stressors, the HEYCHY V2 Massage Gun promises to be your go-to companion for instant relaxation and rejuvenation. Say goodbye to expensive spa appointments and hello to a convenient self-massage option that will leave you feeling revitalized in no time.

Main Features

• High-capacity Rechargeable Battery: A 2600 mAh battery is included, which provides a usage time of up to 6-8 hours. The battery is rechargeable using a USB-C cable (included).
• High-torque Brushless Motor: The massage gun’s motor has a high torque of 230mN*m and a sizeable striking force of 135N.
• Quiet Operation: The high-quality motor and excellent structural design control the noise to below 45dB, so you can avoid the ‘hammer drill’ noise common on cheap fascia guns and enjoy a more peaceful massage without disturbing others around you.
• Five (5) Speed Levels: There are variable speeds between 2000-3200 rpm and the intensity gradually increases with each level.
• Five (5) Massage Heads + Carrying Case: Five (5) professional massage heads are included to meet the different massage needs.

Pricing & Availability

The HEYCHY V2 Massage Gun has a list price of $79.99 and is exclusively sold on Amazon.

User Experience

The massage gun comes in a well-labeled retail box. There is an image on the front of the box that indicates what the user will find inside. The brand name “HEYCHY” is not on the outside of the box, but it is printed on the label of the travel case. When you open the exterior box, you will find the massager inside the travel box along with its accessories, manual, and charging cable. Right away, I was impressed with the quality of the storage case and the presentation of the product.

I’ve used several massaging guns like the HEYCHY V2, but because this one has a slightly smaller body frame, I wasn’t sure if I would have the same success as I did with the other brands. Out of the box, the gun had approximately 50% charge. To get started with it, you press/hold the power button located on the back of the massager above the handle. The battery indicator will light up as will the power indicators. Users can increase the power level by pressing the power button once it’s already on.

I’m not much for powerful massages as they end up hurting more than helping, so I found power level 1 to be plenty for my uses. I tried it on my shoulder, neck, and lower back. Earlier in the evening I had completed some house cleaning and because of that those areas were quite stiff. The massager was able to help loosen up those muscles and I was much more relaxed after using it.

Even though this is a little smaller than other full size massagers, it is a little pricer than similar items on Amazon. There are some brands (i.e. Theragun, Hypervolt, etc.) that are much more expensive. Therefore, I don’t feel the pricing of this massager is outlandish. It works well and because it comes with the attachments it does, it is a big asset to anyone who needs to massage muscles on a regular basis.

Pros

1. Comes with a travel case for storage.
2. Easy to use.
3. Instruction guide tells you about the different attachments.
4. Smaller, more travel-friendly than other full size massage guns.

Cons

1. More expensive than other third-party brands.
2. Only sold on Amazon; brand does not have home website.

Conclusion

The HEYCHY V2 Massage Gun is a powerful and versatile tool that offers a wide range of benefits for athletes and individuals seeking relief from muscle tension and soreness. With its advanced technology and adjustable settings, it provides a customizable massage experience that can target specific areas of the body with precision. Its compact design and long battery life make it portable and convenient for use at home, in the gym, or on the go. Furthermore, the HEYCHY V2 Massage Gun’s ergonomic handle and quiet operation ensure comfort and relaxation during each session.

Use code “HeyChyV207” at checkout on Amazon to received 40% off.

Even before the COVID-19 Pandemic made us all aware of how we could avoid undue illness, my fiancé and I have made every attempt to stave off unnecessary risks when we travel. One of those risks that people rarely think about is reusing hotel refrigerators. While some hotels are meticulous about how they clean after their guests leave, the refrigerator is sometimes an area that is overlooked. So, we started traveling with our own — portable refrigerator.

About two months ago, we took a long weekend trip and our 42L capacity portable refrigerator came with us. While we both agreed that having it with us was a godsend for the trip, it did have its shortfalls. For one thing, having it plugged in and on a floor without any venting caused a lot of condensation to collect. For another thing, the 42L refrigerator is 43 pounds when it is empty. That means it is close to 100 pounds when it is full.

With these things in mind and more long-weekend trips planned for the year, we decided to look into other portable refrigerator options. The Pure Outdoor Emperor 25 Portable Refrigerator was at the top of our list.

About Pure Outdoor Emperor 25 Portable Refrigerator

The Pure Outdoor Emperor Portable Refrigerator is designed to provide insulated, temperature-controlled storage for all your food and beverage needs. Since it is a refrigerator, adding ice is not necessary in order to keep items chilled. There is a layer of premium insulation to keep the cooling contained and the refrigerator features anti-shake and drop protection. The Emperor Portable Refrigerator is quiet and perfect for a picnic or camping.

The refrigerator can be powered by a standard AC power adapter or through a car port using the included DC car adapter. The Emperor comes equipped with a multi‑level battery monitor that protects your vehicle battery against excessive discharging.

When the cooler is operated with the vehicle ignition switched off, the cooler switches off automatically as soon as the supply voltage falls below a set level. The cooler does all the work for you as it switches back on once the battery has been recharged to the restart voltage level.

Main Features

• Large capacity of 25L (26 quarts)
• Lightweight at only 24 Lbs (empty)
• Power Input 45W
• Built‑in LCD Screen provides quick status readouts
• AC power cord and DC car adapter included
• Car Low‑battery protection
• Heavy‑duty construction with hidden handles
• High‑Density Foam Insulation keeps temperatures down to ‑7°F(‑22°C)
• Can work with a small solar system for recharging/powering purposes
• USB socket for charging mobile devices
• Exterior size 23 x 13 x 14 inches
• Package Content: 1 x Pure Outdoor Emperor 25 Portable Refrigerator, 1 x AC Power Adapter, 1 x DC Power Cable, 1 x User Manual

Pricing & Availability

The Emperor Portable Refrigerator is being offered at a list price of $249.99 from monoprice.com.

User Experience

The Emperor 25 Portable Refrigerator ships in a large cardboard box. The name of the product is on the outside, but it’s not heavily branded. Inside, the user will find the refrigerator wrapped in plastic. Inside the refrigerator are the manual and the power cables. One of the only design features I wish this product had is a suitable place to store the cables. When it’s not in use, you can place the cables inside the device, but when it’s plugged into power, you don’t really have a good place to keep the cable that isn’t in use.

While you might be able to ‘get by’ without reading a manual with some products, I would recommend reviewing Emperor 25’s user manual thoroughly. Not only does it explain how to set up the different power-safety settings, but it also provides a lot of good use information such as ensuring the air inlet and outlet are free of dirt and debris. The portable refrigerator shouldn’t be considered a direct exchange for a standard cooler because of the motor on the inside. The manual is very easy to follow and it’s not super long.

Before we took the refrigerator on a field test, I plugged it into power in our house. The purpose of this was to see how long it would take to cool down to the desired temperature. The Emperor 25 started at room temperature — approximately 71º F. I plugged it in using the AC power cable and power supply. Then I set the temperature to 30º. When I first turned it on, the target temp was set to -100º F. At that temp, the device would run continuously. So, it’s important to set your own desired temp.

After only 7 minutes, the Emperor 25 had dropped 21 degrees to 51º F. After only 19 minutes, the temperature reached 30º and the unit kicked off. After about 10 minutes, I heard it kick on again and I checked the display. The temp read 33º. After about 5 minutes, the refrigerator had reached the target temp again and it kicked off. The process repeated itself in another 10 minutes. The nice thing was that it seems that the Emperor 25 does a really good job of regulating its internal temp.

I tested the internal temperature of the unit with a handheld infrared thermometer and got a reading of 33.9-34º F. When testing our larger portable refrigerator I ran into a similar temperature difference and this is the explanation for it. Even though this is from a different manufacturer, I believe it still applies.

Why is the temperature on the refrigerator display different from the temperature I measured with my thermometer? Because of the sinking nature of cold air, the different temperatures may exist in different locations in the refrigerator (the temperature of the bottom will be the lowest). The panel only shows the average temperature of the refrigerator.

As far as the field test goes, we ended up taking the Emperor 25 with us to an outdoor recreational facility where we were going to be spending some time one weekend day. The outdoor temperature was in the 60s but it was sunny. We loaded the refrigerator into the back of our car and plugged it into the car port that is conveniently located in our back storage area. We had pre-loaded it with some drinks (bottles and cans) and turned it on the Max setting. We left it to run while we were driving and did not unplug it while the car was off.

In total, the refrigerator was plugged into our vehicle’s power for around 4-5 hours. The drinks we stored in it were not cold to start and the unit was able to not only chill them all, but it ended up freezing some of them. A couple of the sodas that were located in the bottom closest to the motor area were similar to slushes when we finally opened them. The best part of this test was that there was no condensation on the unit or in a puddle in our car when we removed it at home.

Here are some additional pros and cons from our testing process and observations.

Pros

1. Emperor 25 portable refrigerator kept things very cold.
2. Easy to use – plug and play to start. Can dial in custom settings as needed.
3. Fits plenty of consumables. Has a large main compartment and a smaller recessed area for items that should remain dry.
4. No condensation was collected after running for several hours.

Cons

1. The handles are hard to grip. They are designed to be ‘hidden’ for aesthetic purposes but given the weight of the product, something more functional would be preferred.
2. Can be heavy when filled.
3. No easy place to store the power cables.
4. A power source is required — whereas ice can provide a decreased temp without a power source.

Conclusion

The Pure Outdoor Emperor 25 Portable Refrigerator by Monoprice is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a reliable and durable portable refrigerator. I was thoroughly impressed with this product from the moment I received it.

For more information, visit monoprice.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

You might think that when you shop for a mattress your job is done when you select one that is comfortable. The truth is that a mattress can also have add-on accessories like detached mattress layers. These add-ons can serve to provide added cushioning, pressure relief, and even motion isolation for the users of the bed. The layers can be made from materials such as memory foam, polyfoam, and even gel infusions. Sleep Number recognizes the positive effect that an add-on layer can have for users and they offer several different options to choose from including the Comfortfit Mattress Layer.

About

The Comfortfit Mattress Layer is designed to provide a plush support, soft comfort layer for the top of your Sleep Number bed. It’s filled with a blend of memory foam (75%) and polyester (25%). The mattress layer is covered with a breathable lyocell blend cover to induce soothing sleep. The Comfortfit Mattress Layer is hypoallergenic for sensitive sleepers and it comes with wide corner anchor bands to help hold it in place on your bed. The mattress layer also has the Logic Label included to help take the guesswork out of making the bed. The Comfortfit Mattress Layer meets the certification standards for CertiPUR-US®.

Sizes Available

• Twin Long: 80″ x 38″ x 2″ Thick
• Queen: 80″ x 60″ x 2″ Thick
• King: 80″ x 76″ x 2″ Thick
• California King: 84″ x 72″ x 2″ Thick
• FlexTop King: 80″ x 76″ x 2″ Thick
• FlexTop California King: 84″ x 72″ x 2″ Thick

Fabric & Care

• Top: 61% polyester/37% lyocell/2% spandex
• Bottom: 100% polyester
• Fill: 75% memory foam/25% polyester

Spot clean only.

Pricing & Availability

The Comfortfit Mattress Layer is offered exclusively through Sleep Number and can be purchased in Sleep Number stores or through sleepnumber.com. It has a list price of $329.99 for the FlexTop King. It currently has a sale price of $263.99 through sleepnumber.com.

User Experience

The Comfortfit Mattress Layer was shipped in a plain cardboard box that was labeled with the name of the product on the outside. The layer was vacuum sealed in heavy plastic and had a simple product description card with it. The card provided product information (the same that is available on the website) and a note that reads:

“You may initially notice a ‘new foam’ scent with your layer. Before use, we recommend airing it out at room temperature for 24 hours.”

This ‘new foam’ scent is something I’m usually pretty sensitive to so I was expecting to be knocked over by it when I unwrapped the layer. When I got the plastic off of it, I was surprised to discover that there were no odors emanating from the mattress layer at all. I rolled it out until it was laying flat on top of our Sleep Number mattress. I made sure the correct side was facing up and then aligned it with the edges of the bed.

I love that Sleep Number provides the anchor bands and Logic Label on the Mattress Layers. Our last mattress layer — the VariaCool Memory Foam Mattress Layer — would constantly slip off the edges of the mattress even with the elastic bands in place. From the beginning of the installation of the Comfortfit layer, I noticed that it just seemed to fit better than the Variacool. I think it could be because the Comfortfit layer is plusher than the Variacool layer. Therefore, it’s more flexible.

Once I got the Comfortfit layer adjusted and secured on the mattress, I re-dressed the bed with Sleep Number sheets and a True Templ blanket, also from Sleep Number. Because the mattress layer is plush and fluffy, the bed ends up looking a little lumpy under the top cover.

When I laid down on the bed I was impressed with how soft the Comfortfit mattress layer is. It’s sort of like laying on a fluffy pillow. To be honest, I think I would have been more impressed if we hadn’t switched from the VariaCool layer to the Comfortfit layer. The VariaCool layer provides an added layer of firmness while the Comfortfit layer is just plush and soft. This isn’t a complaint about the Comfortfit layer but it is important to note that a user’s experience might vary depending on what type of surface/mattress they are coming from.

I was a little concerned that the Comfortfit Mattress Layer might increase the temperature a bit during sleep but I stayed at a comfortable temperature all night. I happen to have arthritis in my lower back (left sciatica to be exact) and the first time I slept on the Comfortfit layer I happened to be having a flare-up since we were expecting a change in the weather. I mention this because I felt that the Comfortfit layer helped me be comfortable all night. It didn’t make my ailment worse and sometimes beds do. The fact that I stayed consistent on my pain level was very telling in favor of the mattress layer.

I also compared my SleepIQ Scores between the nights before I added the Comfortfit layer and the first night with the Comfortfit layer. My sleep score increased by nearly 9 points when I added the Comfortfit layer. I had approximately the same amount of sleep and the Sleep Number on my side of the mattress was the same. So pretty much the only thing that was different was the mattress layer.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to enhance your sleeping experience, the Comfortfit Mattress Layer is an excellent addition to your Sleep Number mattress. Not only is it incredibly easy to install, but it also provides a plethora of benefits that can greatly improve your sleeping habits. This amazing layer is designed with your comfort in mind, providing exceptional cushioning and support while you sleep. By adding this layer to your mattress, you can experience a softer and more luxurious sleeping surface, reducing pressure points and providing maximum comfort. So, if you want to take your sleep to the next level, the Comfortfit Mattress Layer is definitely worth considering!

For more information, visit sleepnumber.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Robot vacuum will clean your house for you — but is it worth the cost?

When I was a kid, we divided up weekly household chores between my brother and me. One of those chores was vacuuming the entire house. This included our living room and three bedrooms. The kitchen and bathroom were linoleum and tile respectively so those areas had to be mopped instead of vacuumed. Those were separate chores. The ‘floor’ cleaning jobs were particularly taxing and my brother and I would try to avoid them at all costs.

This is one of the main reasons I’m so grateful to have robot vacuums now that I’m an adult. Our vacuums run through the house and pick up dirt, dust, and debris left behind from foot traffic. One thing our vacuums can’t do though is mop. That’s why I was excited to try out the Dreame Bot W10 Self-Cleaning Robot Vacuum and Mop.

About Dreame Bot W10

The Dreame Bot W10 Self-Cleaning Robot Vacuum and Mop was originally released about a year ago in November 2021. It combines two cleaning functions into one machine and can clean carpeted and non-carpeted areas. In addition to cleaning flooring, the W10 can also clean itself, which ensures that your mopping pads are always in top-notch shape to do the cleaning.

“Combining mopping and vacuuming functions, W10 easily cleans dirt, dust, wet messes, and dried-on dirt. Picking up debris, cleaning up grime, or mopping up spills are tasks handled with ease by a single automatic cleaning robot.”

The cleaning machine contains a high-capacity battery that cleans up to 300 square meters on a single charge. The W10 returns to its charging based automatically when it’s done cleaning or when the battery is low. The vacuum updates maps up to 12x faster than previous models thanks to an upgraded LiDAR-based SLAM navigation system.

It maps rooms (even in the dark), creates systematic cleaning paths, and can store up to 3 different floor plans. With this advanced navigation, and a D-shaped design that ensures remarkable edge and corner cleaning, W10 effectively cleans homes from corner to corner.

Main Features

• Automatically cleans the used mops.
• Dries the mops after cleaning.
• 4,000Pa strong suction.
• Two large water tanks of 1.06gal.
• Advanced avoidance and app control.

Specs

Pricing & Availability

The Dreame Bot W10 has a list price of $1,089 from dreametech.com. It is currently on sale for $929.99. It’s also sold on Amazon.

User Experience

As you might guess from my introductory paragraph, the W10 is not my first robot vacuum. I have, in fact, been lucky enough to try out several different cleaning machines. Some are great replacements for traditional push vacuums while others fall short. The W10 is clearly in the former category. There are a few elements of this particular cleaning machine that I’m not a big fan of it, but it does do a good job cleaning.

Installation

The vacuum comes in a very large box along with its charging base/hub station. The first step in the process is to install the app on your phone and the side brush onto the vacuum. The app is Mi Home – Xiaomi Smart Home for iOS devices. I already had the app on my phone because I also use it for my Smartmi Standing Fan.

The app will scan for the device via Bluetooth and then it will connect to your WiFi network. You’ll be asked to name the device and then the app provides tips about how to make sure your home is set up best for the vacuum. This is essentially just telling the user to tidy up their home so that the vacuum doesn’t have a lot of stray items to maneuver around.

Finally, the app will provide a visual of how you should station the charging hub. This piece is massive and I’ve never really seen anything like it for a robot vacuum — even the ones with integrated mops. It’s recommended that you place the base in an ‘open location’ where both sides have at least 5cm of clearance.

Place the vacuum into the base so that it can charge to 100% before you use it the first time. Out of the box, the vacuum had a charge of 47%, which was shown on the display of the base station. During this time, you can also complete any firmware updates that might be needed.

Sweeping vs. Mopping

As previously mentioned, this cleaning machine has two main functions — sweeping and mopping. I have used other dual-purpose robot floor cleaners and they have the same basic functionality. One big difference about the W10 is that it will self-clean its mop pads. That’s why it has such a large base station. The base station contains two tanks — one for clean water and one for waste. These tanks supply the mop as well as clean the pads after its use.

The things to remember about sweeping and mopping is that you have to manually remove or install the mopping pads on the device before and after each use. The pads are not meant to be used when you are using the vacuum on carpeted areas. I also want to call out that the manual mentions to only use the Dreame-brand multi-surface floor cleaner. Otherwise, the functions of the base may be affected.

This is a little problematic since none of the cleaner is included with the device. My experience with other floor cleaners that ‘require’ a specific type of cleaner is that a small bottle — usually one application — of the cleaning solution is included with the device. That’s not the case here. A single bottle of this cleaning solution is listed as $25.99 on dreametech.com.

Likes vs. Dislikes

First and foremost, I feel like the W10 does a good job cleaning. I also like some of the technical features that happen during the course of cleaning. For example, at one point, I had to pause the cleaning cycle and physically move the vacuum about a foot away from where it was paused. We were moving a chair and couldn’t wait for it to move out of the way on its own.

Once we were done moving the chair, I set the vacuum back where I picked it up from. I may have been an inch or so off, but it was very close to it’s last known location. I turned the cleaning cycle back on and the vacuum announced something about realignment. It moved away from its spot, turned around and returned to the exact spot it was paused at. Then it said, “cleaning resumed.” I thought that was very cool that the AI inside the device can detect that type of location problem.

I also thought the set-up process and app were easy to navigate. I was able to set no-go areas while the vacuum was cleaning, too. The vacuum would pause and restart when I saved a no-go area on the map. I did this a couple of times while it was making it first map because we’ve seen certain areas be problems for other vacuums in the past. The vacuum and app updated flawlessly and the communication between the two was always solid.

There are a few things that I’m not a big fan of. The box states that it’s a self-cleaning vacuum and mop. I don’t feel that’s exactly accurate because when you use the vacuum function, you have to manually empty the dustbin. I thought based off of the description of the device that the dustbin would empty into the waste bin in the base station.

I was surprised when after the first cleaning, the vacuum returned to the base station and I heard the prompt letting me know that the vacuum was charging — but I didn’t hear anything get removed from the vacuum. We actually have two other robot vacuums that do remove the waste from the dustbin when the vacuum returns to the base. So, I was expecting to hear a wind tunnel type noise when the vacuum was on charge but that wasn’t the case.

Another thing I didn’t like was that the vacuum doesn’t return to the base well when it’s on carpet. The first place I tried to place it was in our living room — on carpet. The vacuum could find the base station and would act as though it was going to enter its storage spot, but it couldn’t pick up enough speed/power to get up the ramp. I moved the base station to our dining room, which has linoleum as the flooring surface and the vacuum has been fine getting in and out.

I also don’t like that the vacuum is referred to as a “single automatic cleaning robot” and “combining mopping and vacuuming functions.” This isn’t exactly accurate either. Yes, the device detects when it is near carpet so it doesn’t venture into that area when it is in mopping mode, but other than that, the distinction between mopping and sweeping still has to be controlled by a human. You can’t leave the mopping pads on it and you have to tell it what mode to operate in. Therefore, it is not 100% automatic.

Conclusion

While the Dreame Bot W10 Self-Cleaning Robot Vacuum and Mop is a good cleaning machine, I think there are other options out there that offer similar functions for about 40% of the cost of the W10. I do like the self-cleaning feature for the mop pads because that is a hassle to deal with, but I don’t know if it’s worth the added expense — especially since the dust bin does not automatically empty.

For more information, visit dreametech.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

JP42 Electric Cooler provides refrigeration without the need for ice when you are on the road.

Not too long ago, we took an extended road trip with some friends. These friends were not keen on the ‘road’ part of the trip as they typically fly whenever they travel. We convinced them that driving would be more fun as a group.

Naturally, we dragged along lots of snacks and, of course, drinks. We had a cooler that doubled as a refrigerator. It was the first time I had ever come across a dual-purpose cooler like this. That unit was unfortunately a dud. We discovered by the time we reached our destination that there was a huge crack in it and we almost tossed it out before driving home.

Even though that cooler didn’t work out, I thought the design and concept were worth trying again. That’s what led me to the ICECO JP42 3-in-1 Electric Cooler.

About ICECO & the JP42 Cooler

First, let’s talk a little about the company that makes this device. ICECO is a brand that specializes in designing, manufacturing, and distributing portable vehicle fridges. Their products are used widely in all kinds of transportation including RVs, trucks, commercial vehicles, and boats. All of their portable fridges include the BD Microcar compressor from SECOP (Danfoss).

ICECO has been in business for more than 15 years and its focus has been to provide cooling solutions for food and beverage while on the road. The company owns 104 technology patents and has sold its products in more than 66 countries.

The JP42 is considered a 3-in-1 Cooler because it can act as a portable freezer, refrigerator, or standard cooler. It is powered in one of two ways – via a standard wall outlet or with any 12-volt car socket. If it’s being used as a cooler, you simply fill it with ice as your normally would and use the drain plug when you need to gift rid of excess water.

If you want to use it as a refrigerator, plug it into a power source, set the temperature to 32 degrees and set your food and beverages inside. To keep items completely frozen, turn the temperature down to 0 degrees and you can even make ice. There are two modes – MAX and ECO. ECO mode is designed to preserve energy while MAX will get the unit cooled down much faster.

The compressor that is built into the unit features top-tier technology that can function in a variety of environments – even under a 40-degree tilt. ICECO offers a 5-year warranty on the compressor and a 1-year warranty on all other parts.

Specs

• Dimensions: 15.9″D x 28.4″W x 17.5″H
• Color Choices: Blue, Khaki, White
• Weight: 43 pounds
• Capacity: 42L
• Elastic Latch Seal
• Easy-to-Operate Control Panel
• Root-molded Handles
• Power-off Memory Function
• 40º Anti-shake
• 3-level battery protection

User Experience

The JP42 was shipped in a very large cardboard box. It was well-labeled and it was clear to see what the box was holding inside. Because of its size and weight, the cooler is best handled by a team of two people. There is no assembly required. You simply pull the styrofoam pieces out of the box and remove the plastic from around the cooler and the JP42 is ready to go.

I got the blue version of the cooler because I’m a sucker for the color blue. It’s a very vibrant, turquoise-blue color. It’s the perfect shade for beach-goers or anyone who enjoys the water. The color reminds me of ‘old-Florida’ style decor.

As I mentioned, the weight and size make the cooler a bit unwieldy – especially for a single person trying to carry it. It is 43 pounds when it is empty. So, I would imagine if it were filled with the maximum 66 cans that it can reportedly hold, that would add an additional 53 pounds to the cooler. This is part of the reason that you need at least two people to transport the cooler. ICECO does make other models that come with wheels, which make moving the coolers from place to place much easier.

Once I got the cooler removed from its box, I took a look at what was included. It’s a very bare-bones kit. The JP42 comes with a user manual and power cables to be able to connect to a standard wall outlet and a 12V car socket. If you are looking at the front of the cooler, the left side has the built-in drain and the right side has the control panel. The right side of the unit also has the vents for where the compressor is installed. It’s very important to keep this area well-ventilated so that heat doesn’t build up.

The next thing I did was read over the manual. It’s not very long – only 6 pages of actual instructions – and unfortunately, it’s poorly written. When I started reading it, the manual reminded me of the one I got with the substandard cooler that I described at the beginning of this review. When I say poorly written, I mean that it is provided in English, but that sentences are broken. Here are a few examples from the manual.

• No responsible for the damage by ignoring the safety instructions.
• Make sure that leave enough space for the device to ventilate.
• Deforest the appliance one a layer of ice forms.

I have written these sentences out exactly how they are shown in the manual. The general organization of the manual gets confusing as well. For example, there is a heading titled “How to use the Refrigerator” and the first heading below that says, “When use as a cooler.”

I understand that ICECO refers to the unit as a ‘refrigerator’ in the generic sense, but since the unit has a refrigeration option for cooling, I thought I would find the instructions and settings to use it as a refrigerator under that heading. The manual actually never included the instructions I was looking for. So, I guessed.

I also find it confusing that there is a section entitled “Battery Protection Mode” since the JP42 does not run off of batteries. Again, I think this may be a case of bad writing (or maybe translation) of the manual.

After figuring out how to attach the power cable and power the cooler on, I set the temperature to 32 degrees. My goal in testing the cooler was to see how long it would take for it to cool down to the set temperature and then how long it would take to cool down some canned drinks and water bottles.

When I first turned the cooler on, the temperature read 59º. I used the arrow keys to increase the set temperature to 32. The default was 0 degrees for the freezer setting. I made sure the lid was closed and that the latches were locked in place and then I started my stopwatch. After approximately 20 minutes, the cooler had reached 32 degrees. I actually noticed that it had dropped 10 degrees in the first 8 minutes. I did have the cooler set on MAX mode.

This was actually very impressive to me. I had no idea it would cool down that quickly. I left the cooler plugged in for several hours after that and it stayed consistently at 32 degrees. I would hear the compressor kick on every once in a while, but for the most part, it held its temperature quite well.

The next step of my test was to add four cans of soda (2 x Diet Coke and 2 x Pepsi Zero) and two bottles of water into the chest. Then, over the course of 3.5 hours, I periodically checked the temperature of the drinks with an infrared thermometer and simply by touching the containers. When I started the test, the drinks measured between 54-70º which I would consider room temperature. These were all drinks that had previously been kept under a counter in our kitchen and not refrigerated.

The first time I checked the drinks’ temperature, only about 15 minutes had elapsed since I put them in the cooler. I had spaced them out in the chest – laying some on their side and standing others upright. I even left one can in the wire basket, which meant it was isolated and elevated above the rest of the drinks. There hadn’t been much change in the drinks’ temperature so I decided to move the containers closer together and wait longer to check them.

After about 45 minutes, I check them again. There still wasn’t a drastic change although they did feel cooler to the touch. After 30 more minutes, the drinks were still about the same temperature so I waited about two hours before checking them again. Finally, they were measuring about 15-20 degrees cooler than when I started the test and they definitely felt cooler. They weren’t as cold as a standard refrigerator, but they were much cooler than room temperature.

I did end up finding this explanation of how the unit cools its interior on ICECO’s website. It was part of the FAQs for the JP42 refrigerator.

Why is the temperature on the refrigerator display different from the temperature I measured with my thermometer? Because of the sinking nature of cold air, the different temperatures may exist in different locations in the refrigerator (the temperature of the bottom will be the lowest). The panel only shows the average temperature of the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

The JP42 cooler is very well-built. It’s strong, secure and it functions as described. There were a few features that stood out to me more than others.

• The manual instructs the user not to expose the unit to weather. This is because it is not weatherproof. Many people would automatically take their coolers with them to the beach, but this type of use is not recommended for this particular unit.
• The rubber latches – while they might be common on larger coolers like this – were a new feature to me. At first, they felt foreign, but after opening and closing the lid a few times, I really like them now. They seem to create a very secure closure.
• The compressor is very quiet. When I first set the unit to run, it did run constantly for the 20 minutes I described. I had the cooler in an enclosed office and the noise was not distracting at all. It was a gentle hum that could easily be mistaken for a fan in the background.

The ICECO JP42 Electric Cooler is an expensive alternative to a traditional cooler. Depending on your color choice, the unit could cost more than $500. If you travel a lot or work in food service, this could be a great investment, but for a casual cooler user, it might be too pricey.

The product works really well and I really enjoy using it. I think this would be an absolute home run for me if the instructions were easier to read and understand and if the price were so cost-prohibitive. For anyone who travels a lot or takes. road trips this is a must have product to own.

For more information, visit icecofreezer.com and Facebook.

In 2018, we upgraded our bed to a Sleep Number mattress and smart frame. I still can’t believe it’s been four years since we switched. I’ve suffered from back problems for nearly half my life now and Nick, my fiancé has had leg and joint pain from various injuries through the years. With those factors in mind, it has been difficult for us to agree on a bed that we were both comfortable with. That all changed when the Sleep Number 360 i10 Smart Bed arrived on our doorstep.

Since then, we’ve both been sleeping better and therefore, have had better days, too. The only thing we’ve really struggled with has been comfortable sleeping temperatures. I like things cooler and actually sleep with a small fan pointed at my head. Nick doesn’t like to overheat but also doesn’t want direct air on him like my fan. So, we’ve been testing out different heating/cooling methods for our bed. This is what has led us to the VariaCool Memory Foam Mattress Layer from Sleep Number.

DETAILS

The VariaCool Memory Foam Mattress Layer is designed to provide pressure-relieving support along with temperature-balancing memory foam. The layer is two inches thick and comes with a cool-to-the-touch cover. The cover has elastic anchor bands that hold the layer in place on top of the mattress.

The layer itself is made with polyurethane foam while the cover incorporates a few different materials including:

• Top 23% synthetic mic / 77% polyester
• Back 10% cotton / 90% polyester
• Gusset 92% polyester / 8% spandex

The cover is made in China while the foam is made in the USA. There is a strong warning that accompanies the foam layer. It states that urethane foam is flammable and if it’s exposed to open flame or a significant heat source, it could be hazardous. In fact, the warning says, “Once ignited, urethane foam is difficult to extinguish.”

In addition to the warning about the foam’s flammability, Sleep Number includes the following instructions about installation.

Allow your VariaCool memory foam mattress layer to air out. Your layer is made from polyurethane foam, which may have a new foam scent. To eliminate the scent, allow the layer to air out at room temperature for 24-48 hours before use.

INSTALLATION OF THE MATTRESS TOPPER

The Sleep Number VariaCool layer was shipped in a large cardboard box. We unboxed it and found that it was shrink-wrapped and vacuum-sealed. This is where the instructions above come in. When the foam is its shrink-wrapped state, it is very dense and weighs around 30 pounds. I stripped our bed of its current sheet set and comforter and placed the roll of foam on the mattress.

I carefully started peeling the shrink wrap away from the foam and as soon as I got the top layer of plastic off, the foam began expanding. I highly recommend that you plan on unwrapping the foam on your actual mattress for this reason. It is really awkward to move around after it has expanded and if you have a King mattress like we do, it’s very large.

I pulled the rest of the plastic away from the foam and laid the topper across our mattress. Given the ‘air-out’ instructions provided by Sleep Number, I left the foam topper on our mattress for the rest of the day. Around 7:00 p.m. that night, I finished dressing the bed. Now, if you do the math – I did not let the foam air out for 24-48 hours. For us it was more like 10-12 hours. That ended up being plenty of time though because I didn’t detect any chemical-type smell coming from the mattress topper at all.

At this point, I started placing the cover on the foam. I do want to point out that the foam was not ‘naked’. It has a thin layer of fabric (almost gauze-like) around it. The cover goes over the foam like a sleeping bag. There is a zipper that closes the cover around the foam that goes around three of the four sides of the topper. The fourth side sits at the foot of the bed.

With this in mind, it really would be best to lay the cover down flat on the mattress and then put the foam down on top of it. You could do this at the beginning of the air-out process but if you don’t (like us), you can fold half of the foam topper across your mattress and lay the cover’s backside down on the mattress, place that folded half back where it was, fold the other side toward the middle of the mattress, and pull the cover under the foam topper to finish covering the top of the mattress. Then, make sure the topper is laying flat and start zipping the top of the cover down around the foam.

We have a FlexTop King Size mattress so it can be a little awkward getting this step accomplished, but it’s not difficult. I think I had it completed in about 5-7 minutes. The zipper was very smooth to use and I only got it caught on the topper once.

SLEEPING EXPERIENCE

After the topper was in place, I placed a new set of sheets on the bed – the Supima Cotton Sheets from Sleep Number. These are my favorite sheets and I thought they would work well with the VariaCool foam. Nick made it to bed before I did that first night. When I slid under the covers, he said, “Did you do something different to the bed?” I said, “Yes, I put that foam mattress topper on, remember?” He nodded and said, “Oh that’s right. I think I really like it.”

I knew exactly what he meant. The topper added a nice layer of cloud to our already super comfortable bed. I could also feel the cooling element immediately, too. We typically watch TV in bed and read on our iPhones and iPads for a while before we actually fall asleep at night. So, I got a good opportunity to really feel how the bedding felt in relation to the new layer addition.

First of all, even though the layer is only two inches thick, I had to laugh at myself when I felt like I was actually climbing into bed. Our mattress already sits about waist high on me (I’m around 5”8’) but the 2-inch addition shouldn’t make me feel like I need a step stool to get into the bed. This really isn’t a complaint at all. It’s just an observation about the experience.

The foam is very soft and I was a little concerned about how it might affect my sleeping quality. I like my side of the bed to be a little firmer. I’ve found that helps with my back and joint stiffness and pain. Fortunately, the topper doesn’t seem to affect the firmness you set on the Sleep Number bed.

As it turns out, my sleep number improved by five points from the night before. In addition to that, I had 84% less restlessness than I did the night before. I asked Nick how he slept that first night and he said that it was great. When I fell asleep he was having some pretty severe leg pain but the foam seemed to help stabilize his joints a bit so the pain didn’t keep him awake.

As far as the temperature goes, I thought the foam did a great job of keeping me cool. For several nights leading up to our first night with the VariaCool Foam Topper, I had been waking up due to overheating. It just started getting warm in our part of the world – almost summer-like – and even though we have central A/C, it can still be stifling overnight sometimes. For the first time in so long, I did not wake up feeling clammy from sweating overnight. I think I was comfortable throughout the night and I didn’t seem to wake up as much either.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The VariaCool Memory Foam Mattress Layer is a wonderful addition to any Sleep Number bed. I’m honestly not sure I ever want to sleep without it now. It seems to improve not only the comfort I feel but also the actual quality of my sleep. I can recommend it to anyone looking to level up their bedding.

For more information, visit sleepnumber.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Laser tape measure makes projects easier to measure.

In the past couple of years, I’ve been working on improving my home office. I’ve been adding different furniture pieces and removing items that no longer need to be part of the space. Before I select a piece of furniture, I measure the space I think it’s going to fit in and then check the dimensions of the item.

This is pretty typical behavior for someone remodeling or redecorating. I do end up having some trouble with the longer walls in the room though. I have an older tape measure but it has a kink in the tape and that means that I end up guessing sometimes. I don’t always have an extra set of hands to help hold the end of the measuring tape and that’s where the Laser Tape Measure comes into play.

DETAILS

The HISS Laser Tape Measure from Up Tech Instruments is a two-in-one digital distance measure. It can measure distances up to 196 feet and features both a 16-foot tape measure and a long-range laser. The laser has a lower level of diffraction, which ensures more accuracy downrange. The laser measuring tape can switch between measurement units (feet-inch, inch, inch decimal, feet decimal, and meter). A digital display is included with backlighting to provide an easy read of measurements.

The laser measuring tape is rugged and built with a magnetic hook. The body of the measuring tape is made with a nylon coating and the magnetic hook also acts as a mount for the laser when you need to take hands-free measurements. The laser measuring tape is a little larger than a standard 16-foot measuring tape and it takes two AAA batteries (included). A user manual also comes in the box along with a small screwdriver for battery installation.

Main Features

• Versatile laser tape measure with a robust build, accurate long reach, and a combination of useful utility features
• Extended reach with 196-foot laser
• 65-foot tape measure that is resistant to wear
• Digital readout is visible under various environments – includes a backlight illuminates readings in reduced visibility conditions
• Improved laser structure with a larger lens and a larger reception space
• Longer Rayleigh length improves measurement accuracy

USER EXPERIENCE

The Laser Tape Measure comes in a plain brown cardboard box. There is nothing identifying the product for what it is, which is fine if you order it directly from an online store, but if this were sold in a brick-and-mortar store, it would be impossible to know anything about the item.

When you open the box, you will find a set of AAA batteries, a tiny screwdriver, the laser tape measure, and a printed user guide. The operation of the Laser Tape Measure is very basic. Users can choose to use the standard tape measure or the laser tape measure. To use the laser tape measure, you press the ‘read’ button. The laser turns on and when you press the ‘red’ button again, the laser turns off and a measurement appears on the display.

I took several measurements and it worked really well. I double-checked the measurements with the regular measuring tape and the laser was accurate. This comes in really handy especially when you are trying to measure larger spaces. I am always wondering what the sizes of the rooms in our house are and now I can easily map out the rooms and their dimensions.

CONCLUSION

I have to admit that when I heard about this device I wasn’t sure it was something I really needed. I had a tape measure and I really try to be practical when it comes to adding items to my toolkit. As it turns out, this is a great add-on to my toolset and I’m grateful to have it.

For more information, visit uptechinstruments.com and Facebook.

Growing up in Southern California in the ’80s-’90s, my family regularly attended the local county fair in Delmar, California (The Delmar Fair).  My sister and I would marvel at the animals, the carnival food/rides, and then walk through the numerous tents/booths to peruse the vendor’s wares.  They seemed to have everything from scroll saws, to knives, to cooking equipment, to bags, artwork, toys, etc.  It seemed each year we brought home some new cool thing from the fair salespeople. 

One year we bought the Miracle Blade Knife set, and another year an entire VitaMix kit.  With both of those tools available, my family began to make smoothies from local vegetables/fruits.  Yes, I did say vegetables. We would add kale, carrot, and spinach to frozen strawberries and oranges.  We would add ice and would enjoy a lovely blended drink.  Unfortunately, the VitaMix required a powered outlet and quite a bit of storage space; it was not designed to blend on the go.  

If you are interested in a portable, battery-powered, rechargeable, waterproof blender for travel, work, school, dorm room, or your kitchen, Blendjet may be just the device for you.  Instead of setting up a full blender, perhaps you just want to add some fruit/nuts/vegetables and a bit of liquid to blend a morning treat quickly.   Maybe you are looking to enhance your bar and want to have a way to blend mixed cocktails.

Perhaps you are looking to hit the gym and want a way to blend a workout protein shake quickly.  Or, perhaps you are a home chef or run a business and want to make your own sauces. If any of the above options meet a need in your life, you may have found a helpful beverage companion.

The BlendJet arrived in a 12 inches square by 5 3/8 inches tall white cardboard box with a blue spiral design atop the cover. I lifted the outer lid and found a calming blue inner surface flap with a white BlendJet name and logo along the center plus #blendjet, @blendjet, blendjet.com.  Within the main compartment of the box, I found a “Next-Gen Blending” recipe book with “50 easy & delicious BlendJet Recipes.” 

The book provided a helpful table of contents that listed the breakdown of the chapters: Introductions, BlendJet Basics, Smoothie Smitten, Protein Fix, Happy Hour, Instant Café, Milkshake Mastery, and Perfect Salad Dressings & Dips.  Each section provided a picture of the mix, a list of ingredients, the directions, an estimated mixing time, and serving sizes. My wife loved the cookbook and the variety of recipes.  Unfortunately, as someone who has a banana allergy, all of the smoothie recipes and 7/9 of the protein shakes required frozen banana as an ingredient.  My kids did not mind my dietary limitations once they realized that it meant more for them. 

The BlendJet 2 blender arrived in a 3 1/4 inches wide by 9 5/8 inches tall by 3 1/8 inches thick sea-foam green box.  The cover panel displayed the product name along the top of the panel and a vibrant, slightly raised, glossy image of the BlendJet “Original Portable Blender” full of fruit.  The right side panel displayed a white-colored, labeled ink-outline image of the BlendJet. 

The diagram provided information about the leakproof lid with carrying strap, measurement jar (16oz/475ml), 6-point stainless steel blade, rechargeable base with “patented turbojet technology,” single button operation (power blend, pulse, lock modes), and the USB-C charging port. 

The opposite side panel defined four features of the device: 1. Portable. 2. Powerful. 3. USB-Rechargeable. 4. Self-Cleaning.  The panel noted that the device was perfect for travel thanks to the lightweight, durable construction, compact size, and powerful blend strength.  Each USB-C charge promised 15+ blend cycles (~20-second cycles) to puree leafy greens, frozen fruits, ice, and nuts. 

To clean the device, simply add soapy water, blend, and then rinse. Lastly, the rear panel provided an image of a blended drink and information about the cordless, water-resistant, quiet, BPA-free machine.  The blender should get the job done whether you want to make smoothies, protein shakes, mixed drinks, baby food, milkshakes, sauces, dressings, etc. 

The mint green coloration paired nicely with the white accent font. The product name was easily visualized, and the outer packaging masterfully detailed the product features.  I lifted the lid and removed the 1 pound 5.4 oz, 9 3/8 inches tall by 3 1/8 inches diameter BlendJet device.  Before you dispose of the packaging, please remove the 20 inches long USB-A to USB-C cable and instruction manual hiding behind the included bubble wrap. 

I plugged the USB C cable into the front port of the blended jet and then plugged the USB-A cable into a standard 5V/1.5A charging brick to charge for an hour. The colorful instruction manual proved quite helpful in describing the first use.  Once the Blendjet was charging, the front LED display pulsed half purple and half blue, suggesting that the device was at 50% power.  The blue LED continued to expand and replaced the purple segments.  After the hour charge cycle, the front circle was solid blue.  The manual promised ~15 blend cycles per 1.5-hour charge.

I removed the device from charge and followed the instruction manual recommendations to clean the device.  I added water, and a single drop of dish soap, and then pressed the front button to blend the concoction.  I was quite impressed with the quiet nature of the blades and the smooth transition between the off and on cycle.  A single press of the button will activate blend mode, which will last for 20-seconds. 

If desired, you can press the button again to end the cycle.  Double pressing the power button will activate the blender’s pulse mode. The blue-colored front LED will flash left to right three times and then will swirl to denote the mode.  The pulse mode will allow you to press/hold the button to puree/pulse foods like guacamole, salsa, and hummus. 

Pressing the button for three seconds will lock the device to prevent accidental blending.  The mode was designed for travel and when you wanted to drink the smoothie without an accidental explosion. 

My kids and I settled on the Mixed Berry Smoothie to test the blender function.  We added 1 cup of 2% milk, 1 cup of frozen blueberries, 1/2 sliced frozen banana, and used a tablespoon of honey.  I screwed the lid onto the blender, pressed the button, ran through a blend cycle, and repeated a second cycle.  Even though the manual stated that it served 1, I was able to split the mix between my four children. 

After our first smoothie, we tried to make a second without bananas.  We added 1/2 apple, 1 cup of frozen cranberries, 1 cup of cold water, a splash of key lime juice, and a packet of sweetener to create our blend.  The kids felt it was too bitter, and we added another packet of sweetener to liven up the taste.  My three and seven-year-olds could not get enough of the blend, but my older two boys did not like the taste. 

For our final test, we blended some pistachios into a fine powder to add to our yogurt.  I was impressed with the fine powder after three blend cycles.   We look forward to testing the various drink concoctions and trying our own blends.  

I was pretty impressed with the built-in features of the blender.  The upper 5 3/4 inches tall graduated clear segment can be unscrewed from the lower 3 3/8 inches tall base to clean or access the blades.  Along one of the side panels, you will find a small guide arrow and graded markings for milliliters and ounces.  To reattach the top section, align the arrow on the clear plastic top with the arrow on the mint green bottom. 

Screw the top onto the base until the arrows align again to ensure a waterproof seal.  You can easily unscrew/reattach the mint-green top cap and use the 5/8 inches thick by 3 3/8 inches long mint silicone handle to carry the blender or attach it to the outside of your bag.  The bottom panel of the blender provided three 3/8 inches diameter rubberized feet, the BlendJet 2 name, and a product plaque (5V 2.0A 14.8WH, Serial Number, and product manufacturing labels).

You can purchase a BlendJet 2 Jetsetter carry bag for ~$15 and extra protection as a bonus.  The 3 3/3 inches diameter nylon bag measured 11 1/4 inches tall at the back of the pack and 9 1/2 inches at the front.  The top rim had a 9-inches long water-resistant zipper with a single zipper pull.  I liked the corded zipper pull with the rubberized finger grip.  The grip easily accommodated my pointer finger and provided quick access to the bag’s inner lining. 

The inner surface was lined with a light grey nylon material, similar to the material inside lunch boxes.  I inserted the BlendJet into the bag, gripped the rubberized finger loop, and slid the zipper closed.  I was pleased with the zipper mechanism and the smooth slide when opening/closing the zipper. 

Other than the grey BlendJet logo along the lower front of the black nylon bag, and a small BlendJet tag, the surface remained unadorned.  I appreciated the subtlety and the composure to not cover the surface with unnecessary markings.  When ready grab the 5 1/8 inches long by 5/8 inches wide nylon handle, place it over your wrist, or attach it to a backpack for an on-the-go treat. 

A quick search of the blendjet.com website showed 27 different color schemes for the BlendJet 2. I felt the sub $50 price to be fair for the monochromatic version and understood the ~$10 higher base price of the special edition colors (camo, geode, Lisa Frank Tye Die, etc).

Learn more about BlendJet.
Follow blendjet on Facebook, and Twitter.

As nice as it is to go on vacation, one of the luxuries you don’t have on the road is your own bed. My fiance and I went on vacation about a month ago and we were elated to get back to our Sleep Number bed and be able to try out some new sheets at the same time. We have the Supima Cotton Sheet Set for the Split Top King size bed — and they make us feel like royalty.

What is the supima cotton sheet set from Sleep Number?

You may not be aware of this, but Sleep Number sells bedding in addition to beds. When we purchased our bed a few years back, it was suggested that we upgrade our sheets, too. We got a set of sheets from Sleep Number. They weren’t really anything fancy – just some run-of-the-mill cotton sheets. But, they fit the bed so well and my fiance and I agreed that they felt better than our standard sheets.

Ever since we’ve used Sleep Number sheets exclusively. We recently had the Winter Soft Sheets on our bed, but as we transition to spring, we wanted to move to something that was going to be cooler, but still feel luxurious. So, we got the Supima Cotton Sheet Set. Supima cotton is grown in the USA and is known for being twice as strong as regular cotton. Therefore, it is more durable and long-lasting than standard cotton, too.

Supima cotton sheet sets are soft and luxurious because of their extra-long staple fiber. Supima cotton also resists pilling because the length of the fiber also produces a smoother, cleaner yarn. The fabric can also absorb color dyes better.

Supima cotton is really American-grown Pima cotton. The name ‘Supima’ is really just the mix of ‘superior’ and ‘Pima’. Cotton is sustainable by nature. It’s a rare, premium natural fiber and is only grown on approximately 500 family-owned farms. The product is also eco-friendly. It’s fully compostable and leaves behind zero waste.

In terms of the Supima Cotten Sheet Set from Sleep Number, they are part of the Made In Green by OEKO-TEK initiative. The sheets are 600 thread count, lightweight, and very soft, I mean very soft. The sheets are designed to fit any mattress up to 15” thickness and they feature Sleep Number’s SmartFit design. Additionally, the sheets also have the Logic Label included so you know exactly which corner to start with when making the bed.

The Supima Cotton Sheet Set is available in the following sizes – queen, king, split king, FlexTop King, California King, Split California King, and FlexTop California King. There are several color options available, too, including – slate blue, pewter, mocha, white, dark blue, and rose.

How does the Supima Cotton Sheet Set provide a better night’s sleep?

The Supima Cotton Sheet Set comes packaged in a linen bag with a zippered closure. This is standard sheet packaging for Sleep Number and the sheets are wrapped up with a piece of cardboard so that they keep their shape. When you unwrap the package, you’ll find a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases. In my case, we have a FlexTop King size bed so we received the fitted sheet that is specially made for the split in the mattress and there were two king-size pillowcases included instead of standard-sized cases.

One of my favorite features of Sleep Number sheets is the SmartFit design. This feature includes elastic bands that wrap around the corners of the mattress. These bands are designed to provide stability and keep the fitted sheet from slipping off the corners. On other sheet sets, this feature has kept the sheets stable on the mattress. Unfortunately, the Supima Cotton Sheet Set has a sateen feel to it and so it’s a little slicker than other cotton sheet sets. So, it naturally slips around a bit more. I’ve found that the SmartFit straps do keep the fitted sheet from slipping off the corners completely, but I did find myself having to adjust the fitted sheet more than usual.

Also, the flat sheet seems to slide around more than other sheets, too. I usually get up in the morning before my fiance and I’ve found after he gets up that the flat sheet is nearly touching the floor on his side of the bed. It’s not like that when we make the bed. The flat sheet is even on both sides when we go to bed, but in the morning, it has slipped around to be uneven on one side. I attribute this to the sateen feel of the sheets.

Even though there were a couple of small wrinkles in the fit of the sheets on the bed, my fiance and I both adore the Supima Cotton Sheet Set. We both think they are a step up from standard cotton sheets. I have found that I’ve been sleeping better since we switched to this sheet set. I feel as though I’m kept plenty warm, but not too hot. And I love the sateen feel to the sheets.

Final Thoughts

I am a big fan of Sleep Number sheets and the Supima Cotton Sheet Set is my favorite set so far. Even though I love these sheets, their design still has some room for improvement because they do move around a lot. As far as comfort goes, these sheets get a solid 10/10 rating. Sleep Number sheets are premium-level sheets and are priced accordingly, but as 600 thread-count sheets, they are pricier than competitors. 

For more information, visit sleepnumber.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

You can’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. According to the CDC, an adult needs at least 7 hours of sleep a night in order to promote proper health and well-being. There are a lot of factors that can contribute to how well you sleep and bedding is a big part of that. Almost 4 years ago, we invested in a Sleep Number bed. It was one of the best decisions we have made since we moved into our house (nearly 11 years ago).

Since that time, we’ve almost exclusively used Sleep Number bedding to match the bed. The nights I don’t, I can tell the difference between the quality of the Sleep Number bedding and the other brands. They really can’t compete. One of the things that we’ve taken advantage of with Sleep Number’s vast collection of bedding is its mattress covers. I had never given much thought to this piece of bedding and now we have the Total Protection Mattress Pad.

DETAILS

The Total Protection Mattress Pad is a waterproof, stain protective surface that is designed to cover Sleep Number mattresses. The protective surface extends down the sides for complete protection against liquids and spills. The material is antimicrobial to keep your bed clean and odor-free. The surface of the mattress pad is cool to the touch so it allows heat and humidity to be expelled while you sleep. It also prevents moisture from being soaked into the mattress. The mattress pad is also hypoallergenic for those who suffer from allergies.

If you purchase this mattress pad at the same time you purchase your mattress, Sleep Number will honor a 10-year limited warranty against stains. The mattress pad only comes in one color — white — and is compatible with all Sleep Number mattress sizes including Twin, Twin XL, California Twin Long, Full, Queen, King, California King, Flex Top King, and FlexTop California King.

USER EXPERIENCE

The Total Protection Mattress Pad came in a simple canvas package that is synonymous with Sleep Number bedding. If you weren’t looking close enough, you would think it was a set of sheets because it’s the same size and shape as their sheet sets. The package has a tag attached with a plastic loop that shows the name of the product as well as the model number, size, and color. I understand that it’s probably a cost-savings tactic, but I sort of wish that the canvas package has the name of the product on it somewhere, too. It is easy for those tags to get pulled off.

The tag shows the properties of the materials used to make the mattress pad. It states that the pad is made with 70% polyester, 30% nylon, and the skirt of the pad (the sides that extend downward) is made of 92% polyester and 8% spandex. It also has a disclosure on it showing that the pad has been tested for harmful substances and that it passed OEKO-TEX textile confidence tests. I honestly don’t know much about this process, but oek-tek.com provides a lot of information about their different standards.

It states the following about Standard 100:

If a textile article carries the STANDARD 100 label, you can be certain that every component of this article, i.e. every thread, button, and other accessories, has been tested for harmful substances and that the article, therefore, is harmless for human health.

Installing the mattress pad isn’t difficult thanks to Sleep Number’s Logic Label system. At first glance, I wasn’t sure which side should be facing the mattress. So, I looked for the label. The placement of this label lets you know which side should be facing down and which corner you should start with when you place the bedding on your mattress.

I’ve always had issues with sheets slipping up on the bed throughout the night, but Sleep Number’s sheets have always stayed in place. I attribute this to their SmartFit straps. The mattress pad is also outfitted with these little pieces of magic fabric and I haven’t noticed any issues with it moving around.

Once I got the mattress pad on the bed, I smoothed it out as best I could. My fiancé likes to sleep with her side of the best slightly elevated so the pad wrinkled up a little because of that. The fabric is smooth and soft and it feels a lot like the True Temp Mattress Layer, which was actually on our bed until we swapped it out for this mattress pad. It was very easy to slip the sheets down on the mattress over top of the mattress pad. We are currently using the Essential Fit Cotton sheets by Sleep Number along with the mattress pad.

I wasn’t sure how the sleeping experience would be with the mattress pad, but I’m delighted to say that it was very restful. I didn’t notice a huge difference between having it and not. And I mean that if you are concerned that you will notice it too much to rest, you won’t. I did notice that I felt that my body temperature was regulated well. While Sleep Number’s site doesn’t mention this, I think you could potentially add other items on top of the mattress pad if you wished to based on the way it is designed.

For example, if we wanted to place the True Temp Mattress Layer on top of the pad before putting the sheets on the bed, we probably could have. Since each of the pieces of bedding has the SmartFit elastic strips on them, you don’t have to worry about anything slipping. We opted to not do this while testing the mattress pad, but I think it could be a possibility.

CONCLUSION

The Total Protection Mattress Pad is a really smart option for bedding. It’s designed not to interfere with your sleeping habits and to work in tandem with your standard bedding items. It’s soft and really seems to provide that essential layer between you and your mattress. I’m a big proponent of taking care of your things — especially when there is a substantial investment behind it. The Total Protection Mattress Pad can ensure that your mattress has the longest lifespan possible.

For more information, visit sleepnumber.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Everyone wants to have a good night’s sleep, but sometimes, you don’t have the best bedding to make that possible. We’ve been fortunate enough to be able to add Sleep Number bedding to our sleep setup. The sheet sets we’ve used thus far have been luxurious, smooth, and cool. The only problem is that when it gets colder outside, the cool sheets aren’t exactly ideal for that type of air temperature. Fortunately, Sleep Number also makes a super soft, thick sheet set – the Winter Soft Sheets.

DETAILS

The Winter Soft Sheet Set is designed to be the ultimate sheet set for softness and warmth. They are made with high-quality polyester microfiber. The material is non-pilling for lasting comfort and has a one-year limited warranty from Sleep Number. These sheets – just like all of Sleep Number’s sheets are designed to fit any mattress up to 15-inches thick. The set also features the Logic Label from Sleep Number, which helps to take the guesswork out of marking your bed. This sheet set is available in a variety of mattress sizes as listed below. 

It’s important to note the difference between the Split King and FlexTop King options. The Split is two individual mattresses while the FlexTop is still one mattress with a split in the center. The split goes 1/3 of the way down from the top to the center. The sheet sets also come with SmartFit elastic corner edges. These bands help to anchor the sheets on the mattress so they don’t pop up in the middle of the night. In addition to the traditional features of the Sleep Number sheets, the Winter Soft Sheets also have the Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX certification. This provides assurance that you and your family are safe from harmful substances. 

SHEET SIZES

• Twin Long: 38″ x 80″ x 13″ (fitted), 68″ x 106″ (flat)
• Queen: 80″ x 60″ x 13″ (fitted), 90″ x 105″ (flat)
• King: 80″ x 76″ x 13″ (fitted), 110″ x 106″ (flat)
• California King: 84″ x 72″ x 13″ (fitted), 110″ x 107″ (flat)
• Split King: (2) 80″ x 38″ x 13″ (fitted), 110″ x 106″ (flat)
• FlexTop King: 80″ x 76″ x 13″ (fixed), 110″ x 106″ (flat)
• FlexTop California King: 84″ x 72″ x 13″ (fitted), 110″ x 107″ (flat)

COLORS AVAILABLE

• White
• Midnight
• Mauve
• Fog
• Taupe
• Sky Blue
• Gray

USER EXPERIENCE 

The sheets arrived in a simple Sleep Number linen bag. This bag was a little different than other sheet set packages because the sheets were quite a bit thicker than standard sheets. The sheets weren’t wrapped up with a cardboard sleeve as Sleep Number sheets usually are. They were just wrapped up together to form a cube-like structure for the bag. The bag actually looks more like a pillow package than a set of sheets. When I unwrapped the sheets, I was shocked at how soft they were. Since they are designed for warmth, I was a little concerned that maybe they would end up being too warm. So, we waited to test them out until we had a really cold snap in our part of the country. As it turns out this didn’t really happen until after Christmas in the midwest. It was, in fact, nearly 70 degrees on Christmas Day this year. 

Now that we are into January we have had some really cold weather. Making the bed wasn’t difficult as Sleep Number includes the Logic Label, which tells you where to align the fitted sheet when you start making the bed. We have the FlexFit King size mattress from Sleep Number and that makes the sheet installation process a little more difficult since you have two additional corners to slip the fitted sheet around. Even with the added difficulty of the FlexTop fitted sheet, it only took a few minutes to get the bed made. When we first added the Winter Soft Sheets to our bed, we were using the True Temp Blanket also from Sleep Number. The sheets provided a wonderful layer of warmth that the other Sleep Number sheets did not. While the True Temp Blanket was a nice compliment to the Winter Soft Sheets, we decided to swap it out for the Velvet Chevron Coverlet from Sleep Number. This coverlet is reversible and features a plush texture. It’s soft, warm and lightweight for comfort. While it’s designed to work well for any season, when you pair it with the Winter Soft Sheets, it’s an amazing combination of warmth for cold winter nights. The coverlet color we chose is Fog which is a light gray color. It’s a nice contrast to the dark midnight blue color of the sheets. 

I’ve been very impressed with the sheets so far and I think I actually sleep better with these sheets than standard style sheets. My fiancé was not sure about switching to these sheets because she thought she would overheat. Fortunately, she was proven wrong and found the sheets to be just right and very comfortable. One thing she did note on her side of the bed – the sheets did slip a bit on the corner even though the SmartFit elastic corner was installed properly. My side of the bed did not slip up like hers so we think it might be because I sleep flat while she has her side of the bed elevated a bit. Whatever the reason, this was the first time we’ve had a Sleep Number sheet slip on a corner. 

CONCLUSION

The Winter Soft Sheets from Sleep Number are ideal for keeping warm on a cold night. They are super soft and they create an extraordinarily comfortable sleeping experience. If you aren’t sure about these sheets since they are thick and designed for warmth, give them a try and you won’t be disappointed. If you haven’t picked up a Sleep Number bed yet read our review here.

For more information, visit sleepnumber.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

A strong mounting option for TVs.

We’ve lived in our house for nearly 11 years now. When we first moved in, we had multiple TVs and for a while, they were all stationary on the tops of TV stands or other pieces of furniture. Slowly but surely, each TV in our house has made its way to a wall mount. We’ve tried just about every style of TV mount there is. Some of them are incredibly easy to install while others are simply horrendous. When we were rearranging our bedroom recently, we decided it was time to mount our 65-inch flat-screen on the wall. This was the last unit that was in our house that was still hanging out on top of a dresser. Since we have had experience with many styles of wall mounts, I knew exactly which type I wanted for this TV. The Putorsen Long Arm TV Wall Mount. 

DETAILS

The Long Arm TV Wall Mount is a tilting wall mount that is compatible with most flat or curved TVs 43-80 inches in size. The TV mount allows users to extend the TV away from the wall up to 40 inches. The mount can hold up to 110 pounds and is compatible with VESA mounting patterns 800 x 400mm. Even though the mount isn’t fully articulating, it is considered full-motion. It can be tilted 5º up and 15º down as well as 90º swivel to the left or right. The mount is made with high-quality steel and is designed with the security of the TV in mind. In addition to the mount’s premium build, it is guaranteed through Putorsen by a Lifetime warranty. 

USER EXPERIENCE

The TV mount came in a standard retail box. The front of the box has an image of the mount on it as well as details about the mount’s compatibility and features. When you open the box, you will find the mount as well as all the mounting hardware. The mount comes with a mounting template that helps the user to find the correct placement of the mounting plate on the wall. This is a feature that is very useful for installation. Not all TV mounts come with this type of template and it’s truly a benefit for finding the studs in the walls and ensuring the mounting plate will be level on the wall when you place it. On that note, I do recommend finding the studs instead of using drywall anchors. While there are some very heavy-duty drywall anchors, wall studs will ensure the most secure mounting option for your equipment. The installation of this TV mount is pretty standard. The backplate gets mounted to the wall and then the TV is attached to the arm. The instructions that are included are easy to follow but they are only illustrations and don’t include any written instructions. 

While I really like the design of this TV mount, one thing I don’t like is that it is essentially one piece. This makes it difficult to screw the bolts into the wall because you either have to position yourself awkwardly in order to hold the mount while you secure it into the wall or have someone else hold it for you. Other large mounts I’ve installed usually come apart in the middle of the arm extension so that you can easily mount the plate. This mount did not have that option. I was able to mount this unit, but it wasn’t the easiest process. One other issue I had was that the part of the mount that holds the TV was not level. The wall plate was level, but the extension where the TV hangs was not, and I couldn’t find a way to fix that. I ended up having to adjust the TV how it was on the arm which worked, but I shouldn’t have had to do that step. 

The mount does a good job of holding the TV. We’ve had it on the wall for quite some time now and the TV is quite secure. Moving the TV arm has been very easy. The arm allows for smooth, fluid motions. It’s really made watching TV much easier in our bedroom. 

CONCLUSION

We’ve really enjoyed having the TV on the wall now that we’ve moved the furniture around in our room. One of the best things about it is that we’ve been able to mount our streaming devices to the back of the TV which helped clean up a lot of cable clutter, too. The Long Arm TV Mount is a really good option for mounting larger TVs. It’s an easy-to-install option and even though the design could be a little better, it’s a budget-friendly option for a mount of this style. 

For more information, visit putorsen.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

You can’t put a price on a good night’s sleep. As someone who has struggled with insomnia and comfortable beds for many years, I can say with some certainty that bedding definitely plays a role with how well you sleep at night. Scratchy sheets or ones that make you too warm at night can contribute to a restless night. Many years ago, I was introduced to premium quality sheets with a high thread count and I was shocked at the difference those sheets made in how I slept. Now, I share a Sleep Number bed with my fiance and we have opted to stick with Sleep Number brand sheet sets. We have a Split King mattress and that makes it hard to find sheets that fit correctly. Sleep Number offers a lot of different styles of sheets and we recently had the chance to try out the Lyocell Ultra Sheet Set. They are soft, breathable and provide comfort to users all night long. 

DETAILS

The Lyocell Ultra Sheet Sets feature a 300-thread-count sateen weave that provides luxurious softness. They will fit any mattress thickness up to 15 inches. Lyocell is a form of rayon and is used often for creating textiles. Sleep Number offers the sheet sets for Queen, Expanded Queen, King, Split King, FlexTop King, California King, Split California King, FlexTop California King, and Grand King. The sheets are designed and crafted in the USA even though they are made from imported materials. Like other Sleep Number sheets, the Lyocell Ultra Sheets feature the ExactFit sheet design and have the SmartFit design strap installed so that the fitted sheet remains secure on the mattress. The sheet set includes:

• One oversized flat sheet
• One fitted sheet (Split King and Split California King sets contain two Twin Long fitted sheets)
• Two pillowcases

In addition to the size options, Sleep Number has also provided several color choices including – Ivory, Marine Blue, Cloud Gray, White, Stone, Soft Green, and Soft Lilac. 

USER EXPERIENCE

The Lyocell Ultra Sheet Set comes in a standard canvas package that Sleep Number wraps their sheet sets in. The outside of the bag has the Sleep Number logo on it and a tag is attached that indicates which type of sheets are in the package. I sort of wish the name/type of the sheets was listed on the canvas bag as well because I think it would be easier for people to find the sheets they are looking for rather than having to flip through tiny retail tags. When you open the bag, you will find the sheets wrapped around a piece of cardboard. This helps the sheets have a shape for the canvas bag. Once you unwrap the contents you will find the flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. There is also a care card enclosed that outlines how to install the sheets on your bed and the best way to take care of them. 

Once I had all the pieces unpacked, I started laying out the fitted sheet on our bed. We have the Split Top King mattress so the installation is a little different than some other sizes. With the Split Top sheets, there is a cut in the fitted sheet that slips over the top of both halves of the bed. The top quarter of the mattress has a cut down the center so it’s almost like two twin mattresses. The fitted sheet loops around all four corners of the Split Top King mattress using the standard elastic band that Sleep Number includes on their sheets. We’ve had our mattress for about three years now and we’ve never had an issue with our sheets slipping off the corners like we did with standard mattresess. I believe this is due to that elastic strap on the fitted sheet. Once the fitted sheet was installed on the mattress, the rest of the set was placed easily. The pillowcases appear to be king-size pillowcases with this set because they are quite a bit longer than our standard pillows. This isn’t a deal-breaker for us because we can just fold the pillowcase under the pillow. 

We have found ourselves with a quite unseasonably warm start to our winter here in the midwest. Because of that, I’m grateful to have these smooth, cool sheets on our bed. Even though the sheets only have 300-thread count, they feel more like 800 or even 1000 thread count. They are so silky smooth that it’s really hard to imagine using any other style of sheets. The sheets feel a bit thicker than our last set (the Essential Fit Cotton Sheet Set) but they are by no means ‘heavy.’ We opted for the Ivory color in the Lyocell Sheets and they pair nicely with the True Temp Blanket. 

CONCLUSION

I may be biased, but I think the Lyocell Ultra Sheets are my favorite sheets to date. They are thick, but not heavy; They keep me warm, but I don’t feel smothered by them; and, they feel like they have a much higher thread count than they actually do. I’ve been sleeping really well with these on our bed and think they can’t be beat by standard sheets. 

For more information, visit sleepnumber.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Vacuum takes care of the chore for you – unsupervised.

One of my most hated chores as a child was vacuuming. Now that I’m an adult, I still don’t like it, but I recognize that it’s a necessary part of owning a home. This is the main reason that I’ve really enjoyed adopting robot vacuums to do the dirty work in our house. When we first started using the automated cleaning devices, they simply vacuumed. We had to manually empty dust bins and we still had to clean hard floor surfaces by mopping. Now, we have the NoMo N2 3-in-1 Robot Vacuum Cleaner by Neabot and it can do all the heavy lifting for us. 

DETAILS

The NoMo N2 3-in-1 Robot Vacuum Cleaner has several advanced features including a 2.8L self-employing dustbin, LDS 8.0 LiDAR, LED display, 2700Pa suction, auto suction boost on the carpet, 3 suction levels, 250mL water tank, an iOS and Android compatible app, and support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This device is designed so that the user does not have to get their hands dirty by emptying it. So, when the robot finishes its cleaning cycle, it will return to its charging base and automatically remove the dust and debris with the high-power dust collection function. 

The oversized dust bag can hold 30 days of trash and you can just throw it away when it’s full. The vacuum has the most advanced LDS 8.0 LiDAR and features obstacle avoidance and 89% high cleaning efficiency. The vacuum also has anti-drop cliff sensors to keep it from falling off of stairs. In addition to the anti-drop cliff sensors, the vacuum also has advanced wall sensors and it can get as close as 1cm for a super close clean. 

The electric water tank has multi-level precision water control for mopping. The device can sweep, vacuum, and mop at the same time. The NoMo N2 has a built-in electric mopping system that allows it to monitor and control the water level according to the dryness and wetness of the floor. The vacuum features 2700Pa Ultra Strong Suction power and can pick up dirt, pet hair, and even super fine dust. The app gives users the ability to schedule cleanings, manage maps, divide zones, set up no-go zones, choose the suction power, and select a specific language and voice for the vacuum. 

USER EXPERIENCE

One of the first things I noticed about the NoMo N2 Robot Vacuum was its packaging. The box is not a traditional retail package and is instead more like a shipping carton. The brown cardboard box has some of the details of the product listed on the outside of it and some outlined images of the vacuum. The vacuum is well-identified on the box, but it’s not very nice looking. When you open the outer carton, you will be greeted by a blue cardboard insert that is the quick start guide for the unit. The front-facing side of the cardboard only has the Neabot imprint on it, but when you flip it over, you will see the start-up instructions for the robot, which are very easy to follow.

This is actually the second Neabot robot vacuum I’ve set up and I have to say that the process is one of the easiest I’ve ever walked through. You unbox the elements of the robot – its charging stand, vacuum, and accessories – and remove any protective strips that might be in place. On some units, you may have to install the side brush, which is just a simple snap-on accessory, but mine was pre-installed. Once you have the parts of the vacuum out of the box, you are instructed to download the app. Since I have a previous Neabot vacuum in my home, I already had that app on my phone. You are then instructed to power the vacuum on and charge it.

The NoMo N2 had approximately 75% battery power out of the box so I decided to go ahead and run a cleaning cycle rather than let it charge up to full first. Before you start that cycle, you have to connect it to your home WiFi and the app, which is a painless process. The app directs you through the setup, which takes less than 5 minutes. Once the vacuum is connected you can start it cleaning immediately. On the first cleaning run, the robot will draft a map of your home and clean all the surface areas. I was incredibly impressed with the NoMo N2’s mapping procedure. The first thing it did was to mark off the borders of an area and then it would go back and zig-zag across the flooring to clean the area.

The vacuum was very efficient and in 53 minutes, the vacuum had completed its cleaning cycle and returned to its charging dock without incident. It was the first time I’d ever had a vacuum clean our house without getting stuck somewhere or without it getting confused about its charging dock’s placement. The vacuum did a great job sweeping up dirt, dust, and debris and when it was done with its journey, the dust bin was emptied into the dust collector within the base. 

CONCLUSION

The NoMo N2 robot vacuum is the definition of high-efficiency, hands-free floor cleaning. This is honestly the robot vacuum I’ve wanted for years. I hate having to stop what I’m doing to attend to a stuck robot. I feel as though that defeats the purpose of the robot vacuum. It’s supposed to save you time and take care of one of your household chores, but if it sends you a warning from the connected app saying that it needs attention, you have to take time out of another task to take care of the device. The NoMo N2 has not given me that type of problem yet. If it got hung up, it was able to right itself and I didn’t have to attend to it once during its 53-minute cleaning session. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a robot vacuum. It’s the experience you want. 

Neabot is running some specials for Black Friday this year that are available through November 28.

• Neabot Q11: $559.99 (20% off retail price $699.99) 
• Neabot N2: $399.99 (20% off retail price $499.99) 
• Neabot N1 Plus: 319.99 (20% off retail price $399.99) 
• Neabot P1 Pro: 135.99 (regular retail price $179.99) Purchase from Amazon Take an extra 5% off with the coupon code: P1BLACK5 (through Nov. 27)

For more information, visit Neabot.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

In 2018, we upgraded our bed to a Sleep Number smart bed. It’s been a godsend to both my fiance and I because we both have different sleeping needs that are fulfilled by the Sleep Number bed. While I expected to be impressed by the bed’s features and mattress quality, one thing I wasn’t expecting was the amazing sheets that Sleep Number creates. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to try out their Essential Fit Cotton Sheets recently and I can’t be happier with how they feel. 

DETAILS

The Essential Cotton Fit Sheets from Sleep Number are designed to be perfectly smooth with a flexible fit. They have what Sleep Number calls an “ExactFit” design so that the sheets can move with you. They also have a SmartFit design to keep the sheets snug and secure. As is the case with all Sleep Number bedding, the sheets feature Logic labels so that you are never confused by how they should be installed on the mattress.

You have the option of mixing and matching any Sleep Number blankets or duvets with these sheets to create your own signature style. The sheets are designed at Sleep Number’s headquarters in Minneapolis, MN, and made with imported materials. The sheets can fit any mattress up to 15” mattress thickness. This sheet set includes: 

• Fitted sheet: 95% extra-long staple 300-threadcount cotton, 5% elastane.
• Flat sheet and pillowcases: 100% extra-long staple 300-threadcount cotton.

There are many color/pattern choices including Light Gray, Aqua, Wheat, Steel Blue, Navy, White, Ivory, Plum, Navy Cube, Light Gray Cube, Steel Blue Dot, Rose, Wheat Plus, and Plum Dot.

USER EXPERIENCE

Sheet sets from Sleep Number are packaged in a simple canvas wrap. The wrap takes the shape of the folded sheets and there is usually a piece of cardboard in the package to help the sheets keep their shape. Unwrapping the set is not difficult. The set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. There is also a small card that describes the materials included in the set as well as care instructions for the sheets. 

The sheets come in different sizes (as noted above) and depending on your bed size, you might have a different setup experience. Our mattress is the Split Top King and so the installation of the sheets is a little more complicated than standard sheets. I started with the fitted sheet which slips over the bottom section of the mattress as usual, but the top is sort of like putting on two twin-size sheets.

This can get a little difficult because the edges can slip easily until you get it secured. Sleep Number actually includes an elastic loop on the fitted sheet, which helps to keep the sheet in place and not slip on the corners of the mattress. The fitted sheet of the set does slip around a little, but once I got the elastic loops wrapped around the corners of the mattress, I didn’t have any trouble with the fitted sheet. The rest of the sheet set was installed easily and was a good fit for the bed. 

We started using the sheets when the weather was still quite warm at night and they kept the bed cool so that it was comfortable for sleeping. Even though the sheets have ‘cotton’ in the name, they have a sateen feel. They are very soft and sleek which makes them great for relaxing.

We got the gray color, which as you can see in the pictures is quite dark. There is a light gray option, but the darker color is quite nice and gives them a luxurious feel. Because the sheet has a slick, cool feel, the pillowcases are also ideal for sleeping and relaxing. Now that the weather has turned cooler, we have found that the sheets are still comfortable even when the nights are cold. 

CONCLUSION

I’ve never been disappointed with sheets from Sleep Number, but the Essential Fit Cotton Sheet Set is a great all-around set – no matter what type of climate you live in. They look great and feel amazing. If you are looking for a great set of sheets that are soft, wear well, and work for warm or cool nights, the Essential Fit Cotton Sheet Set is a great set to use. 

For more information, visit sleepnumber.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Brighten your life with the Light Therapy Lamp from Lastar. 

I used to work in a dark, windowless office and I ended up feeling down and tired by the end of the day. I thought that part of the general malaise was because I was sitting too much during the day, but since I’ve been working from home in a room that has a window in it, I recognize that the lack of sunlight and the Vitamin D one gets from it was likely the cause. So, if you work in an office with little access to sunlight what do you do? Acquiring a light therapy lamp, like the one from Lastar Home, is a great option to bring a little light to your darkened workspace. 

DETAILS

The Light Therapy Lamp provides 10,000 LUX UV-free sunlight to the users. The light is glare-free and mimics daylight at 6500K to help combat depression. The lamp features custom brightness settings and you can adjust the levels between 20-100%. The lamp is made with 60 evenly spaced LEDs. They deliver full brightness at 12W without any UV light or other polluting radiation. The lamp measures 5.3 x 4.7 x 2.0 inches and takes up very little space. This makes it easy to store and transport. It’s designed to work in a variety of places such as a desk, kitchen counter, or vanity. There are two touch buttons for power and brightness control. 

USER EXPERIENCE

The lamp comes in a simple box branded with the Lastar logo and colors. When you open the box, you will find the user manual, power cable, and lamp wrapped in foam. The lamp is small in form and very lightweight. The setup of the lamp is very quick and easy. The power cable plugs into a standard power outlet and into the back of the lamp. The light has two controls – power on/off and the brightness level button. One thing I was instantly impressed with was the size of the lamp. I’ve seen other light therapy lamps and they are much larger and take up way too much space. This lamp takes up about the same amount of space as a Bluetooth speaker.

The lamp does have a small footprint and it’s very convenient for smaller workspaces like what I have. The operation is very easy with the small touch buttons on the back of the lamp. I do have to admit that I would like it more if the brightness controls were based on a dimmer and not a pre-programmed level. There are three brightness modes – 40%, 60%, and 100%. To me, the 40% is a little too much sometimes and I would like there to be at least one lower setting.

Aside from that, I have very few complaints about the operation of the light. As far as how well it works, the lamp does seem to provide a lot of brightness for a workspace. I have it set to the lowest setting and think it does a great job. I think it works well for compact desk spaces and offices that don’t get natural sunlight through a window. 

CONCLUSION

This little lamp is a great option for bringing light therapy to your office. It’s a convenient, cost-effective lamp that fits with any decor. 

For more information, visit lastarhome.com.

Floor lamps provides brilliant lighting in a convenient, slim body.

I have a corner in my home office that I try to keep comfortable. It’s meant for relaxation and sort of designed to be a reading nook. I have an old club-style chair and its matching ottoman to curl up in and there are half a dozen blankets draped on the back of the chair. The only thing really missing in that corner is a dedicated reading light. The room has overhead lights, but I prefer lamp lighting as it is softer and makes the room feel more like a home and less like an office. Not long ago, I added the Lastar LED Desk Lamp to my office and since I’ve been so happy with it, I decided to test out the Lastar LED Floor Lamp, a complimentary lighting piece to the desk lamp. 

DETAILS

The LED Floor Lamp is a standing lamp designed for the living room. It has a color temperature range between 3000-6000k and five different brightness adjustment settings. The lamp retails for around $44 (at the time of publishing). The lamp has 66 evenly distributed LEDs and a 360º adjustable neck. At 100% brightness, it only uses 12W of power. The body of the lamp is made out of steel and it has a heavy base to help prevent tipping hazards. 

FEATURES

• Custom brightness levels
• Three color temperature modes
• Timer and memory functionality
• Compatible with smart plugs
• Glare-free lighting for eye protection 
• Custom lighting angles 
• Stable base and easy assembly 
• Elegant, modern style with a slim profile

USER EXPERIENCE

The lamp comes in a non-descript cardboard box. It is labeled according to its contents, but there are no decorations on the box or images of the product. When you open the box, you find the lamp is laid out in pieces. All the pieces are connected by the power cable that is strung through each of the lamp segments. The base is set aside alone. Each of the segments screw into each other and then the entire pieces screws into the base. The power cable plugs into an extension that then plugs into a power outlet. Assembly is pretty standard and only takes about 5 minutes to complete. I’ve put together a lot of floor lamps like this and they all seem to have a similar assembly process. 

Once you have the lamp assembled, you can position it where you would like – in my case, near my reading nook – and then turn it on. The controls are on the neck of the lamp near the gooseneck. They are touch-sensitive and there are three different buttons – one for powering the lamp on and off, one for switching between modes, and one for brightness. The brightness level is controlled incrementally, which is really the only criticism I have of the operation of the light. I wish it was a dimmer control rather than a step selection button, but that’s really a small critique of an otherwise great floor lamp. 

I was very happy to see that all the controls were located on the neck of the lamp. I had another LED floor lamp at one point that had a switch on the cable so it was always on the floor and then a dimmer knob on the neck. The controls were awkward on that lamp so I was happy to see much more intuitive ones on this lamp. I also really like that there are different lighting modes that are designed with the color temperatures in mind. The three modes – work, study, and sleep – are compatible with the different color temperatures included within the lamps programming (3000-6000k). 

CONCLUSION

I’ve been very impressed with this floor lamp. It’s more than a standard floor lamp and even though it’s not a typical ‘smart’ lamp it definitely has advanced features. 

For more information, visit lastarhome.com.

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When you are preparing for a baby to join your family, there are many items that you need to acquire for the little one. A lot of people think about the basics like bottles, clothes, diapers, and wipes. But, they don’t think about the equally important items like a baby carrier like this one from Nesting Days. 

Nesting Days strives to stress the importance of skin-to-skin time between newborn babies and their parents. The company has designed an innovative carrier that makes it easier, safer, and more comfortable to bond with your child. The Nesting Days carrier is made with premium materials and is designed to hold newborns up to 18 pounds. It is available for both men and women and comes in black or grey for men. There are more color options for the women’s variation of the carrier. Nesting Days calls the carrier “the ultimate baby bonding experience.” 

Nesting Days designed this carrier because they recognized that there are inherent problems with other types of carriers. “No baby carrier on the market is sleek and comfortable like a wrap, yet is also quick and easy to put on and can be worn ‘hands-free’ with baby, while also being safe.” It’s not just a piece of fabric. The Nesting Days carrier is a soft, streamlined carrier that is specifically designed for skin-to-skin bonding.

“Nesting Days combines the strength of high-end technical yoga wear fabrics (like lululemon, Athleta) with a patented winged design that works perfectly because of a careful balance.”

The wrap comes in a plastic bag with a cardboard card on it. You do have the option of selecting different sizes. We opted for the XXL size. The card that is enclosed with the carrier includes features about the carrier as well as wearing tips. One of the things that I really like about this information is the fact that there is an entire section about staying cool and taking a break after you’ve been wearing the baby with the carrier for a while. 

When you pull the carrier out of the package, it looks a lot like a regular shirt with a single snap buckle on it. The fabric is soft, but not as soft as I expected. It actually feels a lot like spandex/polyester. I expected it to be a lot more flexible than it is. It’s actually pretty firm as far as fabric goes and there isn’t a lot of give to it. I’m sure it’s designed that way so that when a baby is enclosed in the folds, the little one is secure. It also seems like the fabric is not very breathable so I completely understand why there is a warning about overheating. I do really like the design of it because it makes it really easy to wrap yourself and the baby together. 

Now, I do want to provide full disclosure here. At the time of writing this review, I did not have a baby to test this carrier with. I did, however, look up a lot of other personal reviews. Some mothers who are using this are happy that it gives them an easy way to breastfeed hands-free and others were excited that it was so comfortable and better than other wraps they have tried. Even though I didn’t have the opportunity to test this out with an infant, I did put it on and wrap up a stuffed animal with it. While that wasn’t exactly the same as a baby, it did prove how easy it was to use and how comfortable the carrier is. 

The Nesting Days carrier is a premium product and it works really well. The retail price is $100 at the time of publishing this article.

For more information, visit nestingdays.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Amazing coffee with a great background story.

I wouldn’t call myself a connoisseur, but I do enjoy a high-quality coffee. Earlier this year, I even started grinding coffee beans rather than just buying pre-ground coffee. If you didn’t think there was a difference, you would be wrong. I’ve tried my hand at brewing coffee the standard way, as a single serving drip, using a French Press, and even roasting beans in a super-elite coffee maker. I’m always eager to try out new coffee brands and with that in mind, I was very excited to try Fire Department Coffee. 

It’s a company that is veteran-owned and based in Rockford, Illinois. Fire Department Coffee was founded in 2016 by Luke Schneider, a full-time firefighter/paramedic, and a U.S. Navy veteran. The company’s formation was inspired by the role that coffee plays in helping firefighters stay alert. Fire Dept. Coffee is still run by active and retired firefighters. In addition to employing firefighters, 10% of the net proceeds go back to helping first responders. 

Aside from really loving the opportunity to support a company with such a rich background, I was really excited to try out the different flavors of their coffee. They have standard coffees, but they also have spirit-infused coffee as well. I’ve tried that style of coffee before and it’s not my cup of tea so I stayed to the standard flavors when selecting my choices to trial. 

I was immediately drawn to the Double Chocolate Donut Coffee. Here is the description of it from the website: 

If you can never get enough chocolate, this is the coffee for you. The taste is unmistakable in our Double Chocolate Donut Coffee. It’s a rich, delicious, medium roast that is bursting with natural chocolate flavor. With beans sourced from Central and South America, you’ll also enjoy an exceptional aroma that lets you know you’re about to indulge in the perfect blend of chocolate and coffee.

Many years ago, I tried a Folger’s flavored coffee that was infused with chocolate flavoring. I fell in love with that flavor, but haven’t been able to find it or a comparable coffee flavor since. So, I was thrilled to find it with Fire Dept. Coffee. One of the things I really like about ordering from Fire Dept. Coffee is that you can select ground or whole bean with any flavor. For the Double Chocolate Donut Coffee, I chose the ground version. My favorite way to brew coffee these days is using a French Press. I have to say that I haven’t enjoyed home-brewed coffee like the Double Chocolate Donut Coffee in…ever. It is 100% my new favorite flavor of the coffee. It’s rich, but not overpowering and it’s mild enough that I don’t have to add too much creamer. 

The other flavor I chose was Sumatra Coffee. 

This full-body Sumatra coffee gives some of the smoothest chocolate notes and earthy undertones. Its taste is vibrant and has naturally low acidity while delivering a delightful aroma that will leave you wanting just one more cup.

I’m not usually into ‘full-bodied’ coffees and prefer milder blends, but since I saw that “smoothest chocolate notes” were part of the description, I thought I would give it a try. I was not sorry. I got the whole bean version with this flavor. It is certainly darker than other roasts I usually get. The coffee appears nearly black in color when it is brewed. I made this coffee in two different ways – French Press and single serve (through a Keurig maker).  Even though it is very stout, it is also smooth. I was very impressed with how strong it is. My fiancé’s grandmother is also a coffee-lover and she prefers stronger brews. She, unfortunately, doesn’t have a strong sense of taste anymore because she went through throat and neck cancer many years ago. That ended up reducing her sense of taste. Therefore, stronger coffees are easier for her to enjoy. We usually just get Colombian flavor for her, but I started giving her the Sumatra blend. She loves it. She said, “Ooh, that’s strong!” 

So far, our family has been very impressed with the coffees we got from Fire Dept. Coffee. You have the option of ordering coffee as a one-time purchase or as a subscription with several options for delivery frequency (14 days, 21 days, 30 days, 60 days). In addition to those options, you can also join the Coffee of the Month Club. I’m eager to place a new order and try different flavors. The pricing of the coffee is a little higher than standard store-bought coffee but similar to premium brews. In my opinion, it’s definitely worth the premium price. The coffee is fresh and tastes amazing. 

For more information, visit https://www.firedeptcoffee.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

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