We recently purchased an Oraimo OSV-225A Cordless Vacuum with rotating floor brush to test and review. We were pleasantly surprised with both the power and features of this handy home and auto vacuum.
The Carfarm handheld vacuum cleaner is a surprisingly lightweight handheld vac that may fill a cleaning niche you didn't realize existed.
We recently had a chance to test out the Big Red 8-ton double-ram bottle jack. Here's what we liked about it and some things that could be improved.
We recently had a chance to test out the AUTOGO 2000A car and truck jump starter and power bank. We found that powerful things can and do come in small packages.
Summer road trips can be fun, but not if you're worrying about things back home, or about the reliability of your vehicle. Before going on an extended road trip, be sure to check this list so you can avoid worry and have more fun!
The choice of whether to use lethal defense for home protection is a highly personal one. Many law enforcement agencies are now using "non-lethal" or "less lethal weapons" in certain situations. Here are some advantages of projectile launchers, such as the Byrna.
Catalytic converter theft is on the rise. Here are some ways you can protect your vehicle and keep thieves from stealing your catalytic converter.
These are proven, humane ways to keep wild or feral hogs out of your yard when fencing them out isn't an option.
Do you need to tap into a 12-volt power source on your vehicle that only works when your ignition key is turned? Learn how to find an ignition-on power source on most cars and trucks.
Brokerage firms often give out free stock and cash offers to lure new customers. Here's how to claim what is basically "free money."
If you have a Kitchenaid dishwasher that's making a chime noise and not starting, flashing eight times, then four, you may have a stuck float switch.
If you travel full-time in a vehicle, you know how much fuel costs. Here are some simple, easy ways to save on fuel costs if you're an RVer, vanlifer, or overlander.
Moss roses are easy to grow, even for those of us who don't have a "green thumb." Here's how to grow moss roses, or portulaca, along with how to separate them to grow new plants.
We love to use our Ryobi Airstrike 18-gauge brad nailer for our home projects. These versatile tools can save many hours of time and make projects such as replacing baseboard molding much easier. Here's how to use a Ryobi Airstrike brad nailer.
We recently updated a frameless, builder-grade mirror using a simple design that required only a couple of hours to complete.
eREIT's are a new type of private real estate investment. The name eREIT has been trademarked by Fundrise, an online platform that allows anyone to begin investing in multi-family real estate with only a few dollars.
We recently purchased a Ring Alarm Pro security system package and installed it ourselves. Here are some of the features we like, along with some of the benefits when compared to ADT home alarm systems.
This solidly built, quiet, yet powerful little Miele Classic C1 Vacuum really delivers, especially for those of us with multiple pets.
Fingerprint ID front door locks are affordable devices that homeowners may want to consider for safety and convenience. Here's our review of the Ultraloq fingerprint ID lock.
We recently upgraded our builder-grade home by adding an electric fireplace and mantel to a blank living room wall. Here's one idea for adding a fireplace to create a focal point in your living room.
Slow water leaks in places such as water heater closets can do thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home. Here's how to use water leak alarms and detectors to notify you of these situations, even when you're away from home.
It's easy to replace a busted tail light on a Ford F-150. Here's how to do this easy repair yourself and save money.
Here's why you may want to choose carefully when purchasing a washable filter for your HVAC.
Tips for planting and caring for crape myrtle shrubs, including how to fertilize crape myrtles. This beautiful flowering shrub will be a welcome addition to your garden.
Here's how to safely unjam a stuck garbage disposal, which may be making a humming noise instead of working properly.
If you have a ceiling fan that vibrates when it's running, you may be able to fix this problem using an ordinary coin and some adhesive.
We made this nice floating shelf using pipe brackets for less than $50. Here's how to make your own floating shelf for your bedside or another area.
Here are some ways to update an older home that are often overlooked. Many home renovations miss these common items, which can make even recently renovated homes look dated.
Here's how to paint the grout between your tiles for a fresh new look.
Your shower may be draining slowly if it's clogged with hair. This common problem can easily be solved using a drain snake.
Here's a quick and easy way to unclog a stopped-up bathroom sink drain. Don't call a plumber; you can do this yourself!
Here's how to protect against accidentally turning a gas range on, using some simple devices and techniques.
Looking for a foolproof, low-tech way to keep your plants watered while on vacation? Clay plant-watering stakes will do the job just fine, without complicated hoses or electronics.
SWR stands for "standing wave radio" and it indicates how much RF energy is reflected back into your transceiver (when it should be going in the other direction). Here is how to tune a mobile ham radio or CB antenna for low SWR and maximum performance.
Two of the most beautiful—and least visited—State Parks in Utah are Kodachrome Basin and Coral Pink Sand Dunes. A visit to either can offer visitors a less crowded, yet equally impressive alternative to Utah's national parks.
If you have a Nest thermostat and are getting a warning that there is no power to RC wire detected, here is what may be causing it.
Winter ryegrass is easy to plant and, in some climates, will stay green throughout the winter. Here's how to plant hardy winter ryegrass for an enviable lawn year-round.
Is your Roomba broadcasting an "error six, move Roomba to a new location" trouble message? If so, here's how you can quickly fix this annoying problem.
Does your iRobot Roomba keep repeating the "please charge Roomba" message, even after you've placed it on the charger? Here's how to fix a Roomba that's not charging.
This past winter, we experienced a prolonged power outage at our home in Austin, Texas. One of the ways we survived this ordeal was by using an emergency indoor propane heater. Here's how these lifesaving devices work and how to use them safely to heat your home during a power outage.
There's no alternative to a satellite phone for reliable off-grid communication with the outside world, but can you afford one? Here are the pros and cons of the three major providers of satellite phone plans.
Choosing a two-way radio for outdoor recreation depends on multiple factors, including distance, etc. Here's some advice to help you pick the right two-way radio device for camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures.
Are you considering a rooftop tent? Here are some pros and cons of rooftop tents and why you may want to think twice before buying one.
Here are some tips on how to have a safe trip with your dog and keep them from getting lost while traveling on a car trip, as well as keep them healthy and happy in the car.
If your Roomba's bin full light won't turn off—even after you've emptied the bin and cleaned the filter—this guide will help you locate (and clean) the likely source of the problem: the bin sensor.
Here's how to fix the pesky iRobot Roomba Error 8 trouble code that you may be getting on model 960 and other units.
This is a true story about finding Spanish treasure in the Bahamas.
This is part one of a true story about hunting for Spanish treasure and salvage diving in the Bahamas.
Some people claim you can make money by finding silver half dollars in the coin rolls you get from your bank. Here's what I found after searching several coin rolls from my bank.
Sometimes it may make sense to pay your mortgage with a credit card in order to earn reward points or miles. Here's how to do it.
Here is a summary of my experience with trying to make money from survey taking sites.
Multi-Use Radio Service or MURS is a good alternative for FRS and GMRS walkie-talkies. Here is how it works.
We tried growing tomatoes upside down and compared it to conventional tomato plant-growing methods in our garden and containers. Here's what we found.
Here is a story about how I found treasure in the Bahamas when I lived aboard my small sailboat there.
Old neon signs are often amazing works of art. Here are some tips on neon sign collecting, including where to find them.
If you were forced to evacuate on sudden notice, would you have everything your dog or cat needs to survive? Learn how to make a bug-out bag with important survival items for your pet in case of emergency.
My neighbor Jim built a Jeep in his shop with a diesel engine that gets 35 miles per gallon.
Conch meat is a delicious, low-fat, high-protein food that can be prepared in several ways. One of the best ways to prepare a conch is to grill it on your barbecue. Here's how.
The new administration in Washington is planning to dramatically expand renewable energy and energy efficiency programs in the US. Here is how to find a job in this growing field.
New technology makes it possible to generate electricity from abandoned oil wells. Here's how it works.
I spent almost a year living in the San Blas Islands of Panama, also known as the Guna Yala. There I saw some of the negative effects of missionaries on an ancient culture.
Here are three ways to read the fine print on SIM cards and other items without the need for a magnifying glass.
Here's one solution to carrying a long kayak in a short bed truck using a tailgate extender. My review of the Boonedox Groovy T-Bone Bed Extender.
I've been selling designs on Zazzle and Cafepress for several years now. Here are some of the mistakes that I've made and some things I would have done differently.
I recently refinanced my mortgage using a discount mortgage broker. Here is how they compared to my local credit union.
What are the pros and cons of inflatable fishing kayaks and are they a good alternative to traditional hard kayaks?
Truck tents, which can be set up in the bed of a pickup truck, offer campers an alternative to traditional ground tents. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of truck tents.
I once got rid of almost everything that I owned and began a new life as one of the first "digital nomads". Here' how how I now view that experience 20 years later.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of the three main kinds of BBQ pits that are available to consumers.
At certain times, you may be able to find incredible bargains on Canadian vehicles, including those made in the US and sold in Canada. Here are the steps to bring one home, including the fees, taxes, and forms that may be involved.
If you have a heavy kayak, it can be a challenge to get it from your vehicle to your favorite paddling place. Here's how to use a kayak cart or dolly to make the job easier.
Here's how to turn small revenue streams of $1 or less into a living wage.
Lab grown meat is now available for sale, but how ethical is this new technology and would you eat it?
With prices depressed because of Covid-19, now may be one of the best times to invest in real estate. Here is how to buy real estate if you only have a small amount to invest.
I'm currently building a multi-property real estate portfolio with income that I've earned from online writing. Here's how I'm doing it.
My wife has been teaching English online to kids in China for nearly two years now. Here are some of the pros and an cons, along with how much money you might make.
Are you having thoughts about starting your own handyman business? Here are some things you should consider first.
Here are some "strange" side jobs that can pay nicely and add to your income stream.
I lived aboard for several years in a 32' Pearson Vanguard sloop. Here is my advice for those considering living aboard a sailboat today.
Learn how to make an emergency solar panel battery-charging station for home or RV use in case of a power failure.
Stripper wells and "orphan" or abandoned oil wells pose a unique threat to the environment. Here are some of those issues and how we might be able to make some positive changes.
This article will break down the process of how to pick and cook prickly pear cactus leaves.
Here are some thoughts on making an emergency water storage for your home. You never know when you'll need a backup water supply!
Learn how to turn off your home's gas, water or other utilities in the event of a hurricane, earthquake or other natural disaster.
Learn how to cook a delicious pizza on your gas barbecue grill.
Learn how to get drinking water from a fire hydrant in an emergency situation, and why you should only do so in an emergency.
Learn how to safely collect, prepare, and cook prickly pear pads or leaves.
From your home mortgage to your cable bill, there are ways that you can protect your family's financial health during an unexpected crisis like the coronavirus pandemic. Here are five essential steps that you should take after you have applied for unemployment assistance.
This guide will break down how to quickly start a garden to help with food self-sufficiency by using things that you may already have at home.
This morning I "made" over $2,000 in four hours by really analyzing and cutting down on my bills. Find these common leaks in your money bucket and plug them for good.
Which Fourteener might you choose as your first to climb? Here's why we chose Mt. Bierstadt.
Some images of the historic Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island, California.
How we spent a great day in La Jolla. Tips on what to see and do if you only have one day.
For off grid communications, GoTenna has some merits. However, if you're looking a GoTenna alternative, there are options that may work better in the backcountry.
Why you should visit Sunny Jim Cave in La Jolla California.
How you can share broadband internet with a friend or family member at a distance of up to a mile or more using high gain WiFi antennas.
How to insulate a refrigerator to keep food cold longer during a power outage.
Some environmentally friendly ways to kill snails and keep slugs out of your garden.
Why are GMRS and FRS radio range claims so outlandish? The Uniden 50-mile GMRS radio failed a range test in Colorado.
How does a radio work with no batteries or external power? Crystal radios almost seem like magic, pulling voices out of the air with no electricity.
What is there to do in Bar Harbor Maine? Here are a few things to see and do.
Some of the tricks car salesman used to cheat customers.
Enchanted Rock State Park is dog friendly and wonderful place to take your pet in Texas.
Are LED bulbs really better than Compact fluorescent bulbs? How much money LED bulbs really save.
Some tips on docking in the Bahamas.
How to tell a Ketch from a yawl sailboat.
Can animals forecast the weather? Here are some scientific explanations for animal "rain signs" that have been observed for many years.
Date nails are a fun piece of railroad memorabilia to collect. Learn about their history and how to find them.
Learn how to estimate how much old antique bottles are worth. The value of cork-top bottles varies greatly and depends on many factors, including their age, collectability, and rarity.
Some antique license plates are worth thousands of dollars, but their price depends on many factors. Learn how to determine the value of old plates.
Features to look for in a good fishing kayak. Not all kayaks are best for fishing.
How to choose a pedaling kayak. Pros and cons of pedaling kayaks such as the Native Watercraft Ultimate 12 review.
Easy way to convert your Maglite Solitaire to LED bulbs.
Why would you want to try to improve on one of the world's best flashlights by converting it to LED? For one reason, a Maglite LED conversion means you won't have to buy batteries quite as often. Batteries will last more than three times longer once...
Catfish are one species of fish affected by changes in weather such as a falling barometer. Small bubbles that form as barometric pressure drops may increase fish activity.
Do wood stove fans reduce wood use and help wood stoves work better? A look at the benefits of woodstove fans.
Spray foam insulation photo Choosing the most energy efficient insulation for your new home is one of the best ways to reduce your monthly bills over the home's lifetime. Fiberglass batts are slowly being pushed to the wayside by more efficient...
A story about how a cheap guitar turned into a sailboat, and helped change a friend's life for the better.
Review of battery upsizers. How well do battery up-sizers work.
Here's how I made an aluminum bed cover for my pickup truck. You can do this yourself!
Tips on adding a long range wifi antenna to the outside of your home to pick up internet from long range.
Is using a high powers external wifi antenna legal? Tips on long range wireless internet antenna reception boosters.
Photos of the National Solar Observatory in Sunspot New Mexico, near Cloudcroft.
Here are a few tips to get better gas mileage in full-sized Chevy trucks using programmers, bed covers, tire pressure, and more.
ReNu-It Alkaline Battery Charger By Viatek Most people simply throw away alkaline batteries such as those made by Duracell and Energizer when they are depleted. Did you know that you can safely recharge alkaline batteries up to seventy times or...
In the past few years a number of new non - pyrotechnic signaling devices, such as laser flares and strobes, have come on the boating market. These devices, which are often inexpensive, may help fill the gap between your 406 EPIRB, VHF Radio, rocket...
Some of the best new jobs are in the natural gas industry. How to get a job in the natural gas business.
How to use the My Kap system to save money with your Keurig.
I first wrote this article as a review of a 10-year-old Tissot Seastar quartz watch. This is an update, 10 years later, of how that watch has held up, as well as a comparison to the automatic version.
How to get a job as a gate guard in the oil field at the location of oil drilling rigs in places such as the Eagle Ford shale.
How to increase iPhone reception in remote or fringe coverage areas.
This article will offer tips on how to install a dual flush conversion kit to your toilet and help save water.
Most RV's don't come off the dealer's lot with tire pressure monitoring systems installed. That's proved to be unfortunate for my friend Dave, whose RV suffered the damage seen in the photo above. An after-market TPMS system may have helped him avoid this situation.
Ways to collect rainwater with a rain barrel system. Make your own rain barrel system.
Here are some ways to keep your home cool without air conditioning. First we will look at ways to cool an existing, traditional home with ways that use less energy. One of the best ways to keep a home cool without air conditioning is to install a...
Ways to make a survival backpack or escape bag for your family. Escape bag or bug out bag tips.
Why have a high power CB radio in your truck or car?
Choosing an automatic freeze protection thermostat to protect outdoor plants from freezing in winter.
How to use a Kill a Watt power meter to find out how much energy the appliances in your home are using. How Kill a Watt power meters work, review.
The longest range WiFi antenna, the Gird Parabolic.
How to use a high power marine waterproof wifi antenna and adapter to pick up internet on a boat.
How to pick up wifi at long distance with high gain USB adapters. Using long range wifi antennas on a sailboat.
Best paintball walkie talkie two way radios. How to use two way radios for strategic advantage in paintball games.
How to keep a thief from stealing mail from your mailbox.
Credit Card Protector Wallets that shield your card from identity thieves.
Things to have on hand for survival in a doomsday scenario. Essential survival items.
Tips for cruising sailors on clearing customs.
Inverters come in all shapes and sizes but the thing you need to pay the most attention to is continuous output in watts. For low power consumption devices such as AC chargers, and small video games, etc, you may be able to get away with a small,...
Many birds die from hitting windows. Bird window collisions account for millions of bird deaths. How to stop birds hitting window.
Information about what a mud engineer does on an oil rig and where to find these jobs.
Is yellow mustard really good for you? A look at the anti cancer properties of yellow mustard, or its ingredient turmeric.
How does an RFID blocking wallet work and do you need one? The need for approved RFID blocking wallets.
First aid kit contents for cruising sailors.
One of the hardest decisions a pet owner can make may be pet euthanasia.
Things that hikers should always carry on a day hike.
Quiet generators for camping.
If you rely on a well for your water supply, you should regularly test your water quality.
How to get better cell phone reception in a home with aluminum siding or a metal roof. Steel frame home cell phone reception problems.
Here are some ways that live aboard sailors can earn money.
What is an oilfield gauger or pumper, and what do they do?
Some ways to get rid of wasps and bees in an eco friendly manner.
Here are tips on how to live on a sailboat and quit your job to go sailing on the islands.
My experience with rooftop PV solar panels.
Why the San Blas Islands of Panama are a great adventure travel destination.
Ways to make your home super energy efficient without spending a fortune.