Nest Thermometer (second generation)

I've been watching this one for a while as I've wanted a thermostat that I could control with my Android smartphone over the Internet.

I originally purchased a 3M wifi thermostat only to find that it didn't work with my HVAC system as my HVAC system didn't have the extra power wire needed to run the wifi and the wifi won't run on battery power alone. Installing the power wire needed was going to be a hassle so I chalked this up a waste of time and money. It's just as well the 3M "app" (website) for controlling it remotely was a joke.

So I finally gave in and looked at the Nest. It's not cheap at around $240 USD. NOTE: The cheaper $220-ish model is the first generation model, so probably best to make sure you get the slightly more expensive 2nd generation model just so you have the latest and greatest.

I avoided the Nest for a while since it was one of the original Apple iPod designers that made this thing and I'm NOT an Apple fan. But I looked at the Nest website and it was very well made, has a little "wizard" to see if it will work with your system and that's what actually sold me on it. It worked with my 3 wire (air conditioning only) system without additional power wire.

So I bought one via Amazon (free shipping, why not) and it arrived days later. The packaging alone on this was very well thought out which is a nice touch, typical of Apple products, and reminded me of Dyson products. While packaging doesn't matter, if they put that much effort into the way it is packed that tells you the product was likely well thought out too. And it is!

Installation is simple, they have videos showing a child install one and it really is that easy. They even give you a multi-tool screwdriver to install it as well as some cover plates to cover any wall damage from an old (rectangle style) thermostat (we chose to paint/patch our walls and not use the cover plate).

You screw a small round mounting plate to your wall (which has a built in bubble level, cool!), pop your wires in (press fit), then the Nest clicks onto that plate. Simple, takes a few minutes at most.

It then powers on and you pick your WiFi network, enter your password, tell it where you live, and that's about it. Very simple and very intuitive. You then signup for an account at Nest.com and download the app for your iPhone (meh) or Android (yea!) smartphone, login, and you're good to go.

The app tells you the current temp, let's you turn it on/off, set temp, check humidity, etc. It has all sort of learning features as well so it can learn your schedule and auto set temps based on you being home or not. Yes, the Nest is watching you and knows when you are home or away (based on it detecting you as you walk by it throughout the day). These features aren't important where I live since HVAC isn't needed most of the time but these could come in handy for most homes and really save you money. You can override all of them (of course) and even set your own daily on/off/temp schedules just like you'd expect from any automatic thermostat.

Bottom line: Buy one today! It's a great thermostat and truly a well designed product and the wifi control works great. I don't have a single complaint about the Nest!

Dyson DC39 Vacuum

We've all seen those Dyson commercials on TV about how great their vacuum cleaners are because they don't lose suction. I avoided these for a while but was finally in the market for a new vacuum, one that would work well on tile and carpet so a canister model is what I wanted.

I saw the Dyson DC39 vacuum in stores and finally decided to bite on the insanely high $450 USD price tag that came with it. It should be noted that this thing is designed really well and it feels like it is well built. Even the way it was packaged inside the box was impressive.

Best of all, it works great! The thing is super powerful and it rolls and turns so easily as you move along. I did end up buying the Articulating Hard Floor Tool as well as the included head has brushes and is a bit clunky on the hard floor (but great on carpet) so I highly suggest picking that up as well if you have tile or wood flooring. That hard floor tool makes the handheld part much lighter as well (not that it was heavy) and, really, the entire vacuum is really light (great for using on stairs).

It's not perfect, but pretty close! My only complaints are that the main hose is too short, and extra foot of tube there would be perfect. The other issue is that when you roll over the cord with the main canister unit it tends to have a hard time so you have to put more force on it to get it to roll over the cord, larger mini wheels might help there. These are not big deals by any means, just the two only things I saw that could be improved. 

So, I'll say that this is the best vacuum I've ever had by far.

Nellie's Dryer Balls

I've been using these Nellie's Dryer Balls for years now and love them. If you don't know, dryer balls basically replace fabric softeners and dryer sheets. It's an all natural way to soften your close in the dryer, just toss them into the dryer with your clothes and dry them as usual.

I originally had a different product from Nellie's which was a more square pink colored dryer ball that I don't see on their site anymore. The two I had only last a few weeks before the little nibs popped off and the balls eventually cracked.

I emailed Nellies and they sent out replacements in a couple of days and the replacements where these blue dryer balls (see image at top) which have been going strong for a good year or longer now. The do eventually wear down but they should last at least a couple of years or longer with regular use and quickly pay for themselves. Plus, it's one less chemical you have to put on your clothes which is always good.

Bottom line thoughts:

They work great and Nellie's customer service was brilliant. I highly recommend these.

NOTE: I do not work for this company and am not affiliated with them in any way. These are just my personal opinions.

Anybody else buy one? Leave some comments please!

Flowbee hair cutting system

Does the Flowbee hair cutter really work? We actually own one of these and I have to say that it works great. My family uses this all the time and it's great for cutting short hair (to be fair, we've never really tried it on longer girly hair).

The unit is well built and has lasted many years now. We actually bought a second unit recently and opted for their little mini vacuum as well so we don't have to bust out the house vacuum every time. Their mini vacuum is really powerful and I would say works better than our house vacuum does. But, their mini vacuum is REALLY loud. Imagine a leaf blower in your house, then go slightly louder.

Bottom line thoughts:
It works exactly as advertised. It's a super fast and easy way to cut hair, especially on boys. It's priced well and pays for itself really fast. It's well built and lasts a long, long time. If you buy their optional vacuum note that it works great but is super loud (I'd still suggest buying it).


NOTE: I do not work for the Flowbee company and am not affiliated with them in any way. These are just my personal opinions.

Anybody else buy one? Leave some comments please!

Xhose - The expandable garden hose

Have you seen the commercials for the Xhose? It's this small garden hose that expands to a much larger size when you turn the water on. Turn the water off and it shrinks back down to a small size. It's like freaking magic!

I hate dealing with kinked up hoses and having to reel in the hose or make it fit in a hose pot so figured I would bite on this one.

First off, their website is a little shady. They charge a bit much for shipping and handling (or processing or whatever scam they call it today) but it's not horrible. You can choose 25, 50, 75, or 100 foot lengths (note that the 100 foot length is really two 50 foot xhoses so if you happen to need two 50's then it looks like the 100 foot item is a bargain).

Anyhow, I picked the 25 foot size for my backyard to hose off (or is that xhose off?) the patio, table, chairs, toys, etc. They then try and upsell you on a hose hanger and nozzle for rip off prices, pass on that. The shipping takes forever (they say up to 6 weeks I think) and mine arrived around 3-4 weeks later. It's as if they purposely delay your order because you didn't pay for fast shipping. I hate that.

Forget all of that, what about the Xhose? It works. It really does. Turn on the water and it expands, turn off the water and it shrinks down so you can toss it in a hose pot or hang it in loops or whatever. I am amazed at how well it works and doesn't kink up at all. It works so well I just ordered a 50 foot Xhose for the front yard, mainly for car washing.

Bottom line thoughts:
It works as advertised. The downsides are the connectors are plastic and I can't help but wonder how long it will last. The directions seem to warn about leaving it in freezing weather (duh) but also not to leave in direct sunlight. It's a hose, meant for outside use and outside has sunlight so this seems like a potential issue. Not sure if it will break down quickly or not so these are the major concerns. But it does work just like you see it on the video and I would recommend it.

NOTE: I do not work for the Xhose company and am not affiliated with them in any way. These are just my personal opinions.

Anybody else buy one? Leave some comments please!