Amanda Blum
Freelance writer
Amanda writes about smart home technology and gardening.
MORE BY Amanda
The DJI 1000 Portable Power Station Offers Super Fast Charging, Just Not Out of the Box
Offering high output outlets and a proprietary fast-charging system, the first battery backup from drone and camera maker DJI offers a decent value, with some annoyances.
How to Stop Birds From Pecking at Your Window
You need to make it clear that they doesn't have competition.
How AI Will Change the Way You Cook
Instead of debating what to have for dinner, ask your fridge.
These Smart Devices Make Bird Watching Better
Thanks to AI and smart devices, it's easier than ever to appreciate your local bird population.
This Dreo Smart Fan Is Sleek, Efficient, and Easy to Clean
The Dreo PolyFan 704s is my new favorite standing fan.
Why Are Established Brands Using Kickstarter?
Switchbot, Eufy and Aqara are all using Kickstarter to launch new products.
Why You Shouldn’t Bother Adding Tea Leaves to Your Garden
Tea is just plant matter, which will compost and provide nitrogen back to the soil. But it won't do anything special for your garden.
How to Grow Vines on Your Pergola or Trellis (and What to Grow)
Create a shaded sanctuary in your garden.
You Should Share a Robot Lawn Mower With Your Neighbors
When you share it, a robot lawn mower goes from a good value to a great one.
The Eufy Omni S1 Pro Robot Vacuum Doesn't Live Up to the Hype
Although the Eufy offers exceptional mapping, an interesting design and a good app experience, there are better bots for the same price.
Your Camping Gear Could Be Smarter
Camping smart tech can keep your food colder for longer and light up the great outdoors.
The Mammotion Luba 2 Is a Fantastic (If Expensive) Robot Lawn Mower
Navigating any terrain I threw at it, and imprinting beautiful lines, the Luba 2 convinced me to leave the lawn to a bot.
This Sonos Update Should Make Searching for Music Easier
The new home screen aims to make searching for music easier.
The Dreo Air Purifier Tower Fan Is Smart but Entirely Too Big
While an effective air purifier for smaller spaces (and a nice, breezy fan), the tower is simply too large for the space it's recommended for.
These Smart Devices Can Transform Your Garden
Even if you enjoy every aspect of gardening, a little smart tech will only enhance the experience.
Orange Peels Won't Help Your Garden, Actually
Despite myths about improving your soil to repelling pests, most gardeners don't bother using citrus in the garden.
How Using Smart Tech at Home Can Lower Your Insurance Bills
Your smart devices can do more than just stave off leaks, fires and break ins—they can also bring down your insurance costs.
Four Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Robot Vacuum
As good as your robot vacuum is, these tweaks can make it even better.
When You Should Use Sand on Your Lawn (and When You Shouldn't)
Sand can be useful in select yard applications, but you're probably using it wrong.
The Anker SOLIX C800 Is a Great Portable Power Station
Take it on your next camping trip, or use it as a backup power option at home.