Amanda Blum
Freelance writer
Amanda writes about smart home technology and gardening.
MORE BY Amanda
Eufy’s Latest Wireless Camera Uses LTE and Solar to Go Anywhere
If you need a camera outside of wifi range, this is a solid choice.
Everything You Should Consider Before Buying Smart Home Tech
Start by considering how strong your wifi is, how long you'll live in the home, and which hub you'll want to stick with.
The New Blink Mini 2 Camera Works Outside, Too
The new version of a popular, reliable mini cam has some nice upgrades.
I Tested Four Smart Espresso Makers, and Here’s What I Found
Will my dream of ordering a coffee from bed become reality?
This Alexa-equipped Smart Wall Dimmer Switch Is Almost Half Off
This switch solves two problems in one and eliminates a need for an Echo speaker in the room.
How to Log Into a Router
If you want to change almost any setting to do with your wifi, you'll need to log into your router first.
How to Test Your Soil (and Why You Should)
You can use an at-home kit, or send out some soil to be professionally tested.
These Meross Smart Plugs, Sensors, and More Are up to 30% Off
Meross has the whole store on sale, from my favorite smart plugs to smart sensors and an array of small appliances.
Airbnb's New Security Camera Ban Is a Big Deal
Indoor cameras are banished and outdoor cams are given unclear (but promising) guidelines.
How Smart Home Tech Is Evolving
Home systems, from lighting to security to water and solar, are getting smarter.
The Nanoleaf Smart Ceiling Light Mimics a Skylight
With the Skylight, Nanoleaf moves from ornamental into essential lighting with hardwired lighting fixtures.
These Smart Home Products Can Help Older People Live Independently
Your loved ones (or you!) can age in place with the right smart-home system.
Even Doors and Windows Can Be Smart Now
Marvin just released a new line of connected windows and patio doors.
Switchbot's New Smart Lock Retrofits on Any Deadbolt
The Lock Pro is a renter-friendly, high-torque smart lock with insane battery life.
The Best WordPress Alternatives for Bloggers
If you're over WordPress' updates or the threat of AI consumption, here are alternatives for your little writing corner of the internet.
How to Choose Between Shopify, Squarespace, and All the Other E-commerce Sites
Consider these carefully—once you make a choice, you’ll find it’s hard to switch.
What to Start Seeding and Planting in March
March is finally your time, gardeners—but you still want to be selective about what you seed this early.
When You Should Buy Insects for Your Garden
If your garden is out of balance and the pests are winning, beneficial insects might help bring order back—but only as a last resort.
All the Gardening Tasks to Tackle in March
It's time to clean, test, prune, and plant.
You Should Bury Fish Heads Under Your Tomato Plants
A decaying fish head is full of nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus, which is precisely what a tomato plant needs.