For years I've been writing about the art of making the perfect espresso shot. Here’s my personal ranking of the best countertop espresso machines. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. 1. Breville - Best Espresso Machine with Grinder KEY TAKEAWAY: Built-in grinder and pressure gauge make dialing in espresso shots faster and easier. HOME LATTES: If you love lattes anywhere near as much as I do, this espresso machine is probably going to change your whole morning r

A quality robot vacuum should help you get rid of dust and pet hair with minimal effort. I tested the best options on Amazon, and here’s my ultimate ranking. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. 1. iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ - Best Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair KEY TAKEAWAY: Running it daily cut down pet hair so much that I upgraded and bought a second unit. BACKGROUND: I never thought I’d be the person to own one of these but alas, I hit thirty and I guess I’m an adult

I live in a 70-year old house, where a ceiling fan really makes a difference in temperature. Here's my ranking, based both on style and energy efficiency. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. 1. Honeywell - Best Large Ceiling Fan KEY TAKEAWAY: The airflow improved once I adjusted the blade pitch correctly. PERSONAL BACKSTORY: I have a Honeywell thermostat so I’ve already been pretty happy with this brand, but I still wasn’t entirely sure how it would work as a fa

I ranked the best vitamin C serums based on my personal experience and what friends, family, and even my esthetician had to say. Here's what you need to know. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. Vitamin C is one of those ingredients I keep coming back to. It works as an antioxidant, so it helps protect my skin from everyday damage. And I really think a serum is the easiest way to actually get the benefits into my routine without overthinking it. I mean, serums t

We finally found goggles that don’t leak, don’t hurt, and work great as open water swim goggles too. Here are some photos along with hands-on reviews. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. FORM Smart Swim 2 - Best Smart Swim Goggles KEY TAKEAWAY: The ability to see live split times during every lap completely changed the way I train. WHY I UPGRADED: T

Whether you’re working in the shop or at home, a MIG welder is crucial for precision and efficiency. These options are designed for both beginners and pros. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. ArcCaptain 200Amp - Best Professional MIG Welder KEY TAKEAWAY: Small enough to carry around, but powerful enough for serious shop work. PRICE POINT: After try

I heard a lot about Brooks Adrenaline for ladies, and they really do look and feel like luxury sneakers. I love that they fit well and promote quick recovery. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. I finally got around to trying a pair of Brooks, and wow, I was surprised by how much I ended up loving them. I wasn’t sure at first, shoes always look cute online, but the comfort is a whole different story once you actually walk around in them. With these, I found myse

Buying a painting is actually an alternative way to expand your investment portfolio. We ranked 5 painters with the most potential for long term returns. If you're seeking to expand your investments beyond stocks and bonds, art may be your next target. Historically, art has been known to appreciate over time - even during times of economic struggle. Not only is art immune to market fluctuations caused by inflation, it has a timeless appeal that often increases its value. Howe

Thickness planers are a necessity when it comes to reducing thickness of a piece of wood. My picks will help you achieve precision and smoothness. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. DEWALT (DW735X) Thickness Planer - Best Professional Thickness Planer KEY TAKEAWAY: Gives rough lumber a polished, professional finish. WHY I BOUGHT IT: I need to build

Hiking once a week helped treat my insomnia, and now I fall asleep and stay asleep. Let me tell you how nature became my best luxury escape. If you're like the thirty-odd percent of people who have struggled with chronic insomnia, then it's likely you're no stranger to tossing and turning at night. For those who struggle with it, insomnia can be incredibly stressful and frustrating, not to mention, seriously exhausting. After spending so many sleepless nights staring up at th

I decided to rank the best diaper bag backpacks in order to help you find the perfect blend of function and luxury. Here's my hands-on review and update. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. Itzy Ritzy - Best Diaper Bag for Organization KEY TAKEAWAY: Nineteen pockets somehow never feel overwhelming. LARGE FAMILY NEEDS: I always like giving a little c

We tested the best travel strollers on Amazon. Here’s what real moms loved and what they didn’t. Read our hands-on reviews and updates. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. Doona - Best for Flights & Uber Rides KEY TAKEAWAY: Instant stroller-to-car-seat conversion makes travel much easier. FIRST IMPRESSION: Let me just say this right from the start,

These affordable solar pool covers will keep your pool warm, decrease energy costs, keep bugs and debris out, and protect kids and pets from injury. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. BigXwell - Best Heavy-Duty Solar Pool Cover KEY TAKEAWAY: The thicker material made a noticeable difference in heat retention overnight. POOL HEATING: I researched so

The best robotic lawn mowers are fully-automatic, easy to set up and program, and very quiet. Here’s our hands-on ranking of the best options on Amazon. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. My yard has been driving me crazy for as long as I can remember. Then I got a robotic lawn mower for my birthday. For the first time in my life, I was able to automate the mowing and finally get consistent results. I genuinely recommend the options reviewed here. However, if y

From buying an original painting to decorating with trendy prints, these are the best places to buy art online. Read my hands-on reviews. Buying art used to be complicated, expensive, and even a little intimidating. You had to walk into a gallery, talk to someone who clearly knew more than you, and somehow pretend you understood what you were looking at. Nowadays, everything has moved online, and suddenly you have access to thousands of artists, styles, and price points witho

Cowboy boots are a country classic. They're worn all year round, and they’re proof that Western style is here to stay. Here's my personal ranking. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. Ariat - Best Leather Cowboy Boots KEY TAKEAWAY: Wide square toe made these way more comfortable than pointed boots. MATERIALS: Ariat makes some of the best boots on the

Whether you live in an apartment, dorm, boat or RV, a portable washer is a wonderful alternative to a full-sized model. Here are the best options on Amazon. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. BLACK+DECKER - Best Portable Washer for Apartments KEY TAKEAWAY: I stopped going to the laundromat almost completely after getting this. WHY I BOUGHT IT: When

If you want to get your lawn in top green shape and you’re looking for an affordable solution, the Sun Joe is probably the best electric dethatcher you can get. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. Before trying the Sun Joe Dethatcher, I referred to myself as my wife’s yard man. Well now, I’ve officially been promoted to gardener. The reason I wrote this review was my personal experience with a lawn that's always been a challenge. No matter how well I mowed it, t

Coolife suitcases are lightweight and durable. They come with a 2-year warranty, and we can personally guarantee that they would suit every type of traveler. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. COOLIFE Luggage - Hard-Shell 3-Piece Set KEY TAKEAWAY: Handled repeated flights and rough baggage handling better than expected. FREQUENT TRAVEL: I’m a freelance travel writer, meaning traveling is my job. I’m always in another city for work. Because I travel so much, I u

These smart security camera systems will work anywhere your Wi-Fi reaches. They'll keep your property safe day and night, with instant phone alerts. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. REOLINK Argus PT - Best Solar Security Camera KEY TAKEAWAY: Solar panel kept this camera running without constantly worrying about charging. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: This i

Calling all my intrepid London-bound explorers: If you’re seeking a central retreat for your next adventure, the legendary Ritz should be first on your list. Money can’t buy you happiness, but it sure can buy you a ticket to London and a long weekend at The Ritz. Trust me, I speak from experience. Once I pinned my destination and slid on my fedora, I began to channel my inner Indiana Jones and prepare for my first adventure across the pond. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not

This Marc Jacobs Tote Bag holds everything I need, including my Glock, without weighing me down. And, I get compliments everywhere I go. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. Marc Jacobs Tote Bag - Women's Bag With a Secure Zipper KEY TAKEAWAY: Compact tote fits my Glock and all of my daily essentials. CRAFTSMANSHIP: Alright, I seriously can't get enough of this stylish bag and I have to tell everyone, even internet strangers. Well, definitely internet strangers w

La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa is tailored for hopeless romantics. With iconic views and personalized service, good luck trying to bid adieu. Ah, Paris. The city where Hemingway sought inspiration, Kim and Kanye married, and Emily Cooper became a household name. Regardless of why you’re visiting, choosing where to stay can be a picky business, especially if you’re like me, hailing from a small town where the only hotels are the Motel 6 and the Red Roof Inn. But considering Pa

Whether you’re pulling a trailer, RV or boat, the right tires will help you avoid unwanted issues on the road. Here are the best trailer tires for heavy loads. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. Some quick notes before we dive in. First, Amazon actually delivers tires to your home, office, or even a service location. Second, if you're looking for a year-round option, check out my best all season tires review. Now, back to trailer tires. Here's my personal ranki