April 2018


Oneadaptr FLIP Family: Brilliantly Compact World Travel USB Chargers

  If you travel overseas, power strips and adapters are necessary. Since most of the devices we travel with anymore can be charged via USB cable, you can save a lot of room by packing a multi-port USB charger and a couple of standalone adapters. Oneadaptr FLIP makes that huge British 3-prong adapter slim and packable.



2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Is All Grown Up

(Sigh) They grow up so fast. I am talking about the 2018 Tiguan crossover from Volkswagen and the release of the all-new second-generation model. It has grown more than 10 inches for North America and now boasts a third-row seat and includes all of the latest technology.



Vari ProDesk 60 Electric: Quick to Set Up, Fantastic to Use

I have standing desks in both my home and work offices. I love them. In both cases, however, assembling the desk took quite some time. The Vari ProDesk 60 Electric solves this issue without tradeoffs. The desk, whose MSRP starts at $995, can be assembled in about five minutes yet is an impressive no-compromise standing desk.


Misen 10″ Skillet: The Perfect Pan for Your Kitchen Arsenal

A good stainless skillet, one with either a copper or aluminum core, can last a lifetime. Stainless steel is non-reactive, meaning that you can cook anything in it, and it keeps its shine forever. I was sent the Misen 10″ skillet to try; Misen skillets are made of 5-ply stainless with an aluminum core for better heat conductivity and retention.




Qalo Renewed My Wedding Band Vows

I have not worn a wedding band for many years. Not because I am avoiding the appearance of being married, but because of my outdoor lifestyle. My poor ring has been through a lot in the last 20 years, and I finally just quit wearing it. For around $40, I purchased a Qalo ring; I’m not disappointed in the least. 



Gear Diary’s 2018 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is coming up sooner than you think, and if you’ve been racking your brain for some great gifts that think outside of the jewelry, flowers, and candy box, we’ve got you covered. Whether you need to stick to a budget or the sky’s the limit, there is something for everyone.




Case-Mate Power Pad Is a Qi Certified Wireless Charger with Options

Since getting my iPhone X, I’ve strategically placed wireless chargers around my home. Most of them hold the iPhone either vertically or horizontally but few can do both. For under $60, the Case-Mate Power Pad offers you the choice of laying your phone flat or having it held at a perfect angle for viewing as you charge.



Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers Look and Sound Like a Powerhouse System

I think I’ve made it clear over the years that I love Audioengine products. I’ve reviewed many of the company’s speakers and have always been impressed. Honestly, I’m not sure why they aren’t a household name. Now they have released the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers. An update to their impressive A5 speakers, their new offering once again impressed me.


Brandless Online Grocery Shopping Simply Makes Sense

Brandless Online Grocery Shopping doesn’t offer frozen food, vegetables, fruit, or meat, but all the other food they sell is as healthy as possible, priced right, and downright tasty. They deliver your order right to your door, and with everything priced at $3, many of their items are priced far better than what I’m used to paying.




The Fitbit Versa Now Has Women’s Health in Mind

There was a strong showing of health-related gadgets at the IFA Global Press Conference this year, so the brand new Fitbit Versa was the perfect wearable to shine a light on. New to the Versa is the ability to track women’s health — including the ability to log period information, symptoms, and cycle dates. I think this is a first.