I’ve been a bit sidetracked by the Olympics. Every four years I find myself drawn to events I normally wouldn’t watch, yet I can’t look away. Amateur wrestling is different for me. Having wrestled in high school, I’ve followed the sport ever since, especially the NCAA championships, which I watch every year. I wasn’t raised … Read more

Lowe’s 80V MAX – Leaf Blower Last year we reviewed Lowe’s Kobalt outdoor power equipment and were impressed. This year the brand has introduced a new series of 80V Max* lithium-ion outdoor power tools featuring industry-leading battery voltage. The 80V platform delivers increased power and longer run times, and all batteries claim a full charge … Read more

New Orleans places severe demands on residential HVAC systems. With prolonged summer heat, high humidity, coastal salt air, and an extended cooling season that often exceeds what most of the country experiences, systems here run longer and harder than in many other Southern cities. Because of that constant strain, HVAC maintenance in New Orleans cannot … Read more

Let’s say you want to use two different types of flooring in adjacent rooms, but the space has an open-plan layout and the transition will be highly visible. Should you abandon the idea or use the same flooring everywhere? Absolutely not — the key is designing the transition thoughtfully. We were impressed by designer Paul … Read more

Falling trees are alarming and can pose serious safety risks to your property and the people who live in it. While you can’t predict every storm or gust of wind, you can assess the trees on your property and identify which ones present a higher risk. Jennifer Stell created a helpful tree-safety slideshow that outlines … Read more

For homeowners, safety and accessibility are top priorities—especially for primary entry and exit points. Unfortunately, many residences remain vulnerable: an estimated one in 15 garages and three out of four gate systems lack modern safety features that protect everyone who interacts with garage door openers or automatic gates. As National Safety Month draws to a … Read more

Summer isn’t over yet, and as daylight fades a bit sooner each evening, backyard bonfires are becoming a favorite way to spend time outdoors. You don’t need to travel to the beach or a campground to enjoy a fire—building a backyard fire pit gives you a safe, convenient spot for evening gatherings and casual get-togethers. … Read more

After weeks of testing, I’ve finally found a true do-it-all shoe: the Phil Mid from Forsake. I wore these through long days of walking across New York City, covered expansive aisles at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and took them on a light hike in Morro Bay. They quickly became my go-to footwear because they … Read more

Bungee cords, ratchet straps, cargo nets and traditional rope have all served their purpose over the years, but the most versatile and reliable option you can repeatedly depend on is a high-quality set of tie-down straps. Our friends at Front Runner Outfitters, who specialize in securing gear to vehicles, recently introduced two new options—the Stratchit … Read more

DIY Dust Is Everywhere! I enjoy weekend projects in my shop, but they always bring sawdust into the house. Add pollen, off-roading gear, and everyday household dust, and a lot of particles end up at your HVAC intake vents. It’s easy to ignore the heating and cooling system, but maintaining a proper air filter is … Read more