Ever hear of the tiny-house movement? If not, it’s essentially an architectural and social movement that promotes minimalist living in small homes. Technically speaking, a residential structure under 400-square-feet is normally considered a tiny home, and the Baobab is one of the latest additions to this movement. Measuring 38-feet long, it can be towed just about anywhere, while still offering all the amenities you’d expect from a modern home. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
For $9,990, you can now buy a DIY tiny house kit online that can be assembled in just a few days. It’s called the Allwood Arlanda XL, and once built, you’ll have a total floor area of 227-square-feet and an inside floor area of 193-square-feet. This may not sound like much, but for those living a minimalist lifestyle, this should be more than enough, or you can just use it as a backyard office. Product page. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Many of us have a habit of laying in bed while using our smartphone or tablet, but what if there was something better? Meet the HiBed. Think of it as a smart bed that not only monitors your sleep patterns with the companion mobile app, but also analyzes sleep quality, biometric parameters, body weight, temperature, air quality and even the noise level. Read more for additional pictures and information.
TP-Link’s Kasa Smart WiFi Plug lets you turn your electronics on or off from anywhere in the world using just your smartphone with the Kasa app, get a 2-pack for $24.99, this weekend only, originally $40.49. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Microsoft Cortana devices for a hands-free experience using only your voice. You can schedule the Smart Plug to automatically switch on / off when away or set a Scene for controlling multiple devices with a single button. Product page. Read more for a hands-on video review and additional information.
The SnapPower Guidelight is an LED night light that doesn’t require batteries or wires, and you can pick one up for $10.98 this weekend. You don’t need an electrician to install the GuideLight, as there are no brackets, batteries, mounts, or wires – simply snap it on and you’re ready to go. The cover plate itself costs less that 10 cents per year to power and offers just the right amount of light so you can sleep easy. Product page. Read more for a hands-on review and additional information.
Photo credit: Ryan Biery via Yanko Design
How about a power strip that can be controlled with a smartphone? Introducing Switchboard. Once you download the app, simply pair the power strip with your smartphone and then you’ll have full control over each individual socket. This means that you can be on vacation and have your lights come on at a set time, or just have gadgets turn off automatically when they’re not in use. If nothing else, the power strip has an ambient red glow that should put you right to sleep at night. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Anker’s PowerPort Power Strip not only offers surge protection, but it boasts 12 outlets and 3 USB ports, all for $26.49 shipped, this weekend only. Proprietary PowerIQ technology provides a high-speed charge for all your phones, tablets and compatible mobile devices via USB. An optimized plug design ensures that all the other wall outlets are not obstructed. The AC outlets are rated for 3-line 4000J surge protection should anything go wrong. Product page. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Wemo’s Mini Smart Plug lets you control your devices from just about anywhere, with the free companion app, and it’s being offered for just $19.78, this weekend only, originally $34.99. Simply plug in the device, download the free app, and control your devices from a smartphone or your voice through Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Home Kit – no hub or subscription required. Its sleek new form-factor enables you to stack two Mini Smart Plugs in the same outlet. Product page. Read more for another video review and additional information.
Sure, you could always just buy a Sprinter van conversion or motor home, but Robbie and Priscilla wanted something more cozy. So, they converted a school bus into a modern 210-square-feet home on wheels. It took about 1.5-years to complete, with many issues, like leaky windows, that had to be fixed along the way. The living space now features a host of windows throughout to let natural lighting flood in, white cabinetry, gray laminate flooring, stainless steel appliances and even a cedar tongue-in-groove ceiling. Read more for a short exterior video, additional pictures and information.
The Sugru Moldable Glue Rebel Tech Kit is perfect for fixing gadgets around the house, or just a few simple life hacks, and it’s being offered for just $10.31, today only, originally $13.99. It’s the world’s first moldable glue that sets strong by turning into silicone rubber, designed specifically to bond permanently to almost anything including ceramics, metal, glass, wood, plaster, stone, most plastics, some fabrics and even flexible materials. Product page. Read more for a few more Sugru life hacks and additional information.