Urban Lime https://www.urbanlime.com/ Goods for your home in daily doses https://www.urbanlime.com//images/urbanlime.gif Urban Lime https://www.urbanlime.com/ Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:11:13 -0400 https://www.urbanlime.com/ en <![CDATA[TERRO Ant Bait Stations: Goodbye Ants!]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=517 Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:40:16 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,517

I've been using TERRO Liquid Ant Killer Bait Stations for a few years now, and I can honestly say they're great. Before these came along, I used the version that came as a small bottle of liquid you'd place on a little cardboard target included with the product. That liquid worked fine, but I was always a little nervous about my dog or kids accidentally getting into it since it was just sitting out in the open.

Why the bait stations are the better version
The bait stations solve that problem by sealing the liquid inside a small plastic housing. Ants can still get in and reach the bait, but there's no exposed liquid sitting around the house for a curious kid or pet to touch. It's a simple design change, but it made a real difference in how comfortable I feel placing these around the house instead of tucking the old open bottles somewhere out of reach.

How it actually works
In my experience, it takes a few days before you start seeing results, and that's normal, not a sign it isn't working. Once the ants find the bait, it's basically game over for the colony. They form a trail to the station and start carrying the liquid back to the nest to share with the rest of the colony. After a few days of that, you'll notice the ants visibly thinning out until there's barely any activity left at all.

What it costs
These typically run somewhere around $7 to $9 for a 6-pack depending on where you buy them, which makes them an easy, low-cost thing to keep on hand. It's not a big investment for something that actually solves an ant problem instead of just knocking down the ants you can see.

The Good
- Sealed bait stations keep the liquid away from curious kids and pets, unlike the old open bottle and cardboard target setup
- Genuinely eliminates the colony instead of just killing the ants you can see
- Easy to place almost anywhere ants are showing up, no setup involved
- Inexpensive for how effective it is
- Long shelf life, so it's easy to just keep a few on hand for whenever ants show up


The Bad
- Takes a few days to see results, so it's not an instant fix if you want ants gone immediately
- You'll often see more ants at first as they discover the bait, which can be alarming if you don't know that's expected
- Not much you can do to speed up the process once the stations are placed, it just takes the time it takes


If you're dealing with ants and want something that actually clears out the colony rather than just the ants on your counter, TERRO Liquid Ant Killer Bait Stations are worth keeping in the house.


]]> <![CDATA[Hayward AquaRite Review: How I Stopped Hauling Chlorine Jugs for Good]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=516 Sun, 23 Aug 2026 05:56:54 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,516

I've been running a Hayward AquaRite salt chlorine generator on my in-ground pool for over 8 years now, and it's genuinely changed how much time and hassle goes into pool maintenance. It's eliminated most of my trips to the pool store to refill the yellow chlorine jugs, and I'm not hauling and storing chlorine at home anymore either, so I don't have to worry about a spill in the garage or my car.

What you actually get out of a salt system
The most noticeable benefit for us has been eye comfort. Salt systems generate chlorine continuously in small amounts rather than relying on periodic manual dosing, and that steady process actually helps break down chloramines as they form. Chloramines are the compounds mostly responsible for that harsh "pool smell" and red, stinging eyes, more so than chlorine itself. That's why a lot of salt pool owners report noticeably less eye irritation. It's not a guarantee for everyone, and goggles are still a good idea, but it's a real, documented effect rather than just marketing.

The claims about it being gentler on skin and less likely to fade swimsuits get repeated a lot too. Honestly, I haven't personally noticed a difference on either front, so I can't vouch for those specifically. Your experience may vary.

The panel itself is also useful on its own. It shows status messages like low salt, high salt, or inspect cell, so you get a heads up when something needs attention instead of only finding out once your water starts looking off. The unit also has a flow sensor built in, so it won't try to generate chlorine when there's no water moving through it, which is a nice safeguard against the cell running dry. It reports water temperature and how much current the generator is drawing too, and all of that data is available right on the panel whether or not you ever connect it to anything else.

Sizing it for your pool
My pool is on the larger side, and the pool store actually recommended I go with a bigger unit than the bare minimum for my pool size. The idea is that an oversized unit doesn't have to work as hard to keep up with chlorine demand, which in turn extends the life of the salt cell. That's worth asking about if you're shopping for one, since going a size up can pay off in cell longevity.

Getting the salt levels right
Before any of this works, you'll need to bring your pool's salt level up to the range Hayward specifies, which usually means adding several bags of pool salt when you first set it up. After that it's not something you're constantly managing, but it is something you should test periodically, since running with salt levels too low or too high affects how well the cell can do its job.

The part I'm not a fan of: the salt cell
The salt cell is the one component of this system that's given me a reason to complain. In my experience, a cell typically lasts about 3 to 4 years before it needs replacing, so that's the realistic lifespan you should plan around rather than expecting the whole unit to run forever on the original cell. It's also worth sticking with a genuine Hayward replacement cell rather than a cheaper knockoff. From what I've seen, the off-brand cells tend to fail much sooner, which ends up costing more in the long run once you factor in replacing them more often.

The replacement cell is a real cost to plan for, not a onetime purchase. Setting aside a little each month toward a cell replacement, planning on swapping it out roughly every 3 years, is a realistic way to stay ahead of it instead of getting hit with the full cost all at once.

Cells also build up calcium scale over time, especially if your water chemistry drifts, and that scale reduces how efficiently the cell can generate chlorine. Periodically pulling the cell and giving it a mild acid soak to clear that buildup goes a long way toward getting the full lifespan out of it, rather than letting scale shorten things further.

A note on installing it yourself
I installed mine myself, and it wasn't out of reach if you're comfortable with this kind of work. That said, this unit ties into 240V mains voltage, and that's not something to take lightly. If you don't already have real experience working with electrical wiring at that voltage, this is one of those jobs where it's worth hiring a licensed electrician or pool professional instead of learning as you go. Getting it wrong isn't a minor mistake, it's genuinely dangerous.

A few things worth knowing before you buy
- A salt system doesn't mean chlorine free. It's still producing real chlorine, just generating it on site from salt instead of you adding it manually
- You'll still need to balance your water regularly. pH tends to drift upward with salt systems, so keep muriatic acid on hand, and you'll still want to monitor alkalinity and cyanuric acid
- Salt can be corrosive to certain metal pool equipment, ladders, and fixtures over time if they're not rated for it, so it's worth checking your existing hardware before converting
- The salt concentration used is low enough that most people don't notice a "salty" taste or feel in the water
- The upfront cost of the system is real, but for anyone tired of hauling jugs of chlorine, most owners find it pays for itself over a few years in convenience and chemical costs alone

What it costs
The full unit with the T-15 cell, which is the size built for larger pools, runs $2,199.00 at the time of this writing, and that's before installation. If you're not doing the install yourself, budget for that on top of the unit price. The T-15 replacement cell on its own currently runs $1,099.00, right around half the cost of the complete system, which lines up with what I mentioned earlier about planning for it as a recurring expense rather than a surprise.

The Good
- Eliminated regular trips to the pool store for chlorine jugs
- No more storing or handling liquid chlorine at home
- Flow sensor prevents the cell from trying to generate chlorine with no water movement
- Reports water temp and current draw, which is great data if you're running a pool controller
- Noticeably less eye irritation thanks to lower chloramine buildup
- Water feels softer overall
- Panel diagnostics give you a heads up before problems turn into bigger issues


The Bad
- Salt cells are a wear item, expect to replace one roughly every 3 to 4 years
- Replacement cells run about half the price of a whole new unit, so budget for it as a recurring expense
- Knockoff replacement cells tend to fail much faster than genuine Hayward cells, so it's not really worth cutting corners there
- Still requires regular water balancing, this isn't a "set it and forget it" system
- Larger units cost more upfront, even though they can extend cell life
- Installation involves 240V wiring, which isn't a beginner-friendly DIY job

Who should get this
Honestly, I think any homeowner with a pool should get one. It makes maintenance so much easier, and it pays for itself over time between fewer trips to the pool store, less time spent on upkeep, and just how much simpler it is to use day to day compared to manually dosing chlorine.

A note on pool controllers, and this part is optional
Everything above is true whether or not you ever touch a pool controller. Adding one on top of the AquaRite is where things get really convenient though. A pool controller lets you check and adjust your pool from your phone instead of walking out to the equipment pad, which matters more than it sounds like once you're used to it. You can schedule your pump, lights, and chlorine output to run automatically instead of manually adjusting them, get alerts if something like flow or salt level looks off before it becomes a bigger problem, and pull all the data the AquaRite is already generating, like water temp and current draw, into one place instead of only seeing it on the panel. It's the difference between managing your pool and just glancing at an app once in a while.

I run mine alongside a DIY setup called the Node.js Pool Controller, and it integrates with the AquaRite without any issues, pulling in that same flow, temperature, and current data I mentioned earlier and letting me act on it.

If you want that level of control but don't want to deal with a DIY project, Hayward also sells its own compatible controllers that are much more plug and play than what I've set up. My Node.js setup gives me more flexibility and customization, but it also takes more effort to configure than just buying Hayward's own controller and connecting it. Either way, none of this is required. The AquaRite runs perfectly well on its own from the panel with no controller involved at all.

If you're tired of hauling chlorine jugs and want to simplify pool maintenance, the Hayward AquaRite is worth a look. Just plan ahead for the salt cell as a recurring cost rather than treating it as a onetime purchase.


]]> <![CDATA[Owala FreeSip Review: Still Cold, Still Full, Still Obsessed]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=515 Sat, 15 Aug 2026 06:48:53 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,515

I really love the Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle in the 40oz size, Very Very Dark. I mostly carry it to work and on exercise walks, and it keeps my drink cold all day long. No trips back to the fridge every few hours. The 40oz size is enough to get me through most of the day, and since I'm partial to water only when it's cold, having it stay that way the whole time actually gets me drinking more of it and staying hydrated.

How the whole family ended up with one
Our daughter was actually the first one in the house to get an Owala, she picked up the 24oz in the Candy Store color. About a year in, hers stopped keeping drinks cold for some reason. We reached out to Owala, ran a few tests they walked us through, and they confirmed the bottle was faulty and gave us a credit toward a new one. Seeing how they actually stood behind their product sold us on the brand, so when the new school year came around we picked up an Owala for everyone in the family. Everyone else went with the standard size. I'm the only one who opted for the 40oz, and every single bottle gets used daily.

Styles, colors, and the limited runs
Owala puts out a wide range of styles and colors, and if you follow them through their website, they run limited edition drops from time to time. We've seen some glow-in-the-dark releases that we're honestly tempted to grab just for fun.

Our favorite feature
The FreeSip spout is what sold us, you can sip through the built-in straw right where you drink, or tip it back and swig from the wide opening, whichever fits the moment. The bottle is genuinely easy to clean, which isn't a given with insulated bottles. Some of them are a real chore to keep fresh. The spout opening is large enough that you can dump in a handful of ice without it taking forever, and that same wide opening makes cleaning easier too. There's also a carry loop that folds flat into the lid when it's not in use, so it doesn't stick out and catch on anything, and it doubles as a lock so the button doesn't get bumped open by accident in a bag.

Is it worth the price
At $39.99 for the 40oz, it's not the cheapest water bottle out there, but it's not overpriced either given how well it actually works. Between the insulation, the build quality, and how Owala backs the product when something does go wrong, it's held up as a fair trade for what you get.

The Good
- Keeps drinks cold all day, which genuinely gets you drinking more water
- FreeSip spout lets you sip through the straw or swig from the wide opening depending on what you're in the mood for
- Wide mouth opening makes it easy to load up on ice and easy to clean
- Carry loop tucks away flat and doubles as a lock so the button doesn't get bumped open by accident
- Owala's warranty support came through without any hassle when our daughter's bottle failed
- Wide range of colors and styles, plus limited edition drops if you follow along
- Although we didn't customize our families, they offer text, art, or upload your own graphics as shown above


The Bad
- $39.99 for the 40oz is a real purchase, not an impulse buy, especially if you're outfitting the whole family
- The larger 40oz size is great for all-day use but isn't going to fit in every cup holder
- Limited edition colors sell out fast if you're chasing a specific style
- You may end up wanting more than one once everyone in the house sees how well it works


Grab one for yourself here: Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle


]]> <![CDATA[The Spoon-Eating, Universe-Winning Mixer]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=514 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 08:51:06 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,514

If you've ever mixed bread dough by hand and questioned every life choice that led you to that moment, the KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (K45SS) is the machine that fixes that. We picked ours up in white, and it's been in constant rotation in our kitchen ever since. We use it for bread dough, cookies, you name it and it mixes it. This thing is a legitimate game changer compared to doing it by hand, and after using it for a while, I've got some real thoughts on it.

Build and power
The K45SS is all metal construction, no plastic gearbox pretending to be durable. It's a tilt-head design, so you lift the head up and out of the way to swap bowls or scrape down the sides, rather than fighting a bowl-lift mechanism. It comes with 10 speeds and what KitchenAid calls 59 touchpoints of contact between the beater and the bowl, which sounds like marketing until you actually watch it work through a stiff dough and realize nothing gets left unmixed.

Respect the machine
I want to be upfront about something: this mixer is genuinely powerful, and it deserves to be treated that way. We left a spoon in the bowl by mistake once while it was running, and by the time we caught it and shut the mixer off, that spoon looked like a twisted pretzel. That's not a knock against it, if anything it's the best demonstration of just how much torque this thing is putting down. Keep your hands, utensils, and anything you're not intentionally mixing well clear of the bowl while it's running.

What we actually use it for
Bread dough is where this mixer really earns its keep for us. Kneading dough by hand takes real time and effort, and the K45SS just plows through it on a low-medium speed without breaking a sweat. Cookie dough is the other regular use. We also use it for creaming butter and sugar, folding in mix-ins, all of it comes together faster and more evenly than doing it by hand ever did.

The attachment hub opens things up
Because the K45SS uses KitchenAid's standard attachment hub, it's compatible with the whole lineup of KitchenAid attachments, which is honestly where this mixer goes from "nice tool" to "kitchen workhorse." We ended up adding the KitchenAid KSMVSA Fresh Prep Slicer and Shredder Attachment, and it's become one of the most-used tools in our kitchen. It comes with three blades for slicing and shredding, a 2-in-1 feed tube so you're not constantly stopping to reload, and a storage case to keep the blades organized, plus it's dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. We mostly use it to shred cheese on lasagna nights, pizza nights, and salads all get a lot faster once you're not standing there with a box grater and sore knuckles. Once you have the mixer, the shredder attachment is an easy add if you're doing any real volume of cheese or vegetable prep.

Straight from the person who actually uses it most
My daughter is the one who reaches for this mixer more than anyone else in the house, so I asked her for her honest take. Here's what she had to say: "The KitchenAid is honestly my favorite thing in the entire universe. I don't think there's any tool that's more useful. It can grate cheese, mash potatoes, mix batter, and so much more. I really think everybody should have a KitchenAid because it's so useful and so worth the purchase. Baking would be so hard without it. I don't know how I even did it before."
The Good
- All-metal construction that feels built to last, not a plastic-gear appliance in disguise
- 10 speeds and 59 touchpoints handle everything from whipped cream to stiff bread dough without straining
- Tilt-head design makes swapping bowls and scraping down easy
- Compatible with the full range of KitchenAid attachments, including the KSMVSA slicer/shredder we use constantly
- Genuinely replaces hand-mixing for bread dough and cookies and makes it faster, more even, and takes less effort
- $399.99 retail is a real investment, but it's the kind of appliance you buy once and keep for years

The Bad
- It's heavy and takes up permanent counter space, this isn't something you're pulling out of a cabinet each time
- The power is no joke, and it will happily mangle anything left in the bowl by accident, so you have to stay attentive while it's running
- 4.5 quarts is plenty for most home baking, but if you're regularly doing large batches or big bread recipes, you may find yourself wanting the bigger bowl capacity of KitchenAid's larger models
- The KSMVSA shredder attachment is an added cost on top of the mixer itself, so budget for it separately if you want that capability

Who should get this
If you bake bread, cookies, or cakes regularly and you're tired of doing it by hand or working with an underpowered hand mixer, the K45SS is worth the $399.99. Add the KSMVSA Fresh Prep Slicer and Shredder at $69.99 if you go through a lot of shredded cheese or sliced vegetables in your cooking, between lasagna, pizza, and salads, ours gets used constantly. Just respect what the mixer can do, keep an eye on the bowl while it's running, and it'll earn its counter space fast.


Get yours here KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (K45SS) and if you are interested in the attachment get it here KitchenAid KSMVSA Fresh Prep Slicer and Shredder. ]]> <![CDATA[HP Instant Ink: ink that costs less than your coffee habit]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=513 Sun, 09 Aug 2026 10:34:50 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,513

If you've owned an inkjet printer for more than five minutes, you already know the punchline: the printer is cheap, the ink is not. I've been running an HP ENVY 7640 for years now, and I finally got tired of the "oh no, I'm out of cyan again" routine, so I signed up for HP Instant Ink. A few months in, I'm ready to give you the full breakdown of the good, the bad, and yes, a ridiculous price comparison you didn't ask for.

Quick backstory on why I came back
I actually had Instant Ink once before. Used it for a few years, then canceled because I talked myself into believing I could find a better deal buying ink outright at the store. I went to the local office supply store and picked up the HP 62XL/62 Black High Yield & Tri-Color High Yield 2-pack for the ENVY 7640 $129.95. With sales tax and I walked out having paid $139.05 for ink. Regular use around the house, nothing crazy, and those cartridges were tapped out in under a month. That settled the experiment, I signed back up for Instant Ink, and I haven't looked back since.

Here's the part I didn't fully account for when I talked myself into leaving: the Instant Ink cartridges HP ships for my specific printer are at least twice the size of the retail cartridges I was buying at Staples. So on Instant Ink I'm swapping cartridges way less often, which is probably exactly why I convinced myself store-bought ink would save me money in the first place. I wasn't comparing like for like, it turns out I was very wrong.

What I'm actually paying
I landed on the 50-page plan, which runs $5.99/mo. A few things about how the plan works that I didn't fully appreciate until I was using it:
- All pages cost the same whether they're black and white, color, or photos. No surcharge for actually using your color printer like a color printer.
- If I don't use my full 50 pages in a month, up to 150 unused pages roll over, so a slow month isn't wasted.
- If I do blow through my allotment, HP auto-bills me for another set of 10 pages at $2.00 instead of just cutting me off mid-print.
- The printer stays connected over the internet and HP's servers watch my ink levels. When I'm getting low, new cartridges just show up. They don't show up necessarily every month, but only when I actually need them. I have genuinely stopped thinking about ink as a thing I need to shop for.
- When a cartridge is spent, HP recycles it for free through their Planet Partners program, so I'm not tossing plastic cartridges in the trash either. You also have the option to recycle at physical stores like staples which will give you a store credit for each cartridge you recycle.

So instead of $139.05 for a set of XL cartridges that lasted under a month, I'm spending about $6.00 a month for reliable output and zero store runs.

I'm on the Occasional tier (50 pages/mo) ink-only plan, and it's been the right fit for how much I print. But HP offers a few different sizes depending on how much your household or office actually churns through, plus a version that throws paper into the subscription too. Here's the full lineup at the moment of this writing:

Ink only:
- Light: 10 pages/month — $1.99/mo
- Occasional (my plan): 50 pages/month — $5.99/mo
- Moderate: 100 pages/month — $8.49/mo
- Frequent: 300 pages/month — $16.99/mo
- Business: 700 pages/month — $32.99/mo

Ink + paper:
- Light: 10 pages/month — $2.98/mo
- Occasional: 50 pages/month — $8.48/mo
- Moderate: 100 pages/month — $12.98/mo
- Frequent: 300 pages/month — $23.98/mo
- Business: 700 pages/month — $45.98/mo


I went ink-only since I already keep paper around the house and didn't see the point in paying extra to have HP ship it to me. That said, I haven't actually sat down and run the math on whether the paper add-on beats buying a ream at the store. If you're the type who's always scrambling for paper along with ink, it might be worth pricing that out before you rule it out like I did.

Let's talk about how absurd ink pricing actually is
I wanted to see how ink stacks up against something everyone already agrees is expensive: gas. Regular unleaded nearby is running about $3.80 a gallon right now. Printer ink, according to testing by Consumer Reports, runs anywhere from $13 to $95 an ounce depending on the cartridge which works out to as much as $12,000+ a gallon. Do the math and that's enough gas money to fill up your tank more than 2,000 times over. So next time the "low ink" light comes on, just know it's asking you to refill with something a lot pricier per gallon than whatever's at the pump.

So no, "ink costs more than gas" isn't just a grumpy exaggeration on my part, it's not even close. Instant Ink doesn't change the cost of the ink itself, but it does change the math from "buy it by the tiny expensive cartridge" to "pay a flat few bucks a month and let HP worry about it."

The printer itself
My ENVY 7640 has held up well. It's not a new model, and yeah, HP's current lineup probably edges it out a bit on print speed and photo quality, but for everyday documents, school forms, and the occasional photo print, it's done right by me. If Instant Ink is the thing that makes owning an inkjet tolerable, the ENVY 7640 is the thing that made me want to keep it around this long.


Referring friends actually pays off
One thing worth mentioning: I referred a family member to Instant Ink, and HP kicked back a free month of service to both of us once they signed up. There's no cap on how many people you can refer or how many free months you can rack up. If you sign up through my Instant Ink referral link, you'll get set up on the plan and I'll get a free month tacked onto mine, full transparency there, that's exactly what's happening. Once you're in, HP gives you your own referral link too, so you can pass the savings along to whoever you're tired of hearing complain about ink prices.


The Good
- Real savings if you print regularly, I went from $139.05 for a month of ink to about $6.00/mo
- Rollover of up to 150 unused pages means a light month isn't wasted
- Automatic monitoring means I've genuinely stopped thinking about buying ink
- Free cartridge recycling through HP Planet Partners
- Referral program pays out real free months, no cap


The Bad
- You're still locked into HP's ecosystem. If you cancel and pull your printer off Instant Ink, and any cartridges in the tray get locked out
- If you barely print, the flat monthly fee can end up costing more than just buying a cartridge once a year
- Overage pages ($2.00 per 10) can sneak up on you during a busy printing month
- Doesn't fix the underlying issue that HP ink is priced like a luxury good


Instant Ink vs. the new eco-tank / refillable printers
It's worth addressing the elephant in the room: printers like Epson's EcoTank or HP's own Smart Tank lines let you refill bottles of ink for pennies per page, no subscription required. On pure cost-per-page, they win, no contest. But the trade-off shows up in print quality. Cartridge-based inkjets like my ENVY 7640 use thicker, more pigment-dense inks designed for sharper text and richer photo output, especially on glossy or photo paper. Tank printers use thinner, dye-based inks that keep costs down but tend to look a little more washed out on photos and can be more prone to banding on high-detail prints. If print quality is the priority, especially for photos, a cartridge printer on Instant Ink still has an edge. If you mostly print black-and-white text and don't care about that last bit of photo pop, an eco-tank printer will save you more money long-term.


Who should actually get this
- Households or home offices that print regularly and want to stop thinking about ink entirely
- Anyone who's been burned buying $139 XL cartridges that die in a few weeks
- People who care about photo and document print quality and aren't ready to switch to a tank printer
- Not a great fit if you print maybe a page a week, you'll likely spend more than you would just buying a cartridge when you actually need one
Sign up for HP Instant Ink here


]]> <![CDATA[Spread Love and Joy with the Lovebox Color & Photo]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=512 Wed, 07 Feb 2024 09:02:34 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,512

With Valentine's Day on the horizon, finding the perfect gift to express your affection has never been easier, thanks to the Lovebox Color & Photo. This innovative device combines the charm of traditional love notes with modern technology, creating a unique and heartfelt way to connect with your partner or loved one.

The Lovebox features a sleek and stylish design, adorned with a digital screen that serves as the canvas for your messages of love and devotion. Whether you're separated by distance or simply want to brighten their day, this interactive communication tool allows you to send thoughtful messages, photos, and even drawings with just a few taps on your smartphone.

What sets the Lovebox apart is its element of surprise and delight. When you send a message to your loved one's Lovebox via the dedicated app, the heart on the device spins, signaling that a new message has arrived. This playful interaction adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation, making each message feel like a special moment shared between the two of you.

In addition to its messaging capabilities, the Lovebox also doubles as a digital photo frame, allowing you to display cherished memories and snapshots of your time together. Simply upload your favorite photos through the app, and watch as they come to life on the Lovebox's vibrant display, serving as a constant reminder of the love and joy you share.

Setting up the Lovebox is quick and easy, thanks to its intuitive app. Once paired with your smartphone, you can send messages and photos to your loved one's Lovebox from anywhere in the world, making it the perfect way to stay connected no matter the distance.

Overall, the Lovebox Color & Photo is a thoughtful and meaningful gift that celebrates love, connection, and the joy of sharing special moments with those who matter most. Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or simply want to show someone how much they mean to you, the Lovebox is sure to bring smiles and warm hearts wherever it goes.

The Good

- Innovative design combines traditional love notes with modern technology
- Playful interaction with a spinning heart
- Doubles as a digital photo frame for displaying cherished memories
- Easy setup and seamless connectivity via the dedicated app
- Perfect for staying connected with loved ones, no matter the distance


The Bad

- The Lovebox is a bit on the expensive side.
- Requires a smartphone for full functionality
- Limited customization options for messages and photos
- Like everything in the world today, Lovebox offers a premium package monthly subscription that will allow you to use all the content on the app. It is limited in what you can send by default with no subscription.

Spread love with a spin! Click to gift the Lovebox Color & Photo and watch hearts light up with your heartfelt messages. ]]> <![CDATA[Sweet Seduction: Chocolate-Covered Strawberries for Valentine's Day Delight Gift]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=511 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:46:18 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,511

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, what better way to sweeten the occasion than with a decadent treat like chocolate-covered strawberries? These indulgent delights perfectly blend the richness of chocolate with the juiciness of ripe strawberries, creating a delightful symphony of flavors that's sure to impress your partner or love interest.

Imagine the look of delight on their face as they unwrap a box filled with plump, hand-dipped strawberries, each one coated in velvety chocolate. Whether enjoyed as a romantic dessert for two or as a thoughtful surprise delivered to their doorstep, chocolate-covered strawberries are a timeless gesture of affection that never fails to captivate the senses.

To make this Valentine's Day truly special, consider ordering chocolate-covered strawberries from Amazon, where you can find a variety of options to suit every taste and budget. With the convenience of online shopping, you can have these delectable treats delivered directly to your spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend, saving you time and ensuring a hassle-free gifting experience.

Not only are chocolate-covered strawberries a delicious way to celebrate Valentine's Day, but they also offer a touch of elegance and sophistication that's sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're celebrating a new romance or commemorating years of love and devotion, this classic gift is guaranteed to make your sweetheart feel cherished and adored.

So why wait until the last minute to find the perfect Valentine's Day gift? Treat your partner to a mouthwatering assortment of chocolate-covered strawberries and let them know just how much they mean to you. With a simple click of a button, you can make this Valentine's Day one they'll never forget. ]]> <![CDATA[Elevate Your Space: Echo Dot with Clock - Your Stylish Smart Companion]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=509 Sun, 04 Feb 2024 06:14:32 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,509

The Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Clock is a sleek and functional addition to any smart home setup. With its compact design and integrated LED display, it not only provides the convenience of a voice-controlled assistant but also serves as a stylish bedside clock.

Setting up the Echo Dot is a breeze, thanks to Amazon's user-friendly interface and clear instructions. Once connected to your Wi-Fi network, you'll have access to Alexa, Amazon's virtual assistant, who can assist you with a variety of tasks, from setting alarms and reminders to playing your favorite music or controlling compatible smart home devices.

One of the standout features of the Echo Dot with Clock is its LED display, which shows the time, temperature, and timers at a glance. The brightness of the display adjusts automatically based on the ambient light in the room, ensuring that it's always easy to read without being too harsh, even in the middle of the night.

The sound quality of the Echo Dot is surprisingly robust for its size, making it perfect for listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while you go about your day. Plus, with the ability to connect to other Echo devices for multi-room audio, you can easily fill your home with music without missing a beat.

In terms of design, the Echo Dot with Clock features a modern, minimalist aesthetic that seamlessly blends into any decor. Its compact size means it won't take up much space on your bedside table or desk, yet it still manages to pack a punch in terms of functionality.

Overall, the Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Clock is a versatile and stylish smart speaker that offers both convenience and utility. Whether you're using it to control your smart home devices, listen to music, or simply check the time, it's sure to become an indispensable part of your daily routine.


The Positive:

- Sleek and compact design
- Integrated LED display with adjustable brightness
- Excellent sound quality for its size
- Seamless integration with Alexa and other Echo devices
- Easy setup and intuitive controls
- Amazon currently has it marked down to 39.99 including a Sengled smart bulb.Check it out on Amazon

The Negative:

- Limited bass response compared to larger speakers
- Clock display may be too bright for some users, even on the lowest setting.


Experience the perfect blend of style, functionality, and convenience with the Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Clock – upgrade your smart home setup today! Check it out on Amazon ]]> <![CDATA[Stay Refreshed Anywhere: Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=510 Fri, 12 Jan 2024 04:22:10 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,510

The Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler with Lid and Straw is a game-changer for anyone who values both style and functionality in their drinkware. With its durable construction, advanced insulation, and convenient features, it's poised to rival the renowned Yeti tumbler in the market.

Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, the Quencher H2.0 boasts impressive durability, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use and outdoor adventures alike. Its vacuum-insulated design keeps your beverages hot or cold for hours on end, allowing you to enjoy your favorite drinks at the perfect temperature, whether you're on the go or at home.

One of the standout features of the Quencher H2.0 is its innovative FlowState lid, which incorporates a built-in straw for effortless sipping on the move. This design not only enhances convenience but also minimizes spills and leaks, making it ideal for commuting, hiking, or any other activity where you need to stay hydrated without hassle.

In terms of performance, the Quencher H2.0 stands toe-to-toe with the Yeti tumbler, offering comparable insulation capabilities and temperature retention. Whether you prefer ice-cold water on a hot summer day or piping hot coffee during your morning commute, this tumbler delivers consistent results that rival those of its more expensive counterparts.

Furthermore, the Quencher H2.0's sleek and stylish design adds a touch of sophistication to any beverage experience, whether you're enjoying a refreshing smoothie or sipping on your morning brew. Its ergonomic shape and non-slip grip make it comfortable to hold and easy to carry wherever you go.

The Good:

- Durable stainless steel construction
- Advanced vacuum insulation for long-lasting temperature retention
- Innovative FlowState lid with built-in straw for convenient sipping
- Comparable performance to the Yeti Tumbler at a more affordable price
- Sleek and stylish design enhances any beverage experience


The Bad:

- Some users may prefer a larger size option for extended hydration needs
- Lid and straw components may require occasional cleaning to maintain optimal functionality


Stay Refreshed Anywhere: Get your Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler on Amazon ]]> <![CDATA[ARRMA RC Vorteks - Unwrap an Adventure!]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=508 Mon, 11 Dec 2023 09:08:20 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,508

The ARRMA RC Truck 1/10 VORTEKS 4X2 Boost MEGA 550 Brushed Stadium Truck is an absolute powerhouse packed into a sleek, durable design. Whether you're a seasoned RC enthusiast or just starting out, this truck delivers an exhilarating and reliable performance.

The first thing that stands out is its robust build. The construction feels solid and capable of handling rough terrains with ease. Its 4X2 setup ensures agility and responsiveness, making it a thrill to drive across various surfaces.

Performance-wise, the MEGA 550 Brushed motor is impressive. It strikes a balance between power and control, offering a great entry point for those new to RC vehicles while still providing enough speed and acceleration to keep seasoned hobbyists engaged. The included battery and charger add convenience, allowing for immediate out-of-the-box action.

The stadium truck design not only looks sleek but also contributes to its maneuverability. The handling is precise, and the suspension system helps absorb shocks, ensuring a smooth ride even on bumpy tracks. It's a joy to control, offering both speed and stability.

The vibrant red color of the truck adds a fantastic visual appeal, making it stand out among other RC vehicles. The attention to detail in its design is evident, enhancing both its aesthetics and performance.

One notable aspect is its upgrade potential. The ARRMA line often offers plenty of room for modifications and upgrades, allowing hobbyists to customize and enhance the truck according to their preferences and evolving skill levels.

However, for those seeking top-tier speeds or more advanced features, this model might fall slightly short. Yet, it remains an excellent choice for individuals looking for a well-rounded, durable, and exciting RC experience without breaking the bank.

Overall, the ARRMA RC Truck 1/10 VORTEKS 4X2 Boost MEGA 550 Brushed Stadium Truck is a fantastic entry-level option that doesn't compromise on quality or performance. Its durability, agility, and out-of-the-box readiness make it a compelling choice for RC enthusiasts of varying skill levels.

This truck can be purchased as a RTR ( Ready To Run kit) that includes everything you need to get you going. It would make a great birthday or Christmas gift for just about anyone.

The RTR kit is on sale now on Amazon for $199.00. ]]> <![CDATA[Discover the Cozy Magic of Warmies: Lavender-Infused, Microwavable Cuteness!!]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=507 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 09:49:02 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,507

Warmies stuffed animals are an absolute delight! These cuddly companions aren't just your typical plush toys—they're a cozy, microwavable, and lavender-scented treat for both kids and adults.

Firstly, let's talk about the warmth factor. Pop these adorable critters into the microwave for a short burst, and they transform into a snuggly source of warmth that feels like a gentle hug. The soothing warmth is perfect for chilly nights or comforting moments when you need a bit of extra coziness.

The added touch of lavender is a game-changer. The subtle scent of lavender emanating from these Warmies is incredibly calming and relaxing. It creates a serene environment, making bedtime routines more tranquil or providing a soothing sensation during times of stress.

The variety of animals available is another plus. Whether it's a cute bear, a lovable unicorn, or any other charming creature, there's a Warmies plush for everyone. The attention to detail in their design and the quality of materials used make them not just cuddly, but also durable for everyday play.

Moreover, the microwavable feature is a convenient touch. Within a few moments, your Warmies friend is ready to provide warmth and comfort.

Overall, Warmies stuffed animals are a fantastic addition to any household. They offer warmth, comfort, and a touch of aromatic relaxation, making them an excellent choice for both kids and adults seeking a snuggly, soothing companion.


Warmies stuffed animals offer more than just comfort and companionship; they come with potential health benefits as well. The gentle warmth they provide can be particularly therapeutic for various situations:

Muscle Relaxation: The warmth generated by these microwavable plush toys can help ease muscle tension and soothe minor aches. Whether it's a sore neck or a bit of tension after a long day, the heat from Warmies can offer a relaxing sensation.

Stress Relief: The combination of warmth and the calming scent of lavender can work wonders for stress relief. It's a known fact that lavender has aromatherapy benefits, promoting relaxation and potentially aiding in reducing anxiety.

Improved Sleep: For both children and adults, a cozy and relaxed environment is conducive to better sleep. Using Warmies as a bedtime ritual can signal the body that it's time to wind down, leading to improved sleep quality.

Comfort during Illness: When someone is feeling under the weather, a little warmth can go a long way. The soothing heat from a microwaved Warmies toy can provide comfort during times of illness, offering a gentle touch of relief.

Remember, while Warmies can offer these potential health benefits, they're not a replacement for medical treatment. However, they can be a fantastic complementary addition to your wellness routine, providing warmth, comfort, and a touch of relaxation that contributes positively to your overall well-being. ]]> <![CDATA[Upright Go]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=506 Sat, 20 Feb 2021 07:51:20 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,506

The UPRIGHT GO Posture Corrector, styled for comfort and effectiveness, is a strapless solution placed discreetly on your upper back. This innovative device prompts you to maintain proper posture through gentle real-time vibrations, with an impressive 92% posture improvement reported by 8 out of 10 users in less than two weeks!

The accompanying Upright app creates a tailored training plan, setting daily posture goals to strengthen your back and heighten awareness of slouching. This personalized regimen leads to long-term posture benefits and overall improvement.

For precise insight, the UPRIGHT GO attaches directly to your back, delivering accurate measurements and feedback via the Upright app. Track your progress, compare your upright versus slouched posture, and receive a daily upright score to monitor your growth over time.

Switching to a vibration-free tracking mode post-training session allows continuous posture monitoring throughout the day, aiding in gradual improvement. Note, the UPRIGHT GO isn't waterproof, so avoid water contact with the USB port or during sweat-inducing activities to prevent potential device detachment.

Included in the package: the UPRIGHT GO posture device, a travel case, USB charging cable, 9 hypoallergenic medical-grade adhesives, and a user manual. Access the iOS or Android app for free to enhance your posture journey.

The Positive:
- Effective posture improvement reported by users.
- Personalized training plan for sustained benefits.
= Precise measurements and progress tracking for informed posture correction.

The Negative:

- Not waterproof; caution needed to avoid water contact.
- Adhesives may not withstand sweat-inducing activities. ]]> <![CDATA[Cubii the Underdesk Treadmill]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=504 Sat, 20 Feb 2021 07:44:39 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,504

The Cubii is the leading quiet, compact, and ergonomic mini elliptical that lets you workout or rehab while you sit at home or the office. The Cubii features 8 different resistance levels allowing you to increase the intensity as you increase in strength. You can keep track of your progress with the built-in display that will keep track of your calories, strides, distance, minutes active, and rotations per minute in real-time.

The Cubii JR1 , Underdesk Treadmills are designed to be low to no impact on joints, so it becomes unconscious and lets you get fit while you sit. If you splurge on the Cubii Pro Model, it doesn't have a built-in LCD but instead, it is the only elliptical that connects to a mobile app, Fitbit, & Apple HealthKit to track, set goals, share, compete, & track progress over time making it a unique community experience when compared to other under desk trainers.

The Cubii is great for the Gym rat that hasn't been able to make it to the gym. Cubii even offers exclusive Facebook live and recorded workout classes if you are into that sort of thing. The Cubii Jr or Pro can also help with those in rehabilitation so it's an all-around great little device. Get your Cubii JR1 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine from Amazon. ]]> <![CDATA[Disney Cars Children Desk Chair with Storage Bin]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=503 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 07:00:36 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,503

With half the world working from home due to the Covid 19 pandemic, you might be on the search for a nice chair for your little one to be homeschooled, do online learning, or just color around with crayons. The Desk Chair by Delta might just be what you are looking for. This chair is recommended for children 3 years and up but under 50 lbs. It sits low to the ground for your little one to have easy access and measures 20.47"L x 22.83"W x 23.23"H once fully assembled. The desk has a bin under the chair where your little one will be able to store books, crayons, or even toys and also has a built-in cup holder on the desk. This can also double as a location for snacks or crayons when doing playtime.

The desk is made of engineered wood and fabric with a scratch-resistant finish that protects the graphics and wipes clean easily with a cloth.

Get your child a Disney Cars Children Desk Chair with Storage Bin on Amazon. ]]> <![CDATA[Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=502 Thu, 18 Feb 2021 08:09:06 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,502

The stainless steel Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale is a sleek, affordable, yet accurate kitchen scale. We have tested this scale for over a year now and it has worked flawlessly. Our scale gets used almost every day, and the pre-installed batteries lasted more than a year. This might be due to the auto-off after 3 minutes of no use feature which is great as you don't need to worry about turning it off. It uses standard AAA batteries so no need to go to the convenience store to buy special batteries. The LED display is easy to read so no need to look for those glasses. It is

The Etekcity scale is thin and can be stored virtually anywhere and features anti-skid feet. It measures only 7.9 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches. It is great for folks working to keep strict diets. It works well for measuring food, small items, and liquids with different settings for milk & water. The scale allows the selection of your preferred units oz , lb’oz, fl’oz, g, and mL to follow recipes and track your food portions. The scale works with measurement increments of 1 g / 1 ml / 0.04 oz and its upper limit is 11 Lbs.

The tare function allows you to set your plate and with the press of a button you can remove the container weight from the final measurement of your food to make sure you have accurate measurements.

Our favorite feature of his scale is really the price, when our last scale failed, we went to some local stores and the scales started around $30 and this scale was less than half the price.

Get your very own Etekcity scale on Amazon. ]]> <![CDATA[Never Forget Retro Vintage Cassette, VHS, Floppy Media T-Shirt]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=501 Wed, 17 Feb 2021 09:15:00 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,501

For all those hard core music fans that miss putting their cassette tapes in their yellow Sony Walkman, inserting that floppy drive into their Tandy pc, or playing their favorite movie on VHS, this is the perfect casual t-shirt to help them remember the good old times. The never forget retro vintage cassette tape, VHS , and floppy disk t-shirt takes the cake.

Get your very own Never Forget T-Shirt on Amazon. ]]> <![CDATA[Wyze Cam]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=500 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 09:50:11 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,500

Looking for a quality camera that won't break the bank to secure your home? Then look no further as the Wyze cams may be your solution. The camera works off of a wifi connection so there is no video recorder or other hardware to purchase. Simply download the Wyze App and you are on your way to a delightful experience. It's video streams are encrypted via AES 128-bit encryption so you can feel confident that it will be safe. You have options for recording in HD 1080p, SD 720p, or 360p for your recordings and streaming. The higher the resolution the better quality picture however it will take up more bandwidth on your network. Night Vision is also a standard feature on all Wyze cams as they have a built-in infrared light which allows for taking videos at night. The Cams also work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. In our case, we tried the video feed with an echo show 8 but had a bit of buffering going on. The video on the app was perfect so it might have been an issue with Amazon but we were not able to determine the cause.






The App allows you to manually record a video or take a picture from the Live Stream and saves it directly onto your phone. This is a neat feature that allows you to view, send, or share through the Album in the Wyze app or your phone’s gallery to any of your contacts or from within other applications. The app also allows you to communicate via the camera's two-way audio, it allows you to hear what is going on as well as speak through it to someone on the other side. Via the app, you can also pinch your way through the video or images taking advantage of an 8x Digital Zoom to get closer to the action.

The event recording can be set on schedules, or triggered by detecting Motion and/or Sound. You can choose between all day or a scheduled start and end time with the event recording schedule. Motion is detected by comparing pixels in one frame with another, the Wyze app lets you set the sensitivity of your Wyze Cam. Motion Tagging can be enabled or disabled and will show a green box around anything considered motion. You can even set a detection zone to isolate an area that you may not want to trigger such as a ceiling fan.

A free service is included with the purchase of each Wyze cam that submits a 12-second video to the AWS cloud when the Wyze Cam detects motion or sound. These videos can be viewed for up to 14 days through the Wyze app and are automatically deleted.

Wyze Cams also offers a micro SD card slot to allow for continuous recording or event only recording. The continuous footage will continue recording until space has been exhausted at which point it will overwrite the oldest file and keep recording. Event recordings are smaller files that only record when there is motion but are not limited to 12 seconds.

If you decide to disable the camera for whatever reason, you can do it remotely via the app as it features an On / Off button.

As an added bonus, firmware can also be installed that allows RTSP support giving you the flexibility to add these cameras to your own NVR systems such as Blue Iris, Zoneminder or any off the shelf DVR / NVR solution that allows RTSP streams. You can find the details on the Wyze support page here.. We were able to test video on Zoneminder via the RTSP stream and it works better than expected to allow us to record events locally without going to the web.

If you want to store your complete video footage on the cloud, Wyze also offers that service for $1.49 /month for each Wyze Cam you’d like to enable at the moment.

The Good
- The price can't be beat at $25.00 for Wyze Cam V2 - WYZEC2 or $34.99 for Wyze Cam Pan - WYZECP1
- Loaded with features
- Great picture quality
- Small footprint on the Wyze cam V2, even the PAN version isn't that big, it's about twice as tall as the Cam V2
- RTSP support
- PAN version includes Pan Tilt functionality that works really well
- Multiple colors are available on the Wyze Cam. White, Black (Limited Edition) and Green (Limited Edition)
- Can pay a service to increase footage to longer than 12 seconds on AWS

The Bad
- No Power Over Ethernet (POE) feature
- 12-second video limit on AWS cloud (The Free Stuff)
- Only suggested for indoors (Enclosures exist to allow outdoor use. Check them out on Amazon
- RTSP support is not on the main software track so you will not get any new features. We, however, gave this a try and do not see any features missing

Get your Wyze Cam on Amazon
 ]]> <![CDATA[Zooz ZEN20 Z-Wave Power Strip Ver 2.0 Review]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=498 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 10:00:08 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,498

The ZEN20 Ver 2.0 Zwave Power Strip offers 5 Z-Wave controlled outlets on one strip along with two USB ports. The two USB ports offer 2.1 Amps split between both ports, the USB ports are not Z-Wave enabled but will provide status, and you do have the option of using them to set up charged or standby charging notifications. The power cord on the unit is 2 feet long similar to standard power strips. It has a high-quality build and comes packaged well in a nice fancy box that is similar to high-end cell phone packaging. The Power strip features buttons on each of the outlets that double as blue status indicators when the outlets are on. The manual control of the buttons has a low tick sound to it similar to depressing a key on a keyboard. It is important to note that it is not a surge suppressor, but it does have overload protection. The Power Strip will automatically shut off if the total power draw exceeds 1800 Watts. You can lower the limit any time you wish via your z-wave hub advanced setting configuration.

The ZEN20 works with Fibaro, HomeSeer, Hubitat, SmartThings Hub, Vera, Wink and Wink 2 but the Wink 2 has no Energy Monitoring. You should verify your specific hub works on the Zooz website prior to ordering to make sure your specific hub works. We just tested and confirmed that it also works with OpenHab when using the latest Openhab snapshot binding and that is what we used for our testing. Note that Zooz mentions it does not work with Vivint, ADT, or 2GIG hubs.

The Powerstrip allows for wall or under desk mounting and has a flat plug that allows it to fit easily behind furniture. The plug is also angled and the idea is if you had two power strips, you would be able to put them both on a standard outlet. The Unit is ETL Listed which is basically the same as the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Listed. ETL actually uses the same standards but many manufacturers go with ETL because they are quicker at approving devices so that they can get to production quicker.

The pairing process was relatively simple, you simply press the button on the channel 1 outlet 3 times and the device goes into pairing mode. Quickly put your hub in inclusion mode and within a few seconds, your device is added to your hub. Upon pairing, we found a switch for each channel added to our hub, the main switch that controls all the channels, two switches to indicate status on the USB ports, and a meter reset switch to match each of the outlet switches is also provided. For telemetry, we see the Watts and kWh readings on each outlet. We were somewhat bummed out that you only get kWh and wattage but No amperage or voltage like the Zooz ZEN25 double plug that we reviewed previously had. Even without load, the device runs warm to the touch however it is nothing to be scared about. It has a built-in signal repeater to strengthen your Z-Wave network and features the latest 500 series chip for faster, more reliable connectivity with the new S2 security protocol.

The device by default will remember status upon power failure and return to the last status when the power comes back on. Advanced features allow you to modify this setting to default the unit to turn on all outlets after a power failure, or Off if you would like. The advanced features also allow for disabling of the buttons so that devices aren't enabled or disabled by mistake, at this point, it will require control via your hub.

It is important to know that the power strip has a limit of 15 amps max. This is the size of a typical house electrical breaker for outlets in the US so we feel this is adequate and not something to worry about. Connecting heavy duty equipment to this Power Strip will damage it and may cause the connected appliance to malfunction so if you are unsure contact Zooz, they have great support for their devices and answer questions within 24 hours from our experience. Zooz recommends that the device not be used by washers, dryers, refrigerators, electric heaters, fans, pumps, chargers, or routers. We easily understood the devices with heating elements as they draw lots of power and similarly electric motors but we were somewhat confused about routers. After contacting Zooz, they stated that just like cell phone chargers, these devices are impulse loads that don't draw power evenly. They discourage chargers because they may not be pulling enough to power the electronics in the devices; depending on the device, it may be pulling too much at times which will cause the unit to overload. This is the main reason that they included the USB port option on both the ZEN25 and ZEN20.

Our experience with the power strip has been a positive one. The device works as described and does so without incident. As noted earlier inclusion was a sinch. Operating the device is no different from any other z-wave device. We believe this is a great device for things like Christmas trees where you will need lots of outlets and individual control. It will also work well for home theater equipment where lots of outlets are required. The build on the ZEN20 is great, it feels very sturdy and has a shiny white finish. We would have liked the outlets to be offset a little more from each other to allow for larger plugs.

To further customize your power strip, Zooz offers the following Advanced features
  • Power Recovery after a power failure, Turn On, Turn Off, Remember ( Default)
  • Power Wattage Reporting Threshold. (By default its set to 5 so it will report anything above 5 Watts)
  • Power Wattage Report Frequency (By default the strip will report status every 30 seconds)
  • Energy kWh report frequency (By default the strip will report status every 300 seconds or 5 minutes)
  • Overload Protection for wattage across all 5 outlets ( Device will trip after sensing 1800 watts by default)
  • Auto Turn-Off TImer (Disabled by default for each outlet individually)
  • Auto Turn-On TImer (Disabled by default for each outlet individually)
  • Manual Control (Enabled By default)
  • LED Indicator Mode (default) on when an outlet is on, on when an outlet is off, off all the time


    • The device currently retails for $98.95 but seems to be much less than that most of the time. Currently, The Smartest House has it on sale for $66.95 which is a fair price considering a single socket adapter could cost you close to that much.

    The Manual can be found here Zooz Z-Wave Plus Power Strip ZEN20 VER. 2.0 Manual (PDF)

    Specifications
  • Z-Wave Signal Frequency: 908.42 MHz
  • Power: 110V
  • Maximum Load: 15Amps TOTAL between 5 outlets
  • USB Charging Port Power: 5V up to 2.1 A
  • Cord: 2.5'
  • Range: Up to 100 feet (30m) line of sight
  • Installation and Use: Indoor Only
  • Operating Temperature: 32-104° F (0-40° C)
  • Dimensions: 11" x 2.5" x 1"
  • Weight: 13oz

    • Don't Use with
  • Washers
  • Dryers
  • Refrigerators
  • Electric heaters
  • Fans
  • Pumps
  • Chargers (impulse loads with an uneven power draw that may damage the device over time)
  • Routers

    • Use With
  • Floor Lamps
  • TV’s and video equipment
  • Computers
  • Game Consoles
  • Alarm Clocks
  • Printers
  • Speakers
  • Audio Players







    • The Good
  • Price Point
  • Status on USB ports
  • Angled plug
  • Footprint not larger than a standard power strip
  • Buttons on each outlet for manual control with status lights
  • Use of the latest Z-Wave chip and the new S2 security protocol

    • The Bad
  • Bulky plugs can take up space that overlaps with other outlets.
  • limited capability on impulse loads devices. Hard for a user to determine if what they are plugging in is an impulse load.
  • Warm to touch even with no load.
  • No control of USB Ports
  • No amperage or Voltage reporting


    • What we would like to see in future
  • Surge suppression to protect expensive equipment from a power surge.


    • Get your very own Zooz ZEN20 at The Smartest House. or on Amazon.

    For Openhab, you can find the latest snapshot binding here
    https://ci.openhab.org/job/openHAB2-Bundles/org.openhab.binding%24org.openhab.binding.zwave/ws/target/org.openhab.binding.zwave-2.5.0-SNAPSHOT.jar. Note that you should be running Milestone Builds or the latest OH2 Snapshot to get this device working. ]]>         <![CDATA[Sonoma Rustic Natural Coffee Table]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=499 Thu, 16 May 2019 07:38:40 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,499

    If you are looking for a contemporary table to fill your living room that is sure to make an impression, take a look at the Sonoma Rustic Natural Cofee Table.

    The table is made with reclaimed wood which adds to its personality. The table has knots, cracks, and variations in the wood that make them each a unique piece. They are available in three sizes, 27", 42", and 48" giving you plenty of options when redecorating, and does so at a fair price. The prices range from $223 for the 27" version to $371 for the largest version. It features sturdy metal legs that match perfectly with the wood.

    Get your very own Sonoma Rustic Natural Coffee Table on Amazon. ]]>         <![CDATA[Zooz ZEN25 Z-Wave Double Appliance Plug Review]]> https://www.urbanlime.com/entry.php?entryID=497 Sun, 10 Feb 2019 03:54:34 EST Hector https://www.urbanlime.com/entry,497

    If you are in the search for a z-wave appliance plug, you may have noticed that most of them are big and clunky. They are hard to install in small places like behind furniture and typically only allow you to connect one plug. Zooz just introduced to the market not only a small form factor appliance plug but it also features a dual outlet module capable of outputting up to a combined 10 AMPS.







    As a bonus, it also has a USB port capable of delivering 2.1 amps to power or charge your favorite devices. Note that the USB port is not controllable. To give you an idea of what 10 Amps are, we can use a 100 watt incandescent light bulb. At 120 volts, the typical current in the United States, a 100-watt light bulb draws 0.83 amps (100W/120V = .83 amps). In short, we would be able to power about 12 100Watt incandescent bulbs (9.999 amps) without any issue which is way more than any standard widget you may plug in there should use. If you do go over, the ZEN25 does have circuit protection that will disable both outlets.

    Before we start we want to get out there that this appliance plug is not going to be good for fans and motors, Zooz recommends that you use ZEN15 for that. The appliance module is sold in a nice black box and packaged very well. Its packaging resembles that of opening a high-quality cellular telephone in some aspects. In the box, you will find the ZEN25 and the instruction manual. The manual is well written and easy to follow although it is almost not even necessary due to its ease of use. It does provide easy to read instructions for all its features.

    The inclusion of the device to your z-wave network is among the easiest we have witnessed. Simply put your hub in inclusion mode and plug the double plug into the wall. The module will immediately begin to flash indicating it is in inclusion mode and go steady once it is connected.

    We included our double switch with a Vera Controller and the process was seamless. The device showed up as four switches and instantly shows you the wattage of the device that is plugged into the module when that specific outlet is turned on. On your hub, you will see one switch for the left, one for the right, and another that provides simultaneous control over both outlets. The fourth just gives you status on the USB port but you are not able to turn it on or off.



    Manual control of the device is simple, there is only one button on the device. To control the on and off of the right switch you simply press the button once each time you want to toggle status. Press it quickly twice to control the left side.

    Zooz really outdid themselves with this one. The device is quick to respond and also acts as a repeater using the latest z-wave plus technology. The rings around the outlets not only turn on when the outlets are on but they also indicate the wattage being used by the individual port. Each of the 7 colors indicating a different wattage range and the ring will be off when not in use.



    Finally, the double plug even includes a range test tool, we really liked this because at times it is hard to determine what range you have for certain devices and it is really easy to move this device around to perform a test without any special equipment. While the manual states that you simply press the button for 6 - 8 seconds consecutively to enable the range test, we noticed that all it did was enable and disable both outlet plugs simultaneously. We did, however, play with it long enough to figure out that pressing the button 3 times consecutively would enable the range test. After flashing for a few seconds in violet, it will indicate the overall signal strength using different color patterns on the rings around the outlets.

    For the power users, you can also change your switch parameters via your hub to disable the LED rings around the outlets, set up an auto-on timer, or set up an auto-off timer.

    We really like the device and our favorite feature is that it is so small that it easily fits behind furniture. This device is perfect for kids rooms where you may want to control night lights and humidifiers or to control Christmas tree lights. Its features will make this a very versatile device capable of handling many scenarios. The device retails for $39.95 at The Smartest House. Click here to get your own now.


    Take a look at our video review below.





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