iJoel @ Home

This little site lists some of the things that I have found to be delightful in function and design

homekithelper.net
Learn about automating your home using HomeKit

halloweenbuild.com
This site documents our Halloween display

christmasbuild.com
This site documents our Christmas display

ebikeprimer.com
Learn about eBikes

Audio-Visual and Home Automation

Orbi Mesh network
Provides a robust and reliable whole-house Wi-Fi network
Dedicated back-haul radios
Ethernet ports on satellites
Outdoor satellites

AppleTV
The best way to watch Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime
Apple Arcade
HomeKit Hub

HomePods
Whole-house audio
HomeKit automation
Intercom
Doorbell announcement

HomeKit
see my HomeKitHelper website for recommended lights, outlets, door locks, door bells and thermostats

Silver Ticket Projection Screen
Great home theater screen bang for the buck

TiVo
Easily create "season passes" to record your favorite shows — up to six at a time
One button commercial skip
Stream to TiVo mini's throughout the house

Logitech Harmony Elite Remote
Get rid of multiple remotes
Create macros to simplify switching between activities like watch TV, watch BluRay, play Playstation, watch AppleTV

Anker PowerPort Atom PD 4
Have multiple high-capacity items to charge - laptop, iPhone, iPad, watch - this single compact charger will charge them all at full speed
100W
USB-C and USB-A ports

Tools and Home Maintenance

Toro 824 QXE snowblower
Super simple controls - no throttle, simply push forward, the harder you push, the faster the speed - one hand joystick for full control of direction and angle of chute
Quieter and lighter than average

Evo Lawnmower and Multi-Head System
Lawnmower is very quiet and no gasoline to manage
Multi-Head System - string trimmer, hedge clipper, pole saw and more
Batteries are interchangeable
Everything is well-built and performs very well

Gorilla GLF-5X Dual Platform Hybrid Step Ladder
Light and folds very compactly
Top two "steps" are very large "work platforms", making it comfortable to stand on for extended periods of time

Gorilla GLWP-55A-2 Adjustable Slim Work Platform
Very handy for working above your head in larger areas when scaffolding is overkill
Folds flat and is easy to store, carry, and setup

WORX EX051 Pegasus Multi-Function Work Table and Sawhorse with Quick Clamps and Holding Pegs
Folds flat, easy to move and setup
Provides a stable work surface

AEROCART 8-IN-1 Yard Cart Wheelbarrow Dolly
Functions as a wagon, wheelbarrow, and dolly

Little Giant Quantum Multi-Use Ladder Model 22 Ratchet Levelers
Very versatile: two convertible and extendable articulating step ladders

Little Giant 6-9 ft. Telescoping Plank
For use with the little giant ladder, this is a scaffolding platform which goes between the two step ladders

Gladiator EX Connect Rack Shelving
Easy to assemble, sturdy
Flat shelf surface (as opposed to the wire-mesh style)

Gladiator Wall Organization
Organize your tools!

2x4basics 90124 Custom Shelving and Storage System Shelflinks
These handy building blocks make building shelves and workbenches a snap

MILWAUKEE 13 In. Jobsite Tool Box
Have one of these on every floor of the house - they work great for keeping tools organized and accessible
Toolbox doubles as a seat/step stool

Sun Joe CJ602E Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder
Great for making wood chips out of your hedge and tree trimmings

Super Long Power Strips
Get in 12-24 outlets
Great for office desks, garage and workshops

Extension cord with outlets spaced every five feet
Great for when you need to plug in a number of power tools or Halloween and Christmas lighting

3M Performance Plus Wire Connector
These wire nuts work better than the stuff commonly found in hardware stores
Versatile - one size wire nut fits multiple size wires

Appliances and Kitchen

Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Very handy and easy to use
Light, powerful
Attachments are easy to change
Wall mount charger

Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
Charcoal burning, but gas light
Steel work surface
Charcoal storage
Easy clean ash basket

Weber 7429 Rapidfire Chimney Starter
This is the most efficient way to make all of the coals equally red-hot for cooking

Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7-Liter Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle
Very handy and easy to use for your tea and hot chocolate

Software

  • ToDoist or Flow

    • Great for team projects and tasks

    • Assign tasks to individuals

    • Comments, Notes, Attachments for tasks

    • Notifications

    • ToDoist is simpler and quicker and is easier to view

    • Flow has more features like project notes and timelines, Calendar and Gannt views, plus a Slack-like Chat

  • OmniFocus for advanced personal projects and tasks

  • Apple One Premium

    • If you want to go all-in with Apple, Apple One Premium is the way to go - get extra iCloud storage, Apple Music, TV+, News+, Arcade and Fitness+ for one low fee and share with your family members

Other

  • Gazelle Ultimate C380 E-bike See also, my eBike Primer

    • Gates Drive (belt-drive, no derailer) Continuously Variable Transmission Gearing = silent ride

  • Tom Bihn and Waterfield bags

    • well-built and versatile bags of all kinds

  • Upside-down Fire

    • easy to built and to light

    • burns for a very long time without having to tend/stoke/futz with

  • Ecobee Thermostat

    • Smartly adjusts to your schedule

    • Knows local temperatures and learns how long it takes to bring your rooms up to temperature

    • External sensors to collect temperature information from additional rooms

  • Yogibo Max

    • Comfortable, lay down or sit up beanbag furniture

Ikea Helmer 6-Drawer Unit
Between home and work, I have 20 of these!
Organize your cords, adapters, tools, office stuff and accessories