New Video: Did These 3 Gadgets Improve Anything?

Also: Flashlight deal, newest vlog, a useful grout trick, and a blast from my Temu past

I hope you’re having a great weekend! I’ve got a new video out today that dives into some kitchen gadgets that looked promising... but didn’t quite deliver. I’m also sharing a few deals worth checking out, a grout-cleaning hack that actually works, and a throwback to one of the biggest reviews I’ve ever done. Plus, in case you missed it, I posted a new vlog yesterday with some thoughts on AI friends, a viral “kiss cam” moment, and a little peaceful park time with Bolt.

Let’s get to it!

NEW VIDEO ALERT 📽️
Reinvented or Overdesigned?

Do you need to reinvent the wheel?

Have you ever come across a product and thought, “Who asked for this?” That pretty much sums up my latest video. I tested three new kitchen gadgets that seem to be trying really hard to improve on classic designs, but didn’t quite hit the mark.

One of them is a strange apple peeler that looks as ingenious as it is impractical. Another is a cookie container that promises to keep Oreos and Ritz perfectly fresh and organized. And then there's the USB-heated ice cream scoop that might work for one at least one scoop.

If you don’t have time to watch, you can always read the written version here.

DEALS 🏷️
🔦Olight Baton 4: 27% Off

I use a similar Olight model myself, and they’re some of the best flashlights out there in this price range. Yes, you’re paying a bit of a premium, but you’re also getting a premium product. At 27% off (usually around $55), this one’s finally at a price that feels like a real deal.

🧹 Shark CarpetXpert HairPro – 30% Off
Seeing a newer Shark vacuum marked down by nearly a third is rare enough to stop and take notice. This is a more advanced version than the Shark model I own, and it’s loaded with all the features you’d expect in this tier. The current deal knocks $100 off the regular price, so it’s definitely worth a look.

🔧 Craftsman Pliers (2-Pack) – 28% Off
Admittedly, pliers might not be the sexiest item on this list, but this is a great deal nonetheless: over 11,000 reviews, a 4.7-star average, and it’s Craftsman. Two solid, highly rated pliers for just $16? That’s tough to beat.

Clean Grout with Just Two Ingredients
If your tile grout is looking a bit ragged, try this easy homemade cleaner:

Mix: 1 part baking soda and 1 part hydrogen peroxide.

Apply the paste directly to the grout lines and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush or small scrub brush (Amazon has lots of these). Wipe clean with a damp cloth and admire your newer looking grout!

ON THIS DATE 🗓️
16 Temu Gadgets (2024)

Are any of these Temu items even worth a buck?

Exactly one year ago today, I released my longest review ever, and packed more products into a single video than I ever had before. I took on a massive Temu haul featuring 16 different items, and the kicker? Every single one of them was under $1.

If you missed it the first time around, now’s a great time to revisit it. Grab some popcorn and settle in because this one is a deep dive into some of the weirdest budget finds I’ve ever tested.

LATEST VLOG
Contrarian Friends (Vlog 38)

Are fake AI friends better than real-life contrarian friends?

Yesterday’s public vlog covers a little bit of everything, starting with a look at the infamous “kiss cam” video that’s been making the rounds. I also share some thoughts on AI friends replacing real-life connections, take you behind the scenes of the kitchen gadget video I’m posting today, and wrap things up with some downtime at the park with Bolt.

That’s it for now! I hope you’re enjoying your summer and staying cool (unless you’re in the Southern Hemisphere - then I hope you’re staying warm!). I was out of town last week but I’m back to it now, starting my new posting schedule which will (hopefully) be reviews on Sunday and Thursday, a public vlog on Saturday, and content for members and Freakin’ 2 in between. We’ll see if I can keep that up through the end of August!

See you in the next video (or email)!
James