Welcome to “How I Became,” the Lifehacker series where I ask real people how they really got their jobs. This week I’m chatting with Aubre Andres, an award-winning children’s book author. She mostly writes nonfiction, but also some short fiction for publishers like Disney, American Girl, Scholastic, National Geographic Kids, and more. Here’s how Andres came […]

More than anything else, smart home technology is about accessibility: Being able to control your home through your phone or voice means more people can live independently. The average age of Americans has risen to the highest it’s ever been, and our aging population is going to explode over the next 25 years. Smart home […]

My Rice Krispies Treats memories involve a massive pot, a stovetop, and stirring a whole stick of butter for 10 minutes. Delicious, but it’s a big to-do—and who wants to clean that giant marshmallowy pot? I too was a prisoner to this method…until I saw my boyfriend’s mom make a batch in the microwave. As […]

As streaming devices go, Roku and Fire TV Stick both seem similar from the outside. They’ll both cost you around $20 to $40 depending on the device (and if there’s a sale going on). They both do a good job of turning your regular TV into a smart TV where you can stream your favorite […]

When you’re taking stock of what you’ve accomplished, it’s easy—and understandable—to get wrapped up in what you haven’t done or want to do better. You have to remember to recognize wins big and small, though, to keep yourself motivated. The balance between positive and negative as it relates to productivity is delicate, but you do […]