Author: mat1926

  • Wellness – M&M Best

    Wellness – M&M Best

    Wellness

    Home Air Filter

    DIY 3M 20×30 MERV 14 Corsi–Rosenthal Box
    • As low as $50, compared to up to $999 for competition.

    Water Filter

    52-Cup Ready-Read 5-Stage Water Filter Dispenser with 5-Stage 0 TDS Water Filter – IAPMO Certified to Reduce Lead, Chromium, and PFOA/PFOS

    Kitchen Water Filter

    NSF Certified, High Capacity Under Sink 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter, RO Drinking System, 75 GPD

    Toothbrush

    Sonic Electric Toothbrushes for Adults and Kids , 8 Brush Heads Electric Toothbrush with 40000 VPM Deep Clean 5 Modes, Rechargeable Toothbrushes Fast Charge 4 Hours Last 30 Days

    Shower Filter

    Carbon Shower Head Filter System | Removes Chlorine, Heavy Metals, And More | Great For Dry Skin/ Hair, And More | NSF Certified

    Blood Pressure Monitor

    Blood Pressure Monitor for Home Use, FSA HSA Eligible, Bluetooth Smart BP Machine with Wide Range Cuff for Large Size Adult Arms, Muti-Users

    Smart Scale

    Smart Scale with Endless Power, Solar-Powered Scale for Body Weight, No Batteries Needed, Digital Bluetooth Body Fat Scale, Body Composition Monitor

    EKG Monitor and Analysis

    6-Lead Personal EKG Monitor – Six Views of The Heart – Detects AFib and Irregular Arrhythmias – Instant Results in 30 Seconds – Works with Most Smartphones – FSA/HSA Eligible

    Home Air Quality Monitor

    Airthings 2960 View Plus – Battery Powered Radon & Air Quality Monitor

    Basic Air Quality Monitor

    Smart Air Quality Monitor with PM2.5, WiFi, Temperature & Humidity Sensors, LED Display, 2s Refresh, 2-Year Data Storage

    Energy Star Dehumidifier

    4,500 Sq.Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier for Basement with Drain Hose, 52 Pint DryTank Series Dehumidifiers for Home Large Room, Intelligent Humidity Control


    Home Massage Chair

    iRest 2024 Massage Chair, Full Body Zero Gravity Recliner with AI Voice Control, SL Track, Bluetooth, Yoga Stretching, Foot Rollers, Airbags, Heating (Black)

    Elliptical

    SOLE E35 Elliptical
    • 2 year Warranty, Lifetime for frame and flywheel, 10.1″ Touchscreen, Sole App and integration with Youtube, Netflix, Spotify, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+ and more.

    Hope this helps. Save money, live healthy and be blessed.

  • Foods – M&M Approved

    Foods – M&M Approved

    Years of doctors giving poor advice and medication that never fixed our medical issue, we finally realized.

    “Let food be thy medicine”

    If you can grow all your food, Great. Otherwise here is a list of foods we have found helpful in our wellness journey.

    Beef – HEB Prime 1, aged a minimum of 14 days.

    One of the few beef providers that does not have a reaction for either of us.

    H‑E‑B Prime 1 Beef

    Organic Vegetables

    Salmon – Wild Caught

    Kirkland Organic Chicken Thighs

    Organic Chicken Thighs, Boneless Skinless

    Better Than Bouillon Organic Roasted Chicken Base

    Coconut Oil

    Kirkland Signature Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

    Olive Oil

    Cobram Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    Green Valley Lactose Free Cream cheese

    Citric acid – Vitamin c crystals

    Roots Circle All-Natural Citric Acid 

    Coffee Replacement


    Organic French Chicory Root

    Sweetener

    All-Natural Sweetener, Zero Calories – USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan, Kosher, Keto, Paleo, Gluten Free

    Organic Yellow Popping Corn

    Cookies

    Moderation😊.

    Royal Dansk Danish Cookies Tin, butter

    Costco French Toast Bagel (Water Boiled)

    Protein Supplement

    Keto Collagen Protein

    Apple Cider

    Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

    Men’s Multivitamin

    NOW Supplements, ADAM™ Men’s Multivitamin with Saw Palmetto, Plant Sterols, Lycopene & CoQ10

    Women’s Multivitamin

    Women’s Multivitamin with Cranberry, Alpha Lipoic Acid and CoQ10, plus Superfruits – Pomegranate, Acai & Mangosteen

    Vitamin D

    Vitamin D-3 10,000 IU

    Hope this helps. Save money, live healthy and be blessed.

  • How we reduced our Water usage by 50% and saved $481 per year.

    How we reduced our Water usage by 50% and saved $481 per year.

    Our water bill was getting out of control. 8,000 gallons per month or almost 300 gallons per day. Additionally our water bill was more than our electricity bill in an apartment.

    The final bill was less than 50% because of the standard monthly fees that are charged regardless of usage, however usage went from 8,000 gallons to 4,000 gallons.

    So we saved over $481 per year, and assuming 5% inflation the equivalent of $33,429.06 over 30 years.

    Here is how we did it.

    Corrective Actions

    Check your bill and target a reduction amount, example 50%.

    For many people 50 gallons per person per day is an easy target. And some people especially single individuals in apartments may be able to get this to single digits.

    The EPA claims the average water usage is 300 gallons per day for the average household.


    Check for leaks.

    We turned off all pipes, the water heater etc. then check the water meter and see if the spins.

    Then address any leaks, if found. One big waster is the toilet not sealing properly. Toilet Leak Detecting Tablets are great for this.

    Adjust the flow rate – Toilets

    Free – Adjust the Fill Valve

    Free – Add Ballast to Tank

    Free – DIY Dual Flush

    Short press for urine and longer press for other loads.


    Cheap – Add Overflow Fill cycle Diverter

    Toilet Overflow Fill Cycle Diverter, Saves 1/2 to 1-1/2 Gallon per Flush by Optimizing Amount of Water Going to Bowl


    Upgrade Toilet to Low-Flow with Dual Flush

    One Piece Toilet, 1/1.6 GPF Elongated Dual Flush Toilet 


    Adjust the flow rate – Faucets

    Free – Manually

    Free – Turn off water when not in use.

    Do not let water run, when not in use. Example when soaping up hands etc.

    Install Flow Restrictor

     Flow Reducer Limiter Set Water Flow Saver Adapter Set

    Install WaterSense Faucet

    Bathroom Sink Faucet, Watersense Certified

    Adjust the flow rate – Shower heads

    Free – Take shorter showers

    Install Flow Restrictor

     Flow Reducer Limiter Set Water Flow Saver Adapter Set

    Install WaterSense Showerhead

    Wall Mount Adjustable Fixed Shower Head

    Adjust Sprinklers

    Only water when needed.

    In winter, in many locations little or no need to water the lawn. Additionally when it rains, no need to water the lawn.

    Check sprinklers for leaks.

    When on, check the usage by viewing the change in the water meter and correct if high.

    Real-Time Monitoring

    Often a fast feedback cycle encourages changes.

    Smart Home Water Monitor & Water Leak Detector

    Education

    If you show others in the home how to save and share the progress while saving, they are often motivated to help.

    Hope this helps. Save money, live healthy and be blessed.

  • How we saved over $3,300 per year on our electricity bill.

    How we saved over $3,300 per year on our electricity bill.

    We had an ever-increasing bill that was heading to $500 per month. It topped out at $304.18 and we got it down to $24.38.
    Thank God.

    So we saved over $3,300 per year, and assuming 5% inflation the equivalent of $229,824.75 over 30 years.

    Here is how we did it.

    1. Identify high energy users
      • In our case it was the HVAC system, Freezer, Fridge, Dryer, Dehumidifier and water heater. The builder refused to fix various issues and prevented us from getting an independent evaluation.
      • To identify we used the utility website, which provides usage in 15 minute intervals. Then by turning off the breakers or noting when the usage changed we were able to determine the high usage devices.
      • Additionally we got a watt-meter to check devices at the plug level
      • Finally a thermal camera.
        Thermal images - home
    2. Corrective Actions
      • We scheduled the water heater and turned off when not in use, such as overnight.
      • We used the thermal gun to identify the areas, that needed more insulation. Then added insulation where possible.
      • We also heavily insulated the water heater.
        Water heater insulation
      • We upgraded the Dryer to a Heat Pump Dryer, the HVAC to Solar, Dehumidifier  to Energy star model, Freezer to Chest Freezer and The Fridge and to a modified chest freezer.
      • Additionally we turned off devices when not in use using smart plugs and the breaker to reduce phantom energy use. Basically most devices use power when plugged in and even if nothing is plugged in energy is used at the breaker level.
      • Finally we added solar panels.
    3. Lesson learned going forward
      • Design / Pick an energy efficient home.
      • Get multiple inspections during the build or quality inspector for built homes. DO NOT use the realtor’s inspector. Also, if the inspector charges extra for a thermal camera, do not use.
    4. Tools that were helpful.
    5. Some Home inspections videos

    Hope this helps. Save money, live healthy and be blessed.

  • M&M Best of the Best

    M&M Best of the Best

    Hello internet. 😊
    With decades in IT and the medical field combined we decided to share our Best of the Best list.

    Enjoy, being healthy and save much money. 💰💰💰.


    Home Appliances / Tools

    Air Fryer / Oven

    COSORI Smart 13-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, Airfryer Rotisserie Sous Vide Convection Oven Countertop, Bake, Broil, Roast, Dehydrate, 134 Recipes & 4 Accessories, 32QT, Silver, Stainless Steel

    Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 8 Quart

    Popcorn Popper

    Hot Air Popcorn Popper

    Dryer

    LG 7.8 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load Dryer with Dual Inverter HeatPump™ Technology and Inverter Direct Drive Motor System

    Home Tech

    Wireless Router

    ASUS RT-AX3000 Ultra-Fast Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router – Next Gen WiFi 6, Adaptive QoS, and AiProtection by Trend Micro | 1x WAN, 4x 1G LAN, 1x USB 3.0 – AiMesh Compatible
    • Low Cost, Dual Wan, VPN and Mesh Ready

    Mobile Phone

    Moto G Stylus 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 8/256GB | 50MP Camera
    • Low Cost, 5G cellular, Stylus, MicroSD, USB-C and NFC
    Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
    • Best of the Best for iPhone, Starlink DTC, All 5G T-Mobile Bands, iPhone SOS, NFC and Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
    Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
    • Best of the Best for Android, Starlink DTC, All 5G T-Mobile Bands, Google Satellite SOS, Google VPN, NFC and Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)

    More detailed list at the link below:
    https://emailmenow.com/index.php/2025/01/11/starlink-direct-to-cellphones/

    Mobile Provider

    Mint Mobile

    Smart Home – Govee
    * Pick the Bluetooth, or Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options.

    Govee Smart Plug 15A, WiFi Bluetooth Outlets 4 Pack
    Govee Smart Light Bulbs, WiFi & Bluetooth Color Changing Light Bulbs
    Govee Bluetooth Hygrometer Thermometer, Large LCD

    Home Security – WYZE

    WYZE Cam v4, 2.5K HD WiFi Smart Home Security Camera
    WYZE Floodlight Camera v2, 2800-Lumen LEDs, 2K HD Outdoor Security Camera
    Wyze Home Security Core Kit: Hub, Keypad, Motion Sensor, Entry Sensors (x2)

    Backup Internet – Starlink

    Reliable high-speed internet wherever you live.

    Entertainment

    Television

    Roku Smart TV – 55-Inch Plus Series 4K QLED RokuTV with Roku Voice Remote Pro, Dolby Vision
    • 4K, QLED, Roku has almost every smart TV app and then some.

    Soundbar

    Hisense AX5125H 5.1.2Ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer, 500W, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth 5.3, EzPlay, 4K HDMI Pass Through, Roku TV Ready

    OTA TV Tuner

    2-Tuner Over-the-Air (OTA) DVR – Watch, Pause & Record Live TV, News, Sports & Movies Throughout Your Home Over Wi-Fi

    TV Antenna

    Indoor Outdoor TV Antenna, UHF VHF, Multi-Directional, 70+ Mile Range, 4K 8K UHD, NEXTGEN TV – w/ 20-inch Mast 

    Motor vehicle

    Dashcam – Front and Rear

    ROVE R2-4K DUAL Dash Cam Front and Rear, STARVIS 2 Sensor, FREE 128GB Card Included, 5G WiFi
    • 60FPS @ 1080, rear camera included, Dual Band Wi-fi and great APP

    Rearview Mirror

    Universal 12 Inch Interior Clip On Panoramic Curved Convex Rearview Mirror, Anti Glare, Blue Tint,

    Blindspot Mirror

    Blind Spot Mirror for Cars LIBERRWAY Car Side Mirror Blind Spot Auto Blind Spot Mirrors Wide Angle Mirror Convex Rear View Mirror Stick on Design Adjustable

    Cabin Air Filter


    K&N Cabin Air Filter: Premium, Washable, Clean Airflow to your Cabin Air Filter Replacement

    Diagnostic Scan Tool

    Car OBD2 Scanner Check Engine Fault Code Reader Diagnostic Scan Tool

    Miscellaneous

    Clog cleaner

    FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Hair Clog Remover Tool, Pipe, Bathroom, Bathtub Drain Cleaner, 30″,

    Toilet Cleaner

    Professional Bellows Accordion Toilet Plunger

    Mop and Bucket


    O-Cedar RinseClean Spin Mop & Bucket System

    Hope this helps. Save money, live healthy and be blessed.

  • M&M Approved – Best Home Air Filter

    M&M Approved – Best Home Air Filter

    Hello internet. 😊
    With decades in IT and the medical field combined we decided to share our Best of the Best list.

    Enjoy, being healthy and save much money. 💰💰💰.


    Best Home Air Filter – DIY 3M 20×30 MERV 14 Corsi–Rosenthal Box
    Four 20×30 3M MERV 14 Filters
    20″ Box Fan
    Masking Tape

    DIY  Corsi-Rosenthal Box Fan

    Pros
    Keeps PM1 and PM2.5 at zero.
    Last months without need to replace.
    Inexpensive – depending on sales as low as $50 or less
    Filter size is in many cases 6 times or more larger than the competition
    In the bedroom becomes “white noise” machine

    Cons
    You have to make it yourself (10 minutes)
    Noise when use in the bedroom etc.
    Depending on skill unfinished look.

    Here is a guide to build your own.
    https://youtu.be/hIuH-2naozI

    Competition

    Top Air filters


    Blue Pure 211i Max – $349 (Wirecutter Pick)
    Coway Airmega ProX – $999 (Consumer Reports Pick)

    Hope this helps. Save money, live healthy and be blessed.