The holiday season is always a great time to explore new smart home gadgets, and this year was no exception! I recently picked up the Alexa with premium sound, and I must say, the audio quality is fantastic. It was such a pleasant surprise that I decided to treat myself to another one. While I’m still on the hunt for the Echo subwoofer, I’m really happy with how the sound system has enhanced my home entertainment experience. 
Another exciting addition to my setup is the Govee tower fan for my mom. She was looking for a quiet fan to use at night, and this one has been a perfect fit. It’s been a joy to see her enjoy the comfort it provides.
Speaking of comfort, I’ve also been experimenting with my lighting setup. I installed an Osram adjustable bulb to match the 3500K garage lights, which has made the porch lighting much more consistent. However, I did run into an issue where the bulb defaulted to 2700K after a power cycle. After some research, I found a solution by adjusting the settings through the SmartThings app. It’s great to have such flexibility!
Energy usage has been a topic on my mind lately. My light bill went up by almost $100 this month, but I knew it was coming with the addition of a few more smart devices. It’s a good reminder to keep an eye on energy consumption while enjoying the convenience of smart home technology.
Overall, I’m thrilled with how my smart home setup has evolved this year. It’s amazing how these devices can enhance daily life, from better sleep with smart fans to improved home security with motion sensors. I’m already looking forward to what next year will bring! 