About

Hi—I’m Merlin Miller. I live in Wilmington, North Carolina, in a little coastal house where I can hear gulls in the morning and catch a glimpse of sunrise over the water. After studying Environmental Science at the University of North Carolina, I spent nearly eight years working for a nonprofit focused on sustainable landscaping and native-plant gardens. During that time, I coordinated outreach events, helped homeowners choose pollinator-friendly plantings, and tinkered with beekeeping as a weekend hobby (yes, the “bees” in the domain name have a nod to that!).

Why This Blog

In early 2025 I decided to launch theamazingbees.com as a space for honest, real-world product reviews—and it turned out to be one of the best shifts I’ve made. My goal is simple: I buy (or test-borrow) the things people talk about so you don’t have to roll the dice. I write in plain language about how a product holds up, how it fits into everyday life, and what trade-offs you should know about. After years of recommending garden gear and habitat-improvement tools during my nonprofit work, I realised there was a big gap in reviews that were rooted in actual hands-on use rather than just hype. So I decided to fill it.

What You’ll Find Here

On the blog you’ll find reviews of gear and gadgets I’ve tried in real life—whether it’s outdoor equipment, kitchen tools, tech accessories, or home-organising helpers. I’ll talk about how something performed when the wind picked up, when the door slammed, when the coffee maker misbehaved at 6 a.m.—the sort of grounded detail I believe matters. I’ll also share buying tips, highlight common “gotchas,” and occasionally photograph how I’m using something in my own space—yes, there might be bees in the background of a shot, just for fun.

Why You Can Trust My Take

Because I spent a chunk of my career helping people ask the right questions before spending money on garden- or habitat-related tools, I bring the same mindset here. I care more about durability, usefulness, and value than the flashiest launch. I live modestly (we still use the same kitchen table I refinished ten years ago) and buy with the intention of keeping and using something rather than just swapping it out. That means if I buy it, I want it to last—and if I don’t think it’s worth the cost, I’ll tell you so.

Outside the Reviews

When I’m not trying out 12-hour battery lights or smart plugs or whatever new thing caught my eye, you’ll likely find me sipping tea on the porch, tending a patch of native wildflowers, or guiding a local school group through a pollinator-friendly garden I helped design. I love the quiet satisfaction of something well-made, of learning how things really perform, and of sharing those insights with others—not because it’s glamorous, but because good choices matter.

Thanks for stopping by theamazingbees.com. I hope you’ll find something here that saves you time, money—and maybe even a little regret. Let’s figure out what works together.

Author Profile

Merlin Miller
Merlin Miller
Merlin Miller is the creator of The Amazing Bees, an Amazon affiliate review blog built on honesty, curiosity, and hands-on experience. With a background in Environmental Science from the University of North Carolina and years spent working in sustainable landscaping, Merlin brings a practical and eco-aware perspective to every product he reviews. His early passion for gardening and beekeeping inspired both the site’s name and his down-to-earth approach to evaluating everyday tools and gadgets.

Now based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Merlin spends his days testing products in real-life settings—whether that means trying out kitchen gear in his coastal home or stress-testing outdoor equipment in unpredictable weather. His writing blends storytelling with straightforward advice, helping readers make smarter buying choices without the marketing fluff. When he’s not behind the keyboard, you’ll probably find him tending native wildflowers or sipping tea on the porch as the bees buzz nearby.
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