Posted by Mandy M. Roth on Feb 21, 2010 in
Hell If I Know What It Should Be Labeled

As you all know, Hercules-our 8 mos old boxer pup- is super spoiled and thinks his throne is any item of furniture that doesn’t have a pillow tipped forward, blocking his ability to jump onto it. My old vacuum wasn’t doing the trick anymore. It had been fine with our other dog but we had her shaved down every 8 weeks so she didn’t shed. Herc is a horse of a diff color. The boy sheds like mad and I do NOT deal well with animal hair. So I decided to start pricing vacuums that are out there. I really thought I’d have to spend at the very least $400 to get something that would do the trick. After much shopping around, I kept coming back to this $200 model by Bissell (I ended up finding it for $149 at Home Depot on sale but Lowes wanted $190 and Sears wanted $169). The box made lots of great claims about how it was for pet hair issues and what not–even boosting a pet hair attachment. I’m cheap. I do NOT like to spend money even if I’m spending less than I had thought I’d have to. I’m also not afraid to take something back if its a piece of crap.
I got it home and Shane put it together for me (fast and easy assembly). I started in my family room, running it over a six foot section in the center of the room. I have off white Berber carpeting down there. I have always vacuumed daily and do a carpet cleaning twice a year. It didn’t look dirty. Um, let me start by saying OHMYGOD the fiflth the vacuum sucked up was just…. ahhhhh…. I lived with that there! Ahhh! It pulled up that much funk and I’d only done a small section of the room? GAH! I then did the entire room and utilized this fantastic feature the vacuum has. Its called “Lift Off & Go”. The entire center (motor area, cord, hose) unhooks from the base/upright vacuum. Its heavier than a dirt devil handheld but no where near trying to lug a vacuum around. And it has ALL the power of the vacuum. With a 30 foot cord I could move freely around the family room and even use it on the stairs. I put the pet hair furniture attachment on it and my navy loveseat that I assumed would never again be Hercules hair free–was suddenly navy once more!
I kept going, doing my entire house and every piece of furniture I own. I’ll admit it, I did the dog too. Hey, before you yell… he LOVED it! He was moving his butt end towards it like “Mom, get that spot”. LOL. I can’t stress enough how amazed I am at the power this vacuum, that was under $200 in the end, packs. Not only that but I just noticed that Bissell actually sells an attachment kit for $29 that is made FOR your pets, to vacuum and groom them. Holy shit, I’m soooo buying that!
I use this daily and I’d also like to stress how great it does on my hardwood floors and kitchen flooring. Other vacuums I’ve had in the past made claims of bare floor quality but only managed to throw the dirt behind the vacuum. This one sucks it up! It also has a feature where you can shut off the main turning brush thingie (like my tech terms) so that you don’t have the brushes going against your hardwood but still have all the sucking power. Did I mention its bagless? Bissell should so hire me as a spokesperson because I’m in love with this thing.
The pics I’ve included in the post are not my own. They’re from the web, Bissell site and Amazon. I’m including a buy link to the Amazon listing.

The Lift Off & Go Feature

Bissell Pet Hair Grooming Kit
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Tags: household items
Posted by Mandy M. Roth on Jan 14, 2010 in
Hell If I Know What It Should Be Labeled
An author friend of mine wrote this several years back and its rules I live by. Since I still can’t read it without cracking up, I thought I’d share it will you all again.
Writing with Children
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So I decided to take some time to myself and try to catch up on shows. I hoped onto Hulu and gave 10 Things I Hate About You TV show a go. Sadly, it didn’t quit do it for me. I made it to episode four. At moments I could have sworn they were doing their best to be Freaks & Geeks but falling short. Let it be stated that I’m no spring chicken and it could be that I’ve simply missed the boat on the series because I’m no longer in high school (and haven’t been for some time). I will saw this, the actors on the show aren’t bad. They’re different, fresh young faces and the show isn’t over the top angst. That was a plus. Have any of you watched it? Should I keep going with watching it or make a break now? I have a history of liking ABC family shows. They often bring something unique to the table that other channels lack.
I’m all ears.
(GOD I miss Freaks & Geeks! That should have lasted more than one season!!!!)
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That’s right! The Digital Bookmobile is coming to Ohio! Let’s all get up there and spread the word about ebooks! If you’re new to them, its a great way to get to know more about them!
Dayton Metro Library
WHEN:
Monday, August 17
9 am – 4:30 PM
WHERE:
Huber Heights Branch at Huber Centre
6160 Chambersburg Rd.
Huber Heights, OH 45524
Westerville Public Library
WHEN:
Tuesday, August 18
10 am – 5 pm
WHERE:
Westerville Public Library
126 South State St.
Westerville, OH 43081
Rocky River Public Library
WHEN:
Thursday, August 20
10 am – 5 pm
WHERE:
Rocky River Middle School
1631 Lakeview Ave
Rocky River, OH 44116
Cleveland Public Library
WHEN:
Friday, August 21
4:30 PM – 7 pm
WHERE:
On Gateway Plaza at Progressive Field
E 6th St. & Eagle Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library
WHEN:
Saturday, August 22
12 pm – 5 pm
WHERE:
Lee Road Main Library
2345 Lee Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(from their website)
The Digital Bookmobile is a community outreach vehicle for public libraries to promote downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, music, and video. Developed inside a 74-foot, 18-wheel tractor-trailer, the nationally touring vehicle is a high-tech update of the traditional bookmobile that has served communities for decades.
The Digital Bookmobile creates an engaging download experience around the host library’s digital media collection and ‘Virtual Branch’ download website. The vehicle is equipped with broadband Internet-connected PCs, high-definition monitors, premium sound systems, and a variety of portable media players. Interactive computer stations give visitors an opportunity to search the digital media collection, use supported mobile devices, and sample eBooks, audiobooks, music, and video from the library.
The Digital Bookmobile is hosted by individual public libraries in support of their download services and is operated by OverDrive, Inc. To see if your public library offers download books and more, visit the Digital Media Locator.
About OverDrive, Inc.
OverDrive is a leading full-service digital distributor of eBooks, audiobooks, music, and video. We deliver secure management, DRM protection, and download fulfillment services for thousands of publishers, libraries, schools, retailers, and aggregators serving millions of end users. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, OH. www.overdrive.com
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Posted by Mandy M. Roth on Jun 17, 2009 in
Hell If I Know What It Should Be Labeled
“This list has ten explanations of common, every-day things that you probably did not understand. And if you did understand them you’re far cooler than us. Using this knowledge you can impress your friends, family, or romantic interests, because nothing is more attractive to the other sex than knowing how random things work.” READ MORE
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Posted by Mandy M. Roth on Jun 15, 2009 in
Hell If I Know What It Should Be Labeled
Deidre Knight has a great blog post going about a call for change with RWA when dealing with e-pubs/small press. If you get a second, stop past and read it.
Special thanks to Angie for bringing the post to my attention.
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Posted by Mandy M. Roth on Apr 6, 2009 in
Hell If I Know What It Should Be Labeled
Video description, copied from site:
“excuse me, SHE’S AUTISTIC” is a film project which aims to educate the viewer on the daily trials of a single Mom raising an autistic daughter. Autism is a disorder that can affect the way a child behaves, thinks, communicates, and interacts with others. Kids with autism are affected in different ways. Some have only mild symptoms and grow up to live independently, while others have more severe symptoms and need supported living and working environments throughout their lives. Autism affects up to one in every 175 school-age children, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Approximately 300,000 school-aged kids have been diagnosed with the disorder. It’s more common in boys than girls, and is usually diagnosed when a child is between 15 and 36 months old, although signs of the disorder can show up earlier. Parents of a child with autism are often desperate to get help. Some parents of kids with severe autism may find that a child’s needs overwhelm the family’s ability to live peacefully.”
I just wanted to share this with you all. She’s precious.
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Posted by Mandy M. Roth on Mar 2, 2009 in
Hell If I Know What It Should Be Labeled
Going the Distance cover is being featured today..
Check it out!
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