Product Review: Roomba 500 series

I am a lazy guy, if there's something that can help me to clean less, I'm all ears. I have owned 4 roomba since 2002. The first 3 were killed by my dogs fur, the only survivor is my 2 year old Roomba 500 series. If you have pets, don't get anything lower than a 500 series, the older generation were not designed to handle fur.

One of the down side of being allergic to dust is that I must clean often, especially we have carpet. Let me tell you this, the Roomba WILL NOT replace regular vacuuming, you will still need to use your upright. However, the Roomba will reduce your vacuuming frequency. With 2 dogs in the house, I run the Roomba once a day, it learned my 2300 sqft home terrain and not miss a spot. Very impressive. I get a full bucket load EVERY DAY. Clean up is not bad either. With the addition of the Roomba, my house is able to cut down to Vacuuming only once a week with our Dyson. Not bad at all.

Here's a video of my Roomba in action, also my dogs are featured.

Mango Season and Poison Ivy

Mango season and poison Ivy.  Mango season is always something I get very excited about. That sweet tender fruit that melts in your mouth.  But while the scrumptious fruit holds its health benefits, it also can pose a risk for some unlucky individuals.  Mango is actually in the same family as poison ivy.  For individuals who have strong reactions to poison ivy it is important to try to have as little interaction with the peel as possible, as it can create the same chemical reaction, creating a rash.  If you are extremely allergic to poison ivy you may need hold off on the fruit as well.  A few ways to lessen the chances of a reaction: 1. Do not eat the fruit off of the peel (I have personally witnessed what a reaction to the lips can look like and its not particularly appealing..) 2. If possible have someone who is not allergic or has never had a reaction to poison ivy cut up the fruit (if I am around I would love to just know I will want a piece)  3.  Make sure the peel is disposed of and that hands and surfaces dealing with the peel are cleaned well.
photo credit: todbaker