Eureka 313A Enviro Hard-Surface Floor Steamer

i was a loyal swiffer user until i discovered the Eureka 313A Enviro Hard-Surface Floor Steamer. (i never loved the chemical smell of the swiffer, but found it to be quicker and less of a hassle than a traditional mop). i read many reviews on Amazon and finally decided on the eureka based on the lengthy review of an environmentally conscious home owner in Austin who had religiously tested out many models of steam mops.

I ordered the mop in December and have used it, at most, once a week, but more realistically, about once every two weeks. I have found that the cord is short and that I would have to unplug and re-plug about 4 times while using in my ranch-style home. also, I think that the design on the handle could have been better in order to house the cord without it getting in the way as you mop.

the handle also could have used another design tweak: something like a loop at the top (like my vacuum has) so that you don't lose your grip on the mop as you are pushing and pulling on it would have been a much better idea than the stick that is attached to the body of the mop which leaves my hand feeling cramped as i use it. (and, I am not a wimp!) it heats up relatively quickly (2-3 minutes) and leaves my floors steamed clean without leaving behind any sort of detectable scent, which I like. what I do not like at all is the fact that after only FOUR MONTHS, the steam mop has lost its ability to heat up, rendering it totally useless.

I called eureka with the serial number today and they immediately offered to replace it. this has me thinking that this must be somewhat of a common problem as they did not recommend fixing it, but completely replacing it. the worst part is that i have to send in a sticker to them from my mop and that it will take them TWO TO FOUR WEEKS to replace it. this is bureaucracy at its worst and i guarantee that this will be the last product i purchase from eureka.

my hope for you is that if you do decide to purchase this mop, you do not encounter the same problem with the heating element as me, nor do i wish upon anyone to have to deal with eureka's customer service, or lack thereof.

Changing My Work Pattern

For the last couple of weeks my time has been divided between working at home and commuting to client offices around the country. I love the outdoors kind of work - that's the reason I accepted this job, but as the family begins to expend, it has become apparent that my job would have to be something I need to look at properly.

My little boy is now 5 and needs to have me around after school and most nights to read bed time stories. With me flying around the country, that's not possible.

I will not sacrifice my family's happiness for my own financial gains...as such, last week, I put in a request to be working from the office; and someone else to take my place of going to clients. It is a tough decision, but it's something I need to do. There's no need spending all that time away making some other people happy - and leaving my son to learn to read on his own.

So, yesterday, I got the go ahead I was hoping for and will now be working from the office. It was a great feeling to know that I can come home after 5pm and go play ball with him at the park. Listen to him talk about what happened in school and his adventures. This for me is what I makes me happy. Money is a secondary thing.

To kick things off, we will be going to town to get a few books and have dinner  - all of us..
Then I will use the opportunity to buy a copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard Collector's Edition. I have always wanted to buy it, but didn't think I could. I'm a huge fan of Potter books - seen the movies, read quite a lot of the books, but didn't manage to have enough change lying about to put into The Tales of Beedle the Bard Collector's Edition. 


But I hear they are going on special offer, so I will take the opportunity to grab one. I will post here later to let you know how it went.