Gone with the wind

First off, we weren't sure what to expect when Dyson offered us the chance to try out its new DC23 Turbinehead, billed as the latest in "Level 3 Root Cyclone" technology. But once we got going, we quickly realized that's exactly what this 19.5 lb. unit is: a cyclone.

The DC23 Turbinehead seemed a bit bulky when we removed it from the box, but once we put it together---in all of, oh, 30 seconds---it became apparent that this powerful puppy was on a mission to remove all of the dust, debris, pet hair and yucky stuff we didn't even know was ground into the family room carpet. Our black lab's stubborn hair was no match for the 220 air watts of relentless suction. Even though we were tempted to see if our 6-year-old's Star Wars Legos stood a chance, the kid's howls of anguish stopped us before we could suck 'em up.

In addition to the sheer power that the DC23 packs, we could appreciate the additional tools for vacuuming stairs, crevices (don't go there) and the brush tool.

Not easily swayed, this mom---who absolutely hates cleaning---put the Turbinehead to the ultimate test: cleaning the family Sequoia. The verdict? No more trips to the self-serve car wash where the vacuum cleaners never really get the job done. The Turbinehead performed wonders, handling everything from sticky candy bar wrappers and fast-food leftovers to taking out those fine, black rubber granules that come from playing football on a turf field. The tools were especially good at removing gunk sandwiched between seats and beneath the seat-belt receptacles.

The receptacle that holds all the dirt has us promising to do better---there's nothing like having all of that dirt and disgusting stuff trapped in a see-through canister.

If you're already a Dyson fan or consider yourself a household gadget geek, then this is just preaching to the choir. But for naysayers who wonder whether the $399 is worth it, here's the deal: Yes, it's a lot of money, but in an economy where most of us are trying to make the most of every dollar, the Dyson comes with a 5-year warranty, their technical support is terrific and you can't beat the cleaning job that a Dyson does. Hands down, Dyson makes the best. Period. Washing the filter (there are no bags) takes only a few minutes a month and for those of us whose kids often end up wheezing and carrying on as we dust and clean, the unit is certified asthma & allergy friendly™.

---Gail H. Towns

A Mother-Daughter Moment

Sometimes the best things in life are free....like spending an afternoon with the kids at the beach, running from the waves and scraping sand from between our toes. Makes being a mom look like fun!

What was I thinking?

Your thoughts matter

I've been threatening to enter the blogosphere for years, but until now, never thought I had anything worthy of sharing.

But as a veteran journalist turned stay-at-home mom to three kids 8 and under, I realize that now, more than ever before, I've got plenty to say.

And so do you.

Enter Those Who Think, Ink.

Back in the day---also known as "Life Before Kids"---I never thought twice about working late, staying up all night partying or blowing half a paycheck on a new pair of Stuart Weitzman's. And once marriage and motherhood came on the scene, I didn't expect life to change all that much. Reasonable, right?

Wrong. Really, really wrong.

Now, keeping it all together means more than having the right earrings to go with the shirt I just happened to "pick up the other day" at Nordstrom's. Or having time to change into a new outfit before that mixer after work. Or managing to squeeze in a pedicure while I polish off a PowerPoint presentation during lunch.

For those of us choosing the path through parenthood, keeping it together often means finding time to connect--intellectually and emotionally--with our kids without putting ourselves to sleep as we read bedtime stories. Or having enough energy to truly enjoy our spouses (yes, that means sex and so much more) when we settle in each evening. And it means being able to thoughtfully sift through all of the research, news reports, anecdotes, hearsay and Other Stuff that tends to influence our choices and our children.

At Those Who Think, Ink, I'll have my say on the many topics the intersect that lives of my family and those like us: What's new on the market for families and parents, trendspotting and resources out there for busy moms and dads and links to the latest in useful news, recent studies, Web content, music & books and a whole lot more.

And it won't always be so serious. Look out for my rants and raves, as well as links to my newspaper articles, on everything from the Purgatory-esque task of grocery shopping with the kids to recent trends in birthday party rebellions.

So come on back and sit awhile. I'm glad you stopped by.