I'm not sure this the "weed thrasher" but... My husband (before we were married & and before I took over care of the yard) used some type of gizmo on his weed whacker. I am resistant to change so after using it once or twice discarded it. I had/have an echo I like better. I admit that "string" can be a pain in the butt sometimes especially since I have to keep the directions with the trimmer so I know whether to wind it CW or CCW!! I got the low down from DH: he used some plastic blades that he didn't like because they tore up his trees (duh). He also used (and liked better) a snap on "string" that is thicker than regular string and is pre cut to length. when I came along his yard/by the lake was very over grown and I was replacing those snap on things too often. Maybe the plastic blade thingys would have been better there.

You guys are right - we all want them to work, because there is nothing else on the market that would do the job (Even FoodSaver bags are too small to store clothes and comforters - I checked with their rep). I am having a few problems with small cuts/tears causing leaks. They're fairly easy to find, just put your ear close to the bag and listen for a "whishing" sound indicating there is a leak. Then put some packing tape to patch it up. I used the clear tape, instead of duck tape, so that they still look presentable. Then I re-sucked the air and hoped for the best. If they re-inflated again, then I would look for another leak. I did that with the first bag I started using. Now, seeing the countless complaints all over the internet, chances are, 99% of all bags are defective due to plastic not being strong enough. So...... I'm thinking, before I even start using my next bags, I should take the packing tape to them and tape up the entire bag, just to make sure? What do you all think of this idea? Any other suggestions are welcome.

I got the aqua rug at Bed Bath and Beyond. I love this thing. First of all, it doesn't slip around. Second, it does make cleaning the bottoms of your feet super simple. No bending. No effort. Just rub your foot back and forth. And lastly, which is a benefit I hadn't considered until I realized, it prevents hair from going down the drain. It just sort of runs up to the edge of the mat and doesn't run underneath. A quick wipe with some paper and toss. You also don't have to pick the mat up so that it can dry underneath. The water goes through and doesn't pool. It's a simple little thing and it works.

If anybody gives that new Hurricane spin mop a try, post back as to how it worked for you (or didn't!). There has been an infomercial on it recently. I dislike probably ever mop I've bought -- the string mop, the mop that has strips of a felt-like microfiber (like the Wonder Mop, like Libman makes), the sponge mop (I can never get the replacement sponges in easily). I don't use Swiffers anymore, but I do use a Libman Freedom Soft Mop, with the cloths you pull off the mop head and toss into the washing machine. Here is a link that might be useful: Hurricane Spin Mop