Animal Lovers Biggest Helper

Review of: Bissell 1200B SpotBot Hands-Free Compact Deep Cleaner Carpet Cleaner

By: Danielle Bourgeois

Rating: 5

Read review on Judy’s Book.

As the foster mother of four puppies, and the adoptive mother of two so-so potty-trained adult dogs, I’ve found the SpotBot® to be a real time-saver. (Not to mention saving my back, my knees, my carpet, and my security deposit.)

The SpotBot® is a compact deep-cleaner (not a steam cleaner) and runs on AC power. There is a plastic tank on each side of the cleaner; one for the water/formula solution, and the other for the collection of the dirty water. There is a control panel on the top of the unit, directly under the handle, that sports sleek silver buttons for the set-in stain and fresh stain settings. There are also buttons for stop and pause/resume. An approximately 6-foot accordion hose wraps around the base of the cleaner and snaps into place; the head for the hose snaps onto a separate docking area. The bottom of the unit houses a large round brush/beater bar combination that is approximately 8.5 inches in diameter; it rotates in a clockwise motion above the dirty carpet area. Sixteen ounce bottles of Little Green™ formula and OxyGen™ formula are included. (I primarily use Bissell’s Pet Odor and Stain Removal™ formula, which does a fantastic job of removing the odor and stains that accompany pet accidents. I used the Little Green™ formula and was impressed with it as well. I haven’t yet had to use the OxyGen™ formula, an oxygen-boosting stain removal accelerator and pre-treatment, although I have to believe it works just as fantastically as their other products.)

The clean and dirty tanks snap in and out with ease. The clean tank is clearly marked with fill lines for formula and water on one side and OxyGen™, formula, and water on the other. I have a minor quibble with the design of the wedge-shaped clean tank. It can’t be placed flat for easy filling as the fill opening is in the base of the tank, and the plastic cap protrudes about an inch-and-a-half, making the base uneven. The clean tank must be held upright in one hand while the formula and water are poured. The dirty tank is also wedge-shaped and marked with full-line and I recommend that you empty it before you reach the line. Lately I’m having issues with my dirty tank leaking a bit so I’m trying to empty each time I use it. (Note: I’ve researched this issue on Bissell’s site, and it may be due to user error. I have removed some dog hair that might have been preventing a good seal from being made and I’ll monitor the situation and post as necessary.) Emptying the tank is easy, as is rinsing residue from the tank.

Although two of the puppies have since been adopted since I bought the SpotBot® from Target two months ago, we still have two puppies, plus the two adult dogs, and the SpotBot® gets a pretty steady workout. It has performed consistently – and amazingly – well, removing set-in stains, as well as fresh ones, with ease.

I primarily use the SpotBot® for cleaning up puppy piddles, so the majority of my use is for fresh stains. However, I do agree with the poster who finds that the set-in stain setting does a better job overall, and this is the setting that I usually use.

Since my puppies don’t usually have accidents that are more than nine inches in diameter, it is easy to place the SpotBot® on top of the accident, hit the set-in stain button, and walk away. (Don’t walk too far, though, because the cycle-complete beeping can only be silenced by physically pressing the stop button on the unit.) Upon completion, my personal preference is to move the SpotBot® off of the cleaned area to allow the slightly damp carpet to dry completely. (I finger-rake the area after drying to avoid a living room full of “crop circles”.)

The brush accessory does a fine job on stains larger than nine inches in diameter (think adult dog.) As mentioned previously, the brush head and hose each dock securely onto a plastic protrusion. The button to uncouple the docking is slightly depressed and very small, making it a bit difficult to uncouple, even for me who has moderately long fingernails. (If you don’t have fingernails, good luck.) The head itself has a row of brushes for scrubbing, and a trigger for spraying solution. The suction is excellent and I rarely have to make more than one or two passes to remove all liquid from the carpet.
(Do be sure to put the hose back after use because hands-free doesn’t work while the hose is unwound.)

For set-in stains, the SpotBot® is just as amazing. I used the hands-free, set-in stain setting on a black stain I couldn’t get out of my beige carpet, and six minutes later it was gone – like it had never even existed!

In closing, I agree with the Amazon reviewer that said the SpotBot® is worth at least three times the going rate. (I paid $79 at Target.) It performs magnificently and is so simple to use that no one in my family has any excuse for not getting a stain cleaned up immediately. The one problem I’ve had with it (the dirty tank leaking) was easy to identify and remedy (I hope) using Bissell’s excellent online support documentation. (I haven’t had to use their toll-free customer support line, but they get high marks on the Amazon.com reviews.) If you’re considering buying this, you can’t go wrong. Get going and get off your knees!

Best Live Music, Best Mixed Drinks

Review of: Forget About It

By: Danielle Bourgeois

Rating: 5

Read review on Judy’s Book.

Conveniently located at the intersection of Jones and Grant Roads, Forgetta’Bout It is more than a place where two roads come together – it’s where live music and Houston meet.

Forgetta’Bout It, or FBI as it’s affectionately known by the regulars, has always been active in growing and promoting the local music scene. Long a favorite of some of the hottest local acts, the 24-foot stage and in-house PA and lighting systems are also attracting national touring bands such as Stryper, L5, Barefoot Bride, and Bang Tango.

Forgetta’Bout It doesn’t feature one type of music, although hard rock and heavy metal acts do play there frequently. However, it’s not unusual to find tribute bands to such diverse acts as the Beatles, Tin Lizzy, the Eagles, Def Leppard, and Journey playing there, either.

When you’re done boogying on the huge wooden dance floor, there’s plenty more to keep you entertained. You and your friends can shoot pool, throw steel-tip or soft-tip darts, and play shuffleboard, all while keeping up with the latest sports and events on FBI’s 25 TV sets.

A free Texas Hold’Em poker tournament is held every Monday night from 7-10 p.m, and every Wednesday is open mic night.

Forgetta’Bout It’s full bar is staffed by friendly bartenders and wait staff, and features the requisite draft beer, mixed drinks, and shots. FBI is also available for private parties, complete with catering.

Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen

Review of: Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen

By: Danielle Bourgeois

Rating: 5

Read review on Judy’s Book.

Sylvia’s Enchiladas, located at 12637 Westheimer Rd, Ste 140, Houston, TX, 77077, is located just west of the Westheimer and Dairy Ashford intersections in the bustling Westchase section of Houston. Tucked away in a strip mall, incongruously located next to a giant McDonald’s, it’s easy to miss this cozy eatery amid the convenience stores and fast food joints that clog the landscape.

Step inside, though, and the frenetic energy of the outside disappears. Inside the light is soft, and the hum of conversation is punctuated by the clink of silverware and the rattle of ice cubes. You’ll be greeted warmly, perhaps by Sylvia herself. A trim, aristocratic woman, Sylvia practices hands-on management, personally querying diners as to their experience. Indeed, her presence is felt throughout the establishment, from the quaint collections of miniature tea sets artfully arranged in the nooks and crannies of the dining room to the framed portraits of the proprietress smiling down on diners from the surrounding walls.

Service is responsive and patrons are usually seated immediately. However, as Sylvia’s becomes more and more popular, there are nominal wait times of ten-fifteen minutes at peak times, so plan to arrive early during these times.

Bottomless baskets of tortilla chips are served with bowls of salsa, which is a good thing because the smells wafting from the kitchen will soon have your stomach growling.

The menu boasts 18 varieties of enchiladas, from the classic enchilada entrée featuring cheese, chicken, or beef enchiladas with chili gravy, to the more exotic offerings such as Enchiladas Tampico, an enchilada loaded with tender, sautéed shrimp and topped with a Spanish-style sauce. My personal favorite are the Enchiladas Monterrey, stuffed with a succulent filling of melted Monterrey Jack cheese and smothered in Salsa Espanola, a red salsa with beefy chunks of tomatoes. (Beef and chicken are also available for carnivores.) The Crystal City enchiladas are just as tasty, bursting with fresh spinach and covered in a tomatilla sauce. Classic Mexican fare such as tacos, chalupas, and quesadillas aren’t forgotten, either, cooked up with just as much care and flavor as their enchilada counterparts.

Be sure to save room for dessert. Sylvia’s is known for its Tres Leches dessert and serves two varieties – pastel and chocolate. Creamy flan topped with a warm caramel sauce, sopapillas, and chocolate cake are also great ways to end your meal.

Dining is casual and the entrées are reasonably priced, with the average cost being around $10. There’s a fully stocked bar with the requisite frosty margaritas, and an outdoor dining area as well.

For a complete menu and more information, visit Sylvia’s on the web at http://www.sylviasenchiladakitchen.com/.

Spirit Alterations

Review of: Spirit Cleaners

By: Danielle Bourgeois

Rating: 5

Read review on Judy’s Book.

When my daughter and her best friend received their band performance gowns the night before the concert, the only choice this non-sewing mom had was to use Stitch Witchery to take up the hem. (Stitch Witchery is a bonding tape that melts when ironed, effectively gluing the fabric together.) The gowns – long, black, polyester numbers – each had about a foot of excess length, but the Stitch Witchery did a good enough job until I could get it to Spirit Alterations a week later.

The lady that helped me was very nice and patiently accommodated two giggling teenage girls. Thankfully the girls managed to hold still while the lady pinned the hem, however, even if they had been squirmy (think little kids), her hands were steady and I think she would have pulled it off with aplomb.

We didn’t need them right away, and even though she could have had them done within a day, we opted to pick them up about two weeks later. When I picked them up, the hems were perfectly straight and exactly the right length. The dresses were ironed and hanging neatly on their hangers, ready to go to the next concert. (And God bless her, she managed to get the Stitch Witchery residue out, too.)

I absolutely recommend Spirit Alterations, and will definitely use them again. They are located at 1660 S Dairy Ashford Street, Houston, TX, 77077, on the northwest corner of Dairy Ashford and Westmere Streets.

Note: They are listed in the phone book as Spirit Cleaners, however, the signage clearly identifies them as Spirit Alterations.

Competent, caring professionals committed to pets and their care

Review of: Ashford Veterinary Hospital

By: Danielle Bourgeois

Rating: 5

Read review on Judy’s Book.

When we moved to Houston nearly five years ago, we found Ashford Veterinary Hospital by pure luck. Over those five years, the doctors and staff of Ashford Veterinary Hospital have seen our family through routine vaccinations and exams, as well as treating more acute incidents. Always accommodating, they’ve provided care for even those last minute emergencies that always seem to occur five minutes before closing time.

Located at 12633 Whittington Drive, Ashford Veterinary Hospital is a stylish, compact building trimmed in blue and nestled between leafy trees. (They double as fire hydrants for nervous dogs.) Separate dog and cat entrances reduce the chance of inter-species hostilities.

The clinic is staffed by friendly, knowledgeable workers that treat the pets with genuine affection. The front desk is efficient and organized, and a hanging white board prominently showcases the the names of that days patients in a bright and colorful welcome. The counter areas display educational literature, as well as brochures for upcoming pet events.

The facilities are clean and feature surgical suites, an ICU, a lab, an x-ray room, and separate cat and dog boarding areas. The equipment is modern and the doctors are versed in the latest veterinary developments. Moreover, the staff encourage you to take the tour of the facilities – be sure to ask when you visit.

The clinic is staffed by three veterinarians, all of whom espouse quality care. Prevention is encouraged, and doctors work with the clients to develop a treatment plan to effectively care for the patient while keeping the financial aspects in mind.

In addition to dogs and cats, Ashford Veterinary Hospital also treats pocket pets and rabbits. Microchipping, spay and neuter, dental care, grooming, and boarding are just some of the services they offer. An impressive selection of premium dog and cat foods line nearly an entire wall in the lobby areas.

Also, a discount is offered for pets being adopted from animal shelters.

Choosing a vet is an important decision and requires a great deal of trust in the vet’s abilities and philosophies. After five years of working with Ashford Veterinary Hospital to provide the best care for my pets, I have absolute faith in their skills and enormous respect for their commitment to quality care.

Ashford Veterinary Hospital can be visited online at http://www.vcaashford.com.

Houston Cowgirls Need Hollywood Nails

Review of: Hollywood Nail Spa

By: Danielle Bourgeois

Rating: 4

Read review on Judy’s Book.

I have been a customer of Hollywood Nails for three years, and the cleanliness, ambiance, and value can’t be beat.

As a former medical worker, sanitation is key concern of mine, and Hollywood Nails strict adherence to sterilization procedures was the primary attraction for me. Fresh tools are used each time (they remove them from a sealed package) and each time I’ve passed the autoclaves on the way to the waxing area, the machines have been whirring away. I’ve also had many opportunities to watch them sanitize their foot baths and manicure/pedicure areas, and each time they’re efficient and thorough. (It is worth noting that Hollywood Nails has recently begun displaying a notice to customers that they’ve never received less than a 100% on their health inspection.)

If you go for a pedicure and manicure, or just a pedicure, your service will be done in the spa chair, I highly recommend this! As new age music plays softly overhead, the chair kneads the stiff and tired from your muscles, and the warm water jets pulse against your feet. Heaven!

The manicures/pedicures are thorough, but it depends on who you get as to how thorough. Most of the time they don’t spend a lot of effort on making sure the heels/outside of the feet are smoothed, however, the cuticle shaping/nipping and polish are almost always perfect.

Eyebrow waxing is performed with such flair that any Hollywood starlet would be pleased with the results. The lady that usually provides this service has a real gift. (I once took off half my eyebrow trying to do it myself, so believe me when I tell you how much I appreciate her talent.) The waxing won’t be painless, but the results are worth it.

Prices are competitive, or just below, other nail salons, with a manicure/pedicure combo running $25 at the time of this writing. Appointments are accepted, and cash and credit cards are preferred.

The staff was friendly and – most importantly – patient with our
frequent questions and requests for paint refills. At the end of the
night we handed over our newly painted bear, dog, cat, and horse so
that they could be fired. They were available for pickup a week later,
as promised, and came out great! (Do be sure to paint your initials on
your figure somewhere. Finished pieces are not segregated by customer
and it can be difficult to find your piece if it hasn’t been marked.)

Glazed Over frequently runs specials that make a great deal that much
sweeter. Be sure to check their site often for more information.

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