Source: aaa.com Seat belt safety isn't sexy but it is an important aspect to driving and riding safely. I like to think that makes it incredibly fashionable too. Did you know that you are 71% less likely to die in an accident if you are wearing your seat belt? So buckle up and take a few tips provided by me and FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) to stay safe this summer and all year long. … [Read more...]
2015 Kia Soul EV
Source: Kia.com I have to admit that the 2015 Kia Soul EV took me by surprise, big time. I drove a Soul last year and it was cute and fun. The girls liked it more than I did. Then the EV in 'Clear White' arrived and I got a bit of a crush. First, it has a Star Wars Storm Trooper quality to it inside and out. That got me excited to drive it right away. Then, I spent a week with it and didn't want to give it back. This car is electric. It contains a DC Fast Charge port (480V) and a 27kWh Lithium Ion polymer battery. I used ChargePoint.com to find charging stations that did quick charges (2-3 hours for a full charge) and DC Fast Charge (30-40 minutes for 80% charge). There were more stations near me than I even knew. Charging it up was easy, but daily, my one issue. The … [Read more...]
Summer Secrets by Jane Green
It's the summertime! For those of us who like to devour books by the day or week that can mean only one thing. SUMMER BEACH READS! If you are dying for a great read while you are vacationing or just taking a little weekend escape then I have a wonderful read for you. Summer Secrets: A Novel by Jane Green. Straight up, I read it as fast as I could last week before we left for the Fourth. In fact, H was packing up to leave and I was still lying on the bed trying to finish up the last few pages before we headed out. It was worth it. I couldn't put it down. It was light enough to be enjoyable while sitting on my porch or by the pool but had depth and detail in the story to keep me rooting for the characters. A little more about it... A shocking family secret is revealed to … [Read more...]
Then & Now with a Ford Mustang
A lot can change in 17 years. A LOT. Proof. This is H and me the night we met. Our first "date". Back when dates could be filed under sorority formals. And this was the car that he drove to pick me up. A 1995 Ford Mustang in bright red. Source I cringed when he picked me up that night in that khaki vest. I groaned aloud when I saw the car and made some remark about how it figured that a boy like him would drive a car like that. We were a blind date. This was no normal meet-cute across the campus quad. The rest is history. We went on so many dates in that car. I realized that this man can really make me laugh in almost any situation and smile. We took trips together and I helped him get his old Mustang ready to sell when he shipped off to Okinawa with the Marine Corps a few … [Read more...]
Must Have Summer Car Items
Summer is going to be here! The kids are out of school soon and it’s time to start planning your family’s agenda for the months ahead. I spoke with Cars.com senior editor Jennifer Newman (also a mother of two) and she offered up some tips on how to get your car ready for summer travel. Whether it’s longer family road trips or driving to and from day camps, parks and soccer games, you’ll be spending a lot more time in your car. Cars.com senior editor Jennifer Newman recommends some useful items to stock your car with to ensure your family’s car is summer ready. The 'It' List First-aid kit: Scrapes, cuts and plenty of tears are marks of summer. A well-stocked first-aid kit ensures that a boo-boo won't bring an early end to a day at the beach or playground. Towels: Throw a couple … [Read more...]
Ford F-150: One truck, a Million Ways to Work
2015 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab Fully redesigned for 2015 the new Ford F-150 boasts aluminium body panels and some small style changes that creates a rugged look that offers more substance rather than just sleek style. Don't me wrong, the grille and headlights are striking but there is no mistaking this is an F-150 and that is not a bad thing. I was excited to test this truck out. I haven't been behind the wheel of a truck for everyday driving purposes in almost ten years and I missed it. I'll willingly admit I was hesitant about it too. Last time I didn't have three kids in the extended cab behind me to shuttle to school. I burn a lot of gas that way each week but it was nice to have the usefulness of a truck which also contained a 2.7L Ecoboost V-6 engine. I didn't go through nearly … [Read more...]
Under the Hood with Barbara Terry
Heading into spring cleaning season, there is no better time to consider tuning up your car by making sure you are equipped with everything you need to drive safely and maintain your vehicle’s condition over time. The words “expensive” and “stressful” are often top of mind when car owners think about servicing their vehicles. National automotive expert Barbara Terry says that doesn’t have to be the case. Barbara is partnered with Cars.com to provide the information people need to make confident decisions when it comes to dealing with their cars. Tips for women and their cars: Educate yourself. The more you know about your car, the better off you will be. Knowledge is power. Get to know your vehicle, so that you are familiar with it and the owner's manual, which will come in … [Read more...]
Winter Trunk Show with Toyota
Welcome to my version of a trunk show with the Toyota Highlander with AWD! I had fun riding around during these last few weeks of winter with this Nautical Blue Highlander. While we might be safely out of the harsh weather here in the 'burbs of Washington, DC that is not the case everywhere. So I put together a handy list of what I stock my car with each winter and some additional items just to stay safe. I polled TMC readers asking them what items they keep in their cars and trucks in the cold winter months and in case they need to do snow plowing. Here are the most popular and important. Unless you live in Alaska, then you might want to add a sleeping bag and jumper cables to the mix. Stay winter-ready with snow removal company MJ Landscapers in Oakville. Their professional … [Read more...]
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0T
Source: Victoria Mason Some rides are worth getting excited for. The 2015 Santa Fe Sport with AWD from Hyundai is one of those vehicles. Right away I was drawn to the Canyon Copper color that sparkled in the sun while the dual panel sun roof beckoned me to take a ride and enjoy a day where we finally had blue skies. Source: Hyundaiusa.com Style-wise the Santa Fe Sport is ready for its close-up. I reviewed this car in the past (non-Sport model) and liked it and it has only improved over time. That's what Hyundai is all about these days. They made a crossover vehicle that performs well, is a pleasure to drive and has a dose of fun included in the Sport model. The interior is roomy without taking up too much space and really comfortable and well-appointed. Inside the Santa Fe … [Read more...]
ColorProof My Workout
When it comes to keeping up with my fitness I can be pretty serious. I eat right and give my body the fuel it needs per workout and pack healthy snacks to get through my day. I carry water with me everywhere to stay hydrated and healthy. If I'm running I'll wear my running shoes instead of my cross-trainers. It's all about using what you need and meeting the demands for that level of exercise. That means that even the products I use pre and post-workout have to work hard too. ColorProof 'DrySpell' Color Protect Dry Shampoo is my go-to product on the mornings I head to the gym and don't have time to wash my hair but just grab a quick shower after. I use it on the days I have to run out the door to get the kids to school and run errands but have no time to dry and style my hair. It's a … [Read more...]