We often do a decluttering and deep cleaning of our homes from top to bottom but there's another thing we use pretty much every day that we forget about...your car! Think about it...you use your car a lot and it can get pretty messy.  I try to clean mine out thoroughly every season and as long as I keep up on it, it's not too bad after you get the first time out of the way. So here's how to declutter and clean out your car.

Read more »

Life Lately | New Car, Strong Hair, Healthy Dogs, Plastic Bag Alternatives

Yea, so I got a new car!   It was time for my gorgeous Cuppy to go.  I have always been so loyal to Honda so it was no surprise I ended up with a 2019 Honda Civic Sport Sedan. My 2006 Civic had 122k miles on her and she was 13 years old.  I got her when she had just 4,848 miles on her.  She was a great car and did not disappoint.  But she's been getting creakier, clunkier, rustier, and she's SO OUTDATED when it comes to technology.

It was time.   ((Cue dramatic sniffling))

Read more »

6 Reasons I Will Always Own a Honda

Have you ever been so sentimentally attached to a car that you want to cry just thinking of someday not having it? Oh well, if you haven't then you probably think I'm basket case but if you have, then you completely relate to what it feels like to own a car you LOVE. In case you haven't noticed in my previous posts about my Honda, I am so happy with my current car.  And get this... she's 12 years old! I'm always telling people the reasons to buy a Honda but I'm highlighting my top 6 today. 

Read more »

Cars & Coffee at Faulkner Alfa Romeo Maserati of Mechanicsburg [RECAP]

Over the weekend I attended a car event with the hubs and since he's into cars he's always attending all kinds of events in the Harrisburg area.   This time it was Cars & Coffee at Faulkner Alfa Romeo Maserati of Mechanicsburg. 




At this type of event, guests are invited to bring their car and share their enthusiasm for cars with other enthusiasts over coffee and breakfast.  The Facebook invite even said that test drives in Maseratis and Alfa Romeos would be offered for those interested!

Food was provided by Helena's Chocolate Café & Creperie in Carlisle.











It was really cool to see all the nice cars that the dealership had as well as the cars driven by all of the attendees.







The lot is very well maintained and the staff were super friendly to all of us in attendance.  There were all types of cars there for the event which was really neat to see and the breakfast spread was delicious!

So yea, I casually enjoyed macarons while shopping for a new car (Yea, right!) and taking pictures as if I knew what I was doing.




If you guys happen to be in the market for a nice car, definitely check out Faulkner Alfa Romeo Maserati of Mechanicsburg!

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram

Why Steam Cleaning Your Car is So Important

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

I've had good ol' Cuppy, my 2006 Honda Civic for 10 years now.  I have made it a priority all this time to keep her clean both inside and out.   Some people may laugh and think it's unneccessary but I have a few reasons why it's so important to me.

|It saves me money.|
First of all, I will NOT pay someone else to clean my car.  So instead, I do it myself and it's super easy because I obviously own a hose to clean the outside and for the inside, I now have an AutoRight Automotive Steamer! I can do it all by myself.

This thing is awesome!!! You have to understand how important it is to clean the interior of your car especially because of the soil and oils that become embedded into the surfaces.  The heat of the steam from the steamer loosens the bond between the dirt and the surface it's on so it's easy to wipe it off with a cloth. 

Even if you have leather interior, the heat of the steam opens the pores and the evaporation of the steam lifts the dirt and oils out where you can wipe them away.  Once you deep clean it, you can even add fabric or leather conditioners to your cleaning routing so that the longevity of your interior is increased.  The steam is 290 degrees and is powerful enough to disinfect surfaces from germs and bacterie but it still won't damage your interior. 

I love how easy it is to use.  The portable size makes it very convenient.  All I have to do is pour distilled water into the canister and replace the cap and then I plug it in and turn it on.  The heating element boils the water and creates steam within 8 minutes! Then I just pull the trigger and the steam comes out wherever I aim it.  And the best part is that I can run it for 30 minutes before I have to refill the canister. 


This SteamMachine comes with so many things like an 8-foot long hose which makes it so easy for me to move around with it.  It also has an 8 foot power cord and plenty of attachments like a microfiber towel, nylon brush, and a crevice tool!


You can purchase one from AutoRight here for $129.99.

|It keeps her fresh.|
Do you realize how stinky and musty a car that hasn't been deep cleaned can smell? So trust me when I say that you will be so much happier to have a clean, less germy, and less used interior if you properly take the time to steam clean it throughout the year.


|It keeps me satisfied.|
Some people are obsessed with that new car smell.  That means they want to buy a new car every few years.  For me, I want to get the most bang for my buck and stretch it as long as I can so I hope to keep this car till she is run to the ground.  Everytime I get in my car, I smile because she is fresh and clean just like she was when she was new.

|It shows pride of ownership.|
Obviously when you pay for something that you own, you should take pride in it and take good care of it.  I am so proud that my car is paid off and it's really ALL MINE.  So I want to take care of it and keep it running for as long as possible.


What do you do to take care of YOUR car?

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram

Saving Money When Caring For Your Car

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.  All opinions are mine alone.  #DotComDIY #CollectiveBias

Everyone always talks about how much of a money sucker a vehicle can be.  Even after you pay your car off you still have to dish money out for maintenance and upkeep right?  Well, if you are smart about it, you can actually save money when it comes to car care and all it takes is a little elbow grease and some smart purchase decisions.   So I put together the following tips and tricks for saving money AND taking care of your precious car. 

[1] Wash It Yourself
Sitting back and watching others wash your car is a beautiful thing but you can save money and get a little workout by doing it yourself.  If you have a house, you can use a hose, a bucket, a sponge, and some auto soap to give 'er a good scrub down. I get all of my car wash supplies from the Automotive section at Walmart. If you live somewhere that doesn't have access to a hose, you can still go to a car wash and do it yourself in one of the bays.  Just make sure you bring quarters with you. Just remember to hose it off initially from top to bottom  to remove any loose dirt, then wash it section by section (top to bottom) and rinse off as you go. 

[2] Inside TLC
When you're done washing the exterior you should always take care of the interior.  First start with a microfiber dust rag and carefully dust off your dash and any hard or plastic surfaces.  This way all of the dust and dirt falls to the ground BEFORE you vaccum.  It's also a good time to clean of the interior mirrors if need be.  Then grab a vaccum (or grab some quarters and head to the car wash to use theirs) and suck all the crumbs and dirt from the seats.  Once that's done, vacuum the floor, giving special attention to under the seats.   If you have rubber or plastic floor mats you can rinse them off whenever you wash the exterior of your car. 

[3] Check Air
Many gas stations have an air machine that you can use for free to check and refill the pressure in your tires.  This is very important if you want to save money in the long run because if you let your tires get too low on air, you can risk popping one and no one wants to dish out money on a new tire when they don't have to.

[4] Oil is the Blood of Your Car
I'm speaking from experience when I say that oil changes are one of the most important ways to maintain your car.  Trust me!!!  And if you're like me and have a car that's got some decent mileage you will want to check out Pennzoil High Mileage Vehicle Oil from Walmart.  No other motor oil provides better protection from friction and all Pennzoil products help clean out sludge that other oils can leave behind.  It helps to reduce leaks and oil consumption in engines that are worn or have higher mileage.  Oil helps your engine run clean and stay strong so make sure you keep track of when you're due for an oil change.  You can order your motor oil online at Walmart.com to save time in your already busy life, plus you can avoid the crowds!  And you can have the oil shipped to your house if you know how to change it yourself or you can pick it up in the store.  Pennzoil products are on Rollback right now for a limited time at Walmart.com so make sure you check out the special pricing!  Pennzoil High Mileage is a great option for me and it is designed for complete protection and will allow you to drive an extra 550 miles per year versus having a dirty engine.  So now you know why I say it can save you money (and miles!). 

[5] Shop All At Once
When it comes to the supplies you need to care for your car, you can certainly run all over town to different stores OR you can go to Walmart.com as your one stop shop for many of your daily needs even if it's not car related!  You can set up different pickup and delivery options and Walmart.com even offers curbside assistance.   

So not only can Walmart.com help you get all your car items in one place but it saves you time and money in the long run.  How do you save money on car care?

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram

9 of the Most Annoying Drivers

As if driving isn't stressful enough when you're stuck in traffic and the suns in your eyes...you also have to deal with morons, slowpokes, and people that legit think they are the only ones on the road.  Now, if you follow me on Snapchat you probably have already heard me bitch about all these different types of drivers.  And if not, well you are going to be thoroughly entertained, I promise you that!

Without further ado, I present to you 9 of the most annoying drivers on the roads.

//The Old Head//
You know it's gonna be a baaaaad time when a Buick pulls out in front of you.  It's almost always an older person.  They can be easily identified by the tissue box in their rear window.  They hold the steering wheel so perfectly and as they drive they don't move an inch. They don't even look left and right before crossing an intersection.   They come complete with the big ass wraparound sun glasses  that sometimes make me wonder if they can even see at all.  

//The Scenic Driver//
Everyone else is paying attention to the road, the signs, the speed limit, and the other drivers.  But noooo, the scenic driver is too distracted by looking out their window (usually with a passenger next to them) to look at... well, what ARE they looking at?   It's never any fancy houses or crazy scenery.   I start screaming HELLOOOO???? Look at the road!! They start swerving and randomly braking when they don't need to.  Maybe they don't know what a rearview mirror is because if they DID, they'd notice the long ass line of cars behind them that's being held up by the tourism.  Wanna stare out your car window? Get the F&$* out and take photos! 

//The Airhead//
The airhead is NEVER with it.  Lights will turn green and they just sit in the middle of the road day dreaming.  You must have had a real exciting night last night because you clearly can't get it off your mind. 

//The Compulsive Braker//
Good God these people are the worst.  You will be on the highway or on a winding back road (unable to pass them of course!) and they brake every 5 seconds.  Sometimes I wonder if they think it's the gas pedal.  Other times I wonder if they are afraid of every thing they pass because it seems to make them brake. 

//The Left Lane Moron//
The left lane is for passing and driving WITH traffic.  If you wanna dilly dally around, get the hell over in the right lane. 

//The Weaver//
This @$$hole weaves in and out of traffic like a nutjob which nearly causes everyone to crash.  And of course, there is NEVER a cop around to catch them.

//The Smoker//
Why does it seem like they threw their cigarette directly behind them to hit your car?  And ugh, that smell comes right through the vents. Thanks for the second hand smoke stinky!

//The Up Your Ass Driver//
I am always up with the speed limit so when someone is riding my ass it's simply because they are just a psychopath. 

//The Frozen Driver//
It's like their car froze and they can't move up an inch to help let someone cross the road or get into a parking lot.  They sit there with 10 feet in front of them and if they were paying attention to the world around them they'd realize that if they inched up, the other drivers could fall into the correct place.  Jerks!


So which type of driver pisses you off the most?  

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram

How I Prep My Car for Summer

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.  All opinions are mine alone. #SummerCarCare #CollectiveBias

Summer is my favorite time of year especially when it comes to driving my car.  There's something oddly satisfying about driving my car with the windows down and the music on full blast.  I actually did that the other day when I drove to get a pedicure for myself - summer prep of course because I need to wear cute open toed shoes! Speaking of summer prep, you toenails aren't the only thing that needs to be prepared for the nice weather.  That's why I've put together a post on all the ways I prepare my beloved Honda Civic for summer time!

|Scrub It Down|
Everyone wants to drive a nice shiny car so get out the hose and bucket or head to your nearest car wash.  When washing your car make sure you take your time especially when it comes to rinsing off all the suds so you don't leave spots on your car.  Also, pay attention to your wheels so you can clean any brake dust out of them.  I also hand dry my car so that I don't have water spots.  Trust me, the cleaner the outside of your car is, the more proud you'll be to drive it around this Summer.

|Clean the Inside|
Did you know that some people literally never vacuum out the inside of their car?  That's a scary thought.  Just think of all the dead skin cells, hair, dust, dirt, trash, crumbs, and who knows what else that can be in there.  No wonder some people are a sneezing mess when they drive!!!

Start by dusting the interior surfaces like the dash and steering wheel with a microfiber rag.  I then use water on a new microfiber to go over the dash again and get any residue and dirt off.  This way all the dirt and dust can fall to the floor BEFORE you vacuum. 

Next, clear all the trash out from the inside of your car. If it can be pitched - PITCH IT!   Then you can vacuum everything from the seats to the floor.  I also remove my floor mats so I can clean under them. 

|Check Your Oil|
While you're pampering your car, this is a good time to check the oil level.  Pop your hood and pull out the dip stick to check the levels.  Make sure you're on a flat surface when you do this.  Make sure your oil is at the correct level and consider getting an oil change depending on what your owner's manual says and when you last got one done.

|Check Your Tires|
It's dangerous to drive around with low air pressure in your tires because you can pop one and end up with a flat tire on the side of the road.  Check your owner's manual for the appropriate level and stop by a gas station to use their air machine to fill your tires to the correct levels.

|Replace Your Air Filter|
Air filters are so crucial in a car because it's like the engine's first line of defense.  A clean filter improves the air flow and keeps dirt and dust from getting on and damaging your engine.  Ensuring you have a clean air filter can increase acceleration, horsepower, and overall performance.  The best part is - most air filters can be installed in five minutes or less with a few simple tools.  I picked up a FRAM Extra Guard Air Filter from Walmart. FRAM recommends charing your air filter every 12,000 or once a year.  Make sure you follow recommended change intervals as noted in your own vehicle's owner's manual.    My old one was so filthy. BLECH!!! Replacing it was super easy.  You just have to: 

 

[] Remove the filter cover by loosening any clips or fasteners.

[] Remove top of Box Cover

[] Take out your old filter. 

[] Clean up any dust or debri left behind.

[] Install new filter and make sure it's pushed in securely.

[] Replace the cover and fasten into place. 

 

 

You can find FRAM Extra Guard Air Filters in the Automotive Section at a Walmart Store or Supercenter.

Just remember that taking pride in your car will not only make it look better but it will make you feel better about it.  

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Test Drive

This review was made possible by iConnect and Autotrader.  I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine.

Deciding to purchase a car is a big deal but test driving any vehicle before you buy it is vital to any decision.  Of course the next question is, how do you know which vehicles to test drive?  Well, Autotrader has announced the 2016 Must Test Drive Awards to help you with your choices.  They already get the chance to drive lots of cars so they decided to choose 10 vehicles to recommend to consumers for test driving. 

So how did they come up with their list? Well, they look for 3 major things during the test drives which are performance, comfort, and handling.   The vehicles selected are ones that can change the way the consumer perceives the model or even the entire brand. 

So the list of Must Test Drive Vehicles for 2016 is:

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

2016 FIAT 500X

2016 Honda Civic

2016 Kia Sedona

2016 Lincoln MKC

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300

2016 Nissan Titan XD
2016 Subaru Legacy

2016 Toyota Prius

2016 Volvo XC90

Soooo can you guess which winner I would most want to test drive? Well, of course the 2016 Honda Civic!  It has a fabulous interior with a very impressive list of available equipment options.  Of course Honda keeps with their best traits of having reasonable pricing, different engine and body style choices, and durability. 

Even if that's not your top pick, you can certainly still find another car from the list that's going to make you happy.  The best way to find out is to test drive it yourself.

With that being said, there are a few things to keep in mind during your test drive. 

Come prepared: Just like how you normally drive a car on a daily basis, you should bring along the people and items you travel with.  So if you have a kid and a car seat, bring them along so you can see how well the seat fits.  If you have kids that play sports make sure they bring all of their gear along so you can really see if the car you're test driving has enough room for you and your family's needs.

Find a new route: Test drives aren't long lasting so you want to make sure you come up with your own route rather than the usual one the salesperson goes on.  Go through neighborhoods, on highways, and feel free to join in on rush hour traffic.  This way you can see if the car does well with stop-and-go traffic or busy highway traffic. 

Embrace rough roads: You always want to make sure a new vehicle is good with tough surfaces so look for the bumpiest route you can.  This is an excellent way to determine if a car has a comfortable or way-too-bumpy ride.

Embrace curves: No, seriously - find the nearest backroad with plenty of curves and pay attention to how the car does on each curve.  Some cars are too top heavy and others make you sick to your stomach.  Make sure you ask your passengers how they feel as well.

Try parking the car: Of course you want to make sure you can fit your car into tight spaces so try parallel parking or backing into a parking spot. 

Technology: If the infotainment system is an option make sure you test the maps and connect your phone to see if it's really easy or not to answer texts, make calls, and interact with your phone. 

So which of these vehicles do YOU want to test drive?

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram

2 of the Best Life Hacks in Your Car

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

So if you are anything like me, you deal with a nearly dead battery with your phone and you struggle with finding where you parked your car when you're out shopping and running errands.    I generally spend a good 5 minutes roaming around parking lots looking for my car.  I don't have the time for that when I'm in a rush to put my shopping bags away and get home.  It's also terrible when it's dark out or when it's bad weather.   

The other issue I always have is charging my phone.  Unless I'm driving, I'm never around a charger long enough to get a full charge.  I can't stand not having a charged phone because I feel panicked as if I may not be able to use it in an urgent situation.

So my favorite life hack is ZUS.  That's right! ZUS is a smart car charger and car finder all in one!  

ZUS is designed in Germany and has a very attractive sleek look.  Compatible with Google Play and the Apple App Store, ZUS really helps light up the inside of your car with a top of the line lighting system. 

ZUS plugs into your vehicle's lighter port and can auto detect your iPhone or Android device! Even if there are multiple phones in your car, ZUS can wirelessly charge them all!  It does so quicker than your average car charger.  And whenever you park your car, ZUS makes note of where you are.  Then when you are ready to find your car later, you just open the ZUS app and it will guide you to your car. 

I have to say that it was so easy to set up ZUS and the app.   I like things that are simple and user friendly.  My iPhone charged within 2 hours each time I used it and it's such a luxury to be guided to your car at the end of a long day of shopping.  I love that ZUS helps light up the interior of my car near the cup holders.  It's normally very dark in my car but this really made a big difference.  I absolutely LOVE ZUS!!!! 

To find out more about ZUS Smart Car Charger and Car Finder - https://www.nonda.co/products/nonda-zus-smart-car-charger

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram

An Honest Review of the 2016 Lexus NX 200t F-Sport

I received a free week in this vehicle in exchange for my honest opinion. Read my Disclosure Policy.

So I spent the last week driving around in the luxurious 2016 Lexus NX 200t F-Sport SUV.

Pros:
//The AWD of this SUV was amazing.  It was great on the rainy days I had to travel on the highway or around town.  I didn't feel nervous once that I was going to spin out, slip, or be affected by the road conditions.  I love a vehicle that can keep it's cool along with me.


//The NX 200t handled around corners and sharp turns exceptionally well.  Surprisingly, the contents of my purse didn't spill out like I'm used to. 

//The best way to describe the exterior of this SUV is sexy and fierce.  I love the trim both inside and out but the headlights and the overall exterior design has such a badass look.  And while it's an SUV it doesn't have a bulky appearance.

//I love that you can select the driving mode - there's Normal, ECO (fuel efficient) and Sport.  I really love ECO mode because it truly had great gas mileage.

//The 2016 Lexus NC 200t F-Sport has amazing lighting on the inside and out.  Tap to turn on the interior lights if you're rooting around for something and don't worry about driving at night - the LED headlights are fantastic.  And for someone who squints all the time because driving at night means bright lights in my side and rear view mirrors - this vehicle was a miracle! Gotta love that sunlight reflection feature!

//The center console sits high up and I love it as not only an arm rest if I'm waiting in the car, but also it has amazing storage  space. 

//I have to say that the seats of this vehicle are the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in when it comes to driving.  Even after a 2 hour drive I wasn't sore or stiff. 

//I can't believe how much cargo space this SUV has.  I love it!

//The temperature control and heating system is a true blessing and I didn't have to wait 20 minutes till I could comfortably drive to work in the morning.

//This vehicle has a great sound system with an eight-channel amplifier and 8 speakers!   I also am in love with the Qi wireless charging tray inside the console box. 

//The 200t has some great safety features like a roof impact system in case the roof is impacted, Whiplash-Injury Lessening front seats, and 8 SRS airbags.  There's even a Pre-Collision System.  Talk about peace of mind.

Cons:

//The amount of knobs and buttons on the front dash was a bit overwhelming for me.  I tend to like more of a minimalist dashboard but I'm sure after a month in this vehicle, one would be used to where everything is and what it all does.    

//It may be because I'm used to having large open windows in my current card but I thought the windows were a bit small, especially the windshield and at times I felt "cramped" in a way.

//Obviously this is an SUV so it will be larger than most cars meant to fit into a parking spot. Still, I found it relatively easy to pull in and out of a parking spot and while it was especially tricky to parallel park in the city, the backup camera helped!

Overall, this is a great vehicle for anyone  that wants a comfortable ride, great technology, and PLENTY of cargo space!!!  This is like the queen of SUVs to me!

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram