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Cars 3 – Movie Review and Printable Activity Sheets

Lolli — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 14:00:22 +0000

Earlier this week, my family and I were invited to a screening of Cars 3. Although our seats were complimentary, all thoughts and opinions about the movie are my own. Amazon affiliate links are used in this post.

I remember, back in 2005/2006 when I saw the trailers for the first Cars movie. Even though I had a 5-year-old boy at the time who was the ideal age for a movie all about cars, I had a hard time picturing how *I* would enjoy a movie with talking cars. I decided to trust Pixar’s track record (I had loved everything they’d released, so why wouldn’t I love this one?) and Cars certainly didn’t disappoint.

MEET THE LEGENDS — Lightning McQueen comes hood to hood with a group of characters who represent the roots of stock car racing—and provide a link to Lightning’s late coach and mentor, Doc Hudson. From left: River Scott (voice of Isiah Whitlock Jr.), Junior “Midnight” Moon (voice of Robert Glenn “Junior” Johnson), Smokey (voice of Chris Cooper), Louise “Barnstormer” Nash (voice of Margo Martindale), and Lightning himself (voice of Owen Wilson). “Cars 3” opens in U.S. theaters on June 16, 2017. ©2017 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

That little 5-year-old boy is now a tall 16-year-old who is learning how to drive, and I had no doubts that Cars 3 would be a family favorite.

I wasn’t disappointed.

I have to say that Cars 3 brought the story line back to the heart and soul of the original movie, and I absolutely loved that. Cars 3 is rated G and 100% appropriate (and entertaining) for even the youngest child, and it has a message that can be appreciated by kids and adults of all ages. I found myself really touched by the message of this movie. It took a turn that I wasn’t expecting that left me feeling all warm and fuzzy.

Now that I have teens instead of young kids, I love finding animated movies that are still equally entertaining for the older crowd. My husband was especially impressed with the movie and commented after the screening that he was laughing throughout the entire movie.

I think Cars 3 will take a place amongst other timeless feel-good sports movies because its message is universal amongst athletes in all sorts of fields. Athletes tend to have short careers, with retirement often coming around 30. That means that they have their entire life ahead of them when their careers are over. It must be tough to essentially start over and find something new to fill not only their time but their passions.

CRAZY 8 DRAMA — In “Cars 3,” Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) hits the road in an effort to reignite his career. Along the way, he finds himself in the middle of a smash-and-crash, figure-8 race, facing off against local legend Miss Fritter, a formidable school bus who—like #95 himself—doesn’t like to lose. Featuring Lea DeLaria (Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black”) as the voice of Miss Fritter, Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 3” opens in U.S. theaters on June 16, 2017. ©2017 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

I saw Cars 3 in 3D, but for this movie, I’d say you won’t miss anything important if you decide to go for the regular showing. I know that some of my family members have a hard time with 3D glasses and I always like to know when a movie is a must-see-in-3D event. My recommendation: definitely see Cars 3 in theaters, but save your extra cash for some popcorn!

About Cars 3

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!

Directed by Brian Fee (storyboard artist “Cars,” “Cars 2“) and produced by Kevin Reher (“A Bug’s Life,” “La Luna” short), “Cars 3” cruises into theaters on June 16, 2017.

Did you know? “Cars” (2006) and “Cars 2” (2011) took in more than $1 billion in combined worldwide box office.

Catch Up on Cars:

Did you know? “Cars” won a Golden Globe® for best animated feature film and two Annie Awards for best animated feature and best music in an animated feature production. Composer Randy Newman won a Grammy® for best song written for motion picture, television or other visual media (“Our Town”). The film was nominated for an Oscar® for best animated feature film, as well as best achievement in music written for motion pictures, original song (“Our Town”).

Cars 3 Printable Activities for Kids of All Ages!

To print off the activities below, simply CLICK the image to get the full-sized PDF version (note: there are multiple pages of each activity – these are simply previews). Enjoy!

The wait is over! See Cars 3 in theaters now!

What We Love About the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica

Lolli — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 19:28:55 +0000

This post is sponsored by FCA US; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. #DrivePacifica

I realize that most people don’t get excited about a minivan. I’ve been a minivan driver for the last 17 years (nothing beats a minivan for space for big families like mine!) but I have never driven a minivan as cool as this. I think the Chrysler Pacifica might sway more than a few minivan-skeptics. It’s a game-changer.

We recently test-drove the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica for a week, which happened to include a weekend trip up to Pennsylvania, with my husband, four of my kids (of the big, teenage variety) myself, and all of our stuff. I got to drive while the rest of the family got to enjoy being passengers in this one-of-a-kind vehicle.

When I asked my husband’s opinion about the Pacifica, from a passenger’s perspective, he immediately commented that it was the best minivan he had ever ridden in. My teenagers were equally sold on the Pacifica, continually trying to convince me that it was a good idea for us to replace our current vehicle and ask Chrysler to just leave the Pacifica with us forever. Since it seats eight comfortably, (and holds all our stuff comfortably, too) the Pacifica is ideal for a family like mine.

Perhaps the coolest thing about the 2017 Pacific is that it is available in a Hybrid model. Yes, you read that correctly….a hybrid minivan for active families. That’s revolutionary.

If your car is like mine (2006), it was made before the latest round of safety features. Although I have driven cars with some safety features, driving the Pacifica was like jumping in a time machine. It helps you with parallel and perpendicular parking. When you’re just driving forward it has collision warning and lane departure warning for those of you who wander all over the road (like I do sometimes).

Also, these safety features have what are called “mitigation” which means they give you an audible warning before something happens, so that you can take action yourself first. Basically, it’s a safety feature that tells you that you are about to do something stupid and encourages you to change. If you don’t listen, it takes corrective action – like a parent who slaps you gently before yanking you out of the road so that you don’t get hit by a car.

Lots of cars have the rear cameras now, so you can see what you are about to back into as you park, but Pacifica has rear park assist with auto stop so that you don’t actually hit the wall or your spouse’s car. Again, it’s nice to see what you’re about to smash. It’s better to have something prevent you from hitting it. Thanks Pacifica!

Here’s where the rubber hits the road, or better said, how you keep your kids from hitting each other while you’re on the road. The Uconnect Theater will stream from a tablet or mobile device to the onboard screens. There are two 10-inch screens for passengers riding in the second row. Uconnect also has nine build in games and apps. You can play the games alone or on both screens. So, this is an easy way to end the arguments about who gets shotgun. The second row is where the action is.

Depending on what type of system you want, the 2017 Pacifica offers options that feature an 8.4-inch central display screen with two 10-inch rear touchscreens. You can pair your screens with mobile phones, tablets and headphones, or use the built-in travel apps. The next time you get the “Are we there yet?” you can tell them to check the app.

Let’s talk cool…The Pacifica has hands-free rear hatch and sliding doors. You can’t just walk up and say “Open Sesame”, but it’s almost that good. If you have the keys in your pocket, just wiggle your foot underneath the car and “viola”, the hatch or sliding doors will open.

If you don’t feel like using the fancy hands-free opening, the Pacifica’s power sliding doors open with the push of a button, not a jerk of the handle. Even the driver’s door unlocks when you touch the handle, so there’s no reason to fish in your purse for the keys. The car literally senses that the keys are there, and when you reach for the handle, it takes care of you.

They also added a capless fuel filler nozzle (I can’t tell you how much I wish our truck had this. Actually, it does, but that’s only because we always lose my gas cap). Chrysler has also added ventilated seats to cool your posterior, led interior lighting (no more dead battery when you kids leave the lights on) and one last sweet, feature – an optional tri-pane sunroof. Who cares, you ask? Well, everybody sitting in rows 2 and 3 cares, because now they can look up and see the sky, the stars, the moon and look for shooting stars. I think I’ll start sitting in the back from now on.

The back had a nice deep luggage area and the rear seats were incredible and very spacious (leg room galore). You can fold them over, slide them down and they disappear. The marketing term for that is Stow-and-Go Assist Seats, but I call it “holy crap, they fold up and go all the way into the floor seats.” You’re left with a huge amount of space for whatever you need.

That’s bedding, luggage, and food for a cabin vacation for six!

The console had everything you wanted right at your fingertips. I suggest taking a minute before you start driving so you can see everything and know how to turn things on and off. We bounced between listening to Sirius XM radio and connecting our Pandora in the front while the kids watched a movie in the back. It was nice to be able to let them do their thing while we did ours. I like having full control of what I listen to and this van was exactly what I needed.

If that’s not enough to convince you that the Pacifica is a parent’s DREAM car, it even has an optional built-in vacuum (how many times have you needed THAT?!). And for everyone’s comfort and convenience, there are cupholders and power outlets everywhere! You really have to see this one to believe it.

In the end, I have to say it was the coolest minivan I have ever been in.

Connect with the Chrysler Pacifica:

Twitter: @Chrysler
Facebook: @Chrysler
Instagram: @ChryslerAutos

How to Save Money on Gas

Lolli — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 16:31:29 +0000

I created this post about how to save money on gas as part of a sponsored series with Socialstars and Shell; all opinions are my own. #ShellCrowd

As a busy mother of teens and tweens, I spend a good bit of my day driving them places. To school. Back home from school. To sports practices. Scouts. Music rehearsals. Doctors appointments. The mall. Get togethers with friends. And I work at home, so I don’t even have a commute time to add into the equation.

I had no idea when my kids were little that “having teenagers” meant spending my life in the car.

And since I drive a minivan (out of necessity – there are seven of us!), I end up using a lot of gasoline. It adds up fast!

Since I just recently discovered (and am so excited about) Shell’s Fuel Rewards® program, I figured that this would be a good time to take a look at our driving and gas-consuming habits and where our family might be able to improve. We’re always looking for ways to save money on gas, food, and other expenses. Who isn’t?

Here are some tried and trusted ways to spend less at the gas pump. Since we really are trying to save money and reduce spending any way we can, this was a good exercise to remind me where we can do a little better.

How to Save Money on Gas: Pay LESS at the Pump

Don’t let your gas tank run dry – we’ve all been there. The tank is running on fumes and we’re desperate to find the closest gas station, but the closest, most convenient gas station is often the most expensive. Schedule your fill ups when you are already out running errands (don’t make a trip to the gas station, especially if it’s out of the way) JUST to get gas.

Choose the right time and day to fill up – did you know that Monday and Tuesday tend to be the best days to fill up your car? During the warmer months, it also helps to fill your gas tank in the mornings or in the evenings, as the gas is cooler and more dense and you actually get more of it in your tank.

Watch how you drive – do you ride the brakes a lot? Do you love driving with the windows down? Do a lot of stopping and starting or do you drive in traffic frequently? All of those habits use up more of your precious gas. Slow down to a steady pace and leave plenty of room between you and the car ahead (everyone will benefit from this little trick, not just your gas tank!).

Turn it off – when you’re parked and waiting for your child to be done with piano lessons, turn the engine off. Don’t use gas unnecessarily – especially when you aren’t going anywhere.

Maintain your car – change your oil, check and rotate your tires regularly, change the oil regularly, maintain your filters and make sure everything is running as it should. A well-running car is more fuel efficient.

Sign up for Shell’s Fuel Rewards® program – THIS is the tip that I am most excited about. When you use Shell’s Fuel Rewards® program when you fill your tank with gas, you’ll save 3 cents per gallon EVERY time…but it gets even better! If you link a Mastercard, VISA, or American Express credit card to your Rewards account, you can EARN 5 cents/gallon or MORE for every $50 you spend (not just on gas…on anything!).

You can even COMBINE savings – earn 10 cents/gallon when you use your linked card to dine out, 15 cents/gallon when you shop online at participating retailers, 20 cents/gallon when you book a flight through the Rewards program. You can STACK those savings and pay 45 cents/gallon LESS at the pump (this is just an example).

Here’s a quick video to show how easy it is to save money at the gas pump with Shell’s Fuel Rewards® program:

I LOVE watching the savings add up – I downloaded the free Fuel Rewards® App for my iPhone (it’s also available on Google Play) and I can check my rewards balance anytime as well as see where the closest Shell station is (and what the prices are today), or search for special offers and ways that I can earn even MORE money off gas.

Ready to sign up and save money on gas? Open your free account now and get a New Member 25 cents/gallon Sign Up Bonus! What are you waiting for?

Follow Shell on Twitter and Instagram and on their Website #ShellCrowd #fuelrewards

The BEST Car Buying Advice Ever & The Washington Auto Show

Lolli — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 17:47:08 +0000

This past week, just days before THE STORM began (and, yes, THE STORM has to be all caps. It has been that epic) I ventured to downtown Washington DC, where I met up with a few dozen of my local DC-area blogging friends to explore the Washington Auto Show. Although I was asked to attend the auto show as a paid ambassador with Chevrolet as part of the Chevy-SheBuysCars Women’s Influencer Event, all thoughts, opinions, and photos are my own.

For several weeks leading up to the Washington Auto Show, the kids and I heard radio commercials advertising the auto show every morning on the way to school. The main message? You can’t buy a car until you’ve SMELLED it. The kids laughed every time they heard it, and I totally understood where the commercial was coming from, but I had a different approach. Sure, I do love the smell of a new car, but that’s not my first priority.

You can’t buy a car until you have seen felt, handled, and compared several cars, and the BEST way to do that – without spending every single weekend at ALL of the local dealerships (which I’m SURE you guys don’t want to do) – is to attend the auto show and see all of your options before making a decision.

It was at the Washington Auto Show this past week that I was given the BEST CAR BUYING ADVICE EVER.

Someone Told Me The Best Car Buying Advice Ever….

Ready for it?

This is actually several tidbits of advice compiled together into one glorious piece of advice…

When you are in the market for a new car, decide what options and features you are looking for. Do your initial research at home. Then look at each car that fits your criteria (yes, from ALL of the different car makers) and test them out one by one. But DO NOT buy the first car you test drive, because that first car will ALWAYS feel amazing and wonderful and you’ll want to say LET’S BUY IT RIGHT NOW because it feels and looks and drives so much better than the old piece of junk I WAS driving. Now, that may be the car you end up buying, but don’t plop money down quite yet. Go to a few more stops and handle a few more cars and then go back to that first car to test it out again. That second experience with the first car will undoubtedly be different.

I am reminded of something that used to happen to me all the time when I was running a photography business (before my blog became too busy for me to handle both jobs). People used to ask me all the time which camera they should buy. At the time, the 2 main options that 99% of the people asking me were looking at were Canon and Nikon. I would tell them what my sister (the Nikon girl) had told me (a Canon girl): “Both cameras are amazing, but sometimes it comes down to how it fits in your hand. Go to a store. Hold both cameras. And then you’ll know which one is right for you.”

I’ve test driven a lot of cars. I have driven cars that were SO MUCH FUN, but only a handful of them felt right – something that felt like it was made for me.

I might not love to go around the Washington Auto Show smelling the car interiors, like the commercial suggests, but I LOVE sitting inside the cars, touching and inspecting and handling the cars. I love that I can look and touch (and click all of the buttons just to see what they do) with NO PRESSURE to buy.

I love that Chevy trucks have added this handy step to make it easier to get into or see into the back of the bed of the truck!

The Coolest Thing I Learned at the Washington Auto Show

I’m a paper and pencil kind of note-taker, and when I was looking back at the notes I took during our auto show tour, it was this piece of information that stuck out to me the most:

Luxury cars benefit ALL consumers. Because luxury car makers put a lot of money and resources into having the best, the latest, and the most cutting edge innovations, ALL cars can eventually benefit from those same innovations. So those luxury cars might be ahead of the game when they come up with cool tech and innovations, but those same innovations that the luxury cars specialize in will show up in the everyday person cars shortly, too.

My Favorite Feature From the Washington Auto Show

I saw a lot of cars with a lot of cool features (like cars that are a wifi hotspot) but the features that were SO COOL to me, especially as a mom to a daughter who will be getting her driver’s license within a month or so, were the teen driver safety features in the Chevy Malibu. Did you know that you can log on to see how your teen is driving – not just where but HOW? I love that the radio doesn’t turn on until the seat belt is fastened. I can’t wait to see this feature move to more vehicles!

The Washington Auto Show is open now thru January 31. Check the website for details on hours, what’s happening each day and to purchase tickets (you can get tickets at the show as well).

Have you ever been to an Auto Show? What was your favorite part?

2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD

Lolli — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 16:38:03 +0000

I had the opportunity to drive a 2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD for a week recently. No compensation was received. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Many thanks to Mazda for loaning me the car! Snapshots of the car are from my phone. Professional images are courtesy of Mazda.

It’s not often that I get to test drive a car that would actually fit my family of seven, but the 2015 Mazda CX-9 can. Easily and comfortably. With 7 seat belts (two in the front and back, three in the middle), everyone in my family had a comfortable place to sit. This year, I actually had one less family member to fit in the car, since my oldest daughter is at college, so the kids were even more comfortable just using 4 of the 5 rear seats. For the kids to be comfortable and complaint-free in the car is a big deal. The kids LOVED the Mazda CX-9!

I was actually impressed with the amount of cargo space in the back. Typically, I find that SUVs are very lacking in the storage department when the back row of seats is being used, but the CX-9 wasn’t bad at all. And best of all, it didn’t feel like I was driving around a tank. I love finding cars that feel bigger on the inside – and the CX-9 certainly fits the bill.

The more I drive Mazdas, the more I fall in love with them. As I’ve said many times before, I am not a car expert. I was raised by one, and know enough about cars to form an objective opinion about them. I have always been more concerned about drivability and comfort than specific specs.

I drove a 2013 Mazda CX-9 2 years ago, and I had to check back to see what I thought about the older model. One of my complaints – that I felt boxed in when in the driver’s seat because of the middle console – wasn’t an issue with the 2015 model. Although the design was similar between the two cars, the console didn’t phase me this time. In fact, I really enjoyed driving the CX-9 and felt completely comfortable in it. Because I couldn’t hop back and forth between the two models, I’m not sure what changed – the design of the car or my “pickiness.” Either way, I had no complaints this time around.

About the 2015 Mazda CX-9

The 2015 Mazda CX-9 is available in three trims: CX-9 SPORT starting at $29,985 MSRP, CX-9 TOURING starting at $32,480 MSRP, and the CX-9 GRAND TOURING starting at $35,035 MSRP.

ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN: I drove a 2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD, but the CX-9 comes in either standard Front-wheel drive (FWD) or available Active Torque Split All-wheel drive (AWD) with a 273-hp engine, 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 with 6-speed Sport automatic transmission.

EPA-ESTIMATED FUEL EFFICIENCY: How much will it cost to drive the 2015 Mazda CX-9? FWD models have an estimated 17/24 MPG and AWD models have an estimated 16/22 MPG.

AVAILABLE FEATURES: Bi-Xenon High-Intensity-Discharge (HID) headlights with auto on/off, Power sliding-glass moonroof with one-touch-open feature and interior sunshade, Power rear liftgate, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System, Heated front seats, Power driver’s seat, Driver’s seat memory, Navigation system, Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®, Pandora internet radio connectivity.

SAFETY FEATURES: Standard advanced front air bags, front side-impact air bags, side-impact air curtains, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Roll Stability Control (RSC). Available Rearview backup camera, Rear parking sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring System and Rear Cross-traffic Alert.

AVAILABLE PACKAGES:

Touring Technology Package
– Power sliding-glass moonroof with one-touch-open feature and interior sunshade
– Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®, AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible stereo with 10 speakers
– SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 4-month trial subscription
– Halogen fog lamps
– Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
– Navigation System
– Power open/close rear liftgate

Recreational Accessory Package
– Roof rack
– Cross bars
– Cargo net
– Stainless steel rear bumper guard

Grand Touring Technology Package
– Power sliding glass moonroof with interior sunshade
– Navigation System
– Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®, AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible stereo with 10 speakers
– SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 4-month trial subscription

Rear-Seat Entertainment System with Bose® Audio and Siruis Package
– DVD player with 9-inch screen
– Navigation System
– Bose® Centerpoint® with AudioPilot® and 11 speakers
– SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 4-month trial subscription
– 115-volt power plug and game port

Towing Prep Package (FWD only)
– Heavy-duty transmission oil cooler and radiator fan
– Revised engine control module
(FWD GT models with Technology Package or Rear-Seat Entertainment Package only, standard on AWD models)

Have you driven a Mazda CX-9? What were your thoughts?

2015 Kia Optima Review

Lolli — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 12:00:36 +0000

Kia sent me 2015 Optima SX to review for a week. Just one week….although I would have loved to have kept it longer. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Stock photos of the Kia Optima are courtesy of Kia.

The more cars I drive, the more I feel like I notice about each of the cars – all of those little details that set a car apart from other cars in its class. It has been interesting to watch my kids become more and more aware of what makes a car desirable – and I know that their experience will serve them well once they are buying cars of their own.

After spending a week driving the 2015 Kia Optima, I came to the conclusion that the Optima is a sedan that I would not hesitate to buy. It was a pleasure to drive, the features and functions were easy to understand and operate, and the value was excellent. Granted, at this stage of our family’s life, we still need a family car that has at least 6 seats, and the Optima seats 5….but soon we won’t be needing quite as many seats.

The Optima may be a mid-sized sedan, but the interior and trunk feel spacious. No one ever complained about leg room in the Optima (even my tall 14-year-old son), and there was more than enough space in the trunk for all of our groceries and gear.

During the week that I had the Optima, I posted a few snapshots on Instagram and Facebook, and I was surprised when local friends came up to the car to give it a closer look when I was out and about. Apparently, the pictures peaked their interest. One person commented upon seeing the Optima in person, “Wow, that IS a sharp car!”

There really wasn’t anything about the 2015 Optima that I didn’t like. That’s not to say that it was my favorite car ever…but there wasn’t anything about the Optima that turned me away. I don’t hesitate at all in recommending the Optima as a fantastic sedan to consider.

About the 2015 Kia Optima

Value: Starting at $21,690*
Fuel economy: 23 mpg city/34 mpg hwy

Exterior: Updated front fascia | dynamic, sculpted back end | sporty available red brake calipers

Interior: Redesigned, comfortable seats | spacious cabin with refined features | plenty of available amenities

Drive: Available 2.0-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) turbo engine | segment-leading 274 horsepower | fuel-efficiency of a four-cylinder engine

Tech: Available UVO eServices infotainment system that can stream music from a compatible smartphone, initiate a 911 call, or schedule service appointments | use voice commands or touch screen | no UVO subscription fees

Safety: Advanced airbag system | standard Antilock Braking System (ABS)

The 2015 Kia Optima is available in 5 models:

LX:
16″ Alloy Wheels
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
Heated Outside Mirrors with Integrated LED Turn Signals

EX:
Push Button Start with Smart Key
Leather Seat Trim
10-Way Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat

SX:
Sport-Tuned Suspension
Steering Wheel Paddle Shifters
Rear Combination Lamps, LED

SX Turbo:
Turbocharged, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Engine
Drive Mode Select
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights

Limited:
Nappa Leather Seat Trim
Exterior Chrome Accents
18″ Chrome Alloy Wheels

Have you driven an Optima lately? It’s definitely a car to consider!

2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

Lolli — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 02:24:03 +0000

It’s not everyday that this work-at-home mom gets to drive a car that turns heads. But when Mazda sent me a 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring PRHT (Power Retractable Hard Top) to drive for a week, that’s exactly what happened. This car is a head-turner.

(Note: photos courtesy of Mazda, except for the 2 photos I captured on my phone. You’ll be able to tell the difference. Trust me.)

Sure, a 2-seater convertible sports car is probably not the most practical car for someone like me. You should have seen what happened when I took my son shopping for groceries and one of those big tri-fold poster boards for the science fair. If you’ve ever shopped for a family my size, you’ll know that we typically fill the back of the minivan. Let’s just say we giggled all the way home (with the poster board in the passenger seat with my son).

The 2015 Mazda Miata may not be the most practical family car, but I can tell you what it IS. It’s sporty. It’s fun. It’s sleek. It’s an adventure on wheels.

My only regret during my time with the Mazda MX-5 was that the weather was simply too cold to drive with the top down. I wanted to. I really wanted to get the full convertible experience, but temps in the single digits, snow and ice made that impractical. Thank goodness that the heating system in the MX-5 was quick and efficient, and I stayed nice and toasty during all of my rides around town.

What I loved about the 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata:

I love the way it handled. Thanks to its compact size, it slips into parking spaces and takes curves and turns with ease. It’s also fun to drive. There’s simply something unique about a sports car, and the Miata has been turning heads for the past 25 years. Can you believe that the Miata is celebrating 25 years?

I also love the look of the 2015 MX-5. If a car ever earned the right to be called sleek and sexy, then the Miata was it. I drove the 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring PRHT in Meteor Gray with a “Spicy Mocha” interior. I was proud to drive it around all week! I was surprised at how comfortable the car was to drive. I had plenty of leg and elbow room, and even plenty of places to stash my stuff while I was driving. I especially appreciated the lockable compartments to stow valuables when leaving the car with the top down. Granted, when it came to cargo space (especially for groceries for a full-sized family) the Miata did come out lacking. But I doubt most people purchase a sports car like the Miata with the intent to stock up at Costco…

A special note: I drove the MX-5 with manual transmission, which I think made all the difference in the driving experience. It’s been a while since I’ve had a car with manual transmission, and I forgot how much I enjoy that feeling of control. The kids had lots of questions about shifting gears, and though none of them were old enough to get behind the wheel of THIS car, I think it sparked their interest in learning how to operate a manual transmission.

When did you learn?

2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata SPECS

ENGINE TYPE: 167-hp, MZR 2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing (VVT)

CONVERTIBLE OPTIONS: Choice of soft top or Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT)

EPA-ESTIMATED FUEL EFFICIENCY:
* 21/28 city/highway — 6-speed Manual Transmission
* 21/28 city/highway — 6-speed Automatic Transmission

SAFETY FEATURES:

Standard advanced front air bags and side-impact air bags
Advanced front air bags with seat belt-use, passenger-weight and driver’s seat-position sensors
Side-impact air bags
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)

Mazda Limited Warranty Coverage:

Every new Mazda comes with a comprehensive limited warranty that provides coverage in the unlikely event a repair is needed in the first years after your vehicle’s purchase.

3-year/36,000-mile* “Bumper-to-Bumper” Limited Warranty
5-year/60,000-mile* Limited Powertrain Warranty
3-year/36,000-mile* 24/7 Roadside Assistance Program

*Whichever comes first.

Have you driven a Miata? What were your favorite features?

The 2015 Washington Auto Show {Win a Family 4-Pack of Tickets!}

Lolli — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 15:20:37 +0000

Two years ago, about this time of year, I attended my very first Auto Show. This coming week, I will be attending the Washington Auto Show – my second auto show ever – as a Chevy Ambassador with a few of my favorite DC-area bloggers and I am beyond thrilled. The only way that I could be more excited about my plans next week is if I could bring my dad along…the true car aficionado in the family. Although this post and event are part of a compensated opportunity with SheBuysCars.com, all thoughts, opinions and excitement are my own.

The front end of the 2016 Chevrolet Volt on display as a sneak peek Sunday, January 4, 2015 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The next-generation extended range electric vehicle will be fully unveiled on January 12 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (Photo by Isaac Brekken for Chevrolet)

I used to be of the opinion that cars were just a tool to get me from one place to another. I didn’t find much joy out of driving because it usually meant that I was heading to an appointment or to the store (or somewhere equally as unexciting). It wasn’t until I started test driving new vehicles and getting to know about the newest innovations in the auto industry the last couple of years that I realized that cars could be joyful. Exciting. Luxurious. Innovative. Comfortable. Fun.

I may not be an expert on cars like my dad is, but I have certainly learned to appreciate how exciting cars can be.

Chevrolet Global Chief Marketing Officer Tim Mahoney offers a sneak peek at the 2016 Chevrolet Volt Sunday, January 4, 2015 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The next-generation extended range electric vehicle will be fully unveiled on January 12 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (Photo by Isaac Brekken for Chevrolet)

Some of my favorite innovations in the automotive technology over the last several years have been…

Built-in GPS navigation (never have to worry about getting lost again!)
Bluetooth connectivity (my phone connects automatically when I get in the car)
Keyless entry and ignition (I can leave my keys in my purse and stop losing them or fishing for them in the bottom of my purse so often!)
Back up cameras (hello – less neck strain and less wondering if I’m missing a bike or another car when I’m backing up)
…And so much more.

The connecting factor in all of these enhancements has been to make life easier. And as a busy mom, I need the time I spend in the car transporting kids to and from school and activities to be as effortless and as pleasant as possible.

Chevrolet at the Washington Auto Show

I am excited to be meeting with Chevy at the auto show next week and for the opportunity to learn more about the new Volt (in addition to everything else they have to offer!).
- Chevrolet has some of the freshest lineups and dealerships in the industry, and they’re working hard to delight and excite a new generation of customers
- Chevrolet is committed to engaging performance, world-class safety features, designs that makes the heartbeat and easy-to-use technology from all of their cars, trucks and crossovers…all at a value
- This year alone, Chevrolet will be introducing five new cars in the US with 25 new technologies that improve safety, performance and fuel efficiency
- Every Chevrolet – from Spark to Silverado and Corvette – will offer easy-to-use technologies like 4GLTE, MyLink and Active Fuel Management
- In 2014, Chevrolet won more industry awards in the US than any other car company
Attend THE FUTURE OF CARS TWITTER PARTY

When: January 19, 2015, 9-10 PM EST (8-9 pm CT; 7-8 pm MT; 6-7 pm PT)

WHO: Hosted by @SheBuysCars and @TravelingMom
Panelists – @AllThingsFadra, @ShelleyKramm, @JessicaMcFadd, @scrappinmichele, @notasupermom, @1momof5, @KimOrlando

HOW TO JOIN: Follow the hashtags #TMOM, #NextGenVolt, #Chevrolet

RSVP: Let us know on THIS POST on SheBuysCars.com that you’re coming and for more details about the twitter party.

PRIZES:
- A family four-pack of tickets to the Washington, DC Auto Show, January 23-February 1, 2015, Washington, DC
- A Chevrolet Ultimate Tailgate package, including a Bowtie travel mug, a Tailgate cooler bag and a warm and cozy Chevy Beanie cap
Win tickets to the Washington Auto Show

Before the twitter party on Monday, I’ve got another way you can WIN your way in to the DC Auto Show! I’m giving away Family 4-pack of tickets to the Washington Auto Show (2 adults and 2 children) on January 23 through February 1, 2015 (Please see https://www.washingtonautoshow.com/ for more details)!

All you need to do is tell me what car (or cars) you are most excited to learn about and see at the auto show. Enter through the Rafflecopter form below. A winner will be announced at the twitter party on Monday night (1/19) so please leave your twitter handle in the comment!

Entry -Form

See you there!

© 2015, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.

Introducing the 2015 Hyundai Sonata in Montgomery, Alabama #NewSonata

Lolli — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 02:49:56 +0000

Hyundai invited me to Montgomery, Alabama, to experience the brand new 2015 Sonata and tour the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) plant where the Sonata and Elantra are made. Travel and accommodations were covered but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Introducing the new 2015 Hyundai Sonata, available this summer!

It’s not every day that I get to tour one of the most technologically advanced manufacturing plant in the world. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA), located in Montgomery, Alabama, was built in 2002 with production starting in 2005…and has already surpassed the 2.5 million mark in total production. While we saw amazing processes and machines putting the Sonata and Elantra together the secret to the success of HMMA is the team members.

As much as I loved seeing the hundreds of hi-tech robots in action, the employees who stopped to wave and smile as we took our tour through the plant were what impressed me the most.

Did you know? You can tour the HMMA plant just like we did for free. Tour Days and Times: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:00 p.m by reservation only.

The most exciting part of the plant tour was when we came to the end. We saw a line of brand new 2015 Sonatas ready to come off the line and we were told to chose a car, get inside, start the engine, and drive the cars off the line and out of the factory. How exciting is that?

Our 4+ hours of driving took us through some beautiful country in Alabama, and I thoroughly enjoyed being behind the wheel AND in the passenger seat of the new Sonata.

The 7th Generation Sonata is a car you can’t help but love. With a user-friendly interior and driver-focused cockpit, you can focus more on what you love about driving.

I was impressed with the roominess of the Sonata, enhanced by the panoramic sunroof in the two cars I was able to drive. I also found that the lighter interior of the Limited model I test drove enhanced the feel of wide-open space in the car.

The 2015 Sonata is available in 3 models: The SE, the Sport (more volume), and the Limited (which is the premium model). The Sport 2.0T (2.0L Turbo) has an even sportier body and feel…and I can tell you from experience that you can tell the difference in the power it delivers with its more responsive turbo-charged engine.

The new Sonata is available in 9 exterior colors and 4 interior colors. It has an incredible 106.1 cubic feet of passenger volume and a total interior volume of 122.4 cubic feet. That’s some nice leg room!

Not only does the 2015 Sonata offer space and comfort and better ride quality, but undesired outside noise has been drastically reduced with better sound absorption materials and reduced apertures in the bulkhead. It all comes together to create a pleasant driving experience.

“We crafted the shape of the 2015 Sonata in the same way an award-winning chef refines his recipes over the years,” said Chris Chapman, chief designer, Hyundai Design North America. “With the 2011 Sonata, Hyundai took the mid-size sedan from a meal to a gourmet dinner. The evolution to Fluidic Sculpture 2.0’s more taut, modern lines reflect the improvements in refinement and driving dynamics for 2015.”

Notable safety features:

Standard 7 airbags, including driver’s knee airbag designed to help prevent the driver from sliding down the seat in a collision.
Also standard: electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, traction control, ABS and tire pressure monitoring system with individual tire pressure display.
Forward collision warning, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning system are all available.

Cool convenience features:

High beam assist so you don’t have to worry about blinding oncoming traffic when you forget to turn the high beams off again!
Smart cruise control (SCC) with full stop capability with front-grille-mounted radar sensor so you can maintain safer, consistent spacing with the vehicle ahead.
Smart trunk gives drivers a convenient hands-free way to open the trunk. No feet needed! The driver simply approaches the Sonata’s trunk with the key fob in a purse or pocket and waits 3 seconds. The trunk will automatically open.
Built-in sunshades in rear windows.
Heated AND ventilated (cooled) front seats – the cooled seats were truly amazing in Alabama in June! Plus, heated rear seats.
Heated steering wheel included in Tech package.

Multimedia and BLUE LINK

The 2015 model will be the second Sonata to offer the next-generation Blue Link system. and the debut of the new Sonata coincides with the launch of a new Hyundai Assurance Car Care in-vehicle app.

Destination Search powered by Google – users can use the Blue Link button (voice recognition) and navigation display to take advantage of Google’s destination search. It’s so easy!
Remote Start – includes a timer (from 1 to 10 minutes), remote stop, remote climate control, and remote defroster via the mobile app.
Hyundai Assurance Car Care in-vehicle – Includes service scheduling, maintenance and warranty information, and a warnings and indicators guide as well as lots more.

The fuel economy on the new 2015 Sonata varies from 23-28 MPG city and 32-38 MPG highway, with a combined 28-32 MPG. The 2015 Sonata begins at $21,150, with the base model $300 less than the model it replaces!

My over-all findings after test driving the Sonata – this is a sedan that I would be happy to drive around town. With 5 comfortable seats and plenty of leg room to the spacious trunk, there’s plenty of space for a family of 4 or 5. (I guess all I have to do is get rid of a few more kids and this will be perfect for me!)

Note: Photos that are not watermarked with Better in Bulk have been provided by Hyundai (because the trip photographer took much better pictures than I did, so why not show them off?).

Where Are You Rolling This Spring? #RollWithCooper

Lolli — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 01:28:32 +0000

This post brought to you by Cooper Tire. All opinions are 100% mine.

The snow has melted (finally!) and we're ready to jump into our Spring Break…and it feels like Summer is right around the corner. I'm sure it will be here before I know it.

We have big plans for this Summer, including a BIG cross-country road trip to take my oldest daughter to college. I love long road trips, but whether we're driving to the next state for a day trip during Spring Break or driving to the opposite coast for a college drop off, we need to make sure that our car is up to the challenge.

Roll With Cooper – Spring Savings Event!

Cooper Tire wants to help prepare drivers for safe travels this Spring…so they are offering up to an $80 Visa® prepaid card as well as a chance to WIN a "Roll With Cooper" prize pack to get travelers started on their journeys.

Where are YOU rolling this Spring and Summer?

Now through April 15, when you purchase a new set of 4 qualifying Cooper tires (at participating dealers in the U.S., District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) you'll have a little extra spending money back in your pockets. Plus, Cooper Tire is giving away a $1000 prize pack in their #RollWithCooper sweepstakes.

Enter the Roll With Cooper Sweepstakes for $1000 Prize!

How to #RollWithCooper: Check out Cooper Tire on Facebook and post some of your favorite moments of daily travels in the car, or tag #RollWithCooper on Twitter or Cooper’s new Instagram page to be entered into the Grand Prize drawing for a gas card and Cooper merchandise.

Cooper wants to hear how YOU #RollWithCooper – do you sing along to the radio (turned up loud, of course!) or do you have favorite car games that you like to play as a family? Have any fun traditions or car travel tips?

Consumers can see eligible products, obtain full terms and conditions and a mail-in reward form by visiting a participating Cooper Tire dealer or visit Cooper Tire Rebates.

What would you do with the prize if you won the $1000 grand prize in the #RollWithCooper Sweepstakes? Let me know in the comments below!