25 Şubat 2013 Pazartesi

Why Motor Oil Matters: Car Expert Lauren FIx

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Motor oil is the lifeblood of your car's engine. TV car expert Lauren Fix appears on the Daily Buzz to explain why motor oil matters. Lauren Fix is your trusted ASE certified auto technician and TV car spokesperson. These days many people are keeping their cars longer than ever. Whether you lease or buy, preserve the life of your vehicle and your investment!

Get more car care tips @ www.laurenfix.com
Sign up for Lauren's FREE newsletter @ http://goo.gl/jysWX
Follow me: @twitter.com/laurenfix
Lauren's Blog: laurenfix.blogspot.com

wwww.laurenfix.com
www.motoroilmatters.org

Courtesy of The Daily Buzz
Aired: 2/19/2013

Beware Flood Damaged Cars

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Car buyers beware! Tens of thousands of cars were flooded during super storm Sandy last October. Today most of these cars sit abandoned on old lots but some of them have been cleverly cleaned and refurbished and will end up on used car lots near you!

Flood-damaged cars are NOT safe. Automotive journalist and TV car expert Lauren Fix explains how to tell whether a used car has been in a flood.

Courtesy of Weather Channel
Aired: 2/22/2013

Get more car care tips @ www.laurenfix.com
Sign up for Lauren's FREE newsletter @ http://goo.gl/jysWX
Follow me: @twitter.com/laurenfix

23 Şubat 2013 Cumartesi

WHAT RECESSION? EDITION

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THE CAR COACH REPORTS: Feb. 22, 2013                                                            
WHAT RECESSION?  EDITION
15.3 million.  That's how many light vehicles JD Power and Associates predicts will be sold this year: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130222/RETAIL01/130229959/u-s-auto-sales-remain-robust-despite-rising-fuel-prices-looming#axzz2LeAhd6Zo
This is up from 14.5 million last year.  Let's put this in perspective, shall we? This is roughly the equivalent of everyone in North Carolina AND South Carolina buying a new car, including children!
Considering the average price for a new car is just a smidge above $30,000 these days, this equates to roughly $460 billion spent on new cars and trucks in 2013.  Keep in mind this does NOT include heavy-duty vehicles.
So where is all this dough coming from?  Isn't unemployment high and the economy on the rocks? Car buyers surely wouldn't tell you as much.  Essentially, it seems consumers are ignoring the doom and gloom and are doing what makes them happy.  Bravo, I say.  New and used car sales help the economy and many are buying more fuel-efficient vehicles, which saves at the pump and makes OPEC quake in their shoes.   
Additionally, now that banks have relaxed their loan standards a bit, car buyers are finding it easier to obtain financing.  Remember 2009 and 2010 when you had to have an 800 credit score just to get a loan?  Hopefully those days are gone for good. 
It's nice to see the auto industry back on its feet and consumers buying cars again.  It keeps the money flowing all around and contributes to new car models and innovation. 
Now only if things would improve in Europe so they can follow suit.  

What are your thoughts?
Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/


My Final Thought:
This is the vehicle equivalent of a Turducken: http://jalopnik.com/it-s-a-truck-carrying-a-truck-carrying-a-truck-carrying-253309099
I love this for its absolute insanity and for the fact that the driver pulled it off...almost. 
See you next week!  Love your car!
--Lauren Fix

22 Şubat 2013 Cuma

Spring 2013

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It's coming on Springtime and the perfect opportunity to grab a glimpse of the "Studio".  I enjoy sharing my "quirky", vintage and repurposed style!  In my world, each and every piece has a story... Each and every piece belongs.  They all make up our "Warehouse Chic" style.   Here is the story behind some of my favorite finds.  
First,  the vintage dining room table... an old, industrial, wooden table with glass inserts.  I adore it because the reflection off the glass brings light into an otherwise dark corner of our home.  This table lived out its former years as a display piece in a  little shop in Dekalb Illinois.  I knew when I saw it, it would be perfect for this spot!


Below, the table is set for a fiesta with friends!



    Lube barrels become side tables, cast offs from an old trucking company.


Below, collections of milk glass vases filled with flowers.





Believe it or not, The tool caddy and electrical supply box were found at different flea markets in different states!My husband is a toolmaker by trade, I picked them up in our travels, as a nod to him!They house more of my vintage milkglass collection.
+++A glass container with mossy finds from our spot up north can be found in our bathroom.



Old spools, both metal and wood... repurposed as candle holders, brighten the mantel.



My crazy, colorful, original oil paintings inspired by places I've been and things I love.An old carriage foothold acts as a mini canvas holder, and an old root from an ancient fallen tree, deep in  the Rocky Mountains... polished and mounted is a special gift from an artist and friend.



 Above, Colored pencils used in my artworkand Vintage bakelite knitting needles and colorful yarn below.

 Metal film canisters from the 70's and postcards of the railroad, remind me of my Dad!

 The  kitchen is filled with light and color, I enjoy collecting vintage artwork by unknown artists.The  painting below was done in the 1930s it is happy in my kitchen!



 On the counter, the fruit bowl is one of my favorite things!
It was well used and repaired after cracking many years ago, with old metal pieces.
 I imagine them from an old barn, shed or warehouse!
 I can't help but think about the hands that took the time to repair it.
"Keep your sunny side up"...hangs in the window
while an artist's rendition, in glass, of a sunrise
sits on the window sill above the kitchen sink.


Mirrors added to vintage saucers bring a sparkle of light to the arched doorway.


Cabinets adorned with colorful glass and Fiestaware, both old and new.

Below, some words to live by!
I don't know about you... but,
In my home, they ring true!

I love collecting and I love sharing the stories behind the collections...What do you collect?Share a link below in the comment area with a photo of your space and the story behind your shot!

21 Şubat 2013 Perşembe

2013 Cadillac SRX: Expert Car Review by Lauren Fix

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The new and improved 2013 Cadillac SRX is the best-selling model line under the Cadillac brand. Let's take a closer look.

Model -- 2013 Cadillac SRX
MPG -- 17 city / 24 hwy.
Engine -- 3.6L V6 engine that produces 308 horsepower
Towing Capacity: 3000lbs.
Price -- base price starts at $37,155
Test Vehicle: AWD Premium Collection with destination $53,520.

The 2013 SRX has been freshened with a new front fascia that includes LED lighting in the fender vents. Inside, every SRX receives Cadillac's CUE 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system. Active-noise cancellation aims to make the SRX quieter, and new technology such as adaptive cruise control is available.

The 2013 Cadillac SRX seats five and comes in standard, premium, luxury and performance trims. Each trim has a V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional. There are interior material upgrades, including wood trim, as well as additional technology and safety features.

My test drive was comfortable and the SRX had ample power and handled well on the road. Getting into the garage or a parking spot was made easier by the Safety Alert Seat, which sends subtle pulses through the seat cushion, alerting the driver of potential hazards.

The Cadillac CUE system was easy to use, with touch screen controls for navigation, Bluetooth, audio, temperature and more.

Competes with:
• Porsche Cayenne
• Lincoln MKX
• Land Rover LR2
• Audi Q5
• BMW X3
• Volvo XC60

Likes:
• Plentiful features
• Comfortable ride
• Classy cabin design
• CUE smart infotainment system

Dislikes:
• Shift points on transmission
• Turning radius could be tighter
• Seats need more lateral support

The 2013 Cadillac SRX is luxury crossover with angular and athletic looks, a strong engine, comfortable ride, plush cabin and creature comforts that impress.

Remember, when shopping for a new car, test drive as many vehicles as you can in the class you are looking in to make sure you find the car that is best for you. For more information, visit www.cadillac.com.

Courtesy of YNN/Time Warner Cable
Aired: 2/21/2013

19 Şubat 2013 Salı

Be Car Care Aware: Winter Emergency Kit for Your Car

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The weather can change with little notice. When it does, is your car prepared?

The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving. Now is the time to "Be Car Care Aware." Make sue sure your vehicle is well maintained year round.

Dress warmly and wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing so you can adjust with the temperatures and conditions.

Be prepared! Before a winter storm strikes, plan your travel and check the latest weather reports.

When the weather turns cold, add these few extras to any basic emergency kit which should be in your car at all times:

WINTER STORM SURVIVAL KIT:
• Hand warmers -- instant heat packs (carry 4 per person—it'll give you 8 hours of warmth if you're stuck)
• An aggressive snowbrush and ice scraper -- don't skimp on either.
• De-icer washer fluid
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Snow boots
• Extra pairs of thick gloves
• A hat and scarf
• Food and water—carry a supply of high-energy snacks and several bottles of water just in case you get stuck
• Extra medications you may take regularly
• A large empty can and plastic bags with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
• A smaller can and water-proof matches or a lighter to melt snow for drinking water.
• Sack of sand or cat litter (for traction)
• Shovel
• Tow rope
• LED light source

Plus: Keep your gas tank at no less than half a tank to avoid freezing the tank and fuel lines. Try not to travel alone. Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.

Follow these tips if you get trapped in your car during a blizzard:
1. Stay in the car. Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow.

2. Display a trouble sign and flashing hazard lights

3. Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna

4. Turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running.

5. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow. If nessesary, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.

6. Watch for signs of frostbite, dehydration and hypothermia

7. Do minor exercises to keep up circulation. Clap your hands and move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long.

8. If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping

9. For warmth, huddle together

10. Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation

11. Avoid overexertion—cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. If you are unaccustomed to exercise, shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.


For more information, go to our website. I'm Lauren Fix, The Car Coach.

Courtesy of YNN/Time Warner Cable
Aired: 2/19/2013

17 Şubat 2013 Pazar

Flea Market Style Magazine 2013

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Thrilled to find out that the AWESOME chairs that I purchased from the Hunt & Gather booth at the Junk Bonanza Fall 2012, while there representing Etsy.com,are featured in the latest Flea Market Style magazine ( Spring 2013 issue) !     

notice them hanging in the display on the right

the amazing artist and her work: from Hunt & Gather Minneapolis

  Here is how they look in my spot.