Cars - Surf and Sunshine

The 2013 Buick Discovery Tour Tantalizes All Your Senses

April 28, 2013 By Kristin 35 Comments

I was invited to attend the free Buick Discover Tour, and was under no obligation to write about my experience. All opinions are my own and no compensation was received. Last night in Houston the rain was falling from the sky as if someone decided to drain all the oceans at the same time. As two of my girlfriends and I drove down to the Hotel Derek in Houston to the Buick Discovery Tour, my wipers were on overdrive. Not exactly the ideal conditions when you're trying to look your best, … [Read more...]

The 2014 Kia Sorento: 7 Handy Everyday Life Features the Test Drive Won’t Show You

April 4, 2013 By Jeana 56 Comments

When Kia presented their new 2014 Kia Sorento to various media and press in Scottsdale, Arizona a couple months ago, I was one of the lucky ones to be invited. As you know from my previous review, I'm a big fan of this vehicle. While I received plenty of time behind the wheel in Arizona, nothing really compares to being able to use and abuse a car with your family at home. So when Kia asked if I wanted to take my family on a road trip to Carlsbad to attend the 2013 LPGA Kia Classic, I jumped … [Read more...]

A Family Tour of the 2013 LPGA Kia Classic

April 4, 2013 By Jeana 40 Comments

Last week my family and I attended the 2013 Kia Classic, held at the beautiful Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad, California. The Fourth Year of the Kia Classic featured a 72 hole course in an absolutely gorgeous setting. This women's golf tournament featured 144 of today's best women golfers playing for a huge $1.7 million purse. Aside from all the top notch action going on around us, it was also pretty hard to miss the brand new Kia Cadenza strategically placed in eye catching … [Read more...]

2013 Chicago Auto Show is A Candy Store for Grown-Ups

February 16, 2013 By Jeana 2 Comments

The Chicago Auto Show, which made its debut in 1901, is the largest of its kind (over 1 million square feet of space), bigger than Detroit and even Houston. This year was the 105th edition, and the Auto Show flexed its muscle by embracing social media and showing off some sexy new models. Walking around all the shiny new models, was a bit like being in a candy store, so many things I wanted to see and take home. I was in the thick of things on media day, as I walked the huge … [Read more...]

What’s the #1 Family Fun Activity in Chicago this month?

February 7, 2013 By Kristin 8 Comments

If you live in Chicago, or within driving distance, you should know the 105th Chicago Auto Show is the #1 destination for family fun in February! Take the kids to an auto show, are you crazy? Nope, its cheaper than hiring a babysitter and a great way to spend quality time as a family. Plus, in my opinion, a great way to get a feel for if the vehicle meets your family's needs. There's tons of interactive fun in store for families - take the family for a ride on the test tracks, have the kids … [Read more...]

2014 Kia Sorento: My Love Affair Continues

February 7, 2013 By Jeana 43 Comments

OK. So I've sort of had this mild love affair with the Kia Sorento ever since we first met in 2012. With a small family and active lifestyle, our choice for new vehicle options tend to be of the "soccer mom" variety. However, "soccer mom" I may be, but minivan driver I will NOT. Thus, it has already been decided that our next vehicle will have to be a crossover or full sized SUV, seating at least 7. With it's sporty look and overall decent MPG, the 2014 Kia Sorento offers "cool" mom promise. … [Read more...]

2014 Kia Forte Review: A Smart Choice that Won’t Break the Bank

February 7, 2013 By Jeana 31 Comments

When I first saw the 2014 Kia Forte I couldn't help but think "that's a sporty little number". The car is pure sex appeal and boy is it bold. While it's moved up to the midsize car class, it definitely doesn't look like your typical family sedan. For me, the new Kia Forte offered one of the biggest of modern drivers' demands - technology. “The all-new Forte effectively raises the bar on the compact segment with its upmarket features and striking design,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice … [Read more...]

I’m Headed to the 2013 Chicago Auto Show #CAS13 #SMP13

February 6, 2013 By Jeana 5 Comments

In 1908 Henry Ford changed the world when the First Model T rolled off the line. He didn't invent the car but he produced an automobile almost anyone could afford. The Model T had only 2 forward gears, a 20 horsepower engine and no driver doors. Today we have vehicles than can open up, out and even backwards. We have seen vehicles that can top 260 miles per hour, vehicles with 500+ horsepower engines and 6 gears. They come in different sizes, shapes, colors and weight classes. We build them for … [Read more...]

App Features The Must See, Do and Know of The Chicago Auto Show

February 4, 2013 By Jeana 23 Comments

The Chicago Auto Show, taking place February 9th thru the 18th, is the nation’s largest. With nearly 1000 vehicles including Ford, Kia, Audi, BMW and more, it boasts more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space, including indoor test tracks and tons of interactive displays. But with so many things to do and only a few days to do it, you definitely have to stay organized to see and try everything! To help you do that, this year the show has launched the Official Chicago Auto Show mobile … [Read more...]

Put the Pedal Down at the Houston Auto Show

January 23, 2013 By Kristin 16 Comments

Everything's bigger in Texas, including the Houston Auto Show. This year's show is the largest and most interactive in its 30 year history! The show at Reliant Center runs from 1/23-1/27, occupies 700,000 square feet and features 500 vehicles from 35 manufacturers. Several vehicles are making their Texas debut including the BMW Z4 sDrive35is and 328i Sports Wagon (F31), 2014 GMC Sierra, Ford Fusion Energi, 2013 Lincoln MKZ, the Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota SEMA Avalon Hybrid. There are … [Read more...]