6 Thoughts That Go Through Your Head When Your Car is Sliding

We all know how winter can wreak havoc on every aspect of our lives. After all, it’s such a long season for much of North America, and in regions it can last up to six months.

And the results aren’t always pretty—soggy boots and stockings, muddy footprints in the doorway, high heat bills and a general longing for sunlight can make the world look pretty ugly. The sudden urge to be on a beach somewhere, drinking mojitos is one you have often. And you feel a twinge of jealousy every time someone you know travels anywhere warm. The list goes on and on.

But humans aren’t the only ones who suffer through the long, dark months of winter. Cars probably take the worst winter beating, simply because they must trudge through our outside world. Even worse, when ice and snow creep into the picture, winter driving can take a dangerous turn. To put a fun (or sarcastic) spin on it, here are six thoughts you’ve had when you hit a patch of ice and see your life flash before your eyes:

1. Why do I live here?

Oh, Ross…

If you’ve ever wondered why on Earth you live in a climate with more than two distinct seasons, please know that you are not alone. Continue reading…

Best Apps to Help You Park

Via MyParkingSign.

Via MyParkingSign.

There are few things as frustrating as not being able to find a parking space. Whether you are late to the restaurant and know everyone is inside ready to order, or you are early and realize you should have taken your friend’s advice to just take the bus, going in circles in your car waiting for something to open up is a pain. It is also a waste of gas. Even though gas prices are low right now, you don’t want to be paying more than you should.

But it doesn’t have to be like that. This is 2015! The digital age! The phrase, “There’s an app for that!” has never been more real or accurate as it is today. So yes, there are apps designed to find you places to park. And what’s even better is that they work. They wouldn’t be so increasingly popular if they didn’t. Not that you should be using your phone while driving, but you don’t have to be driving to use parking apps.

Continue reading…

Gas Mileage Woes? Don’t Trust These Fuel-Saving Myths

We’ve all heard the tips about how to best save fuel and get the most mileage out of each tank. But, how many of these actually work and how many are myths?

Scion xB, voted worst small car fuel economy from ConsumerReports.org.

Scion xB, voted worst small car fuel economy from ConsumerReports.

Below we’re busting three well-known fuel-saving myths so you can spend your energy on ideas that truly save money:

1. Smaller Car Means Better Gas Mileage
This myth is no longer true! In theory, having a smaller car may seem like you’re getting better gas mileage because you’re moving around less weight, but this actually isn’t true anymore. Many mid-sized sedans and some SUVs are getting similar gas mileage to small vehicles by using lightweight materials in addition to better engines, electric accessories and continuously variable transmissions, explains Consumer Reports. Continue reading…

How To: Get the Most from Your Tax Return

money-with-tax-returns

Via TurboTax.

Obviously you want to get the most out of your tax return. Yet you may think that without a savvy tax consultant going meticulously through your spending for the last year there is no way you will get as big a refund as you deserve. Well, you don’t need the high-profile consultant because there are resources available to you to make sure you get the biggest refund possible. You just have to educate yourself a bit.

For advice on approaching tax season and getting the most you can in your refund, check these tips out:

Don’t hurry
Yes, filing your tax returns on time and early enough in case there are mistakes is advantageous. For instance, you won’t have to worry about it, and there is a chance your return will come sooner. However, filing too early and in a hurry can cause you to make mistakes. Continue reading…

Quick Winter Workouts You Can Do Inside

735d87736e32ad5f6b3d31aa806463c4Winter is an easy time to make excuses. It’s cold outside, there is ice on the ground, snow is difficult to walk in and driving requires scraping the windshield and windows, not to mention waiting while the car warms up. Some would even make the argument that going outside during the winter is a ridiculous notion and that curling up with a book next to the fireplace is not only more comfortable, but drastically more intelligent.

“Staying healthy should be a priority.”

While this may be true, being cooped up in the house also invites laziness, which is not good for your mind or your body. Just because it is cold outside and you aren’t going to be wearing your swimming suit doesn’t mean you should ignore your body. But it’s beyond that too, as your mind needs some stimulation as well. Stay fit in the winter to keep yourself healthy. Winter is the time when most people get sick, so be proactive. Let your body stay strong inside and out and have a healthy 2015.

Here are a few exercises you can do without leaving the comfort and warmth of your home:

Low impact workouts

There are many workouts that you can do in spurts that are excellent for your physical and cardiovascular health, such as pushups and leg raises. Continue reading…