Making Moves in the 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD

The times we’re currently living in are uncertain to say the least. How can you try to create normalcy when everything seems to be out of whack? We can thank the COVID-19 Pandemic for this vital shift in life. We’ve all just had to pick up and adjust. This is a true test for humanity because many of us are used to having control over our lives and what comes next. With so many unknowns and what if’s?!?! We are all having to adapt and be in flow with this “NEW NORMAL” as we are getting to know it.

This time of year I’m usually on vacation and travel has come to a screeching halt to promote safety within the United States and Internationally so we can flatten the curve and ‘hopefully” see a decline in the spread of COVID-19 cases. We’ve been under a strict stay-at-home order for what seems like forever, but it’s for the best. Until recently I’ve only left the house to go to the supermarket and get take-out from some of my favorite local restaurants.

Slowly but surely, cities are starting to reopen in phases and while we’re still to practice social distancing this gives us some room to explore and enjoy the outdoors once again. So, when I had the opportunity to drive the 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature All-Wheel-Drive and keep it for a week, I was EXCITED! We were ready to do all the things because we’d been cooped up at home for so long. So, with antibacterial wipes, facial masks, and hand sanitizer in tow we set out on some adventures.

Let me start by telling you how SEXY the 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD is… The Machine Gray Metallic Exterior Color with Caturra Brown leather interior and layered wood trim is so chic! You just want to dress up in your favorite outfit on with your hair and makeup on YES GAWDESS and hit the streets! I can’t speak for everyone but, that’s what I did! Everyone knows that I LOVE technology so it’s no surprise that the audio and infotainment is one of my favorite features.

The first thing I want to do when I get in a vehicle is be COMFORTABLE! I want to adjust the seats and mirrors, sync my phone so that I can bop to my favorite tunes on my playlist(s) while enjoying the drive. My iPhone automatically synced when I plugged it in via USB and we enjoyed the Bose® 10-speaker audio sound system. Another one of my favorite features is the active driving display that I can view any notifications that pop up or my speed vs. the speed limit without having to take my eyes off the road.

We were driving and I barely took my hand off the wheel before the “Please keep your hands on the steering wheel” notification popped up. There are so many safety and security features, it’s no wonder the CX-5 is one of six Mazda Models named a 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. If you have horrible allergies like I do, you’ll appreciate the air conditioning with pollen filter. I had my Claritin in tow but, kept forgetting to take it. Ugh! That didn’t keep me from enjoying outside though…

You’ll enjoy the remote key-less entry system and push button start. There are so many conveniences with this vehicle from the storage to the USB inputs for charging your phone and 12-volt power outlet(s). Ambient lighting throughout the cabin and LED headlights, daytime running lights and auto on/off headlights. I really enjoy the high beam control; you don’t have to worry about manually putting on your high beams when the visibility changes when you’re driving at night.

Overall, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD is a smooth ride with its turbo charged engine! I wish I could list off ALL my favorite features but, it’s best you go, and safely test drive it and experience all this goodness for yourself. You can check out ALL the features, specifications, pricing and accessories on the Mazda website. You can even build your own! Our adventures included shopping, take-out and curb side pick-up from our favorite restaurants, the park, the beach and “safely” visiting close relatives.

Where would you “safely” go in the 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD? #InThisTogether

Back to School Style with TV Store Online Pop Culture

It’s that time of year again! Time to shop your favorite styles for back to school and if you’re anything like me and my family… We love pop culture! I had the opportunity to order a couple of items from TVStoreOnline.com and view their selection of Pop Culture Hoodies & T-Shirts for the Back to School Season. There is something for EVERYONE with officially licensed apparel from STAR WARS, MARVEL, Nintendo, Disney, The Office, Harry Potter & so much more. I’m a Disney, Marvel & Star Wars enthusiast!

My youngest son is getting ready to complete his last year in Elementary School. We’ve been shopping and getting him ready for the upcoming school year. I give him total control of his style and overall look. He will occasionally ask for my opinion and I’ll share my input but, he decides what he’d like to wear and pulls his outfits together when we shop. I pulled up TV Store Online and told him to browse and tell me his favorite picks. It’s really no surprise to me that he chose MARVEL.

The UV Collage Navy Youth Marvel T-Shirt uses UV solar technology on the printed ink, allowing the shirt to change color when it’s exposed to sunlight! That’s cool. The shirt is 100% cotton, a standard fit and officially licensed. All your favorite Avengers are represented in the collage: Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Wolverine, Iron Man and the Silver Surfer. Iron Man is my son’s favorite Avenger. Watching the shirt change to color when exposed to sunlight is awesome!

I selected the I AM R2-D2 Hoodie, my older son called dibs on it! Fun Fact: I grew up on Star Wars and while I LOVE R2-D2 & C-3PO my overall STAR WARS favorite is YODA! My favorite Star Wars Episode is VI: Return of the JEDI. The hoodie is officially licensed with 80% Cotton & 20% Polyester. It can double as a costume for Halloween or Fan Wear when attending Disney World or Disneyland Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. We have a Fall Disney Trip planned and I can’t wait to wear my R2-D2 hoodie if it’s still mine. Lol!

Head over to TV Store Online to shop your favorite pop culture looks. I’m excited to host a back to school giveaway to get you started. Visit my post on Instagram & Like the picture. You can get additional entries by following the directions on the post. Feel free to leave a comment and “Good Luck” to one lucky person! Giveaway ends on Saturday August 31, 2019 at 11:59pm EST. Thank you to TV Store online for sponsoring this post, all opinions are 100% honest and my own. #TVStoreOnline #BackToSchoolStyle

What’s your favorite pop culture show and who’s your favorite character?  #Ad #BackToSchool    

Pool Days with the Altec Lansing Baby Boom XL Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Traveling this summer has been a top priority for me and relaxing poolside along with beach days have been the normal. Nothing is better than being able to enjoy your family fun days with your favorite music playlist streaming in the background! The Altec Lansing Baby Boom XL Bluetooth Speaker is the perfect travel companion and comes with 1 micro USB cable, 1 carabiner clip, a quick start guide and warranty information. The Baby Boom XL is user friendly and sets up in a couple of minutes.

You get up to six hours of battery life to enjoy your favorite tunes, access your virtual voice assistant or hands-free speaker phone. The Baby Boom XL is water proof and even floats in the water. It has a IP67 waterproof rating and can handle being in the sand on the beach while also being snow proof and dirt proof. It’s available in three colors: royal blue, mint and torch red. I have the mint color and it fits perfect with all my summer décor and travel style.

Using the quick start guide to pair the Baby Boom XL Portable Bluetooth Speaker to my phone was easy and done within a couple of minutes. I then opened my Google Play App and started to stream music from my favorite R&B/Neo Soul Station that I have programmed on my phone. True Wireless pairing is available for double the volume. It has a mean bass and I love it. You get a 30-foot wireless range that allows you to move around with ease. I was excited to take it to the pool and test it in water.

The Baby Boom XL is totally water proof and it floats on the surface of the water. It even got splashed a few times and I was able to wipe it off with no issues and it continued to work perfectly. It’s petite in size but has the best sound bursting from the speaker. I didn’t even turn it all the way up to its maximum volume and it was LOUD! You also get assured privacy that your data is NOT being shared, just your music! This is the best summer addition tech for fun days!

Overall, I really enjoy using the Baby Boom XL Bluetooth Speaker. It’s lightweight and easy to transport on your adventures. You can easily pair it to any Bluetooth enabled device. It will fully charge within two hours and give you up to 6 hours of audio per charge. It’s available at Best Buy and retails for $29.99 with a price match guarantee. Head on over to the Best Buy website for additional information on the Altec Lansing Baby Boom XL Portable Bluetooth Speaker.

Disclosure: Thank you to Best Buy for sponsoring this post. I received the Baby Boom XL Speaker for review purposes and compensated with a Best Buy Gift Card. All opinions expressed are 100% honest and completely my own. #Ad #MyAltecLansing

How would you use the Baby Boom XL Bluetooth Speaker?

Book Review: Formerly A Wife

I jumped on the opportunity to review Formerly A Wife (A Survival Guide for Women Facing the Pain and Disruption of Divorce) by Welby O’Brien. While I am a VERY private person, I had a very rough separation and divorce. The relationship with my ex-husband spanned over 20 years. We were high school sweethearts, grew up together and have four beautiful children. The life I had with him was all I ever knew and suddenly I felt broken, useless and worthless.

I will admit that I lost my sense of self over the years. I knew how to be a wife and mother usually putting their needs before my own. My children were at an age where I was semi empty nesting and my life was changing drastically. Change can be hard, I didn’t like it! I know I’ll always be Mom but, when your kids move out of the house and your going through a divorce it just feels EMPTY! I went from having a full house of six to half a house and it’s been a huge transition for me.

The most important thing I wanted to do was work on me! I needed to grieve, learn to cope and heal before I could move on. I still have one minor that my ex-husband and I co-parent. Our three older ones are young adults. I felt alone as though no one could possibly know what I’m going through. He was my best friend and I loved him with every part of me. When I walked away from our marriage, I still loved him but, some things seemed irreparable and it was toxic. I needed to get out!

Welby O’Brien is writing from experience and sharing her truth with us! She covers so many topics like moving on, the other woman, defining new roles, triggers and so much more. I honestly wish I would’ve had this guide three years ago. We were separated for one year and we’ve been divorced for two years this month. I will say that it does get easier with time but, take as long as you need to heal. Divorce is devastating and nothing you just… “Get Over!” I’m just getting to happy.

Formerly A Wife gives you a checklist for survival, encourages you to arm yourself with scripture and pour your heart out to God. There is a scripture for every situation and the way you may be feeling. I’ll admit that I needed and continue to need constant motivation and inspiration to get me through some rough patches. I drew closer to God and took everything one day at a time. There were good days and bad days. I was so used to being “strong” and I got tired! I learned to pray and give it to God.

Welby O’Brien holds a master’s degree in counseling from Portland State University and a teaching degree from Biola University. She is also a contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Divorce and Recovery, Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Spirit of America, as well as Shepherding Women in Pain. Actively involved in leadership and teaching for over 30 years, Welby has also been a welcomed guest on radio and television, as well as featured in video productions. One Takeaway: You’re NOT alone!

Check out the website for more information.

A Christmas Story Bunny Union Suit Pajama

I’m usually cold and am wrapped in a blanket or wearing sweatpants, socks & t-shirt. I can’t tell you how excited I was to choose my favorite Pajama Suit from Ugly Christmas Sweater.com. The temperature has been in the nineties and I keep the AC running to cool down the house but, I still wrap up. My ceiling fan stays on in my bedroom and I sleep under a blanket. It’s the perfect combination to ME! I just came back from vacation and in between my brothers’ home and the hotel it stayed COOL!

I had my officially licensed A Christmas Story Bunny Union Suit Pajama in tow, so I wouldn’t be cold. It was so comfortable and I slept like a baby. It’s a soft 1 zip bunny union suit, the hood comes with bunny ears and removable slippers. The size goes from small to extra-large. This Bunny Union Suit Pajama brings back fun memories and some of my favorite scenes for the A Christmas Story Movie. I cracked up when Ralphie opened his gift from Aunt Clara and didn’t like it but, his mom insisted that he try it on.

Ralphie’s dad said he looks like a “pink nightmare” and convinced his mom to let him take it off and only wear it when aunt Clara comes around. The A Christmas Story Bunny Suit Pajama doubles as a costume that you can wear for Halloween or a Pajama Party. I don’t need to wrap up when I’m wearing my Bunny Union Suit Pajama, especially when my hands and feet are covered. There’s a variety of Christmas Pajama jumpsuit themes to choose from.

It’s pink, unisex, 100% polyester and long sleeve. Don’t you want your own Christmas Pajama Jumpsuit or gift it to someone? If so, I’ve got you covered! Entry Information: Visit the post on Instagram & Like the Picture. You get additional entries by following the directions of the post. Feel free to leave a comment and Good Luck to one lucky person! Giveaway ends on Wednesday July 17, at 11:59pm EST.

What’s your favorite A Christmas Story Movie Memory?

error: Ask And You Shall Receive!!