No one really wants to wash a car in the winter. It’s not as fun as a summer scrubbing session, where you can squirt your kids with the hose, water the flowers while you work or even wash your dog as well. But it’s a necessary evil. If you don’t rinse off the salt and cinder, it can cause corrosion. Here are some tips to ensure you don’t damage your ride when washing it. Replace Your Mats: If you haven’t done so already, swap out the carpeted mats for rubber ones. You can easily wipe away slush and salt. Wipe Your Windows: Clean your windows regularly and spray on an anti-fogging coating, whic ..read more

Apartment living has its ups and downs. The ups include amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers and restaurants in walking distance. A big downer is street parking. Even if there’s a parking lot for tenants, it’s not the same as pulling into a garage. But don’t worry! There are things you can do to protect your car against the outdoor elements. Wax Your Ride You can protect your paint from harsh winter and summer weather by waxing your car regularly. This preserves your paint, preventing oxidation from occurring. There is also a cosmetic benefit! The clear coat can cover up minor scratc ..read more

Show your car some love by stopping at your dealer’s automotive care center. By getting an oil change, you can extend the relationship you have with your car. Remember that all oils are not alike, so talk to a specialist about which one is best for your car. Here are a few things to look for in an oil change. Protect Some oil options provide complete protection from friction and allow you to drive more miles per year with a cleaner engine. Check  Check your car manual to see if the manufacturer recommends synthetic oil. If you have an older car, this is likely your best bet as it prevents ..read more

Most drivers don’t plan to be the folks on the side of the road wondering what went wrong with their vehicles. But unfortunately, tires flatten, engines fail and accidents occur. This is why it’s critical to obtain not only car insurance but roadside assistance as well. You can select a plan from a full-service auto club or your car maker. Plans vary in price and services. Be sure your provider offers the basics: 1. 24-Hour emergency assistance 2. Battery jump-start 3. Ditch extraction 4. Emergency fuel delivery 5. Flat tire repair and replacement Click here to find out other important items f ..read more

This winter, weird weather is sweeping the country. One week, your car is buried under snow, and the next, you no longer need to warm up your ride. While you can’t always predict the forecast, you can expect the best and prepare for the worse. This is extremely important if you are hauling your most prized possessions–your children. Here’s how you can ensure you are ready for a storm to hit while out and about with your family. 1. Pack a Blanket: If your child is in a car seat, it’s safer to keep cozy and warm with a blanket versus a bulky winter coat. Be sure to remove your child’s coat, befo ..read more

This Valentine’s Day show the one you love some love by taking care of their car. You can go the extra mile by making this unique and caring gesture. Warm up their ride Much of the country will wake up to snow and ice, so set your alarm and warm up your Valentine’s car. Brush off the snow, melt the ice and pump up the heat. Be sure to shovel and salt a safe walkway to the vehicle. Your loved one will literally start their day warm and fuzzy! Clean the car Wash the exterior and vacuum the interview of the car. Depending on the weather, you can even add a coat of wax. If you have children ..read more

Dear Diary, Over your lifetime, you probably walked to raise money and raise awareness for cancer, lupus, MS, or epilepsy. But have you tied up your sneakers for eczema? Although the ailment is far from deadly, and I wouldn’t dare compare it to a devastating disease, eczema doesn’t have a cure. And for the first time, a charity walk was held in North Carolina to try to find one. Like many people, I have dry skin from time to time, but it’s nothing a little lotion can’t combat. Eczema on the other hand needs more attention. I heard of it, but never really educated myself on the matter, until I ..read more

If you have a case of the winter blues, one of the best remedies is a weekend getaway. You don’t have to travel far in the snow to escape the seasonal stress. You can experience a warm and cozy bed and breakfast in a matter of minutes. The Inn on Negley This beautifully restored period home is located in the heart of Shadyside, just one block away from Walnut Street and Ellsworth Avenue. You can venture out to shop and dine, or stay inside and enjoy the quaint atmosphere. The inn is known for its high tea, featuring savory sandwiches, scones, sweets and a large selection of teas. Morning ..read more

Fashion is usually the last thing on a new mother’s mind. But as Kate Middleton, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, and now Meghan Markle has shown, moms can look great during pregnancy and after giving birth. However, it’s not easy to adapt to your new body type, especially because it will keep changing. Glamour asked some of the world’s most stylish women for advice, and Vogue Mexico and Vogue Latin America EIC Karla Martinez de Salas said: “My Alaïa leggings I bought at a vintage shop were my essential during pregnancy”. It is important for expecting moms to find the right clothes that will a ..read more

By: Shani St. Vil You’ll spend almost $10,000 on your baby’s first year, according to the thousands of moms who took a recent Baby Center survey. Before you throw your calculator against the wall, read on! One way to cut costs is to breastfeed your baby. Here are 10 surprising savings of breastfeeding. 1. I saved between $1,500-3,000 within the first year of breastfeeding. You can multiply that number if you have multiple kids. I didn’t have to purchase formula, bottles or nipples. Just think–you can jumpstart a college savings fund with that! 2. I lessened my chances of having breas ..read more