Additional Posts From This Author
There is a long list of options for improving your car’s performance, efficiency, or security. But when choosing car accessories, there’s a thin line between enhancing your ride and collecting impractical items. Some accessories are flashy gimmicks, unappealing, and a waste of money that fails to live up to the hype. To help you avoid...
We've all been there — watching another Barrett-Jackson auction where some guy in a Hawaiian shirt drops mortgage-sized money on a 30-year-old car. The vintage car market has lost its mind, and somehow, cars that were jokes in period reviews are now “investment opportunities.” But here's the truth: nostalgia is expensive, and some classics deserve...
Like everything else, road trips have evolved from what they were 50 years ago. Back then, the experience was as important as the destination. Forgive me if I'm a bit nostalgic, but there was nothing quite like the excitement of preparing for a trip in the '70s. The magic of these trips was in the...
Jump-starting a car isn't rocket science, but it's more complex than connecting cables and hoping for the best. If you have no experience, doing it wrongly can fry your car's electronics and cause injury. Like almost any person who has been driving for a while, I've had dead batteries a couple of times. Each experience...
Electric cars are no longer shiny items we can only admire from afar. In 2024 alone, up to 20 new EV models became available in the U.S.A., making the list of options more diverse. Manufacturers highlight savings on fuel and maintenance and the promise of a greener future, which are some of the major selling...
Upgrading your car doesn't always have to be about performance or functionality. Sometimes, the best upgrades are the ones that make your car more enjoyable to live with or add a little personal touch. When I added a custom shift knob to my car, it didn't turn my daily driver into a Rolls-Royce, but it...
In Benjamin Disraeli's wise words, change is inevitable. This saying is true for humans and brands. An inability to evolve can lead to a brand's demise. For example, Blackberry's cardinal mistake was sticking to the button when every other mobile brand switched to the touchscreen. When it comes to branding, a change can be as simple...
Winter can be pretty unforgiving to the unprepared. Mistakes like failing to insulate your pipes can lead to fractured pipes, which can only mean one thing — no water supply for your household for a couple of days, if you are lucky. I used to be a victim of forgetfulness until I made a checklist...
I've seen countless owners watch their trucks transform from shiny new vehicles to beat-up messes in just a few years. From this, I've learned that maintaining a truck bed is more than just looking good; it's about protecting your investment. You'll hear excuses like, “It's just a work truck,” or “Scratches add character.” But every...
When I saw waves crash against the cliffs at Point Lobos for the first time, I knew that there was something special about California’s state parks. Since then, I’ve spent many weekends exploring these dramatic landscapes and discovering spots that will rival any beach destination in the US. Drawing from local recommendations, extensive research, and...
Every driver's nightmare is breaking down on the side of a dark highway. It's not only inconvenient but can also be dangerous. But that's why you subscribe to roadside assistance, right? Well, if you're ever stuck in a dead zone with no cell service, like I've been (several times), the tools in your trunk can...
The 1950s brought technological innovations, new genres of music, and the looming threat of nuclear war. That decade also carried beliefs that would be impractical and even ridiculous today. I regularly read through an online archive where people share their family’s stories and documents. While there are many interesting tales about poodle skirts and drive-ins,...
I'm a fan of homemade chicken foods. My Instagram saved section is filled with international chicken recipes that I'm drooling to make in the comfort of my kitchen. If I could, I would grill chicken in my backyard while sitting in my patio chair and blasting Caribbean music all day. However, the hustle and bustle...
Before FDA regulations and helicopter parenting, the snacking world was a mix of the bizarre, the questionable, and the quirky. The worst part is that kids were the lab rats for all these tasting experiments. Sugar wasn't just an ingredient in snacks but a separate food group. Additionally, artificial ingredients, wax, and preservatives were used...
Innocent-looking plants in your garden could be ticking time bombs that can switch from garden beauty to neighborhood menace overnight. Most invasive plants start as well-intentioned additions to home gardens, promising fast growth and pretty blooms. However, their aggressive nature means they’ll quickly choke out native species and jump property lines. They can also be...
Tires are among the most critical yet frequently overlooked components of your vehicle. However, mechanics know that not all tires deserve to be on your car. The quality of your tire can mean the difference between a safe journey and an accident waiting to happen. Since I first started driving, I've changed and driven a...
One of the many lessons I have learned in my nine years as a plant parent is that there is a plant for every environmental condition. The cactus can survive the scorching heat that rains in the desert, while the spider plant is immune to toxic gases like formaldehyde emitted in the forest floors. The...
While growing up, legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger inspired me to hit the gym. One memorable scene from Terminator 2, where Arnold lifted a car to help Sarah Connor and John escape, really stuck with me. Believe it or not, things like jogging in the morning were once considered odd. It took the efforts of people...
My cousin is getting married soon, so I checked my wardrobe to find the most suitable outfit for this event. Guess what? None of my suits will do, but a navy tuxedo would do the trick. I have two options: spend $1,000 on a brand-new tuxedo or rent one for $100. Either way, the wedding...
Many auto mechanics don't like working on certain car brands. These cars have hard-to-reach components, complex engines, design defects, proprietary technology, or require uncommon tools. All things being equal, mechanics do not like spending an eternity on any car and do not like consulting reference books before they can fix a car problem. So, when...
I have grown tired of eating the same formulaic pasta salad or hamburgers every day. The lack of innovation in the food industry is alarming. If you’ve tried all the recipe books you could find and your once-beloved meals now taste bland, you are not alone. It happens to the best of us. Spice up...
As a teen parent, I prioritized safety when getting my teenager a new car. It is common for parents to focus on price and style, but teenage drivers can be risky road users. Their immaturity and inexperience make them more likely to engage in unsafe practices like distracted driving and speeding, which could lead to...
After three years of daily home brewing and trying over 200 coffees, I discovered that amazing coffee doesn't require a luxury budget. My daily morning pour-over has led me to discover underrated brews in the most unexpected places. Through community recommendations, countless taste tests, and conversations with local roasters at my city's bi-monthly coffee meetups,...
The corporate world can be cruel to older individuals. After years of experience and dedication, they are laid off at the slightest economic inconvenience. I have seen this scenario play out many times. If you are an older worker who plans on switching careers or want a new job, these tips will help you avoid...
Before the fitness boom in the 1970s, physical training gained a loyal community in the 1950s with the help of legends like John Grimek and Steve Reeves. Although they did not have sophisticated fitness gadgets like wearable fitness trackers, they had effective, down-to-earth apparatuses that helped them attain fitness. When my gym instructor mentioned how...
I hate the musty and damp odor that oozes out of a stuffed bathroom with every calorie of energy in me. It indicates that it's time to declutter your bathroom and give yourself space to breathe fresh air. The bathroom is a sanctuary for many. It is natural to get comfy in the bathroom and...
Your motorcycle's chain is one of the components that require constant oiling. Efficiently lubricating your chain guarantees optimal engine performance and your overall safety. We have shortlisted effective ways to keep your motorcycle chain in top condition to spare you the trouble of spending unnecessary expenses on repairing your motorcycle. These 12 tips highlighted were...
Family vacations can be challenging to plan for. With a long list of destinations and transportation options, you must pick the perfect choice to satisfy every family member. With the right decision, you can make many fun memories for the entire family. If you choose to go on a cruise, you must consider certain factors,...
Humans are creatures of habit, meaning we all engage in certain behaviors without conscious effort. While there are many helpful habits, like journaling and exercise, we can also develop unhealthy, unproductive, impulsive habits that harm our social relationships. Chances are that, like me, you have habits that fall into one of these categories. Three months...
Looking for a truck that can handle the roughest terrain without breaking the bank? We’ve done the hard work for you, rounding up the top 15 off-road trucks from trusted brands like Ford, Nissan, and Toyota. Whether you need a compact, mid-size, or full-size 4×4 pickup, these trucks are built tough and ready for any...
Growing up in the 2000s, my dad would tell me about the good old days when America was “still great” and how the '80s drive-thru restaurants shaped his teenage years. Back in the 1980s, the internet had not ruined human connections. Kids played in the neighborhood until the street lights came on. American families would...
It’s the 1950s, and World War II has just ended. Nothing represented the American dream like owning a car, a business, and a single-family home surrounded by white picket fences. The American dream still lives on, but a lot has changed since then. Over the last seven decades, several factors have redefined home ownership. With...
The Grand Canyon is not just a gash in the desert; it is one of nature's most outstanding works of art. It offers a pleasant surprise to visitors who expect to see nothing besides a giant hole in the ground. There is so much to see and do out there, and it is little wonder...
Ever wondered why your mechanic gives you that slightly pained look when you describe your car's maintenance routine? It's the exact look you'd get from your doctor if you admit to living off drive-thru burgers and energy drinks every day. Most mechanics don't just fix cars — they're reversing months of bad habits that can...
Believe it or not, there was a time when McDonald's didn't serve breakfast, and most restaurant chains focused on one food item. Nowadays, it's common to see a diverse mix of options on a menu, from plant-based meals to delicacies from other cultures. Most food franchises have transformed their menus to include health-conscious meals, appeal...
Exploring the great outdoors with your dog can be a rewarding experience. Bringing your furry friend along on family vacations is often the best option — unless your destination isn’t dog-friendly or the trip poses risks to your pet. To help you make the most of road trips with your dog, we’ve compiled 15 expert...
With 63 national parks scattered across America, there's no shortage of epic and historic places to visit for your next adventure. However, not all national parks are created equal regarding camping. While most parks offer camping, some are too small or have delicate ecosystems that can't withstand the impact of campfires, tents, and outdoorsy campers....
Parenting a plant is easy when you know what to look out for. A dog whimpers when it is in pain. A baby cries when it needs your attention. But plants keep mum at all times, even when they are dying. While it cannot summon your attention like a baby, a plant in pain will...
You'll have to pick poop and deal with scratched doors, but many health benefits come from housing furry, scaled, or feathery friends. According to the American Pet Products Association, 86.9 families in the US own a pet. Of that number, 86% say pets positively impact their mental health. If you're still undecided about adopting that...
How much time should your child spend looking at screens? The simple answer is: less is more. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, excessive screen time can lead to sleep problems, lower grades, obesity, and low self-esteem. However, you have to introduce kids to technology at some point. Finding that sweet...
An item can be used the wrong way by so many people that the misuse becomes widely accepted. Think of Post-it notes, initially meant to be adhesives and bubble wrap, invented as textured wallpaper. While these examples have had happy endings, not all misuses are that fortunate. Some might even put you in harm’s way....
Everyone who has passed through college knows how challenging it can be, especially with deadlines, assignments, and having a social life. You need a support system in place to succeed in college. This can be friends, family, lecturers, and even apps. The average person spends 91% of the time on their smartphones using apps, and...
For anyone on a tight automotive budget, affordable and fuel-efficient cars are highly recommended. There's no point in purchasing a high-end vehicle if fuel costs will strain your finances. Fortunately, some car brands and models are designed to help you save significantly on fuel. Here, we'll walk you through vehicles celebrated for their impressive fuel...
Not many cars evoke the same sense of freedom as muscle cars. Nothing beats the raw power from the thundering V8 engines and the feeling that you can go anywhere. This is why muscle cars have remained such an iconic and important part of American culture. The muscle car era saw the rise of many...
The miles on your car often determine how much life is left for it. The average modern car can last anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 miles, according to Consumer Reports. Of course, this represents an improvement over vehicles from previous eras. With technological advances in the auto industry, more and more cars are aiming to...
Transforming your home into an indoor garden can seem like so much work, especially if you’re new to plants. But you don’t need a green thumb to enjoy the serenity of indoor plants. With the proper selection of low-maintenance trees, you can create a thriving indoor jungle that caters to itself. Whether you're a frequent...
The way cars have changed over time is truly amazing. When the first car was invented, it had features that, in retrospect, were maybe a little strange, but they had their purpose. As technology improves, car features continue to improve, leaving some of those antiquated elements in the past. Here, we'll look at some car...
Electric vehicles (EVs) are taking over the automobile market, and the rise in demand has made it a highly sought-after car. Praised for its styling, comfort, and advanced technology, these vehicles are still not without their challenges. Unlike traditional combustion cars that depend on gasoline for power, EVs rely solely on batteries, which, as we'll...
For off-road enthusiasts, choosing the right tires is similar to selecting the perfect pair of hiking boots. It's all about durability, traction, and comfort. When navigating challenging terrains, such as muddy trails or rocky hills, the last thing you want is to be let down by inadequate tires. With options ranging from all-terrain to mud-terrain...
So, if you're really into cars and you're all about speed, luxury, or advanced technology, you probably know that owning your dream car can cost a fortune, especially when it comes to insurance. Some cars are so expensive, fast, or loaded with advanced features that they'll send your insurance premiums through the roof. Car insurance...
The Corvette really gets the attention of car enthusiasts. It's been around for a long time and has always been known for its great performance and classic design. Some Corvette models are especially famous for being super impressive and capturing the thrill of speed, driving enjoyment, and rarity. The Corvette nameplate is currently in its...