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Let’s Go: Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase {Giveaway}

September 8, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

A road to upscale motorcars, fantastic food, and fun for the family is headed to the Four Seasons: Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase.

Park Place Motorcars for hosting this special event and this partnership.

I’ve been to plenty of car shows – some low-key, some cutting edge, and some fancy. But when you’re looking for the best in luxury, food and fun, you head to the at the Four Seasons Resort and Club in Las Colinas. While cars may be the headliner, the whole family will enjoy the event!

Cars at Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase

With more than $100 million worth of cars on display, the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase features several special vehicle displays:

Bentley is celebrating its 100th anniversary so you’ll definitely see this at the event.

And because Park Place represent some of the best names in cars, the New Car Concours will show Rolls-Royce, Maserati, McLaren, Bentley, Karma, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover.

The Collectors’ Concours, which is a juried showcase of rare classic, luxury, and supercars cars from private collectors on the 1st Fairway of the TPC, will be on display including:

- 1916 Stutz Bearcat
- 1936 Pierce Arrow
- 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
- 1965 Corvette Stingray
- 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-a-Racer
- 1983 Ferrari 308 GTS

Club Car Expo will display on the 18th fairway and represents some of the best car clubs in North Texas, including:

Mercedes-Benz Club of America
Lamborghini Club of Dallas
Porsche Club of America – Maverick Region Corvette Legends of TX
McLaren Club
Jaguar Owners Association
Texas Shelby North Texas
Ferrari Club Dallas

Style at the Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase

The 2019 event will feature a Highland Park Village runway fashion show produced by Jan Strimple at 1:30 pm in the Porsche Luxury Lifestyle Pavilion. Alice + Olivia, St. John, Trina Turk and Theory will be showcased at the event. Immediately following the fashion show, Shane Walker, the Mad Hatter of Dallas, will judge the “Haute Hat” contest with ladies and gentleman competing for the title of Best Ladies Hat and Best Gentleman’s Hat. The winners will be announced during the awards presentation immediately after the contest from the Million Air Dallas stage.

Kid Fun at the Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase

Live entertainment will be featured from the outdoor Lexus Live Stage and in the tented, climate-controlled Porsche Luxury Lifestyle Pavilion. In addition, guests will enjoy pop up shops from luxury retailers, the Mercedes-Benz Beer Garden, and the Kid’s Zone featuring the North Texas Diecast Collectors Club’s interactive sixty-foot downhill Hot Wheels track, mini cars, a meet and greet with teen race car driver Kinzie Wilson and a soda pop truck.

Food at the Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase

Some of the best food in DFW will also be there! From Texas de Brazil, Fast Furious Grill, BellaTrino Pizzeria, SoCal Tacos, The Speedy Bean, Melt Ice Creams and Pecos Pete’s Natural Tea + Soda will be located throughout the venue. And even better – the Allie Beth Allman & Associates VIP lounge ($100 ticket) will feature samplings from some of Dallas’ top restaurants including The French Room, LAW, III Forks, Cool River, Dallas Chop House, Dallas Fish Market, Wild Salsa, Oven and Cellar, Wicked Butcher, Outlaw Tap Room, Kai, Toulouse, Whiskey Cake, Texas de Brazil, Princi Italia, CRU Wine and Food Bar, Pacific Table, Cork & Pig Tavern, Make Your Life Sweeter, and Carlton Provisions. (SIGN.ME.UP.)

Best of all proceeds from the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase benefit the Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation. Park Place Dealerships has donated a vehicle to be raffled at the 3rd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase. Proceeds of the raffle will benefit Baylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center – Irving.

Details

Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase
September 28, 2019
10 am – 4 pm (rain or shine)

Four Seasons Resort & Club Dallas at Las Colinas
4400 North MacArthur Blvd.
Irving, TX 75038
website >>> Discount Code (10% off GA and VIP tickets): mamachallenge <<<

Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate on September 28:

VIP $125
General Admission (21+) $75, and Show Field (21 and under) $35.
Children under two years old are free.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Way to Ride: Mercedes Benz A-Class

May 1, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Lord doesn’t need to buy you a Mercedes Benz, you can now do it yourself. Get to the front of the class with the NEW Mercedes Benz A-Class at Park Place Arlington.

This is part of a #mamachallenge sponsored series to show that class, convenience and community come together perfectly at Park Place Motorcars Arlington.

Who wouldn’t want to drive a Mercedes Benz?

Actually, I can answer that for you…

There are basically two camps: those that don’t think they can afford it and those who can’t get over the dial vs. a touch screen interface.

I actually was both.

While I loved the idea of a Mercedes, it was only likely if I won the lottery or opted for my mortgage not to be paid for a few months:). Plus, trying to command everything inside the car from the radio to the A/C from on singular dial, was too much for my patience (and my dexterity to handle). A part of the ieverything generation, I wanted to touch the screen and it responds just like that.

Photography by Revolver Media

However, until last month I didn’t think that both of these hurdles that kept me from my dream car would no longer reign true until the new Mercedes Benz A-Class rolled into town.

The New Face of Mercedes Benz: The A-Class

A new series to the American fleet, the A-Class is now first in line of the Mercedes brand. A four-door sedan works hard, plays hard and looks a lot like its predecessors at a more affordable price point. That’s not just compared among Mercedes, but also compared to many other car brands considered less luxury and more “reasonable cars.”

…Sounded dreamy…until I got inside.

That’s when I literally let out a school-girl, Taylor-Swift-style-shrill as I slid behind that soft, rich dark interior. I was in a Mercedes AND there was a huge touchscreen dashboard that I could touch with my index finger and magic happened.

Then it went next level.

Especially a new friend that comes with the car…perfectly named – what else? Mercedes. And she does whatever you need her too! Unlike those other unnamed auto assistants, you talked to this gal more like a friend and a lot less like a machine.

More Reasons to Love the Mercedes Benz A-Class

Described as “a new mobile device that’ll really move you,” the A-class is top of the class in many areas and in some ways I wonder if Mercedes has actually given some of us a reason to choose this automobile versus some of its other lineups. (I’m okay with that, right?)

Outfitted with the new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), the A-Class is the first to give you the tech you want including intuitive speech that learns you for a truly customized ride every time you get behind the wheel (and even for your passengers too.

But of course there’s more:

With ever-changing “seat kinetics” the A-class sedan is always modifying how your fit to ensure you’re comfortable but also riding at the optimum driving position.
With wireless charging for your phone and five (count that) USB ports in the front and back of the car, everyone has a place to plug in.
Need help parking? Yep, press the button and roll in VIP style with a multi-camera Surround View System with hands-free Active Parking Assist
Yes, there’s an APP for that – and the app for this baby keeps it all in check. From keeping up with updates, autostart, unlock/lock and much more, you can work your car from your fingertips.

The best part – When it comes to performance, the A-class stands for “athletic, agile and active.” With turbo power, seven speeds, Dynamic Select four drive modes, and three suspension options, the A 220 and all-wheel-drive A 220 4MATIC Sedans turn 188 horses and 221 lb-ft of torque into rapid response and full-time fun.

And yes, all that starting at $32,500?

You’ll also be surprised with the new A Class. Not like “oh, that’s nice” surprised, but “drop your mouth and do a double take” kinda-surprised.

Just connect with Park Place Arlington to take a look for yourself. And while you’re there, check out the PRE-OWNED area, too.

While I personally love me Benz, you can take off in Land Rover, Lexus or other favorite cars from Park Place. The advantage of that is you get all the benefits of Park Place service and experience and in a car that you love that works with your budget.

Ready to get in your next car? Then buy a car smart with these #mamachallenge tips.

Park Place Motorcars Arlington
4201 Beltway Pl
Arlington, TX 76018
(877) 560-1743

How to Buy a Car the Smart Way

April 18, 2019 By Autumn Rose Reo 4 Comments

In the market to buy car? At some point most of us are, so learn How to Buy a Car the Smart Way.

This is part of a #mamachallenge sponsored series to show that class, convenience and community come together perfectly at Park Place Motorcars Arlington.

I remember the first time I bought a car by myself. I didn’t realize at all what I was doing, but I felt that I needed to be strong and hopefully not get charged a crazy amount. Of course this was before I had a family, advanced technology and GPS entered the market, and there were so many resources so we could do some homework.

Thankfully, the situation turned out ok, but I’ll be honest there are so many things I could’ve done better and have learned since then to do and not to do when it comes to buying a car. And believe me – it’s not just about the car when it comes to making the best choice for your auto purchase…it’s also about the entire experience (and paying for it) that is important. With all your life-changing scenarios and needs, it’s important to reassess the process. So learn from this mama how to buy a car the smart way.

Let’s break it down to basics.

Define Your Need

To me this is the most important part and should be done before you even start looking at a car. If you can narrow down what you need vs. what you want early in the process, the rest of the other steps are a walk in the park. Depending on where you are in your life, you could have very specific needs (like lots of room for your little people) and perhaps you could really crave a car that looks good and drives fast.

So ask yourself these questions:

Size:

What size do you need? Who is going to be in this car and how is it going to be used?

Budget:

How much do you want to pay for a car and be comfortable with the amount (remember, there’s maintenance, insurance, etc. to consider as well?)

A rule of thumb is to spend around 20% or less of your take home pay on a car. However, that’s not always feasible for everyone depending on what expenses you have to manage. If you have kids, you know what I mean.

If you have a trade-in, that definitely changes the bottom line as well depending on what it is you have to pay. When you look at sealing the deal (see step below), you should know the value of your car by also doing some research (but take into consideration what condition your car is in, so you don’t always get the price it says.)

A rule of thumb is to spend around 20% or less of your take home pay on a car. However, that’s not always feasible for everyone depending on what expenses you have to manage.

Dealbreakers:

These are the things you NEED to have in the car like – needs to have four doors vs. two, must have lots of truck space, has GPS, is small so you can park it, etc.

Nice-to-Haves:

This is the WANT part – like the car needs to hav a sunroof, needs Apple Car Play, etc.

Then you have the hard part of prioritizing what you think is the most important thing to you (and these might change, too.)

If you noticed I didn’t ask two big questions here – do you want to buy new or pre-owned AND buy vs. lease. I personally think most people have a biased against both and a preconceived notion on how they work (often you replicate the buying tendency of your parents in this area.) Honestly, there are benefits and challenges to both.

A little note here: A lot of places will tell you to start looking at cars first. The reason I suggest you take the time to define your need is a lot like buying a house. After you start looking at several models, you’re willing to change what you need and what you’ll pay once you see what’s out there. And two things will happen: you’ll either settle for the most inexpensive version because you don’t want to pay much and therefore buy a car that ultimately won’t make you happy OR you’ll buy too much car and every month have to work at making the payment.

When you do the work you’ll be able to find a car that you’ll love and can afford (and yes, you can find that!)

Research

Now this is where you get to have some fun. This is the part of the process that you can get online, ask questions and research away. Once you’ve pegged down what you need (and what’s the icing on the cake), start seeing what’s out there. Visit a car show, get to Google, and ask your friends (they’ve already done some of the work for you so ask them what they like about their car and what they don’t.) Now what you find at this point doesn’t mean that they are your only options, but they give you an idea of what you’re realistically looking for and answer some of the other questions like colors, interiors, technology (this is a biggie for me.)

What I can’t just head to the dealership and start buying a car?

You absolutely can! But I’d at least have your needs, wants and how much you can pay in mind when you go. However, if money is you have huge deal breaker for you, you might need to look at your finances first (see next step below.) However, if there’s a range, you might be surprised by what you’ll find out you like vs. not like in a car when you go shopping. Your sales representative (mine is Ken and he’s amazing) is going to ask you what you’re looking for, so having your needs / wants list already set is so helpful, so they can really target what you needs vs. you having too much fun spending time driving a car you know you won’t buy in the long run (and wasting time!)

Which leads me to an even more important question: Where should you buy your car?

There are many options available to how and where to buy a car, but make sure to do your homework services like online-only car sales. While I know it’s an option for some, for me, I want a person to talk to about the car, to show me how it works (I once spent :30 minutes once trying to figure out how to open the hood), and a physical place to go when there’s a problem. That’s a dealership.

Dealerships

When choosing a dealership, you need to a little work there, too. It’s not just what’s closest or where you bought your last car that is an option. Some dealerships are much more invested in service than just being a place that sells cars. Many of them take great pride in the process of having a car, the customers that buy them, and hopefully, that you’re a client for life.

For example at Park Place Dealerships (which has 24 locations throughout DFW), #MyParkPlace is an entire campaign showing clients that not only have bought a car with Park Place, but have bought multiple cars for many years because of their exceptional service. From the moment you head to the door, there’s someone available to show you cars or if you prefer, lets you peruse the lot. And if you’re the kind of person that wants to do as much as much as possible online before you even visit the dealership, you can work with the Internet Sales Manager who can help you through the whole process online until it’s time to pick up the car!

But there are some other really good reasons to head to Park Place Motorcars especially the one I visit in Arlington.

Just take a look in their Customer Service Area and you’ll see what looks like the most beautiful coffee shop, sports bar, and even a space for the kids. With beverages available, plentiful seating options, TVs (just count how many), and free WiFi, you can get your car washed and maintenanced in the ultimate comfortable setting. I know from my own experiences, that is not normally the case at other dealerships, waiting for eight hours in a loud, cramped service center. I admit in my experience at Park Place, I actually waited a few minutes after my car was done because I didn’t want to leave and I was getting work done. But on days you can’t wait, Park Place customers also get access to loaner vehicles when they get services.

Paying for It

Okay no one wants to have this conversation, right? It’s the more adult part of the car-buying process…how are you going to pay for it?

First, be real with yourself. Know your credit score and where you sit with your finances. Then consider pre-financing. Whether than pick a car and wait to see if you can pay for it – you can get online and begin the process NOW so you know what you can pay before you start. Park Place Arlington has an online option so it’s quick and easy, but if you prefer, there are other options available like our bank / credit union, Lending Tree, etc. that can walk you through your process.

In the case you need a co-signer/co-buyer, do them a courtesy and ask BEFORE you are ready to sign on a car. Give them the opportunity to make a decision that’s good for them as well in a reasonable time AND that they can also see their finances are also in order. Plus if they know you’ve been planned out and taken the time to make your car choice, they’ll see you’re going to be responsible with their money and where their name is attached.

For me, I know my habits and I like the technology in a car so having a new car is important for the latest and greatest in tech. But for other people it’s having a specific kind of car, like a beautiful Mercedes or a Lexus that drives their leading priorities. But I’ve learned that it’s possible to have your cake and eat it too.

New / Preowned

Did you know that Park Place Arlington has both pre-owned and new cars available? So if you really have your heart set on a Land Rover, or a Ford F-150, or even that Jaguar convertible, they have it available! These pre-owned cars are Certified so that you know that they have been inspected, services, and restored to a like-new condition. And you still get the benefits of being a Park Place client.

Lease vs. Own

So do you want to own or lease? Again, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. I lease my car because I always want a newer car with the most updated technology that has a warranty, but I also need to keep my payments reasonable. My husband’s car is owned because he loves it and so he can add what he wants to it, so we do both.

Try it Out

Whatever you do, you must drive the car. Yep, take that test drive. Even if you have to have it ordered in, you need to make sure you’ve put your eyes on it and driven the car. And here’s why – I once had a car I requested in black that I literally was signing the documents on my car to purchase, but when I saw the car, I saw that the “black car” was actually navy. While somewhere on the documents it said navy, the sales rep thought it was black, too.

But that’s definitely not the only reason to test drive the car. If possible, don’t just drive it around the lot – make sure you’ve driven it on the highway, on the access road, and my favorite learning opportunity, your garage. Yes, once upon another time I bought a car that didn’t fit in my garage. Nothing is worse than realizing you bought a car that doesn’t work for you. You need the kids to get in it if you’re buying a family car including your spouse (hey, they need to fit too.) And if it’s just you and your dog, you might want to make sure they fit too!

Not only do you want to drive it, but turn on the radio, try out the trunk / back area, use the buttons – love this car.

Americans spend on average 293 hours in their car a year.
So you better like what you’re driving.

Seal the Deal

So you found it – your car! Congrats we’re almost there. There’s just a few more steps to the finish line!

Once you have the car in mind and you’re ready to take the plunge, make sure to confirm the rate and price with the lender. Also, if you have a trade-in, time to level up and see how much the dealership is willing to give you for the car so you can leverage your final payment price!

Another benefit of working with a sales representative at a dealership like Ken at Park Place Arlington is that you can discuss all the warranties, special offers, benefits of the dealership and how they work. If Roadside Assistance is part of your deal, make sure you understand how it works, how to contact them, etc.

Once you’ve settled on the price and signed the dotted line, make sure to get the lowdown on all of the following:

Have your sales representative do show and tell! Have them show you how and set up all your technology before you leave the lot.
Have your chair set perfect for you, get the radio set, ask how things work! This is why you have a sales rep – they’re there to help you!
And while you’re looking at the car, make sure you know how to manage that spare tire – just in case!

Yep, it’s that easy…ha! Actually buying a car can be a great process or a horrible one, but with a little planning and help (hello, Park Place Arlington), you can be ready to hit the road in no time!

Park Place Motorcars Arlington
4201 Beltway Pl
Arlington, TX 76018
(877) 560-1743

Score: First Timers Guide to a FC Dallas Game at Toyota Stadium

June 22, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Dallas Fort Worth isn’t just home to the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers…there are several other national teams including FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. If you’re headed to a game, then here’s our First Timers Guide to a FC Dallas Game.

Thanks to Toyota for an amazing afternoon kicking it with FC Dallas in my Toyota 2018 Camry and this sponsored post.

Being a Texas girl, I’ve done my time at the football game and many lazy afternoons at baseball fields. So I pretty much knew what to expect the first time I went to a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium and headed to Globe Life Park (remember I used to be in walkable distance of there?) But my first professional REAL football (as called by the rest of the world AKA – soccer), I wasn’t quite ready at all.

So my friends at Toyota decided it was time to school this Texas girl on all things “football” at Toyota Stadium – home to the FC Dallas for its opening day. If you may not have heard of it, Toyota Stadium and Toyota Soccer Center is a 145-acre multipurpose sports and entertainment facility in Frisco, Texas. Home stadium for FC Dallas and hosts the FCS Championship Game, the Frisco Bowl as well a variety of concerts, tournaments and other events, this venue will also soon be the home of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

The combination of a world-class stadium and a sports park make Toyota Stadium one of the best and most unique soccer facilities in the world. Included in the facility is the 20,500 state-of-the-art pro soccer stadium and 17 tournament-sized fields.

So we headed in a beautiful red 2018 Toyota Camry (talk about showing our spirit) to enjoy the fun…And man, the fun we did have as well as learn a lot about FC Dallas games.

Here’s our First Timer’s Guide to a FC Dallas Game at Toyota Stadium

Get Your Tickets

This might seem to be obvious but you actually can order tickets for the whole season as well as single games. There are several areas to also consider when purchasing your tickets including the East Field Box, Beer Garden and of course, suites as well as general seating. If it was up to me, I think hanging with the “real fans” on the field as part of the drum squad – they knew what was up. And our seats under the suites, but still in a covered shaded area were pretty sweet (because it’s HOT!)

AND remember: Children three (3) feet and under are not required to have a ticket for admission but must sit on the lap of a ticketed guardian.

Did you know you can also host birthday parties at Toyota Stadium or bring your work team for the game? FC Dallas can show ’em how team works happens – plus it’s a whole new way to kick it!

What to Wear

Like any sporting event, you want to show your spirit for the team with jerseys, shirts, hats, etc. Thankfully, many of us already have a red, white or blue clothing to donn for the day. You can always head to the Team Shop or FCDallasGear.com in advance as well, but whatever you do, just make sure it’s tasteful (ok to be around all ages that is!) Comfortable shoes and hat (to shield the sun) will be great. Also, make sure to throw on that first layer of sunscreen!

What to Bring

In effect this year the stadium has gone to a no purse/handbag rule except bags that are clear plastic and do not exceed 14” x 6” x 14”. Of course there are exceptions which you can check online, but make it easy on yourself and just don’t bring it – unless it’s a flag – because those are ok (just check the policy first.)

If you plan to tailgate, then you’ll need to load up the car with what you need for proper tailgating, but leave your open air grill at home because they’re not allowed. Stake your space early as well – parking here like any game can get complicated!

Most of all, make sure not to bring any of the following because you can’t bring it in with you to the facility:

Items NOT permitted:

Weapons of any kind (i.e. knives (including pocket knives), pepper spray, stun-guns, slingshots, concealed weapons, firearms etc.)
Fireworks of any kind (including smoke bombs and flares)
No glass and plastic bottles, cans, cups, coolers, containers, food or beverages of any kind
Air horns, whistles, seat cushions
Illegal drugs or chemicals
Laser pointers
Cups
Bags larger than 14x14x6
Inflated Soccer Balls
Umbrellas
Animals (except service animals)
Un-approved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements, etc.
Skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, etc.

Thankfully, the booths mostly take credit cards, but cash sometimes makes things easier too when it comes to make things go faster!

Where to Park

It pays to drive a Toyota — especially to Toyota Stadium. If driving around a NEW Toyota Camry to the game wasn’t enough – if you have a Toyota you get the UPGRADE!

FC Dallas fans driving their Toyota vehicles to FC Dallas home matches will receive complimentary Toyota Preferred Parking located in the South Sienna Blue Stadium East Lot.
- The reserved Toyota Preferred Parking spaces reach capacity quickly and are available on a first-come, first serve basis.
- Fans are encouraged to arrive 60-minutes prior to kick.
Free parking remains available for all guests to FC Dallas home matches in all the Corolla Red Stadium West Lots, the Highlander Green Lots and the RAV4 White Lot.
Preferred public parking is located in the Camry Gold Lot. The Cost to park in the Camry Gold Lot is $20.

If you don’t come early to enjoy the festivities, then just know you’ll be walking a little bit to the other outlying parking. And it’s a bit of a trek with littles, so plan accordingly. (And remember, no bags and no rentry, so only take what you need!)

What to Expect

Everyone goes through security – no matter the age and has their items checked. The process is easy and once you’re in – the fun begins!

If you’re like me, you like to have a lay of the land – where the food is, where the exits are, and most importantly, where the bathrooms are. So take a look here to acclimated before you go. It’s easy to navigate once you get there as it’s an open space in a big circle.

Now what? Then let’s have some fun! Lots of red, white and blue (the colors of FC Dallas), lots of spirit, and a lot of Toyota love (of course!) This one is rather perfect, don’t you think?

As for the festivities – get ready and come for the full game so you don’t miss them! There’s fireworks, chants, and much more that aren’t always at other games! Make sure to take in the whole experience.

What to Eat

This might have been one of my favorite things I discovered about Toyota Stadium. Most stadiums may have a beer sponsor, but at Toyota, we have a tequila sponsor – Lunazul! So the margaritas here are really good – especially when you’re sitting in the heat! But that’s not all my friends… There was other great cocktails to enjoy too all around the stadium including an Old Fashioned and of course, several beer selections!

We may have covered the drinks, but what about the eats? There are 10 booths serving food at Toyota Stadium. You’ll find your usual suspects like fries, nachos, and burgers. But keep looking – you’ll also find some killer street tacos, elotes and even smothered tater tots! The food was legit and also reasonable, so this stadium gets a two thumbs up!

I hope this guide to a FC Dallas Game at Toyota Stadium helps you take on the day like a pro! You’ll have a great time and get ready for a lot of fun!

Make note if you’re visiting in 2018:

Imagine Dragons? Yes, please!

Long Live the Convertible

October 7, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 20 Comments

As the nose of the plane began its ascent, I pulled out my American Way as usual to breeze through the headlines before opening up my laptop to tap out a few emails. However, one title really struck my attention:”End of an Era” – describing the demise of the convertible.

Instantly, I envisioned my hair blowing perfectly in the air as I freely jetted down the highway with “Bittersweet Symphony” playing in the background, but was rushed back to reality as I quickly remembered I now was a member of the “SUV brigade” at least for another 15-20 years. Needless to say, my owning a convertible years weren’t in near sight, but more of a white light at the end of the tunnel making carpool duty not as dreadful.

Getting back to the article, it outlined the demise of the classic car style over the years and how many car companies had either quit making them all together or in some cases, left only one model in their fleet. While facts are facts and car companies are in the business of making money, I began to think that life without a convertible (or at least the option of it) wasn’t really possible. I mean what would empty nesters, pageant queens and hollywood stars do without them? But why end it with those select few? Why does a convertible only have a place for life during those small window periods? Either way, I now had an even great need…I wasn’t going to lose my chance to get behind the wheel of a convertible – even if I had two children, grocery shopping, etc. to deal with.

When I returned from my business trip, I set out to get my chance to experience the idea of pleasure and freedom that a convertible promises to deliver. Thankfully, I was was able to get my hands on not just any convertible, but a beautiful silver 2014 Lexus IS 350 C.

When she rolled up in the driveway, again I was transported to the vision of my hair, the wind, the music and wreckless abandonment. Then I was quickly reminded that the empty fridge meant I couldn’t abandon my duties, so I slipped into the seat and off I went to the grocery store. So with the push of one button, the top came down and I was ready roll. I actually was excited to hit the market.

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Life is more fun in a convertible…just have to plan grocery shopping accordingly. #lexus #convertible #funsummer #autolove #ontheblogsoon

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Success! While it was a tight fit, I didn’t modify my list to fit the car. I wanted to see if I could get groceries for a family of four in the trunk. You’d be surprised how roomy the trunk is – I mean HUGE. Throughout the next two weeks I took on several challenges in the convertible; things that I routinely did, but now in the Lexus IS 350 C. Dropping of the kids to school (yep a 3 year old and a 6 year old is easy out when the top is down and with a handy button), a two trip to see my parents, loading up a run to Home Depot, going to a few meetings normally would be rather boring, but somehow they got an upgrade. I felt like I had gotten an upgrade and I didn’t mean the car. I meant my attitude. It was fun to do things and it was fun to be in the car. During that two weeks I did not use my “mom car” once. Again, my own little mamachallenge at work, I wondered where we ever got the idea that a convertible is only for those special few moments and people. I appreciate that on Christmas I probably wouldn’t have a top down with loads of presents flying out the back, but there definitely was a place in the world for a convertible and in my driveway.

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My boy’s first road trip in the Lexus convertible and he’s convinced it’s the coolest thing ever. Thank goodness it’s 72 in August in Texas! #lexus #roadtrip #Texas #familyreunion #funcity

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There’s a lot to say about the Lexus IS 350 C (or what the kids called the Barbie Car), but a few that I really appreciated in this car beyond comfort and style that comes with having a Lexus:

THREE-PIECE RETRACTABLE HARDTOP: The IS C hardtop retracts effortlessly in about 20 seconds.
HANDS-FREE TECHNOLOGY: A range of available voice-activated features help you receive phone calls and operate climate, audio and navigation functions as well as use of the Lexus Enform system.
OPTIMIZED CLIMATE CONTROL: Utilizing multiple sensors, this system helps ensure the ideal interior temperature, whether the top is up or down.

GPS

And just in case you thought I didn’t take safety into consideration, this car was made for all four seats to be used! There are safety latches for car seats, six airbags in the front, Safety Connect that communicates for help if you are in an accident and tons of features that are made to make sure that your car doesn’t work if it’s stolen, your brakes go into overdrive if you can’t, resists rain on the windshield in case of weather and park assist if you are incapable of parallel parking this baby. But don’t take my word for it, check out this impressive list of other safety features.

After my own little experiment, I know that the only death of the convertible is spoken from those people who have never driven one. And kinda like those special plates and towels in the cabinet that never get used except for “special occasions,” there’s no better opportunity than today to making it a special day.

Let’s Go: Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase {Giveaway}

A road to upscale motorcars, fantastic food, and fun for the family is headed to the Four Seasons: Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase.

Cars at Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase

Style at the Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase

Kid Fun at the Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase