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Holiday

Best Subscription Boxes for Valentine’s Day

January 21, 2020
Valentine-Subscription-Box
Candies and roses are classic Valentine’s Day gifts—but it’s 2020, not 1947! Step outside the box this year by buying your special someone something unique. If you need a gift idea for a man or woman this V-Day, there’s now a wide variety of subscription box services to start the creative ideas flowing. The best part? As Cousin Eddie said of the Jelly of the Month Club in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, “It’s the gift that keeps on givin’ the whole year.”

Let’s look at some of the year’s finest subscription box options so you aren’t left handing your valentine a tired, old “classic” gift on February 14.

Top Subscription Boxes for Men

Men are notoriously difficult to shop for. A subscription box offers a bit of niche-y variety to guarantee he has a few choices. (It’s the spice of life, after all.) Here are a few of my favorite subscription boxes for the man in your life.

Tuner Box

What’s in the box? This automotive subscription box is a great gift idea for any gearhead or car enthusiast. Tuner Box packages include everything from branded clothing and hats to car cleaning products and unique collectibles. Month-to-month boxes cost about $55, and you can choose the best “style,” or box theme, for your Valentine, including “Muscle,” “Euro” and “JDM.” Continue Reading…
Holiday

5 Mother’s Day Tips To Get Your Car Ready For A New Baby

April 18, 2019
Happy Mother's Day from Lauren Wants to Know

This year, it’s your turn to revel in being a mother on Mother’s Day. Congratulations! That new baby in your arms has changed you from being the one buying the gifts and cards into the one receiving them. Of course, being a mother isn’t all about sweetly sentimental presents. In fact, there’s a lot of stress involved in your new role, too! That’s why I’ve rounded up five tips to make life with a new baby in the car safer, easier, and more enjoyable.

Continue Reading…
Holiday

Christmas in Kansas City!

December 6, 2016
It’s the holiday season, and I could not be more excited! Christmas time in Kansas City is one of my favorite things about the city. Each year there are so many things to do and see! I highlighted a few of the many awesome holiday events happening around KC this month. Take a look and comment to let me know what cool things you and your friends and family are doing to celebrate the holidays!
  • Ice Skating at Crown Center Crown Center Square has the only public outdoor ice skating rink in the city. The rink is open every day of the week. You can enjoy the rink with your own favorite pair of skates or pay $3 to rent. Regular admission is only $6, but if you are 60 and older or 4 and younger, admission is free!
  • Ugly Sweater Party! Howl at the Moon bar is hosting a fabulous ugly sweater bash! Get ready for drinks, live music, contests, and of course the ugliest of Christmas sweaters. The party goes down on Friday, December 23rd.
  • Thank Grinch It’s Friday (TGIF) Movies The City Market is bringing the Grinch that stole Christmas to the City Market Square. Everyone who loves both the animated classic and live-action movies can enjoy both versions for FREE! Bring your chairs, blankets, and snacks! The movies will be shown both Friday, December 9th and Friday, December 16th.
  • Screenland at the Symphony: Home Alone Kansas City Symphony is bringing the ultimate Christmas classic, “Home Alone,” to life. The event will feature a live score of classics created by renowned composer John Williams. You can experience the delightful performance December 21st-22nd.
Holiday

Holiday Guide to the Perfect Car Accessories

November 18, 2016
It’s time to treat your car! All year you’ve driven it around, up and down the highways and byways of the city. Perhaps you’ve even taken a few road trips across the country. You have bought many things for yourself throughout the year, but what have you bought that would be beneficial for your car? After all, it has given you the luxury of driving around. If you’re not sure what to buy, don’t worry! The holidays are here, and I’ve got you covered. Here are some awesome accessories that both you and your car will love:            How many times have you dropped food, coins, and trash down the forbidden cracks of your seats? Not only was it extremely irritating to know you dropped something in between the car seats, but also frustrating because it was nearly impossible to retrieve anything from that abyss. Fortunately, there has been a solution to this problem and you should probably stop everything you’re doing right now to check it out. The Drop Stop is a car seat gap filler that eliminates this problem and helps keep your car clean!            If you have leather car seats, it can be a struggle to keep them clean. Leather tends to lock in spills, stains, and odors that make it harder to clean than other materials. Leather Honey leather cleaner is one of the best products in the market and is designed to tackle the dirt and debris that has been building up in your car seats.            After a while, your car headlights begin to get dim and dingy, making it hard for the light to fully shine through the lens. This could be dangerous, especially at night when it is hard to see on the road. If you are having this problem, there is a quick solution. There are plenty of reasonably priced headlight lens restoration kits that you can buy to give your car the quick fix it needs.            The USB Aromatherapy Diffuser is one of my favorite things on this list. Say goodbye to air fresheners because this diffuser will leave your car smelling fresh for a long time. The mist gets rid of any and all bad odors polluting your car and is also super cute and handy!             This accessory is the perfect way to conveniently keep your food, drinks, phone, and any other things you may need that would otherwise clutter your front seat area. The cup holder swivel tray switches back and forth between the driver and the passenger, making it easy and accessible to use!
Holiday

Fall into the Season in KC!

October 12, 2016
Autumn in Kansas City is perhaps my favorite time of the year. With the colors changing, there’s an ever-changing abundance of activities to get you into the fall spirit! Here’s a list of some of the best fall events happening around our city! There’s definitely something for everyone—so go out and do something fun!
  • Haunted House – Looking for that Halloween thrill? Our beloved KC has proudly earned the title of “Haunted House Capital of the World!” Find out why now through October 31st at The Beast, Edge of Hell, and Macabre Cinema. But trust me, they’re not for the faint of heart.  
  • Spookfest – Looking for something slightly less scary that won’t give you nightmares? Bring the kids by Science City, Union Station on October 29th to have a spooktacular time.
  • Liberty Corn Maze – Not only is this place a work of art, but with four large mazes to choose from, get lost in the fun that is Liberty Corn Maze! Such an entertaining time for all ages. From families to college students, you don’t want to miss it!
  • Dia De Los Muertos – Stop by the Kansas City Museum for this FREE event on October 23rd to celebrate the Day of the Dead! Enjoy live music, food, face painting, crafts, and more!  
  • Boo Bash – Looking for a music scene to get into your fall groove? Listen to the musical stylings of Ben Rector, Jacob Whitesides and Anne-Marie at Arvest Bank Theatre on October 29th!
Holiday, Local Events

The Best Places in Kansas City for Mother's Day Brunch

April 30, 2016
Mother’s Day is only a week way, and hopefully you’ve planned a lovely surprise for the special woman in your life. If not, though, allow me to introduce some great Sunday brunch spots in Kansas City. Below are just a few of the many wonderful dining options you’ll have on May 8th. Mom will thank you for not having to cook! Bristol – Located in the heart of the Kansas City Power & Light District with optional outdoor seating, this swanky seafood grill is sure to win Mom’s heart. With their amazing menu and top-notch service, Bristol is always a solid choice. Their brunch selection includes everything from shrimp enchiladas and smoked salmon to maple Belgian waffles and decadent omelettes. You can also top things off with a butterscotch cappuccino or vanilla bean crème brûlée! Trezo Mare – Located on the cliffs of Briarcliff Village, Trezo Mare has a fabulous brunch and great view of the downtown skyline. Their exclusive Mother’s Day buffet will include a carving station, seafood bar, and made-to-order omelets. They’ll also have brunch favorites like crispy potatoes, praline bacon, buttery biscuits, and more! Ala carte items will be available as well as a children’s menu. If you want a delicious meal made from fresh and local ingredients, look no further! Classic Cup Cafe – Located in the heart of the Country Club Plaza, this is the best outdoor brunch spot in town. Voted best place to dine outdoors in Kansas City, the Classic Cup Cafe will make you feel as though you’re dining al fresco in the European countryside. Their Sunday spread includes favorites like the Florentine Ham Frittata and the Classic Eggs Benedict… either of which your mother will thank you for. Additionally, here is a list of all the Kansas City Mother’s Day Events happening in May! From floral arranging workshops to tea at the castle, you’re sure to find something special.
Holiday, Local Events

Health & Wellmobile Brings Awareness to Heart and Vision Health

February 18, 2016
In an effort to keep the population more informed, the Health & Wellmobile of Kansas City has been tackling important health issues every month. By bringing awareness to these under-discussed illnesses and issues, H&W hopes to promote health and wellness throughout Kansas City and beyond! If you didn’t already know, February is more than just the month of love… it’s also American Heart Month and National Low Vision Awareness Month! These two campaigns may not be as publicized as other February celebrations, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less important. Let’s take a look at how these issues and their respective diseases are affecting Americans every day: American Heart Month began in 1964 when President Johnson declared February a month for dedicated heart health awareness. The Obama Administration has also made great efforts to reinforce the campaign and bring national attention to the number one killer of people in America. The American Heart Association spends more than $100 million annually on medical studies, awareness, and research, but the disease still rages on. Even with the plethora of resources going towards the fight against heart health, deaths and diagnoses of cardiovascular disease has only increased in recent years, largely due to unhealthy lifestyle choices. Check out Health & Wellmobile’s informative guide on preventing cardiovascular disease and recognizing the warning signs of heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest. National AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month: AMD, also known as Age-related Macular Degeneration, and low vision affect nearly 15 million adults over the age of 50. They are the leading causes of vision loss and can be extremely debilitating. AMD develops slowly and silently. In fact, by the time you realize what is happening, it’s oftentimes too late to reverse the damage. The disease, for which a cause is currently unknown, destroys the central vision and makes daily life extremely difficult. Health & Wellmobile has put together a great list of AMD symptoms and risk factors, and provides resources for scheduling health diagnostic screenings and low vision examinations. Health and wellness in Kansas City should be a top priority. Let’s work together to prevent these horrible diseases and live happier, healthier lives.
Holiday

Beat the Holiday Traffic With These 5 Steps

November 30, 2014
November is here! Though the month has only just begun, the holidays will be in full swing before we know it. And although the holidays bring so much excitement, fun and magic, there are some downsides too: stressful planning, buying gifts, — and holiday traffic! If you’re like the majority of the population and traveling some distance for Thanksgiving this year, you may already be dreading the gridlock you’ll have to face to get over the river and through the woods! But after reading this post, hopefully some of your anxiety will be gone with the wind. Check my tips for beating the holiday traffic this Thanksgiving! 1. Leave a day early or stay a day longer. The easiest way to avoid holiday traffic is to stay off the roads when everyone else is planning their travel. If you can swing it, hit the road a day early or later than peak holiday travel. For example, most people will be leaving on Wednesday to arrive at their Thanksgiving destination. So if you can travel on Tuesday instead, you’ll definitely have a better experience on the road. 2. Take a different route. If you aren’t able to leave for your holiday trip on a day that’s off peak hours, you can always try taking a different route. Avoid major freeways and highly populated areas, and you may end up getting to your destination faster than if you’d taken the usual “short” route. 3. Hit the road at a less common hour. Another great way to avoid traffic is to leave the house at a random hour. If you are a night owl, you can leave in the wee hours of the morning or even after work. It may be slightly inconvenient, but you’ll be grateful as you pass the gridlock by! 4. Keep up on traffic reports. Check your local traffic reports to keep up on peak hours or car accidents that may have occurred. Unfortunately, accidents are far more common with more people on the road! Luckily there are many apps that make it even easier to follow the traffic report. Check out this site for app suggestions! 5. Bring entertainment. If all else fails…you might as well enjoy the ride! Sitting in traffic for extended hours will be less painful if you have plenty to keep you entertained. These days, the extra features in cars and phone technology can certainly give you hours of activity. Or you could try some good ol’ fashioned games with family and friends!
Car fun, Holiday

Play It Safe on Halloween

October 28, 2014
Screen Shot 2014-10-27 at 4.26.44 PM I recently read a very sad article about how young pedestrian deaths double on Halloween night, in comparison to other nights of the year. Since 1990, more than 115 children and teens have been hit by a car and killed on Halloween night. Though that number may not seem like a huge amount for more than 20 years, the number is on the rise, and of course if it ever happened to someone you loved, that one death would be all that mattered. I wanted to write this post to make sure we are all aware of the dangers and can spread the word to keep children (and adults!) safe this Halloween. People worry about unsafe candy or mischievous Halloween pranks, being safe while walking around the neighborhood is certainly the biggest concern. And one that we can easily have control of! Here are a few tips on playing it safe this Halloween:
  • Don’t let children go trick or treating alone, even if it’s still light outside
  • Always use crosswalks to cross the street, and never let children run across the street by themselves
  • Carry flashlights and use them going from house to house
  • Wear reflective clothing, just as late-night bikers and pedestrians would any other night
  • Make sure teens aren’t distracted by cell phones if they go out on their own
  • Drive extra slow on Halloween night, and always double check intersections when making a turn
If we all follow these precautions, we’re sure to have a much safer and happier Halloween experience. Now go enjoy the ghosts and goblins of the night!
Holiday

5 Tips to Keep a New Year's Resolution

December 30, 2013

It’s that time of year again, time to write down your New Year’s resolutions! Most common resolutions are quit bad habits, fit into your skinny jeans, and save money to buy a new vehicle.

I know that keeping a resolution alive throughout the year can be difficult. For example, saving your money to buy a new vehicle can be quite hard when you want those new shoes. That is why I made some quick tips about how to keep a resolution.

Tip #1. Put some thought into it. Make sure that this year you will accomplish something you really want to get done. Don’t let other people persuade you, make it your own.

Tip #2. Write it down. Most years I completely forget what I wanted to accomplish. If you write it down, either in a journal or a calendar, then you are more likely to remember your resolution.

Tip #3. Make a plan. It’s hard to finish a goal without some form of steps to achieve it. If you are trying to save money for a new car, then budget your money so you can afford it. Start by saving x amount of dollars from your paychecks each month.

Tip #4. Carry it out. This is the hard part, but also the fun part. Try not to skip a month, week, or day of your resolution. Try your hardest, and you will gain the reward.

Tip #5. Reward yourself. If it’s buying a new car, make that day a special one! Facebook, Instagram, and tweet to everyone that you accomplished your goal!

What are some of your New Year’s resolutions?

 

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