Tips to Staying Healthy During the Summer!

1. Keep up or begin an exercise program. 

Aerobic activity is important for keeping the heart strong and healthy. If you only work out in a health club, take some time to do outdoor refreshing activities -- hiking, biking, swimming, or tennis. Reconnecting with these activities will help keep your body and mind aligned. 


2. Enjoy Nature's bounty.

Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables at their organic best. Consuming foods that are cooling and light -- fresh fruits, vegetable juices, raw vital salads, and lots of water -- will nourish your body for summertime activities. Include some protein with one or two meals. There are a number of light, nourishing proteins that don't require cooking. Most of these complement fruits and vegetables nicely-- nuts, seeds, sprouted beans, soy products, yogurt, kefir, and cottage cheese. Fish and poultry can also be eaten.  


3. Above all, give yourself the time to truly experience Nature.

This can happen, even in a city park, if you relax and let in your surroundings. When traveling, take activities for the family and your first aid kit for bites, bee stings, and injuries. Check for ticks after your hikes. Watch for overexposure, take time in the shade, and drink your water.  


Follow the link to see other great ways to keep a healthy mind and body throughout the summer: http://bit.ly/Uskfrp

Courtesy of : healthy.net and Staying Healthy Tips by Elson M. Haas MD.

‘Car of the Future’ Is Here. Now.

ASPEN, Colo., June 27, 2014 – Driving helps make lives safer, greener and more convenient at Toyota’s “Experience the Future of Mobility” exhibit, open now at the 2014 Aspen Ideas Festival. Toyota is staging the North American debut of its “Car of the Future” at the annual conference. Unveiled earlier this week at a press conference in Japan, the zero-emission hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) will be available for sale to customers in California in summer 2015.

True to the Festival’s 2014 focus on imagining the future, the Toyota FCV is an important step forward for zero-emission vehicle technology. An electric-drive, mid-size, four-door sedan, the vehicle won’t require customers to compromise on safety, price or performance. Instead, the FCV will travel approximately 300 miles on a single fill-up of hydrogen, which takes less than five minutes.

In addition, Toyota is taking steps to ensure that owners of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be able to fill their tanks, no matter what brand is on the hood. In May, the company announced it had entered a financial relationship with FirstElement Fuels to support the long-term operation and maintenance of 19 new hydrogen refueling stations in California.

“Our society is on the cusp of a revolution in personal mobility,” said Osamu Nagata, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America. “Slowly but surely, new technologies are changing how we think about automobiles and transportation -- from intelligent, automated systems that team up with drivers to improve safety, to zero-emission vehicles that emit nothing but water vapor. These technologies will help save lives, improve the environment, create jobs and help the U.S. maintain technical leadership in a field that is an important contributor to economic growth.”

Nagata will discuss the company’s vision for the future of mobility on the Festival’s main stage on June 28 during a one-on-one interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin, Financial Columnist, Editor-at-Large, New York Times; Co-anchor, CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”

Read more by following the link below.

Courtesy of Toyota Newsroom: http://toyota.us/1nQgByY

Spendless Summer!

DIY: Cleaning Your Headlights

1.       Clear headlights of every bit of excess grime you are able to and outline each headlight with tape.  This protects your paint job while you’re cleaning.

2.       It is likely that any product you try will require sanding of some sort—so be detailed, meticulous, and careful during this process.  After wards, the headlight should be rough and dull, yet clear of any yellowing.

3.       Polish them up!  This will rid your headlights of the small scratches caused by the sandpaper.  It will also rid them of the dull look and make them clear again.

4.       Since you’ve removed any protective layer that was on your headlights originally during the sanding process, it’s important that you apply a sealant with UV protection.  If possible, choose one with promised extended protection.

If you’re in the dark about the best UV sealant to use, check out what Popular Mechanics says on the issue.

Spring Is Here! Time For Fun!

Spring provides such wonderful weather in almost every location. It's a wonderful time for the family to head outdoors and soak up some sun, whether it's at a picnic or at an outdoor athletic event. It really is the perfect time for families to become even closer.

Here are some reasons why spring is the best for family fun!

1. Ideal temperatures -- It's not too hot, it's not too cold. The kids can run around to their heart's content without getting all sweaty and dehydrated.
2. Fun sights and sounds -- Is there anything better than heading out the door and hearing the birds chirp, watching squirrels run by, and seeing your little ones squeal with delight upon spotting them? Nope.
3. Daily trips to the park -- On any given spring day, there's really no better place to hang out with a toddler than the playground. They get to let off some steam, play with other kids, and since the weather is nice (see number one), you don't have to worry about the equipment being too hot for them to touch.
4. Learning experiences -- Now that the snow has melted, you gotta get the yard and garden back in order. Kids love to feel like they're helping out mommy, so you can turn any outdoor project into an educational experience -- even though they'll only see it as fun.
5. Fresh air is great for sleep -- For whatever reason, the kiddos sleep so much better after they've had a good dose of fresh air. Even something as simple as a walk around the neighborhood in the stroller is guaranteed to give your child (and you) a few extra z's at night.

What's your favorite part about spring? Let us know in the comments section below!

How to Clean Your Car the Right Way

1. Wash the wheels and tires first. If you splash wheel cleaners or dirt onto your vehicle, you can simply wash it off as you wash your vehicle. Use a cleaner that is safe for all wheels, like Wolfgang Tire & Wheel Cleaner. It is water-based and has no corrosive chemicals, which is safer for coated wheels and rubber. Agitate with a wheel brush to clean wheels without scratching. Wash each wheel and tire one at a time and rinse thoroughly before moving on to the next one. NOW EMPTY AND RINSE ALL CLEANING MATERIALS including your Pinnacle Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Sponge and your wash bucket.

2. Now you’re ready to wash. Let’s start with clean water and a freshly rinsed container and our Micro-chenille Wash Mitt. It’s important to use a car wash that is rich in lubricants. The purpose of the car wash is to remove contaminants and lubricate them so they do not scratch the paint as they slide off the vehicle. Dish detergents are not ideal because they remove protective coatings. P21S Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo, DP Auto Wash and Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo are all fantastic choices. They do not remove wax and provide ample lubrication of gritty particles.

3. How do you prevent swirl marks? Use two buckets. Fill one bucket with soapy water and fill the other with clean water. Each time you’re ready to reload your sponge with soapy water, dip it in the clean water first, to rinse out the grit and contamination you’ve just removed from your vehicle. Then dip it in the soapy water and continue washing.

An even better option is the Grit Guard. This plastic grid sits in the bottom of a 5-gallon wash bucket and stabilizes the water. Contamination and particles settle to the bottom of the bucket and the clean wash water remains at the top.


4. Always rinse your vehicle thoroughly before you begin washing in order to remove loose debris. Then begin washing at the top of the vehicle. Wash down the vehicle as opposed to front to back. Remember that the lower panels are dirtiest. You want to clean the windows and the upper panels before cleaning the lower half of the vehicle so that you don’t transfer grit to the top half of the vehicle. Rinse and reload your Sponge often to prevent cross-contamination. Rinse your vehicle frequently as you work, especially in hot weather.

For stubborn spots, like bugs or tar, use the Pinnacle Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Sponge to gently remove sticky contaminants without scratching. To soften the sponge, soak it in warm water for 3 minutes. Always use it with soapy water to lubricate the sponge. If you choose to use a spot cleaner, spray it on before washing and reapplywax to the treated area after you’ve dried the vehicle.

5. When rinsing, you don’t have to blast your car clean with the water hose. Free-flowing water (no nozzle) will allow the water to sheet off of your vehicle for a more thorough rinsing.

To see how to dry with the proper technique, follow the link below! 

Courtesy of Autogeek.net

Link: http://bit.ly/1joMsIJ

Ten Teens Across the Country Chosen for Creative Videos that Promote Safe Driving

America to Decide Winning Video through Online Voting; Winning Video to be Produced as TV-Ready PSA

April 17, 2014

Silver Spring, MD (April 17, 2014) – Toyota and Discovery Education announced today the top ten finalists in the annual Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge, the nation’s premier teen safe driving program. Beginning today and continuing for the next two weeks, these top ten inspirational videos will appear online for public voting not only to determine the grand prize winner, but also to send a national reminder about the importance of safe teen driving.

Now in its third year, the Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge, a key component of an ongoing partnership between Toyota and Discovery Education, invites teens across the country to create short videos to inspire their friends to drive more safely and avoid distractions.

Over 1,000 videos were submitted as part of the challenge, with ten entries chosen as finalists. Each video, some humorous in tone or others more poignant in nature, addresses unsafe driving habits and how distracted driving can change lives forever.

For the next two weeks, the general public can visit www.TeenDrive365.com to view the top ten videos and decide the winner by voting for their favorite. The teen who garners the most votes will win a $15,000 cash prize and be given the opportunity to work with a Discovery film crew to re-create their video as a professional, TV-ready PSA, which will be eligible to air on Discovery’s family of networks. Second place will receive a $10,000 cash prize and a behind-the-scenes trip for two to a Velocity Network show. Third place will be awarded a $7,500 cash prize.

“For over a decade, Toyota has offered programs and resources that are designed to keep teens safe on the road,” said Latondra Newton, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. “The Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge embodies our philosophy that great, impactful ideas come from anyone, anywhere. We’re thrilled with the creative submissions we received from teens across the country and congratulate our teen finalists.”

Pet Travel Tips!

It's usually not as easy as you think it would be. Bringing your best non-human friend on the road with you seems simple enough, right? Not always so. Here are a few tips on how to make travel with your pet easier.

Healthy Start: The last thing you need on the road is a sick pet. Make sure your pet is all set on vaccinations and has the proper certificates if you intend to cross any international/province/state borders.

Frequent Pit Stops:  You pet can get stir crazy just like you! Stop at any designated waiting area or service stop and take it on a little walk. This may increase your travel time, but it is well worth it! Breaks like these also serve as a perfect time to hydrate.

Proper Restraint:  Whether your pet is calm and obedient in the car it is always important to make sure they are safe. No need to roll the windows down for fresh air, you don't want any debris hitting them in the face. A favorite blanket or pet bed is perfect for a long road trip. Creating a normalcy and routine for car rides helps your pet stay calm.

There are lots of other ways to make you and your pet calm during a car ride lasting anywhere between 5 minutes and 8 hours. Thank you!

Courtesy of Tripswithpets.com

Link: http://bit.ly/1hrgECD

Best road trip songs of all time!

Driving on long road trips doesn't have to be boring. Music can be quite the element that turns a regular drive into an epic memory that you will never forget. For this reason, we have decided to compile the best driving songs of all-time. We understand music is very, subjective, so please do not hesitate to chime in and tell us what you prefer! 

Those are motivating, fun, upbeat and will keep you going for hours!



1. "Sweet Escape" - Gwen Stefani
2. "Highway to Hell" - AC/DC
3. "Don't stop me now" - Queen
4. "Road Tripping" - Red Hot Chili Peppers
5. "Hurricane" - Bob Dylan

Celebration Concludes Third Year of Toyota's 100 Cars for Good

Nine LA-Area Nonprofit Organizations Gather With Winning Vehicle Models

 

March 27, 2014

TORRANCE, Calif. (March 27, 2014) – Nine nonprofits ready to serve their communities will gather today to celebrate the 2013 100 Cars for Good philanthropy program. The charities will use their nine vehicles (seven Siennas and two Tundras) won through the program’s public voting to transport people, food and even musical instruments. Those same instruments will help veterans and at-risk youth find confidence and friendship through music education and performances, thanks to The Rock Club and Rock for Vets.

“These individuals are all struggling, but when you put them together, it’s something amazing,” said Frank McIlquham, founder and director of The Rock Club and Rock for Vets. “To win the Sienna is an honor and a one-in-a-million opportunity. We can move equipment, reach more people and perform further away – we can’t wait to get started.”

The nine organizations at Toyota’s headquarters today will showcase a slice of the many diverse causes selected by online voters every day between Oct. 1 and Nov. 19.

• A New Way of Life (Los Angeles): A re-entry program for formerly incarcerated women in South Central LA to support successful transitions back to the community (Sienna).
• Green Vets Los Angeles (Calabasas, Calif.): A vocational rehabilitation program that provides job training for veterans (Sienna).
• Honoring Our Fallen (Cypress, Calif.): An organization that provides direct support to families of fallen military members (Sienna).
• House of Ruth (Pomona, Calif.) A group that assists families victimized by domestic violence (Sienna).
• Mojave Desert Animal Rescue (Apple Valley, Calif.): A pet food bank and resource center for homeless pet owners (Tundra).
• New Directions for Veterans (Los Angeles): A resource organization for veterans and their families (Sienna).
• Operation Gratitude (Van Nuys, Calif.): A group that sends care packages to military members, their families, veterans, caregivers and first responders (Tundra).
• Santa Clarita Valley Committee on Aging  (Santa Clarita, Calif.): A senior center that provides meals, transportation and other assistance (Sienna).
• The Rock Club and Rock For Vets (Signal Hill, Calif.): A musical education group for at-risk kids and veterans (Sienna).

Winning nonprofits chose among the Toyota Highlander, Prius, Sienna, Sienna Mobility or Tundra, which come with a six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty from Toyota Financial Services. To see the full list of winners, visit www.100carsforgood.com.

Read more here: http://toyota.us/1hizXxd

Courtesy of Toyota Media Online

How to Organize Spring Cleaning

Springtime is the traditional time to remove the winter blues from your home and make it ready for the long days of summer fun. It's also a good exercise in taking stock of your home and its contents. Just make sure that you share the work--and the credit for a job well done.

Instructions

1. Make a list of each room in the house that needs to be cleaned.
2. In each room, breakdown the individual items that need to be cleaned with a bulleted list. For instance, a kitchen might include refrigerator/freezer cleanup, silver tarnish, cabinet organizing, etc. This way, you can tackle each room piecemeal.
3. Do a double-check for items that exist independently of a specific room's list. For instance, filters in your air conditioning unit might be due for a change, or you gutters may be clogged with late winter's heavy rains.
4. Farm out responsibilities to the members of your family. If you have young children, you might give them something small to do.
5. Schedule a weekend for the spring cleaning. Make sure your family knows that this weekend is dedicated to cleaning.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the weakest cleaner first, then graduate to stronger solutions when needed. This way you're least likely to harm surfaces with harsh, inappropriate cleaners.
• Pop moist sponges in the microwave oven for 20 seconds to kill germs.
• Spring cleaning is also a great time to change out your wardrobe. Wash and pack away winter clothes, and break out the short sleeves and beach towels.
• Stock up on trash bags, boxes, cleaning supplies and rags.

(courtesy of eHow)

5 of the World's Fastest Roads

Here are some of the fastest roads you will find on Earth. Enjoy!

5) Nürburgring

Where Is It: Near Nürburg.

Speed Limit: What's a Speed Limit?

Fastest Stretch: All the way.


4) Isle of Man

Where Is It: In the middle of the Irish Sea.

Speed Limit: Whatever you can do.

Fastest Stretch: Ask Clarkson.


3) Australia: The Outback

Where Is It: Between Alice Springs and Barrow Creek.

Speed Limit: Will be unlimited soon.

Fastest Stretch: Wherever you won't hit kangaroos.


2) Germany

Where Is It: Where you see the Autobahn sign.

Speed Limit: Unrestricted if you're lucky.

Fastest Stretch: Wherever they aren't doing roadwork.


1) Bonneville Salt Flats

Where Is It: In Utah.

Speed Limit: Have fun.

Fastest Stretch: In the middle.

Utah might have a general 80 mph speed limit, but Bonneville has different rules. It might not be a road per se, but you can drive there and you can go as fast as you please.

(courtesy of Jalopnik)

Seven Tips to Help Save on Fuel

Looking for ways to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to fuel? There are ways to help maximize each tank for a longer period of time. Some are well-known, and others you may not have realized; however, try these 7 tips to get the most of your next fill-up:

1. Lighten up. Empty your trunk and back seats of any items you don’t need. Also, don't fill up your tank until you're close to empty, as toting less fuel will also make your vehicle lighter. A lighter car should get you better MPG.

2. Cool off. It's okay to turn on you AC. Consumer Reports says that Air Conditioning's gas-guzzling reputation is undeserved. Furthermore, at higher speeds, opening the windows or sunroof can hurt on gas miles by increasing drag.

3. Stay straight. Staying in one lane as much as possible will also help with fuel consumption, as weaving in and out of lanes uses up more gas miles.

4. Tighten up. Your gas cap, that is. You don't want to let any of that precious fuel evaporate.

5. Shift up. Put your car in overdrive for highway driving. It lowers your RPM, which saves you gas money. Check your owner's manual for the recommended speed at which you may use overdrive.

6. Just cruise. Go ahead and use cruise control when you're on a flat highway, where it can increase gas miles by 7%. However, don't use it on uneven roads where it's not efficient.

7. Shut off. Turn off all electronics and climate controls before you cut the engine. With the extras off, your engine won't have to strain so hard to restart, leading to better gas miles.