Category: General

When shopping for a new car, it’s essential to do your research and go into the process with a plan. There are a lot of factors to consider, and if you’re not prepared, you could easily wind up paying too much or buying a car that doesn’t fit your needs. This blog post will discuss the best way to shop for a new vehicle so that you can make an informed decision and get the best deal possible.

1) First, you need to figure out what kind of car you want

This may seem like a no-brainer, but there are a lot of different types of cars out there, and it’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for before you start shopping. Do some research online and in magazines to get an idea of the different options available. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, take some time to test drive a few different models to see which one feels right for you.

In addition, it’s crucial to think about your budget and what you can realistically afford. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and spend more than you intended, so it’s crucial to have a firm budget in mind before you start shopping.

via Pexels

2) Get pre-approved for a loan

If you’re planning on financing your new car, it’s a good idea to get pre-approved for a loan before you start shopping. This will give you a better idea of how much you can afford to spend, and it will also help you get a lower interest rate. You can usually get pre-approved for a loan through your bank or credit union.

Also, make sure to shop around for the best interest rate possible. The interest rate on your loan will have a big impact on your monthly payments, so it’s worth taking the time to compare rates from different lenders.

3) Do your homework on pricing

One of the most important things to do when shopping for a new car is to educate yourself on pricing. It’s easy to get taken advantage of by a car salesman if you don’t know what a fair price is for the car you’re interested in.

Spend some time online researching the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the make and model of the car you’re interested in. This is the starting point for negotiation, so it’s important to know what it is before you start talking to dealers. In addition, check out websites like edmunds to see what others have paid for the same car. This will give you a good idea of what you should expect to pay.

4) Don’t be afraid to negotiate

Once you’ve found the car you want and you know what a fair price is, it’s time to start negotiating. Remember that the salesman’s goal is to get you to pay as much as possible, so don’t be afraid to stand your ground. Start by offering a price that’s lower than what you’re actually willing to pay and see how the dealer responds. If they’re not willing to meet your price, be prepared to walk away. There’s always another car out there, and there’s no need to overpay just because you’re feeling pressured.

In conclusion, shopping for a new car doesn’t have to be stressful if you go into it with a plan. Do your research, know what you want, and be prepared to negotiate. If you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to get a great deal on the perfect car for you.

One of the most requested posts is a Fall Boot edit. I love black boots. I love them with leather pants, jeans, dresses and skirts. This season I think I found the most versatile round up. I am torn between 11, 9 and 8 but honestly I love them all. Click the numbers below for more info on each pair!!!! Happy Shopping!!!

ONE//TWO//THREE//FOUR//FIVE//SIX//SEVEN//EIGHT//NINE//TEN//ELEVEN//TWELVE

Meet Julia Ballentine and her exquisite jewelry pieces. Julia Ballentine has worked in the jewelry industry for nearly thirty years, earning her certification as a Graduate Gemologist with the Gemological Institute of America early on. In 1992, she began her career at Christie’s Auction House in New York, where she was a cataloguer and gemologist. This was followed by many years at Tiffany & Co where she worked as a Buyer, a Product Development Manager for Engagement, Statement and Schlumberger jewelry, and also as the Manager of the Tiffany Pearl Lab. In 2001 Julia left Tiffany and went back into the antique and estate jewelry world with an exclusive boutique jeweler on Madison Avenue and reconnected with exceptional vintage jewelry. Her experience also includes working at Christie’s London, jewelry design coursework at NYC’s Fashion Institute of Technology, design work in Florence, Italy and Appraisal Certification through USPAP. She has been a member of the Jewelers Board of Trade since 2005. She is a graduate of Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, Connecticut and has a B.A. from St. Lawrence University, as well as a G.G. from the Gemological Institute of America.

Over time, Julia discovered that there was a need for excellent customer service and wanted to help navigate what can be a very tricky industry. In the spring of 2005, taking advantage of the relationships with suppliers and craftsmen that she had built in her years in the industry, she launched her business on a referral-only basis. It was a natural progression to start Julia Ballentine Fine Jewelry, sourcing beautiful, high-quality jewelry for her friends and private clients. 

Today, Julia’s website includes available beautiful, fun pieces. This website represents a fraction of the jewelry that she sources and designs for her clients. She specializes in custom design work and is happy to consult on individual projects as time permits.

Thanks to our awesome blog sponsor BodyBalance365 for today’s awesome recipe.

As temperatures drop and we start spending more time indoors, this is when that first round of “winter colds” start to spread. Nothing is better to relieve sore throat pain, clear your sinuses, and warm you to your core than a bowl of soup. Butternut squash is loaded with Vitamin A, B, C, potassium, and magnesium so this is a nutrient-rich and delicious soup — all year round! 

The BEST Butternut Squash Soup is so delicious!!!! Bon Appetit!!!!

Ingredients:

2-2 1/2 lbs. butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cut into 1″ cubes

1 lrg. onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1 lrg. sweet potato, diced

4 Tbs. unsalted vegan butter or organic butter 

6 cups vegetable stock

kosher salt

ground pepper

ground nutmeg

Directions:

Melt butter

Saute onions until soft. Add carrots, celery, squash and sweet potato. Cook for 5 minutes

Add stock, 1 tsp salt and bring to a boil. Cover and lower heat.

Cook for 35-40 minutes until squash is tender.

Use an immersion blender (or Cuisinart) to puree when the soup is cooled.

Add nutmeg and pepper to taste.

I am so happy to share this week’s best sellers with you. Most of the items featured I have tried on myself. I love the clogs, the coat from J Crew is perfection, and I just ordered the leopard dress (it is on sale too). But I think you are really going to love everything in this week’s edition. Email me and let me know what you get!!!!

1. I tried on these clogs over the weekend and fell in love.
2. This leather skirt is fabulous!
3. I am in love love with this J-Crew coat. The sterling vest is incredible.
4. This is the perfect leopard dress…love the smocking!!
5. Everyone needs a neutral sweater for the Fall/Winter
6. Here is another perfect camel winter coat..
7. How cute is the top with feather sleeves?
8. These Tory Burch rings are gorgeous!
9. I have not tried this yet but this dewy foundation gets rave reviews…..
10. This sweater is beautiful…Love the green
11. Love the pink color….
12. You have to try this candle..it makes a fab gift too!!!