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We’re very interested in cars no matter the reason, but when it comes to fun car gadgets we love gifting them for the holiday season!  Check out our fantastic collection of gift ideas from wearables to gadgets to decor.  There’s sure to be something on this list for every car enthusiast in your life no matter their age or experience. more Check it out!  We’ve got wearables and useables all on today’s gift guide. Great Gearhead Gadgets Personalized Garage Signs, $40-$100 These custom made garage signs can be personalized with any names, and have a variety of colors to choose from.  Great gift for every day decor or the workshop! Bluetooth OBDII for iPhone and Android, $119.95 This tiny little tool has unlimited potential.  This scanning tool can help you understand the ins-and-outs of your car without the expensive price tag, and all the convenience of smartphone accessibilities.  Great for the fixit-friend in your gift circle. Magnetic Wrist-Sized Tool Belt, $25 This magnetic wrist sized toolbelt is great for those who don’t have a shop assistant on hand in the home garage.  Never lose your essential bits and bobs again!  Choose from a variety of color options. Portable NOCO Boost Plus Jump Starter $99 This portable battery booster is a convenient, pocket sized portable jump start kit. It’s an indispensable part of any driver’s emergency car kit. Craftsman Home Tool & Mechanic’s Tool Kit 57pcs, $45.00 This kit is a steal and its 57 pieces cost less than $1 per each, but it’s an invaluable part of any budding mechanic’s kit!  Craftsman is a name you can trust with valued industry experience.  They’re durable, convenient, accessible, and portable. Mechanic’s Scrub, $16 This all natural handmade scrub is perfect for lifting grit and grime off skin after an intense fix-it session.  Removes dirt, staining, and other nasty gunk from the skin without causing damage.  Comes in a choice of scents. Wear Your Passion For Cars on Your Sleeve Fingerless Leather Driving Gloves from The Outlierman, $226.37 Sleek. Sophisticated. Stylish. Top of the line in gift giving for someone special! Riparo Men’s Genuine Leather Full Finger Riding Gloves, $59.96-129.97 Slightly less expensive than the previously mentioned gloves, but still snazzy Heavy Duty Synthetic Mechanic’s Gloves, $14.43-$29.73 Perfect for those who love to do the work and get hands-on in the garage, and rough, tough, and messy instead of hitting the road with a set of fancy driving gloves. Eat Sleep Drive Repeat Short-Sleeve Tee, $24 Got a passionate gearhead in your midst who eats, sleeps, and breathes all things automotive?  Why not get them a shirt that proclaims their love loud and proud and in your face!  It’s a great conversation starter for casual hangouts and parties. Vin Diesel Christmas Sweater, $27 If your gearhead loves movies as much as we do, this is the perfect hybrid gift! Build It Tune It Race It Tee, $19.97 Perfect for the Tuner fanatic in  your midst.  For those who love to rally, race, repeat.  Great for wearing out with friends or in the garage fixing and tuning to perfection. Vin Disel Christmas Time Is About Family Sweatshirt, $20.00 We love this goofy Christmas Sweatshirt with a cartoonified Vin Diesel! Great for fans of Fast and the Furious and even to wear to the office holiday party! Ships fast, too.

We love a good goofy holiday tradition around here, and Ugly Sweater Day is no exception!  Today we’re sharing some super silly and festive sweaters to help make your holiday season merry and bright.  Whether you’re a kiddo or just a kid at heart, we’ve got something to delight everyone on your gifting list. And of course, we wouldn’t forget our best road trip companions and faithful navigators, so you’ll also find a great selection of comfy pet sweaters. It’s fun for the whole family on today’s blog! more Ugly Pet Sweaters First up are these adorable dog sweaters from Bobibi on Amazon, a great gift under $20 for the pet parents on your list. Tis the season to be wheezin with laughter! This hilarious little Walking Snowman Dog and Cat Costume is sure to be a hit at your holiday get-togethers. Just $12 on sale at Chewy. Channel the nostalgia factor with this tacky granny sweater for Dogs and Cats in a patchwork pattern, now on sale at Chewy for just $10! Snag a Hanukkah dog sweater for your pup with this custom order sherpa dog coat by SantaPawzBoutique on Etsy for just $15+ Got a little roly-poly fur baby to dress up this holiday season? We’ve got just the thing with this Mommy’s Little Matzo Ball sweater by KalisClosetCo on Etsy! Pamper your pooch with this adorable “Spoiled for 8 Days” hoodie by NeverlandGiftsStudio on Etsy for under $20 on sale! Deck your little buddy out for Kwanzaa with these festive African Print bows and collars by DesignsByCristal on Etsy for less than $10+ This adorable African Print Dog Bandana is a gorgeous addition to your furry friend’s holiday attire for Kwanzaa, and it’s a real bargain! Festive Sweaters and Gear for Humans We love this beautiful sweater We are obsessed with this Ugly Sweater that is customizable with your pet’s face!! Choose from 1 to 3 pets per shirt, and from sizes inclusive up to a 5XL.  It makes an incredible gift for the pet parents in your life! Want to level up your game entirely?  What about this one-of-a-kind sweater from TackyUglyChristmas featuring the Abominable Snow Monster Yeti from the classic Christmas claymation movies! Need something a little more extra than the average sweater so you can take top prize at the office holiday party? Look no further than this Partridge in a Pear Tree made to order tacky sweater by TackyUglyChristmas on Etsy. We love this Racing themed ugly christmas knit sweater with race checkered flag details on Amazon, now on sale for just $50! Head home for the holidays in style with this “Driving Home for Christmas” comfy sweatshirt with ugly sweater print design on a tough, meant to last Carhartt midweight sweatshirt,

Welcome to Winter!  We can’t wait to spend our holiday break with friends and loved ones and exploring all of the adventures the season has to offer. There’s nothing as exhilarating as the crunch of fresh powder underfoot, and the brisk fresh air of the ski slopes or snowy trails. And, as always, please feel free to let us know your picks for winter getaways!  Your suggestions may make it into a future blog post! more Whether you’re into the adrenaline rush of downhill skiing or snowboarding, wilderness trail hikes with snowshoes or cross-country skiing, or just a good ol’ fashioned sledding hill, we think you’re going to love the ideas we’ve got on our Winter Break Vacation destinations list. Local Preserves & Trails for Snowshoeing, Sledding, Cross Country Skiing in Illinois and Wisconsin Lyons Woods Forest Preserve in Waukegan, IL Captain Daniels Wright Woods in Mettawa IL Adler Park in Libertyville, IL INdependence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, IL Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville, IL Lakewood Winter Sports Area in Wauconda, IL Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry, IL Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, IL Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest, IL Captain DAniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve in Mettawa, IL Prairieview Education Center in Crystal Lake, IL Edward L Ryerson Conservation Area in Deerfield, IL Chiwaukee Prairie in Pleasant Prairie, WI Kenosha Silver Lake County Park in Salem, WI Richard Bong State Recreation Area in Kansasville, WI Parkside Cross-Country Ski Trail System in Kenosha, WI The daredevils among us will love these destinations geared up for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing!  These resorts are also one-stop-shopping on entertainment, dining, and plenty of other outdoor adventure fun beyond the expected. Check out our picks for best Ski and Snowsports Areas & Resorts worth the road trip! Best Downhill Skiing and Winter Sports Destinations in Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois! Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort in Wilmot, WI Alpine Valley Resort in Elkhorn, WI Little Switzerland in Slinger, WI Fox Hill Ski Area in West Bend, WI The Mountain Top Ski and Adventure Center at Grand Geneva in Lake Geneva, WI Sunburst Ski Area in Kewaskum, WI Nutt Hill in Plymouth, WI Sundown Mountain Resort in Dubuque, IA Pines Family Ski Area in Valparaiso, IN Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports in Lisle, IL Snowstar in Andalusia, IL Norge Ski Club in Fox River Grove, IL Villa Olivia in Bartlett, IL Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, IL Gander Mountain in Antioch, IL Sagawau Environmental Learning Center in Lemont, IL Looking to spend the break with quiet respite instead of being constantly on the move?  You’ll find all the rest and repose you’re craving on our Midwest Winter Getaways list.  We’ve found everything from charming cottages to log cabin retreats, so no matter your flavor or passion, you’ll have a blissful stay. Peaceful Wintry Weekend Getaways in Wisconsin and Illinois Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast in Antioch Christmas House Bed and Breakfast in Racine, WI Manor on the Mile in Franksville, WI Lilac Cottage in Bowen Park Augustus Chetlain Home and Log Cabin Guest Houses in Galena Lombard Log Cabin in Four Seasons Park Kishauwau Cabins in Tonica Goldmoor Inn in Galena Copperstone Inn at Orchard Ridge Farms Starved Rock Cabins in Oglesby White Pines Inn at Mount Morris Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort Galena Cellars in Galena Chicago Athletic Association Hotel in Chicago Heartland Lodge in Nebo Big Sky Cabins in Alto Pass Nauvoo Log Cabins in Nauvoo Haagen Haus in Alton Timber Ridge Outpost in Karbers Ridge Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton Peace of Earth Lodge in Rushville If you prefer the staycation route, there’s also lots of fun things to do right here in Waukegan! Check out our many local restaurants, cafes, and small businesses.  And let us know if you have a recommendation for a nearby activity, recommended accommodations for cozy winter getaways, and we may just feature it in an upcoming post!

If you drive a manual transmission vehicle, we’re here to help shine a light on the ins-and-outs of maintenance and repair.  You’ll know it’s time to bring your car in for a clutch replacement or service when you notice the following: difficulty in shifting gears, a high-pitched squeaking or a growling noise, you can rev your engine but it’s difficult to actually accelerate, you notice that pressing the pedal feels spongy, sticky, or it vibrates or feels loose, or your transmission may make noise even while the car is in neutral. more If your clutch is slipping, you’ll notice that feeling as you release the pedal, because the engine will rev higher but your vehicle will move slowly by comparison. If the clutch pedal remains depressed to the floor after engaging, you may have issues with linkage or release bearings, the clutch cable could be broken, among other things. If you hear grinding, it means that the clutch disc is still engaged, and the transmission input shaft is still spinning even when you’ve depressed the clutch  pedal. This becomes an issue because the gears will grind and eventually damage your transmission. If you notice any of these things happening with your vehicle, give our automotive service center a call today!  We’ll get you all squared away and back on the road in no time. Here are some important terms to know when you bring your car in for a service on its clutch: Clutch bushing & linkage The parts of the mechanical connection between the clutch and clutch pedal in a non-hydraulic clutch system. Clutch fluid The liquid used in a hydraulic clutch system that helps disengage the clutch from the flywheel. Clutch fork ball stud The pivot point for the clutch fork in the clutch housing of a manual transmission. Clutch lines & hoses In a hydraulically actuated clutch, the tubes that carry fluid between the clutch master cylinder and the slave cylinder. Clutch master cylinder In a manual-transmission vehicle with a hydraulically actuated clutch, a small-bore hydraulic cylinder mechanically connected to the clutch pedal that actuates a slave cylinder, which in turn actuates the clutch fork that disengages the clutch when the clutch pedal is depressed. Clutch pedal A pedal located on the floor of the vehicle to the left of the brake pedal that, when depressed, disengages the clutch from the flywheel. (Definitions from Edmunds)

Well, we don’t know about you, but one of our favourite things to enjoy when there’s even a little nip in the air is indulging in a cup of luscious hot chocolate!  There’s just something about this rich and velvety hot drink that warms a person straight to the soul.  Whether you make yours with steamed milk or boiled water or a few shots of espresso, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this sweet wintry drink.  But how much do you know about this seasonal beverage? more Celebrating National Cocoa Day with These Cool Facts: Cocoa was one of the first crops cultivated in South America for the Mayans and the Aztecs. The word “cocoa” comes from the South American “cacao” which is derived from the Nahuatl word “Cacahuatl.” In Mayan culture, the cocoa/cacao tree was a sacred plant and cocoa fixture in both engagement and marriage ceremonies as well as a form of currency between communities. In Latin, the word cocoa means “Food of the Gods.” When the Spanish discovered cacao/cocoa and began to import the beans back home, they initially cornered the market.  But as chocolate began to grow in popularity, this versatile treat made its way to France and other areas. Did you know that today we consume upwards of three million tons of cocoa beans? Wild! Best Recipes for Hot Chocolate: World’s Greatest Camping Hot Chocolate Adult Hot Chocolate from Spruce Eats Homemade Hot Chocolate from Celebrating Sweets Homemade White Hot Chocolate from Celebrating Sweets Mexican Hot Chocolate from Bon Appetit TikTok Hot Chocolate Bombs Xocolatl (Traditional Aztec Chocolate Drink) Authentic Mayan Hot Chocolate Mayan Chili Cocoa Elixir Vegan Mayan Drinking Chocolate Easy Hot Cocoa for Kids Recommended Cocoa and Hot Chocolate Mixes: Spicy Aztec Hot Chocolate Mix Godiva Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix Moon Juice Adaptogenic Cosmic Cocoa Mix Jack Torres Hot Chocolate Classic Mix Taza Chocolate Oaxacan Sampler Nestle Abuelita Hot Chocolate Bars Mexican Hot Chocolate Kit Looking for a great travel mug to take your hot cocoa on the roads? Check out this list of recommended to-go mugs!

Here at Classic, we love to celebrate the holidays by visiting friends and family over winter break.  Keep those kiddos busy and occupied over the holiday break with exciting activities, coloring pages, and keepsake crafting ideas for the holiday and winter season.  Some of the crafts here would even be great gifts from your little ones made special for relatives or grandparents!  And what could be a better way to share your love and affection for the special folks in your life than a handmade holiday gift?  We’re sharing some great hands-on crafts for kids and a delightful ornament tutorial on today’s blog! more DIY Your Own Water Snow Globe What You Will Need: Recycled or new glass jars with matching tight fitting lids or snowglobe containers Optional: decoupage and paper, spray paint, or felt for Jar Lid Hot Glue or E6000 Epoxy Glue or Super Glue (both to be used by adults) Glitter and/or small sequins A small container of glycerin Miniature toy cars or miniature figures that fit on jar lids Distilled water How to Make It: Paint or decoupage your lid if desired. Arrange your decorations on the jar lid, and secure them with the glue.  Allow to dry fully (check glue container, tube, or glue sticks package for dry time.) Once your decorations are glued and dry.  Add your glitter or sequins to the clean, empty jar, add ½ teaspoon or so of glycerin to the jar, and pour distilled water into the jar until it’s just about full, leaving room for your decorated lid to fit inside. Add glue to the edge of your jar lid, secure it tightly to the top of the jar and allow the glue to fully set and dry (yes, your decorations will be upside down until the glue is fully dry and sealed!)  Add glue around the edges of the seal once the lid is applied. Once the glue is all dried and fully sealed, flip your jar over, and voila!! It’s a snow globe you’ve made all on your own! Crafts for Kiddos Who Love Cars: DIY Car Magnets Footprint Racecar Valentines Build a Cardboard Box Car Easy Jingle Cars Ornaments Car in a Snowglobe Jar DIY Christmas Wreath with Cars DIY Wreath for the Car to decorate your vehicle General Crafting Fun for the Whole Family: 1 5 Crafts You Can Make While Traveling Melted Snowman DIY by Darice made from felt and foam Gorgeous Sparkling Icicles for hanging on the tree or from your window Snow Slime in a Jar f or hands-on sparkling, squishy sensory play Any of these Ice and Snow experiments when the weather gets chilly DIY Twinkling Snow Puffy Paint for making snowmen or painting winter landscapes Oil Pastels and Watercolour Resist artwork for painting snowflakes and more Frosted Sparkling Winter Pinecone decorations or ornaments Sand Art Menorah for Hanukkah (or swap up the colours for Kwanzaa!) Mixed Media Flower artwork and designs Pom Pom Hot Cocoa mugs with marshmallows for kiddos Peace Sign Pom Pom wreath for the home or gift giving Foam Cup Snow Owl craft for the wizard world or bookish kiddos Arctic Animal Snow Globes with wildlife figures for the nature lovers Observational Drawing exercises for children Monoprinting with Kids to practice fine art technique Melted Bead Suncatchers craft for parents and children together Making Rainsticks for sensory play and music time

Today is National Brownie Day!  Perhaps you’re not a fan of the holiday cookie platter, and instead rather indulge in these delectable, fudgey, ooey-gooey confections.  We’re right there with ya. Whether you prefer the center squares or only want the crisp and chewy edges, brownies are a timeless treat no matter how you slice it! more The first incarnation of brownies appeared in the late 1800s, and rumor has it that its roots come from the Palmer House Hotel in the form of a portable chocolate cake with apricot glaze.  And the first official recipe appeared in 1899, known as “Brownie’s Food” with the most modern incarnation that we know today appearing in 1907. Whether you’re looking to flex your baking muscles or keep it simple and classic, we’ve got a brownie recipe to fit your needs: Let’s start with these fabulous Racecar Brownies! Perfectly fudgy frosted brownies Delectable crackly topped gooey chocolate brownies Velvety and magnificent gluten free, dairy free cocoa brownies Paleo and Keto friendly super fudge brownies Spectacular 4-ingredient breakfast brownies (Yes, you heard right!) Nanny’s Fudge Brownie Bundt Cake A batch of brownie batter waffles Crinkle topped brownie bites in a muffin tin Some sweet and nutty British Brownies Ooey-gooey Salted Caramel center brownies Quick and easy One-bowl brownies Spice up Friday Pizza night with a Brownie Dessert Pizza The very first “Palmer House Brownie” recipe with apricot glaze Super chocolatey Black Bean brownies 5-ingredient Flourless Chocolate brownies Chocolate chickpea brownies Deep Dish chocolate brownies Not sure how to pick the best brownie recipe for your persnickety palette?  Here’s how the ingredients you use help chance the brownie’s taste, physical makeup and texture: For gooey, soft brownies you’ll want a recipe with a higher concentration sugar, butter, and eggs. For cakier style brownies, you’ll want to use cocoa powder and more flour than the rest of the ingredients (butter, sugar, egg) If you’re mixing your batter and the ingredients start to separate due to the melted butter and oil, you can add a little bit of milk into the mix to help it all meld together Your choice of brand in cocoa and melting chocolate does matter; you need to select higher quality ingredients for each to produce that prime fudgy texture and richer flavor Pull your pan out a little “underdone” and softer in the center as they will set while cooling in the tin Try some of these great kitchen tools to perfect your brownie baking skills: Car Cake Tin for baking Car Cupcake liners Lightning McQueen Wafflemaker Wilton Spatula with Car design NASCAR Baking Race Car driving All Edges brownie pan Car themed Nordicware Bundt Baking Tin Fondant rubber racecar tire mold Brooklyn Brownie Baking Tray Charming Baking Molds with Car Shapes! These amazon silicone car molds for baking would be perfect for XL brownies and fudge cake recipes. Yum! This great two pack of mini silicone chocolate car molds for cake, jello, candy and more!  Would also be a great way to make brownie bites or chocolate minis for cake decorating. For a little variety in your baking, try these clever little truck and car themed bakeware trays!  And buy an extra set for multipurpose use for crafting in addition to the ones used for baking.

National Illinois day is celebrated annually to commemorate the Land of Abraham Lincoln, and commemorates the same week that it was officially declared the 21st state (December 3rd, 1818.) In celebration of this exciting day, here’s some fun facts about our state that you may not know about! more Illinois has 102 counties and most of them are named in honor of early US leaders. Illinois was the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment to the constitution, which abolished slavery on February 1st in 1865. The first modern day skyscraper, The Home Insurance Building, was built in Chicago in 1885 Walt Disney was born in Chicago on December 5th in 1901 Illinois is the third largest producer of popcorn, with 330+ farms and more than 45,000 acres dedicated to the crop Iconic fast food franchises of McDonalds and Dairy Queen both opened their first stores in Illinois Illinois is known as “The Land of Presidents” since it’s the birthplace of eight different US presidents Route 66 was first opened to traffic in Springfield, and has been considered one of the most iconic American Road Trips.  The roadway used to run from Chicago to Los Angeles, and is now considered a scenic byway, with about 432 miles of this roadway still running through Illinois! Metropolis, Illinois has been dubbed the official hometown of DC Superhero Superman as of 1972, and is home to the Super Museum full of Superman Memorabilia, a statue of Superman along the banks of the Ohio River, and is the filming location for the fictional Metropolis in the 1978 film! The Sears Tower in Chicago is the tallest building in America, reaching 1,729 feet all the way up to the tippy top Illinois is home to the world’s largest bottle of ketchup in Collinsville Illinois is the 25th largest state in the US by area Illinois is the top generator of nuclear power than any other US State The Chicago Public Library is the 5th largest library in the US, has 5,949,251 volumes in their collection, and has 81 different locations for library and technology services for native Chicagoans Chicago Deep Dish Pizza was invented in the 1940s by Ike Sewell, founder of Pizzeria Uno Chicago is the third largest city in the US with more than 2.5 million residents You can see four different states from the top of the Willis Tower The Chicago River used to flow in the other direction, but from 1862-1922 it was reversed thanks to a series of highly skilled engineers designing special canals.

We’re just a few weeks away from the holiday season. Hanukkah starts on December 18th, Christmas follows on the 24th, and Kwanzaa starts on the 26th!  So let’s get ready to celebrate both in our homes and on the road. Grab some of these travel friendly gadgets for yourself or surprise a friend or loved one with some festive fun. Plus, they make very entertaining gitables for the company holiday present exchange or white elephant parties!  Check it out on today’s blog. more Celebrate the happiest of Kwanzaa holidays with this fun, festive car shade for under $30 on Amazon! We also love these multi sheet sets of Kwanzaa window clings that you can use to decorate all of your family cars so no one is left out of the fun. Share your seasons greetings to all those who celebrate with you with this Happy Kwanzaa car flag! You’ll have to grab a car window flag pole separately, but that just means you have flexibility to swap it out for other festive flags all year round. Light up the night for 8 straight says with this fun magnetic Chanukah  menorah! It’s a little pricey, but it’s so festive and well made that it will be delighting families for many, many years to come, so we think it’s worth the investment. We also love these fun gel window clings that are perfect for car windows, and a little more budget friendly. Choose from Hanukkah Emoji Dreidels, and two different colorways for Menorahs and Hanukkah greetings. Got a car with a shiny new grille? We’ve got just the thing to bring it into the festive winter season. This Clayflame Exquisite Christmas Car Decoration with lights is a perfect choice. Grab one for yourself and gift a few to friends with their multibuy discount sale options. Transport yourself to Toyland and join in on the local holiday parade fun by adding this wind-up car key decoration to your car’s roof! It comes in lots of fun colors to match your personal aesthetic, and is sure to bring some smiles. The best way to spread holiday cheer is singing loud for all to hear, and who better to do so with  than with your best pal, Buddy the Elf! This goofy inflatable car buddy is perfect for spreading joy this holiday season and is available on Amazon for fast shipping. If Buddy the Elf is not your speed, we suggest checking out the classic antihero and lovable grump, The Grinch! This car buddy inflatable grinch has a santa hat and scarf, making him the perfect seasonal carpool companion. We could all use some more cheer and happiness these days after a few long years of lockdowns and lack of socialization.  Bring the funny to the roadways with this goofy Light-It-Up Christmas Vacation WiperTags Decal by WiperTags on Etsy. We are pretty sure it’ll bring some laughs and reduce some road rage for all those who see it. The kids all love it when the big man rolls into town, but what about the reindeer?  Light up the night with these clever reindeer antler decorations with festive LED lights and jingle bells! You’ll be bringing the holiday spirit with you wherever you go on the road!

There’s nothing more daunting than clearing your car after a big winter snow storm rolls through town.  You’ll need a good set of gear to get your vehicles unburied, clear the ice from your windshield, and enough traction to get out of the slush.  That’s why for today’s blog, we’ve got a great gift guide for winter weather snow safety gear! more Everything on today’s blog is perfect for gifting to yourself or your loved ones, and keeping you safe and warm.  Coworkers will appreciate your help with gadgets for getting the cars cleared to finally get home after a long day at work.  New drivers will feel anxiety relief knowing they can easily improve visibility for driving in inclement weather. The car enthusiast who “has it all” will always appreciate an extra pair of ice scrapers/brushes and an emergency portable snow shovel.  In short, everyone’s going to love today’s list, and they’re perfect for last minute gifting! The long and short of it for winter weather vehicle safety is that there’s a few essential items you need: shovels, ice scrapers and snow brushes, emergency blankets, emergency flares, rock salt/sand/kitty litter, de-icer spray.  Today, we’ll highlight some of our favorites in each of these categories and a few extras along the way! This cone shaped car windshield scraper removes ice and snow very quickly and easily with no risk of scratches!  It also doubles as a funnel for adding windshield wiper fluid to your car with less spills!  We love a good multipurpose tool And it’s currently on sale for 15% off and if you purchase 3 or more you’ll get free shipping. This incredible tool both chips and clears ice in one fell swoop, making it perfect for those days with sleet and freezing rain, or a slightly warm day before the night time frost freezes the snow again!  It’s lightweight, ergonomic, and convenient. We love the TESSONO Ice Scraper with its 270º Pivoting brush head and a 3-in-1 convenient design for multipurpose use.  It’s got an ergonomic foam grip, making it easy to hold securely! It also comes in two colors and can extend from 33.9” to 38.1” for convenience! This Rain-X snow brush is extendable up to 63” to remove snow from your windshields and roof for save driving and convenience.It’s got a wide 4.5 inch blade with ice chipper feature, and a 13” pivoting broom head with T-blade rubber squeegee on the other side. Next up on our list of tools are some very convenient portable snow shovels! First, we’re highlighting Protocol Shovel Plus 4-in-1 Emergency Tool Set which is currently on sale at Kohls for less than $30!  This multi-tool is portable, collapsible and fits conveniently in everything rom trunks to backpacks to duffels.  It includes a shovel, saw blade, ax head, nail remover, and convenient carryall bag. This portable folding shovel from Napa Auto Parts is perfect for any car, truck or vehicle during winter weather.  It’s a multi-functional tool for shoveling and removing snow, and the serrated edges are perfect for chipping ice, using as a pick, or even a cutting tool.  It’s made of durable steel to get you through most winter weather dilemmas. If you spend a lot of time on the roads in the colder weather, we highly recommend these fantastic tools called GoTreads. These convenient, portable, lightweight items stow easily in your car so you’re ready for action in a jiffy.  It takes second to pop them into position and give your tires some much needed traction for mud, ice, slush, and snow! Road trippers and rural drivers will really appreciate these Anti-Slip emergency snow tire chains.  They provide additional traction and safety to give your tires more grip on slippery conditions. This Car Emergency Roadside Tool Kit is perfect for all weather emergencies.  It’s got jumper cables, reflectors, a hi-vis vest, and a basic tool and first aid kit each.  It’s a great gift idea for the holidays, especially for new drivers!  You’ll be prepared for just about everything. Perfect for ATVs and SUVs, the Reliancer traction tracks are UV-Stabilized thermoplastic rubber with a galvanized steel core for anti-rust protection.  It can support vehicles up to 7 tons to provide traction from winter weather, mud, slush, and roadside muck! The Goodyear Roadside Emergency Kit is perfect for one-stop-shopping in winter weather car safety gear and gift giving all rolled into one! It includes jumper cables, a snow shovel, a flashlight, and more! It’s a wonderful budget buy and useful gift.

Today is National Cookie Day, and what could be more perfect to enjoy a month-long festive holiday season than festive holiday cookies?  We’re so excited to welcome in the holiday season!  We can’t wait to hop in our cars for some holiday traveling to see our friends and family.  Better yet, we can’t wait to get into the festive baking for some cookie swaps and holiday gifting!  So for today’s post we’re going to celebrate the classic holiday treat: fancy cookies. Yum! more You’ll find everything on this list from car themed cookie cutters to cookie scented car fresheners, and some of our very favourite cookie baking recipes. And of course, we can’t forget everyone’s favorite family members, the pets!  You’ll also find a great list of pet treats that you can make and bake for the paw lidays for your dogs, cats and other pals. As well as some great white elephant gifts and stocking stuffer ideas. Great Holiday Cookie Recipes for Homemade Pet Treats Homemade Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats with Icing Homemade Fishy Dog Treats with Salmon and Tuna Homemade Carrot Cake Dog Treats Carrot and Cheddar Chewies for Dogs Homemade Liver Treats for Dogs Peanut Butter, Oat, and Banana Dog Treats Carrot and Catnip Kitty Cat Treats Tuna Puff Cat Treats Recipe Homemade Chicken Treats for Cats 5 Homemade rabbit treats Easy and Delectable Cookie Recipes for Humans Butter and Jam Thumbprint Cookies Drop Style Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles Quick Snickerdoodles Gluten Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Brown Butter and Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies Gluten Free Wedding Cookies Thick and Chewy Classic Gluten Free Cookies Best Vegan Sugar Cookies Easy Lemon Bar Cookies Moving Car Sugar Cookies Spritzer Cookies Meringue Cookies Sally’s Gingerbread Cookies Cranberry Orange Cookies Car Themed Cookie Cutters Ann Clark Cookie Cutters 4.5” cookies, $6.99 These adorable cookie cutters are round, bubbly, and cheery. A little vintage festive flare. Sports Car Cookie Cutter, $12.99 Small, but sleek and stylish racecar cookie cutter is perfect for festive Christmas cars! Ann Clark Cookie Cutter Vintage Truck 4.5”, $6.99 Great for gifting to car enthusiasts or baking up a batch for your local mechanic. A little vintage charm in the form of a peppy little pickup truck. Extra Large Vintage Pickup with Christmas Tree, $10.99 Who doesn’t love a good Cchristmassy cookie? Check out this great option for vintage pickup with a festive little evergreen in the trunk! Decorated up nicely, this will make a splendid focal point on your cookie swap trays. Extra Sweet Cookie Themed Car Gifts The Candleberry Candle Co “Fresh CarGo” aromatherapy cookie scent for your vehicle so you can enjoy the smell of freshly baked holiday cookies no matter where you are! The Yankee Candle Car Freshener Scent in Christmas Cookie is the perfect seasonal scent and gift idea! The Chemical Guys have a fantastic scented odor eliminator that smells just like freshly baked hot glazed cinnamon rolls, and who wouldn’t love that?! Check out their other scents while you’re there like apple pie, pound cake, and more!

Today’s National Mutt Day, so we thought we’d get into the pawliday spirit a little bit with another great gift guide blog!  This time, we’re covering fun and convenient items to make traveling with your furry companions a real dream.  No matter whether you’re traveling across country living that #VanLife, or flying a few states over to visit loved ones, or even just taking a trip to the local dog park, you’ll love our finds for great pet friendly travel items.  We’ve got feeders and carriers and creature comforts galore. more Pawfect House has this adorable Personalized Car Sunshade for $35.99 plus free shipping!  You can choose up to 6 pets to feature on the car shade to show your love for your furry friends while keeping the car nice and cool while it’s parked. Mollymutt’s gorgeous Papillon Car Seat Cover measures 56”x56” and fits most vehicles with front and back seat headrests for convenience and comfort!  Forget vacuuming muddy paw prints, fur clumps, and other dust and dirt away!  This will keep your car’s upholstery clean and tidy and be comfortable for your hiking companions. If you’ve got a large and in charge pup who takes up the backseat, we’ve got just the thing for you! This backseat extender with storage option from Orvis is the perfect way to give your dog the space they need to stretch, but not lose any storage space or passenger room!  It’s under $100 and is conveniently portable to stow and store when you don’t need it, making it a real great buy. If you’re constantly on the go exploring the wilderness, running the trails, camping in the great outdoors, or just generally spending time with an active pet, chances are accidents are bound to happen.  Be prepared for just about everything with the Adventure Medical Human and Pet First Aid kit for dogs!  A great gift idea for the person who is always on the move with their canine companion, it’s just $45 on sale at the time of publication. If you’ve ever had to leave your home or hotel due to inclement weather disasters such as flooding, hurricanes, or even tornados, you know that having a go-bag is an essential survival need for evacuations.  Be sure that your pet is prepared, too! The Pet Evac Pak Big Dog Pak Pet Emergency Kit will keep you covered for 72hrs with everything you need right in a handy back pack. It includes drinking water packets, emergency basic dog food rations, portable water bowls and leads, and can keep your pet fed and watered til you can reach safety.  It’s also great for those who travel road trips and long distances, just in case of emergency! Traveling with your pals means bringing their favorite food and special treats along, too! We love the Travel-Tainer by Vittles Vault for taking your pal’s meals safely to your destination.  It’s conveniently portable and you can use the handy attached lids for food and water, too! Taking your small to medium dog with you on an airline?  Need a portable carrier for hotel and RV stays? No problem! The Roverlund Out of Office Pet Carrier is a 3-in-1 design that holds dogs up to 15-25lbs and comes with a bonus leash for easy travel! Doubles as a travel bag for your pet as well as a bed. The Mobile Dog Gear Week Away Tote Pet Travel Bag comes in four different color and pattern options that make it easy to take all of your pet essentials on the go!  It’s lightweight and built for convenience: 1 large main storage area, mesh side and back pockets, a luggage ID tag, a placemat, 2 collapsible silicone bowls, and 2 carriers for food and treats!  Perfect for picnics, beach days, camping, and visits to grandma's house. The Headrest Back Seat Protector from 3 Dog Pet Supply is made to fit most vehicle’s backseats to provide your dog with comfort and your car with an added layer of protection from grit, grime, and doggy dirt.  Offered in two colors, this easy to clean upholstery protector is a must-have for active pets.