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Today is International Children’s Book Day!  Children’s literature is a vital part of a child’s well-rounded development.  It provides a young child with an opportunity to engage with written word and artistic illustrations, builds empathy and emotional intelligence, expands their horizons for multicultural and multiethnic experiences, and helps foster creativity and imagination!  Picture books help increase reading comprehension, improve language and communication skills, and engage with life lessons in an accessible way. more Providing regular opportunities to engage with books through read-alouds and independent reading will improve your child’s cognitive skills and educational abilities in all fields.  They’re a vital part of early childhood education through elementary school as well as middle grade and adolescent development. Today we’re going to share some of our picks for great books to take with you on your next trip.  Encouraging your kids to reduce their typical streaming media consumption, break from the video games, and instead pick up an eBook or engage with physical paperbacks and hardbacks is a great vacation activity.  Check out our suggestions right here, and feel free to leave your own recommendations in the comments on our social media! Our Picks for Recommended Reading for Kids of All Ages You can grab your own copy of these in eBook, Hardcover, Paperback, or you can stop by your local library to pick up a copy on a vacation loan!  In addition, there’s also a lot of readaloud versions of these books on sites like YouTube. Why not make a little playlist for your trip to play in the car for kiddos to engage with their favourites in even more ways! Pete the Cat’s Train Trip by James Dean Pete the Cat’s Family Road Trip by James Dean Road Trip by Roger Eschbacher La Rue Across America: Postcard from the Vacation by Mark Teague Just One More by Wendi Silvano A Ticket Around the World by Natalia Diaz and Melissa Owns C for Camping by Greg Paprock Duck Duck Moose by Dave Horowitz Across the Bay by Carlos Aponte The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family Coqui in the City by Nomar Perez Where are You From? by Yamile Saied Mendez My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Pena Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena Saturday by Oge Mora My Two Border Towns by David Bowles Just One More by Wendi Silvano My Car Trip by Sindy McKay Olivia Takes a Trip by Elli O’Ryan Barfing in the Backseat #12: How I survived My Family Road Trip Travels with My Family by Marie-Louise Gay and David Homel Sisters by Raina Telgemeier The Cottage on Sunshine Beach by Holly Martin The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther Open Road Summer by Emery Lord This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown by Jarrett J. Krosoczka Camp Babymouse by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little by Peggy Gifford and Valorie Fisher Summer Reading is Killing Me by Jon Scieszka Rating Your Bunkmates and Other Camp Crimes by Jennifer Orr Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol

April is National Poetry Month, so we thought we would start off by highlighting some wonderful poetry collections you can pack for your next vacation for some creative reading!  We’ve also rounded up our picks for some of the fantastic local events in the area for Poetry Readings and Open Mic Nights to keep you inspired. more Beautiful Books of Poetry to Read on Spring Break and Summer Vacations on the Road Their Footsteps by Kassie J. Runyon In Transit: Poems of Travel via Emma Press Publishing Madness by Sam Sax She is the Sun: A Collection of Poetry by Niccole Salm This One Wild and Precious Life by Sara Wilson Inspired Poems for Life’s Traveler by Edward McCoul No Matter the Wreckage by Sarah Kay You’re the The Stars You Forgot About: by Bente Benedict Magic of the Modest by R.C. Perez Most Beautiful Thing That Happened by Arisa White American Flowers by Tyler Flynn Dorholt Afterland by Mai Der Vang MyOTHER Tongue by Rosa Alcala Poem-mobiles: Crazy Car Poems I Hope You Stay by Courney Peppernell Healing is a Gift by Alexandra Vasiliu Drive, They Said: Poems about Americans and Their Cars by Kurt Brown Songs for the Open Road: Poems of Travel & Adventure Local Events for Poetry April 5th at 5:00PM to 7:00PM – Poetry and Printmaking workshop at New Lenox Public Library District in New Lenox April 7th at 6:30PM to 10:00PM – Red Carpet Poetry SLAM 2022 at Adler Planetarium in Chicago April 8th at 5:30PM to 7:00PM – Wax Poetic: Poetry Reading & Open Mic Night at Common Grounds Coffee in Sycamore, IL April 9th at 11:00AM to 12:00PM – First Peoples Poetry Reading A Tribute to the Living Nations, Living Words Project April 10th starting at 6PM – Uptown Poetry Slam at Green Mill Jazz Club in Chicago April 11th from 2:00PM to 3:30PM – Poetry Greeting Cards at the Glencoe Public Library in Glencoe April 14th 7:00PM to 8:00PM – Open-Door: Madeleine LeCesne, Michell Mille, Nat Pyper Zheng at the Poetry Foundation in Chicago April 21st from 7:00PM to 8:30PM – Barbara Henry Poetry Reading at River Forest Public Library April 21st from 3:30PM to 4:45PM - Poems for Pancakes Grades 5 through 8 at the River Forest Public Library April 28th from 8:00PM to 9:00PM – Teen Poetry Open Mic Night at Des Plaines Public Library

Today is National Crayon Day, so why not check out these colourful facts about one of the world’s greatest and most accessible art supplies, plus today is also the birthday of the Crayola brand! more Colourful Facts About the History of Crayons In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’d also like to highlight the fun fact that the name “Crayola” was coined by Alice Binney herself, and The very first crayola crayons were sold door-to-door!  Binney & Smith had the brilliant idea to market the products to educators and children of school age.  In 1903, they sold their first 8 packages of crayons for one nickel apiece as door-to-door sales. The Gold Medal on early Crayola packaging represents Binney & Smith’s prize winning innovation of dustless chalk at the 1904 World’s Fair. At the time they were invented, there were no machines to press on those trademark Crayola Crayon paper wrappers, so they were hand-rolled by employees and families of local farmers for the 1st 40 years of manufacturing! In 1994, Crayola had released a line of scented crayons called “Magic Scent” but they were removed from the market just one year later after parents expressed anxieties that children may try to eat them.  As a result, subsequent crayon scents were changed to create less appetizing smells such as dirt, grass, etc. Yuck! Yale held a study with 20 of the most recognizable scents, Crayons were number 18 on the list.! The scent that you normally associate Crayola wax with in the “unscented” lines is actually a derivative of beef tallow known as stearic acid. Colin Snedeker, a chemist for Crayola, devised the trademark washable crayons after numerous customer complaints of kiddos scribbling on walls with the original crayons which weren’t easily removable.  He also invented the neon and color-changing marker options! Crayons are not just for kids! Check out the work of these notable artists who feature crayons as a theme or use Crayolas in their work as a medium. Check out these fantastic Crayola Coloring Pages with car themes from their site: Formula 1 Racecar Coloring Page NASCAR Stock Racing Car Coloring Page

National Take a Walk in the Park day comes around every year on March 30th!  Celebrated a week after the Spring Equinox, it’s a great opportunity to explore local parks and trails and experience the great outdoors.  After spending a few months indoors hiding from the snow, sleet, and ice, this is the perfect time to reconnect with nature!  Did you know that there are dozens of parks, trails, and preserves right in your own neighbourhood?  We’ve got a great list of suggested destinations to explore with your friends and family, and many of them are even pet friendly!  So grab your hiking boots, your water bottles, and your cameras and let’s enjoy a walk in the park together. more Local Parks, Trails, and Preserves in Lake County/Greater Chicago Area Lyons Woods Forest Preserve in Waukegan Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve in wadsworth Lake County Forest Preserve in North Chicago Lake Carina Forest Preserve Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway in Wadsworth McDonald Woods Forest Preserve in Lake Villa Captain DAniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve in Mettawa Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda Nippersink Forest Preserve in Round Lake Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve in Wadworth Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve in Grayslake Grant Woods Forest Preserve in Ingleside Raven Glen Forest Preserve in Antioch Sun Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Villa Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve in Long Grove Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve in Lake Forest Millennium Trail and Greenway in Mundelein Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry Marl Flat Forest Preserve in Round Lake Fort Hill Trail in Mundelein Grassy Lake Bike Trails in Tower Lakes Gander Mountain in Antioch Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area in Deerfield Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Villa Did you also know that Illinois is home to some incredible “national parks?”  You’ve got to check them out!  Although they’re not congressionally recognized National Parks, they are national historic sites with beautiful land and trails to explore. Great National Sites and Trails in Illinois Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail - This connects 16 different states and commemorates the 1804-1806 journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition! Lincoln Home National Historic Site - Explore the four block wide historic neighbourhood, and take a tour of the Lincoln family home, now a national historic site. Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail - After the death of Joseph Smith, Mormon successor Brigham Young organized a 500+ wagon train from Illinois through Iowa and into Utah; there are 5 stopping points located in Illinois: Nauvoo Landing, Nauvoo State Park & Museum, Carthage Jail & Visitor Center, Nauvoo National Historic Landmark, and the Joseph Smith Historic Site Pullman National Monument - This site memorializes the labor strike at the Pullman Company in 1894. Trail of Tears National Scenic Trail - A grand total of 5,043 miles cross 9 different states following the 1838 xodus of 16,000+ Cherokee Native Americans from their homelands in Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia at the behest of the US Army and Government; 60 miles of which stretch through the southern portion of Illinois.

Since March is Women’s History Month, we thought it would be fun to share our choices for awesome women in the automotive industry on YouTube!  These leading ladies are winning on and off the road thanks to their love of all things cars, expert racing skills, and genuine gearhead chops. more We’re thrilled to share them with you, and we recommend subscribing to improve your own skills and gain some insight into the industry.  Check it out on today’s blog! Automotive Woman Juliana Chiovitti is known as AutomotiveWoman, and her channel is broken down into bitesize doses of tips, tricks, how-to’s, reviews and more.  Check out her “ Welcome to my Channel” Video to learn more about how she moved from GoKart racing to automotive skills.  And be sure to check out her about section for other links to her projects! Emilia Hartford Emilia Hartford is taking YouTube by storm with her exhilarating racing videos, off-roading vlogs, and her build videos.  She’s also the host of Netflix’s Fastest Car series, and has appearances on DailyDrivenExotics Youtube channel as well. Jessican (And You Can Too!) Jessica Chou’s channel is filled with videos helping women and girls navigate the basics of automotive repair.  She breaks things down into bite-sized, digestible pieces so things arent’ overwhelming, and speaks to her audience in an empowering way!  Jessica wants to help fellow women feel confident about the basics of vehicle maintenance, and arm them with knowledge to be able to handle conversations with repair techs and mechanics. Integress YouTuber Jennifer Alvarado is well-known for her custom modified Lexus modeled after the iconic Batmobile!  Alvarado combines the coolest parts of being a gearhead with her love of comics by creating cosplay car enthusiast videos.  You can find her as a guest start on “Adults React” channel, too! Woman.Driven Doris has a half million subscribers on YouTube, and it’s easy to see why she is one of the reigning queens of gearhead vloggers!  Her videos include installations and restorations, modifications and improvements, and plenty of track days and racing content.  She’s a great, young, fresh voice in motorsports that can’t be missed. Got a recommendation for a Woman Automotive YouTuber we missed on our list? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to subscribe to new voices in the gearhead community, and we may even feature them in a future post.

“All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts ” William Shakespeare’s As You Like It Today is World Theatre Day!  Today we’re highlighting our picks for best places you can visit to support the arts, catch some local theatre, take a class to boost your confidence, or become a patron of the arts with a donation. Supporting the arts by way of membership or volunteering at your local theatre or performing arts venue is a great way to give back to the area, support youth education, improve the local economy, and create a vibrant arts community.  Check out our suggestions and feel free to let us know your personal faves in a comment on our social media!  We’d love to hear from you and include your suggestions in a future post. Local Theatre Arts Classes and Workshops The Jack Benny Center is right here in Waukegan and has lots of creative ways for you to express yourself and enjoy the dramatic arts.  They function as a social hub for social gatherings, private parties, and meetings, as well as offering a host of creative lessons in music, art, dance, drama, crafting and so much more.  Hone your acting chops with one of their workshops, or stop by a local art show and get to know local creatives.  The possibilities are endless! Improv Playhouse Theater in Libertyville has excellent classes for all ages, but they especially shine with their youth workshops.  It’s great for individual classes or even camp sessions for kids during spring and summer break! Standing Ovation Theatre Academy is a nonprofit venue in Gurnee specializing in musical theatre, vocal techniques, and performance arts.  It’s the perfect place for children and teens looking for their moment in the spotlight! Rootz Dance and Theatre School in Northbrook offers a wide variety of creative programming including Yoga, Dance, Theatre, Music, Art and so much more.  If your child is interested in pursuing a creative pastime, this is the place for it!  They’ll have plenty of fun activities to choose from, and can even dabble in fitness classes and the sciences.  When coupled with art and music, children’s knowledge of math and science is said to improve immensely! Local Performing Arts Venues If you’re looking to support local community theatre and professionally organized plays, musicals, foreign and independent cinema, and stand up comedy then you can book a ticket or two, or even a group visit, to one of these wonderful venues: Genesee Theatre in Waukegan The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire Catlow Arts Center in Barrington James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake Groton Communtiy Center in Lake Forest CenterStage in Lake Forest in Gorton Community Center Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake Adler Arts Center in Libertyville Lake County Symphony Orchestra in Zion The Lake County Folk Club in Grayslake Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie Did you know that our great state of Illinoois was and still is home to many great Playwrights in America?  With your support of the local performing arts centers, patronage at dramatic arts and music classes, and The Arts in our local schools, you may even be fostering the creative minds of our future who one day may top this list!  Check out some of these notable names of local arts fame: Sam Shepard was from Fort Sheridan Lorraine Hansberry is from Chicago David Alan Mamet is from Chicago Adam Rapp is from Chicago

All of the lovely sunshine and incoming warmer weather are sure to put a little spring in your step!  So why not harness that energy and head out on an adventure with a unique spin on walking tours and sightseeing.  Today we’re highlighting great year-round ghost tours you can enjoy in the great state of Illinois! These tours include a little bit of local lore and legend, a crash course in regional history, plenty of fun walking to get you moving and exercising in a fun way, and they’ll even keep your mind busy as you unravel the mystery and myths of each location.  If you’ve got a spooky tour experience of your own, feel free to leave it in the comments on our social media. We may just feature it in a future update! more Halloween is always the top time to visit haunted places, but the ghosts are in town all year round at these exciting destinations. Check out our picks below and who knows, you and your pals may just find your new “ local haunt!” Haunted Conover Square Ghost Tours Conover Square originally was home to an illustrious piano factory, but now it’s home to a number of ghosts and spooky spirits!  The piano factory was in operation until the early 1970s; it later closed down but reopened in the late 70s as a shopping village and marketplace.  With these group and private tours, you can explore part of the building with four haunted floors! Book your ghost encounter tour, private event, or tour here. The Haunted Galena Tour Company On April 29th and 30th at the DeSoto House Hotel, you can sign up to experience the mysterious Haunted Galena Conference 2022. And if you prefer a smaller venue, why not book a tour?  You can choose from the Galena Ghost Walk and hear all of the stories and legends of local haunts, or the Spirits & Spirits Tour to take a visit to 3 different haunted etstablishments and enjoy a themed cocktail at each location, or the Murder & Mayhem tour of the DeSoto House Hotel and listen to history, folklore, and tragic murder mystery. Check out the calendar of upcoming events and group tickets here. Mysterious Mineral Springs This touring agency puts their own unique spin on the average walking haunted tour.  Check out their options for taking a Haunted Tour of Mineral Springs in the afternoon if you’re looking for something a little more casual.  For the paranormal enthusiasts, however, you can step up your game to the next level with private or group tours with Psychic Mediums and Professional Paranormal Investigators Donna and Dave!  You’ll enjoy history lessons and sightseeing in the daytime, and enjoy late night spooky excursions for your own personal ghost encounter.  This historic landmark market and destination accommodation has something for everyone! Click here to check out their current schedule and private availability. Springfield Hauntings Tour The late, great President Abraham Lincoln once hailed from the town of Springfield, Illinois!  But did you know there’s even more history to explore there? That’s right!  Book a spot on a haunted history walking tour and you can learn everything there is to know about spirits, apparitions, and other spooky stories in Springfield.  Open from April through November , you can enjoy a 2+ hour walking tour of various historic sites in town along with personalized storytelling from a local history buff! Click here to put a unique spin on history with your pals on a tour.

Road Trip season is upon us and we’re ready for long days on the open road and long nights by the open fire kicking back and relaxing with friends.  Grab your best buddies and let’s hit the trails for some daytime hiking and bonfire socials over a fire grilled dinner, and wake up refreshed and rejuvenated with campfire brunch! more Today is National Waffle Day, and we’re celebrating with one of our favourite roadside diner treats and campfire breakfasts: delicious, magical, homemade waffles.  We’ll be sharing some of our favourite recipes, tools, tricks for making fluffy treats as well as some of our favourite local spots in the state to enjoy waffles on the way to your next big adventure.  Check it out! Great Campfire Friendly Waffle Makers Make the best campfire waffles of your life with Rome’s 1405 Waffle Iron Steel and Wood Handles.  It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and reasonably priced for the durability!  Makes great regular waffles with deep pockets, making it easy to use boxed mixes with minimal ingredients.  No futzing and fooling with ratios, just easy-peasy and ready in minutes once you pre-heat it on the coals. The NordicWare 15040 Cast Aluminum Belgium Waffle Maker is another excellent waffle maker. Works well on gas camping stoves to give you crisp, fluffy, evenly baked waffles every time!  No need to connect it to a power source or even worry about complicated clean up - you can soak it, wipe it, and you’re ready to rock thanks to its non-stick coating. Terrain’s Cast Iron Waffle Maker is perfect for outdoor fire pits, campfire cooking, and brunch at the beach with your friends!  The long handle makes it easy to cook your breakfast safely, and the sturdy, classic cast iron finish makes it easy to clean up with just soap and water.  Preheat it over the flame or coal grill, pour your batter in, and get to it! If you’re planning on some romantic getaways with your special person, why not step up your romantic game with the Sweetheart Waffle Maker from Victorian Trading Co.  It even comes with a recipe included! The Rome Industries Old Fashioned Waffle Cast Iron Maker is only 6.7” in diameter and it’s perfect for campside cooking. It’s an affordable campfire friendly traditional style wafflemaker. The Texsport Outdoor Cast Iron Waffle Maker is excellent for big, fluffy campfire waffles that cook evenly thanks to the cast iron stand that keeps it steady and flat in the fire.  The convenience of thick wooden handles makes it a sturdy, easy to hold option as well. Breakfast and Brunch Camp Friendly Recipes Campground Cornmeal  Waffles Best Ever Campfire Waffles & Berry Sauce Campfire Cinnamon Roll Waffles Camp Waffles with Caramel Grilled Waffle Treats Campfire Chicken and Waffles Gluten-Free Camping Waffles Easy Camping Breakfast Bacon Egg Ham Waffle Bake Wood Fire Waffles Best Local Breakfast and Brunch Spots for Waffles Around Illinois Emily’s Pancake House in Waukegan Sunset House Restaurant in Waukegan Gojos Cafe & Pancake House in Waukegan Monica’s Diner in Waukegan Bob & Anne’s Restaurant in Waukegan Juan’s Chuck Wagon Restaurant in Waukegan The Point Pancake House in Gurnee Double Yolk Pancake House and Restaurant in Aurora Golden Bear Pancake & Crepery in Alsip Chicago Waffles West Loop Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles The Churro Waffle in Chicago Batter & Berries in Chicago Royalberry Waffle House & Restaurant in Chicago Waffle Company in Vernon Tasty Waffle in Romeoville Crispy Waffle in Shorewood My Waffle FAmily Restaurant in Crest Hill Waffle Pancake House in Chicago Kingsberry Waffle House in Flossmoor Egg Harbor Cafe in Chicago Stax Cafe in Chicago Stray Hen Cafe in Elmhurst Elly’s on Milwaukee in Chicago Egg Yolk Cafe in West Chicago D-Boe’s Chicken and Waffles in Decatur Butterfields in Oak Brook Eggsclusive Cafe in Sycamore

Later this year, Toyota Motor North America is launching its all-new 2023 bZ4X Battery Electric SUV! If that wasn’t exciting enough, the ChargePoint, Inc company, a leading EV charging network in the US, is partnering with Toyota to create a network of public and home use charging options for vehicle owners.  Check out our post to learn more about it! more What is the Toyota bZX4 all about? Toyota is challenging its Electric Vehicle market competitors with the all-new, stylish and stunning bZ4X electric battery car with 250 mile manufacturer-estimated range per full charge.  Joining the rest of the exclusive Toyota offerings of EVs including hydrogen fuel cell electrics, electric hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles, the bZ4x is in good company! Toyota’s vision for a carbon neutral future is well on its way to success with more than 24% of the company’s sales coming from EV purchases.  We don’t know about you, but that certainly sparks our interest in alternative fuel vehicles. With striking aerodynamic styling reminiscent of the impressive hammerhead shark, the sleek silhouette is a real eye catcher on the open road as well as just being parked in your driveway.  It’s edgy, futuristic, and built to modern day design aesthetics. The spacious interior has 5 USB ports for your convenience, Qi wireless charging, a fixed panoramic moonroof, digital keys you can control and share with loved ones from the convenience of a tap of your smartphones, and so much more!  You’ll find a wide array of intuitive driver assistance for safe, confident driving such as sound-proofing glass, wind-noise reduction features to reduce road noise, and plenty of off-road performance and automated features.  The upgraded Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of advanced safety technology includes omni-directional crash-response systems, guardrail detection, improved daytime and low-light detection for cyclists/pedestrians/motorcycles, improved and enhanced Lane recognition, and other incredible standard features. Is the bZ4X really making an impact on the environment? Toyota has gone to great lengths to ensure the manufacturing and road use of the bZ4X is environmentally friendly.  From the start, production involves a meticulous process which eliminates contamination of battery components and ensures greater durability.  The car includes redundant monitoring systems for battery voltage, current, and temperature which detect anormal heating and signs of wear to prevent overheating and damage.  By incorporating a high-resistance coolant circulation system, it can more easily prevent short circuits and related fires even if there’s a coolant leak.  In addition, the high-capacity battery pack is designed to fit within the floor of the body frame, allowing for more protection and insulation in event of a collision. How do I charge my car on the road? Great news!  ChargePoint has an incredible network all across North America with Level 2 (25mi/hour charge rate) and Level 3 (DC Fast) chargers installed.  They also participate in a vast network of roaming partner station, too.  This means that 80% of charging spaces in the US can be accessed by bZ4X drivers conveniently and easily.  And with the help of the convenient mobile Toyota App, you can find, use and pay for your charge top-ups with ease.  It’s a match made in heaven.  Those looking to charge at home can grab a ChargePoint Home Flex Charger. What are the benefits to home charging with an official ChargePoint Home Flex Charger? Customers who own a bX4X will have the option to purchase an official ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 Charger from any participating Toyota Dealership.  These custom ChargePoint Home Flex chargers are Energy Star certified, wifi enabled, indoor/outdoor installation options, and even have a 23 foot charge cable for convenient recharging no matter where you park!  As an added bonus, you’ll get 25 miles of range per hour of charging and reach a full charge overnight.  That’s right, it will charge your car up to nine times faster than the typical standard electrical outlet would.  Talk about the convenience of modern living, this just can’t be beat! How do I install this special ChargePoint Home Flex charger at home? We’re glad you asked!  Qmerit’s service technicians can guide you through the process of locating a certified EV charge point installer.  Give them a call for a free initial quote and they’ll help you find all the right services to get your home charger installed.  It’s easy as pie!

We’ve recommended lists of books for women about the automotive industry.  We’ve recommended books by women to listen to on your next car trip via audiobook.  We’ve shared our picks for top tier reads by women in all sorts of genres that you can download to your e-readers.  And now we’re sharing books right from the source written by incredible women who have pioneered automotive history. That’s right, these are the leading ladies with race track legacies from around the globe, and you can read all about their personal experiences on and off the track. more We’re really excited to share these titles with you, and if you’ve read any of them, we’d love to hear from you in a comment!  Let us know which ones are your top reads.  And as alwayss, feel free to add your suggestions for other books by women in the car racing circuit and automotive industry, and we’d be happy to feature them in an upcoming post. The Woman and the Car a Chatty Little Handbook for the Edwardian Motoriste is a reproduction of a classic piece of automotive writing written in 1909.  It was written by Dorothy Levitt, a pioneer of women in racing who set the Ladies World Land Speed  in 1906, and taught Queen Alexandra and many royal princesses how to drive!  This would make a wonderful keepsake for the girly gearhead in your life to add to her collection. Women At The Wheel: A Century of Buying, Driving and Fixing Cars by Katherin J. Parkin will captivate automotive enthusiasts of all levels.  Dissecting the symbolism and history of car culture as a predominantly male-dominated industry, this text takes a look at how women are taking the wheel and have been steering the industry in a new direction for decades.  It dismantles stereotypes of automotive marketing, education, and even licensing rules.  Take a fresh new look at the history and future of the automotive industry from a new perspective. Janet Guthrie was one of the first women ever to participate in automotive racing!  She earned an engineering degree, but decided to forgo her scholarly ways for a life of excitement on the raceway.  She was also the first woman to ever qualify for the Indy 500, and a top overall racer in NASCAR history.  This book is great for car enthusiasts of all ages, or even your buddy who is a history buff!  You’ll want to check out her autobiography, A Life At Full Throttle for sure. We’ve highlighted a lot of women in motorsports during women’s history month, a detailed about how many of them have paved the way for racers of today!  Rosemary Smith is one of the leading ladies who opened the proverbial garage doors to other women in racing.  Her autobiography, Driven: A Pioneer for Women in Motorsport, chronicles her livfe in the fast lane and her perspective and personal experience on and off the track. Tinkering: Consumers Reinvent the Early Automobile by Kathleen Franz is an excellent book that dives deep into the history of the consumer car.  Covering everything from advertising and marketing, sexism and gender bias, invention and innovation, and how ordinary thinkers, movers, and shakers changed the way we look at, purchase, and even drive cars from the original models up to modern day vehicles!  It’s a fascinating look at this ever changing industry, and the impact women have especially on the automotive world.

It’s National Puppy Day and one of our absolute favourite days in March, because who doesn’t love dogs!?  We’d love it if you would share a picture of your pups in the comments, and bonus points if it’s in your new car from Classic Auto Group, too.  Today we’re sharing great local area adoption centers to help you find your new best buddy!  And once you’ve fallen in love with your new puppy pal, it’s time to embark on the road trip of your dreams.  Your fuzzy friend can drive safely and securely along side you thanks to the suggestions for great car gadgets for pet safety and travel. more We love to support local businesses, charities, and organizations and that of course includes Shelters and Rescues!  Check out our picks for local area animal rescues who are in need of fosters and forever homes for their critters. Great Local Shelters for Dog Adoption Our House of Hope Rescue in Libertyville Save-A-Pet Inc in Grayslake Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter in Deerfield K9s4U Dog Rescue in Lake County BAARK in Lake County Wagging Hearts in Hainesville Assisi Animal Foundation in McHenry County Lake County Animal Care and Control of Libertyville Kay’s Animal Shelter in Arlington Heights Heartland Animal Shelter in Wheeling Helping Paws Animal Shelter in Woodstock Bark of an Angel Dog Rescue in Algonquin As Good as Gold Golden Retriever Rescue of Illinois Spay and Stay of Grayslake Great Car Gear for Transport Bringing your pet on your dream road trip is the ultimate in travel achievements.  What could be better than having your best buddy by your side?! The Mobile Dog Gear Week Away Tote Pet Travel Bag is the perfect budget friendly option for keeping your furry friend fed, watered, and have all of their essentials like meds on hand. The PetSafe Pet Loo is a portable grass pad and alternative to potty pads and wee-wee pads.  It’s great for dogs to potty on the go when you’re in an area that may not be lush and verdant, solving the issue for habit-trained pups who are used to grassy backyards.  Easy to clean synthetic grass mats and perfect for small spaces like RVs or Campers and Vans/SUVs. The PupProtector Memory Foam Car Dog Bed comes in multiple sizes to fit your car and your dog’s needs!  Your pupperino can ride in comfort and style with this luxurious memory foam bed.  It has supportive sides and bolsters to keep your pal safe, secure, and comfortable on long trips. If your pet is a fidgeter and restless, then the Dog Bed Supplies “Dog Car Seat Central Control Nonslip Carrier” is perfect.  It’s a stiff foam carrier that fits into your car seat, can be sized to fit your pup, and keeps them contained.  They’ll be able to see outside without jumping into the front seat and distracting the driver or causing other hazards. The Walbest Dog Car Seat Belt is convenient enough for daily travel use and fits with your dog’s chest harness and lead.  It’s adjustable and loops around the rear seat headrest for stability.  It’s also one of the more budget friendly restraint items on this list!

March is Women’s History Month, and today is National Poetry Day!  And we thought it a match amde in heaven to highlight wonderful women in poetry for today’s blog.  We’ve rounded up some of our top picks and critically acclaimed collections of prose by leading ladies in literature.  Check out our suggestions and add them to your media player or e-reader/tablet to take them on your next vacation or road trip! more surreal moment of a woman relaxes sitting on a giant book These titles are great to bring on your next travels, allowing you to read in between excursions or a short break while on the road at a rest stop. And of course as always, drop your favourite in the comments on our social media and we may just feature it in a future blog post update. Reverie and Reality: Poetry on Travel by Late Imperial Chinese Women by Yanning Wang Night Travels: Poems for Women on a Journey by Charlotte Zang If They Come for Us by Fatimah Asghar Shipbreaking by Robin Beth Schaer Bright Dead Things by Ada Limon The World’s Wife by Carol Anne Duffy Duende by Tracy K. Smith The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur 2AM Thoughts by Makenzie Campbell The Sun Will Rise and So Will We by Jennae Cecelia Home by Whitney Hanson Call Us What We Carry: Poems by Amanda Gorman Bless the Daughter Raised by a Voice in Her Head by Warsan Shire Changing with the Tides by Shelby Leigh Monsters of the Mind by Caitlyn Kelly The Words I Want You to Keep by Gaby Compres The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace I Would Leave Me If I Could: A Collection of Poems by Halsey Please Love Me At My Worst by Michaela Angemeer Women of Resistance: Poems for a New Feminism by Danielle Barnhart I Am Not Your Final Girl: Poems by Claire C. Holland Into the Forest and All the Way Through by Cynthia Pelayo