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It’s National Train Your Dog Month, and it couldn’t have come at a better time!  With so many people adopting dogs during the pandemic, and getting puppies over the holidays, we love that there’s a month-long event to help our furry friends be their best self! We’re going to share some local training programs, resources, and tips to help you on your journey to a “well-mannered doggo” so you can live your best life together and be “road ready”! more How to Get Your Dog Ready for Road Travel For some canine companions, a ride in the car is the greatest adventure on earth. However, some dogs may be a bit more apprehensive or downright anxious over the idea of roadway transportation.  Here’s some helpful tips to make your dog more comfortable and ready to go, wherever the road may take you! Make sure that your dog feels comfortable, safe, and secure! Distracted driving due to roaming pets is a deadly road hazard!  Keep the lives of you, your passengers, your pets, and other drivers safe by ensuring your pup is belted/buckled just as you would fellow humans. Introduce your pup to safety restraints, crates, and other car ride harnesses while indoors, and always while reinforcing positive experiences such as treats, praise, playing with their favorite toys, and physical affection (if your dog appreciates that!)  Your job here is to associate the safety gear with a happy, wonderful, enjoyable experience ahead of time so that when you’re ready to get on the road, they’re excited to use it! Crack the windows no more than a few inches, making sure your pup cannot get any paws, their nose, or any other body part out the window.  Just enough for some fresh air! Use a crate to keep them safe and sound, a grate between the front and back seat or cargo areas, or secure them with a pet-friendly seatbelt, car seat, or click their harness into a seatbelt attachment. Have a friend or family member that your dog is comfortable with sit in the back seat alongside your pal to help them remain calm and seated or lying down. Does your doggy get car sick? Here are some tips to make them more comfortable: Get them a special elevated doggy car seat so they’re positioned up higher with a view of the outside that can help them see outside and acclimate their equilibrium a bit better. Open the window just a pinch to circulate some fresh air and help them breathe more evenly. If they get car sick despite your best efforts, or perhaps a little too anxious even with acclimation and practice, you can speak to your vet about anti-nausea or anxiety medication. Does your doggy get anxious at the idea of car travel? Here are some tips that can help alleviate their stress, and help them be more comfortable with traveling: Keep early desensitization training sessions short so as not to overwhelm your pup, and provide a safe and comfortable experience in the car, and use only positive reinforcement training and never leave them unattended in the vehicle for any reason. Do not force your dog into the vehicle; be patient, work with your dog’s comfort level, and gradually build up their tolerance and provide positive methods to peak their curiosity and excitement. Let your dog explore the environment before you embark on your journey!  Facilitate a positive experience of the in the cargo area or backseat of your vehicle with a scavenger hunt for treats, and by placing their favorite toy and/or familiar bed/blanket inside while you sit in the front seat and chaperone.  Use positive reinforcement and happy praises to encourage them to enjoy the experience. Once your pup is comfortable inside the vehicle, turn on the engine and give them a treat and some more positive verbal reinforcement and praise.  Turn on the radio to some soothing music or upbeat tunes, open the windows a little (not enough for them to put their head out!) and the air vents to get them used to the sounds and smells of the car. When you and your puppy pal feel comfortable and secure with the above, you can start by slowly backing out of your parking space or driveway, and doing a trip down the block and back. Slowly increase the duration of your trips, and start off with a fun destination like a local park, a local beach, or a drive through with a pup-cup option!  Once your dog is feeling safe, secure, and no motion sickness, you are ready to hit the road comfortably and go just about anywhere! If your methods above are not working, consult a professional behaviorist and trainer to assist you with interventions and comforting training techniques. A friendly reminder: never leave your dog in the car alone for any reason, for any length of time. Many states also have legislation requiring passersby or law enforcement to break the windows of your vehicle and remove the dog to safety and you may receive a citation. Where to Start Your Search for Local Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Did you know that Waukegan Parks District runs local dog training programs? You can sign up for Puppy Dog Obedience Training Basic Dog Obedience Training, and Advanced Dog Obedience Training from $75-$90 per course. Looking for Positive Reinforcement Dog Training? Locals have had great success and experiences with these local positive training programs: Positive Partnership Training (Virtual!) Two Paws Up Dog Training in Waukegan Over the Moon Positive Dog Training Happy Hound University Dog Training in Elk Grove NorthShore Canine Academy in Wilmette The Positive Pup in Chicago

Hey there friends and neighbors, we’re here with our beloved community calendar for the LAke County and Chicago area!  You’ll find a lot of great activities and events to enjoy over the next few weeks, all just a short drive away.  Check it out on today’s blog. more Wednesday January 4th at the Wauconda Area Public Library in Wauconda, families with little ones can enjoy a special Movement Story Time from 10AM to 10:45AM with singing, dancing, and rhythmic storytelling! Thursday, January 5th from 8PM to 10PM you’ll want to head over to the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan for the “Lost N Found Film Premier” with director Yashin “Inchworm” Phillips and the cast! Thursday January 5th at the Vernon Township Community Services Building in Buffalo Grove, the JCC Chicago and CJE are hosting a free social event starting at 12PM highlighting 60 years of the Beatles! On Friday January 6th through the 8th from 8AM to 6PM, the National Kennel Club of Chicago is hosting The Great American Dog Show at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. On Saturday January 7th from 10:30, kids through age 6 can head over to the Lake Bluff Public Library to enjoy Mystery Reader Storytime! On Saturday January 14th, the Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan is hosting “I want a sketchopotamus” by the Masters of Sketch Sunday January 9th in lAke Forest at the RAgdale Foundation, enjoy a special concert with Chicago Symphony Orchestra Musicians from 3PM to 5:30PM in the Sybil Shearer Studio. On Monday January 9th from 12PM to 2PM at the Urban Muslim Minority Alliance Center of Waukegan, the Hope Food PAntry at UMMA is giving away special items every week, and a full bag of groceries to those in need for seniors and disabled people. On Wednesday January 11th, put your best foot forward and try something new with “Acting for Boomers” at the Gorton Center in Lake Forest from 10AM to 12PM, and enjoy this fun acting class in creative self expression! January 11th through the 15th at the McCormick Place North Building in Chicago, head over to the Chicago Boat Show! Every Wednesday, head over for a free Pranayama class online from Soul Dimension in Waukegan from 12PM to 1:15PM. January 14th at the Highland PArk Public Library from 11AM to 1PM, enjoy an open Sensory Bins playtime session for little ones! Connect with other parents and caregivers on Sunday JAnuary 15th at the Family Chat & Play event from 3:15PM on at the Clubhouse at 49 W Lake Street in Oak Park. January 25th at Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing in Waukegan, enjoy an evening with Trivia with Lola Madison and Friends! Saturday January 28th at Dandelion Gallery & Studio in Waukegan from 4PM to 6PM it’s Paint Your Pet  night with Sandie Bacon

Welcome to the “New Year.” We love a good motivational jumpstart, and the fresh new calendar year is a great time to get to goal setting!  As we’re sure you’ve noticed, your social media timelines are flooded with “New Year, New Me!” posts, and same for every ad or radio spot.  Suggestions to turn over a new leaf and make this the year you finally get organized, decluttered, and on the ball are unavoidable.  And if you’re like us, you’re the kind of folks who love a blank page, fresh start and a clean slate, you’re going to really love today’s blog post! more For our New Year’s resolutions and goals, we’re starting with our garage and workshop, because a well-kept workspace and organized tools really does make a difference.  Clear your mind and declutter your world with our helpful hints and tips for an updated, coordinated workspace and all of the bins, keepers, and tools you’ll need to ensure your space stays in tip-top shape all year long. First up, we love this video from MWA Woodworks with 11 storage tips to inspire your own shop organization!  It doesn’t matter if you’re organizing your home workshop or a professional garage, these are great pointers that are really universal! Til Vacuum Do Us Part has a wonderful and thorough video on decluttering and organizing your garage, especially if it’s a shared space with your family or loved ones! Check it out right here for some more inspiration. We love a good budget hack and these tips from AT-AT Designs on creating the most organized garage on a super low budget does the trick! Take a look and find some more motivation here. These 23 GArage Storage and Organizational Hacks from Live Smarter are functional, practical, and frugal!  What more could you ask for? Check ‘em out here. Overwhelmed with so much to organize and tackle? Let us help! We’re breaking the organization down into bite sized pieces to make it less daunting. Check out our tips below! A Fresh Coat of Paint Can Make a World of Difference Image from Home Depot Painting your garage and workshop is an essential step that will change your life. Mess, spills, and mishaps will be a breeze to clean up with the right paint. Clear out the space and give the room a fresh coat before installing your new organizers, cabinets, and other gadgets.  We recommend giving the walls and ceiling of your garage and workspace a fresh coat of paint in a gloss or semi-gloss finish for easy cleaning.  Choose something that’s animal/kid-friendly even if you don’t have any, as these are often low-odor, fast drying, and easy-to-clean options!  A great exterior paint will hold up to just about all the elements (manmade or natural!) and make cleanup a breeze. We also recommend painting the garage floor!  Why? The answer is simple: floors with a protective coating can prevent motor oil, household chemicals, and other fluids from damaging the foundation and flooring, and keep your shop pristine for years to come. Consider hiring a professional to install and apply a polyaspartic coating on the floor, or at the very least applying a primer + sealant + paint to any concrete base.  Plus, it really brightens up the space which can be a big help when working indoors. Everything in its place: Finding the best organizational structures, cabinets, tool storage, and more! We love when a storage item can double as a functional work surface! Harbor Freight has a wonderful mobile 46” Mobile Workbench with plenty of drawers and cabinet space that fits the bill!  They’re great for planning and prepping, great for spreading out while mid-project, and even double as extra storage while you’re rearranging your space.  Use it indoors or outdoors for flexibility and versatility, and the 1200lb storage weight capacity makes it the perfect place to stash hefty tools without worry. Clean, simple, easy to use, and bright.  Those are just a few of the reasons we admire these options from WFX Utility. It has lots of options to reshuffle and reorganize your tools for easy storage and removal; great for rakes, shovels, snow scrapers, and more.  It comes with a set of hooks and bins to get you started, too. Looking for something even more simple and basic?  You can go the utilitarian route with the Holeyrail Garage Organizer without breaking the bank.  It makes a great alternative to the slatboard and pegboard options, and everything will be ready to go at your fingertips.  It’s versatile, simple to install, and best of all it’s ultra budget friendly! If your garage has lots of open wall space, consider mounting some cabinets and shelves above your workspace. Harbor Freight’s hanging tool cabinets are the perfect way to tidy your workspace and keep it looking sleek, fresh, and modern. As an added bonus, the doors lock to keep curious kiddos out of the danger zone, and to help prevent theft of your valuable tools should you forget to lock your garage. The Gladiator Garage Overhead Storage Rack gives you a fantastic way to use unconventional storage in spaces people usually overlook!  Place seasonal items up overhead when not in use, and take advantage of the space while leaving room to park your cars during inclement weather.

National Short Film Day was created to honour and celebrate the birth of “film” as an art form.  On  this day in 1895, The Lumiere Brothers revealed their collection of short films projected in front of a public audience for the very first time.  Auguste and Louis gathered 33 paying customers at the Grand Cafe in Paris, France, and presented a series of 10 short films.  Each film was only about 50 seconds long, but utterly captivated their audience!  Until that fateful December day, there had never been anything like it. more The Lumiere brothers were pioneers of photographic and early motion-picture cinematic equipment. In fact, their first projector was called the  “Cinematographe” (based off of the Kinetoscope concept) and is where we derived the word “cinema!”  The first ever motion picture captured by the brothers was titled “Workers Leaving the Lumiere Factory” and is the earliest known video recording.  The brothers captured this short movie using their Lumiere apparatus: a single camera used for photography and projecting moving images at just 16 frames per second.  They used this device to capture daily life in France, creating more than 40 films in 1896 alone!  They also pioneered the first newsreel and documentaries, thus popularizing a very modern way of delivering information.  They even sent a crew of cameraman across the globe to capture additional footage as well as show their work to new audiences. One might be able to call them the great great great grandfathers of Youtube and TikTok, if you will. Hard to believe that this incredible event over 120 years ago spawned one of the most popular forms of media entertainment. Yes, that’s right, you have the Lumiere Brothers to thank for all of your favourite car, racing, and automotive blockbusters! We’ve come a long way since then from short films to major motion pictures and blockbuster films, and the industry continues to grow by leaps and bounds.  We can even watch movies on the road in our car now!  Pretty cool, if we may say so. If you’re craving more Short Film content, we recommend browsing streaming services like HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Each of these services is host to a litany of short films in multiple genres!  In addition, you can also find incredible content for free on sites like YouTube or Vimeo, and even TikTok! Short Films to Stream Right Now:

“New Year, New Me!” We’ve all heard it before, and many of us have attempted to follow through.  It can be hard to commit to a new routine and pattern, but with a little flexibility, reasonable expectations, and attainable goals?  We certainly do believe you can do it!   There’s nothing wrong with a list of reasonable resolutions, especially when they’re centered on car maintenance.   This year, why not set your goals to a small but manageable list of achievements? This will save you plenty of time and money in the long run, and certainly in the new year of 2023!  Let’s work together and keep your vehicle in tip-top shape and safe on the road with these great resolutions for car owners. more Check and Change Your Oil Regularly. You should be checking your car’s oil levels monthly, and scheduling routine oil changes at your mechanic. You should change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but check the levels more frequently than that. Cease Your Penchant for Distracted Driving. Distracted Driving isn’t just about texting behind the wheel!  All sorts of things can take your attention away from the road where it belongs, and in just a moment it can change everything!  Make a goal to reduce your desires to pick up your phone, look at an app, post to social media, put on makeup or do your hair, or reach and turn behind you for something. Learn How to Change a Tire. If you don’t have a membership to AAA or your insurance doesn’t cover roadside assistance, this can be the best “trick” you’ll ever learn as a car owner. Check out this video from Bridgestone Tires for an easy lesson, or ask your local mechanic or car-enthusiast friend to show you how.  Remember to engage the parking brake for safety.  Make sure you have a spare tire, tire iron, and tire repair kit in your vehicle at all times! Learn How to Jump Start Your Vehicle. This skill is absolutely vital especially in extreme weather circumstances!  The last thing you want to deal with is being stranded due to a faulty or weak/dead battery, and attempting to learn this on the fly in the blazing heat of summer or frigid icy winter.  At the very least, remember: Red = Positive, Black = Negative.  It’s also a good idea to get a portable car battery charger in case there are not any other vehicles around, and also in case of emergency during the pandemic. Here’s an easy video lesson! Reduce Clutter and Keep Your Vehicle Clean both inside and out. We’ve all been there! You’re on the road and stop for coffee...only to realise the old one is still in your cupholder. “I’ll throw it away later” you say as you fling it into the abyss of the backseat never to be seen again.  Get on out there and tidy up that interior, right now! Throw out your old receipts from the gas station or convenience store.  Toss old or expired gift cards.  Get rid of the gunky latte cups and half-drank water bottles. Then wipe down and disinfect your car and give it a nice vacuuming!  Going into the new year, make it a resolution and a new habit to bring in a bag of trash with you each time you leave your car. Organize your vehicle’s paperwork in a safe place. Go through the glove box and center console, and make sure all of your car paperwork is in order. Request duplicate copies of your insurance and registration cards (keep one set in the car,  one in your wallet, and one in a lockbox/safe in your home.)  Make sure to log and organize your car maintenance records as well; it’s important to know the history of your car care for future reference or when selling your car to a new owner.

The holidays can be very stressful, busy, and a touch overwhelming. And for a break in all of that, we’d like to extend our heartfelt merry wishes for a glorious Festivus!  This low-pressure holiday is the perfect antidote to your woes and worries, so feel free to kick back, relax, and enjoy Festivus with the rest of us. more (image from Seinfeld TV series) If you’re new to the Festivus Celebration, don’t despair!  In just 5 Easy Steps you’ll be top Festivus Host. Acquire a Festivus Pole and decorate: Look around your home and find an aluminum pole of any size or length.  It cannot be made of any other material, according to holiday founder Frank Costanza.   It’s best to keep it as non-commercial as possible, and thus upcycling is preferred.  The pole itself should remain undecorated, but you should place it in a central viewing area.  Non-commercialism is the center of this holiday, but if you don’t have any aluminum poles lying about you can get one from FestivusPoles.com Assemble and Prepare a Festivus Dinner. Now it’s time to plan the meal! The true centerpiece of any Festivus celebration is a no-nonsense Meatloaf served on a bed of iceberg lettuce.  Just before serving your big meal, remember to place a clock inside of a bag and nail it to the wall.  Place the dinner on the table and invite all of your guests to sit down.  Not sure how to make a festivus worthy meatloaf? Try any of these suggested recipes below: Salted Soft Pretzels Turkey Chili, Crab Bisque, or Mulligatawny Soup Lettuce Wedge Salad with Large Cherry Tomatoes, and thick Carrot ribbons with your favourite choice dressing. Beef-a-Roni from a can, or a homemade Beefaroni Dupe Chocolate Babka and Cinnamon Babka Black and White Cookies Easy, No-Fuss Turkey Lettuce Wrapped Meatloaf Burgers Grilled Beef Lettuce Wraps Air your grievances. Before you start digging into your Miracle Meatloaf of choice, you must force all of your guests into listening to how they’ve failed and disappointed you.  This is a key ritual to the festivities, so make sure you really lay it all bare! Display and Participate in the Feats of Strength. This is the last and final Festivus tradition, and occurs immediately following the Festivus feast (although some do start during the meal as it winds down.  The head of the household chooses one Festivus guest, and challenges them to a wrestling match and test of strength.  The head of household must be pinned by other family members, the honor of which is given to someone seated at the main table.  Festivities do not end until the host is pinned, so choose wisely! A true Festivus celebration is not complete until the host has been pinned to the floor in a fair match. List all slightly non-routine events as celebrated Festivus Miracles. Now is the time to loudly proclaim all slightly-above-average events in your daily life as Festivus Miracles, such as “bringing in all grocery bags on one arm” or “walking up the stairs by only stepping on the first and last ones” etc.  These menial moments are now sacred and important. Raise your glass and toast a Festivus Cocktai l to these mind-blowing moments of humanity. Move over Martha Stewart, we’ve got some new Master Festivus Party Planners in town. Gather your friends together and relax for a stress-free evening of cheer and laughter with the Festivus board game. This silly board game requires you to generate your own Feats of Strength and Airing of Grievances for an interactive and endlessly entertaining experience.  The great thing about such a personalized option is that you’ll never play this the same way twice! Skip the overzealous decor of traditional holiday events, and opt instead for this low-key Festivus Pole. This hilarious gift set would be perfect for a “White Elephant” option.  Includes 4 audio clips from the famous Seinfeld episode for additional laughs. This Festivus ugly sweater ornament is the perfect cheeky decoration, and fit for any home whether you choose to adorn your Festivus Pole, Chanukah Bush, or Christmas Tree. Welcome guests to your Festivus Shindig with this glittery, cheerful banner! Wear Your Finest Festivus Sweater Festivus For the Rest of Us Aluminum Pole Sweater Seinfeld Aesthetic Festivus Sweater Festivus Pole and Feats of Strength Ugly Sweatshirt Festivus Ugly Sweater Sweatshirt with Frank

Kia SUVs recognized for value, design, safety features and technology Telluride takes top honors in 3-Row Midsize SUV category for fourth consecutive year Seltos named Best Compact SUV for third year in a row Sportage PHEV wins among Plug-in Hybrid vehicles in its first year of production more 2023 Seltos IRVINE, CA, December 16, 2023 – The Kia Telluride, Seltos and Sportage Plug-in Hybrid sport-utility vehicles have been announced as category winners of the 2023 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards. This is the fourth consecutive year that Telluride has been named as Best 3-Row Midsize SUV and the third year in a row that Seltos has been recognized as Best Subcompact SUV. The Sportage PHEV, in its first year of production, has been named the winner of the Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles category by the editors of Kelley Blue Book. 2022 Sportage PHEV “The Telluride, Seltos and Sportage PHEV are proof-positive that our brand offers a robust and value-driven portfolio of rugged and capable SUVs that meet the diverse needs of our many customers,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “It is an honor to see three Kia SUVs recognized as category winners – and repeat category winners – by the expert editorial staff at Kelley Blue Book.” 2023 Telluride The editors of Kelley Blue Book acknowledged that the refreshed 2023 Telluride has a "stacked roster of standard safety features and convenience equipment – and it’s an excellent value.” At the same time, the KBB editors said the 2023 Seltos is a “terrific value” thanks to its “low starting price, long list of standard tech and safety features, and impressive fuel economy 1. And last but not least, the first-year Sportage Plug-in Hybrid was given merit for its electrified attributes. “With 34 miles of all-electric range and 84 MPGe, you can enjoy driving the all-new Kia Sportage PHEV in comfort while only occasionally having to stop for gas 2,” according to the KBB editors. Kelley Blue Book editors selected their Best Buy candidates through a process of extensive evaluation of subjective and objective metrics of vehicles on sale in the United States, scrutinizing hundreds of new vehicles for the 2023 model year. Kia America – about us Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.* For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert. * The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 1 Seltos EPA estimated fuel economy LX, 27 city, 31 highway, 29 combined; S FWD, 29 city, 35 highway, 31 combined; S AWD, 27 city, 31 highway, 29 combined; EX AWD, 27 city, 31 highway, 29 combined; Nightfall Edition AWD and AWD, 25 city, 30 highway, 27 combined 2 Sportage Plug-in hybrid EPA estimated fuel economy X-Line and X-Line Prestige 35 MPG, 84 MPGe; AER 34 milesPress Release Information Accuracy DisclaimerInformation posted in press releases on the Kia Media website was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information.

The winter solstice is fast approaching, and seasonal celebrations like Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah are almost upon us. Today, we’re sharing some yuletide and winter themed treats and traditions you can share with your friends and family! more The Winter Solstice, also known as midwinter, happens when one of the Earth’s poles is at its furthest point of tilt from the sun.  Festivals celebrating the occurrence center around celebrating with friends and family and loved ones, enjoying feasts and banquets, lots of singing and dancing, and bonfire fun!  It marks the lengthening of days and the shortening of nights, as well.  It has many names around the globe including Midwinter, Yule, Longest Night, and Jol.  Learn more about different global solstice celebrations here. Celebrate The Winter Solstice with These Wintertime Traditions and Rituals Create a Yule Altar - A Yule Altar is created to welcome the return of the sun and the lengthening of the days. To create one, you’ll need golden, silver, or yellow candles to symbolize the sun.  Gather items that represent the winter season: pinecones, evergreen branches, pieces of cedarwood.  You’ll want to burn some sage or sweetgrass to cleanse the altar with positive intentions. Burn a Yule Log in the Fireplace or a Fire Pit or queue up a digital one - Historically, Nordic tradition was to burn a whole tree across 12 days leading up to Christmas.  Since that’s not exactly sanctioned by apartment management or condo associations (and definitely not feasible for modern hearths) the Yule Log is a popular alternative.  If you don’t have a woodburning stove/fireplace in your home, you can always cue up the digital version on Netflix (in regular or birchwood options!)  Don’t have a Netflix account? You can always bake and serve a Yule Log cake instead. Take Some Time to Meditate - Since this is the longest night of the year, set aside some time to meditate and so some soul searching. Reflect on the quiet and peace that blanket the world on snowy evenings.  Think about your goals for the upcoming year, and how you can grow as a person and focus on propelling yourself forward towards your goals.  Reminisce about the past year, and what you would like to accomplish in the new year as the world begins to thaw and usher in Spring.  Focus on being more present instead of “productivity” and how you can connect with your peers, loved ones, and yourself within your own space. Create Salt-Dough memory ornaments as a family and gift to loved ones - We love making memories together as a family, and that includes creating seasonal Salt Dough ornaments for the tree!  Whether you’re using a gluten-free salt dough recipe or the traditional kind of salt dough, it’s a lovely group activity for a cozy weekend at home. Make some holiday decorations using natural elements: Make some Orange Pomanders with your family.  Take small, firm oranges and whole cloves to create this craft.  You may use a sharp knife or citrus zester to create patterns on the orange skin (save the peel for your wassail or baking!)  Poke the cloves into the orange in pretty patterns (you can use a toothpick or chopstick to pre-make the holes for little ones! Read a Wintry Theme Book with Family and Friends -  We recommend these titles to start: “The Mitten” by Jan Brett; “The Winter Solstice” by Ellen Jackson; “The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice” by Carolyn McVickar Edwards; “The Solstice Badger” by Robin McFadden; “The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice” by Wendy Pfefer and Jesse Reisch, The Lights That Dance in the Night by Yuval Zommer; Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story by Sean Taylor and Alex Morss with Cinyee Chiu; Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper with Kenard Park

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)