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It's no secret that Toyota is a leader in safety and innovation, and in recent years, the brand has made advances in technology that make its vehicles better than ever. Consider some of these breakthroughs when you're evaluating your next vehicle. Safe, Stable Braking When you need to stop quickly, it's essential that your brakes be equipped with the best technology. Toyota not only has Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) but also Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) that is specially designed to compensate for the shifting weight that occurs under hard braking conditions. It eases brake pressure on the wheels carrying the least weight, which makes your vehicle more more stable and keeps it in control. Brake Assist (BA) is another safety component available on Toyota-brand vehicles. It is designed to increase braking power if it senses sudden braking, as well as add braking power if the driver brakes too lightly. Greater Stability Many accidents occur each year because unforeseen circumstances cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Toyota models include excellent stability and control features that keep you safer on the road. This includes the Vehicle Stability Control System (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC). The VSC system monitors whether the vehicle is deviating from the driver's steering, and if it senses a problem, it will reduce engine power and apply pulsing brake force to either left or right side brakes to correct it. Increased Traction The TRAC system keeps the vehicle in control by monitoring whether a drive wheel is spinning at the same speed as the wheel on the opposite side. An imbalance indicates a loss of traction, cuing TRAC to reduce engine power and apply pulsing brake force if needed until the vehicle regains traction. Lane Departure Alert As part of Toyota's exclusive Safety Sense system, many alert and detection features are available. These intuitive safeguards increase driver awareness and assist the driver in preventing accidents. Lane Departure Alert (LDA), for example, uses visual and audio signals to notify drivers if they are unintentionally veering out of their lanes. Some vehicles are also equipped with a Steering Assist function that initiates small steering corrections if this occurs. Collision Prevention Pre-collision System Detection (PSD) monitors the location of the vehicle's proximity to other vehicles using a laser and camera, prompting the driver to stop with audio and visual alerts if he or she is too close to another car. Some models include a Pedestrian Detection feature along with the PSD. Night Safety For increased safety at night, an Automatic High Beams (AHB) features senses the headlights and taillights of nearby vehicles. This feature automatically switches from high beams to standard headlights when other vehicles are present — and back again when they move out of range. These are just a few of the outstanding safety features Toyota offers. No matter what style of vehicle you prefer or how far you have to drive on a daily basis, safety is an essential part of a vehicle. When you choose a vehicle that has top-notch safety features, you can get behind the wheel and drive with more confidence knowing that you and your passengers are safer on the road. Image via pixabay

Toyota has announced plans to improve its lineup over the next five years. Through 2021, the Japanese automaker will focus on several key areas, enabling it to exceed consumers' expectations and stay ahead of market trends. Impressive in scope, the bold plan entails developing new engines, transmissions, and hybrid systems. Ultimately, Toyota hopes to create a better driving experience by making vehicles that outperform their rivals, use less fuel, and have lower emissions. Building New Engines By the conclusion of 2021, Toyota plans to have new engines, transmissions, and drivetrains on 60 percent of its vehicles in major markets. The new powertrains will be designed to provide better performance while also using less fuel and emitting less carbon dioxide into the air. Within the next five years, Toyota will unveil 17 versions of nine newly designed engines. As for transmissions, expect to see 10 iterations of four new gearboxes, and 10 variations on six hybrid systems. Focusing on Hybrid and All-Electric Vehicles As consumers and regulators demand greener vehicles, Toyota is responding with a dual focus. Between now and 2021, Toyota will assign engineers to work on improving hybrid technology and battery-electric vehicles. According to industry reports, Toyota plans to increase the number of workers dedicated to developing hybrid systems by 30 percent to meet its goals under the new five-year plan. Given the new initiative, it appears Toyota will spend fewer resources on vehicles that get power from a hydrogen fuel cell. Improving Consistency Across the Lineup As Toyota rolls out its new engines and transmissions, it plans to scale back its engine offerings. In fact, the company will cut the number of engines in its global lineup by 40 percent. Why bring more consistency to its powertrains? One of the internal drivers behind this effort is Toyota's commitment to its new modular vehicle platform called Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). The platform will give birth to a new group of vehicles that cost less to make but offer superior performance. To date, the only TNGA-developed vehicle available for purchase is the fourth-generation Prius. Previewing the New Engines At a press conference in late 2016, Toyota showcased a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that runs on gasoline, a new hybrid setup for cars with rear-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic gearbox for front-wheel drive vehicles, and a 10-speed automatic transmission for vehicles with rear-wheel drive. All the new technologies are supposed to make their official debut on line-produced vehicles in 2017. How Customers Benefit The forthcoming changes have meaning for customers. For starters, most buyers want more bang for their buck. There's tremendous appeal in getting a better-performing car without a dramatically higher price tag. Overall, consumers are always pushing for enhanced performance from new vehicles. Toyota's new engines and transmissions for 2017 promise a 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and a 10 percent improvement in acceleration. In comments to reporters, the president of Toyota's Power Train Company said the upgraded engines and transmissions will serve as points of differentiation. He hopes this new effort to produce better-performing vehicles at a lower price will set Toyota apart from its rivals. Image via Pixabay

The Toyota Camry is one of America's best-selling cars, and it's easy to see why. The popular mid-size Camry is held in high regard for its combination of dashing looks, super technology, top-class safety features, and a performance level to match. In fact, the Toyota Camry is so loved by American drivers that it was the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for 14 consecutive years! The Camry LE is the cheapest trim for the 2017 model year, so accessorizing your LE becomes essential for that added touch of customization, ensuring that you get the car you want. Read on for five of the best accessories you can buy for your 2017 Toyota Camry LE. more Alloy Wheels The Camry LE comes with 16-inch steel wheels as standard, but upgrading to the available 17-inch alloy wheels is a great way to start customizing your car. Not only do alloy wheels look fantastic, but they offer a significant boost to performance due to their lighter weight--a trait that enables them to handle imperfections in the road better than steel wheels. Mudguards There's no point in splashing your cash on a new car if you're going to let that shiny Camry paint job get ruined by road debris and bad weather. You should absolutely consider a set of four mudguards for your Camry LE. The great thing is that they blend so well with the exterior styling that most people won't even notice them. Universal Tablet Holder If you regularly drive long distances with your family or friends, the available universal tablet holder is the perfect accessory to help keep those rear seat passengers entertained while limiting the pain associated with poor posture. The holder is made with spring-loaded arms to ensure any tablet will fit, regardless of its brand or size. Other multimedia devices are catered for too, such as smartphones or music players. All-Weather Floor Liners Despite not being the most glamorous of accessories, all-weather floor liners are crucial for protecting the carpet of your Camry LE from dirt and moisture. The liners are designed to precisely fit the dimensions of your car, ensuring a perfect fit that covers the floor and its surrounding edges. The high-tech composite material used to make these floor liners is able to absorb dirt and moisture from your shoes. A Camry logo is embedded into the front mats for a subtly unique touch. Remote Engine Starter Accessories tend to offer improvements to one of two things: practicality or style. The available remote engine starter falls into the former category, and it is too nifty not to take advantage of for your Camry LE. Depending on whether it's blisteringly hot outside or freezing cold, you can either cool down or warm up your car before you get into it. The usefulness of this is that each time you drive, you can ensure optimum comfort for yourself without needing to spend the first few minutes behind the wheel waiting for the climate control to do its thing. These five accessories help to add a sense of customization and individuality to your Camry LE. The next step is to choose which ones would be best for you. Image via Pixabay

Appropriately dubbed the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia is the perfect place to rekindle romance. From cultural sites to intimate and cozy eateries to outdoor attractions to other swoon-worthy places, if you're looking to put a little spark back into your relationship this Valentine's Day, look no farther than Philadelphia. And we're here to help. You can plan to have the ultimate romantic day by following our guide below. Explore the City Philadelphia is home to a variety of romantic excursions that are perfect for you to explore with your Valentine. Here you can spend a sunset evening at a waterfront attraction, ice skate underneath the stars at one of the city's pop-up winter skating rinks, or take a guided tour throughout the city. No matter what you choose to do, capture the moment with pictures (they do say a picture is more worth a thousand words). If you're planning on a whole day excursion, try creating a scavenger hunt and have your Valentine "guess" what activity you'll do next. Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Dining There is nothing wrong with celebrating the most romantic day of the year at one of the city's most intimate and romantic restaurants. From French fare to Mexican to Italian to tapas, Philadelphia is home to over 35 restaurants all serving up romantic meals on Valentine's Day. So whether you're a brunch or lunch couple, tantalize your senses by sharing a meal together. Get in Touch With Your Wild Side Who doesn't love a trip to the zoo? This Valentine's Day weekend, celebrate your love with love-themed, family friendly activities at the Philadelphia Zoo. It's during this weekend that guests can take a tour to see all of the zoo's famous animal couples. Discover Your Inner van Gogh Philadelphia's Art After 5 weekly Friday after-hours party gets romantic for February 14 th. At this exclusive event you'll hear the Calabash Quartet serenade you and your sweetheart with a variety of love songs. To top off this romantic evening at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Granite Hill will offer a fixed price mouth-watering French menu that's—of course—romance inspired. Following that cultural event, you can choose to spend your Saturday at the Penn Museum, which offers Valentine-related programming for guests of all ages. Spend your lunch listening to an all-flute pop-up concert or create love notes using Egyptian hieroglyphs. For an experience that's a little more intimate, stop by the provocative SEX exhibit which showcases the history of sex in 30 objects. Chocolate and Pottery Kick off Valentine's Day weekend at The Clay Studio. Hosting a chocolate tasting on Thursday, it's here where couples can sample sweets and learn all about the making of chocolate. Friday's event features champagne, wine, mood music, and light fares. And there you have it: some of our top picks for Valentine's Day events in Philadelphia. Tell us: What are you planning for this Valentine's Day? Image via Pixabay

If you're shopping for a crossover, don't forget to check out the 2017 RAV4 from Toyota. Reliable, comfortable, and roomy, the newest RAV4 carries forward the features that make this vehicle so popular with consumers. Even though the crossover market is crowded with choices, there are several ways the RAV4 edges out the competition. Take a look at these four reasons to opt for the RAV4 as your next crossover. 1. Advanced Safety Features on Every Trim Many carmakers entice buyers to spend more money on higher trims by making the latest and greatest more safety technologies exclusively available on their more expensive vehicles. But that's not the approach Toyota takes with the 2017 RAV4. In addition to antilock brakes, air bags, and stability and traction control, every RAV4 comes with the Toyota Safety Sense package. The standard high-tech safety features include lane keeping assistance, forward collision alerts and mitigation, and automatic high beam headlights. If you're looking for a crossover that prioritizes safety, the 2017 RAV4 is the right choice. 2. A Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Option If you're concerned that a crossover is going to put a serious strain on your wallet because of its fuel consumption, then you need to examine the RAV4 hybrid with all-wheel drive. The powertrain on the hybrid consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. At peak performance, the hybrid system kicks out 194 horsepower. According to EPA estimates, the 2017 RAV4 hybrid achieves 34 miles per gallon on city streets and 30 mpg on the open road. The combined fuel efficiency rating is an impressive 32 mpg. To save money at the pump, choose the RAV4 hybrid as your next crossover. 3. Premium Upgrades Inside and Out New for 2017, Toyota offers the RAV4 in a new ultimate trim called Platinum. If you're looking for features that you typically only get with luxury brands, the Platinum trim may have everything you want. As the new top trim, the Platinum comes with a heated steering wheel, an 11-speaker sound system by JBL, a leather-trimmed shift lever, ambient lighting in the foot wells, and a hands-free power lift gate. On the outside, the Platinum boasts an exclusive wheel design and full-body color for a bold, modern look. Even with so many premium features inside and out, the Platinum has a reasonable base price of $34,750. 4. A Spacious Interior If you're concerned about space for passengers and cargo, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 has you covered. For cargo, you get 38.4 cubic feet, which is more than most competitors offer. If you fold down the back seats, you expand the space to 73.4 cubic feet, making it easy to haul oddly shaped and bulky items. Passengers sitting up front appreciate having plenty of head and leg room. In the second row, you can expand your space by reclining the seats and enjoying a restful ride. Comfortable seats throughout the cabin make road trips pleasurable. Whether you need the best safety equipment, good fuel economy, upscale features, or a spacious interior, you can find it all in the 2017 Toyota RAV4. To experience the RAV4, schedule a test drive. image via pixabay

While we are busy thinking about ringing in 2017, Toyota is already focused on 2018 with the all-new C-HR. This latest addition to the Toyota lineup has a likeness to the Nissan Juke, as it features a stylish, super-sporty crossover body. However, the car company titan has big plans for their new car that is sure to surpass all the competition. The Best of Both Worlds The 2018 Toyota C-HR combines everything you love about Toyota sedans with the versatility of a crossover SUV. These compact yet roomy vehicles more are the perfect fit for drivers who need something nimble, yet strong and attractive, but also efficient. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that has 144 horsepower and maxes out at 140 pound-feet of torque. This engine, combined with the seven-speed Continuously Variable Transmission, provides you with the efficiency of a sedan but the power of a crossover. Variable Valve Timing and Valvematic, two of Toyota's latest technologies, also work to further improve the efficiency of their vehicles. With this newest C-HR, you'll find that its efforts to conserve energy and reduce emissions are similar to that of a hybrid. Touring the Interior of the C-HR From the outside, it almost looks like the C-HR is a two-door vehicle, but the elevated handle on the back panels reveal four-doors, which leads to a full and roomy backseat. Sound-proofing materials are incorporated into the cabins of these vehicles to reduce road noise and boost passenger comfort. Ample storage space is found in the C-HR, as are 60/40 split folding seats, to maximize your cargo space. In the front, there's an impressive 7-inch display mounted in the dash, convenient to the driver's eye. Included with this system are Bluetooth, USB, and Auxiliary capabilities. There's another display just behind the steering wheel, so that the driver can keep tabs on the maintenance of the vehicle, road conditions, and much more. You can also enjoy using a Smart Key and push-button start when operating your vehicle. Peak Performance Aside from sleek looks, a strong engine, and fun interior features, the C-HR was designed with peak performance in mind. Whether your commute is a little longer out in the country or you are navigating the busy streets of downtown, your daily drives are sure to be more enjoyable in this newest Toyota. The front suspension and dampers were developed in order to improve responsiveness when gliding through turns, to pair the feel of a sports car with the vehicle's already sporty look. Alternatively, the rear suspension provides support and absorbs the ride of rough terrain, so that ride stays smooth. Further Improving Your Safety Toyota has always been concerned, first and foremost, with the safety of their drivers. To further improve your safety when behind the wheel, the car maker has included state-of-the-art safety technologies in their newest car. You'll find features like driver assist technologies and automatic high beams, to name a few. While it seems like 2018 is a long time to wait, these cars will be available to hit the road before you can believe it. Image via Pixabay

Winter time, especially in the more northern states like Pennsylvania, can be tough on cars. As a caring car owner, you're probably looking for ways to protect your beloved vehicle throughout these harsher months, so that you can cruise right on into the spring without a hitch. Your wheels and tires should be a part of your winter maintenance list, so here's how you can keep them protected this season. Wax Your Wheels Regularly Road salt, dirt, and grime can cling to your chrome wheels and cause them to erode and rust. Much like the body of your car, your wheels can be waxed to protect against this specific type of damage. Use a chrome-friendly product to coat your wheels in wax when they are clean. After you've applied the wax, you'll find that dirt and salt can be rinsed right off your wheels. more Just be sure to wax and clean your wheels regularly, as even dried salt can cause continued damage to this part of your car. High-pressure hoses can be used to blast away this grime, providing your wheels with the ultimate protection. Have Your Tires Aligned Disguised potholes, snow piles, and other winter hazards can cause the alignment of your tires to get out of whack. When this happens, your car can tend to lean or pull to one side, thus causing the tires on one side of your car to wear faster than the others. In order to prevent this from happening, you can have your tires aligned by a professional. You'll find that your car is better balanced, and you can drive that much more safely this winter. Keep Your Tire Pressure In-Check Lower temperatures can cause the air pressure in your tires to go down. Not only does this decrease the fuel efficiency of your car, but it can also cause your tires to wear faster as they have more contact with the road. Most cars have electronic tire pressure displays, which makes the task of keeping your tire pressure in check that much easier. However, an old fashioned tire pressure gauge can always help you determine whether or not your tires have enough air in them. Double-check the suggested tire pressure of your vehicle by locating this information on the inside of your driver door panel or in your car's manual. Use the Appropriate Tires for the Season It can be difficult to protect all-season tires from winter weather simply because they are not built specifically for that type of driving condition. Secure your car with the appropriate winter or snow tires, and keep a set of tire chains in your vehicle just in case. Doing so will better protect the longevity of your tires as well as increase your own safety. With these tips, you should be able to protect your wheels and tires from the unforgiving winter weather. When the weather starts to warm back up, have your winter tires changed out for your summer or all-season set. Also be sure to visit your local mechanic to ensure your car is safe to drive after enduring the snow season. Image via Pixabay

It's never a simple decision when it comes to purchasing a new truck, but the 2017 Toyota Tundra could make things a whole lot easier. The popular car maker is putting out an updated version of the already-favorite pickup for the new year. If you're in the market for a new truck, here's what you should consider about the 2017 Tundra. Powerful Performance First things first: let's talk performance. The 2017 Toyota Tundra was designed with ultimate performance in mind, and you aren't going to be disappointed. These bad boys are equipped with either a 4.6- or 5.7-liter V8 engine. The 4.6-liter option packs 310 horsepower and has 327 pound-feet of torque, while the latter engine option has 381 horsepower and a whopping 401 pound-feet of torque. more Of course, depending on the trim level you choose for your Tundra, the maximum towing capabilities will vary. Some trim levels, for instance, can handle up to 10,100 pounds. The towing package comes standard with most Tundras and includes a TOW/HAUL switch, a towing hitch receiver, an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, and so much more for all your hauling needs. In the Interior If what's under the hood wasn't awesome enough, the interior of these trucks takes it all to a whole new level. Some models of the 2017 pickup come with leather trim seats, a power sliding rear window, and even a moonroof. Strategically placed controls, luscious seats, and features like a dual zone automatic climate control make the cabins of these trucks so luxurious and comfortable, you'll forget that you're driving a pickup. An in-dash display and standard backup camera make parking and backing out a little less stressful on you. You can also use these displays with integrated navigation options, surfing through all your favorite tunes, and so much more. You won't even have to take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road to operate this system either, as it comes equipped with Bluetooth and voice-activated technologies. Aside from the 7-inch display, you will also find another 3.5-inch informational display just behind the steering wheel. In one glance, you can get a full understanding of your truck's speed, mileage, fuel economy, and distance to empty. This display will also inform you when there's an aspect of your truck that needs maintaining, so that you can stay as safe and efficient on the road as possible. Safer Than Ever When you're on longer trips or hauling bigger loads, safety is more important to you than ever. Toyota understands this, which is why the car maker has included top-notch safety features in the latest Tundra. Driver assist technologies, like blind spot monitoring, innovative airbags unique to the Tundra, and the Star Safety System suite of safety features can all the be found in these pickups. These are just a few of the amazing features you can find in the 2017 Toyota Tundra. If you're looking for a truck that can do it all, the Tundra might just be the right choice for you. Image by RL GNZLZ is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Whether you lease or outright own your Toyota, chances are, you want to keep your beloved car looking good throughout the wintery season. The cold weather and all that comes with it can be harsh on many aspects of the vehicle, including the paint job. The following tips can help you protect your Toyota's finish in the winter, so that your car can keep looking as good as new. Protecting Against Road Salt When there's snow and ice, there's also road salt. This substance can be your paint job's worst enemy, as it tends to cling to the car and doesn't seem to ever go away. In order to protect your vehicle from road salt, add a layer of polymer wax to your car's exterior the next time you have it washed. more This extra layer provides a shield between your Toyota's paint job and that pesky road salt. Be advised to still keep your car clean throughout the winter, which you'll find much easier when you've used wax. The Benefits of Pressure Washing Every so often, you can consider pressure washing your vehicle during the winter. Yes, the wax will protect against salt and grime, but that doesn't mean these substances won't cake onto your vehicle. Pressure washing will blast away this dirt, warding off rust and erosion in even the most hard-to-reach places, such as your car's undercarriage and wheel wells. After pressure washing, of course, be sure to add a new layer of wax for continued protection. Dry Your Car Thoroughly It would be difficult to keep your Toyota dry after every snowfall, but you should dry the exterior thoroughly after washing. Otherwise, that hard water will sit on the surface of your vehicle, which could be bad for your paint job as it could leave behind water spots. Use rags that are 100 percent cotton or sheepskin, as materials like microfiber and polyester can actually scratch your car. Be Careful When Removing Snow and Ice Clearing ice off of your windshield and blankets of snow off of your car every morning can become tedious, but it is important to your paint job that you do so carefully. Consider using soft bristled brushes or even foam brushes to remove snow and avoid scratching your car. Proceed with caution when using an ice scraper on your windows, as well. You wouldn't want to slip and scratch your car's exterior. The Wonders of Spot Cleaning After a long or particularly rough drive, don't be afraid to spot clean your vehicle. Wash away road salt near your wheels, wipe off spots that are caked in icy mud, so on and so forth. After spot cleaning, you can use a spray-on wax to protect these same areas. Once the snow clears once and for all, and the weather starts to warm back up, consider having your vehicle detailed by a professional. This will ensure that there are no remaining deposits of grime from the winter that will silently erode away your car's finish. You can drive on into spring in a flawless Toyota. Image via Pixabay

Replacing tires can seem like a cumbersome and expensive event, costing car owners hundreds of dollars. It is even worse when it is an unexpected expense. It is never recommended to wait until the last minute to get new tires and drivers should most certainly avoid driving around with a donut for more than 70 miles. The harsh weather of the winter increases the wear and tear on car tires, making it even more important to monitor their ability to withstand the season. Many people may put it off, but here are a few reasons why purchasing tires designed for winter weather might be advantageous. Quick Brake The winter terrain is not to be taken lightly. Along with winter comes the potential for more ice, and in some regions, many inches of snow. Winter tires will help drivers to navigate among rough terrain and keep them safe. The unique tread is designed to enable vehicles to stop safely while driving down slippery roads. The tires themselves may cost a little more, but it is well worth it. more Get a Grip Winter tires are also made with a special rubber that allows them to grip the road more efficiently. According to Auto Blog, this flexible rubber maintains its agility on the road. While other tires may harden as a result of the cold weather, these tires become more formless to fit the landscape. This is also an important safety feature. Be Prepared Certain regions are more likely to have winters with large amounts of snow and ice. These are the areas where winter tires have the most impact. Drivers who frequent the roads daily during the winter months can minimize their risk by making a small investment. Top of the line tires may be purchased for $160 to $200 per tire. Although this amount seems substantial, the benefit of being prepared far outweighs the potential for car damage or replacement. Multiple Uses The greatest thing about winter tires is that they can be removed and replaced. Many buyers mount winter tires around September and store them after the winter season has ended. The reason for this is the fact that many cars exceed their tread capabilities during the winter months. This leaves way for many risky road trips. Smart drivers can minimize this risk and improve safety by deciding to replace their tires throughout the year. This may seem like an unnecessary task, but it will help to prevent the stress that comes along with filing insurance claims and paying deductibles. Option or Necessity When all of the pros and cons are considered, it is easy to decide that winter tires are a necessity. It is worth the extra expense each year and should be a part of the car maintenance budget. This will allow families to enjoy the good things about the winter like holiday shopping, family dinners, and vacation travel. The car will be able to safely maneuver through any kind of weather, and the ability to feel safe and sound during the most exciting time of the year is indeed priceless.   image via Pixabay

Thanksgiving is here again! People across the country hit the road for holiday travel and safety should be a top concern for all Ardmore and Philadelphia, PA families. The fine people at Buckle Up For Life have rolled out an updated list of the Top Thanksgiving Car Seat Tips. Pinch Test One easy way to test out if your child's car seat is tight enough is to use the "Inch and Pinch" test. This simple test is easy to perform; simply pinch the strap of the car seat near your child's shoulders. Grab a pinch of fabric, then tighten the strap until you're sure it is snug. Then, grab the car seat near the bottom and gently pull the seat to ensure it is secure. If your child's car seat is moving more than an inch, then you should tighten it. Secure Items One overlooked safety tip involves securing items that you'll be storing during travel. People often fail to secure items like luggage, gifts, turkeys, and more. In the event of an accident, many of these items could become hazardous to passengers inside the vehicle. more Face the Right Direction Always make to sure that your child's car seat faces the correct direction for their age group. Children under the age of two should remain in rear-facing child seats or until they exceed weight and height capacity. Remove the Coat Many parents forget to remove their children's heavy winter coats when buckling them in their car seats. If your child is wearing a heavy coat, make sure to remove it so the harnesses and safety belts fit as intended. Avoid Rental Car Seats Avoiding car seat rental is one of the travel tips from Buckle Up for Life that encourages travelers to take advantage of free safety seat checks from airlines. If you need to travel, call your airline ahead of time and inquire about their specific policies on checking a car seat for your child. Image via Pixabay

Psychology Today says shopping is an effective way to reduce stress and build confidence. Dressing for success is often suggested among professionals. For many others, outward appearance correlates with internal harmony and happiness. Shoppers can meet friends and connect while browsing through stores and may even burn a few calories along the way. No matter which way you look at it, shopping is a good thing if the funds are available. Those who are looking to test out these age-old theories can find plenty of popular shopping destinations in the Ardmore area. Doctor's Orders One popular destination well aligned to evaluate this theory is Suburban Square. It is a popular space located at Anderson and Coulter Avenue. This diverse space features top retailers like Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Kate Spade, Sephora, and the GAP. It also offers an assortment of fresh foods within its Farmers Market. Visitors can enjoy seafood, produce, baked goods, and sushi in this authentic market. There's nothing like a few hours of shopping coupled with a pleasant lunch nearby. In fact, Suburban Square has been in the business of delivering retail therapy for quite some time. It opened in 1928 as one of the earliest shopping centers in the country. It is a unique space that also includes several businesses and boutiques, in addition to Soul Cycle's indoor bicycling facility. The hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Sunday. Hours are extended to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday. more Soothing Design Shoppers who are interested in an awe-inspiring experience and creative wear might enjoy Past Present Future. This shop located at 15 W Lancaster Avenue features frames, jewelry, ceramics, wearable art, and glass works. They can even design custom pieces for those who are looking for a way to stay stress-free. What better relief than a one of a kind necklace personalized for that special someone? The store hours are Monday to Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Prescription for Fun One visit to PucciManula and visitors will surely feel uplifted and contented. Upon entering this retail destination, shoppers will be astounded by dangling Giraffes and massive Teddy Bears. This is not your average toy store. It is a fun way to shop, while sparking the kid within. Classic books, timeless toys, and handcrafted jewelry items are just a few of the great things shoppers might find here. Only Scrooge himself would find a reason to be unenthusiastic about this form of retail therapy. Beat the Blues Whether browsing for top brands or attempting to find inspiration, it is all readily available in Ardmore. The Suburban Square offers a dynamic architectural setting and retailers that are widely popular. Shoppers can also catch a workout or a lunch afterward. Past Present Future might temp a little craftiness and rouse creativity, which are both ways to beat the blues. In the event of an emotional catastrophe, PucciManula can surely transform a bad day. Ardmore offers plenty of options for shoppers looking to test these theories. There are many great retailers in the area. Image via Pixabay