4 Smart Tips for First Time Car Buyers

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Sponsored post.

Purchasing your first new car is a big step and it can be a scary, nerve-wrecking experience.  I know the feeling all to well after buying a new car last year.  Although I ultimately walked away satisfied, the whole process was very stressful and I started second-guessing my decision.  Looking back, I walked on the car lot too early and was indecisive.  

Planning and researching your car purchase ahead of going to the car lot is a smart move.  The following 4 tips are a great place to start!

ESTABLISH YOUR BUDGET

Generally, folks base their budget off how much they're willing to spend on the monthly payment. Typically, this isn't the best strategy for getting the best deal.  Dealerships often times use this option to finesse term loans. Try putting a 5 year cap on the length of your loan and if feasible, pay 10 to 20 percent down with cash.  

Cars.com has a handy car loan calculator which is a great way to calculate auto payments over the life of your loan. 

Click HERE to check it out.

RESEARCH ONLINE & ASK ADVICE

It's best to get your ducks in a row before visiting any car lot. One of the most important things to include on your to-do list is test driving the vehicles your interested in.  Consider your needs such as drive distance to work, gas mileage, would 2 doors suffice or do you need a 4 door vehicle?  Check online reviews about the dealerships in your area, also chat with friends and family.  Do you know someone who's driving that shiny new car you've fallen in love with?  Talk to them to find out where they purchased it, what type of deal they walked away with, and how they're liking their new ride!

NEVER BUY WITHOUT A TEST DRIVE

Nothing compares to how you feel behind the wheel!  I had my heart set on a particular model for over a year.  As soon as I slid behind the wheel, I immediately knew it wasn't the car for me.  The seat wasn't comfortable, I didn't like the seat height, and the dash controls were oddly placed.  I made the decision to keep looking.  Many things come into play when choosing that perfect fit - height of steering wheel, seat adjustment, control functions, visibility, layout of dash, etc.  Never settle!  This is a major decision, and you need to feel satisfied and happy.

NAIL DOWN THE FINAL PRICE

So you've taken it for a test drive, it's within your budget, and you're ready to talk money; it's time to nail down that salesman with the final price.  These salesmen work mostly from commission, so the more you pay, the better outcome for them.  Don't reveal your monthly payment preference.  Doing so allows the dealership to include added costs with a longer loan life.  It's better for you to go in with the total cost calculated rather than the monthly payment your comfortable with.  For example, you might be talked into those fancy wheels or a stereo upgrade which is just and extra $12 per month.  Doesn't sound bad at all, right?  Over a 72 month loan with interest, that extra 12 bucks comes to a whopping $936!!  

After my experience purchasing a new car from a dealership, these 4 tips cover some of the information I wish I had prior to purchasing my new car. There's several good websites offering great advice for first time buyers. For example, cars.com is a great resource.  They offer tips and information on everything from leasing versus buying, price comparisons, safety features, top 10 lists, and much more. 

How was your new car purchase?  Will you do anything different next time around?  I love to hear from readers, so feel free to leave a comment below.

www.cars.com

Sale Alert! JCPenney Home Expressions™ Solid Bath Towels - $3 With Free Shipping!

Now is the perfect time to replace your bath towels!

JCPenney Home Expression bath towels are currently 60% off!  These towels are so wonderful.  They're large, made from soft ring-spun Indian cotton, and come in some really pretty colors.

Originally $10, the online sale price for the bath towel is $3.99, which is a great deal... but wait!  You can save even more by using the following promo code at checkout:

22BUYNOW

Plus, shipping is free, even if you only purchase one towel! 

This promo code works for the bath towel, hand towel, and wash cloth sizes.  You can choose from solid or ombre colors.  

To check out the solid color towels, click HERE!

www.jcpenney.com

For the ombre color towels, click HERE!

www.jcpenney.com

I have a feeling this sale won't last long.  I use these towels and they're wonderful.  A couple of the color options have already sold out, so act fast!

Boost Your Smoothies With The NINJA Nutri Auto-IQ Blender Duo!

DISCLOSURE: THIS IS A SPONSORED POST.

If you like making your own smoothies, you're going to LOVE the NINJA Nutri Auto-IQ blender.  Since getting my blender, I've been on a smoothie-making kick.  It's so easy to use and the smoothies come out super smooth and yummy.

The set that I received contains the full-size blender and also 2 travel mugs.  The greatest thing about the mugs are the lids. There's the normal travel lids, but there's also the additional pro extractor lid, which has the attached blades and it's amazing.  It will blend anything you throw into the cup with no problem at all.  If you're the only person in the home who drinks smoothies, this is a great feature.  I can make one smoothie at a time if I'm in a hurry and don't have the time to make a whole pitcher.

The blades on this blender are amazing.  I've made pesto twice with fresh basil, pine nuts, etc, and the blender does an amazing job with the basil leaves.  Other blenders I've owned either chewed up the basil or just barely blended it and left big chunks floating in the mixture.  With the Nutri Ninja, I can now make a great looking and tasting pesto.

The base is very easy to use and there's super strong suction cups on the bottom of the base.  This keeps it firmly in place during use.  I love the layout of the buttons, and the smooth boost button is awesome.  You won't have to worry about picking the wrong function.  It's basically fool-proof. The large pitcher connects to the base easily and the lid locks into place and also features a cool corner which pops open for spill-proof pouring.

From the Company:

Auto-IQ Technology has set a new standard in drink and meal-making.  At the touch of a button, Auto-iQ's pre-set programs easily whip up your favorite recipes.  Not content with good enough?  Smooth Boost technology one-ups the genius of Auto-iQ, giving you the power to customize the texture of everything from juices and smoothies to delectable dips and doughs.

Smooth Boost feature breaks down fruits and veggies for ultra-creamy results!

Any negatives? The only drawback I've noticed is the sound when it's in use.  It can be quite loud.  However, in my opinion the performance makes up for a few seconds of noise.  

Bottom line? This blender is the perfect choice for smoothies, pesto, sauces, milkshakes... really the list is endless.  Also, if you have more than 2 people in your family, you can purchase additional mugs and other accessories. I received the blender free for review consideration, but I wouldn`t hesitate in buying it again and recommending it to family and friends.

In the Box:

-Blender Base (1200 watt / 1.6HP)

-72 OZ Blender Pitcher 

-(2) 24 OZ Nutri Ninja Tritan Cups

-(2) Sip and Seal Lids

-Pro Extractor Blade

-Total Crushing Blade

-Instruction Manual

-Recipe Book

CLICK HERE to buy your own NINJA Blender at Target.

www.sharkninja.com

Groupon Goods: Shop From Home and Save Money!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Although I love living in a small community, it does come with a few drawbacks such as having to travel at least 2 hours to reach my favorite stores and malls. With busy schedules and life in general, finding the time for shopping trips can be difficult. For this reason, I do a lot of my shopping online. Seriously, how did we make it before the internet?

A while ago, I introduced my readers to Groupon Coupons, which is a great way to save money while shopping online and also in stores.  Although coupons come in handy, what about those shopping emergencies when looking for a specific item, or trying to find a special gift?  

Groupon Goods is the answer!

No matter the occasion, Groupon Goods delivers. In search of a back-to-school backpack, or what about the perfect first-day-of-school outfit?  Groupon definitely has it all covered.

Check out these back to school essentials:

Chevron Print Backpack

Locker Set

School Supplies Kit

First day of school T-Shirts

How about last minute gift ideas?  

NFL Outdoor Rug

Bluetooth Shower Speaker

Burberry Brit Women's Perfume

Personalized Bamboo Cutting Boards

There's so many great products just waiting to be found and the best part is Groupon is a totally free service! That's right, no membership fees or no monthly subscriptions.

Stay in the loop on daily deals and coupons by following Groupon on Facebook and Twitter.  Also, they have some amazing giveaways which are shared on their social media pages.

Groupon has definitely changed the way I shop and save money.  It's my first stop when looking for ways to save some extra cash while shopping.

powered by www.groupon.com

Summer Must-Have: Quench Dry Skin with When Masks!

Traditional face masks have always been one of my favorite skincare products.  There's a new type of mask that's getting a lot of attention in the skincare world, and I'm definitely a fan. From budget-friendly 10 dollar masks to high-end 200 dollar masks, sheet masks are definitely making a splash!  

I'm very excited to introduce you to my favorite sheet masks, and they're called When Masks.  If you're not familiar with sheet masks, I hope this post will help explain what they are and how they work. When Masks produced solid results, they're really fun to use, and affordable!

What are When sheet masks?

--Sheet masks are cut to fit the contour of your face with holes to protect the 

   eyes and mouth. 

--They are typically made from cotton fabric or pulp

--The masks are soaked in a liquid solution which is formulated to target 

   certain skin concerns

What do sheet masks do?

--Sheet masks deliver nutrients to the skin due to its close contact with the skin

--They trap the liquid formula on top of your skin which allows the skin to     

   absorb the formula and seal in 

--Sheet masks typically provide intense hydration and nourishment

--Masks are super easy to apply and produce instant results 

--No additional products or tools are required after use

--Masks aren't a replacement for traditional gel or mud masks

Why When Masks?

--When Masks uses Bio-Cellulose sheets which is made from fermented 

   coconut juice  

--Material boasts high purity, strength, moldability, and increased water 

   holding ability as key strengths.

--Bio-cellulose has been proven to be gentle enough to treat burn victims

--Proven to hold significant amount of liquid and offers very close dermal 

  contact

The following are 3 of my favorite When Masks...

--When Mask - 10:00 PM--

The 10:00 Pm mask is a great choice when your skin feels tired and worn,  The soft, jelly like mask sheet is made from coconut juice and is infused with a light serum. When 10:00 PM contains watermelon extract and collagen to protect skin and help improve skin conditions. Each of the When masks contain hyaluronic acid and ginseng extracts to help keep skin healthy.

--When Mask - Glamour Base--

When you want your makeup to look great and to last longer, the When Glamour Base Mask is perfect at preparing and prepping the skin.  The soft, jelly like mask sheet is made from coconut juice and is infused with a light, comforting serum. When Glamour Base contains adenosine, collagen and peptides to help improve skin elasticity.  Each of the When masks contain hyaluronic acid and ginseng extracts to help keep skin healthy.

--When Mask - The Last Choice--

When your skin needs that extra glass of water, quench the thirst with When-The Last Choice.  Flakes and patches have no chance with The Last Choice mask.  The soft, jelly like mask sheet is made from coconut juice and is infused with light, comforting serum. When-The Last Choice mask contains sodium hyaluronate and saccharide isomerate to help keep skin moisturized. All When masks contain hyaluronic acid and ginseng extracts to help keep skin healthy.

Masks are packaged individually for convenience and for longer, safer preservation. It is for single use only. Please use immediately after opening.

I like to use sheet masks when my moisturizer isn't doing the trick.  I have trouble with dry, flaky skin around my nose and sometimes on my cheeks.  In my opinion, sheet masks are the most helpful at adding extra hydration and brightening dull skin. Also, sheet masks don't exfoliate or deep cleanse, so they're not meant to replace traditional masks.  If I use a clay mask, I immediately follow up with a sheet masks since clay masks dry out my skin.

When Masks can be purchased at the following locations...

Amazon

Sephora

Ulta Beauty

Beautychoice.com 

Rickys NYC

Bartell Drugs

Birchbox

Click HERE to visit the When website and check out all 5 sheet masks.

Have you had any experience with sheet masks?  If so, what's your favorite?  I love to hear from my readers, so comment below and let me know!

This post is sponsored by Brandbacker.

Light Up Your Life With The Green-O Book Lamp by GranVela!

This book lamp by Granvela is very unique and innovative! I've noticed similar models in magazines and online, and I was always curious as to how they would look in person. It's actually really neat and I'm surprised at the light output. It's much brighter than I imagined and it's also a lot bigger than I expected.  

The "book cover" is actually a type of strong plywood, but it has the appearance of walnut. Until I read over the description in the instruction booklet, I thought the cover was actually real wood. The cover is made from one solid piece and there's spaces cut out along the spine which allow for the cover to open all the way out.

The pages, or light shade, fold up accordion-style and they're made from a material called "Tyvek". This is the first I've heard of it... it's described as being waterproof and from 100% recycled material. This material is very delicate and I'm always afraid I'm going to bend or puncture it when I'm opening or closing the book. I've found the best way to open and close is by keeping my fingers on the wood edge where the cover and shade meet.

The cover contains magnets, so if you'd like to hang or display the light where all the "pages' are showing, the front and back cover will meet and lock together with the magnet. The magnet is definitely strong enough to keep the sides stuck together, however it's not so strong where it's hard to pull them apart. The included instruction booklet does a great job of explaining all the ways the lamp can be displayed. There's also an included leather strap that's used as a hook if you decide to hang the lamp.

As for the actual lighting? It's very pretty and I love all the different color options. The colors can be chosen by closing and opening the book which will cycle through the colors. The LED white light is one of my favorites, however the battery will last much longer by using the color lighting. If continuous left on the white light, the battery lasts around 8 to 9 hours on a full charge.  By using the LED color lighting, the battery last about 24 hours! It comes with an USB cord for charging and there's an indicator light on the side of the book... if the light is red, it's actively charging. When the light turns green, the charge is completed.

Bottom line? Although the price tag is somewhat hefty, this book lamp is well worth it.  I've had it around 10 days, and I use it all the time. It looks great setting on my book shelf and I've not had any trouble with it. 

If you need a gift idea for that person who has everything, this book lamp would make a wonderful present, especially for the book lover in your life.  

Click HERE to check out the Granvela GreenO Foldable Book Lamp on Amazon.

www.granvela.com

Product provided for testing and reviewing purposes.

Groupon Coupons: An Easy Way to Save Money!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. 

Whether it's clearance racks, sales, or coupons, I'm always searching for new and fun ways to save money.  With that being said, I've never been great at clipping and using coupons.  It's just never been my thing, although I have a lot of respect for those who enjoy it.  There's definitely an "art" to being a successful couponer!

Instead of searching the sale papers and flyers for coupons, try searching Groupon Coupons.  Yes, Groupon is now offering major money-saving coupons to over 9,000 retailers! It's completely free with no hidden costs or registration fees. Just in the past few weeks, I've found digital coupons to use with my online purchases at Amazon and Sephora.  

If you prefer shopping in the stores, there's also in-store coupons available.  I really like using the Groupon App while I'm shopping.  To find coupons in your area, just search by location.  

Click the links below to check out a few Groupon Coupons I found in my area:

BELK

JC PENNEY

MAURICES 

WALGREENS

OFFICE DEPOT

These are just a handful of coupons currently being offered in my area.  There's also restaurant, movie, and special event coupons available.

Stay in the loop on the daily deals and coupons by following Groupon on Facebook and Twitter.  Also, they have some amazing giveaways which are shared on their social media pages.

Groupon Coupons has really changed the way I shop and save money.  If I'm planning a shopping trip, I now include a trip to Groupon as well.  It's my first stop when looking for ways to save some extra cash! 

www.groupon.com

SPRING SALE: 60% Off Promo Code for Spinning Reel, Lures, and Much More!

This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links.

Spring has finally arrived and it's a great time to stock up on some fishing and outdoor gear!  I've partnered with a great company, ROSE KULI, and they've graciously offered my readers a 60% off promo code on several of their items.

Check out the following products on Amazon for the special outdoorsmen in your life.  They're great gift ideas for birthdays and Father's Day!

*Look for the promo code at the bottom of the page*

Finally, A Beauty Blender Dupe You Must Try!

This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links.

I love using a Beauty Blender to apply foundation, but I find them to be expensive.  I've tried several different versions and brands, but none produced the same results as the original blender. They were either way too soft, too hard, wouldn't expand when wet, or left my makeup streaky and uneven. 

Just when I was about to give up finding a cheaper alternative, I was contacted by a new company to try out their blending sponge; Beautilee Sponge Blender.

I'm so excited to share this blending sponge with you.  Over the last month, I've used it daily and I've decided that I like it better than the original!  Keep reading to find out why! 

Elegant and Timeless: The Burei Watch Brand

This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links.

Simplistic yet timeless... this is what comes to mind when I think of how I would explain this watch to someone.  I was contacted by Burei Watches to test and share this beautiful ladies watch with you.  Keep reading to learn more about this fantastic company and their beautiful timepieces!