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  • Best Value for Used Mini Vans in 2019

    Best Value for Used Mini Vans in 2019

    When it comes to mini vans, the first thing you want is a good value. If you’ve got a big family with a lot of kids and want to cart them all around comfortably and affordably, you’re looking for a value minivan. As everyone knows, one of the best ways to keep the costs down is by buying pre-owned.

    If you’re on the lookout for a good used minivan, it might be difficult to find the right one. After all, there are a ton of options out there. Which year, make and model is the right choice for your family and your budget? Today we’re looking at a few of the best used mini vans on the market.

    Best Value Used Mini Vans

    Why Buy Used?

    If you’re looking into buying a minivan in order to get the whole family around town more easily then you’re probably looking to save money. While buying new cars can be great for making sure they have no existing defects, buying used has some serious upsides. Namely, used cars are much more affordable! When you’ve got a ton of kids to feed and clothe, this is a pretty major consideration to keep in mind!

    Chrysler Town and Country

    With tons of standard safety features and a very reasonable price when used, the Town and Country is a solid vehicle for families. While the last production year was 2016, the vehicle remains an excellent value as a pre-owned minivan.

    The Town and Country does have a few issues that are worth noting. The powertrain isn’t the most reliable, making t a little more expensive than some others in this category for maintenance. The safety ratings aren’t quite as high as some of the competition, as well, which makes the vehicle a little less reliable.

    A drawback worth noting for the budget-conscious is the lower-than-average fuel economy. If you’re looking to save money, it’s not ideal to have to keep gassing up your vehicle. That said, the Town and Country does have a few things going for it. Plentiful standard features like lane assist and emergency braking make up for the lower safety ratings.

    It also sports a rather powerful engine for its size, making it a fun drive. The average price for a used Town and Country is around $20,000, making it a solid choice.

    Toyota Sienna

    The Toyota Sienna is a great pick for people looking for value in a minivan. Between the various years that this line has been on the market it has released some stellar vehicles for families. Notably, the Sienna offers a comfortable, sooth ride with plenty of interior room for the whole family.

    The Sienna has a plethora of great features for the price. The Sienna is huge and comfortable, so everyone from the driver and front seat passenger to kid in the third row will be plenty comfortable. There’s all-wheel drive available, which is great for getting out of sticky situations like mud or snow. There’s also a large area for storage which is impressive for a minivan,

    The only drawbacks are in the engine. When pushed a bit too hard, the vehicle sounds a bit rough. Additionally, at some trim levels the Sienna offers a somewhat rough ride at higher speeds. However, these are minor quibbles. When purchased used the Sienna is usually around $23,000, making it a great value for the family.

    Honda Odyssey

    The 2016 Honda Odyssey is an exceptional minivan for the price. As for value, this is one of the best on the market. Sporting one of the best safety ratings of minivans in its class, the Honda Odyssey is a great pick for your family.

    The cabin is spacious, durable and well-built. Everyone knows how destructive kid tend to be, but the Odyssey was made to be kid-proof. If your little ones tend to be terrors, you won’t have to worry about them in this vehicle!

    The Odyssey gets reasonable gas mileage for a minivan and is relatively easy to maintain. Being a Honda, it’s not surprising that this vehicle was built to last. Even when buying used you can count on a Honda to be reliable! When it comes to getting your family safely from place to place, that reliability is impossible to put a price on.

    If you had to, though, a used Honda Odyssey tends to run about $25,000. If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-maintain minivan that will safely get your family around town, the Odyssey is the one for you.

  • Does Certified Pre-Owned Mean You Get a Better Car?

    Does Certified Pre-Owned Mean You Get a Better Car?

    Buying used can help you really keep the costs down on a vehicle. However, how can you be certain that the vehicle you’re purchasing isn’t a lemon? How can you know what the vehicle has been through? Certified pre-owned vehicles are often considered the safer pick when it comes to buying used, as they typically pass inspections and history checks by the auto dealership.

    That said, you can never be one-hundred percent certain when it comes to used cars. While CPO cars tend to be a safer pick than straight-up used car from someone you don’t know, they’re not going to be as safe as a brand-new car. If you really want to spend more and get a car that will last longer, a brand-new one is the one you want.

    However, if you want to be safer than a straight-up used car but save money compared to a new car, CPO cars are the happy middle ground. But does that mean certified pre-owned means you get a better car than buying used?

    Certified Pre-Owned

    How Cars Get Certified

    Auto dealers differ from place to place but, generally speaking, CPO cars have to pass a number of inspections. Depending on the dealer these could be more or less strict, but they typically involve checking a number of systems. Brakes, steering, belts and the like are all usually checked out and certified.

    Another aspect of CPOs that can make them a safer pick than regular used cars is that they have a clear history and background. Maintenance records, accident reports and the like help to paint a picture of what, exactly, has happened to the vehicle in the past. That way you can rest assured knowing exactly what issues the car has had in the past.

    The Benefits

    Generally speaking, CPOs are going to be cleaner vehicles that were well taken-care of and have few, if any, issues. Dealers normally only take in rather new vehicles with very low miles as certified pre-owned. That means that, essentially, CPO cars are marketed as “good as new.”

    Dealers tend to offer a number of benefits to those who buy CPO vehicles, too. If you need repairs on the vehicle or something goes wrong with it, it’s usually covered by an extended warranty from the dealership. The warranty alone can often be well-worth the extra money you spend on CPO, depending on the vehicle and what you’re looking for.

    The other upside to CPOs is that dealers often offer things like rental cars in the event the vehicle is in the shop, free satellite radio, and even reduced lease rates. Generally, these upsides are all there to keep the CPO deal an attractive option for dealers.

    The Downsides

    CPO vehicles aren’t without their downsides. For one, any used vehicle runs the risk of having some unforeseen issues. Most notably, though, CPO vehicles tend to be rather expensive. While not as pricey as brand-new vehicles, they tend to be markedly more expensive than regular used cars.

    Generally speaking, many car experts find that CPO vehicles are often a bad value compared to buying regular used cars. If you know what you’re looking for in a used car and know what warning signs to look for, regular used can be a better value than CPOs. This can vary based on the dealership and where you’re buying the used vehicle, but it generally bears out to be true.

    If you save up a bit of money and set it aside to cover repairs then you can use that to cover the things the extended warranty that a CPO would normally cover. That way you not only save money by not buying the expensive extended warranty, you can use the money you save to put towards any repairs that might come up. If no repairs need to be done, you simply pocket the savings!

    Conclusions

    So, do you get a better car when you buy certified pre-owned? Yes and no. You’re likely going to get a car with less miles, a clearer history and an extended warranty. While these are all great upsides, they’re also things you spend a pretty penny for. As such, while the CPO vehicle is likely a great car, it’s probably a bad value.

    If you want to save money and buy a used vehicle, consider a getting a regular used vehicle. If you get it inspected by a mechanic you trust and set aside money to cover repairs you’ll likely get more value for your money.

  • Cars Redesigned for 2019: Check out the Newcomers

    Cars Redesigned for 2019: Check out the Newcomers

    The time-honored tradition of redesigns is in full swing again in 2019. If you’ve been itching to get your hands on a brand-new, redesigned vehicle than this list is for you. Today we’re going over some of the coolest cars redesigned for 2019. From awesome luxury cars to SUVs, we’re looking at some of the coolest vehicles that are getting proper redesigns.

    Cars Redesigned for 2019

    Aston Martin Vantage

    The storied sports car manufacturer has really outdone itself with this one. If you’re a lover of fine British sports cars then the Aston Martin Vantage’s redesign for 2019 will knock your socks off. The advanced systems on display all over the car indicate its pedigree. The iconic Aston Martin silhouette shows you the legacy of this company, while the top-of-the-line features show you it’s all-new.

    The engine takes in air from the oversized front grille, keeping pace with the demands of its mighty powertrain. While the DB11 is a luxury car, the Vantage is a $153,000 racing vehicle. This souped-up mega car can tear around the track with the big boys, and it shows.

    Acura RDX

    When the Acura RDX first emerged in 2007 it was nearly one-of-a-kind. The only major competition in the luxury compact SUV space was the BMW X3, making the entire category a bit obscure. In 2019, that’s not the case. Compact luxury SUVs are some of the most popular vehicles on the lot for most dealerships. In order to keep up with the changing times, the RDX has been redesigned for this model year.

    The Acura RDX is sporting a bold exterior design that gives it a sporty, sleek look. If you’re afraid that an SUV is too lame-looking, this is one that will set your heart at ease. The engine is a turbo-charged 4 cylinder that doesn’t sacrifice power for efficiency. It’s got plenty of torque and great gas mileage, making it a notable departure from its predecessor. It also sports ample safety features and tons of high-tech interior amenities like infotainment systems and the Integrated Dynamics System.

    RAM 1500

    Coming in around $35,000 to start, the 2019 RAM 1500 is quite the luxury pickup truck. With seating for six and a towing capacity of 12,750 pounds, this is also a heavy-duty vehicle for getting jobs done. The 2019 redesign sports a number of great quality-of-life improvements that make this top-of-the-line truck that much more awesome.

    The redesign, notable, makes the vehicle significantly lighter and thus more powerful. The engine isn’t much smaller though the vehicle is, meaning it’s got that much more power to play with. Notable differences from the competition include the Ram’s coil-spring suspension and incredible luxurious cab. The ride is smooth and quiet, making this as good a vehicle for road trips as for hauling to job sites.

    Toyota RAV 4

    Seeing a brand-new redesign for 2019, the RAV 4 is a new beast entirely this year. The RAV 4 was already one of the best-selling vehicles in the USA, so it’s unsurprising that Toyota knocked this redesign out of the park. Don’t fix it if it isn’t broken is good advice, and Toyota stuck to it!

    Instead of changing everything, they tightened the vehicle’s weaknesses and made it appeal to an even wider audience. First, they introduced more trim levels to allow for a wider variety of budgets to be satisfied when buying the RAV 4. If you want an affordable SUV for your family, there’s a trim level for you. If you want a luxury SUV to get you and your friends to the hottest parties, there’s a trim level for you!

    Notably, this year’s RAV 4 has markedly better suspension and handling from the previous iteration. This is a fun vehicle to drive, less lumbering and tank-like than its predecessor. It’s also much larger than some other compact SUVs, markedly longer and more spacious than, say, the CR-V.

    BMW 3 Series

    BMW is known for nothing short of luxurious, top-quality vehicles, and the 2019 redesign of the 3 series is no exception. The seventh iteration of the 3 series sports a 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder engine with twin-scroll design. The redesigned engine sports 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, making this a powerful and zippy BMW.

    The long running 3 Series line is a perennial favorite in the US for good reason: it’s downright fun to drive. If you’re looking for something zippy, with good handling and luxurious interior features, the new 3 Series hits dealerships in March of 2019.

  • Warning Signs to Look Out for When Buying Used

    Warning Signs to Look Out for When Buying Used

    Buying cars used is a good strategy. After all, buying brand new cars is both expensive and environmentally unsound. Why buy a brand new vehicle when there are perfectly good used cars out there? That said, there are some stinkers out there being sold used. Here are some of the warning signs to look out for when buying used.

    Warning Signs to Look Out for When Buying Used

    The Obvious Stuff

    The big, obvious signs of abuse should be red flags. If a car is dinged, scuffed, smelly and generally nasty it’s a good indicator that they probably didn’t take great care of it. That goes for both the body and engine of the car. If the person selling the car hasn’t been taking care of the mechanical aspect of the car, you could be looking at a lemon.

    In short: if they can’t be bothered to wash the car and keep the interior clean, what makes you think they’d be taking care of the engine?

    No Records

    If the seller doesn’t have a detailed record of repairs and service the car’s engine has received then it’s time to take a big step back. Without accurate records it’s very difficult to tell whether the car was properly maintained. If you’ve got no way to verify when the engine has been properly maintained, you can’t say the vehicle is reliable.

    On the reverse of this issue, a seller with a detailed repair record should earn some trust from you. If you know what’s happened to the car and how it’s been maintained then you can make better calls about whether you should buy it.

    Consider the Type of Vehicle

    When you’re buying a used vehicle you should consider what kind of car it is. If it’s something like an SUV or minivan it’s a bit more likely it was well maintained. Conversely, a sports car or some other performance vehicle may be a bit riskier of a purchase.

    After all, if someone is enough of a thrill-seeker to buy a performance car, they’re also likely to treat the car a bit more harshly. That’s not true in all cases, of course. Some people actually take better care of their vehicles when the car is faster and more powerful. However, this is a general rule of thumb, and it pays to be cautious.

    No Smoking

    Don’t buy a car from a smoker, former smoker or vaper. If someone is reckless enough to smoke cigarettes then you need to think about how reckless they would be with their car. The kind of person who would heedlessly put their health on the line certainly doesn’t have any issue with putting their car’s maintenance on the line.

    That’s not even getting into that awful smell that gets into everything and never goes away. Tobacco smoke stains everything it touches and leaves a powerful smell behind. If you’ve ever owned a car someone used to smoke in you know what we’re talking about. It’s nearly impossible to get that terrible smell out of your things.

    Accident Damage

    A normal fender bender or dents and dings from bang-ups is to be expected. If you’ve ever owned a car for a few years you know that it’s a matter of when, not if, you get in an accident. These scraps alone aren’t worth passing on a car. Major accident damage, however, is a different story.

    A major accident could do some weird stuff to a car. For instance, if the car’s wiring has been pinched or some electrical work was pulled out of place then you could have weird issues with the headlights or radio. If the frame was bent, or if an axel is misaligned, it could result in uneven wear and tear on the vehicle.

    The Seller

    If the seller is a relatively easy-going, laid back type of person it might be hard to get a read on them. However, if they give you the vibe of someone who could care less about the car or its maintenance, that’s the biggest red flag you can come across. A good seller is someone who clearly takes care of their things and cares about the condition their car is in.

    People to avoid buying from are those who are clearly trying to hustle you. If the person dodges questions and won’t give straight answers about the car’s history then you know it’s probably not a vehicle you want to spend your money on. Don’t get ripped off out there!

  • Best Cars for Dog Lovers

    Best Cars for Dog Lovers

    Dog lovers are all united in one thing: they need a good car for carting their dog around. If you can’t get your pup to the park easily then why bother buying a car? In all seriousness, it can be hard to find the best cars for dog lovers. What constitutes a good car for carrying the dog in? What kind of features are you looking for? Well, today we’re digging in to that question to help you find the right ride for you and your dog.

    Best Cars for Dog Lovers

    What Does Your Dog Want?

    There are a few things that make a car great for a dog. The first and most obvious is that it needs to be easy for them to get in and out of. If the car sits too high it might be difficult for your dog to climb in and could even result in injury if they hop out. A related consideration is ample room for the dog to move around, but not so much that they get tossed about by the movement of the vehicle.

    Another aspect you’re going to want to keep in mind is that your dog wants to be comfortable. If you think about what you like in a car, it’s what your dog wants, too! Fresh air, temperature control and the like are all great aspects of a car for a dog. This means that tinted windows to keep the sunlight from heating up the back of the vehicle are a great choice!

    Your other consideration should be whether the back of the vehicle is easy to clean. If there are a lot of nooks and crannies where dirt, fur and toys can get lost then maybe it’s not the best car for you. You’ll also want a vehicle with seats that lay down flat. If there are a lot of spaces where your dog could trip or lose their toys then you should opt for a different vehicle.

    With that being said, let’s look at some of the best cars for dog lovers.

    Kia Soul

    The Kia Soul is a great vehicle for dog owners. The car sits low to the ground, meaning it’s easy for your dog to get in and out safely. The back of the vehicle also has loads of cargo space, meaning you can carry your dog and lots of their toys and things. In fact, the rear floor opens up to allow for more storage for things you don’t want the dog getting into.

    If you’re carrying food, dog toys and the like then you can store them in the under-floor storage. This is a great vehicle for dog lovers since the boxy profile allows for dog crates to be installed easily. A notable aspect of this car is that the seat upholstery is rather resistant to pet fur and is quite easy to clean.

    Subaru Outback

    The ads for this car feature dogs getting in and out of it. Case closed, everyone, this is THE dog car, article over.

    Wait, you want more than that? Alright, sorry.

    The Subaru Outback is a sizable and comfortable SUV that is great for any dog lover. The vehicle comes standard with four-wheel drive, meaning it’s a great choice for going on off-road adventures. Much like the Kia Soul, it has cloth seats that repel dog fur and make it easy to clean.

    Also like the Kia Soul, the Subaru Outback is a low-sitting vehicle that is easy for your dog to get in and out of. This is great, as it keeps your dog safe while also keeping them from struggling to get in and out of the vehicle.

    The Outback also sports a range of safety features that help you to keep your dog safe, too. If your dog runs behind the car, for instance, the vehicle will automatically stop with EyeSight safety features.

    Honda CR-V

    Honda makes a mean vehicle for both dogs and people, but today we’re talking about dogs. This great SUV has more than just the Honda name slapped on it: it’s a Honda in terms of reliability and features, too. Tons of cargo space, easy-to-clean seats and low clearance all make this a textbook “dog car.”

    The best thing about the CR-V is that it’s rather affordable, too. The CR-V starts at $24,250, making it a very affordable pick for dog lovers. The reliability and gas mileage certainly don’t hurt the vehicle’s prospects when you’re selecting your next car!

  • Best Affordable Convertibles: Let the Top Down

    Best Affordable Convertibles: Let the Top Down

    Does anything beat letting the top down, having the wind in your hair and enjoying the ride? If anything does, we haven’t found it yet. The only thing as good as rolling down the highway with the top down is getting your convertible for a great price! To help you enjoy the ride, here’s a rundown of some of the best affordable convertibles. You don’t have to break the bank to cruise in style!

    A number of people have been driving the same cars out on the road for ten years or more. If that applies to you, it might be time to upgrade. There are so many awesome updates in modern vehicles that it’ll likely blow your mind when you get behind the wheel. For a prices as affordable as this, though, these convertibles are hard to pass up.

    Best Affordable Convertibles

    Chevy Camaro

    Sleek, long lines and an imposing front grille make the convertible Camaro quite the sight on the road. If you’ve ever wanted a long, sleek vehicle for cutting around turns and turning heads, a convertible Chevy Camaro is the vehicle for you. On the higher end of what most would call affordable, the Camaro starts around $31,000. However, the kind of power and technology you get in this vehicle make it well worth the price.

    From stem to stern this is an advanced and technologically impressive vehicle. From Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a phone charging pad and even Wi-Fi in the vehicle, this is a state-of-the-art machine. If you’ve been looking for a modern vehicle to update your ride, this is a great one for you. That’s not even mentioning the luxurious and roomy interior that makes you wonder if you’re even in a sports car.

    More than just a slick ride for laying the top back, the Camaro is also a rather efficient car. It gets 20 MPG city and 30 MPG highway, meaning you won’t be constantly filling the tank up. Not only that, but the vehicle has some serious power, sporting a V8 with 455 horsepower. In short, this is one fun ride that won’t disappoint!

    Mazda Miata

    When it comes to convertibles you really can’t go wrong with the Mazda Miata. If the Camaro was a bit too rich for your blood, this is a great budget convertible. This agile, sporty little convertible is a seriously fun car to drive. Mazda really knows how to make a fun car, and the best thing about this one is just how light it is. If you’ve only ever driven heavier vehicles, it’s hard to describe why it’s so fun to get behind the wheel of a light sports car like this.

    The engine is only a V4 and it only sports 155 horsepower. That said, the vehicle is light and gets great gas mileage (around 31 mpg combined) which makes it treat to own and drive. If you never really need to cart a lot of people around it’s a great vehicle for just cruising with the top down. It’s only got room for a driver and one passenger and little-to-no cargo room, but these are minor complaints.

    Mazda’s Miata model comes in soft and hard top configurations, though the hard top does bump this up out of that “affordable” range. The soft-top starts around $25,000, making it a surprisingly affordable vehicle for how stylish and fun it is. If you’re looking to have a fun time with a sweet-looking car you can’t go wrong with a Mazda Miata.

    Fiat 124 Spider

    If you’re looking for a convertible with a bit of flair, the Fiat 124 Spider has flair in spades. It’s essentially an Italian version of the Miata and brings a similar 160 horsepower engine. It’s got a distinct style, though: where the Miata is clearly a Japanese convertible, the Spider is unmistakably European.

    The smooth lines, the understated profile and the Fiat trademark panels mark the vehicle apart from its Japanese cousin. Ironically, the Spider and the Miata are made in similar factories and both with Mazda overseeing them. While they have similar production, they’re not identical.

    For those who prefer the suspension and handling of a Fiat, the Spider is an excellent pick for a new convertible. Marking itself apart from the Miata, it’s a bit tighter and zippier on the road. It’s hard to go wrong with a Fiat, even when it’s this affordable

  • Save Money by Buying a Boat this Winter

    Save Money by Buying a Boat this Winter

    Is there anything quite as relaxing as taking a boat out on the lake to fish on a quiet Winter morning? The only thing better than spending time out on the water is saving money on the boat. If you’ve ever rented a boat you know just how expensive it can be. In order to save money this year, consider buying a boat instead.

    We’re going to go over a few of the best options you can get for fishing boats for personal use. Stop overspending by renting boats and buy one of your own to save money and relax all at once.

    Save Money by Buying a Boat

    Ranger VS 1680

    The Ranger VS 1680 is a great pick for those who want to fish for bass and muskie. Specifically, the stable casting platform and storage space make this an excellent boat for use on the lake. There are lots of high-tech accoutrements built in to the boat, making it a great companion for new and veteran fishers alike.

    The boat is 16 feet long and rated for motors as strong as 90 horsepower. The boat is durable and sleek, constructed mainly of aluminum. It’s durable and elegant in equal measure, so not only will it look good out on the water, but it’ll last you for years.

    If you love to fish on the lake this is the boat for you. New models of this boat start around $22,000. If you’re looking for a used Ranger VS 1680, however, you can probably find one for as low as $15,000.

    Clackacraft Steelhead Deluxe

    The Clackacraft Steelhead Deluxe is consider one of the best driftboats on the market. With its flat, open design and ample seating, this is a great boat for hitting the lake with friends. The best thing about this boat is how easy it is to pilot for newcomers. If you’ve never owned a boat before, start with this one!

    There are a few different lengths available, though the 16-foot variation is a great pick for most folks. If you’re looking for power, though, this isn’t the boat for you: it’s only really rated for about a 10-horsepower engine. That said, the boat is also quite light, weighing a little under 300 pounds. That makes it easy to take out of the water and carry elsewhere even without a lot of towing capacity on a vehicle.

    If you’re new to the hobby of fishing then you should strongly consider this boat to introduce yourself to it. It’s a versatile, inexpensive and easy-to-pilot craft. Whether you’re looking to kick back under the sun with friends or head out on a frosty morning to catch fish, this is a great pick for you.

    If buying the boat new you can expect to see it for around $6,000. However, if you find it being sold used you could probably find it for as low as $3,000 or so. This makes it an ideal pick for newcomers when you consider how beginner-friendly it is!

    Klamath Center Console

    If you want to go saltwater fishing or crabbing you might consider this boat over the others on this list. The Klamath Center Console was created with a huge variety of fishing styles in mind. The stand-up helm allows the pilot to freely move about the deck and the focus on safety is top-notch. The safety features of the boat include grab rails and a bowed design that makes it harder to be flung overboard.

    Options for the boat include rod holders and baitwells that make ideal companions for any fisherman. Other features include suites of fish-finding tech you can upgrade with and optional safety feature upgrades. These types of features make the boat an ideal vessel for fishing in bays or even on the open ocean.

    When compared to lake fishing, ocean fishing can seem much more dangerous. The ocean swell is much stronger and harder to predict than the gentle waves you typically find on a lake. That said, with the right craft and a seasoned fisherman at the helm, ocean fishing can be a blast.

    As for the price, new models of this boat tend to sell for around $8,000 or so. As with any fishing boat, looking for a used model can be a great way to save money. Sites like Boat Trader and BD Outdoors often have sellers listed from the local area so you can try to find a deal. Typically, used Klamath Center Console boats sell for around $5,000.

  • There are Worse Chefs than You: Avoid these Food Abominations

    There are Worse Chefs than You: Avoid these Food Abominations

    There are worse chefs than you, no matter how bad you think your cooking is. How do we know? There seems to be a lot of nostalgia for the 1960’s that floats around above pop culture. Unfortunately, a lot of it is way overblown. The time period that brought us the Vietnam War, rampant cigarette use and mass-marketed processed foods might not be the best one to romanticize.

    What does that have to do with food abominations? Trust us, we’re getting there. You see, there are worse chefs than you out there: 1960’s era cookbooks make that plainly clear. If you’ve ever wondered what dishes were popular in the middle of the 20th Century, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the worst food abominations from the 1960’s.

    There are Worse Chefs than You

    Prune Whip

    One of the nastiest-looking things we’ve seen in a 60’s cookbook is prune whip. So, get this: start with raw whipped egg whites and then fold them into a prune puree. Now, let’s think about this: we’ve got uncooked eggs that could cause salmonella and we’ve got prunes, pureed, which have well-known laxative-like properties.

    How did anyone survive the 60’s eating crap like this? What’s next, guys, steaks with cigarette butt garnish? No wonder people used to keel over in the mid 50’s.

    Asparagus Macaroni Loaf

    Any food item that ends in the word “loaf” goes straight into the garbage can. This particular dish was a popular choice in the 60’s among suburban moms and macaroni lovers. Whoever told them that asparagus belonged with macaroni in a congealed loaf mess was absolutely wrong, but, hey, what can you do.

    At least this dish is a bit better than meat crammed into loaf form. Meatloaf is also a perennial favorite of this era and we still don’t understand who exactly enjoys that dish.

    “Circle Pups”

    Dishes that include hot dogs were really, really popular in the 60’s. The companies who produced these processed foods had a really good marketing department, because just looking at dishes like the “Circle Pups” dish from Better Homes and Gardens Meals in Minutes makes us lose our appetite.

    The Circle Pup in particular is a pair of hot dogs on a slice of bread with rice and mustard. Which is just… why? What’s wrong with the hotdog bun? Why is there rice in the mix? Well, what can you expect from the era that brought us American “cheese.”

    Dad’s Denvers

    This heart-stopper is created by spreading deviled ham on a French roll. Oh, you haven’t heard of deviled ham? Good, it’s terrible. Avoid it like the plague. Next, make an omelet in bacon fat and add green onions. But this on top of the French roll and top it with sliced tomato and broil the whole mix.

    Okay, if you survived cooking this thing without dying of a heart attack then you can now attempt to eat this monster. You’ll probably get a few bites in before you start to black out from the amount of trans fats flooding into your blood stream.

    Pickle-Stretcher Salad

    In the 60’s there was a weird trend of making tons of salad that didn’t include fresh vegetables. Let that sink in. Macaroni salad? Cool. Potato salad? Awesome. Caesar salad? Absolutely not, throw that to the animals.

    One of the most nauseating “salads” from this era is the Pickle-Stretcher salad. It was so named because it allowed the maker to stretch a few pickles into a meal that could help the whole family projectile vomit. This monstrosity has olives of both green and black varieties mixed in with diced dill pickles and probably with a heaping on vinegar just for good measure.

    Do you want acid reflux? Because this is how you get acid reflux.

    Jellied Chicken

    I don’t really know what else to say about this dish that the name doesn’t already give away. It’s like Jell-O but with chicken. The cookbook this particular nightmare is from is entirely based on cooking with blenders.

    I mean… guys. I know it was the 60’s, but it wasn’t the dark ages. Why was anyone cooking with exclusively blend-able recipes?

    Conclusions

    Take it easy on the fried food, the processed stuff and the canned foods. If your meat comes out of a can, if you can’t name what part of the animal it’s from and you can’t imagine it served in a nice restaurant, maybe you should avoid it. And thank goodness the 60’s were fifty years ago, because some of these dishes are giving me diabetes by proximity.

  • Tips for Healthier Grocery Shopping in 2019

    Tips for Healthier Grocery Shopping in 2019

    Your life is fast-paced and busy, and it’s hard to find the time to hit the grocery store and shop healthy. It seems easier to simply go through the drive through of a fast food place or just ordering take-out. The issue with that is that eating processed, fast-food items all the time is quite bad for your body. In order to help you get healthier grocery shopping habits established in 2019, here are some tips to get you started.

    Remember: it might seem like a drag to get into the grocery store and buy produce to then head home and prepare a meal. However, it’s well worth your time and energy to look out for your dietary health. After all, it’s easy to fall into the habit of eating junk food all the time, but that’s a surefire way to put on the pounds and increase your odds of diabetes.

    Tips for Healthier Grocery Shopping in 2019

    For Starters

    Before we get started, let’s get into some myths regarding healthy food. For one thing, it’s not hard to find healthy foods. All you need to do is head into the grocery store and pick up items that aren’t processed, sugary or high in fat. It’s simply your palette that needs to change! If you can’t imagine any foods that aren’t fatty, surgary or processed then you’ve been eating far too much junk food.

    Secondly, healthy food isn’t expensive. In fact, it’s often cheaper to eat healthy than it is to eat fried, high-fat meals. If you get a selection of produce, a bag of rice and some side items you can make a meal for a family for under $20. If you buy for the week and plan out your meals you can really get that cost down and spend less than $100 in the grocery store to stock up for the week.

    Why is it so Difficult?

    You’re probably asking yourself: if it’s so darn easy to get healthy foods, why does it seem so difficult? Everyone always talk about how hard it is to eat healthy foods! Well, there are a few reasons. For one thing, fatty, processed foods just taste really good. Foods that are quite bad for you often have chemicals in them that make them addictive, too.

    It can be difficult to break oneself of the habit of eating junk food. However, if you follow a few simple steps then you can start shopping, eating and living healthier.

    Make a Plan

    First, make a plan before you head to the store. Get a selection of healthy meals set aside for the week and plan to make them. Set aside time with your loved ones (or, if you’re single, make it “you” time) to cook meals every night. You’ll find that you not only stress less at the store, but also shop more efficiently when you come with a list of what you want.

    Stick to your shopping list when you hit the grocery store. Don’t be tempted to make last-minute junk food purchases. Trust us, you won’t regret leaving those cookies on the shelf. Opting for healthier foods will make you feel better in the long run and save you money in the short run.

    What to Buy

    Produce, produce, produce. Fruits, veggies, mushrooms and beans. Load up on these, as you literally can’t go wrong. Don’t go too deep on starchy vegetables, as they can be fattening, but go as hard as you want on other forms of produce. It’s seriously difficult to get too many vegetables. Squash, carrots, peas, artichokes, shallots, eggplants, cauliflower and more are all fantastic choices to keep your pantry full of.

    Your weekly plan should include recipes, so when you head to the grocery store you should have an idea of what you need. You’ll also want a load of staples like spices, olive oil and the like to round out your pantry so you can make full dishes whenever you want. Loading up on spices you love, nut butters and vinegars for cooking and other staples makes it so you can always spice up your ingredients into a tasty meal.

    Final Tips

    A good tip to help you avoid unhealthy foods is to cut back on meat. Skinless chicken, lean meats and fish can be good for you in small quantities, but generally speaking, you should avoid red meat altogether.

    Finally, keep in mind that you need to make a concentrated effort to stick to your healthy habits. Nothing worth having ever came easily!

  • Is Your Toothpaste Hurting Your Dental Health?

    Is Your Toothpaste Hurting Your Dental Health?

    Every single person in this world needs toothpaste to keep their teeth clean. If you don’t use toothpaste, you’re probably rocking some pretty gnarly breath. For other people out there who enjoy minty breath, toothpaste is a must-have toiletry. However, could your toothpaste be hurting your dental health?

    There are a number of ways in which your favorite toothpaste brand could be harming your overall dental health. If they don’t have the right mix of additives and ingredients to break down plaque and fight bacteria, your toothpaste could be doing more harm than good. Let’s get into what makes a good brand of toothpaste.

    Is Your Toothpaste Hurting Your Dental Health?

    What Goes into Toothpaste

    There are a number of things that go into creating effective toothpaste. One of the main ones is the additive fluoride, which helps to remineralize your teeth while also protecting their enamel lining. Another ingredient commonly seen is a food-grade abrasive of some kind. For instance, hydrated aluminum oxides, silicates and phosphate salts, calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate all act as abrasives. These help to get rid of plaque buildup and remove surface stains.

    Flavoring agents are also common in toothpaste. Thankfully, the ADA doesn’t clear any toothpaste with tooth decaying materials like sugar, so chemicals like saccharine are used instead. Humectants, like glycerol and sorbitol, are also included to keep the toothpaste from drying out too quickly.

    Sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium N-lauroyl sarcosinate are often present in some capacity as detergents. These allow for the foaming action and also have properties that help them clean your teeth. Finally, binding or thickening agents, like natural gums or synthetic cellulose, are used to give the product a long shelf life and keep the complex mix of ingredients all together.

    Which Toothpaste Should You Use?

    Well, that’s a complex question. Really, it’s best to talk to your dentist about which toothpaste they think is the best for your teeth. Depending on your unique situation, such as whether you have sensitive teeth, stains, cavities or some other complication, you might want specialized toothpastes. In any event, there are a number of brands that are considered highly effective by dentists and users.

    We’ll briefly go over some of the highest-rated toothpastes and explain why users love them. Of course, your mileage may vary, but this is a good starting point for people looking to upgrade.

    Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste

    Sensodyne’s Pronamel brand of toothpaste is great for protecting your tooth enamel. If you have very sensitive teeth you might have thin enamel or reduced enamel amounts. If you find your tooth sensitivity is a problem in your everyday life, consider using a Sensodyne toothpaste to help.

    Your enamel is very important for a number of reasons. Not only does it keep your teeth safe from changes in temperature in food and drinks, it also keeps them safe from crumbling. The enamel on your teeth gives them structure, keeping them safe while chewing and crushing foods. As such, toothpastes that can protect your tooth enamel are quite important.

    Acid erosion of the enamel on your teeth is actually quite common, even in young people. If you drink a lot of soda, energy drinks and the like you’re likely at higher risk of having your enamel erode at a young age. Toothpaste like Sensodyne can help your teeth to keep their enamel lining for longer.

    Crest Pro-Health

    Crest is one of the only toothpaste brands that uses stannous fluoride instead of sodium fluoride. This makes the Pro-Health toothpaste a great pick for people with chronic bad breath or issues with cavities. That’s because stannous fluoride is anti-bacterial as well as remineralizing. By killing the bacteria related to bad breath and cavities this toothpaste really takes care of your dental health.

    The other cool thing that Crest Pro-Health does is help to whiten your teeth. If you’ve got stains on your teeth this can be a great way to gradually whiten your smile. Some have even reported that it can help with tooth sensitivity.

    Conclusions

    Toothpaste is a really important cornerstone of dental health and picking the right one is important. Remember, your unique dental situation could change which toothpaste is right for you. If you’ve got a unique dental health issue, don’t hesitate to speak to your dentist and make sure you’re picking the right toothpaste for your condition.

    In any event, remember that there are a lot of things that go into complete dental health. Don’t forget to floss after you brush your teeth and brush at least twice daily!