Blog

Are you planning a party but have no idea what to do for the food? Just bring in a food truck! You'll provide your guests with quality, tasty food they'll love, and you can get back to hosting the party. Since there are so many delicious food truck options, we've compiled a shortlist of four of Wichita's best-rated trucks. more 1. Funky Monkey Munchies While some food trucks consistently use just one menu for the food they serve, Funky Monkey Munchies has a rotating menu. This means you could use Funky Monkey Munchies for several parties and enjoy a variety of delicious, organic-based food. This food truck takes a classic item and puts a tasty spin on it, like cherry cheesecake waffles, for example. A menu item you'll have to try is the jalapeno popper rolls. Dip these rolls in Funky Monkey Munchies's sweet chili sauce, and your taste buds will experience sweet and spicy all at once. 2. The Flying Stove The Flying Stove also changes up their menu to keep you coming back for more of their delicious food. The level of flavor they pack into each dish will leave you satisfied and wanting more at the same time. The menu generally consists of tacos, sandwiches, burgers, and fries, but with their own flair to each item. You can't go wrong with their bleu cheeseburger, kale grilled cheese sandwich, or truffle fries. If you want something delicious that's sure to please the whole crowd, bring in The Flying Stove. 3. LumpiaPalooza If you've never tried lumpia before, you definitely should. Lumpia is essentially the Filipino version of a spring roll, but LumpiaPalooza makes lumpia with quite a variety of ingredients. The owners of LumpiaPalooza first opened a restaurant in Wichita called the Parsnipity Cafe, which is now no longer open. The owners decided to stick with just the food truck, so if you want the best lumpia in town, order from LumpiaPalooza. You can order a classic lumpia with sweet and sour sauce or try something completely different, like a macaroni and cheese lumpia or even a cookie dough lumpia. 4. Noble House Hawaiian Plate If you want a more Hawaiian-themed menu, check out Noble House Hawaiian. While Noble House Hawaiian is a restaurant based in Wichita, you won't want to pass up the opportunity to bring a taste of Hawaii to your guests by bringing in their food truck or team of caterers. The menu consists of several plate lunch variations, so you can go classic or try something very different. For instance, you can order the Hulihuli Chicken, which consists of marinated and charbroiled chicken, or Lau Lau, which consists of a piece of pork and butterfish wrapped steamed in a taro leaf and tea leaf. Noble House Hawaiian also caters sushi. Take a load off your event planning. Bring in any one of these four food trucks, and your guests won't be able to stop talking about how good the food was for the rest of the day. Image via Pixabay by kendallpools

Whether you need space, power, or to feel luxurious in a car, Mazda has an SUV for you. Here's the lowdown on three Mazdas so you can determine which one fits your lifestyle best. more Mazda CX-9 The Mazda CX-9 is available in four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature. All trims are available in all-wheel drive, while the Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring are also available with front-wheel drive. This SUV is powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.5-turbo four-cylinder engine with Dynamic Pressure Turbo that gets 250 horsepower. Each Mazda CX-9's engine is paired with a Skyactiv six-speed automatic transmission. The 18.0-inch aluminum wheels, body-colored rear roof spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets give the CX-9 a sporty look. The Grand Touring stands out with aluminum roof rails with a satin chrome finish and 20.0-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. One of the perks of owning the CX-9 is that it is great for large families or those transporting team members because it seats up to seven passengers. Inside the cabin, you'll find luxurious amenities such as leather-trimmed seats, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof. A 7.0-inch full-color touch screen display and access to MazdaConnect keep you connected while on the go. Mazda CX-5 If you like a car with more options to select from, the Mazda CX-5 is your SUV because it can be customized in five trim levels — Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature. The Skyactive-G 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine (with Cylinder Deactivation) delivers 187 horsepower. Mazda has paired this engine with a Skyactive-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode and manual-shift. The C X -5 has an aggressive appearance and available features, including a roof-mounted shark-fin antenna, body-colored rear roof spoiler, and bright finish dual exhaust outlets. LED headlights light the way ahead, and body-colored power side mirrors with LED turn signals ensure others know your intentions. With this car's Mazda Connect infotainment system and a 7.0-inch touch screen display with Bluetooth and Pandora integration, you now have both information and entertainment apps at the touch of a finger. Two USB inputs allow you to keep your devices charged and at the ready. Mazda CX-3 Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring are the three trim levels available for the Mazda CX-3. Each of these sport a Skyactive-G 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with VVT. This engine will arrive paired with a Skyactive-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, and get 148 horsepower. A rear roofline spoiler and roof-mounted shark-fin antenna keep the lines sleek, and clear-lens halogen headlights light up your path.  The Touring and Grand Touring feature heated side mirrors and a piano black pillar garnish. There's plenty of room for five passengers to sit comfortably in the CX-3. If you love the feel of luxury, this is the SUV for you. The Sport has cloth-trimmed sport seats, while the seats in the Touring and Grand Touring are leather-trimmed. Also, the Grand Touring features a power sliding glass moonroof, leather steering wheel, and a Bose seven-speaker audio sound system. All trims include a Mazda Connect infotainment system, a 7.0-inch touch screen display, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and push-button start. With so many great options, you're sure to find the perfect Mazda SUV to suit your lifestyle. Image via MazdaUSA.com

If you're planning a romantic dinner or just in the mood for a delicious meal in a classy place, be sure to check out these fine dining restaurants in Wichita, Kansas. more Wine Dive With an eclectic menu and a relaxed ambiance, Wine Dive not only serves delicious cuisine but also has an extensive wine list that perfectly pairs with your meal. Lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch are served. Start off your meal with the beef bruschetta topped with cream cheese and chopped beef tenderloin, or opt for the drunken bread, which is a homemade casserole of local baguette crumbles, prosciutto, and Gruyere mixed in a white wine sauce. For the lighter appetite, try the apple harvest salad, which includes Gala apples, candied pecans, bleu cheese crumbles, and dried cranberries, or the Fattoush salad, which includes mixed greens, mint, parsley, cilantro, baked naan bread, tomatoes, and more. For the main course, go wild with the lobster, shrimp, and crab mac and cheese, wild boar bolognese, or the twister linguine. Save room for dessert and order the chocolate torte, s'mores, or crème brûlée. Wine Dive is located at 4714 E Douglas and is open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Chester's Chophouse & Wine Bar Chester's Chophouse & Wine Bar exemplifies fine dining. With rich mahogany woods, stone fireplaces, and glove-soft leather booths, this classic American chophouse has an inviting, yet classy atmosphere. From large windows, you'll enjoy beautiful views of the water while you dine. While known for their corn-fed, perfectly marbled and aged Midwestern beef that is cooked over a wood fire, the restaurant has a menu full of mouthwatering entrees that are sure to please your palate. Begin your meal with the Bangkok calamari with sweet chili glaze or Beef Carpaccio with warm potato and arugula salad. For your entrée, try the maple mustard salmon or cut into a 22-ounce USDA prime bone-in cowboy rib-eye steak. Chester's Chophouse & Wine Bar is located at 1550 North Webb Road and is open Sunday from 4:30-9 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 4:30-10 p.m. Café Bel Ami For a French Mediterranean dining experience, head to Café Bel Ami. This long-established restaurant in downtown Wichita serves lunch and dinner. For starters, try a cup of soup du jour or scalloped bouchée, which is sautéed scallops in a pastry shell with a cream garlic sauce. For your entrée, try one of the specialties, such as the Seafood Curry, braised lamb shank, or filet au poivre, which is a center-cut tenderloin with a five-pepper sauce. For dessert, dig into the crème custard or apple and pear bread pudding. Café Bel Ami is located at 229 E William St, Suite 1010 and is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 5-9 p.m. From steaks to seafood to wine and more, these are some of the best fine dining restaurants in Wichita. Image via Pixabay by guillermomuro00

As the best compact car according to U.S. News and World Report, the 2019 Mazda3 offers an elegant interior paired with a comfortable ride. Fully redesigned for the 2019 model year, the Mazda3 comes in a sedan and hatchback style. Each style comes in four trims: base, Select, Preferred, and Premium. Keep reading to find out which style meets your needs. more Power To get you where you need to go, all Mazda3 models come standard with the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Also, all trims feature a six-speed automatic transmission except the hatchback Premium trim that comes with a six-speed manual transmission. Previous models were strictly front-wheel drive, but with the 2019 models, it comes standard, while the upper-level trims have all-wheel drive available. Performance Fuel efficiency is about average for the Mazda3. If you opt for the sedan with front-wheel drive and automatic transmission, expect to get an EPA-estimated 27 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The hatchback model gets 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Space Both the sedan and hatchback seat five people. When it comes to cargo space, the sedan offers 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space, which is more than the vehicle offered in previous models. Even though the hatchback is a full 8 inches shorter than the sedan, it features 20.1 cubic feet of space. Interior One thing you will notice about the interior of the Mazda3 is the lack of clutter. Everything is easily accessible and feels expensive. On the base sedan, standard features include cloth upholstery, push-button start, and a 7-inch information display. Pertaining to infotainment, the sedan comes standard with an 8.8-inch display that sits atop the dashboard, an eight-speaker stereo, Bluetooth capabilities, two USB ports, and HD radio. The base hatchback has standard features, including synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Optional upgrades include a Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers and a power-sliding glass moonroof. For infotainment, the hatchback and all sedan trims except for the base include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Safety Features Standard safety features found on the 2019 Mazda3 sedan are minimal as it only includes a rearview camera. The hatchback, on the other hand, comes standard with adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and driver attention and drowsiness monitoring. All of these standard safety features found on the hatchback are optional with the sedan. Available active safety features found on the hatchback include adaptive headlights and a head-up display. Since its debut in 2003, the Mazda3 has become one of the most comfortable and affordable small cars. To learn more about the 2019 Mazda3 or to get behind the wheel of either the hatchback or sedan, contact the experts at Davis-Moore Mazda. They can help you drive off in one of these vehicles today. Image via MazdaUSA.com

When you're in the mood for a big, juicy steak, nothing else will do. Satisfy your red meat cravings at one of these fine steakhouses in Wichita, Kansas. more 1. Chester's Chophouse & Wine Bar You'll enjoy a relaxing and inviting atmosphere at this classic American chophouse. The stone fireplaces create a welcoming environment, and the rich mahogany woods and glove-soft leather booths give the restaurant a rich and classy feel. While dining, enjoy beautiful views of the water from the large windows. Chester's Chophouse & Wine Bar is known for its corn-fed, Midwestern beef that is perfectly marbled and aged, then cooked over wood fires. If you have a big appetite, try the 22-ounce USDA prime bone-in cowboy rib-eye steak. The center-cut filet mignon is available in 8- and 12-ounce sizes, while the New York Strip can be ordered as a 12- or 16-ounce steak. Chester's Chophouse & Wine Bar is located at 1550 North Webb Road and is open Sunday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 4:30 to 10 p.m. 2. Hangar One Steakhouse Dine on a local, grain-fed, cooked-to-order, hand-cut, 28-day-aged steak at Hanger One Steakhouse. When the weather is nice, have a seat outside and listen to live music while you eat. As an appetizer, order the Solo Steak Bites, which are grilled and topped with zip sauce. For the main course, cut into the 12-ounce Conquest Ribeye or KC Landing Strip that can be prepared blackened or hot and spicey if you choose. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can enjoy the Global Express Prime Rib in a 12- or 16-ounce size. Daily chef specials are featured through the week, and you can add on grilled shrimp, blue cheese sauce, or a lobster tail to any entrée. Hangar One Steakhouse is located at 5925 West Kellogg Drive and is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. 3. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is known for its scratch kitchen where the chefs develop seasonal dishes with bold and mouth-watering flavors. The steakhouse's signature items include 21-day-aged, hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and specialty crafted cocktails. Serving both lunch and dinner, you'll find such tasty dishes as the Bleu Cheese Filet, which is bacon-wrapped with port mushrooms, and the Chile Rubbed Delmonico, which includes Southwestern spices. If you want to enjoy the best of both worlds, order the Surf and Turf, which includes a 7-ounce bacon-wrapped filet and a half-pound lobster tail. A kids' menu is also available and features wood-grilled steak, salmon, shrimp tacos, and more. Catering is available. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is located at 10096 E. 13th St N. and is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Whether you're in the mood for a giant steak or something on the smaller side, you can tantalize your taste buds at the best steakhouses in Wichita. Image via Pixabay by ReinhardThrainer

The 2019 Mazda6 is available in five trim levels, though even at its base it has plenty of bells and whistles to get you excited. With a smooth ride, refined interior, and high-tech equipment, this is one sedan you'll look forward to driving. more 2019 Mazda6 Sport The Mazda6 Sport is the base trim and has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that gets 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with sport mode. The car rides on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with brightly gun metallic finish and the dual exhaust outlets have a bright finish. The seats are cloth-trimmed and the rear seatback is a 60/40 split fold-down style. It also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector and an 8-inch color touch screen display. 2019 Mazda6 Touring The Touring trim is powered by the same 2.5-liter engine as the Sport trim. It rides on slightly higher 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. A power sliding-glass moonroof lets in the natural light with a one-touch open operation. Inside, you'll find leatherette-trimmed sport seats and heated front seats. The driver's seat is six-way adjustable with lumbar support. The touchscreen display has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and the rear seat includes two USB charging ports. 2019 Mazda6 Grand Touring The Grand Touring trim is powered by a 2.5-liter dynamic pressure turbo DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with sport mode and gets 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It's paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and has SKYACTIV-vehicle dynamics with G-vectoring control plus. The Grand Touring features body-color heated power side mirrors with integrated turn signals and an auto-dimming driver's exterior side mirror. Grasp the leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters and blast your favorite music through the Bose Centerpoint2 surround-sound audio system with 11 speakers. 2019 Mazda6 Touring Reserve The Grand Touring Reserve is also powered by a 2.5-liter engine. It rolls on 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels that are a brilliant silver finish. The rear decklid spoiler, front lower molding in a bright finish, and adaptive front-lighting system add to the car's sporty look. The interior has leather-trimmed sport seats and ventilated front seats. The driver's seat is eight-way adjustable and the front passenger seat is six-way adjustable. The rear seats are heated, so everyone enjoys a comfortable ride. Additional features include a windshield wiper deicer, leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, and a full-color active driving display. 2019 Mazda6 Signature The top-of-the-line Signature trim also has the 2.5-liter engine. It stands out with a front grille in a gunmetal finish. Inside, you'll enjoy the luxurious feel of the Nappa leather-trimmed sport seats, black headliner, and Ultrasuede and Sen Wood door and dashboard inserts. The leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel features unique stitching. The Mazda Navigation System is standard equipment and includes information on traffic, weather, fuel prices, parking, and more. A 7-inch LCD multi-information display puts apps at your fingertips and the 360-degree view monitor lets you keep an eye on your surroundings. With five trim levels to choose from and plenty of options, the 2019 Mazda6 can be customized to suit your individual needs. Image via MazdaUSA.com

Nobody loves Italian food more than we do, which is one of the reasons why we love living in Wichita, Kansas. Our city is home to some of the best Italian food you can find in the country, whether you're looking for a slice of great pizza or a fine authentic Italian dinner. Here are six Italian restaurants in Wichita we think you'll love: more 1. Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza At Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza, you'll find some of the best classic pies in Wichita. Whether you build your own pizza or choose from one of their delicious specialty offerings inspired by true Italian cuisine, you're in for a treat. You'll also find other entrees, such as paninis, calzones, pasta, and more. Il Vicino offers one of the most reliably tasty dining experiences you'll find in the city. 2. Siena Tuscan Steakhouse Looking for a fine-dining Italian experience? Siena Tuscan Steakhouse has a modern, distinguished atmosphere and fantastic chef-inspired menus. Try their chef's five-course dinner, or choose your own with their extensive selection of antipasti and entrees. Start off with the beef carpaccio or fontina-stuffed meatball, and then move on to the cavatelli with lamb or seared salmon. This restaurant is one of the best choices for anniversaries, dates, and celebrations. 3. Bella Vita If you're looking for some of the best Italian food to enjoy in a cute atmosphere, head to Bella Vita. This is one of the highest-rated and most-loved restaurants in the city and for good reason. Their menus are full of classic entrees and decadent desserts that make for a well-rounded, memorable meal. 4. Picasso Pizzeria For a New York-style pizza experience, try Picasso Pizzeria. Their thin-crust creations are massive. You can either order one of their 26-inch pies or get just a slice of your favorite. Our favorites are the Kansan - which has sunflower seeds, bleu cheese, red onions, and spinach - and the Hot Island - a spicy pineapple, jalapeno, and Canadian bacon pizza. If you have a pizza craving that won't quit, you need Picasso's. 5. Albero Cafe One of our favorite lunch spots (though they're good for dinner as well) is Albero Cafe. Fans of paninis should put this restaurant at the top of their list. However, you'll also find fantastic pasta, flatbreads, soups, salads, and more here. Albero Cafe's prices are reasonable, their atmosphere is cozy, and their food is always top-notch. 6. Angelo's Italian Restaurant If you're looking for a family-style Italian restaurant, try Angelo's. This restaurant has been a local favorite since 1959, and their reasonably-priced menu items are always delicious. Whether you're looking for pizza or a traditional Italian dinner, there's something for the whole family at Angelo's. Between these restaurants, every occasion, palate, and craving is covered. Though it might be a cliche, it's true — having a great Italian dinner with loved ones brings you closer together as a family. The fact that it tastes great is just an added bonus. Image via Pixabay by Free-Photos

Family time is special and memorable, especially when it involves making new discoveries. During planned or spontaneous outings, take advantage of the exciting attractions Wichita residents and visitors can enjoy. Here are a few unique experiences Wichita has to offer: more Dinosaurs Like Never Before If you are looking for a family-friendly experience you will never forget, take a trip to Derby, where you'll find the theme park Field Station: Dinosaurs. This interactive park is packed with prehistoric exhibits. You and your family will be transported to a land before time, surrounded by ancient creatures that come alive with the use of animatronics. The exhibits are both exhilarating and informative. Each exhibit offers important facts about the displayed dinosaur. You can also become an honorary paleontologist! The park is open during the spring (end of April to May) on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their summer hours, from June to August, are Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The park is open on Memorial Day and Independence Day as well. Up-Close Animal Encounters Create unforgettable memories by coming face-to-face with your favorite creatures. Located in Wichita, the Sedgwick County Zoo houses both native and exotic wildlife. This zoo ranks seventh out of the top 10 largest zoos in the United States. It is home to more than a whopping 3,000 critters and 400 different species. This 25-acre outdoor ecosystem boasts customized environments ideal for a wide variety of animals. Creatures from all over the globe are on display, including red pandas, apes, elephants, and more! The Sedgwick County Zoo transports visitors to five different continents to see and experience magnificent creatures up close. The zoo is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter. If you are looking for an up-close and personal animal encounter, try visiting the Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Located west of Wichita, it is just a short ride away. Here, you have the rare opportunity to feed and interact with a variety of unique creatures like giraffes, okapi, lemurs, and pigmy rhinos. Feeling adventurous? Take a dip with penguins! Looking to update your profile pic? Take a selfie with a kangaroo! The park is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Old-Time Wichita There are a lot of historical museums and attractions in and around Wichita. Take a ride over to the interactive Old Cowtown Museum and be transported back to Wichita's cowtown days. There are homesteads, fully functioning shops, schoolhouses, and farm animals. Old Cowtown is complete with actors reenacting 19th-century life. The museum is open for visitors year-round but has reduced hours during the winter. The next time you are looking for something to do with the family, drive on over to one of these exciting attractions. They provide an interactive experience to keep the whole family engaged. Image via Pixabay by Pexels

The Mazda3 is one of the best-selling sedans and has been since 2013. It has no competitors, according to Mazda. The company proudly states that it is pushing the limits of car design and the human experience with automobiles.  The Mazda3 has benefited from changes in design, and there are a number of reasons why it offers a new driving experience. Here are four of them. more What's Inside Matters Mazda paid a lot of attention to the interior of the 2019 Mazda3. The increased focus on comfort and ambiance shows. When you open the door and sit down, you notice a layered dashboard in front of you. Metal components are used as tasteful accents with leather touches thoughtfully stitched in place. Every knob, button, and slide operates with refined quality and smoothness. Even the click of the indicator sounds more upscale. In order to design an optimal sitting experience, Mazda went through painstaking efforts to analyze the human body. They studied how it moves in order to improve the way the front seats support the back and spine. The consensus is that it worked. This kind of attention to detail makes driving this sedan a pleasure. Strong Handling The Mazda3 handles well and it is fun to whip around. Different from earlier models, the 2019 model benefits from improved all-around handling. While agility is still an important focus, other elements of the driving experience are addressed as well. For example, the steering is ultra-responsive to the driver's movements. Bumps are overcome with grace because while still felt, the impact is absorbed in one motion instead of a few, jerky ones. Looks Great Mazda has reduced the number of sharp angles present in its earlier models, in favor of cleaner, simpler lines. The design adopts the idea of a single motion. Along with the adjustments in body shape, the painting process was enhanced as well. Special paints that bend and interact with light in new ways are used to bring a novel sense of depth to the exterior. Quiet Cabin Another engaging feature of the 2019 Mazda3 is the enhanced sound treatment around the interior cabin. Constant road vibrations and noises can diminish the enjoyment of driving. In harmony with Mazda's move toward more luxury features, the cabin of the Mazda3 sedan is outstandingly quiet. The efforts at increasing the number of sound dampening materials, and reducing the holes and cracks, have paid off. An example of this redesign is seen in the speakers. Historically, they have been mounted on the doors. Now, they have been positioned just in front of the doors. This reduces the number of cut-outs in the doors and thus the amount of exterior noise. This change also improves the quality of sound emitted from the speakers. The 2019 Mazda3 pushes limits and explores new horizons in automotive design. The attention to detail shows beautifully in the interior design and exterior modifications. It handles well and provides an enjoyable driving experience. Come and see for yourself at your local dealership. Image via MazdaUSA.com

When you decide to take your car out for a spin on a beautiful day, a shady tree may seem like the perfect place to park your beloved vehicle. If left parked in this cool, breezy spot for a while, you may notice a sticky substance appears on your otherwise pristine paint job. You got sapped. Sap drips from a tree and adheres to any object placed underneath, including your beautiful car. Tree sap can be very tough to remove because simple soapy solutions will not do the trick.  If you ever find yourself in this kind of sticky situation, there are some tips to get rid of the sap quickly. more 1. Get to Work Immediately Before discussing specific methods and mixtures needed to fix the problem, it is important to mention that action needs to be taken right away. When tree sap is left untouched, it will become black and a lot more challenging to remove. The strength of the bond between the sap and the car intensifies over time. It is important to act as soon as possible to remove it from the painted surface. 2. Nail Polish Remover Acetone is commonly used to dissolve nail polish but is also effective at removing tree sap. Take a cotton ball and pour some of the nail polish remover on it. Next, wipe the spots covered in sap with the soaked cotton ball. The sap will then wipe away easily. Since nail polish is made to dissolve paint, it is a good idea to clean off any leftover remover with a baking soda and water paste. Lastly, give the car a thorough wash to restore it to its original shine. 3. Lighter Fluid It isn't just for fueling fires. Lighter fluid is a great way to remove sap. The properties of the lighter fluid help break down the bond between the tree sap and your vehicle's paint. Put fluid on the spots that have tree sap and wait. After a little while, you will start to notice the sap dissolving. When this happens, rub off any remaining sap from the car. Finish off with a full car wash. 4. Bacon Grease Bacon is more than a tasty snack. The grease created from baking or frying bacon can be used to eat away at what holds sap to the paint of a vehicle. Place some bacon grease on the affected areas and wait for the fat to go to work. In a few minutes, check it out and see if it is dissolving. If it is, rub off the grease along with the sap. After these treatments, your paint job may end up looking a little dull. Wash your car thoroughly and apply wax on the affected areas. This will restore the shine and vibrant color again. Don't let tree sap turn your car's exterior from shiny and vibrant to lackluster and dull. Use these simple methods to remove tree sap quickly and safely. Image via Pixabay by BastardAsh

When you get a new car, whether it's brand new off the lot or just new to you, it's important to do what you can to keep it looking its best both inside and out. From washing it using the right tools to waxing it regularly, there are many things you can do to take care of it. Check out these tips for keeping your Mazda looking brand-new. more 1. Washing It Correctly When you wash your car you need to use the right soap and the right towels. Microfiber has soft synthetic fibers that not only attract dirt and soak up moisture; it is also gentle on the paint. Make sure you have several clean microfiber cloths when you wash your car so you can continuously use a clean one. After you use them, wash the towels separately using a mild detergent. It is also important to use an automotive soap. Don't use dish soap. It is a degreaser and it will strip the wax from the paint. Automotive soaps have more lubricant, and they create a foam that will help keep the dirt from scratching the car. 2. Waxing Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis is just as important as washing it. Even a new car needs waxing since most automakers don't wax them. If you live in an area where it is warm year-round or you can keep it covered you can wax twice a year. If you drive in conditions where it gets snowy, and the roads get treated with sand and salt, you should wax it three or four times throughout the year, especially in the winter. 3. Keep The Food And Drinks Out One of the easiest ways to ruin the inside of your car is by spilling food or drinks. If you do spill something, you want to make sure to clean it up as soon as you can. For wet spills, use a paper towel to blot it dry, so it doesn't sink into the upholstery or carpet. After you blot, spray it with a foaming carpet cleaner and blot again with a microfiber cloth. If the stain has a chance to dry, use the foaming carpet cleaner and then start the blotting. 4. Think About Parking If you can, always park under some kind of cover. This will keep the things that fall from the sky from hitting your car. Whether its bird droppings, sap from a tree, or other debris that is floating in the air, you don't want it landing on your paint. Parking undercover will also keep the sun from damaging the paint. Avoid parking on the street when possible. This lowers the chances of it getting hit whether it's by another vehicle or even a kid on a bike. If you can't park in a garage or undercover, avoid parking under power lines or under tree branches where birds perch. Follow these tips and your car will stay looking brand new for a long time. Image via Flickr by RL GNZLZ

The Mazda MX-5 is fun to drive. It is no surprise that it is one of the best selling sports cars around the world, and for 2019, it is even better. Available as a coupe or as a roadster, the 2019 MX-5 has more power than the previous model, and it now comes standard with a tilt steering wheel, and the option for a brown soft-top. These are some of the most impressive features of the 2019 MX-5 Miata. more 1. The Engine All three of the MX-5 models get the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This now produces 181 horsepower and gets 151 pound-feet of torque, and it sends power to the rear wheels. The standard transmission is a fun six-speed manual, or you can opt for the six-speed automatic. The automatic adds to the fun with paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel. 2. The Safety Features The MX-5 comes well-equipped with safety features. The i-Activesense package is an available option for the Sport and Club trims, and this comes standard with the Grand Touring. The package adds low-speed forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and an automatic braking system to all trims. The Sport also gets blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and the Grand Touring has even more standard safety features including adaptive headlights and automatic high beams. Mazda added its Smart City Brake Support system as an option for the 2019 model year. You can also get a traffic sign recognition system that shows the speed limits and warnings right on the driver information screen. 3. The GT-S Package The new GT-S package is an available option for Grand Touring Miatas with the six-speed manual. It adds Bilstein shocks, a shock tower brace, and a limited-slip differential. It also adds a sport-tuned suspension. All of these features were only available for the Club trim until the updates for 2019. This package gets the performance of the sporty Miata with all the extras that come with the Grand Touring. 4. The Technology All the MX-5 models come with a 7-inch touch screen display, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and voice controls. A six-speaker stereo system with HD radio comes standard in the Sport, and the Club adds a nine-speaker Bose stereo system, along with satellite radio. All models have steering wheel-mounted controls for the stereo and cruise control, so you can keep your hands on the wheel. 5. The Brembo/BBS Package The Club model can get even sportier with the Brembo/BBS Package. Available with the manual transmission, this package adds 17-inch forged BBS wheels, an aerodynamic body kit, upgraded Brembo brakes up front, and red-painted Brembo brake calipers on all four wheels. Inside, it adds heated leather seats. Recaro sports seats are an available option with this package for the RF model, and you can also get a black-painted roof. The 2019 MX-5 Miata has loads of impressive features and equipment. The added horsepower adds to the fun ride, and some new packages allow you to add even more features. Image via Flickr by zombieite