Review: 2012 Mazda3 SKYACTIV

Let me start by saying I am far from a car buff. In fact I know the basics. (Moving on) I have wanted a Mazda since 2006. I FINALLY took the plunge and traded my 2006 Honda Civic for the 2012 Mazda3 SKYACTIV hatchback.

This is the IDENTICAL car I leased. (I do not have any current pictures on my computer, my bad).

 The inside of the new Mazda is sleek. The dash curves as if it is hugging the driver. (Note if you are taller your right knee may touch the dash). They kept the same comfortable seats, which is great because I travel and my biggest complaint with my civic was an hour into the trip... my back would start to ache. The also kept the passenger glovebox on the large size. Which is fantastic. As a mom, I LOVE putting extra diapers and wipes in there. (In 2006-2007 I sold Mazda's. I'd always point out the glove box. I could fit my entire arm in there up to my shoulder blade. I'd like to note I am 5'5 with decently long arms). I can stream my music via bluetooth, which drains my iphone battery but is totally worth being cordless. I can also make phone calls "handsfree".

Now: to get into the technical stuff, in which I really know nothing about.. (giggles)

Engine & Performance

• Base engine size: 2.5 L
• Cam type: Double overhead cam (DOHC)
• Cylinders: inline 4
• Valves: 16
• Valve timing: Variable
• Torque: 168 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm
• Horsepower: 167 hp @ 6000 rpm
• Turning circle: 34.2 ft.

• Base engine type: gas

(Yes, I googled all that.) 

"Fuel economy has always been the Mazda3′s big sticking point, and the SKYACTIV was meant to fix this issue. Mazda claims that fuel economy for the hatchback is 28/39 mpg for the automatic and 27/38 mpg for the manual. During our 4 days with the automatic, we managed 25 mpg in town (about 133 miles in total), and our manual returned 26 mpg over 342 miles, including a 115 mile highway drive. Mazda’s Canadian ratings are even higher, with Transport Canada advertising 37/55 imperial MPG (30/45 US MPG)  and touting as much as 58 mpg Imperial (48 US mpg highway) in the automatic sedan. Needless to say, we didn’t come close."

 -www.thetruthaboutcars.com

I feel bad that his didn't get as good of gas milage as he would have hoped, however, I have easily gotten 45 mpg several times. It's so exciting to know that I only have to fill my tank up once every two weeks. It's actually awesome. With my civic, near it's end, I was only getting a good 28 mpg. It sucked filling up once/twice a week. 

I will say, this has been by FAR my favorite vehicle I have ever owned. I strongly believe when my lease is up.. I will be picking myself out another Mazda! They are so fun to drive.

10 Products That Really Work (Well really, 8).

1. SkinnySkinny Black Coffee Organic Body Scrub

It's better at fighting cellulite than fighting that mid-day fatigue. ($30)

2. Murad Firm and Tone Serum

Helps minimize cellulite, and stretch marks. ($77)

3. Sneaky Shimmer

The shimmery gloss accentuates your muscles, though you should probably just do some leg presses/lifts. ($22.50)

4. H2O Aquafirm Intensive Lift Serum 

Helps re-contoure the skins apperance. ($44)

5. Take A Picture... It Lasts Longer

Produces a slimming effect

6. Embrolisse Creme 365 Raffermissante Corps 

Helps plump the skin. ($65)

7. Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20

Hides any imperfections ($34)

8. Biologique Recherche Creme Anti-C 

Designed to break down fatty tissue. ($109)

If you want to read about more products that will hide those pesky imperfection spots, or attack the fat go here. 

10 Reasons to Give up Soda, Yes...Even That Diet.

1. Leads to obesity and diabetes.

2. Increases fat in weird places.

3. Causes belly fat. YES, even that diet.

4. Caramel coloring causes cancer(s).

5. Makes you look older, faster! Oy!

6. Artificial sweeteners don't break down.

7. Mountain Dew mouth/mind. (Google it).

8. Interferes with hormones.

9. If the plastic can kill birds and turtles...

10. Drinking soda is like being a lab rat.

If you'd like to read all the details check it out here.

Disclaimer: I did NOT write this article, nor did I take the pictures. I simply broke it down. 

New Year, New You... Or New Me...

I have been making a conscious effort to be healthy, well healthier. I have taken up eating right, and different forms of fitness. Three days of week I run. The other four days of the week I lift weights, which is beginning to show. However, that is not what this blog is about. This is about my dang iPhone and my earbuds. Without fail every time I run.. I sweat (that's a given... again not what this is about). My earbuds fall out. Than I have to stop running. (okay, maybe I am out of breath). I am on the hunt for NEW earbuds, ones that WONT fall out while I am running/jogging/sweating/dying. If you know of some great earbuds, pretty please leave me a comment. <3 

Run For Your Lives *AHHHH ZOMBIES*

August 18th, 2012 marks a BIG day for dh and I. You see, it's our VERY first 5k. I would say at this point we are far from ready to run a 5k. HOWEVER, with adrenaline on my side I just might be able to cross the finish line. During this race there are zombies (real or not) waiting to eat your brains, I mean... steal your flags. Each runner has 3-4 flags attached to their waist. During the 5k there are a number of different obstacles including mazes, climbing, dodging, swimming, etc. After the race there are cleaning stations, a beer tent, bands, and food. And, the best part: an apocalypse party. Here are some pictures from past Run For Your Lives events:

I am so stoked. Now, to continue to train so I can actually run 3.1 miles. I am currently looking to product review fitness gadgets and products. If you have a fitness gadget or product you'd like to see on my blog please email: TresChicCoincidenceATgmailDOTcom

Biscuit Pizza Bites

So, if you have a picky eater like I do, it's a daily fight to find something they will actually sit down and eat rather than just pick a few bites and walk away. With that being said, I told G that I was going to make her some special pizza. Of course she got so worked up over the "Pizza Hut Man". I held my breath when I served her two Biscuit Pizza Bites. But, she loved them. 

Ingredients:

1 Can of flakey biscuits

A small can of tomato sauce

A handful of cheddar jack cheese

and a pinch of pepperoni's.

*Review* waterpebble

Since dh and I have moved into our new house I have been on a saving kick. I make sure when it's warm out we keep the blinds and curtains closed. When it's cooler outside, we open all the windows to let the breeze in. I keep the lights off, unless they are actually needed. I wanted to be able to able to keep money in our pockets.

One way to do that is to use this waterpebble designed by Preistmangoode. It's really really simple to use. Seriously you just take it out of the package and pop it on the shower floor closet to the drain. It will turn on when the waters started, and off when the shower is turned off. It has three little lights. (Green, Yellow, and Red). It starts off green and as the shower goes on it turns yellow and when it want's you to get out it turns red. (I'll admit I've stretched the red flashy light as long as possible). If you take longer showers and want to start again... or got side tracked and left the shower running, you can reset the waterpebble by squeezing the bottom.

The waterpebble is extremely affordable, too! ($9 on websites like Ebay) (Gigantic bonus in my book, however I won't lie: I got my Waterpebble as a product review). 

Here are some articles I found about the Waterpebble and its creator Paul Priestman:

Since we started using our waterpebble our water bill from March to April has dropped $10. (The cost of a waterpebble). Woohoo! Try the waterpebble out yourself, and let me know how much you save!