Looking For a New a New Family SUV; Here’s a Luxury SUV Buying Guide

Are you in the market for a new family SUV? If so, you're probably wondering where to start. There are so many different makes and models available that it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. My family and I are in the same boat right now. We are on the hunt to find a vehicle that will check all of the boxes for our large family.

This blog post will provide a luxury SUV buying guide to help make your decision easier. We'll discuss features that are important to consider when making your purchase and some of the best SUVs on the market today. Let's get started!

Photo by Mike B: 

1) Start by researching brands and models.

It's important to know what you're looking for before heading to the dealership. So do some research online and read reviews from other SUV owners. This will help you narrow down your options and make the decision-making process more manageable.

Some of the best luxury SUVs on the market include the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X series, Audi Q series, and Porsche Cayenne. These are all great choices if you're looking for a high-quality vehicle with plenty of features.

When narrowing down your options, it's essential to consider what you need and want in an SUV. Do you prioritize comfort or performance? What about fuel efficiency? How important is cargo space? Make a list of your must-haves to help you decide which SUV is the right fit for you.

2) Consider your budget.

Of course, one of the most important factors to consider when buying a new SUV is your budget. Luxury SUVs can be expensive, so setting a realistic budget before beginning your search is important. Once you know how much you're willing to spend, you can start looking at models that fit within your price range.

If you're on a tight budget, some great options are still available. For example, Land Rovers, the Audi Q series and BMW X series both offer entry-level models that are more affordable than their higher-end counterparts. However, if you're looking for the best, be prepared to pay top dollar for a luxury SUV.

3) Test drive before you buy.

Once you've narrowed down your options and found a few that fit your budget, it's time to take them for a test drive with your local Land Rover Dealers. This is the best way to get a feel for how the SUV drives and see if it's a good fit for your needs. When test driving, pay attention to essential factors like acceleration, handling, braking, and visibility.

If you're happy with how the SUV drives and meets all of your needs, it's time to start negotiating a price. Don't be afraid to walk away if the dealer isn't willing to give you a fair price. There are many other options available, so don't settle for less than you're comfortable with.

4) Remember about insurance and maintenance.

Once you've finally found the perfect luxury SUV, it's important to remember insurance and maintenance costs. These can add up quickly, so be sure to factor them into your budget when making your purchase. In addition, luxury SUVs generally require higher insurance premiums than standard SUVs, so be prepared to pay a little extra each month.

In terms of maintenance, luxury SUVs will likely need more frequent service than standard SUVs. This is because they have more complex systems and features that require regular upkeep. Be sure to ask about the recommended service schedule when you purchase your SUV so that you can budget accordingly.

There are a lot of factors to consider when buying a luxury SUV. However, if you do your research and take your time, you're sure to find the perfect vehicle for your needs. Follow the tips in this blog post, and you'll be driving home in your new SUV in no time!

Summer Mocktail: Mermaid Lemonade

Summer is quickly approaching and that means it’s time for the perfect lemonade. I love an ice-cold beverage on a hot summer day and this Mermaid Lemonade has done the drink. It’s super easy to make and takes less than 5 minutes, even the kids will enjoy it!

Ingredients

Blue Drink Mix

Water

Sparkling Water

Calypso Island Wave Lemondade

Ice cube tray

Lemons

Steps

1. Make the blue drink - preferably blue raspberry ahead of time and freeze into an ice cube tray 

2. After thoroughly frozen, add ice to the glass

3. Pour in Calypso Island Wave Lemonade

4. Top with sparkling water

5. Garnish with slices - optional

6. Enjoy

You can check out my how-to video here. 

If you would like to make this an adult cocktail substitute the sparkling water for champagne or sparkling wine and enjoy! 

If you try this out, let me know how you like it! 

10 Date Night Ideas

Going on regular date nights can keep the spark alive in any relationship. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been together for two weeks or 20 years, making time for each other is always a good idea.

If you’re stuck in a rut and need some new date night ideas, we’ve got you covered. Here are ten fun ideas to try:

1. Go stargazing

Grab a blanket and some snacks, and head outside to look at the stars. It’s a romantic way to spend an evening, and you might even learn something new about astronomy. This way, you can both learn about something new together.

2. Have a picnic

Picnics are a classic date for a reason. They’re simple, cheap, and you can do them anywhere. Pack up your favorite foods and head to a nearby park for a relaxing afternoon together.

3. Visit a museum

Many museums offer free or discounted admission on certain days or evenings. This can be a great way to spend some time together while also learning something new.

4. Go for a hike

Get some fresh air and exercise while spending time together on a hike. There are plenty of easy trails suitable for any level of fitness. And, if you’re lucky, you might get to see some amazing views.

5. Take a dance class

Dancing is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and have some fun. It’s also a good workout. You can find classes for any type of dance, from salsa to ballroom.

6. Go to the theater or opera house

Check out what’s playing at your local theater and enjoy a night out together. You might even get dressed up for the occasion, and remember you can order dresses and buy tuxedos online. Opera houses often offer free or discounted tickets, so this can be a great option if you’re on a budget.

7. Volunteer together

Giving back is a great way to feel good about yourselves while also spending time together. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer, whether it’s at a local soup kitchen or animal shelter.

8. Have a game night

This is a great option if you want to stay in and relax. You can play your favorite board games or try something new. It’s also a great way to spend some time together if you have kids.

9. Go to a wine tasting

Wine tastings are a great way to sample different wines and learn about the process of making them. Many wineries offer tours and tastings for a reasonable price. If you don’t drink alcohol, you can try a non-alcoholic wine tasting.

10. Take a cooking class

If you love food, taking a cooking class is a great way to spend some quality time together. You’ll learn how to make new dishes and maybe even pick up some tips and tricks for the kitchen.

The Bottom Line

There are plenty of great date night ideas out there, so don’t be afraid to try something new. The most important thing is that you’re spending time together and having fun!

4 Ways You Can Invest In Yourself This Summer

Self-care is something that more and more people are starting to believe in, and without it you’re going to have a hard time leading a fulfilling life. It’s the best way to make sure that you can reach your goals and feel good about yourself, as you can’t always rely on others to help you. 

Self-care isn’t just about getting enough sleep and eating the right foods, it’s about treating yourself right and knowing what you’re capable of. It’s about learning to be good company for yourself and make the decisions that will give you a better future.

Setting goals

If you’re going to start putting together a nicer life for yourself, you’re going to need to set yourself some goals. Even if you know what you want, it would be helpful to have some way of tracking your progress in a way that keeps you motivated. Try to realistically estimate what you’re capable of, and don’t try to ask too much of yourself. Taking small steps is okay, and if you can reach the starting goals, you can start to work on the next best step for yourself.

Start your workout

There’s no better time to start working out than in the summer, and you can get started whenever you’re ready. Working out isn’t always about working up a sweat and making your muscles sore, it’s more about challenging yourself physically. Start out slow, and do something simple like taking a walk one day. Then the next day you can do the same, but walk a little further. If you’re going into it with a strong attitude, then you should at least make sure that you’re not pushing yourself too hard, or else you’ll cause yourself harm.

Invest in your home

One of the best ways to invest in yourself is to invest in your living space. Trying to make your home more comfortable can improve your quality of life quite a bit. Home renovations can be expensive, but if you can get your home to a point where you feel content, comfortable, and safe while you’re at home - you can enjoy that on a daily basis. Not everyone enjoys their home, and that’s something that should be worked on. Start small by getting simple repairs done by The Patch Boys, and start to look into ways your home could be more welcoming.

Take a look at your bad habits

We’ve all got bad habits, and they’re not always picked up for bad reasons. Sometimes bad habits come from overindulging in the things that we enjoy or looking for a better way to cope with our feelings. It’s normal to have these habits, but the best thing to do with them is to look for a way out of them. If you feel you overeat, work on that in your own time. Eat a little less week by week until you’re happy with the results. Try to spend less time on social media and see how it makes you feel. The sooner you work on them, the sooner you’ll be rid of them.