Halloween Happiness

Here at KIA Autosport we really get into the holidays! Halloween is one of the most vivacious times of the year. Last week we ordered all our costumes themed as Wizard of Oz and this week we are getting into even more spooky fun with decorations around the office and a chili cook off!

Between costumes, decorations, and great food it is hard to say what the best part of Halloween is but one of the most fun things you can do is pumpkin carving. Pumpkin carving is a tradition that families and friends can pass along to do together.   It is easy to recall memories of going to the pumpkin patch with the family in search of the perfect pumpkin.  It seemed like the utter most important thing in the world that the pumpkin was the best of the best.  The search would consist of looking for the pumpkin with the most luscious color and perfectly plump shape. Once the perfect pumpkin was selected, one would instantly start dreaming and scheming of what was about to be carved into it. The carving process truly brings the families together so the KIA family wants to help your family make the best pumpkins at home as possible and here is how you do it!

Cutting the Pumpkin Top

If you want a unique way to seat yourself apart try cutting a star or a funky shape instead of the usual square.  

1.       Make a circle of dots with a marker on the top of your pumpkin.

2.       From there just start cutting your star points from your imagination.  (This should NEVER be done by anyone less than 15 without adult supervision!!)

3.       Make deep incisions so that you cut through the entire pumpkin top. The top should pop off easily after doing this.

Scooping Out the “Guts” of the Pumpkin

Lay down A LOT of newspaper before you start the scooping and cutting. It will be messy, VERY MESSY.

1.       Take a METAL spoon that won’t bend and start working on the walls of the pumpkin.

2.       Use an amble amount of pressure so that all of the insides are fully scraped out and there are no strings or chunks still in there.

3.       Most importantly make sure the bottom is fully carved and that you leave a nice flat surface for a candle to be able to sit on.

4.       IF you like pumpkin seeds put them into a bowl to clean later. If not, just put them onto the newspaper you laid out and simply wrap them up and remove that layer of paper for an easy clean up!

Drawing on the Design

This is done best with a water-based marker. This way if you don’t cut exactly on the line you can easily wipe off the marks from your pumpkin.

1.       Draw the cut-out so that the holes are large enough to provide proper ventilation for the candle.

2.       Keep in mind that though intricate designs are very cool they aren’t always the easiest to cut out!

3.       HAVE FUN! Draw whatever design that comes to mind and make sure it is something you love!

Carving Out Your Pumpkin

Don’t take it too seriously! It may not come out perfectly but if you had fun doing it then it really is the best of the best!

1.       Start cutting the middle facial features first and slowly move out ward.

2.       If you make a mistake you can reattach the piece by using parts of toothpicks!

3.       When you’re done place a candle in it and enjoy your beautiful creation!

 

When going through the process make sure to embrace the mess and have fun with the kinks! Pumpkin carving is about bring together and enjoying good company!

Pink Bra Campaign

The “Put On Your Pink Bra” campaign started in Florida 2011. It was created to help promote breast cancer awareness.  The pink bras are there to remind women throughout Florida that breast cancer is a disease that could affect all of us.  They represent the support the community brings to them and empowers women to keep fighting.  You can see women sporting their pink bras during Making Strides events. Woman are uniting together to support the fight against breast cancer.  Do your part today by joining the campaign and making your own pink bra!

Saturday, October 6^th, KIA Autosport will be hosting a lunch-in to raise money for breast cancer. Women from the Pink Bra Campaign will be there with their pink bras on! So start decorating yours so you can show your support too! Not sure where to begin or what decorating a bra takes? Check how these helpful tips to get you started!

Tips on Decorating your Pink Bra:

·         Decide on a Theme

Whether you are planning on decorating by yourself or with a group, starting with a theme is a good way to keep your design on track and keep you from going to your craft store a million times.   If you are having a hard time thinking of a theme try imagining the materials you want to use. Sometimes they are a great source of inspiration!

 

Potential Materials:

1.       Jewels- You could never have too much bling!

2.       Bright Lace

3.       Any type of fringe or tassel

4.       Sequins- Fabric made of sequins makes applying them easier!

5.       Glitter

6.       Ribbon

7.       Paint

8.       Feathers

·         Essential Equipment:

1.       Hot water dye.  If you find a pink bra to start off with you won’t need this step but if you couldn’t find a pink bra as a base you will need to buy a white bra and then dye it!

2.       Small glue gun

3.       Fabric glue

4.       Needles and Thread

·         General Tips:

1.       ALWAYS wash your bra before decorating it.

2.       NEVER decorate under the arms- I could cause a serious rash and irritation.

3.       While decorating your bra, particularly the back, keep in mind of the elastic. If you decorate it too much the bra might not be able to stretch and fit!

4.       ALWAYS adjust your straps before you start decorating, that way you’ll know it will fit when you’re all done!

5.       While sewing on decorations, be careful of getting decorations on the inside of the bra.  Little strings and what not could end up being uncomfortable.

6.       Try to do at least one training walk in your bra or at least wear it around the house to ensure it is comfy enough!

7.       HAVE FUN WITH IT!

 

If you do not have time to decorate your own bra try doing it online! Bedazzle a bra online and send it to friends and family everywhere, to make sure they are giving themselves at home breast exams!

http://www.facebook.com/putonyourpinkbra/app_100845500021473

For more information about the Pink Bra campaign and stories go to: http://www.putonyourpinkbra.com/survivor_stories.php?id=3

 

The Best Game Day Decorations

How to Decorate your Tailgating Vehicle

Football season is happening and that means tailgating is too! There are 5 major components to having a great tailgate: food, drinks, music, games and TEAM SPIRIT.  Unfortunately not everyone remembers that decorating your ride with team spirit is essential to having the best tailgate on the block. We want everyone to have a great game day, and be prepared to decorate their vehicle!  

10 Tips on Decorating your Car for a Tailgate

1.       Make sure that your vehicle is squeaky clean! That means take the time to get a car wash before the game. Don’t forget about the inside of the car too! You don’t want your tailgate to be spoiled by the smell of hot garbage in your car.

2.       Tailgating lots are packed with hundreds of cars so you need to be able to stand out.  How do you do that? Buy a personalized flag with your teams’ colors!  With a unique flag soaring high in the sky your friends and family will find you quickly and easily.

3.       Car decals go a long way! Place decals on your car so everyone knows exactly who you are rooting for.  Magnetic decals are perfect if you only want them on for tailgates.

4.       Go big or go home!  Vanity license plates can show you are truly a dedicated fan. Pair it with a license plate frame and you are going to be showing true team spirit!

5.       Get a little artistic with window pants!  Use your team colors to write your favorite game day sayings on the side of your car.  (Window pants are sold at most kid craft stores so they should be easy to find on short notice!)

6.       If your vehicle has a grill in the front, attach streamers and blooms to add a little extra flair and style.  If you do not have a grill, don’t worry!  You can tie the balloons to the handles of your car and look just as festive.

7.       Don’t be afraid to make signs! Signs hanging on the outside of your car can show your personal style and preferences. Write the number of your favorite player and everyone will know who you are supporting.

8.       Does your team have a theme song? If you can get a recording of the marching band, you are set! Play the song once an hour to get your friends riled up and ready to cheer during the game.

9.       To make your car look even better decorate your tailgating spot with team spirit too.  Coordinate your tailgating chairs and games with the decorations on your car!

10.   The number one tailgating decoration tip is to make your friends JEALOUS! You want to decorate your car with enthusiasm and style. If you love the way it looks chances are they will too. Keep in mind that making your ride look great, will make you look great!

Tips:

1.       Have a designated driver! If you are going through this much trouble you want to make sure that your car stays safe and that you do too!

2.       Remove all excessive decorations from the car BEFORE you start driving away from the tailgate. Balloons on the grill and driving are not a safe combination.

3.       Wash your car later that day. Though most window pants are safe for your car you don’t want to risk hurting the paint job.

I Fight Fanconi

 

FANCONI ANEMIA

This September KIA Autosport of Tallahassee is partnering up with Kidz1^stFund!  Kidz1^stFund was created in 2011 by Jimbo and Candi Fisher after their son was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia. They started Kidz1^stFund to educate the community, stimulate awareness, and raise money for Fanconi anemia research.

What is Fanconi Anemia?

Fanconi Anemia (FA) is an inherited anemia; it is primarily a blood disease that affects all systems of the body.  Ninety  percent of patients develop bone marrow failure, necessitating a stem cell transplant. Even after a patient has received a bone marrow transplant the fight is not over, many complications arise in those who make it into adulthood. Cancer is one of the most common diseases associated with FA, eighteen to twenty percent of patients develop acute myelogenous leukemia. 

FA is primarily a recessive disorder: if both parents carry a defect in the same FA gene, each of their children has a twenty-five percent chance of inheriting the defective gene. Though it is not a well-known disease it is estimated that about 1 in 131,000 babies in the United States will be born with FA, approximately 31 babies a year. Fifteen years ago the survival rate was at merely thirty percent; however with the help of scientist and those working to find a cure the survival rate is now an incredible eighty percent.

Why is it important to help?

“Discovering treatments, uncovering secrets and discovering a cure all require research—and research takes money.  New treatments are in the process of being developed and breakthroughs are close in sight, at such a pivotal point in the research process all efforts are needed to help find a cure and improve the lives of those with Fanconi anemia.” –Kids1stFund

How can you help?

Our mission is to find effective treatments and a cure for Fanconi anemia and to provide education and support services to affected families worldwide.

 As their mission statements illuminates there are many ways to help the fight Fanconi Anemia. The obvious way to help is by donating towards FA. Any amount can make a huge difference; that is why throughout the month of September KIA Autosport we will be collecting donations. At the end of the month Melanie Lee will be matching the total amount raised. However, donating money is not the only way to get involved, you can help by simply creating awareness of FA. Educating others and spreading the word about Fanconi anemia is contributing to the cause because awareness stimulates action.  Another way to help is by donating bone marrow. As stated almost everyone affected by FA will need to receive a bone marrow transplant, unfortunately not everyone has a suitable donor. By joining the Nation Marrow Donor Registry you can determine if you a match to one of the thousands of people who are looking for help.  Visit Be The Match at www.marrow.org to find out how you can help.

ELC MONTH

Early Learning Coalition Month

The month of July and August is Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Months here at Kia Autosport of Tallahassee! We have a bunch of promotions and events going on throughout the month and are so excited to bring attention to this great organization!
The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region (ELC) is a private not-for-profit organization that provides services to families, children, and child care providers in the seven counties that comprise northern Florida’s Big Bend Region: Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla.

The ELC works collaboratively with families, their children, and local child care providers to help prepare children for success in school and support families' ability to work. Through effective parent education and professional development for child care professionals, the ELC connects the home and school by sharing critical information and resources on child development and how to best support each child's individual growth.

Family support services including tuition assistance programs, child care information services, and community referrals support each families' individual success by connecting them to the information and resources they need. The ELC works with families to connect them to quality child care options and support them in choosing a program that best meets their child's needs.

Services:

• Help families find the quality child care services they need for their child;
• Help families pay for child care for those that qualify;
• Conduct hearing, vision, and development screening to make sure children are developing as they should for their age;
• Help parents learn what they can do to support their child’s growth and development;
• Connect families to additional support services they may need…

The ELC helps “Families get ready for work, and children get ready to learn!”.

Back to School Drive Event

As it draws close to time for kids to go back to school, Kia Auto Sport wants to make sure that our youngest students have all of the ART supplies and materials they need. Did you know that thousands of local children will begin preschool this year? In partnership with the ELC, Kia is helping our local preschools be ready for this year by hosting a Pre-School Supply Drive!

Our preschools need lots of paint, crayons, markers, paper, glue, scissors, and other materials to help our children in their first school experiences! Help us to Cram the Van at Kia and kick of the new school year!

2013 Optima SX Limited

2013 Optima SX Limited

The new 2013 Optima SX Limited has made its way to our dealership, and they sure are gorgeous! The SXL is a fully loaded version of the already luxurious Optima SX. The SXL features stylish embellishments such as LED running lights located on top of its fog lamps, chrome accents on the lower door trims and rear spoiler, and red front brake calipers. The door panels, center console and seats are embellished by Napa leather, and the door trim, shift knob, and steering wheel are adorned by genuine wood trim. The SXL is only offered in three colors; Snow White Pearl, Titanium Silver and Ebony Black.

When viewing the inside of the SXL, you will see that it looks more upscale compared to other Optima models. The cabin provides a welcoming and prestigious feel. The SXL is offered with the standard equipment’s such as the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and heated and cooled front seats. Aside from those, the SX Limited is also equipped with metal pedals, an Infinity audio system with speakers, as well as a navigation system. New to the 2013 is electronic parking brake technology.

The Optima SX Limited has more equipped features than you would find on any other Optima. If the outside and inside of the Limited put you in awe, check out what’s under the hood! The Limited is powered by a 2.0-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine sourced from the Kia Optima SX. This engine is capable of producing 274 horses and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. The transmission as well as the sport-tuned suspension used on the Limited was also sourced from the SX. Due to this, the Optima's class-leading fuel economy ratings of 22 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway are also present in the SXL.

The KIA Optima SX Limited has become one of the most admired vehicles out there due to its abundance of features and gorgeous look. Come in today, take it for a test drive, and see what all the talk is about!

Remember, we wanna see ya in a KIA!

Dunk Melanie or Your Favorite KIA Employee!

HOW MUCH WOULD YOU PAY TO DUNK MELANIE LEE IN A DUNK TANK!?

Here at Kia we love to have fun and work hard at the same time! With July 4^th right around the corner we wanted to carry on the fun throughout the week. This Friday KIA AutoSport will be having an employee/customer appreciation day with all proceeds going to the Pyramid Center! We love our Community and love to help out in any way we can, and would love to have community support. From 12-5 you will be able to dunk Melanie Lee or your favorite Kia employee.  Hopefully you have good aim because, I don’t know about you but man would I love to see someone get dunked. We will be cooking up some delicious BBQ with tons of delicious foods and refreshments! The radio Stations will be out here playing music for us and raffling off prizes! Don’t let the fun end on July fourth, come on by and see how well your aim is! Bring your family and friends; this is an event you don’t want to miss out on!

Donations:
$5 dollars= Food + 2 throws
$1 dollar= per throw
$5 dollars= 8 throws
See you Friday!

How to Prepare for a Storm

Preparing for the Unavoidable Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

It’s summer time and the sun is shining! We hope you are enjoying the gorgeous weather and the afternoon showers, to cool you off! Unfortunately, along with the gorgeous summer months we have to be prepared for the horrid tropical storms and the chance of dealing with hurricanes/tornadoes.  Even if they don’t hit Tallahassee, you could be traveling and end up in a city where they do hit. The Atlantic hurricane season is officially from June 1^st to November 30^Th. There is nothing magical in these dates, and hurricanes have occurred outside of these six months, but these dates were selected to encompass over 97% of tropical activity. We want everyone to be safe, and prepared for these storms ahead of time.

 Ways to make sure you’re prepared for Hurricane/Storm season:

v  Be Informed

o   Stay updated with the news via TV, radio, newspaper, or Internet and be sure to keep watch on the exact path of the hurricane/storm. The hurricane could take a turn at any time so staying updated is very important.

v  Plan and Know the Escape/Evacuation Route

o   As a hurricane/tropical storm approaches, things may get pretty hectic. The roads may be packed with people doing last minute preparations. It's going to be tough getting through traffic when you really don't know where you're going. Be prepared ahead of time. Study the evacuation route in your area. Make sure everyone in your family knows the route. Visit the National

v  Protect Your Home

o   The wind bands during a hurricane or a tropical storm winds can get very strong. If necessary, be sure to board up your windows. Also, pick up lawn furniture, garden tools, or any other heavy objects in your yard. When the winds pick up, these items could be flying around damaging your home or killing someone.

v  Fill Up Your Gas Tanks

o   As the hurricane or storm passes through, there could be many power outages and gas shortages. Getting a full tank along with a spare gas can is very important. It may be a day, two days, or even a week for everything to start coming back again.

v  Water, Water, Water!

o   Water is an essential. After a storm, the water supply might be down. Keeping lots and lots of water available will help you and your family stay hydrated and cool, especially if the power might be out. It can get pretty hot and humid. Make sure you have enough to last you a couple weeks.

v  Battery Operated Radios, Extra Batteries, Flashlights, First Aid Kits, and Extra Clothes

o   These are very important to have. They will aid you after a damaging storm. The battery operated radio will keep you informed while the flashlight will guide you in the darkened night. Extra clothes will always come in handy.

v  Lots of Non-Perishable Foods

o   Non-Perishable foods are foods that won't spoil even without refrigeration. If there are major damages in your area, most likely there won't be power, nor will the stores and restaurants be open. So keep a lot of non-perishable foods like canned foods and packaged foods available. Make sure that there is enough to last you a week or two.

v  Keep Extra Cash

o   The banks may be closed and the ATMs may be down. Even if the stores are open, their credit card machines may also be down, so keep some cash just in case you might need it.

v  Seek a Shelter

o   The newscasters will announce the available shelters in your area. If a hurricane is coming right over your path, I would strongly recommend you to seek shelter. Wanting to stay home to watch over your house is not worth risking your life. Even if your home is damage, at least you and your family will be safe.

Stay safe this summer and make sure to be prepared for whatever comes your way. Don’t mess around with storms or hurricanes, they’re very dangerous and can cause a lot of damage. We hope everyone has safe travels and an awesome summer. Remember, we wanna see ya in a KIA!

Changing a Flat Tire

With school letting out for the summer and families taking vacations, we want everyone to have safe travels! Before traveling you should always have your car checked out and tires looked at. Hopefully you don’t experience any troubles while driving, but just in case we want you to be informed on how to change a flat tire as quick and easy as possible.

Changing a Flat Tire:

·         Find a safe spot to pull over. If you're on the freeway, getting off is the safest bet, even if you have to drive on a blown tire. Otherwise, pull as far onto the shoulder as possible. Don't park in the middle of a curve, where approaching cars can't see you. Also choose a flat spot; jacking up your car on a hill can be a disaster. If you have a manual transmission, leave your car in gear. Be sure to set your parking brake!

·         Turn on your hazard lights. Get the jack, wrench, and spare tire from the trunk of the car and bring them over to the tire that is flat. Use other tools or supplies if needed.

·         Use the wrench to loosen the lug nuts. You may need to remove the hubcap. Don't remove the lug nuts at this point; simply loosen them by turning the wrench to the left (counter-clockwise). If the lug nuts are really tight, try placing the wrench on the nut and standing on the wrench arm to use your full weight on it. You can also try hitting the wrench arm with a rock.

·         Use the jack to lift the vehicle off the ground. Different car models may have different places to put the jack; consult your owner's manual for specific locations. Once the jack is securely in the correct spot, jack up the car until the tire is about six inches off the ground.

·         Remove the lug nuts and pull the tire off the car. Make sure to place the lug nuts in a pile that won't get scattered, and pull the tire straight toward yourself to remove it from the wheel base.

·         Place the spare on the car. Line up the lug nut posts with the holes in the spare, and push the spare all the way onto the wheel base until it can't go any farther.

·         Put on the lug nuts. Don't put them on tightly, just make sure they're on enough for the spare to stay on the car for a moment.

·         Lower the car back to the ground. Use the jack to bring the car back down to ground level. Remove the jack from underneath the car.

·         Make sure the lug nuts are tightened. With the car back on the ground, you can now tighten the lug nuts. Rather than tightening them one by one in order, start with one lug nut, tighten it about 50%, move to the opposite nut (across the circle) and tighten that one about the same amount. Keep tightening opposite lug nuts gradually in turn until each lug nut is as tight as it can be.

·         Put your flat tire and tools back in your trunk. Make sure you don't leave anything on the side of the road.

We want to make sure everyone has a great summer and that their travels are easy and safe! Remember we wanna see ya in a KIA!

http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/changing-tire.php