Tisk, Tisk Toyota!

I am uncertain if Toyota Corolla commercials have been appearing on most channels during primetime hours or if it is simply an ad campaign directed at Hulu viewers because we are young and impressionable. Regardless, I am appalled at the approach Toyota has taken to sell their product. Attempting to convince young adults, who more than likely do not have a stable job, or are barely out of college, does not seem like the responsible thing to do.


In a time of economic disparity, high unemployment rates and financial instability in our nation, I am shocked to see that the Toyota ad campaign paints a positive picture for young adults purchasing a new vehicle. What Toyota fails to present is the fact that purchasing a new Corolla may leave an individual with more financial concern than new purchase excitement. The truth is in the numbers. When a new vehicle is purchased, whether it is a Toyota, Ford or sparkly BMW, it will depreciate more in value during the first year in ownership rather than a used car purchase. This fact, combined with high payments at 3-5 years, can leave many purchasers upside down on their vehicle at some point before pay-off. It is troubling to think about the payments that these young consumers are responsible for-most of which also are out on their own for the first time and starting to receive student loan payments. Many of these young adults see shiny new car and means of transportation rather than financial responsibility during their young adult life.

I realize that not all young adults jump into situations such as this, and that there are many that will be affected by other troublesome issues such as credit card debt. However, the fact remains that Toyota has taken a very abrasive approach to targeting young people. Actively using sites such as HULU, Facebook, and Adsense tools is despicable. How about focusing more on providing educational and work opportunities for these young people rather than creating opportunities to put sand down as their foundation. I expect better corporate responsibility than this. Tisk, tisk Toyota!

http://apps.facebook.com/toyota-tm/
http://www.toyota.com/corolla/

Until next time, may your minds be smarter than your everyday ad-campaign!
XoXo

Let's Take a Look, It's in a Book....

When I finished graduate school nearly a year ago, I was happy to regain my free time and begin tearing through the books on my dust covered bookshelf. Since then, I have read close to 15 books and tons of magazines. Out of the 15 or so books I've read, most have been part of the collection of books from author, Dorothea Benton Frank.

If you share any literary preferences with me, you'll fall in LOVE with her work. Dottie finds a unique way to illustrate the charm of the low-country while sharing her tales of family, friends and love- all with a hint of humor. Each book has a magical way of taking me from an ordinary day into a world so captivating I can almost see myself in each character's shoes.

The first DBF book I picked up was Pawleys Island. I would recommend this as a starter to any first-time reader. However, my favorite, thus far, has been Sullivans Island. The fun thing about Dot's writing is that she uses local places in her work. i.e ( S.N.O.B , Porter Gaud, Atlanticville, Poe's Tavern, etc). If you love Charleston as much as I do, you will find this entertaining and exciting to use as a reference for where you can go during your next visit.


If you haven't read any of Dottie's books yet, I recommend that you head to the bookstore, pull out your Lilly covered Nook, or head to your local library and find one ASAP.


Lilly Pulitzer Nook Covers Available at Barnes & Noble.


In the meantime, head over to Dot's website: http://www.dotfrank.com/index.html . You'll find amazing recipes and small excerpts to help you find your first read.-And for those avid DBF readers, you might just find info on her upcoming work (Folly Beach) due in June of 2011.




Until next time, may your day be filled with magnolias, bourbon, and a GREAT DBF page turner!

You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile!

Any true Southern Girl knows that her look isn't complete without a pearly white smile. I've always been a fan of Crest White Strips myself, but hated paying $30 +  for the kit. During my last outing to the grocery, I was pleasantly surprised to see Crest's new Vivid White toothpaste. At only $3.69 a tube I couldn't resist. The box claims to remove 80% of surface stains in 14 days.  Because I have always been a yearly teeth whitener, I didn't think I had much "stain," to be removed but let me tell you that I have certainly noticed a difference in the brightness of my smile.

If you're looking for an alternative to at home teeth whitening kits, I recommend you give Crest's new product a whirl. I think you will be pleased. And if anything, you will definitely have fresh, clean breath for a fraction of the price (and goo) of the White Strips.

Until next time, may your life be full of magnolias, bourbon, and a PEARLY WHITE SMILE!