Will Tuck for Tacos
How did you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? I may not drink, but I still hit the barre (pronounced \”bar\”) for a Tuck and Tacos Pop-Up event at my gym. I personally love taking themed workout classes. So you know I couldn\’t miss one that was perfectly themed for Cinco de Mayo, including a pinata.
Barre is a combination of ballet, yoga, pilates and strength training. During most classes you will use a yoga mat, light weights, gliding disc, resistance bands (booty bands) and more. You do a lower number of reps in a shorter range of motion to create a burn that will build muscles and endurnace, while torching calories. Before you begin a class you\’ll have a chance to select the weight you want. While those three-pound weights may look puny to the eye, you\’ll be surprised at how heavy they feel after a minute of continuous exhausting movements.
2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT S-AWC Plug-In Hybrid
I drove the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT S-AWC Plug-In Hybrid for seven days in exchange for an honest review
Growing up in the motor city you quickly fall in love with the diesel trucks that come through sounding like the world is about to end, and the off-roading vehicles you can hit the dunes and trails with. So you can imagine how hesitant I am every time someone mentions a hybrid vehicle.
Recently, I had the opportunity to drive the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT S-AWC. Since this is my first time ever driving and being in a hybrid vehicle let me tell you, it didn’t come without a lot of questions. When the vehicle runs out of electric charge is it just going to shut off? Will this vehicle run solely on gas? Do I need a special place to charge it? Is this a good vehicle to bring on a road trip? How big is the gas tank? How many times will I need to stop to get gas on this trip if it is running solely on gas? I mean wouldn’t you have all these questions?
Grab a seat, and let this Detroit girl breakdown her thoughts and opinions on the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT S-AWC.
Let’s jump right to it, and talk about my hybrid concerns.
1. When the vehicle runs out of electric charge is it going to shut off? Nope! It’s electric, it’s gas, it’s the best of both worlds! Hybrid vehicles are designed to automatically switch to run solely on gas once you have used all the electric charge.
2. How big is the gas tank? This was about an 11-gallon tank, which is typical for most hybrid cars.
3. Can a hybrid vehicle run solely on gas? Yes!
4. How many MPG do you get with gas only? About 25.
5. Do I need a special outlet to charge the vehicle? Nope! You can charge it right in your garage, or at a charging station, some places have. It does take a while to charge about eight hours at home.
6. How many miles do you get on a full electric charge? About 22 miles.
7. Is the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT S-AWC a good vehicle to bring on a road trip? Yes! On this vehicle when you combine both gas an electric you can get upwards of 74 MPG – that is amazing!!! –
As I previously mentioned, this was my first experience… ever with a hybrid vehicle so it was really a learning experience for me. I drove the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT S-AWC from Metro Detroit, Michigan to Fort Wayne Indiana. This trip is about three hours and just under 200 miles away. On the way there the vehicle was running on both electric and gas and I made it there is just a little above a half a tank of gas. Which in my mind is amazing and was such a money saver with gas prices nearly $3.00 a gallon! On the way home I, unfortunately, did not have the electric features as there was no place for me to charge the Outlander. Riding into the wind, combined with no electric feature and I had under a quarter tank of gas when I pulled into the driveway. I definitely loved the difference that the electric feature made – as someone who loves road trips that was definitely a huge selling point for me. With both gas and electric combined you will get up top 74 miles per gallon. On gas-only mode, you’re looking at about 25 miles per gallon – which is still fantastic.
Key Notes About the vehicle:
Touchscreen makes it easy to navigate through a variety of features such as Sirius XM Radio.
Heated seats, this is a feature my car doesn’t have so I definitely always take advantage of it when I am in a car that has it.
Cameras, back, side, and front cameras made it easy to parallel park – which I am absolutely horrible at.
Stay in your lane! The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has Lane Departure Warning – you know the annoying beep you get when you weave out of your lane or don’t use your signal to switch lanes.
Blind Spot Warning, this is a feature that I really love – especially on the expressway when I need to change lanes.
Gear shift has a button for Park, rather than gear. The first time I used it I definitely kept my fingers crossed that it would actually park, and of course it did – but a little bit of anxiety there for a moment. 4×4 off-road ability.
World’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with DC Fast Charging – allows you to get a quick boost while running errands or plug it in before bed and wake up to a full charge. In just 25 minutes you will you be 80% charged with the DC Fast Charger. Plug into a 120V standard household plug to have a full charge in 8 hours, or us a 240V public/home charger to get a full charge in just 3.5 hours.
Electric driving range of 22 miles. This is great because a lot of us would be able to commute to work emissions-free.
On a full charge, the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT S-AWC can go upwards of 310 miles.
You can select if you want to operate the car in “normal” hybrid mode (gas + electric combined) or EV (electric) only, as well.
Is this thing on? This car is almost SILENT when you start it, especially when it is in hybrid mode. I mean this car barely makes any noise at all.
Moonroof, if you know me you know I love this feature and will have it open even when it’s freezing outside – I mean I’m pretty sure that\’s why companies invented heated seats.
Have you ever driven a hybrid vehicle before? What was your opinion of it?
Zoya Barefoot Summer 2019 Collection
Anyone else ready for laid-back summer days? Zoya’s summer 2019 collection Barefoot features twelve new shades that have been inspired by those low-key summer days.
Joey is a pale warm-tone light peachy-pink creme.
Bee is a warm-toned sunny yellow creme.
Eleni is a light seafood beach blue creme.
Dallas is a clear glitter with various sizes of small and large octagonal glitter.
Dacey is a hot pink creme. Walker is a brighter cobalt blue creme.
Liza is a cardinal red creme.
Rie is a magnolia purple creme.
Tessa is a light peach with coral and gold colored micro-shimmer.
Keira is a sandy taupe with copper shimmer.
Marcy coral shimmer.
Robbie is a deeper raspberry with gold shimmer.
In most cases in my mind a summer collection is jam-packed full of bright hues or simple neutrals. This collection definitely took me by surprise. It is a very different looking collection for summer.
You can find the Zoya Barefoot Summer 2019 Collection on their site now, and shipping starts May 6th.
What colors will you be picking up from this collection?
Restaurant Review: Rusty Bucket
Rusty Bucket is a casual American restaurant and tavern designed for people to come together and enjoy great conversation over even better food. At Rusty Bucket food is cooked from scratch because they think it tastes better that way – and I couldn’t agree more. Plus, since everything is made just for you, if you have any dietary needs be sure to share them and the Rusty Bucket can most likely accommodate them 0 that’s some exceptional service right there! The Rusty Bucket’s bar features drinks made with FRESHLY squeezed juices, I mean let\’s be real do you know of many places that offer freshly squeezed juices in their cocktails… didn’t think so.
I recently had the opportunity to get a peek at Rusty Buckets new menu and let me tell you’re going to love it. Did I mention they even have Brunch Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – and you won’t want to miss out on the Chicken & Waffles or Chilaquiles.
Rusty Bucket has over 24 locations in six states (Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio). Michigan has four locations: Bingham Farms, Bloomfield, Northville, and Northville Park Place.
This was my first time visiting the Rusty Bucket, and let me tell you I will definitely be back. The food was not only delicious, but the service was great and the atmosphere was fun. The Rusty Bucket is the perfect girls night out, date night or place to take your family. With a jam-packed menu, there is sure to be something on it for everyone. My personal favorite was the Chicken and Waffles, which you can order Saturdays and Sundays off the brunch menu. I’ve had a few chicken and waffle meals in my lifetime and this one is one of the best.
Monday through Sunday at the Rusty Bucket you will find Drink Features and Blue Plate Specials. Don’t get this confused with Weekday Happy hour from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday which is something entirely different.
Monday
Drink Feature: Draft Day
Blue Plate Special: Cincinnati 3-Way
Spaghetti smothered with Rusty Bucket’s Texas sirloin chili and topped with cheddar cheese, sour cream, onion, and fresh diced tomatoes; served with garlic cheese bread
Tuesday
Drink Feature: Half Off Wine Bottles
Blue Plate Special: Hoosier State Fair Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Center-cut pork loin breaded with Gary\’s secret blend of spices served with lettuce, tomato, pickle chip and onion with a side of mayo. ** Really unique flavor
Wednesday
Drink Feature: Whiskey Wednesday
Blue Plate Special: Beef Stroganoff
Tender slow-roasted pulled beef, button and morel mushrooms tossed with pappardelle pasta and morel cream sauce; topped with sour cream and scallions and served with garlic cheese bread.
Thursday
Drink Feature: Bucket Punch Day
Blue Plate Special: Spaghetti ’N Meatballs
Two jumbo beef and veal meatballs slow-cooked in house made red sauce; served atop spaghetti noodles garnished with our homemade garlic cheese bread.
Friday
Drink Feature: Martinis
Blue Plate Special: Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp sautéed with white wine garlic butter sauce, fresh herbs and tomatoes tossed with spaghetti and grated parmesan and served with garlic cheese bread.
Saturday
Drink Feature: Gary’s Famous Margaritas
Blue Plate Special: Chicken and Noodles
Slow roasted chicken, mushrooms, caramelized onion, carrots, peas and our house made chicken jus, tossed with pappardelle pasta and served over mashers.
Sunday
Drink Feature: Bloody Sunday
Blue Plate Special: Kentucky Hot Brown
Rusty Bucket’s house roasted turkey breast, thinly sliced and piled high on Texas toast, covered with a creamy parmesan sauce and topped with sliced tomato and bacon. *** YOU GUYS! Oh my goodness, this was absolutely amazing!! Since it’s called a Kentucky Hot Brown I would assume it’s from Kentucky (unless it\’s like the whole Boston Cooler in Michigan that has nothing to do with Boston), since I have never been there before this was my first time trying a Hot Brown and now I want to go to Kentucky and give one of theirs a try!
Starters
Spinach Con Queso A blend of spinach, white wine, and cheeses, served pipping hot with tortilla chips. So insanely good!
“Cheese Blanket” Nachos Loaded with seasoned ground beef and braised black beans, covered with Rusty Bucket’s signature “cheese blanket.” Served with pico de gallo, jalapenos, sour cream and scallions. Great to share with friends!
Burgers
Bucket Bites
Mini Burgers on potato buns topped with carmelized onions, American cheese and a pickle chip on top.
Highly recommend!
Green Chili Burger*
Rusty Bucket’s house-made beer cheese, Serrano and jalapeño relish.
Beer Cheese Burger*
Rusty Bucket’s house-made beer cheese piled high with crispy onion rings.
Main Plates
Macaroni ’N Cheese*
Swiss and American cheeses melted with heavy cream and Blue Moon white ale; tossed with jumbo elbow macaroni noodles; topped with kettle cooked potato chips, scallions, and diced tomatoes. Served with garlic cheese bread.
Pizza
Veggie
Roasted tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, mushrooms, bell peppers, red onion, fresh banana peppers, green olives, and spinach.
Yum, yum, yum
“The Big Sicilian”
Pepperoni, Italian sausage, and capicola with mozzarella and provolone cheeses, peppers and red onions.
Dessert
Cookies ’N Cream
Heaven right on a plate!
Death By Chocolate Cake
If you’re a chocoholic you’re going to love this cake.
Berry Blast
This cobbler is out of this world.
Brunch
Chicken and Waffles
House-made Belgian waffle, Rusty Bucket’s famous hand-dipped chicken fingers, warm maple syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
My absolutely favorite thing on the Rusty Bucket menu, and might even be the BEST chicken and waffles that I have ever had.
Chilaquiles
Fresh corn tortillas baked with salsa verde and pepper jack cheese, topped with braised black beans, ranchero sauce, sour cream and two sunny side up eggs.
Probably becoming one of my favorite things to get for brunch at places.
*I do not drink alcohol, so trying anything with their cheese sauce really grossed me out. Everyone else really loved it, especially the macaroni and cheese. If you like alcohol you’ll love the infused cheeses, if you don’t I highly recommend ordering something else.
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Wild Encounters
Whether you’re visiting Fort Wayne with your girlfriends, significant other or your kids the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is definitely worth checking out. The mission of the zoo is “Connecting kids and animals, strengthen families and inspiring people to care.” One thing I really loved about the zoo was it’s designed for children to get up close and personal with the animals with their parents having to pick them up – this was especially beneficial for me since I am 4’10” and no one is going to go around picking me up so I can see what is going on.
Something that makes the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo really unique is its Wild Encounters. The zoo offers five different fun encounters for an extra price that you’re sure to love. While I was visit the Zoo a few weeks ago I got to experience the Stingray Wild Encounter and absolutely loved it. It was a really unique experience to get up close with the stingrays and feel them take fish right out of your hands. The one encounter I would love to do on my next trip is the penguin one – as someone who loves penguins I think it would be a lot of fun to check it out.
To help you select which Wild Encounter is best for you, lets see what each one offers.
African Bird Walking Tour Wild Encounter
Cost: $59* per person
If you’ve ever wondered about the birds in the African portion of your zoo journey then this tour is for you. This walking tour provides you with access to the zoo’s bird keepers so they can show you what they feed the birds as well as how they care for them.
Days: Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Time: April 27 – May 23 & Sept 1 to Oct 7 – 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
and May 24 – August 31st 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Ages 5 & up.
Maximum group size 4 people.
Dr. Diversity Wild Encounter
Cost: $59* per person
This Wild Encounter will take you behind the scenes of the Indonesian Dr. Diversity Rain Forest Research station, where you will visit the retile room and see how zoo keepers take care of the Dr. Diversity animals.
Days: Sundays
Time: 11:00 – 11:30 AM
Ages 4 & up.
Maximum group size 4 people.
Stingray Wild Encounter
Cost $39* per person
The aquarists will provide you with fish that you will hold in your hand, and wait for the stingrays to swim over and grab the food from your hand.
Days: Saturdays, Sundays and Monday during the zoo season.
Time: 1:00 – 1:30 PM.
Ages 6 & up.
Maximum group size 4 people.
Giraffe Wild Encounter
Cost: $79* per person
Start your adventure behind the scenes in the giraffe barn, where you’ll held the zookeepers create special feeders and watch the food get eaten while you stand toe to toe with these gorgeous creatures.
Days: Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
Time: 3:00 – 3:30 PM
DO NOT visit the Indiana Family Farm before your Giraffe Wild Encounter – goats and sheet may carry a virus that can affect giraffes (it is not harmful to humans).
After your Giraffe Wild Encounter feel free to go visit the sheep and goats.
Penguin Wild Encounter
Cost: $89* per person
Step onto the beach – yes BEACH, and help the zookeepers bring the penguins lunch. You’ll be taught the best way to feed the penguins and details about their personalities.
Days: Fridays-Mondays during the zoo season.
Time: 1:15-2:00 PM.
Cost: $89 per person.
Ages 8 & up. Maximum group size 2 people.
*These prices are for 2019 and are subject to change year to year. Please visit the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo for an up to date price list.
Fashion meets Food 