Five Things

 

Happy Friday! Can you believe we only have one more Friday left in August? For a year of not being able to do things, it sure is flying by. Week 23 of quarantine has come to a close, gyms and movie theaters are still closed, stores and restaurants have a limit to how many people can be in them. This week was actually an extremely chill week for me. I decided to take a break from job hunting, and blogging and just enjoy the week with Jack. Jack turns 8 today! Can you even believe it? Stayed tuned for a special post today about Jack\’s birthday. 

This past week, I tried crab legs for the first time, caught a beautiful sunset, received a positive vibe necklace, gave Jack extra snuggles, and tried Hungryroot meal service. 

Cruise Through Life: 10 Benefits of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring

 

Lately, more than ever before, I’ve been turning to time spent in my car as a moment to escape. As someone who is always on the go, attending events, adventuring, and more – the time outside of my house makes me feel like things are normal, at least for a little bit. I recently had the opportunity to partner with A Girls Guide to Cars to experience everything the 2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring has to offer and let me tell you it was everything I could have hoped for and more. 

I mentioned that I am spending more time in my car, and that time isn\’t spent just driving around. Jack (my dog) and I have spent a lot of time driving, eating, and sleeping in the car. Since we\’ve been spending time in my personal car, I decided that we needed to spend the same quality time in the 2020 Lincoln Aviator and see how it stacks up. Today I am sharing 10 benefits of the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring – from a solo traveler (plus her pups) perspective. 

10 Benefits of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring

1. Large cargo area
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring is definitely designed for a family. With two captains chairs and a third row that seats three, the Lincoln Aviator is packed with plenty of family space. I don\’t have a family, however, I do need a large cargo area. When you put down the captain\’s chairs and third row, there is plenty of space for car camping necessities as well as a place to sleep. 

Pro Tip: The 2020 Lincoln Aviator is quintessential if you want a vehicle that you can drive to work, but also take on a trip and sleep in. It\’s comfortable, spacious and brings you the best of both worlds. 

2. Massaging front seats
As someone who is constantly on the road looking for her next adventure and sleeping in her car, the massaging driver and passenger seats are a game-changer. Relieve stress and tension when you turn on the massaging seats.

Pro Tip: I highly recommend turning on the massaging seats during long road trips. When you reach your destination you\’ll feel more relaxed.  

3. Panoramic sunroof 
The panoramic sunroof was one of my favorite features. I love letting as much sun and natural air in as I can, and the panoramic sunroof definitely allows you to do that.

Pro Tip: The panoramic sunroof is perfect for stargazing.

4. Revel sound system
The Revel sound system allows everyone in the cabin to enjoy a pristine listening experience. The system comes with 28 speakers that are placed in various locations throughout the 2020 Lincoln Aviator to provide a 3D listening effect.

Pro Tip: When you play the music that has been recorded live it actually sounds like you are right there at the concert.


5. Heated and air-conditioned seats
For many, heated seats have become more of a must-have item instead of a luxury. That being said, have you ever sat down into a leather seat in the summer and thought your skin was going to get third-degree burns? You can worry less about that with the air-conditioned seats. Turn on the air-conditioned seat button to cool the seats before you sit down. Better yet, turn them on so you\’ll be cool after being outside in the heat. 

Pro Tip: The heated seats are great if you have a sore back. Combine the heated seats with a massage and you\’ll understand why I spend so much time in my car.

6. Co-Pilot 360
Meet Co-Pilot 360, your new best friend – also known as driver-assist and safety features. This includes adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam headlights, lane-keep, blind-spot monitors, steering assist, road sign recognition, and collision braking.

Pro Tip: All these safety features really do make you feel safer when you\’re out on the road.


7. 30-way electric seats with adjustable headrest and seatback

I am petite and always find it difficult to get comfortable in a car, this sometimes results in a miserable road trip. This was definitely not the case with the 2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring. You can actually contour the seat to you. 

8. Several drive modes to choose from
With several drive modes available, the driver can customize how the 2020 Lincoln Aviator sets itself up for different conditions. The drive mode can be selected when you turn a knob, that is conveniently located in the center front console.

Get to know the 2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring drive modes

Normal drive mode
provides comfort that is suitable for most conditions.

Conserve (eco) mode favors efficiency over aggressive handling.

Excite (sport) mode makes the performance a priority and will provide an exhilarating ride for adrenaline junkies or anyone who wants to add a little excitement to their commute.

Slippery (rain/snow/gravel) mode makes an effort to maintain traction.

Deep conditions (snow/sand) mode like slippery mode will make an effort to maintain traction.

9. Heads-up display 
Head up display allows you to see how fast you are going, what the speed limit is, and sometimes more without having to lower your eyes. 

Pro Tip: This is great when you need to be hyper-focused on the road because it is busy, or you\’re in a city with a lot of people around.


10. Active Park Assist
Can\’t parallel park? No problem! Not sure how you\’re going to get out of that parallel parking spot? Again, no problem! Active Park Assist will get you into that parallel parking spot with ease and out of it like a pro. 

Overall thoughts: I absolutely loved driving the 2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring. The vehicle was safe, comfortable, and overall provided a wonderful driving experience. 

Join A Girls Guide to Cars and Lincoln on September 22nd for a virtual day of creating sanctuary as you listen to speakers, get ideas and tips at The New Now: Live Your Best Life. Registration is free and open to all, and the first 200 attendees to join the full event will receive a special gift in the mail from Lincoln and A Girls Guide to Cars. Register here: bit.ly/driveyourbestlife 



Five Things

 

Can you believe that we are at the halfway mark in August? Summer is winding down, week 22 of quarantine has ended and kids are getting ready to go back to school in some sort of capacity whether it is online, in the classroom, or a hybrid of both. 

As someone who is always out on the go and was typically busy six out of seven days a week, this lull in life has actually been good for me. 2020 may not be the year that any of us have planned, but it taught me a huge lesson, and that is don\’t wait. Don\’t wait until you find a friend to hike with, don\’t wait to go on that camping trip, don\’t wait to take that vacation, don\’t wait to sign up for that retreat you\’ve been eyeing. Don\’t wait for life to happen, because whether you participate or not, life is happening all around you. 

I have quit waiting around for people and started venturing out on my own. This week I took a thumb coat tour, drove two hours to go on a hiking adventure that gave me major Indiana Jones vibes, stopped to take pictures of gorgeous sunflowers on the side of the road, watched freighters come in and even got gigantic ice cream. Oh, and I\’ll be signing up for a retreat I have been wanting to do. 

What have you been up to this past week? Are you living with the don\’t wait mentality?

5 Ways to Optimize Inventory Management and Improve Fulfillment

 

this is a sponsored post
I have worked in eCommerce for most of my professional career. While I may have never been on the buying and inventory management side of things, I definitely saw my fair share of issues. You see, as someone who does marketing, I rely on accurate inventory management. Inventory management gives me an idea of what products I need to push, what products are new, and what products there is little to no inventory of and of course when products arrive. 

In this post, we will look at five ways you can optimize your inventory management and fulfillment processes. 

1. Use a management solution with real-time data
One of the simplest ways for eCommerce sellers to have seamless inventory optimization is by utilizing omnichannel software that provides an accurate overview of inventory during all stages of the supply chain. 

What is omnichannel?
Omnichannel is a multichannel marketing approach to sales that provides customers with a seamless shopping experience. Whether they\’re shopping online, from a desktop, mobile device, telephone, email, or in a brick-and-mortar store.

Using programs and/or applications will allow eCommerce sellers to process large volumes of data that are required for forecasting, stock replenishment, planning for peak buying times such as Black Friday, and more. Not to mention, when you work from a central platform you will be able to create unity across the entire company, which will result in sales and marketing teams being on the same page when it comes to inventory changes.

2. Implement automated solutions
Automation tools are a great way to provide real-time feedback and insights for inventory management. With automation tools, reports will automatically register in your database. Orders can be automatically generated based on diminishing stock levels, and more. When you have real-time feedback and data, it makes it easier to make company decisions. Plus, you can forecast the stock needed for upcoming events such as Black Friday based on trends for the year and the previous Black Friday period.

3. Regularly reevaluate supply-chain components

Reevaluating supply-chain components such as logistics and manufacturers is something companies oftentimes will forget about. As an eCommerce company, you want to make sure you\’re always reviewing your internal processes as well as the performance of your suppliers and logistics. Use industry KPIs, competitor research, and your own company performance measurements to evaluate. 

When you are regularly evaluating performances you will know where you can make changes, add automation, change companies, and apps you are using and more.

4. Track the whole supply chain
Manufacturers are able to deliver real-time updates, so why not take advantage of that in an automated system? Logistics companies are capable of providing the exact location of stock. While customer delivery services will tell you when your goods have been delivered. The best part of this is you can pinpoint problems as they arise and implement what needs to happen quickly and efficiently, as opposed to waiting until the last minute to figure things out. 

5. Get warehouse inefficiencies in order

The warehouse is where it all happens and if it is not running properly, your whole eCommerce company will fail. Make sure you\’re effectively utilizing space, take advantage of discounts from suppliers when you order larger quantities. 

Take a Bite Out of Shark Week with Duck Donuts

 

The 2020 edition of Discovery\’s Shark Week began yesterday, Sunday, August 9th. Shark Week began by airing \”Air Jaws: Ultimate Breach Off\” at 8 p.m. and will continue all week with at least three specials airing each night. In honor of Shark Week, Duck Donuts is selling a Shark Assortment now through August 16. Head on over to Duck Donuts and grab this jawsome assortment before it\’s gone!

When I heard that Duck Donuts was selling a special edition Shark Assortment I knew I had to go grab it, and take it out on the water with me while I watched Jaws. What I love about Duck Donuts is their donuts are made for you when you order. That\’s right, you actually get hot delicious donuts, made to order. If you live in the Metro Detroit area a Duck Donuts just opened up in Troy. 

What\’s in the Duck Donuts Shark Assortment?
The Duck Donuts Shark Assortment is filled with 12 different donuts, that are sure to have all you shark lovers ready for Shark Week. 

1. Honolulu blue vanilla icing with marshmallow drizzle and a shark gummy
Super cute, loved the shark gummy!

2. Maple icing with chopped bacon and a raspberry drizzle
Very sweet.

3. Honolulu blue vanilla icing with marshmallow drizzle 

4. Sand Dollar: vanilla icing with powdered sugar and coconut
Great combination.

5. Classic cinnamon and sugar
Definitely a classic that is reminiscent of fall.

6. Strawberry icing
Best strawberry icing ever. 

7. Vanilla icing with raspberry drizzle
Great flavor combination.

8. The Flip Flop: chocolate icing with vanilla drizzle
How can you go wrong with chocolate and vanilla?

9. Maple icing with graham cracker crumbs
Sweet maple flavor

10. The Beach: vanilla icing with cinnamon and sugar
Delicious and sweet.

11. Lemon icing
My absolute favorite! Highly recommend getting a donut with lemon icing on it.

12. Beach Ball: vanilla icing with rainbow sprinkles and chocolate drizzle
All around fan favorite.