I already mentioned that I was sponsored for Blissdom by Bounce. But what I am not sure I mentioned is that I was also provided with transportation down to Blissdom by Chevy. I was so excited about this because I love a good road tip and have been trying to avoid flying ever since the TSA has started feeling people up at the airports.
Here is the back story about me and cars. I might as well be a communist when it comes to cars. I have always owned a foreign car. Always. I know it is very unpatriotic and all, but I just happen to have a long standing love affair with Honda and Toyota. Don’t hate me.
But 5 years ago I moved to Michigan and driving an American car is a much bigger deal here. Everyone knows someone quite well who works in some job related to the auto industry which means everyone knows someone quite well whose job has been cut because of the auto industry. Michigan has just been hit so hard by the recession.
So honestly, when I found out I might get the chance to work with Chevy I was really excited. Maybe I could redeem myself for all the years of snubbing American made cars. But first American made cars had to redeem themselves to me.
Well let me just say, job well done. I was so impressed with the Chevy Traverse I was loaned for the week I almost didn’t give it back. I love my Toyota Sienna and for the season of life I am in toting little kids around a minivan just serves me well. But when I am out of the minivan years (and I can’t wait to be done with the minivan years) and can drive a cool car again, the Traverse is going to be at the top of the list.
What I loved about the Traverse was how roomy it is. It was quite deceiving from the outside and I expected it to be a bit cramped when I am used to a minivan. But even with the third row of seating in use, there was a fair amount of trunk space. Not enough to take six over packing blogger ladies down to Nashville (like I foolishly thought I could do), but for my family of five once I have graduated from traveling with a stroller and pack and play, it would easily accommodate us for any road trip.
It really is a good mix of an SUV and a minivan. You still sit up a bit higher than a sedan, but you don’t feel so obnoxiously big like I do in a bigger SUV. It handled much better than an SUV as well. None of that feeling like you are riding in a truck. It drove like a smooth car.
Truly though it had me at heated seats and XM radio. Being able to entertain my road trip buddies with my renditions of 90s hip hop by Salt n Peppa was the highlight of the trip. Well I’m not sure if it was THEIR highlight, but it was mine. You do have to pay for XM service, but my hubby has it in his car and I have become such a fan. We also had On Star in the car, but thankfully didn’t have to use it. It does give me such piece of mind that it is there.
Another favorite feature was the back up camera built into the rear view mirror. My kids thought it was magic, but I just loved not having to worry about running anything over. For a family car extra safety features are so important.
Adding to the awesomeness of the Traverse were my amazing road trip companions. We had some great conversations, stopped for some great food (Chik Fil A for the northerners!), rocked to some good tunes and panicked whenever Lisa got in New Jersey driving mode. Seriously, it was a blast and we are all quite grateful to Chevy for the sweet ride to road trip in.
Donielle, Julie, Katie, me and Lisa (picture by Jolon)
Disclosure: Chevrolet provided me with a 2011 Traverse for one week to travel to Blissdom. I was not financially compensated or required to post about it, but I really liked the car and think it is a great option for families so I wanted to tell you about it.
What are you loving this week? Link on up below. If you want to know how to do that you can read all about Things I Love Thursday here. Thanks for playing along!
Twitter: eco-novice
says:
My parents taught me never to buy American-made cars. I have a Toyota Sienna too. But I think they are doing better with the reliability business. And maybe finally joining the fuel efficient party too.
Betsy (Eco-novice)´s last [type] ..I Am Not the Master of My Backyard- Part 2 Fertilizer
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I am so excited to get back to the States and have a “real” car again! We have a great little Honda sedan here, but the funny thing is, it’s the smallest car I’ve ever had and in the world of smart cars and mini’s it’s still considered to be quite big!
Miss Mommy/Emily´s last [type] ..TILT- Valentine’s Day Links Recipes- Crafts- & Ideas!
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Twitter: damselandfamily
says:
I’m a little new to linking up, so somehow I didn’t get my topic up there, but it’s about Evernote, a tool that helps organize things you see online and want to get back to, or pictures you take… all kinds of awesome stuff!
Damsel´s last [type] ..Things I Love Thursday Evernote
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Twitter: Sadiewindham
says:
I’ve never been big on American cars either. But when we had our first we scored a great deal on a Town and Country mini van and I love it. It over 10 years old, but it’s in amazing shape {which says a lot in my opinion}.
Sarah´s last [type] ..I Was Meant to be a 1950′s Housewife
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Twitter: thelocalcook
says:
don’t feel guilty about your Toyota – chances are more of it was made in the US than the Chevy. My husband works in the auto industry designing tool & die machines and the majority of their work is for “foreign” car companies. He loves to tell people that my Mitsubishi is more American made than his Dodge (which was made in Canada).
Wendy (The Local Cook)´s last [type] ..8 Sinfully Delicious Chocolate Recipes
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Twitter: thebeadgirl
says:
hey…you were all sleeping anyway!
one of the best vehicles i have ever driven…i LOVED LOVED LOVED it (jersey style!)
lisa @thebeadgirl´s last [type] ..Thankful Thursday – the Valentines Day version
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Twitter: JoLynneS
says:
Oh I did enjoy driving a Traverse for a week. But you got a RED one! Lucky.
Musings of a Housewife´s last [type] ..Things I Love Thursday
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That’s the second review now for the Traverse and I’m liking some of the things I’m hearing about it from people. We are keeping our eyes open because we know that my husband’s car isn’t going to make it much longer. (Well we hope it does-but it has been good to us!) Thanks for hosting a nice link up!
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Twitter: supermomboots
says:
We rented a Traverse this past summer and we LOVED it!! I really want one but can’t afford brand new. Waiting for a second hand one to be available in good condition.
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Great idea! I’m always up for seeing things on the bright side…seeing as how I’m a natural bred pessimist.
Grace´s last [type] ..Things I Love Thursday
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My ears always perk up when I hear about a third row!
We drove a mini-van for years and scorned the big-boat SUVs, but in the spirit of Dave Ramsey got a 13 year old Suburban because that was what was available for the 3,000 cash we had.
My ONLY complaint about it is that with it being that old, I probably won’t be able to drive it for the next 20 years. I seriously love that thing, more than any other vehicle I’ve ever driven. Totally surprised me.
Nony (A Slob Comes Clean)´s last [type] ..Oh Big Pot! How Ive Missed You!
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90s on 9 makes my Sirius radio worth it. That, and the Broadway station!
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Diaper Diaries
Twitter: DiaperDiaries
Reply:
February 11th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Love me some 90s on 9!!!
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Twitter: PennyBlessings
says:
How fun! I didn’t know you drove a Chevy – missed that somehow! Lol I reviewed one for Relevant in October and LOVED it!
{P.S. We own a Honda minivan… more American-made than the Chevy is! Lol Sad, but true.}
Mandy´s last [type] ..Sunday Coupon Preview!!
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Diaper Diaries
Twitter: DiaperDiaries
Reply:
February 11th, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Wasn’t it great!! They might have me hooked.
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Looks like a fun time and a rad car. Thanks for getting me to look for the sunshiney lining today:)
Joules´s last [type] ..Things I Love Thursday – The Let’s See What I Can Muster Edition
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Diaper Diaries
Twitter: DiaperDiaries
Reply:
February 11th, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Anytime
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DD/Jill-
Thanks for your visit.
I’m gonna guess that not making spiffy V-Day cards and treats does not put you in the “lame mom” category. You seem pretty cool to me. Plus, you named your kid Silas, which lame moms definitely don’t do. Just sayin’….
Miss Mommy/Emily´s last [type] ..TILT- Valentine’s Day Links Recipes- Crafts- & Ideas!
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Diaper Diaries
Twitter: DiaperDiaries
Reply:
February 11th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Ha (psst…..it is a fake blog name
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I will take one– looks like you had a great trip!
Heather´s last [type] ..Things I Love Thursday- Sorrow
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Twitter: cherishreality
says:
Linked up; please (everyone) take a minute and read about a new non-profit to benefit special needs kids in West MI. Thanks!
Pam´s last [type] ..Hope-Heal-Live Foundation
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Feeling rather foolish…kind of.
Miss Mommy/Emily´s last [type] ..V-Day Cards!
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Diaper Diaries
Twitter: DiaperDiaries
Reply:
February 13th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
oh please don’t. We love the name and that is why we picked it even if it was fake. So we are still cool right?
[Reply]
Well, I had to think about it for a few days, but yes, we’re still cool.
Miss Mommy/Emily´s last [type] ..Valentine’s Day! tons of pics!
[Reply]
Diaper Diaries
Twitter: DiaperDiaries
Reply:
February 16th, 2011 at 9:33 pm
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