The tradition of celebrating New Year’s Eve didn’t start with the New York City ball drop. In fact, the earliest record of a New Year’s festival dates back to 2000 BCE in Mesopotamia, according to Britannica. It’s not just one celebration, however. With so much history, it’s no wonder that New Year’s Eve traditions have taken on a life of their own, spanning cultures and centuries to ultimately become what they are today — myriad rituals and superstitions used to ring in the new year right.

Whether you’re looking to bring forth some good fortune for the year ahead or want to know how to ward off any bad luck coming your way, these new year superstitions from around the world may be worth a try.

For Good Luck

Break Dishware

Frowned upon at any other time of the year, smashing a plate is considered good luck for the new year in Denmark. The basic idea is to break dishes on your loved ones’ front steps on New Year’s Eve, and the more shards you have the next day, the more well-liked you are. Better than a double-tap on social media.

Eat 12 Grapes

When it comes to good luck foods for the new year, this Spanish tradition is a popular one. The rules state that you must eat one grape at each of the clock’s 12 midnight chimes. But that’s not all. You must also ruminate on their importance while doing so. If you succeed, good luck is promised to you for the next year, but failure to finish your grapes when the clock stops chiming will result in misfortune in the new year.

Leave Doors and Windows Open 

Keeping your doors and windows open on New Year’s is said to let the old year out and the new year in. Sounds like a fresh start.

Hang Bundles of Onions

A bit reminiscent of hanging garlic to ward off vampires, the Greeks hang onions over their doors for the opposite: to let the good luck in. Why? In Greece, onions are symbols of prosperity as they sprout when ignored. After the onions have been outside, parents bring them in on New Year’s Day and use them to gently bump their children’s heads to wake them up.

Jump Seven Waves

Taking a leap into the ocean during January might not seem worth it — even for all the good luck in the world — but revelers in Brazil believe that good luck will come your way in spades for doing it. The tradition includes wearing all white, running into the ocean at the stroke of midnight and jumping over seven consecutive waves, one for each of the Umbanda divine spirits. If you partake, you also get one wish per wave.

Predict with Wax

Can wax tell the future? Folks in Germany seem to think so. Melt wax on a spoon and over a candle before dumping it into cold. As the wax morphs and shifts, different shapes mean different outcomes. While round globs of wax predict good luck rolling your way, sharp or spiky shapes predict hardships.

Throw Water Out the Window

In this Puerto Rico tradition, dumping a bucket of water out a window is done to drive away any lurking evil spirits.

Potato Predictor

As another good luck food for the new year, potatoes are believed to predict the financial future for the next year. The Columbian tradition is to put out three potatoes (any kind will do) under the bed of each family member. One of the potatoes should be peeled, one half-peeled and one unpeeled. The unpeeled potato symbolizes money, the peeled potato is a bad financial omen and the half-peeled potato signifies half-and-half. Each person must grab one potato without looking, and whichever one they pick predicts if they’ll have more money or more problems in the coming year.

Make a Lemon Pig

Pigs are a symbol of prosperity, so to bring that luck into the home, some have taken to making pigs out of lemons for their new year’s tradition. To make your own, use the lemon’s nub-end as its nose, add two cloves for eyes, cut ears at the top and toothpicks at the bottom for its feet. To ensure extra luck, place a coin in its mouth as well.

Wear Red

In Chinese Lunar New Year traditions — celebrated on the second new moon after the winter solstice, usually landing between mid-January and mid-February — wearing red and using red decorations sweeps out any bad luck from the past year. The color symbolizes luck, happiness and celebration and is said to bring good fortune.

To Avoid Bad Luck

• No chores. Some say it’s bad luck to clean on New Year’s Day. What you do on New Year’s Day is what you’ll be doing all year, so choose wisely. This includes no sweeping, as it will sweep away your wealth.
• No hair washing. Washing your hair on New Year’s is said to wash away good luck. Is it bad luck to shower on New Year’s Day? Going by this rule, probably. We wouldn’t risk it.
• Steer clear of lobster, crab and chicken, as these animals walk backward or sideways, symbolizing moving backward.
• Avoid crying or speaking negatively to yourself and others to prevent those words and feelings from making their way back to you in the form of misfortune.

What’s your favorite New Year’s tradition or superstition? Let us know in the comments!

While the holidays are a time of great joy, they also demand great caution, especially when heading out for last-minute shopping.

Tens of thousands of car crashes occur in parking lots and garages annually, according to the National Safety Council, and that risk goes up during the holiday season, when shoppers are distracted by checking off their gift lists and running to get the best deals.

Distraction doesn’t just increase crash risk — it also makes you more vulnerable to crime. Parking lots and garages are among the top three locations for crimes, including aggravated assault, robbery and car theft, based on FBI crime data.

It’s easy to get swept up in the holiday rush, but safety should always be top of mind. Stay alert and remember these tips while you are out and about.

Parking Lot Safety Tips

• Focus on driving. Your main focus should be on safety, not finding a great parking spot.

• Keep it moving. Follow traffic signs inside the parking lot and avoid sudden stops, which could get your vehicle rear-ended. If you do stop, scan for pedestrians and cars before you accelerate.

• Park farther away. Areas close to the store are typically the most congested. Parking farther away will also decrease the odds that someone is waiting for your spot when you get to your vehicle. Just make sure the area is well-lit if you are shopping at night or early in the morning.

• Back into spots. Backing out of a parking spot is difficult and can be dangerous, especially when you’re between two large vehicles. Backing into a spot can make it easier and safer when it’s time to leave, just make sure to check that the spots are not marked “head in only.”

• Avoid road rage. Incessant honking, yelling and spot stealing can be aggravating, but try not to let your emotions get the better of you. Don’t escalate a frustrating situation, because you never know what the other driver will do. Be tolerant and forgiving and remember that the best response to someone who is driving aggressively is not to respond or engage.

• Make yourself visible. About 74% of pedestrian traffic fatalities occur when it’s dark outside, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Wear bright clothing and walk in well-lit areas if you’re shopping early or at night. Walk on sidewalks and use crosswalks whenever possible. If you need to walk in the road, walk facing traffic. Before crossing in front of a vehicle, try to make eye contact with the driver so you know they can see you.

• Ignore your phone. Keep your cellphone in your pocket and resist the urge to look at it or answer.

What To Do if Someone Is Following You to Your Car

• Use reflections as an early warning. Check store windows or car mirrors to confirm if someone is behind you without turning around.

• Leverage your car alarm. If you have a key fob, press the panic button before reaching your car to draw attention and deter the follower.

• Keep a barrier between you. Position shopping carts or parked cars between you and the person as you move.

• Stay alert. Put your phone away and scan your surroundings. Awareness is your first line of defense. Eye contact with people around you can be a deterrent as it shows you are paying attention.

• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t ignore that gut feeling.

• Stay around other people. Head toward a well-lit, populated area or back inside the building.

• Have your keys ready. Avoid fumbling at your car door — this makes you vulnerable.

• Call for help/use your voice. Dial 911 or contact security immediately. If you can, share your location with a trusted person. If you feel threatened, loudly say something like “Stop following me!” to draw attention.

• Carry a legal self-defense tool. Pepper spray, personal alarms or tactical flashlights should be kept accessible, not buried in a bag.

Accidents happen. Learn what to do if you get sideswiped and what is considered a hit-and-run, and rest easy knowing you’re well-covered with auto insurance from AAA.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

If you live in the Northeast, it’s inevitable: You’ll have to drive in cold and slippery conditions.

Winter driving requires special precautions. Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that about 46% of crashes involving bad weather take place in the winter. And December through March can be an especially busy time for dead batteries, flat tires and vehicle extractions. (We’re here 24/7 to help!)

As motorists’ most trusted advocate, AAA is here to help keep you and your vehicle safe this winter. Check this guide throughout the season for winter driving tips.

Get Your Vehicle Ready

Before hitting the road, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is up for the challenge ahead. No list of winter driving tips would be complete without mentioning the importance of having a certified repair technician perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle. Find a AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility near you.

You should ask for checks covering each of the following areas.

Battery and Charging System

Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician, especially if your vehicle’s battery is more than three years old. Your vehicle will need a fully charged battery to start up during a cold snap.

“Even a good battery might lose up to 50% of its capacity when the temperature drops to zero,” said John Paul, AAA’s Car Doctor and senior traffic safety manager for AAA Northeast. “And even at 32 degrees, it can take up to 30% more power to crank over a cold engine.”

AAA members can request a visit from a AAA roadside technician to test their vehicle battery wherever they are and install replacements if necessary. Members also can visit AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities for battery tests and replacements.

Whether you check or a roadside technician does it for you, be sure that all battery posts are cleared of corrosion and all cable connections are tight.

“Many battery problems can be eliminated by cleaning the corrosion from the battery terminals,” Paul said.

Brakes

Have your vehicle’s brake system inspected by a certified technician as recommended by your car’s manufacturer. You can typically find these recommendations in your owner’s manual.

A brake inspection is needed if your dashboard brake light is illuminated or you notice pulsing, a steering pull, grinding sounds or other unusual noise when braking.

Coolant

Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability.

“A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water will protect your car’s engine to minus 34 degrees,” Paul said.

You can test the antifreeze protection level with an inexpensive tester available at any auto parts store. Check cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks and loose clamps, too. Any hoses that feel brittle or spongy when squeezed should probably be replaced.

Engine

Review your owner’s manual to see if your air filter needs to be replaced. Another way to check is to hold it up to a bright light. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it’s still clean enough to work effectively. If the light is blocked, replace it.

Some filters are made of opaque materials that don’t pass light. Replace these filters per automaker recommendations.

Don’t let a lingering check engine light go undiagnosed, and have a certified repair technician investigate any issues such as hard starting or stalling.

Inspect accessory drive belts for cracks or fraying, but stay mindful of newer serpentine belts, which don’t show obvious signs of wear but should be replaced every 60,000 miles or as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Exhaust

Your vehicle’s exhaust system is important. It carries away carbon monoxide and other harmful gases produced by your vehicle’s engine.

Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly. Have a certified repair technician check your exhaust system for leaks in order to minimize the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning. If your car is stuck in the snow and you have the engine running, open a window and clear snow away from the exhaust pipe.

Ignition

Damaged ignition wires, a cracked distributor cap or worn spark plugs can make starting difficult or cause a sudden vehicle breakdown.

“If the check engine light is flashing this indicates an engine misfire that could be a result of a malfunctioning ignition system,” Paul said. “Driving with a flashing check engine light will permanently damage the engine’s catalytic converter, and that’s a very expensive repair.”

Protect your wallet and avoid a headache by getting in front of potential trouble. Have your vehicle’s ignition system inspected by a certified repair technician.

Lights

Check the operation of all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and backup lights. Replace any burned out bulbs. Dirt and grime on headlight lenses can significantly reduce their effectiveness, and you’ll want your lights working properly to offset diminished visibility caused by winter storms.

“Cloudy headlight lenses can be polished back to like-new condition with specialized kits,” Paul said.

Oil

This is a year-round recommendation, but certainly worth attending to with the rest of your winter prep. Always have your oil changed per manufacturer recommendations. You should have your vehicle’s transmission fluid level checked at the same time.

“Synthetic oil is a benefit in every vehicle and will allow for quicker starts in very cold weather,” Paul said.

Tires

In areas with heavy winter weather, installing winter tires on all four wheels will provide the best traction. All-season tires work well in light-to-moderate snow conditions provided they have adequate tread depth. Examine tires for tread depth, uneven wearing and cupping. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage.

Tires with fewer than 4/32 inches of tread will have reduced traction in wet and snowy conditions. To measure tread depth, insert a quarter into a tread groove with the top of Washington’s head facing down. If the top of his head is not visible, your tires have at least 4/32 inches of tread and are fine for continued use. If you can see above the top of Washington’s head, it is time to start shopping for new tires. 

“To put it simply, worn tires in wet, slippery conditions are flat-out dangerous to you and other drivers sharing the road. Tires with lower tread depths can’t stop as quickly as those with proper depth,” Paul said. “Having tires in proper condition can easily be the difference between a serious crash, and a collision that never happened.”

In extreme climates, a set of winter snow tires or chains may be a wise investment.

Check tire pressure once a month before driving, when tires are cold. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures — typically by 1 pound per square inch for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Proper tire pressure levels can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver’s doorjamb. The number molded into the tire sidewall is not recommended for normal operating condition. This specification is for a tire that is carrying its maximum rated payload.

“Cold weather can turn on tire pressure monitoring lights. Don’t ignore the light; have the tire pressure checked and corrected as necessary,” Paul said.

Washer Fluid

Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components.

Said Paul: “Some window washer solution is rated to just 20 degrees. In cold weather, this solution can freeze and damage the washer system. Look for windshield washer fluid that protects well below freezing temperatures.”

Wipers

Wiper blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. Consider installing wiper blades that have a one-piece plastic beam frame or winter blades that wrap the metal frame in a rubber boot. Both designs help prevent snow and ice buildup that can interfere with blade-to-glass contact.

Get Yourself Ready

• AAA advises drivers to choose warm, comfortable clothing. Heavy garments and thick gloves are great outside but aren’t ideal for driving. A zip-fastened, lined jacket and a pair of thin leather gloves are good bets for winter driving. They’re warm, allow movement and are good inside and outside your vehicle.

• If you are transporting a child in a car seat, they also shouldn’t be too bundled up. The extra padding of a winter coat can interfere with the child safety seat harness. A light fleece jacket or even securing the child in the car seat and putting their coat on over them is a much safer solution.

• As you would before any drive, adjust your seat so that you are no closer than 10 inches to the steering wheel and you can clearly see the road. Check your mirrors, adjust if necessary, and adjust your safety belt so it sits low across your hips and across the center of your chest.

• Sunglasses are always good to have, especially to combat strong snow glare.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

• Don’t warm up your car in an enclosed space. Dangerous fumes can turn lethal in a hurry. You also shouldn’t drive if you’re fatigued. That’s a bad idea any time, especially when inclement weather calls for drivers to be alert.

• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full to avoid potential gas station lines, or a frozen gas line. And don’t worry about extensive engine warm-ups. They might make the cabin nice and toasty, but they aren’t necessary, even on the coldest mornings. “Once the car is running, you’ve dialed up your favorite radio station and your seat belt is fastened, drive reasonably until the engine comes up to operating temperature. It’s a more fuel-efficient approach,” said Paul.

• Don’t pull away until your windshield is completely defrosted and all snow is removed from your car. That includes the roof, taillights, headlights and side mirrors.

• Don’t let speed limits dictate how fast you travel. They’re set for ideal road and weather conditions, not slippery pavement. Along those lines, leave additional following distance. A good following distance on dry roads is three to four seconds behind the car in front of you, but six to 10 seconds is a good distance on ice and snow. Even if you have all-wheel- or four-wheel-drive, it will still take you just as long to stop as vehicles with rear- or front-wheel-drive. The advantage of all-wheel- and four-wheel-drive is that it’s easier to get moving on a snowy road.

• Moderate is the word to have in mind when accelerating, steering and braking. Watch the traffic ahead of you and slow down at the sight of brake lights, skidding vehicles or emergency lights. If you find yourself in a skid, look and steer where you want to go. Avoid slamming on the brakes.

• Avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy or snowy weather. It can get frozen and may not disengage.

• If you’re traveling across a bridge at the start of a storm, keep in mind that the surface will likely freeze before typical roads.

• Intersections can be especially slippery as ice thaws from the heat of idling vehicles. “Water on top of ice is a very dangerous situation,” Paul said.

• Lay off the cruise control. Summer will be here soon enough.

• Avoid unnecessary lane changes. Changing lanes increases your chances of hitting ice between lanes, which could cause a loss of traction and, potentially, a crash.

• Don’t power up snow-covered hills. It’s not easy for a vehicle to climb an icy road. If you’re stuck and you hit the gas, you may just spin your tires. If you must climb such an incline, try to get a little momentum going and let that carry you up. When you come to the crest, slow down and proceed cautiously, and slowly, downhill.

• Don’t try to brake on ice if you can avoid it. If you’re approaching an area and you spot ice, apply your brakes on clear pavement to reduce speed. “Black ice, sometimes referred to as flash ice, can catch even an experienced driver by surprise,” Paul said. “Black ice happens when a thin layer of moisture freezes on the roadway, and it can be very dangerous.”

• If you have anti-lock brakes, you can press hard on the pedal. It might vibrate a bit, but that’s normal. Vehicles with anti-lock brake systems allow drivers to brake and steer at the same time, possibly avoiding a collision.

• Do not send or read text messages, or engage in other distracting behavior.

Winter driving is difficult for all motorists, but particularly so for new and improving drivers. Learn to become a lifelong safe driver — in all conditions — with the AAA Defensive Driving Course.

Be Prepared for an Emergency 

Even if your vehicle is ready for winter and you follow all of the winter driving tips spelled out here, there is a chance you could be stuck with your vehicle for an extended period of time.

Be prepared for such a situation by carrying an emergency road kit with the following items:

• Mobile phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services.

• Mobile phone car charger.

• Drinking water or sports drink.

• First-aid kit –including any necessary medication.

• Non-perishable food for humans and pets.

• Traction aids (sand, salt, non-clumping cat litter, traction mats).

• Snow shovel.

•  Blankets.

• Extra warm clothing (gloves, boots, hats, scarves).

• Flashlight with extra batteries.

• Window washer solvent.

• Ice scraper with brush.

• Cloth or roll of paper towels.

• Jumper cables.

• Warning devices (flares or triangles).

• Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench).

Here are a few other tips to remember during such an emergency:

• Stay with your vehicle. It provides shelter and makes it easy for emergency responders to find you.

• Don’t try to walk anywhere, especially in a storm. You could lose track of your vehicle, and if you lost control of your vehicle in a certain area, other vehicles might do the same.

• Don’t push yourself too hard trying to get your vehicle out of the snow. Let a AAA roadside technician help. They do it all the time.

• Let others know you’re in distress by tying a bright cloth to your vehicle’s antenna or placing a cloth at the top of a rolled-up window. You can leave your dome lights on at night, too, which is another reason you’ll want to have your battery checked first.

• Check to see if your exhaust pipe is clogged. If it is, do not run your engine. Doing so could lead to deadly carbon monoxide flooding the cabin.

• If you’ve brought winter clothes, great. If not, don’t be afraid to use floor mats or other items in your car for warmth.

• If your exhaust pipe is clear, you can run the engine and heater for warmth but stay mindful of conserving fuel.

• If you’re embarking on a long-distance trip, check out weather reports or weather apps before you leave. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.

Ways to Enhance Your Winter Driving Experience

If you’re looking for advice on what makes a good winter ride, John Paul and Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manager of public affairs for AAA Northeast, are good people to talk to. They’re both expert test drivers who have first-hand knowledge of how various vehicles stack up with Northeast weather, and they both believe winter performance starts from the ground up.

What are the best cars for winter driving?

“A pickup is the ideal winter vehicle for my money,” said Sinclair. Besides the over-the-road prowess, a big roomy pickup is supremely comfortable.”

All-wheel and four-wheel-drive vehicles are helpful, too, especially when vehicles with these features also have higher ground clearance. Still, Paul added, the system doesn’t change physics — driving too fast for winter conditions will surely result in a poor outcome on the road.

As for vehicle weight, driving dynamics is more important to a vehicle’s winter driving prowess than its mass.

“A wallowy, poor handling vehicle in clear weather is going to be a lousy vehicle in bad weather no matter how much it weighs,” Sinclair said. “I’d rather have a light Volkswagen Passat with winter tires than a similarly equipped, much heavier Buick LaCrosse.”

Should you be using different gasoline in the winter?

Believe it or not, you already are.

Gasoline blends change with the seasons. The difference involves fuel’s Reid vapor pressure, a measure of how easily fuel evaporates at a given temperature. The more volatile a gasoline, the higher its pressure and the easier it evaporates.

Winter blend fuel has higher pressure because the fuel must be able to evaporate at low temperatures for the engine to operate properly, especially when the engine is cold. If the pressure is too low on a frigid day, the vehicle will be hard to start and once started, will run rough.

Summer blend gasoline has lower pressure. This prevents excessive evaporation when outside temperatures rise. Reducing the volatility of summer gas decreases emissions that can contribute to unhealthy ozone and smog levels. Lower pressure also helps prevent drivability problems such as vapor lock on hot days, especially in older vehicles.

The Environmental Protection Agency says conventional summer-blend gasoline contains 1.7% more energy than winter-blend gas, which is one reason why gas mileage is slightly better in the summer. The summer-blend, however, is also more expensive to produce, which is why gas prices tend to spike a bit at the start of the summer driving season.

The switch between the two fuels happens twice a year, once in the fall to winter blend, and again in the spring, to summer blend.

As a consumer, the main thing to understand is that there are real reasons for the switch from winter to summer blend fuel, even if it results in some pain at the pump.

What if you don’t want your car out in the snow?

Even the best winter driving tips aren’t enough to convince some drivers to take their prized vehicles out in the snow. Many store their cars in fall, before the worst weather sets in. Here are some tips to make sure you are doing it the right way.

Your AAA membership covers you with 24/7 roadside assistance. If you need us, request service quickly and easily at AAA.com/GetMoving.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

You don’t have to be a cat lover to enjoy this puzzle featuring felines in history, culture and everyday life.

It’s the holiday season: Learn how to keep all your pets safe from potential holiday hazards.

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EPISODE SUMMARY

Are you ready to tackle home improvement projects but aren’t sure where to begin? In the Season 2 finale of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti sits down with do-it-yourself renovator and creator Kat Sanders, who transformed an old cow shed into a stunning family home and built a thriving online business along the way.

From budget home decor ideas and interior design tips to the emotional side of creating a space that feels authentically you, Kat shares her journey in an episode filled with inspiration, encouragement and practical advice for anyone ready to roll up their sleeves and bring their dream DIY home renovation to life.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

• You don’t need a degree to create a beautiful home. Use these interior design tips to focus on how you want your space to feel. Whether your vision is calm, cozy or energized, build it from there.
• You will never regret starting. Simple upgrades, like applying DIY wall paneling or using peel-and-stick wallpaper, can spark joy and help you build the skills needed for bigger projects.
• Take your time. Live in the space to understand how you use it before rushing into major changes. The best design choices often come from patience and reflection, helping you avoid renovation decision paralysis.
• Beauty is important, but function is key. When planning kitchen renovations or tackling other complex areas, prioritize what fits your lifestyle rather than just copying a Pinterest image.
• Smart design doesn’t have to be expensive. Use budget home decor ideas, set a financial buffer for surprises, and try second-hand furniture styling to add character without breaking the bank.
• Errors are part of the process. Whether it is water-damaged flooring or common kitchen lighting layout mistakes, don’t let setbacks stop you. Every mistake is a lesson that makes you more capable for the next project.
• Confidence is built project by project. The more you try, the more you learn — and the more you realize you’re more capable than you think.

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TRANSCRIPT

[00:00:02] Sabrina Pierotti: So, if there’s one thing you should know about me it’s that I love everything home, and I especially love creating a space in my home that is warm and feels like me. And I also have to admit that I kind of love impressing my guests with my home decor. So, I have spent many hours watching HGTV. And one day I was watching a show, and I got really inspired over how impactful just wallpaper could be, not only on a wall but also on furniture. Because at the time, I had recently bought a very light wood bookshelf. By itself, it looked pretty flat and one of my biggest design inspirations are those mosaic tiles that you see in like Portugal or Italy. So, I bought a wallpaper with these blue mosaic tiles, and I put this wallpaper along the back side of the bookshelf and on the front of the drawers. And to this day, I get the most compliments on this bookshelf. And I have to say it’s one of the pieces in our home that I’m most proud of.

So, snuggle up and get those Pinterest boards loaded, because after this episode, you are going to want to revamp your space. Welcome back to Merging Into Life. I’m your host, Sabrina Pierotti, and in this episode of our Everyday Mastery series, we’re tackling one of the most rewarding and, sometimes, most frustrating parts of adulting, making your house feel like a home. Whether you’re dreaming of a kitchen reno, debating DIY versus just hiring somebody, or just trying to figure out which paint goes where and what color to choose. Joining me today is Kat, a home DIY creator who’s taken her own renovation journey and turned it into a platform to inspire others to take on projects with confidence and creativity.

Hi Kat, thank you so much for joining with me. I’m so, so, so excited for this chat today, because I’m such a lover of everything home. And as I’ve gotten older, I’m really, like, fully embracing that fact about myself that I love being home and spending, like, literally as much time as possible at my home. I want to start off by talking about your home. So, you’ve been renovating your beautiful home for the past 10 years, and it used to be a cow shed. I was on your Instagram looking at videos, and that skylight in your, like, living room-kitchen space is, oh my gosh, stunning — like out of this world. Did you have an experience with home design prior or is this something that you’re like, you know, what I just feel like I need to redo the space.

[00:02:42] Kat Sanders: So, I, well actually, this is the first big project I’ve ever had. So, I’ve, I was the sort of person that grew up looking at sort of interior design catalogs, like children look at toys. I was looking at interior design catalogs. I’ve always had an interest in it. So, yeah, it’s a big project, and we’ve been doing it about 10 years, and it’s still going. I haven’t finished.

[00:03:01] Sabrina Pierotti: You mentioned that when you moved into your home, the layout didn’t really work for your modern family life. So, what were those big things that you wanted to change, and how did you even start that?

[00:03:11] Kat Sanders: Yeah. So when we moved in, it was interesting, because it’s like your cow shed, and it was my husband’s grandparents’, and they really made it for themselves. So, it was great for them. And they were sort of an elderly couple, and it’s perfect for them. But it obviously didn’t work for us with a young family. So, the first thing that I really wanted to change was the amount of light that came into the property, because it was quite dark, and the major issue I had was we had this really gorgeous long garden, and you couldn’t see any of it from the house. So, we had a teeny tiny window on the room that was backed onto the garden and an old conservatory, but you couldn’t see any of the garden. And I think, when we had our first child, we sort of realized quite quickly that we needed somewhere where we could be, where I could cook, where we could see our children and also where we could see them in the garden as well.

[00:03:57] Sabrina Pierotti: So, where did you go for inspiration?

[00:04:00] Kat Sanders: I’m pretty sure I got all my inspiration from Instagram. You know, I run my own Instagram account and pretty much all of my followers are interested in interiors, and I follow pretty much only interiors accounts. So, I basically just had a look at what other people had done, and I sort of tried to make it fit for what I wanted, what would be practical, but also what would look good.

[00:04:19] Sabrina Pierotti: My husband and I are moving next summer. And we’ve lived in our current apartment for about 10 years by the time we move. And it’s like amazing that we’ve even stayed here this long, and we’re up-leveling and moving into like a totally new build. And I already know like what vision I want. Like I definitely want the decor to be what we were talking about earlier, countryside, specifically like French countryside. So, a lot of muted neutral colors and like natural materials like stone and wood. So, when you moved into this space, did you have a certain type of vision? Because when we look at your home, it’s very cohesive looking, which I love.

[00:04:58] Kat Sanders: To be honest, when I first moved in, no, I did not. And I actually made a lot of errors really in what I did. I don’t think a theme is necessarily vital. You’re making a space to live in that you love. And so, for some people, that will be, I want a cohesive theme, and I want every room to flow into the next one. And for other people, that isn’t the case. And that’s absolutely fine, because ultimately, you’re the person that lives in it. A lot of people think, oh, you’ve got to think of resale, and you’ve got to think of value and things. And that is a factor, but ultimately, you are building a home. So, it needs to work for you.

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[00:05:28] Sabrina Pierotti: What did your experience with that teach you?

[00:05:31] Kat Sanders: So, I know when I moved in, I definitely just sort of went gung-ho right into it, and I just sort of painted everything white. And even now, to this day, 10 years later, my hallway is still that same white, because I’ve just not got around to changing it. So, I do think living in a space for a period of time and feeling how you sort of live in that space is really important before jumping into making any sort of rash decisions and getting as much inspiration as possible from various sources. I will quite often come across a kitchen, and I think, oh gosh, I wish I did my kitchen like that. I love that. I wish I’d seen that before I did my kitchen. So, I don’t think you’re ever going to 100 percent get it perfect, but it’s got to be good enough, I think, good enough for you and how you live in your home. And for me, one of the most important things is feeling sort of a calm space in my home. I don’t want to come home and feel overwhelmed or overstimulated, because I’ve got three children, so that’s kind of how I sort of evolved my style was trying to create that in all the rooms in a cohesive way but trying to keep it muted and calm.

[00:06:30] Sabrina Pierotti: I like that you brought in like the emotion that you want to feel when you’re at home.

[00:06:34] Kat Sanders: I think that’s a really good place to start. Say, for example, in my living room, we’ve got like a really old fireplace. And so, I sort of had to, and that’s something you have to keep. It’s an original feature. You can’t get rid of it. So, you kind of have to build around what you’ve got. So, you’ve got to start taking what you’ve already got as well and try and build that into whatever it is that you want to create.

[00:06:50] Sabrina Pierotti: I love that. So, say somebody is like, OK, you’ve already sold me, like I am going to renovate my kitchen, or I am going to redecorate my whole home. A big issue is that people are very hesitant to just start.

[00:07:06] Kat Sanders: My mentality is, for most things, what’s the worst that can happen? What is the worst thing that can happen? Especially when you’re talking about minor things like paint. People are a bit scared, but we’ll put it on the wall. What’s the worst that could happen? It’s paint. Obviously, kitchens are expensive, so you do have to be pretty sure that you’re doing the right thing, but I think the kitchens are the hub of the home, and they can make such a difference to how you live in a space. So, we extended the house, and we now have, obviously, a bigger house. So, I mean, that would be my advice is what is the worst that could happen, really. And it will probably change the way that you live, in your home in a really positive way.

[00:07:42] Sabrina Pierotti: Yeah, absolutely. You just got to get started, and then it’s like, oh, this wasn’t that bad. Now, when walking into an empty, wide-open space that’s going to get renovated, it can feel very intimidating, which I think leads to that hesitation to just even get started. Do you have a formula, so to speak, of the best way to tackle a new space?

[00:08:04] Kat Sanders: Yeah, I would say that’s pretty similar to how I’d work. I would most likely pick a color, so it would be a color as a focal point, and then, I would build on there. So, like, you say, color on the walls, and then, perhaps flooring, and then, maybe, textures. But for me, a big thing is practicality as well, and I think it’s possibly because I’m a mum of three. Although I love beautiful interiors, I know that some beautiful interiors are just not going to be practical for me. I love marble, for example, but I’m not going get myself a marble worktop because I just know it’s not practical for me. So, a big thing for me is the colors and the textures, but also practicality. How are you going to use that space? So obviously it’s dependent on the room. But if you are, say, renovating a living room, where you’re going to put your TV. Don’t want the light shining on it from a window so that when you’re trying to watch the TV, you can’t see it, you can’t see the television. And if you’re talking about a kitchen, what things do you need in that kitchen in order for it to function? How far away do you want the sink from the cooker? All those sorts of things. And then, you’d slowly build up kind of an idea of where things are going to go in that space. But like you say, I think my starting point would be, if we’re talking things looking good, it’s always the color that I want to start with. And then I sort of build on that, yeah.

[00:09:12] Sabrina Pierotti: That’s such a good starting point. Do you have another, like, home reno hack that anyone can easily do just to like instantly elevate a space? If somebody just wants a quick refresh, what would that look like?

[00:09:25] Kat Sanders: So, if you wanted a really quick refresh, I think the quickest thing you could do to transform a room is a bit of paneling on the wall. And pretty much anybody can do it. It’s so easy. And actually, a lot of places now, a lot of places where you can buy the wood, they’ll actually cut it for you to size. So, you wouldn’t even necessarily have to have the right tools if you could measure the space and tell them exactly what widths and things you want it they’d be able to cut it for you, and then, all you’ve got to do is stick it on the wall, and it will it take you probably a few hours, and it would completely transform how a room looks. So, it’s a really good way to transform a space, but also, it’s quite traditional, I think. So, it’s not necessarily going to go out of fashion. There’s loads of wallpapers now that are paste-to–the-wall. So, I mean, I’m wallpapering at the moment. They’re paste-to-the-walls, and I’m just amazed at how quick it is. So, you just literally get it all over the wall, and then you can stick it right on.

[00:10:13] Sabrina Pierotti: Now, renovation can rarely go as planned, and I’m sure in your 10 years of experience, you have seen your fair share. Can you share a moment or two that something just did not go the way you planned, and what did you learn from it, and most importantly, how did you recover from it?

[00:10:30] Kat Sanders: One of the things that definitely didn’t, that didn’t kind of come out as how I envisioned was the lighting in the kitchen. I think when you’re renovating, you get really overwhelmed with just all the decisions that you have to make. And you just sort of end up with decision overwhelm and you sort of can’t make any decisions. And I remember the electrician turning up in our kitchen to put the spotlights in and I hadn’t thought about where they were going to go or how many they were gonna be. And I just sort of said, oh, you can decide. I thought, as the expert, the electrician, he’ll know how many lights to put in. He even does it every day and he just put way too many lights in. And sometimes I turn them on, I think, God, why did I do that? Why didn’t I think a little bit more about the lighting? It’s such an important thing. But again, at the time, I was overwhelmed. It’s something that I wish I had thought about and I wish I’d done it a bit slower. But when you are in the midst of a big renovation, it’s very difficult to keep on top of all these decisions all the time. But I would say, don’t forget your lighting. It’s a really important part of any room is how you’re going to light it and really doing that with intention, because I definitely didn’t do that. I have way too many spotlights in my kitchen. We’ve had a few instances with plumbing where I just laid in an oak parquet floor, and we had a plumber around for a reason, I can’t remember. And he for somehow there was a leak, and I hadn’t sealed this floor, and it had only been down a few days, and it just went all over this oak. It soaked because it wasn’t sealed it just soaked right into the wood, and I was pretty gutted about that but I had to just spend hours sanding, hours sanding it back to try and get the color back, and and try and remove some of the spots of water. And it didn’t do a perfect job. There are still spots of the water on there, but again, it’s not perfect but realistically it’s fine. No one else would notice but me.

[00:12:16] Sabrina Pierotti: Oh my gosh, I can only imagine how I would be. I want to talk about analysis paralysis and decision overwhelm. Have you learned how to be more decisive with your decision making over the past 10 years?

[00:12:29] Kat Sanders: You’ve got to have lists. You’ve got to have lists somewhere like on your phone or written down, because you do. Otherwise, you’re just going to miss something. Because, like you say, there’s just so many decisions to make. But yeah, I definitely think I’ve become a lot better at decision making. I’ve definitely become a little more confident in that kind of aspect.

[00:12:43] Sabrina Pierotti: Now, I want to talk about money, specifically a budget. Like, this is always a huge factor, as it should be. What are some ways that you’ve learned to structure your budget without compromising on style and quality? And is there a way somebody can figure out a good budget for a home rental or even just like a quick refresh of a room? Like, what’s a good starting point?

[00:13:07] Kat Sanders: Yeah, it depends how big you’re talking, but if you’re talking on a big scale renovation with extensions and things, the best thing you can do is get multiple quotes from multiple different companies. Don’t just get one and think that’s how much it costs, because the costs can vary hugely. It’s going to vary depending on area. It’s obviously going to vary depending on spec, but you’ve got to get multiple quotes, and then, once you’ve got multiple quotes, you’ve got to have a certain amount saved up but it is not part of that budget, because you will overspend in some way. There’s just, it always happens. Something will happen, something will go wrong, or you will decide on a change, and it will cost you more money. So, you’ve got to have that kind of safety net, I would say. But in terms of trying to stretch your budget, things that you can do yourself, you should do yourself. Even though it’s hard work and some of it’s boring. Like painting, obviously dull, it takes ages. If you’re painting white, it’s even worse, but you can save so much money doing it yourself. And one of the things that I’ve definitely got more into is getting sort of second-hand furniture. Because you can get really good, solid, good-quality furniture that is so much better than what you’d get like in a flat pack that you get delivered from the internet. Second-hand furniture can bring a lot of character, and it’s a really good way of stretching your budget, and charity shops are incredible for artwork and things like that. Most of my artwork is second hand from charity shops.

[00:14:25] Sabrina Pierotti: Now we kind of touched on this earlier, but one of the biggest takeaways of just doing something yourself is the confidence and just being proud of yourself. And one of my favorite projects that I’ve done here is I just bought like a basic bookshelf, and it just looked like very like bland. And so, I bought this like very pretty blue mosaic tile wallpaper, and I put it behind the shelves and like on front of the cabinet drawers. And it brought so much personality to it. And that’s one of the biggest things people compliment me on. They’re like, it’s such a good little hack. And that’s really the only, one of the only DIY things I’ve done in our home, but I’m so proud of it. How has DIY or just home renos and just the home that you’ve created for your family over the past decade, how has that shifted your confidence and just your overall mindset?

[00:15:18] Kat Sanders: Yeah, I definitely think it’s massively increased my confidence. I think I just sort of got to the point where I thought, well, there isn’t any actual reason why I can’t do this, that I can do this. So, and if I don’t try, then I’ll never know. And I grew up watching my dad do DIY. So, I sort of been in my life since I was little. And that’s how I suppose I learned a lot. And he did all the DIY in our home. And he is the person that I will ring if, you know, I don’t know how to approach something or has he ever done this? I’ll speak to him and ask whether he’s done it, and he’s helped me with loads of projects. But I think it’s also empowering. I’ve got two daughters, and I want them to see that women are able to do these things. There’s no reason why you’re not capable of doing these things, but it’s important for me that they see that as a role model, I suppose. Because I want them to feel confident that they can do anything that they set their mind to, regardless of their gender. But yeah, it’s definitely given me so much more confidence, and more than that, it’s actually given me a business as well. So, when I see my Instagram and the content that I create for other businesses and that’s given me a massive amount of confidence in myself as well, sort of standing in front of a camera, because I’m talking about something that a couple years ago would have been quite intimidating, but now it’s sort of like water off a duck’s back, I do all the time. But yeah, so my confidence is massively increased, my confidence. And I’m just really pleased that I actually picked up that paintbrush for the first time and did it, really.

[00:16:44] Sabrina Pierotti: That is so cool. How did your online community, which is very impressive by the way, kudos to you on that because that is so hard to build, how did that happen? Was it something that just organically you started to share and people started to be really interested in what you were creating or was it more intentional?

[00:17:04] Kat Sanders: It definitely started off organically, and then it just sort of spiraled and grew. And then, when I was on maternity leave with my third child, about 2½ years ago, I just thought, I’m going to take this really seriously, and I’m going to treat it like a business, which is what it is. And that was the point where I really started to really intentionally thinking about what I was doing and what I was posting. And that’s when I started making content for not just myself, but for other brands as well, which I don’t post, they post. So, that’s, when it was really sort of 2½ years ago, and I just thought, if I’m going to do it. I’m going to do it properly. And that’s when I thought, I think I also started putting myself in front of the camera rather than just perhaps my projects in front of the camera. And I think that probably helps perhaps with the algorithm and things like that, if they see a face there. But yeah, I was really, I mean, I’ve had it for years and years, so it’s been a sort of a slow build, but it’s really taken off for me as a sort of business project in the last sort of 2½ years. Because that’s when I decided I was going to like knuckle down and do it properly and actually take it seriously. Yeah. And I’m really proud, and it’s something I’m very proud of as well.

[00:18:05] Sabrina Pierotti: You absolutely should be. I see a future HGTV show in your future.

[00:18:09] Kat Sanders: Oh, imagine.

[00:18:11] Sabrina Pierotti: Now, as we start to wrap up the show, if there’s someone right now that’s listening that wants to start their first home project this weekend, what is the simplest advice that you can give and leave them with today?

[00:18:24] Kat Sanders: The simplest advice is, and I said it before, what is the worst that could happen? What is the worst that can happen? Very little things can be not fixed really. So, I would just give it a go. And if you’ve never done anything before, though I slated it a minute ago, flat pack furniture is a really great place to learn, because it’s a nightmare to put together, but you will learn a lot, because you’ve got to use a lot of tools, and then, like I said before, another sort and like you were saying wallpaper but wall paneling. They’re all really good starting points for really transforming a space if you’ve not done anything like that before. But the best advice I can give is what is the worst that can happen just give it a go really.

[00:19:01] Sabrina Pierotti: So good, Kat, where can people go and find you if they want to check out your space and learn from you?

[00:19:08] Kat Sanders: OK, so mainly, I’m mostly on Instagram. So, my Instagram handle is @thebarnrenovation. I am also on TikTok with the same handle, and you can find me at www.thebarnrenovation.com as well.

[00:19:19] Sabrina Pierotti: Amazing. Thank you so much. This has been amazing. And I am feeling motivated already to just to move and get this French countryside theme underway. Thank you so much for listening to Merging Into Life. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s ready to tackle their next home project. And since this is our final episode of the season, we just wanted to say thank you so much for joining us on this journey. We really hope that these conversations helped you feel more confident navigating everyday life one step at a time. If you enjoyed the show, do us a very quick favor, hit that like button, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’d love it too. It helps more than you know, and it keeps the good stuff coming your way. Thanks for being part of the ride.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of AAA Northeast, AAA and/or its affiliates.

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*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of AAA Northeast, AAA and/or its affiliates.

A new cultural obsession seems to be taking over.

Suddenly, protein is everywhere: in the cereal aisle, in the frozen food section beckoning from a pint of ice cream and even snacks — protein chips are a thing now, too. With protein permeating the zeitgeist more lately, you may be asking yourself why.

Food trends are nothing new. There was the low-calorie era, then low fat, low carb and so on. It’s no surprise that a new fad has entered the chat. But it’s the way that protein is talked about that makes it different from the others. Instead of restricting, protein is all about more. The more you eat, the more muscle you’ll build, the more satiated you’ll feel and the more energy you’ll have.

So, is all this protein really necessary or just the latest gimmick? The short answer is kind of both.

Why Is Protein Good For Us?

Protein is an important part of any balanced diet, and eating enough of it helps our bodies in many ways.

Consuming enough protein on a regular basis helps to rebuild your muscles after strenuous activity. Paired with fiber, protein is also a great way to stay fuller longer as it increases satiety and, as a biproduct, may help weight loss management. Plus, our bodies use more energy to digest protein than they do for fats or carbohydrates. This increases metabolism and makes for more efficient calorie-burning.

Protein also plays an important role in our bone and heart health and is the building block for healthy skin, hair and nails.

How Much Protein Should We Eat Daily?

As an essential macronutrient, protein is found in every cell in the human body. To regulate these parts of our body, we need to consume enough protein to maintain the status quo. But status quo looks different for everyone.

The amount of protein you need will depend on your calorie intake, per Medline Plus. The recommended amount of protein per day for a healthy adult is 10% to 35% of your total calorie needs. This means that someone who eats 2,000 calories per day could eat  about 100 grams of protein.

Need help figuring out your protein intake? Try this protein calculator that gives basic protein intake recommendations from multiple institutions in one place.

Protein-Packed Foods to Prioritize

Not all proteins are created equal.

When it comes to eating a protein-rich diet, try to stick to whole foods, like meats (chicken, tuna and salmon can provide 25 to 27 grams of protein per serving), eggs, tofu, cooked beans or lentils. Nuts and seeds, like walnuts and sunflower seeds, are also good sources of protein per serving according to Medline Plus. Cottage cheese has had a resurgence in popularity for its high-protein content and ability to be mixed or added into pretty much anything from egg wraps to cookie dough.

With snack protein, like processed protein bars, beverages, chips or jerky sticks, the nutritional value leaves much to be desired. These types of products may have a good amount of protein per serving, but also have high sodium, sugar and saturated fat, making them less healthy than they may appear. 90.8% of foods with protein claims received a “less healthy” classification from the Pan-American Health Organization and the World Health Organization, according to Medical News Today. The same model also found that, “about one-fifth of these products had sweeteners, about one-quarter had high free sugar or saturated fat and over 50% had high fat or sodium content.”

The key is everything in moderation, however. If you love your post-workout protein shake, that’s OK — just swap it for a whole protein every once in a while.  

This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or starting any new nutrition plan.

Tell us how you meet your protein quota in the comments!

The holiday season is a time for celebration and good tidings, but it can also present a specific set of worries if you have a pet. From tempting but dangerous foods to harmful decorations, there are lots of unsuspecting risks that could put your beloved furry friend in danger.

Whether you’re staying home for the holidays or bringing your pet along to a gathering, stay cognizant of these potential hazards to keep your pet safe this holiday season.

Decorations

Decorations can be mesmerizing to pets, and that’s part of the problem. Because it stays packed away for most of the year, pets are curious and more likely to tamper with holiday decor. Christmas trees, for example, are notorious for attracting curious kitties. In this instance, find a way to secure your tree to prevent it from toppling over and potentially harming your pet as a result. Avoid using breakable ornaments at the bottom of the tree and opt for shatterproof decorations.

Tinsel and ribbon are also irresistible for pets, but if ingested can cause serious intestinal blockages that may require surgery. Keep these types of decorations out of reach or avoid using them altogether. When wrapping presents, designate a wrapping room or area that’s inaccessible to your pets where ribbon and the like are safely stored away.

If using string lights indoors, make sure to tape down or cover cords to discourage any chewing, which could result in electrical burns or shock. Speaking of mood lighting – while balsam and cinnamon scented candles are a staple for the season, always place them in areas of your home that are out of reach from your pets to avoid a potentially dangerous fire hazard.

Holiday Plants  

Many traditional holiday plants, while lovely to look at, are toxic to pets.

Poinsettias, although less dangerous than commonly thought, can still cause irritation to the mouth and stomach if chewed. Mistletoe and holly are more harmful, leading to serious gastrointestinal upset or even cardiovascular issues. Lilies are particularly lethal to cats, even in small quantities.

If you have pets in your home, consider using artificial plants made from silk or plastic to decorate, or make sure any real plants are kept far out of reach from any curious paws.

At The Dinner Table

One of the most common holiday temptations for pets comes from the kitchen. Rich, fatty foods like turkey skin and gravy can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. In addition, bones from holiday meals – no matter how big – can splinter and cause choking or internal punctuation, which could lead to bleeding.

Many pet owners are aware that chocolate is dangerous to consume, but what about raisins? How about xylitol? All of these ingredients commonly found in holiday sweet treats are extremely toxic and can cause liver failure, even in small amounts. To avoid any mishaps, make sure to inform your guests about the importance of not feeding table scraps to your pets, and keep snacks and sweets away from table edges where they could be stealthily snatched.

Travel Safety

For some, the holidays are synonymous with travelling, and if you’re taking your pet with you on the road there are some safety measures to keep top of mind.

When driving, put your pet in a secure crate or use a pet seatbelt. Never let your pet roam freely in the car, as sudden stops can lead to serious injury. Before you leave, double check that your pet’s pet ID and microchip are up to date with your correct contact information.

If you’re flying for the holidays, check with your airline for their pet travel policies and consult with your vet about how to make the trip as stress-free as possible.

No matter how diligent you are when it comes to your pet’s safety, accidents can still happen. In these unpredictable moments, a pet insurance policy through AAA can provide the ultimate peace of mind. With pet insurance, you’ll have coverage for unexpected vet visits and emergencies, ensuring that your pet gets the care they need without causing financial strain.

Talk to a AAA insurance agent about pet coverage options.

Before we dive into Hot Wheels history and the backstory of these beloved toy cars, let us set the scene:

Prior to the 1968 New York Toy Fair, the Mattel company invited a Kmart executive to its Los Angeles headquarters for a preview of its newest product. The toy maker was hoping to get a head start on its goal of securing 5 million orders from retailers. After watching a 1/64-scale muscle car replica shoot down a track and across the floor, the executive ordered 50 million cars on the spot.

By perfectly merging technical excellence and cultural significance, these toys became an immediate hit. And though Hot Wheels history began more than a half-century ago, those attributes have made the miniature toys as popular today as they have ever been.

“The car has always been more than just a mode of transportation,” says Bruce Pascal, owner of the world’s largest Hot Wheels collection. “It’s a thing of beauty. It’s a thing of awe. The automobile is something that’s so relevant and many times it’s one of the first things children do – learn the names of the car and identify cars as they drive by. And many times, they get that education through Hot Wheels.”

Hot Wheels History Begins

Toy cars were anything but a novel idea in the 1960s. Tens of millions, including Matchbox, Husky and Budgie models, were already being produced each year. The market was so saturated, in fact, that when Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler suggested the toy maker manufacture its own line of cars, he was met with healthy doses of apprehension and opposition from his colleagues. Even his wife and Mattel’s second-in-command, Ruth, had her doubts.

But Handler saw something the others didn’t. Or, more precisely, he saw what wasn’t there. Toy cars of the day were more miniature automobile replicas appealing to collectors than exciting toys for kids to play with and enjoy. Elliott knew there wasn’t room for another toy car similar to those already on the shelves – so he set out to create a better one. His dream was to manufacture a radical, yet realistic-looking toy car that could move on its own.

A Car That Shines …

Knowing the success of these new cars depended on their design and functionality, Elliot recruited talent from outside the toy world to help in development. This included Harry Bentley Bradley, a car designer from General Motors, and Jack Ryan, a Yale-educated missile systems engineer. They became two members of Mattel’s uniquely diverse employee pool. The company was known for hiring the best and brightest, regardless of sex, race, religion or background. In this sense, it was an outlier in the mid-1900s. But a diverse workforce brought new ideas and fresh perspectives, which is precisely what would be needed if the toy maker wanted to create a product the world had never seen.

Elliot encouraged his employees to take their own approach to solving problems. This philosophy gave the Hot Wheels team the creative freedom to take inspiration from popular culture. Fast, funs cars were all the rage in the 1960s. The Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro were born. Steve McQueen was racing through the streets of San Francisco in “Bullitt.” The Beach Boys were owning the airwaves with odes to their coupes, T-birds and 409 engines. Amid this cultural backdrop, designers homed in on the evolving Southern California hot rod world. Not only did these race cars have the eye-catching aesthetic Mattel was looking for, they were custom-built for the same thing the toy maker aspired for its cars: speed.

… And Moves

To outpace past the competition, Mattel wanted its cars to not only be able to move on their own, but move with speed.

Engineers went to work building a miniature car that could accelerate like a life-sized one. This was accomplished with a series of design tweaks, including wide tires, mag racing wheels and a torsion-bar suspension that provided shock absorbency and wheel bounce. Designers also developed a low-friction wheel/axle assembly, which required a bit of ingenuity. In order to get the wheels to spin freely, the axle was made from a mandolin string, which had a small rolling surface to create less friction against the wheel. It was coupled with bushings constructed from Delrin, a low-friction plastic material developed by DuPont just a few years prior.

The end result was a toy car that could reach a scale of 200 mph. When Elliot first saw a demo of one of these cars zooming across the floor, he had a simple yet ultimately enduring response: “Those are some hot wheels!” The name stuck.

Hot Wheels Make Their Debut

The Hot Wheels Custom Camaro hit shelves in May of 1968. It was quickly followed by 15 other models: Beatnik Bandit, Custom Barracuda, Custom Corvette, Custom Cougar, Custom Eldorado, Custom Firebird, Custom Fleetside, Custom Mustang, Custom T-Bird, Custom Volkswagen, Deora, Ford J-Car, Hot Heap, Python and the Silhouette. These first edition cars became known as the “Sweet 16.” They consisted of revamped versions of the day’s notable muscle cars, as well as custom designs inspired by real-life hot rods. Each was adorned with Mattel’s Spectraflame metallic paint and red-lined wheels, the latter of which would become a trademark feature.

Flexible, plastic racing tracks complete with the now iconic loop were sold alongside Hot Wheels cars. Together they made for a toy that, just as Elliot predicted, became overwhelmingly popular. More than 16 million were purchased in the first year. Sales only increased as the calendars turned. Mattel manufactured its 1 billionth Hot Wheels in 1991. Today, it reigns as one of the best-selling toys of all-time and is as popular as ever.

Are Hot Wheels Worth Collecting?

You betcha. It’s not uncommon for individual Hot Wheels to fetch hundreds and even thousands of dollars. And there’s a vast market of collectors vying for the opportunity to get their hands on these valuable miniature cars. The most prominent — and expensive — known collection belongs to Pascal. All total, his 5,000 cars and 3,000 pieces of Hot Wheels memorabilia are valued at approximately $2 million.

The crown jewel of Pascal’s collection, and the most expensive model in Hot Wheels history, is the rear-loading Pink Beach Bomb. The value of this Volkswagen-inspired bus with two surfboards sticking out the back stems from its scarcity. In development, Mattel discovered that placing the surfboards in the back threw off the car’s balance and prevented it from properly functioning on the Hot Wheels track. The toy manufacturer went back to the drawing board, redesigning the van with surfboards on the side. As a result, only two rear-loading versions were ever produced. Pascal’s, which is said to be in the best condition, is valued in the neighborhood of $175,000 today. For context, that same sum could fetch you five Volkswagen Jetta’s, with money left over.

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How to Tell Which Hot Wheels Are Valuable

With billions of Hot Wheels roaming the Earth, discerning which miniature cars are valuable can be difficult without any Hot Wheels history insight. “If you don’t know anything about baseball cards and I put a Mickey Mantle card in front of you, how are you going to know it’s valuable?” Pascal says.

With that in mind, the renowned collector does offer up some guidance. “In the same way diamonds have the three C’s — cut, clarity, and carat –—[Hot Wheels] have condition, casting and year,” he says. “If the condition is mint, and it’s the right year and the right model and the right color and the right interior, then you have a bingo.” In regards to year, generally the older the better. Of particular value are “Redline” Hot Wheels. These cars were manufactured during the first decade of production, when nearly all Hot Wheels cars featured a red stripe on the tires, similar to those found on muscle cars of the day.

Even something as objective as age, however, can be hard to discern, Pascal warns. The year printed on the bottom of each Hot Wheel isn’t always indicative of when the car was manufactured. That number corresponds to the year Mattel first made that casting. But the toy maker famously reuses the same castings for many years.

If you have a potentially valuable Hot Wheels, you’re best bet is utilize what Pascal says is the best free guide available: eBay. To get an idea of how much your model may be worth, put on your detective hat to match the wheels, patterns, color and other features to those up for sale.

There’s also money to be had in Hot Wheels found on the toy shelves today. Such models fall into two categories. First are known as treasure hunts or super treasure hunts. These are limited-quantity cars randomly inserted into distribution boxes that catch fetch a quick profit. Costing just a few dollars, they typically can be resold for at least $20. Treasure Hunt Hot Wheels are distinguished by a circle flame logo located somewhere on the car. Super Treasure Hunt cars have a “TH” logo.

The second, and harder to find variety, are error cars. Like any other manufacturer, Mattel makes mistakes. Snag a Hot Wheels in the wrong direction, in the wrong package, missing paint, etc. and you’ve got a worthwhile commodity. Those errors can add up to hundreds of dollars of value.

Whatever you’re plan of attack — happy collecting!

Has Hot Wheels history got you hooked? Visit our Auto History page for backstories on everything from glove compartments to ice cream trucks.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your puzzle playing experience. Good luck!

When it comes to Texas fun, Grapevine and Frisco deliver. Grab a rental car and hit the road for nonstop entertainment in these lively Lone Star cities.

Live It up on Main Street

Just 15 minutes from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Grapevine offers big-city fun in a small-town atmosphere. As you stroll down Main Street, you can pop into locally owned shops for souvenirs, apparel and more. One stop you don’t want to miss is Dr. Sue’s Chocolate. Featuring gourmet dark chocolates in flavors like blueberry ancho chile and ginger fig, each treat is crafted with health in mind by its namesake, a practicing physician.

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For panoramic views of Grapevine and the surrounding area, take an elevator ride to the observation tower at Grapevine Main Station, a rail station that includes a European-style food hall, an entertainment and event venue, an outdoor plaza and a hotel. While you’re at the rail station, don’t skip out on a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. You’ll find a variety of excursions that include a trip to the historic stockyards in Fort Worth, a short-line excursion and even seasonal trains like the Christmas wine train and Santa’s North Pole Express.

Near the train station, Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery provides an opportunity to watch artisans at work as they turn glass shards into unique souvenirs. You can create your own through the studio’s Community Help Create events. Check the website to see what events are taking place during your visit, and you could return home with a new tumbler, bowl or seasonal souvenir.

As you might expect from such a bustling city, Grapevine boasts an impressive culinary scene. Grab breakfast at Main Street Bistro & Bakery and lunch at Mister 01 Extraordinary Pizza (get the star pizzas for an extra burst of ricotta!). For dinner, try Teatro Bistro from acclaimed chef Carla Pellegrino. Her menu includes many Italian standards such as penne vodka and rigatoni Bolognese, as well as such entrees as lamb lollipops and New York strip.

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Get Your Game On

When you’re ready, head about 35 minutes northeast to Frisco. A great starting point is The Star in Frisco, home of the Dallas Cowboys. You don’t have to be a Cowboys or football fan to enjoy a guided tour behind the scenes of the Cowboys’ world headquarters and practice facility. Afterward, you can grab Cowboy swag at the pro shop and snap photos on the Tostitos Championship Plaza.

The Star is also home to a variety of restaurants, ranging from casual to elegant. At Sidecar Social, try your hand at pingpong and darts in between bites of birria tacos and barbecue chicken flatbreads

For a different kind of football, the National Soccer Hall of Fame showcases the history of soccer through informative exhibits and artifacts such as iconic jerseys, soccer balls, trophies and more. Using interactive displays, you can show off your skills by trying to shoot the ball, test your trivia knowledge of the sport, build your own national team and even design your own uniform.

Golf lovers can have their moment at PGA Frisco. The facility features two championship courses. If you’re still learning or want help improving your swing, book some time at the PGA of America Coaching Center, which utilizes cutting-edge technology to make the most of your instruction. For family or casual fun, check out The Swing, a 10-hole, par-3 course, or The Dance Floor, a 2-acre putting course, where you can enjoy as little or as much golf as you like.

If your gaming skills lean toward the technical, check out the National Videogame Museum. Not only can you see the evolution of the gaming system and games, but you also can play some of your favorites in the interactive exhibits and the accompanying arcade. 

Like Grapevine, Frisco has a thriving culinary scene for all taste buds. The menu at The Glen is filled with seafood, steaks, pasta and more. And barbecue diehards can’t miss Hutchins Barbecue, where you can fill your plate with chopped brisket, house-made sausages, pork ribs and pulled pork. Located in a historic home, The Heritage Table offers country-fried chicken and spaetzle, prairie farmstead pork pie and Texas striped bass, each crafted using locally sourced ingredients.

You can find all this and much more in these Texas cities. Plan a few extra days so you’ll have time to take everything in.

Plan your trip with a AAA travel advisor and rent your car with Hertz. AAA members can save up to 20% on Hertz rentals.

Whether you’re hosting holiday celebrations this year or have been tasked with bringing a beverage to the gathering, you’ve got plenty of options. From soda to eggnog, the drink selection should be as varied as the guests themselves, and since everyone’s got different tastes, it’s good to switch it up.

Choosing to make a mocktail adds some sugar and spice to the usual drink options — plus, they’re fun for kids, designated drivers and anyone who prefers not to drink alcohol.

Try your hand at shaking things up with these crafty mocktails this holiday season.

Blood Orange Cranberry Fizz

Makes two servings.

• 1 blood orange, for slicing
• 1/2 cup blood orange juice
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 can ginger beer
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• 6 fresh cranberries, for garnish

Add the blood orange juice and sugar to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add the fresh thyme and stir for 2 minutes or until it slightly thickens, and all sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.

In a glass with ice, add the syrup, cranberry juice and ginger beer. Top with a blood orange slice and fresh cranberries.

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Fig Rosemary Spritzer

Makes six servings.

For the mocktail:

• 1 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup fig preserves
• 3/4 cup elderflower tonic
• Fresh figs and rosemary, for garnish

For the cinnamon vanilla maple syrup:

• 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup maple syrup

First, make the cinnamon vanilla maple syrup by combining all ingredients in a measuring cup and whisking until combined. Next, add all mocktail ingredients together in a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the cinnamon vanilla maple syrup mixture. Cover and shake until cold and combined, then distribute among six cocktail glasses of your choice.

Spiced Pear Sour

Makes one serving.

• 2 ounces nonalcoholic whiskey
• 2 ounces pear juice
• 3/4 ounces lime juice
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup
• Orange bitters (to taste)
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker full of ice and shake. Pour into the glass of your choice and add the cinnamon stick garnish.

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Jack Frost Tini

Makes two to three servings

• 4 tablespoons vanilla frosting
• 2 tablespoons edible glitter
• Snowflake or other festive sprinkles
• 5 ounces coconut milk
• 3 ounces nonalcoholic blue curacao-flavored syrup
• 2 ounces 100% pineapple juice
• 2 ounces cream of coconut

Start by rolling the rim of two cocktail glasses in frosting, then dip the rim into the edible glitter and sprinkles. If you’d like, add some glitter to the bottom of the glass as well. Set aside.

Combine coconut milk, blue curacao syrup, pineapple juice and cream of coconut inside a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for about 5 seconds, then pour into your prepared glasses.

Sugarpomme Twist

Makes three to four servings.

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 3/4 cup elderflower tonic
• 2 cups pomegranate juice
• 1 1/2 cups tonic water (chilled)
• 1 1/2 cups club soda (chilled)
• Pomegranate seeds, to garnish

Pour all ingredients, except for the tonic water and club soda, into a pitcher and stir. When ready to serve, add the chilled tonic water and club soda to the mixture so that it is perfectly bubbly and cold.

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, an initiative led by MADD. If you choose to drink this holiday season, or any time, do not drive intoxicated.

With auto loan delinquencies at record highs, consumers are looking for ways to reduce or refinance their debts and experts say options are out there.

Why Auto Loan Default Rates Are Up

“The increasing price of vehicles both new and used has really created an affordability problem for many,” according to Ted Lyons, vice president of financial services for AAA Northeast. “Couple that with higher costs for just about everything out there and the resumption of student loan payments, then you have a bit of a perfect storm.”

To put it into perspective, the average cost of a new car was about $48,699 in July 2025, according to CarEdge. Interest rates for loans for new cars average 6.51% for buyers with good credit, but those with the worst credit scores can pay as much as 15.85%, U.S. News & World Report reported.

Age Groups Struggling Most With Car Loan Payments

Millennials, Gen Z and subprime borrowers (borrowers with lower than optimal credit scores) have the highest auto loan default rates, probably for many of the reasons Lyons cited.

Americans between ages 18 to 29 had the highest loan delinquency rate in 2025, according to WalletHub, and nearly 5% of car loans in the U.S. are more than 90 days past due. 

Younger people were the most aggressive in taking out car loans after the pandemic, when interest rates were lower, and stimulus checks were rolling in. Now, with the increasingly high price of car ownership and other compounding debts, many of these borrowers are having a hard time keeping up.

Can’t Afford Your Car Payment? These Are Your Options

If you are in default on a car loan, turning the situation around is possible, but it requires a bit of creativity and discipline.

• As soon as you miss a payment or think you will, contact the lender immediately. Under some contracts, a lender can repossess a car after one missed payment.
• It’s possible that the loan can be put on hold, or the terms renegotiated to extend the time to repay it. Even changing the loan due date might help. But this will not work for everyone. “If the borrower is already delinquent, getting an approval [to refinance] may be difficult,” said Lyons. Apply to refinance with AAA.
• Ask family members or friends for financial help or a short-term loan and prepare an agreement for paying them back.
• Sell the car and buy a cheaper one. A used car will be less expensive and have a lower insurance rate, but if you don’t net enough to pay off the loan, you could be stuck.
• If the car is dangerously close to being repossessed, consider surrendering it to the lender. Your credit rating will still take a hit, but it won’t be as severe as it would be if the car were repossessed. You might still owe money if a balance is left after the car is sold at auction.
• Look for a side job so you can put that money toward the car payment.
• Review all your expenses and make adjustments, Lyons suggested. “See if there is anything you can cut out of your monthly spending that isn’t necessary.”

Need help financing a car? AAA has you covered with our great auto loan products.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

Life insurance is an investment that offers a safety net for your loved ones and peace of mind for you, but finding an affordable plan may seem a bit daunting. High cost is the reason why 42% of consumers have not purchased life insurance. But there are many ways to get a low monthly premium and still have the coverage you need.

These are four tips you can employ to help save you money on your life insurance policy.

Start Early and Lock In Rates

More Millennials and Gen Z are looking into life insurance, and that’s a good thing; one of the best ways to pay less for life insurance is to start as early as possible. Age is a significant factor in determining life insurance premiums, as the risk of health complications increases as you age. Securing a policy when you’re young and healthy allows you to lock in lower rates for the duration of your coverage.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Insurers assess your overall health when calculating life insurance premiums, and the results can significantly impact your rate.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet and the avoidance of tobacco products are key factors that contribute to lower premiums. In fact, being a smoker can actually double your rate in comparison to a nonsmoker.

Choose the Right Type and Amount of Coverage

Selecting a life insurance policy that best aligns with your goals is crucial, and sometimes a pricier policy doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best option for you. Typically, you can opt to purchase either a term or permanent policy.

While permanent life insurance benefits are available anytime and have intrinsic cash value, term life insurance often allows you to purchase more coverage for less money. Because of this, a term life insurance policy is ideal for those purchasing life insurance with a budget in mind.

Compare Quotes

Life insurance quotes can vary significantly among providers, so taking the time to “shop” and compare is time well spent when it comes to your wallet.

When looking, consider factors such as coverage limits and exclusions, the carrier’s financial strength rating and what living benefits the policy carries (benefits the policyholder can access before a health event or death occurs) before making your choice.

Being proactive in your search allows you to make the best, most informed decision, leading to a good amount of savings over the life of your policy.

Get a Life Insurance Quote

Watch as AAA Roadside Assistance technicians share heartfelt messages of gratitude from our members.

AAA Northeast provides roadside service to millions of members every year. Hearing that we’ve made a difference truly makes our day, every day — and we thank you right back.

Do you have a story or a note of thanks to give? Share it with us on our new membership story page, Hey AAA!

’Tis the season of searching for the perfect Christmas tree! While finding the right one may be tricky, getting it home safely can be challenging, too. AAA Northeast reminds drivers that, with a little preparation, the right tools and the right vehicle, transporting a Christmas tree is easy, and you’ll be decking the halls in no time! 

An improperly secured Christmas tree can scratch vehicle paint, tear door seals or bend window frames. Even worse, a tree can fly off or out of a vehicle and cause a traffic crash. AAA research shows that road debris causes crashes directly, when vehicles are struck by falling debris or strike debris, and contributes to crashes indirectly, when drivers crash while swerving or stopping short to avoid debris.  

From 2018 to 2023, road debris was a factor in an estimated 319,724 crashes nationwide, resulting in 32,802 injuries and 433 fatalities, according to a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. 

AAA offers the following tips to ensure Christmas trees are transported safely.  

• Plan ahead. Before heading out to buy a real Christmas tree, make sure to bring strong rope or ratchet straps, an old blanket and gloves. A vehicle with a roof rack is ideal, but a pickup truck, van, minivan or SUV large enough to fit the tree can work just as well. 

• Wrap and cover it. Have the lot wrap the tree in netting before loading it. Loose branches can also be secured with rope or twine to help protect the tree from damage. Prior to loading the tree, cover the car’s roof with an old blanket to prevent scratches to the paint and protect the car from any damage. 

• Tree trunk in front. Place the tree on the roof rack or in the bed of the truck with the trunk facing the front of the car. If the vehicle doesn’t have a roof rack and is large enough, place the tree inside.  

• Secure it. Tie down the tree at its bottom, center and top using strong rope or nylon ratchet straps. Avoid using the nylon string offered by many tree lots, which may not be strong enough to secure the tree. Use fixed vehicle tie-down points and loop the rope or strap around the tree trunk above a branch to prevent any side-to-side or front-to-rear movement.  

• Tug test. Once tied down, give the tree several strong tugs from various angles to make sure it’s secured in place and won’t come loose. 

• Nice and easy. Drive slowly and take back roads, if possible. Higher speeds can create significant airflow that can damage your tree or challenge even the best tie-down methods. Remember that your car will work a little harder to transport the tree, and you might feel the added drag from the additional wind resistance caused by the tree. 

State-specific data:

In Connecticut, road debris contributed to roughly 380 crashes in 2024, up nearly 19% from 2023, according to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository. Over 60 of those crashes resulted in injuries.  

In Massachusetts, road debris contributed to roughly 280 crashes in 2024, an 8% decrease from 2023, according to the Massachusetts IMPACT Crash Data Portal. Over 50 of those crashes resulted in an injury. 

In New York, road debris contributed to over 3,400 crashes in 2024, a 6% increase from 2023, according to the Institute for Traffic Safety’s Traffic Safety Statistical Repository. More than 470 of those crashes resulted in injuries and five resulted in a fatality.  

In New Jersey, road debris contributed to 1,645 crashes in 2024, up nearly 7% from 2023, according to Numetric. Over 180 of those crashes resulted in injuries and three resulted in a fatality. 

More than half of drivers (54%) feel safer operating a gas-powered car than an electric vehicle, according to a survey from AAA Northeast, while 31% say they’d be fine in either vehicle. Road trip logistics, cost and home charging continue to be barriers to EV adoption, but safety is nearly as large of a concern. 

As a result, only 4% say they plan to purchase a fully electric vehicle for their next car, while 62% say they won’t purchase one. The remainder of drivers range from slightly interested (10%), moderately interested (11%) and very interested (13%). So, although EV boosters have their work cut out for them, there’s still reason for optimism. Another positive sign: 98% of EV owners will buy an EV again. 

“The ending of federal tax incentives has made the market less favorable for electric vehicles, but the biggest challenge for manufacturers continues to be consumer sentiment,” said Alec Slatky, managing director of public and government affairs, AAA Northeast. “The good news for the industry is that the vast majority of electric vehicle owners have no intention of going back to gasoline cars.” 

The 1,056 survey respondents consisted of a random sample of AAA Northeast members aged 18+. AAA Northeast covers a region of the country with an above-average market share of electric vehicles, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. There were 67,656 EVs registered in Connecticut as of July 1, according to DMV data, an increase of 15,000 vehicles from the year prior. At the start of this year, there were over 139,000 EVs registered in Massachusetts, according to state data, an increase of 35,000 from the year prior. In New Jersey, EVs accounted for 11.4% of new light-duty registrations year to date through July 22, according to the EValuateNJ dashboard. In New York, EVs accounted for 8.9% of new registrations year to date through Nov. 7, according to the EValuateNY dashboard. In Rhode Island, the DRIVE EV rebate program has awarded 829 rebates year to date through October. 

Other findings of the survey include: 

• Fire is the biggest safety concern, followed by EV’s relatively short time on the market: Among respondents who said they would feel safer operating a gas-powered car than an electric car, 63% said that risk of fire was one of their top safety concerns, followed by EV’s time on the market (40%), crash safety concerns (32%) and lack of experience driving an EV (22%). There is no evidence that EVs are more likely to catch fire than internal combustion engine vehicles, but when fires occur, they are more difficult for first responders to extinguish and generally burn longer. EVs are also similar to gasoline cars for crash test safety; as with other types of vehicles, crash test ratings are more vehicle-specific than engine-specific. 
• The biggest barriers to EV adoption are home charging, road trips and cost…: Most surveys find these three concerns to be paramount among consumers, and this survey is no exception. Excluding the respondents who definitely plan to purchase an EV for their next car, the lack of home charging is the most cited concern (53%), followed by lack of suitability for road trips (51%) and cost (51%). Consumers feel relatively confident that EVs can fit into their daily routines, with only 17% expressing trepidation about that issue. 
• …but some people just simply don’t like electric vehicles: Among the respondents who said they definitely would not buy an EV for their next car, 43% said they “just don’t like” electric vehicles. Even if the EV industry can address concerns about cost and charging over the next decade, these consumers likely won’t be assuaged, whether due to a personal connection to gasoline vehicles or a gut aversion to EVs. Indeed, 57% of respondents said they never plan to buy a fully electric vehicle. 
• EV owners have better road trip experiences than non-owners expect: Most EV owners said they never (31%) or rarely (37%) had to change road trip plans due to public charger availability, and only 5% said they did so most of the time. Non-owners have the opposite prediction: 43% guessed that EV owners have to adjust plans most of the time, while only 2% said they never do so.  

“Car buyers generally believe that EVs can handle their daily commute — they just want to feel as confident about their occasional road trip,” said Slatky. “The EV industry should continue building out the charging network, but innovations in battery safety may be just as crucial for getting consumers to make the switch.” 

If you play Wordle or Lingo, you’ll love WordroW. In this guessing game, you get six attempts to spell out the hidden words, with clues about the correct letters.

For December, we put together a series of puzzles featuring events and activities taking place this month. You can play them all or come back another day.

But most of all — have fun!

December Co-Workers

To open a new puzzle, pick a title from the list. To return to the list after opening a puzzle, click the three horizontal lines at the top-left of the puzzle and select “more puzzles.”

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EPISODE SUMMARY

A mental health crisis doesn’t always manifest like a car crash. Sometimes, it appears as a slow unraveling caused by exhaustion, disconnection or a quiet, nagging sense that something isn’t right.

In this deeply personal episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti opens up about her own recent health scare. She is joined by psychologist Vassia Sarantopoulou, founder of AntiLoneliness, to discuss how we can build lasting emotional resilience even when life doesn’t go according to plan.

From recognizing the subtle signs of emotional burnout to understanding the benefits of therapy, this episode offers powerful insights on how to sit with uncomfortable emotions. Tune in to learn how to move through a crisis — rather than just surviving it.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Burnout symptoms can sneak up on you. Detachment, exhaustion, brain fog and a loss of joy are major warning signs. Don’t wait for a total breakdown to start your healing journey.
• Your feelings aren’t “bad” — they are data. Sadness, anger and loneliness are not problems to fix; they are signals asking for care rather than suppression.
• The benefits of therapy are vast, but it isn’t one-size-fits-all. If your first therapist isn’t a match, keep looking. Finding the right fit can change your entire recovery process.
• Dealing with loneliness isn’t just about being physically alone; you can feel isolated in a crowded room. True connection starts with knowing yourself and reaching out from that grounded place.
• Self-connection is just as vital as social connection. True healing requires a balance of both time alone to reflect and time with others to feel seen, supported and understood.
• In a mental health crisis, don’t wait to feel ready for self-care. Your brain may resist rest, movement or joy, but these habits are the foundation of emotional resilience during hard times.
• Emotional resilience isn’t a fixed trait, it’s a practice. By accepting discomfort, checking in with yourself and giving your emotions space, you build the strength to rise again.

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TRANSCRIPT

[00:00:02] Sabrina Pierotti: The thing about life is that it’s hard, and it can be very scary at times. Things can either pop up out of nowhere that can totally derail your life, or it can be an accumulation of unprocessed emotions that can lead to a breaking point. I know for me personally, last year I went through a breast cancer scare where I literally thought I had breast cancer at 30. It was horrible, and it was a monthslong process of MRIs and biopsies. And at times, it felt like I was never going to come out on the other side. And I don’t mean to quote Kelly Clarkson, but it is true. Through my life’s most challenging moments, I have grown the most. Because of my breast cancer scare, I now know what it means to really, really take care of my health. And I also have a huge why to stay motivated with my health goals and to get into the gym. It is in our darkest days where resilience is built. Every time you fall, it is easier to get back up. So, my friend, face your life’s challenges with courage and your head held high. Acknowledge that, yeah, it is hard, but at the same time, know that you will become stronger because of it. Welcome back to Merging Into Life. I’m your host, Sabrina Pierotti. And today we’re talking about something that we all go through, but we rarely feel ready for, which is crisis. Whether it’s a job loss, a breakup, or just a slow unraveling of the plan we had for our lives, those curveballs can hit hard, and they can be painful. But luckily, our guest today is Vassia. Vassia Sarantopoulou is a psychologist, an educator, and founder of AntiLoneliness. Her work focuses on helping individuals and communities address perfectionism, loneliness, emotional resilience and burnout. So, thank you so much, Vassia, for joining me, and I’m excited to jump in. So, today, we’re going to talk about something a little tough, which is personal crisis. So, specifically starting and speaking to an emotional crisis, whether it’s mental health challenges or psychological challenges or emotional turmoil. What are some of the warning signs that someone might be in an emotional crisis or on their way to one?

[00:02:28] Vassia Sarantopoulou: Warning signs that can be signs of an emotional burnout, you don’t understand, but then one day you wake up and you feel, oh, I don’t like my job anymore. And last year, actually I loved it. But now I feel completely detached from my work and why I’m doing it. Also, the same thing happens with the joy and the meaning you feel in life. One day, suddenly you feel, nothing fulfills me. I am not happy with anything. Like I remember an example of a client that I had, and she came to me because she realized that at the end of the day, she would finish her project, but also her house chores, anything that fits under the umbrella of duty and responsibility, and then she would sit down to play with your children, and she would not feel anything. No connection, no joy. And she came to me in terror, like, oh my God, what is happening? Why I don’t feel any connection with my children anymore, and how I did not see that happening or coming to my life. So, that was what her sign, the detachment, the disconnection, the not feeling joy or happiness with what used to give us joy. Another mental symptom can be that fog inside our head. We’re struggling to remember something. We’re struggling to finish a project. We know that we used to finish that in one hour, but why that now does it take five? Another sign can be the physical manifestation. Like you, even though you sleep, you wake up and you’re feeling tired still. And you wonder, but why I had 10 hours sleep and still I don’t feel rested? There are many clients that come with burnout, and they tell me, I think I’m in a burnout the last year. And then when I tell them the symptoms of burnout, they say, Oh, then probably I’m in a burnout for the last five years.

[00:04:32] Sabrina Pierotti: In addition to emotional-burden burnout, what are some of the other common challenges that your clients come to you with?

[00:04:38] Vassia Sarantopoulou: I think we go to therapy for everything that we haven’t learned at school, and we should have. Like relationships. We didn’t learn anything about relationships at school. We go into adulthood, we meet our partner, we don’t know how to communicate any kind of loss, like grief. We never know about grief, we never hear about grief. Only when we reach, I don’t know, an older age, when we start losing our friends or our partner or our parents, then we know of this concept. And in loss, everything loss, I think loss is a big umbrella. We’re talking about any kind of loss, like moving to a new country. Loneliness as well. We lose a friend, or we lose a partner. People even felt shame to talk about loneliness.

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[00:05:26] Sabrina Pierotti: Why do you think there is so much shame around therapy?

[00:05:33] Vassia Sarantopoulou: So, from my perspective, I think the projections and biases we carry from the previous generation. I mean, even now, my mom doesn’t know what I’m doing. Every time she’s asking me, are you OK with money? Do you want me to send you some money? Because you’re a psychologist. OK, mom. The value that we put on therapy is different between the generations, and that’s one reason for this shame that we carry.

[00:05:57] Sabrina Pierotti: So what would you say to somebody who’s listening that has been considering therapy for a while, and they are just for all the concerns and fears and narratives that you just said, that’s the reason that’s holding them back from signing up for therapy. What would you say to that person?

[00:06:17] Vassia Sarantopoulou: Find a format and the person that suits you. You know, because when you’re 40, 50, 60, you don’t want to go to a therapist who is 25. You know, you feel like even life experience is different. So, find somebody who is at your own age. They know your own struggles. And connection is more important than mental health, per se, for you. So, choose whatever format or person that you feel more aligned and suits your style. I think that’s the first tip that I would give to them. But also, it takes a little bit of discomfort in the beginning, because it’s very new. All these self-perceptions, I’m not strong enough, I’m not strong enough, or I’m taking somebody else’s place. Because I’ve heard that also, you know, you have other people who struggle more. I don’t want to take their slot. All this self-abandonment and sacrifice is very much this pattern of this generation.

[00:07:17] Sabrina Pierotti: So, I actually had a therapist for the, she was my very first therapist for the first like six months. And we were just not clicking. Like I knew right away I was not really looking forward to going to therapy to see her. Like there were just signs along the way. And then a therapist like literally like popped into my life that was so exactly what I needed.

[00:07:43] Vassia Sarantopoulou: Just because you had one negative experience or not an aligned experience with a therapist, it doesn’t mean that everybody’s like that or every experience that you will have is like that. There’s so many different styles, different therapeutic approaches, modalities, personalities. Every therapist has their own personality.

[00:08:00] Sabrina Pierotti: Now, say somebody finds that perfect therapist, and they’re super happy. When it comes to actually healing, it can take a while. So, what does it actually look like when you’re in a therapy session?

[00:08:15] Vassia Sarantopoulou: What we do before we get into therapy is automatically we learn or we tend to escape the discomfort. You’re feeling sad, but you don’t want to feel sad, so immediately you call your friends, you go out and party. We think that these are negative feelings. We name them negative feelings, as if they are the bad, and we should have the good. But in reality, they’re not negative or positive, they’re just uncomfortable feelings. And what we don’t know is how to sit with them, because we feel scared. What if I sit with my sadness? And then I’m going to feel even more sad. However, the price we pay is that this escaping and pushing out of these feelings comes with loss of energy. Like when you push yourself to be happy while you’re really, really sad, that’s double the energy you need in order to go through your day. How can you be happy when you’re grieving, when you just broke up, when you lost a friend? You’re not happy, but you pretend to be happy. Your whole body is putting a performance, and that performance is costing energy. So, how to stay with that discomfort? It means, first of all, taking the negative connotation out of this feeling. It’s not bad. It’s not going to make you worse. So, first take out the fear of the feelings. And stop pushing and spending the energy that I can change that feeling. What I also explain to my clients is that your feeling comes from inside you. It’s a part of you. So when you say, I don’t want that feeling, actually, it’s like saying you don’t want a part of you. And we don’t do that. We love every part of you. Every single part of you is loved, worthy of love, worthy of attention, worthy of care. You shout at your partner or whatever you’re doing, well, that’s what we need to change, but not your anger. The anger is fantastic. We love it. What we need to do at that moment is to make sure that we’re not stepping into negative assumptions, self-criticism. Oh, I’m lonely. Maybe because I am a terrible friend. Yeah, I mean, if I was a good friend, maybe I would have friends by now, and probably my loneliness says that I am a very unimportant, boring or terrible person. So then that’s a different thing than the loneliness, per se. Loneliness is the feeling that says, hey, we need connection. Thank God we have loneliness that sends us this message.

[00:11:12] Sabrina Pierotti: And you’ve referred to a loneliness before as the pandemic of our era. What do you think people often misunderstand about loneliness, and why do people feel lonely even when they’re physically surrounded by people?

[00:11:27] Vassia Sarantopoulou: So, we have feeling lonely and being alone. One is a feeling, the other one is being. And we sometimes misunderstand these two. So, the reality, though, is that you can be surrounded by people and feel lonely. You can be all by yourself and feel very much connected and not lonely at all. That’s the paradox. So, it’s about feeling unseen, feeling disconnected. You can be sitting with your partner on the couch, watching a movie, and normally somebody would say, ‘Oh, they’re so connected.’ But you might feel very, very deeply disconnected and lonely in there, because there’s something in that connection that doesn’t work or hasn’t been working for a long time. So, that’s the main misunderstanding about loneliness.

[00:12:22] Sabrina Pierotti: Why is social connection imperative for personal healing? And how can we push through that reluctance to connect when we’re going through a really dark time?

[00:12:32] Vassia Sarantopoulou: I think when we’re going through a dark time, we both need me time and connection time. We do need to stay by ourselves. We need to figure out who we are. Because actually, the first step of recovering or healing from loneliness is not again connection with others, is connection with ourselves first. First, I have to get to know myself, because there are many people who live for decades without knowing who they are. So, first, I have to get to know myself, introduce to myself again, become my best friend, and then I can go out and water all these relationships that I have in my life, start new, or go back, revisit some of the old relationships. We are social beings. We’re wired for connection. We cannot live without connection. It doesn’t mean that we always need a partner. That’s far away from that, but we need to be seen. So, we definitely need to be seen to belong in order to have this healthy perspective of life. But especially in, as you said, the dark places of our life, we need both. We need to go and be by ourselves and then go out, meet our friends and then come back. Kind of do this dual process of in and out, both.

[00:14:04] Sabrina Pierotti: How can we best prepare ourselves for these big life changes without getting swept away by the emotions of everything?

[00:14:13] Vassia Sarantopoulou: We talked about acceptance. So, accepting that it’s not going to be glamorous. It’s not going to be smooth. Maybe we will learn new parts of ourselves in there. We’re going to be challenged. That’s part of the game. That’s not a malicious plan, you know, of the universe against us. It’s not. It’s just the human experience. And we just roll with it. So having this reminder, this acceptance, what we said before that maybe there’s a lesson for me to learn there and keep in mind also to be connected with yourself. It can be very overwhelming. So, come back to yourself, have a me time, a review time once a week, once a month, or both, where you can say, how was that week? How did I feel? What did I want it to do, but then I didn’t want? I didn’t do it, for example. Keep in touch with your own desires and needs, your own hobbies, your own values. You want to be a better father, for example? Have this review meeting with yourself and be like, oh, what kind of father was I? Why was I not present? Yeah, maybe because too much work, or maybe I’m a perfectionist. I want to do everything perfect. So, have this review meeting with yourself. Journaling helps. Asking for help. And when we get really overwhelmed, our brain goes into fight or flight mode. And in that mode, it convinces us that we don’t have energy for self-care. Your therapist, for example, said, you have to go and walk every day, yeah? That’s important. But then your brain, because you are in a survival mode, will say, Oh, I’m so tired today. Even though you didn’t do anything, you were just sitting the whole day and behind a computer. No, no physical strain, nothing. But it’s the brain, because it thinks that we need energy, in case things go worse, because we are in the fight or flight. It protects your energy. So, don’t listen to your brain and continue with these habits of self-care. That’s your sleep, that’s your diet, your exercise, breath-work.

[00:16:32] Sabrina Pierotti: Thank you so, so much for sitting with me and chatting with me. I am so glad and grateful for this conversation. Like, I love the society that we’re in where like mental health is a lot more open. However, we still have a lot of work to do in terms of really just normalizing it even more. So, and I have a feeling this episode and this chat together really did wonders in accelerating that. So, thank you so much. You are such a joy to talk to.

[00:17:04] Vassia Sarantopoulou: Thank you so much for the invitation. And I have a special gift for your listeners because I know how overthinking can take over sometimes, and we are just in a loop, ruminating, ruminating, and we cannot stop. So, I have just a one pager that they can print, and they can have next to them with seven ways to stop overthinking.

[00:17:23] Sabrina Pierotti: Thank you. Oh my gosh. I will definitely be using that, printing it out, putting it on the side of my desk.

[00:17:30] Vassia Sarantopoulou: We all need it. We all need it.

[00:17:32] Sabrina Pierotti: We sure do. Thank you so much, Vassia.

[00:17:34] Vassia Sarantopoulou: Thank you.

[00:17:37] Sabrina Pierotti: We covered a lot today, from identifying what crises look like to learning how to sit with it and sit with those painful emotions. And most importantly, how to move forward with resilience. These are topics that don’t always get space in everyday conversations, but they’re at the core of how we build emotional resilience and move forward when life doesn’t go as planned. If you’re enjoying the show, do us a quick favor. Hit that like button, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’d love it too. It helps more than you know and keeps the good stuff coming your way. Thanks for being part of the ride.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of AAA Northeast, AAA, and or its affiliates.

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RESOURCES

Merging Into Life

AntiLoneliness

Vassia Sarantopoulou’s Overthinking Coping Kit

What Causes Burnout and How to Prevent It

Revive Your Mental and Emotional Health in the New Year

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*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of AAA Northeast, AAA and/or its affiliates.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, as twinkling lights fill the night, the scent of chestnuts roasting drifts through the air and joy seems to be around every corner.

The holidays are all about traditions, old and new, and this year is the perfect chance to start a few fresh ones. So, hit the road for an exciting seasonal adventure with plenty of magic and surprises in store.

Here are our top picks for road trips that will spark new holiday traditions and create memories to treasure with your loved ones.

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Festivals

Indiana, Pennsylvania

Saturdays, Nov. 22-Dec. 20, 2025

A classic holiday tale of the profound impact one person can have on others’ lives, “It’s a Wonderful Life” and its timeless message live on at two festivals in the Northeast each holiday season. As the birthplace of the film’s star, Jimmy Stewart, Indiana, Pennsylvania, takes great pride in celebrating the classic holiday movie’s legacy in a big way. Known as the Christmas Tree Capital of the World, the downtown area transforms into a winter wonderland for the ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Festival. Meander the streets to discover vintage light displays, local shops that go all out with holiday window displays and an oversize live Christmas tree presiding over it all.

Seneca Falls, New York

Dec. 12-14, 2025

Seneca Falls is often referred to as The Real Bedford Falls, as many believe it inspired the setting of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Step into the nostalgic charm of the town during the ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Festival and enjoy days packed with horse-drawn wagon rides through town, interactive screenings of the film and an annual George Bailey Award ceremony, which honors people in the spirit of George’s kindness and selflessness.

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New England’s Lobster Trap Christmas Trees

Late November to early January

A fun twist on the traditional holiday fir, Lobster Trap Christmas Trees have become must-see crafty creations throughout New England. The pop-up trees, built by volunteers, are adorned with lights, buoys and other nautical-inspired garlands. Route through Maine to spot three of the most notable structures in Rockland, Cape Porpoise and Jonesport-Beals. Then check out Connecticut’s Stonington Lobster Trap Tree (Nov. 22, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026; admission is free), one of the largest, with a unique hollowed-out interior perfect for being wrapped in the festive glow. 

Three Unique Ways to Meet Santa This Year

Dine with Santa in the North Pole (North Pole, New York, that is!)

Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 22-Dec. 21, 2025

Set within the Adirondack Mountains, Santa’s Workshop theme park is one of the oldest continuously operating Christmas-themed parks. The best time to visit the North Pole is at night when the Village of Lights fest is aglow with fire pits and caroling cheer. Reserve your spot in advance to dine with Santa at the Northern Lights Restaurant. 

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See Santa Scuba at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey

Nov. 21-Dec. 24, 2025

Santa trades the chimney for fins each holiday, wowing visitors as he swims with sharks and sea turtles at Camden’s Adventure Aquarium. Kids of all ages delight in this unexpected and fun twist on a typical Santa encounter. The aquarium also features a dry meet-and-greet, for gift requests and photo opportunities with the jolly man.

Journey with Santa on the Santa Express at the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston, Connecticut

Nov. 22-Dec. 23, 2025

All aboard for a wondrous rail journey with two special guests along for the ride, Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Santa Express is a daytime holiday train ride suitable for all ages, gliding through the wintery landscapes of the Naugatuck River Valley. The ride includes fun sing-alongs, caroling and an enchanting visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Every child receives a bell along with a special gift from Santa’s toy bag.

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Spellbinding Christmas Scenes

Christmas at the Newport Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island

Nov. 22, 2025-Jan. 1, 2026

Decked out with opulence and grandeur beyond compare, Newport’s mansions (The Breakers, Marble House, Chateau-sur-Mer and The Elms) boast unmatched Christmas interiors. Christmas extravagance at its best, these Gilded Age estates shimmer with lavish lights, ornate garlands and picture-perfect Christmas trees. Wander the halls as you go back in time through these historic mansions and experience the holiday season as it was celebrated in a bygone era.

Gardens Aglow at Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, Massachusetts

Select nights from Nov. 28-Dec. 27, 2025

Get immersed in one of New England’s biggest light events at the Gardens Aglow nights. More than 10 miles of lights weave through the varied terrain for a most magical glowing stroll. There is plenty of fun for all ages here, with a reindeer scavenger hunt, fire pits for marshmallow roasting, a model train display and food trucks.

Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Gardens in New York City

Nov.15, 2025-Jan.11, 2026

A marvel of size and scope, The Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Gardens is a top family-friendly destination in New York City each holiday season. More than 30 G-scale model locomotives and trolleys traverse 200 scale models of New York City landmarks. Holiday Train Nights are a favorite, as atmospheric lighting adds a mystical layer to the display, accompanied by music and seasonal treats. AAA Members get access to exclusive savings on their visit to the New York Botanical Gardens.

Share your favorite holiday activities in the comments below.