"Zippy," my smart car, is representing! #SmartCarLove

I have been driving my smart car ForTwo Passion Cabriolet since my mom and I picked it out brand new in 2009. I remember the first time I drove it to work, back in my morning anchor days at KTVE in Monroe, Louisiana. The morning show's meteorologist at the time, Jarod Floyd (who's actually now anchoring there), teased me, "You do realize you're driving a roller skate?" I recall how the engineers were SO EXCITED about my smart car. They really wanted to take it apart, LOL!

After we bought it, I nicknamed it Zippy. I still love driving my smart. It's small and easy to park, plus it's a convertible-- so it works out well for sunny South Florida. Also, I truly believe people are nicer to me on the road!

It actually costs about half the amount in gas that it takes when I drive my husband's Chevy Captiva Sport (like a small SUV). Although I wish Zippy had cruise control, I think it's great for any drive that's an hour or less. I joke that it's the more affordable version of a Mercedes-Benz, since the company manufactures smarts.

I was proud to be featured by the Palm Beach Post in this article: "Driving Smart and Helping Animals," in which I talked about how I first came to own my smart car. I tweeted that article with a shout-out to smart USA, and the next thing I knew-- the company contacted me and asked if I would like to be featured in the "owners stories" on their website. 

Of course I said yes-- I really do love the car! So this is what you see when you click the smart USA website's owner stories section.

http://www.smartusa.com/owners/stories/  

This opportunity also allows me to promote my employer, the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, and our carbon fuel reduction initiative. This photo featured on the smart car website was actually taken INSIDE the Zoo in our Tropics of the Americas section.

We have been encouraged to commute to work through carpooling, biking, walking, etc. Zippy and I have driven a zookeeper and another coworker to work. Our overall Zoo goal is to reduce our harmful emissions, and we have collectively saved more than 785 gallons of fuel, traveled more than 4,000 miles without using any fuel at all, and made more than 2851 eco-friendly acts. I am glad that as a vehicle, Zippy is ahead of the curve in saving gas!

I tweet about Zippy all the time, having fun and posting where I park easily, or if I'm having an adventure.

I'm definitely looking forward to many more adventures and miles driven in my mostest-favoritest car ever! YAY ZIPPY!!!

Palm Beach'in' it

2014 Philippine Summer Festival by the Philippine American Society of Palm Beach County

I've been volunteering doing PR for the Philippine American Society of Palm Beach County, and I was thrilled that the event was so successful yesterday-- with more than 1,000 attendees!

Click HERE to watch my CruzTube 1-minute video of the 2014 festival! I'm now officially on the Board of Directors, and so is Nathan as my husband, LOL.

With my new friend, Angelica, who is wearing a traditional Filipino formal gown.

Look at Nathan, wearing his Filipino flag shirt! :) #FilipinoPride

Here's some of the details from my post-event press info:

"A crowd of more than 1,000 people attended the 15th annual Philippine Summer Festival at the South Florida Fairgrounds on June 7, 2014. The Filipino national anthem, a heritage clothing parade, authentic cuisine and traditional children's games demonstrated the country's culture. The festival was dedicated to the Filipinos who were affected by Typhoon Haiyan, and the opening ceremonies included a moment of silence for the 6,200 victims who lost their lives in the devastating storm.

The proceeds from the Philippine Summer Festival gate fee will go to ongoing typhoon relief and financial aid scholarships. Filipinos around the world will celebrate the country's Independence Day five days after the festival on June 12, 2014. This year's festival also gave recognition to this important part of the Philippines' history. To date, PAS has collectively donated more than $25,000 to typhoon victims."

Costume parade and one of the Filipino booths with authentic goods for sale

A Filipino priest held mass before the opening ceremony

Food was amazing!

Although I don't love halo halo (a dessert), I love dinuguan-- a pork dish that's one of my favorites.

Traditional Filipino children's games/activities

Talented Filipino musicians sang a mix of American songs, and songs in Tagalog (native language)

Local students received financial scholarships, which portions of the gate proceeds funded

So grateful for the coverage by the Palm Beach Post, WPBF 25 News, and CBS 12 News...

Click HERE to read the Palm Beach Post article!

For more information about the Philippine American Society of Palm Beach County, a non-profit organization, follow them here on Facebook or visit their website here.