Twin Tested

Things you should never do in your car

Becoming more educated on cars and car safety this month has been so empowering! We feel like we have the capability to handle things on our own, in the case that we ever need to. We love how this challenge has tied into July 2019’s challenge of #PutYourPhoneDown. That was an eye-opener about what not to do and we have learned from Les Schwab that there are many other things we need to add to the list.

I still remember being driven by a date to a high school dance when all of a sudden, his gas pedal got stuck. We were on the freeway and he was driving an old car and it was absolutely terrifying for about 10 seconds until he was able to fix it. Since then, I’ve had a major fear of anything involving brakes, so I decided to educate myself on what I should not be doing!

Ignore Your Brake Light

Unfortunately, there is a reason it’s on. I wish I could tell my 18-year-old self this. Things are often more expensive to fix when they have been ignored. Now, I make sure to take my car right into Les Schwab when the brake light comes on and it’s usually a simple fix.

Never turn down the music enough to actually hear your car

Cars often give warning signs in the form of sounds. If you ever hear squeaking, squealing or grinding noises, take your car in because there is most likely an issue with the brakes.

What shaky steering wheel?

Oh my goodness am I guilty of this one! Don’t all cars shake a little? The answer is no, they don’t if you keep them updated on everything. Your car should run smoothly and have no shaky feeling. This often indicates brake problems.

Let Your Car Leak Fluid

I honestly thought all cars did this until I was about 21! Embarrassing. Cars are not supposed to leak fluid and making sure you park over your cardboard square gets old really quick. The handy gif above shows how the brake fluid works. Whenever this happens, I schedule a check with Les Schwab.

Ignore a Burning Smell

Yikes! This can get scary, but in Utah, it can also happen quite frequently when driving in the steep mountain canyons. I learned from Les Schwab that a sharp, chemical odor after repeated hard braking on steep roads is a sign of overheated brakes or clutch. Pullover immediately in a safe place, check your parking brake to make sure it’s fully released and allow the brakes to cool. If you don’t, you risk heating up the brake fluid to boiling, which can cause brake failure.

Many of these things may seem obvious, but it is interesting to learn the WHY behind all of these things. We are so lucky to have modern transportation and cars, I’m so glad I know how to better take care of mine! Thanks to my friends at Les Schwab for teaching me so much.

#LesSchwabPartner

Tips for driving safer during the winter

How to change a tire

This month our challenge with #LesSchwab has been to #DriveSafer and we have learned so much! We kicked things off by learning how to change a tire, a goal that both of us have had for a long time. If you missed the video, you can watch it here and learn how to do this in a couple of minutes. Bookmark the video so you will know where it is in case something should happen to your tires at some point.

Both of our husbands are incredibly helpful and tend to take care of most of the car matters in each of our families. However, we are at a point in life where we actually want to know what is going on and how we can help. It feels really good to be confident when it comes to our cars and how to take care of them.

We also learned about winter driving safety while visiting the Bountiful location of Les Schwab, which we highly recommend. The manager Rhett is highly knowledgable and the store is extremely well kept and gets you in and out quickly. Les Schwab has 28 locations across the state, so no matter where you are they can help.

How do you put on snow chains?

Rhett showed us how to put snow chains on tires. I thought it was going to be a long 20-minute process that was complicated and hard to replicate. With older snow chains years ago you had to lay them down on the ground and literally drive over them to put them on. I am happy to say the process has gotten so much easier and Rhett showed us how to put the chains on in under one minute! So simple and so helpful if you are ever in the situation where you need them. I know there are some die-hard skiers out there and chains on your tires can help you get up the canyon when they are required and you won’t have to miss out on the fresh powder! We will be posting the simple how-to put on chains video to our social channels later this week.

The snow is not stopping soon

This winter we have received a ton of snow here in Utah, this has made me so happy to have snow tires and all-wheel drive. I highly recommend that that be your first step towards a safer driving experience if you do not have good tires on your car. They make such a difference and allow you to safely travel in weather of all kinds. You can check the tread on your tires by using a penny in between the tread lines to see how much the tread has actually worn down. At Les Schwab they will also do a free check if you want a professional opinion.

A few tips for making your tires last longer

Did you know when your alignment is off you are not only wearing out your tires faster but also getting worse gas mileage?! I had no idea. Les Schwab does free alignment and brake checks. It is a good idea to do this every 6 months or so. Especially if you have a road trip coming up and want the car in tip-top shape before traveling. I know many people are traveling for the long President’s Day holiday so it is definitely something to keep in mind.

How to know when your alignment is off?

How can you actually tell if your alignment is off? There are some tell-tell signs. For example, my older well-loved car in college always veered to the right. I was young and naive and had no idea that this was something that had to do with the alignment of my car, I thought it was just a quirk that had come over the years. Thankfully in newer cars that have sensors, they will alert you when there is a problem with your brakes or alignment which is so nice!

Don’t forget to compile an emergency kit

Yet again, I just have to say I am so grateful to be doing this challenge with you all! A few of my favorite things I have learned so far are how to change a tire (like I mentioned at the top of this post, watch the one minute video, I promise you will not regret it) and how to compile a proper emergency car kit. If you missed the post on emergency kits make sure you check it out here. Thanks as always for joining in on these challenges and offering up your own great advice and wisdom, we are learning so much!

13 things to pack for your next Road Trip

It’s road trip season! It’s always nice to escape for a road trip this time of year. Some of our favorite spots to visit are St. George, Newport Beach and Lake Tahoe. In order to have a good trip, we always make sure to pack these 15 things.

Get a Free Pre-Trip Safety Check

Before we start packing, we get a free pre-trip safety check from Les Schwab. Did you hear that? It’s FREE and it brings so much peace of mind before hopping in the car for a road trip. The pros at Les Schwab check everything out on your car to make sure it is up for whatever adventure you have planned.

It’s so important to try and prepare for anything that may happen and packing these things can keep you ready for whatever you may encounter. Click here to find your closest Les Schwab location to schedule your safety check.

#1 New Games & Toys for Kids

We have found the simpler, the better when it comes to things to pack in the car. We tried a necklace making kit and.. it did not go well ha. Instead, we’ve found simple things like silly putty and magnets are really fun for toddlers in the car and don’t get EVERYWHERE.

#2 An Old Wallet Filled With Surprises

An Old Wallet Filled With Random Surprises. This is my only genius mothering hack I’ve ever come up with. I found an old wallet of mine and filled it with all of Hazel’s favorite things – stick-on earrings, bandaids, mints, candy, pen, and tiny notepad, old gift cards, a matchbox car, and stickers. She was busy for over 30 minutes, which is an absolute eternity in toddler time! I not only used it in the car on the trip but also at all of the restaurants we stopped at.

#3 Snacks

Snacks. And more snacks. And then a couple more. You can never have too many snacks on a road trip. If you don’t eat them on the way there, you will probably eat them on the way back. Some of our favorite road trip snacks: these protein bites, monster cookies, sliced up fruit, baby carrots, veggie straws, fruit leather, and trail mix (preferably one with lots of chocolate). Make sure you throw in a couple of protein bars and fruit leather with a long shelf life you can keep in your car permanently in case of an emergency.

#4 Water

Keep bottles of water in your car emergency kit. You never know when you are going to be stopped in traffic for hours and it’s always nice to have water on hand. We make sure every person in the car has their own large water bottle (or two) on every road trip. One key to getting my daughter to drink a lot of water was letting her pick her own water bottle at the store (Moana themed) and adding a tiny bit of True Lemon to add some flavor.

#5 A Towel

You never know when you are going to need to put on your snow chains or get out of the car to do something and end up soaking wet. You will never regret having one in your car!

#6 Warm Hat & Gloves

I not only love having these in my car for road trips but as permanent staples in my emergency kit. You will undoubtedly use them regularly, but it’s a must-have for getting stuck in a cold-weather emergency.

#7 A Small Tarp

It wasn’t until I married Sam that I realized the genius of this addition to the car. Again – always necessary in cold weather if you’re putting on snow chains or trying to dig a tire out of a snowy ditch, but also extremely practical for everyday use. I cannot even count the number of times I have pulled the tarp out of my trunk.

#8 Waterproof Jacket

This is a necessity for your emergency kit. If you’re like me and don’t always dress according to the weather, this is a must. Pack an old jacket you don’t wear on a regular basis in your car emergency kit and you never have to think about it again. I like doing this rather than always trying to remember to bring a waterproof jacket with me every time I climb in my car.

#9 Windshield Ice Scraper

Getting a home with a garage was one of the happiest moments of my life and this is why. I no longer had to use my ice scraper every single day! But, I still have one in my trunk for when I am not parked in the comfort of my own garage and I am shocked at how much I use it. They cost about $5, so you will definitely get plenty of use for the price.

#10 Reflective Gear

This stuff belongs safely in your car emergency kit. Getting a flat tire on the side of the freeway at night is frightening enough, add into that the fact that most people don’t have reflective gear and are trying to walk around their car and fix things in the dark, it’s a scary equation. Hopefully, you will never have to use your reflective gear, but it’s so nice to know it’s there.

#11 Tire Chains

Pack these in your car emergency kit and keep them there! You never know when it will start snowing on the mountain pass you are crossing. If you purchase tire chains from Les Schwab and don’t use them during the winter, they offer a full refund! You can get more information about that here.

#12 Headlamp & Flashlight

Headlamp! This is often overlooked, but comes in so handy if you get a flat in the dark or need to put your snow chains on. I think, the brighter the better. While we’re talking about headlamps, it’s a great idea to buy a nice flashlight for your car emergency kit. You can use it for help in an emergency or find your toddler’s missing binky in the middle of the night 🙂

#13 Storage Container

Large Storage Tub for keeping all of your emergency essentials dry and together. Go find something that will work for you. By packing it all together, it’s no longer in a giant pile in your trunk, which I am totally guilty of doing.

Pack all of these things and you will be ready to go anywhere! We want to know where you love to road trip.

Thanks to Les Schwab for helping us prep our own car emergency kits! #LesSchwabPartner

What I am nervous and excited about for baby #2!

Brooke, Parker, and Lila holding the ultrasound picture to announce baby #2

Parker and I are thrilled to be expecting baby #2! I realize that I am very lucky to be able to get pregnant and carry a baby for the second time. If you are reading this and in the midst of your own journey toward motherhood, please know that I am thinking about you and wish you the best.

Lila holding balloons and the ultrasound picture to announce that she is becoming a big sister

The due date

This baby is due the first week of August and Lila will be just a few weeks shy of 3-years-old. This announcement post seems like yesterday but also like a lifetime ago! I truly haven’t wrapped my head around the idea of having another child in the house to take care of and love, it doesn’t seem real quite yet.

Lila looking up at Valentine's day themed balloons for our February baby announcement

Here is what I am excited about:

For Lila to be a big sister! We knew that we wanted Lila to have a sibling since we had her. She has a happy-go-lucky personality and is quite laid back so I hope her sibling will have a similar disposition.
I have a feeling right now that this baby is going to be another girl. We will find out at the 20-week ultrasound (which is in about 6 weeks) if I am right! Although we would love to have a boy as well – I would just need some boy tips and to go shopping!
Having another cute, squishy baby to love. If I am being honest, the newborn stage was very hard for me. I felt isolated and overwhelmed with a new, tiny baby. However, once Lila got to be about 4-6 months old things got easier and I really loved it!
Coordinating sibling outfits! Enough said.
To complete another nursery in our house. We have big plans for this baby’s room! We are going to attempt to do wainscoting on the walls and I have got my eye on a few key pieces of furniture I would like to incorporate. I am loving this cupboard/dresser from IKEA and this rug.
I am planning on buying a hands-free pump this time around – there is no way that I can sit still for 20 minutes a day with a toddler running around! And I have heard really great things about a few of them, including this one. If you have one, please share in the comments what you like or dislike about it before I spend hundreds of dollars!

Here is what I am nervous about:

The newborn sleepless nights. I seriously felt like I went a little crazy during the first few weeks of Lila’s life. However, Parker and I quickly learned that it works best if we switch off every other night so we are already prepared this time around with a schedule!
Another labor and delivery. I had a tough experience with Lila and I am hoping to have this experience go smoother and more peaceful. I switched hospitals and doctors for this pregnancy so that I can have a fresh slate. I am really liking them so far, they have been so gentle and friendly which I really appreciate.
Taking care of a toddler and a baby. Moms, please send me all of your siblings tips! I have no idea how you keep both happy. I would also love any advice on helping Lila with the adjustment of a baby in the house.
A name. Lila is the only name that I have always loved, and now we’ve used it so we are officially at square one! I am honestly looking anywhere and everywhere for some inspiration!

Lila smiling and holding her baby sister or brother's first ultrasound pictures!

Hoping the second time around will be easier

The blessing this time around is that it won’t be my first rodeo! I already do not feel as stressed or anxious as I did with Lila. I know what I am getting into and it won’t be my first time dealing with things like breastfeeding and newborn sponge baths.

This pregnancy has been a lot harder so far than Lila’s. I have been sick and nauseous and SO tired. However, now that I am through with the first trimester I am feeling much better. I have been taking the combo of a Unisom sleep tab at night with a B6 vitamin and it has really helped!

Thank you for all of the well wishes so far!

We published these pictures on social media with the poem:

“Roses are red, violets are blue, we are expecting baby #2!”

Lila LOVED the balloons for these photos which made it easy to have her smile. This process has been so fun and we are so grateful for another tiny spirit to join our family.

Our goal for February is to #DriveSafer

We are excited to announce our monthly challenge for February… drumroll please… #DriveSafer in partnership with Les Schwab! Cars and getting maintenance done is one thing in life that EVERYONE has to deal with. However, it is really easy to put off things and procrastinate on your car to-do list. This month we are buckling down to get our cars in tip-top shape and to learn the ropes of important car lessons like:

What to do if you get a flat tire and who to call
How to know if the alignment of your car is off
Where to go (with kids in tow while staying sane) to get your car ready for a road trip
When to get your brakes checked
How to avoid extra costs when it comes to keeping your car safe

The bottom line is we want to be educated on our cars and how they work. We picked Les Schwab to partner with because we have gone to them for years and love their customer service and quality care. (Not to mention the free popcorn in the waiting room!)

Les Schwab replacing the coolant in your car

We have both had experiences driving our cars over the years that have made us want to buckle down and really learn about what is important.

For example, a year after I graduated from college I was driving on the freeway on a snowy night. At this point in time, I did not realize the importance of snow tires and that you should have your tires regularly checked.

I was driving a small, compact car, with nearly bald tires. Due to the snow and ice on the freeway, my car began to spin in the middle of all four lanes of traffic and finally came to a stop with all the cars coming straight at me.

By some miracle, I happened to be right next to an exit and was able to quickly drive over to the exit and off the freeway to calm my nerves and make a game plan for the drive home.

scraping snow and ice off of a car windshield

Now that I have a child, safety is my number one priority when we get into the car. I have loved the crossover that we have had for the last couple of years and I love my snow tires even more! There is no slipping whatsoever no matter what the weather is outside.

This month we are going to get educated together! We will be doing a series of 4 short videos where we will be taught simple – yet very important – car lessons.

First up, we will learn what to do when you think you have a flat tire. From getting it patched (for FREE) to putting on a spare tire, we will cover it all. You never know when you will be up in the mountains with no reception or exploring some of Utah’s beautiful wilderness and get a flat. Changing a flat has been something Britt and I have wanted to learn how to do for a while now so we are finally going to do it!

The people at Les Schwab are kind and considerate when it comes to taking care of their customers. We look forward to working with them this month so get a little smarter and more educated when it comes to our cars!

Join us in the challenge this month by using the hashtag #DriveSafer and let us know what you are doing to keep you and your family safe on the road. #LesSchwabPartner

Clear the Air Challenge

This month we have learned so much about Utah’s air quality and how we are personally responsible for it. The choices each of us make every day affect how clean our air is.

Every year, UCAIR puts on the Clear the Air Challenge during the month of February. It’s a competition among individuals and companies to see who can make the biggest impact in clearing Utah’s air. The best part – it is FREE to enter!

Create a Team or Join Ours

Head up a team with friends or get your company to take the Clear the Air Challenge. They even have a startup toolkit with resources to help you spread the word. We would love to have you join our team! You can find us on the list under Twin Tested. Go here to sign up.

Be Part of the Solution

The solution to poor air quality starts with each of us. By driving less, we can help reduce vehicle emissions. All it takes is a little planning and intention to see big changes. Try walking, jogging, cycling, taking mass transit, carpooling or teleworking instead of driving alone. Making simple changes in your behavior can dramatically affect our air quality.

Drive Smart

Driving smart means consolidating errands into one trip (trip chaining), keeping up on vehicle maintenance (alignment, brakes, et), driving the speed limit, not driving during peak commute hours and being idle free.

You Can Make a Difference

Each of us can play a part in doing something positive for the environment. It’s time to stop looking to others to be responsible for changing our air quality, and for each of us to do our part.

Poor Air Quality is Dangerous to Everyone

No one likes to breathe in dirty air, but it is especially dangerous for children, people with heart disease, people with respiratory problems, people at risk for stroke, and elderly people. We want our girls to grow up being able to play outside year-round without worrying about the bad air quality.

Utah is a Wonderful Place to Live

We are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The current air forecast, available at www.airquality.utah.gov tells you whether or not it’s safe to go for a walk or play outside with children. In order to keep the quality of life where we want it to be, we are committed to continuing the habits we have learned this month to improve Utah’s air.

Huge thanks to UCAIR for educating us on this important issue. Go to their website to learn more.

The Valentine’s Day gift that made our husbands cry

Valentine’s Day is Coming

Valentine’s day is around the corner, it always seems to sneak up quickly after January. It can be easy to fall into the same routine every year for Valentine’s Day: dinner and a movie, flowers, and chocolates. Those things aren’t bad, they just aren’t very memorable.

This Year We Tried Something New

So why not try something new? This year we thought of a fun and completely different gift and they both loved it! If you are searching for a meaningful, personalized gift idea, this is really something special.

A Customized Children’s Book

We found out about a company called Hooray Heroes that creates customized children’s books. The cutest part is – they have a daddy edition – which is what we picked for our husbands. The books are titled, “When Lila Grows Up” and “When Hazel Grows Up”.

The Process is Easy

Making the book was so easy! You pick out the character’s names to match up with your husband and child and voila! You do it all on the Hooray Heroes website and it takes about 10 minutes. They let you pick from a bunch of different storylines and you are all set.

It Made Them Cry

Our husbands are both softies when it comes to their baby girls, so they loved these books! We had our toddlers present their dads with the book and then they read it together and it was so sweet. There were definitely some misty eyes when they realized the books were about them and their baby girls.

This Year is Different

After you have kids, every holiday is different. Certainly, the holiday focused on love is not only about the couple, but about the kids too! This is why I was drawn to Hooray Heroes because it’s a meaningful gift the whole family can enjoy together.

We Love to Read Together

Reading together as a family is one of our favorite things to do. Parker is always reading to Lila and she enjoys cuddling up and hearing stories. I was drawn to Hooray Heroes because they offer inspirational stories about kids becoming everything from astronauts to artists and I knew that it would be an educational and fun book for Lila to have.

It’s a Family Treasure

These books are by far the most thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts we’ve ever given. They will be read for years and years to come. It’s so special to have a customized book that is so heartfelt. Go to Hooray Heroes to learn more and create your own book!

Easy tips to travel wise and #ShowUCAIR

This week it is all about thinking ahead before you walk out your front door! Planning not only saves our planet, but it can also save you some major time. We are in the third week of our #ShowUCAIR challenge in partnership with UCAIR (Utah Clean Air Partnership) and we have already learned so much from them we wanted to share a few tips.

How to plan ahead

Before you leave the house try to make a plan for the day – or even better your entire week. This means checking the pantry and fridge for items that you will need to stock up on as well as any household items you may need.

Something that has helped immensely for Parker and I is getting a large print calendar to hang in our main kitchen area. That way we both know what is going on for the week and can make a running errand list so we both don’t go out and buy the same thing!

Now that you have mapped out your week you want to try to trip chain as much as possible. What is trip chaining? It is combining your trips in such a way that your car’s engine does not have time enough to cool down. If the engine stays warm and you are quick at all your stops you can majorly reduce your cold starts.

What is a cold start?

Educating myself on cold starts has been one of my proudest moments this month! It is easy to be naive about driving and the actual impact we have on our community’s air but reducing cold starts can have a HUGE impact!

So, what is a cold start? A cold start is when your car’s engine is colder than its normal operating temperature and you start it. (Go watch this UCAIR video for a great explanation) The quickest way to have your car reach its optimal temperature is to immediately drive the car, rather than let it idle. In other words, get in and go.

A recent study by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality and Weber State University found that when a car reaches its optimal operating temperature, the catalytic converter can reduce emissions by 99 percent.

In addition, the study found that 75 percent of combined pollutants and emissions are emitted from a car during the first three minutes after a cold start.

UCAIR encourages all drivers to take simple steps to reduce emissions

Now that you know what a cold start is you see why UCAIR encourages all drivers to:

Trip chain: combine all car trips to reduce excess travel and increased cold starts
Avoid idling: by not warming up your car you can get in and go, helping the engine reach it’s optimum operating temperature faster.
Do as few cold starts throughout the day, or better yet skip the car altogether.

Buy a cleaner, more fuel-efficient car

If you are in the market for a new car, UCAIR has gathered some great resources to begin your research.

Purchase vehicles with an EPA Smog Rating of 8 or higher
The EPA provides a Green Vehicle Guide
The EPA also provides a list of SmartWay-Certified Vehicles. These vehicles are superior environmental performers and include standard gasoline-powered vehicles whose reduced emissions levels are comparable with electric and hybrid vehicles.
Utah Clean Cities provides information about alternative fuel vehicles and fuel economy.

Look for the Energy Star label

President’s Day weekend is a great time to shop for discounted appliances and electronics. While you are scoping out all of the options make sure to look for the ENERGY STAR® label. It is the trusted, government-backed symbol for energy efficiency helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. The label was established to: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants caused by the inefficient use of energy.

Turn down the heat

Another simple trick that Britt and I have both been trying to do this month is dropping our thermostats by two or three degrees. It is barely even noticeable and can make a big impact if we all do it. I (Brooke) am a hot sleeper by nature so I have not minded turning the knob a few degrees!

Who are sensitive groups when it comes to air quality?

The elderly
Children
People with lung disease or breathing issues like asthma

What kind of air do you want your kids to breathe?

While doing this challenge I just keep coming back to the fact that I want to make Utah’s air better for the upcoming generation. We have so many resources at our fingertips that make good decision making possible when thinking about our role in air quality. Kids are one of the more susceptible groups when it comes to bad air quality. I want my daughter to be able to breathe easy as she grows up!

This winter, think about the effect that your home and your car play on Utah’s air quality. Instead of complaining when an inversion sets in the valley, choose to use public transportation or skip the trip, in order to reduce emissions and breathe easier.

If you haven’t done so yet, we highly recommend following @showucair on Instagram to stay up to date and in the loop on what is happening in Utah when it comes to our air quality.

Half the Fat Monster Cookies

The other night I was supposed to bring a dessert to a party and had no clue to make so I searched my pantry. It turned out I had a couple bags of M&Ms, so I decided on Monster Cookies!

Brooke and I are not food bloggers, but we do love to bake! We have noticed many of our followers love to try new desserts, so add Monster Cookies to your list!

This Recipe is Easy

This recipe is simple, there are no crazy ingredients you need to pick up from a specialty store. They are a crowd-pleaser. Monster cookies are the perfect dessert when you are tired of regular good old chocolate chip cookies. The recipe takes minutes to throw together.

How to Find a Butter Substitute

After I got most of my ingredients out, I realized I didn’t have enough butter. Ahhh! The worst feeling when you really don’t feel like running to the grocery store. So, I improvised, cut the fat in the recipe in half by only using one stick of butter.

I found my magic ingredient in the back of my pantry – coconut oil! My favorite kind is Trader Joe’s Organic Coconut Oil because you can still taste a coconut flavor when you bake with it.

Now Throw it All Together

So, I threw all of the ingredients in my Kitchenaid mixer and went to town. I love the combination of adding regular M&Ms along with peanut butter M&Ms.

I got a lot of requests for the recipe, which has got to be a good sign, right? So, here it is! Make these next time you are up for trying a new cookie and I promise they won’t disappoint!

Monster Cookies Recipe

1 stick of butter, cubed and cold

3/4 Cup of Coconut Oil (not melted)

1 Cup brown sugar

1 Cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 1/2 Cups Flour

1 Cup Quick Oats

1 Cup peanut butter M&Ms

1 Cup regular M&Ms

1/2-1 Cup chocolate chunks (based on your preference)

Baking Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
In a stand-up paddle mixer, mix butter, coconut oil, brown sugar, and white sugar for at least 2 minutes or until light and fluffy
Add eggs and vanilla and mix slowly.
Add all dry ingredients together
Add M&Ms and chocolate chunks and do not overmix
Use an ice cream scoop to place cookie dough on baking sheet
Bake for 10 minutes

Utahns Can Clean the Air by Using Tier 3 Fuel

There’s a new type of gasoline in town and it eliminates up to 80% of emissions! The introduction of Tier 3 fuel is the culmination of five years of work by UCAIR and several state agencies.

So, where do you get it? Right now you can find Tier 3 fuel at all Speedway, Chevron and Texaco stations in the state of Utah! This is such great news for the air quality in the state of Utah. You can read more about it here.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has said no state would benefit more from implementing the Tier 3 gasoline standard than Utah.

The best news is probably the fact that Tier 3 fuel does not cost any additional money. It looks exactly like your regular gas pump and you can fill up as you regularly do.

Emissions from tailpipes cause roughly half of the air pollution along the Wasatch Front. If we all started using Tier 3 gasoline, we could see a tangible, huge difference in our air quality.

According to Chevron, Tier 3 is a set of federal EPA standards that requires petroleum refiners to reduce the sulfur content of gasoline from an annual average of 30 parts per million (ppm) to 10 ppm. It also sets motor vehicle emission standards to be phased in from model year 2017 through 2025.

The best thing you can do with this information is SHARE IT! Tell everyone you know about Tier 3 gasoline and encourage them to use it. You can easily share this blog post and get the information out there so we can see a bigger benefit from this exciting news.

In addition to using Tier 3 gasoline, it’s also important to remember the benefits of teleworking or carpooling if possible. It’s great to fill up with a better type of gasoline, but best if you don’t have to be on the road at all.

If your employer needs to see proof of the benefits of teleworking, just have them look at the recent study done on state employees in Utah. They allowed them to telework 3, 4, or 5 days a week.

They saw a 20% increase in productivity! It was a huge success and they plan on expanding the program to all state employees.

When you give employees freedom to spend time at home while working, they get things done! They are free from other distractions and can focus all of their time and energy on whatever tasks are most important. It’s been proven again and again that teleworking promotes productivity.

If you would love the opportunity to carpool, but don’t know anyone personally who would work, why not look into the UTA Rideshare program. You can find more information about it on the UCAIR website.

Yes, it takes a little bit more time to figure out logistics when you’re carpooling, but I always think it makes the drive more fun to have someone to chat with.

It may be selfish to think this way, but carpooling also benefits you and your vehicle! You are going to be sharing the gas money and vehicle wear and tear with someone else, which is a huge benefit to you! Who wouldn’t like to cut their gas money in half every month?

One last thing about vehicles – did you know every car has a smog rating? Whatever kind of car you’re looking for, try to find one with the highest smog rating in its category. On a scale of 1 to 10, the higher the number, the better the vehicle is for our air. UCAIR has an easy to use app on their website where you can get the information about your car.

The results are fascinating! I found out that my current car, a Mazda CX-5 is not great – it has a 5 rating. I searched the same car, but a newer model and found it had a score of 7. So, the newer models in a lot of cars have much better smog ratings. It’s an easy thing to check before you make your next vehicle purchase.

You can look up the smog rating on your own car here.

If we’ve learned anything through this challenge, it’s that little changes can create a big impact! If you want to #ShowUCAIR about clearing the air, go here.