Ashley Grant

7 Things to Consider When Buying a Car

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When you’re buying a car, there’s a lot to consider. That’s why I put together this list of 7 things you should keep in mind when thinking about this big of a purchase. While this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.

So you want to buy a car? Great! Be sure to research before you buy. You have so many options when it comes to make, model, size, color, automatic or stick, and power windows and locks and lets not forget about those leather car mats you’ve always wanted. The choices are truly endless. But, regardless of what kind of car you want, there are 7 important thing you should consider before you buy.

7 Things to Consider When Buying a Car

1. Fuel efficiency

One of the first, and perhaps most important things to consider is the car’s fuel efficiency. This is one of the mistakes I made when I bought my current vehicle. Had I thought about the ramifications of low mileage to the gallon, I probably would have reconsidered my purchase. Do you want a hybrid or one that runs solely on gas alone? Do you want a car, a van or an SUV? SUVs and vans generally have lower MPG than cars.

2. Insurance costs

Insurance is a big one, and most don’t consider insurance ahead of time when buying a car. Did you know that you can get general estimates for vehicles with most car insurance companies? You don’t even have to purchase the vehicle before you get this quote. Whatever vehicle you have in mind, whether it’s a car, motorbike or van, insurance is very important. For example, if you are looking to buy cheap van insurance, you may want to look into a site like One Sure Insurance who offer some of the latest deals in the market, to help save you money. In terms of cars, keep in mind that a car with a bigger engine will usually cost more to insure. Things such as turbo models and other sports extras will also run you more in insurance fees. And, your car color can cost you more! A red one for example will be a higher cost to insure than a white car, because red ones are more likely to be stolen. (Cue the “more you know” jingle!)

3. Average costs for maintenance and repair

This was another thing I wish I had thought of ahead of time to research. Maintenance and repairs on my vehicle is far too costly. We still don’t have an air conditioner or working heater because after the fourth of time of paying out the ASH to replace it, we gave up on this absurd fee. You should check the conditions of the vehicle AND the reviews of common maintenance issues with the make and model too!

Another thing to look into is the fees you might experience for things like oil changes and air filter replacements. Some vehicles require more expensive oil and tires than others.

4. Research the value of all of your purchase options, get lots of info, and make the most informed decision possible.

No question is stupid. Okay, well, for the most part no question is stupid when you’re debating about a purchase this big. You need to know all the details about the vehicles you are considering so you don’t end up with a lemon. Things like – whether a vehicle has been in an accident, ever had flood damage (hello Florida hurricanes!), and whether it has been reported stolen. Yep, these are things you need to be schooled on before pulling the purchase trigger! Come up with a list of several cars you are considering, and then shorten their list by thinning the herd via your research.

5. Be clear on what you actually want

Yes, you may have to compromise if you want a 2018 BMW but only have a budget for a 2014 Honda Civic. However, you shouldn’t compromise too much. Know what you want, and then look for what you want.

6. Don’t rush the process.

My husband and I tend to adhere to the philosophy of never buying anything when we need it. When we need it, we rush it and then inevitably regret our decision. Again, I confess this is what happened with my current vehicle. Our last vehicle was totalled unexpectedly and I panic purchased instead of slowing down and being smart. Sigh…I’m being smarter with THIS purchase!

7. Consider your current budget, and how you will finance the vehicle (if at all)

How much can you spend on this vehicle? Will you need a car loan, and if so – how much can you put towards a down payment and/or monthly payments? You must be realistic about this. Do you even qualify for a loan? Will your interest rates be good/bad/unspeakable? Will you go for a traditional loan or look into the title loans available? Thinking about the financial aspect prior to the purchase will certainly save you a lot of heartache later on.

Enter the Blinker App.

Blinker is the first-ever mobile app that puts you back in control of buying, selling and financing cars yourself – and it can all be done with your smartphone. Using their patented image-recognition technology, they make everything from selling a car with a lien to getting a loan to refinancing as easy as snapping a photo.

Since launching in Texas last year, they’ve saved buyers and sellers an average of $3,000 per transaction, serviced millions of dollars in auto loans, and they even won a 2017 SXSW Interactive Innovation Award.

Their app is currently available in Colorado, Texas and Florida. And, for a limited time, when you download Blinker (for free), enter code FAMOUS and you’ll get $200 when you buy, sell or refinance a car through the app. In full disclosure, I’ll get some cash, too when you use code FAMOUS.

Click HERE to learn more about Blinker.

Stay social with Blinker by following along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Don’t forget!!! For a limited time, when you download Blinker, enter my code FAMOUS and list your car for sale, you’ll earn $200 when it sells.

Sister Hazel, Edwin McCain and Grupo Niche to Kickoff the Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens

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This weekend the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival begins and I just learned some more exciting news about their kickoff weekend! Check out the notice they just sent me below the image!

TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2018) – Chart-topping artists Sister Hazel and Edwin McCain, and Latin sensation Grupo Niche will take the stage this weekend at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay’s fourth annual Food & Wine Festival.

The festival takes place on Saturdays and Sundays March 3 through April 29. Concerts are included with any Pass, Fun Card or daily admission.

Sister Hazel – Saturday, March 3 at 5:30 p.m., Gwazi Park

Originally from the sunshine state, Sister Hazel has been considered “one of the Top 100 Most Influential Independent Performers of the last 15 years.” The five gifted and seasonal musicians exude natural talent and charisma with their chart-topping hits “All for You” and “Lighter in the Dark” earning them multiple spots on Billboard charts. Along with being outstanding musicians, the band hosts annual philanthropic events like “Hazelnut Hang” and gives back with Lyrics for Life benefiting cancer research and patient-care. Don’t miss out on celebrating with Sister Hazel here at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Edwin McCain– Saturday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m., Gwazi Park

Proclaimed the “great American romantic” by the New York Times, Edwin McCain has swept the nation with over 20 years of pop music and endless touring. His love ballads and genuine personality makes concerts feel more like nonstop parties. With classic hits like “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask for More”, McCain has proved time and time again that he is truly a one-of-a-kind performer.

Grupo Niche – Sunday, March 4 at 6:00 p.m., Gwazi Park

Join us as we welcome the salsa sensation, Group Niche, to this year’s Food and Wine Festival! Residing in eccentric country of Colombia, this group has taken Latin America by storm with its Latin flares and outstanding performances.

SPECIAL PACKAGES:

  • Food, Wine & Brew Sampler – Guests with exclusive interests in culinary offerings can purchase a Food & Wine sampler that includes any samples of choice throughout the Festival. Samplers are available in quantities of five, eight or twelve and start at $29.99. New this year, a Pass Member exclusive 15-item Sampler is available for the same price as a 12-item Sampler.https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/food-and-wine-festival/upgrades/sampler-lanyard/

  • Wine, Bourbon and Tequila by the Bottle – Guests can take home a part of the Food & Wine Festival with wine, bourbon and tequila available for purchase by the bottle at the Xcursions gift shop.

BEST VALUES FOR FLORIDA RESIDENTS:

  •  For a limited time, buy a Busch Gardens Fun Card and get an Adventure Island Fun Card FREE! Experience both parks through 2018 for the price of one.

  • For those wishing for more VIP offerings, the Annual Pass includes unlimited admission for 12 months, free parking, no blockout dates, in-park discounts and other benefits, valued at more than $350. With EZpay, Annual Passes start at just $14 per month for one park, and $16 per month for both Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island

The Festival features all-new twists on cuisine at 13 culinary cabins, along with favorites like mango shrimp ceviche and beef brisket on a spiced corn waffle. Experience bold new eats at the Savory Tavern with fried frog legs with bacon corn fritters, or indulge in flavorful treats at Artisan Eats with beloved dish duck fat truffle fries and then spice it up with tostones rellenos de pollo at Comfort Kitchen.  Opt for lobster tart with leeks and Swiss cheese or mushroom vol-au-vent at the Light Fare Canteen, or relish in the robust flavors at Chef’s Plantation with salmon cake with lemon aioli, Korean-style ribs and all-new short rib and brie grilled cheese.  Guests can elevate the Food and Wine Festival experience even more by sipping a carefully curated selection of fine bourbons and new tequila tastings.

The Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from March 3 through April 29 and is included with any Pass, Fun Card or daily admission. Food and beverage is not included with park admission and is available for an extra fee. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages.

Be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at BuschGardens.com/tampa/blog, or “Like” the Busch Gardens Facebook page, and follow @buschgardens on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

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About SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The company is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped more than 31,000 animals in need over the last 50 years.

The company owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 50-year history, the company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States. The company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests. Visit AdventureIsland.com or Busch Gardens.com.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company. Visit www.seaworldentertainment.com for more.

So Many Things to See and Do at the Florida State Fair!

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Thanks to Cox Media Group Tampa I was given a family four pack to the Florida State Fair in exchange for this post and social media love. Although my tickets, some meals and rides were free, this has not affected my review. All opinions are my own.

Every year I look forward to The Florida State Fair. The food, the rides, the people watching. It’s something my husband and I thoroughly enjoy going to. There are so many things to do at the fair, and this year we decided to enjoy some of our favorite activities AND check out a few of the things we’ve never done before.

Our old faithfuls at The Florida State Fair

  • The food – We always end up with a corn dog upon arrival, and the past couple of years we end with a cheeseburger. Hubby always goes for the traditional barbecue bacon burger, and I either get the doughnut burger or the mac and cheese burger from Carousel Foods. Such yumminess! And seriously – you have to try the doughnut burger once in your life. I think you will be as surprised as I was at how delicious this darn thing actually is!
  • The arts – We LOVE seeing the entries in the arts and crafts contest held every year at the fair. The paintings and the sculptures, and the photos – this year they were just over the top. And, I was exceptionally giddy because I actually recognized some of the names of the winners in the art contests. I’ve decided next year I want to add a contribution of my own. I’ll share what I’m entering when it comes time.
  • The people watching – Dude! This is far and away my FAVORITE thing to do at the fair. You never know what outfits you will see, who you will bump into or what fun you will witness.  One of the crazy things we witnessed this year while people watching was a cell phone FLYING off of a ride. That was nuts. It almost hit someone!! Funny and scary all at the same time. And the craziest part? Their cell phone protector actually protected it. NO DAMAGE! Not even a single crack. That’s crazy right?!?
  • The Sky Ride – I love this because it takes you from one end of the fair to the other and gives you incredible views along the way. Resting our feet while getting a bird’s eye view? Winning!
  • The Ferris Wheel – it’s tradition. We always ride the Ferris Wheel. What was extra exciting about this year’s ride though was the wheel was bigger and we rode at sunset. We got some of the most epic views from the top. Seriously. Check this out:

The new things we saw/did in 2018 at the fair:

  • We went and visited with the drivers of the mini monster trucks. I had no idea this was a thing for kids! Youngins driving mini trucks?!? WOWZA! Pretty wild seeing these littles with those big trucks.
  • We also checked out the Farm to School Fun arcade hosted by The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). There were free games, educational opportunities, and we got to try some roasted peanuts from the Florida farmers that grow them. I also learned a lot about vegetables, bees, spiders, butterflies, and fish in this room.
  • For a few moments as we took a rest from the sun we stopped in and watched some baton twirling competitors. That was so cool and made me realize JUST how uncoordinated I really am. haha! We also darted over in the same hall and checked out the arts and crafts vendors selling their goods. It is truly amazing how talented some people are. While they we also got our fill of fudge, more peanuts, dip samples and more. So much deliciousness!!!
  • One thing we did that we’ve never done was juice our own oranges in the agriculture area. This covered areas also had some chickens in it which prompted a humorous conversation between me and the hubs about why we need to own chickens when we get a house.

Things we skipped or missed that I wish we’d seen:

  • We missed the Extreme Illusions & Escapes show, the BMX/FMX Freestyle Madness displays, Circus Hollywood, and the Laser Light shows. Mind you we didn’t skip them because we wanted to. We should have made the fair visit a multi-day event because we just didn’t have time for everything. The timing was off for us to see things at their scheduled hours, and/or we weren’t in the area when it was happening.
  • We skipped Cracker Country this year. Forgive me y’all, but I just wasn’t excited about this – perhaps because we’ve seen it sooooooooo many times over the years. I do regret not going over at least long enough to get some kettle corn though. It’s never better anywhere than it is there IMHO.
  • We missed events that were only happening on specific days. For example, we’ll miss the demolition derby because another trip to the fair before they close this year probably won’t be feasible with our work schedules.  Same for the Trashy Flashy Fashion Show. We were there the day after this occurred. I have to say I was super bummed about missing this because I LOVE trashy fashion shows. The way the artists can turn garbage into wearable art never ceases to amaze me.

Our 2018 fair visit was a success in my book

All in all, I loved my day at the fair, and sincerely hope that in 2019 I can afford more time to be there. I’d like to go multiple days and check out more events and things I haven’t seen yet, or that I’ve not seen in awhile. I will say that for the cost of the fair ticket, there is certainly a LOT of entertainment and enjoyment to be had. It’s not JUST about the rides and the food. I can’t wait to visit again. In the meantime, I’m hoping to check out many other events our fair city has to offer. <- see what I did there? LOL! I crack me up!

Check out all the images I snapped at The Florida State Fair this year –

Happy Dance! One Student Loan Account PAID IN FULL!!!

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Dear unleveraged debt,

It’s time we broke up. You’re just not serving me anymore. In fact, I don’t love you, and I want nothing more to do with you. I want you to move out of my life as quickly as possible! It’s been fun checking my student loan calculator to see how much I have left to pay off, but it’s time I moved on.

For the past 15 years, I’ve been worried about money. It’s been a concern on my mind longer than that, but it was then that I started to REALLY worry about it as I started accumulating unleveraged debt. Nearly half of my life I’ve spent accumulating it.

I have to say, it doesn’t feel good. It feels like a prison, and you know what – I just don’t want you in my life anymore.

Thank you for the times you saved me from eviction, from not being able to pay for groceries, for all the times you bailed me out. However, I now see that the cost was high and I don’t want to use you to pay my bills ever again.

Look unleveraged debt, you were great in my moments of dire need. And, I’m so incredibly grateful you were there when I didn’t see any other options. But, now I see a new path, and I must take it.

His name is abundance, and he is going to be so much better for me. In fact, we’re going to make a better couple than you and I ever possibly could have. He understands me, and wants to shower me with everything I’ve ever wanted or needed. And, he said I can keep the money he gives me free and clear. Now that sounds like a WAY better relationship to me.

I’m sorry unleveraged debt for letting you into my life. Thank you for all the lessons you have given me. I forgive myself for all the time we spent together, and I promise not to call for you again to save me because abundance will be saving me from now on.

I love you for helping me in the past, but I’m not in love with you anymore. I know it will take some time to move all of your stuff out of my life. I hope to move the last of your stuff out by the end of this year though.

I have to tell you I’m letting abundance move in now. He and I are already starting to get to know each other, and we’ve really got something special. He’s amazing. I’m loving him so much, and I’m enjoying watching as he grows as a permanent fixture in my life. He’s going to build me a home that I own free and clear, he’s giving me two cars, he’s taking me to Europe, and he’s going to make all of my dreams come true.

I know you’ll find someone else unleveraged debt that you can still serve. You’re just not serving me anymore. I need your stuff completely out of my life by December 31, 2019. I got rid of the one student loan account as of this morning, and I’m moving the rest of them out of my life as quickly as possible. I’m looking forward to packing up and shipping out every single account.

Love always,

Famous Ashley Grant

Rich Babe Challenge Day 5

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I’m so grateful to Manifestation Babe for the Rich Babe Challenge! I have learned a lot from these last 5 days with her, and am certainly looking forward to exploring everything she taught even deeper!

Here’s what I learned in today’s video:

“Success isn’t found in doing something only once, but rather in small actions that you implement on a daily basis”

3 Rich Babe Habits

1. Checking in on your money daily- “If you’re afraid to hang out with money, then money won’t like to hang out with you either.”
2. Giving money away.
3. Never ending improvement and growth – “When you keep working on yourself and growing yourself your income grows with you.”

Rich Babe Challenge Day 4

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LOVING the #RichBabeChallenge with @manifestationbabe sooooooo much! Today is day 4 and it had some awesome nuggets too. Here are my biggest takeaways from today’s video: Get intentional with your money. Make an important decision – set the intention of how much money you want to attract into your life. My intention is to earn $10,000 a month in PROFIT, every single month!

Biggest aha from today – “Release the how, and allow the Universe to do its job” This is always the hardest for me, but I’ll give it a go!

Ask yourself – “Who is that version of myself who already attracts this kind of money into my life?”

“The way to attract endless amounts of money into your life, is to start having fun right now.”

Ask yourself – “What can you do today to bring joy into your life?”

Manifestation Babe writes herself a check each month for the exact amount of money she wants to earn. She suggests doing that for yourself as well and to act as if the money is already on its way. She says, “The Rich babe version of yourself is already within you. She’s already worthy of money, has everything within her to attract the money you’ll be writing on your check, and she’s already abundant and successful.”

To step into that version of yourself that makes the kind of money you want to make you need to ask yourself things like:
– What are her habits?
– What are her thought processes?
– Who is she hanging out with?
– How is she dressed?
– What kind of books is she reading?

Questions like these “will give you the clarity you need to really tune into that Rich Babe version of yourself so that you can become her.”

Rich Babe Challenge Day 3

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Rich Babe Challenge Day 3 – This post is short and sweet, but oh man! So many juicy ahas in today’s Rich Babe Challenge video with @manifestationbabe!! Here are my favorites:
“Money is spiritual, and God wants you to be as rich as you can possibly be.” .
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“God wants you to have as much money as you can possibly get your hands on.”
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“Without you having a big bank account to match your big heart, you do a major disservice to those who are counting on you to be rich.” .
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“Because money is an amplifier, by you having more of it, it will only amplify your good heart. It’s already in your nature to be a giving, kind person who wants to serve and bless others. When you have a ton of money, you’ll have a ton of it to give to your favorite charities, build homes and schools in Africa, support foundations that speak to you, sponsor Christmases for entire families, and so on.”
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“If you are struggling, then no one wins.”

Rich Babe Challenge Day 2

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Posting a little later than intended today, but soooooooo many amazing ahas in Day 2 of the #RichBabeChallenge with @manifestationbabe. “Oftentimes when deciding to make a change in our money realities, most of us make the decision to change our environment or at least depend on our environment to be the difference-maker and are earning potential and what’s in our bank account.”
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Lower level change is short-term change.
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We must change our thoughts and beliefs for long-term change to really occur. .
You must identify yourself as successful for it to become your reality. .
“What we value in life can directly impact our finances.”
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The most important thing is identity.
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“Identity is where the magic happens. When we identify ourselves as worthy of money, being already successful, wealthy, and financially abundant, and we see ourselves the way we want the world to see us, we immediately step into this reality. Maybe not instantly, but on an energetic level we skipped all the work And went right into the bulls eye!”
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I am is the most powerful statement you can make because what comes after the words “I am” defines your identity. With that in mind, I’m declaring to the Universe now: I am wealthy! I am a healthy weight! I am earning $10k a month profit! I am organized! I am successful! I am a six figure a year blogger! I am a homeowner! I am a world traveler 3 months each year! I am a strong and confident business owner! I am loved and lovable! I am the owner of TWO new cars! I am surrounded by friends and family! I am living a life of my wildest dreams!

Rich Babe Challenge Welcome Video and Day 1

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I’m Doing the Rich Babe Challenge!

So stoked to dive into the #RichBabeChallenge with @manifestationbabe. Just watched the welcome video, and about to check out video 1 for Day 1!  YAY for making this year a little more exciting already.

Diggin this quote from @manifestationbabe in her welcome video – “Money alone won’t make you happy, but the purpose it can serve in your life – that certainly will.” Love, love, LOVE it! Okay, no really now…onto day one’s video lol ?

aaaaand Rich Babe Challenge Day 1


I’ve been a student of the Law of Attraction for a while now, and I’m always watching for the lessons I need to hear the most. I think that’s one of the reasons I was drawn to @manifestationbabe and her #RichBabeChallenge. Yes, I am in Money Bootcamp with Denise DT, and yes I’ve read countless books similar to and including “The Secret.” Still, I felt compelled to join Kathrin’s challenge and once again explore my money blocks in hopes of unlocking the door that has been holding me back from becoming a Rich Babe.
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My three favorite quotes from Day One’s video are:
1. You are the creator of your financial reality
2. The key to unlocking your inner Rich Babe is to take a good look at your money story
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3. Step one of revolutionizing the way you attract money is to gain awareness of your money story.
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I definitely am looking at my own story again, and considering the negative talk in my own head that has held me back from my true potential, and my biggest dreams. I plan to journal on each day’s videos, and I hope to share my progress on my blog if I get the courage to do so. In the meantime, I’ll be thinking about day one’s challenge today, and word vomiting all over my word processor. .
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Until tomorrow my #bloggyfriends – may your income be high and your hearts be full! Xoxo