2013 Lexus ES Premiere Event

I recently helped Lexus RiverCenter and Performance Lexus plan and host a "2013 Lexus ES Premiere" event. We held it at Kenwood Country Club and I suggested a fall theme... calling it "The Event of the Season: 2013 Lexus ES Premiere."

The day of the event ended up being a beautiful, crisp fall day and we had a tremendous turn-out. We had a string quartet, yummy drinks and fare, a fall-themed photo booth, swag bags for everyone, gourmet cookies from Queen City Cookies I customized with a Lexus logo on it, amazing door prizes (spa packages, flights to Mexico, and a stay at a luxury resort in Atlanta just to name a few!), and a grand prize of a 2013 Lexus ES one year lease!

The event was spectacular! See below to check out a few pics, and click here to see the full album!

Lexus vehicles on display outside the Kenwood Country Club

Lexus LFA on display outside the Kenwood Country Club

Customized gourmet cookies from Queen City Cookies

Attendees enjoying the event inside

Lexus ice sculpture

Attendees mingling alongside two 2013 Lexus ES models

String quartet

Lisa Bernstein the GM at Lexus RiverCenter and me

Mr. Dever (who owns both Tri-State dealerships) with Bernard, the 2013 Lexus ES one-year lease grand prize winner!

Bernard giving the thumbs up to his winnings with Michael (sales rep at Lexus RiverCenter), Lisa and Dan Kommeth (GM at Performance Lexus) 

Me having fun in the photobooth! :)

Sneak Peek of Tomorrow's Posh Pup Fashion Show

 Our Posh Pup Fashion Show is almost here! Tomorrow, we'll have 20 posh pups (who were nominated and voted in by our readers!) strutting their stuff on the catwalk at Performance Lexus.

The event is a fundraiser for the Humanitarian League of Greater Cincinnati, and will feature valet "barking," shopping, pet treat tasting, nail trimming (for a donation), a silent auction, and a fun photobooth where you can get a pic with your pup in a life-size dog house! Click here to learn more and RSVP!

We were on Fox19 this morning doing a sneak peek of the fashion show. Check out the segment below! All the fashions on the ladies are by The Stash in Bridgewater Falls and the pup fashions are by Pet Passions and Fashions! See you tomorrow!

Pet Fashion Show Voting Going on Now!

We have our Posh Pet Fashion Show coming up on Sept. 21 at Performance Lexus and you get to decide which four-legged fashionistas get to be in the show! Click here to learn more and submit your vote!

Posh Pet Fashion Show, New S&D Pet Charm

Our Posh Pup Fashion Show is coming up on Sept 21 at Performance Lexus! Make sure you mark your calendars and prepare to enjoy complimentary valet "barking," puparazzi on the red carpet, shopping, complimentary drinks, and a pupography booth to capture lots of candid moments with you and your canine. Plus, check out the pup-friendly treats, raffle prizes, silent auction and fundraising activities. The event is free to attend - receive a swag bag with a $10 donation to The Humanitarian League of Greater Cincinnati! RSVP here!

Want to see your four-legged fashionista on the cat…er…dogwalk? Nominate your pup to be featured in the show! Email a photo and name of the dog you're nominating to pets@cincychic.com. Deadline for submissions is Aug. 24. Voting at cincychic.com/pets will begin Sept. 3 at 10am and end on Sept. 7 at 5pm. (voting link will not be live until Sept. 3)

 One of our vendors at the event, Ceci David, just sent me an email about one of the items she'll have on display at her booth. Stella & Dot just came out with a new charm line, and this super cute paw print charm is one of them! Click here or watch the video below to learn more! See you at the event!

Performance Lexus Hosts Mason-Deerfield Arts Alliance Event Aug. 14

We wrote about Meredith Raffel, the Executive Director of Mason-Deerfield Arts Alliance, in this year's "Entrepreneurs to Watch" issue of Cincinnati Profile. I've been keeping an eye on her ever since and I just found out she's hosting an event at Performance Lexus on Aug. 14! They'll be featuring 15 various artists who will showcase their work and demonstrate their craft. The event is free to attend, artwork will be for sale, and you can enjoy complimentary fare/refreshments! Sounds like a great event to me! See below for more info and I'll see you at the event!

2013 RX350 Reveal Event at Performance Lexus!

Performance Lexus will be holding a special event to unveil the NEW 2013 RX350! 

The reveal of the car will be June 27th from 5-7pm at the Performance Lexus in the Kings Auto Mall as well as the Lexus RiverCenter. 

Hors d'oeuvres and fine wines will be served and three lucky recipients at each location will win a limited-edition Lexus timepiece. 

I've already checked out the new RX350 and it's great! You can see my review here!

RSVP to the event at Performance Lexus in the Kings Auto Mall here. 

To RSVP to the event at the Lexus RiverCenter, click here.

Test Drive and Win Limited Edition Watch!

I just found out about this awesome promotion that Performance Lexus is doing to give away limited edition LFA watches. Check out all the details below! Also, Cincy Chic has a promotion with Lexus where you can get a bunch of chic swag if you test drive any new/pre-owned car and mention the campaign! Click here to learn more about that campaign, which can also be combined with the watch promo! Pretty cool!

2012 Women on the Move Luncheon and Fashion Show

Helen Bisdorf and Jenny Ginocchio are this year's Women on the Move Luncheon & Fashion Show co-chairs

Fashion and philanthropy are two of my passions. That's why I was so excited to hear about the 2012 Women on the Move Luncheon and Fashion Show Presented by Performance Lexus, which is coming up soon. It's a huge luncheon and fashion show, featuring some of the Tri-State's best boutiques, to benefit a great cause: Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

For the past two years, the event has sold out and it's been THE place to see and be seen in your best Spring fashions. I caught up with the organizer of the event to get the 411 on this year's fete. Check out my Q&A with her below!


Amy Scalia: In a few sentences, how would you explain the 2012 Women on the Move Luncheon and Fashion Show?
Helen Bisdorf, Women on the Move Luncheon & Fashion Show co-chair: 2012 will be the third year for this event (sold out in 2010 and 2011) which features the fashions of Alligator Purse, Khakis, Castle House, Sara Benjamin’s, Fetish, Donna Salyers’ Fabulous Furs, Kate and Brooks Brothers. A fabulous auction featuring unique items—including a an Apple iPad, a Tiffany & Co. suede tote, a Helen Adams photography session, a Donna Salyers’ Fabulous Fur throw, gift certificates to premier restaurants and an array of spa services — as well as multiple vendor tables to browse during the registration hour, add to the charm of the event. Seating is limited and the last two years’ events were sold out. Individual tickets are $65 and tables range from $750 - $2,500. To make a reservation and “join the movement toward a world free of MS” contact Mary Wright at (513) 956-4110.

Scalia: You've done this event for several years now - what's going to be unique and special about this year's event?
Bisdorf: For the first time Steve Raleigh, Emmy award winning meteorologist will be emceeing and I am sure he will charm the women in attendance. We are also adding a WOW opening to the show with musical numbers from Jennifer Brissman of the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music. Additionally, we will be showing more fashions this year including for the first time clothing from Donna Salyers’ Fabulous Furs, Kate and Brooks Brothers. Thanks to the hard work of our committee members our Chinese Auction has expanded. For the first time we are adding two silent auction items on which to bid: one of which is an opulent night at the opera including a luxurious stay at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza and breakfast at Orchids at the Palm Court; and the other an Apple iPad 2. We will also close the show with a surprise for our audience.

Scalia: Sounds like fun! This is all for a great cause too, correct?
Bisdorf: Yes, this event is one of the foremost fundraisers for the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Scalia: Tell me more about this organization and why the support is so important!
Bisdorf: The Society serves more than six thousand area residents with MS and their family members by providing them with the care and information needed to live independent and productive lives. In addition, the Society sponsors research to find the cause of and cure for MS. MS interrupts the flow of information from the brain and stops people from moving. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society exists to make sure that it doesn’t.

Date: Tuesday, April 24
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Kenwood Country Club

Donate to Tornado Relief at Performance Lexus!

Due to the recent tornados that devastated the Tri-State area, Performance Lexus and Matthew 25 Ministries are teaming up to provide comfort and nourishment to those who were affected. 

Performance Lexus is now a drop off location for non perishable goods and supplies. 

If you donate at least two items you will receive $500 off your best deal on the purchase or lease of a new Lexus or you'll get $15 off an oil change.

Or you can simply contact Performance Lexus or Matthew 25 Ministries at the numbers below for more information on how you can help those who have been affected by the recent disaster.

Performance Lexus 866-506-4453 

or 

Matthew 25 Ministries 513-793-6256

Thanks to my intern Sara Elliott for helping put this blog post together!

Dog-gone Amazing Car Accessories!

on a car ride with Dino!

If your four-legged friends are more like a family members, you want them to go everywhere with you - even if it involves a car ride! I know that's how it is with our pup, Dino!

Ever since we had our super fun Cincy Chic Pet Fashion Show at Performance Lexus, they've seen a huge uptick in canine-loving car buyers. So, they converted a portion of their accessory display area in the showroom to pet-related items! Some of the items they now have in-stock include doggy ramps, carriers, beds, mats, etc.

So, if your furry friends need some tail-wagging trip accessories, Performance Lexus is the place to go!

Pet accessories at Performance Lexus

Online Scheduling Amazingness!

While you can't always predict when your car needs service (like when my neighbor hit my parked car when she was parallel parking a couple weeks ago), there are some things you can predict... like oil changes, tune ups, etc. And for those things, Lexus is making it even easier to schedule those into your busy bee life with online scheduling of maintenance.

I'm excited about this because it'll save a lot of time and frustration... no more having to wait in the long line of people who had the same idea to get an oil change that day.

Lexus RiverCenter and Performance Lexus are both offering this online scheduling. So, basically, you go to their site, under "Service" click "Schedule Service." There are four super easy steps to follow and no hassle. No more calling and scheduling over the phone, just a few clicks of your mouse and you're ready to go. Enjoy!

Thanks to my intern Sara Elliott for helping me put this blog post together!

Lexus Makes the Holidays Happy for the 9th District School Chorus!

Today reminded me what the holidays are all about. Magic, surprises, generosity and joy. 


Lexus RiverCenter and Performance Lexus donated $10,000 to the Ninth District School chorus in Covington this afternoon. After the kids caroled, Lexus reps surprised the pint-sized singers with Fabulous Fur coats and lots of presents! Check out all their surprised little faces in this video!

Black Friday Sales Event at Performance Lexus

I just got an email from Performance Lexus about their Black Friday Sales. I don't know what I like more about it ... the fact that the car featured is my exact car (silver IS350), or that says "You deserve the best. It's that simple." (I've been telling my husband that as I plead for Santa to leave a LV delightful handbag under the tree this year! haha!)

What I also love about the email is that there are some great deals in there! Everything from 10% over Kelly Blue Book for your trade-in to $1k in flex cash to use as down payment or for service later! I even learned something new about Performance Lexus... I didn't know they do complimentary pick up and delivery for service! That's huge! Even though I love the dealership and all the niceties there, I love hanging out at home in my PJs even better!

Check out the email for yourself below, click here to learn more, and stop in to Performance Lexus on Black Friday for some divine deals!

Pet Fashion Show at Performance Lexus

The Pet Fashion Show I’ve been telling my readers about for the past couple of weeks was PAWesome! :)

Cincy Chic held this third annual event at Performance Lexus in Mason. They were amazing hosts for the event... they even changed their valet parking sign to say "valet Barking" haha!

Ralph Sells, the General Sales Manager (perfect name for that job, right?!), was SO creative. He came up with great drink recipes like "Bloodhound Punch" (for the sangria) and "Poodle Punch" (for the white wine spritzer).

We also had puparazzi on the red carpet, tail-wagging treats, howl-worthy shopping, a canine couture fashion show, and a phoDOGraphy booth that captured lots of candid canine Kodak moments.

The pics of the fashion show are up on our site, and there are more pics up on our photographer’s Facebook page. Enjoy.... They're dog-gone cute! :)

Dealership Amenities at Performance Lexus

I just got done reading a GREAT book called "Why She Buys." It really got me thinking about the reasoning behind the purchases I make and have made in the past.

Some of the big "takeaways" I got from the book are that women buy based on practicality; we don't get caught up in all the bells and whistles. But we do require sophisticated marketing. "Pink is not a strategy," the author tartly reminds marketers.

I got to thinking about some of the big purchases I've made lately, and the first one that came to mind was my car. Why buy did I buy a Lexus? Yes their cars are amazing, but honestly, I bought because I feel at home in their dealerships. They're sophisticated yet practical.

First of all, they do free handwashed car washes, so I know my car won't get dinged up when I need it cleaned. Plus, while I'm there, they have a cozy lounge where I can get work done on wifi, grab a cup of coffee, or even work out while I wait for my car to be cleaned/worked on. It's SO nice to have a home away from home, especially when you're on the road as much as I am!

I decided to make a top 10 list of my favorite things at each dealership. This week, I'm featuring Performance Lexus and next week I'll feature my top 10 favs at Lexus RiverCenter! Drum Roll... here are my top 10 favorite things at Performance Lexus:
1. Movie theater (enjoy a movie on a hi-def big screen in a big cozy reclining chair)
2. Four customer lounges including a "quiet room" (no TV or kids!)
3. Future Lexus Owners' Lounge (aka children's play area with toys, puzzles, coloring books & DVD player)
4. Full snack bar with custom coffee/tea/hot beverages
5. Lexus Gym with elliptical machines/treadmills/hand weights, etc. and full locker room with showers
6. Business center with four separate workspaces including desktop computers and printer
7. Complimentary pickup and dropoff for service customers (they come to you!)
8. Complimentary service loaners
9. Complimentary lifetime car washes and interior vacuum
10. The Service Manager (Whitney Binski) is female! (for some reason I just trust getting my auto info from a woman!!)

Here are some pics of Performance Lexus! It's soooo nice! You have to see it for yourself!

Recap: Cincinnati Profile Launch Party at Performance Lexus

A couple weeks ago, we had our Cincinnati Profile Launch Party where we celebrated its new online-only format and new events! It was a huge success! Click here to check out pics!

Performance Lexus was a fabulous host to the party. All the guests were completely wowed at the venue and couldn't believe it was actually a car dealership. If not for the new CT parked in the middle of the showroom and all the pictures of cars around, you wouldn't know it!

It has a workout facility, locker room, movie theater, lounge, patio, pond and fountain... you name it, they have it! It's unbelievable! Mark your calendar for June 11 when we'll be back at Performance Lexus for another Cincinnati Profile event called "Summerfest" ... we'll be grilling out, making sushi, tasting beers and wines, smoking cigars, taking hot air balloon rides... lots of fun! Make sure you're subscribed to Cincinnati Profile to be the first to learn about the event!

Cincinnati Profile Launch Party at Performance Lexus

Cincinnati Profile, the local e-zine for men in Greater Cincinnati I run with my hubby Pete (basically the male version of Cincy Chic) is hosting a big launch party!)

Profile has been around for more than four years in print, but I took it over at the end of last year and transitioned it to an online-only format. So this party is to launch the new format and all the new events we'll be doing, like a cigar and bourbon tasting event in spring, and a burger and beer "Summerfest" event this summer.

At the launch event, you'll get to meet the Cincinnati Profile staff, network, and enjoy complimentary drinks as you check out local vendors and the new rides at Performance Lexus!

Get your photo taken in our custom photo booth, made to look like you’re on the cover of a Profile magazine! Also, meet the leading ladies of our Single & Successful issue!

So, mark your calendar and RSVP for this event! Also, make sure you're subscribed so you can get exclusive invites to events like this in the future.

Winter Weather Driving Tips

It's supposed to get icky out for the next several days so I asked Whitney Binski, Service Manager at Performance Lexus, if she could give me some good winter weather driving tips. I've been known to hit a parked car during perfectly clear weather, so I really need the help when Mother Nature isn't on my side! :)

So, here are Whitney's Winter-Wise Driving Tips
•    Become familiar with your vehicle’s winter weather operating characteristics. Front-wheel-drive vehicles generally handle better than rear-wheel vehicles on slippery roads because the weight of the engine is on the drive wheels, improving traction.
•    Remember to clean head, tail and brake lights before you start driving.
•    If you need to turn on your wipers, turn on your headlights. Effective January 1, 2010, Ohio law requires drivers to turn on vehicle headlights whenever windshield wipers are in operation due to any precipitation.
•    To prevent fuel line freeze-up, keep your gas tank at least half full. Fill your gas tank before your vehicle is parked for lengthy periods.
•    Leave ample stopping time between you and the driver in front of you. Braking distance can be up to nine times greater on snowy, icy surfaces than on dry roads.
•    If your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), be sure to: STOMP - firmly depress the brake pedal. STAY on the brakes - do not pump the brakes. STEER where you want the vehicle to go.
•    Gently pump non-ABS brakes to stop the vehicle. Take any corrective action gradually. You need to maintain full control of the vehicle. Refer to the vehicle operations manual for proper methods to correct skids.
•    Lock your vehicle, even in bad weather. If locks freeze, heat the key. Do not pour hot water on the locks - they will refreeze.
•    Drive with extreme caution on bridges and overpasses during freezing temperatures. Because bridge temperatures can be 5-6 degrees colder than roadways, they can become slick and icy before roads.
•    Stay with your vehicle while warming it up. An unattended, running car invites theft.


I also just read this helpful article about the damage the salt can do on your vehicle frame, tires and windshield wipers. I definitely suggest you read that article too for more tips!