2013 Lexus RX 350 Review

I recently got the opportunity to take the 2013 Lexus RX 350 out for a spin. Lots of facelifts and all new features - inside and out - and I think you're going to love them.

The most noticeable change is that the RX 350 exterior got brand new grill. This new design is called the "Audubon Grill" and when you see this new grill from this point forward - you'll know it's a Lexus. It also got redesigned lights with LED running lamps and new rear taillights.

Lots of room in the back too - and its awesome power-opening/closing function on the rear hatch is now standard across all model lines.

Inside the RX 350, there's a new steering wheel that's easier to grip, a bigger and better center console, and this awesome Lexus Enform  "App Suite," that connects to your smartphone so you can have hands-free access to your favorite apps like Yelp, Open Table, Facebook Places, iheartradio, Pandora and more through the car's entertainment system! You can even use the controls on the car's wheel to change the channel and volume on Pandora! Very cool.

And the RX 350 is a dream to drive. Its 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. And it takes regular fuel, not premium. So, you have a smooth ride, power when you need it, and it's not a pain at the pump.

The 2013 Lexus RX 350 - with its all new design and brand new features - is definitely one to check out. Come in to either Tri-State Lexus dealership - Performance Lexus in Mason or Lexus RiverCenter in Covington - to test-drive one for yourself! And just for taking a test-drive, you'll get lots of Cincy Chic swag! A pink reusable Cincy Chic totebag, a drink tumbler and - my favorite, a coffee travel mug - all just for taking a test drive! Go to cincychic.com/lexus to learn more!

Check out the video review below to see the 2013 Lexus RX 350 all-new features and facelifts for yourself!

Carwash Dos & Don'ts

TGIF! It's almost the weekend! And I don't know about you, but I love washing my car on pretty weekends like this weekend promises to be.

So, I put together some truly helpful tips and tricks from Consumer Reports for getting a showroom shine with your DIY car cleanings this weekend!

When should I wash the car?
DON'T wait for a layer of crud to accumulate before washing. Dead bugs, bird droppings, and chemicals from the atmosphere all leach acids that can strip away wax and eventually eat into your car's paint. If left too long, they can cause damage that requires sanding and repainting the area to correct.

DO wash off dead bugs, bird droppings, and tree-sap mist as soon as possible. Other than this, a weekly car wash will keep the finish in its best shape. In addition, if you live in an area that suffers from acid rain, rinse your vehicle off after a period of rainy weather. Otherwise, acidic chemicals in the rainwater will be left on the surface after the droplets have evaporated, leaving a mark that can permanently mar the paint.

What kind of products should I use?
DON'T use household cleaning agents like hand soap, dishwashing detergent, or glass cleaner on the paint. These aren't formulated for use on a car's paint and may strip off the protective wax.

DO use a dedicated car-wash product, which is milder and specifically designed for use on automotive paint. Apply the suds with a large, soft natural sponge or a lamb's-wool mitt. See our car wax buying advice for tips on all types of waxes.

Grease, rubber, and road-tar deposits picked up from the road often accumulate around the wheel wells and along the lower edge of the body. These can be stubborn to remove and may require a stronger product, such as a bug-and-tar remover. Use a soft, nonabrasive cloth to remove these deposits, as they can quickly blacken your sponge.

Use a separate sponge to clean the wheels and tires, which may be coated with sand, brake dust, and other debris that could mar the car's finish. Mild soap and water may work here; if not, a dedicated wheel cleaner may be required. Be sure the cleaner is compatible with the type of finish (paint, clear-coat, chrome, etc.) used on the wheels. A strong formula intended for mag wheels, for instance, can damage the clear coat that's used on the wheels that come on today's cars. To be on the safe side, choose a cleaner that's labeled as safe for use on all wheels.

Are there any general guidelines I should follow when washing a car?
DON'T wash your car when the body is hot, such as immediately after driving it or after it has been parked in direct sunlight for awhile. Heat speeds the drying of soap and water, making washing more difficult and increasing the chances that spots or deposits will form.

DON'T move the sponge in circles. This can create light, but noticeable scratches called swirl marks. Instead, move the sponge lengthwise across the hood and other body panels. And don't continue using a sponge that's dropped on the ground without thoroughly rinsing it out. The sponge can pick up dirt particles that can scratch the paint.

DO rinse all surfaces thoroughly with water before you begin washing to remove loose dirt and debris that could cause scratching. Once you begin, concentrate on one section at a time, washing and rinsing each area completely before moving on to the next one. This ensures that you have plenty of time to rinse before the soap dries. Start at the top, and then work your way around the car.

Work the car-wash solution into a lather with plenty of suds that provide lots of lubrication on the paint surface. And rinse the sponge often. Using a separate bucket to rinse the sponge keeps dirt from getting mixed into the sudsy wash water.

When rinsing, use a hose without a nozzle and let the water flow over the car from top to bottom. This creates a sheeting action that helps minimize pooling of water.

How should I dry the car when I'm done?
DON'T let the car air dry, and don't expect a drive around the block to do an effective job. Either will leave watermarks, which in areas with hard water are the minerals left after evaporation. In addition, don't use an abrasive towel or other material that can leave hairline scratches in the paint.

DO use a chamois (natural or synthetic) or soft terry towels. If you choose towels, you may need several. It's best to blot the water up instead of dragging the towel or chamois over the paint. The drying process can be speeded up by using a soft squeegee to remove most of the water on the body, but be sure the rubber is pliable and that it doesn't pick up bits of dirt that can cause scratches.

Rather leave it to the professionals?
One of my favorite perks of being a Lexus owner is getting free carwashes! Both Lexus RiverCenter (Covington) and Performance Lexus (Mason) offers them, and you can get them as often as you'd like. I love stopping in between meetings because I can get work done in one of their lounges while the car gets spruced up. There's typically about an hour wait on weekends FYI, but if you can, stop in during the week and there's hardly ever a wait! It's awesome!

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!

Eco-Fabulous Fashion Show Next Friday

Our next big Cincy Chic event is coming up next Friday at Lexus RiverCenter! We'll be featuring all five of the Lexus Hybrid models, shopping, photo booth, refreshments, and a fashion show showcasing designs by local DAAP students! I'm so excited! Hope you can come!

Eco-Fabulous Fashion Show
Friday March 16, 6-9pm

Lexus RiverCenter 633 W. 3rd St., Covington, KY 41011

Enjoy complimentary cocktails, shopping, and a fabulous fashion show with looks designed by DAAP students at 8pm showcasing eco-fabulous designs


Event is free to attend. Those who purchase a $10 ticket will receive a swag bag and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Civic Garden Center.

Presenting Sponsor: Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance

Fashion Show Sponsors: Mitchell's Salon & Day Spa, Glass Zipper Boutique
Supporting Sponsors: PNC, The Plastic Surgery Group, Krombholz Jewelers, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Lexus RiverCenter, Performance Lexus

Vendors Include: Bella Forza Fitness, Mary Kay by Britt Born, Votre Vu by Julena Bingaman, A Village Gift Shop at the Century House, Vogue Vert, Stella & Dot with Beth Harris and Summer Weidenbein, and Charmed by Galite.


RSVP to: http://ccgogreen2012.eventbrite.com

Hosted by: Cincy Chic, an online publication for women in Greater Cincinnati

Review of All-New Lexus GS350

I just got the opportunity to check out the all-new Lexus GS350. I was really impressed with it. Highlights include:

1.       Industry-first 12.3” navigation/multi-media display screen.
2.       Lexus Enform  “App Suite” connects to your smart phone and use apps like Yelp, Open Table, Facebook Places, iheartradio, Pandora and more through the car’s entertainment system.
3.       Class-leading 10-airbag system with an all-new side airbag to help provide additional support for the rib cage and upper arm.
4.       Blind spot monitor for safer lane changes.
5.       Backup camera with sensors and Intuitive Parking Assist for added safety in parking lots/garage.
6.       306 horsepower engine but 28 MPG on the highway.
7.       18-way front seats for even more personalization and customization to your body.


My favorite part was definitely the huge display screen and the Lexus Enform app suite. It's the perfect way to stream all the things I love on my phone through the car's entertainment system. Check out the video below for my full review.

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