Ask Patty - Automotive Advice for Women

AskPatty Certified Female Friendly® Blog Carnival - January Edition

AskPatty - Automotive Advice for Women — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:54:19 -0800

It's hard to believe January is almost gone already. It's winter in the AskPatty Nation, for whatever that's worth - it's been blissfully mild for this Tennessee native, which is a welcome relief from the snowy days of the past two winters. But whatever the weather is, it's not slowing down the Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly locations who have hit the ground running in 2012. Check them out!

Victoria Transmission
Victoria Transmission & Auto Care is supporting their community through donations for the Mustard Seed Food Bank. An organization started to address the needs in the Victoria, BC area, they expanded to become the largest food bank on Vancouver Island. Bring your vehicle in for a Transmission Service by 1/31/2012 – and we will make a $25 donation to the Mustard Seed Food Bank, Victoria. Visit their website for more information or make an appointment today: http://victrans.com/

Pearson Ford
Pearson Ford of Zionsville had joined the Auto Safety Association of America as the exclusive Ford Motor Company center for the greater Indianapolis area. Ford, Lincoln and Mercury owners can now go to the ASA’s website www.autosafetynow.org and schedule a free vehicle recall check as well as a free vehicle safety inspection with Pearson Ford.
full article: http://www.pr.com/press-release/382149

Tires Plus Total Car Care
Tires Plus Total Car Care - Minot, Minot Air Force Base and Bismarck, North Dakota, has been recoginzed in their local press as a Certified Female Frienldy location. With an empahasis on better communication and making their customers more comfortable, owner Jard Lundeen is taking the AskPatty training to heart. Among the things they did was add a collection of family DVDs, books and magazines for children, they have snacks and a coffee machine that makes single servings from a wide variety of flavored choices.
full article: http://bit.ly/sABMv8

Import Auto Maintenance
Import Auto Maintenance of Nashville was interviewed by their local news, for a story promoting their Certified Female Friendly® location, their well-trained staff and the positive impact the AskPatty training has had on their customers. Follow the link for the full story: http://www.newschannel5.com/story/16591984/auto-shop-is-certified-femal-friendly

Nigro's Auto Body
ABRN (Auto Body Repair News) analysed the collision industry and selected 10 shops from across the country that stood out as leaders above all the rest. These shops go the extra mile for their clients, their community, and their workmanship. We are pleased to announce that Nigro’s Auto Body of Philadelphia, PA has made the list of top shops, and remains one of the most innovative and unique body shops in the United States. “Much about Nigro's is unusual. The shop actually traces its origins to Italy and the European method of repairing vehicles, which Nigro says outpaces much of the technology used in America. Co-owner and father of Domenic, Aniello Nigro trained and worked in Florence, Italy, before coming to Philadelphia to open the shop in 1984.” Check out the whole story here: http://bit.ly/xkKDQ0

Steven Toyota
Steven Toyota of Harrisonburg, VA celebrated their 20th anniversary this month. Congratulations! Here's what they had to say on Facebook about the event: "Thank you to all of our wonderful customers & our dedicated employees. We would not be where we are without you! We look forward to serving the Valley for many more years! Stop by & celebrate with us!"

Potomac Falls Express Lube & Car Wash
Potomac Falls Express Lube & Car Wash, Potomac Falls, Virginia, has partnered with a number of local restaurants to offer savings on automotive services and lunch! Visit their location Monday through Friday between the hours of 11:30 and 2 p.m. to save on Express Lube services and receive a coupon to use that day at the one of the participating restaurants. Follow the link to see a list of restaurants and special offers: http://bit.ly/zHv546

NAIAS/Detroit Auto Show Proved Auto Makers Are Listening..

Willowdiana — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:26:27 -0800

This month featured the country’s most revered auto show NAIAS’, Detroit Auto Show. Upon first thought of the show chills of excitement made me giddy to be able to see the latest models for 2012 and beyond. Car manufacturer’s attended from across the globe and provided more than enough options when it came to new vehicles coming soon (or within the next year) to local dealerships.
The theme from the major auto players seemed to be adding diversity to vehicles so they could perform at multiple levels. The line-up was immense while advances in safety, and technology were very clearly enhanced.

The show was also a way for manufacturer’s to show they have not only been listening to consumers but they have been heeding the call and meeting their needs. One of the most buzzed about vehicles at the show (which has been kept tightly under wraps) was the new fully redesigned Ford Fusion. No longer a big brother version to the Focus, the Fusion is now completely its own unique car. It has midsize sized feel with a streamlined and sporty vibe. The Fusion will be offered with eco-options such as the pure electric Energi and the Fusion Hybrid models which will be released in Fall. The coolest aspects of the Fusion Energi is that it takes half of the time to charge an Energi than most other electric cars within its class and it more than doubles the amount of electric drive time.

Ford then continued to show their eco-friendlier side by announcing they will be launching six electric and hybrid cars releasing this year to early next. They are the Ford Focus, Fusion (standard, hybrid and Energi), C Max Energy, C Max Hybrid, and Ford's Transit Connect Van. Fusion Hybrid designers say they look to the release and the capabilities of the hybrid in achieving up to 47 miles per gallon later this fall.

Ford has also formed an electric partnership with SunPower Corporation, “the most powerful solar panels on the planet”. The solar panel maker has created a program for Ford electric car owners to install panels on their homes roof and use them to create energy for their home and even charge their car!

From Energy saving components to eco-conscious consumers, another premier highlight at NAIAS was the introduction of this year’s Smart Car and its latest variations. On-hand to introduce this eco-friendly vehicle was none other than comedian John Lovitz who took the stage and warmed up the crowd. Attendees were then shown the new fortwo model which can obtain a 60 percent battery recharge in three hours. One executive dubbed it the ultimate city car with the smallest carbon footprint on the road. With its electric drive, state of the art safety features such as Satellite sensors (which detect side crashes) and ESP sensors (which detect a loss of control, brakes, and individual wheels), the new little ride showed a few new sides to its complete little package. There are new variations of Smart Cars out which are perfect for sporting enthusiasts and can even carry bikes! There is also an artistic version which features dent resistant pop-out body panels that can be custom painted by the customer.

“We are introducing our Smart Expressions program which allows customers to more than just choose body color of their car. They can use their car as a fashion accessory.” The opportunity to create personal customization and artistic designs is perfect for the artist in us all.

Venturing from the Smart Car/ Mercedes display one will find themselves right in the middle of Euro car row. For those who do enjoy smaller cars, but not as extreme as the Smart Car then they might be fully fascinated by Volkswagon’s new concept E-Bugster (Electric Bugster). This two seater comes with 114 hp lithium ion battery which equals zero emissions driving.

With a trimmer, sleeker and more defined body, this new VW Bug literally stopped those who walked by it in their tracks. It’s unique and more fluid design screamed fun, while it still possessed many bug-like retro attributes. The energy bug has some of the most up to date capabilities in its class. There is also an energy consumption display, driving range indicator, battery charge state, and battery regeneration gauge. The E-Bugster Concept truly morphed the Bug of yesteryear into a futuristic and yet nostalgic ride.

Moving out of the euro car section into something more American meant following signs and rounding a corner. This brought us to the Chrysler, RAM, Dodge display where a buzz of Dodge’s newest compact car filled the air. The excitement was about the Dodge Dart, its size, capabilities and economically friendly price tag.

Starting at $16,000 the 2013 Dart drew appreciation from the crowds and is sure to please everyone in the family. This fully loaded and aerodynamically contoured ride is a testament that compact cars are no longer boring. With plenty of room for five the Dart is packed full of the latest state-of-the-art technology and a plethora of safety features to keep the family safe.

“The Dart is a groundbreaking car that will surprise and delight customers who want a no-compromise, fun-to-drive car that’s a great value,” Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Dodge said. This latest release will offer choices of three fuel-efficient engines and three transmission choices, along with five trim levels.

This newly designed blast from the past is not even a shell of its former self especially when it comes to its tech savvy features. U-Connect information system features an 8.4” touchscreen with over 150 customization options. There is also plenty of storage in the glove box to secure an i-Pad®. For those who like a little mood with their drive, ambient lighting abounds throughout the Dart and is even located in the cars foot wells.

The Dart is also equipped with four-wheel, four-channel anti lock brakes, brake assist, lock differential, ready alert braking and support, hydraulic boost compensations, stability control, roll mitigation, hill start assist, park view rear camera and rear park assist . Then blind spot monitoring, and rear cross path detection are also included just for extra measure.

Another ‘safe pick’ for 2012 is the Jeep Cherokee which has won eight Consumer’s Digest Best Buy awards, received an IIAHS top safety pick for 2011 and in October achieved a 26% sales increase. These awards show that the manufacturer is staying competitive and at the top of their game. It also means that the Cherokee is a serious SUV to consider for those who may be in the market.

In keeping with the trend of enhanced passenger safety, Michelin was on hand to not only sponsor NAIAS but to promote their amazing new tires ‘The Defender’. The Defender will be available starting in April 2012, will be made in 38 different sizes, and will feature a 90,000 mile warranty.

"The Defender is the best standard passenger car tire we at Michelin have ever made, delivering tremendous quality and value to our consumers," said Pete Selleck, chairman and president, Michelin North America. "We listened to the marketplace and realized American tire buyers are looking for a safe, fuel-efficient tire, with long tread life and excellent value for the money.” “The Defender can stop 31’ shorter than leading competitors and has been designed to last up to 21,000 miles longer than the competition,” Selleck said.

Safety, updated designs, and technology were seen throughout every display at the Nation’s largest new car show.

The 2012 and 2013 models shown at NAIAS this year proved that most manufacturers have been heeding consumers needs, and making great strides to bring higher standards and quality vehicles back to our nations roads.

Diana Claussen Senior Editor

Neglecting Your Car's Engine? It Can All Add Up...

AskPatty - Automotive Advice for Women — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:08:20 -0800

Brought to you by Purolator Filters

You always have a ‘choice,’ even where something simple is concerned – even something as simple as your car’s engine air filter. Say you’ve been driving around without having changed your car’s engine air filter in a while. You can choose to buy one for $15-20 and install it yourself or perhaps with the helping hand of a friendly parts store clerk. Or, down the road, you may find yourself shopping for a laundry list of parts and a reliable repair shop.

Under these circumstances, your shopping list could include:

Piston rings - $120
Full gasket set - $175
Connecting rod bearings - $80
Main bearings - $80
Machine work - $600
Repair shop labor to remove/reinstall engine and parts - $1,200
Labor to disassemble and reassemble engine - $750

Total $3,005

Additionally, if you add in new spark plugs, oil, belts, filters, hoses, motor mounts, thermostat the cost inches a lot closer to $4,000.

On the other hand, your mechanic can order a re-manufactured engine at $2,500 or more, and with the cost of labor added in it too totals $4000-plus!

“An air filter is a small item in terms of cost, but plays a very big role when it comes to protecting the engine in your car,” said Chuck Kerrigan, Director of Marketing for Purolator, a major supplier of engine air filters to the automotive aftermarket in North America. “Today’s engines include parts that are manufactured to such precise tolerances that even a modicum of dirt can potentially damage its performance,” said Kerrigan.

Imagine, for every gallon of fuel your vehicle consumes, it ingests 10,000 gallons of air. And with the precise clearance of one-thousandths of an inch or more between the piston ring and the groove of the piston in which it rides, the engine is extremely vulnerable when the air filter is dirty or blocked. Once this happens, the filter media gets sucked in, ruptures, allowing unfiltered dirt to rush in and damage the engine’s vital internal parts.

“The two most critical features to look for in engine air filters are 'efficiency' and 'capacity,' ” said Kerrigan. “Efficiency describes how well an air filter removes harmful particulates, and capacity is a measure of how much debris a filter can hold. For example, our Purolator Classic air filter is 96.5 percent efficient with excellent capacity. And our premium Purolator PureONE air filter, which is 99.5 percent efficient, removes particulates as small as 8 ten-thousandths of an inch, and can hold more contaminants than many other air filters on the market. Particles this size and larger can cause major damage to critical internal engine parts and over time, can cause damage serious enough to require total (and expensive!) engine overhaul or replacement,” Kerrigan emphasized.

“Finally, avoiding the frustration of knowing that you could have prevented an engine rebuild simply by spending a couple of dollars now, is priceless; your engine will appreciate it, and so will your bank account,” Kerrigan said.

To learn more about Purolator filters and the filtration category, please visit www.purolatorautofilters.net.

AskPatty.com Launches All New Website for Certified Female Friendly® Automotive Professionals

AskPatty - Automotive Advice for Women — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:03:36 -0800

AskPatty.com Inc, the premier online resource for automotive advice for women by women announced today that they have launched a new geo-location female-friendly website adjacent to AskPatty.com that is dedicated to helping women take advantage of money saving offers, coupons and expert automotive advice FAST with the company's growing network of Certified Female Friendly® automotive retail locations across the U S. and Canada. The new website address at www.askpattycertifiedfemalefriendly.com, enhances the online experience women have with Certified Female Friendly® automotive retail locations in their local area.

The Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly® program, launched in 2006, offers female-friendly certification, ongoing training and marketing to women expertise for automotive retailers to insure the highest level of customer satisfaction for women. The program provides comprehensive tools and training on how to attract, sell, retain and increase loyalty with women. Included in the program are innovative award winning marketing and advertising to women strategies.

“Just as AskPatty.com continues to evolve as the premier trusted source of automotive advice to women by women, our fast growing network of Certified Female Friendly® locations across the U. S. and Canada is evolving too,” says Jody DeVere, CEO of AskPatty.com and Marketing to Women Conference board member. "Our goal is to continue to add more value to women looking for a trustworthy hassle-free experience with our network. This simple and clean geo-location design helps women find the closest Certified Female Friendly® automotive retail location and money saving coupons FAST. A mobile geo-location version of the new site is also coming soon to help women find Certified Female Friendly® locations and coupons on the go."

Before the launch of the new site, Certified Female Friendly® retailers were available to readers via a search by zip code on the AskPatty.com homepage, the new dedicated female-friendly website affords women Geo-Location results right on the homepage. Women are greeted immediately with a selection of Certified Female Friendly® locations in their local area, along with local coupons and specials, no manual search required. Women can also sign up for a free membership to participate in the Ask Patty community to review Certified Female Friendly® locations, their vehicles for the benefit of other women, get expert automotive advice via email and cash in on additional specials and coupons.

About AskPatty.com, Inc.

With international headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California, AskPatty.com, Inc. takes a two-pronged approach to revolutionizing the women's automotive retail market in the U. S. and Canada: For consumers, the AskPatty.com website is the premier safe and reliable source for expert automotive advice and research for women by women. For auto dealers, tire dealers, quick lubes, car washes, collision centers, service and repair centers the AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly® program provides a comprehensive program on how to attract, sell, retain and increase loyalty with women.

Women can find an Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly® location, money saving special offers, coupons and advice fast by going here www.askpattycertifiedfemalefriendly.com.

Go here to learn how to become Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly®.

About Jody DeVere visit www.jodydevere.com

Ask Patty® and Certified Female Friendly® are registered trademarks of AskPatty.com, Inc.

Start the New Year Safely! Winter Tire Tips from Cooper Tire & Ask Patty

AskPatty - Automotive Advice for Women — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:00:00 -0800

When the weather gets colder, our cars get more temperamental – but slow starts, frozen doors, and frosted glass isn't all you have to worry about as your family's Tire Super-Mom. Have you paid attention to those tires as the temperatures plummeted? If the answer is no, you're not alone – but fret not! Cooper Tire and AskPatty.com have joined forces once again to bring you important Winter Tire Safety Tips.

You know the basics from our Tire Super-Mom guide – and if you don't, go here for a refresher. Always make sure your tread is wearing evenly, check that pressure, and don't forget to air your spare. Winter, after all, is a magical time of year ... or is it? For many, winter temperatures and snow is enough to make a hermit out of the most adventurous. Yet, work, school, errands and life call us out of our warm abodes and, for those who drive, it's best to be aware of the importance of tire safety and maintenance, especially during the winter months. Why? Let's take a look.

Winter Air Pressure: Don't set it and forget it!

As we discussed earlier, proper tire pressure helps preserve the life of your tires, as well as helping to ensure your safety on the road. The correct inflation pressure is found on the vehicle's placard in the door frame. Here's something you may not know: For every 10 degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature, your tire's inflation pressure will drop by about 1 psi. So make sure to check that pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Also, make sure your tire's valve stems have caps. Moisture can freeze in the end of an open valve stem and allow air to leak out.

Check Those Tires!

Especially with the winter weather, sufficient tire tread depth is essential to help keep your car riding the road safely. Tire tread depth should be more than 2/32 of an inch deep all around the tire. Be sure and measure across different areas of the tire, and note whether the tread depth measures evenly. An easy way to measure this is to place a penny into several tread grooves across the tire, with Lincoln’s head down. If the top of Lincoln’s head is covered by tread that means there is at least a minimum acceptable amount of tread; if the top of his head is visible at any location on the tire, the tire is worn out and it’s time to replace it. For winter weather driving, the more tread depth, the better.

To help you with this, tires have built in "tread wear indicators." These are narrow bars of smooth rubber that run across the tread. When the tread is even with the bars, it is worn down to the minimum level and must be replaced immediately. Being at or near tread wear indicators means tires will be less efficient in wet/snowy weather.

Be Prepared!

Before you head over the river and through the woods in rough winter conditions, be sure to pack your car with a family emergency kit. What should you include? Well, you can't get too complete, but here's a basic list: jumper cables, flares, blankets, non-perishable food (and a means to open it, if that means cans), gloves, boots, a flashlight, a cell phone, a first aid kit, an ice scraper, some rope, and a basic tool kit. You can purchase vehicle emergency kits at most automotive stores or department stores, or you can prepare your own as a family activity.

Resolve Tire Safety for the New Year

Driving in icy conditions requires constant attentiveness. Turn off the radio, silence cell phones, instruct family members to be quiet, and above all, slow down! Not driving fast to begin with will mean you won't need to use your brakes as often – and that means less of a chance you'll skid on any ice. Keep an extra eye out on bridges, overpasses, and intersections for so-called “black ice,” lay off the cruise control, and give yourself plenty of room between you and the car in front of you. Also, don't be lulled into a false sense of security by four wheel drive. 4WD is great for driving in snowy roads and not getting yourself stuck, but once you start sliding on ice you're no better off than anyone else. So even if you have 4WD, drive slowly and brake gently.

Winter Tires for Your Family Vehicle

Winter tires are different from all-season tires. All-season tires are designed to perform in year-round weather, while winter tires, on the other hand, are specifically designed for driving in snowy and icy conditions. If you're driving a lot in winter weather, you would do well to consider a set. If you decide to install winter tires, make sure you switch all four tires, not just two! If you change just two, you'll have better traction with those two tires, but if the two older tires begin to slide while the newer tires hold their grip, you're not just sliding – you're spinning. If you must add only two winter tires – put them on the rear, not the front. But, remember, four winter tires are better, and they grip more evenly.

Cooper Tire has several products available to those in the market for winter tires this season: The Weather-Master WSC is designed for superior winter performance. This studdable and directional design along with the high silica tread compound is ideally suited for the toughest of all winter conditions. The Weather-Master S/T² is Cooper's premium studdable winter passenger tire that fits a wide range of automobiles, old and new, foreign and domestic. And finally, the Discoverer M+S is Cooper’s premium studdable winter SUV/light truck tire.

Negotiating winter road conditions can be less of an adventure if you follow these winter driving tips.

About Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company (Cooper) is the parent company of a global family of companies that specialize in the design, manufacture, marketing, and sales of passenger car and light truck tires. Cooper has joint ventures, affiliates and subsidiaries that also specialize in medium truck, motorcycle and racing tires. Cooper's headquarters is in Findlay, Ohio, with manufacturing, sales, distribution, technical and design facilities within its family of companies, located in 11 countries around the world. For more information on Cooper, visit www.coopertire.com, www.facebook.com/coopertire or www.twitter.com/coopertire.

Women's Automotive Association Salutes 2012 Spirit of Leadership Honorees

AskPatty - Automotive Advice for Women — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:00:00 -0800

Jodi Kippe, Crowe-Horwath; Cherie Watters, Puente Hills Hyundai; Audrey Zavodsky, Professional Racer, to Receive Top Honors

In recognition of their professional accomplishments and contributions to the automotive industry, three distinguished businesswomen have been chosen to receive the coveted Spirit of Leadership Award, presented annually by the Women’s Automotive Association International (WAAI).

This year’s honorees are Jodi Kippe, partner at Crowe-Horwath, a public accounting and consulting firm specializing in audit, tax, advisory, risk, and performance services; Cherie Watters, general manager of three southern California dealerships—Puente Hills Hyundai, Mazda of Puente Hills and South Bay Hyundai; and Audrey Zavodsky, PhD, professional race-car driver and head of human resources, leadership and professional development, for Ford Motor Company.

The women will be honored at the 13^th Annual Spirit of Leadership Awards Dinner on Saturday, February 4, 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nevada. The awards dinner, hosted by WAAI, is being held in conjunction with the 2012 NADA/ATD Convention. Proceeds from the event will be contributed to the WAAI International Scholarship Program, which provides tuition assistance to qualified students pursuing careers in the automotive industry.

“The women selected as this year’s honorees have a proven track record of exceptional professional achievements and as role models and mentors in both the automotive industry and their communities,” stated Lorraine Schultz, WAAI founder and CEO. “We are privileged to recognize these accomplished women.”

Founded in 1995, WAAI centers it efforts on recognizing the achievements of women in the automotive industry, providing networking and relationship-building opportunities, and encouraging growth through mentoring, ?educational endeavors and scholarships.

For additional information on the awards dinner, including sponsorship and advertising opportunities, and to purchase tickets, visit the WAAI website, www.waai.com. Or email to Lori Sousa, event coordinator, lsousa@dealerriskservices.com.

CFF Successes AskPatty.com

The Power of the Bark Side: Volkswagen's New Star Wars Ad Campaign

AskPatty - Automotive Advice for Women — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:51:15 -0800

So, this exploded onto the internet yesterday, so forgive me if you've seen this before, but I couldn't not write about this ad.

You know that we at Ask Patty always look forward to the Super Bowl, because of all the great car ads! Many of you will probably remember Volkswagen's ad from last year, which featured an adorable child-Vader trying his force powers on everything around him, including dad's VW. It was absolutely adorable, and that kid, along with Volkswagen, were lavished with much attention.

Well, it looks like they're continuing the Star Wars trend this year, but they're going a little more... canine in the interpretation. This new ad premiered earlier this week:

The ad includes the date "2-5-12" which, not coincidentally, is Super Bowl Sunday, and the ad's Youtube page promises that "everything will make sense" then.

I'll certainly be watching closely for the punchline. Stay tuned for further updates from the Bark Side!

Have a great weekend, Ask Patty Nation.

Kaeli Gardner AskPatty.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6ntDYjS0Y3w

OUTRAGED: A Story by Tammy Darvish

AskPatty - Automotive Advice for Women — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:29 -0800

We always like to let you know when one of the Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly retailers does something cool, and this is one of those times. Tamara Darvish is a vice president of DARCARS Automotive Group, a privately owned group of 34 franchises in the Washington Metro area, and she's written something pretty amazing. It's called OUTRAGED: How Detroit and the Wall Street Car Czars Killed the American Dream, and it's a story about how the auto industry's collapse in 2008 and the subsequent bailouts may have saved auto manufacturers, but ultimately spelled doom for many smaller dealerships across the country. Check it out:

The “taking out” of America’s hometown car dealers is perhaps the most misunderstood or little-known story of the decade, certainly of the last few years. The collapse of the “Detroit Two” automakers (General Motors and Chrysler; Ford is the third component that makes up the so-called “Big Three,” or “Detroit Three” automakers), and a temporary government group designed to rescue them set the stage for the events that transpired. The automakers saw new life. But a good portion of “Main-Street” car dealers were left to hang out to dry. Main Street and Highway 61 are used as metaphors for the rejected dealers, many of whose businesses were located on Main Streets or along highways in rural, small and midsize towns, as consultants pointed out. And dealers, as portrayed here, represent entrepreneurs everywhere, as symbols of the American dream.

Pretty heavy stuff - but important stuff! 2008 and the resulting chaos was tough for everybody, but the best thing we can do now is learn from those mistakes so we don't repeat them again. Ever. Thanks to Tammy for penning this torrid tale, and contratulations to you from the whole Ask Patty team. We hope it's a hit for you!

You can learn more about Tammy and her book at http://www.tammydarvish.com/, and the book's available for purchase at Barnes & Noble and Amazon - plus, it's available on the Kindle. Go get it!

Kaeli Gardner Senior Editor