Seasons – TORsAdventures

Chicago Auto Show – 2025

February 6, 2025February 16, 2025

This year is off to a bang! So far 3 great events and its only the first part of 2025!

The Chicago Auto Show will not disappoint this year if you attend. There are so many fun things to see, from the Ford Bronco hill, to the special edition Fiat and the new BMW i7… Oh yes! That car has some ROOM in the back! The show started back in 1901 and has come a long way to 2025, the EV – electric vehicles section has doubled and there are quite a few options on the economy and luxury side, more on that later. Did you also know that the show is over 1,000,000 square feet and has over 4,000 people working to make this show come to life.

Something I thought was also interesting is that cars.com has been around for 25 years! The internet, and/or electric power has really changed the auto industry in my opinion for the better. You, as the consumer, have the power to research anything and everything about a car even before you go to a dealer to see it in person. I know that when I bought my new car in 2023, I did A LOT of internet research and still went to I don’t know how many dealers and tried I don’t know how many cars, but I am happy with my choice. A 2023 Hyundai Venue in bright red! My Grandma always said that if she bought a brand new car it would be red!

That color red is what drew me to the next cars! There are sooooooo many red options at the auto show! Some more expensive than others, and also some that are made of LEGOs which was a first for me. I love looking at all the new options and models.

Next up was my test drive with the all new Ford Bronco. My driver was a part of a team of specially trained race car drivers. To me this added an extra element of excitement because I felt like I was with someone who knows how to really handle the vehicle and take it to the extreme. The other test drive was with Jeep and WOW! They took it to the next level with a full 42-degree climb up a man made hill inside of a showroom! Crazy and amazing at the same time.

Chevrolet showed off the new Corvette ZR1, and then I was invited to an event with BMW and introduced to the all new i7.

The i7 is in my top 5 cars at the show! Speaking of that, here are my top 5!

5. Jeep Grand Wagoneer – CAS 2025 custom paint and interior

The 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer has a luxurious interior with premium materials, a 12-inch touchscreen, along with the ability to customize not only the exterior color but also the interior.

4. BMW i7

High-Performance Electric Powertrain: The i7 offers multiple powertrain options to suit different performance preferences:
eDrive50: Features a single electric motor producing 449 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. bmwblog.com
xDrive60: Equipped with a dual-motor setup delivering 536 horsepower and 549 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. bmwblog.com
M70: The most powerful variant, producing up to 660 horsepower and 1,015 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. bmwblog.com

3. Fiat Topolino

Available in markets outside the United States, the all-electric quadricycle is ready to contribute to the expansion of urban electric mobility, providing an accessible and all-electric version that encloses all the freshness of the Fiat 500.

This famous and evocative name is the one that opened the way to urban mobility and immediately evokes the first Fiat 500. Produced by FIAT from 1936 to 1955, the Fiat 500, commonly known as the “Topolino”, literally invented the idea of mobility for people.
The new Topolino perfectly embodies the Dolce vita and the Italian spirit of FIAT. As a vehicle that aims to bring a smile to a smile, the Topolino brings to the streets a new conception of the Dolce vita, joy, optimism and fun. The Topilino is a new electric mobility device that has been designed for a wide audience, including younger customers, families and city lovers.
It fits perfectly with FIAT’s democratic mission to provide sustainable and accessible urban mobility solutions for all.

2. 2015 Lamborghini Huracan with a custom paint job from Snagzart, this brought out the kid in me with the Rugrats design on the car.

1. 2025 Rolls-Royce Phantom – The best thing I can say to describe this car is that it is a car you want to be driven in not drive yourself.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is the epitome of luxury and craftsmanship, representing the pinnacle of the British automaker’s offerings. Here are some key details about the Phantom:

Unmatched Luxury and Craftsmanship:

– The Phantom features exceptional attention to detail, with hand-crafted materials such as wood veneers, leather upholstery, and hand-stitched elements. Every car is tailored to the owner’s specifications, including unique color choices, embroidery, and custom finishes.

– The interior is like a private sanctuary, with options such as bespoke seating, advanced sound systems, and advanced climate control to ensure maximum comfort.

Powerful V12 Engine:

– The Phantom is powered by a 6.75-liter V12 engine, which provides a smooth yet powerful driving experience. With around 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, it can accelerate with effortless grace, despite its size and weight.

Advanced Technology and Comfort Features:

– It features advanced technology, including the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Audio system, night vision cameras, and a custom infotainment system that integrates seamlessly with its luxurious interior.

– The car also comes with high-end soundproofing, making it one of the quietest vehicles on the road, offering a serene driving experience.

Presence and Exterior Design:

– The Phantom’s exterior design is unmistakable with its large imposing grille, the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, and meticulously designed lines that create an aura of elegance and grandeur.
– The car’s design is timeless and remains one of the most recognizable luxury vehicles in the world.

Price and Exclusivity:

– The Rolls-Royce Phantom is priced at over $450,000, depending on customization, making it one of the most expensive cars in the world. Its exclusivity, and the level of personalization available to buyers further cement its status as a symbol of wealth and sophistication.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom isn’t just a car; it’s a symbol of unparalleled status and a testament to fine British engineering and design.

Christmas in New York City!

January 3, 2025February 7, 2025

This year was extra special because I bought myself my own set of skates for the first time in 20 years! A couple of years ago, I woke up Christmas morning in NYC and went skating at the Rockefeller rink under the iconic tree! Well that was fun for about 5 minutes until my feet hurt in the rentals. I didn’t feel steady, and couldn’t do anything I wanted to do. So fast forward a few years later, and I am presented with the opportunity to go to NYC again for another Christmas trip. I got the idea to go skating again, but didn’t have my own skates. This is where the ultimate Christmas gift I always wanted under the tree, a brand new pair of figure skates, that were actually big enough for my big feet. A 10 wide … yes … not exactly common. I know I was forced to shove my feet into skates that were too small just because that’s the only thing my parents would buy for me.

When it came to finding my skates, I chose a brand that was around when I was a kid and is still thriving today. Riedell was a sure bet to me and it paid off. I LOVE my skates, they were an awesome price at around $200, and came with some professional parts, like the flex notch for added comfort in bending my knees. Mine are not available anymore but here are ones that are comparable in price.

The Sky Club and flight there were great as usual with my favorite airline Delta. I have totally become a Delta girl since 2013 when I started flying them almost exclusively. I have the American Express Delta Reserve card and it comes in handy when I want to visit any Sky Club. I know the rules are changing in 2025, but I still find a lot of value from the card. With the $650 annual fee, its not for everyone, but for someone who travels alone a lot it has been nice. Also, it was Christmas Eve when I flew in and I wanted to spread a little joy while I traveled to meet my friend who was flying in on a different flight that was also booked with Delta Skymiles.

We were staying at the Hilton Midtown booked with points …. Obviously! 87,900 to be exact, to some this might be a lot of points, but for me its a great way to spend some points and quality time in New York City. We used the $35.00 per person credit for a few drinks at the bar, then took a bottle on champagne to go see the Rockefeller tree at midnight. Did you know that people gather and count down just like New Years Eve?

But before any of that, I had 1 thing on my to do list … Visit the new Louis Vuitton store that was built while they complete construction on the permanent location across the street! I was super excited to see all the displays and the previous designs along side their modern day counterparts.

Washington DC

July 17, 2024January 26, 2025

This trip was so fun for so many reasons! The Sky Club to start …… then I was able to connect with an old friend who lives in another state and we met for some food and drinks on Friday night. I spent 2 nights there total. I used a free night certificate for the first night and 110,000 points for the second night at the Waldorf Astoria.

This is where I should be so excited about the hotel but this was the worst Waldorf I have ever stayed at and I would never return. I also was in town for a travel hacking meet up and got to see a suite at the Grand Hyatt and the Conrad in DC. Since I have stayed at other WA properties I had a certain level of expectation leading up to the stay. I contacted the concierge just like I have for my other stays to request something for my birthday. I don’t usually complain about my stays but this was so bad that something needs to be said. I tried contacting Hilton customer service but just got the generic “We are sorry.” response. They were so sweet in New Orleans and I ended up with 2 Happy Birthday treats!

If you are familiar with Hilton you know that they have the option for digital keys in the app and you can check in without going to the desk. Well it was showing this option but that was apparently not the case. As the manager said … “we don’t use digital keys here”. Um …. ok so why not? And why does the app ask me if I want to use one? I am getting a little ahead of myself. After I landed I chose to take an Uber from the airport vs taking the train because I thought my room would be ready for me to check in at about 1:30pm. I got to the desk and they said that my room was not ready and that I needed to wait 2 to 3 hours for said room. When I inquired about an upgrade they told me it would cost $600 a night. I declined and watched that room stay empty for my whole visit while they shoved me into a room that was in desperate need of a facelift. Just look at the stains on the carpet … This is what they consider an upgrade for a Diamond member?

While waiting for my room I decided to take a walk with a hotel provided umbrella and I was able to see the White House and even caught a glimpse of the President of the United States leaving in his motorcade. Saturday was a fun day with sightseeing and the points and miles meet up! We met up at a Luna Hall DC, a high end food court with a full bar. Then we made our way to Allegory, a speak easy for a night cap.

This is a glimpse into what a suite at the Grand Hyatt looks like! Sooooooooo much nicer than my carpet stained room at the Waldorf Astoria! I was so jealous of my friends and the amazing treatment they received.

Overall I would recommend the Conrad or the Grand Hyatt vs. the Waldorf Astoria if you are in DC. Some words of wisdom … not all Waldorf’s are the same. But in the end I got 50,000 points back and made some amazing memories with my amazing friends!

Social