A Dream Come True!

As I’ve told you before, I’m a truck girl.
Even before Chevy let me test drive their beautiful Silverado, I drove a truck daily.

I’ve always had a silly little dream….
I have always wanted a dog that would ride everywhere with me in my truck.
I know…. I know….
I TOLD you it was a silly dream.
But it’s MY dream so I can dream it!

Anyway.
I have always raised big dogs.
I mean Great Dane big.
Those don’t really fit the bill for a “ride everywhere with you” kinda dog.
So… I got one that would.
I got Otis, the Boston Terrier.
I was thrilled to finally have a dog who I could take on rides with me.
The problem is…
He HATES to ride with me in the truck.
I mean, Throw-up-all-over-the-seats-you-just-cleaned-hate,
Shake-like-a-little-embarrassing-whimpy-non Texas-dog kinda hate.
Takes-medication-from-the-vet-to-calm-his-nerves-before-a-ride kinda hate.
Otis hates Hates HATES riding anywhere in the truck with me.

We got the Silverado and the strangest thing happened!

Loading up from Dana Clover on Vimeo.

Yes… Otis goes EVERYWHERE with me!
There is no dog puke in the seats.
There is no frightened quivering.
He even hangs his head out the window!
I am in Shock!

The only thing I can figure is that this is a dog who has taste!
I’m not the only one in love with the Silverado and it’s XM Radio and I-Pod jack.

He must love the plush luxury interior as much as I do.

He must not shake because the Silverado has dual-climate controls so he can have his side of the truck set on a toasty 78 degrees while I enjoy a cool 72 degrees on my side!

Maybe he feels safer knowing that Mama doesn’t have to take her hands off the steering wheel when the phone rings because of the Silverados built-in Blue tooth capabilities.

Whatever the reason… Otis is Happy!
and yep…. My dream has come true!!

Unloading from Dana Clover on Vimeo.

The Silverado continues to exceed my expectations! Even when I’m not looking for it!
Thanks Chevy!

DISCLOSURE: The Chevy Weekend Warriors Program is sponsored by Houston Area Chevy Dealers who are providing me with a Chevy Silverado to drive for a month as I blog about my own experiences. I was also provided with gift cards to complete missions I take in the truck. These are my own honest opinions.

Keep Reading »

More than a work truck!

I have spent alot of time telling you about how great the Chevy Silverado is as a work and play truck.
It's SO much more!
It can handle all of the work on the farm and it does it in STYLE!
Look!
More than a work truck! from Dana Clover on Vimeo.

The Silverado is a complete package for a girl like me.
A work-horse outside and luxury inside!
What more could you ask for?

DISCLOSURE: The Chevy Weekend Warriors Program is sponsored by Houston Area Chevy Dealers who are providing me with a Chevy Silverado to drive for a month as I blog about my own experiences. I was also provided with gift cards to complete missions I take in the truck. These are my own honest opinions.

Keep Reading »

A Dream Come True!

As I’ve told you before, I’m a truck girl. Even before Chevy let me test drive their beautiful Silverado, I drove a truck daily.  I’ve always had a silly little dream….

I have always wanted a dog that would ride everywhere with me in my truck.
I know…. I know…. I TOLD you it was a silly dream. But it’s MY dream so I can dream it! 
Anyway. I have always raised big dogs. I mean Great Dane big. Those don’t really fit the bill for a “ride everywhere with you” kinda dog.
So… I got one that would. I got Otis, the Boston Terrier. I was thrilled to finally have a dog who I could take on rides with me.
The problem is…
He HATES to ride with me in the truck.
I mean, Throw-up-all-over-the-seats-you-just-cleaned-hate, Shake-like-a-little-embarrassing-whimpy-non Texas-dog kinda hate. Takes-medication-from-the-vet-to-calm-his-nerves-before-a-ride kinda hate. Otis hates Hates HATES riding anywhere in the truck with me. 
We got the Silverado and the strangest thing happened! 

Loading up from Dana Clover on Vimeo.

Yes… Otis goes EVERYWHERE with me! There is no dog puke in the seats. There is no frightened quivering. He even hangs his head out the window! I am in Shock! 

Unloading from Dana Clover on Vimeo.

The only thing I can figure is that this is a dog who has taste!
I’m not the only one in love with the Silverado and it’s XM Radio and I-Pod jack. 
He must love the plush luxury interior as much as I do. 
He must not shake because the Silverado has dual-climate controls so he can have his side of the truck set on a toasty 78 degrees while I enjoy a cool 72 degrees on my side! 
Maybe he feels safer knowing that Mama doesn’t have to take her hands off the steering wheel when the phone rings because of the Silverados built-in Blue tooth capabilities. 
Whatever the reason…
Otis is Happy! and yep…. My dream has come true!! 
The Silverado continues to exceed my expectations!
Even when I’m not looking for it! Thanks Chevy! 


DISCLOSURE: The Chevy Weekend Warriors Program is sponsored by Houston Area Chevy Dealers who are providing me with a Chevy Silverado to drive for a month as I blog about my own experiences. I was also provided with gift cards to complete missions I take in the truck. These are my own honest opinions.

Keep Reading »

Silverado v/s Slippery Boat Ramp

This weekend the kids and I went to the lake.
I took the Silverado and pulled my jet ski.
It pulled like a dream!
But, the jet ski is light, so that really didn’t tell me much about it’s towing capabilities.
So, after I dropped the jet ski into the water, I decided to go pick up 0ur big pontoon boat.
((insert picture of pontoon boat here, and… It would be! If I had remembered to put a memory card into my fancy “big girl” camera! Ugh!))
Our pontoon boat is 24feet long and BIG.
I got the chance to test out the Tow/Haul mode, Chevy says it enhances performance while pulling a trailer or hauling heavy loads.
When activated, this feature modifies the automatic transmission shift schedule and helps reduce throttle pedal activity by the driver while traveling over rolling terrain.

I loved it!
Pulling that heavy and wide pontoon boat was just as effortless as pulling the tiny jet ski!
I didn’t have to give it a second thought!
Great job with this one Chevy!
When I got back to the lake, I carefully backed it into the boat launch….
This is where I get nervous…
I have visions of my truck being drug into the lake on the slippery sloping boat ramp.
Chevy thought of this too!
With their locking rear differential!

When rear-wheel slippage occurs at lower speeds, the available GM-segment exclusive automatic locking rear differential allows additional traction on snow, mud and ice, or even on a wet boat ramp.
I lowered that big ole boat into the water without a single moment of slippage!
Whew!
And…. it pulled it out like a dream too!
If you haul, drag, tow, or simply drive in Texas,
You’ve gotta try out the new Silverado!
DISCLOSURE: The Chevy Weekend Warriors Program is sponsored by Houston Area Chevy Dealers who are providing me with a Chevy Silverado to drive for a month as I blog about my own experiences. I was also provided with gift cards to complete missions I take in the truck. These are my own honest opinions.

Keep Reading »

Silverado and 1800lbs of Hay

As you know, we live on a farm. On a farm there is always some work for a truck to do.
Yesterday, it was getting hay for the cows.
We buy our hay in 7 foot wide really Big bales which weigh 1500 ~ 2000 pounds.
I was a little worried about taking the pretty Silverado to do such heavy work.
I had to pick up the hay, then drive through down Houston for a TV appearance.
Driving through the horrific traffic with a load that large and heavy is NOT usually something I would look forward to!

But... Guess what? The Silverado carried that load as if there was nothing there!
The ride was as smooth as it was when the bed was empty!
The extra weight didn't effect the handling at all!

After the show, It was time to head back to the farm.
Then time to feed the hungry cows.
We were getting ready to unload it when I began to worry.
I mean... It's a nice truck and all..
But can it's light and easy to use tailgate handle the massive weight of this round bale?
Our other work truck's tailgate is SO much heavier and awkward to maneuver.
The cows were hungry...
The hay was already in the truck.
I had no choice!
The boys unloaded it....

1800lb hay bale from Dana Clover on Vimeo.

The tailgate did fine!
It didn't snap,
It didn't bend.
I was thrilled that a tailgate so light would still handle our work!

And... this isn't some light airy bale of hay!
My boys are strong.
My boys are big.
And they had trouble moving it!


heavy hay from Dana Clover on Vimeo.

I am so impressed with this truck.
It has the comforts of a car.
But works like a mule!
Great Job Chevy!!

Keep Reading »

So Many Things....

The Chevy Silverado keeps exceeding my expectations.
Not only is it a beautiful truck, I mean LOOK at it! It's by far the prettiest working "farm truck" I've ever driven!

Sunday my youngest son and I were going to the Texans game,
Well, no self-respecting Texan would show up to a football game without their Team Gear!
So he and I loaded up in the Silverado and ran to Academy Sporting-good store.
We bought the place out of Texans T-shirts, hats, foam fingers, sunglasses, if it said TEXANS... we bought it.
Then we were off to do a little tailgating and to watch the game.

One thing I love about the Silverado is it's 20 inch tires that comes with the Texas Edition.
Driving in downtown Houston is not for the faint of heart!
These people drive CRAZY!
By the time I reach my destination, I'm usually ready for a beverage just to recover from the trip!
The Silverado is such a smooth ride.
Even in the horrific Houston traffic, I feel calm and relaxed when I get to where I'm going.

And.... In the Silverado, I sit high.
I can see what is ahead of me.
And, in the event of an accident, I feel safer being high...
I mean if I'm hit, I don't really want the bumper of a vehicle hitting my shoulder!

Oh! and did you know that The Chevy Silverado has breakaway engine mounts?
Yep... if it is in a bad front end collision, the motor mounts break and allow the motor to fall down.
That sounds MUCH better than the engine ending up on my lap!

Between the Silverado's ability to keep up with the work around the farm, and the comfortable ride, and the great safety features... I think I'm in Love!!

Next... I'll take you inside the truck..
Your not gonna believe it's a Big truck and not a luxury sedan!
Stay tuned!

Keep Reading »

They Thought of Everything!

I've been lucky enough to have the Silverado for a week now.
There are many features that I like.
Today, I thought I'd share one that most people wouldn't even think to check before purchasing a truck.
The tailgate!
My husbands truck is nice, but the tailgate is SO heavy! If my hands are full, I have to set down whatever I'm holding just to raise or lower the tailgate!
While I appreciate then upper body work-out I get while dealing with the tailgate, It is a bother.

The tailgate on the Silverado is so light!
I can lower it and raise it with two fingers!

Light Tailgate! from Dana Clover on Vimeo.

And another thing?
The tailgate on the Silverado locks!
It uses the ignition key, so it's handy and always around.
This helps keep my kids out of it!
Nice touch!

Stay tuned as I find even more great things in the Silverado.
Tomorrow... we go inside!

Keep Reading »

It's NOT a Dream!!

When I woke up Saturday morning the first thing I did was run out to my driveway...
"Was it a dream? Please don't let it be a dream!" I was thinking to myself.
I walked outside and saw this!



It is NOT a dream! It is real!
I have a BEAUTIFUL, Texas Edition, Chevy Silverado sitting in MY driveway!
I am one of the lucky Chevy "Week-end Warriors"!

When I saw this truck, It was love at first sight!
I love the sleek lines.
I love the fancy-schmancy gadgets.
I love the fact that, even though it is a extended cab, there is a TON of room in this baby!
I love it when it changed from 8 cylinders to 4 while I'm driving down the highway and saves me gas without me doing a thing!
I love the hands-free bluetooth phone calls.
I love the OnStar.
I love driving a truck that fits my lifestyle on the farm, but feeling like I'm in a high-end luxury vehicle!

Over the next few weeks, as I get to know this beautiful Silverado a little bit better, I'm gonna share everything I find with you.
Hang on!
It's gonna be a fun ride!!

DISCLOSURE: The Chevy Weekend Warriors Program is sponsored by Houston Area Chevy Dealers who are providing me with a Chevy Silverado to drive for a month as I blog about my own experiences. I was also provided with gift cards to complete missions I take in the truck. These are my own honest opinions.

Keep Reading »

It's what's For Dinner!

At our house, we eat a lot of lean beef.
We live in Texas for cryin out loud!
I live with 5 men!
Needless to say, Beef is a major part of my menu planning.

I've recently been made aware of a really great tool for people who are looking for great ideas and recipes including lean beef.

www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com

This website has TONS of yummy looking recipes using lean beef.
It has all the nutrition facts, grilling tips, shopping tips... LOTS of really good info to help you with your meal planning!
Check out their Interactive Meat Case! too cool!

They even have a lean beef personality match up!
I took the short survey HERE and my family was matched up with 95% lean ground beef.
They are smart! I use Lean Ground Beef in countless dishes here on the farm!

Over the following week, I'm gonna show you what I do with my 95% Lean Ground beef.
There will be recipes, cooking tips and we'll explore the Beef, It's What's For Dinner web site!
Oh.... Yeah... Watch for some GREAT Giveaways too!
Take a look around the web site!

I'm going shopping for my beef and will be back this afternoon with the first great recipe using Lean Beef.
C-Ya soon!


This series of posts is being sponsored by Beef Check off. They have supplied me with a gift card to purchase recipe ingredients and prizes for blog giveaways.
In return, I will blog about my experience with Lean Beef and the Beef Check-off web site. All information will be my honest and true opinions of the product and site.

Keep Reading »

Mamma's Tunes.... FINALLY!

One thing I have loved Loved LOVED about the Malibu is the Handy-Dandy I-pod jack thats built into the radio.

For so long, I've been driving kids around and in the process I end up listening to what they want to listen to.
On more than one occasion, I've found myself driving around with no children in the car with some nursery-rhyme CD still playing on the radio!

In the Malibu, It's Momma's Tunes all the time!
Look how easy it is!

Mamma's Tunes FINALLY! from Dana Clover on Vimeo.

Chevy thought of everything with this Malibu!

Dana (the Homesteading Housewife)

The Houston Area Gotta Love Chevy Moms Time Out campaign is being sponsored by the Houston Area Chevy Dealers.
Chevy gave me a 2010 Chevy Malibu to test drive for one month in exchange for blogging about my experiences with this vehicle.
I have been compensated with gift cards so as to complete some fun adventures. All opinions stated are my own, completely honest and objective.

Keep Reading »

OnStar to the Rescue!

Yesterday I took my Grandmother out to lunch for her birthday.
My grandmother does NOT live way out in the sticks like I do, she has every kind of restaurant you could ever dream of within 5 miles of her house!
I wanted to take her somewhere she has never been before...

The problem with that is, If we went somewhere she had never been that means neither of us would have a clue how to get there!
Usually, I plan ahead and use my computer to get directions, but ai didn't take my computer to her house, and grandma sure is NOT connected ton the internet!

Never fear! The Malibu has OnStar!
With one simple push of a button they can send you turn by turn directions right to your car!
See how easy it is??

OnStar1 from Dana Clover on Vimeo.

OnStar2 from Dana Clover on Vimeo.

it's like magic!
With one simple push of the OnStar button I got simple to understand and follow turn by turn driving directions to the restaurant!

My Grandmother fell in LOVE with the Malibu and all it's cool extras and she wants one for her next birthday! uh oh!
Thanks Chevy and OnStar!

Keep Reading »

Not What Chevy Had in Mind....

When I first got the Malibu, I thought it was a cute car.
But never in a million years would it be something I would or could ever use in my daily life.
I mean... I have a farm. I have 5 kids. I haul stuff. I need a truck!

Keep Reading »

Thank You Malibu!

It is summer in Texas.
Summer in Texas means it's HOT.
It's not warm...
It's not balmy...
It's melt-the-soles-of-your-boots, hair-bursting-into-flames, burn-the-flesh-off-your-butt, melt-your-face-off HOT!

My favorite trick of the Chevy Malibu is the remote start.
I can start the car from my air conditioned house, or the cool store and by the time I get into the Malibu it's cool!

It saves my make-up from melting off.
It saved my hair from drooping.
It saves the ice cream from melting.
It saves the kids from screaming when they touch the seat-belt buckles.

Check it out!
Here is a handy video to show you how easy it is to save yourself from the Texas heat.

Remote Start from Dana Clover on Vimeo.

Keep Reading »

Pleasantly Surprised...

When I picked up the Malibu, I really didn't honestly think I'd like it.
I mean, I'm used to driving a BIG truck or a Suburban.
I am used to being the biggest thing on the road.
I felt safe in my big vehicle and didn't think a smaller car would make me feel secure.

What the Malibu lacks in size, it makes up for in agility!
No, I am not the biggest thing on the road....
I am not the immovable force that I feel like in the massive truck...
But Man oh Man can I zip and zag out of troubles way.

Driving through Down-town Houston today made me realize there are some things that are NOT better when bigger.
I could change lanes when I needed to without waiting forever for someone to bother to give me a huge spot.
When I reached my destination, I easily parked in a "standard" parking spot and didn't need to keep driving to find one large enough to accommodate a big truck.
I felt like the Malibu was more responsive than the big vehicles I am used to driving.
I am surprised!

I am also really enjoying the "perks" that come with the Malibu Diamond Edition"
Wanna know my one of my favorite perks?
Take a look!

Dana Clover Malibu Vlog #2 (Oil Change reminder) from Dana Clover on Vimeo.

I'm not saying the truck is no longer needed, I mean, we live on a farm.
And I wouldn't dare soil this pretty new car with bales of hay or 50lb bags of feed! (although the trunk COULD fit them both!)
All in all, I am loving this car!

More soon....

Dana (the Homesteading Housewife)

The Houston Area Gotta Love Chevy Moms Time Out campaign is being sponsored by the Houston Area Chevy Dealers.
Chevy gave me a 2010 Chevy Malibu to test drive for one month in exchange for blogging about my experiences with this vehicle.
I have been compensated with gift cards so as to complete some fun adventures. All opinions stated are my own, completely honest and objective.

Keep Reading »

Once Upon a Time...

There was a girl.
This girl lead a pretty uneventful and simple life.
She was married to the Man-of-Her-Dreams, and together they raised their 5 children on a little farm in Texas.

One day the girl got bored, so she started a blog.
On this blog, she wrote about embarrassing things her children did,
She wrote about sobbing the first time she took a pig to the butcher.
She wrote about her parenting mishaps.
She shared pictures of her baby tomatoes on the vines.

She never really thought anyone would read her silly little blog.
But before long, she noticed people (other than her mother and sister) were actually reading what she wrote.
She was shocked!

So, she started another blog....
On this blog she shared all sorts of yummy family recipes with people all over the world.
The girl was happy.

The next thing she knew, she was approached about doing a reality TV show.
On this show she traded places with another mother who lived far far away from her beloved farm in a totally different environment than she was used to.
The girl had fun!

She continued to write in her blog.
She continued to be surprised that people actually stopped by every day and read her pointless drivel.
But.... the girl was having fun and continuing to love her simple life on the farm surrounded by her children, the love of her life, and cow poop.

Then the girl got an email.
This email was offering her a chance to drive a brand new Chevy Malibu and share her experiences with the people who read her blog.
All they asked was that she be honest and have fun!

She was sure there had been some sort of mistake.
Didn't they know she wasn't anybody special?
Didn't they know she was just a simple Mom, living a simple life?
And yet they wanted her to have part in this amazing adventure?

Thursday this girl went to John Keating Chevrolet in Crosby, Texas.
She was sure they would laugh at her and toss her out on her ear when she asked them to hand over the keys to a beautiful Diamond Edition Chevy Malibu for 4 weeks.
Instead, they were wonderful!
They gave her the keys, they spent a long time showing her everything about the car
and then..... She drove it off of the lot!
She spent the entire ride home waiting for the police to pull her over and charge her with Grand Theft Auto, but they did not.

She had great fun playing with all the cool features of the car...
She loved listening to her iPod on the stereo; she loved how she could talk on her cell phone using the car as a Bluetooth.
She loved how wonderful that new car smell was.

Today, that girl is starting her "Mom's Time Out" adventure.
She will share all kinds of fun facts and details about the Chevy Malibu both here on her blog and on the Gotta Love Chevy website.

I hope you have fun reading about her adventures in the Chevy Malibu over the next 4 weeks. Because she sure is having a BLAST participating in The Houston Area Gotta Love Chevy Mom's Time Out campaign!
Thanks Chevy!

And a special thanks to John Keating Chevrolet in Crosby, Texas... Those guys ROCK!




The Houston Area Gotta Love Chevy Moms Time Out campaign is being sponsored by the Houston Area Chevy Dealers who gave me a 2010 Chevy Malibu to test drive for one month in exchange for blogging about my experiences with this vehicle. I have also been assigned some fun missions to complete and have been compensated with gift cards so as to complete these missions. All opinions stated are my own, completely honest and objective.

Keep Reading »