Monthly Archives: February 2019

King Kong on Broadway – NYC

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Now Playing at the Broadway Theatre

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Wow, what a production! And King Kong!!! Just Wow. Talk about an awesome puppet…

The King Kong puppet used in the production is the fourth rendition, perfected after three previous versions. It stands more than 20 feet high, weighs 4000 lbs and requires more than 30,000 pounds of steel reinforcement in the rafters to support its weight. 13 operators are responsible for his movements, including one puppeteer strictly dedicated to Kong’s facial expressions that sits INSIDE of his face! Each of his limbs are manipulated by an individual puppeteer. The physical demands on the operators are great, involving running, lifting, pulling, climbing and rope repelling. The cost of the puppet was kept confidential, but hinted to be in the millions.

So how much fine tuning does a production like take? The cast and crew rehearse 4 hours per week in between shows and have a full crew of stand-ins at every show, in case one of the members takes ill or is injured. The show runs six days per week and 8 performances are run per week.

Above notes Courtesy of Wayne Griffin who attended the show talk-back with the cast.

Now I know you want to check it out! Here is a little more info;

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The new musical King Kong is now playing at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway) where it opened on Thursday, November 8 (previews began October 5, 2018).
The all-star cast is led by Christiani Pitts, (A Bronx Tale) as Ann Darrow, Eric William Morris (Mamma
Mia!) as Carl Denham, and Erik Lochtefeld (Misery, Metamorphoses) as Lumpy.

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Written by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) with a score by Marius de Vries (La La Land and Moulin Rouge!) and songs by Eddie Perfect (Beetlejuice), King Kong is directed and
choreographed by Drew McOnie (Strictly Ballroom The Musical).
King Kong is produced by Carmen Pavlovic (Global Creatures) and Roy Furman.

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King Kong comes alive through an innovative mix of robotics, puppetry and stagecraft.
Based on the 1932 novel, the stage production of King Kong is a contemporary take on the classic
tale of beauty and the beast. The story follows a young actress, Ann Darrow, and a maverick filmmaker, Carl Denham, as they voyage from the bustling streets of 1930s New York to an uncharted island to capture the world’s greatest wonder.

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At the center of this 21st Composer and music producer Marius de Vries (the films La La Land, Moulin Rouge, and Romeo + Juliet) is a four-time Grammy nominee. Eddie Perfect (songs) is a Helpmann Award winner and
composer and lyricist of the Broadway-bound Beetlejuice and Shane Warne The Musical.
Pioneering creature designer Sonny Tilders developed Kong for the show, bringing together the worlds of animatronics and puppetry to a degree never seen on stage before. Tilders was honored with the Helpmann Award, Australia’s highest theatrical honor, for Outstanding Theatrical Achievement.

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King Kong’s design team for Broadway also includes Peter England (Scenic and Projection Design), Roger Kirk (Costume Design), Peter Mumford (Lighting Design), Peter Hylenski (Sound
Design), Gavin Robins (Aerial and King Kong Movement Director) and Tom Watson (Hair Design).

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David Caddick is Music Supervisor and Eldad Guetta is Associate Music Arranger.

Casting by Tara Rubin Casting. Johanna McKeon is Associate Director. Ellenore Scott is Associate Choreographer.
King Kong is authorized by the Merian C. Cooper Estate.

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Tickets to King Kong are now on sale through Telecharge.com, by phone at 212-239-6200 and online at http://www.Telecharge.com. Tickets for groups of ten or more are available by calling 866-302-0995 or by email at info@broadwayinbound.com.

Discount code for my readers, save up to $55 off of regular priced seats:

Sales/perf period 2/8/19 – 9/1/19

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For more information check out the following;

–       Twitter:  https://twitter.com/kingkongbway

–       Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KingKongBway

–       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingkongbway

–       YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ezw6CfVX_TIyqrGiO-yCg

King Kong | Now in Previews on Broadway

Source: King Kong

Disclosure: This post is made possible by support from King Kong Broadway. All opinions are my own.

Frozen 2 Teaser!

Posted in Activities, Kids and Moms by

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From the Academy Award®-winning team—directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, and producer Peter Del Vecho—and featuring the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, and the music of Oscar®-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019.

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Check out the new teaser trailer from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2.”

 

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From the Academy Award®-winning team—directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, and producer Peter Del Vecho—and featuring the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, and the music of Oscar®-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019.

Airbnb’s Presidential Getaway: 10 Trending Destinations + Most Wish-Listed Homes

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Want to get away this President’s Day long weekend? Check out what made the list of Airbnb’s most wished for and trending destinations!

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Airbnb’s Presidential Getaway: 10 Trending Destinations + Most Wish-Listed Homes

With 1,000 homes offered by Airbnb hosts that include “president” or “presidential” in their listing description, there’s something for even the most dignified travelers. And, with President’s Day almost here, it’s not too late to plan a long-weekend getaway.

These 10 trending destinations have surfaced as must-visit locales for travelers looking for history, sunshine, or access to national sites, along with the most wish-listed home in each place. Percentages indicate the jump in bookings form last year.* Some interesting stats to consider:

  • The Caribbean claims five spots on the list, with Puerto Rico taking three of those in the top five.
  • In the US, travelers are heading to places with historical significance and access to national parks.

Top 10 trending destinations and most wish-listed homes for President’s Day

Starting at just $98 per night!

  1. Vieques, Puerto Rico (845%) –Beach Guesthouse
  2. Cruz Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands (647%) –Hawk’s Rest Private Room
  3. Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico (506%) –Escape to Paradise
  4. Río Grande, Puerto Rico (504%) –Panoramic Ocean View
  5. Port Aransas, Texas (457%) –Angler’s Court Beach Bungalow
  6. Williams, Arizona (387%) –Rustic Airstream Basecamp Near the Grand Canyon
  7. Evansville, Indiana (382%) –1850s Historic Home
  8. Winnipeg, Canada (361%) –Industrial-Style Loft
    9. Monticello, New York (270%) –The Rose Cottage
  9. Cabarete, Dominican Republic (152%) –Casa Luna Guesthouse

Fun facts!

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How to Travel Like a President

Did you know U.S. presidents were among the first Americans to stay with strangers? In fact, George Washington would stop at this farm stay, now offered by host Agnes on Airbnb. For a quick history lesson, Airbnb teamed up with notable historians Clay Jenkinson and Alexander Shane to reveal how travelers can learn from three trendsetting homesharers – Washington, Theodore Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson – and book the types of trips these historic figures may have wanted to take if they were alive today.

George Washington

Enthusiast of Extended Journeys, Farming and Woodworking 

Washington did homestays while making extended journeys during the course of his presidency, one to the south and the other through New England, according to Jenkinson. While traveling, the man appreciated his privacy and liked to have an entire home to himself.

Washington would stop at the farm stay in St. Stephens Church, Virginia to rest while making the journey from Williamsburg to Mount Vernon. Host Agnes shares that the historical Home bookable on Airbnb is complete with original woodwork, horses for riding, and a rumored ghost of an occupant past. Could it be the first president?

For the traveler looking to travel like Washington but with a twist, the Airbnb community offers unique Homes in the areas the great general frequented, such as this yacht in Boston, this secluded treehouse in Bridgewater, Virginia, and this tiny house on a community farm in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

In his free time, Washington’s hobbies were wide-ranging, from farming to horseback riding. Today do you think he would give this home hydroponics workshop in Annandale, Virginia or horse yoga in Palmerton, Pennsylvania a try? And for a man who also loved wood sculpting and whiskey making, learning to power carve a log into a bowl in Johnson City, North Carolina and how to make a classic cocktail in Washington D.C. could take these skills to the next level.

Theodore Roosevelt

 Connoisseur of Homestays, Fitness and Nature

Born in New York City, Theodore Roosevelt loved homestays, according to Jenkinson. He would spread out and fit right into people’s homes, like when he would travel to the Badlands of the Dakota territory to hunt buffalo, perhaps staying in a place like this farm stay in Interior, South Dakota.

During these trips, his hunting guide would go to bed after supper, exhausted, but Roosevelt and the host of the home would stay up to talk deep into the night, as he thrived on late night conversation.

“The guide would think, okay, maybe this dude will sleep in. But Roosevelt would be up at first light ready to go out buffalo hunting.”

Clay Jenkinson, Historian

Roosevelt also traveled to places throughout New York and Puerto Rico, which marked the first presidential visit to the Caribbean island. He loved connecting with locals in these places, while staying in privates rooms that may have been similar to this perfect room close to Central Park in New York City, this Victorian suite in Buffalo, New Yorkor this studio in San Juan.

As he drank “oceans of coffee” – perhaps to recover from the late-night chats – a modern Roosevelt may partake in this coffee farm tour in San Juan. He was also into fitness, from hiking to boxing. Perhaps today he would brush up on his skills boxing with a world champion in New York City? Well known for creating national parks and wildlife refuges, Roosevelt also loved birds and may today enjoy activities like a falconry lesson in San Diego or a hiking and photo adventure in Hudson, New York. Plus the man read with vigor, and was rumored to have read a book a day. Can’t you just imagine him on this Upper West Side bookstore crawl in New York Citysnagging his next read?

Lyndon B. Johnson

Lover of Pool Time, BBQ and Mexico

Lyndon B. Johnson loved spending his leisure time in the big ol’ state of Texas and would fly to his ranch known as the “LBJ Ranch” to show friends a slice of America they could not get anywhere else, according to Shane.

Outside of Texas – where LBJ-inspired travelers can find homes like the Caplin Ranch in Athens, LBJ Lake Farmhouse in Horseshoe Bay, and Modern Chateau in Austin – he ventured to many places in Mexico, often to Acapulco where he would stay in villas, according to Shane, which may have been similar to this villa with breathtaking views.

A man who loved driving his Lincoln Continental around, a modern Johnson may want to try taking another set of wheels for a spin, exploring landmarks on a Segway® in Austin, discovering Chapultepec by bicycle in Mexico City, or biking for a BBQ tour in Austin. Speaking of BBQ, Johnson was such a big fan of the fare that he even hosted state dinner BBQs at the LBJ Ranch. When he wasn’t on the go, Johnson could be found at the pool either soaking in the water or poolside lounging on a fiberglass chair. Today would he embark on this leisure hike to a natural swimming hole in Austin?

For even more inspiration for presidential travel, visit here to find out where U.S. travelers are heading for Presidents’ Day weekend and the most wish listed Home in those destinations.

Easy Weekday Cheeseburger Sliders

Posted in Recipes by

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I love to cook. Like, looooove it. It’s one of my favorite mental stimulations aside from shopping 😁. But many days, I want to throw something together quickly without it taking much thought.

Sometimes I’ll grab random on sale perishable items when food shopping and have to find creative ways to use them before they expire like a game lol.

I’ve been thinking of new recipes to make for my family and I was in love with a cheeseburger stuffed mushroom recipe I found years ago. I had a random bag of Hawaiian rolls on hand and decided to use that same recipe on these to make extra yummy super simple Cheeseburger Sliders minus the mushrooms (only because I didn’t have any, they’d probably be great tossed .on them too!).

So here is it.  Simple yet delectable and different enough to not just say “we’re having cheeseburgers for dinner”.

Grab a stick of cream cheese, a pound of chopped meat, some minced garlic, butter, mustard (we use frenches), ketchup, cheese, and Hawaiian rolls. Optional items: onions, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, bacon, pickles.

Preheat oven to 350°. Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half all at once with a large knife. Set the bottom in a casserole dish.

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Brown the chopped meat and drain all of the grease, you definitely don’t want to ruin it by having greasy soggy bottom buns… use the minced garlic, garlic and onion powders, and Worcestershire sauce while cooking the beef to season as much as you’d like.

Mix the cooked meat with softened crean cheese, some mustard and ketchup. Then put on top of bottom layer.

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I like to add another little layer of mustard and ketchup before adding the onions.  I used red since that’s all i had on hand, but I prefer white onions for this.

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Then add the cheese.  I used white american, again because that’s all I had on hand when making this but I prefer sliced cheddar cheese. This would also be the time to add the bacon and mushrooms and pickles if you choose to. I just didn’t have them but they’d be really yummy.

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Carefully slide on the other side of the buns, the top, all on one piece and press down a little so it “sticks”to the mixture.

Melt 1 stick of butter, I use salted, and mix with minced garlic and some parsley if you’re feeling fancy.  Then spoon over the top buns to get a nice buttery top making sure to get some garlic on each bun.  This makes them like little garlic knots too without the knots!

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Then put into the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.  Watch out the tops don’t burn, check after 15.

Then you have ooey gooey mini cheesy burgers that are not your average cheeseburger but so simple you can whip them together any day! Great weekday meal.

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I love to add some fresh arugula to it before I eat it because arugula makes everything better!

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Sliders are so versatile and easy..

Next ill be trying the Hawaiian sub rolls and making cheese steak sliders!

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And I’ll definitely be trying this Bourbon BBQ manwich on some pulled pork sliders too!

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Aladdin in theaters May 2019

Posted in Kids and Moms by

I am loving all of these live action Disney movie remakes! Aladdin and Dumbo are certainly on my to-see list this year!agl0580.pcomp_publicity.v02.1039_grd004.000000.jpg

A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia; Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders; and Numan Acar as Hakim.

“Aladdin” is produced by Dan Lin, p.g.a., and Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a., with Marc Platt and Kevin De La Noy serving as executive producers. Eight-time Academy Award®-winning composer Alan Menken provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Oscar®-winning lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and includes two new songs written by Menken and Oscar and Tony Award®-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

Like us on Facebook:                     https://www.facebook.com/DisneyAladdin

Follow us on Twitter:                     https://twitter.com/DisneyAladdin

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Valentines Day Date Ideas New Jersey & New York

Posted in Activities by

Oh the places you’ll go if you know they are there. And by there, I mean here! In New Jersey/New York area for those of you local.

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Be prepared to be intrigued! If you’re looking for Valentines ideas for you an your sweetheart to have a night on the town, you’ve come to the right place.

These are just some of the ideas from Cloud 9 Living and if you haven’t checked out their site, you have no idea what you’ve been missing.

Whether you want a night out, a cheap thrill (literally, you can race a lamborghini) or a stay-cation,  they have you covered. Some of the activities are quite pricey, but I have put together a few of the best Valentines deals for you right here;

Sweets

HELL’S KITCHEN DESSERT TOUR

MANHATTAN, NY

FROM: $55
Explore Hell’s Kitchen and discover some of the best sweets in New York City’s busiest neighborhood on this tasty dessert tour!

 

 

Brooklyn Pizza

BEST OF BROOKLYN FOOD TOUR

BROOKLYN, NY

FROM: $125

 

Brooklyn is home to 2.5 million people, diverse cultures and a tour that will satisfy your hunger for cultural food and knowledge!

 

 

 

Mytery Dinner

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER SHOW

FORT LEE, NJ

FROM: $77
Prepare yourself for an evening of intrigue as you figure out whodunnit during this Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Fort Lee!

 

 

Dinner Cruise

NEW JERSEY DINNER CRUISE

WEEHAWKEN, NJ

FROM: $167

 

Delight in a magical evening aboard the New Jersey Dinner Cruise, surrounded by delicious food, dazzling city lights, famous New York sights, and endless entertainment.

 

None of these working for you? How about racing a Lamborghini? Yea, I’m serious.

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RACE A LAMBORGHINI

NEW JERSEY MOTORSPORTS PARK
RACEWAY PARK
POCONO RACEWAY

FROM: $468
Put the pedal to the metal as you race a Lamborghini down the straightaways of a real race-course and make your wildest dreams come true!
Willing to venture a bit farther away? There are many ideas to choose from. Happy Valentines!
Disclosure: I have no affiliation with cloud 9. I just thought it was awesome and wanted to share!

Dr. Drew, and World-Renowned Psychologist and Parenting Expert Dr. Shefali Coming to Speak at iPlay America

Posted in Activities, Self Help by

Leading Addiction and Relationship Specialist Dr. Drew, and World-Renowned Psychologist and Parenting Expert Dr. Shefali Coming to Speak at iPlay America

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Freehold, NJ., February 4, 2019 – Two of America’s favorite doctors and best-selling authors are speaking live and meeting with guests at iPlay America in February. Dr. Drew Pinsky, known by many as Dr. Drew, will be headed to iPlay America on Tuesday, February 19 to speak about his expertise as a doctor of internal medicine, addiction expert and best-selling author. Later in the month, on Tuesday February 26, Dr. Shefali will be sharing her wealth of knowledge as a leader in the field of mindfulness psychology and parenting.

Sponsoring doctors Drew and Shefali is the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), the largest leadership honor society in the country. The mission of the NSLS is to help the greatest number of people in the greatest way by offering life-changing lectures from the nation’s leading presenters to help people discover and achieve their goals.

Dr. Drew Pinsky, a California native, has been practicing medicine for over 30 years. Dr. Drew is most known for his time producing and starring in Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew and Teen Mom. He will be coming to iPlay America to speak to fans about his personal journey beginning in medical school, overcoming obstacles, building resiliency, the science behind addiction and destigmatizing mental illness.

Doors will open at 6:00 PM and the event will begin at 7:00 PM. VIP and general admission tickets are available for purchase at https://www.iplayamerica.com/event/dr–drew/. VIP tickets include a priority seat at the speaking engagement, a photo with Dr. Drew and a copy of his book, Cracked.

For over a decade, Dr. Shefali has been one of the world’s leading clinical psychologists. After receiving her doctorate from Columbia University, she began working with patients by integrating eastern philosophy and western psychology. Dr. Shefali, who has been endorsed by Oprah, is also a world-renowned wisdom teacher, international speaker and acclaimed author. She has presented her ideas at TEDx, The Kellogg School of Business and The Dalai Lama Center for Peace. At the appearance, Dr. Shefali will share her knowledge and methods to uncover the reasons why we limit ourselves, the ways our upbringing conditions us and the pathway to break free and break through.

Doors will open at 6:00 PM and the event will begin at 7:00 PM. VIP and general admission tickets are available for purchase at https://www.iplayamerica.com/event/dr-shefali/. VIP tickets include a priority seat at the speaking engagement, a photo with Dr. Shefali and a copy of her latest book, The Awakened Family.

“We are thrilled to host such well-known experts like Dr. Drew and Dr. Shefali at iPlay America with these two inspirational and informative events in,” said Jessica Schwartz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for iPlay America. “Our fans are always looking for us to host a variety of engaging events, and we are happy to continue to provide new and exciting experiences to central New Jersey residents.”

 

About iPlay America

iPlay America is the place to Get Inside the Fun! It’s all indoor, family-friendly themed environment provides guests nearly four acres of outstanding rides, games, and attractions making it the perfect destination for FUN year round! The Event Center @IPA is home to concerts, corporate events, expos, galas, trade shows, company outings, sporting events, social gatherings, and every kind of party. iPlay America offers guests a mouth-watering selection of Boardwalk style fare, classic American cuisine at Game Time Bar & Grill, and an impressive event catering menu. ALWAYS free to enter, iPlay America’s guests can enjoy exciting attractions like 2-level Laser Tag, Indoor Go-Kart Track, Spinning Coaster and the Sky Trails® High Ropes Course (the largest indoor ropes course in New Jersey). iPlay America is a 2017 winner of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Service. For FUN, fine food, and events of any size, the award winning iPlay America is the place to Get Inside the Fun. iPlay America is located on Route 9 at 110 Schanck Road in Freehold, New Jersey.

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Review

Posted in Activities, Kids and Moms, Vehicle Reviews by

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It’s that time of year again, my Birthday!! Every year for my birthday I make my way down to Atlantic City to celebrate, and this year I rode in style in the all new 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. It is a stylish small SUV that is just the right amount of sport and comfort. Certainly not a “Mom car”, I was proud to drop my kids off to school for the week in this.

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ECO-BOOOOOST!!! Wow, the eco-mode is amazing. I cannot believe how much gas I saved in this beauty. That is probably the numero uno thing I LOVED about it. I was able to fill up the tank, and drive to and from Atlantic City, and then to and from my job all week until Thursday when I finally had to get more gas. I have to say, I have test driven many vehicles and the gas mileage on this thing is no joke.

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The outside is a beautiful grey metallic and the rims are alloy. This was perfect for this week as we had a cold front come in with icy-rain, and the 4 wheel drive helps tremendously! We felt safe and comfortable.

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The seats were black leather on top with microfiber where is matters for comfort. Especially in the Winter in New Jersey, all leather gets too cold and too hot. So the added touch of microfiber is perfect combined with the luxury of leather.

This model had heated seats only, and I would’ve liked to see them cooled as well for those hot months where black is great, but unbearable at times in the strong sun and heat.

The back seats are a little tight, and from going from a ford explorer to this, it feels a bit compact for me. My kids didn’t seem to mind one bit and liked the drop down arm in the center to separate them from eachother so they each had their own “side” of the back seat LOL.

Although the inside itself is a bit compact, the truck is much bigger than I suspected. I actually didn’t need to open the trunk at all until I went food shopping and I have to admit I was a bit nervous that I got more than this thing can fit, but boy was I wrong.

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Even this picture doesn’t do it any justice. There is much more room still behind the bags and air space above.

This could easily lug around some strollers and/or soccer gear if needed, no problem.

Keep in mind the “Sport” is the compact model and the Outlander is much larger. It also offers 3rd row, which I’m a huge fan of if you’re willing to give up some trunk space.

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Now to the important specs on the vehicle itself;

MPG: Up to 24 city / 30 highway
MSRP: From $20,945
Dimensions: 172″ L x 71″ W x 65″ H
Fuel tank capacity: 15.8 to 16.6 gal
Horsepower: 148 to 168 hp
Not too shabby!
For me, I remember always wanting a Mitsubishi when I was younger. It was the prime time of the eclipse and the 3000GT. They were all the rage and I swore I would get one. I never got the chance, but this brings back those memories seeing the Mitsubishi name back out on the market.