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Do you really get into the swing of things for the holidays? Some people go all out, decorating their house from top to bottom. If you're the type of person to buy out Hobby Lobby the day after Thanksgiving to get prepped for the holiday season, then the thought of decorating your car has probably crossed your mind. However, there are rules when it comes to getting your car into the holiday spirit, and our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to explain the basics. Put safety first when decking out your car for the holidays When decorating your car for Christmas, safety should be your first priority. Here are some things to consider when decking our your ride: Everything should be securely fastened. You don't want anything to be pulled off by wind resistance when you hit the road, as those Rudolph antlers you love can quickly become a hazard to other drivers and pedestrians. You should be able to see clearly out of your vehicle. Any interior or exterior decorations like window decals or tinsel that obscure your field of vision are a no-no - not only are they dangerous, they can also get you into trouble with law enforcement. Make sure that the decorations you choose leave you a clear field of vision at all times. Lights are a no-go, especially colored lights. Lights are distracting to other drivers and in some cases, colored lights can be confused with law enforcement vehicles. Save the lights for the house. If you're participating in a parade or turning up the holiday cheer at a tailgate, then make sure you choose waterproof outdoor lights to decorate safely and don't turn the lights on until you've arrived at your destination. Don't cover up your license plates. It may seem like a great idea to hang a wreath on the back of your car, but don't let it (or any other decorations) cover up your license plate. Law enforcement needs to be able to clearly see all numbers and letters or you may find yourself ticketed. Be careful with hanging decorations like lights and tinsel. If part of it comes loose, it could get tangled in your wheels and cause problems. If you use hanging decorations on the exterior of your car, ensure that they're securely fastened every time you hit the road. Don't use any decorations inside that interfere with safety. Remember, anything that's not secured inside the cabin of your car can quickly become a projectile in the case of an accident, putting you and your passengers at risk. You should also avoid using any sort of decoration that will interfere with seatbelts and their ability to function properly! Schedule holiday auto service at our Toyota service center Have more questions about decorating your ride for the holidays or want to schedule auto service before your big Christmas road trip? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and our skills techs are here to help.

Do you really get into the swing of things for the holidays? Some people go all out, decorating their house from top to bottom. If you're the type of person to buy out Hobby Lobby the day after Thanksgiving to get prepped for the holiday season, then the thought of decorating your car has probably crossed your mind. However, there are rules when it comes to getting your car into the holiday spirit, and our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to explain the basics. Put safety first when decking out your car for the holidays When decorating your car for Christmas, safety should be your first priority. Here are some things to consider when decking our your ride: Everything should be securely fastened. You don't want anything to be pulled off by wind resistance when you hit the road, as those Rudolph antlers you love can quickly become a hazard to other drivers and pedestrians. You should be able to see clearly out of your vehicle. Any interior or exterior decorations like window decals or tinsel that obscure your field of vision are a no-no - not only are they dangerous, they can also get you into trouble with law enforcement. Make sure that the decorations you choose leave you a clear field of vision at all times. Lights are a no-go, especially colored lights. Lights are distracting to other drivers and in some cases, colored lights can be confused with law enforcement vehicles. Save the lights for the house. If you're participating in a parade or turning up the holiday cheer at a tailgate, then make sure you choose waterproof outdoor lights to decorate safely and don't turn the lights on until you've arrived at your destination. Don't cover up your license plates. It may seem like a great idea to hang a wreath on the back of your car, but don't let it (or any other decorations) cover up your license plate. Law enforcement needs to be able to clearly see all numbers and letters or you may find yourself ticketed. Be careful with hanging decorations like lights and tinsel. If part of it comes loose, it could get tangled in your wheels and cause problems. If you use hanging decorations on the exterior of your car, ensure that they're securely fastened every time you hit the road. Don't use any decorations inside that interfere with safety. Remember, anything that's not secured inside the cabin of your car can quickly become a projectile in the case of an accident, putting you and your passengers at risk. You should also avoid using any sort of decoration that will interfere with seatbelts and their ability to function properly! Schedule holiday auto service at our Toyota service center Have more questions about decorating your ride for the holidays or want to schedule auto service before your big Christmas road trip? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and our skills techs are here to help.

When it comes to finding the absolute perfect ride, it can take a little bit of leg work. This is especially true if you're looking for an older model or something incredibly specific. This type of purchase can take you out of your local area and sometimes out of state or even out of the country. However, long distance car buying is a different ball game than buying from your local dealer or a private seller in your city! Toyota of Orlando is here with tips to make your long distance car buying experience a breeze. 3 Orlando Toyota tips to help with your long distance car buying experience Tip #1: Do your homework before you buy. When you buy a car long distance, chances are you may only see it in photographs and video (unless you spring for a plane ticket to get to where it is). This being said, you need to be thorough when it comes to researching the vehicle. Make sure you ask for photos and video so you can see every inch of it, request service and repair records, and run a CarFax report on the car. You should also come up with a list of very specific questions to ask the seller so you cover all of your bases. Remember, you won't get to take a test drive unless you actually go see the car in person, so it's essential to be as thorough as possible. If you CAN get out to where the vehicle is to see it in person, we highly recommend it! Tip #2: Check fuel and safety standards in your city and state. Fuel and safety standards vary from state to state, and they can be different here in the US from other countries. For example, Florida has specific rules about fuel efficiency and vehicle safety features. Make sure your ride will be up to code when it arrives or you may not be able to hit the road in it without making modifications and having to pay even more money. This is especially true if you're buying internationally! Tip #3: Figure out how to get it home. How are you going to get your new ride home? Long distance car buying adds a whole new component in this arena - are you going to drive your new ride and put all those miles on it? If you're buying from another country, this may not even be a possibility. If you're going to ship your car, make sure you choose a reputable company and price it out so you have the money set aside. Our Orlando Toyota dealership also recommends that you set aside a little bit of money for repairs that might spring up - sometimes damage can occur when a car is shipped. Have questions? Our Orlando Toyota sales associates can help! Have questions? We can help! Our knowledgeable Orlando Toyota sales associates have the answers to your questions. Give us a call at (407) 298-4500. We're open seven days a week until 10pm!

When it comes to finding the absolute perfect ride, it can take a little bit of leg work. This is especially true if you're looking for an older model or something incredibly specific. This type of purchase can take you out of your local area and sometimes out of state or even out of the country. However, long distance car buying is a different ball game than buying from your local dealer or a private seller in your city! Toyota of Orlando is here with tips to make your long distance car buying experience a breeze. 3 Orlando Toyota tips to help with your long distance car buying experience Tip #1: Do your homework before you buy. When you buy a car long distance, chances are you may only see it in photographs and video (unless you spring for a plane ticket to get to where it is). This being said, you need to be thorough when it comes to researching the vehicle. Make sure you ask for photos and video so you can see every inch of it, request service and repair records, and run a CarFax report on the car. You should also come up with a list of very specific questions to ask the seller so you cover all of your bases. Remember, you won't get to take a test drive unless you actually go see the car in person, so it's essential to be as thorough as possible. If you CAN get out to where the vehicle is to see it in person, we highly recommend it! Tip #2: Check fuel and safety standards in your city and state. Fuel and safety standards vary from state to state, and they can be different here in the US from other countries. For example, Florida has specific rules about fuel efficiency and vehicle safety features. Make sure your ride will be up to code when it arrives or you may not be able to hit the road in it without making modifications and having to pay even more money. This is especially true if you're buying internationally! Tip #3: Figure out how to get it home. How are you going to get your new ride home? Long distance car buying adds a whole new component in this arena - are you going to drive your new ride and put all those miles on it? If you're buying from another country, this may not even be a possibility. If you're going to ship your car, make sure you choose a reputable company and price it out so you have the money set aside. Our Orlando Toyota dealership also recommends that you set aside a little bit of money for repairs that might spring up - sometimes damage can occur when a car is shipped. Have questions? Our Orlando Toyota sales associates can help! Have questions? We can help! Our knowledgeable Orlando Toyota sales associates have the answers to your questions. Give us a call at (407) 298-4500. We're open seven days a week until 10pm!

OK. Before we get started, we want to make one thing clear - WE'RE NOT FORGETTING ABOUT THANKSGIVING. But Christmas is definitely in the air in the City Beautiful and holiday events are starting to fill up the calendar. We're here to give you some ideas to add a little holiday spirit to your weekend and we've even included some Thanksgiving events for you Turkey Day enthusiasts. Whichever holiday you plan to celebrate this weekend, we hope it's the best. Hunter's Creek Turkey Trot: Trying to get a little burn in before the big day? Make room for the mashed potatoes and hit the road for the Hunter's Creek Turkey Trot this Saturday, November 23. Registration is $25 and the race kicks off at 8:30am at Osprey Park (5100 Town Center Blvd.). 21st Annual Vegan Thanksgiving: Are you a fan of Turkey Day but not so much the turkey? Check out the 21st Annual Vegan Thanksgiving at Mead Botanical Garden (1300 S. Denning Ave in Winter Park) this Sunday, November 24. The potluck is $5 if you bring a vegan dish to share and $15 if you don't, and dinner kicks off at 2 pm. Jingle Eve 2019: Get into the holiday spirit in Ivanhoe Village this Saturday, November 23 from 5-10 pm. This holiday street party includes a wine tasting with the 12 wines of Christmas, biergartens, live music, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and a craft table where kids can make Christmas cards for other children who are spending the holidays in the Advent Hospital system. The evening ends with a fireworks display over Lake Ivanhoe! Light Up UCF: It's opening weekend for Light Up UCF at the University of Central Florida! This holiday event is open from 5pm - 12am and features photos with Santa, an ice skating rink, a ferris wheel, a choreographed lights show, a kids train, a carousel, and other carnival rides. Entry is free but it does costs vary for the different rides and attractions, so bring your cash. Festival of Trees: Visit the Orlando Museum of Art (2416 N Mills Ave) this weekend to explore a winter wonderland of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. You'll also find decorated wreaths on display as well as intricate gingerbread houses AND a magical winter wonderland where kids can play and meet Santa. There's also live music and holiday shopping! Dino in Lights: Have a dino fan in the family? Check out Dino in Lights at the Orlando Science Center this weekend. This Osborn Family type light show will thrill fans of all ages as it incorporates the cool fossils on display. The show runs multiple times between 11am and 3:30pm and tickets to get into the science center start at $14.95. Have a happy holiday weekend, Orlando!

OK. Before we get started, we want to make one thing clear - WE'RE NOT FORGETTING ABOUT THANKSGIVING. But Christmas is definitely in the air in the City Beautiful and holiday events are starting to fill up the calendar. We're here to give you some ideas to add a little holiday spirit to your weekend and we've even included some Thanksgiving events for you Turkey Day enthusiasts. Whichever holiday you plan to celebrate this weekend, we hope it's the best. Hunter's Creek Turkey Trot: Trying to get a little burn in before the big day? Make room for the mashed potatoes and hit the road for the Hunter's Creek Turkey Trot this Saturday, November 23. Registration is $25 and the race kicks off at 8:30am at Osprey Park (5100 Town Center Blvd.). 21st Annual Vegan Thanksgiving: Are you a fan of Turkey Day but not so much the turkey? Check out the 21st Annual Vegan Thanksgiving at Mead Botanical Garden (1300 S. Denning Ave in Winter Park) this Sunday, November 24. The potluck is $5 if you bring a vegan dish to share and $15 if you don't, and dinner kicks off at 2 pm. Jingle Eve 2019: Get into the holiday spirit in Ivanhoe Village this Saturday, November 23 from 5-10 pm. This holiday street party includes a wine tasting with the 12 wines of Christmas, biergartens, live music, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and a craft table where kids can make Christmas cards for other children who are spending the holidays in the Advent Hospital system. The evening ends with a fireworks display over Lake Ivanhoe! Light Up UCF: It's opening weekend for Light Up UCF at the University of Central Florida! This holiday event is open from 5pm - 12am and features photos with Santa, an ice skating rink, a ferris wheel, a choreographed lights show, a kids train, a carousel, and other carnival rides. Entry is free but it does costs vary for the different rides and attractions, so bring your cash. Festival of Trees: Visit the Orlando Museum of Art (2416 N Mills Ave) this weekend to explore a winter wonderland of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. You'll also find decorated wreaths on display as well as intricate gingerbread houses AND a magical winter wonderland where kids can play and meet Santa. There's also live music and holiday shopping! Dino in Lights: Have a dino fan in the family? Check out Dino in Lights at the Orlando Science Center this weekend. This Osborn Family type light show will thrill fans of all ages as it incorporates the cool fossils on display. The show runs multiple times between 11am and 3:30pm and tickets to get into the science center start at $14.95. Have a happy holiday weekend, Orlando!

Are you getting out of town and hitting the open road to celebrate Turkey Day with family and friends? This is a busy time of year to take on a road trip - lots of travelers take to the highway, so traffic is at a peak and the likelihood of accidents is high.  Our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to help. Check out our handy list of do's and don't's for your Thanksgiving road trip so you can make the most of your holiday. The do's and don'ts of hitting the road this Thanksgiving DON'T drive on Wednesday between the hours of 3-7 p.m.. This is when most drivers will be on the highways heading to their holiday destinations, so it's best to try and reach your turkey-eating spot early in the day or later at night to avoid the rush. DO hit the road when everyone else is busy. Driving during the afternoon and evening on Thanksgiving will ensure the highways are clear, as will driving on Black Friday, believe it or not - most drivers will be out and about locally looking for deals rather than driving on the highways. DON'T drive when you're tired. Driving when you're tired is just as dangerous as driving drunk. We know the holidays can be exhausting, but resist the temptation to hit the road when you're sleepy and wait until you've had some time to catch up on your ZZZ's. And remember - you should never get behind the wheel if you had any alcoholic beverages. DO check traffic and download apps to help you navigate. Checking traffic before and during your road trip will allow you to choose the best routes and avoid backups. You can also download apps like Waze that will notify you of any slowdowns on your route (or use the apps found in the Entune Suite of our Orlando Toyotas). DON'T wait for the whining to start to placate the kids. Instead, keep everyone occupied with games, books, and movies - some of our new Orlando Toyotas even have DVD or Blu-Ray players installed in the backseat with wireless headphones to ensure everyone is happy. And don't forget the snacks! DO make a schedule, but be flexible about it. It's wise to know what time you'll start and when you expect to arrive at your final destination (so you can make arrangements like hotels, etc.). But be flexible about it - traffic, accidents, or bad weather may delay you, so go with the flow and try not to get frustrated and develop bad driving habits (we're talking speeding, tailgating, and being aggressive). And make sure you leave time to stop for snacks, rest, and stretching your legs. DON'T let the car get cluttered. Have a designated trash receptacle and every time you stop, be sure to empty it and reorganize the interior so you can find everything you need and everyone is comfortable. Happy Thanksgiving from Toyota of Orlando! From our Orlando Toyota family to yours, happy Thanksgiving! We hope your road trip is safe and stress-free.

Are you getting out of town and hitting the open road to celebrate Turkey Day with family and friends? This is a busy time of year to take on a road trip - lots of travelers take to the highway, so traffic is at a peak and the likelihood of accidents is high.  Our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to help. Check out our handy list of do's and don't's for your Thanksgiving road trip so you can make the most of your holiday. The do's and don'ts of hitting the road this Thanksgiving DON'T drive on Wednesday between the hours of 3-7 p.m.. This is when most drivers will be on the highways heading to their holiday destinations, so it's best to try and reach your turkey-eating spot early in the day or later at night to avoid the rush. DO hit the road when everyone else is busy. Driving during the afternoon and evening on Thanksgiving will ensure the highways are clear, as will driving on Black Friday, believe it or not - most drivers will be out and about locally looking for deals rather than driving on the highways. DON'T drive when you're tired. Driving when you're tired is just as dangerous as driving drunk. We know the holidays can be exhausting, but resist the temptation to hit the road when you're sleepy and wait until you've had some time to catch up on your ZZZ's. And remember - you should never get behind the wheel if you had any alcoholic beverages. DO check traffic and download apps to help you navigate. Checking traffic before and during your road trip will allow you to choose the best routes and avoid backups. You can also download apps like Waze that will notify you of any slowdowns on your route (or use the apps found in the Entune Suite of our Orlando Toyotas). DON'T wait for the whining to start to placate the kids. Instead, keep everyone occupied with games, books, and movies - some of our new Orlando Toyotas even have DVD or Blu-Ray players installed in the backseat with wireless headphones to ensure everyone is happy. And don't forget the snacks! DO make a schedule, but be flexible about it. It's wise to know what time you'll start and when you expect to arrive at your final destination (so you can make arrangements like hotels, etc.). But be flexible about it - traffic, accidents, or bad weather may delay you, so go with the flow and try not to get frustrated and develop bad driving habits (we're talking speeding, tailgating, and being aggressive). And make sure you leave time to stop for snacks, rest, and stretching your legs. DON'T let the car get cluttered. Have a designated trash receptacle and every time you stop, be sure to empty it and reorganize the interior so you can find everything you need and everyone is comfortable. Happy Thanksgiving from Toyota of Orlando! From our Orlando Toyota family to yours, happy Thanksgiving! We hope your road trip is safe and stress-free.

Are you thinking about making the switch from gasoline to alternative fuel? You're not the only one - scores of people have made the change for better fuel efficiency and a greener, cleaner performance. However, before you take the plunge you should educate yourself so you can find the RIGHT alternative fuel car for your drive time needs. Toyota of Orlando is here to help with tips and a great selection of cars for you to choose from! Three things to consider before you shop for a new Toyota that uses an alternative fuel source 1. You need to know the differences between the different types of alternative fuel cars - namely, hybrid cars, electric cars, and fuel-cell vehicles. 2. You need to think about the place you live and its infrastructure. Does it have the types of fueling stations you'll need? Remember, you won't always be able to fuel up at home. 3. Think about your drive time needs. Do you need a vehicle with a lot of towing power or off-roading capabilities? If so, this type of new Toyota isn't right for you as they're built around the goal of fuel efficiency and green performance. Three types of alternative fuel new Toyota cars There are three different main types of alternative fuel vehicles when it comes to our new Toyotas. Which one best suits your needs? Hybrid cars: Hybrids are considered to be the most popular type of alternative fuel vehicle in the world because of their convenience factor - they use multiple energy-sourcing to power themselves. When you're behind the wheel of a hybrid new Toyota, you'll be able to swap back and forth between a gasoline engine and an electric motor. This drastically cuts down on the amount of gas you use AND the number of emissions your car produces. Best news? We've got tons of Orlando Toyota hybrids on the lot ranging from compact hatchbacks to spacious SUVs... and trucks may even be headed our way in the future. Electric cars: Electric cars run on - you guessed it - electric power. You'll need to charge this vehicle in order to run it, so that's why you need to consider whether or not your city has charging stations. These vehicles run off of batteries alone and don't produce any emissions so they're extremely green. And automakers are continuously working on improving electric cars to give them a longer range; right now, some of them can go up to 400 miles on just one charge. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles uses hydrogen as its source of energy and only produces water vapor as emissions so it's as green as it gets. Unfortunately, only California and Hawaii offer hydrogen fuel cell vehicle charging stations, so the new Toyotas haven't taken off here in the Orlando market due to lack of infrastructure. Have more questions about new Toyotas that use alternative fuel? We've got answers at Toyota of Orlando. Come shop our inventory today and see what these unique cars have to offer your drive time! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

Are you thinking about making the switch from gasoline to alternative fuel? You're not the only one - scores of people have made the change for better fuel efficiency and a greener, cleaner performance. However, before you take the plunge you should educate yourself so you can find the RIGHT alternative fuel car for your drive time needs. Toyota of Orlando is here to help with tips and a great selection of cars for you to choose from! Three things to consider before you shop for a new Toyota that uses an alternative fuel source 1. You need to know the differences between the different types of alternative fuel cars - namely, hybrid cars, electric cars, and fuel-cell vehicles. 2. You need to think about the place you live and its infrastructure. Does it have the types of fueling stations you'll need? Remember, you won't always be able to fuel up at home. 3. Think about your drive time needs. Do you need a vehicle with a lot of towing power or off-roading capabilities? If so, this type of new Toyota isn't right for you as they're built around the goal of fuel efficiency and green performance. Three types of alternative fuel new Toyota cars There are three different main types of alternative fuel vehicles when it comes to our new Toyotas. Which one best suits your needs? Hybrid cars: Hybrids are considered to be the most popular type of alternative fuel vehicle in the world because of their convenience factor - they use multiple energy-sourcing to power themselves. When you're behind the wheel of a hybrid new Toyota, you'll be able to swap back and forth between a gasoline engine and an electric motor. This drastically cuts down on the amount of gas you use AND the number of emissions your car produces. Best news? We've got tons of Orlando Toyota hybrids on the lot ranging from compact hatchbacks to spacious SUVs... and trucks may even be headed our way in the future. Electric cars: Electric cars run on - you guessed it - electric power. You'll need to charge this vehicle in order to run it, so that's why you need to consider whether or not your city has charging stations. These vehicles run off of batteries alone and don't produce any emissions so they're extremely green. And automakers are continuously working on improving electric cars to give them a longer range; right now, some of them can go up to 400 miles on just one charge. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles uses hydrogen as its source of energy and only produces water vapor as emissions so it's as green as it gets. Unfortunately, only California and Hawaii offer hydrogen fuel cell vehicle charging stations, so the new Toyotas haven't taken off here in the Orlando market due to lack of infrastructure. Have more questions about new Toyotas that use alternative fuel? We've got answers at Toyota of Orlando. Come shop our inventory today and see what these unique cars have to offer your drive time! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

Turkey day is right around the corner and while the holiday is a great day to celebrate family, friends, and food, it can also be a source of stress - especially if you're hosting. Toyota of Orlando is here with eight Thanksgiving hacks to make your holiday run as smoothly as possible this year. Check it out! Use these hacks to keep Thanksgiving stress-free Hack #1: Make a menu and shopping list well ahead of time. Before you even think about shopping, plot out your menu (and remember to delegate to family and friends, too). Stick to it and plan your shopping list around it to save time and stress. And don't leave the shopping too late - the stores will be packed the week of! Hack #2: Boil potatoes with the skin on for 15 minutes. Boiling potatoes for 15 minutes before you start your mashed potatoes makes for a much easier experience - the skin will slide right off so you don't have to waste precious time peeling. Hack #3: Grate the butter. If you have recipes that call for butter, freeze a stick of it and then grate it into the recipe rather than trying to warm or cut it. Hack #4: Make your pies ahead of time and freeze them. Pumpkin, pecan, and sweet potato pies hold up surprisingly well in the freezer. You can make them up to a month ahead of time, seal them in an airtight Ziploc, and stick them in the freezer. Just don't forget to thaw them out the night before! Hack #5: Do your turkey calculations. Speaking of thawing, make sure you do your calculations for the turkey. You'll have to figure out both thawing AND cooking times based on weight. If you're thawing in a fridge, you'll need 24 hours for every 5 lbs. If you're thawing in cold water, you'll need 30 minutes for every pound. As far as cooking goes, it's generally 20 minutes in the oven for every pound. Hack #6: Put your slow cooker to use. Make your slow cooker get to work to save time and space in the oven! Dishes like mashed potatoes and stuffing can be made early in the day and left in the slow cooker on warm - they won't dry out and will be piping hot still when it's time to serve. Hack #7: Don't baste. Basting your turkey doesn't do much except make the temperature inside the oven fluctuate, which can cause issues with cooking. Consider brining the bird ahead of time if you're worried about it being too dry. Hack #8: Don't do everything the day of. Don't kill yourself doing everything the day of! Make dishes ahead of time and freeze them or store them in the fridge, delegate to other attendees, and make sure you leave time to get yourself cleaned up, dressed, and de-stressed before the main event. Happy Thanksgiving from our Toyota family! From our Orlando Toyota family to yours, happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the holiday! We'll see you on Black Friday for the last weekend of our Black Friday Sales Event.

Turkey day is right around the corner and while the holiday is a great day to celebrate family, friends, and food, it can also be a source of stress - especially if you're hosting. Toyota of Orlando is here with eight Thanksgiving hacks to make your holiday run as smoothly as possible this year. Check it out! Use these hacks to keep Thanksgiving stress-free Hack #1: Make a menu and shopping list well ahead of time. Before you even think about shopping, plot out your menu (and remember to delegate to family and friends, too). Stick to it and plan your shopping list around it to save time and stress. And don't leave the shopping too late - the stores will be packed the week of! Hack #2: Boil potatoes with the skin on for 15 minutes. Boiling potatoes for 15 minutes before you start your mashed potatoes makes for a much easier experience - the skin will slide right off so you don't have to waste precious time peeling. Hack #3: Grate the butter. If you have recipes that call for butter, freeze a stick of it and then grate it into the recipe rather than trying to warm or cut it. Hack #4: Make your pies ahead of time and freeze them. Pumpkin, pecan, and sweet potato pies hold up surprisingly well in the freezer. You can make them up to a month ahead of time, seal them in an airtight Ziploc, and stick them in the freezer. Just don't forget to thaw them out the night before! Hack #5: Do your turkey calculations. Speaking of thawing, make sure you do your calculations for the turkey. You'll have to figure out both thawing AND cooking times based on weight. If you're thawing in a fridge, you'll need 24 hours for every 5 lbs. If you're thawing in cold water, you'll need 30 minutes for every pound. As far as cooking goes, it's generally 20 minutes in the oven for every pound. Hack #6: Put your slow cooker to use. Make your slow cooker get to work to save time and space in the oven! Dishes like mashed potatoes and stuffing can be made early in the day and left in the slow cooker on warm - they won't dry out and will be piping hot still when it's time to serve. Hack #7: Don't baste. Basting your turkey doesn't do much except make the temperature inside the oven fluctuate, which can cause issues with cooking. Consider brining the bird ahead of time if you're worried about it being too dry. Hack #8: Don't do everything the day of. Don't kill yourself doing everything the day of! Make dishes ahead of time and freeze them or store them in the fridge, delegate to other attendees, and make sure you leave time to get yourself cleaned up, dressed, and de-stressed before the main event. Happy Thanksgiving from our Toyota family! From our Orlando Toyota family to yours, happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the holiday! We'll see you on Black Friday for the last weekend of our Black Friday Sales Event.