When you think of practicality you probably aren’t thinking performance. That’s all changed! Toyota introduces the eagerly awaited third generation Prius. Driving has never been so rewarding.

With this new model of Prius, Toyota has managed to marry the thought-to-be impossible: top-of-the-line Hybrid Synergy which operates more efficiently than ever and tight, curb-hugging performance. In fact, the new ECO button puts you in control of the mode in which you drive. Prius drivers can now choose from EV (electric only), ECO (a blending of electric and gas) and Power (gas only) modes.

The interior console has been redesigned for a sleeker, more modern look with controls at your fingertips to add to the safety features of the vehicle.

Find out how you can drive off in a brand new, third generation Prius today. Test drive the 2010 Toyota Prius at Toyota of Tampa Bay and take advantage of Triple Cash Back on select in stock models.

Disclaimer: Triple cash back in the form of manufacturer rebates and dealer discounts on select models only.

As the days are get warmer we slowly begin to shed some of some of our winter layers-bulky sweaters, long scarves and thick shirts are being replaced with lightweight jackets, thin button downs and fine cotton trousers. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if we could shed our winter weight as easily as we do our wardrobe? It might not be as difficult as you may imagine. Follow a few sensible rules and you will be slimmed down and beach-ready in no time!

Indulge
Summer is a great time to indulge in your favorite fruits and veggies. Melons, berries, and tomatoes are at their best this season. Replace your usual heavy snacks with these anti-oxidant goodies.

Drink
Don’t forget how easy it is get dehydrated when the weather is hot. Drink lots of water to keep healthy and hydrated. Doctors and sports experts remind us to drink water even before we are thirsty-it helps keep our bodies cool, too.

Get Out
Why stay cooped up inside when the weather inviting you to get out? Enjoy the sunshine and partake in summer activities like a hometown race, walks on the beach and bicycle rides.

Money is often an awkward conversation topic among family and friends. However, it shouldn’t be any more uncomfortable to discuss than food, recreation, or even the air we breathe. Money is a part of life and equally as essential for survival. But, as with all things, we sometimes find ourselves in sticky situations where money is a touchy subject. Practice these pointers to exit your bind gracefully and with your best money manners!

The Nosy Neighbor: We all have them. The friend who asks what everything costs-your new sweater, your car, and even your house! Just remember that when an acquaintance sticks their nose in your financial business you are not obligated to reply. It’s also beneficial to give vague answers. Not mentioning specific numbers implies that the topic is not open for discussion.

Check Please: When paying a restaurant bill, is it obligatory to split it? Etiquette experts agree that if there is just a few dollars difference go ahead and split the check. However, it is perfectly acceptable to ask for your own check if the difference is more than you want to pay. Try to plan ahead when going to dinner with friends-if you know you’re only going to have a salad at a steak restaurant, be prepared to ask for your own bill.

The Money Lender: Of course you want to be there for a friend when there are experiencing financial woes. If you have the money and feel comfortable, go ahead and give your friend a loan. However, be sure that the lines of communication are always open when discussing payback options, deadlines and missed payments. You should never feel awkward asking for money that is owed to you.

Group Gifts: Contributing to an expensive group gift can break your budget. In these instances, consider how much it will cost you to provide your own gift. If it is less, feel free to go in on your own gift and politely refuse donating to the hefty group fund.

Do you have a toolbox filled with miscellaneous tools you never use? Or, are you building a new toolbox and looking for the starting essentials? Below is a list of the most popular and most used tools that should be a part of anyone’s toolbox collection.

Pry bar: This is one of the most functional tools you can own: it’s useful for pulling nails out of wood, prying apart objects, and opening crates.

Speed square: Equally as practical as the pry bar, this tool can be used as a straightedge, a guide for a circular saw, a protractor, and can also measure the pitch of a roof.

Electric drill: Used for creating holes, it is often forgotten that the drill can also be used as a screwdriver.

Hammer: This staple should be found in every toolbox. There’s no need for anything fancy, a generic claw version will suit all your needs.

Duct tape: When you don’t want use nails or screws, this tough adhesive serves as a strong binding agent.
Tape measure: If you are in the market for a tape measure, decide on one with a push-button retraction. The larger ones are sturdy and won’t bend easily and the tape marks won’t fade.

Electric circular saw: Easier to use than a handsaw, this tool is a safe and accurate way to cut wood, metal, or plastic.

Level: A must-have for when hanging wall pictures, shelves and anything else that needs to be centered.

We all have a bit of clutter piling up in our “junk drawers”, but what do we do with those old rubber bands? Luckily, you don’t have to throw them out. Here are clever ideas on how to put your old things to use.

Rubber bands: Use rubber bands to keep your dishwasher tidy. Tie together stemware and other unsteady items to the rack. This will ensure your delicates won’t break and lighter pieces will remain steady. Rubber bands are also handy when opening jars. Simply place the rubber band around the lid and you have an instant grip.

Toothpicks: Toothpicks are not only useful for after-dinner anymore. Roll the tiny wooden stick around the last piece of tape to easily find it the end for the next time you use it. Or, stick different-colored toothpicks in just-off-the-grill meats to label the temperature of them.

Salt: Salt is not only useful for seasoning your food-sprinkle it on an accidentally broken egg and wipe it up without a mess. It’s also great for removing tea stains. Dust salt on a lemon peel and then use to clean tea-stained cups. Try creating a paste made of salt, white vinegar, and flour the next time you need to shine your brass and copper.

Post-It Notes: The sticky side of a Post-It is great for collecting old crumbs and dirt bits from hard to reach places like a computer keyboard. Jot down directions and stick on the center of your car’s steering wheel to find your way safely.

With every changing season comes a new season of sports! This summer don’t just watch your favorite sport-join the game! All you need is a few simple, inexpensive pieces of equipment, teammates and opponents-friends and family-and warm weather. See below for games that will inspire you to start a league of your own.

Beach Volleyball
Grab a volleyball and head to the beach. Check out your favorite public beach as most have nets for use. Kick off you shoes and work on your serve. There is no better way to work on your tan!

Badminton
This game requires rackets and birdies. You can play with as many as six people per team or just one person against another. It’s a great way to work on your upper body strength and can be played anywhere-on the beach, in the park or in the yard.

Water Polo
If you want to stay cool this summer-jump in the pool! Grab some of your buddies and form a water polo team. Water polo will work the muscles in your legs and keep you active. It can even be played in the pool in your own backyard. Invite friends to cheer for you poolside.

Softball
Softball is an excellent way to have fun and connect with your friends. Often businesses will have company softball leagues, but if your workplace doesn’t-no problem! Just ask your friends to bring over their gloves at your next barbeque. The game can be as big or as small as you like.

Summer days are usually synonymous with lazy days. It’s important to be aware that you may not be on your A-game. Perhaps you’re daydreaming about the weekend’s outside activities or feel it’s simply too hot to work. Here are some tips that will help you fight the summer work blues and get you back into the mindset of your career.

Get Organized
Keeping a clean desk and workspace will help you get things done efficiently and effectively.

Budget Your Time
Budgeting your time means budgeting your work, too. Prioritize and decide which tasks are more urgent, what can wait, and how much time each will take. Then go down the list and cross each one off as it is accomplished.

Set Goals
By creating small goals for yourself throughout the week will push you to accomplish them. Start with little goals that can be done easily each day. These goals should lead toward a larger goal for yourself. It will also prevent procrastination.

Enjoy Downtime
When you’ve worked hard you will appreciate your off-hour times with your family and friends more. You deserve to feel rested and relaxed when you head back to work!