• All About Jill
  • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Ripped Jeans & Bifocals

Adoption, motherhood and midlife

  • Home
  • Christmas
  • Travel
    • Montana Travel
    • Texas
    • East Coast
    • West Coast
    • Midwest
    • Southwest
    • Way Out West
    • Everything Else
    • Disney
    • Cruises
    • Travel Tips
  • Lifestyle
    • Mom Life
    • Adoption
    • Entertainment
    • Cars
    • Recipes
    • Blogging
  • Mom Life & Adoption
    • Mom Life
    • Adoption
    • Listen To Your Mother

Introducing the 2021 Kia Seltos (+ a kick ass playlist)

February 23, 2020 by Jill 2 Comments

The right car plus the right music equals car Nirvana. I drove the 2021 Kia Seltos last week and it didn’t disappoint. I was invited by the cool and fun folks from Kia to drive the new Seltos last week. I got to explore parts of my hometown I’d never been to before and learn all about this sweet new subcompact crossover.

I hope you enjoy reading about the Kia Seltos and, if you were following me on Instagram Stories, all the ostrich pictures we took. If you want to scroll directly to the playlist link, it’s at the end of this post. Even if you’re not driving the 2021 Kia Seltos, it’s still a list of righteous tunes for your drive. 

2021 Kia Seltos in Starbright Yellow

This hot new color is called “Starbright Yellow.” It’s not a canary yellow but not quite a mustard, either. There’s a lot of depth to this paint color and I’m kind of in love with it.

Kia provided me a hotel room, food and other amenities, and provided me the opportunity to road test the all-new Seltos. All opinions are mine.

Table of Contents

  • Introducing the 2021 Kia Seltos (+ a kick ass playlist)
    • What’s a Seltos?
    • About my excursion with the Kia Folks
    • So what does the 2021 Kia Seltos have to do with ostriches?
    • What you need to know about the 2021 Kia Seltos:
    • And because a great car deserves great music…a playlist with the 2021 Kia Seltos in mind

Introducing the 2021 Kia Seltos (+ a kick ass playlist)

What’s a Seltos?

Seltos is derived from Celtos, who is the son of Hercules. If you’re a mythology geek, you might already know this. I am not a mythology geek and I didn’t. It’s always fascinating to see what new models are going to be named. Is that just me?

Whether or not you’re into mythology, the 2021 Kia Seltos is small on price, and really big on “super fun drive.”

About my excursion with the Kia Folks

I got to represent A Girl’s Guide to Cars at this exclusive event to launch the 2021 Kia Seltos, which happened to be held in San Antonio. I’ve had a byline with this website for about a year. I got into writing about cars through writing about travel and I love the whole vibe of that website and teaching women to be happier and more empowered drivers. 

I got to spend two days with Team Kia at the lovely Hotel Emma. I learned a lot about the Seltos in a great San Antonio setting. Photo: Kia Motors

I got to spend a two nights at the fabulous Hotel Emma in the Pearl and sample some of the goodies from both the hotel chefs and the nearby food hall. This actually isn’t very far from where we live but we almost never get down this way, so it was a really fun experience for me. As far as I know, I was the only local media to attend, so it was a great opportunity to tell people about my hometown.

Our closing party included a chili cookoff. I consider myself something of a chili expert. Naturally, the chili I selected as my favorite won, so that shows the Kia team has good taste…considering they’re non-Texans. Photo: Kia Motors

I met a husband and wife auto team that took my advice about seeing the missions besides the Alamo – there are four others that are much more spectacular and not smack in the middle of tourist land) and that made me so ridiculously happy. 

I’ve lived in San Antonio all my life and I’ve never had tacos in a can until now. The chefs at Hotel Emma are amazing.

So what does the 2021 Kia Seltos have to do with ostriches?

Well…nothing and everything. We drove the Seltos from downtown San Antonio out to the Geronimo Oaks Ranch, which is a private ranch and event venue outside of town. The off road experiences we had were designed to showcase the Seltos’ abilities to handle off the paved road – and it did not disappoint. 

2021 Kia Seltos at Geronimo Oaks

Whatcha doin’, car ladies?

This budget conscious all wheel drive handled beautifully off road through the dirt and mud. Because of it’s size and design, the 2021 Kia Seltos probably won’t be your numero uno choice for a workhorse vehicle but it holds its own off the road. Whether you’re going off road just for fun or if you live rural and need a car that can conquer rougher terrain on a daily basis, this is worth a look.

I wouldn’t have pegged this beauty for an offorader but as it turns out…
Photo: Kia Motors

But, as awesome as the 2021 Kia Seltos is, I have to say, the ostriches stole the day. There were three ostriches on the property. One was locked up but the other two were very social and curious. Some of our team got out and hand-fed these dinosaur chickeny looking things but my drive partner and I were content to admire them from inside the vehicle. 

These four miniature donkeys were not as entertaining as the ostriches but they’re sure cute.

What you need to know about the 2021 Kia Seltos:

It’s amazingly budget friendly. The basic Seltos comes in at $21,990K and the fully loaded option is $27,890. This price point makes it a great starter car, a great second car, or a great car for empty nesters or anyone who finds themselves wanting to downsize. 

The exterior and different levels of trim are sleek and look great on the city streets but this car has some aggressive capabilities. To use a fashion analogy, the Seltos is the girl who wear Prada who isn’t afraid to get a little muddy…and still looks damn good.

Lots of off road fun – but the 2021 Seltos still looks sleek and stylish in the city and it’s incredibly functional

For a subcompact crossover, the Seltos is amazingly roomy. I’m 5’10 and I usually feel a little cramped in this class of car. I didn’t in this one. There’s a lot of legroom and plenty of room in the rear for child seats or booster seats, if you need them. Depending on what stage of life you’re at or what you’re doing, the Seltos will meet your needs with it’s adjustable rear seats and cargo space. 

I am 5’10. Being comfortable in all seats in a car are important to me if I’m going to buy it. I might not ride in the back seat very often but I want it to not be uncomfortable. This car delivered. SO much room up front and this isn’t with the seat all the way back, either.

To read more of the specifics on the 2021 Kia Seltos, check out my full write up on A Girls Guide to Cars.

And before I go, let me hit you in the feels:

I like to align myself with a company that values what I value. That’s marketing 101, right? You want to identify with a brand and approve of their underlying message. In case you haven’t seen Kia’s Superbowl Commercial, here it is:

My “official” favorite still goes down as Sam Elliot and Cool Ranch Doritos but this one speaks to me as well. I grew up on the “give it everything” philosophy and I like the message Kia is sending today. 

And because a great car deserves great music…a playlist with the 2021 Kia Seltos in mind

Some of these songs are pure Texas. If you grew up in Texas or have a love of vintage country and Tejano, some of these may be familiar. This playlist is the perfect companion for your adventures – whether that means driving through the desert or navigating the parking lot at Costco.

And yes…my musical tastes have been described as eclectic which might be a nice way to say “weird.” I still say this is a kick-ass and road-worthy list of tunes. See if you like it.

 

 

 


2 Comments

« Spring Break in Texas – The Best Places to Go
How to get your runDisney race pictures »

Comments

  1. Antonio Mamgrsfreaks says

    March 10, 2020 at 8:12 pm

    The Kia Seltos will be competing against the Peugeot 3008 as well as the Tiguan. It is amazing how dominant SUVs are in the world today. Even single people with no kids own SUVs, which is crazy. SUV is responsible for more than 50% car brand sales each year. Antonio

    Reply
    • Jill says

      March 11, 2020 at 9:30 pm

      No way is it competition for the Peugeot 3008 – the price alone puts it in a whole other category. The Seltos will be considered by buyers who are in a completely different place, budget wise.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

All About Jill

I'm a digital content creator and essayist who copes with parenting and most other situations with humor and snark. Just so you know, if this weren't the internet, I'd be smiling awkwardly and answering simple questions like "How are you today" with gems like "I like pockets."

I really do love pockets, though.

I spent 26 years in the USAF, which went by really, really fast. I'm very proud of my service but I'm loving my second act even more. Writing gives me the opportunity to flex my creative muscles and that's what makes me happy. Welcome.

Read More…

Recent Snaps

rippedjeansandbifocals

Freelance Writer & Travel Expert
Producer, Listen to Your Mother SA
💜 Mom via birth & #adoption
🐈 Human to @remusthebengalcat
🇺🇸 USAF veteran
📍#texas

Jill Robbins
Here’s something you’ve probably never seen be Here’s something you’ve probably never seen before: my bottom teeth.
.
I always hide my crooked bottom teeth in pictures and I’m super self-conscious when I talk. So I did something about it.
.
I wore braces as a kid and my top teeth are straight but my bottom teeth are shifting and one tooth is traveling into the back of my mouth and I have some crowding. My orthodontist said it’s very unusual to put braces on just half your mouth but my bite is still aligned so they didn’t have to put them on my top teeth - my wallet is thankful.
.
Questions I’ve already been asked:
.
1️⃣ At your age? Yes, at my age. I still care about my smile. 
.
3️⃣ How long do you have to wear them?
.
6-9 months.
.
3️⃣ Do they hurt? 
.
My teeth are sore and my mouth is tender but not to the Tylenol level so I guess the answer is “Not too much.”
.
Other questions? Advice?
.
#braceface #adultbraces
Little things can really be big - do you agree? M Little things can really be big - do you agree?

My husband gets up with our kids twice a week and does their breakfast and morning routine and takes them to school so I can sleep in. I don't laze away the morning in bed - it usually amounts to about an extra hour of sleep for me and a little more peace and quiet as I start my day. 

This probably seems like a little thing but this is huge for me. The mental benefits of not having to set my alarm on a schoolday is truly my love language. I would rather have sleep than flowers or presents. 

On those morning where my husband takes my kids to school, I will inevitably find the kitchen not "just so." There will be spills on the table or something that didn't get put away. I resist the urge to be sarcastic or to ask "Um, is there a reason we have four boxes of cereal just sitting on the counter?" or point out that it would take less than 30 seconds to wipe a tabletop or put a box back on the shelf. I resist saying stuff like "I guess if I want it done a certain way, I have to do it myself." I don't even say that to myself. 

My husband isn't "doing me a favor" by taking care of our kids. When I talked about being stressed and tired during an argument last year, he offered to take some things off my plate and giving me two mornings where I don't have to set an alarm was one of his ideas. It's part of the give and take of marriage and even though it makes me clench a little when I see spilled milk or stuff that hasn't put away, I appreciate having a partner who shares the load with me. 

My marriage definitely is not perfect and I'm in no position to give relationship advice. But for us, this one little thing is a really big deal. 

And, as I've recently discovered, a cereal box can sit on the counter for several days and the world doesn't explode. Who knew.

#thisisus #thisismarriage #loveandmarriage #happywifehappylife #marriedlife #mancrusheveryday #texas #texasstyle #rippedjeansandbifocals #marriagegoals #relationshipgoals #coparenting #parenting #momlifebelike #momlifeisthebestlife #ocd #ocdmomproblems #ocdmommy
Anyone else having massive “This time last year” moments?
.
2020 started out so fine. We extended our kids’ winter break to take them on a Disney Cruise- no better reason than that, amiright- and I was excited about all the Disney Cruise blog posts I was going to write. Disney Cruises are (errr...were?) one of the most searched terms on my website and how a lot of people found me.
.
Early 2020 was such a time of hope and light that pretty much everyone took for granted.
.
While it’s become glaringly obvious the change in the calendar isn’t a magic potion, I still have hope for this year and still believe there magic yet to happen.
.
You know...the good stuff.
.
#believe #disneycruise #disneycruiseline #disneycruiselife #disneywonder #disneymagic #disneycreators #disneycreatordays #mondayxmhe #disneymagicmoments #nowmorethanever
We got our first Raddish Kids box right before the We got our first Raddish Kids box right before the holidays and finally dug into it this weekend. Our box had a cold-weather theme which was perfect for this cold weather we're having (flurries in San Antonio can you believe it?!)

Each box contains three recipe cards, a culinary tool, an iron-on patch and Table Talk conversation starter cards. A shopping list is included and also emailed to you in advance in case you want to be ready to cook as soon as your box arrives. You buy all the groceries yourself. 

We made homemade chicken and dumplings this weekend and they turned out amazing. If you need modifications (i.e. gluten or dairy free) you can hop on to the @raddishkids website and go to the "Bonus Bites" section. You'll find modifications, food videos, extra recipes, parent info and more fun stuff. 

The price ranges from $20-$24 per box depending on what type of subscription you choose. Boxes are designed for kids 4-14+ with varying degrees of supervision needed depending on your child's skills and age. Kyle and i have done two meals from this box - we still have cookies left to make - and worked together about 50-50. It was a lot of fun. 

To order yours, here's my affiliate link https://raddish-kids-monthly-delivery.sjv.io/edoAr or read my full review (link in bio)

#raddishkids #raddishkidscook #raddishkidsrecipes #kidswhocook #kidchef
I think today would be better if I could hang out I think today would be better if I could hang out with donkeys all day. 

There's a reason animals are used in therapy - they are both comforting and fun. This picture was from our October outing to Wassermann's Wranch outside of Alpine (in West Texas.) I love my beautiful state and the landscape of West Texas fascinates me because it's so different than what I see every day here near San Antonio.

Wassermann's Wranch is located just a few miles outside the city. It's a private hobby farm that sees visitors by reservation. It's absolutely worth planning your day around and you can check out more in my blog post linked in my bio.

I didn't realize I liked donkeys until I got to know these guys. The owner, Heidi, told me "I think you might be a donkey chick."

I think I'm OK with that. 

#texas #texastodo #alpinetexas #alpinetexas #westtexas #westtexastravel #texastravel #fridayxvibez #familytravel #visitaplinetexas #donkeysofinstagram #donkeys #donkeyselfie
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 Ripped Jeans and Bifocals by Krizzy Designs

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.