One for the road?

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When I first became a driver, I didn’t have any Breakdown Cover. There was a very good reason for this. My dad was a mechanic. I don’t think he had it himself very often, he didn’t need to. Likewise, if there was a problem with my car, I knew that Dad would fix it and being the dutiful dad that he was, he’d come and rescue me.

Not that they would break down very often. Why? He maintained it of course! Nor did he let me buy any old dodgy banger – he was on hand for all my car buying and made sure there were no major issues before I bought. Not that it was difficult to spot the lemons – we turned up to see one car, the owner reversed it onto the steep drive and when he put the handbrake on, the  wheels stopped but the car kept going backwards! We were leaving again within a couple of minutes.

Thinking back, I did take a bit of a risk because just 6 months after passing my test, I went off to University 100 miles away, taking my car with me up the M1. Thankfully, I didn’t get stranded on the motorway and when I went home, Dad would service the car.

Once I entered the big world of work, I still didn’t need it. This time, it was because I was lucky enough to have company cars for many years, where such cover was provided by my employers. In fact, one of them did break down on me on the same M1 I had travelled up and down to University.

Now, without the luxury of my Dad to look after my car or that of having a company car that someone else pays to maintain, and the added complication of driving with children in the back, breakdown cover is a necessity.

Thankfully, I have never had to use it for anything serious – I’ve always been able to get going again – but the worry and the sense of abandonment you feel when your car lets you down makes breakdown cover worth the money.  It was the first thing I ensured was up to date before I took the children away on our roadtrip in August. Even if I don’t use it, it’s worth it for the peace of mind, knowing someone is there to help if things go wrong.

This is a sponsored post. I've been paid a fee to write it, although all words and opinions are my own although it features a sponsored link. 

Just call me Two Vacs

This is a sponsored post, but stick around - it's not all bad. 

It's all Dirt Devil's fault. For years, I have been faithful to my upright cleaner. Although my mother has always owned a cylinder cleaner, I've always bought uprights. Recently however, I've realised how difficult it is to vacuum our stairs with it. And it's fairly bulky so carrying it up and downstairs is a nuisance. But it does the job and the one I have currently didn't cost me as much as some brands. Bonus.

So, when I was asked if I'd like to try out a Dirt Devil cylinder cleaner, I thought I'd test my allegiance to my upright and see if I can be converted to the ways of the cylinder cleaner. After all, a cylinder cleaner is lighter, and this one seemed to have an extra long hose (no sniggering at the back, will you?) so it seemed perfect for the stairs. And boy, did my stairs need it.

Exploring more with Hyundai

We were very lucky on Saturday to be guests of Hyundai at Knowsley Safari Park and try out their i40 Tourer on the Safari Drive. Are they mad?

The children were very excited about a trip to the safari park as they seem to like zoos. We got there and found our way to the Hyundai centre, where I checked in whilst the children did some colouring. They gave me a time slot and even better, unlimited ride wristbands for all of us! We grabbed a quick coffee and did a scout around at the rides which were not yet open. We discovered the children were big enough for all of the rides - something that has never happened before.

Then, it was time for our drive. I was pretty nervous as I've never driven a car that size. The biggest car I've ever owned was an Audi A4. I got Monkey to choose which car - he chose the shiny black one with the chrome fittings which turned out to be top of the range model! The chap showed me around the car - and oh, my God! How different? My car is 7 years old and the most electronic thing is a digital odometer! This had no key, touchscreen controls for everything, and an electronic handbrake! I'm quite comfortable with new technology but this was a bit daunting. It even had a rear parking camera - for which thank God!

Silent Sunday