Singalonga Drive-time

My car's a strange little creature. I curse it a lot of the time, it's not been the most reliable vehicle ever made, but it usually gets me from A to B, and more importantly, it's got stereo controls on the steering wheel.  I can't drive without some kind of music on in the background, though sadly I get less & less say on it these days as Squeaky tends to demand the latest Justin Fletcher cd at all times.  There's only so long I can listen to him singing assorted nursery rhymes before I want to cry.  Hopefully by the time desperation has been reached, she's fallen asleep, so it's time for my choices.

The cds in my car are an odd mix.  Don't judge me by my taste in music, please!  There's usually some 60's girl groups knocking around, Erasure's Greatest Hits, a couple of soundtracks and a really odd Spanish beach party cd that came back from Majorca. I don't understand most of it, but it sounds good with the windows down & the sun shining.  However, there's one cd that's more important to me than all the others put together.  It's a compilation that I've owned in various formats since it was first released, and I'm sure I've bought it about 4 times now, just to make sure I've got a working copy.  It's the kind of cd that if someone hadn't made, I'd've had to make myself, so many of my favourite songs in the same place.

So I fished it out of the glovebox, and tried my hardest to pick the one song that I love to drive to the most.  The song that's currently on loop in my head is one from the cd, and one of my favourites, but probably not THE best driving song.  There's one that's just made for listening to in the car.



The stereo effects on this song just work so much better in the car, you can really feel it move from side to side, even if your ears are as rubbish as mine!  And the fact it kind of encourages me to get there a little bit quicker? Well, I'm staying under the speed limit, just about!

This post was written as part of the Carcraft Sing-alongs campaign, to find the nation's favourite driving songs.

Dashing drivers – a guide to fashion behind the wheel - Guest Post

Picture a convertible cruising along the coast in the height of summer. Apart from the car and the sunshine, there’s another all-important ingredient to this picture – style.


If Bonnie and Clyde had been sloppily dressed in hoodies and caps, they wouldn’t have achieved their status as motoring fashionistas. If we look to these icons of road-trip style for inspiration, we’ll find some top tips for looking fly when you’re on the road.

It’s all about head-wearBonnie’s beret and Clyde’s fedora offer the first and most important tip to driving fashion. Get yourself a hat. When driving, our heads are the most visible and noticeable thing in the whole vehicle, so if you want to look the part, invest in a hat.
Not only does this add instantly recognisable style to your driving look, but it can also cut your ‘getting ready’ time in half. If you’re just picking the kids up on the school run, you won’t want to spend half an hour doing your hair. Just chuck a ‘Bonnie beret’ on, or a baseball cap if that’s more your style, and you’re fit to go.

SunglassesHats are only the tip of the iceberg. With your ever-visible head there are plenty more opportunities to look cool when you’re driving. Another great accessory in the world of car fashion is your sunglasses. The great thing about driving is that it gives you a chance to don your sunnies even in winter, making those bright, crisp days feel like a summer morning. Car sunglasses can be cheap and cheerful as no one’s going to see you up close. There’s also the heightened chance that you or your children will sit on them, so don’t break the bank.

However, if you really want to do the job properly then get a pair of polarised sunglasses, which help cut down on glare from the road and other cars’ windscreens, making your drive safer and more pleasant.
Accessories

Time to get creative. If you’re driving alone, you’ve got the luxury of not being picked on by your friends for wearing something a bit out of character, so have fun! Wear a neckerchief or even a cravat – who’s going to laugh at you? Drive time is the perfect opportunity to express your inner-Parisian without fear of reprisal. A nice silk scarf can make those tedious long drives feel like a luxury.

MakeupGet creative with your makeup. Shock red lipstick makes you stand out from other motorists instantly. Just don’t blame us if it stops traffic!   

The hidden halfAnother great thing about car fashion is that nobody can see below the windows! This means comfort all the way. Your head and shoulders can look fit for an evening in Milan, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear pyjama bottoms if they’re more comfortable for you!

On long journeys or trips where you’re just playing taxi for the kids, treat yourself to some in-car comfort. Tracksuit bottoms, comfy trainers and woolly socks are the order of the day. Just make sure you don’t end up stopping off for dinner looking like the top half of Sienna Miller glued onto the bottom half of Vicky Pollard.

It’s about fun!Dressing for driving should be easy and enjoyable. You get a fleeting glance to create a stylish impression, so high impact and low finesse is an easy and fun rule of thumb. Enjoy!

Get fully covered
Being well dressed at the wheel is one thing, but you're not fully covered unless you have car insurance that offers you adequate protection.

My Car Step - An Interview!

A couple of weeks ago, I braved the Cardiff Baby & Toddler Show, with a free ticket.  I tried desperately to convince myself that the free ticket was because I am some kind of Super-Blogger-Hero that they just couldn't possibly hold an event without my glorious presence, but the reality was, I went last year & my name was on a list, with everyone else's names.  I'm not as special as I think I am!  Before I went along, I had a browse at the list of exhibitors, to see whether I'd see any familiar faces, and who else would be there. Among the list was an entry for My Car Step, and I was intrigued.  I decided to myself that this was the one stall I really wanted to see.  Some ideas are so simple, yet so clever, you have to find out more & see it for yourself.

And I did!  I met Sally, the inventor of My Car Step, and I was really impressed by her, and by My Car Step itself.  So much so, that I'd like to introduce her to you.  Sally kindly agreed to answer my questions, and despite me not really rivalling Jeremy Paxman in the interviewing stakes, here's what she had to say...

Sally

How did you come up with the idea for My Car Step?
My little girl Jessica is now 4, but when she was 18 months old she started to get agitated and upset before every car journey.  She wanted to climb into her car seat herself but physically couldn't do it because she wasn't big enough to reach the seat.  So either myself or my husband tried lifting her in, often with her kicking and screaming or crying, out of frustration.  This kept getting worse rather than better and every car journey was very stressful to say the least. 

I started to look on the internet for a solution – some sort of step that Jessica  could use to climb into the car seat herself.  With no luck finding a product, I started using a foot stool.  However it kept getting in the way, taking up space in the footwell – plus of course it wasn't secure, wobbling precariously when Jessica tried to use it.  So I had what only can be described as a 'brain wave'.  

When Jessica first started using the prototype, she got super excited and felt really independent and grown up, plus of course we could all enjoy heading out in the car without anxiety of an impending tantrum.  The problems started again when I had to take MY CAR STEP out of the car (while applying for a patent), Jessica would have a tantrum because she wanted 'MY CAR STEP' back in the car again. 

Initially I was going to use MY CAR STEP just to help me, but then I noticed other people struggling to get their young children into their car seats – from pregnant woman who couldn't lift and twist, to 3 door cars, to grandparents who couldn't lift and twist.  After researching back pain and discovering that most back problems occur from lifting and twisting children, I thought lets see what the general public think about MY CAR STEP, and I was really pleased and pleasantly surprised with the outcome.  

My Car Step, in use

What's been the biggest challenge so far?
Because I have no experience in running a business, the hardest part for me has been trying to get it off the ground. Especially knowing how to approach the right people and how to communicate with them. In my profession as a teaching assistant, I know what I'm talking about, and am confident in speaking about it, but this is completely out of my comfort zone, so it's been finding that confidence to approach people.

And what's been the best thing that's happened in the My Car Step journey?
All the fantastic feedback that I've had from the public has been the best thing so far and makes it all worthwhile. There was one occasion that has stuck in my mind over others though, and that was when I had the safety test results back. Finding out that MY CAR STEP had passed all the relevant testing was a relief and a moment of celebration.

Was this your first "big invention", or are you a really clever person with great ideas springing out all the time?
I'm far from creative and inventive! But because this was causing me a problem I came up with a solution, so this has been my first big invention. But trust me — if I can do it, then so can anybody.

What advice would you give someone else starting out in their own business?
There'll be a lot of struggles, ups and downs, but if you believe in your product and business then stick with it. Don't be afraid to ask people for help, and do your research!

Is there anyone in business you'd love to be seen as "The New ..."?
Honestly as long as people like and enjoy using the product, that is good enough for me. I want to be as successful as I can and grow the business the best way I can. I would love to be the next Mandy Habberman or Cara Sayer (snoozeshade) — to see what these women/mums have done with their product in the space of time that they've achieved it, is honestly remarkable.  

My Car Step

My Car Step is available to buy online through the My Car Step website.

I'd like to say a massive thank you to Sally for agreeing to talk to me, and a big apology for me being so slow to get my act together.  I wish her lots & lots of luck with the business, and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

Disclosure. I have not received or sought payment or products in return for this post. I simply believe that this is a product and business worth promoting, and I am happy to do so free of charge.

Guest Post - Family car trips – a UK guide

Today we're welcoming our very first guest post to SqueakyBaby, go easy on us both!  I'd like to welcome Gargi Shastri with some tips for enjoying a staycation with your family and car.

Sleeping under the stars in the Lake District, surfing monster waves in Cornwall and driving a few feet from an African lion in the Midlands. All these experiences are just a car trip away.

As more families opt to holiday at home rather than abroad, self-drive vacations are a great way to see the sights in the UK and enjoy a family adventure on the road. Here are a few ideas to help get you started.

Camping
Camping has advanced over the last decade or so and is no longer associated with muddy tents and bad toilets. Modern campers can now choose from luxury Mongolian-style yurts (domed tents), handcrafted Native American tipis (conical tents) and stylish wooden pods.

When you’re not sitting around a campfire, you can take part in various family-friendly outdoor activities, from canoeing and fishing to hiking and cycling.

Head to the Lake District if you want to wake up near England’s largest natural lake, Windermere, or try the wilds of the Scottish Highlands for scenery on a breathtaking scale.

With thousands of campsites across the UK to choose from, online resources such as The Camping and Caravanning Club website are a good way to start your search. Remember to book well in advance if you’re travelling in peak season.

Seaside breaks
Britain’s coastline has plenty to offer the beach-loving family. Rugged cliffs, endless beaches and water sports make seaside holidays a popular choice. While a week in the sun sounds irresistible, there are things that can make your beach holiday a washout. Make sure you consider the following factors before booking:

• Ensure that your destination has enough indoor activities for rainy days. Look out for good-quality leisure centres, theme parks and other activities that don’t depend on our less-than-dependable weather.

• Do a quick online check of the beach quality. You can get details on how clean they are, how often they’re patrolled by lifeguards, and when pets are allowed on the sand.

• Although the sun, sand, sea and surf are usually enough to keep most families occupied, you can always get more out of your holiday by planning it around certain activities. Enrolling the kids in a surf school or taking kitesurfing lessons could make a seaside holiday that much more enjoyable.

Day trips
No room in the diary for a holiday? Consider these fun destinations for a memorable day trip.

• North – Legoland Discovery Centre, Manchester

The fantastic plastic world of Lego has something for everyone.  Watch how the famous Lego bricks are made and marvel at the incredibly realistic miniature displays.

• Midlands – West Midlands Leisure and Safari Park, Bewdley

You don’t have to travel far to experience the thrill of driving among Bengal tigers, African lions, rhinos, giraffes and other wild animals. The park has the largest pride of white lions in the UK, and regularly takes part in conservation and breeding programmes for endangered species.

• South East – Dover Castle, Dover

With a stunning location on the white cliffs of Dover, this ancient castle has played a significant role in English history for 2000 years. Costumed actors will introduce you to the medieval court life of King Henry II. You can also explore the secret tunnels under the castle which were used to mastermind the Dunkirk evacuation in the Second World War.

• South West – The Eden Project, St Austell

The famous domes in Cornwall hold enough surprises for all the family. Get a taste of the tropics by walking through the world’s largest indoor rainforest, or sample the delights of a Mediterranean garden. There are plenty of activities for children, including live storytelling sessions, ice-skating, and music and arts events.

Before you set out for an adventure on the road, make sure you have sufficient car insurance cover, so you can relax and get the most out of your trip.
Author bio:
Gargi Shastri writes for the Sainsbury’s Bank Money Matters blog on topics ranging from car insurance to family holidays. A road trip fanatic, she has clocked up thousands of miles in her trusty MPV.

I am a member of the Sainsburys Bank Blogger Network. I have not received payment or incentive for this guest post.

Geekgasm & the kindness of strangers

Anyone following my twitter feed this evening will know that I went to the Hay Festival to see Terry Pratchett (apologies for the badly focussed picture, there's only so much you can do with a phone camera while walking, instagram or no instagram).

If you've been a regular reader of my Magpie Monday posts, you'll know I'm a bit of a Terry Pratchett fan, and living only 30 miles from Hay-on-Wye, this was always going to be a must-see, even more so considering Terry's illness.

It was a pretty emotional thing for me, while he faces up to an incurable disease with a strength and patience that I could never imagine, his fragility was evident throughout.  It didn't dampen his sharp wit and incredible talent though.  Rob Wilkins was the host for the session & did a reading from Terry's new book The World Of Poo (due out tomorrow, so we got a sneak preview!), and spoke about The Long Earth, which is due for release on 21 June.  With another book due to be released in September, there doesn't appear to be any let-up in his amazing productivity.

I'm too much of a wimp to stand up in a big tent full of 500+ people and ask questions, even though there were a million in my mind, wondering which was the Discworld character he would most like to share a drink with, whether there was ever a plan for a follow up to Good Omens, or why he chooses to write Discworld without chapters.

After the session finished I headed back to my car, parked on one of the numerous fields masquerading as expensive charity car parks, via a Help For Heroes hot dog stall, and sat in the queue to get out.  Someone waved me down when I was 3/4 of the way out (and blocking the road) to let me know my front tyre was flat - oh joy, and I limped the car out of the car park & everyone else's way to have a little look.  Yep. Flat.  That's a fair word for it. Pancaked.  (Bad blogger forgot to take a photo of this momentous discovery).

I am not good at staying calm & thinking rationally.  I phoned SqueakyDaddy on the verge of tears (and the grass verge, ha ha ha!) to ask him what to do.  He suggested I call the breakdown, as that's what we pay them for, and generally chill out.  So I phoned.  The guy took the details, and said 45 minutes.  I wait.  I get out & get the spare tyre out of the boot, as I can do that bit, and I needed to get the buggy out of the way, and wait some more.  After half an hour, the garage phone me to say they'll be at least another hour.  Grrrrrrrrr.  And I wait some more.  I'm sitting on the side of a pretty busy main road, right outside the festival and 2 car parks.  It takes AN HOUR for someone to stop & offer to help.  But eventually a very lovely couple did stop, and changed the tyre for me.  And finally I got on my way home.

I figure I owe the universe a favour now.  And I'll owe the garage money for a new spare tyre in the morning.

The moral of the story? Always carry a spare.  And learn to change your own blooming tyres woman!