Cars I've Owned

I'm a blogger, I'm a mum, therefore it goes without saying that I like lists so here, as a way of de-mystifying the real me, is a list of all the cars I've ever owned. Want to share your list? pop it in the comments or write a post with your list and I can link it up from here!

1. Age 17. Peugeot 309 (OK, not strictly mine, it was my parents car when learning to drive). I hated it.


2. Age 18. Renault Clio (again, my mum's car) - nippy and great fun, if a little cramped.


3. Age 21. Peugeot 106 Independence. The first car I ever bought. Brand new and a perfect first car.


4. Age 23. Alfa Romeo 146. (The boyfriend's car!). I miss the Alfa so much. It was responsive, powerful and fluid and would have made a good small family car but finding spare parts for an old Alfa Romeo is hard and expensive.


5. Age 27. Ford Focus Titanium. Simple and easy to drive and maintain. A good family car for small families and young children. No-nonsense. Very reliable.


6. Age 32 (eek). Audi A6 Avant. Massive estate car that is the most simple car I've ever driven. More rewarding that the Focus but not as much fun as the Alfa. For a big car it is INCREDIBLY easy to park and suits us well for a growing family.

Car Seat Review - Fisher-Price Safe Voyage Convertible Multi Group 0+

This car seat review was written by David Rice who works for Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, specialising in entertainment and safety accessories for cars.

As parents, we all strive to provide as safe and secure an environment for our children, but purchasing the wrong type of child car seat, or incorrectly using the right type, can be an extremely dangerous option. In a random test in February 2012, Meridian TV found 70% of parents in Portsmouth were unwittingly endangering their children through their choice of car seat.

When the right type of seat is purchased and installed, it can provide the ultimate in protection for little ones, but it’s hugely important for mothers and fathers to do some research before committing to a purchase. In my opinion, one of the best seats on the market is undoubtedly the Fisher-Price Safe Voyage Convertible Multi Group 0+, which is available from a number of outlets.

Any parent will be pleased to note this chair is especially sturdy, a reassuring quality that gives it a clear advantage over many of its rivals. The seat is suitable for the 0-4 age bracket, thanks to the use of body support cushions for the younger ones. As always, safety is the most important factor, of course, but comfort for the user is also a high priority.

Quick release should the worst happen
The five-point harness gives the Safe Voyage a high level of restraint, and ensures the child is secure at all times. The harness sleeves add to the comfort, and as you would expect there is a quick release buckle which enables parents to remove the child from the car quickly and easily in the event of an emergency.

Another area in which the Safe Voyage scores well is the extra protection offered by the strong sides. A significant percentage of accidents occur through side impact, so this is of particular concern for parents. And thanks to the multi-recline seating positions, you can always find the ideal configuration to suit your child. Although it can be used in both the front and rear seats, it’s recommended for rear seat usage only.

One more safety issue that is worth bearing in mind if you plan to purchase a Safe Voyage is that it doesn’t convert to a booster seat. If your child becomes too big for the seat, the only option is to purchase another one that is suitable for older children.

All in all, the Safe Voyage represents a sensible purchase for parents of babies, because it’s sturdy and adaptable. It’s available from various retailers that sell car accessories both in the high street and on the web, and costs somewhere between £50-£70.