Hitting the road

It's almost the holidays - I can almost taste them. Zoooweee mama! I am tired! I am sure everyone's tired. I always think it's odd how crazy tired I get at the end of the year, why now? I guess because it's all coming to the pointy end of the year, it's a sprint to get to the end, and it's a sprint carrying weights - end of year events, Christmas parties, shopping, thinking; survival of the fittest. 

Thankfully. Mercifully, the kids are now on holidays. 

And I am holiday dreaming. 

Roadtrip! Roadtrip! Roadtrip! I can hear the chanting in the back of my head. 

Yes. A few days trips are on the cards. Up to the northern beaches early in the morning for a dip, a play in the sand, a coffee with the waves crashing in the background. Yes. That's for me. Avoid the crowds, avoid the sun, and we're back home before most people have left their front door. 

A drive down south to visit my sister. Yes. To explore rock pools. Paddle in the shallows. Walking and chatting on the beach. Letting the ocean breeze ruffle our hair, the salt blow on our skin. I can taste it. 

Perhaps a day trip to visit a friend on the Central Coast and explore somewhere I've never been before. Blasting out some tunes as we discover new places and spaces. 

And in the meantime, we're going to go cruising for Christmas lights. Kerb crawling to see the biggest, brightest suburban displays. Those homes lit up with kitsch lights, the oversized Santas parachuting from rooftops, the reindeers grazing on dried out lawns, and the snowmen sizzling in 30 degree heat. We crank up the carols, and Matt, the smalls and I chat about who creates these electrical artworks. 

I can not wait to get on the road these holidays, and make memories. 

This post was brought to you by 2015 Ford Cars. 

This one time I had a new car: 6 tips if you're in a car accident (sp)

Have I ever told you about the time I was driving our new car? This was some years ago now, but we'd had said car for a few months. I was pretty stoked. I've never owned my own car, so the elation was off the charts. When Matt and I met, fell in love, had babies, married (yes in that order) we got a new car. That we shared. I was thrilled. 

It was exciting times my friends. It really was. Nothing beats that fresh new car smell. Not even that fake new car smell you can buy at the supermarket.

Anyway, I was driving to a supermarket (not to purchase the fake new car smell) and thinking how we had had the new car for almost a year (when does a new car become a not new car?), and how in that time there had been no bingles. I was happy. 

And then a car ran up the back of me. 

Seriously. She ran up the back of my car because she wasn't looking. She was looking at other cars. GAH! 

So I began thinking - because I thought about our pristine car not having a bingle, did my thoughts make it happen?

I was pretty bummed. But everyone was ok. And that was good.

Then I realised I didn't really know what to do. 

Here are some tips on what to do if you're in a car accident: 

1. Ensure no one is injured. If someone is injured - even if it's suspected, call an Ambulance.

2. Exchange details with the other driver - ensure you get name, phone number, address, licence number. If the car is not registered in the driver's name - try and get all the details of the registered owner too.

3. And if they won't give them to you? Make sure you get down their plates, the make and model of the car, colour etc. 

4. Not all accidents need to be reported to the police. Call the police if: someone is injured, a driver did not stop and give their details, a vehicle was towed away.

5. Gather details. It's important to get any witnesses names and contact details, just in case you need to call on them. 

6. Seek legal advice. If in doubt, seek legal advice. Firths The Compensation Lawyers can help you navigate through this difficult time.



This post is sponsored by Firths The Compensation Lawyers. 

Paint The Town Ford:: I Never Want To Give It Back - COMPETITION NOW CLOSED

My sister told me it suited me.
My parents approved. 
My kids love it.
My husband adores it. 
It must mean it's love. It must mean I should be allowed to keep it. 

Right?

On hearing that Ford actually wanted their car back :(

I have had blissful weeks driving to work. In peak hour traffic. 

This is all crazy talk. Except it isn't. I am SO into the Ford Territory I want to keep it. I want to exchange our cars for this car. It is so very ace. 

Why do I love it so? I don't know anything but engines, but I do know lots about convenience and all-round awesomeness. There are so many reasons, let me count the ways Shakespeare. 

1. The Safety: When you choose a car, safety is paramount. Even moreso as a parent. Hidden underneath that sleek exterior is host of safety features so you can feel comfortable knowing that the Territory has been engineered to help protect it's precious cargo. You.

2. Extra seating: My Mum and Dad were visiting - and being from the country they loathe driving in the city. I jumped at the chance to pick them up - and with the easy-access extra seating in the back, with plenty of cabin space it meant everyone fitted comfortably in. (And when the spare seating is not required, it has a super generous boot for you to load up.)

3. DVD player: Let's go back to the traffic thing. Sitting in traffic with children is one of my worst things. My kids were SO excited by the DVD player, on our way to school they watched a DVD. It was ambitious, unless we were going to sit in the car and be late for school, but it kept them occupied, and kept my eyes on the road. If we were going on a long road trip, I'd load them up with DVDs to avert any 'Are we there yet?' conversations. (Plus it comes with headphones and a remote control. The kids pretty well wanted to move into the car. I wish I was kidding.)

4. Fuel efficiency: This thing just doesn't empty. Ok it does, but for a big mother of a car, it's pretty lean on the whole petrol thing. I went about 10 days on one tank. That's driving to and from work, groceries, school pick ups, jaunts around the city - just for the heck of it, because heck. I am going to say it again. I really love this car.  

5. Blue-tooth: Driving to and from work is empty time for me. If I can ring a friend or my parents - this is a WIN! Sitting in peak hour traffic and being able to talk hands-free?! Yes! This ticks so many boxes for me. 

6. Sit High My Friends: Ain't nobody who doesn't love sitting up high in traffic. 

7. The Love Notes: Tiny wrote love notes on the windows on cold mornings, I loved them. 

8. The Bells. The Whistles: The simple-to-use navigation has won my heart. The stereo means I can host my own in-car karaoke on the way to and from work (to the amusement of some woman cacking herself at me - hey I was having fun). Those leather seats. Aye carumba. I am superficial. But those seats are super comfortable. Even the indicator makes a nice noise. 

9. It Looks Hot: Featuring a striking design, this car is hot. And I don't want to give it up. Not only that, it's beautiful to drive. 

To celebrate me falling truly, madly, deeply in love with the Ford Territory I have one $500 Freedom gift card to give away. Interested?

All you have to do is tell me:  

What’s the one place you'd like to take a road trip to in your car?

COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED. 

Terms and conditions: 

One entry per person only
Competition open only to residents of Australia
Entries open September 1st and close midnight 7th September
Winner will be announced on September 9th.
For full terms & conditions please click here. 

 

Photography by Esteban La Tessa

Roadtripping:: Sponsored

This post is sponsored by Tyreright

A couple of months ago I mentioned to Matt that I thought my tyres needed checking. We're both not 'car' people, and so I left it a little longer, and then I mentioned again that our tyres needed checking. I asked my Dad about it, and then I left it for a bit longer. I went on this merry-go-round for longer than I should have, and I totally know how dangerous bad tyres are. They kept slipping when I was on an incline, and yes. I should have known better. 

Bad. I know. 

I've always thought I should learn to be more of a 'car girl', but it doesn't really interest me, and you can't make yourself be interested in things you're just not interested in. I've heard of courses you can do - but when do I fit that in?

I looked at our tyres, kicked our tyres, and then quietly filed it again in my mind - thinking sheesh, another massive bill we're going to have this month. Sigh. 

And then I got an email offering me the chance to try Tyreright. I'll be honest, I ummed and ahhed about it, and thought 'no' I won't do it, because I'm not into cars. Then I thought about the times I've been loaned cars to roadtest and thought how much I enjoyed them, and thought, well maybe I can give another view on this. But I wasn't accepting the challenge just yet. 

For me, when I accept a sponsored post, I want to feel a connection with whoever/whatever I am writing about. I still didn't accept despite the offer of new tyres. 

Having admitted already that I know very little about cars - I went onto Tyreright's website, and had a poke around. As someone that's not into cars - it was easy. Seriously. Last time I had our tyres changed, I had to ask for help because I don't know where to find all the details to figure out which tyres you need. 

With the Tyreright site, all you have to do is enter your car make and model, et voila! It will suggest tyres for you based on your priorities. You input what qualities are most important to you - et voila! It will narrow down the selections for you. 

Still, I thought, I want to talk to someone about tyres (so they can laugh at my lack of understanding and knowledge? No, no, just for piece of mind). The website has a live chat function. I was dubious, but started a conversation. 

I am someone who hates doing the car stuff because you hear the stories about mechanics and the like taking female customers for the proverbial ride, and being completely ripped off. So this anonymous chat felt like I could extract even more information, while still holding my cards to my chest. 

Jack - the guy I chatted to, was so helpful - sending me links to images showing what I should look for if I thought my tyres needed replacing, then suggesting tyres for me. It was accessible, easy, and I could do it all from the comfort of the couch.

Finally I relented and accepted the post. Our tyres needed changing, we had our seven hour roadtrip looming, and I wanted our car to be ready for the sometimes prickly school holiday traffic. 

I booked it all in online (it took me less than five minutes), chose my tyres, selected a time that suited me, turned up on the day - and within half an hour our tyres were fitted and I drove away - all in the space of my lunchbreak. They even offered to check my tyre pressure every six weeks if I visited them first thing in the morning. 

If cars are not your thing, and the ease and convenience of booking in for a tyre change online, and having the job done in under an hour appeals, then I'd happily recommend Tyreright.

If you're a PottyMouthMama reader (and we all know you are *cough*) there's a special code to receive 5% off your tyre purchase. PottyMouthMama. Now I am making all your tyre dreams come true! 

Disclosure:: This is a sponsored post.  Not being a car buff, I reviewed this experience honestly and highly recommend it, it was easy and quick. Honesty is the best policy!

Review: SUV in the City

This post is sponsored by Nuffnang.


Last week I got to test-drive the new Mitsubishi ASX. When I saw it, I thought, ‘yep, now there’s a gas guzzler if I ever saw one’. I drove that baby back and forth to work all week – and when I returned it, it was only just on the half-way mark. My regular car uses a heck of a lot more fuel than that per week – and it’s a smaller car.


So there’s surprise number one for me. The Mitsubishi ASX offers fabulous fuel economy. And when I’m seeing petrol prices yo-yoing like Lindsay Lohan’s hemline – well I’m thinking fuel economy is right up there for me.


I cruised the streets like it was nobody’s business. I was perched up there, with a great view of the traffic. When parking, the reverse camera lit up in the rear-view mirror – and I felt like some kind of spy and it helped me reverse park smoothly. That there people – that technology, wowsers.


Lunchtime on Friday and the five members of our team trickled out to the carpark and we all piled in to go to lunch. There were several revelations that there was so much room for legs, handbags and chatting – and the sleek leather interior. This was Sex In the City meets The Stig.


When you turn the car on, the door mirrors open out, when you lock the car, the fold in – I am always doing this manually to our car, since someone whacked ours off a few months ago. It’s like it has little ears. So cute.


And of course, paramount to buying a car: safety features. SRS Airbags; an energy absorbing front section to offer occupants protection; reverse camera (which I used for parking and should not replace checking around your car before backing out); reverse parking sensors (my BFFs); active traction control; ABS and so much more.


For more information check out their website here.

Review: Toyota Camry Atara SX - A Family Trip

This is where we yelled "Oh what a feeling" - we're like that

Back in the days I learnt to drive in a Toyota Camry. And so it is that a great lineage of our family has driven a Toyota Camry. It's an expectation now, in our family, that when you get a new car, 90% of the time, it's a Toyota Camry.

Apparently we like the Toyota Camry.

The roses are on the verge of being dead-headed, the Crepe Myrtle is on the verge of blooming bright. We headed to the Hunter Valley this weekend in the brand spanking new Toyota Camry Atara SX. Aye. Aye. Aye.

We had such a wonderful family escape, we hung out like we haven't for ages, we swam, read, and escaped the city - all courtesy of Toyota. 

We drove hither and thither, vineyard to vineyard, checking out the scenery, the vines, the views. The gelato!

The drive was smooth! It was keyless! I love keyless because I don't have to rummage in my handbag for keys while wrangling small children. And the car? It was made in Melbourne, with love. 

I'd like to say I took it to 240kms just to check it could really go that fast - but I didn't. I trust Toyota.

I would however say this car has grunt - but it's smooth grunt. It handled well on bitumen, and I impressed Matt with my Stig-like navigation of a very bumpy, very potholious* gravel road without hitting one bump. GENIUS! 

The lowdown:
You'll like the Toyota Camry Atara because:
- it's a great family sized car;
- the keyless entry;
- the keyless lock;
- the moon roof;
- the superior safety features;
- the leather upholstery;
- the roomy boot;
- the super fuel efficiency (we drove around all weekend and still have half a tank);
- the customised lumbar support for the driver (HELLO TOYOTA!);
- it has two exhaust pipes which impressed the Doctor;
- it's a super smooth drive;
- it's customised metallic ultramarine blue - (Matt LOVES this) if you want it to be;
- it has lots of ace cup holders (I am a sucker for rad cup holders);
- it is psychic and can automatically change the temperature;
- it alters the headlights automatically - if someone's driving towards you, it will dim the high-beam

Why you won't like it:
- Because we had to give it back [insert sad face here];
- Because your partner will want to drive it and you can't hog the steering wheel

* I made that word up.

*FIST PUMP*

In a couple of weeks we're test-driving the new Toyota Camry.

I am pretty excited.

I don't know if Matt's going to be so excited when he discovers that that little baby is a GWP.

My Own Private Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

About a month or so ago, Ford kindly lent me their brand new Ford Focus Titanium.

Did you know, I've never owned my own car? When Matt and I met, he had a car, and as we fell more and more madly and deeply in love, it became apparent that his car was a gift with purchase. I got the benefits of a car together with a new boyfriend. Win: Win.

Since returning to working in an office, we tend to borrow my MIL's car during the week, so that I can drive, instead of spend 1.5 hours x 2 travelling 24kms. It's a blessing that we are able to borrow her car, but you know Santa, I can't help but feel life would be so much simpler if we had a second car.

When Ford contacted me and asked if I'd like to drive their new car for a week - I very promptly responded that I'd be a fool to turn this opportunity down.

Santa, I'd be pretty chuffed if you popped the zippy new Ford Focus down my chimney. Though we don't have a chimney, so I'm happy for it to be just parked in our driveway. 

Santa, this car is the shiz.

You see, it parks itself, which is an additional gift when you're trying to slip into tiny spaces in say - Surry Hills or Paddington - and you can say: "Look ma, no hands" quite literally as it reverses into that spot.

It has voice recognition. Heated seats (which when I was driving, I put on so Matt felt like he'd wet his pants all of a sudden - naughty Lexi!), a sun roof, which Tiny sampled (above) and a roomy boot. Just look at that boot full of groceries. What a sweet ride! OH! Not to mention the fact that it has a keyless ignition. So you walk up to the car with your keys in your handbag, it senses you're in the vicinity et voila - it opens the doors. And you hop in, you can start your engine. No more rummaging through your handbag - which is BRILLIANT when you have smalls in a busy carpark. Straight in, no stuffing around.

I even boasted to Matt that, for the first time in my life, while driving this car, I felt sporty. Me? Feeling sporty? Holy cow.

I zipped around in that car all week long. Manufacturing reasons why I needed to drive it. Truly. I loved that car so much. I'm still pining for it Santa. In fact, I whizzed and whizzed around in that car, and even after a full week of whizzing, I still had a quarter of a tank of petrol. That baby corners like it's on rails.

Excuse me Santa, but does your sleigh offer that kind of fuel economy? Didn't think so. 

So Santa, what I'm thinking about is the Ford Focus for Christmas. Red Candy.  

Love, 
Lexi

FYI: this is not a sponsored post. Ford lent me the car. I drove it. I loved it. I wrote about it. I'm still pining about it. Santa, bring back my sporty wheels! 

Daytripper

Right now, any excuse I get to go out driving, I take it, with both hands, and drive.

You see, we have the new Ford Focus on loan for a whole blissful week. I am a woman in love with that zippy little car. I've never owned my own set of wheels, so for one whole week, I'm living a fantasy - and loving it friends!

Today we drove up to Pittwater, Palm Beach, and then spent a blissful few hours at Whale Beach. Ain't life amazing!

We spent the beautiful day in the sunshine, scouring the beach for shells, eating hamburgers by the beach, followed by milkshakes watching the waves roll in. Tiny buried her stash of shells, and a cuttlefish. Next step she's on the Sea Shepherd. The Doctor drew pictures in the sand, and practised skimming rocks. We chose houses, just in case we win Lotto.

It was the perfect way to finish our week of holidays. The four of us, happy as larks in the sunshine.

Baby I'm Bored

Once upon a time I had this discussion on MumSpace (which, BTW, I no longer run). I mentioned how I just don't understand cars with 'Baby On Board' signs.

I see those signs and wonder - "Is someone about to have an accident, and then swerve to miss those cars because they realise there's a baby on board?"

Then someone responded and said that if there is an accident, then the rescue team can see the sign and look for the baby. But this just doesn't make sense to me. Wouldn't the rescue team naturally just search the car - and a car seat would be more of an indication that a flimsy little yellow sign?

So I've come up with some other signs - only to discover that someone has already stolen this idea straight out of my brain. I'm calling the copyright cops for a citizen's arrest.

But anyway, here are my ideas. All two of them:

* Baby I'm bored (because sitting in traffic is never fun)

* You are passing another foxy lady (instead of you are passing another Fox - get it, get it???)

Back Me Up Here

Whenever we go on holidays I seem to pack a lot of stuff. Matt hmphs and pmphs about it - but what could be worse than getting somewhere far away, and forgetting THE beloved softie, or some extra snacks for along the way?

Our car is always packed to the gills with lots of stuff. Portacot. Games. Books. Clothes for all sorts of whether. It's the nature of travelling with children. And even for myself, I like to pack some spare clothes in case someone *ahem* wants to take me out for a dry martini and a romp on the dance floor.

My tendency to overpack harks back to days of yore. I clearly remember my own mum being hassled by dad for packing so much 'stuff'. And now I've started our own version of this apparent family tradition. I even receive a few sly digs from my FIL about how full our car is.

Back me up here gals. It's a mama's perogative to overpack right? It's mandatory for road trips to not be able to move an inch because you'll disrupt the equilibrium of pillows, spare blankies, toys, books and a bit of crafty stuff just in case you get a chance.

To make myself feel inherently better - I found this website - Wheels Near U - which features a whole gallery of overpacked cars. At least I am not the only one.

And This Is The Day I Catch Up

I've had the Doctor home all week sick with a cold and fever. I'm sick with a cold and fever. I'm sick of being sick. And when we've been going out people have said "Oh have you lost your voice?" Yeah no I always talk like a teenage boy whose voice is breaking.

Earlier in the week I asked a car wash man how much to wash our car. Apparently $180. I'd pay that if Jessica Simpson washed it wearing her Daisy Dukes, but not when the car park is in our local shopping centre and about 200 ninjas descend on the car for a thorough wash. Who pays $180? Not me. I'll get my own Turtle Wax and wash the darn thing myself. In Daisy Dukes.

Matt's been painting. I've been unpacking what seems to be a mass of neverending boxes. The only thing worse than packing is unpacking. Especially unpacking those boxes I packed towards the end of packing when I was completely over packing and literally just chucked everything in there. Does everyone do that sort of special packing or is that just me?

Oh and that illo up there is by my charming husband of me.

Anyway. Weekend. What are your plans?

Neeeeeeeeeeeoooooooooooow.

I had my first day back in the office today, and I must tell you, I liked it. A whole lot. I didn't want to leave. Of course I wanted to come home to my smalls, but my time there seemed to go so fast, I am looking forward to next week back in the office.

One thing that came out of my day in the office was that I am 'a very good driver'. High five myself in the mirror!

This came about because I managed to manouevre our car into a particularly tight spot in the heart of tight spots, Surry Hills.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, if they make an Australian version of Top Gear, I WANT IN! I'd like to drive a Lotus and say it corners like it's on rails. I love those driving adventures they embark on.

And here's the clincher:

I always drive around on empty for as long as I can. I love the adrenaline this creates in my mundane life. I mean people, how crazy can you get, I drive my car around when the empty light is on for as long as I can! I drive it. For as long as I can. I'll say it again slowly. I drive. My car. Around. When the empty light. Is on. For as long. As I can.

High five myself in the mirror!

If that's not a clincher I don't know what is. I could be the new Stig.

You hear that TV producers? I am ready and waiting.

image via automopedia

It's Me: Day 9

I'm sitting outside and the day is growing ever cooler dear reader. But I'm supervising the smalls and the ants are starting to crawl across my screen. Romantic notions aside, it's cold, the sun's leaving us for the day, Tiny is pantless and the Doctor won't stop talking.

And today instead of one picture, you get a bonus one. They say a picture's worth a thousand words, so consider this a novella.

I'm Back. And 20 Kilos Heavier.

Ahhh Easter, how we love you so. If only I wasn't prone to eating so much chocolate. I've finally overdosed and am on the search for anything salty to tame my taste buds. I'm sure though, I'll be ready for more doses of chocolate later in the week (like I need it).

Ahhh Easter, if only you could have given me some self control, rather than chocolate. I'd quite like that. The ability to say, no I couldn't possibly eat my 50th Easter egg. Or no, no, thanks that first piece of Easter cake was delicious, I couldn't possibly go another. Or even, no one glass of wine is plenty for me. If only.

So now our little family is coming down off the chocolate-y high that is Easter. After a wonderful weekend away visiting my family, driving home in the rain, bumper to bumper in traffic, curling towards the city, thoughts turn to normal life, and oh how I pine to escape again, once more out of the city.

Hello egg lovers, how was your Easter?


PS - I do believe I only have 9 (!) entries to the GEORGIE LOVE SUPERSONIC BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY. Yowsers. Where is everyone? Want to enter? It's super dooper easy. And chances of winning at this stage are ridiculoulsy good. 1 in 3 punters are going to win at this rate. If you know what's good for you, enter now (pictured above is one of the three gorgeous prizes - this one is a ridiculously cute wooden bead bracelet from Dick & Dora)!

One Might Think That One Might Give It A Rest

But one doesn't, does one?

Not even in the teeming rain, when I was thinking - sheesh, this might turn into hail - even when my windscreen wipers were going into overtime did I think, nah - I won't pull over. No siree.

Sensei says junking requires pure dedication. Sensei says even if you get rained on, even if the neighbours are staring, you still go junking if you want to hit the goods. Sensei says sometimes gloves are required.

But not today.

Coming home from one of life's most mundane shopping trips (bras, why can I never find a pretty/nursing bra in my size?) I took a couple of detours. I always go the back streets, and this is where I yield most goodies.

So today's prize may not look like much to you. But it is. Those coathangers are gold. I am mad for a vintage coathanger. One day I'll show you my most prized one. That box is going to house some of my collections. And that hat. That hat was worn by a high court judge (not that you care, but it's part of my little community), onceuponatimethankyouverymuch. Everything that has a story is worth getting out of the car in the rain and getting soaked for. Even when you're in a white top and you could consider getting down to your local pub for the wet t-shirt competition afterwards. Even then.

Project Pyjamas

It was week three of sewing on Monday. I'm on the home straight for the spotty jammies, the top is waaaay too big, but hey - it's going to be Summer any minute now (once we get through this rain and cold and grey-misery), and it's better to be too big than skin tight, so the Doctor will be sporting some kaftan style pjs a la Imran Khan. Fashion-forward is what I call it.

Speaking of style zeitgeists, I've been indulging in Project Runway Australia . Addictive. I'm warning you. I've been making Matt watch it in bed with me. Now he's hooked too. Maybe this is a new addiction to curb my bin diving addiction. There's really no better way to kick an addiction by starting a new one, is there? That's what they teach at Betty Crocker's Rehab Clinic (Betty Ford is so yesterday) where I should have been ensconced. Anyway Project Runway - I love the drama. The snitchy judges. The briefs (not their knickers). The fabric choices. The personalities. The frightening fashion. And the very fabulous fashion.

So Monday night I pretended I too was a Project Run(a)way competitor. Spotty jammies in hand. Sew, sew, sew. I have a vision people, wonky stitches will not get in my way!

Next up on my steep sewing learning curve is a top. For me. Stay tuned, I am going to rock the frock, and I sew to glow.

And since I couldn't possibly have convinced the Doctor to try on the top (too many pins, too many hurties) for photos here's a little picture of a small find at the church sale. Cute huh? And someone had thrown that away.

One last thing! Buckle up readers because the ever-observant Cindy from bugandpop (she's a badge carrying member of the kiddie craft police) commented on yesterday's post - the car - where was the seatbelt and radio...? Well there is one of each, I just neglected to mention them - oops.

- seatbelt - one of my Dad's old ties (just waiting for turquoise and brown paisley satin fat ties to come back in - but for now, it's got the Doctor hooked in tight)

- stereo/air-con - egg carton with stickers for buttons

How's that?

Kiddie Craft: Dude, Where's My Car?

A couple of weeks ago on a beautiful Sunday afternoon The Doctor started painting a box. Not just an ordinary box. A car-box.

While we were soaking up all that Springtime goodness, The Doctor painted like a crazy man-child.

The end results were this totally awesome car. We pimped his ride with the following accessories:

- rear vision mirror fashioned from foil and pipe cleaner for maximum flexibility

- steering wheel on a pipe cleaner to allow for power steering

- tail lights - patty cake pans

- head lights - tin pie cases

- an exhaust - a toilet roll

- mag wheels - created from coloured in newspaper circles
- windscreen wipers - pipe cleaners and cardboard

But I've just realised the little dude has been driving around for the last few weeks with no number plates. Sheesh! Lucky I realised before he got pulled over by the kiddie-craft police.

Something To Disturb-ya: The Lizard Man

nature lovers from way back, here's a friend we found in our house over the weekend, it's easy being green in our house - you just get tossed back into the garden.

First up, I've converted my two wee ones to love this song. Sick I know. Not that they've seen the clip. We've been indulging in a little bad dancing about the house. Well one obliges, the other merely surrenders in my arms. She is after all ten months and really has no choice. She squeals with delight though, so I'm guessing she digs it too.

I've been spiralling out of control this weekend. I keep driving past the bin. Can't stop thinking about it. I even take detours well out of our way to scope it out. I should be employed by the FBI, ASIO, someone even a private investigator could use me. I should certainly be earning points for stalking, or should I say, staking out my prey. I've been wondering what I'm missing out on. But each time I do succumb and do a drive-by, the bin is empty. They're playing mind games with me. Again.

This brings me to The Lizard Man. I caught a small lizard in our bedroom this weekend. This is a normal occurrence, we seem to have some type of reptilian museum going on in there. I often find them curled up near the doorway in Winter. I'm not such a mad keen lizard fan, but The Doctor is pretty well into them. I often look up to see him walking around the garden with a small lizard in hand. He must be quick to catch them, cause they are wiggly, squiggly things, but he loves it.

So The Doctor came in to remove the lizard for me. He took it outside, but I was pre-occupied trying to thwart my ironing pile from growing any larger, and Matt was otherwise occupied with the contents of the fridge. A few minutes later I asked The Doctor what he had done with the lizard, and if he had popped it back into the garden. He usually does and tells me they've returned to the 'Mummy wizard'. He told me he'd put it in his sandpit and that he'd play with it later. We were on the way to get new sand, so I figured - great the lizard will have time to escape from poking, prodding small fingers.

As we were getting ready to go out, The Doctor was toting a small gardening bag that he keeps his tools in. I asked him what he had in it. "Oh it's a secret." I was a little dubious, "Is the lizard in there?"

"No, Mummy, it's a secret."

Fair enough, I've got loads of secrets in my bag. But usually I call them C.H.O.C.O.L.A.T.E. Each to their own. The Doctor isn't at the age where he knowingly fibs. I trusted him and off we went to the nursery - where they have a small cafe. We had a drink, bought our sand and hopped back into the car - I then had the genius idea that we would just nip up to the sewing centre as I still hadn't picked up my sewing machine from being serviced. All was good in the world.

On the drive back I noticed The Doctor peering into his bag. "Is the lizard in that bag? What's in your bag?"

"It's a secret, Mummy. Just a secret. It's not a wizard."

I thought fair enough, I'll stop hassling the little dude. I then decided to shift the responsibility elsewhere. As all good managers do.

"Matt, do you think The Doctor has a lizard in that bag?"

"No, he doesn't have the dexterity to pick up a lizard."

Ah. That's clearly where he's wrong. I've seen The Doctor pick up more than just one lizard. And not just on slow, cool days when they're travelling at half the speed. No. I've seen him with lizards on steaming hot days. Wiggling in his hands. With tails still intact.

I gave up. But not for long. Once we pulled into the driveway, The Doctor peeked once more into his bag (the secret one) and then I saw it. The small lizard. The 'tired' lizard (as The Doctor once called it). I freaked. I told Matt to get The Doctor and the lizard out of the car, pronto.

If you've ever met my husband, he's a supercruiser. As titled by my sister. He is. I don't deny it. I don't even think he denies it.

To cut a long and slightly cranky story short, the lizard freed himself of the secret bag, and is now loose in our car. Matt and The Doctor left all the car doors open in a bid to release him back into the wild.

And now, while driving, I have complete paranoia that a small lizard is going to poke its head out. I even felt a phantom lizard crawling across my toes in the car.

"Oh yes officer, sorry, a lizard crawled across my feet while I was driving hence the rapid acceleration. Oops."

A likely story.

Let's just hope that when I next go driving, one of these doesn't pop out from under my seat.