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. 

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!

Talking and Texting and Driving and Being Distracted and Being an Idiot

Do you ever text while you're driving? Be honest. You can be totes honest here. 

I've been observing drivers lately, when I'm sitting in traffic - because I live in Sydney and there's plenty of traffic in which to observe. 

So many people texting or holding their phone while driving. 

I watched one car in my rear-vision, and could see the woman looking down incessantly to her lap. One guess to what she was doing. I don't think she was sewing a button on her skirt. 

23% of Australian drivers talk or text while driving. That's a little scary when I consider how many people are on the road - and how quickly accidents happen.

I know driving home from work, I sometimes want to chat with someone, because I'm by myself, it's a good time to talk because there are no little people to interrupt, and no distractions. 

No distractions? HUH?? That's crazy isn't it. 

So many distractions on the road.

This is not to give you a rap over the knuckles, dear reader, it's to say: I'm not going to answer my phone or text, or even so much as give my phone a glance when I am in the car, sitting in traffic, bored. 

Instead I will find a good song on the radio and engage in some in-car karaoke. 

Road Tripping: 9 Ideas To Keep Your Kids Entertained

It's high time holiday season, and if you're getting ready for roadtripping with your smalls, I've got some ideas to keep them occupied.

I've had my fair share of roadtripping with smalls - with or without Matt - it can be tricky. But over the years I've figured out what works and what doesn't - and what's absolutely imperative.

1. Remember when Toyota generously took us to Thredbo for the weekend? We were lucky enough to drive the Toyota Prado down - which, had it been our car, we never would have made it into the snow - it was falling so heavily when we arrived. But what I really, really loved about that car was: the DVD player, the built-in fridge, and the sunroof (so we could watch the snow falling). But you're not going to see snow this Summer. But the novelty of that roof - well hellz yes! I loved it. And the DVD player? Well we don't have one, and we travel quite modestly, but this was a nice touch to while away the six hour drive. The fridge was pretty darn awesome to keep our drinks cool - but that's a no-brainer.

2. So Santa's not bringing you a brand new Prado. Go directly to Daiso (or any other Hot Dollar style shop), and jump start your roadtrip with some cheap and cheerful stickers, colouring books, and textas (actually - the textas from Daiso are crummy, so don't get them there). I like to have - ready for when the smalls get in the car - a new colouring book, or doodling book ready for them. They dig it too, and it buys us a little bit of quiet time in the car. Leave the scissors, glitter and glue stick at home. I am speaking from experience.

3. Pack Justine Clarke. Or any kids CD that your kids love. Our favourite is Justine, but we're also getting into audio books - and Roald Dahl is a goodie. We also like to bust out a bit of Gaga for a sing-a-long. Sure to induce eye-rolling from your partner.

4. There are only so many games of eye-spy I can come to, so set up some kind of simple points system for spotting yellow cars. Or green cars. Or whatever it is your kids want to spot. We can get kind of competitive. And this game can go on for hours.

5. Take a break. Not only is it imperative for the driver - but everyone is rewarded by a quick pit stop. Stretch your legs, stop somewhere with a park, let the smalls run around for a little while and enjoy the trip rather than rushing hither and thither.

6. Sleepy. I pack small blankets and cuddle toys - and tell the kids that the trip will go muuuuch faster if they have a little nap. Silence is so, so sweet.

7. Charge your batteries. The Doctor has a Nintendo DSi and I encourage him to charge the batteries - and bring some games for Tiny.

8. Snacks. Well it's not a roadtrip until someone cracks open the snacks. I'm into packing lollies (of course I am), water, fruit (I cut up some apples), rice crackers, and some nuts. Mix things up - pack a snack pack for each of your kids - and take some spare containers. I like to think it keeps the back of the car a little cleaner. Well. I like to think it.

9. Talk. We always have good conversations when we're driving long distances and the only distractions are the occasional cow or kangaroo. It's a good time to catch up on what everyone's up to, what everyone's excited about and what everyone wants to do when you reach your destination.

I'm an advocate of the roadtrip - if you're going on one this summer - please drive carefully.

This is not a sponsored post. 

image source EmSem

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.

Why Being A Jerk At Work Is Not Cool.

Are you a jerk at work?
Are you a turd burger that doesn't let people merge in traffic?
Do you push in in front of people in lines?

If so, I implore you to stop it right now.

No one likes a jerk. No one says, wow, I really look up to that jerk. No. No one.
I read an article in Sunday Life a few weeks ago about whether jerks get ahead at work.
My outtake from that - no. They get what they want, but they don't garner respect, no one wants to work with an a$$hole. I know I don't, and I have managed to work with quite a few since beginning my working career. And is the stress of being an ass really worth  it?

Take letting people in in lines of traffic. I think it's more stressful to be an ass and not let people merge, than it is to spread some cheer and welcome someone into the traffic - because being a car length in front of someone is not doing anyone any good. It's not getting you to your destination that much faster, is it? So wave people ahead. Do it. Think of it as your Christmas gift to the punters.

And pushing in in front of people in lines. So. Not. Cool. I stood patiently in line on Monday, and not one but TWO elderly women edged me out of the way so they could take my turn. Seriously? I wasn't about to push them over, but really ladies? I was waiting there patiently, and I let them go - whatevs, but next time you come out in the Christmas peak of shopping, get in line. Unless of course I usher you in front of me, then by all means.

The crux of my argument - no one likes a jerk, and being a jerk is not fun for anyone, including the jerk. So stop being a jerk.


image via here

Yet Another Really Genius Idea

Work went well today. I was nervous. I almost cried when the Doctor told me, to allay my nerves, that "you will be ok Mummy. I felt nervous on my first day too, and then the next day I made some friends and I felt much better. You will be ok. Kids and grown-ups can feel nervous too!"

Man. I love that little dude.

And while on the drive to work, stuck in traffic, stuck in traffic so bad I read half the paper before I got there, I devised a super-fantastic idea.

Listen up. Listen up real good.

You know those T2 and T3 lanes? The ones that I never know if I can drive in if I have two children in the back? The ones I avoid because I worry the two smalls don't make up two people? Yes. (Well can I??) Those ones? Well I have a really super fantastic plan, and basically, you are going to totally dig it and when we next go to the polls, you can vote for me for PM because this is SOLID GOLD! Bobby Katt will make me Cat in the Hat-a-licious!

What if we made those lanes for parents commuting? They could be PC lanes. Parents Commuting lanes. I know. Controversial. I'll polarise you yet. Because what I am about to say is going to make you smash your fist on your keyboard, throw your laptop out the window and swear at me. But I am PottyMouthMama. Hear me roar. Grrr.

You can only use these lanes if your children are under school-age, or you have a wee little baby who won't stop wah-ing, or if you're in a rush to get to your child ie little Tommy won't eat his devon sandwiches because he has a piece of Lego stuffed up his nose. Or if your teenage child has set fire to the school oval and you have to stop drop and roll to put the damn thing out. He's naughty like that. You can not use this lane if your children are above a certain age.. Let's say 17. We don't want those lanes congested with 70+ year olds taking a leisurely drive two suburbs away to visit John-John Jnr, not when I need to get to work peeps!

Do tell me what you think, because I am expecting MENSA to back me up on this, to send me a little jaunty MENSA crown and to crown me a GENIUS. Or alternatively, I could stick to my day job. Now that I have one.

PS - I think I've linked to this clip before. But I lover it all up. So you'll just have to sit tight and suffer in your jocks.

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

Long Drives

I know this road by rote. I know where the road curves and highlights the perfect arc of mountain against the sky. I know where the cows take shelter when it's too hot. I know the perfect place to spot crows by the side of the road, feasting on roadkill. I know where the Highway Patrolmen take their naps while they monitor speeding cars. By heart, I know the train crossings, I know just how long it is 'til the next town. I know by each town, how long it is 'til our final destination.

We travelled this road countless times when we were growing up. To visit my grandparents. To visit family friends.

On a long drive, I can feel equal mixes of excitement, adventure, pure unadulterated giddiness and homesickness. I can feel like I am free as a bird. Possibly even freer. With a full tank of petrol, the road is our shining star, to follow it whichever way we will.

If you're travelling over Easter, travel safe.

More Long Drives over at Meet Me At Mikes.