I'm A Stay-At-Home Dad Who Doesn't Stay At Home

Are you looking for a hatchback with SUV looks but without the extra costs? Then I think I’ve found the car for you.

Unless you are one of those few magical unicorn people who don’t have to worry about putting on weight you’re probably looking for different ways to stay active, even when you spend most of your time at home and even when you do go out you tend to have a little person trotting along next to you.

I’m not big on exercising, I’d much rather be curled up on the sofa, working on my computer or binge-watching something on Netflix but I know that when I do stay active, I have more energy and just feel better overall. This is why I try to get out of the house as much as possible. I have found that getting out of the house every day not only stops myself and the kids from being bored but it’s also helped a lot with my own mental health. I feel more positive, more motivated and more inspired to try new things.

The All-New Ford Fiesta Active rufty-tufty version of the UK’s best-selling new car and the latest addition to the compact crossover crowd. Think of it like this; If a standard Fiesta put on a pair of hiking boots and went trekking through the mud it would look like this car.

To get to know the car a bit better I teamed up with Evans Halshaw Ford at Batley, who kindly invited me down to test drive one of the cars for a few days. I have always been a massive lover of Ford as a brand and I have only ever driven Ford cars so when an opportunity to get up close and personal with a new model comes along, I am only too happy to help.

To give the Fiesta Active a more chunky off-road feel, Ford has made some ‘subtle’ changes to the car to make it the ‘Active’ model. It’s just a tad higher, has increased ride height, a slightly wider track and rough road suspension. All this results in a more robust, urban look. Along with the new styling, there are some features that make a big difference to this little urban crossover, such as;

• Selectable Drive Modes: Eco, Normal, and Slippery
• Rough Road Suspension including increased ride height
• Rain sensing wipers & auto-dimming rearview mirrors
• Black roof rails
• Rear view camera with rear parking sensors
• Ford SYNC 3 with 8” touchscreen, DAB Radio, Emergency Assistance, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 2 x USB sockets
• B&O Premium Audio System with 360° sound System specification with 10-Speakers

I’d always go for the Active B&O, if only for the exquisite audio system and the 8.0-inch touchscreen (it’s only 6.5 inches in the entry-level car).

Now, who doesn’t need features like this on a car? With the increased ride height, rough road suspension and urban styling you certainly get more of an off-road, rugged, can take on anything feel when you’re out and about in this car. It’s a pretty decent cruiser on the motorway or doing the school but it’s definitely more at home going off-road, but only just.

There’s no four-wheel drive but the Active does offer three driving modes; Normal, Eco and Slippery, which tweaks the car’s traction control to give more grip on mud, snow and ice. Useful on those few days of the year when extreme weather makes driving difficult, or if you live in a more rural area. Plus the parking sensors and a rearview camera are a bonus when you have a kid winging in the backseat distracting you.

And with a good-sized boot, you won’t be short of space for the families hiking boots, camping gear and tents.

 

I’ve been driving around in this car for the last few days and like I said earlier, you definitely get an ‘it can take on anything’ feel when you’re driving it. It somehow feels tougher than the standard car and I’m not sure why. Is it because I’ve driven this car at the point in my life where I’m making more of a conscious effort to be active, to lead a healthier lifestyle and look after my general well being? Maybe? I’m not sitting around the house as much and getting up and out the door at a respectable time instead of having those lazy mornings in the house.

Most dads are looked up to as the big and strong superhero in their kids’ lives but how can we be big and strong if we’re never active? We can’t let our little offspring keep us from being big and strong, no way! This car has definitely been a reflection of my ever-changing mindset while I’ve been with it. I’m just not sure it would be the car for me.

I’ve never seen or driven a Fiesta like this before but then the Fiesta has never had to face the threat of a dramatically expanding small SUV sector before. This is Ford’s response and with the KA and Focus getting the same treatment, it’ll be interesting to see how buyers react.

Does this trendy variant make sense? In all honesty, I’m not sure it does but if you want a more interesting breed of Fiesta, then getting Active might be worth a thought.

 

*This post, even though it was sponsored by Evans Halshaw, it is my honest opinion. I hope you enjoyed it!

Your Family Car Doesn't Have To Be Slow, Practical And Boring To Drive.

When you think of a family car, do you think of it as being slow, practical, and boring to drive? Think again!

It’s not easy being a dad. Raising kids is enough to turn you grey (or bald). If it’s not the pressure to be the fountain of all knowledge, it’s having to tell off one of your kids for doing something that deep down you think is hilarious. But worst of all, you have to turn in your beautiful speedy little car and trade it for a seven-seater no frills, no thrills family car. It doesn’t have to be this way!

Is there such a thing as the perfect family car? A car that is everything to everyone. A car that fit everything in that you need, that will meet all your expectation around safety while still making you look incredibly awesome when you’re driving it? I’ll be honest, I didn’t think it did but I think I might have just found it.

The All-New Ford Focus will solve all your problems. It has everything that us as parents could possibly want in a family car and it looks awesome too. Especially the ST-Line like the one I’ve had the privilege of driving for the last few days.

 

To celebrate the launch of the amazing All-New Ford Focus, I have teamed up with Evans Halshaw, Batley to help them create a real buzz around this car and let me tell you, it wasn’t a hard thing to do. They kindly invited me down to test drive the brand new model for a new days, which of course I was delighted to except. I have always been a massive lover of Ford as a brand and I have only ever driven Ford cars so when this opportunity came along it was like a dream come true.

The All-New Ford Focus has everything you could need from a family car. The model I was gracelessly given was the sporty ST-Line and I’ll be honest, it’s got some small features that make it kind of a big deal. Such as;

• Cruise control with speed limiter
• Emergency assistant
• Hill start assist
• DAB radio
• Parking Sensors
• Lane Keeping System
• Full exterior body styling kit, with unique mesh front grills

Now, who doesn’t need features like this in a family-to-be car? I know I couldn’t live without hill start assistance, and the parking sensors are a bonus when you have a kid winging in the backseat distracting you. With SatNav, Lane keeping and Ford’s Sync 3 system and with phone connectivity, it can get your beautiful family where it needs to go in one piece and you can use entertain the kids with their favourite Frozen soundtrack in the process. Everything on the car is designed to help keep you focused.

Plus with a pretty decent sized boot, you won’t be short of space for the weekly shop.

If you’re like me and you’re looking for something that looks the part but you don’t want the price tag to match then the ST-Line spec with its full exterior body styling kit, unique mesh front grills and front fog lights is definitely something you’ll want to consider. Who says you can’t have an awesome looking car as a parent? We may be grown-ups but we don’t want to grow up, right?

| We may be grown-ups but we don’t want to grow up

 

So the proof is in the pudding. Here’s a car that is fun to drive and definitely not slow. It is practical though but that can only be a good thing. Yes, I’m a family man who traded his sporty little fiesta in for a five-door focus four years ago and I’d be lying if I wasn’t upset about letting that car go. However, now Ford has launched this car, I can have the best of both world.

I really enjoyed driving this car for the few days that I had it. It had everything that I personally want/need from a car. It’s got all the safety features I look for, good styling both inside and out. Just enough to make it look awesome, without looking garish and all of this comes with a price tag. If your a family man with kids and need plenty of space but want a good looking car with decent speed, then the All-New Ford Focus is definitely one to consider.

I considered it so much in the time I spent with it that I actually went out and bought one a week later so if that doesn’t tell you how good this car is, I don’t know what does.

 

*This post, even though it was sponsored by Evans Halshaw, it is my honest opinion. I hope you enjoyed it!

Wohven | Premium Men's T-Shirt Subscription

Wohven is a company that offers a simple service that is awesome. They deliver t-shirts to your door every month, for an affordable price.  Now, you may think that an online t-shirt delivery service isn’t very exciting but the company, the product, the simplicity and the awesomeness of the service warranted a review. I spoke to Wohven who very kindly sent me three of their most recent designs to try. Why not, right?

Just imagine it lads, a service that provides T-shirts that are good quality, that look cool and you can have a fresh one delivered to your door every single month without the added stress of going to a shopping centre and trying something on. It’s a no brainer to me.

| Never shop for t-shirts again. Simply choose whether you want to receive blank or graphic tees, then sit back and watch the stylish shirts roll in every month at a fraction of what you would pay in the store.

T-Shirt Style

Let’s get this out of the way first, if you prefer fancy clothes with well known brand logos or styles, Wohven is not for you. Wohven’s t-shirt style offering is for those who love wearing t-shirts that look good and are affordable. The first thing you will have to decide is if you want t-shirts delivered to you that are plain or with graphics. If you read more into Wohven’s website, they state  pretty clearly how they choose the graphics they put on their graphic tees.

Wohven subscriptions also come with the option to change the neck type of your t-shirt. You can choose the traditional crew neck or you can go with the more formal v-neck t-shirt. The ability to change your neck type and choose between blank and graphic tee’s dramatically increases your options with Wohven.

The packaging is amazing, you receive your T-Shirt in a see through plastic package with a little card that has a photo and bio of the designer of that particular tee. It’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

T-Shirt Quality

Now, for the price of these shirts you probably aren’t expecting much quality to be put into these shirts; you would be wrong. These shirts are amazing! The shirts have a great fit and are made of Ringspun Cotton; they are light and stretchy. Basically, they fit and feel like your favorite shirts you have been wearing for years.

Wohven was even kind enough to make their t-shirts tag-less, to relieve you from that crappy, itchy sensation you get from a tag rubbing up against your neck.

T-Shirt Pricing

Have you seen some of the name brand t-shirts that are on the market today? Some of the “trending t-shirts” from top designers can cost between anywhere from £25 to needing a small loan. Call me crazy, but I do not have any desire to spend that kind of money on a t-shirt.

Not only are Wohven t-shirts comfortable and stylish, they are inexpensive. The Blank T’s cost $8 and the Graphic T’s cost $12. For that you get:

• Great Fit, Awesome Quality
• Variety of Styles
• Delivered to Your Door
• Great Customer Service
• Inexpensive

I’m begging Wohven to open up to the UK market! UK lads reading this will have to hold out for now but you US guys, get yourself signed up HERE and stop worrying about T-Shirt shopping!

*This post, even though it was sponsored by Wohven, it is my honest opinion. I hope you enjoyed it!*

My Test Drive Of The All-New Kia Stonic

The Car | All-New Kia Stonic Urban Crossover

Becoming a parent isn’t just about the responsibilities that start after bringing the child home from the hospital. It starts when you first find out that you’re expecting that little bundle of joy. There is a lot to think about leading up to the moment your baby is born. Believe me!

One of the big decisions you might face is buying a new car. Most families-to-be need a new car when their baby arrives whether they like it or not. This might be because their old one isn’t reliable enough anymore, or it could just be in need of a size upgrade from the little sporty two-seaters you’re used to. It happens all the time. We had a three-door Ford Fiesta when our first one arrived and it was just a nightmare trying to put a baby seat in the back and there wasn’t enough boot space for the pram and the amount of stuff you actually need to take with you, even when just going to the shops.

The All-New Stonic solves all those problems. It has everything that dads-to-be and mums-to-be need from a first family car. It’s Kia’s first Small Urban Crossover and it’s got some features that make it a big deal. Such as;

• Reversing camera system with dynamic guidelines,
• Hill start assist
• Autonomous emergency braking
• DAB radio
• Apple car play
• TomTom
• Andriod Auto.

Now, who doesn’t need features like this in a family-to-be car? I know I couldn’t live without hill start assistance, and reversing cameras are a bonus when you have a baby crying in the backseat distracting you. With TomTom and Apple/ Android features it can get your beautiful family where it needs to go and you can use your lullaby playlist off your phone to soothe baby in the process. Everything on the car is designed to help keep you focused.

Plus with a pretty decent sized boot, you won’t be short of space for your pram and weekly shop.

For the dads-to-be out there, the first edition offers two-tone colour combinations choosing between lime green, black, red, or orange highlights. Who says you can’t have pops of colour as a parent. We may be grown-ups but we don’t want to grow up.

| We may be grown-ups but we don’t want to grow up.

The All-New Kia Stonic isn’t just an SUV, it’s that forever car you’re looking for. It’s the car I would what to bring my newborn home in for the first time. It’s something you will never forget.

Daddy Day Car Launch Activity

To celebrate the launch of the All-New Kia Stonic Urban Crossover, I have teamed up with the All-New Kia Stonic Urban Crossover and their amazing Daddy Day Car event. They kindly invited me down to test drive the brand new model and to take part in their launch activity introduced to help dads-to-be practice for the transition to fatherhood, covering everything from the drive to the hospital to the dreaded first car seat fitting.

The Daddy Day Car test drive initiative allows dads-to-be to try out the All-New Kia Stonic Urban Crossover, showcasing just how helpful the New Urban Crossover features are by putting the dads-to-be through a series of testing situations. This is designed to ease them into fatherhood will be tasks like; a speed packing challenge – by making sure they can pack the car with all they need and not lose their keys, a test drive route to the hospital using the various tech features in the car and last but not least the feared car seat fitting.

The activity consisted of a series of challenges designed to put parents-to-be in the spotlight and to see if they’re really prepared for their baby to arrive. Now, I thought because I’m already a dad to a Three and a One-year-old I’d walk through these tests and still have time for a coffee at the end. How wrong I was!

There was a speed challenge around the showroom where we had to follow clues and collect various baby items and put them into a changing bag, a timed car seat fitting (which I failed, badly). I’m just glad there wasn’t an actual baby in the seat at the time. Lastly, there was a test drive of the car through the city centre to Leeds General Infirmary, which I aced of course.

If I learnt anything from the day it’s;

• I can’t fit a car seat as quickly as I thought. In my defence, we had an Isofix base with ours so I was at a disadvantage
• I can’t pack a hospital bag as fast as I thought I could.

So Parents-to-be, listen up;

• Make sure you have installed the car seat numerous times before baby’s arrival.
• Test drive to your local hospital.
• Make sure you have a reliable and safe car for your growing family.
• Stay calm Dads-to-be

The All-New Kia Stonic has got all this covered and will make it all seem like child’s play.

Daddy Day Car All-New Kia Stonic test drives test drives will be taking place at selected Kia dealerships in November. While places are limited, customers wishing to take part can contact kiadealer@kazoo.co.uk to inquire about their nearest dealership and book a slot. For more information on the All-New Kia Stonic please visit http://www.kia.co.uk/stonic

This post, even though it was sponsored by Kia, is my honest opinion. Hope you enjoyed it!

National Railway Museum, Ft Olivia And Robyn's First Train Journey.

Life just seems to be one big rush at the moment. With juggling kids, dogs, work and the launch of a new business venture, it’s been all work and no play for a quite a while now, and unfortunately, Olivia and Robyn have been getting the rubbish end of the stick. All I can say is, thank god for CBeebies and YouTube. So today we decided to down tools, shut shop and have a day off.

After a little deliberating we decided to get on the train and head to the National Railway Museum in York. One: it was the perfect chance to take the girls on the train for the first time and two: because it’s free entry. I wouldn’t be a proper Yorkshireman if I didn’t mention the cost.

We only live a 10-minute walk from the local train station so it’s a little shocking that I’ve never taken them on the train before.

Olivia became excited almost straight away at the thought of going on a train. Robyn, however just did that open mouth stare thing she does. On the way to the station, all I heard from Olivia is “I can’t see the trains yet!” We bought her one of those wooden train tracks from IKEA a while ago and ever since then she’s had a fascination with trains and of course she’ll have probably watched a YouTube video with some American kids singing about them.

After a short wait on the platform and a quick lesson on safety near a train line, we were on the train and on our way. Once off the train on the other side, the Railway Museum itself is only a short way away from York station. Far enough though when you’ve got a toddler on your shoulders, pressing down on your head.

The Railway Museum

First things first. Let’s eat. When ever I go anyway one of the first things I check out is: Food! Where can I eat?

We found the Dining Car restaurant just inside, after the gift shop. We selected the family deal which consisted of two adult sandwiches, two kids sandwiches, two teas/coffees and two kids drinks for £19.95, which I thought was a good price. I tried the salted beef and mustard sandwich and Rachel had chicken and bacon. As far as sandwiches go it was pretty good. The kid’s cheese one didn’t look bad either. The food here is everything you would need for light lunch. You don’t want anything heavy if you walking around all day. As you can see from the photos, it was a hit with the girls.

There was also an outdoor miniature train, that for just £3 a ticket you could have a go on. The big kid in me couldn’t resist taking Olivia on. Apparently, it doesn’t go fast enough and we had to put our arms in the air.

Robyn was a little too small for it but her time will come.

There is plenty of other things to see and do as well. Not all of the trains are accessible to the public. The ones we saw first were the ones that you could only look at from the outside, but once we got into the ‘Great Hall’, then you find the ones that you interact with a bit more. You can venture inside a lot of them, even underneath a couple of them. Which was cool. There was even a little soft play area for kids under 5. We, of course, had to stop off for a short play break. Oh and a Thomas the Tank Engine ride too. Of course!

Today was a much-needed break for everyone. A break from everything we’ve had going on over the last couple of weeks. It was a chance to switch off, forget everything and recharge our batteries. A chance to stop and remember what’s really important and the reasons why we work so hard.

 

Probably the best free museum that I have ever been to. Well worth a trip to York for!