A Pre-MOT essential read*

Now, I might not be a driver yet (pending, always pending!) but I know a little bit about cars, especially that they can be a very costly exercise when it comes to things like services, repairs, insurance and MOTs! As such I thought that this infographic created by Motorparks would be a useful and indeed essential read for any one with an MOT test upcoming…
Honestly, it would never have occurred to me to make any checks before taking my future vehicle to the garage, surely I can’t be the only one? I’d love to know your MOT experiences and what you’ve done to save money once you pass your test and own a car.

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Get in the Garden- a guide to crops in pots*

Well here’s a new topic for me to be covering on the blog. I’ve always had an interest and appreciation for a good garden- my Grandad and Dad both take huge pride in theirs and I’ve often watched in amazement as they make things flourish and bloom. I’ve never really had much of a go myself though, preferring to stand at the sidelines rather than risk killing off nature with my lack of knowledge. Now I’ve got my own flat, complete with little front garden I’m starting to take more interest. I really want to start growing some crops in pots but knowing where to start is my stumbling block (even thought I DID buy a book!). I was sent over this really handy infographic from Compost Direct the other day and wanted to share it to inspire and aid any one else with a mission to get green fingered this year…
And a little bit of information to accompany…

“Gardening is good for you, according to a new infographic produced by Compost Direct. Older gardeners have a 36-47% lower risk of dementia than non-gardeners. However, with urban spaces on the rise there is less room for people who’d like to get into garden.

Thankfully, there are many ways to grow crops in small spaces – from potted plants indoors to veg patches and grow bags. Did you know that you can grow potatoes in compost bags and bin liners? Following a simple growing process you can enjoy some pristine spuds without needing a full size garden.

How about growing crops in specialist grow bags? With just a small amount of space, you can grow fruit and veg to feed your whole household – from tomatoes and carrots to herbs and courgettes.

Read the full infographic to see how to grow potatoes, tomatoes, veg patches and more. You can also find out how to maximise your growing area by building window boxes and vertical gardens, meaning that no matter what kind of outdoor space you have – there is no excuse not to garden!”

Have you successfully grown crops in pots before? I’ll take any hints and tips I can get right now…I’m really excited and will hopefully have some good results to share later on in the year!

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Motorparks guide to buying a car*

My driving history is a bumpy ride if ever there was one. I first started lessons for my 17th birthday and sat (and obviously failed) five tests before deciding I perhaps wasn’t quite ready to be on the road just yet and took an extended break. Fast forward a decade and I finally decided the time was right, I was older and wiser- not to mention calmer and it wasn’t my driving that let me down, it was nerves every time and I thought I had a handle on it. Almost another year passed and a re-sat my theory test, took plenty of lessons with an excellent instructor and then went and failed two more tests, had a bit of a meltdown and have barely been behind the wheel since. Now I’ve moved out I’m in need of driving more than ever and I’m getting myself set for a third (and final) round of lessons and a test which also means that at some point in the near future I’m going to need to buy a car. I’m not the most machine headed girl and pretty clueless when it comes to cars, so buying one is going to be quite a challenge. I was recently sent this infographic from Motorparks which I’ve genuinely found really helpful for tips and advice. All I need to do now is get myself fit and well enough to get back behind the wheel and face those fears one last time.
I’m pretty sure I’m not going to have the budget for a brand new car so I found it really helpful to find a guide for buying second hand too.

I’d love to know your thoughts on driving lessons, tests and car shopping as well as your experiences- have a car you love? Let me know below, I literally have no idea where to start with my choice.

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The Changing Look of Music

Another music related post for you this week, I’m obviously having a moment! This week I have a fabulous infographic from the team at Gear4Ddjs who appreciate how hard it can be to keep up with the ever changing fashion choices of some of our favourite artists. Who’s your favourite transformation on the list? For me it’s probably Lady Gaga or Katy Perry, although I can’t profess to be a fan of their music, I do love keeping an eye out on their sometimes questionable sartorial choices.
Is there anyone they’ve missed from the list? Leave your thoughts below…

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Is New Music Really New?*

I’ve always had a lot of love for music although my tastes have changed a lot over the years. These days I rarely find myself listening to current releases and I honestly couldn’t name one person/band in the charts- I gravitate towards the classics, the old school originals if you will. It would appear I’m not the only one who feels this way as this interesting infographic shows, here are the five most sampled songs used in the music industry today.
Infographic put together by Lindy.co.uk
Let’s talk music- who do you rate and hate? Do you prefer the old school hits or the current music scene?

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