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Why Use A GPS Tracker

by thejoyoffiveLeave a Comment on Why Use A GPS Tracker

You save your hard earned money, you find the perfect car for you and your family but how do you now protect it?

Years ago we would have only had the use of something like a crock lock to protect our car. Luckily now things have moved on in a phenomenal way and the best way we can protect our vehicle is through the use of a GPS tracker.

But what is a GPS tracker?

GPS vehicle tracking systems utilize Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to accurately locate target vehicles along with several other attributes. GPS receivers are installed in vehicles. These receivers send signals to the GPS satellites, which determine the precise location of the vehicle.

Here are a few of the benefits of installing a system:

Live Location Tracking –

With GPS vehicle tracking systems, you can monitor the real-time live location of your vehicle anywhere and at anytime.

Theft Recovery –

With GPS vehicle tracking systems, you can track your vehicle and assets in real-time. If you lose your assets accidentally or your vehicle gets stolen, you can easily track and recover them.

Lower Insurance Premiums-

You may have heard of recent ‘black boxes’ being placed in the cars of new or young drivers. The cost on insurance premiums can be really high for many motorists and opting for a car tracking device can significantly decrease the monthly insurance premium. It is not just for the young or new driver either. You can opt for a car tracking device at any age. And you don’t have to opt for the insurance company’s own device either. You can fit your own and relay information from your tracker to support your claim of being a careful driver.

cars, Children, winter

Four Benefits Of Buying A 4×4 Car

by thejoyoffiveLeave a Comment on Four Benefits Of Buying A 4×4 Car

[AD] the lookout for a new car? Allow us to help! If you, like us are a big family it could be worth your while to invest in a 4×4.

Not only will you benefiting the space they provide, but you may find yourself falling in love with how comfortable and convenient they are. If you need some inspiration as to why your next car should be a 4×4 here are some benefits of buying one.

They Can Help The Driver Feel Safer On The Road – 4x4s May help you feel that little bit safer throughout your journey as the height of the cars are elevated, so each driver is provided with better visibility over the road in front of them which also means that you may have more opportunity to spot any potential hazards.

They Provide More Room For All The Family – if you have a big family like us the chances are you will need a bigger car to get around. From the school run and after school activities, to weekend road trips and visiting extended family a big car is essential when you have five children and need to squeeze them all in.

A new Land Rover from the likes of Peter Vardy for example is not only spacious, but also practical.

They Are Ideal For Winter Months – in comparison to a front or rear wheeled drive, 4x4s have the benefit of added traction. This means that you have more control over your vehicle, which is particularly needed in winter when it is cold and icy.

They Can Handle The Windy Roads – 4×4 cars are particularly useful when you live in the countryside and have to manoeuvre yourself around windy roads on a daily basis. As these roads are often not maintained as well as main roads and as a result prove tricky to drive on. When you are off-roading you need to tackle any obstacles or steep hills, so you will be grateful for the power increase.

So when it’s time to but a new car, do t forget to view some 4x4s, especially if you have a large family to transport on a daily basis!

Children, Families, Family Life, Gifts, Imagination Play, Kids Days Out, Learning, Memories, Outdoor Play, Parents, Toys

Everlasting Memories With Little Tikes

by thejoyoffive9 Comments on Everlasting Memories With Little Tikes

The whole ethos behind my blog is creating memories with my family and documenting them all to look back over in years to come so nothing is ever forgotten.

However our minds are wonderful things that can store and recall so many precious memories and this is where I really want the children to keep those all important moments and first in their lives.

I’m sure that we all remember the first time we tentatively learnt to ride a bike, the first time we nervously got behind the wheel of a car and the first time we gained the confidence to swim.

A few weeks ago Little Tikes invited us along to Silverstone Race Circuit where I was set to experience a first along with my youngest two – a helicopter ride.

It really was a ‘pinch me’ moment and something I don’t know whether we would have had the chance to experience if it wasn’t for my work and I am extremely grateful for that.

We arrived at the vast Silverstone Race Circuit and we had to pick the boys jaws up from the floor as they gazed out at the super cars and motorbikes racing around the track.

Their eyes then lit up even more when they walked into a room full of Little Tikes toys that kept them happy whilst they awaited their adventure.

The Little Tikes Wheels And Fylerz Range was perfect for my little thrill seekers as the remote controls are designed for little fingers to get to grips with and drive and fly to their hearts content.

With all the hype of their impending helicopter flight they headed straight for the My First Flyer which comes as a red air ambulance and a blue police helicopter. Using the one touch controls the helicopter can take to the air with it’s spinning propeller and wings and the boys played for ages seeing who could get it the highest and the furthest.

From here they moved onto the Tyre Twister Lights which is an amazing remote control police car with lights and sirens that can run around inside or outside the huge tyre.

I think a real favourite of the day though were the Remote Control Bumper Cars. Anything that involves crashing is a hit with my boys…including my husband, so with the aim of the game to get your competitor to fly out of their car this was a very popular.

After a lot of play and a spot of lunch it was time to go for a tour of the Silverstone Circuit. It was amazing to be allowed behind the scenes of this magnificent racetrack that was first used over 70 years ago!

We got to see the Race Control Centre which really is the hub for everything going on around the circuit, we visited the commentators box which was amazing to think off the amount of amazing races that have been witnessed from that very place, we got to go down into the pits which was an amazing experience for me and finally we took to the podium with the classic Little Tikes Cosy Coupe which is always a winner in our eyes!

As if the day hadn’t been full enough we were now going to have an experience like no other and one I was so happy to be able to share with the boys. We were driven to the helipad where we were given our briefing and kitted out with ear defenders in preparation for our flight.

Frankie who is certainly ‘all mouth and no trousers’ had a little wobble but I hurried him along before the nerves really set in! All buckled in the helicopter started up and their was absolute silence from the boys, which if you know them is a rarity! The helicopter started to ascended and we were able to enjoy the stunning views of the circuit and surrounding areas. We spent the flight spotting cars and areas that we had explored whist on the ground and the look on their little faces will be something to treasure for a lifetime.

Back on terraferma it was time to make our way home with a some amazing memories of an amazing day. The boys were also lucky enough to take home a My First Flight helicopter as a memento of the day. I hope that every time they lift that control it will bring back thoughts of their own helicopter trip and they can relive that very moment time and time again.

Children, Families, Family Life, Learning, Reviews, Toys

My First Scalextric:Review

by thejoyoffiveLeave a Comment on My First Scalextric:Review

Scalextric tracks are something that I remember fondly from my youth, in fact the first one was bought out in 1957…my memories don’t go that far back.

I never had one of my own but loved going to my cousins to challenge them to a race and spent hours watching the cars speeding round the track.

My eldest son still has a set that he is keeping well out of reach from his destructive little brothers, much to their annoyance.

When I was asked to review the My First Scalextric I had high hope for what the boys were going to think.

Their eyes lit up as soon as they saw they saw the brightly coloured packaging and they couldn’t wait to get inside.

Once opened the figure of eight style track was super easy to assemble which was very pleasing as the boys were itching to get started.

It didn’t take them long to pick up what they had to do and the adjustable hand controllers allow you to use variable speeds depending on the ability of the child. They are also colour matching with the track so they can easily know which car they are racing.

One of my less fond memories of Scalextric is the moment the cars come flying from the track just as you were in the lead. Thankfully they now use magnatration which has a strong magnetic force allowing the cars to keep better traction.

As well as being heaps of fun My First Scalextric helps to improve fine motor skills, manual dexterity, hand eye coordination and give them great practice in playing well as a pair which is much needed in this house!

With Christmas not to far away this would be a very welcomed gift under any tree.

*collaborated post

Children, Cinema, Families, Family Life, Gifts, Imagination Play

Toys Galore With Cars 3

by thejoyoffiveLeave a Comment on Toys Galore With Cars 3

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few months you can’t have missed the hype the has surrounding the release of Cars 3.

We were lucky enough to go along to a screening recently which left us all buzzing from the return of these lovable characters to the big screen.

Along with new film releases always comes a whole host of merchandise that children are drawn towards to keep the movie alive once they return home.

Ordinarily I’m normally a bit of a meanie when it comes to things like this as they are often gimmicky toys that fail to keep my children’s attention for more than five minutes!

However Cars 3 has bought with it a fantastic range of toys that have kept my boys occupied for hours on end which is nothing short of a miracle if you know my youngest two.

Lego is always a big hit in our house and the Cars 3 Junior Easy To Build version that is aimed at children aged 4-7 has been a fantastic addition to our collection.

The easy to follow instructions and recognisable characters make it a toy that Frankie can happily return to again and again and get the satisfaction that he can create it all by himself.

At this time of year I am always looking for toys that are easy to take on trips out to keep them amused on long journeys or when I need to try and keep them busy while we are having a meal.

This is where the mini racers and figural crayons are perfect.

The cars can be easily raced up and down in smaller spaces and crayons are always a go to, to let them get creative.

The quirky design of the crayons with the name and figure of each car was a real delight and they have also been used as race cars an several occasions too!

We have been thinking a lot about getting things ready for ‘back to school’ and one thing I like to do is get key rings for their book bags so they can be easily recognised and hopefully not lost within the first few weeks.

These super cute soft keyrings are the perfect way to adorne any book bag…or sneak onto your own keys if you are anything like my husband! 

If cuddly is your thing then the squishy Guido is the one for you. He has in fact  paved the way to become top choice for a bedtime cuddle here.

I have saved the best for last though which comes in the form or a remote control Cruz Ramirez car.

It is the perfect way for children to try their hand at becoming a racer themselves with an easy to use control pad that has simple manoeuvres for even the youngest of children to get to grips with.

This car has given them hours of fun and more than a few arguments about who is going to drive it!

I would love to know who your favourite character is from the new film and which one this fantastic toys would be on your little ones list.
*We were given these toys for the purpose of this review and they are all my own honest opinions.

Children, Families, Family Life, Kid Bloggers, Kids Days Out

Cars 3:One For The Girls

by thejoyoffive1 Comment on Cars 3:One For The Girls

Sometimes when an email hits your inbox you know that you are going to be the favourite in the house…even if it’s just for a short time.

An invitation to a screening of Cars 3 sent my house into a complete frenzy and even my moody teen asked to come along which is an absolute miracle.

We made our way along to The Soho Hotel where we had the chance to fill up on a delicious breakfast whist the boys got Cars themed balloons and tattoos.

Full to the brim and fit to burst with anticipation of what the film would bring we made our way to the cinema and settled in our seats.

When it comes to sequels I am always a bit pessimistic and never find that they can live up to the original.

However Cars didn’t fail to impress with Cars 2 so I had high hopes for this one. 

This one sees the infamous Lightening McQueen showing his age and doubting his ability to stay top of his game.

With new sleek and stylish generation of cars making their way onto the racing scene such as the newbie Jackson Storm, Lightening McQueen’s confidence is crushed and he tries to find new ways to keep his number one status.

His training takes a modern twist with the help of his new trainer Cruz Ramirez but he soon finds this is not for him and he enlists the help of some of the older generation to take him back to the basics.

Cruz quickly becomes his right hand girl and through this friendship she builds her own confidence and let’s everyone know that the racing game is not just for the boys!

This film is more than just about cars speeding around the track; it teaches the importance of always aiming for the sky, having faith in yourself and the importance of friendships be it old or new ones.

From the youngest to the oldest this film had us captived from beginning to end with a fantastic twist that you just have to see!

Arts And Crafts, Children, Crafts, Education, Families, Family Life, Imagination Play, Learning

Hours Of Fun With A Cardboard Box Car

by thejoyoffive12 Comments on Hours Of Fun With A Cardboard Box Car

  

As we all know cardboard boxes are a massive source of fun for kids.

We have all bought that super expensive, much asked for toy for it to be thrown into the corner in favour of the massive cardboard box!

After a boring trip to the supermarket today to purchase a new microwave we came home and removed it from its oversized box much to the delight of number four.

We had a few hours before the school run so I decided to change the box into a car with the help of a couple of things we had knocking around.  

 If you fancy giving this a try you will need: 

  • A large box
  • Five paper plates 
  • A plastic milk carton lid
  • Coloured paper to cover box
  • Four cupcake cases

First I pushed the flaps of the box inside leaving one end slanted to create a dashboard.

I then stuck a paper plate to the flap with the milk carton lid stuck to the centre to make a steering wheel with a horn.

To the side of the steering wheel I cut a small hole that he could put in a spare key I found.

   
 

Next I covered the outside with some red paper and then added the paper plate wheels.

 
Lastly I made a number plate on a piece of paper for either end and added the cupcake cases to make some lights.

   

 

For a boy that has a massively small concentration span this kept him occupied for hours.

He was pretending to drive his friends around, watched a bit of TV and then finally crashed out in it!  Well worth the small amount of time it took me to make.