BMI Oh Baby...

According to some online Body Mass Index websites, it would appear that what my Doctor recently confirmed would indeed appear true. I'm technically obese and could well do with losing 2 stone. Not exactly a shock to me, but the first step with any problem is confronting it. What next though?

I've just not got over it, have I?

Back in January we discovered that (joy of joys) Jules was expecting again, and we took the (fairly easy at the time) decision to punt my Impreza. This fiscal tightening of belts was clearly the sensible thing to do, but I so love my cars. Whilst I would do anything for my family getting over the loss has been somewhat problematic. I can't knock the Micra, it's a great city car and whilst it gets twice the mpg as the WRX I can't help feeling its only half the car. However, in terms of financial outcomes, its been entirely worthwhile. We've got enough reserves for a decent length of maternity leave, Jules loves the time she's spending with Charlotte and has recently ordered a Honda FRV to replace her current company car. Not coming until next year, it'll have six seats, leather and sat-nav. Plenty of toys and just as importantly, we'll all fit in it. So why am I still looking at Auto Trader every morning? The worst thing is the constant agonising about what if, what can I afford and the regular analysing of the best available used cars on the market. For what it's worth, you're looking at £11k for a three year old WRX from a main dealer - add another £1k if you want PPP on it. The more pumped STI version starts at about £15k, again around three years old - although occasionally the likes of Arnold Clarks gets them in about £2k cheaper... Insurance for me is about £500 a year regardless of model. I can't help myself can I?

Noémie Lenoir

She's just gorgeous - no other reason for the post than that.

'Creepy' Boots Advert Banned

I read with interest that this summers Boots Soltan 'children sunbathing' advert was banned by the Advertising Standards Agency after nine viewers complained. The gist of the complaint was that kids shouldn't be left out sunbathing like adults, and common sense dictated that they should be covered up, wearing hats and playing in the shade and not lying out like a footballers wife... Jules and I talked about this advert during the summer and we both found it fairly uncomfortable viewing. I don't think that was grounds for banning it though, as it was trying to get across a strong message about protecting children from the harmful effects of the sun. However, this isn't the first time Boots have came a cropper when it comes to suncare adverts. In 2004 their 'Mother' advert received two complaints (not a typo, just two) about their "five star UVA protection" resulting in it getting pulled. You may also recall their Calvin Klein spoofing 'Medicated Skincare Range' adverts of last year (I think), where a load of fashion types get progressively more sunburned and freckly. Also quite creepy. I have some sympathy with Boots - and I don't know if this is just a nostalgic hangover from my childhood. It was a store my mum would recommend WITHOUT QUESTION with the same tone of certainty she used when urging me to eat Markies ready meals when I first moved away from home (what with not being able to cook uppermost in her mind). You stick by Boots and Markies and they'll see you right seemed to be the core of her maternal advice. Bless.

Is it sad to want this watch?

I really do love streetgadgets website. It so appeals to my unhealthy interest in pseudo military items for civilian (i.e. survivalist) use! Mock all you like, but when Cyberdyne Systems take over the world and we're all running about getting chased by Terminators at least I'll be able to see what time it is. In the dark.

Family Mobile Vers 1.0

I need to remember and come back here and see if there is a Zafira VXR review.