Tag Archives: Lifestyle Blog Cheshire

How long did it take for you to pass your driving test

May 21, 2018 By in Lifestyle Tags: , , , , , , 33 Comments

What’s the worst part about learning to drive? The inevitable practical test that we need to pass before gaining our independence on the roads.

Nowadays, unless you live in central London, having a driving licence is a very useful commodity. It’s useful for work, holidays and driving your friends and family around as a chauffeur service.

The build up to the test is a nerve wracking experience. You’ve invested all that time and money into practicing, organising a car and promising people lifts once you pass. It’s not a cheap endeavour and the test itself is the final hurdle before you can be let loose!

There are a few interesting statistics when it comes to the UK driving test which are covered in an infographic from Absolute Reg.

Using official government data, they’ve shared some key facts about practical driving test pass rates that you might not know about. Or might not want to know about…

 

UK Driving Image

 

In 2017, the pass rate for UK car driving tests was 47.1% for people taking the test on their first attempt. Meaning that over half of people fail, so don’t get too disheartened if this happens to you. You’re actually in the majority.

It’s also revealed that the pass rate is higher for men. 50.6% of men passed with the rate lower for women at 43.9%.

Living in a big city like London is also a downside if you’re taking your test. London test takers have a lower pass rate, which is unsurprising given the greater number of distractions you have to deal with on the roads and other drivers getting in your way. So taking your test in a more remote location could be a great option if you’re struggling to pass.

And although young drivers have a bad reputation on the roads, the 16-25 age group has the highest pass rate!

 

My thoughts

These results don’t surprise me. I am yet to pass my driving test. My theory test has now expired so I will need to take that test again too. I had my first driving test about 5 years ago. I was heavily pregnant with the twins and paranoid. So failing my test came as no surprise.

I am looking forward to passing my driving tests this year. Driving would bring a new form of independence. I won’t have to over plan my trips or wait for anyone to take me where I need to go.

 

Have you passed your driving tests? How long did it take you to pass them?

 

*Collaborative post.

 

 

A Beginners Guide To Visiting Cannes

March 27, 2018 By in Travel Tags: , , , , , , , , , 27 Comments

Cannes is best known for hosting the world famous film festival that draws huge crowds every year. But that’s only one of the things that it has to offer. It has an amazing climate all year round with great beaches and plenty of great cultural sights to see. If you’ve never thought about visiting Cannes before, it might be worth heading over there next time you visit France. Here is a quick guide to make sure you get the most out of your trip.

 

A Beginners Guide To Visiting Cannes picture

Pixabay

 

Where to Stay

Cannes can be a pretty expensive city and if you’re staying right in the centre, it’ll cost you. Luckily, there are some great places you can stay nearby that will be a lot cheaper, while still giving you easy access to all of the sights. Mougins in France is only a 15 minute drive from Cannes but you can still find the same luxury accommodation, without the hefty price tag. There are plenty of amazing villas that come complete with a swimming pool and a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Staying just outside the centre of Cannes will make the whole trip a lot cheaper and it also gives you a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the centre if you want to relax for a day or two.

 

Shopping

There are some great shopping destinations in Cannes if you’re after a bit of retail therapy while you’re away. There are some great markets offering local produce, particularly if you’re a big seafood fan. As well as brilliant food markets, there are some quaint little antique shops and traditional potters where you can pick up some great souvenirs for the house. If you’re into your fashion, you can find some of the best clothing brands in the world like Chanel, Prada and Louis Vuitton. The best thing about it is, they’re often cheaper than you can buy them elsewhere.

 

Cultural Sights

Cannes is known as a center for film culture but there are also other great cultural sights to visit. The Malmaison is home to some great modern photography and art exhibitions, housed in an old 19th century mansion that was originally part of the grand hotel. For some local history, the Musee de la Castre is the place to go. It houses a great collection of weaponry, artifacts and old ceramics that were collected by local aristocrats.

 

Food And Drink

Pretty much anywhere you go in France you’ll find great food and drink and Cannes is no exception. There is a good local fishing industry in the area. So you can find some of the best seafood in the country in Cannes. Particular highlights include Astoux et Cie Brun and the Michelin starred La Villa Archange. If you’re looking for something a little more straightforward, Grill and Wines is a great standard restaurant serving good food with great service.

It’s always worth visiting Cannes for the film festival but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go any other time of year because it’s not just about the touristy stuff.  

 

Have you visited Cannes?

 

*Collaborative post.

My Teeth Whitening Experience

October 26, 2017 By in Beauty, Lifestyle Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 25 Comments

I have always wanted pearly white teeth. Maybe my obsession with having white teeth came from watching too much trashy reality tv. The cast always have very white teeth on those programs. That could be why I am always in the pursuit of extra white teeth.

I know most of these celebs go for teeth whitening with Invisalign. I read that somewhere anyway. However, the treatment option has never been offered to me, and if it is offered, I know I will be turning down. I hear it is a lot of money to get them done and to be honest, I don’t think I need that much work done. Great dental clinics like this Whitby dentist, do offer affordable payment plans for those who need it. So if you are interested in having your teeth whitened, don’t let the price tag scare you. Do your research and find out the best payment plan for your budget.

 

Teeth whitening picture

 

 

 

My Teeth Whitening Experience

I have had my teeth whitened twice now. The first time was in 2012. I had it done at a very posh private clinic and I was very happy with the results. I was given home kits to take away with to use for about 2 weeks. My teeth went many shades whiter! I was so impressed!  For £200, it was money well spent in my eyes! I didn’t have to deal with teeth sensitivity at all, which was great too.

As the years have gone by, with all the eating and drinking. I needed to have a top up session done. So I booked a teeth whitening session with our dentist some months ago. I paid a bit more than £200 this time. I had a teeth whitening session for 1 hour at the clinic, and I was given a teeth whitening kit to use for 3 days at home. However, this experience was so different from my first. I felt the 1 hour teeth whitening session at the dentist was not as effective. There was little or no difference. I didn’t notice any difference but the dentist did.

The home kit given to me was also very difficult to use. It made my teeth so sensitive, I had to stop using it. I didn’t have this issue the first time I had my teeth whitened, so I found this new experience very confusing. It is frustrating that the money spent looks wasted.

 

 

Skincare Image

 

I will probably look at having my teeth whitened again in future but I need to be able to see a clear difference.

 

Have you ever had your teeth whitened before? Were you happy with the results?

 

*Collaborative post

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