Wednesday 27 August 2014

Tesla Model S Test Drive:

Tesla Model S Test Drive:

This week I was very lucky to have been invited to test drive one of these 100% electric luxury cars. I was very excited before hand and priced up my dream car specification on their website. 

On arrival we located the 2 cars plugged in to the EV charging points . (luckily we didn't need to charge Zoe).




After locating the Tesla staff and signing a waiver to drive the car we were shown around the cars. I was shocked at how much bigger it was than I had imagined. Also the boot was very big. This would easily have fit a few large suitcases. Also due to their being no engine there is a Frunk (Front Trunk) Again this had lots of space for shopping. I know its probably a gadgety thing, but I like how the door handles are built into the car doors, and on approach they slide out and appear. 





Then it was time to get inside. After fiddling with the many buttons and lining up my chair off we went. Inside of the car was very similarly styled to a Mercedes with a on steering wheel leaver for Park, Drive etc. One big difference was the 12” tablet screen in the middle of the dashboard. This was the source for navigation, heating, media, and driving modes. Also I liked the different personalised profiles that remembers your settings and adjusts your seat, mirrors and steering wheel on your arrival to the car. This was great for me as I'm 5ft2 and my husband is over 6ft tall. Therefore we both sit very differently in the car. At the touch of a button the vehicle changes around you for you.

Off to driving, The steering was on standard and was still very responsive. The drive was very similar to the feel of Zoe, Smooth and exciting. There are many settings for the driving style, during the test drive they kept this set on standard, there was the comfort setting and sports. I really wanted to see the difference but sadly not this time.
The car is larger than I am used to, as this was quite a large family car. However it didn't feel to big, I liked the reversing camera and sensors to help with parking.

I also asked about the speaker system, to which the model we were in had 12 speakers and inbuilt subwoofer. Supported and designed by dolby surround sound. I can safely say the system sounded very good. 

The Teslas charge from virtually anything, They can use the in house 3 pin plug. Beware this takes many hours. The type 2 connectors and the supercharger points which charge the mega miles in just 20 minutes. 




I do love Tesla as a brand and how the cars are handmade and have been passionately developed to be in my opinion the leaders with EV’s. I am glad to see that they are starting to arrive in the UK. I can safely say I really liked the car, I did go online and price up my ideal car I came out at £67,330. Therefore I think this is something I need to save up lots for and will be my one day car. 

To round up, the car is exciting, luxury, and EV market leading. I cannot wait to see how over the next couple of years how the brand keep themselves a step ahead of the market. And hopefully a smaller more affordable car within the range. 

Speak Soon


Nic

Sunday 24 August 2014

Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Part 2

Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Part 2

This week I went to one of the Safari Nights. This is where the park is open until around 9pm at night. With added entertainment and the animals are more active as the day get cooler and some of them get fed. I went with family, as it was straight from work we went via the Safari Cafe for my tea. As per my last blog the food was fresh and lovely. As it was a busier day it did take a little longer to arrive but this was to be expected.

As I was with adults this time, we could be more selective of which animals we went to see. As this was a special event day the park was busier than usual, and due to going after work and after food we didn't reach any animals until about 6:30pm.

We went to see the very active Lemurs.




My good friends the River Hogs “Bella & Buster”



The Tigers:



Since my visit last week the wildlife park have had their newest arrival of Victor the Polar bear. It was lovely to see the new part of the park. As well as the vast space for him. Sadly as Victor was still getting used to his new home and his new routine he was sat by the door to the exit of his enclosure. It was very obvious he was tired and was sat waiting to go to bed. From what I could see he was a lot bigger than I had expected and very handsome. I shall go back and see him again when he has settled in more.







After the animals on the park there were a number of street entertainers out and about, I had seen a magician, brass band and singing group. Before the main entertainment of the night a Take That tribute band (different acts on different nights) followed by bang less fireworks.
I was very happy with the bang less fireworks. I really don't like usual fireworks and I can highly recommend going to see these. I understand due to the animals why they are at the park. But it makes me think why cant all fireworks be quiet like this.



Another great trip to the wildlife park, however this was a shorter visit than usual. It was still very enjoyable.

Speak Soon


Nic x

Tuesday 19 August 2014

Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Part 1:

Yorkshire Wildlife Park:
Part 1:

This week I went to the wildlife park with my family. I was very excited to spend some time with my family outside. 
On arrival the park once passing the new shop and entrance area we went for lunch. We went to the newly refurbished safari cafe. This was clean, bright and unusually quiet. The menu was varied and had lots of yummy sounding food. With members on staff on hand and knowledgeable about their products. The items were reasonably priced an example was £6.95 for a large portion of quiche and salad. The food arrived quickly and freshly prepared. With large portions and good quality food this was a pleasant surprise from usual burgers and such food.

Then we went into the park fully, We bought the kids the guidebooks which had lots of facts about the animals. Great for when you don't know the answers to the million and one questions they may ask. Also there is a quiz in there to keep them occupied throughout the park.

We did go midweek however it was during the summer holidays, and also one of the special event safari nights. The car park was busy, but once you have entered the park due to the vastness the park didn't feel busy. With no ques to see the animals. 
The children's play areas were busy and the indoor one was very hard to find seats, but this did not cause any issues for the children to play.

I love to walk around the lions to see the landscaping and waterfalls.



As always went to my favourite section: South American Viva to see my Capybara Martha.


This visit the giraffes were outside and I got to see the recent addition to the gang.



I cannot wait to go later this week to see the new Polar bear and stay for the evening to experience the safari night.

Speak soon


Nicola

Thursday 14 August 2014

Pamper night:

Pamper night:

Hi, well the last few weeks have been mayhem. With a very busy time with the day job, its wedding season for the weekend job and training for my race next month in the evenings.
This week I managed to have an hour one evening to zone out and relax.

I thought I would quickly let you know what I did.

All good chill time starts with a good cuppa. Everyone at work will vouch that I am always in a better mood after a cup of tea. If anything goes wrong or you need to make me feel better tea is the answer. I have sadly just run out of my favourite brand, and shall be buying more on my next shop.


Then face mask, I have not been eating as well as I could, have been stressed, and therefore my skin always takes its toll. Therefore after choosing between the two face masks in my cupboard. It was time to slap it on and sit for 10 minutes.




Nails, Although I do work in an office, I have a quite hands on job. I have always liked my nails to look good. Although I am a lover of the Sensationail system, sometimes I simply don't have the time. Therefore I reached for my Rimmel 60 second polish. I love a bright colour and this coral was bright and cheery. However I know in less than 24 hours this will be ready to come off due to the harsh daily ware.



The evening then ended with music on Spotify whilst catching up on my blogs. (also getting some ideas for future posts)

What have you been up to?

Speak Soon


Nicola


Sunday 10 August 2014

Days out: Roche Abbey

This week on a part day off work I wanted to go somewhere for a few hours peace and quiet. The weather was forecast got be good over lunch. Therefore we went off out for a picnic. 

After looking for somewhere local and good value for money. As we knew we would only be there a few hours. We decided to go to Roche Abbey near Maltby in Doncaster.
This is an english heritage site and cost £3.80 per adult to get in. (we also had a buy one get one free voucher).



There was enough grounds to have a walk for an hour or so and lots of open space for a picnic. There were a few benches but we took a rug. There were quite a few people that had done the same. 
This is the type of place where you need to take your own entertainment. A few families had taken small bat and ball sets for example.


I would go again as it was peaceful and a nice local attraction for a quick get away.


If you would like to know more information take a look here: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/roche-abbey/