Life

Marie Louise McConville: Car shopping makes for boring browsing

Car sales consultant showing a new car to a potential customer
Car sales consultant showing a new car to a potential customer Car sales consultant showing a new car to a potential customer

I can't believe I'm about to utter these words - but I'm sick of shopping.

I don't know what the problem is or where it has gone wrong but suddenly, shopping just feels like a chore.

It's strange because I've always loved being out and about in the shops, especially when I actually have a bit of money to spend.

There is just something about going into your favourite shops and seeing all the brand new clothes and mixing and matching to make up new outfits and then all the fun of the changing room, especially if you are with some friends.

I have always got a buzz from shopping, especially leaving the store with a new purchase.

So, what has happened because now I just can't be bothered.

I hate having to find an outfit for anything with all the hassle of parking and the crowds and never finding anything within your budget.

I get fed up two shops in and just want to sit down and have a cup of tea.

This week, I was forced to endure a shopping trip that I did not enjoy one bit.

Of course, it might have been the subject at hand - cars.

As you all know, I've had some trouble of late after my car broke down three times within a two week period.

Twice it broke down at a local supermarket and once on the M1 motorway on the way into work.

While I didn't enjoy any of it, the episode on the motorway was particularly horrible as I realised just how mean people really are.

Turns out it was an injector problem, which turned into a timing-belt problem which has now become a `need-a-new-engine' problem.

So, Darren and I decided to get out and about to have a look at what is available on the second-hand car market.

We headed to Boucher Road to have a dander and I gave him a checklist, the car must have five doors (because of the kids), must have a roomie boot (because of the double buggy), must not be massive (I'm used to small-ish cars), must be diesel (more economical) and must be within budget (obviously).

Also, as my wee Renault is 2006, I was looking for something a little bit newer.

Off we went and of course Darren kept pointing out really good finds (for himself) that were too big, were petrol and had super-duper add-ons like heated seats (I'm not fussed), parking sensors (don't need) and wonderful steering wheel tilt options (what?).

In other words, none were appropriate.

After about 15 minutes, I had lost the will to carry on and so the feet dragging began and nothing appealed to me.

Of course, everywhere we went we were approached by a salesman who spoke to us about basic models (how no-one buys them) and added extras (everybody gets them - apparently.)

Half the time, I had no idea what he was talking about.

I found it really boring.

I just want a car that will take me and the kids to where we need to go, reliably.

I don't really care about the latest model, metallic paint or cruise control.

Now I fear this experience has put me off shopping forever.

I couldn't wait to go home but of course now I have a problem.

As it is likely that my wee car will now have to go to the great big scrapyard in the sky, I am in `without-a-car-limbo' but thank goodness for my wonderful, father-in-law, Michael, who has come to my aid and lent me his wee spare car, a very reliable 2000 Renault Megane.

I'll be honest, (not a word of a lie) it's probably the smoothest car I've ever driven and it has simply cemented what I've always known - I really do love the simple things in life.

So, you can keep your style bars, door sill strips and telephony navigation. The retro tape deck and drinks holder inside the glove box suit me just fine.

I've been rocking it out with Big Tom and Mainliners on my daily commute.

Life is sweet.

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Competition

It’s time to forget about the dodgy weather and start enjoying getting out and about, so how you fancy a night out at the Holywood Harmony Festival?

Taking place from Friday, June 2 until Sunday, June 4, Holywood will come alive to the sound of music thanks to fantastic line-up of top acts.

The festival opens with a bang on the Friday when internationally acclaimed pianist and singer Duke Special takes to the stage in the festival marquee with his exciting new collaboration with trad supergroup, Ulaid.

Belfast based The Emerald Armada will warm up fans with their electric, energetic live performance.

Or, how about Saturday’s line-up when local singer/songwriter Ciaran McEhinney and band Nat Youle will play support to The Hothouse Flowers?

The final night of the festival, Sunday June 4, will see local talent, Gareth Dunlop take to the stage.

I have two pairs of tickets to give away to the opening night of the Holywood Harmony Festival, to see Duke Special and Ulaid.

If you fancy winning a pair of tickets, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com

Closing date for entries is Tuesday, May 2, 2017

(Q) On which date will Duke Special perform at the Holywood Harmony Festival?

Normal Irish News Rules Apply

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What's Hot?

Treat - With Summer on the horizon, it’s time to get skin ready so why not check out Lidl’s new Limited Edition Cien Tropical Summer beauty range, which has everything you need to make sure you look and feel your best. The range includes Dead Sea Salt Oil Exfoliating Scrub (£2.99) and Tropical Summer Body Butter (£2.99). Sounds fab.

Laughs - The fabulous Kevin James is back on our screens in new comedy series, Kevin Can Wait, on E4 on Thursday nights. The King of Queens actor is back at his best, bringing us lots of laughs.

Sequels - Movie fans are rejoicing after James Cameron announced there will be four Avatar sequels over the next eight years.

So Not!

Outrage - Fans of popular daytime quiz show, The Chase have voiced their outrage after it emerged that it will be taken off air for a number of weeks to make way for a new show called Babushka hosted by Rylan Clark-Neal.

Loss - Tributes have been paid to Happy Days star, Erin Moran who passed away at the age of 56. Sad news. I loved Happy Days

Sickness - Elton John has been forced to cancel shows in Las Vegas after it emerged he was struck down by a `potentially deadly' bacterial infection in South Africa and spent time in intensive care.

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Competition

The winners of the Brooklyn Square competition are Ann McCollum, from Rathfriland and Patricia O'Donnell, from Toomebridge

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Easy Peasy Recipe

This week’s Easy Peasy Recipe is Rhubarb and Strawberry Crunch

You will need:

1 cup white sugar

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups sliced strawberries

3 cups diced rhubarb

1.5 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup butter

1 cup rolled oats

To Make:

Preheat oven to 190 degrees C/Gas Mark 5.

In a large bowl, mix the white sugar, 3 tablespoons of flour, strawberries, and rhubarb.

Place the mixture in a greased baking dish.

In a separate bowl, add 1.5 cups of flour, brown sugar, butter, and oats and mix until crumbly and then use to cover mixture in backing dish.

Bake for 45 minutes. Crumble should be light brown.

Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?

Are you the queen of quiches, magnificent at muffins or can you turn out some nice scones?

If so, then we want to hear from you.

You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:

Easy Peasy Recipes,

Marie Louise McConville,

Irish News

113-117 Donegall Street,

Belfast,

BT1 2GE

or

m.mcconville@irishnews.com