CAA South Central Ontario

Make the Promise to End Distracted Driving

July 29, 2014 By Lena 70 Comments

Every time I leave my house, I have to confront the memory. The nightmare.

I can’t avoid it; I can’t turn around and take another route. I can’t NOT think about it as I approach the intersection, because it’s the only way for me to make it onto the main road. I can’t do anything but place my foot on the gas and take a deep breath as I drive ahead.

Three years ago, I was in a serious car accident – just moments from my front door. Now I won’t be so dramatic as to say it changed my whole life, but it did give me profound insight into one truth: FOCUS on the Road.

It was a sunny, cold morning and my husband was uncharacteristically working from home for the first part of the day. Seizing an opportunity to run to the grocery store without toting two tots, I threw on a coat and jumped into his car, yelling that I would return in less than 20 minutes.

IT ONLY TAKES ONE SECOND TO CHANGE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

The grocery run itself was unremarkable; loading up on baby cereal, assorted fruits and veggies, I left the store and drove the 4-minute commute back to my house. (Repeat: the 4-minute commute.) At the major intersection before my side street, I waited patiently for the light to turn green.

I remember glancing out the window; thinking about what I should make for dinner that night, chewing on my bottom lip. The light turned green, and I calmly stepped on the gas. Rihanna sang away on the radio.

And the next thing I knew, I felt the force of impact; air bags exploding all around me; the smell of burnt rubber assaulting my nose. I opened my eyes and was acutely aware that although I was travelling westbound, I was now facing north… in the southbound traffic lanes. What the hell had happened? …

The Thoughts that Count; The Rewards that Matter

April 24, 2014 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to residents of South/Central ON only.

“You are such a killjoy,” my husband sighs, closings his web browser. “You are the WORST person to shop for.”

What can I say? It’s true. Because I’m not a hearts and flowers kind of gal; romantic gestures are often lost on me, and even the most thoughtful gifts go over my head. I am a utilitarian, dammit, and I want a gift of USE.

I’ve explained this to my husband too many times to count. It all started back in 2005, when we celebrated our first Christmas together. My husband, who was my boyfriend at the time, gifted me with gourmet cooking lessons. I knew he had probably spent an arm and a leg on the thoughtful present, but all I could think of was the fact that the lessons would be over, and I’d have nothing tangible to show for it. So, I promptly exchanged the voucher for a cookware set from the brand’s private label, which we use to this day.

See? Functional. Timeless. Utilitarian. I am ALL about practical gifts.

So this Mother’s Day, I don’t expect a box of chocolates or a vase of flowers. Because frankly, my husband knows better – and he knows to teach the boys that mommy is not into the sentimental stuff. But what do I want? It’s simple.

I want a practical gift that gives me peace of mind when I’m out and about. I want to be offered exclusive discounts on my favourite dining and entertainment destinations all year round. I want to save money and be rewarded at the stores I shop at most – because F is for flowers, but it is also for Ferragamo. And Ferregamo clutches do not wilt.

Now what if I told you I could have all three? It’s true – it’s part and parcel with a CAA Membership.

It’s the gift that keeps on giving – perfect for this practical mama! Here are some of the hot deals that CAA Members can take advantage of this spring:

Roots: Save 25% off everything, April 24-27th, 2014
Teavana: $10 off orders of $45 or more plus free shipping, May 11-13th, 2014
Toms: 15% off when you use code LOVEMOM at checkout, and 9% back in CAA dollars, May 1-7th, 2014
Naturalizer: 20% off all handbags and free shipping, April 24-30th, 2014
Bloomingdales: 25% off women’s clothing, April 24-27th, 2014
The Body Shop: Buy 3, Get 3 FREE, April 24-27th, 2014

BONUS: For every gift membership purchased, the person who buys the gift and the person who receives it both receive a gift with purchase: 2 FREE Trunk Organizers! …

March Break Madness: Join the #CAAChat!

February 26, 2014 By Lena

If you had a chance to join our super fun #FamilyTravelCA Chat last night, you’ll know that half the fun was having @CAASCO as our amazing prize sponsor! Now I know y’all know all about CAA’s 24/7 roadside assistance, but did you know that CAA offers Member-exclusive savings and rewards on gas, clothing, movie passes, restaurants, attraction tickets, hotels, travel services, insurance and so much more? It’s true!

And… those exclusive savings could really come in handy if you’re staying in the city this March Break! Join us for the #CAAChat on Tuesday, March 4th, 2014 between 12-1 EST. If you’re looking to make the most out of March Break with fun family activities (and maybe a prize or two), you won’t want to miss it.

So what does CAA have up their sleeve? Oh, only the best suggestions for family activities over March Break, road trip survival tips, staycation ideas, ways to save money and more. For full details, pop on over to CAA’s blog.

Tweet with us and you’ll have a chance to win one of the amazing prizes up for grabs, including CAA Memberships valued at $70, gift cards to CAA partners such as East Side Mario’s, Payless Shoe Source and more, plus the GRAND PRIZE of a $500 CAA travel voucher!

No RSVP is required; simply follow @CAASCO, tune into the conversation and include the #CAAChat hashtag in your tweets. Good luck everyone, and see you on Tuesday afternoon!