Zoom. Zoom.

December 11, 2012

The first weekend of December (before Greta got sick and massive amounts of snow fell), we stepped away from the painting and Christmas-decking and went car shopping. Like, alllll weekend. Normally, I would say such an event doesn’t exactly fit into the DIY/Home Design thing we got going on here, but some time ago, even before we bought this house, I posted about when I got in a pretty bad car accident here and I thought it would be good to do a follow-up post to that.

Life is scary after you are in a car accident. I didn’t drive for a long time and I still close my eyes frequently as a passenger. We actually went down to one car because I was so convinced there was nowhere that I needed to go that was so important that I wanted to risk my life (!!) on the road again. After a long, long time–maybe a year, I started driving short distances during the day again. But mostly, I was happy to let Chris do the driving and somehow it worked for us. I’d walk places or he’d pick things up on the way home from work. The last few months, Chris has been urging me to get behind the wheel again–my own set of wheels and I wasn’t sure I was ready. And then, just four days shy of exactly two years since my car accident I was nervous but we went out and bought a second car. For me.

Of course, it wasn’t justlikethat. We researched for a long time before we came to the conclusion that something large enough to haul things like lumber and furniture, or even scraps to the dump would be nice since we borrow or rent trucks and vans so often. I liked the idea of a van because of the sliding doors. I know there is some stigma about minivans being not cool or something, but coming from a young (cool!!!) mom to one rambunctious child–worrying about getting her out of the car while simultaneously making sure I don’t hit the car parked next to me with the door I am wedged behind is the worst. Sliding doors were all I wanted. We test drove pretty much every mini-van there ever was.

There were some that had tons of cool features like DVD players and backup cameras (love those) and crazy amounts of cargo space. But they felt like overkill in the seating department. We are a family of three. And while we definitely would love to expand our family, we have learned over the past two years to live for and enjoy the family we currently are. Then we discovered the Mazda5 which is classified as a microvan but is comparable to the size of a station wagon and…it has sliding doors.

We test drove two and bought the second one. It felt like driving a car–which I was more comfortable with. It got great gas mileage. There was seating for 6 (although it would have to be 4 adults and 2 kids, I don’t know how an adult would sit in the third row of seats. Pretty tight back there) but the seats all stow away so hauling was a perk too. It just felt like the perfect car for us right now. So we snatched it up.

So am I a mini-van mom now? I guess I am. Although I guess technically I would be a “micro-van” mom. Ha! But I’ll answer to either. We have already put the newest member of the family to work several times. She (he? Name has yet to be determined) hauled Greta’s new big-girl bed home for us:

And I packed her full of decorations for a Christmas party we were asked to decorate for.

And Chris emptied our garage of another round of renovation debris. I have zoomed around town (in true Mazda fashion) with Greta in tow running errands that I hadn’t for the past two years.

After I posted this photo on Instagram, a lot of you asked how I liked our Mazda5. Although it has only been a little over a week, I can confidently say I love it. I love the way it drives, yes, but I also freedom and the confidence it has given back to me. I’m driving again–and that is blog worthy.

P.S. Totally open to car name suggestions. ;)

our reality

filed under:

— Hide Comments

+ Show Comments

What do you think?

Kathleen Preslar says:
December 27, 2012 at 12:11 pm
We bought our Mazda 5 six years ago when we had two small boys. Our boys are now big-ish
and added a little girl to the mix and we still love our 5! We have never had any problems with it, still feels like a new car to me. Hope you love yours as much as we love ours! BTW, I’ve sat in the very back a few times and as long as you are only 5 feet tall, you can sit comfortably back there ;)!
Reply
Elisabeth says:
December 13, 2012 at 8:19 am
I had a car accident last week – most terrifying experience of my life. I’m just so glad my toddler wasn’t in the back seat (I was on my way to pick her up).
Now I’m terrified to get behind the wheel again. Today will be my first time driving in a week…and I can’t WAIT to get it over with. I’m just terrified I’ll be in another accident right away (and my insurance premiums will go through the roof!)
Congrats on starting to drive full time again, and looks like a great vehicle.
Reply
Melissa says:
December 12, 2012 at 11:01 am
My mother had that car and loved it for how it drove (awesome turning radius!) and the convienance of the sliding doors etc. I dont want to burst any of your excitement but after the first 4 years of owning it she had A TON of problems with it… putting 8 grand into it in one year, I would suggest getting an extended warrenty.
Reply
Kim @ Yellow Brick Home says:
December 12, 2012 at 8:08 am
No surprise here since we like all the same things (sheesh!), but we have a Mazda, too! A Mazda 3 though. Love it.
Reply
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says:
December 11, 2012 at 6:35 pm
Congrats! Your new car is so cute! I really like it!
Reply
Lyndsay @ that 70s house says:
December 11, 2012 at 6:01 pm
congratulations on getting back behind the wheel! two weekends ago, we bought a new Mazda3 Hatchback and I am loving it so far too, drives wonderfully and the gas mileage can’t be beat! So glad you are happy :).
Reply
Sarah says:
December 11, 2012 at 3:55 pm
We bought our Mazda5 almost a year ago to replace our old car after my husband and I were in a pretty terrifying crash. Although I’m still working on my own comfort level while on the road, the car is great! It has been perfect for our family of 3. I hope you enjoy it just as much. Thanks for sharing your story.
Reply
Staci @ My Friend Staci says:
December 11, 2012 at 12:37 pm
Congrats!! The term “Micro-van” has me cracking up– this little guy is cute!!Kind of like a big brother to my Pontiac Vibe, which has a micro-SUV feel at times.
I’m so glad you are feeling confident enough to start driving around again.
Reply
Nichole K says:
December 11, 2012 at 10:25 am
Thank you for sharing your story! I couldn’t bring myself to read about your accident – too scary because I was in a bad accident almost exactly a year ago. It could have been a lot worse (black ice + highway + rush hour traffic) but I was blessed to only injure myself and my car, and no one else. I couldn’t give myself time to take a break from driving since I commute to work everyday, but I am a Nervous Nelly behind the wheel still and I totally understand your aversion to driving. I con my husband into chauffeuring me around whenever possible :). Hope you LOVE you micro-van! Perhaps Zelda the Zoomer could be her name?
Reply
Kristi says:
December 11, 2012 at 7:37 am
Oh.My.God. I read your accident post. So scary and I’m so glad everyone was ok. As a first time mom I am terrified of driving (with or without my little one) and even being in the passenger seat is scary. I have to drive on the scary interstate mon-fri to get to my grad classes and it sucks! You are right. Life can change in one second and we need to love what we have. I think you should call the new wheels “Mom”.
Reply
meaganbriggs3 says:
December 11, 2012 at 6:18 am
Eeeek chills thinking about that accident again.
Ok, I feel like her name should be Jetty, or Boris for Boy.
Reply
Laura @ Chaotic Domestic says:
December 11, 2012 at 6:13 am
Glad you’re getting back out there. It’s really tough after an accident, but the good thing is you learn and become better because of it. The new car looks great. I always feel safer in a bigger car, so it seems like a great choice! The hauling capability looks fantastic – can’t believe you could fit that big bed in there!
http://chaoticdomestic.blogspot.com
Reply

P-E-L-M-E-T. Pelmet. »

« A New Fixture for the Big Girl’s Room

all the latest

We believe we should all love where we live.

We’re a couple of homebodies, working to uncover the home our home wants to be. And we’re so happy to have you here.

HI! We're Chris + Julia

Semihandmade

Our wood grain Shaker cabinet fronts were designed for busy, high-traffic homes like ours. Clad with durable textured thermofoils, this line is compatible with Sektion, Akurum, Godmorgon, and Besta cabinets from IKEA. It's the perfect, practical way to add the warmth of wood to all the rooms of your home.

Collaborations

learn more

Loloi

We have teamed up with Loloi to create a line of rugs that are as affordable as they are beautiful. This collection houses a great mix of traditional and modern rugs, in cottage-y colorways, as well as vintage-inspired beauties that you’ll want to roll out in every room.

Collaborations

learn more

STUGA

We partnered with Stuga on a line of hardwood floors — The Ingrid is really livable, and the color is very neutral. It doesn’t lean warm or cool, it’s that just right in-between. We have really loved putting it everywhere in our house. It’s the best jumping-off point for design, no matter your interior style. In addition to being beautiful, Ingrid is really durable — we have three kids, and we always have a home construction project going on. Ingrid stands up to it all.

Collaborations

learn more

Projects

Best Hot Sauces 2024: Reviews & Recommendations

Chris Cooks

My Honest Review of Activewear from Girlfriend Collective, Adanola, Alo and more

Lifestyle

My Outdoor Planter Round-Up (And Why We Don’t Have a Garden)

round up

“The Jewelry on Your Cabinets”: How to Choose Hardware Styles

Design

Mood Board: A Boy’s Bedroom in Forest Green

Mood Boards

The Ultimate Test: The Best Steam Mops

Product Tests

Roasted Cauliflower with Homemade Dairy Free Caesar Dressing

Chris Cooks

Load More

Reader Faves

SHop all

What We're Right Now

Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop.

Loving

Love Where You Live

In an industry that often feels designed to make you discontent, we want this to be place you come for inspiration, ideas, and encouragement to make the space you're already in feel like home.

Love Stories

read all posts

looking for inspiration?

A reader recently asked me if I’m starting to fully embrace traditional style and whether we still consider our house to be a “modern Colonial” and why. It was a really great question and so timely — I had really just been thinking about my approach to this home and how my style has changed […]

Defining My Design Style: Moody Modern Traditional

Design

How to (Purposefully) Mismatch Furniture

Design

Bedroom Tell-All: 5 Things to Remove, 5 Things to Add

Inspiration

6 Ways to Upgrade Your Bedroom: Renter-Friendly Edition

Inspiration

Want to do what we do? Get the tools, mentorship, and training to be a Good Influencer professionally.

Learn With Us

LEarn more

SEARCH THE BLOG

We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?

looking for something?

find stuff like:

Can We Send You Our Love Letter?

Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!

Follow Along on Instagram

Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations