What do you get for the mom who has pretty much everything she needs? If you're like my mom, then you buy what you need when you need it and/or when it's on sale. She has always been practical that way. This makes it especially difficult to find the perfect gift that won't end up getting stored away in the basement, like that ice cream maker we bought for her one year. A useful gift makes more sense and for moms who drive, the gift of a CAA membership couldn't be more sensible. Not only will she be protected with Roadside Assistance at any time of day but she will also benefit from exclusive shopping discounts and special offers from some of her favourite retailers. Having been a  Primary CAA Member since I got married nearly ten years ago, I can speak from experience how handy it has been to have a membership. We have taken advantage of Battery Assist with at least two battery replacements and multiple battery boosting service calls. Plus, it has offered me much peace of mind while on the road, especially since I travel a lot with the kids to visit family and friends in my hometown.

Knowing that my mom has always been there for me and has made so many sacrifices to take care of her family, it only seems fitting to take of her for a change. And I am sure many of you feel the same way, too. Did you know that for every CAA gift membership you purchase, both the person who buys the gift and the person you are giving it to will each receive a gift? You will both receive a handy trunk organizer filled with goodies. (A hunky handyman to organize your trunk not included.)

Also, starting today, CAA members can enjoy special savings with some pretty awesome online deals. For example,

In addition, visit caarewards.ca from May 1-7 and enjoy 15% off your Toms purchase when you use the code LOVEMOM at checkout. You will also receive 9% back in CAA Dollars!

And don't forget to save the date! CAASCO will be hosting a #CAAchat Twitter party on May 6 from 12pm to 1pm EST. 

As if that isn't enough exciting news for you, CAASCO is giving away a $500 VISA gift card. The contest runs from April 24 to May 8 and you must submit your entries using the Rafflecopter form below.

In my early teenage years, my father instilled in me the importance of defensive driving, regular vehicle maintenance and using winter tires. He also valued his CAA membership even though he hoped he would never require roadside assistance. Each year, he would renew his membership without batting an eye. There was even a time when he would fill up at a particular gas station that offered CAA dollars which would help offset the cost of his yearly membership fee, often to the point where it would fully cover the cost. For him, it had become a habit to carry his membership card and proudly display the CAA decal on the rear window of his vehicle each year. It was the security he felt as a member that stood out most to me, so much so that, once I became an independent driver, I knew I had to become a CAA member as well.

While I am a very confident driver, I have found myself in a handful of situations wherein I have lost partial control of my vehicle. Even with winter tires, it is easy to lose control on black ice. A few winters ago, I found myself on an icy road that dipped in the middle. I couldn't quite make it up the incline since a city bus was slowly trying to gain traction ahead of me. With two young kids in the back seat, I was worried I wouldn't be able to make it home. The only thing that eased my concern was that trusty white card in my wallet that granted access to a variety of roadside services including CAA towing services. Luckily, I was able to turn my vehicle around à la Mr. Bean and take a different route home. 

One of my secret fears about owning a vehicle is experiencing a flat tire while driving. The very thought makes me shudder. I have never changed a tire in my entire life nor have I had to make an emergency pullover on the highway. But let's just say this situation occurs while my husband is driving. Even if he can safely maintain control of our vehicle and can change a tire in sub-zero temperatures, our vehicle’s components may not be entirely up to the challenge. We can easily count on CAA to help out in such a situation, just in case we require auto repair. We have already relied on CAA to help us retrieve keys from our locked car and when our battery died on many an occasion.

Did you know CAA Members get access to towing services, battery replacement, flat tire service, emergency fuel & delivery, lockout services and Member-exclusive savings and rewards? We frequently take advantage of discounts at some of our favourite retailers, when purchasing tickets to movies or shows, or passes to family attractions, and much more. It's also great to know that you can save on holiday gifts at PayLess Shoes, the Banana Republic Factory Store and GAP Factory Store as well.

The best part is Basic Memberships start at just $69 and Roadside Assistance from CAA is available 24/7, 365 days a year!

The following is sponsored by CAA South Central Ontario

The warm summer temperatures are beginning to fade, giving way to cold, rainy weather. While I love raking leaves this time of year (okay, maybe not), I would much rather be planning a getaway to somewhere hot and sunny. Somewhere exotic. The mere thought of laying on the beach by the ocean gets me feeling all warm inside. I can almost hear it now - the lapping of the waves, tropicbirds flying in the wind, the sound of refreshing coconut milk as I gulp up every last drop. Add to this the breathtaking backdrop of French Polynesia and you've got my ideal vacation. Now wouldn't a trip for two to Bora Bora just make your year?

With THE GAME OF LIFE: CAA Life-side Assistance Edition, you can visit www.caagol.com for the chance to win a vacation to one of three dreamy destinations such as an 8-day family trip to Florida, an 11-day cruise along the Danube River or an 11-day trip for two to French Polynesia valued at $10,000! Not yet convinced it's worth entering? Check out what's included in the Polynesian Escape:

Are you on cloud nine yet? The good news is that, with the all-new game board, CAA has added more daily prizes to increase everyone's chance of winning. You could win $10 Petro-Canada gift cards, Cineplex 'admit one' passes, or even a $200 gift card for Walmart, iTunes, Roots, or Sport Check!

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