![[AD - Press visit]
We enjoyed the glorious sunshine this weekend with a trip to Brighton. We went on the @brightoni360official which is right by the sea front.
The i360 pod take a slow journey up, allowing you to take in views across Brighton and the South Downs 450ft above ground. There’s a bar inside with drinks and snacks available to purchase and the experience lasts 25 minutes.
Afterwards, we headed to the open air roller rink for a roller skating session!
The roller rink is:
⭐ Suitable for over 5s
⭐ £6.50 if you have your own skates or £9.50 if you need to hire them
⭐ 45 minutes per session
Full details to visit the i360 + skating
📍 Brighton i360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
🚗 Parking nearby (we parked in the Regency Square Car park)
🎟️ Prices start from £25.40 for an adult and £16.90 for a child
🕐 Opening hours are currently Sun-Fri 10.30am-18.30pm and until 19.30pm on Saturdays
☕️ Bar inside the i360, cafe and gift shop
Book tickets here:
https://tickets.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/?_ga=2.195305772.1869001490.1689671753-1757164059.1689671753/#events?eventid=157](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/28f4385e-417980235_313576471048632_3682382982231216432_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] ***Summer of fun at Barracudas Activity Camps!****
There is plenty for kids to do at @barracudas_activity_day_camps
From Tennis, Archery, Swimming, Motor Sports and more you can be sure that there will be something for kids aged 4.5-14. ⚽🏈🥅🎾🏓🏎️🏹🏊♂️🏉
You can book on a day by day basis - so it can fit in with any other days out/activities you have planned and there are early drop off and late pickup options available. Barracudas are also Ofsted registered so you can use your Childcare Vouchers too.
⭐⭐⭐Get £20 off a week or £4 off a day using my discount code: MARIA20⭐⭐⭐
#BarracudasActivityDayCamp #BarracudasActivityCamp #BarracudaAmbassadors #SummerHolidays #SchoolHolidays #Summer2023 #SummerCamp #DayCare #Camp #KidsCamp #surreymummy #surreymums #SummerOfFun #ActivityCamps #HolidayCamps #Childcare #SchoolHolidays #schoolholidaycamps](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/5e860bed-353583570_625625966167953_545896259645102575_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
#LaserquestAmbassador #Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #ActivitiesForKids #FamilyFun #DaysOutWithKids #Lasertag #LaserquestVR #Kingston #ThingsToDoInKingston #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyMummy #SurreyLife #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #familyfunday](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/8aee7c64-353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n-320x320.jpg)
![[AD] The sun has finally made an appearance and the boys have been making the most of it by spending it
in the garden.
They’re go-to is always football and they’ve been trying to improve their aim and accuracy with the new Messi Foldable Footlball goal from the #MessiTrainingSystem range.
I love the fact the goal is foldable, making it easy to store away when not in use. It is also lightweight so you can effortlessly pack it up and take it to the park or to a friend’s house.
The Messi Foldable Football Goal retails at £36 and can be purchased from @argos
You can read my full review here: https://www.suburban-mum.com/messi-foldable-football-goal/
#TrainLikeMessi #FoldableFootballGoal #FootballSkills #OutdoorFun #LionelMessi #LeoMessi #FootballAtHome #OutdoorKids #JustGetOutside #OutdoorsAndFree #ScreenFreeKids #WhateverTheWeatherKids @flair_gp](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/0977c2ca-341194882_615024710178056_41977149395989448_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are Barracuda Ambassadors again this year.
With Easter just around the corner, the boys were sent the @barracudas_activity_day_camps new camp kit in preparation for the school holidays.
There’s a wide range of activities for kids aged 4.5 - 14 including Tennis, Archery, Basketball, Arts & Crafts and more.
If you like the sound of Barracudas, find out more over on their website. You can also save £20 a week or £4 a day, using my discount code: MARIA20](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2023/03/aa004e9d-337327232_3347621672145747_6958750057427557935_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD - Gifted]
Last weekend we were invited to try out @tsarettaspice’s new Bottomless Brunch menu and I can tell you it was thumbs up all round!
There’s a good choice tapas on offer from Punjabi fish fingers, Indo Chinese Chicken to Spiced Lamb Scotch Eggs and Manchurian Cauliflower (which was amazing!)
If you’re local to Twickenham and fancy giving them a try here’s are the details.
Tsaretta Spice Bottomless Brunch
⭐️£37.50 per head for bottomless Prosecco or cocktail of the day
⭐️£55 per head for bottomless Champagne
⭐️ Food included: 4 tapas selections and dessert or 2 tapas selections, a pav or naanwich and dessert
⭐️ Non-alcohol brunch is also available
Tsaretta Spice
55 Church Street
Twickenham
TW1 3NR
You can also read our full review over on the blog (link in bio)](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2023/03/d63fb514-333324764_3585822551653806_1461730182166520034_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2023/03/a8f9bd79-334276459_136658625736352_6403224988403337253_n-320x320.jpg)
![📚 Are you ready for World Book Day? 📚
[AD - Gifted] I don't know about you, but I have never made the boys a costume for #WorldBookDay. I just don't have it in me to be creative that way. Their costumes have always been bought or cobbled together with what we already have, and luckily, the school allow you to wear pyjamas to school, which makes things a lot easier!
M has been living in his @TheRealTomGates pyjamas recently, and I think he might wear these when his World Book Day dress-up day comes around (the school celebrate with Book Week rather than just Book Day)
The boys have been fans of Tom Gates for a while now. M has always loved reading books that make him laugh and contain humour - they tend to keep him engaged in reading.
Did you know that there are now 20 Tom Gates storybooks to get stuck into? Ideal for kids aged 6-12, the series consists of feel-good, hilarious books full of photos and stories about Tom's life at home and school. Best of all, you can read them in any order.
The latest book is Tom Gates: Happy to Help (Eventually), and along with the pyjamas, you can pick them up from @GeorgeAtAsda just in time for World Book Day!
There's also a range of Tom Gates items, including games, puzzles and greeting cards at major retailers.
](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2023/03/8ddc1d60-333834012_233243062459121_4168822235387052550_n-320x320.jpg)
![[AD - Gifted]
We went to check out the newly opened @laserquestkingston last week.
Laser Quest, VR Experiences and Arcades all under one roof means only one thing - bundles of fun and games for the kids at really affordable prices.
Laser Quest games start from just £7.95 but you can also buy a Laserquest and VR Experience combo pass.
You need to purchase tokens for the arcades (they’re all 1 token to play). Arcade tokens are 6 for £5 or 12 for £10
Feeling super lucky that this is practically on our doorstep and we will definitely be back again because Mr H came second in our Laser Quest game and refuses to be beaten by E!
Do you have a Laserquest near you?
#Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #LaserTag #ActivitiesForKids #ThingsToDoWithKids #FamilyFun #IndoorActivities #Kingston #DaysOutWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyFamilyDaysout #SurreyMummy #SurreyDaysOut #SurreyLife #SurreyMums #FamilyDaysOut #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #Familyof4 #Familydayout #Familyfunday](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2022/11/28c60989-316091191_1767700090262610_8985686719346908962_n-180x320.jpg)
I was tagged ages ago by my beautiful friend Louise from Birds and Lilies to do the 100 truths tag, so I’ve finally gotten around to doing it. Have a read if you want to be nosy and find out a bit more about me!
THE BASICS
1. What’s your name?
Maria Mei Lei
2. Any nicknames or aliases?
Maz, Li, Mummy!
3. Your gender?
Female.
4. Your star sign?
Gemini
5. How old are you?
39 – I’m turning 40 this year!
6. Your relationship status?
Married.
7. Any children?
Two boys
8. Any pets?
No, but would love a dog!
9. Any tattoos or piercings?
I have my ears and Daith pierced – no tattoos
10. What do you like about yourself?
Errm….I have a good brow shape…I’m generally on time for most things and am very loyal.
11. What do you dislike about yourself?
I wish I had longer eyelashes – I proper envy my boy’s one – they are super long!
12. Righty or lefty?
Lefty! My boys are both lefties too!
LASTS
13. The last thing you drank?
Jasmine Tea
14. The last thing you ate?
We had Burritos for dinner!
15. Your last phone call?
Erm.. the man who was coming to clean my oven called to say he was on his way! (So rock and roll!)
16. Your last text message?
Replying to Mr H, who told me he was on his way home from work.
17. Your last email?
It was to a blogger who’s interested in joining my new guest series!
18. The last song you listened to?
Some random pop from 2016 on my Amazon Echo – can’t remember what it was
19. The last book you read?
I started reading “The things we never said” by Nick Alexander on my Kindle app – not gotten very far yet though!
20. The last time you cried?
A few weeks before Christmas, because I’d been suffering awful migraines and all sorts and self-diagnosed and put 1 + 1 together and ended up with 500! (yes I know I’m a wally!)
21. The last blog you read?
I read my good friend Tracey from One Frazzled Mum’s new fiction series “Raising Diana” – go have a read I think it’s brilliant!
22. The last person you spoke to?
Mr H
23. The last place you visited?
East Molesey as I had to take the boys swimming!
24. Your last holiday abroad?
Germany back in the Summer.
HAVE I EVER?
25. Have you ever gotten back with an ex?
Nope
26. Have you ever been on tv?
Been in the audience on TV – does that count?
27. Have you ever talked on the phone for more than two hours?
Back in my teens – yes! My mum nearly killed me when the phone bill came!
28. Have you ever lost someone special to you?
Yes
29. Have you ever been so drunk you threw up?
Yup!
30. Have you ever fallen out of love with someone?
No
31. Have you ever met someone who changed you?
For the better – Mr H!
32. Have you ever been in a situation where you found out who your real friends are?
Yes – a few times! It’s always the same ones that are always there.
33. Have you ever kissed someone you probably shouldn’t have?
Yes
34. Have you ever found out people were talking about you behind your back?
Pretty sure people do this all the time, so yes!
35. Have you ever broken someone’s heart?
Not knowingly, no.
36. Have you ever kissed a stranger?
No
37. Have you ever had your own heart broken?
No
38. Have you ever had sex on the first date?
No
39. Have you ever been arrested?
No
40. Have you ever been attracted to someone that isn’t the gender you usually find attractive?
No
41. Have you ever done something you regret?
Probably!
42. Have you ever had a threesome?
No
43. Have you ever embarrassed yourself in public?
Most definitely!
44. Have you ever misjudged someone?
Yes
MY BELIEFS AND OPINIONS
45. Do you believe in God?
I believe there must be other signs of life out there but not necessarily God.
46. Do you believe in yourself?
Depends! Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t
47. Do you believe in Santa Claus?
Not anymore!
48. Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes
49. Do you believe in aliens?
Yes – see no 45!
50. Do you believe in miracles?
Yes
51. Do you believe in the power of positive thinking?
Yes
52. Do you believe in love at first sight?
Yes
53. Can money make you happy?
It might make things easier but I ultimately, I don’t think it should be the crux of being happy.
54. Would you describe yourself as a feminist?
I don’t think of myself as a feminist, but I do believe in equal rights so I guess that would mean I am!
55. Are you pro-life or pro-choice?
Pro-choice
56. Do you have strong political beliefs?
No
57. Do you have strong religious beliefs?
Not really
58. What do you think the most important thing you can give a child is?
Love without a question of a doubt
RIGHT NOW
59. Are you eating anything right now?
No, but I want all the cheese!
60. Are you drinking anything right now?
Just water
61. What are you listening to right now?
Mr H is watching TV so that’s background noise for me.
62. What are you thinking about right now?
Getting ready for bed!
63. What are you waiting for right now?
The weekend so I can have a lie-in! Life goals right there!
64. What are you most excited about right now?
Spending a weekend away with my school friends to celebrate all of us turning 40. Eeeek!
65. What’s your pet hate right now?
People saying “like” a million times in a sentence, and the bloody ads on Words With Friends! (Online Scrabble app!)
66. What’s your favourite thing right now?
Camembert
67. If you weren’t answering these questions, what would you be doing right now?
Getting ready for bed!
FIRSTS
68. Your first best friend?
A girl called Julia at Infant school
69. Your first kiss?
When I was 13
70. Your first celebrity crush?
A Chinese Canto-pop star! Ha! (don’t ask)
71. Your first holiday?
Camping on the Isle of Wight with school
72. Your first pet?
Dog called Snowy
73. Your first regret?
Letting my mum perm my hair!
74. Your first job?
I worked in telesales when I was 15!
75. Your first childhood memory?
Being in a pram and being pushed around in the snow – random, and not sure how I even remember that!
WHICH WOULD I CHOOSE?
76. Love or money?
Love
77. Twitter or Facebook?
Facebook
78. Hook up or relationship?
Relationship
79. Dogs or cats?
Dogs
80. Coffee or tea?
Tea
81. Beer or wine?
Wine
82. Sweet or savoury?
Sweet – but recently it’s been savoury.
83. Introvert or extrovert?
Introvert
84. Vampires or werewolves?
Vampires
85. Seaside or countryside?
Countryside
86. Summer or winter?
Summer
87. Books or movies?
Can I have both?
88. Horror or comedy?
Horror
A FEW RANDOM QUESTIONS TO FINISH
89. Do you wish you could change your past?
Not really, because it’s what has shaped me to be who I am today. (wow, deep or what?!)
90. What’s your dream job?
Being able to work from home and be there at a drop of a hat for my kids
91. What’s your guilty pleasure?
At the moment? Cheese
92. What are you afraid of?
Anything bad happening to the boys, death, ill-health
93. What was the first thing you wanted to be when you grew up?
A journalist!
94. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
To be able to heal
95. If you could change anything about your life what would it be?
If I could ensure my boys would always be safe that would be great – does that count?
96. Would you want immortality?
No
97. If you could interview anyone alive or dead who would you choose?
Oooo tough choice….my Grandad. To ask him about his life growing up.
98. Would you say you are happy?
Yes, but there’s always room for improvement
99. What one piece of advice would you give to yourself at age eighteen?
To stress less and just enjoy the moment
100. Where would you like to be in five years?
To finally have a new kitchen/extension or to have moved house. To be a few steps closer to doing what I love every day rather than just as a hobby.
If you’re still reading – well done! I hope you found out a bit more about me. I’d love to tag Stacey, Rachel, Zara, Katie, Kelly and Laura to see if they would like to join in.
![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
#LaserquestAmbassador #Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #ActivitiesForKids #FamilyFun #DaysOutWithKids #Lasertag #LaserquestVR #Kingston #ThingsToDoInKingston #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyMummy #SurreyLife #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #familyfunday](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-www-suburban-mum-com/2024/03/8aee7c64-353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n.jpg)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/334276459_136658625736352_6403224988403337253_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=IIPB68Dt8tEAb4dq7eD&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfAUjN4H9TCgzHfZhjfDF9qtkaUyke8FttGvh9hB5i49Yw&oe=66270EB6)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/334067699_956216515750432_286974433888814683_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=h3thZlGD8jEAb6rt33_&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfDibwYpanW5MkZF4YF1GaRaEVkDZd4jg4_Epb7kjyJb0A&oe=66272D6E)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://scontent-lhr8-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/334520323_227914339632366_7177231793717696790_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=toXLnSTsHWAAb6T8qSe&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfCr7q3ho6pEgmYfnl2CemGtNFi1SlBcAmPQgKldRui5tQ&oe=662714B4)
Love your answers Maria! I am a leftie too and definitely vampires over werewolves obviously! Plus thanks for the mention x
Yes defo Vampires over Werewolves. Does this mean you’re team Edward too?
Pingback: 100 Truths Tag - 100 questions to help you learn a little about me