![[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)
“Are you too busy mummy?”
These are the words that came out of my 4-year-olds mouth the other day that made me stop in my tracks.
Sometimes, I get so caught up in to-do lists and deadlines that I forget that with it, I can come across as a mean and moody mum that doesn’t like them having fun.
Believe me, it’s not intentional.
However, they shouldn’t have to hesitate about asking me if they can do something in case I am busy right?
I’d just picked him up from nursery on my work from home day and he wanted to balance on a small bit of concrete edging on our way out.
I’ve lost count of the number of times he’s asked to walk on it and I’ve said no. He then proceeds to ask why and my response is usually “because we don’t have time” or “because we need to rush home, let’s do it next time”
Except, recently there’s rarely has been a “next time”.
Does stopping for an extra few minutes really have that much of an impact on my day?
No.
I think I’ve gotten into such a habit of rushing around that I’ve had tunnel vision. I’ve forgotten to let him have fun and be free.
It won’t be long until he starts Reception in September where he will have to learn to sit still and listen to a teacher. His play time will be restricted and there will be plenty of time for him to abide by rules and regulations then.
Until then, if he wants to balance on that edging, or walk on the wall holding my hand why not?
The school had a dress-up day after Book Week in March. It was a week later than World Book Day but they could go in as a character from a book or in their pyjamas. E wore his dragon onesie which had a velcro tail on.
When I picked him up from school he told me that a boy had pulled his tail off in the playground. He later told Mr H that he’d gotten upset and cried because he thought he would be in trouble with me and that I would tell him off.
Sigh.
Is it right that the first thought that ran through his head was me telling him off? When he told me after school, I simply told him that it didn’t matter and that it was velcro that would right back on. There was no shouting or telling off, after all, it wasn’t his fault and I’m sure the boy that did it was just playing.
I don’t want my kids to dread telling me things for fear of getting into trouble or telling them off. Maybe I’ve gone wrong somewhere down the line?
I am all too aware that they grow too quickly and even though I always have a million and one things to do I know I have to stop and live in the moment and enjoy this time with them. Before I know it, they will be teenage boys who would rather be hanging out with their friends or locked in their rooms than spending time with their mum.
So the next time they want to stop and walk on the wall, or ask to stop by the park it won’t be an automatic “No, we haven’t got time”. I need to relax and ease up on them a bit and let them have some fun. They’re only young one right? I’m going to try and let them take the lead once in a while, who knows, I might learn a thing or two.
![[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_AfCsnbBWUzcaDogSEeiDf18N9xtl3_O0ROofOX_VdC0voQ&oe=6625BD36)
![[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=yVEuSl7YKOIAb6xRbdT&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfCsCM4QGpcqrbHubYOVtciQDbZ7Ods1tdOFoUJYBZI5kQ&oe=6625DBEE)
![[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_AfDMxNkQjjifchonTv5_XiMhGp_Rd4MSFQQ999zpLHb7vw&oe=6625C334)
I love this, and it’s something I really want to readdress. I seem to spend my evenings working at the moment, sometimes that creeps into early evening before they are in bed, and I hate that they just see me sat here doing my work when they want me to go and read them a story or do something fun. It’s so hard to get the balance right sometimes but they grow SO fast, time is so precious. #KCACOLS
Aww I totally get where you are coming from. We are all guilty of it. I try and make a conscious effort to do what he asks and make time so we aren’t rushing. I feel like being a SAHM I should dedicate my time for him. it would be different if I had work to get to. I still end up rushing him sometimes if we have a class to get to and are running late.
We have that cute dragon onesie.
I do cringe when I hear mums rushing their child onto the next thing when we are at groups or getting irate because they are getting messy. I think a lot of us expect too much from children and try and get them to fit into our hectic lifestyles.
#KCACOLS
Ah so wise and true. We all do it. They’re only little once #KCACOLS
I worry I’m taking on too much all the time. I mean I’m running two blogs and working full time and that’s just for starters but that should really be it because I have Snappy too. #kcacols
Lovely post! Next time maybe you could try walk on the wall with him 🙂 #KCACOLS
You are definitely not alone! I find myself saying no far more often than I ever say yes – and rarely for a good reason…usually because I just want to get on with my own jobs. I’ve definitely started trying to say yes more and things certainly become more fun! #KCACOLS
I’m so guilty of being too busy, not listening enough I know it’s something I should address. Brilliant post – thank you
It can be so hard can’t it, juggling everything, but I think you’re right that sometimes we do need to just slow down a bit and take things at our children’s pace. When it’s dry I let my two hang around and play in the school playground for a bit when I pick them up, and it really is nice to take that time rather than just rushing home every day to get on with the next job that needs doing! x #KCACOLS
Yep, loads of times I’m saying I’m too busy or next time which is really just not on. I need to take more time for them and play more. Mind you my 11 year old is going through a sulky teenager phase already so I’ve really got to pull out all the stops to find something on his level:)
Mainy
#KCACOLS
Lovely post, I keep trying to keep this in mind especially when I’m shouting at my boys to hurry up and get ready in the mornings. #KCACOLS
I try to concentrate on the kids not work or my blog when they are around (that’s why I have to stay up until midnight every night to catch up!) #KCACOLS
Peachy is only 18 months old, but I found myself with similar feelings a few months ago. With so many things to do I’m always multitasking until I realized that Peachy never has all of my attention. She made her feelings on this issue very clear. I now make it a priority to turn everything off and focus on her every day. I have a more set schedule when I focus on being productive, and when it’s time for family fun. I no longer let my work bleed into Peachy’s time. She deserves a present mommy. #KCACOLS
Can completely relate to this. It is hard not to get distracted with just trying to get all the jobs done. #KCACOLS
parenting can be so hard, and so full of guilt! I always try and take a step back and think ‘hang on, why not?’ ….it does mean that other jobs go by the wayside often, for example, my house is always a mess and there is always washing to be done etc – but i just remind myself that Arthur wont remember those things when he is older, but he might remember holding my hand and jumping off a step outside (for the hundredth time!), or reading the same book over and over again lol #kcacols
I could have written this, my three year old always asks, “Mummy, you busy?” I feel so guilty! I’m trying to chill out a bit lol! #KCACOLS
We all do this at some point so don’t beat yourself up. I’m definitely trying to say yes more to my boys and stop trying to fit them in around my to do list, it’s not fair. Work/cleaning/lists can wait, my boys are the most important thing and I need to start showing them that more often xx #kcacols