![[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)
Last week we were asked to take part in a photo challenge for Families Online as part of their #EveryMomentCounts campaign.
We were set a theme for each day and were asked to snap a moment that fit the theme.
As a blogger, I do love a photo challenge. Especially where it’s one that challenges me to take more spontaneous photos of the boys and with them both at school full-time now we certainly do have to make every moment count.
Here’s a rundown of our week!
Day 1 – Together
This wasn’t quite the photo I was wanting to snap for the “together” theme but it just goes to show you – life is unpredictable!
It was the first week of a new routine for the boys and M’s second week at school. I picked them up happily from their new childminder and everything was good. The boys were happily drawing away at the dining room table whilst I tidied up the house.
Then it all changed.
M asked what we were having for dinner, not realising that the sandwich he had at the childminders was his dinner. He told me still hungry so I offered every food item we had but to no avail.
One very overtired boy had a huge meltdown which resulted in him watching TV in our bed (the only way I could calm him down). Five minutes later, when I went to check on him and he was fast asleep. I snuggled up for a cuddle and he wrapped his little arms around me. He climbed back into his own bed a short while after. So whilst this photo is just of him we had a moment of “togetherness” at the end of what was probably a pretty tough day for him, and that is what I think counts!
Day 2 – Tradition
We have a few family traditions in our house. Friday night is always movie night where the boys get to choose something to watch after dinner. They get into their PJs and are allowed to stay up later than usual. We also make sure we eat together as a family at the weekend – a lot of our “family time” is based around food and having fun!
Bath time, whilst can be a bit manic at the end of a busy day is the best time for me to extract information about what the boys have been up to at school. There’s just something about bath time that relaxes them and lets them open up. Maybe it’s the undivided attention they have with no other distractions?
Day 3 – Laughter
After a rocky start to the week (see Day 1) it was lovely to see this one so happy and smiley after school. He is super hungry when he comes out of school and wolfs his snack down. You might not be able to see but it looks like he has a slight bruise on his left eye but the teacher informed me it was mud as they’d been playing in the mud pit!
Happy M = happy Mummy. I think he is enjoying school life.
Day 4 – Three things
I have to admit, I didn’t know what to snap for this theme and then just before bedtime I noticed these “three things” on the landing. Every night, before the boys go to bed they take their comforters (yes still!), a bottle of water and a toy up to their room. They’ve both had their comforters ever since they were babies and we’ve come so close to losing M’s before! I have no idea when they will eventually grow out of them but whatever eases them into a peaceful slumber works for me.
Day 5 – Colourful
Ahhh Friday! The end of the school week and it couldn’t have come soon enough. The sun was out so we made the most of it and headed to the park straight after school where I snapped this photo of M on the climbing frame. It was so nice watching the boys play in the sun.
I often wonder if they will remember spontaneous after-school days like this when they are older. Some of my best memories as a kid were of the random things we got to do after school.
Day 6 – Love
We don’t take enough photos together as a family but these boys right here are all I need in my life. E actually requested we took this photo. We were at Thorpe Park for the day as a treat for the boys.
Like I said above – we have to make the most of the last days of summer, don’t we? And what better way to do that than a family day out to their favourite theme park?
Sunday – Reflection
Another snap before bedtime – a view of the sun from the boy’s bedroom which has made me look back and reflect on the week’s challenge.
I’ve really loved doing this photo challenge with Families Online. As much as I love taking photos, I’ve realised that I’ve been using my DSLR more to capture special moments (like days out) this last year and have stopped using my phone to snap those all-important everyday moments as much as I used to. These moments are, in fact, more precious than worrying about taking any perfect good-quality shot with my big camera. They are the moments that I am going to want to remember in years to come. The meltdowns, the bath times, the spontaneous trips to the park and more.
From now on, I plan to continue snapping away (I’ve always been snap-happy) and hopefully I’ll be able to continue documenting the little family moments of our daily lives as well as the big ones too.
You can take part in the #EveryMomentCounts photo challenge too
If you fancy taking part in the challenge too, simply tag @familiesuk in your posts, tweets or photos and use the hashtag #EveryMomentCounts for your chance to be featured on their website
With thanks to Families Online for inviting us to take part in this challenge.
* All photos were taken with my iPhone 7+
![[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_AfC1F8q261MrHxwm3MGHU3e_iIG_mRs3AM0sWNNAW1xPCQ&oe=6623FB36)
![[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_AfAZOlYl2SxZ-770Tfd1iTRe7ZBfoiZAvDL-pQ47xAM1UQ&oe=6623E1AE)
![[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_AfC39sqmRHDwr3R5u9rFKxRCaMfDZAiejPrDCkF5xgksUg&oe=6623C8F4)
A great selection of photos. Colour in the local park is my favourite. Pen x #KCACOLS
Awww “together” is so lovely! I adore it when they snuggle in my bed and I get little arms round my neck.
#kcacols
Awh, together is such a gorgeous theme #kcacols
aw these are lovely Maria. my son takes his comforter and a bottle of water and toy up each night too! #KCACOLS
It’s good to see how a challenge like this can change the way we see our lives. ‘Together’ was a good example of that. You couldn’t tell the stressful background from such a peaceful snap!
#KCACOLS
sounds like a great challenge, loved all the photos you snapped #KCACOLS
Some lovely shots of your gorgeous family and environment. You are right, as a blogger the need to take perfect images for our art can becoming all consuming. It’s so important to keep taking snaps on the phone!
What a great challenge. Lovely photos. Bath night is chaotic in our house too and I only have one! #kcacols
This is such a lovely idea. My son recently moved from nursery to pre-school. At nursery he never came home hungry but after pre-school he’s more tired and more hungry! I’ve realised this now so make sure there is something for him.
I love taking pictures and do it loads on days out but I should take more of the little moments. #KCACOLS
Lovely photos and a great challenge, I’ll definitely be giving this one a go in the next few weeks! #KCACOLS
This is lovely. I should take part in a challenge like this. Such a good idea #KCACOLS
These are all lovely photos. I like “love” you can see what a happy, loving family you have.
#KCACOLS
What a cool idea, it really.gets you thinking X #KCACOLS
very cool idea. great pics too #KCACOLS
Really great challenge and I love the photos you took! Made you think outside the box, which is always good for creativity! #kcacols xoxo
I love a good photo challenge. The phone is a great tool for catching those little moments when you don’t have a big camera to hand! #kcacols
Some great photos here. I don’t take enough photos, maybe I should consider joining a challenge like this? #KCACOLS
This is a lovely idea…it’s so important to document and remember family time together. Our rare moments of togetherness are my favourite! #KCACOLS
Lovely photos especially that one where you are all together:) I love that challenge maybe I will try to take a part in it
#KCACOLS
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