First of all – Happy New Year to you lovely people. December seems like an age ago now…and in true form with all the festivities this linky is late (again!)
December was a crazily busy month for everyone I’m sure but I am really looking forward to reading all your posts on your favourites in December.
Without further ado – here are our favourites for the last month.
1. Christmas
Well this one had to be top of the list right? Now that M is getting a little older he is really getting the idea of presents and Christmas. It was so sweet watching the boys leave reindeer food and snacks for Father Christmas on Christmas eve and to see their faces light up when opening presents. I don’t want them to ever grow up and stop believing in it all!
2. Family time
This one comes hand in hand with Christmas. We had such a wonderful two-week break. No work, no blogging, no interruptions. We slept in every day until gone 9am, we had chocolate for breakfast because we could, the boys enjoyed hot chocolate before bedtime with a story. We also played games, watched numerous amounts of movies and the boys played with their new toys. I won’t lie – going back to work this week has been tough!
3. New camera
A belated Christmas present from Mr H. I wanted a new camera because for the last year of blogging or so I have been borrowing my sisters Canon G12 or using my iPhone. I didn’t want to spend too much money on an expensive DSLR for fear I would drop and break it, plus I really didn’t want anything too bulky because chances are I would never end up taking it with me anywhere.
So, after much research, I went for the Nikon Coolpix S990. It’s so new I have yet to take any proper pictures on it but I am SO excited to finally have a camera of my own!
You may have seen my review for this over the Christmas break. We thoroughly enjoyed the show. Definitely one of our highlights of December.
5. K’NEX Double Doom Rollercoaster
Ever since we went to Alton Towers in September, E’s new obsession has been to watch rollercoasters on YouTube. He isn’t brave enough to go on them mind. but he does love them. So when he saw the K’nex rollercoaster advertised on TV it was on the top of his list to Father Christmas.
It took hubby around 4 hours to build – was it worth it? According to the boys YES!!
That’s our favourites for December – what were yours?
Linky rules
Each month I will list five things that my family and I have been into – be it a favourite song/band, new programme on tv, item of food, gadget place(s) we have visited etc…
You are very welcome to join in and do the same OR post any of your own favourites – pretty much anything goes.
Please grab my badge (below) and add it to your post, or link to me via a text link
Post your link at the bottom of this page
Use the hashtag #OurFaveFive on twitter and tweet me @suburb4nmum with the url of your linked up blog post and I will RT
Leave me a comment and I will comment on each post linked up
The linky will open the last friday of each month
That’s it – enjoy! I hope you find some new things to try
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Great favourites for the month and of course Xmas has to be at the top of all of them!! I also enjoyed spending some quality time with my family!! Having a 2 weeks blogging break was fantastic. I really needed it!! What a great present from your husband!! A camera is always well needed for us right? It looks great!! Read your post about Disney on Ice. That show is always great to go with the kids. I haven’t seen or heard of that game (apart from reading it from your previous post) about the K’nex Double Doom Rollescoaster. It looks super fun though!! I bet your hubby loved it the most!! lol Thanks for hosting, 🙂 xx
#OurFaveFive
Wonderful list of December favourites! I think a camera is the best gift you can give to a blogger, isn’t it? the roller coaster toy looks amazing, think if my little boy will see it, he would definitely like one too. It’s always nice to have a break from work, only got 1 week off though but still lovely to just chill out at home and spend quality time with family. Lovely post!
Aww I loved the family time over Christmas too so, so much I was sad when my son went back to pre-school I want to stay in the cocoon a little longer. Fab new camera too! Thanks for linking up to #lvoelythings
Hello and welcome to Suburban Mum!
I'm Maria and I'm mum to two boys - E who's 13 and M who's 10. This blog is about my little family, the ups and downs of being a working mum and everything in between. If you want to find out more about me and my family head over to our About us page.
🏏Dynamos Cricket🏏
M was ecstatic to be invited to Oval Cricket Ground to try out Dynamos Cricket. They had a fun indoor session learning how to catch, throw and bat.
If you’ve not heard of Dynamos Cricket, it’s an 8-week programme suitable for kids aged 8-11. Dynamos is the perfect introduction to cricket, so you don’t need to worry if you’ve not played cricket before. It’s a great way for kids to make friends and learn new skills. Adults are also encouraged to join in, so you’d be having some quality family time together. There are thousands of clubs across the country taking part in Dynamos - you can find your nearest programme on their website.
#dynamos #dynamoscricket #cricket #2024 #youthcricket #TheHundred #TheOval #ECB #YoungCricketers #CricketForKids #cricketseason @dynamoscricket @thehundred
[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
[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
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It's been a while since we had a family pic on the grid! This one was snapped over the end of May bank holiday weekend. We went to Gunwharf Quays for a spot of retail therapy and stopped off for lunch. The weather was 👌 and it felt like we were on holiday! Speaking of which - we still need to book somewhere to go over the summer.
If you're going abroad this summer, let me know where you're going. We need some inspiration!!
Pic 1 of 2
It's been a while since we had a family pic on the grid! This one was snapped over the end of May bank holiday weekend. We went to Gunwharf Quays for a spot of retail therapy and stopped off for lunch. The weather was 👌 and it felt like we were on holiday! Speaking of which - we still need to book somewhere to go over the summer.
If you're going abroad this summer let me know where you're going. We need some inspiration!!
The boys are growing up fast, and with that comes a new set of challenges - navigating the tween/teen years, giving them more independence and responsibilities, etc. I sometimes miss them being smaller and cuddlier (even though they were more demanding). Parenthood certainly is a whirlwind of emotions, but it's a privilege to be able to watch them grow and turn into young men.
[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
**Reel of our super busy May**
May is always crazy busy for us with three birthdays (Mr H’s, E’s and mine), Eurovision and half-term. This year E turned 13 so the celebrations were extra-special. We also packed in a trip to Alton Towers (one of our happy places) and ended it with a joint birthday party for both boys (belated for M as he fractured his arm in Feb)
Phew... now May is over I can catch a breather and prep myself for end of school year madness!
#MayBirthdays #13YearOld #Teenager #AltonTowers #adventuresofchildren #myfamilyadventures #surreymummy #surreydaysout #surreylife #surreymums #familydaysout #Familygoals #Familyof4 #familydayout
[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
***EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITY IDEAS FOR OLDER KIDS****
Trying to keep my two boys (aged 12 and 10) entertained over the holidays is so much harder now they’re older. They’re happy to just stay in and play computers games, which is fine for a bit but they need to get out and do other things or their brains will turn to mush!
Here are some ideas for you:
1. Bowling. @tenpin offer 50% off bowling and selected drinks every Tuesday - even during the holidays.
2. Theme Parks. If you want to visit Merlin attractions (Chessington, Thorpe Park, Legoland, Alton Towers) collect vouchers on Kelloggs cereals where Adults can go free. Or you can collect tokens with The Sun for 2 free tickets.
3. Trampoline Parks. We love @airhopguildford and @jumpinesher
4. Laserquest. Head to your local @laserquest for a game, there are arcades and VR experiences to try too.
5. Adventure Golf. Some of our local favourites include Jurassic Encounter in New Malden, Jungle Island in Epsom and @safari_adventure_golf in Hersham. I also have a list of places to visit in London/Surrey in my blog post https://www.suburban-mum.com/where-to-adventure-golf-in-london-surrey/ (link in bio)
6. Go Karting. We love @surbitonraceway but there’s also @daytonamsport in Esher and @teamsportkarting in Mitcham
MORE ACTIVITY IDEAS
⭐ VR Experiences (see https://www.suburban-mum.com/the-best-vr-experiences-london/ or link in bio)
⭐ Arcades - check out @highscorearcades
⭐ Water Parks like @waterworld.sot.official or local swimming pools that run inflatable sessions
⭐ Geocaching see https://www.geocaching.com/sites/education/en/ for how to get started
⭐ Try the world’s longest tunnel slide at the Queen Elizabeth Park @arcelormittalorbit
⭐ Ride the IFS Cloud Cable car and see views of London https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/london-cable-car/
[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
If you’re looking for something to do over the Easter holidays, why not head to @brooklandsmuseum? I’ve been taking the boys here since they were toddlers, and there is so much to see and do.
M is obsessed with aeroplanes, so we spent most of our last visit going on the aircrafts they have on display. We did the Concorde Experience too.
There’s also a wide range of motoring exhibits, and the London Bus Museum is here.
We plan on returning soon to see all the exhibits we missed last time.
I got our tickets through Buy a Gift, as you can save over £25 on a family entry to the museum (see the link in my bio)
Full details to visit Brooklands Museum below:
📍 Brooklands Drive, Weybridge Surrey KT13 0SL
🚗 Parking is free
🎟️ Adults £23, Children 5-18 £12, Family Ticket £57.50, Under 5s are free
🕐 Opening hours 10-5pm
☕️ Cafe and gift shop
[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)
[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.
Great favourites for the month and of course Xmas has to be at the top of all of them!! I also enjoyed spending some quality time with my family!! Having a 2 weeks blogging break was fantastic. I really needed it!! What a great present from your husband!! A camera is always well needed for us right? It looks great!! Read your post about Disney on Ice. That show is always great to go with the kids. I haven’t seen or heard of that game (apart from reading it from your previous post) about the K’nex Double Doom Rollescoaster. It looks super fun though!! I bet your hubby loved it the most!! lol Thanks for hosting, 🙂 xx
#OurFaveFive
Some great favourites for the month- December is a hard one!!! Love the photo of the indoor picnic – we do that sometimes and it is great fun!
Lovely Favourites Suburban Mum x Looking forward to catching up with you all soon! I am also VERY much struggling with the return to work and school!!
Wonderful list of December favourites! I think a camera is the best gift you can give to a blogger, isn’t it? the roller coaster toy looks amazing, think if my little boy will see it, he would definitely like one too. It’s always nice to have a break from work, only got 1 week off though but still lovely to just chill out at home and spend quality time with family. Lovely post!
Aww I loved the family time over Christmas too so, so much I was sad when my son went back to pre-school I want to stay in the cocoon a little longer. Fab new camera too! Thanks for linking up to #lvoelythings