![[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)
Summer holidays are well underway and it’s been tough juggling everything. My mother-in-law is no longer able to help out and is recovering from back surgery, so we are currently having to manage child care between the two of us. Added on top of that, our train line has just started undergoing maintenance which brings three weeks of disruptions – talk about timing!
Mr H is having to work from home over this time and look after the boys three days a week. The boys are only used to both of us working from home one day a week so I am unsure how they will currently take to being at home for the majority of the week.
Booking into clubs is also a bit of a problem because M is still too young to be left anywhere (he needs to be 5) which in turn means it would be unfair to book E into clubs and leave M at home feeling lonely.
I have the utmost respect for parents who work from home full time and manage to keep their children busy! We are having to be a little creative when we’re working from home to keep the boys entertained.
Here are just some of the ways we plan on doing.
Organise different activities
One of the phrases I hear the most at the moment is “I’m bored, I don’t know what to do” Having been used to a routine and structure at school the boys are sometimes at a loss as to what they can to do entertain themselves. Yes, they have their toys to play with, TV and tablets to watch but they can only do that for a certain amount of time before they are wanting to move onto something else.
I try and suggest different activities that they can doalongsidee me when I am working.
Arts & Crafts
Arts and Crafts can be a great little activity. Give them the craft box and let them go wild! You could even turn it into a competition to see who can make the biggest model or who can make the most items to keep things interesting.
Make Reading & Writing fun
We’re keen for M to start focusing on his phonics a bit more and to start sounding out words from books in preparation for school in September. We have a set of Oxford Learning Tree books which are great beginners books which E helps M sounds out words with and reads. E also has Work Books and Mathletics which he spends some time on too. We try and incorporate these into the day and make them fun. They don’t have to spend long on them either but it’s nice to keep their brains ticking.
Play Doh or Kinetic Sand
Things like Play Doh/Plasticine or Kinetic Sand are also activities they can do whilst sitting next to you – just worry about the mess it will invariably create later!
Treasure Hunt
Alternatively, you could plan a treasure hunt. This could be in the garden but would also work well indoors too. If you had time to organise it, you could leave clues around for them to find and work out where to find the treasure. Failing that, for an easier version you could leave marbles dotted around for them to hunt for and see who can find the most to win a prize.
Home Cinema
Get the kids to set up their own home cinema with cushions and blankets. Then choose a movie to watch – you just provide the popcorn and drinks. This is something we do a lot of and the boys love it. As a special treat, I let them choose a new movie to download from Amazon Prime every now and then so they aren’t watching the same movies over and over. I find this holds their attention span a little longer!
Work on the go
The boys can’t be cooped up all week at home, they need to exert their energy and have a change of environment.
Go to the Park
If it’s nice out we can pack a picnic and take it to the local park or playground so the boys can play and have a run around. We can then work on our laptops, and if need be tether an internet connection from our phones.
Soft Play
We are also lucky enough to have a Soft play place within walking distance to us which we could visit if the weather’s not great. The boys are at a good age where they will happily go off to play together giving us time to do some work whilst (hopefully) enjoying a tea or coffee.
Visit the library
For a change of scenery, the library could also be a good place to visit. Kids can keep themselves busy pouring over the many different types of books they have to offer.
Exchange Play Dates
If you need a few hours to make phone calls or concentrate on work, organising for a friend who also has children to have them for a morning or afternoon could be a lifesaver. You can then return the favour when you are free.
How do you keep the kids entertained whilst working from home? I would love to hear your tips on how you do it.
Pin it for later:
![[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)
Great ideas for working families! We try to do some of our “work” together, chores that is. When I need to get some computer work done, I encourage the kids to do their chores as well so we can spend time later for doing a fun activity together like going to the beach or museum. I find that giving the kiddos a deadline motivates them to get their work done and then we can all play together.
Some really good ideas here Maria. It’s tricky balancing work and the kids in the holidays, but these ideas work well for everyone!
Very good idea and I hope they work for you both! #KCACOLS
Great tips! #KALCOLS
Some great ideas here, useful for getting jobs done around the house too. Hope your summer holidays are going well. #kcacols
Great ideas. I mostly do my blogging at night but it would be great to have a bit of time during the day to do more! #kcacols
Some lovely ideas here. I often take my tablet to the local cafe and work there when Booey is home. She feels very grown up sitting there with a drink and a book.
#KCACOLS
Wow, excellent ideas here. I am always impressed that anyone manages to do any work with kids around. Even the ipad only seems to entertain for half an hour. Pen x #KCACOLS
Great ideas! I know so many mamas and papas who would love this post #KCACOLS
We exchange play dates, a few days I have their kids and a few days they have mine. It’s pretty painful when everyone visits us tho hahaha #kcacols
Great ideas – we’ve done a lot of slime making this holidays so far. It’s very messy and gets everywhere, I mean everywhere, but it’s kept my two eldest busy for hours as they try to master the perfect slime. Also love kinetic sand in this family. #KCACOLS
I reckon that will be quite handy for many mummies out there! The treasure hunt or the movie look like the best to me! I love that #KCACOLS
There are some really useful ideas here, thank you! It really is a juggling act, trying to work with the children around! x #KCACOLS
I’ve just written a post on the very same subject! I’m not ashamed to use the TV as a babysitter & I don’t think we should feel guilty either #KCACOLS
Some great ideas which we have been or will be utilising.
Hope your MIL recovery is going well.
#KCACOLS
I don’t work and I’m still struggling to keep my son occupied! I think I will give a few of these a shot! #KCACOLS
I know what you’re saying! I’ve had to do the same. Juggling over the summer holidays can be hard work. I use films as a bit of catch up time, also the arts and crafts (although this doesn’t always work if they start fighting!). I’ve also done childcare swaps with neighbours which is invaluable. #KCACOLS
I heard so many good review on the Kinetic Sand, I think it’s a fun way to keep my toddler busy indoors #KCACOLS
Home cinema works well for us… sometimes! #kcacols
I needed this so much sooner! I have really struggled with getting everything done. We have a free soft play near us that I don’t think many people know about (it’s only free until 12) so I’ve been able to go and physically write stuff in notepads. Getting stuff online is a different story though!
#KCACOLS
These are great ideas Maria. I do struggle to work arpund Olivia when she is off so sometimes we have to be a creative #kcacols
work on the go is my favourite:) Really good ideas here, especially that my son can’t sit 5 minutes in one place:D
forgot about #KCACOLS ;p
I tend to work in the garden if it’s nice out so I can watch my bubby eating dirt while I write. #kcacols
These are all great tips for keeping children busy! Thank you for sharing. #kcacols
This is so helpful over the summer holidays, I think there’s a lot of people going crazy over the last month trying to work from home whilst the kids run riot! I love the idea of a home cinema, my kids are always quiet whilst they watch a film, especially if there’s popcorn! #kcacols
It can be hard trying to squeeze in work with kids at home. Exchanging play dates works really well for us sometimes x
#kcacols
Such great ideas! Fab posts!
#KCACOLS
Great tips! I have found the holidays tough to keep three entertained and just get the housework done! Parents who work from home amaze me 🙂 #KCACOLS
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