![[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)
Happy New Year!
I’m slowly easing myself back into the world of blogging; it’s been so and to be able to fully switch off and enjoy time with my family over the Christmas break. The boys and I aren’t back to work/school until next week, so we’ve had lazy mornings at home. They have loved just mooching around in their PJs playing with their toys.
How has your Christmas break been?
I’ve been tagged by my very lovely friend Tracey from One Frazzled Mum in the Top 7 tag which seems to have really taken off as I’ve seen a fair few other bloggers join in. The Top 7 tag covers the following and is a great way to look back at 2018 and to look forward to the year ahead too.
- Your Favourite 7 Posts from 2018. They can be any posts at all that you are proud of.
- 7 Things You Loved The Most About 2018. Whether you visited somewhere, or just had one of those moments you will never forget, if you loved it, list it!
- 7 Things You Are Looking Forward to in 2019. Whether those plans are set in stone or you something you would like to do this year, share with us.
- Tag 7 Bloggers to Take Part. Share the love and tag 7 others who would like to take part.
- Say Thanks. Link back to the person who tagged you and/or myself, so people know where to find the tag to join in too.
My top 7 posts of 2018
- How to get your children to eat more fibre
- Why working from home is invaluable to me
- Turning 40 and taking better care of myself
- Our first visit to Tankfest at The Tank Museum, Bovington
- Top tips for managing eczema
- 10 things that make me happy
- Our visit to Godstone Farm
7 things I loved in 2018
My first night away from the boys
It might be hard to believe, but up until last year, I’d not ever spent a night away from the boys. My friends from school and I had organised a spa weekend at a hotel to celebrate us all turning 40. We had good food and wine and most importantly a night off from the kids! Bliss.
My 40th Birthday
It might be daunting celebrating a big birthday but, I was utterly spoilt with flowers and gifts and had the most wonderful weekend with Mr H and the boys. We spent the day at Madame Tussauds, lunched at the Rainforest Cafe and went on the London Eye – it was the perfect way to celebrate.
The boys learning to ride their bikes
I’m so proud how quickly they nailed this. I had visions of backbreaking work running along holding onto them, but thankfully that wasn’t the case. We literally decided to remove their stabilisers one weekend, and within minutes they were both riding away!
Our days out
We’ve had some fantastic days out this year, many theme park based ones, farms and just generally exploring outdoors. One weekend to remember was most certainly Tankfest. I do hope that these will be the memories the boys will remember when they look back on their childhood. We’ll no doubt be adding many more to the memory bank this year.
Our holiday to Spain
We had a wonderful week in Spain with friends; we had lots of beach and pool time – just what the doctor ordered.
UK Heatwave
The heatwave was glorious, and while it may not have been popular for most, we really enjoyed and made the most of it.
Learning to become a Bio Sculpture Nail Technician
I’ve not spoken about this much on the blog, but I embarked on a Bio Sculpture training course back in June. I have loved learning this new skill and will be blogging about my training experience very soon so do keep an eye out for it.
7 things I am looking forward to in 2019
- To start our home renovations – it feels like I’ve been talking about this since forever but I am really hoping this is the year they turn into a reality! I am in desperate NEED of a new kitchen!
- I’ve asked for a Photography Course as part of my Christmas present, so I am looking forward to taking my camera off auto and learning how to use it on manual properly.
- Celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary in April – although I can’t believe its come around so quickly! Mr H and I will have been married for a whole decade!!
- Doing more travelling and seeing new places – we have no firm plans to go anywhere in particular yet but we have just started talking about the possibility of going to Japan which is very exciting!
- Now that I am fully qualified, I am hoping to grow my Bio Sculpture Nails business this year and fit this in around work and the blog. I already have a few clients but would like to gain a few more regulars.
- I’ve had some amazing opportunities through the blog in 2018, so I am looking forward to seeing what 2019 may bring.
- Getting fit and joining the gym
I tag the following 7 bloggers to take part
- Louise from Birds and Lilies
- Rachel from Coffee, Cake, Kids
- Stacey from Stacey in the Sticks
- Zara from Mojo Blogs
- Trudy from Rendezvous En New York
- Nadia from Scandi Mummy
- Claire from The Pram Shed
![[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)
Love this Maria, thanks for joining in with me! You had a great year last year can’t wait to see what you achieve this year!
popping back from #kcacols
Ahh thank you Tracey! Here’s to a fab 2019 for the both of us! x
Sounds like you have a lot going for you in 2019! Love the photos, BTW.
Happy 2019!
#kcacols
Thank you Veronica – Happy New Year to you too x
Ooh this is a great idea for a blog post! I love it 🙂 well done in 2018 and good luck for everything 2019 holds
Thank you Sarah – I think 2019 will involve lots of dust and builders!
Ah yes, I’m turning 40 this year. Looks like 2018 was a good year for you – all the best for 2019. #kcacols
Thank you Ann – how are you planning on celebrating your 40th?
I’m tagged in this but still haven’t written mine, so great to see what others have written.Some lovely things to look forward to, and that is always lovely! #KCACOLS
I really enjoyed writing my post – let me know when you get a chance to write yours and I’ll pop by to have a read! x
I love this! It looks like you had an amazing year and another great one in the works.
We are going to find land and build a new house this year and I am so excited! I have also been talking about this for what seems like forever so I know exactly how you feel!
#KCACOLS
Oh wow finding land to build a house sounds like a huge project! I hope it goes well for you. Fingers crossed we both get to see the results of all this building work by the end of the year!
Congrats on your 4oth birthday! Seems like you had a lot of fun on your days out – I can’t wait for Summer this year, definitely want to get out more! #kcacols
I am glad you enjoyed your 40th and your first night away from the kids. 40 is the age to be for sure. You have had a very productive 2018!
Always fun to look back at some of the things that you’ve done over the course of a year and spend a few minutes reminiscing. Happy New Year and enjoy your 40s! #KCACOLS
I love this Maria! It looks like you had an amazing year! I wish you and your family the best in 2019. I followed you on IG. 🙂 #KCACOLS
We travelled down south to spend Christmas with family this year so it was a nice change. Went very quickly though.
It looks like you had some fantastic days out in 2018, the boys always looks so happy 🙂
I hope you get to tick all those things off your 2019 list! Here’s to a great 2019!
#KCACOLS
Love Jenna
Thank you – we did have a really good 2018 visiting lots of places and days out which I hope will continue for 2019. Our Xmas hols went by really quickly too!
Such a good way to reflect on the year! #KCACOLS
I know – I really enjoyed writing it! x
I’d forgotten about that glorious heatwave. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a repeat this year? And good luck with your nails. #kcacols
Oh yes another heatwave would be lovely although I hear we’re due a cold snap in the next week or so…. eek!!!
Wow what a year 2018 was for you all. Sounds like 2019 could be even better. I am absolutely loving the photos
#KCACOLS
Thank you Clare, yes we did have a good 2018. Hope you have a good year too!
What a busy year you’ve had, good to see some rest with the spain holiday too. It reminded me that I feel like I need some sun on my skin, I might start having a look this week:)
Mainy
#KCACOLS
Spain seems like such a long time ago now. Hoping to be able to plan our holiday for this year soonish so we have something to look forward to! You’re right though – we need the sun!!
It looks like you had a wonderful year, the heat wave was one of the highlights for me too. Good luck with your photography course and nail business #KCACOLS
The heatwave was glorious wasn’t it? I hope you have a good year too x
You have done so many lovely things over the past year. I turn 40 at the end of February, I’m not looking forward to that lol!
I forgot to add #KCACOLS lol
We did do some really lovely things and had lots of trips away, hopefully there’ll be more of those this year too! Happy 40th to you for February, it feels much the same as 39, you just have to embrace it!
Looks like you had a great year with lots of days out & what a wonderful holiday! #KCACOLS
Thank you Natalie, we did have a good year. Looking forward to our holiday this year already (even if it’s not been booked yet!)
Love your pictures from Spain. Looks like a nice place to visit. And congratulations on doing the nail technician course. #KCACOLS
Thank you – I really enjoyed learning something new and challenging myself!