![[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)
Do you worry about the amount of tv your children are watching?
We got stuck in a bit of a rut over the summer. Both boys were watching too much tv and ended up arguing on a daily basis over whose turn it was to watch what.
It’s predominantly our fault really for letting it get to that stage but they are very spoilt with “on-demand” tv. We have TiVo with Virgin, Netflix AND Amazon Fire TV. Quite simply there is just too much choice!
Mr H and I decided to conduct a little experiment. With E being back at school and M now in nursery two mornings a week we started consciously limiting the amount of tv the boys were watching.
We don’t tend to put the tv on in the mornings during the week as we are always rushing to get breakfast into them and then out the door for the school run. The tv would be switched on after school so I could get on with preparing the boys dinner. It would be switched off at dinner time but then be back on again until it was time for bath and bedtime. This would mean around 3 hours or so of TV a day. (Obviously, they were not glued to the tv this whole time but it was on in the background and they were forever asking me to change the channel)
For the last few weeks, however, I’ve not switched the tv on when we got in from the school run and the boys have happily got on with playing with their toys or reading books.
Most surprisingly they have not asked for the tv to be switched on either. I was amazed!!!
It’s meant they have actually enjoyed playing together and have not argued half as much.
We have now successfully reduced their tv watching (during the week) to an hour each evening and we only have the tv on when dinner is finished and E has done his reading and homework. I cannot tell you how much more productive this has made them both.
The TV experiment is here to stay.
Do you limit how much tv your child watches?
![[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)
Good to hear the TV experiment has worked so well for you. My children don’t watch a great deal of TV to be honest. Like you say, if you don’t switch it on, they just get on with other things on their own accord. Although sometimes I will direct them towards an activity. Today after school, I suggested we made flapjacks, or I might leave out particular games so they see it when they get home from school and they think it’s their idea to play with it. That said, there are some days I am so grateful to be able to put the telly on for them – if they’re overtired or fighting with each other etc it is a lifesaver!! #brilliantblogposts
It’s funny how they are happy just to get on with other things – i fully expected them to moan and ask for it to be switched on!
Well done for having the courage to cut the cord! My boy is only two, but from the beginning I have consciously avoided putting on the TV. We only ever watch things if I’m unable to look after him – really unwell (only happened a couple of times) or too shattered because of pregnancy (only a handful of times). It terrifies me to see him mesmerized and lost to the world when he is watching.
One of the reasons I have decided to adopt no screen rule is my childhood friend. They were only allowed to watch TV if they told their parents what and why they wanted to watch, so we are not talking cartoons. All three kids in that family have lots of interests and are able to keep themselves productively busy. Unlike most of their TV addicted peers.
#brilliantblogposts
That’s great Joanna – I think your approach is really interesting. For me, I think everything in moderation. I wouldn’t stop them from watching TV altogether as I do think they learn and pick up things from TV (age approporiate of course) I have a friend who never let their child watch tv when they were younger and now whenever TV comes on they are mesmerised and you can’t take him away from it! x
We need to implement this in our house 🙂 we’ve started having CBeebies on as background noise almost and apart from it being a bad habit, I’m sick to death of Mike the Knight being on repeat in my head! Mim x #brilliantblogposts
Ahh Mike the Knight!! I always seem to have Twirlywoos in my head!!! I think that was our main problem though Mim – it ended up just being on in the background alot of the time and there really was no need for it!
I think it’s really interesting actually that often TV is a habit rather than something kids particularly want. If I turn the TV off Oliver isn’t bothered at all, I think it’s just because I grew up so used to it. He will often just find other things to do, but for some reason *I* rely on it way too much. I need to start switching off more often!
#brilliantblogposts
I completely agree Nat – it is something that becomes a habit. I have to say we do relax this a little more on the weekends but we usually try and watch something together as a family x
We have the TV on a bit too much, often just so that I can get something done. But, I do find if I don’t switch it on, they all find something to do really quickly! #brilliantblogposts
This is exactly what I found Sara – they didn’t question it and just happily went to play with their toys
We said we weren’t going to do tv, except educational things like baby sign, until much older, but we have ended up with it on & toddler loves it, so we watch too much. Though they are always running around playing at same time, not just sitting watching. We do turn tv off an hour before bed though so the blue light isn’t damaging quality of sleep. We should try to cut down. #KCACOLS
I think the difference for me is that because I have two boys that now play together they also have each other to distract themselves. I can see this would be much harder if you have a toddler and a baby! x
Just testing the comments
We had the same issue at home. We used to have the TV on all the time and it was a lot of the time just as a background. About 4 months ago I literally stopped switching on the tv and my girls didn’t even care at all. They just carry on playing with their toys. Bella (5 years old) used to be in front of the TV 24/7! It was too much so now I’m happy that she doesn’t need it anymore. Although now, we have a different problem: her Ipad and youtube videos!!! Let’s hope we can change that too. Thanks so much Maria for linking up with me at #KCACOLS and I hope you join me again next Sunday!! 🙂 xx
We also limit iPad time too – I usually put the timer on for 30 mins and when it bleeps times up! Maybe I’m too strict?!
That’s fantastic! I really need to switch team tv off at meal times maybe my girls would actually eat instead of taking around five minutes to put the next fork full of food in their mouths. Xx
I learnt this lesson when E was still young. TV definitely had to be off at mealtimes otherwise it just took forever!!!
The only time my two watch television is if it’s pouring with rain outside, or we’re watching a film as a family. This sin’t me being strict or limiting it lol they just aren’t that bothered about it, and most of the time they’re outside playing and I only see them for meals. They have so many friends on our street that they’d much rather be out riding their bikes etc with them which I love, but of course its because they’re older and can go off on their own a little 🙂
Thanks for linking up to #PicknMix
Stevie x
That sounds great Stevie! Its great that they are so active and aren’t just playing games indoors all the time 😉
I always feel guilty about how much TV my little boy watches. He knows that he gets to watch Thomas after breakfast so goes, “choo-choo” to let me know he’s finished eating (he’s 18 months, it’s actually pretty cute). I definitely try to limit it the rest of the time though, I only let him watch more TV if he’s really tired late afternoon. He has picked up a few signs from watching Mr Tumble (he’s a little slow with his speech) so it’s not all bad 🙂 It sounds like your experiment worked well with your boys #KCACOLS
TV has been great for my boys to learn about the world – I don’t think you can go wrong with Cbeebies! Over the summer though they were definitely watching too many cartoons etc and we needed to nip it in the bud!
After reading this before I attempted to cut down on our tv watching – let’s just say I was very unpopular very quickly and it didn’t last long 🙁 I’ll keep trying! Mim x #ParentingPicks
Oh Mim – I think its much harder to do when you have a toddler and a baby as toddler can’t play with baby yet! My boys play together and come up with all sorts of games when the TV isn’t on! I’m sure it’ll work once baby is older x