![[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)
This May, I will have had my bumpy caesarean scar for seven years. It’s a scar I never expected to have but am so grateful for. It meant that my baby boy was delivered safely into the world.
I’ve previously guest posted on my VBAC birth with M but have never really written about my birth experience with E. So with April being Caesarean Awareness month it seemed quite apt to cast my mind back.
I don’t have any photos with me and E in hospital after my c-section. In fact, I don’t think I have many photos of us at all in those early days. I felt completely broken and a failure after I had him. An emergency c-section was not how I imagined I would be welcoming my first baby into the world.
Things had started so smoothly at first, my waters broke and soon after contractions started. I laboured for over 20 odd hours but just couldn’t dilate to the magic 10cm and was stuck between 7 and 8cm.
I lost count of the number or midwives and health professionals who came and went during that time.
I remember….
…begging to wait a couple more hours to see if I would dilate because I desperately wanted the chance to have a natural birth. I didn’t want to be wheeled off to theatre
…tears stinging my eyes whilst signing the consent form for surgery
… crying over the phone to my mum because everything had gone wrong and telling her that I was going to have to be cut open
…being scared but grateful that Mr H was by my side every step of the way holding my hand
…lying on the theatre table feeling absolutely petrified but also apprehensive at being able to finally meet my baby
I will never forget the moment E came out of my tummy. I didn’t know that babies don’t cry straight away and instantly thought that something was wrong. The paediatrician took him to one side to check him over and that was when we heard a loud wail and both Mr H and I visibly relaxed.
Unlike my VBAC with M, I couldn’t hold E straight away but it meant that Daddy got to have first cuddles whilst I was being stitched up.
I couldn’t stop shaking and was so emotionally exhausted that I fought hard to keep my eyes open to soak every detail of my new baby boy in.
As much as I loved my baby I really felt like I’d been through the mill. My body didn’t feel like it was mine and I had a ridiculous rose-tinted vision of how I would be bringing my baby home. The stark reality was, I was a new mum who didn’t even know how to buckle my baby up properly in his car seat.
I cried that first night I came home – they should have been tears of joy but they were all for me, for what I had put my body through.
I felt like a failure for such a long time after having E. I was the only one in my NCT group to have had a c-section, the only one that couldn’t get on with breastfeeding. No one judged me as harshly as I judged myself.
It took a long time to get over and recover from it all but focusing on my baby was my priority now.
I was his whole world and that was all that mattered. My body will never ever be the same again but what I gained by having an emergency c-section – like many other women before and after me is completely worth it.
Nothing beats holding your newborn for the very first time and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
![[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)
Bless, the most important thing is that you were both health and well. I had a C section. #KCACOLS
Awww I con totally sympathise. It’s reassuring to read someone else’s c section story and how it affected them. I’m glad you were able to have a VBAC and make peace with yourself.
#KCACOLS
What an emotional post! Rory’s birth didn’t quite go to plan and I had to go to theatre shortly after he was born. Leaving my little boy was so scary, I knew his dads would take care of him but I felt so disappointed that things hadn’t gone the way I hoped. I’m glad you managed to work through your initial feelings and that it hasn’t put you off more babies! #KCACOLS
I had to have c-sections with both of mine and I remember that disconnected feeling and feelings of failure with my first so well. Second time round I knew what to expect and wasn’t so hard on myself so despite complications during the surgery I didn’t have the same feelings afterwards. Like you say though, the most important thing is that your baby arrived safely and like you I would do it all again in a heartbeat x
#KCACOLS
I know how you feel I also had a c-section. Mine was an emergency and I was put to sleep – I’m not sure if that was better or worse. By the time I came round it was all over! #KCACOLS
Sounds a rocky start and always hard when it’s not how you had planned it all in your head, but however they come into this world, it’s always amazing to have them placed in your arms for the first time. #kcacols
Oh bless you, the main thing is you were all okay and managed to get through a tough time together 🙂 #KCACOLS
Oh you absolutely shouldn’t of felt like a failure far from it. It’s hard when things don’t go the way you had hoped or wanted but the main thing is your little man arrived safe and sound eh. #KCACOLS
We are definitely our own worst critics. C sections sound absolutely terrifying, definitely not the easy way out! As you say, all that matters is that you are both healthy + happy 🙂
I feel for you. I think a lot of new mums aren’t given enough info about C-sections and when they need an emergency one it can be such a surprise and shock. health care professionals seem to dismiss c-secs as a very last resort but I really think there should be more prep to help new mums come to terms with how things might pan out. lovely honest account #KCACOLS
Definitely all worth it! Can be such a scary experience though x #KCACOLS
Oh bless you. I think it would be good for mummies to be to have more awareness of the possibility of a c sec. It happens to so many. I had quite a few months to prepare for mine as it was the only safe way jamie could enter this world. I felt many of the same emotions as you. Mostly bring a failure. But you know what we certainly aren’t. It was the safest option for both of you
Via #KCACOLS (sorry I forgot to add)
So worth it aren’t they. I love reading birth stories.
#KCACOLS
A scar to be very proud of. It’s amazing what we have to do sometimes to get these gorgeous creatures here safely. I’m glad you shared your story. I think a lot of people will appreciate it. #kcacols
I was petrified at the thought of a cesarean but luckily didn’t need one with my three – such an honest post #KCACOLS
Wear that scar proudly mama. Little E entered this crazy planet in a way that worked for him, and you are the bearer of both the baby and the story. Treasure it! <3 #KCACOLS
I can totally empathise. I had a csection with my first, I felt like a huge failure. Our babies are here and we’ll though, that’s what matters! #KCACOLS
Love your honesty here, and I think a lot of women who have emergency c-sections feel the same way. I think we all have this idea in our heads of how we would like the birth to go, so it’s really hard to process it when things don’t go according to our plans. x #KCACOLS
Your csection sounds like a very emotional time. It’s amazing how much our births can effect us as we seem to have such an idea of how they should be before and they often don’t turn out that way. X #kcacols
So happy you received the help you needed and that you and E are both healthy and here! #KCACOLS
Nadia xx
Birth stories are a fave of mine, I tell mine again and again to my boys. So much so that they just groan now when i say ‘I remember when……”
Glad you are all ok
Mainy
#KCACOLS
Oh Maria, what a story! This made me all emotional reading it again. But such a happy ending x #kcacols
It must be such a difficult and emotional experience to go through – but as you say worth it in the end! #KCACOLS