An evening of fun at the Moonpig Virtual Bloggers Event
A few weeks ago, a very exciting email landed in my inbox inviting me to a virtual bloggers event with Moonpig. Having been in lockdown at home with the family since March, I was rather thrilled at the prospect of seeing and chatting to other people!
Moonpig is one of the most well-known online brands selling personalised greeting cards and as I found out from the event, they offer a range of gifts and flowers too. I am no stranger to Moonpig either, having ordered many personalised birthday cards from them over the years. In fact, just before the virtual event took place, I ordered my eldest son two birthday cards to celebrate him turning 10.
Moonpig Virtual Bloggers Event
Ahead of the virtual event, we were sent some goodies ready for us to use on the day. We were going to be learning how to make some cocktails with Mix and Twist so a big box arrived a few days before, which included everything we needed to make some gin cocktails. I also received a gorgeous bunch of Moonpig flowers ready to learn how to arrange them.

On the evening of the event, I set everything up ready on our garden table and along with some other lovely bloggers, prepared to have an evening of fun.
Learning about the Moonpig App
Moonpig has recently launched a new app, making ordering items from them even easier. They are dedicated to bringing people closer together – especially during this pandemic when we aren’t able to see our friends and family.
The event kicked off with App Manager Jasper who gave us a walkthrough of the special features that are available via the app. Having only ever ordered through the website before, I was intrigued to see how these special features would work.
The Moonpig app allows you to:
- Add special occasions such as birthdays and special events into your calendar which will then remind you when these events are coming up
- Allows you to view cards using virtual reality so you can get an idea on size
- Add personalised messages by either typing them in or using the handwriting feature for that added personal touch
- Has a handy “message inspiration” option for when you’re stuck for what message to write
- Ability to add messages onto the envelope which is handy to ensure recipients don’t open them by accident before their special occasion.
I was impressed by all the features the app has to offer and being able to access this from my phone to order cards makes it much easier to keep on top of sending personalised cards to family and friends.
Cocktail Masterclass with Mix and Twist

After learning about the Moonpig app, we were introduced to James from Mix and Twist who would be showing us how to make some gin cocktails. I am a huge gin lover so I was really looking forward to this.
First up, we learnt how to make a Gin Garden cocktail which consisted of mixing lime juice, sugar syrup and gin along with some cucumber and mint and topped with soda water. It tasted delicious – so much so, Mr H appeared and asked me to make him one too!

We then learnt how to make an Elderflower Collins (lemon juice, sugar syrup, gin and elderflower cordial) followed by a Strawberry Gimlet (strawberries, lime juice, sugar syrup gin and cranberry juice). They were all delicious but the Gin Garden cocktail was my favourite.

How to make Gin Cocktails



Flower arranging

Our last activity was to learn how to arrange a bouquet of flowers. I wasn’t aware of this before but you can order a wide range of gifts including food and drink such as chocolates and the bottle of gin we were sent for the cocktail masterclass. In addition to this, you can also order flowers and plants too. We were sent a beautiful Rose & Peony bouquet and the lovely Roxanne talked us through how best to arrange the flowers and also gave us some tips on how to make your bouquet last longer.

The most important thing is to always make sure you clip the stems at a 45-degree angle when your bouquet arrives before adding them to your vase. You should also remove any leaves from the stem below water level. If you run out of flower food, you can add a little sugar to the water to revive the flowers.
30% off cards via the Moonpig app
The Moonpig app is available on both iOS and Android which you can download here. The app is currently offering 30% off cards, simply use the code APP30OFF in the basket.
I had lots of fun at Moonpigs first-ever virtual bloggers event. I particularly enjoyed the cocktail making and will be ordering future gifts and cards using the app in future.
Thank you to the Moonpig team for inviting me!

![[AD] We’re a cricket-mad family, so we’re buzzing that @thehundred is back this August! 🏏🔥
To get ready, M tried out the official FREE Activity Pack — and it’s brilliant! 🙌
Packed with fun games, creative challenges and sporty tasks, it’s perfect for getting kids hyped whether you’re at home or on the go.
👉Download yours now (link in bio)
@londonspirit @ovalinvincibles #EveryMomentCounts #TheHundred
#EnglandCricket #CricketFamily #TheHundredCricket #LondonBloggers #Cricket #CricketIsLife #kidsfun](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/505472555_18531279601016840_7092520074819907569_n-180x320.jpg)



![[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://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/417980235_313576471048632_3682382982231216432_n.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://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/353583570_625625966167953_545896259645102575_n.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://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n.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://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/341194882_615024710178056_41977149395989448_n.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://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/336812306_765234558514317_685553691647241974_n.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://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/334565436_5960402314015030_663031098700829518_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://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/334276459_136658625736352_6403224988403337253_n.jpg)



