KELLY BROWN Mum's the Word...A big night out doesn't mean you have to be late for bed!

But these days they are a much quieter affair.

As part of our attempt to do more together this year, my husband and I have decided to try to go out at least once a month.

So on Saturday we dispatched our little man to his grandparents for the night and spent some quality time together.

Despite vaguely discussing our night out during the week we had still made no real plans by the time we were getting ready to go out.

I didn’t mind what we did, he didn’t mind what we did.

Shall we go to the cinema?

Excellent idea – except for the fact this will involve us not talking for a couple of hours.

Not exactly quality time together.

What about a meal and then cinema? Too expensive.

What about the pub? Neither of us really fancied that option – especially as I was driving. (It’s funny it’s only on occasions when we are going out that my husband asks me if I fancy driving!)

So we were left with the old favourite and to go out for a meal. But where?

In the end we opted for the Fox and Hounds in Funtington and we had a lovely meal and catch-up.

After being out of the house for three hours (which these days is a long evening out for us) we decided to venture home so I could have a drink.

So our big night out resulted in us being back on the sofa at 9.45pm and feeling a little exhausted.

Still we had enough energy to open a bottle of wine and watch a couple of hours of Saturday night TV before heading to bed and looking forward to a morning where we don’t have a 6.30am alarm call from our little man.

Maybe next time we may make it to 10.30pm before heading home, or is that being too ambitious?

* Radio waves help me to stay young

Since when did your age dictate the music you were supposed to listen to?

Both my colleague and I were talking about something we had heard on Radio 1 only to be informed by other (older) colleagues that people in their 30s shouldn’t be listening to that station at all.

It’s for young people (apparently).

Now hang on – when do you stop being young?

I’m sorry, I’m sure there is nothing wrong with it, but I’m far too young to turn over to Radio 2. Aren’t I?