Storm weekend: a Happy Place cabin for the kids = me-time for you

What a storm, not normal and so gray, cold and wet. Not really outdoor playing weather and what do you do? When the wind has calmed down a bit and you get your children outside, after a while of puddle-stomping they will be done with 'getting some fresh air' and they will come inside and be bored to death... And then? How do you challenge them, make them enthusiastic and keep them busy for hours without having to get out and without it costing you a single cent?!

Happlify has your answer, because you know: 'we've got your back' . Your solution: a hut aka a Happy Place built from sheets, blankets, pillows and some (LED) Christmas lights. Then you can just go on the go, let your imagination run wild, but look what I found at BuzzFeed Nifty : a nice tutorial with tips for your awesome hut. It depends a bit on how old your kids are, but from the age of seven onwards they can come a long way with this video.

Making memories

The great thing about such a hut is that these are the moments that remain in everyone's memory. Just like camping in the garden, falling asleep together on the couch, staying up to count the shooting stars... These are those magical events in a child's life that become more beautiful in the memory. Without it having to cost anything immediately. With a Happy Place Hut you immediately show that you can turn simple things you already have into something magical. Totally Happlify 💛

A Happy Place of pillows and sheets

You can see how to assemble such a hut in the film below. When the cabin is ready, you inspect it, take some photos for a nice memory , and you can watch an old school Disney movie on the iPad , add a bucket of popcorn and they will be under the pan for another two hours. Here you go: an afternoon of Me-time for you with your favorite book and a cup of tea. Or does this sound way too cozy? Then why don't you just join in the fun?!

This is what you need

Note: These are just suggestions and tips for building the Happy Place hut. Just see what you have at home, be resourceful and creative!

Supplies

• sheets
• blankets
• (sofa) cushions
• chairs
• wooden stick(s) or broomsticks
• clothespins
• clamps
• clothesline wire
• Adhesive tape
• Christmas lights
• battery powered tea lights (!)
• LED lights
• heavy books

Entertainment

Although a cabin is ideal for watching a beautiful classic, the cabin can of course also be 'screenless'. A flashlight and a stack of old Donald Duck's can also go a long way!

• tablet or laptop with Pathe at home , Disney+ or Netflix
• snacks
• friends
• whatever else you need to make it fun!

Ooh yes, we're watching The Sound of Music in the cabin! And if that doesn't get the kids excited, Jumanji with The Rock or Robin Williams is cool too.

Instructions

• Choose a location and clear space for your fort.
• Build the walls of the fortress with the backs of chairs.
• Place blankets over the backs of the chairs.
• Place layers of blankets on the floor between the chairs.
• Cover the walls of the fort with (sofa) cushions.
• Place a sheet over the chairs to create a roof. Secure the edges of the sheet by placing heavy books on it.
• Secure the sticks or broom handles safely between (sofa) cushions.
• Tie things down if necessary.
• Drape another sheet over the stick(s) to create a second level of the fort. Secure the sheets together with clothespins or clamps.
• If necessary, use more poles to raise the roof of the fort.
• Decorate the roof and 'ceiling' of your hut with Christmas lights (secure securely with clamps) and other lights (battery operated).
• Set up your books, TV/tablet/laptop, some stuffed animals and snacks and hide out in your fort for the rest of the year.

Extra chill tip 1 : Make the Happy place hut for yourself (why not), it is also a great place to meditate! Do you already know Headspace ? I'll tell you about that another time. First the cabin. Have fun x

Extra chill tip 2 : Disney's Encanto

The author: Mariko Naber

Branding expert and online entrepreneur Mariko is the happy brain behind Happlify. Together with partner Mark, she runs Happlify, Sell your stuff online and branding agency Loaded ink BNO . She loves feel good, random acts of kindness, meatballs, chocolate mousse, family time, sea, piña colada, sugar & spice and everything nice.