Fun, Affordable Ideas to Keep Kids Entertained at Home

The school holidays are here!

Cue the cheers from the kids and the mild panic from the adults.

While it’s lovely to have more time with the kids, the constant questions of “Mum, what are we doing today?” or “Dad, can we play Fifa?” can get overwhelming fast.

At Happy Little Owls, we know how important it is to keep little minds and bodies active during the school holidays without exhausting yourself, or your bank account. So, we’ve rounded up some creative, budget-friendly ideas to help you make the most of the summer break at home. These are easy to set up, full of fun and perfect for creating lasting memories.

1. Backyard Camping (No Tent? No Problem!)

Set up a simple camp in the garden using blankets, cushions and fairy lights. Kids love the novelty of outdoor sleeping, even if it’s just during the day for a teddy bear picnic or a bit of “wilderness” storytime.

Pro tip: Toast marshmallows over a tea light, tell silly stories and let the kids “hunt” for bugs with magnifying glasses.

2. DIY Water Play Day

You don’t need a fancy paddling pool to cool off and have fun. Fill up some washing-up bowls, add sponges, cups and plastic toys and let the splashing begin. Water balloon tosses and sponge tag are guaranteed laughs!

Bonus: Set up a “car wash” station for bikes and scooters. Your neighbours may thank you if the station washes cars too…

3. Kitchen Table Science Experiments

Turn your home into a mini science lab – this is a particular favourite at Owl HQ. Think baking soda volcanoes, rainbow milk experiments or growing cress heads in old egg cartons. It’s learning and fun and it buys you a cuppa while they marvel at the “magic.”

Tip: YouTube is packed with quick, child-safe experiment ideas, our absolute favourite is TheDadLab

4. Treasure Hunts & Nature Bingo

Hide a few small toys or treats around the house or garden and draw a treasure map (or write clues for older kids). Nature bingo is another winner, create a list of things to spot (ladybird, feather, cloud shaped like a dinosaur) and head to the park or local green space.

Free printable templates are easy to find online or make your own with your child.

5. Get Crafty With What You Have

Rainy day? Bring out the cardboard boxes, old magazines, buttons, glue and let their imaginations go wild. From castles to rockets to “mum’s café” menus, kids love crafting with everyday things.

Don’t worry about the mess, set a timer for a 5-minute tidy-up song at the end and invoke your inner Mary Poppins!

3. Kitchen Table Science Experiments

Turn your home into a mini science lab – this is a particular favourite at Owl HQ. Think baking soda volcanoes, rainbow milk experiments or growing cress heads in old egg cartons. It’s learning and fun and it buys you a cuppa while they marvel at the “magic.”

Tip: YouTube is packed with quick, child-safe experiment ideas, our absolute favourite is TheDadLab

4. Treasure Hunts & Nature Bingo

Hide a few small toys or treats around the house or garden and draw a treasure map (or write clues for older kids). Nature bingo is another winner, create a list of things to spot (ladybird, feather, cloud shaped like a dinosaur) and head to the park or local green space.

Free printable templates are easy to find online or make your own with your child.

5. Get Crafty With What You Have

Rainy day? Bring out the cardboard boxes, old magazines, buttons, glue and let their imaginations go wild. From castles to rockets to “mum’s café” menus, kids love crafting with everyday things.

Don’t worry about the mess, set a timer for a 5-minute tidy-up song at the end and invoke your inner Mary Poppins!

6. Create a “Boredom Jar”

Fill a jar with fun ideas written on slips of paper. From “put on a fashion show” to “build a fort out of chairs,” let the kids pull one out whenever you hear the dreaded “I’m bored!”

Let them help write the ideas, it adds excitement and gives them ownership. Just watch out for the “play Fifa” idea, that always sneaks in!

7. Screen Time That’s Smart (and Short!)

Sometimes, a bit of screen time is sanity-saving. Try short, educational shows or audiobooks that spark creativity, then use what they’ve seen or heard as inspiration for play or discussion afterward.

Podcasts like “Brains On” or “CBeebies Storytime” are great wind-down tools. Paired with Happy Little Owls magnesium of course.

And Don’t Forget: Fuel Their Fun with the Right Nutrients

All this summer fun means your little ones are burning through energy fast and that’s where our Happy Little Owls Multivitamin and Magnesium Supplements come in.

Formulated especially for children, our supplements help:

• Support energy levels naturally
• Promote calm, focused moods (yes please!)
• Aid muscle recovery after busy playdays
• Strengthen immune function, because no one wants a summer cold

They’re tasty, gentle on tummies and easy to add to your child’s daily routine, making sure they’re supported from sunrise expeditions to bedtime adventures.

We hope these simple ideas help you create magical memories these school holidays, without needing a big budget or complicated plans.

Share this post with fellow mums and dads who could use a little inspo and let’s keep the summer fun (and sanity) going strong together.

Hoots out,
The Happy Little Owls Team

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Magnesium: Recharge, Relax, Repeat –

The Multiple Benefits of Magnesium

It is estimated between 10% – 30% of UK adults may have a suboptimal magnesium status, where serum levels are low enough to impair function even without overt symptoms.

Magnesium is an incredibly important mineral, involved in more than 300 biochemical processes throughout the body. It helps regulate nerve and muscle function, supports energy production and contributes to strong bones, as well as being involved in cardiovascular health, blood sugar levels and exercise recovery.

While a well-rounded diet typically provides enough magnesium, factors like chronic stress, aging and certain medical conditions can rapidly deplete your levels which could lead to additional health problems.

Magnesium is probably most commonly used for its muscle-relaxant properties. It regulates calcium and potassium transport across cell membranes, helping muscles contract and then relax properly. Athletes and active individuals often turn to magnesium to prevent or relieve exercise-induced cramps and spasms also known as DOMS, supporting smoother post-workout recovery.

Highlighting its benefits for your cognitive health, magnesium helps calm overactive nerve signals and keeps your brain chemicals in balance. This translates into a calming effect on the nervous system, making magnesium supplements popular for reducing feelings of tension, anxiety and restlessness. Many people also turn to magnesium for promoting a deeper, more restorative sleep.

When it comes to matters of the heart, magnesium continues to put in the work. It helps lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, keeps your heartbeat steady and maintains electrolyte balance. Clinical research has linked optimal magnesium levels with a reduced risk of hypertension, arrhythmias and other cardiovascular issues.

In your bones, magnesium partners with calcium and vitamin D to maintain structural integrity.  While not directly the sole determinant of bone strength, magnesium deficiency may be a risk factor for osteoporosis and adequate intake is important for overall bone health. 

On a cellular level, magnesium helps the enzymes that produce ATP, essentially the powerhouse catalyst for energy production. Without enough magnesium, the body cannot efficiently convert food into usable energy, leading to fatigue and lethargy. Magnesium also participates in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism, which are crucial for energy production and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.

When Magnesium Levels Become Low

Early signs of deficiency can be subtle and easily attributed to other causes but persistent low magnesium can manifest in several ways:

• Muscle Cramps and Spasms
  A telltale sign of magnesium depletion, involuntary twitching, cramps or restless legs at night often indicates that electrolyte balance is off.
• Fatigue and Weakness
  Since magnesium is critical for ATP production, low levels can leave you feeling chronically tired, lethargic or unmotivated.
• Nervousness and Mood Disturbances
  Anxiety, irritability and difficulty relaxing may be linked to insufficient levels of magnesium calming the nervous system.
• Sleep Disturbances
  Trouble falling or staying asleep, as well as non-refreshing sleep, can point toward a suboptimal magnesium status.
• Irregular Heartbeat
  Palpitations, skipped beats or a fluttering sensation may occur because magnesium helps regulate heart rhythm.
• Headaches and Migraines
  Some research links magnesium deficiency to increased frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines.
• Poor Blood Sugar Control
  Inadequate magnesium can impair insulin sensitivity, potentially leading to higher blood glucose levels over time.

If you experience multiple symptoms, particularly muscle cramps alongside fatigue and sleep issues, it may be worth considering supplementation or discussing this further with your doctor.

Knowing your Oxide from your Glycinate

When choosing a magnesium supplement, each form contains a different percentage of “elemental” magnesium which correlates to how easily it dissolves in the gut, crosses cell membranes and avoids being excreted. 

Choosing the right form depends on individual needs.

• Magnesium Oxide: One of the most common and cheapest forms, this form is typically used as an antacid or laxative rather than for correcting a magnesium deficiency.
• Magnesium Citrate: Is known for its gentle laxative effect, making it a popular choice for occasional constipation relief.
• Magnesium Glycinate (also referred to as Bisglycinate): This form boasts one of the highest absorption rates and is very gentle on the stomach. It’s favoured for supporting sleep, stress reduction and muscular health without a laxative effect.
• Magnesium Malate: Combined with malic acid, a compound found in fruits like apples, this form is quickly absorbed and may be helpful for individuals with fibromyalgia.
• Magnesium Taurate: Typically recognised for its cardiovascular benefits, this form is bonded with the amino acid taurine.
• Magnesium L-Threonate: A newer form, L-threonate is being researched for the potential to support cognitive function, memory and neuroplasticity.

• Magnesium Sulphate: More commonly known as Epsom Salts, this form is primarily used topically in baths for muscle relaxation and skin health rather than orally, due to its potent laxative effect when ingested.
• Magnesium Chloride: Generally used in transdermal forms such as oils or sprays, magnesium chloride is well absorbed and is naturally occurring in lakes and seas.

Understanding the “Elemental”

When you compare magnesium supplements, you may notice that some labels list both the total compound weight and the amount of elemental magnesium per serving. Elemental magnesium refers to the actual mineral content available for absorption by the body once separated from the weight of its binding partner such as citrate, oxide or glycinate.

When choosing a magnesium supplement, looking at both the elemental magnesium content and the known absorption profile of each form helps ensure you’re getting the maximum benefit from every milligram you take.  Most adults need between 310mg (women) and 420mg (men) of elemental magnesium per day.

Any Excuse….

High-quality dark chocolate containing 70% cacao or more, makes for a magnesium-rich treat.

Which Magnesium Should I Choose?

To get the most from your magnesium supplement, follow these five simple steps:

1. Identify Your Goal
• Constipation relief: Magnesium citrate or oxide (in higher doses)
• Sleep and relaxation: Magnesium glycinate or L-threonate
• Muscle pain or fibromyalgia support: Magnesium malate
• Cardiovascular synergy: Magnesium taurate
• General supplementation: Magnesium glycinate or chloride
2. Calculate Elemental Magnesium
   Read the label carefully to ensure you’re getting your target dose of elemental magnesium.
3. Timing Matters
• Split daily doses (e.g., morning and evening) to help avoid digestive upset.
• Take with food to improve absorption (or take a liposomal form).
4. Beware of Laxative Effects
   Start with a lower dose and gradually increase. If loose stools occur, either switch to a gentler form like glycinate or reduce your dose.
5. Monitor and Adjust
   Notice changes in sleep quality, muscle comfort, mood and digestion.

Magnesium is an unsung hero of health, quietly at work in nearly every part of your body. By understanding the different supplement forms, decoding elemental magnesium and deciphering bioavailability, you can tailor your approach for maximum benefit.

For children who need a little extra help winding down at bedtime and maintaining healthy magnesium levels, magnesium glycinate is generally the gentlest and most effective choice. Because it’s bound to the calming amino acid glycine, it’s absorbed very efficiently, crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily and is far less likely to cause any tummy upset or loose stools than other forms like oxide or citrate.

Visit our brand partner: www.lipolife.co.uk for any further details and questions. Remember to quote BROOD15 for 15% off

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Navigating Vitamin Choices:

Supporting Your Family’s Health

by Charley Nicholls, Chief Operating Officer at Lipolife

In today’s fast-paced world, entrepreneurial spirit and the relentless drive to achieve a work-life balance have become more than trendy buzzwords, they define our way of life.  For working parents and self-starters, maintaining peak performance while ensuring your own and your family’s well-being is paramount. Enter the wellness world’s best kept secret, liposomal supplements.  An innovative approach to nutrition that’s transforming how we support our health, energy and overall vitality.

What Is The Difference Between Liposomal Supplements and Coventional Supplements?

Liposomal supplements are the wellness world’s best kept secret. An innovative approach to nutrition that’s transforming how we support our health, energy and overall vitality. Bioavailability is key for nutrients to reach their full potential and efficacy. In order to offer health benefits, vitamins and minerals must reach the target tissue and liposomal technology is a game-changer in bioavailability.
When you take a conventional supplement, your robust digestive system immediately begins breaking it down. In fact, traditional oral supplements often lose much of their potency during digestion, metabolism, and excretion before the active nutrients ever reach your cells. Enter liposomal technology. Liposomes are protective, microscopic bubbles composed of phospholipids, the very same material that makes up many of our cells. By encasing nutrients within these bubbles, liposomes shield them from the harsh environment of the gut, helping preserve their efficacy.
Moreover, these specialised carriers are designed to deliver their nutrient payloads directly to targeted cells or tissues, merging to significantly enhance absorption.
For busy professionals and parents, this means maximum nutrient absorption, reduced dosage frequency and a mighty boost to your overall health. Whether you’re powering through back-to-back meetings or juggling your child’s endless after-school activities, liposomal supplements provide the concentrated nutrition you need to keep up with your demanding schedule.

Liposomal Vitamin C

Supercharging the Everyday Vitamin

Liposomal Vitamin C takes this essential micronutrient to the next level by harnessing cutting-edge liposomal technology. Our advanced delivery system not only maximises absorption but also enhances efficacy, ensuring that every cell gets the full benefits of Vitamin C.

Key Benefits:
. Enhanced Immunity: Regular intake of Vitamin C is essential for a robust immune system. For busy parents and entrepreneurs, maintaining strong immunity is critical to staying on top of work and family life.
. Energy and Vitality: Vitamin C plays a role in energy production by assisting in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods, helping to combat fatigue, a common challenge for anyone balancing a hectic schedule.
. Antioxidant Protection: As a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C helps neutralise free radicals, protecting your cells from oxidative stress and promoting overall
well-being.

For the business-focussed mind and the active parent, Liposomal Vitamin C is an indispensable ally. Whether you’re preparing for a big presentation or ensuring your family stays healthy during flu season, this supplement provides a convenient and effective way to support your body’s natural defences.

By harnessing the power of liposomal technology, you can ensure that you and your family receive optimal nutrition, paving the way for sustained energy, robust immunity and overall well-being.

Liposomal Magnesium

The Hardest-Working Mineral for the Hardest-
Working Entrepreneur

Magnesium plays an essential role in the body, acting as a cofactor for over 300 enzymatic reactions but somewhat paradoxically it is often dubbed the “relaxation mineral.” This is because it plays a crucial role in muscle relaxation, nerve function and even the regulation of mood. Many of us don’t get enough magnesium from our diets, a problem that can lead to muscle tension, stress, and even sleep disturbance.

Why Liposomal Magnesium?

• Superior Absorption: The liposomal form of magnesium bypasses common gastrointestinal issues associated with traditional magnesium supplements, ensuring that more of this vital nutrient reaches your cells.
• Stress Relief: For the busy professional juggling deadlines, socialising and the ever-demanding schedule of parenting, magnesium supports a calmer nervous system, helping you manage stress more effectively
• Muscle and Nerve Health: Magnesium is essential for muscle repair and nerve function. This makes it a great supplement for active individuals and those needing a bit of extra relaxation.
• Enhanced Sleep Quality: A good night’s sleep is the cornerstone of productivity and overall health. Magnesium’s ability to promote relaxation can help improve
  sleep quality, making it easier to tackle each day with renewed energy.

For the business-focussed mind and the active parent, lipolife® Liposomal Vitamin C is an indispensable ally. Whether you’re preparing for a big presentation or ensuring your family stays healthy during flu season, this supplement provides a convenient and effective way to support your body’s natural defences.

Liposomal Children’s Multivitamin

Nurturing the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Guaranteeing that your children receive all the essential vitamins and minerals they need for healthy growth and development can be a daunting task, especially when your own schedule is overflowing. Liposomal Children’s Multivitamin’s are specially formulated to support the nutritional needs of kids in a tasty, effective and easy-to-absorb format.

Why do Children need Multivitamin’s?

• Immune Support: Multivitamin’s includes key nutrients that bolster their natural defences, including the secret wonder-ingredient, Nucleotides. Nucleotides are the fundamental building blocks of our DNA and RNA, essential for cellular growth, repair, and the transmission of genetic information. They play a particularly crucial role in children, supporting rapid cell division, brain development and a strong immune system during key growth phases.
• Energy and Cognitive Function: Essential B vitamins support brain function and energy levels, crucial for a child’s development, learning and active lifestyle. They play a key role in converting food into energy, which fuels both physical growth and cognitive development and they are critical for the proper functioning of the nervous system, aiding in brain development and overall learning processes.

As a working parent, you want to give your children every advantage in life, which includes a strong nutritional foundation. The right Liposomal Children’s Multivitamin can support their physical growth and lay the groundwork for long-term health and cognitive development.

More from our brand partner:

Integrating Liposomal Supplements into a Busy Lifestyle

For entrepreneurial and working parents, the challenge is often about making time for self-care amid the whirlwind of daily responsibilities. So liposomal supplements are designed to simplify your wellness routine, providing powerful, concentrated nutrients that work as hard as you do. Here are a few tips on integrating these supplements into your busy life:
. Morning Routine: Start your day by taking a Liposomal Vitamin C and a Liposomal Magnesium. These supplements can help boost your energy and support your immune system, setting a strong foundation for the day ahead.
. Family Health: Make taking Children’s Multivitamin’s part of your family breakfast routine. A fun, shared moment that emphasises the importance of health.
. Consistency Is Key: With the enhanced bioavailability of liposomal technology, you can trust that even a once-daily dose is working hard to keep your body in top
shape.
For the business-focussed mind and the active parent, Vitamin C is an indispensable ally. Whether you’re preparing for a big presentation or ensuring your family stays healthy during flu season, this supplement provides a convenient and effective way to support your body’s natural defences.

The Future of Health for Busy Families

As the demands of modern life continue to evolve, so too must our approach to health and wellness. Liposomal supplements represent a leap forward in nutritional science, offering a safe and effective way to safeguard your family.
By harnessing the power of liposomal technology, you can ensure that you and your family receive optimal nutrition, paving the way for sustained energy, robust immunity and overall well-being.
Empower your health journey today and experience the difference that advanced nutritional science can make. By integrating supplements into your daily life you don’t just have to survive the daily grind—you can thrive!

Shop online at lipolife.co.uk and use promo code BROOD15 for 15% off

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