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Stay calm for the holidays. How to cope with holiday stress

Ahhh… the holidays. If you’re anything like us, you love this time of year. The festivities, celebrating with family and friends, and the all-out joyous feeling of the season truly does make it the most wonderful time of the year.

The only real downside of the holiday season is the inevitable rise in our stress levels. So many places to be, so many things to do, and it always seems like there isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done.

Don’t fret. You’ve got this. With these simple tips, you’ll skate through the holiday season with a minimal amount of stress.

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  1. Plan ahead. It may sound easier said than done, but if you make a list and check it twice, you’ll find that keeping organized can take a ton of stress away. You’ll have a better idea of what you need to do and when you need to do it. It also feels pretty great every time you can cross something off!

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  1. Remember to take time for yourself. Putting on your favorite pajamas, wrapping up in a cozy blanket, and enjoying a hot cup of tea can do wonders for helping you to relax.  Better yet, take an afternoon to treat yourself to a massage, a manicure, or a pedicure.
  2. Carry out a random act of kindness. It doesn’t have to be something huge. Keep an eye out for someone who may not be as fortunate as you, or is having a hard time, and do something nice for them. Have a neighbor that’s going through a difficult period in their lives? Bring them over some homemade cookies. Know someone who could use some help making the holidays special for their family? Purchase a couple of gifts for them (they don’t have to be expensive) that they can put under the tree. Helping others gives a whole new perspective on the true meaning of the season.
  3. Volunteer your time. Yes, we did say that it seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day, but if you can make yourself available for even a couple of hours to visit a nursing home, children’s hospital, or another facility that could use some extra holiday cheer – do it. The joy you bring others can be the biggest stress reliever of all. You’ll bring smiles to those who can’t celebrate the holidays as they should be.
  4. Exercise. It is a proven fact that exercise reduces stress. Physical activity stimulates your brain’s ‘happy’ neurotransmitters AKA endorphins. The positive flow of these mood elevators keep you on an even keel and naturally relieve stress. You also get the added bonus of working off those holiday treats you may have overindulged on.

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  1. Eat Good Food. It’s no secret that the holidays provide an overabundance of food that’s probably not so good for you. It’s literally everywhere and a poor diet can bring your blood pressure up which in turn can increase your body’s stress levels. It’s not that you can’t partake in the flavors of the season, just make sure that you stick to some kind of a healthy routine and include foods like citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, yogurt, and omega-rich seafood which are all known stress reducers.
  2. Wine. Need we say more?

And that’s it. Follow these tips and you’ll ease through the holiday’s feeling great and with less stress. You’ll be able to enjoy and take in all that this beautiful season of love and giving has to offer.

Happy Holidays from all of us at The Pajama Company!

You Need a Saturday Morning in Pajamas

The holidays are officially here! Shopping, holiday parties, and all the other seasonal festivities can have you juggling a pretty hectic schedule. Instead of rushing around and feeling stressed about everything you have to do, take two steps back and plan a Saturday morning at home in your pajamas.

We’ve got some great ideas to help you plan a perfect morning full of food, fun, and of course – family!

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Start it right with breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but you can make it extra special by changing things up. Get the whole family involved in making the meal by assigning everyone something special to make. Then when all cooking is done, you can all sit down together in your pj’s and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

 

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Another great idea is to have your breakfast in bed. Maybe the parents cook for the kids or better yet… let the kids cook and then serve it to you in bed. They get to show their creative sides and you get to sleep in!

 

Play games

After you’ve had your morning meal, why not get the gang together and play some good old-fashioned board games? You can play learning games, games of strategy, or just silly games that make everyone laugh. Regardless of what you choose, there is no need to change out of your pajamas!

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Decorate for the holidays

Since this is the holiday season, have the whole family partake in the decorating process. Get all your baubles and festive decor together, and let them loose. Instead of a chore (which it can sometimes feel like), the joy of being in your comfortable pajamas will make it a fun activity and allow everyone to be a part of creating your holiday atmosphere.

 

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Have a movie morning

Who says a movie marathon or binge watching can only take place at night? Saturday mornings are the perfect time to cozy up on the couch or in bed, pajamas and all. Watch your favorite flick, finally check out that film you’ve wanted to see, or even binge-watch episodes of the hottest new series that everyone’s talking about. Pop some corn, make some hot cocoa, relax, and enjoy the show!

 

Go independent

Yes! A Saturday morning in pajamas can also be about everyone doing their own thing! Give the family the chance to decide themselves how they want to spend their time (as long as pajamas are involved). Someone may want to just read a book while someone else may want to make cookies. There is no plan you have to follow. The sky’s the limit!

 

These are just a few ideas you can try and we know you’ll probably come up with tons of other great activities you can incorporate; we just wanted to get you started. We’re sure once you try it yourself; there will be many more ‘Saturday morning in pajamas’ days in your future!

 

We’d love to hear about how you do a pajama day! Share with us in the comments or tell us about them on our Facebook page!

Tackle Black Friday Like a Pro

The busy holiday shopping season is upon us again and it all kicks off with Black Friday. This is the day that retailers everywhere give deep discounts on merchandise so you can save big bucks on everything from clothing to computers.

The atmosphere in stores can be frantic and this epic shopping day can be stressful if not approached just right. Don’t fret – we’re here with tips to get you through it so you can cross people off your holiday list while still getting great deals and not losing your sanity in the process.

Plan Ahead

Unless you have superpowers, it is impossible to visit every single store that has Black Friday promotions. Prioritizing and planning will not only help you get what you’re after, but it will also make the day less hectic. Most retailers publish their sales well in advance so taking a couple of hours to make a list of where you are going to go and what you are going to buy will keep you on schedule. If you are signed up for your favorite stores email lists, you’ll get all the deals directly delivered to your inbox

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Know Your Budget

During the holiday season, people put themselves in debt that can take many months, and sometimes years, to repay. To avoid putting yourself into a financial bind, make a budget and stick to it. Know how much you can afford to spend and creating a budget based on it. Make sure to not only think about the gifts you are going to buy but also put a little extra into the fund for those impulse buys that are sure to sneak up on you.

Make Time to Reboot

Being in ‘go’ mode can be stressful on both mind and body. Make sure to take time to regroup and make sure you are sticking to your plan of action for the day. Stop for lunch, fuel your body, and take a deep breath. You won’t miss anything that important by taking an hour to decompress. You’ll find that the second half of your day to be much more carefree if you settle down for a rest.

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Keep Your Cool

Finding parking, crowded stores, and long checkout lines can be enough to send your stress meter into the red zone. We don’t want to sound like your mother, but you knew what you were getting into when you went out shopping on Black Friday so the best course of action is to just go with the flow.  Put a smile on your face and take in the spirit that is the holidays.

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Wind Down After the Day

Once the day is over and you’ve secured all those great Black Friday deals, you need to wind down from all the excitement. A great idea is to pull out the Crockpot and get your evening meal ready before you leave for the day. When you get home you don’t have to worry about feeding yourself or the troops. Dinner has cooked itself while you shopped away! Hide the presents, put on your favorite jammies, have a glass of wine or cup of tea, and enjoy a hot meal. You’ll have a great night’s sleep if you give yourself a little ‘you time’ at the end of the day.

Now that you have the inside scoop on how to approach Black Friday like a pro, we’re confident you’ll come out feeling fantastic about your haul. And don’t forget – Cyber Monday is just a few days later. Luckily you can do that in your comfy clothes right in your own home.

Do you have other Black Friday tips for the Pajama Company community? We’d love to hear them. Tell us in the comments or head over to our Facebook page and share them there!

Fall is the perfect time to adopt the Hygge lifestyle

The hottest trend is here to stay! Hygge (Pronounced ‘hoo-ga’ ) is the Danish lifestyle of comfort,  and it’s our favorite obsession.

The rest of the world is taking notice including right here in the U.S., and we, of course, couldn’t be happier. After all, Hygge is right up our alley. What’s more comfortable than pajamas? If you love to snuggle up with a good book and a hot cup of tea on a rainy or snowy day, then believe it or not you’re actually experiencing Hygge and you don’t even know it.

Hygge, however, isn’t just about the right loungewear and perfect soothing beverage. It’s also about transforming your space into the ultimate cozy comfort zone and allowing yourself to fully adopt the entire concept. We’re here to help you learn ‘How to Hygge’.

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Candles: If you ask the Danes, they will tell you that candles are a must to create the Hygge environment you need. The flickering lights and the warm glow transform your home into the perfect backdrop for getting your Hygge on. If you have a fireplace, that’s even better!

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Blankets: Full relaxation mode cannot be attained without wrapping yourself in the warmest, most comfortable blanket you have. It transports you to that happy place which is what Hygge is all about. Add some plush pillows for an extra level of bliss.

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Comfort Clothes: The cozier the better is the name of the game when it comes to fully immersing yourself into Hygge time. Of course, we are partial to pajamas and loungewear  but almost anything goes as long as you are covered from head to toe in comfort. Leggings, cozy socks, bulky sweaters and yes – even those sweatpants you’ve had for 20 years fit the bill.

Culinary Indulgence: It IS okay to break your healthy eating rules once in a while and savor the good stuff. We recommend freshly baked goods, hot chocolate, hot soup, hearty stew, or anything else that puts you in your happy place. It’s just one day. Live it up.

What is not Hygge

Technology: Looking at your phone, tablet or computer is the biggest no-no in the world of Hygge. The point is to unplug, take in your surroundings, and relax. We MIGHT let TV slide if you promise to watch light, carefree programming. Otherwise, turn it all off, grab a good book and detach from the everyday grind.

Forcing It: 2 kids home with the flu, is probably not the right day to try and submerge yourself into relaxation mode. Save it for a time when all is right with the world and the stars align just right.

Making Rules: The whole concept of Hygge is that there are no rules. We all have special ways we disconnect from the busy lives we lead, so make your time your own. There is no one way to Hygge which is what makes it so great!

So now that you know how to partake, what are you waiting for? There is a reason that Denmark is always in the top 3 ‘happiest countries’ list.

Hygge doesn’t have to be a fall/winter practice either. You can embrace it all year long. Just adjust your activities according to the weather. In the summer, you can pull up a lawn chair or hammock and indulge the same way outdoors in the warm bask of the sun (just don’t forget the sunscreen). Like we said, there are no rules!

Do you have some great tips and advice when it comes to mastering the art of Hygge? We’d love to hear them. Share in the comments or on our Facebook page!

Plan a fun Halloween Weekend with these frightfully fun ideas

Halloween is so much more than carving pumpkins, costumes, and trick or treating. Since there is nothing better than family time, why not plan an entire weekend to get everyone in the spirit? We have some spooktacular ideas that are sure to keep all the ghouls and goblins entertained and bring a wickedly fun twist to your Halloween activities!

Brew a Batch of Slime

Could there be a better time of year to make ooey-gooey slime? We think not. Slime making is easy, fun, and has all kinds of creative possibilities! You can make slime any color and add extras like plastic spiders, googly eyes, or glitter for a special extra touch. Here’s a simple recipe we found that both adults and kids will love playing with!

Get Wrapped Up in Mummy Bowling

Wrap Plastic bowling pins (available at almost any store that sells kids toys) in toilet paper, glue some eyes on, line them up, and voila- you have yourself a mummy bowling alley. You can use a rubber ball or if you want to make it extra fun, use a small pumpkin! Play as individuals or teams and have prizes for the winners!

Make Frightfully Fun Halloween Recipes

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A quick search for “Halloween Recipes” will produce 1000’s of fun snacks and treats that your whole family can sink their teeth into.  A great idea would be to give each person a recipe to make and let the creative juices flow. Not only will you have some tasty tidbits for your Halloween celebration, but the kids will also learn a little about cooking and how much fun it can be!

Craft up Some Decorations

Halloween crafts are another project with endless options. From painting pumpkins to festive paper lanterns you’ll make memories and have hours of enjoyment being creative! The best part is that after Halloween is over, you can put them away and bring them out to display for years to come!

Bob for Apples

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Bobbing for apples really is a Halloween tradition! People have been doing it forever and it’s one of those activities that get passed down from generation to generation. Ideally you want to play this fun game outside if the weather cooperates but if it has to be done inside, make sure to put some towels down to avoid slipping on wet floors.

Have a Scary (or scary-ish) Movie Marathonpumpkin flannel pajama pants

Have the whole family put on their pajamas, dim the lights, grab all those tasty treats you just made, and settle in for a night of spooky, scary fun. There are tons of age-appropriate options so make sure your playlist is suitable for your audience. We don’t want the little ones too scared or they’ll be up all night!

Tell scary ghost stories

Another fun pajama activity! Light a fire in the fireplace or fill the room with candles and turn off the lights. You can even hand out flashlights to use during storytelling. Take turns coming up with the scariest stories or talk about actual scary folklore from your neck of the woods.

Do the Time Warp

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The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult classic. One of the most iconic parts of the film is the classic ‘Time Warp’ song with dance. Since the film is not suitable for all ages, download just that part of the movie to play on your TV. You’ll have a blast learning the dance and watching everyone get their moves on. Plus… you’ll get a little exercise to work off all the treats!

We’d love to hear your ideas for a fun Halloween weekend too! Share them in the comments or visit our Facebook page and show us your pictures of how you celebrate the scariest night of the year!

5 Super Easy Halloween Costumes That Start With Pajamas

We’re all pressed for time these days but Halloween is just around the corner which means parties, trick or treating and playing dress-up! This year, instead of an uncomfortable costume that also requires tons of time and effort, check out our ideas for simple and quick ensembles for both adults and kids that you can whip together in no time.

Baby Shark Kids

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Baby Shark Do Do Do Do… Love it or hate it, it’s at the top of the trending Halloween costume list this year. Both adults and kids are jumping in with both feet! The idea is actually simple. Pink or blue PJ’s, a white baseball cap with a little modification to the bill, and a pool inner tube around your waist. Make sure to use your hand chomping skills for that extra touch.

Get Wild

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Dressing up like a leopard is the ultimate way to show your wild side. With a leopard print footie, some cat ears, and some cool cat make-up it’s a purrrfectly fierce costume idea that will work for all your Halloween functions.

A family of Lumberjacks

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Dad, Mom, the kids, and even the family dog can look like they just stepped out of the forest with this easy lumberjack costume idea. With red and black plaid flapjacks, work boots, fake beards & mustaches, and some lumberjack tools (make sure they’re kid safe) you’ll be the family that everyone remembers trick or treat night!

Knock ‘em out

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A boxer is one of the simplest costumes you can throw together. Get yourself a robe, some shorts, high-top sneakers, boxing gloves, a mouth guard, a towel, and maybe add a little makeup ( a black eye or bloody lip for instance) and you’re ready to rumble!

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Because no one has ever actually seen the Great Pumpkin, you can use your creativity and come up with your own version of this mysterious Halloween hero that only Linus believes in. Start with some Halloween themed pajama bottoms and let your imagination take over from there. You can be sexy, cozy, secretive (with a mask) or even scary. The sky’s the limit!

The VERY BEST part about using pajamas as your Halloween costume is that when you’re finished celebrating, there’s no need to change! Just crawl in bed as you are!

We’d love to hear see how you use pajamas as a Halloween costume. Tell us about it here in the comments or head over to our Facebook page and share your pictures. We can’t wait to see your creativity!

Planning the Perfect Sleepover – Food, Fun & Games!

Slumber parties, overnighters or sleepovers. However you name them, they are a rite of passage that every child likely will be a part of at some point in his or her life.

These days putting together the perfect sleepover is almost an art form. It takes strategic planning, patience, and LOTS of great ideas.

So get the kids in their pajamas because we’re here to help with some great tips that will help you pull off the perfect sleepover.

Food

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Need we say more? The cuisine you feed the kiddos is going to make or break the event so it has to be over the top! Some tried and true snacks may include:

  • Popcorn – But don’t just give them plain old boring kernels. Make it a fun culinary game by having various toppings and ingredients that they can make their own creations with. Some may like it sweet, while others go for salty, so have plenty of ingredients on hand like chocolate chips, candy corn, nuts (if no one has allergies), dried fruits, sprinkles, caramel, and more! The sky’s the limit so set them up and let the little master chefs take over.
  • Pizza – Who doesn’t like pizza right? And the pie building possibilities are endless. Again, let them create their masterpiece with a wide assortment of ingredients. Different meats, veggies, sauces (red & white) and cheeses will be a hit. You could even use mac & cheese if you really want to mix it up and gluten-free crusts are readily available should someone have dietary restrictions.
  • Cupcake decorating – You can have the cakes pre-made so your guests can get right to decorating. Just remember to do this early in the evening because you don’t want the sugar to kick in at bedtime!
  • Healthy Snacks – Don’t forget to provide healthy options as well. Yogurt parfaits, mixed fruit, and dark chocolate-covered strawberries are just a few healthy offerings you can make available. You can also replace soda with fruit-infused water and let them create their own flavors!

Fun

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Now that everyone has a full belly, it’s time for the real fun to begin! Planning activities that will keep their attention AND give them a night to remember may seem like a challenge but we’ve got you covered. Here are some ideas to get the party started.

  • Set up a photo booth – It’s as simple as putting up a background (a bed sheet or painted piece of plywood works great) and letting them pose. Snap fun pictures and encourage them to let their personalities shine. You’ll also have pictures the kids will cherish forever!
  • Karaoke – let them SING! Need we say more?
  • Movies – Everyone likes a good movie so make sure to pick some age-appropriate movies that everyone in attendance will enjoy.

Games

There are lots of games that the group can play together that will make everyone laugh and bond. This can be especially important if you find any of your guests feeling a little homesick.

  • Balloon Races – One blown up balloon for each team and a clear space (it doesn’t have to be big) where the kids can move around is all you need. Divide the players into even teams and place a balloon between the knees or thighs of the first person. The goal is to run with the balloon between their legs without losing it to the other side where a team mate waits. Transfer the balloon to the next team mate without using hands who then returns to the other side. Repeat the transfers until everyone has had a go. The first team to finish wins.
  • Scavenger hunt – Give everyone a list of fun items to find (and keep) and send them in search of treasures. Don’t worry; you don’t have to give them full run of the house either. Limit the hunt to somewhere like the basement, living room, or if the weather is on your side, do it outdoors. Some kids will find more items than others so make sure that everyone gets something for their efforts at the end.
  • Emoji bingo – Just like the bingo we all know but with emojis! There are dozens of downloadable bingo cards online so it’s a very simple game to set up and play. Have small prizes for the ones that yell BINGO!

You are now on your way to sleepover mastery! You’ll receive rave reviews and who knows… you may even get the parent of the year award!

The Art of Napping

Taking a nap…

There are some that do it with awe-inspiring expertise, and then there are those who just aren’t daytime sleepers.This post is dedicated to all you non-nappers out there. We’re going to convert you with some great advice and ease you into becoming a member of the napping population!

Did you know that afternoon naps in many other countries are actually a tradition and observed after the midday meal? This rest period revitalizes and prepares folks to tackle the rest of the day. Many recent studies have also confirmed what so many others already know.  A peaceful 20-minute nap does wonders for productivity, energy, and even attitude.

Why aren’t you recharging your batteries on a regular basis? The excuses are usually always the same. “I’m too busy to nap” or “I can’t sleep in the daytime,” or “my mind won’t stop thinking long enough for me to take a rest.”

Napping is an art –pure and simple. If you follow these tips, you too can see how the other half lives!

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Get Comfortable (or as much as you can)

If you are a stay at home parent or work from home, this is not a problem. If however, you are one of the millions of people that have to go to your place of employment every day, this becomes a bit more of a challenge but is not impossible. Most people get an hour for lunch so after your meal, close your office door, find an empty conference room or employee lounge, or even go to your car (seats recline wayyyy back). You may need to try a few different ideas but eventually; you’ll find something that works.

Clear Your Mind

It sounds hard, but do your best to put everything that’s going on in your hectic life aside for a little while. Think of people or things that make you smile. Maybe imagine that you’re lounging on a tropical beach with the waves rippling around you. You’ll find that you are transported to a calm, soothing place that allows you to relax.

Cover Up

There’s something about being wrapped in a cozy blanket that just makes us feel good. Covering up will give you a sense of security and well being. Plus, science has shown that when you feel secure, your metabolism falls, your breathing rate slows, and this allows your body to slip into sleep mode much easier.

Lights Out

Again, not always an option for every scenario but if possible, nap in a dark place. Shutting out light tells your body it’s time to go into standby mode. If you can’t turn the lights out, get yourself a sleep mask which will block the light for you.

Keep it Short

If you sleep too long, you will wake with a feeling of grogginess and disorientation. Long naps can also negatively impact nighttime sleep.  We recommend 20 to 30 minutes at the most. Make sure to set an alarm on your phone so you don’t oversleep.

Make it a Routine

If you nap at the same time every day you will stabilize your circadian rhythms and maximize the benefits. Really, the ideal thing to do is just  make it a part of your daily schedule!

Now that you know all the secrets of becoming a napping professional, give it a try. We think you’ll become addicted in no time. And don’t forget… rainy weekends are perfect times to practice and perfect your napping skills – or, lounge around in your pajamas all day if you prefer!

Easing into Fall – 5 ways to make it great!

Labor Day weekend is here, and for most, it means the end of summer and the beginning of fall.

For those that love the hot weather, it’s a sad time as we know the days get shorter, the temperatures drop, and winter is just around the corner. We hold on to each day of summer like it’s the last!

For others, this is the best time of year. Cooler days and brisk nights mean bring on the pumpkin spice, warm sweaters, bonfires and snuggling up in your favorite lounging clothes.

Regardless of which side of the tracks you are on, here are some great ways to slowly ease out of summer and work into fall so you can enjoy all that the change of seasons has to offer.

Take advantage of the weather

There will still be some great – even hot weather this year but we will also start to see many days where temperatures are cooler than we’ve been used to. Don’t fret -this is actually the best time to take advantage of your surroundings. Explore a local hiking trail, go to the zoo, or visit a pumpkin farm. It’s not so hot and you’d get so much more enjoyment from your adventure. Every community has so many fun and unique things to do, and the weather is optimal to take advantage of them. You’ll probably find new and exciting places you never even knew about.

Buy something new for the season

A new sweater, a cute pair of shoes, or some really great pajamas can make fall just a little more exciting. Fall fashions are everywhere and you’ll look forward to wearing your new digs and participating in autumn activities. Plus, you’ll be just that much more stylish doing so!

Cook, cook, cook

A plethora of fall produce makes for amazing meals. ‘Tis the season for soup, stews, and baking! Head out to your local farmers market or produce stand and pick up some fresh ingredients that you can turn into some great dinners and desserts. Squash, cabbage, beets, turnips, and apples are in abundance and just waiting to be turned into your next delicious creation.

Give Mother Nature her kudos

In many parts of the country, Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show as the leaves change from green to red, orange, yellow and purple. Make a day of it. Get the family in the car and take a drive to wooded and rural areas where you can take in the stunning beauty that defines fall. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures! Friends and family living in parts of the country that don’t get to witness the phenomenon will be super envious!

Decorate your home

Whether you plant fall flowers like mums, or bring out fall decor to adorn your home, the true colors of fall will definitely help you embrace the season and everything it has to offer. Another great thing to do is to involve your kids in fall craft projects. They can harness their creative sides and you’ll have some life long art that you can display for years to come.

 

The transition is here and whether you’re a “yay” or a “nay” these fun ideas will help you get the most out of each day.

Happy Fall!

 

Get Dorm Ready With The Coziest Dorm Room Ever

As summer slowly fades into fall, we welcome the beautiful transition with autum leaves, a crisp breeze and pumpkin spice lattes. But the seasons arent the only thing transitioning because it’s time for wide-eyed freshmens to move into their college dorm! Heading off to college is a huge milestone, and while the anticipation of this new chapter is exciting, having a little tension about the change is completely natural. 

The prospect of finally living on your own is exciting, but what about the comforts you love at home? For many, moving from home to a college dorm is a difficult transition. 

We’re here to help you get dorm ready with the coziest dorm room ever. In fact–your parents will want to crash at your place because it’ll be so inviting! 

Pile on the Cozy Details

Truth is, you are going to spend a lot of hours in your bed during your college years, so let’s pile on the cozy details. Not only do throw pillows add layers of comfort to your bed, they add a personal touch that elevates the coziness of your dorm room. The final touch to your ultra comfy bed setup is blankets. Is there anything more cozy than your favorite fluffy blanket? Put a wicker basket next to your bed and stock it with fuzzy, cozy, fluffy blankets varying in weight and size. After a day of exams, retreat to the dorm and snuggle up inside a cozy blanket. Don’t forget to slip into your coziest slippers the second you walk into your dorm room.

Personalize Your Wall Decor

Say goodbye to drab white walls that lack personality and comfort. One of the most creative and fun dorm room ideas is to decorate your walls with reflections of what you love. Hang a tapestry on one wall for a pop of color and a dramatic backdrop to the cloud of comfort that is your bed. Or, get creative and curate a wall collage including magazine pictures, poloroids of your friends and family, inspirational quotes, photos of your furry friend at home, and band posters.

Decorating your walls creates an inviting space that feels like home, because you’ve got all of your favorite things surrounding you. When home sickness sets in, simply look at the walls to find refuge in the things you love most.

Stay Stylishly Organized

An organized space means a happy and peaceful state of mind, which will ultimately help you stay focused and perform your best. It’s no secret that dorm rooms are typically small, which is why it’s crucial to keep things organized. College is a period of life with high academic and social pressure, so you don’t need clutter adding any stress to your life. Achieve feng shui in your safe haven by minimizing clutter that is proven to drain you of positive energy. Think of moving into your dorm as a fresh start, and in the words of organizational guru, Marie Kondo, only keep things that “spark joy.” Additionally, incorporate organizational items like woven baskets, storage containers and bins to keep your space clean, organized, and full of zen.

Devote an Area of Your Dorm To Cozy Time

Even in the most intimate dorm room quarters, you can carve a space devoted exclusively to cozy time. That corner by the closet? Throw a bean bag and fluffy rug down and make it your reading nook. Got room by the window? It’s begging for floor pillows and throw blankets; make this space your nap zone between classes. Don’t forget to bring your coziest pajamas for those power naps and cram sessions.

An added bonus of delegating a small area of your dorm room to cozy time is that both you and your roommate can benefit from it, though it might be hard not to fight over it because it’s going to be oozing with coziness.

Get Your Zen On

Speaking of cozy vibes, create the ultimate dorm room sanctuary by bringing in elements that are uplifting and make you feel good. Forage the campus for flowers and greenery to freshen up your dorm room. Add a diffuser to your desk and stock up on essential oils to fill the air with reinvigorating aromas. Light candles during those late night study sessions and add a string of lights to the wall to brighten up your space. Add succulents or plants that don’t require a lot of attention, but enrich the room with life and oxygen. These little touches will turn your dorm room into a cozy retreat that fosters focus and productivity.

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The Ultimate Dorm Room Essential – Cozy Pajamas

Chances are you’re going to spend a lot of time in your pajamas, so they might as well be super cozy. Pajamas are a token of comfort, and you likely spent lazy Sundays and weeknights in your pj’s at home, so be sure to bring this dorm room essential for instant comfort. 

Whether you’re snuggling up to a cup of coffee for a netflix binge, studying with friends or strolling the dorm halls in your comfy slippers, comfortable pajamas are a key ingredient to help you get dorm ready.

There you have it! With these dorm room ideas, you’ll have an inviting sanctuary that’s as cozy as home.

Checking your list of unexpected things to bring to college? Perhaps you’re shopping for things to buy for a college freshmen? Pajamas are a great gift and just so happen to be one of the top dorm room essentials! Stock up on cozy pj’s from our dorm ready pajama collection.