With the holiday season just around the corner, we know that many of you have family holiday portraits scheduled in the coming days. When you are planning your family portrait this holiday season, consider some outside-the-box options.
Each year we receive dozens in the mail that, frankly, all look the same — and into the trash they go! Ditch the matching sweaters and have some fun this winter with pictures that are guaranteed to bring holiday joy.
Matching family pajamas from Lazy One.
When it comes to Halloween, there are those people who meticulously plan their costume a year in advance — finding the perfect props and carefully sewing, stitching, or gluing their masterpiece together — and then there are the rest of us. Halloween is less than a week away and we’re willing to bet you don’t have a costume either.
Rather than be the party pooper who shows up to the Halloween bash as themselves, look no further than your pajama drawer. By utilizing your pajamas in these six simple costume ideas, you will be warm, comfortable, and at least a hundred dollars richer for not having ordered a last-minute costume online.
Unlike an inflatable T-Rex or a garden gnome, you can wear your pajamas again and again. Here are costume ideas for the rest of us.
The crisp fall weather inspires us to put on our warmest pajamas, curl up on the couch, and snuggle up with a soft blanket and a good book. Here we have listed our favorite fall reads across all genres. But what exactly constitutes a ‘fall read’?
When autumn sets in, the days get shorter and colder, making many people miss the carefree sun-filled days of summer. ‘Wistful’ is a word that is often used to describe books that give us a feeling of slight melancholy, usually brought on by nostalgia. Fall reminds us of childhood, school years, and signals that the holidays are just around the corner. Not all novels that remind us of fall take place in autumn. ‘Fall,’ in a feeling, is a mood that defines each of these moody classics.
Three words: pumpkin spice everything. After an absolutely gorgeous summer, fall has finally arrived on the East Coast and temperatures are slowly starting to drop. With school back in session it’s the perfect time for a cozy slumber party, whether you’re in middle school or you’re in college. What better way to celebrate the season than in your favorite pajamas surrounded by all things pumpkin spice?
Not only is pumpkin spice the caffeinated beverage of choice for many this time of year, it creeps into our soaps, candles, and pastries too. The scent makes you feel like you’re hovering over a warm apple pie. To capture this feeling of warmth and comfort we’ve assembled a list of our coziest slumber party must-haves for the perfect fall pajama gathering.
Summer has officially come to a close. It won’t be long before pajama season is in full swing. Crisp fall air, brisk mornings, chilly nights, crunchy leaves, and cozy blankets slowly steer us indoors before winter. Fall is a season that is based largely on the sense of smell and soft, warm textures. Just the thought of freshly baked goodies, ‘pumpkin spice’ scented everything, wool sweaters, cashmere scarves, and pillowy down comforters are enough to make you want to crawl back in bed for a long nap.
With our internal clock set to hibernate, it’s no wonder we don’t want to get out of our pajamas until April. Here is a list of our favorite fall activities that are far better when enjoyed in the comfort of our favorite flannel jammies.
PJ Salvage Women’s Coffee Time Flannel Pajama Set in Dove
Long after you graduate from college, you will feel nostalgic excitement when you spot a soon-to-be college freshman roaming the aisles of a department store, cart packed full of storage bins, towels, and twin sheets. When you leave the comforts of home, your dorm room becomes a cave of comfort.
After a few months, the dorm itself becomes more like home: packed with friends and familiar faces, sharing takeout in the lounge, watching a favorite movie with a roommate, late night study sessions. Students develop different routines and schedules and the dorm becomes a buzzing hub of activity, just as a house is for families.
A person’s idea of home revolves around one key element: comfort. One of the classic comforts of home is your ability to wear pajamas anywhere you go. Check out our PJ “Look Book” below for ideas on how to stay cozy, calm, and comfortable anywhere on campus.
Boxercraft Black Stripe Lux Jogger
1. The “I’m Running Late for Class” Look. The line for the shower was six people deep and you finally got your turn — there was even hot water this time! Now you’re sprinting back to your dorm room in your bathrobe pick out a stylish outfit and do your hair with the 10 minutes you have left to get to class… or pull on the pajamas that are already on your bed, throw on a hoodie, and head out the door? No brainer.
Big Feet Pajamas Adult Navy Plush Hooded One Piece Footy
2. The “It’s Too Cold for Jeans” Look. It’s a winter wonderland! And by winter wonderland we mean sleet and freezing rain sloshing around in a frosty snow globe. Your class is across campus and life is good underneath your fluffy, warm down comforter. The thought of pulling on a pair of cold, stiff jeans isn’t the motivation you need to leave your cocoon. Taking a hot shower and zipping yourself into a pair of flannel one-piece footie PJs that feel more like a sleeping bag than actual clothes? That’ll do the trick.
Boxercraft Red and Black Plaid Flannel Pajama Pant
3. The “But It’s Raining” Look. Wet, cold, foggy: gross. You’re already going to have to navigate puddles and maneuver an umbrella when it’s raining sideways. Throw a jacket over these cozy flannel pants, slip on some dry rain boots, and you’re ready to swim to Organic Chemistry.
Boxercraft Fushia Dot Flannel Bitty Boxer
4. The “We Don’t Have A/C in Our Dorm and It’s 96 Degrees Outside” Look. If you’re sharing a hot tin can with 300 other co-ed sardines it can get a little stale and stuffy by springtime. After you’ve spent the night sweating next to your desk fan, it might be time to cool off in some breezy boxers in the fresh morning air.
Fuzzy Friends “Tiger” Slippers from Aroma Home
5. Finals Footwear. What day is it? Is it still nighttime? Where are the coffee filters? All questions you find yourself asking during dreaded finals week. This is not the week for real clothes. Or showering. Or sleeping. Or socializing. No finals week zombie walk is complete without a pair of comforting, fuzzy slippers. Slip these on, grab a slice of cold pizza, and knock out that test.
PJ Salvage “Stars” Women’s Plush Robe in Aqua
6. The “That Party Was Epic But I Need 10 More Hours of Sleep” Look. The party is over and you’re feeling less than peppy in the AM. You don’t want to leave bed, but the cafeteria stops serving bacon at 11. Compromise: a bathrobe is essentially a comforter you can wear. Win, win.
Boxercraft Women’s Navy Stripe Margo Loungepant
7. The “We Can’t Afford to Go Out Tonight” Look. When your budget looks like it’s about to be blown, it’s time to rally the troops for a binge-worthy Netflix marathon. Order a pizza and get comfortable in a pair of super soft, extra wide-leg pajama pants. It’ll feel like you’re watching TV in bed, even though you’re surrounded by ten of your closest, brokest friends.
The Cat’s Pajamas Women’s “Sushi” Cotton Pajama Pant in White
8. The “It’s Been a Rough Week” Look. Pajamas, above all, are a security blanket. Whether it’s a breakup, roommate drama, or stress from balancing school and life with your new internship, sometimes we just need to hibernate on the weekend. Make yourself a cup of hot chocolate (or noodles), turn on a Law and Order marathon, and shut off your phone. Put on a pair of PJs in the most fun, outrageous pattern you can find. You’ll be feeling like yourself again by Monday.
Embrace every pajama-filled, pizza-laden, coffee-saturated, sleep-deprived moment of your college experience — and good luck to the class of 2021! For the latest in dorm fashion, visit us at dorm ready.
Do you ever wish you could have one blissful day of wearing your pajamas to work? Starched suits with bland ties, high heels, dress pants, button downs, blazers. All seem designed to confine and limit personality. Whether the requirement is business casual or super formal, the rules of what to wear in a professional environment can make getting up in the morning harder than ever.
We all have moments where passion dips and the boring side of a career threatens to take over. For some jobs, it would be wise to set aside social norms in favor of shaking things up.
6 Pajama-Perfect Careers
The world already thinks of you as basement-dwelling mega hackers. Why not live up to that belief and roll right out of bed wearing your finest pair of pajamas? Arrive at your Silicon Valley position with a soy latte and ignore any shocked stares.
There’s a reason most mail delivery trucks have no doors. What better way to show off the latest in sleepwear fashion? Plus, it’ll give you a great talking point in the community as you deliver Amazon Prime packages.
This one’s essentially a no-brainer. Serious scribes don’t need to dress up to ponder their work in progress. Ties stifle creativity.
You spent years toiling to get through undergrad, med school, internship, and fellowship. You’ve worked hard and you deserve to treat yourself, so throw any expectations out the window. Besides, you hardly sleep. It’s only fair. (This is especially appropriate if you’re a pediatrician.)
It’s your business and chances are you have launched in your own home office. You’re the boss so your style sets the trend for your employees. Here at The Pajama Company, we think working in pajamas is key to productivity.
How can anyone keep their poker face when their opponent is dressed for bed? This strategy will help you maintain your edge as you raise the stakes.
All silliness aside, changing your clothing really can help you improve your mindset. Efficiency is as much about passion as it is about skill. If something is lacking in your professional life, consider taking a risk. It could be the change you need to work better and have a more satisfying nine-to-five experience.
What’s more American than hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cold beer? None of those things, actually. “Hot dogs” or frankfurters originated in Frankfurt, Germany, where a similar pork sausage was served. The hamburger is a deviant of a dish served in Hamburg, Germany in the 1800s. Beer? Originated in Egypt and Iran and was spread throughout Europe by German and Celtic tribes. Apple pie originated in the Netherlands in the 1500s. French fries… well, you get the idea.
This weekend, America will be 241 years young. Our traditions and our culinary history are defined by our immigrant culture. Even formalized barbeque started on the shores of the Caribbean. While these traditions may have started overseas, they are now woven into the tapestry of our nation. Key ingredients in a special sauce that makes America, America.
Given that a majority of our Independence Day traditions take place on the grill, we thought it would be fun to try these ‘Made in America’ marinades with that are inspired by various drops in our country’s melting pot. Marinate meat for a minimum of 30 minutes to as long as overnight. Happy 4th!
Irish immigrants first arrived in America around the year 1820 and the first Irish-American whiskey, The Emerald, was made in the U.S. in 1865. This whiskey marinade is fantastic on steak or hamburgers.
The first large rush of Italian immigrants to the U.S. was also in 1820. By the 1930s, Italian Americans were the leading producers of grapes in California. Many well-known wine brands such as Mondavi, Carlo Rossi, Petri, Sebastiani, and Gallo came from those early enterprises. The marinade below is excellent on grilled chicken or fish.
Mexican American history spans 400 years (yes, older than the United States!) and varies from region to region in the U.S. In 1900, there were more than 500,000 Mexican-Americans living in New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, California, and Texas. With the influx came chipotle (or smoke-dried jalapeno) peppers — the primary ingredient in adobo sauce. This marinade is fantastic for Carne Asada, or grilled flank steak.
In the French colony of Saint-Domingue, France tried to reintroduce slavery in 1804 to a revolt by former slaves. Saint-Domingue was declared the Republic of Haiti. Many of the wealthy colonists fled and took their Haitian slaves with them to New Orleans. Wealthy Haitian freedmen also immigrated, seeking to cultivate their own plots of land in South Florida. “Epis” means “the all-soaked” is used as a base or marinade in most Haitian meats, in rice blends, soups, and stews. This incredibly flavorful marinade is so versatile it can be used on poultry, fish, or beef.
Blend:
Greek immigrants have been colonizing in America since the late 1700s in Florida. By 1866, the community was so numerous that America had established its first Greek consulate in New Orleans. Souvlaki is a dish of skewered meat and vegetables, typically served with grilled bread or pita with various garnishes and sauces or as a dish with a side of fried potatoes. This marinade is a great on just about anything, but really pops on grilled chicken!
In 1903, the first group of Korean laborers came to Hawaii on January 13 (now known annually as Korean American Day). Between 1904 and 1907, roughly 1,000 Korean immigrants entered the mainland from Hawaii through San Francisco. After the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910, Korean migration to the U.S. came to a full stop. It wasn’t until 1952 that opportunities were more open to Asian Americans, enabling Korean Americans to move out of enclaves and into middle-class neighborhoods. With Korean immigration came Bulgogi or “Korean BBQ.” This tangy marinade is beautiful on grilled short ribs. The longer you marinate, the better!
This recipe actually came from a collection of marinades suggested for Israeli Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut), so it’s a fitting marinade for the 4th! Israelis began migrating to the United States shortly after the founding of the state of Israel in 1948. Date honey or date syrup (silan) was first brought to Israel by Iraqi Jews and is used similarly to molasses in a number of dishes. There are a number of recipes online for making your own or you can purchase silan online from websites like Amazon.com. This marinade pairs very well with a smoky grilled chicken and is best if left to marinate overnight.
Jamaicans were originally brought to the United States as slaves in 1838 with the explosion of the sugar plantations in European colonies in the Caribbean. That said, the first immigration wave for Jamaicans in America wasn’t until the 1960s. Presently, most Jamaican-Americans and immigrants reside in New York City. This dish might very well already be on your grilling menu. Grilled jerk chicken dates back to 1655, likely earlier, standing the test of time.
We wish you and your family a safe and happy Independence Day! Like many Americans, we look for opportunities to support the American worker and American entrepreneur. We’re proud to tell our customers about the brands we carry that produce 100% of their merchandise in the United States.
For more inspiration for family activities or gift ideas, visit us at thepajamacompany.com/blog.
Who says family movie night must be an indoor activity? Sure, it is easy to load a movie on your television, put on some comfy pajamas, and curl up on the couch with a big bowl of buttery popcorn….and if it is a cold, rainy night, go for it! But as the weather warms, your backyard beckons. There are so many ways to enjoy the fresh air of spring and warm nights of summer..
Did you know you can transform your backyard into an outdoor theater? With a few simple steps, you can create the ultimate outdoor movie experience for your family. Here’s how:
Before you move your equipment outside, you need to determine where to set it up. Is there an electrical outlet nearby? Will the reflection of a street light or porch light make it hard to see the movie screen? Is there enough room for comfortable seating with enough distance from the screen? These are things to consider and work out before you begin setting up your movie screen.
Once you’ve determined where to set up, you can turn this idea into reality. You’ll need a projector, DVD player, speakers, and a movie screen. For the movie screen, you can look for a good deal on a retractable projector screen, or you can make one yourself. The best DIY screen is one made with a crisp white sheet attached to a dark fabric backing. This provides clear, sharp images. For seating, you can use outdoor lawn or reclining chairs, inflatable mattresses, or even simply lay some comfortable blankets on the ground.
A movie is much more fun with good food. For anyone with kids, hot buttery popcorn, movie-sized sodas, and candy bars are really all you need to create the perfect outdoor movie menu. But, if you want to incorporate dinner into the movie experience, grill up some hot dogs, burgers, or whatever your family enjoys. Just keep it simple and try to stick with finger foods.
Now, this may be the easy or not-so-easy part. That depends on how agreeable your family is on movies. Of course, it is really great if you all agree, but if you don’t, there are other ways to decide on one. You can write your choices on pieces of paper, put them all in a jar and draw one. Do rock, paper, scissors or some other “fair” way to choose the movie. And don’t worry, even if your kids fuss a little about losing, it will soon be forgotten because this is more about the experience than the actual movie anyways.
Finally, once you’ve got it all setup, in the best outdoor location and have chosen your movie and food, it is time to enjoy. So, everybody put on your favorite PJs (and for a real treat, go with matching family pajamas – your little ones will love it), grab some blankets and pillows, and head out back for a magical night of family entertainment.
And remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. As you set up your ultimate movie experience, there may be some challenges such as finding the extension cord…or the dog eating your little one’s hot dog when she isn’t looking. But take heart, it is all a part of the experience. When your children grow up, and they will, precious memories like these are the ones they will remember, laugh about, and cherish for many years to come.
Father’s Day is fast approaching so put away the “honey do” list, tell the trash take itself out, and let the grass grow. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to gift-giving: there are the tech dads, the golf dads, the cooking dads, the sports dads, and the dads that would love to spend the whole day with their feet up with a cold beer in hand.
Then there are the on-the-go dads. These are the guys who can’t stop moving. The men who come home after a long day at work and chase the kids around the house, tinker with their latest project in the garage, or try a new marinade on the grill. For the adventurous family man out there with boundless energy, we’ve created a list of Father’s Day activities he’s sure to enjoy.
If you live near a river, lake, or the ocean, consider a guided fishing tour. Even the hobbyist can rent all the necessary equipment including a boat and a guide for a day. A fishing day trip would make a great joint gift for a group of dads or the entire family could enjoy a day on the water.
That camping trip he’s always wanted to take with the family? This might be the time to throw it together for a night or a weekend at a local park. If your kiddos are too little to make the trek, a cookout and camping in the backyard would be a blast as well. Don’t forget to unplug, play some board games, and stay up late eating s’mores of course.
For the man with a need for speed a family Go Kart trip would make a great gift. Or leave the kids at home and challenge your hubby to a little 1-on-1. He’ll definitely be surprised.
Let him feel like a kid again with a few round of laser tag. The family can play as a team or split up and get competitive. If this isn’t something you’ve done before, we can assure you you’ll be back again. Even the more buttoned-up members of your family won’t be able to help but let loose and enjoy a little childish fun.
For the beer-loving papa, it doesn’t get much better than a brewery tour. Tours include a behind-the-scenes look at the equipment, barrel aging facility, and in some cases a chat with a brewer. All tours have samples and most have food of some sort. The best part is that breweries are very family oriented and kid-friendly, so there’s no need to get a sitter.
An amusement park, county fair, or carnival are perfect Father’s Day activities for the man who loves to act like a kid with his kids. Ride roller coasters, compete for prizes at game booths, and eat cotton candy until you feel a little sick — it’s all part of the experience! By the day’s end your family will have created lasting memories.
If dad was a jock in high school consider a Father’s Day activity where he can show off his skills. A trip to the batting cages, driving range, or day passes to a nearby field house for soccer or basketball would be a great way for him to blow off steam and unwind.
Does he always talk about that road trip he took in college? Plan a weekend getaway to a nearby location. Whether it’s just the two of you or the family, make it extra special by renting a classic car or one that would be fun for him to drive.
Miniature golf is fun and all, but have you tried glow golf? Some states have indoor miniature golf that glows in the dark for a fun, disorienting, challenge. This is another Father’s Day activity that the kids will really enjoy with their dad. Plus it gives your man a chance to work on his short game.
Tickets to professional games are expensive and require quite a bit of advanced planning, usually with some travel involved. If you’re not able to or interested in going that big, consider other sporting events that might be local and fun for dad. Minor league baseball, horse racing, or a local roller derby league could all make for fun and memorable Father’s Day outings.
At the end of such an adventurous day, dad’s going to want to relax. Surprise him with a new robe or comfortable pajamas before he settles in for the night. For more gift ideas or inspiration for family activities, visit us at thepajamacompany.com/blog.