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Create the Ultimate Outdoor Movie Experience in Your Backyard

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:

Step 1: Determine the best location in your backyard.

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.

Step 2: Set everything up.

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.

Step 3: Create your ultimate movie night menu.

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.

Step 4: Choose a movie to watch.

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.

Step 5: Put on your favorite PJs, head out back, and enjoy the ultimate movie experience.

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 Activities He'll Love

10 Wild Father’s Day Activities He’ll Actually Love

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.

Top 10 Father’s Day Ideas for the Adventurous Dad

1. The Guided Fishing Trip

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.

2. Camping

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.

3. Go Kart Racing

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.

4. Laser Tag

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.

5. Brewery Tour

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.

6. Amusement Park

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.

7. Batting Cages

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.

8. Road Trip

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.

9. Glow Golf

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.

10. Sporting Event (but not the ones you’re thinking of)

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.

The Sleepover Survival Guide: 10 Tips for an Easy Sleepover

“Can I have a sleepover?” The question will arrive sooner than you think. You’ll hesitate, accept, and wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat wondering what you agreed to. Nighttime routines with your own children are exhausting enough, much less with several more! There’s no need to panic. We’ve compiled the best ideas for making through the night.

How to Host a Sleepover

1. Don’t bite off more than you, or your child, can chew.

While your child may think she’s ready to have five of her friends over to the house for a sleepover, it’s ultimately up to you to decide. Questions to ask yourself:

  • — Is she ready to entertain a group of her peers?
  • — Does she do well on 1-on-1 playdates?
  • — Will she depend on you to come to the rescue if partygoers aren’t having a great time? 
  • — Do her friends at school already have preteen drama? Would that drama spill over into the evening?

Start with a 1-on-1 sleepover. Test the waters for both of you. Once you have successfully hosted a couple of events and both you and your child feel comfortable, then you can build up to larger numbers. If possible, only allow your child to invite children that you’ve interacted with during a playdate. If these are actually close friends, you should have met them before. Try to keep the number of attendees even to avoid the “odd child out” scenario, especially if you think the children will be playing games in teams.

Most importantly make the pick up and drop off times crystal clear to the parents of the participating children. You’ll want all of the partygoers promptly out the door the next morning.

2. Don’t stress about scheduling every minute with activities.

Let your child lead the charge. Ask what they like to do with their friends and how they plan on spending their time. By the age of 9 kids are used to entertaining each other during recess, in between classes, and at lunchtime. They are fully capable of making conversation amongst themselves. If left to their own devices, they’ll invent their own sleepover games just like they invent games on the playground.

If would feel better prepared with a few ideas at your fingertips, here are 7 Awesome Sleepover Games you can try.

3. Keep the sleepover to one room.

Decide where everyone will be during the sleepover and let your child know ahead of time that this is where all the activities for the night will be taking place. This keeps the mess and the noise contained one area and leaves the rest of the home for parents and other siblings to enjoy — away from the madness.

4. Stock up on sleepover movies.

Sit down with your child and come up with a list of ideas for different movies to stream or rent at a nearby RedBox. Keep them light to avoid potential nightmare drama.

Let your child make it known ahead of time what the main movie will be and have a few others queued up if they’d like have a movie marathon, or in the event your child is having a hard time hosting. Here are Our Favorite Summer Sleepover Movies to get you started.

easy sleepover snack ideas

5. Easy sleepover snacks.

It really is incredible that Madison’s mom made princess-themed cupcakes to go with a showing of Frozen, but if you don’t have the skills, time, or energy to whip up two-dozen cupcakes — don’t worry about it! The kids are excited about spending the night away from their parents, without a bedtime, and with as much screen time and Doritos as they stomach.

Order a few pizzas and dinner is served. You can pick up cupcakes at the grocery store for a “princess slumber party” or grab an economy sized bag of pizza rolls for a showing of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. With food allergies accounted for, a readily inexpensive supply of soda, chips, popcorn, or candy is sure to make any kiddo happy.

If you want to get really crazy, mix your own party punch with fruit juices and give it a name like Fizz Punch or Rocket Fuel to make the event feel a little more special for the kids. You can even make the punch with low-sugar, no-sugar added, or organic juices and club soda if that’s more your style.

6. Check-in as often as you’d like.

You are going to be responsible for other people’s children. This is not a responsibility that any parent takes lightly. We also don’t want to embarrass our child with frequent check-ins. Sometimes we just need to hear it: no, you’re not being paranoid.

Feel free to pop in every 30 minutes or hover quietly outside a door to listen for signs of drama. It’s better air on the side of caution, especially if both you and your child are new to hosting sleepovers and you have children who you don’t know in your home.

Once you have a few more sleepovers under your belt you may feel better about increasing the stretch of time between check-ins. It’s also acceptable to make your presence known by walking into the room to replenish snacks or beverages. For some kids, knowing there is an adult nearby is reassuring when they’re away from home.

7. Encourage a “bedtime.”

Make it known to your tiny house guests what time dinner will be served, what time you’re starting the movie, and at what time lights-out will occur. Make it clear that they are to lower their voices so the rest of the house can sleep. Depending on ages of course, we’d recommend lights out by 11pm but have them get comfortable in their pajamas (if they don’t arrive with them on) as soon as possible.

Nightlights are inexpensive and can be purchased in packs of two or three so you can keep a bathroom, hallway, or party room dimly lit. Other options are flashlights and battery-operated camping lanterns.

8. When a sibling feels left out.

Feelings may get hurt when one sibling gets to host a sleepover and another does not, especially with the younger set who hasn’t aged into these activities yet. See if a sibling can go see a movie with a friend’s family or relative that night. A sleepover at grandma and grandpa’s might also be an option. If not, let younger siblings sleep in a sleeping bags in your bedroom for their own “sleepover.” Rent a movie they would like to watch on another television, tablet, or device if that’s a possibility. This would also be a great time to introduce a new coloring book, craft, or activity to your other child or children.

9. Cereal for breakfast.

Step away from the Pinterest French Toast Bake with Freshly Whipped Cream. Like a mother with an infant, you’ve likely been straining to hear signs of distress all night, ready to pounce like a mama bear. Now you and the kids are tired. If they’re old enough, set out a continental breakfast the night before so they can help themselves, or at least make it easier for you to dish out.

Line up cereal, store bought muffins or pastries on the counter and make milk and orange juice clearly visible and accessible in the fridge. For easy clean up, use disposable plates and bowls.

10. Teach your child to clean up after their sleepover.

Your child is going to wiped the next day, but make sure they participate in cleaning up after their party. They need to know how much work goes into hosting and what will be required of them when they host at their home in the future. Even the youngest children are perfectly capable of throwing away discarded napkins, candy wrappers, and paper cups or running a vacuum.

After they’re finished tidying up, let them have a lazy afternoon with the rest of the family to recuperate. You all earned it.

For more tips and ideas for sleepover fun, visit The Pajama Company on our blog or check us out on Facebook.

What Is Your Pajama Style?

Ever wondered what your ultimate pajama style might be? Answer these 6 questions and you will find your match!

My favorite drink on a winter night is:

a) Wine, as usual

b) Milk & Cookies

c) Cosmopolitan

d) Hot chocolate

My ideal vacation is:

a) Backpacking through the Amazon

b) Disneyworld

c) New York City

d) A cabin in the woods

My favorite movies are…:

a) Sci-fi thrillers

b) Classic Disney, animated

c) Musicals

d) Romantic Comedies

My favorite outfit is:

a) Sundress + flats

b) Oversized tee, leggings + flip flops

c) Little black dress + heels

d) T-shirt, jeans + Converse

My favorite meal is:

a) Tacos

b) Mac + cheese

c) Arugula salad + chicken

d) Roast with potatoes + carrots

My friends would describe me as:

a) Free-spirited, flexible and on-the-go

b) Young at heart, energetic, FUN!

c) Organized, prompt, dependable

d) A good listener, laid-back, an old soul

Mostly A’s: (Nightshirts)You are a nightshirt kind of gal. You can’t be bothered with keeping track of matching pieces and you certainly don’t want to be bound up by footed pajamas or sweaty flannels. You are a free bird ready to tackle the world to the beat of your own drum!

emerson somedaysmodel200

Mostly B’s: (Footed Pajamas)Footed pajamas are your jam. You like being cozy and let’s face it, you are a kid at heart. You see the obvious benefit to wearing your blanket (hello, no need for socks!) and you are too confident to care what anyone thinks!

bigfeet-purplefleece

Mostly C’s: (Matching Set)Miss matchy-matchy! You are orderly and enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free life (you probably even have Tupperware that matches!). You are trendy no matter where you go, even in your own bedroom!

lazy navyclassicfam340

Mostly D’s: (Warm Flannels) The comfy zone is where you like to hang. Fireplaces and hot chocolate are at the top of your list for winter must-haves. You rock the traditional flannel look (and slippers?) because being cold is never in style!

pjsal coffeemodels

ideas for mother's day, support maternal health, #orangerose

Celebrate Mother’s Day: Support Maternal Health

While we’re all browsing the web for ideas for Mother’s Day, this is also a time to consider mothers-to-be. For most women, whether you’re expecting your first or your fourth child, anticipating the arrival of a baby is fraught with anxiety. For women without access to proper maternal care and a safe delivery, it’s a nightmare.

Access to safe, affordable maternal care is a struggle for women globally. Did you know 303,000 women die every year as a result of complications during pregnancy and childbirth? That’s one woman every two minutes. It is also still a struggle for expectant mothers in the United States, where the maternal mortality rate has risen. Although 99% of Maternal Deaths occur in the developing world, In America two women die every day from preventable pregnancy complications as a result of a lack of access. 

The sad reality is that 98% of these maternal deaths are preventable.

As part of the movement to create a global network of women supporting women, Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to honor mothers and women around the world by supporting a cause that, at its core, is close to every person’s heart.

Pass the #OrangeRose.

We a proud to partner with Every Mother Counts (EMC) an organization that is supporting the global community by providing mothers around the world with access to maternal care. Their life-saving grants for pregnant women have impacted over 600,000 lives.

The orange rose is the universal symbol of maternal health. This Mother’s Day, Every Mother Counts is encouraging individuals to ‘Pass the #Orange Rose’ as part of a campaign that raises awareness for maternal health and the preventable causes of death associated with childbearing.

ideas for mother's day, support businesses that give back

Top 5 Causes of Preventable Maternal Death:

1. Lack of access to properly trained staff and fully equipped clinics. This is not just a ‘third world problem.’ Access to maternal health care is disappearing in rural America, according to this recent article in Scientific American. Many women in  rural United States travel more than 90 minutes to deliver their baby. Most who make the trek end up delivering on the side of a road. When a rural hospital budget is cut, obstetrical wards are often the first to go. For example, in 1980, 45 of Alabama’s rural hospitals had obstetrical services. Today, in 2017, only 16 of them offer obstetrical care.

2. Postpartum bleeding. Postpartum bleeding — the result of not all of the placenta being delivered, a tear in the uterus, or poor blood clotting — occurs in up to 18% of births and is the most common maternal morbidity in developed countries.

3. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders, the most well-known being preeclampsia (very high blood pressure due as a result of the pregnancy), are commonly spotted and addressed during routine maternal care. However, if a mother is not receiving this vital care and delivers without the assistance of medical professionals, she would have no way to spot the signs. When left untreated, it results in death during pregnancy or within six weeks of delivery.

4. Postpartum infections. Postpartum infections are another difficult one to spot with all of the trauma that a woman’s body goes through after delivery (akin to a major surgery). Also particularly difficult to catch if this was a mother’s first childbirth and she has no baseline for what’s considered feeling “normal” after delivery. The most common infection is puerperal sepsis. Individuals receiving maternal care would have this caught either in the hospital before discharge or by the their first routine checkup the week after delivery and are cured quickly and easily with antibiotics. Without that care, however, the outcome is quite the opposite.

5. Obstructed labor. Though the uterus appears to be contracting normally, during obstructed labor the baby cannot exit the pelvis. Without giving birth under the watchful eye of staff trained in the signs and protocol for obstructed labor or without the ability to transfer the mother to a  hospital where doctors can safely perform a caesarean section, this is another common complication that will result in a preventable maternal death.

Companies That Give Back: Maternal Health Mondays

Here at The Pajama Company, we can’t imagine a life without our mothers. Let’s work together and create a network of individuals and businesses who support the global community of women and ensure that more children can have a chance to make memories with their mom in 2017.

10% of every pajama sale on Maternal Health Monday will go directly to Every Mother Counts to

  • –Provide pre- and postnatal care and education for low-income, at-risk mothers in central Florida
  • –Provide electricity and training health workers to prevent deaths from postpartum hemorrhage in Tanzania
  • –Train midwives and provide emergency transfers from rural clinics to referral hospitals in Haiti
  • –Train activists and lawyers to document maternal health rights violations in India
  • –Provide transportation vouchers to pregnant women, enabling them to get to a clinic for the full course of prenatal care, safe delivery, and follow-up visit in Uganda
  • –Provide 1,000 women with the full range of pregnancy care in Bangladesh
  • –Recruit and train 6 professional Syrian midwives to provide emergency obstetric and trauma-based care inside Syria
  • –Train indigenous students from rural areas to become professional midwives in a university degree program in Guatemala

EMC works toward the goal of making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere. You can support EMC by donating directly or by supporting one of their partners, including us at The Pajama Company, TOMS, and Clare V.

 

 

 

 

5 Easy Mother’s Day Ideas to ‘Set the Mood’ for Relaxation

We’re going to let you in on a little secret: it doesn’t matter if you serve your wife French toast or a bowl of stale Cheerios for her Mother’s Day breakfast in bed. What she really wants for Mother’s Day is rest, relaxation, and lot of downtime in her best pajamas.

People create nighttime routines for relaxation: small things like sliding on your favorite slippers, turning down the lights, wearing the most comfortable pajamas, turning off your phone, or opening a good book are all popular bedtime rituals. These healthy bedtime habits are the key to getting a good night’s sleep.

This Mother’s Day weekend ‘set the mood’ for R&R by showing her that you appreciate everything she does for your family. The easiest way to show your gratitude is by taking on some of the tasks she does regularly, freeing up time for her to decompress.

Here are simple ways to show appreciation will have a big impact on Mother’s Day, or any day of the week:

1. Give mom time to unwind.

Order pizza on Sunday night. Put a movie on for the kids and take charge of cleaning up after dinner. Suggest she sneak away to take a long bath, read a book, and enjoy some quiet time to herself while you get the kids ready for bed. Then let her rest, uninterrupted.

2. Give mom a morning to sleep in.

Keep the kids from bombarding her with their homemade cards at 5am on Mother’s Day morning. Explain that she’ll be really excited to see them after she’s had a good night’s sleep, then suggest she lounge in bed for as long as she’d like. For moms with young children, simply taking a shower alone is a luxury. When you hear her stirring, quietly knock and ask if she’d like coffee and a little something to eat (prepare those stale Cheerios!).

Easy Mother's Day Idea: Give mom me-time.

Take the kids out of the house and let her enjoy a quiet Sunday in her pajamas.

3. Give mom some space.

Another way to show her you understand her needs is by giving her some space on Mother’s Day. Take the kids out of the house and let her enjoy a quiet Sunday morning leisurely sipping coffee in her softest bathrobe without a schedule or agenda.

4. Give mom family time without the headache.

If you and your wife need some time together as a family, plan all the details yourself and keep it low-key. Go out to breakfast or see a movie, but when your toddler gets fussy or your 5-year old starts to whine, be the one to take the reins so she can finish her waffle in peace and drink her coffee while it’s hot.

5. Give mom time together.

Not everyone can spring on a couple’s massage or weekend retreat at a bed & breakfast. Show her you care by picking up a nice bottle of wine and carving out some time for the two of you. After you’ve put the kids to bed, pour her a glass and tell her how much you appreciate what she does every day. Be specific: what is it that she does regularly that you might be taking for granted? What does she do to make things easier for you and the rest of the family? There’s no need for a Hallmark card or a $600 spa treatment if you’re being sincere.

These ideas for Mother’s Day are small gestures of appreciation for your partner. The holiday is about acknowledging the mothers in your life. Nothing says “I see that you work hard” like offering someone time off and telling them how much they deserve it.

For more tips and ideas for rest and relaxation, visit our blog or check us out on Facebook.

We Love A Pajama Bargain

Question: What’s better than a pajama sale? 

Answer: A pajama sale on sale of course!

This weekend we are having a offering an additional 20% off our already discounted sale collection. Here are just a few of our favorite pj’s on sale. Use Discount Code SALE20 at checkout to see savings.

munkitulips

Our pretty Spring “Tulips” pajama is 100% cotton poplin and is $39.99

thecatssailboat

Just for Guys is this 100% cotton poplin “Sailboat” pajama pant. $29.99

pjsalhappyhourfull

A beautiful lightweight 100% cotton celebrates a Spring “Happy Hour”  and is $39.99

lovegracenavyheartsmodel

A soft cotton knit pajama to love all year around is now $39.99

hatleygolfanimals

Calling all golfers, you will love this soft cotton jersey pj pant. $19.99

Shop our entire sale collection and use Discount Code SALE20 from now until Midnight Sunday April 9th to see an additional 20% savings.

We’re Making This Snow Day A “Movie Day”

#SnowDay

By Ellie Badanes

Here in CT, we are preparing for #Blizzard2017 now heading our way. We know that means one thing, a Snow Day! A Snow Day in March is unexpected and of course happy for every child tonight knowing tomorrow is a day to play and relax. For kids of all ages there is a tinge of excitement in anticipation of the Winter Wonderland predicted to greet us in the morning hours. We know what we will be wearing for our Snow Day, pajamas of course, but what will we be watching? Here are a few ideas:

Back to the Future

Who doesn’t love this classic movie in which Michael J. Fox goes back in time in his DeLorean time machine? (Hellloooo, McFly!) It’s a feel good movie and an all-time favorite rainy day go-to. There are actually two sequels, but the first one is really the best.

Home Alone

A classic wintertime movie that charms and entertains every single time. Who doesn’t need a little “Christmas” even if it’s March?

Happy Feet

To get into the spirit of the day, what’s better than heading to Antartica for some penguin tap dancing?

Toy Story

If you don’t know Toy Story, it’s a touching family movie about a boy named Andy and his toys, that’s well loved across generations. Action figure Buzz Lightyear and Woody the cowboy steal the show, in addition to Mr. Potato Head! What makes us watch this movie over and over? It’s a sweet story and even after many years, the animation is still really cool. And like Back to the Future, it’s a trilogy, so a perfect choice for a rainy Saturday movie marathon!

Wedding Crashers

Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson play two womanizing friends who regularly “crash” weddings to pick up girls. All is well and good until one of them actually falls for one of their conquests (played by Rachel McAdams). This movie is totally entertaining. There are so many funny lines which makes it one you have to watch again!

Chef

This is a great story about a chef (played by Jon Favreau) who looses his job in a restaurant and decides to start up his own food truck, and bonds with his son along the way.  Super cast and a totally charming movie. (On Netflix)

Notting Hill

You’ve probably seen it more than once, but Notting Hill is one of those movies to watch again and again. A British romantic comedy about a bookseller (Hugh Grant) who falls in love with a famous American actress (Julia Roberts). Funny and sweet. (On Netflix)

Hector and the Search for Happiness

A charming story about Hector, a psychiatrist who sets out on a journey to find out what really makes people happy. Lighthearted and fun, and will make you think!  Watch the trailer here. (On Netflix)

You’ve Got Mail

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan totally make this movie, which takes place back in the AOL days. We love Meg Ryan’s adorable pajama scenes, and of course, can’t beat the happy ending.

Something’s Gotta Give

Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson and Amanda Peet? Plus, scenes from a gorgeous East Hampton beach house and Paris. Need we say more? This love story will make you laugh, and you’ll love the sweet ending.

Uncle Buck

John Candy, enough said.

Legally Blonde

Elle Woods, played by Reese Witherspoon, breaks up with her boyfriend and decides to follow him to law school and get him back. Yes, totally silly, but equally charming. (On Netflix)

What are your favorite Snow Day movies? Share with us in the comments below!

Some Days We Just Want To Hibernate

Winter hibernation of animalsBy Ellie Badanes, The Pajama Company

Ever have one of those days when you just want to curl up, shut out the noise and hibernate?  After the frantic holiday season, the short days of winter seem to have settled in and made us embrace the quiet. Given that it’s now Friday afternoon with darkness looming, a weekend hibernation seems just right. Here’s our do list for our hibernation:

    * Cozy pajamas of course are a must
    * The perfect couch, chair or bed just right for curling up
    * Your favorite chunky blanket or duvet and fluffy pillows
    * Light music to help you drift off is always nice for hibernating, be it jazz, spa, nature sounds or whatever you find relaxing
    * The real goal for hibernating is sleep but catching up on that book you’ve been meaning to start or finish or the stack of magazines you love will fill in the awake moments nicely

 

Here is our don’t list for our hibernation:

    * The point of hibernating is to block out what’s happening in the world. Just for a weekend, consider unplugging.
    * No need to grab the hat and coat this weekend because you’re staying in. The beloved “Pajama Weekend” is here.
    *Can you hibernate with someone? We think yes but sleep rules the day. Quiet is Queen.

One of the benefits of hibernating is the joy of solitude. Our reading recommendation for this post is Quiet by Susan Cain. Check out her Quiet Revolution blog here.

“Solitude matters, and for some people, it’s the air they breathe.” (Susan Cain)

Help Make Childbirth and Pregnancy Safe With Your Holiday Shopping

the-pajama-company

By Ellie Badanes, Founder & CEO, The Pajama Company

As an important member of The Pajama Company community, we wanted to let you know about something close to our heart. 

Every two minutes, one woman dies due to complications related to childbirth or pregnancy. But 98% of those deaths are preventable. These preventable deaths are happening everyday around the world, and believe it or not, here in the United States.

In 2011, this startling statistic led us to make an unprecedented decision at The Pajama Company. We knew pajamas could be about more than a lazy day at home (though we all need those, too). Pajamas give us comfort and a feeling of safety. It’s a feeling those of us fortunate to live in safe places with access to excellent health care take for granted. We wanted to use our pajamas to help more women feel that comfort around the world.

So we began our partnership with Every Mother Counts, an advocacy and mobilization campaign to increase education and support for maternal and child health. Thanks to all of you, we’ve helped raise awareness about the serious dangers too many women still face in pregnancy and child birth. Thanks to all of you, we’ve contributed to programs helping women around the world to have better outcomes.

Through their work, Every Mother Counts has impacted the lives of more than 500,000 women. This includes providing healthcare to 50,000 mothers and children in Haiti and helping more than 90,000 mothers reach quality healthcare in Uganda.

But their work is not only focused abroad. The United States is one of only 13 countries where maternal mortality is on the rise. Every Mother Counts is working to help low income women in the U.S. access childbirth education and prenatal care.

As a mother, I started The Pajama Company, to bring comfort to families and celebrate those moments when we are home with our loved ones. I know many of you are mothers, too. Becoming a mother can bring so much joy to life, it should not threaten life.

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You can help us continue to support their important efforts through your holiday shopping today. Today, Giving Tuesday, we’re donating 10% of all our pajama sales to Every Mother Counts.

We hope you will continue with us in our support of mothers around the world. Read more about maternal mortality on our website, and learn more about the issue at EveryMotherCounts.org. Make your pajama purchases count for a little more by shopping with us on Maternal Health Monday (today) and tell your friends about it on Facebook and Twitter.

From one mother to another, let’s remember that all moms count.