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Help Support Maternal Health Today

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

“When you’re dedicated to making a change, and you believe deeply

in what it is that you care about, you will make it happen.”

– Christy Turlington Burns, Founder, Every Mother Counts

Did you know that 287,000 women die annually of complications from childbirth and pregnancy? This sad statistic means that every 2 minutes, a woman dies in pregnancy. What’s even worse is that 90% of these deaths are preventable.

A few years back we learned about a charity making a real difference in maternal health: Every Mother Counts.  We decided we wanted to do our part and support the cause. Since then, every other Monday is “Maternal Health Monday” at The Pajama Company and we give 10% of our sales to Every Mother Counts.

Today is Maternal Health Monday which means that when you shop today, you make a difference.

What Every Mother Counts Does

Every Mother Counts works to break down the barriers to maternal health both in the US and around the world.  They do it by providing:

Transportation so that women can get to healthcare centers which are often miles away from where they live.

Education to skilled birth attendants as well as providing instruction to mothers on family planning, HIV, and other STIs.

Supplies including equipment and medicine so that health centers and caregivers can do their jobs.

100% of the donations received by Every Mother Counts go directly to their programs around the world to ensure that mothers get the care they need.

Other Ways to Get Involved

Beside shopping on Maternal Health Monday, here are some other things you can do to make a difference in pregnancy and childbirth safety:

– Donate your old cell phones to be re-used for health care workers.
– Shop with our fellow partner companies who also donate proceeds to the cause.
– Tell your own birth story – use your voice to raise awareness.
– Volunteer at an organization that supports maternal heath.
– Run, walk, or cycle to raise funds and awareness, not to mention improving your own health!

Learn more about Every Mother Counts and their cause here.

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Pajamas & Happiness: what’s it all about?

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

We have a saying at The Pajama Company:

“Pajamas just make people happy”.  

So what’s the connection between pajamas and happiness, anyway?

When you get down to it, its all about simple pleasures.  Lots of people chase happiness, thinking the next thing they attain or goal they reach will finally, once and for all, make them happy. Goals and desires are a part of life, but when we’re constantly looking down the road, we’re missing what’s right in front of us: the simple things that make us happy right now.

Here are just a few of the reasons why we believe pajamas can add to your happiness…

Comfort & Relaxation

Getting cozy in your pjs after a long day at school or work can be so soothing. Its a signal to your body that its time to slow down. Giving ourselves time to recharge is key in maintaining inner peace and happiness.

Family Time

Being at home in your pajamas usually means time with family: pancake breakfasts, movie marathons, or just hanging out! We know that connection and belonging – whether it be with family or friends – increases our well-being and joy.

Being Yourself

Pajamas give you another way to express yourself, and maybe even in a way you wouldn’t normally during daily life.  You get to wear what ever you want.  Piggy pjs?  Superman underoos? Fuzzy frog slippers?  Its all about YOU and what makes you feel good!

So how about you: what is your simple pleasure?  Tell us in the comments below!

 

Celebrate Dad with a Father’s Day Barbecue!

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

Since Dad is often king of the barbecue, Father’s Day is the perfect time to turn the tables and throw him a backyard cookout for a change.

Relieve him of slaving over the hot grill and let him relax in the hammock with a cocktail or beer. You can even invite some other Dads over for a game of bocce ball!

To make your planning easy, we’ve put together some great recipes for a tasty and fun barbecue…

There’s such a variety of foods you can serve at a cookout, but think about what  your Dad really loves.  Is he a steak guy?  Does he love a juicy cheeseburger?  Or maybe he favors some grilled sausage and peppers?

If he’s not a big meat eater, focus on creating some really delicious salads and sides for him.  There are many tasty ways to grill veggies that he just may love.

Think about grabbing him some local beer, or make him his favorite drink!

Appetizers

Spicy Bacon Guacamole – Bacon compliments the avocado for a  delicious twist.

Pan-Fried Onion Dip – One of my personal favorites, the caramelized onions create great flavor.

Salt & Pepper Shrimp with Aioli – A tasty seafood option!

Main Dish

Perfectly Grilled Steak – Bobby Flay will make sure you know how to cook it just right!

Barbecue Chicken – A cookout classic.

Pork Tenderloin with Spicy Guava Glaze – A leaner meat option, and the sauce is sure to impress!

Grilled Kielbasa – Delicious paired with sauerkraut and onions.

Sides

Blue Cheese Cole Slaw – Blue cheese makes this cole slaw extra special.

Grilled Green Beans & Scallions – An easy way to grill fresh green beans.

Grilled Corn & Red Potato Salad – Bring some in-season corn into your potato salad.

Watermelon Pico de Gallo – Refreshing and tasty!

Barbecue Baked Beans – The perfect compliment to grilled meats and veggies.

Drinks

Homemade Lemonade – A great non-alcoholic option – there’s nothing quite like fresh lemonade!

Tom Collins – This refreshing gin drink is perfect for warm weather.

Dark & Stormy – Ginger gives this rum cocktail a nice kick!

Pimm’s Cup – Delicious with herbs and fruit, and the traditional drink of Wimbledon!

Dessert

Shirt-and-Tie Cake – Check out this adorable cake, and here are more creative dessert ideas here.

Root Beer Float – Dad will feel like a kid again!

Jack Daniel’s Salted Caramel Brownies – The name says is all…

Peach Pie – A classic pie favorite.

How are you spoiling your Dad this Father’s Day? Tell us in the comments below!

Photo Credit: chrismar via Compfightcc

Happy National Donut Day!

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

Did you know that today is National Donut Day?

Apparently the Salvation Army created the special day back in 1938 to honor the “Doughnut Dollies”, which were the men and women volunteers who served donuts to soldiers during World War I.  You can read more about the history here.

When I was a kid my Dad would take my sister and I to Dunkin Donuts and I would always get the same thing every time: a chocolate creme-filled powdered donut. Yum!  By the time I was done eating it, I’d have powdered sugar all over the car and chocolate all over my face!

As an adult, I’ve graduated to my new favorite: the sour cream glazed donut…sooooo yummy and delicious with a cup of coffee.  If I had to rank my favorite things to do in pajamas, I would say munching on a sweet delicious donut with my coffee would be at the top of my list!

The cool thing is that several businesses that offer FREE donuts today!  To take advantage, here is a round up of places offering free donuts.

And, if you’re a donut lover like me, you must check out our fun confectionery PJs…

PJ Salvage’s 100% cotton capri-length pajama pants

And The Cat’s Pajamas adorable cotton poplin set…

We want to hear from you – what’s your favorite donut flavor?  Tell us in the comments below!

Photo Credit: Funstyle via Compfightcc

Show Dad Some Love!

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

Father’s Day is only about a week and and a half away!  We realize that Mother’s Day often over-shadows Father’s Day, so we want to be sure Dad knows how special and appreciated he is!

So, we’re offering free UPS Ground Shipping (US only) now through Sun, June 8th!  To take advantage, use use code FATHERSDAY at checkout.

And just in case you need some ideas, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite gift picks for Dad!

 Our classic “3D Blue Stripe” pajama from Bedhead…

“Tossed Football” super soft PJ pant from Life is Good…

Hatley Nature’s “Get Your Claws Off My Coffee” Ceramic Mug

Bedhead’s “Home Run” Egyptian Cotton Robe

“BBQ Grills” Cotton Pajama Pants from The Cat’s Pajamas…check out all of the cool prints here.

6 Ways to Put a Smile on Your Face

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

You probably know by now, that at The Pajama Company, we believe in happiness!  And although in life you won’t feel happy 100% of the time, there are some simple things you can do right now to feel better.

Whether you’re having a bad day or just need an energy boost, here are some of our favorite ways to shift yourself to a better mindset and put a smile on your face!

1. Give Someone a Compliment

See someone with a cute dog or a cool pair of shoes? Did a co-worker just make an outstanding presentation?  Did the barista just make you the best latte you’ve ever tasted?  Well, tell them! Giving someone a meaningful compliment brightens their world and makes them feel seen and acknowledged.  And, the side effect is how good you’ll feel too!

2. Visit the Dog Park

Whether is the enthusiasm of a puppy or two dogs playing together and rolling in the mud – witnessing the carefree nature of dogs in the park is an awesome way to boost your mood.  If you can’t make it outside today, here’s a hilarious dog video to watch instead…even the first 10 seconds will crack you up!

3. Take a Dance Break

Drop everything, turn on a great song, and get your groove on!  There’s even proven research out there that dance helps to boost your mood and alleviate depression.

4. Tell Someone you Love Them

The first person who pops into your head – call them, send a text, or even go old-school and write a card and mail it.  It only takes a few minutes and I guarantee you and the recipient will feel wonderful.

5. Listen to the Pajama Song!

Have you ever heard our Pajama Song?  Well, its pretty much impossible to watch this video and not smile and sing along to the super fun and catchy tune!  Oh, and I have to mention that it was written and performed by none other than The Pajama Company’s own, Alex Badanes.

6. Play on the Swings

Remember how good it felt as a kid to hop on a swing, pump your legs with the wind in your hair, and swing to the sky?  As silly as it may feel at first, find a playground and get swinging!  Pure joy. There’s even a global campaign to install swings in cities around the world for the simple mission of infectious happiness.

Now its your turn!  We want to hear: what makes YOU smile?  Tell us in the comments below!

Photo Credit: benjaminasmith via Compfightcc

Life’s a Beach!

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

The beach means various things to different people – whether you’re a surfer, a boater, or a beach bunny.  To me, its all about sun, relaxation, and the soothing power of the ocean. A nap on the beach is the ultimate relaxation. Since I was a little kid, I’ve always loved floating in the salt water, body surfing the waves, finding unusual shells and rocks, or just sitting and reading a book.  A little slice of heaven!

It’s Memorial Day weekend, and in celebration of the start of beach season, we’re featuring some of our cute, cozy, beachy pjs!

We’re offering free UPS Ground Shipping (US only) now through Monday, May 26th!  To take advantage, use Use code SUNSHINE at checkout.

Our eco-friendly bSoft collection’s “Underwater Starfish” pajama set…

Lazy One’s “Lobster” pajama pant is great for guys and girls alike!

My personal favorite, our adorable “Calypso” poplin pjs…

bSoft’s always cozy “Coastal Encounter” robe…

And we can’t leave out our super-fun all-cotton Emerson Street nightshirt which also doubles as a beach cover up!

Happy Memorial Day weekend and Happy Shopping!

Beach Photo Credit: theCarol via Compfightcc

Get Creative in Your PJs!

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

Despite what many people think, it’s not just artists who possess the ability to be creative – the truth is that we are all naturally creative. Creativity expresses itself in many ways in our world – whether it’s the teacher designing an enriching learning experience for her students, an entrepreneur building a new business, or a writer penning his latest novel.

Creativity is a way to approach things.  And when it gets down to it, it’s all about each person expressing their own thoughts and originality.  Getting creative engages the right side of your brain rather than the analytical left side, which can be a real switch for a lot of people who are so used to valuing their thinking mind above all else.

So how can you consciously engage and capture your own creativity?

1. Allow Yourself the Freedom to be Comfortable

Doing things the same old way can stunt your creativity.  Sometimes what you really need is to break out of the norm.  We’ve talked about talked about doing your best work in your pajamas before.  Allowing yourself to relax is a great way to let ideas flow, and what better attire than in your comfy, cozy pajamas, right?  Whether you’re working on a legal brief, writing your dissertation, painting your first masterpiece, or cooking a gourmet meal,  lounging in your pajamas can help you to get into a totally different creative zone and may even insight you to look at your project in a whole new way.  All hail pajama time!

2. Keep a Notebook on Your Nightstand

Sometimes the best ideas come while you’re relaxed and asleep – whether its during a dream or in the time between sleep and wake. This is because we have access to our subconscious minds during sleep.  Famous creators Billy Joel, Stephen King, and Salvador Dali all reported that their dreams influenced their creative work in various ways.  The best way to capture this creativity is to write down your ideas as soon as you wake up.  So make a habit of keeping a notebook near your bed!

3. Journaling

We’ve mentioned the benefits of writing in a journal in a previous post, particularly in helping you to capture your goals and dreams. But, this activity can really help boost your creativity as well because it allows you to get new ideas out without your inner critic getting in the way.  Writing is a forum for free flow of thought, that might not otherwise take place without pen and paper!

Photo Credit: what_marty_sees via Compfightcc

The Art of Napping

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the art of napping, cat, the pajama companyAt The Pajama Company, we think there are two kinds of people in the world: those who nap and those who don’t.  It could be the fact that we’re obsessed with all things sleep and relaxation, but we think naps rate high up there on the list of the good things in life!

After all, what can be better than taking  a break for some relaxation and rejuvenation time?  And, contrary to what you may have heard, naps do not make you lazy.  In fact taking a nap can actually help you to be more productive and creative and can boost your health.

Here are some tips to get the most out of your naps…

Keep it Short

A short nap can do wonders to help you feel better and perk you up, especially if you’ve been concentrating hard or doing something physical and feel tired.  It’s best to keep your naps to about 20 to 30 minutes so that you can wake up and feel alert afterwards.  If you sleep much longer than that you run the risk of waking up groggy or possibly not being able to wake up at all.  Of course if it’s a rainy weekend, we say stay in your pajamas and nap all day if you like!

Keep it to the Afternoon

Mid afternoon is the optimal time to nap.  This is the time during your day that you usually need it the most.  Your blood sugar typically takes a dip around this time, soon after you had lunch, which can make you feel tired. Napping earlier in the afternoon rather than later will also help to avoid disturbing your normal sleep schedule.

Find a Cozy Nap Spot

Unless I’m sick, I prefer not to nap in my bed.  I choose the couch instead, which I think helps me to keep to shorter nap time.  But find what works for you.  Some people like to nap on top of their bed – without getting under the covers – which is also a good idea.  Either way allows you to be cozy without getting into bed completely.  Be sure to have a light blanket on hand.  You also may want to set an alarm if you don’t tend to wake easily.

If you’re in the office and can’t lay down, close your door and rest your head on your desk.  You may want to grab a sweater or something soft to put under your head and maybe drape your jacket around your shoulders.  This may seem out of the ordinary, but I challenge you to try it and see how you feel.  I’m willing to bet you’ll emerge refreshed and ready to go!

Photo Credit: Takashi(aes256) via Compfight cc

Easy Mother’s Day Pajama Brunch

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

Last week we talked about treating Mom to a Pajama Day.  But you can make her Pajama Day even more special by making brunch part of it. We know your Mom has made you breakfast a million times over, so she’ll love being served breakfast for a change! So tell her to relax in her pjs and prepare to be spoiled.

Here are 3 easy steps to making a delicious brunch for your Mom:

1. Pick a Main Dish

Waffles and pancakes and eggs, oh my! Deciding what to make can be overwhelming – there are so may tasty possibilities.  We’ve rounded up some of the best recipes here below to make it easy on you!

Pancakes – These are my absolute favorite pancakes. The buttermilk makes them light and fluffy.

Waffles – Check out this list of 25 waffle recipes and take your pick.

French Toast – Mmmmmm…Banana-Chocolate French Toast for the sweet tooth or a savory Baked Stuffed French Toast.  Need we say more?

Eggs Benedict – Impress Mom with this classic egg dish.  Its made of poached eggs, bacon or ham, and Hollandaise sauce.  Yummy! Here are step-by-step directions.

Egg Casseroles – Not a big cook or pressed for time? An egg casserole is the way to go.  Try Pioneer Woman’s Sleepin’ in Omelette. It’s one of the best and the great thing is that you can make it ahead.  I warn you, this recipe is delicious and totally worth it in my opinion, but not without guilt!  If you’re counting calories, here’s a lighter casserole recipe here.

Bacon – Brunch would not be the same without bacon, so even though its not a main dish, I think it deserves its own mention.  Follow Ina Garten’s Roast Bacon recipe for making it in the oven and you can’t go wrong.

2. Select your Beverages

Food is the first part, but what to serve Mom to drink is equally as important!

If you want to serve cocktails, Mimosas or Bloody Mary’s are always good options.

Fresh squeezed orange or grapefruit juice adds a nice touch.  And of course, don’t forget the coffee – a brunch staple.  Check out our tips on how to brew the perfect cup.

3. Decorate Your Table!

Make your table look special with a fresh bunch of tulips or some potted flowers.  Here are directions to create a Mother’s Day Balloon Bouquet as well.  You might even use a few photos of you and Mom and arrange them creatively around the table.  She’ll love it!

Take out the fancy wine or champagne glasses.  Even just to serve juice, they add some elegance than Mom will appreciate.

And, don’t forget pretty napkins!

Cheers!

Photo Credit: jh_tan84 via Compfightcc