Category Archives: Favorite Things to Do in Pajamas

Take in Summer’s Last Call with these fun Labor Day Activities

Another summer is wrapping up, and more so this year than in the past it feels like it went way too fast. We’ll still have plenty of warm weather to enjoy, but as kids head back to school and the days get noticeably shorter, Labor Day weekend typically marks the end of summer as we usher in fall.Make the absolute most of it by fitting in all the activities you can during your 3-day weekend. This year, why not try something a little different from the usual backyard barbecue or trip to the beach. We have some great ideas that will inspire you to mix it up as you bid summer adieu.

Go apple picking.  It’s the time of year where orchards are full of delicious apples ready to be picked. Many of them will host kick-off events on Labor Day weekend complete with music, crafts, kids activities, and tastings of everything apple. Get the family together and visit your local farm. The best part is all the delicious treats you’ll be able to make when you get your harvest home!

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Go rummaging. The old saying that ‘one person’s trash is another person’s treasure’ is why millions of people visit yard/garage sales every year. You can find just about anything you need, and probably quite a few items you don’t. Labor Day weekend in many parts of the country is the last big weekend for treasure hunters so take advantage of the opportunity to pick up some goodies at deeply discounted prices. Many communities even hold neighborhood-wide sales over the weekend so check out social media or designated sites dedicated to rummage sales and plan your route. Just remember to bring a big car to transport all your hot finds home.

Yard Sale

Plan a scavenger hunt. This is a great way to get family and friends together for a full day of fun and adventure. You can make the search a full-on road trip if it’s an adults-only activity, or keep it within a smaller area if kids and families will be participating. A quick Google search will yield hundreds of ideas that you can use to customize your event.

Scavenger Hunt

Adventure trip. Print out a map of your state or particular area radius that you are willing to travel to, close your eyes, and point. This is your destination! Make a day – or a weekend of your trip and take in all the unique stops and attractions along the way. Many people don’t realize how much there is to see in your own backyard. The best approach is to map out one way of getting to your destination and an alternate way back so you get twice the sightseeing in.

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Go to a drive-in. Many kids today don’t even know what a drive-in theater is. With the current social distancing guidelines in place, the drive-in is making a resurgence and becoming the hip place to be. Check your area and surrounding areas to see if you have a theater nearby. If not, many ‘pop-up’ theaters are appearing all over the country. Put your pajamas on and show the kids how the old folks used to enjoy movies!

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Revive an old hobby. Most people have a hobby that they used to enjoy that just sort of fell by the wayside as life got in the way. Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to resurrect your old passion. This can be anything like playing an instrument, creating arts and crafts, cooking, collecting, or even building models. If you really want to be adventurous, take up a new hobby and find your next obsession.

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However you do Labor Day this year, make it count. Time flies way to fast these days so make every moment count.

Happy Labor Day!

Throwing a Formal Family Pajama Dinner Party

Running out of ideas to keep your family entertained while we stay at home? We’ve got a great idea! Throw a dinner party – in pajamas!

Gone (for now anyway), are the days of eat-and-run, or the family fending for themselves at dinnertime. The great tradition of family mealtime is back in style. Families are bonding, learning more about one another, and communicating face-to-face.

Keeping things interesting however, may pose a bit of a challenge. Instead of just sitting down to supper, we suggest you mix it up a bit and create a full-blown event. Here are some ideas that you can use to pull together a formal family dinner in pajamas.

Invite

Plan it. To get started, just like any other party, you have to plan the event. Make invitations with date, time, and location (i.e.: cocktails in the living room at 6pm followed by dinner in the dining room at 7pm) and present them to the family members in your home. You could include RSVP cards that need to be returned by a certain day just to make it even more fun!Sushi-Banner home page

Dress code. Just because this is a formal pajama dinner party, does not mean that your guests can arrive wearing just any old PJs. Make sure they slip on their very best pair for the occasion. Gals can do their hair and makeup (yes, even the little ones can participate) while guys should shave- if needed, splash on a little cologne, and even style their hair. Add accessories like jewelry, ties, and top hats to really take it up a notch!

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Set the mood. Candlelight, a pretty table cloth, creative folded napkins, mood music, and fresh-cut flowers on the table are all perfect for setting the right ambiance. Make the family feel like they are going out to a fancy meal at a special place.

Cooking

Create the perfect menu. Think about everything from the cocktail (or kiddie cocktail) hour with appetizers, to the dinner itself. Try to make a meal that isn’t part of your normal routine but will appeal to everyone. If you have picky eaters, then ‘dress up’ their favorites to give the food a fancy feel. Don’t forget an extra special dessert!

Dancing family

Dancing anyone? What’s a formal dinner party without a little dancing afterward? The best way to do this is to have a variety of music that everyone can relate to. Get cheek to cheek for a song or two, and then kick it into high gear and shake your booty. After-dinner dancing will also burn off some of those extra calories you may have consumed.

Take a family picture. As things slowly return to normal, you’ll definitely want a lasting memory of your evening. Get everyone posed, set the timer and say cheeeeeese.

Although the majority of us eagerly await the return to normalcy, the silver lining that has come from all of this is that families have been able to reconnect. We hope that after this is over, families will continue to plan, and set aside time to partake in unique bonding activities. It’s the best way to build close-knit relationships that can be passed down to the next generation.

Stay well, healthy, and safe

How to Host a Virtual Happy Hour

Working at home all day definitely has its perks. We don’t have to deal with traffic, you don’t have to rush around in the morning, and best of all we can work in our pajamas (that’s our favorite part)!

You might, however, be feeling a bit isolated, and missing your co-workers and friends as we practice our social distancing. A virtual happy hour may be just what you need to give your day some structure and create a lifeline between you and your loved ones.

So how do you host a virtual happy hour? It’s really pretty simple and an upside is that it’s a lot less expensive than going to a restaurant or bar!

Pick your platform. You’re going to need a chat platform to host your event and which one you use will depend on your guests. Zoom is the most popular option because you can send invites to anyone and its super easy to use. The one drawback is that if you don’t have a paid version, the free version only allows for a 40-minute group session which probably isn’t enough time to get truly happy . Facebook, Skype, and Google Hangouts are fine alternatives as long as everyone is comfortable with the interface you pick.

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Have a theme. Although it’s not a must for your virtual happy hour, a theme can make the event that much more fun. Try a margarita night, a whiskey tasting, wine with the gals, or a pajama party. Make sure to dress for the event too. Wine night… get dolled up (make-up and all) and put on some of ‘going out’ clothes just like you would if you were meeting somewhere. Pajama theme… get comfy and have fun!

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Make it a real party. Send out invites, share the theme and request RSVPs. We also love the idea of having a “happy hour for a cause” where at the end, instead of tipping a bartender, attendees can donate to your chosen charitable cause or nonprofit through Paypal or Facebook.

Manage your guest list. There are 2 things you want to consider when deciding who will attend your shindig. First, make sure the attendees are compatible especially if you have different circles of friends. Happy hour is all about the conversation so you don’t want someone feeling left out because they don’t mesh with other guests. You’ll also want to limit the number of people joining in. A nice size group is around 10 people. This way you won’t have people talking over one another and the conversation can flow naturally.

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Choose the ambiance. If you’re going to virtually hang out with your friends, you want to be able to see and hear them and you want them to see and hear you. Make sure to pick a well-lit area to place your laptop or mobile device and chose a location where background noise (think barking dogs or children playing) won’t get in the way of your conversations.

Keep the conversation light. It will be very easy to get on the topic of Coronavirus but try not to let that happen. This is all about the fun and escaping from the daily grind. It’s likely been a while since everyone has seen each other so use this time to catch up on what’s happening with everyone. You can talk about new recipes you’ve tried, movies you’ve watched, or books you’ve read. It may help to tell everyone in advance that there are topics you’d like to avoid so you can fully embrace the time together with your besties.

Choose the next host. Before you all sign off, ask if anyone would like to organize the next get together. Having something to look forward to makes everything we are all going through just a little more bearable.

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You’re not alone if you can’t wait for life to get back to normal and hopefully it will sooner than later. In the meantime, a virtual gathering is the best way to stay connected. You don’t have to limit them to happy hour either. Try a morning coffee clutch, an afternoon brunch, a dinner party or even a movie night. We need each other and together we’ll get through this.

 

At Home Spring Activities for the Whole Family

With the weather getting warmer and spring knocking on the back door, it’s time to brush off the winter dust and embrace spring. With what’s currently going on with the Corona Virus, some people are a little nervous about doing things that involve large groups of people, but still want to take in the warmer weather and embrace spring. We’ve got some great ideas on just how to do that without straying too far from home.

blog animals-avian-beaks-birdhouse-1156507Watch the Birds. During March and April, the bird migration season is in full swing. Hundreds of species that spend their winters in warm climates make their annual trips north to breed and spend their summers. They will be hungry from their long flights, so a great way to see a wide array of feathered friends is to set up bird feeding stations. Orioles, Hummingbirds, and songbirds all like different food, so make sure you have enough for everybody. Here is a great resource to learn about different feeding options and how to attract birds to your backyard. You might want to pick up a birders guide as well. The whole family can help identify your visitors and learn a lot along the way.

young-tomato-5808Plan a Garden. Nothing is better than veggies straight from the garden. Not only do they taste so much better than store-bought produce, but the satisfaction from planting, maintaining, and reaping the fruits of your labor are second to none. Sit down with the family and decide what you want to plant and who will be responsible for the various tasks like weeding and watering as the garden evolves. You can get your space ready and start seeds now so that when the weather is warm enough, you are ready to get planting. This website offers hundreds of tips and pointers for starting, planting and caring for your garden.

SM BearCheeks_IGDo Some Spring Cleaning. When the whole family gets involved, spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. You can even do it in your pajamas! Turn on some fun music, assign everyone a task, and go to town. There’s a great chance that you’ll unearth some forgotten treasures and memories in the process. You can also teach kids lessons about giving back to others. Share with them that there are a lot of people who don’t have as much as they do, and how wonderful it can be to donate unused and unwanted items to people who can use them. Have fun with it, teach life lessons, and get organized all at the same time!

family-1454783_640Take a Walk. Ok, so technically this isn’t an ‘at home’ activity but there are likely places in, and around, your neighborhood where you don’t have to deal with crowds but can still get outside, enjoy the weather, get some exercise, and take in nature. Do an internet search for local hiking or walking trails, or large parks where you can be out in the open and enjoy the great outdoors without the crowds.

paint-1167786_640Create Outdoor Art. Brighten your outdoor living space with décor created by your family. There is so much you can do like painting rocks, making patio pavers, and creating flower planters. Look on Pinterest. You’ll find ideas that you never even thought of. And once you’re done, you’ll have one-of-a-kind outdoor artwork for the whole neighborhood to envy!

We’re confident that leaders will be able to control and eliminate the current health scare our country is facing. The most important thing to remember is to practice good hygiene and make wise decisions. If staying home to be safe is one of the things you choose to do, at least these ideas will help make it much more fun. Happy Spring!

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!

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!

Best Fun and Free Activites For Father’s Day at Home!

If the greatest gift is love, get ready to shower Dad in oodles of it this Father’s Day. Truth is, there’s nothing quite as simple and rewarding as having a meaningful Father’s Day celebration at home. Get ready to kick up your feet, lounge in your pajamas and enjoy fun activities that are perfect for family bonding and creating lifelong memories. Best part? They don’t cost a thing!

Father’s Day provides the opportunity to put the focus on Dad and make him feel like the king of the castle, all while gifting him quality time with the ones he loves. Can’t put a price on that!

You don’t have to break the bank to show Dad how much you love him. In fact, most of the following activities are all free! And if you’re looking for inexpensive Father’s Day gifts to show Dad how much you care, browse our collection of fun Father’s Day t-shirts!

If you’ve been wondering how to spend Father’s Day this year, read on for our tips for planning a memorable and meaningful Father’s Day celebration at home!

Father’s Day Activities At Home

First of all, you want to make sure Dad knows how important he is to your family, right? Then let’s set the stage for the ultimate day of fun this Father’s Day. The most important thing is to show Dad how much he means to you, and what better way to do that than give the gift of quality time?

Spend Time Together — No Distractions Allowed

The first thing on your list for celebrating Father’s Day at home is to put the focus on the man of the house. Eliminate any distractions that will take the spotlight off of Dad, and really set up the atmosphere to be conducive to bonding and spending quality time together.

Tuck away the laptops and cellphones, and don’t even think about turning on the TV until after you’ve enjoyed all of your fun Father’s Day activities.

Father’s Day Brunch at Home

Instead of shuffling through a crowded restaurant, make Dad the breakfast of champions: a delicious and bountiful home cooked Father’s Day brunch. Eggs benedict his favorite? Be sure to pick up special items from the grocery store ahead of time. If you’ve got several kids in the family, let each one cook their own special dish for Dad. This is a great way to include the kids and make Dad feel special.

While you’re around the table, it’s time to give Dad his Father’s Day gift. Still looking for the perfect one? Show him he’s the best Dad ever with a Father’s Day T-shirt!

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Have a Local Expedition

Instead of over-spending to visit a theme park or busy place that’ll take away from your quality time, have a local expedition! Take the bikes out for a neighborhood ride, head out back and throw the football. Local park nearby? Cart your bats and have a round of softball. A local outing is a free Father’s Day activity that’s easy to plan and most of all–fun! If you’ve got a big family, let Grandpa and Dad be team captains and have a schoolyard draw.

Make Time For His Favorite Things

Let’s face it, Dad is busy all year keeping up with the daily grind. This Father’s Day, let him savor some precious down time. This could involve watching a football game, reading a magazine or playing fantasy football. Maybe he loves to lounge in his favorite robe and read the paper with a cup of coffee in the morning? While Father’s Day is all about Dad and family bonding, let him have some quiet time to enjoy his favorite relaxing activities. To really get him in the chill zone, make sure he’s set up with the coziest lounging pajamas ever!

Work On A Project Together

Think about Dad’s favorite hobbies: Does he love gardening? Then get the gloves on and help him water the garden or add a new plant. Is he a golfer? Bring the golf clubs out back and practice your swing together. Or, you can try something new together like building a birdhouse or painting pictures to hang in the garage or man room.

Order Pizza or Have a Backyard Picnic

Does Dad love a classic grilled burger? Then fire up the grill. Maybe he cares more about spending time together and not cooking? Sounds like delivery is the best option. Order his favorite pizza or takeout, that way you can get back to all these fun Father’s Day activities. To turn lunch into a fun and free activity, pack up some sandwiches and snacks and have a picnic in the backyard. This is a great way of keeping the family bonding active and ongoing throughout the day.

Game Night

After a fulfilling day of Father’s Day activities, it’s time to unwind and enjoy some mellow and fun activities. Is your Dad a ringer at Monopoly? Maybe you guys bond over Jenga or cards? Either way, a game night is a fun and interactive way to do something Dad enjoys that includes the whole family. No sore losers, because dessert’s on the way!

Make Him His Favorite Dessert

Does Dad have a sweet tooth? Then Father’s Day is the perfect chance to bake him his favorite pie or fill up the house with the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies. Alternatively, if his favorite dessert is frozen yogurt, put on your pajamas and head out for ice cream. Or, make banana splits at home!

Stargazing

The celebration doesn’t end when the sun goes down, in fact it’s just getting started! Stargazing Is one of the creative things to do for Father’s Day that is interactive, free, fun and educational. Print out some star maps and take turns finding your favorite stars and constellations.

Have the Best Father’s Day Ever!

As you can see, there’s no shortage of fun and free things to do at home for Father’s Day. The most important thing is to spend quality time together. Whether lounging in your pajamas and playing cards, or enjoying an exciting softball game or playing catch in the backyard, we hope these Father’s Day activities help you bond and create unforgettable memories that’ll last a lifetime.

After all, Father’s Day is truly about celebrating the man whose unconditional love deserves more than one day of recognition, but hey–he’ll take it! Happy Father’s Day!

Don’t forget to grab your Dad the perfect Father’s Day gift to show him how much he means to you. Browse our collection of Father’s Day pajamas and T-shirts!

10 reasons to love rainy days

Why Rainy Weekends are Actually The Best

Science has proven over and over again that the weather has the power to affect our mood. Shorter days in the winter can make us feel depressed. Cloudy skies can make us feel tired and the sun makes us feel energized. That’s all well and good, but what’s wrong with a little rain? We actually think rainy days are kind of the best, especially during the weekend. Here’s why.

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Daisy Alexander ‘Beary Happy’ PJ Set

10 Reasons to Love Rainy Weekends

1. You don’t “have to” go outside.

The great outdoors are, well, great. But after a long, grinding week there’s nothing better than waking up to the pitter patter of rain against your window pane. A rainy day means you don’t have to “make the most” of the weather by getting outside. There’s no reason you have to dust off your bike, go for a jog, take the dog hiking, or meet your friends for a sunny afternoon brunch. You can be an indoor cat without regret.

2. You can catch up on that new series everyone is talking about.

“What do you mean you don’t watch…?” Instead of smiling and nodding when your coworkers dish about That New Show on That Streaming Service, actually participate in the conversation for once. Use your rainy day to pop some popcorn, curl up on the couch, and binge watch a hot new series.

3. It’s hot chocolate weather.

Just because the holidays are over, that doesn’t mean that you have to punish yourself with boring cups of coffee and tea on a rainy day. Make yourself a big mug of hot cocoa with all the trimmings: marshmallows and candy canes if you still have a few lying around the kitchen — they don’t expire, right? Wrap yourself up in a cozy bathrobe and sip while you listen to the gentle sounds of rain outside. Hot chocolate is the ultimate rainy day treat.

4. You can go to bed early.

Even people with the most active social lives need a break every now and again. You’ll notice that on a rainy Friday night, your cell phone will stay blissfully silent. Almost every social butterfly takes advantage of a rainy night to stay in and recharge. So ditch the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), go to bed early, and wake up refreshed!

5. Pajamas for the win!

The number one, absolute bestthing about a rainy weekend is that you can stay in your pajama pants for 48 straight hours. Blustery wet weather makes us want to curl up under a warm blanket in our favorite flannels, so why not indulge? Put on your slippers and keep them on until Monday.

6. You can do that thing you said you’d do.

How are the New Year’s Resolutions going? Did you make a promise to yourself to get back into painting, read a book a month, try yoga? If you’re not into lazing about on a rainy day, use your gray weekend to get back on track. Read that book, find a yoga video on YouTube, or bust out your watercolors. Even if none of these items ended up on your list of resolutions, using this time indoors to exercise your mind will help you feel more energized when you go back to work on Monday.

7. Takeout tastes better when it’s raining.

It’s a fact: food always tastes better when you don’t have to cook it. Second fact: a comforting container of takeout always tastes better when it’s cold and rainy outside. Take a day off from grocery shopping and order the pizza, pad thai, buffalo wings, or tofu and broccoli you’ve been dreaming about. Then plant yourself on the couch and savor every last bite.

8. You can practice self-care.

In this age of unparalleled connectivity, we really do have to practice self-care. Putting our health and wellness first isn’t an instinct for most modern adults. We have to learn to set time aside to take care of our ourselves. Take a bath, paint your nails, or take a nap. A rainy weekend is the perfect time practice a little self-care.

9. You can do chores without doing much.

Do you know it’s going to rain this weekend? Park your car in the driveway, soap it up, and walk away. Or put your indoor plants outside for a natural watering. Check “water the lawn” off your to-do list. These tiny life hacks can help you feel semi-productive while you spend the rest of the day binge-watching shows on Netflix in your PJs.

cute umbrella pattern pajamas

Ready for a PJ party in the Daisy Alexander ‘Rainy Day’ Classic Pajama Set

10. You can host a pajama party.

If you don’t feel like going out but want to be social, invite a few friends over for a “pajama party.” Encourage them to wear their PJs or their favorite sweatpants, order pizza, open a bottle of wine, and watch a movie together. Nothing makes your home feel cozy on a rainy night like friends and jammies.

We hope this fun little list helps you see the silver lining during your next rainy weekend! For more ideas for family fun, visit The Pajama Company Blog at thepajamacompany.com/blog. Don’t forget to check out our new private label, Daisy Alexander, for the perfect rainy day attire!

Best Rainy Day Pajamas daisy alexander

Friday Night In: Pajama Date Night Ideas

Experts and laymen agree that the best way to keep the spark alive in a relationship is regularly scheduled date nights. While no couple would disagree that time alone together to connect and be a couple would, duh, help you maintain and even deepen connection with your partner, reality sometimes makes this a challenge.

Regular date nights sound simple in theory, but the follow-through can get messy. Maybe you have conflicting work schedules. Maybe you have children and spending $100+ on dinner and a babysitter just isn’t on the table. Maybe you and your partner are new parents who aren’t ready to leave your infant in the care of someone else.

Yes, these situations undoubtedly present challenges when planning a date night and holidays like Valentine’s Day add extra pressure. Consider some of these options as stress-free alternatives.

sushi pattern pajamas

Nothing says “date night in” like takeout and pajamas! This fun new pattern from PJ Salvage is fit for the occasion.

10 Great Stay-at-Home Date Night Ideas

1. Vinyl Listening Party. We just love this idea! Whether you already have a record player or pick up a secondhand player on Craigslist, take turns sharing albums and songs that you love with your partner. Since vinyl has made a comeback, there are plenty of shops popping up where you can get used records on the cheap. Another easy alternative is to take turns playing songs and playlists on Spotify. This activity goes pairs well with a bottle of wine.

2. Roast Marshmallows. Did you know you can find an electric s’mores/fondue maker for $30? We were surprised too. This is a fun, safe, and easy way to enjoy a little taste of summer all year round. Throw some blankets on the floor, open a box of graham crackers, and pretend you’re camping for the night. If you want to create an adult version of the classic s’more try different kinds of artisanal chocolate bars, made with hints of chile, sea salt, caramel, or lavender.

3. Make Dessert Together. If roasting marshmallows and acquiring new gizmos and gadgets seems like too much work for you, keep it simple and make dessert. Take the time to select a recipe together — something that you’ll enjoy making and eating. After the kids are fed and tucked away in their jammies, mix a couple cocktails and get cooking. The dessert can be as simple as a boxed brownies as long as you’re enjoying each other’s company.

4. Work on a Puzzle. When was the last time you pulled out a jigsaw puzzle? While it may not sound exciting, a puzzle is a surprisingly fun group activity. It’s a simple activity that you can work on together while you talk, enjoy some snacks, and have a beer. You’ll be amazed at how relaxed you feel after taking a break from glaring light of your phone or TV screen.

5. Follow a Bob Ross Video. This is just plain fun. Remember Bob Ross, the iconic TV art instructor from ‘80s? Even if you don’t, the videos are worth a watch. Bob’s soothing voice guides viewers step-by-step through the creation of a landscape painting. While oil paints are expensive, regular old Crayola watercolors — or even markers! — are just a few bucks. Follow along and giggle at each other’s artistic ability.

6. Play Cards. Another simple activity to go with an assortment of late-night snacks: cards. There are plenty of two-person card games that you can play or learn. Some examples include Double Solitaire (yes, you read that correctly), 66, Rummy, Pinochle, and the elegantly named Egyptian Rat Screw. Spending quality time together doesn’t have to be complicated to be fun!

PJ Salvage Sushi Pajamas Thats How I Roll

New PJ Salvage Pattern: ‘That’s How I Roll’. View the collection.

7. Have a Slumber Party. This activity is ideal for the couple who would rather wear fuzzy slippers than slacks or heels on a date. Pick out your favorite slumber party movies from when you were a kid, pile the couch high with blankets and pillows, pop popcorn and indulge in the a nostalgic candy selection from your childhood. Comfortable pajamas and eating too much sugar are musts for this date.

8. Tasting or Pairing. Wine tasting and food pairing classes tend to be fancy affairs. Not only are they expensive, but you have to arrive ready to learn, wearing stuffy clothing. We are not about stuffy clothing. There are a million free videos online that can guide you through any kind of tasting and pairing you can imagine and you can wear your pajamas! Some options out there are whiskey and chocolate, wine tasting, or beer and cheese. Have the items on hand and follow along together for your own private one-on-one pairing.

9. The Ultimate Bucket List. This is a fun activity to get to know your partner. Order take out, light some candles, and make an official “bucket list” of all the things you want to do together, no matter how outrageous. This a great way to get to know more about your partner’s dreams and desires and build on your connection.

10. Adult Coloring Books. Coloring books for grown ups are officially “a thing.” A quick search on Amazon will yield hundreds of adult coloring books featuring complex patterns and scenes for you to follow. Adult coloring books became popular after some studies showed that coloring can have the same positive effects on your brain as meditation. Sit down with your significant other and color yourself to zen-like inner peace.

We hope these stay-at-home date night ideas help you think outside the box for your date night (and opt for cozy pajamas instead!). Check out The Pajama Company Blog at thepajamacompany.com/blog for more ideas for family fun.