Category Archives: Holidays

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

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.

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

Give Mom a Pajama Day!

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

“The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness. When you become a mother, you are no longer the center of your own universe. You relinquish that position to your children.” – Jessica Lange

So true!  Our mothers do soooo much for us.  That’s why Mother’s Day is our chance to turn the tables back to Mom.  For at least one day make her the center of the universe again!

How about treating the Mom in your life to a Pajama Day this year?  This is a day where Mom can lounge all day in her favorite pjs and not worry about a thing.  She can stay home and relax, and the fun comes to her.  No cooking, no cleaning, no running around.

There are so many nice things you can do for her to create a wonderful and relaxing day.  But we encourage you to think about what she really loves and needs so you can create a really special day for her.  Get creative!

Here are some ideas:

Movie-Loving Moms

Is she a movie buff?  Gather her favorite snacks and have a movie marathon day with her.  You might even treat her to a luxurious throw blanket, a copy of her favorite movie, and some gourmet organic popcorn!

The Book Worm

Would she prefer to have quiet time to read and perhaps a meal with the family later?  Drop off a gift basket for her in the morning with a cozy new pair of pajamas, some herbal tea, and the latest release from her favorite author.  Come back later and cook her a delicious meal!

Stressed-Out Mom

Is she a super stressed Mom who could really use some intense relaxation?  Buy her an in-home massage.  There are lots of massage businesses that will come right to your home, so check out the options in your local area.  Top it off with one of these awesome robes and a new pair of slippers for a day of luxury!

The New Mom

Is she a new Mom and really could just use a day of restful sleep without having to care for the baby?  Take the family out and give her some much needed quiet time.  Before you go, outfit her with everything she needs to get some good zzzzzzz’s: a great nightshirt, some cute and cozy socks, and an eye mask.  Come back later and surprise her with a bright bouquet of flowers!

Now its your turn!  Tell us in the comments below what you do for your Mom on Mother’s Day!

Photo Credit: Sky Noir via Compfightcc

Honor Mom with a Fun Gift!

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

Mother’s Day is all about celebrating and honoring that special person who brought us into the world. Our Moms have nurtured us, given us unconditional love, taught us how to do so many things, and made many sacrifices for us too.  Really, how can we name all that she’s done for us?  We think its important to show Mom our gratitude and just how special she is.

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to find the right gift for Mom.  But at The Pajama Company, we make it easy for you.  Depending on your Mom’s interests, we’ve selected out some fun gift ideas below.  Use discount code “Mom” for free UPS Ground Shipping!  And, check out our options on gift packaging here.

Dog Lover

“Pink Labs” Pajama Pants

“Dog Person” Nighshirt

Feline Friendly 

“Feline Warm & Cozy” Nightshirt

“Cat” Slippers

Coffee Fanatic

“I Moose Wake Up” Nightshirt

“Given Enough Coffee” Nighshirt

The Gardener

“In the Garden” Pajamas

“Keep Calm & Garden On” Nightshirt

Beach Bunny

“Take Me to the Beach” Nighshirt

“Beach Woman” Pillow

 

Our Favorite Easter Games!

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

Easter games can be so much fun and a great way for kids (and adults!) to burn off some of that sugar from all those treats and candy!  We’ve rounded up a list of our favorite Easter games that the whole family can enjoy.  Think about making these games an annual tradition and your kids will look forward to Easter for more than just what the bunny brings!

Easter Egg Hunt

An egg hunt is a classic Easter game and tons of fun!  This was always my favorite game as a kid.  Fill plastic eggs with treats and prizes and hide them around your house – inside or out.  The kids will love hunting them down and discovering the treats inside.  Check out step-by-step directions here.

Jelly Bean Trail

Create a trail of jelly beans from your kid’s room to their Easter basket.  On Easter morning, kids follow the trail and find their basket waiting at the end!

Easter Egg Roll

For 136 years now, the White House has hosted an Easter Egg Roll with upwards of 30,000 people.  You can host your own egg rolling party and join in the fun too!  Here’s how to set up the game.

Bunny’s Eggs

Much like “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”, in this game kids are blindfolded and each take a turn at pinning their egg in the bunny’s arms.  Who ever gets their egg closest to actually being in the arms is the winner.  Here’s a full description of the game here.

Egg Scramble

In this creative tag game, a course is set up and one person is the bunny and the rest of the players are various egg colors.  If the bunny can tag the egg when its color is called, that person becomes the next bunny and the game continues.  Check out more about the Egg Scramble.

The Bunny Hop

You may have seen the Bunny Hop at weddings and parties, but it can become a fun Easter tradition as well.  Find some fun music and teach everyone the steps!

Duck Walk Race

If this game doesn’t get everyone laughing, I don’t know what will!  Each player lines up at the starting line and squats down and grabs their ankles.  The first person to waddle over the finish line wins!

The Egg and Spoon

Participants walk the course balancing an egg on their spoon with no help from their other hand.  The first person to make it to the finish line without dropping and breaking their egg wins!  More details here.

What games does your family play at Easter time?  Do you have any favorites?  Please share in the comments below!

Photo Credit: dnhart via Compfight cc

Pajamas and Shamrock Cupcakes

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by Amanda Palmer, The Pajama Company Editor

The title alone makes the day sound heavenly. I know that tomorrow is the actual day but I wanted to get this post out in case you are interested in making my yummy Shamrock Cupcakes for dessert (recipe is found below). But I must say a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all the lovers of the Irish and Irish alike!

I am not Irish (Italian and German by blood) but my wonderful husband is, every year I make the “Irish Boiled Dinner” of cabbage and corned beef yes I know that it is really a New England Boiled Dinner. I do give it a little Irish twist I don’t “boil” the meal I actually cook it in a counter top oven roaster and instead of water I use a pint or two of dark stout beer. I also cook cabbage, potatoes, carrots and the corned beef.

Dinner is usually a casual event in my home. We sit at the table and discuss our day, but dress code for most of us is our pajamas (my husband works nights and is usually getting up from sleeping all day). I will use any excuse to wear pajama just because they are so comfortable, and my kids are the same.

The Pajama Company has these cute Munki Munki “Kerry’s Farm” Poplin pajamas that are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day (because the are green)

There are so many different styles of pajamas at The Pajama Company you can literally wear a pair every single day for a year (and I think still have some left over).

I do want to mention that it is Maternal Health Monday on St. Patrick’s Day so 10% of your purchase will go to  a very worthwhile cause. How can you not indulge and get a cozy pair of pajamas for you and the whole family.

Now for the delicious cupcake recipe that I love making for my family…the best part is it is semi-homemade so you are not slaving in the kitchen all day.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Yield: Makes 24 cupcakes

Ingredients:

  • 1 (18.25-ounce) chocolate cake mix
  • 1-1/4 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons creme de menthe OR 2 tablespoons water and 1 teaspoon mint extract
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup mint chocolate chips
  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons creme de menthe liqueur OR 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 24 muffin tins with nonstick baking spray containing flour and set aside.

In large bowl, combine cake mix, water, 2 tablespoons creme de menthe OR 2 tablespoons water plus mint extract, melted butter, and eggs. Beat on low speed until moistened, then beat 2 minutes on medium speed. Stir in chocolate chips.

Divide among sprayed muffin tins. Bake 20-25 minutes or until cupcakes spring back when lightly touched with finger. Cool in tins 5 minutes, then remove to wire rack to cool completely.

In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, 3 tablespoons creme de menthe OR peppermint extract, and 1 cup powdered sugar until fluffy. Gradually beat in 2 cups powdered sugar and 1/2 cup heavy cream until smooth. You can tint the frosting green with food coloring if you’re not using the creme de menthe. Frost cupcakes with this mixture.

Store covered at room temperature.

I hope you enjoy!

Love is in the air!

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by Amanda Palmer, The Pajama Company Editor

Yes this is the week everyone either loves or loves to hate! Ahh Valentine’s Day, the day that is filled with roses, cupids and candy.

Well I say skip the candy and flowers and give something I can use all year round! There is nothing more sweet to me than getting a pair of comfy pajamas that I can wear around the house! Yes I am a practical woman and a lot of my sentimental memories are in and around pajamas!

I know on Friday I will be wearing some cozy jammies. Who says you can’t have a romantic night wearing pajamas?

Yes I will be having a romantic night with my sweetie, I will just do it in comfort.

What do I do for my husband you ask? Well of course I cook his favorite meal and we relax at home watching a movie we enjoy with the kids. For dessert I usually do something fun like a chocolate fondue fountain and it ends up being a nice time together.

Want to do something different for your sweetheart this year? Well here at The Pajama Company we do Valentine’s Day differently:

We are bringing a popular family Valentine’s Day tradition of our founder to you: The Valentine’s Day Grab Bag. These specialty pillowcases are filled with a selection of small gifts to share the holiday of love with the whole family.

“Valentine’s Day isn’t just about treating that one special person,” says The Pajama Company founder and president Ellie Badanes. “At the Pajama Company we say you should share the holiday with all the people you love.” 

The Grab Bags are modeled after Ellie’s family tradition and are designed to be shared through an activity for a family or group of friends. 

“Each person takes a turn closing his or her eyes and picking something out of the grab bag,” says Ellie. But there’s a catch: the picker then has to decide who else in the group should get that gift. “It’s a great way to honor all the people you love and help everyone feel special this Valentine’s Day,” says Ellie.

Want to know more of our ideas for this day of love? Well we have a selection of Staff Favorites just in case you need some help choosing.

I know I will be snuggling up with my husband on Valetine’s Day sporting this lovely Kashwere Lightweight Robe humming a happy tune as I dip strawberries in chocolate and relax.

Now we would love to hear from you. Comment to this blog post and tell us how you plan to spend your Valentine’s Day! I hope everyone has a wonderfully romantic day and keep on wearing those pajamas!

 

I’ll Be Home For Christmas!

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By Amanda Palmer, The Pajama Company Editor

Yes, I am home from a month long trip frolicking in Connecticut. Actually the trip was a sad one I went back home to celebrate the life of someone that will always remain near and dear in my heart.

After being home for a few days, I can feel the Holiday spirit fill me. My family hasn’t decorated for our holiday festivities because they waited for me to be home. Now that everything is back into some order we will be starting our holiday work.

The holiday season is a big time in my family as I am sure it is for many families. Nothing is better than being held up in the house because of cold weather baking, watching classic movies, and snuggling in your pajamas.

Christmas is the time where pajamas are very important. When I think Christmas I envision a small child making their way down a huge staircase in their pajamas usually with a stuffed animal in tow. Heading to the Christmas tree to see if Santa has come to visit them and leave gifts if they were good all year long. as a child I always wore footie pajamas like our “Winter Snowflake” Kids Fleece Footie Pajamas.

As children I always begged my mother to open one gift on Christmas Eve. That was usually pajamas for us to wear on Christmas Day for photos. This tradition has lived on in my house. I make sure every year to buy pajamas for the family and we wear them in the morning for the perfect photos. I know some families even wear matching pajamas for Christmas Morning photos, I am sure that is of interest. If it is then search no longer because The Pajama Company offers Matching Family Pajamas, it is the cutest idea for the biggest family related holiday of the season.

Before the big night it might be nice to do a fun family project dawning your pajamas. I always pick a project to do with the kids and pump up the traditional Christmas music that everyone eventually hums and sings along to (like Johnny Mathis, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, etc.) and we have a lot of fun and laughs being together as a family. I will give you a fun suggestion to get started with this tradition.

 

So there you have it fun family picture ops, projects and music. Yes here at The Pajama Company we know how to have fun.

 

 

 

 

 
Salt Dough Santa Ornament
4 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 1/2 cups water

Directions:
1. Combine ingredients and knead dough for 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Roll dough out and cut around hand or cut circles out for making hand imprints.
3. Make a small hole for the hanger and prick to prevent air bubbles.
4. Bake at 300ºF about 20 to 25 minutes or until golden. You may have to bake considerably longer depending on how thick the ornaments are. Please note that these ornaments will harden as they cool.
5. Paint and decorate as desired. Acrylic paints work best and use a varnish to make them shiny and to protect the painting.

35 Bowl Games, Buckeyes and Pajamas

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By Anne Badanes, The Pajama Company Holiday Editor

What could be simpler than watching football games in pajamas? Right after all the hoopla of Christmas it is time to kick back and watch football, in pajamas of course. I just read that there are 35 bowl games, which means over a hundred hours of football to watch.

My Buckeyes will be at home with no post season game for this year. Instead of watching the Ohio State Buckeyes, we’ll enjoy eating Buckeyes while we watch the other games. Buckeyes are one of the tastiest holiday treats — simple to make and almost impossible to mess up.
Even if they aren’t in the Bowl games, Buckeyes are always winners! Whether you’re watching football or just enjoying a simple day in your pajamas, these treats will make your day a little sweeter.

Buckeyes– you need only five ingredients; 1 ½ cup of smooth peanut butter, 1 cup of SOFT butter, ½ tsp. of vanilla extract, 4-5 cups of confectioners sugar and 4 cups of semi sweet chocolate chip. Mix the PB, butter, vanilla and confectioners sugar together. It might look dry, but using your hands roll this mixture into 1” balls and put on a cookie sheet (I put parchment or waxed paper on the cookie sheet)

1.  Mix the PB, butter, vanilla and confectioners sugar together. It might look dry, but using your hands roll this mixture into 1” balls and put on a cookie sheet (I put parchment or waxed paper on the cookie sheet)

2.  Stick a toothpick into each of the balls and put these in the freezer for about an hour (they can stay longer if you like)

3. Melt the chocolate chips in either a double boiler or just a bowl that is sitting in simmering water. Stir the chips as they melt until it is smooth.Holding the toothpick, dip the peanut butter ball into the chocolate mixture, covering about ¾ of the ball with chocolate. Remove the toothpick and put back in the fridge until you want to serve them!

4.  Holding the toothpick, dip the peanut butter ball into the chocolate mixture, covering about ¾ of the ball with chocolate. Remove the toothpick and put back in the fridge until you want to serve them!