Category Archives: Lounging in Pajamas

What’s a Life in Pajamas?

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

We say a life in pajamas is your life…only better.

Better because you get be cozy and you get to feel great!

Better because you get to wear your very favorite PJs.  You know, the cozy flannel ones with sock monkeys on them!  Or maybe your cute cat person nightshirt?  It could even be those awesome footies that cover you from head to toe!

You get to be totally comfortable and at ease in your pajamas.  And, you get to do what you want – work, play, lounge around, go out – you name it!

The bottom line is life is better in pajamas because it’s all about you!

A life in pajamas is the good life!  So we say, wear your pajamas and be happy!

What does a life in pajamas mean to you?  Tell us in the comments below!

Bedtime Stories

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

Reading books before bed can be one of the best habits. It’s a great way to wind down from the day for kids and adults alike. Kids love to climb into their pajamas and snuggle in for a bedtime story!

Once you start the habit, they’ll look forward to it each night and it’ll become a great routine. Not only is it great bonding time but it’s also known to boost brain development in kids too.

Here are some of our favorite kid’s books:

It’s Too Soon by Nigel McMullen

It’s too soon for bedtime! After all, Anna hasn’t taken a bath, or brushed her teeth, or listened to a bedtime story. Good thing Anna knows just what she needs to do to get ready for bed.

Bear Snores On

Tuck kids of all ages into bed with this charming tale. Some animals stop by the bear cave to warm up, but even after tea is brewed and corn is popped, the bear snores on! What will Bear do when he wakes up to find his cave full of uninvited guests having a party without him? Karma Wilson’s lyrical text and Jane Chapman’s warm illustrations make Bear Snores On a perfect read-aloud to be enjoyed over and over again. (A children’s Book-of-the-month club featured selection.)

Corduroy by Don Freeman

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Pajama Time by Sandra Boynton

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams & William Nicholson

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs  by Judi & Ronald Barrett

What were your favorite bedtime stories? What do your kids love to read? Share with us below!

Photo Credit: The Real Estreya via Compfight cc

Suffering from the Mondays? Here are 15 Cures!

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

“Monday is great if I can spend it in bed. I’m a man of simple pleasures, really.”

– Arthur Darvill

Mondays can be well, let’s face it…tough.

Especially in the height of the summer, when the sun is shining and all you want to do is play hooky! Monday might even make you might think of this scene from Office Space.

So just in case you’re suffering from a case of the Mondays, here are some little things you can to do to beat out those blues…

1. Wear your favorite outfit. The one you feel awesome in!

2. Bring in breakfast for you’re co-workers. Doing something nice for others will feel good!

3. Take a dance break!

4. Another meeting? Declare it a walking one and get outside.

5. Meet a friend at a fancy restaurant for lunch.

6. Work somewhere different. Escape the cubicle and head to the coffee shop!

7. Plan a Monday night Happy Hour. Why not?!

8. Wear your PJs to work! Add some heels and makeup and you’ll look fabulous.

9. Sleep in and go into the office late. You deserve it!

10. Take a lunch time yoga class.

11. Treat yourself to a colorful bouquet of flowers.

12. Take a Pajama Day!

13. Sneak out early and go to the movies.

14. Turn on some fun and uplifting music. Pick something you don’t normally listen to.

15. Take a break and treat yourself to something sweet! A decadent truffle? Gourmet cupcake?

Do at least one of these things and we’re betting your day will turn around. Oh, and you should know that you’re not alone on this Monday thing. Here are 18 Dogs Who Have a Case of the Mondays!

Photo Credit: ucumari via Compfightcc

Where is your happy place?

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”

– Dalai Lama XIV

Where is your happy place?  For some people it’s a relaxing and peaceful place. For others it may be when they’re feeling creative or connected to other people. And yet, doing something exhilarating and thrilling brings on the happy for someone else.  The possibilities are endless!

Maybe it’s…

Petting your dog

On a roller coaster

Hiking a mountain

Lounging in your PJs

Playing with your kids

On top of the Eiffel Tower

Lying on a beach

Hanging out in your garden

Taking a nap

On a sailboat

Up in a tree house

Soaking in a hot lavender filled bath

Everyday stuff can get to us, stress us out, and make us wish we were “anywhere but here”. Know the feeling?!  The cool thing is that you can connect with your happy place anytime you want to.

Connecting with your happy place

When you’re in a less than happy frame of mind, channeling that joyful time can be just the medicine you need.  You probably have several happy places, I know I do.  The key is to focus in on one, close your eyes and think about it.  Conjure the feelings and senses of being there: the beach breeze blowing your hair, the softness of your pajamas, or the smell of lavender.  Hold the thought for several minutes, exploring your happy place in your mind.

I’m willing to bet you’ll return to “real life” feeling refreshed.

Be in your happy place regularly

As the Dalai Lama says, you have to create your happiness. So while its awesome to channel your happy place when you need to, you also have to actually go there in real life too!

Whatever it is that brings you joy – make the time and go do it!  Go bungee jumping.  Stop and pet the cat. Plan a sailing vacation or a Paris trip. Call in a Pajama Day!

 

Photo Credit: Ängsbacka Kursgård via Compfightcc

How to Create a Cozy Bedroom Retreat

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

I like to think of my bedroom as a mini sanctuary. It’s the one place I can go to be cozy and at ease, and forget about the stress of the day.

Your bedroom should feel luxurious and comfortable, and be your very own haven to unwind and recharge.

Here are some things to consider in creating a bedroom retreat you’ll love to relax in:

Decorate with Intention

Be thoughtful about your space. Choose calming and soothing colors over bold bright ones. It’s okay to have some colorful accents, but going for over all neutral colors will create a much more peaceful atmosphere.

Decorate with artwork and other objects that you find inspiring. Add a scented candle. If you have wood or tile floors, consider putting a rug beside or under your bed as a soft place for your feet to land.

Cozy Bedding

Buy the best bedding and pillows that you can. Choose sheets and blankets that are super soft and will wash well. It’s always a good idea to have an extra blanket or two around, just in case you get chilled during the night. A nap blanket at the end of the bed is my personal must-have!

Ditch the Technology

Reserve your bedroom as the place to settle down and chill out. As tempting as it is to bring them along, leave the laptop, cell phone, and TV for the other rooms of the house. Instead, keep stacks of your favorite books and magazines to read while you wind down for the night. If you insist on having a TV, find a place for it where it can be tucked aside so that its not the centerpiece of the room.

Keep the Chaos at Bay

Are you the type of person who ends up with half of your closet strewn about your bedroom by the end of the week? Or maybe you have baskets of clean clothes that just sit there for days, waiting for someone to put them away.

If you’re not in the habit of putting things away regularly, make a promise to yourself to spend just five minutes picking up each day. It will go a long way in keeping your bedroom clutter-free and feeling like a peaceful and relaxing space you intended it to be.

Pajamas

A cozy bedroom calls for some equally cozy PJs, of course!  Having just the right pajamas, a soft robe, and some comfy slippers will add just the perfect finishing touch!

Relax…unwind…and enjoy…

What’s your secret to a cozy bedroom space?

Photo Credit: The Little Greene Paint Company via Compfightcc

Vintage Pajamas

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

Have you ever wondered how pajamas came about?

According to Wikipedia, pajamas were first introduced back in the 17th century and were around for a brief time, and then went out of style. Around 1870 they were brought back into fashion by British colonials, and men began wearing them as sleeping attire.

From then on, pajamas stuck around and became the classic attire that they are today. Pajamas were worn for bed, lounging, daywear, and even at the beach. Pajamas come in a huge variety of styles today, and many vintage pajama styles were seen in old Hollywood movies from beautiful satin robes to classic two-piece pajama sets to silk nightgowns.

Here’s a look at some at the vintage old-Hollywood pajama style…

 

Sophia Loren in striped pajamas in the 1958 movie “The Key”.

 

Doris Day on the set of “The Pajama Game”. Image via

 

Ginger Rogers circa 1935 in a tailored pajama ensemble. Image via

 

Joan Crawford from 1929 in beautiful embroidered pajamas. Image via

 

Pretty flapper style pajamas. Image via

Check out our full collection of vintage pajamas through the ages on our Pinterest page!

Why Its Good to Be Lazy

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“Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along,

listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.”

-Winnie the Pooh

Have you noticed how much laziness really gets a bad rap?  As a culture, we place so much value on doing and striving and accomplishing, that resting or taking a break is looked down upon. But what about the proven benefits of slowing down?

As it turns out, laziness is not a bad thing at all and is something we all need to embrace.  Being a couch potato and allowing yourself to chill out is actually good for you!

Laziness helps you to renew your energy and motivation.

Its no secret we’re big fans of napping around here.  When you rest and sleep, you allow your brain time to rejuvenate.  You also enhance you memory function.  Letting your body rest gives you the chance to restore your energy, much like filling the gas tank of your car.

Being lazy sparks your creativity.

Lounging around allows our conscious mind to slow down, it calms our thoughts and helps to quiet the mental chatter.  Giving yourself time to daydream and veg out often actually sparks creativity.  This is because when you rest, it stops the process of over thinking – a loop that we often get caught in – which reduces our ability to come up with creative ideas.

Laziness leads to good heath.

Being stressed out is obviously bad for your health.  It takes its toll on your heart, among other things.  Resting gives your body time to repair wear and tear that’s happened during the day.  Even the oldest man in Britain gives credit to his laziness for helping him to live so long!

Laziness helps you avoid burnout.

We all have our limits and there’s only so much we can do until we need to rest or else risk burnout.  I always thought burnout just meant you got really tired.  But as I’ve experienced first hand, not only is burnout really bad because of the level of exhaustion that comes with it, but most times it also includes losing interest in what burned you out in the first place.  Yikes!  So even if you’re doing something you’re passionate about, its still important to step away.

We say, embrace your love for rest.  Not only is it good for you, but you deserve it too!

Happy weekend!  Here’s to spending it sleeping  in, hibernating, and relaxing…

Photo Credit: melodramababs via Compfightcc

Your Pajama Fit Guide: How to Choose Just the Right PJs

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You deserve a fabulous pair of pajamas.

But in a world of so many cool pajama choices, how do you know which ones are right for you?

Has this happened to you? You head out shopping because you need some new clothes, only to come home with a bunch of stuff that just doesn’t work. Maybe a shirt you love, but that does not quite go with anything else you own. Or a skirt that’s really cute, but you only wear it once because it pretty uncomfortable.

If you are lucky, you realize the mistaken choices and can return them. If you’re not so fortunate, you end up with a bunch of stuff in your closet that you never wear.

We don’t want this to happen with your pajamas.  We want you to find just the right ones.  Think Goldilocks when she found just the right bed. The type that you’ll wear over and over again and absolutely love. I’m talking about PJs that express who you are and make you feel cozy and happy when you put them on!

So, think of this your virtual “pajama fitting”.  Here are 4 questions to consider before buying a new pair of pajamas:

1. What are your favorite things?

Pajamas come in SO MANY fun patterns and styles!

So what’s your thing?  Are you a beach bunny who loves all things ocean and marine?  Are you a big time dog lover?  Maybe you’re obsessed with all things Paris.

Are you a total hipster? Can’t imagine a world without bacon?

No matter what you love or who you are, we’ve got you covered!

2. What’s your idea of comfort?

Footie pajamas are super cozy and cover you from head to toe.  Its like being wrapped in a blanket. Nightshirts are more breezy and cool.

Sleeve length and pant length – long versus short –  also make big difference, especially if you’re the type of sleeper who tosses and turns and wakes up with your pajama pants twisted around your legs.  My personal pet peeve!

The climate you live in, also comes into play, so keep this in mind as well!

3. How will you wear your pajamas?

Pajamas are for sleeping of course, but they’re also for lounging, and in some cases have become a fashion statement!  So think about how you want to wear your PJs.

For example, I have different pajamas for sleeping versus hanging out.  I like to sleep covered in lots of blankets, so I prefer a tank or short sleeved top and shorts for bed.  To relax and read or watch a movie, I love a classic cotton long sleeve and pant pajama set.

4. What kind of fabrics do you like?

Cotton is cozy, breathable, and easy to care for.  Fleece and flannel are  snuggly and warm.  Jersey is stretchy and silky and feels light against your skin.  What do you find totally cozy?

The bottom line: you should feel totally happy and super comfortable when you put on your pajamas.  Just like Goldilocks, when you put on your perfect PJs, we want to hear you say, “Ahhhh…just right”.

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!

 

Do you need a Pajama Day?

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need a pajama day

Every now and then, we all need a Pajama Day. A Pajama Day is a day just for you – to stay home and be comfortable and cozy in your pjs. It’s all about slowing down and doing nothing. No agendas, no work, pure relaxation. It’s a day to read a book, sip some tea, or maybe watch your favorite movie. Just be.

So many of us get caught up in the rat race of life, that we don’t consciously realize when it’s time for a rest. If you are having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, feeling irritable, or experiencing a lot of stress – it’s time for you to take a Pajama Day! If you’ve just delivered a big project or met a deadline at work or school, chances are you are in need of some down time.

One of the keys to truly enjoying your Pajama Day is to acknowledge that it’s ok to take it! We often don’t understand that we deserve a break. We actually feel guilty about taking some rejuvenating time just for ourselves. We feel like we need to constantly be striving and working and hustling and doing. Let’s face it – it’s our culture. But we are here to tell you that you are allowed to have a day off to do nothing once in a while!

The truth is that taking a breather now and again will serve you and help you to avoid burning out. You will return to “regular” life refreshed and with more energy. Chances are you’ll be even more productive than you would have been if you hadn’t taken some time off. You’ll feel better and reduce your chances of getting sick.

Here are some tips to make sure you have a truly relaxing Pajama Day:

1. If you have to call in sick or take a personal day, do what you need to ensure that you’re off the clock!

2. Don’t forget to turn off the cell phone. Click on your “out of office” responder email and unplug.

3. Since you’re off all day and not cooking, tell your family to bring home food for dinner.

4. Make sure you have some yummy snacks on hand. Chocolate is really important here!

5. A good novel and your favorite magazines are essential.

6. And of course, don’t get dressed.  Stay in your most loved, cozy PJs!

…Oh, and be sure not to make the bed – you’ll need it for napping!

We want to know — what are your tips for a relaxing day off?  Tell us in the comments below!