Category Archives: Lounging in Pajamas

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!

From Sock Monkeys to the Oscars

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By Amanda Palmer, The Pajama Company Editor

I am sure the title of my post has everyone scratching their head. What do sock monkeys have to do with the Academy Awards you ask?

This weekend is the first weekend of March, and Saturday the 1st begins the Sock Monkey Madness Festival In Rockford Illinois.

The history of these cute little monkeys is not really known, it is said that they were made in the depression because toys were too expensive. Grandma would take and old pair of socks like these and make a stuffed monkey with them. The monkeys were stuffed with old nylons, newspaper and other items.

So, in honor of Sock Monkey Madness we have special pajamas to help you celebrate these cute little guys. For the kids we have Munki Munki Kids Sock Monkey Pajamas, dress your little monkey in the coziest monkey in town.

And for the ladies we have Munki Munki Flannel Pajamas or Nightshirt whatever makes you feel comfortable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now for the Academy Awards portion of this post. Every year I watch the Academy Awards snuggled up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa, some popcorn and in my coziest pajamas.

I am sure my favorite part of the Academy Awards is everyone else’s as well. Nothing better than seeing movie stars dressed up in gorgeous clothes making their way down the red carpet so glamorous. It is fun watching everyone’s taste in formal wear, somethings that make it to the red carpet are outrageous. But that is what makes the Academy Awards so much fun.

So, I thought I would share a yummy recipe for the big night:

Smores “Black Tie” Popcorn

10 cups of popped popcorn

4 tablespoosn of butter

2 cups of graham cereal

1- 10 ounce bag of mini marshmallows (divided)

3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips

salt to taste

melt butter in a sauce pan on medium heat. Add half the mini marshmallows and stir until melted. Add melted mini marshmallows to popcorn and graham cereal. Toss until evenly combined then all chocolate chips and the rest of the mini marshmallows. Salt to taste. Please let cool before eating.

I love this recipe it is easy to make and it satisfies the sweet and salty cravings in everyone.

I hope you enjoy this recipe, and the Oscars!

Rainy Day Weekend

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by Amanda Palmer, The Pajama Company Editor

I love the rain, the sound of it hitting the windows or roof and the distant sound of thunder. It’s wonderful sound makes for a nice sleepy weekend.

Not everyone in my house likes the rain. My kids rather be outside playing so when we have weekends like this I think about all the fun inside things they can do. I call it Palmer Family Fun Day!

I made a great list of Rainy Day Activities you can do and I also have a fun recipe that you can either make as a dessert or lunch depending on the ingredients you use.

1.  Board Games – Nothing like pulling out board games and playing all your family favorites.

2.  Scavenger Hunt –  As mentioned in White Valentine’s Day & President’s Day Weekend you can use this scavenger hunt for days like these as well.

3.  Sock Puppet Theater –  Make your own puppets with socks you cannot find the mate to and then have a puppet show. There are so many different items you can glue on to a sock to make it look like any animal or character you choose. I also keep a kit of googly eyes, pipe cleaners and bits of yarn and fabric on hand for days like these.

4.  Peanut Butter/Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Modeling Clay – Yes this is the modeling clay kids can eat. All you have to do is mix 1 cup of Peanut butter/chocolate hazelnut spread, 2 cups confectioners sugar, 1/2 cup of honey and you have edible modeling clay. Of course you can portion it and color it for even more fun.

5.  Magazine Collage – This is a great fun way to recycle your old magazines. Give the kids a pair of scissors, a piece of construction paper, a little glue and a topic like (show me the things you like to do on a sunny day) and let the imagination go.

6.  Blanket and Pillow Fort – Take blankets and pillows and use coffee tables and chairs to make an ultra cool fort. I love doing this one and then “camping out” in the living room while we watch a movie. This is a good one to get the little ones settled down to take a nap.

7.  Dance Party – Play music and dance with your kids, this is fun to watch the little ones move to the music in their own special way.

8.  Sock “Snowball” Fight – This one my mother started with us. Pair some socks (the kids can help) and then simply have a snowball fight with the socks.

9. Decorate Shower Curtain – Purchase a clear/white shower curtain and permanent markers and let the kids design thier own shower curtain.

10. Read & Draw –  Read a story and then give the kids markers and paper and have them draw a unique ending to the story they just heard.

There you have it, 10 fun and interesting things to do so the kids won’t say the dreaded words “I’m bored”!

There is one more thing I am going to give you to do with your kids and that is cook. Nothing better than some comfort food on a rainy day. The best part this is a semi homemade recipe and depending on the ingredients you choose it can be sweet or savory…or you can do both and have real fun!

Pull Apart Pizza or Cinnamon Bread (You decide)

2 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough

1 Jar Pizza Sauce

2 cups of Mozzarella Cheese

1 cup Parmesan Cheese

1 package of Pepperoni

1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray

Or…

2 cans of refrigerated Biscuit Dough

1/2 cup  granulated Sugar

1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon

1 cup Brown Sugar

3/4 cup melted Butter

Oil Bundt pan with oil or cooking spray and layer ingredients well, cook in 325 degree oven for 47 -52 minutes or until golden brown and not doughy any longer.

I hope I have given you a good list of things to do with your children on a rainy pajama day. The best part is you can do this on days that aren’t rainy and make every day a….

 

 

 

It’s Flannel Season

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By Ellie Badanes, The Pajama Company Blog Team

With temperatures plummeting and nights long, January is the month for hibernating.  With festive celebrations behind us, now it’s our time to snuggle up in our favorite pj’s. We love “Flannel Season” and think our collection  is not only super comfy but also warm and fun. Chances are we have a pajama to reflect your personality and just your style. So curl up with your favorite book, TV show, movie or better yet, your favorite sleep mask and embrace January. Here are some of our flannel favorites today.

PJ Salvage “Macaroons” $58

Big Feet Flannel Footie $44

PJ Salvage “Hootie”  $58

PJ Salvage “Frontier” $58

The Cat’s Pajamas “Sushi” Pant for Men $56

 

 

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.

Falling Back Into Pajamas

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Amanda Palmer, The Pajama Company Editor

Did you remember to set your clocks back an hour? I actually remembered this year, but it really doesn’t matter because today is one of my official pajama days! Yes, it is a laid back Sunday for my family. We are sitting in our living room in our pajamas and watching movies on Netflix.

 

We all have our own favorite type of pajama set. My oldest daughter loves snuggling with our pets and truly has a love for animals so her favorite pajama day gear is our Moose Caboose Pink Pajama Flapjack Pajamas  paired with Aroma Home’s Knitted “Cat” Slipper Socks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Middle daughter loves staying cozy in our “Bedtime Bears” Fleece Footie Pajamas. She snuggles up under a blanket with her favorite tea time friends and tells stories while staying snug as a cute little bug!

 

 

 

The tiniest part of my family toddles along with her PJ Salvage “Cupcakes” Waffle Blanket and her Hot Hugs Monkey in tow. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This post wouldn’t be complete without me mentioning the men in my life. My Husband and Nephew love to stay comfortable and warm in their Pajama Pants.

My Husband can never be “crabby” when he is wearing his Lazy One “Lobster” Pajama Pants

Then my Nephew brings life into any of our family pajama parties with his Hatley Nature Men’s “Moose on Plaid” Flannel Pants

I hope you have enjoyed my little slice of life and how my family makes the most of falling back and enjoying our crisp fall day in comfort. Maybe I also left you with some ideas on how to relax in style with your family as well!

Why Pajamas?

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By Ellie Badanes, The Pajama Company Editor

We went to high school to do a photo shoot and used the white board to ask the all important discussion question: “Why Pajamas?” We came up with a few answers but want you to raise your hand and tell us your answer.

Still Hibernating

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By Ellie Badanes, The Pajama Company Editor

It’s officially Spring but here at The Pajama Company, we’re still hibernating. We have cute new Spring Pajamas in stock but with snow still lingering in CT, we’re staying cozy in flannels and snuggle socks. We want to believe Spring is nearly here, we want to buy pots of flowers for the patio and bask in the sunshine. We dream of capri pj’s with flip flops but with temperatures in the 30’s, it’s easier to just stay in and hibernate.

We know hibernation is a survival strategy. Animals hibernate as a way to conserve energy when conditions are harsh. Our pajamas make hibernating pretty easy we have to admit. With fun prints and cozy fabrics, pajamas promote hibernating, even when the sun is shining and temperatures are soaring. What better way to rejuvenate than to curl up in your favorite place with that book you’ve been meaning to finish, that gossip magazine you love or with an eye mask for some much needed shuteye. Did you know that a “Catnap” can promote creativity, improve memory and alertness? We might just hibernate another day or two.

Put On The Coffee and Send the Kids Back to School

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By Ellie Badanes

Seems like we were all just lounging in our cool cotton pajamas basking in summer fun only a moment ago when all of a sudden it is now time to switch gears and head “Back to School.”    Of course I have always been in favor of schools saying “Yes” to pajamas but I do understand that many kids will have to leave their wonderful jammies behind and throw on shorts and tees, jeans and tanks, shorts and hoodies, school uniforms even!  As for Moms and Dads, may we suggest leaving those pajamas on just a moment more to savor that 2nd cup of coffee and a little reflection on the summer past and what’s in store for the kids on their first day of school.