Category Archives: Pajama Fun

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

6 Signs It’s Time for a Pajama Day

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by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

Tomorrow is the start of a long holiday weekend for a lot of people! Yippee!

Time to have some fun and hopefully some relaxation too. But we know that sometimes holiday weekends can get away from us – booked up with family events, picnics, parties, etc. By the time you’re done running around, you wonder: what happened to my long weekend!?!

If you’re feeling overworked and exhausted, its the perfect time to consider taking an extra day off just to do nothing. We call it a Pajama Day. It can take a few days to un-plug and decompress, so tagging an extra day off onto a long weekend is a great idea.

Just in case you need a nudge to recognize when some down-time is called for, here are 6 tell-tale signs a Pajama Day needs to be in your immediate future!

1. Little things set you off.

You feel irritable and cranky. Little things annoy you that normally wouldn’t, a sure sign of anxiety. Time to get out of your head and into those PJs!

2. You feel really negative.

Its that niggly, critical voice in your head and its seems to have gotten louder lately! Its not saying very nice things and you can’t seem to shake it.  Your prescription? A little Pajama Perspective is in order, my friend!

3. Your productivity has taken a dive.

You feel like you’re spending more time staring at the computer screen than actually working. It’s taking you double the time to get something done than it normally would. The reality is that there’s only so much work you can do and creativity you can muster, before you just need a break.

3. You’re not sleeping well.

You’re exhausted, but you feel like you can never quite catch up on sleep. You toss and turn at night thinking about work projects and wake up feeling just as tired as when you went to bed. Yup, its time!

5. You’re not feeling well.

You’re starting to feel achy and your body’s just not right. Your shoulders are tense and your stomach may be tight. You might even feel a cold coming on. Chronic stress takes its toll on the body, and some rest is what you need.

6. You dread Sunday night.

Sunday evening rolls around and all you can think about is the fact that you’ve got to start the work week all over again.  Ugggggh. Yup, you’ve caught it…its the Sunday blues and its time to break the cycle…

Photo Credit: RelaxingMusic via Compfight cc

Summer Pajama Reading List

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 by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light.

–Vera Nazarian

Happy Summer!  Tomorrow is the official first day! Whether you have plans this summer to lounge in your pjs, chill out by the pool, or maybe in the shady hammock under a tree, a good book is always a great companion.

Here are the books that have made my summer reading list…

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

This is a historically based fiction story about the Grimke sisters of Charleston, SC, who sparked the abolishionist movement.  Its an inspiring story, with each character struggling to break free, each in their own way.

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Klein

Also a historical novel, this book is the story of  orphaned and abandoned children in the 1920’s in NY city who were sent out to the Midwest to find families.  Its heart-wrenching, but at the end you feel as though the main character has found her true family.

Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala

I have not read this one yet, but this was on the NY Times list of best book of 2013.  This is the memoir of Sonali Deraniyagala – her tale of surviving the 2004 Tsunami, but tragically losing her family.

Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table by Ruth Reich

This is the interesting and humorous life story of Ruth Reichl (former editor of Gourmet Magazine). She takes you through her quirky childhood which included her time in boarding school and her manic depressive mother who would have dinner parties serving  old, moldy food.  She also just released her first novel last month, Delicious.

Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

A dark, yet magical novel about a circus that only occurs during the night time hours.  Celia and Marco are two star-crossed lovers who must live out their destiny to become competitors.  I really didn’t expect to like this book as much as it did, but its a great read!

The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap by Wendy Welch

Another memoir, this is the charming story of a couple who decide to fulfill a life long dream of owning a bookstore, which they do in a small town in West Virginia.

What are you reading this summer?  Share with us below!

Photo Credit: susivinh via Compfight cc

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 Compfight cc

The Art of Napping

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

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

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

Keep it Short

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

Keep it to the Afternoon

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

Find a Cozy Nap Spot

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

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

Photo Credit: Takashi(aes256) via Compfight cc

How to throw a Spring Fling Sleepover!

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spring fling sleepoverSpring has sprung and the flowers are sprouting! Many kids are looking forward to their spring break and anticipating the fun things they’ll do during their time off. What could be better than a spring-themed slumber party to welcome in the new season?!

Here are some fun ideas to make your spring sleepover super fun!

Have an Indoor Picnic

The evening weather might not be quite ready for a traditional picnic, but a fun idea is to create one inside. Spread a blanket out on the floor and serve your favorite picnic delights. Here are some ideas: veggies and dip, fruit and chocolate, bread and cheese, potato or pasta salad. Pick a refreshing beverage like berry lemonade or peach iced tea. And don’t forget dessert! Make your own strawberry shortcake is always fun or make these adorable sleepover cupcakes ahead of time!

Do a Spring Craft

Choose a fun Spring-themed craft to do together. Pinterest has tons of great ideas from paper flowers to decorating a pillowcase to kid-sized butterfly wings. These embellished “Funky Flip Flops” are my favorite and are sure to be a hit!

Dance Party!

Clear away the furniture, put on some favorite beach tunes and let the kids dance the night away! Or, you can have a dance competition. Split the group into two teams and give them each a song to come up with a dance to. The best dance wins a prize!

Games

There are SO MANY fun sleepover games!  If it is warm enough where you live, you could create a scavenger hunt in the backyard, complete with clue maps and headlamps or flashlights. There’s also the Blind Makeover Game and classics like Two Truths and a Lie. Check out our other posts for sleepover games here and here.

Pamper it Up

Since it’s almost flip flop time, DIY manicures and pedicures are great for this time of year. Have everyone bring their favorite nail polish colors to share.  There’s even a fun game you can play called the Nail Polish Spin Game for a rainbow of nail colors! You can also have your guests create some good-smelling herbal home spa remedies to use like lotions and foot scrubs.

Don’t forget to remind your guests to ditch those winter flannels and wear their favorite spring pajamas!

Photo Credit: Bunches and Bits {Karina} via Compfight cc

Our August Photoshoot

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By Ellie Badanes, The Pajama Company Editor

It was the perfect Saturday afternoon for a “Pajama Photoshoot” and we made the most of it. Good friends plus a gorgeous pool set the scene for some fantastic photos. We love pairing our pajamas with different accessories, dressing them up and dressing them down. We think pajamas are meant just “For You” and are meant to reflect your personality and your sense of fun and relaxation. Maybe today you’re feeling a little bit glam or like a rock star or like a sleepyhead. Whatever your style is today, we’ve got the pajama perfect for you. This is why we love love love pajamas. Here are some of our favorite moments.

Lounging in Pajamas

An Apple A Day

Friends

A Little Bit of Glam

"Drinky Poo" Capri

Pajamas Poolside

 

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.

Meet the New Pajama Company Intern: Steffi Badanes

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By Steffi Badanes, Social Media Intern

Editor’s Note: Steffi Badanes is our newest Pajama Company intern. You will see her around this blog, Facebook, Twitter, Polyvore, Tumblr, Instagram, and Pinterest. As always, we asked Steffi to introduce herself to you by answering some very important Pajama Company questions. 

1. Describe your favorite pajamas.

They’re a pair of blue and green argyle pajama pants that say “nerds rule” on the butt! I love David & Goliath. They always make the cutest PJs!

2. What would your perfect day look like?

I love spring/summer weather, so it would have to be at least 75 degrees out. I love wearing shorts and tank tops, so hitting the town in a cute outfit with some close buds is perfect!

3. What was the last book you read?

I’m a college student. The last book I read was a memoir about eating disorders for my writing class called Wasted by Marya Hornacher. It was tough to read at points but a really honest look at the human mind of someone with an eating disorder.

4. What song is currently stuck in your head 

Love Today by Mika. It’s just such a happy and positive tune!

5. What youtube video are you watching over and over?

Space Oddity: A music video in space by Commander Chris Hadfield! I’ve always wondered what astronauts do for fun while they’re hanging out in space.

6. Winter or Summer?

Summer. Without question. I love expressing myself through my clothes. You have to cover up your cute outfits with giant puffy coats in the winter!

7. Stripes or plaid? 

I’m such a stripes girl. I wear some form of stripes everyday. I own five different black and white striped shirts!