Category Archives: Rest & Relaxation

Finding Your Way To Better Sleep

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A good night’s sleep is critical to your overall health. When you get the right amount of sleep at night it makes you more productive the next day, lowers stress levels, and improves your overall frame of mind. Your sleep quality can even affect your weight and the health of your skin.

Most people who have trouble either falling asleep or staying asleep know the basics of what to do and what not to do, such as drinking herbal tea, taking a warm bath, and avoiding technology right before bed. But, there are some other methods you can also try if the old stand-by isn’t working for you. If you are one of the millions of people that have trouble getting enough zzzz’s at night, give some of these lesser know techniques a shot.

Beary Happy

Pick the Right Pajamas: Proper sleepwear is critical to a good night’s sleep and a great pair of pajamas makes all the difference. If you aren’t comfortable, you’ll toss and turn all night disturbing your regular cycle. The way your pajamas fit is very important. If pajamas are too loose you might start to feel tangled up as you move around. If too tight, your PJ’s may feel binding and can cut off circulation. Another thing to consider is the fabric your sleepwear is constructed of. You don’t want to be too hot or cold and you want the fabric to feel good on your skin. Everyone has different tastes, but it just so happens that they make pajamas out of every type of material imaginable!

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Drink Tart Cherry Juice: Tart cherries (Known as Montmorency cherries) are naturally rich in melatonin, which is a hormone that regulates sleep. Drinking tart cherry juice before bed gives you just the right amount of melatonin to help you fall asleep and stay asleep while supplying your body with a ton of nutrients and antioxidants. Tart cherry juice is also thought to help reduce arthritis and gout symptoms, combat muscle soreness, and improve brain health. The juice can be purchased as a concentrate that you mix with water or ready to drink.

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Take a Magnesium Supplement: Magnesium is one of the most common minerals on earth and is found in many of the foods we eat. Our bodies depend on it to function properly. Bone health, brain, heart, and muscle function are just some of the 600 cellular reactions throughout your body that magnesium intake controls. The supplements provide benefits such as fighting inflammation, relieving constipation, and lowering blood pressure, but did you know magnesium may help treat sleep problems? Magnesium regulates neurotransmitters that send signals to the nervous system and brain helping you to relax. It also regulates the melatonin your body naturally produces, which controls your sleep-wake cycle.

Lavender flowers

Lavender Aromatherapy: Lavender is thought to have originated in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and India and has been used to improve sleep for centuries. Our brains find the scent of Lavender soothing, which in turn slows brain wave activity allowing you to relax. The scent can be used in many different ways such as diffusers in your bedroom, lotions or pure essential oils directly applied to the skin, and you can even find laundry treatments that are lavender scented. It’s a must-have fragrance to help you get great shut-eye.

Calm Ocean Sounds

Relaxation App: Many times the inability to get a good night’s sleep comes from our brains working overtime. You know how it is. You go to bed and suddenly you start thinking about the day’s events, your upcoming schedule, or the stresses that come with everyday life. It can keep you up for hours! A great way to combat this is to download a relaxation app. Soothing ocean sounds, the soft patter of raindrops, or even the whirring of a fan transform your environment into a happy place where you can clear your mind and decompress.

Meditation

Meditation: Did you know that 1-in-6 adults meditate before bed?  Taking a few minutes to clear your mind before you go to bed can do wonders for your sleep cycle. When using a variety of mind and body techniques to promote relaxation, you release tension and ready your brain for sleep. Look for some videos and articles online to give you insight into different types of mediation practices and to find the right technique for you.

Do you have a proven method of getting to sleep and staying asleep that has worked wonders for you? Our community would love to hear them. Comment below or head on over to our Facebook page and share them with us!

Put Self Care at the Top of Your List

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Self-care is something that should be in our routines every day. Although September is the official ‘Self Care Awareness’ month, we think that taking care of ourselves should be an everyday occurrence.

We all have tendencies to put other’s needs ahead of our own, but it is important to remember that you can’t fill someone else’s glass if your own pitcher is empty. First and foremost, we need to tend to our own well being. Focusing daily energy on your mental, physical, and emotional wellness is important for staying fresh, healthy, and happy.

Most people think of self-care as eating healthy and getting enough exercise. Of course, these are a vital part of what we would consider self-care, but it’s the little things you can do to be good to yourself every day that make a huge impact on your overall well being. The true benefits of self-care come when an individual is true to themselves and enjoying the moment.

To start incorporating daily self-care into your routine, you must first refocus and reconnect with your inner self. Remember that you deserve positive attention, and making ‘you’ time in your busy life is not selfish, it’s necessary.

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Bring joy into your life.

Sometimes it can be a difficult task to make time for joy. We spend too much time worrying about things that we have no control over and not enough time taking in the wonderful things that surround us. Making time to be happy may mean setting new goals, finishing a forgotten project, or simply daydreaming. If you enjoy creative activities, find your inspiration there. Something as simple as coloring a picture or taking a beautiful photo can be a truly joyful moment.

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Schedule ‘me’ time

This should be your #1 self-care priority. You need time to yourself to reflect on things, reorganize your thoughts, and reboot. This could be an hour in the tub, a long walk, meditation, or even a drive in the country. The most important thing is that you are alone and without the distractions of everyday life. Enjoy you!

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Get your sleep

When you’re tired you are no good to anyone, especially yourself. Being well-rested allows you to wake up fresh and focused so you can use your time efficiently. Not only does this allow you to accomplish your daily tasks, it creates even more time for you to indulge in your own self-care.

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Eat something you want

Whether it’s healthy food, comfort food, or a high-calorie meal, indulging in even a little something is definitely self-care if it makes you happy. If you go for the latter option (we love dessert) simply eat in moderation and don’t overdo it. The whole point will be lost if you indulge and then feel guilty for falling off your diet wagon. The goal is to give yourself just a little bit of satisfaction

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Make the rest up
Self-care means different things to different people. The only common denominator is that it brings one happiness. What that looks like is up to you. Just make sure to follow through every day and inject a bit of self-care into your day.

Don’t Let Winter Doldrums get you down

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It’s been a long winter. The cold weather, short days and gray skies can leave you feeling blue. February is usually the month where SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) peaks for many people. The holidays are over and although spring is just around the corner, it seems sometimes as if brighter days will never arrive.

It’s time to snap out of it and lift your spirits. We’ve got 7 tips to help you stay sunny during the winter doldrums.

It’s been a long winter. The cold weather, short days and gray skies can leave you feeling blue. February is usually the month where SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) peaks for many people. The holidays are over and although spring is just around the corner, it seems sometimes as if brighter days will never arrive. It’s time to snap out of it and lift your spirits. We’ve got 7 tips to help you stay sunny during the winter doldrums.people-2568410_640

  1. Stay Active. It has been scientifically proven that exercise reduces the symptoms of depression by increasing the endorphins that generate positive feelings. Whenever possible plan your physical activity for the morning. It has been shown that morning exercisers, burn more calories throughout the day, report better sleep, and have lower blood pressure. You’ll also love the way you look once you finally can put those warm-weather clothes on!
  2. Get your D. Also known as ‘the sunshine vitamin’, studies have shown that most people need to increase their intake by up to 500% in the winter months. Vitamin D is not only critical for essential body health but researchers have also found that it improves mood.

emerson somedaysmodel daisyphotoshoot daisyclassic63. Show your bright side. It has been shown that the more down in the dumps we are, the less able we are to distinguish colors. Gloomy gray skies and long nights don’t help. When you add color to your wardrobe such as red, orange, yellow, and chartreuse your mood will actually improve. You could also give a room in your house a makeover with a splash of color by painting the walls or accessorizing with bright cheery décor. This gives you a happy place to spend your inside time.

4. Eat light. During cold, dark months our bodies instinctively crave carbohydrates and “comfort foods”. Not only is this type of diet unhealthy but it also provides a false sense of happiness. These simple carbs will give you a short-lived energy boost and feeling of satisfaction but it’s only a matter of time before it all wears off and your left feeling worse than you did before. Instead choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins which are mood-boosting foods. Your waistline will thank you too!

5. Put your toes in the sand. While taking a vacation is not possible for everyone if you have the means and the time off we highly recommend a warm beach getaway if even for a few days. The time off, the energy from the sun (use sunscreen), and the relaxation it an instant moor booster. If taking off to a tropical paradise isn’t in the cards, consider spending the weekend at a water park or spa. Any getaway can turn that frown around.orange-1995056_640

6. Smell Citrus. Yep – you read that right. If you’re feeling blue or lack energy, cut an orange or lemon or light a citrus candle and take in the scent. A study published in the Journal NeuroImmunoModulation found that when patients suffering from depression were exposed to citrus smells their moods were lifted. The smells likely stimulated sensory systems which provided a much-needed boost of

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7. Bring in spring. One of the best parts of spring is when everything starts to bloom. A sure fire way to bring your out of your funk is to surround yourself with fresh flowers. Nowadays you can buy reasonably priced, beautiful bouquets at most grocery stores so pick a few up and place them around your home where everyone can enjoy them. It’s one of our favorite things to do! We can’t make spring come any quicker but we hope these tips will help you get through the next few weeks until Mother Nature decides to send Jack Frost away until next year.

If you have go-to remedies for the winter blues, we’d love to hear them. Post them in the comments or head over to our Facebook page and share them there!

10 reasons to love rainy days

Why Rainy Weekends are Actually The Best

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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.

cute bear cotton pajama set

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 best thing 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

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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.

Best Herbal Teas for a Cold

Healing Herbal Teas for Cold Season

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This is the most wonderful time of year to wrap yourself in a warm blanket and hibernate. Unfortunately, hibernation isn’t always a choice. Winter is also host to a number of viruses, ranging from the common cold to the flu. The sniffles might send you back to bed more often than you’d like. In addition to modern medicine, there are a number of soothing ways to treat a cold that taste much better than cough syrup.

We recover faster from colds when we allow our bodies to rest and heal. Get cozy in your softest pajamas, snuggle up under the covers, and make yourself a steaming pot of tea — the perfect beverage to compliment a day of binge watching the latest Netflix drama with a box of tissues.

Plush bathrobe in light pink / blush color from PJ Salvage

Get comfortable in this Luxe Plush Robe in ‘Blush’ by PJ Salvage.

12 Herbal Teas to Soothe the Common Cold

1. White Tea. Similar to green tea, white tea has an antiseptic quality and actually destroys pathogenic bacteria in your body. Pathogenic bacteria are bacteria that can cause disease, so white tea might give your immune system a little boost during cold and flu season.

2. Lemongrass. Teas made with lemongrass serve as a balm for sore throats. Additionally, lemongrass is has antiviral properties that may assist in the healing process.

3. Cinnamon. Teas that contain cinnamon have a warming flavor and an extra kick. They also contain more antioxidants than other herbal teas. Some studies have shown that antioxidants may lower your risk of infections.

4. Ginger. Ginger tea or teas that contain ginger, will help relieve your sore throat and loosen up mucus that causes congestion due to a cold. If you’re feeling queasy, ginger is best known for its ability to calm an upset stomach because it can reduce nausea.

5. Cloves. Similar to ginger, herbal teas that contain cloves can make it easier to cough up phlegm and ease congestion. Another option is to simply add a few cloves to steeping tea. When the tea is finished steeping, strain the liquid or fish out the cloves with a spoon.

6. Black Tea. Please keep in mind that the caffeine may keep you up and prevent you from getting adequate rest. However, it’s good to know that new research from Harvard University concluded that people who drank five cups of black tea every day for two weeks transformed their immune system’s T cells. The cells pumped out 10 times more cold and flu virus-fighting interferon!

Coffee Pattern Flannel Pajama Set

‘Spiced Coffee’ pajama pattern by Munki Munki. Available as a super soft flannel pajama set or just pajama pants.

7. Lemon. Lemon tea or adding a squeeze of lemon to your tea or water will give you a much-needed vitamin C boost, which can help the duration and severity of symptoms if you already have a cold.

8. Turmeric. Turmeric has been getting a lot of praise in the health and wellness community recently. The root is one of the most effective anti-inflammatories in existence. Turmeric tea can help reduce inflammation and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort.

9. Cayenne. It’s no secret that cayenne’s spicy heat is great for warming the body. When utilized in tea, cayenne can help with digestion issues, nausea, and has been known to help restore lost appetite.

10. Raw Honey. Stirring raw honey into your herbal tea will not only add a welcomed touch of sweetness, it will also add small amounts of vitamin C and folate. Honey also contains antibacterial properties. When honey coats the back of the throat, it not only soothes the cough, it can help prevent infection.

11. Sage. We associate sage more commonly with cooking savory dishes, but it can also be used to make a soothing herbal tea. Like ginger and lemongrass, sage eases sore throat discomfort. The herb also contains similar antiviral qualities.

12. Lemon Verbena. Lemon verbena is considered the most intense of the lemon-scented herbs. When used in a tea, lemon verbena has been known to help reduce very mild fevers, settle upset stomachs, and increase appetite. Additionally, lemon verbena tea soothes sore throats.

We hope these herbal teas and natural ingredients help you create a soothing and delicious drink to enjoy while you heal. Of course, always consult a medical practitioner before changing your diet or consuming any natural herbs that may interfere with other medications you may be taking. Feel better soon!

For more ideas for self-care, reading lists, and ideas for family fun this winter season, visit The Pajama Company blog at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

Winter Pajama Sale 2019

How to Make the Best of Winter

Make the Best of Winter

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Each season brings positives and negatives, but according to a recent Gallup poll, only 11% of Americans list winter as their favorite time of year. While the winter months bring the holidays, twinkle lights, parties, and presents, winter also brings cold weather and shorter, darker days — a bit of a bummer for the other 89%. It’s easy to see the glass as half empty, but why not embrace the darkness?

By welcoming winter with open arms and maintaining a positive attitude, we can stave off those pesky winter blues. Brush off that Grinch attitude and see the bright side of nature’s darkest season.

Snuggle Up, Buttercup

Instead of thinking of winter as cold, think of it as cozy. The weather outside is what makes our throw blankets feel softer, our couch feel more comfortable, and our bedroom feel more inviting. Winter is the ultimate excuse to hibernate: laze around in your bathrobe, sip chamomile tea, and curl up under a warm blanket.

When you think about it, winter is just as romantic as spring, the season that gets all the romance glory. Candlelight and red wine are more appropriate in the winter. Activities like snuggling up and watching a movie or dining in a warm, cozy restaurant are practically a given during the colder months. Winter brings us closer.

Indulge in a Little Comfort

If you found yourself saying, “It’s too hot to eat…” at any point last summer, now is your time to take advantage. Make it a point to indulge in all the warm ooey gooey, steaming hot comfort food that you can’t fully enjoy during the warmer months. Bowls of ramen piled high with noodles and thinly sliced pork. Molten chocolate cake and bread pudding on the dessert menu. Baked ziti, spicy samosas, mac n’ cheese.

We understand that many people choose to do a healthy “reset” in January… but winter is long. Before that hot humid weather rolls back around, be sure to treat yourself to a delicious meal that warms you right down to your soul.

The Most Creative Time of Year

Winter drives us indoors, making it the best time of year to start that hobby you’ve been putting off: learn French, make homemade pasta, or learn how to knit. In the warmer months we almost feel guilty when we spend time indoors. During the winter, we can stay at home and learn to watercolor in the comfort of our living room without shame.

Remember, being creative doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. If you find winter to be a lonely time of year, you’re not alone. Or at least you don’t have to be. Start a book club, crafting meet-up, or learn to knit with a friend. Surrounding yourself with good people and good conversation makes any dark day brighter.

Apres Ski Classic Flannel Pajama Set by PJ Salvage

Apres Ski Classic Flannel Pajama Set by PJ Salvage

Read Yourself a Bedtime Story

“Summer reads” have their place, but why not make your way through some winter reads too?  Because it gets darker earlier, most people tend to go to bed earlier in the winter months. The cold weather makes us eager to jump into our flannel pajamas and put our feet up. Pick a book and get into the habit of reading a chapter each night before you go to bed. Not only is reading before bed great exercise for the mind, some studies have suggested that reading before bed also helps you get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer. Once you get into the groove, you’ll be surprised how many books you get through by spring. Far more than you’d ever knock out in a weekend at the beach!

An Excuse to Sleep In

Here’s the absolute best part about winter: it stays dark longer. What’s that? You thought the darkness was a negative? Think of the darkness as nature’s blackout curtain. A later sunrise means that this is the best time of year to comfortably sleep in. It’s as if nature is saying, “Go ahead, take a break. You deserve it.” Sleep in on the weekend and enjoy long, lazy mornings warm in your pajamas just because you can. Soak up the comfort of your warm, cozy bed like you would rays at the beach.

We hope you make the most of the remaining winter months, whether you’re hitting the slopes or hitting the couch with a good book. For more ideas for family fun this season, check out The Pajama Company Blog at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

How to Make Your Home Cozy

10 Tips to Make Your Home Cozy for Fall

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Crisp, crunchy leaves, vibrant fall colors, and cool refreshing air. This is the time of year that we transition from spending most of our time outdoors to spending most of our time snug in our homes, readying ourselves for a winter hibernation of sorts.

As the days get shorter and daylight during the workweek becomes scarce, we’re often leaving our home when it’s still dark in the morning and returning home to a dark home at night. This can leave our home feeling “cold” and can sometimes make us feel a little depressed. Make your home feel warm, comfortable, and welcoming during the fall and winter months with these simple tips.

 

cute matching family pajamas fall

‘Don’t Moose With Me’ matching family pajamas by Lazy One.

How to Make Your Home Feel Cozy

1. Leave slippers by the door.

Slippers make you feel instantly warm and cozy the second you slip them on in the morning. Why not keep a pair by the door? That way you can kick off your uncomfortable work-approved footwear and slide into instant comfort.

2. Use soft lighting.

The right lighting can make all the difference! If you have a lot of intense, high-wattage bulbs that emit a severe bright light, consider replacing them with lower-wattage warm-toned lights when they burn out. The difference will make your home feel more like a warm, cozy den and less like an office space.

3. Don’t underestimate the power of throw pillows.

Layering warm, soft fabrics in the form of a few strategically placed throw pillows is a great way to ‘cozy up’ your home. The plush pillows invite you to sit down, put your feet up, and relax. Throw pillows are a simple, affordable way to soften any space and make your house feel like a home.

4. Upgrade your towel to a bathrobe.

There’s no rule that says you can’t walk around your house in a damp towel after you get out of the shower… but why not make every moment at home as comfortable as it can be? After leaving the steamy comfort of a hot shower, a plush bathrobe will keep the chilly fall air at bay. The right bathrobe can make any home feel like cozy and spalike.

5. Curl up by the fire (sort of).

Since most of us don’t have a fireplace, make use of candles to create an intimate cozy atmosphere in the room you’re in. If you are searching for a safer alternative, you can also use electric candles. Electric candles and tea lights are a great choice for people with kids and pets — or those of us who are just a bit forgetful!

6. Keep a throw blanket at arm’s reach.

Another tip for “instant cozy” is to keep a throw blanket at arm’s reach. Whether you’re zoning out in front of the TV after a long day of work or reading a book in bed, a soft throw blanket wrapped around your shoulders or draped over your legs will make you feel warm and snug at home.

Ski Themed Women's Pajama Set

‘Apres Ski’ pajama set by PJ Salvage.

7. Wear the right loungewear.

Changing from your clothes into a pair of clean, comfortable pajamas is a small ritual that says “I’m done for today.” Being comfortable at home isn’t just about how your home looks, it’s how you feel when you’re spending time there. If we want to feel comfortable and also put together, we opt for pajama sets. If we want to just let loose, flannel pajama pants and a T-shirt will do the trick. True comfort is about being comfortable in your skin in your space.

8. The smell of freshly baked cookies.

Scented oil and aromatherapy companies have captured the scents of everything in the natural world in addition to some of our favorite, comforting smells from childhood. Far safer than candles, oil diffusers can be used to create that homey feeling with the power of smell. Even if you don’t bake, you can diffuse vanilla scented oil to make your house smell like cookies just came fresh from the oven. Instant warmth.

9. Bring fall colors indoors.

Bring the fall colors you love indoors with seasonal plants like mums, cut flowers, or arrangements with branches of berries or pussy willows. Flowers and plants are a simple way to bring a natural pop of color to any room. As an added bonus, being in or around nature has the same effect on people as meditation and this one of the reasons why houseplants are so hot right now.

10. Stock up on tea and books.

Tea, good coffee, hot chocolate — prep your pantry with ingredients for some great fall drinks that you can enjoy as the season transitions from cool to cold. Keep a pile of your fall reads near your favorite reading spot, like the couch, a cozy chair, or your nightstand. Having these two fall must-haves at the ready will encourage you to get comfortable and hibernate in PJs this season.

We hope you find these tips helpful! For more ideas on how to stay comfy and cozy this season, visit The Pajama Company at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

cute winter pajamas 2018

 

10 Bedtime Rituals to Help You Decompress

10 Bedtime Rituals to Help You Decompress

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Your work schedule, the kids’ school schedule, Halloween, Thanksgiving, holiday shopping… is anyone else beginning to feel the crunch of this busy season? It’s as if the lazy days of summer are actually a rest period so we have the energy to make it through the marathon holiday season of the fall and winter.

As we approach this busy time of year, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of self care. The more hectic our schedules get, the easier it becomes to move your health and happiness to the bottom of the list. Apart from drinking enough water and eating our veggies, our most basic health requirement is sleep. We hope these simple bedtime rituals will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Dog Pattern Flannel Pajamas

PJ Salvage ‘Think Pawsitive’ Classic Flannel Pajama Set in Antique White

Bedtime Rituals to Help You Get a Good Night’s Sleep

1. Make a to-do list.

Your to-do list can be as simple as few things you want to accomplish the next day, like clearing out your inbox, paying your phone bill, or tackling the first step of a project at work. By writing down each task, you’re actually creating an action plan for the day. This allows you to rest easy knowing that you will wake up with purpose and direction.

2. Stretch before bed.

Try a incorporating a simple yoga practice into your nighttime routine. The stretching will soothe aching joints and muscles and the breathing techniques will help you exhale all the stress you’ve accumulated throughout your day. This 7-minute bedtime yoga sequence is so simple you can do it your pajamas, no spandex required.

3. Try micro journaling.

Journaling is a healthy, reflective practice that allows you to acknowledge your successes and note areas for improvement. Micro journaling is simply writing down three things that went well that day and three things that didn’t. This practice gives your day closure, sealing it in the past. This keeps you focused on the positive and prevents you from dwelling on the negative, silencing that end-of-day chatter that keeps you up at night!

4. Take an evening stroll.

If you can slip away for twenty minutes, take a walk around your neighborhood. Studies have shown that walking, especially in green spaces like a park, can have the same stress-relieving effects as meditation. This would be a great time to think about what you’re grateful for today and what you want to accomplish tomorrow. The key to a restorative walk is to do it unplugged — no ear buds! After a hot shower, you’ll go to bed feeling rested and refreshed.

5. A cleansing soak.

Whether it’s a long leisurely bubble bath or quick a 5-minute foot soak, wash away your stress in the tub. Immersion in water is known to be very therapeutic, especially when you combine it with the relaxing effects of aromatherapy. In the evening, add lavender oil to the water to promote a deep sleep. After you towel off, wrap yourself up in a warm fluffy bathrobe to create a spa experience.

Women's Polar Bear Bathrobe

Munki Munki Women’s Fluffy ‘Polar Bear’ Fleece Robe

6. Unplug and open a book.

An hour before bed, unglue yourself from screens: television, phone, and computer. Put on your softest, comfiest pajamas and curl up in bed with a good book. The light from these screens has been shown to disrupt our sleep patterns. Not only will reading at the end of the day help you get to sleep faster, avoiding the glow of your electronics will help you stay asleep longer. Check out our fall classics reading list for ideas.

7. An evening cup of tea.

Simply the act of making a cup of tea can be a meditative practice. Waiting for the water to boil. Prepping the tea bags if you’re making loose tea. The scent of the water hitting the dried herbs. Get in the habit of making a cup of herbal tea before bed. Chamomile, jasmine, and mint are soothing herbal teas that won’t keep you up at night.

8. Adult coloring books.

Adult coloring books have been all the rage in the last few years, used mostly as a stress-relieving technique. Coloring is an easy way to be crafty and creative, no matter how much time you have at the end of the day. Coloring stimulates areas of the brain that most of us non-creatives don’t use every day, making it a soothing and helpful brain exercise that promotes creative problem solving. The perfect pre-bedtime activity.

9. Meditate for 5 minutes.

Meditating for as little as five minutes each day can reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep. There are many guided meditations available online, so you can learn breathing techniques and practice helpful, relaxing visualizations. Meditating is a great way to clear your mind before bed, especially if you find that overthinking keeps you up at night!

10. Invest in comfortable pajamas.

We know, we know… to someone with a hammer, everything looks like a nail! Believe it or not, investing in comfortable sleepwear will help you get to sleep faster. When you were a kid, pajamas weren’t just something to wear after your bath — they also acted as a signal to tell you that it was bedtime, mentally preparing you to wind down. The same logic can be applied as an adult. A ritual as simple as putting on pajamas says, “My day is finished. It’s time for me to rest.”

We hope these ideas for bedtime rituals help you get a great night’s sleep. For more sleep tips and ideas for family fun this fall season, visit The Pajama Company Blog at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

10 Classics for Your Fall Reading List

10 Classics for Your Fall Reading List

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It’s ‘back-to-school’ season and even if you’re a grown up or sans kiddos, you can still feed your brain by mixing some classics into your fall reading list. Fall is the perfect time to curl up in your pajamas with a good book, so make those moments count with these classic literary reads.

10 Books for Your Fall Reading List

Curl up with a good book in this PJ Salvage Fruit Playful Print Cotton Pajama Set in Navy

Grown-Up Bedtime Stories: Classics to Add to Your Reading List

1. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

If you want a literary classic that is guaranteed to get your blood pumping, look no further than The Count of Monte Cristo. You could technically call this novel the first ‘action movie’ before movies. How’s this for a plot: an innocent man wrongly, but deliberately imprisoned spends his time locked away crafting a brilliant strategy for revenge against all who betrayed him. Should prove to be moderately entertaining!

2. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

In the mood for a wistful fall read? Laugh and cry with Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, the literary classic that follows the four March girls in this tale of poverty, womanhood, and growing up. In short: being a woman is complicated and becoming a woman is even more so.

3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

A dash of romance in an over-the-top luxe 1920s setting. The Great Gatsby follows the story of eccentric millionaire Jay Gatsby as told by Nick Carraway, a Midwesterner who lives on Long Island but works in Manhattan. Gatsby’s enormous mansion is adjacent to Carraway’s modest home, and Carraway becomes curious about his neighbor after being invited to one of his famous parties. Romance, intrigue, and violence ensue as Gatsby’s intentions are revealed.

4. 1984 by George Orwell

This novel has seen a revival in popularity in recent years. Orwell’s story, published in 1949, unfolds in “futuristic” 1984 Oceania, the totalitarian superpower in post World War II Europe. In this world, most of the world’s population have become victims of perpetual war, omnipresent government surveillance and propaganda. This book was the catalyst for Big Brother paranoia. A thrilling, engaging, must-read that is as relevant today as it was 1949.

5. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

A dense and truly epic read, Great Expectations is arguably Charles Dickens’ masterpiece. The tale depicts the personal growth and development of an orphan nicknamed Pip. Be warned, Great Expectations is full of extreme imagery — poverty, prison ships and chains, and fights to the death — and has a colorful cast of characters that have endure in our mainstream popular culture. One for the literary bucket list.

10 Literary Classics to Add to Your Reading List

Get comfortable on the couch with this Evergreen Voile Cotton Pajama Set from The Cat’s Pajamas

6. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I mean, it’s fall so you have to watch the movie (any of them, really…) but why not actually read the book this season? A ‘modern’ Romeo and Juliet, this Jane Austen classic is a love story for the ages and perfect read for fall.

7. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Already have your Halloween decorations ready to go? For the horror enthusiasts, dive into the classic of classics, Frankenstein written by Mary Shelley in 1818. You know the general plot based on the book’s lasting portrayal in popular culture, but nothing quite compares experiencing the original tale.

8. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

It doesn’t get more nostalgic than New England in the fall and J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye perfectly captures the old school prep-school vibe. Set around the 1950s, the story is narrated by a young man named Holden Caulfield. Holden untangles his past in a foggy, dreamlike narrative, with a startling surprise at the end.

9. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

In case you’re not familiar with the epic takes that inspired the blockbuster movie of the same name and the Lord of The Kings films, J.R.R. Tolkien expertly crafts an entire universe filled with new races, places, and languages. Follow hobbit Bilbo Baggins as he leaves his quiet life to help a group of dwarves take back the Mountain from a dragon. Adventure awaits.

10. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Ok, so this may not fit your traditional idea of “classic literature,” but this ‘80s comedy science fiction trilogy was an adaptation of Adams’ radio series by the same name. The novel is a fictional guide book for hitchhikers galavanting around the universe with an alien, written in the form of an encyclopedia. A laugh-out-loud funny read that will awaken your childlike curiosity.

For more reading lists, movie recommendations, and fall recipes, visit our blog at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

Fall Pajama Sets