Category Archives: Rest & Relaxation

8 Hot Chocolate Alternatives to Enjoy in Your Pajamas

8 Soul-Warming Drinks to Sip in Your Pajamas

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Work hard, nap hard. We believe that weekends should be dedicated to rest and relaxation after a long week. Weekends are for takeout menus, Netflix binges, and ignoring your inbox. Now slip into your favorite flannels and a fluffy bathrobe and don’t take them off until Monday.

During the winter months, there is no better pairing than your couch, cozy pajamas, and a cup of hot chocolate. Slowly sipping a warm beverage is like hosting a spa day for your soul. Hot chocolate is everyone’s favorite go-to, but if you want to mix it up, give one of these hot drink recipes a try.

Lounge in your favorite pajamas this weekend.

Safari Toile Luxe Pima Cotton Set from The Cat’s Pajamas

Hot Chocolate Alternatives for Winter Lounging

1. Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy is the quintessential winter cocktail. Infused with lemon juice, bourbon, and honey, it was also an old-school remedy for relief from a bad cold. Tart and sweet, bright citrus is the perfect compliment to rich, smoky bourbon. You don’t need to be ill to enjoy this drink on a cold winter’s night.

Get the adult recipe on epicurious.com.

Get the non-alcoholic version on thespruce.com.

2. Chai Tea

Chai Tea has the creaminess of hot chocolate that you love, but with an extra kick from cinnamon, fresh ginger, cardamom, peppercorn, and anise. The spicy aroma alone would be enough to warm you up on the coldest of winter days.

Check out the recipe on realsimple.com.

3. Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum is another beverage made with warm spices such as orange zest, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. The spices are used with brown sugar to flavor the — you guessed it! — hot butter that is blended into the drink. The brown sugar and bright orange zest enhance the deep flavor of the rum in this sweet treat.

Get the adult recipe on marthastewart.com.

Get the non-alcoholic version on barefeetinthekitchen.com.

4. Hot Mulled Cranberry Cider

When you think of drinks to enjoy in cold weather, on your couch, in fuzzy slippers — cider is right up there with hot chocolate. The cranberry cocktail in this recipe adds a tangy twist to the classic. It’s the perfect drink if you’re in the mood for something warm and sweet with a little bite.

Check out the recipe on thekitchn.com.

5. Mexican Hot Chocolate

If you’re in need of some heat, look no further than Mexican Hot Chocolate. Chocolate and crushed chiles or smoky cayenne go surprisingly well together. Add vanilla and cinnamon and this drink becomes a decadent treat. We doubt you’ll make hot chocolate any other way after trying this recipe.

Check out the recipe on bonappetit.com.

Moroccan Mint Tea in Your Pajamas

When made with fresh herbs, mint tea soothes upset stomachs — even heartburn! — and promotes healthy digestion.

6. Moroccan Mint Tea

Detoxing after the holidays? Freshly brewed Moroccan Mint Tea is a light and sweet hot cocoa alternative. When made with fresh herbs, mint tea soothes upset stomachs — even heartburn! — and promotes healthy digestion. The perfect remedy after an overindulgent feast or a long week of late-night takeout.

Check out the recipe on epicurious.com.

7. Tom and Jerry

A clear indicator that a cocktail is from the 1920s is the presence of eggs. Like the classic Egg Cream, the ‘Tom and Jerry’ is made with fluffy beaten egg whites. Brandy, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice are what make this cocktail “Christmas in a glass.” It is considered a classic Christmas cocktail throughout much of the midwest today. You might want to pull out your favorite footies for this one.

Get the adult recipe on tablespoon.com.

For the non-alcoholic version, replace the brandy, rum, or whiskey with hot cider or freshly brewed cinnamon tea.

8. White Hot Chocolate

White chocolate is an acquired taste, but is more popular in the United States than anywhere else in the world. In fact, the U.S. consumes more white chocolate than all other countries combined! Whether you’re a fan or not, you’ll love this warm creamy drink made with vanilla and quality white chocolate.

Check out the recipe on celebratingsweets.com.

For more ideas for winter fun in your PJs, visit The Pajama Company at our blog, thepajamacompany.com/blog.

How to Host a Winter Spa Day in Your Pajamas

How to Host a Winter Spa Day

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We are barely through winter but our skin has been through the ringer: holiday stress, wayward skincare routines, loads of sugar, and the season’s first blizzard. As we approach winter’s halfway mark, give your tired skin some TLC. Gather your best girlfriends for a winter spa day.

Hosting a winter spa day is far less expensive than the real deal. Also, many people abstain from sugar or alcohol during the month of January, so it’s a way to host a party that doesn’t put an emphasis on food and drink — but who would pass up a chance to sip a mimosa in a bathrobe?

Munki Munki Women's Fluffy Polar Bear Coral Fleece Robe

Munki Munki Fluffy Polar Bear Fleece Robe from The Pajama Company

Everything You Need for a Winter Spa Day at Home

1. BYOB

Bring your own bathrobe, that is. Encourage everyone to wear clothes they can truly lounge in (think ultrasoft pajama pants) and their fluffiest, coziest bathrobe and slippers. Slipping into a relaxed state of mind starts with the clothes we wear. When you go to a spa, you are provided with a robe and encouraged to wear soft, loose-fitting clothing. Encourage your guests to do the same. Let’s be real: pants with zippers are for the birds.

2. Minimalist Magic

Tidy up your living room so everything looks neat and decluttered with a minimalist spa feel. Hide knick knacks and run the vacuum. Turn off the TV and turn on some ‘spa tunes’ on Pandora or Spotify: any soothing instrumentals that incorporate nature sounds like rain, gentle thunder, or birdsong. Make sure there are plenty of pillows and space for people to get comfortable. Set up stacks of magazines throughout the room. Strategically place some fresh flowers to bring the outdoors in and shake off the winter blues.

Create a Spa Atmosphere

The traditional blend of lavender and peppermint has an instant, calming effect.

3. Aromatherapy

The first thing we notice when we step into a spa is the smell. The traditional blend of lavender and peppermint has an instant, calming effect. The scent of lavender is well-known for its stress-relieving benefits. Peppermint has a cooling, refreshing effect and is used in aromatherapy to increase mental alertness. Many claim that the oil has natural energy-boosting properties. Add peppermint and lavender scented candles or oil diffusers to the room so your guests can breathe deep and relax in a spa-like atmosphere.

4. Drinks and Light Bites

If you want to keep the menu alcohol-free out of respect for your friends abstaining in January, opt for spa classics like cucumber water. Simply slice a cleaned cucumber (peeled or unpeeled, your preference) into ½ inch slices. Add to a pitcher of water with ice. Allow to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour, but for best results let sit overnight. You can make lemon water by swapping out lemons and following the same process. Opt for lighter food like fresh fruit, hummus, smoked salmon, pita wedges, veggies, or salad wraps. If you’re including adult beverages, mimosas are a surefire hit.

5. Spa Stations

Unless you’re a licensed massage therapist, the spa stations will be simple, but fun. Set up an adjoining bathroom with tea lights, exfoliating face washes, moisturizers, and face masks for a DIY facial station. Set up an area of the living room with nail polish remover, various polishes and finishes, and hand cream for manicures and pedicures. Print out instructions for shoulder and neck massages and guests can take turns giving each other massages. Lastly add a hair styling station with dry shampoo, spray-in conditioner, styling products, a curling iron, flat iron, combs, ties, and bobby pins. Have fun trying out online tutorials and styling each other’s hair.

While your party won’t be on par with a 5-star spa, you and your guests are sure to have a great time catching up, enjoying snacks, and giggling at each other’s face masks. For more ideas on how to live your best life in the New Year, visit The Pajama Company on our blog or check us out on Facebook.

Quick Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

Quick Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

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The pressure of finding the perfect gifts, being “Santa’s Little Helper,” attending a dozen social events, and entertaining family can add up quickly. It takes one Saturday afternoon at the mall in December to make anyone want to pull their hair out from holiday stress. But how do we manage? We can’t drop everything and camp out under the covers in our pajamas until January (though obviously we recommend this approach over any other).

Here are some quick, practical tips for lightening your load and getting ahead of holiday stress this winter.

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Fall Reading List, Best Autumn Novels to Read in Your Pajamas

Fall Reading List: Curl Up in your PJs with These Wistful Novels

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The crisp fall weather inspires us to put on our warmest pajamas, curl up on the couch, and snuggle up with a soft blanket and a good book. Here we have listed our favorite fall reads across all genres. But what exactly constitutes a ‘fall read’?

When autumn sets in, the days get shorter and colder, making many people miss the carefree sun-filled days of summer. ‘Wistful’ is a word that is often used to describe books that give us a feeling of slight melancholy, usually brought on by nostalgia. Fall reminds us of childhood, school years, and signals that the holidays are just around the corner. Not all novels that remind us of fall take place in autumn. ‘Fall,’ in a feeling, is a mood that defines each of these moody classics.

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Back to College with These Dorm-Ready Pajama Looks

8 Classic Pajama Looks for Anywhere on Campus

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Long after you graduate from college, you will feel nostalgic excitement when you spot a soon-to-be college freshman roaming the aisles of a department store, cart packed full of storage bins, towels, and twin sheets. When you leave the comforts of home, your dorm room becomes a cave of comfort.

After a few months, the dorm itself becomes more like home: packed with friends and familiar faces, sharing takeout in the lounge, watching a favorite movie with a roommate, late night study sessions. Students develop different routines and schedules and the dorm becomes a buzzing hub of activity, just as a house is for families.

A person’s idea of home revolves around one key element: comfort. One of the classic comforts of home is your ability to wear pajamas anywhere you go. Check out our PJ “Look Book” below for ideas on how to stay cozy, calm, and comfortable anywhere on campus.

The Back-to-College Pajama Look Book

Women's Pajama Pants for Back-to-College

Boxercraft Black Stripe Lux Jogger

1. The “I’m Running Late for Class” Look. The line for the shower was six people deep and you finally got your turn — there was even hot water this time! Now you’re sprinting back to your dorm room in your bathrobe pick out a stylish outfit and do your hair with the 10 minutes you have left to get to class… or pull on the pajamas that are already on your bed, throw on a hoodie, and head out the door? No brainer.

Women's Onesie for Back-to-College

Big Feet Pajamas Adult Navy Plush Hooded One Piece Footy

2. The “It’s Too Cold for Jeans” Look. It’s a winter wonderland! And by winter wonderland we mean sleet and freezing rain sloshing around in a frosty snow globe. Your class is across campus and life is good underneath your fluffy, warm down comforter. The thought of pulling on a pair of cold, stiff jeans isn’t the motivation you need to leave your cocoon. Taking a hot shower and zipping yourself into a pair of flannel one-piece footie PJs that feel more like a sleeping bag than actual clothes? That’ll do the trick.

Unisex Back-to-College Pajama Pants

Boxercraft Red and Black Plaid Flannel Pajama Pant

3. The “But It’s Raining” Look. Wet, cold, foggy: gross. You’re already going to have to navigate puddles and maneuver an umbrella when it’s raining sideways. Throw a jacket over these cozy flannel pants, slip on some dry rain boots, and you’re ready to swim to Organic Chemistry.

Dorm Life College Women's Boxers

Boxercraft Fushia Dot Flannel Bitty Boxer

4. The “We Don’t Have A/C in Our Dorm and It’s 96 Degrees Outside” Look. If you’re sharing a hot tin can with 300 other co-ed sardines it can get a little stale and stuffy by springtime. After you’ve spent the night sweating next to your desk fan, it might be time to cool off in some breezy boxers in the fresh morning air.

Comfy Slippers for Dorm Life, Back to College

Fuzzy Friends “Tiger” Slippers from Aroma Home

5. Finals Footwear. What day is it? Is it still nighttime? Where are the coffee filters? All questions you find yourself asking during dreaded finals week. This is not the week for real clothes. Or showering. Or sleeping. Or socializing. No finals week zombie walk is complete without a pair of comforting, fuzzy slippers. Slip these on, grab a slice of cold pizza, and knock out that test.

Plush Women's Robe for Back-to-College

PJ Salvage “Stars” Women’s Plush Robe in Aqua

6. The “That Party Was Epic But I Need 10 More Hours of Sleep” Look. The party is over and you’re feeling less than peppy in the AM. You don’t want to leave bed, but the cafeteria stops serving bacon at 11. Compromise: a bathrobe is essentially a comforter you can wear. Win, win.

Back-to-College Extra Wide Leg Pajama Pants

Boxercraft Women’s Navy Stripe Margo Loungepant

7. The “We Can’t Afford to Go Out Tonight” Look. When your budget looks like it’s about to be blown, it’s time to rally the troops for a binge-worthy Netflix marathon. Order a pizza and get comfortable in a pair of super soft, extra wide-leg pajama pants. It’ll feel like you’re watching TV in bed, even though you’re surrounded by ten of your closest, brokest friends.

Unisex Sushi Pajama Pants for Back to College

The Cat’s Pajamas Women’s “Sushi” Cotton Pajama Pant in White

8. The “It’s Been a Rough Week” Look. Pajamas, above all, are a security blanket. Whether it’s a breakup, roommate drama, or stress from balancing school and life with your new internship, sometimes we just need to hibernate on the weekend. Make yourself a cup of hot chocolate (or noodles), turn on a Law and Order marathon, and shut off your phone. Put on a pair of PJs in the most fun, outrageous pattern you can find. You’ll be feeling like yourself again by Monday.

Embrace every pajama-filled, pizza-laden, coffee-saturated, sleep-deprived moment of your college experience — and good luck to the class of 2021! For the latest in dorm fashion, visit us at dorm ready.

What Is Your Pajama Style?

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Ever wondered what your ultimate pajama style might be? Answer these 6 questions and you will find your match!

My favorite drink on a winter night is:

a) Wine, as usual

b) Milk & Cookies

c) Cosmopolitan

d) Hot chocolate

My ideal vacation is:

a) Backpacking through the Amazon

b) Disneyworld

c) New York City

d) A cabin in the woods

My favorite movies are…:

a) Sci-fi thrillers

b) Classic Disney, animated

c) Musicals

d) Romantic Comedies

My favorite outfit is:

a) Sundress + flats

b) Oversized tee, leggings + flip flops

c) Little black dress + heels

d) T-shirt, jeans + Converse

My favorite meal is:

a) Tacos

b) Mac + cheese

c) Arugula salad + chicken

d) Roast with potatoes + carrots

My friends would describe me as:

a) Free-spirited, flexible and on-the-go

b) Young at heart, energetic, FUN!

c) Organized, prompt, dependable

d) A good listener, laid-back, an old soul

Mostly A’s: (Nightshirts)You are a nightshirt kind of gal. You can’t be bothered with keeping track of matching pieces and you certainly don’t want to be bound up by footed pajamas or sweaty flannels. You are a free bird ready to tackle the world to the beat of your own drum!

emerson somedaysmodel200

Mostly B’s: (Footed Pajamas)Footed pajamas are your jam. You like being cozy and let’s face it, you are a kid at heart. You see the obvious benefit to wearing your blanket (hello, no need for socks!) and you are too confident to care what anyone thinks!

bigfeet-purplefleece

Mostly C’s: (Matching Set)Miss matchy-matchy! You are orderly and enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free life (you probably even have Tupperware that matches!). You are trendy no matter where you go, even in your own bedroom!

lazy navyclassicfam340

Mostly D’s: (Warm Flannels) The comfy zone is where you like to hang. Fireplaces and hot chocolate are at the top of your list for winter must-haves. You rock the traditional flannel look (and slippers?) because being cold is never in style!

pjsal coffeemodels

Some Days We Just Want To Hibernate

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Winter hibernation of animalsBy Ellie Badanes, The Pajama Company

Ever have one of those days when you just want to curl up, shut out the noise and hibernate?  After the frantic holiday season, the short days of winter seem to have settled in and made us embrace the quiet. Given that it’s now Friday afternoon with darkness looming, a weekend hibernation seems just right. Here’s our do list for our hibernation:

    * Cozy pajamas of course are a must
    * The perfect couch, chair or bed just right for curling up
    * Your favorite chunky blanket or duvet and fluffy pillows
    * Light music to help you drift off is always nice for hibernating, be it jazz, spa, nature sounds or whatever you find relaxing
    * The real goal for hibernating is sleep but catching up on that book you’ve been meaning to start or finish or the stack of magazines you love will fill in the awake moments nicely

 

Here is our don’t list for our hibernation:

    * The point of hibernating is to block out what’s happening in the world. Just for a weekend, consider unplugging.
    * No need to grab the hat and coat this weekend because you’re staying in. The beloved “Pajama Weekend” is here.
    *Can you hibernate with someone? We think yes but sleep rules the day. Quiet is Queen.

One of the benefits of hibernating is the joy of solitude. Our reading recommendation for this post is Quiet by Susan Cain. Check out her Quiet Revolution blog here.

“Solitude matters, and for some people, it’s the air they breathe.” (Susan Cain)

Yoga for Better Sleep

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yoga for sleepSometimes getting to sleep can be kind of difficult. You might toss and turn because your mind keeps racing thinking about the stressful day you just had or something you’re anticipating for tomorrow. Or maybe it’s something you can’t quite name, but you know your body is carrying tension and it’s keeping you from getting comfortable when it’s time to go to sleep.

Doing yoga before bed can be a great way to release physical tension. The meditative aspect of yoga can also help to calm your mind. The combination of yoga postures and breathing techniques help slow down your heart beat and relax your nervous system, which both contribute to better sleep.

So whether you’re having trouble getting to sleep or just want to improve the quality of your sleep, yoga before bed might be a great option for you. Get cozy in your favorite PJs and try one of these short yoga videos – each one is right around 10 minutes or less – to relax your mind and body.

Yoga for Deep Sleep from Tara Stiles

10 Minute Bedtime Yoga

Easy 5 Minute Bedtime Yoga

Namaste, friends. Here’s to better sleep!