8 Activities you can do after your Thanksgiving Meal

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Thanksgiving is here. It’s time to get together with family and friends and start the holiday season off and celebrate all that we have to give thanks for. Once the turkey, stuffing, cranberries, sweet potatoes, and pie have been consumed, it’s very easy to plop down in front of the TV with the remote in hand and just veg out. How about instead of doing nothing, consider some of these ideas to will keep you busy and active for the rest of the day.

Dishes

Clean up. More than half of American households do not completely clean up after their Thanksgiving meal. It’s easy to put all the dishes in the kitchen on a full belly and say “I’ll deal with that later.” Why not just get it all done? You’ll have nothing to worry about the next day and you’ll be ready to do your Black Friday shopping or just enjoy a bonus day off of work. If you engage all your guests it takes no time at all, and the conversations can keep rolling while you all do dishes.

Decorating Holidays

Decorate for the holidays. A huge meal can make it hard to get motivated, but if you start decorating for the holidays after your meal, you not only help your digestion by keeping your body moving, but you’re transitioning right into the spirit of the season. You don’t have to do it all, but staying active prevents that tryptophan from kicking in and putting you down for the rest of the day.

Walk (1)

Take a walk. If you’re fortunate to have nice weather on Thanksgiving, take advantage of it. In many parts of the country, the cold wind and snow of winter will be taking over soon so get out, get some fresh air, some vitamin D, and as a bonus, you’ll walk off some of those calories you just ingested.

Twister

Play games. There are plenty of games to keep you active without overdoing it. Think Twister, charades, corn-hole, or a friendly game of football.

TG Crafting

Work on holiday crafts. After Thanksgiving dinner is the perfect time to get the family’s creative juices flowing. Put on your matching family pajamas, pull out the supplies crate, and start your holiday crafting. You’ll be glad you did once the hustle and bustle sets in and you suddenly realize you’ve run out of time to do all those things you planned to do.

Christmas Cards

Get started on your holiday cards. If you plan on sending holiday cards this year, after your Thanksgiving meal is a great time to get the ball rolling. With expected post office slowdowns this year, starting sooner than later will get them in people’s mailboxes on time and you won’t have to rush to get them done.

Voulenteer

Volunteer together. Consider heading to a shelter or soup kitchen to help serve meals to people who may not be as fortunate as you are. If you don’t have a shelter in your area, perhaps you have an elderly neighbor or friend who may not have family to spend the holiday with. Bring them a meal, spend some time with them, and maybe even help them out with some simple chores around the house like raking leaves or cleaning up. They will be thankful for you and that is what this holiday is all about.

BF Shopping List

Prep for Black Friday. Supply shortages and high demands may make your shopping a bit more difficult this year. If you plan in advance and have a strategy for what you need, where you’re going to get it, and set an actual schedule, your holiday shopping adventure will go much more smoothly.

We hope these ideas motivate you to have a full, fantastic Thanksgiving from the time you get up until the time you hit the sack. We all have plenty to be thankful for so let’s make the most of the day.

From all of us at The Pajama Company Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

 

Easing your pet into the end of Daylight Saving Time

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Daylight Saving Time ends November 7th and it’s time to “fall back” into shorter days, longer nights, and cooler weather. Typically it doesn’t take long for humans to adjust to the time change but our pets don’t get their routines by following the same clock that we use to stay on schedule. They have what’s called circadian rhythm– which is their biological – or internal – clock that signals when it’s time to eat, sleep, go potty, and more.  So, changing the clock back even an hour can affect your pets.

Since explaining the sudden change to them is not an option, we have to do a little preparation in advance to avoid the confusion, anxiety, and unwanted behavior associated with a schedule change. After all, they’re getting attention, food, exercise, and potty time an hour later than they are accustomed to. Here are some pointers for making the transition a smooth one.

Feeding

Feeding time. Many pets are fed at a set time in the morning, evening, or both. When you set the clock back, they are being fed a whole hour late. The best plan of attack is to start the week beforehand feeding them later than normal in 10-15 minute increments leading up to the time change so they can acclimate gradually. Don’t be surprised however if during this new cycle your pet is sitting by their bowl looking at you with that “I’m hungry” look we all know too well.

Walking

Potty time. Most dogs are used to going out at very specific times to get their business done. When you sleep an hour later their internal clock can go haywire. In the weeks leading up to the time change, hold off on morning or evening walks for 10-minute increments just like feeding. Don’t force your pup to hold it for too long however, — just enough for them to ease into the new time.

Bonding

Bonding time. Your pet’s time with you is the most important thing in their lives. When you go to work, they miss you. Right after the time change they actually think they are getting an extra hour with you in the morning. But when you’re not home when they expect you as the sun hits that certain point in the sky, they can suffer added anxiety which leads to unwanted behaviors like having accidents or destroying your belongings. Start acclimation early by running a few short errands after work so your pet can adapt to you arriving home when the sun is down. Also, make sure to give your pet a little extra attention in the weeks after the change so they know how much you love them.

Medicine

Medication dispensing. Some pets may be affected if they are on medications where the time of each dose is critical. Examples would be diabetic pets on insulin or pets on anti-seizure drugs. Contact your veterinarian for specific instructions on how to administer medication during a time change.

Dog Mess

Patience. Unfortunately, not all activities can be gradually eased into. If you are away at work all day and your pet has not completely adjusted an accident or anxiety can happen. Be understanding in these instances and don’t punish them. He or she will adjust quickly and things will return to normal before you know it.

You may also want to consider changing your schedule. Instead of taking the full extra hour of sleep on Sunday, Set the alarm 10 or 15 minutes later each day until everyone in the household is getting up at the new time. It will make the Daylight Saving Time switch a positive experience, as opposed to a stressful one.

Does the end of Daylight Saving Time bother your pet? Do you do anything to help them adjust? Let us know below or over on our Facebook page.

Why We Need Quiet Time

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Our lives and our world are full of noise and distractions. Sometimes so much so that we lose focus on what we need to get done. We also forget to take the time for some peace and quiet which is an important part of our overall well-being.

Many people view taking time for solitude and serenity as a luxury they simply cannot afford because let’s face it; if we aren’t doing anything then we’re getting nothing done. This mindset stops us from taking the time we need to grow, renew, and revive.

Look at it from a different perspective, when you take in the silence you allow yourself to engage in time for self-reflection and awareness. Everyone needs quiet time, but what does it entail and how will you benefit? We have some thoughts on that.

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  1. Renewal requires rest

It’s simply impossible to just go, go, go without resting. Everything requires repair and maintenance including the human body. The easy part is relaxing the body; it’s relaxing the mind that’s the hard part. Meditation is a great way to check-out for a bit, mute the noise in your head, and gain the peace you need.

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  1. Rediscover what’s important

When caught up in the whirlwind that is our daily routine, we forget or even ignore what really matters. When you have too many responsibilities or waste time on unnecessary tasks, you lose sight of the important things. You need quiet time to rediscover what you’ve neglected and to revisit priorities.

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  1. Make order from chaos.

When you’re knee-deep in a commotion of activity there is no time for prioritizing tasks. You’re too busy crossing things off the list. The best time to examine the reasons behind what you do in life is best found during quiet moments to yourself.

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  1. Quiet time reinforces your meaning

The human mind needs time to put things into perspective. This can’t be done when you are doing 20 things at once or always chasing deadlines. You need peaceful silence to do that. Only then are you able to rejuvenate and reboot.

Nap

  1. Quiet time is a stress eliminator

You might not be able to completely escape stress, but you can certainly practice ways to mitigate it. One quick and simple way to reduce stress is to  regularly carve out 15-30 minutes of your day to sit quietly alone, meditate, read a book or listen to music, go for a peaceful walk, or put on your pajamas and take a quick nap. If you have even more time (such as a long lunch break) use it. But it’s not all about how long you’re quiet; it’s about making time for it in your life no matter the length of time. It’s the easiest way to nourish your mind and body so you can return to your routine with more energy and focus.

Healthy

  1. Heal and stay healthy with quiet time

Medical professionals use dark, quiet rooms for patient recovery from surgery and illness for good reason. Any form of healing, both medical and physical require complete rest and relaxation so that your body and mind to recuperate. Similarly, when you learn to wind down improve your chances of staving off future health problems and disease. A body under less stress has a higher immunity level.

Quite time may seem like an unreasonable goal but believe us, it’s totally attainable. Plan it, do it, and make no excuses for taking the time you need.

Five Fabulous Ways to Enjoy Fall Football

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Fall is many people’s favorite season. Whether it’s the cooler temperatures, the changing of the leaves, or everything pumpkin spice there’s something about fall that is just warm and inviting. It’s also the time when football returns to stadiums, living rooms, and sports bars all across the country.  Regardless if it’s the Friday night lights at your local high school, supporting your alma mater, or cheering on your favorite professional team, one thing is certain; Americans can’t get enough of this exciting sport!

Going to an actual game and watching in person is something every fan should experience at least once, but it can be very expensive and not practical on a regular basis. It can be just as fun (and with fewer hassles) to get creative on your own and set up the ultimate football lover’s experience. We’ve got 5 great ideas for doing just that!

Outdoor Living Room 1

Set up a backyard living room. Fall temperatures are perfect for hanging out in the backyard with a bunch of snacks, a TV, and your family to watch your favorite team. You’ll get fresh air, you can make all the noise you want, and you don’t have to worry about long bathroom lines! Once the neighbors see how much fun you’re having, don’t be surprised if they bring over their own chairs to join the party!

Homegating

Homegait. One of the best parts about going to the stadium is the pre-game tailgating. The smell of grills cooking and the sound of fans getting ready for the day’s showdown are exhilarating. Recreate that in your own driveway! Invite your friends and neighbors over, set up a big TV, and get the grill going. Make it a potluck where everyone brings their favorite tailgating dish and you’re on your way to a party they’ll talk about all season!

Radio Listen

Listen on the radio. Believe it or not, back in the day, not everyone had a color TV – or A TV for that matter. Take a step back in time and just listen to the game while using your imagination to visualize the action on the field. The announcers that call the games over the radio airwaves are outstanding at making sure you feel the excitement and understand every detail of every play. Make a day of it by taking a drive to see fall foliage while you listen.

Sports bar

Visit a sports bar. There’s something about being surrounded by a bunch of strangers all rooting for the same team that really instills a sense of community. Many sports bars offer drink and food specials so you don’t have to do the pouring or cooking. You can just sit back and watch the plays while others do the work

Family

Have a football pajama party. Weekends are for winding down and there’s no better way to relax than staying in your PJs all day. Order Pizza, plop down on the couch, and get ready for some football. With no distractions, you won’t miss any of the important plays or game winning touchdown!

How do you do football? Tell us here in the comments of head over to our Facebook page and tell us there!

Specialty care packages for your college student

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Sending a child off to college for the first time is a period filled with emotion. Exciting, sad, stressful, and worried are all a part of the experience. You want them to get their education, become independent, and follow their dreams, but you still want to take care of them the best you can.

For the kids, when they are away from home, it may take a while until they realize that they no longer have the comforts of home at their fingertips. Don’t fret – we’ve got some specialized college care package ideas that you can get together and send off that will allow you to take care of them from afar and help them adjust to their new living arrangements.

Plaid Life

The stay warm care package. In many parts of the country, cool fall temperatures are settling in. Make sure that your student stays warm and toasty on those blustery fall days with things like:

  • Flannel pajamas
  • A new mug and hot chocolate or coffee
  • A mug warmer (if the dorm allows it)
  • Instant soup mix and instant oatmeal
  • A cuddly blanket
  • Slippers and socks
  • Scarves and hats

Home away

Home-away-from-home package. One of the hardest things about being away at college is making a dorm room feel like home. Help them make it more than just a place they sleep and study with the care package that includes items they can use to decorate based on their style. Consider items such as:

  • Cute signs with favorite quotes
  • Decorations from their own bedroom at home
  • Seasonal decor
  • A small chalkboard or dry erase board so that roommates or friends can leave notes on for one another
  • Scented candles
  • Homemade cookies

self care

Self-care package. As we all know, toiletries and personal care items can be very expensive and this type of package is always appreciated. Fill it with:

  • Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Razors
  • Deodorant
  • Loofahs
  • Toothpaste and tooth brush
  • Scented lotions
  • Plastic flip-flops for the showers

First Aid

A first-aid package. One of the things young adults send it to forget about once they leave the convenience at home is making sure they have first-aid products on hand in case of a minor incident. Get them set up with a box filled with:

  • Band-Aids
  • Vitamin C and multi-vitamins
  • Facial tissues
  • Anti-biotic ointment
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
  • General cold medicines like Dayquil or cough drops

College Laundry

Keep clean package. Whether they have to clean their dorm room or get some laundry done, a package full of these types of products will definitely help take care of some of their needs:

  • A handheld vacuum
  • Paper towels
  • Anti-bacterial wipes
  • Air freshener
  • Laundry pods (which are easy for them to transport)
  • A mesh bag for washing delicates
  • A roll of quarters for doing the laundry

Stress

The stress-relief package. Being away from everything they have always known can be a very stressful time for students – especially those leaving for the first time. Send them a package of stress-relieving items that will help them relax and work their way into their new living surroundings:

  • Aromatherapy diffuser
  • Back or foot massager
  • A bonsai tree or Chia Pet (that they can nurture and take care of)
  • A soothing eye mask that they can heat up
  • A relaxing music copulation
  • Herbal tea

Taking care of your kids is your number one priority but now it’s time for them to spread their wings and become young adults. These little boxes of goodies will show them how much you love them and help them make the transition to the next phase of their life. You got this… and they got this too!

Back to the office: Tips for a smooth transition

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For many people, September will mark a real return to normal, as employees all over the country return to the office. Even if it’s on a flex schedule where it will only be a couple of days a week, the sheer thought can fill you full of anxiety. It’s to be expected. For the last 18 months or so you’ve been working remotely in your comfy clothes, having virtual meetings, and enjoying all the comforts of home while doing your job.

So how do you make the transition back? It’s not like you didn’t manage for all those years before the pandemic hit, but it still feels like you can’t even remember what it feels like to “go” to work. The following tips should help get you back to your old ways without too much stress

Routine

Remember your old routine. Think back to how you used to do things. What time did you normally go to bed?  What time did you get up? Did you shower in the morning or the night before? You have to get back to that or you’re going to have a tough time. Start doing these things now before your official “back to the office day” so you can ease back into your routine comfortably.

Construction

Consider drive time. Not everyone will be returning to their respective jobs at the same time and some will continue to work remotely full time. Don’t assume because of this you can leave the house later than normal to be on time. You’ll also have to check into road construction. It’s been a year and a half since you made the drive. Do you know if any of the roads on your route are under construction?

Lunch work

Think lunch. While you’re working from home it’s easy to go to the fridge and grab something for lunch or whip yourself up a quick salad or sandwich. Now you have to start thinking about bringing your lunch to work again. Do a little ahead of time meal planning to get you back in the mode. Create a list for a few weeks until you get your groove back.

App

Dinner too. Now that you’re going to be away for the day, what will you feed the family after work? Do you need to pull something from the freezer? Once you’re at work it’s too late. Lists and notes are a great way to keep you in check. Better yet, download an organizing app that you can plug all your reminders into.

Working dog

Get back in the office frame of mind. We’re all more laid-back at home. Our mindset, attire, and overall attitudes, are just more casual. There likely won’t be a dog lying under your desk either. Now that you’re going back into the office you’ll have to channel your inner professional a little more.  Don’t forget that you’re going to be around fellow employees and bosses all day who expect that same productive person that they could count on before.

Laundry

Make a to-do list. Slipping away from your desk to do a load of laundry or vacuum the living room during the workday is a thing of the past. These things will now have to be done during your free time so before you get overwhelmed, it would be a good idea to plan when you will take care of your regular household chores. The schedule you make will morph over time but in the beginning, it will help you stay organized instead of flustered.

Support

Seek and give support. Remember you aren’t the only one who has to readjust to the return to normalcy. Be open and honest about your own concerns and do your best to support co-workers that are also having a tough time. For many, this won’t be easy and the best thing you can have is a strong support group behind you.

At the end of the day, you really aren’t doing anything you didn’t do before this pandemic hit. You will likely wonder how you could have possibly managed before, but you did. And you will again- we promise!

 

Make it all about you!

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Life is crazy and day-to-day responsibilities can sometimes make it impossible for you to remember to kick back, relax, and think about yourself. With juggling family, work, a household, and all the other things that go along with adulating, there just aren’t enough hours in the day it seems. How often do you take a step back and take a day that’s all about you? That’s right… we mean forget about your responsibilities, forget about your to-do list, and just do what you want.

Pick a day, and declare it ‘All about Me Day’. What will you do with yourself? That’s the best part – it’s all up to you. We can give you some ideas to get the ball rolling, but in the end, this is your day to relax, regroup, reset, and of course – have fun!

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Don’t get dressed and don’t do anything. Stay in your pajamas all day long. Since today is all about you, no one’s going to see what you’re wearing, and you shouldn’t care if your hair is a little messy or you’re not dressed to the nine’s.  Pajamas are comfy, relaxing, and they are the best outfit to wear when doing absolutely nothing.

Sushi

Make or order your favorite meal. Lots of us have a favorite meal we enjoy but don’t eat very often have because other family members don’t like it or it just doesn’t fit with the usual routine. Since this is your day, indulge. Make, or better yet, order yourself that special meal. Don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of wine to make it extra perfect.

Binge

Binge-watch your favorite show. Running a household may mean that you don’t have time to sit down and catch up on missed episodes of your favorite TV program. Or, there may be a new show you really want to watch but just haven’t been able to fit it in. It’s your day so do things your way. Watch what you want, when you want with no interruptions.

bath

Relax in the tub. Draw the water, throw in a bath bomb, light some candles, and climb on in. Grab your favorite book, or turn on your favorite music and simply enjoy your alone time. Don’t forget to lock the door to avoid any unwanted interruptions.

Shopping

Shop till you drop. Visit your favorite stores and shops and buy yourself something new that you WANT- not that you need. Our favorite words for shopping day are “impulse buy.”

Spa

Go to the spa. If it’s going to be impossible for you to have your special day uninterrupted or done on your terms, consider going to a spa. Get a mani, pedi, facial, massage, and anything else that will make you feel pampered and special.

Friends

Visit with friends. Maybe the day-to-day grind makes it impossible for you to get together with your besties as often as you like. Get the gang together and do a group ‘me day’. We’re sure you can find a few people in the same boat as you who would love to be a part of this new self-proclaimed holiday.

Bread

Throw away the rule book. Not eating carbs? Eat bread, pasta, and anything else that is normally a no-no. Go to the gym every day? Skip it, one day will not matter. Is the house a mess? Let it wait, the mess will still be there tomorrow. Do you cook three squares for the family every day? Leave a cookbook and the takeout menu on the counter and let them fend for themselves. The bottom line is that it’s all about you for 24 hours.

Everyone should take the time to love and pamper themselves. It’s how we get through the rigors of life. If you’ve forgotten to take a teeny bit of time to do the things that make you happy, this is your reminder. And make it something you do from time to time. Your mental well-being will thank you.

Bring everyone together on National Family Day

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With more summer behind us than ahead, it’s time to make the most of the remaining summer days we have before fall sets in. The first Sunday of August is National Family Day. It was created to encourage us to enjoy the waning summer days with the people we hold dearest to us.

This day urges families across the country to focus on family relationships. Although we probably don’t need a reminder about how important family is, we all tend to get caught up in the busyness that everyday life brings.  Many times it’s difficult to bring entire families together, so when we get the chance to connect with those closest to us; it’s the best gift we can give ourselves. On August 1, 2021, make time to spend with your family. Here are just a few ideas for family bonding opportunities.

Walk

Enjoy time outside. If the weather permits play outdoor games, go for a walk, visit the zoo, have a picnic, or anything else that gets you outside and moving. You’ll spend a wonderful day together, and also get some beneficial exercise.

Family Lunch

Visit grandparents or other family members. We see the immediate family that lives in our households every day, but how often do we see Grandma, Grandpa, a married child, or a special aunt or uncle? Family reaches far and wide, so go visit, take them to lunch, or bring a special meal to them. Anything that brings you all together is the purpose of the day.

Family Cooking

Try a new recipe together. A great way to bring family together is in the kitchen. Have some recipes that you’ve been dying to try but just simply haven’t had the time? This would be a great opportunity to do it. Not only do you get everyone involved in the cooking process, but you spend quality time together making an incredible meal you all can enjoy.

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Have a pajama day. The best days are when everybody stays in their pajamas all day and takes part in fun activities at home. Work on art projects, have a movie day, have your own mini at-home spa day, or whatever else you can dream up. The best part is that you never have to get out of your pajamas!

Family Pic

Take a family portrait. Family picture day used to be an annual tradition. Nowadays however the idea of a portrait seems to have fallen by the wayside. Bring it back in style with a good old-fashioned family picture. Plan your outfits, gather everyone at a designated location, and take lots of shots. You’ll all be together while creating a keepsake that everyone will treasure forever.

museum

Visit a museum. You never want to stop learning something new and the incredible museums we have in this country are the perfect place to pick up knowledge in. Make it an educational adventure and the Marvel at the things everyone will learn.

However you choose to spend the day, the most important thing is that you are enjoying quality family time, making memories, and hopefully you’ll want to do it more than once a year.

Girls Night – Host a Christmas in July Slumber Party

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Looking for a different kind of get-together to mix it up between the summer barbecues, weddings, graduations, and birthday parties? Make plans to get your hubby and kids out of the house for the night, and get the ladies together for a good old-fashioned slumber party – adult style. Add to it a theme like ‘Christmas in July,’ and you’ve got the makings for a super fun evening that may become a tradition within your inner circle.

It’s hot outside and this is no time to think about sweaters, snow, or Santa. Instead, adapt what you would traditionally do for the December holiday to something that’s all about summer. We’ll get you started with some awesome ideas for your party, but don’t be afraid to let your creativity take over and make the sleepover all yours!

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Matching Pajamas for All: In December it’s a fun family tradition to all dress up in matching PJ’s to celebrate the season. Why not do the same thing for girl’s night? Cool cottons, Japanese satins, sassy short sets, or tropical prints are all perfect for your summer sleepover.

Frozen Cocoa

Frozen Hot Chocolate: The idea of a warm comforting beverage is probably the farthest thing from your mind when it’s 90 degrees outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a rich creamy drink in the middle of July.  Make a batch of hot cocoa and pour it into ice trays. Then use the cubes with your favorite Irish cream, coffee liquor, or rum. If it’s a free day on the calorie counter, top the drinks off with some whipped cream!

Beach Gift

Gift Exchange: We aren’t talking hats and gloves, perfume, or picture frames here… think summer. Exchange gifts that are perfect for the season you’re in. A beach gift basket (sunscreen, flip flops, a good book, and a bright towel for instance), floral candles, a park or zoo pass, a pedicure kit, or seashell jewelry (we LOVE ankle bracelets) are all great ideas for your best gal pals.

Tiki Buffet

Tiki Buffet: Get yourself some thatched grass, Christmas twinkle lights, and fiesta-ware to set the mood, and then put out a spread made with light, delicious summer ingredients and refreshing drinks (think Sangria). Have a handy husband? Have him build you a tiki bar for the occasion!

Movies

Watch a movie – NOT kid-friendly:  It’s your night to get away and enjoy the company of your besties. We do holiday movie night with the family, so instead, for your Christmas in July girls night watch a movie you’ve wanted to see but can’t because it isn’t appropriate for kids.  There are lots of great ones out there so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

CIJ Karaoke

Sing Karaoke: Once the alcohol kicks in, the inhibitions tend to disappear so let loose and sing! If you’ve never sung karaoke, you’re missing out and if you have, you know how fun it is. It’s just you ladies so have fun with it and you can even sing Christmas songs!

Games

Play Adult Games: If you’re tired of Monopoly or Candy Land and want to laugh, laugh, laugh play games that are just for adults. We like Cards Against Humanity, Social Sabotage, or For The Girls. All of these options can be played with additional rules that you make up (like you must use the word “elf), so you can customize them for your Christmas in July theme.

These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to planning your mid-summer pajama party. Let your imagination run wild because Christmas in July only comes once a year. You and the other ladies deserve to let loose!

5 Red, White, and Blue Recipes for your 4th of July Celebration

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It’s the Fourth of July weekend and time to celebrate the USA! That means cookouts, picnics, parades, and parties. Great food makes for great gatherings and Independence Day gives us the opportunity to show our patriotism through the food we make. It’s all about the red, white and blue and we’ve got 5 recipes that are a must for your celebration.

American Flag Caprese Salad with Blueberry-Balsamic Vinaigrette

Caprese Appetizer

A perfect starter, this Caprese salad from eatingwell.com has cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and blueberries with a sweet yet tangy dressing on the side. The American Flag presentation is a perfect way to show your patriotism!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound cherry tomatoes
  • 3 (8 ounce) packages mini mozzarella balls
  • 1 pint fresh blueberries, divided
  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh shallot
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  1. Trim the stem end off each tomato, so they sit flat on their cut sides.
  2. Arranging one row of 10 tomatoes, cut-side down, on a large platter or cutting board. Arrange a row of 10 mozzarella balls directly below the tomatoes, and repeat with another row of tomatoes, another row of mozzarella balls, and another row of tomatoes. On the third row of mozzarella balls, add 5 more to extend the row to the left. Repeat with tomatoes and mozzarella balls two more times, ending with tomatoes.
  3. Set aside 1/4 cup blueberries. Arrange the remaining blueberries in a square to the right of the shorter rows of tomatoes and mozzarella balls.
  4. Slice mozzarella into 4 pieces, then cut each piece into quarters. Using a paring knife, cut a star from each quarter, creating 16 stars total. (Alternatively, use a small star cookie cutter.) Gently arrange the mozzarella stars on top of the blueberries.
  5. Combine the reserved 1/4 cup blueberries, oil, vinegar, honey, shallot, salt and pepper in a blender; blend until smooth. Scatter basil leaves around the flag, if desired, and serve with the dressing on the side.

Red White and Blue Burgers

RWB Burger

No summer holiday celebration is complete until you add the burgers! This delicious twist on the basic cheeseburger is courtesy of tablespoon.com. It’s topped with mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers, and blue cheese. Perfect for the 4th of July!

Ingredients:

  • 2lbs ground beef
  • 8hamburger buns
  • 8oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 2 red peppers, roasted and peeled
  • 4oz blue cheese crumbles
  • Salt and pepper
  1. For roasted red peppers, place peppers on grill over over gas burner on high for about five minutes, turning occasionally until the pepper skin is very charred. Remove peppers and place in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let steam for ten minutes. Remove peppers and peel off skin. It should come off pretty easily and it’s okay if some skin is left on. Slice stems off of peppers and remove seeds, then slice.
  2. Form burgers into quarter pound rounds and make a small indent in each burger with your thumb. Season well with salt and pepper.
  3. Grill burgers over high heat for 3-4 minutes. Flip burgers, cook for another 2 minutes or so and then add a slice of fresh mozzarella to each burger. Close the lid on the grill to help the cheese melt. Let cheese melt for a minute, then add pepper slices and blue cheese. Cook for another minute. That should leave you with about a medium burger. Cook longer if you want your burger more done.
  4. Serve burger on a toasted bun.

Easy and Sweet Honeyed Quinoa Fruit Salad

Quinoa Salad

A sweet, delicious, and healthy salad is the perfect accompaniment to you celebration meal. This beautiful side dish from saladmenu.com will bring out the oooh’s and aaah’s from everyone at the party.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup cooked quinoa
  • ½ lb strawberries
  • ½ cup blueberries
  • ½ cup blackberries
  • 1 stem fresh mint
  • ½ lemon
  • 3 Tbsp honey
  1. Cut strawberries into bite size pieces, mix with 1/2 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup blackberries, 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, and chopped fresh mint.
  2. Sweet dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together juice from 1/2 lemon and 3 Tablespoons honey; mix with fruit and quinoa and serve.

Sparkling Red, White & Blue Sangria

Cocktail

No party is complete without a cocktail and this Sangria recipe from gimmesomeoven.com is the perfect libation to toast America with! Fresh fruit and summer flavors will also cool you off on a hot summer day.

Ingredients:

  • White wine: One bottle of any kind of (still, not sparkling)
  • Sparkling white wine: We will also add in a bottle of sparkling white wine (such as cava or champagne) just before serving to make the sangria “sparkle.”
  • Berries: Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries
  • Apples: Thinly slice some crisp apples to serve as our “white.” Use a small star cookie cutter or cut the apple slices into star shapes.
  • Liqueur: Brandy is the liqueur that is most traditionally added to sangria. But you’re welcome to add cognac, orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier, Cointreau or Triple Sec), white vermouth, or whatever sounds good.
  • Ice: For serving.
  1. Mix together the base ingredients. Stir together white wine, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and orange in a large pitcher.
  2. Cover and refrigerate. Pop the pitcher in the refrigerator for anywhere from 1-4 hours, so that the drink can chill and all of those fruity flavors can meld.
  3. Stir in the “sparkles.” Once you’re ready to serve the sangria, stir in the sparkling white wine, apples and a handful of ice.
  4. Serve! Then pour the sangria over ice, serve and enjoy!

Berry-Patch Brownie Pizza

Brownie

Don’t forget the dessert. This patriotic pizza from tasteofhome.com is a decadent way to round out your amazing meal. Chocolate and fresh berries will create your own fireworks when your guests get a taste of it.

Ingredients

  • 1 package fudge brownie mix (13×9-inch pan size)
  • 1/3 cup chopped unblanched almonds
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 2 cups whipped topping
  • Assorted fresh berries
  • Optional: Fresh mint leaves and coarse sugar
  1. Preheat oven to 375°. Prepare brownie batter according to package directions for fudgelike brownies, adding almonds and almond extract. Spread into a greased 14-in. pizza pan.
  2. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 15-18 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  3. Beat next 4 ingredients until smooth; fold in whipped topping. Spread over crust to within 1/2 in. of edges; refrigerate, loosely covered, 2 hours.
  4. To serve, cut into 12 pieces; top with berries of choice. If desired, top with mint and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

We hope you have a wonderful 4th of July celebration. This year more than ever it will be wonderful to celebrate with family and friends!