Tag Archives: healthy living

Stay Cozy & Healthy: Your Essential Guide to Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season brings its challenges, but a few proactive steps can help you navigate it smoothly. Start by stocking up on essential supplies such as tissues, hand sanitizers, and over-the-counter medications. Keep your home clean and sanitized to reduce the spread of germs. Regular handwashing is also a crucial habit to practice.

Boosting Immunity: Strengthening your immune system can make a significant difference. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides your body with the necessary nutrients. Incorporate foods high in vitamin C, like citrus fruits and leafy greens, into your meals. Staying hydrated and getting adequate sleep are also vital for maintaining a robust immune system.

Cozy Comfort Essentials: When you’re feeling under the weather, comfort is key. This is where cozy essentials come into play. Ensure you have a good stock of comfortable pajamas, soft blankets, and fluffy robes. These items can provide much-needed warmth and comfort when you’re feeling unwell. A good sleep mask can also help you get the rest you need, blocking out light and creating a peaceful environment.

  • Pajamas: Opt for soft, breathable fabrics that keep you comfortable throughout the day and night.
  • Blankets: Keep a few warm blankets on hand for extra coziness and warmth.
  • Robes: A plush robe can provide the perfect layer of comfort when moving around the house.
  • Cozy Socks: Don’t forget cozy socks to keep your feet warm and toasty, adding to the overall comfort.
  • Sleep Masks: Ensure a good night’s sleep with a quality sleep mask to block out any disturbances.

Staying Active: Even during the colder months, staying active is essential for your overall health. Gentle exercises, like yoga or stretching, can help keep your body strong and your mind clear. If the weather permits, taking a brisk walk outdoors can also provide a refreshing break and a dose of fresh air.

Mental Well-Being: Lastly, don’t forget to take care of your mental health. The shorter days and colder weather can sometimes lead to the winter blues. Stay connected with loved ones, indulge in hobbies you enjoy, and take time for self-care. Whether it’s reading a book, enjoying a warm bath, or watching your favorite movie in your cozy pajamas, make sure to prioritize activities that bring you joy.

By taking these steps and incorporating cozy comfort essentials, you can navigate the cold and flu season with ease and ensure a healthy, happy winter for you and your family. Stay warm, stay healthy, and embrace the season with a smile.

Summer Lounging: 12 Mocktail Recipes to Stay Hydrated

It’s August and it’s hot. Long, hot, humid summer days can have the same effect on us as a blistering cold winter day and we go into a hibernation of sorts. We recline on the couch with a good book and the A/C blasting, recline in a rocker on the porch, or find a nice shady spot in the park to take a nap. Summers are ideal for lazy afternoons spent lounging in your flimsiest, featherlight cotton pajamas.

The heat zaps both the energy and the water from our bodies. Even if you’re relaxing in air conditioning, it’s more important than any other time to stay hydrated. This replacing skipping a “refreshing” mojito or ice cold beer with a few glasses of ice water every now and again. If you want to enjoy a seasonally festive beverage while warding off heat stroke, give these healthy mocktail recipes a try.

Munki Munki Champagne Dreams Pajama Set

Munki Munki Champagne Dreams Pajama Set

Healthy and Hydrating Summer Mocktail Recipes

1. Raspberry-Lime Rickey Slushies

This recipe calls for gin, but the liquor can easily be omitted for a refreshing summer mocktail. Raspberries’ juicy, sweet flavor peaks from late june through August, so this sweet frozen treat is in season. Get the recipe from myrecipes.com.

2. Cucumber-Mint Limeade

There are few things more refreshing than the combination of fresh cucumber and cool mint. This limeade recipe leverages both in a perfectly balanced summertime cocktail that’s fit for sipping in a shorty robe on your back porch. Get the recipe from intheraw.com.

3. Green Juice Cocktail

This resort-ready green juice mocktail is from The Ranch, a world-renowned detox spa and fitness center — so pull out your eye masks and unwind. Melon and apple add a natural sweetness, celery and ginger add a detoxifying bite, and sparkling water gives the beverage a cocktail-esque fizz. Get the recipe from Popsugar.

4. Sweet Heat Arnold Palmer

This is a spicy twist on the classic lemonade-iced tea hybrid. The addition of a habanero chile balances the sweetness in this summer favorite. The recipe calls for quite a bit of sugar, so experiment with reducing the amount by at least a third to make it a more healthful beverage. Get the recipe on myrecipes.com.

5. Black Cherry Basil Mocktail

This fruity, refreshing drink takes the edge off even the hottest summer days. The fresh basil offsets the sweetness of the black cherry in this mocktail, creating a killer combination that you won’t be able to stop sipping. Get the recipe from wickedspatula.com.

Munki Munki Strawberry Pajama Set

Munki Munki Strawberry Pajama Set

6. Frosted Strawberry Limeade

Summer is for lounging and it’s also for frozen drinks! Rather than treating yourself to a well-tequila mix in the frozen drink machine at your local watering hole, why not treat your body right with this Frosted Strawberry Limeade. This smoothie, loaded with goodies like frozen strawberries, banana, and cashews, would make for a great meal on a hot afternoon. Get the recipe from Healthy Happy Life.

7. Blood Orange and Ginger Soda

Mint is, without a doubt, one of the most refreshing flavors in anything — especially a cold beverages. The combination of cool mint with the heat of ginger and the sweet tang of blood oranges makes for a perfectly balanced glass. Get the recipe from my recipes.com.

8. Copa Verde Mocktail

This is another mocktail that could double as lunch on a sweltering summer day. Avocado, fresh herbs, and refreshing lime are blended and spiked with ice cold club soda for a healthy, delicious treat. Perfect for sipping in your favorite summer pajamas on a Saturday night in.  Get the recipe from The Merry Thought.

9. Tomato Peach Spritzer

You read that correctly. This is probably what “V8 Splash” was going for when they launched their brand… Veggies and fruits combine in this surprisingly delicious mocktail. Tomatoes, peaches, ginger, and ginger ale make this drink an ode to summer. Get the recipe from Vegetarian Times.

10. Ginger Beer Mojito

Enjoy the mojito without the hangover. This recipe calls for rum but it can easily be omitted. The key to making this recipe work is high quality ginger beer. Fentiman’s is a great brand. Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.

11. Aqua Fresca Trio

These are the perfect drinks to serve at a summer afternoon gathering or non-boozy brunch. Loaded with colorful fresh fruit, these mocktails as a beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you choose the strawberry lemon fizz, citrus peach spritzer, or coconut raspberry lemon, each of these options has Summer written all over it. Get the recipes from Healthy Happy Life.

12. Strawberry Orange Mango Kombucha Mocktails

Using kombucha instead of alcohol makes this drink immune-system-and-belly-friendly, since the brew is packed with probiotics. Mangoes are also loaded with healthy, delicious fiber. This is truly a mocktail you can feel great about. Get the recipe from The Roasted Root.

For more summer recipes and ideas for fun in the sun visit The Pajama Company at our blog, thepajamacompany.com/blog.

Cool Cotton Pajamas for Summer

Best TV Shows to Binge Watch in 2018

The Best TV Shows to Binge in Your Pajamas

We in the Northeast have endured another blizzard, but more pajama time is A-OK with us! Snow days and quiet Friday nights are perfect for binge-watching gripping television shows in the comfort of your living room. If you tend to binge-watch your television shows, you’re not alone.

It may seem counterintuitive in this age of short, quippy social media posts and funny cat videos, but humans have a psychological urge to watch entire seasons of television from start finish — no matter how dark, twisted, and complicated the storylines. According to Netflix, three out of four viewers watch the entire first season of Breaking Bad in one sitting!

Psychologists believe that we binge-watch because we crave an escape from our busy lives. As it turns out, occasionally binge-watching television shows can help alleviate symptoms of stress. So put on your coziest pair of pajama pants, pop some popcorn, and stream one of these binge-worthy TV shows. Doctor’s orders.

Best Shows to Stream in 2018

Put on your pajama pants and get ready stream.

Top 10 TV Shows to Binge-Watch Right Now

1. The Americans

Nothing is what it seems on The Americans. To their unsuspecting suburban neighbors, Philip and Elizabeth Jennings are the most boring couple you could possibly imagine. But to anyone who gets in their way — including the FBI — these undercover Russian spies are quick, efficient, and deadly. If you like intrigue, action, ‘80s nostalgia, and brutally honest depictions of marriage, you’re going to love The Americans. Stream on Amazon.

2. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

If you like to laugh and love a little action, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is the breakout hit for you. Starring SNL funnyman Andy Samberg and acting veterans Andre Braugher and Terry Crews, the TV show follows the hijinx of the NYPD’s fictional 99th Precinct. The plot revolves around the professional and personal life of Detective Jake Peralta (Samberg), an immature but talented police officer. Hilarity ensues. Stream on Hulu.

3. Westworld

For the sci-fi fanatics, Westworld is a thriller that takes place in a technologically advanced Wild West-themed amusement park populated by android hosts. Westworld caters to high-paying guests, who may indulge in whatever they wish within the park without retribution from their hosts — including murder. The series begins as a routine update in the hosts’ programming causes unusual deviations in their behavior, concerning park staff. A few of the hosts become sentient and learn the truth about themselves and the world they are forced to live in. Stream on HBO Go.

Jane the Virgin jammies

Gina Rodriguez and Andrea Navedo in pajamas for a scene in ‘Jane the Virgin’

4. Jane the Virgin

Jane the Virgin follows twenty-something Jane Villanueva as she navigates the aftermath of an accidental artificial insemination in her very Catholic household. With plenty of family drama, comedic relief, a steamy love triangle, and crime lord, the telenovela satire packs a lot entertainment into each and every episode. Perfect if you were a fan of the old series Desperate Housewives.

5. Orphan Black

Sci-fi is clearly coming back to mainstream television with shows like Westworld and this hit, Orphan Black. The Canadian series raises questions about the moral and ethical implications of cloning. Con-artist Sarah Manning, one of several identical clones, assumes the identity of one of her fellow matches, police officer Elizabeth Childs, after witnessing her suicide. Viewers can watch the entire plot from start to finish, as all five seasons are now available for streaming. Stream on Amazon.

6. Peaky Blinders

If you enjoyed The Godfather trilogy, know that Peaky Blinders is essentially the British version. Inspired by a real-life gang that operated in Birmingham, England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the story follows Tommy Shelby, the gang’s reluctant but passionate leader, who must take over his family business (Michael Corleone, anyone?). Each season is just six episodes, making it very easy to devour in one sitting. Stream on Netflix.

7. Friends from College

Friends from College is a “coming of age” story for a new generation. This intense all-too-real dramedy starring funnyman Keegan Michael Key will resonate with many tightly knit college groups who have tried to keep their youthful connections rolling into their 40s. Filled with anti-heroes, beautifully acted, and endlessly entertaining, each of the eight half-hour episodes can be watched in one evening. Stream on Netflix.

8. Bob’s Burgers

Is it just us, or is everything on television these days dark and twisted? Take an extended break from reality and stream every season of the funny adult animated series Bob’s Burgers. We promise that you will fall in love with at least one of the adorable cast members who feature voice talent from legend H. Jon Benjamin (Archer), Kristen Schaal (Last Man On Earth, The Daily Show) Megan Mullally (Parks and Rec, Will and Grace), Jordan Peele (Get Out, Key and Peele), SNL alum Bill Hader, and Aziz Ansari (Parks and Rec, Master of None) to name a few. The plot follows the hilarious antics that take place in and around Bob Belcher’s family business, Bob’s Burgers. Stream on Hulu.

9. Silicon Valley

A surprise hit from producer Mike Judge, best known for King of the HIll and Beavis and Butt-Head, is Silicon Valley, a witty live-action comedy starring Thomas Middleditch and Kumail Nanjiani. The story follows the day-to-day struggle of Richard Hendricks (Middleditch), a Silicon Valley engineer trying to build his own company within the quirky valley tech bubble. Stream on Hulu.

Tracee Ellis Ross Black-ish Pajamas

Golden Globe winner Tracee Ellis Ross wears a lot of cute pajama sets as her character Bo Johnson in the hit comedy series ‘Black-ish.’

10. Black-ish

Network after network is producing gloomy, depressing content but Black-ish on ABC is a much-needed standout family sitcom. Loosely based on the family life of creator Kenya Barris, the show doesn’t shy away from discussions of family, race, gender equality, or politics, but addresses these hot-button topics in a way that is timely, relatable, and approachable. The plot follows family man Andre Johnson (Anthony Anderson) as he struggles to maintain a sense of cultural identity while raising his children in a predominantly white, upper-middle-class neighborhood. Every episode is smart, sweet, and guaranteed to make you laugh until your belly hurts. Stream on Hulu.

For more ideas for how to unwind in your pajamas this season, visit The Pajama Company at our blog, thepajamacompany.com/blog.

12 Simple and Delicious Late Night Snacks

The clock is creeping past ten. You’re unwinding in your pajamas, snuggled into the couch, wrapped up a cozy throw blanket… when your stomach grumbles. You know you “aren’t supposed to” eat after 8pm, but is that really a hard rule? And who made the rule? Why do you have to follow it?

As it turns out, the supposed link between weight gain and late-night eating is a myth. Our metabolism doesn’t slow down at night, converting everything we ate into fat. The same daytime rules apply at nighttime: everything in moderation. That said, we’ve compiled a collection of tasty late night snacks that you don’t have to feel guilty about.

Strawberry Smoothie

Late Night Snacks You Can Feel Good About

1. Strawberry Smoothie. Combine vanilla yogurt, milk or your preferred milk substitute, frozen strawberries and blend. Depending on how sweet the yogurt is, add honey to sweeten the shake. Using Greek yogurt will increase your protein intake — on average 15 to 20 grams per 6 ounces — and make for a more satisfying snack. Low fat yogurt is also an option for reduced calorie intake.

2. Avocado Toast. Simply make a piece of toast and slice up half of a small avocado. Smash the avocado on top of the toast with a fork. Add other toppings like nutritional yeast, green onions, sliced radishes, or baby arugula. Using multigrain or sprouted bread will increase both your fiber and protein intake.

3. Frozen Grapes. This may sound a little strange if you’ve never done it before, but trust us — frozen grapes are delicious. Pull grapes from their stems and place them in a freezer bag. Once they’re frozen you have snackable sorbet. This is a wonderful low-calorie option for those of us who like to reach for a frozen treat at night. Crackers, Turkey, Cheese

4. Whole Wheat Crackers with Cheese and Turkey. Fiber-rich woven wheat crackers are low in calories and very satisfying. Just six Triscuit crackers contain 120 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein. Top with thin slices of your favorite cheese and roast turkey. Very satisfying!

5. Quesadilla Half. Heat one 8-inch multigrain tortilla on a skillet and place grated cheese on one half. Layer with other toppings if desired (deli meats, baby spinach, green onions), top half with second layer of cheese and fold the quesadilla in half. Once one side is toasted, flip and toast the other side until the cheese is melted through. Serve with salsa and enjoy!

6. Greek Yogurt and Low-Fat Granola. As we mentioned earlier, Greek yogurt is packed with protein so a small serving will ward off hunger for a long time. Combine the yogurt with the fiber punch of granola, top with honey, and you have a sweet, creamy, and crunchy snack.

7. Ham and Provolone Roll-Ups. Cut out the carbs with these quick and easy ham and provolone roll-ups. Spread a thin layer of mustard on a slice of provolone, top with a slice of ham, and roll it up! Packed with protein and flavor, this filling snack will put an end to your hunger pangs.

Dark Chocolate is a Healthy Snack

8. Dark Chocolate. If you’re craving chocolate, the darker the better. Milk chocolate contains less of the original cocoa bean than dark chocolate and contains more milk, sugar, and cream. Savoring a little bit of quality dark chocolate will satisfy your craving and will be a relatively healthy treat.

9. Banana and Peanut Butter. Snacks don’t get much easier than this! Simply spread a little bit on peanut butter on a banana as you peel it. While peanut butter is high in protein, it’s also high-calorie and high in saturated fat, so spread accordingly.

10. DIY Popcorn. Air pop your own popcorn at home or pop with oil. Either way, it will be far better for you than the sodium and chemical-loaded stuff that comes out of the microwave. The benefit of popping it yourself is that you’re in control of the toppings — what they are and how much. Add a little parmesan cheese, garlic salt, or zesty lime seasoning. Have fun with it!

Black Bean Salad and Tortilla Chips

11. Black Bean Salad and Tortilla Chips. Keeping a batch of black bean salad in the fridge is a great way to spice up salads, rice, and other side dishes throughout the week. It’s also wonderful as a flavorful and hearty snack on a handful of tortilla chips.

12. Pita with Veggies and Hummus. Cut a small whole wheat pita in half, open up the pocket and spread the inside with hummus. Place mixed greens and sliced veggies inside for a fresh and tasty treat!

For more ideas for how to unwind in your pajamas this winter, visit The Pajama Company at our blog, thepajamacompany.com/blog.