Yala Installs New Energy Efficient Lights

We are excited about our new energy-saving lights that were recently installed by Ashland Electric through the City of Ashland's Energy Trust. All of our old halogen warehouse lights have been replaced with new florescent lights that use 64% less energy annually!

We also installed motion detection sensors for the lights in warehouses we only occasionally visit, further decreasing our energy usage.

Installing our new florescent, energy-saving lights from Ashland Electric

Mid-install high up on our lift!

New Florescent Lights in our Warehouse!

Next time you visit us for one of our seconds & samples warehouse sales remember to take a look up and notice our new lights : )

Until next time,

Lauren of Team Yala

Yala is on Pinterest! Are you?

We are excited to announce that Yala is now on Pinterest! Like many Pinterest addicts, we find this new social network is quickly becoming our favorite. The mission statement of Pinterest is to connect everyone in the world through shared tastes and the “things” they find interesting by pinning a photo to your personal pin board. Pinterest was launched in March of 2010, and is currently the fastest growing new social network.

Ever wish you could find that recipe you remember seeing online? A new outfit you can finally afford? An article you now have time to read or that DIY scarf pattern you wanted to try? We've found Pinterest to be the perfect place to save and categorize things you find on the internet that you want to refer back to one day!

If you are interested in the Yala boards you see above, you'll love exploring all of our pinboards. Some of our favorites so far are below... be sure to follow us on Pinterest! 

 

Convinced you're ready to join Pinterest? You'll need a member to invite you, as they are currently signing up new people by invitation only, however, I'm sure you won't have any trouble finding a friend who has already discovered Pinterest : )

Until next time,

Lauren of Team Yala

Teaming up with Yala - Director of Sales Development at Concepts in Marketing & Sales, Cathy Stemmler

We are all excited to welcome Cathy Stemmler from Concepts in Marketing & Sales (CMS).  Cathy is teaming up with Yala as a sales representative and consultant. Cathy is from California has recently joined forces with us to work on gaining more exposure and expand Yala's presence in new areas.

Cathy Stemmler

Interview with Cathy:

Can you describe your new position at Yala?
I am the Director of Sales Development at Concepts in Marketing & Sales, I will be working to grow the sales at Yala by growing key accounts.

What kind of work have you done in the past?
I was a Macy’s buyer, National Sales Manager for SDH, VP of Sales for Zoom Eyewear among others.

How did you first connect with Nancy and Larry, owners of Yala?
I met Nancy (Yala Founder) at a trade show in Las Vegas, and was immediately drawn to the clothing line.  I noticed that Yala was located in Southern Oregon and I was considering moving here several years ago.

Where are you from/where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Fairfield, California. I have always lived in the greater San Francisco area. I currently live in Benicia, California …I like the small town atmosphere.

Cathy with her dog Ashley

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy entertaining, spending family time, traveling, wine tasting and events with my dog, Ashley. Ashley is a therapy dog and together we work with children with disabilities.

Cathy with family

Do you have any product from Yala? If so what is your favorite thing and why?
Love my bamboo nightwear and silk pillowcases!

Yala's Silk Habotai Pillowcases

Bamboo Dreams® Stella Gown                             Bamboo Dreams® Izzy Pajama Set

We are excited to have Cathy on board!

Until next time,

Lauren of Team Yala

Introducing Yala's New 2012 Dreamsack, Eyeshade and Pocket Pillowcase Colors!

A new year means new styles, colors and designs at Yala! We are excited to announce the addition of five new colors to our Dreamsack, Eyeshade and Pocket Pillowcase lines: Pebble Gray, Aloe Green, Paradise Pink, Caribbean Blue and Shell Pink.

To give these colors a proper welcome, we are hosting a giveaway on facebook! Make sure to enter by visiting our "GIVEAWAY of Yala’s New Spring 2012 Dreamsack Colors!" photo album and clicking 'like' on the color you like the best. The winner will be picked on Monday January, 23rd.

To Enter Visit:

GIVEAWAY of Yala’s New Spring 2012 Dreamsack Colors!

Click 'like' on the color you like the best!

Until next time,

Lauren of Team Yala

11 Easy Ways to Kick the Plastic Habit by Green America

How long could you go without using plastic? Once you start thinking about it plastic is a staple in everyday life - you have to make an effort to avoid it! We are excited to share this reblog by Green America...

"11 Easy Ways to Kick the Plastic Habit"


 Replace common single-use plastics with these sturdy reusables, recommended by MyPlasticFreeLife.com‘s Beth Terry and the editors of the Green American.

Cloth Grocery Bags

1. Instead of accepting plastic bags at the grocery store, carry your own cloth grocery and produce bags. Choose stretchy string bags that carry many times their weight (ReuseIt.com), paper-thin organic cotton produce bags (BlueLotusGoods.com, EcoBags.com), compact recycled nylon bags that crush down to the size of two golf balls and fit in a bag or purse (Chicobags.com), and more.
Find more retailers in the “Bags/Baskets” category at GreenPages.org and at ShopGreenPages.org.

Reusable Stainless Steel Bottle

2. Give up plastic water bottles and carry your own unlined, reusable stainless steel bottle. Klean Kanteen (KleanKanteen.com) now offers a 100-percent plastic-free “Reflect” bottle, crafted from stainless steel, sustainably harvested bamboo, and food-grade silicone. Try an insulated steel bottle to keep your drinks hot in winter and cold in summer.
Find more at GreenPages.org, “Exercise/Sporting Goods” or “Housewares”, or at ShopGreenPages.org.

Reusable Food Containers

3. Bring your own reusable food containers to buy builk items at the store and when you’re ordering take-out. To-GoWare.com offers stainless steel “tiffin” boxes with two or three compartments. LifeWithoutPlastic.com sells stainless ssteel and glass “Tupperware”-like containers, lunchboxes, and more. And Dr. Wallace J. Nichols funds his sea turtle research in part through sales of the “Sporklace” (Sporklace.com), an attractive metal spork on a chain that functions as to-go silverware and a conversation starter.
Find more at GreenPages.org, “Housewares”, or at ShopGreenPages.org.

Plastic-Free Three-Ring Binders

4. When buying supplies for school or the office, choose plastic-free three-ring binders, notebooks, badges, folders, CD cases, and office labels from companies like ReBinder (ReBinder.com). ReBinder’s products are made from recycled cardboard and can be recycled again at the end of their useful life.
Find more at GreenPages.org, “Office/Desk Supplies.”

Reusable Sandwich Wrappers and Snack Bags  

5. Eliminate the need for plastic wrap or plastic “ziploc” bags with reusable sandwich wrappers and snack bags, like the plastic-free, organic cotton snack and sandwich bags from GrazeOrganic.com and EcoDitty.com. For more moisture-proofing, SnackTaxi (SnackTaxi.com) sandwich/snack sacks are made of cotton with a nylon-coated interior. (The company plans to use recycled nylon and organic cotton in the future.) Find more at GreenPages.org, “Children” and “Housewares,” or ShopGreenPages.org.

The Keeper

6. Women can jump on the plastic-free train by choosing reusable cloth menstrual pads (GladRags.com, Lunapads.com) in a variety of sizes. Also, replace tampons with washable sea sponges (JadeandPearl.com), or reusable silicone or natural latex menstrual cups like the Keeper (theKeeper.com), the Moon Cup (MoonCup.com), Lunette (Lunette.com), or Diva Cup (DivaCup.com).
Find more at GreenPages.org, “Women.”

Reusable Glass Straws

7. When you purchase a cold beverage to go, refuse to accept a single-use plastic straw. Instead, whip out one of Glass Dharma’s reusable glass straws (cleaning brush included). If you see a crack in your straw, Glass Dharma (GlassDharma.com) will replace it for free.

Cosmetic Glass Jars with Metal Lids

8. Most body-care products are packaged in plastic. Find minimally packaged shampoo bars from companies like GoodEarthSoap.com and OregonSoapCompany.com. If you have hard water, ask the retailer for advice on how to use shampoo bars effectively. RMS Beauty (RMSBeauty.com) offers cosmetics in glass jars with metal lids.

Sponges and Cloths

9. Avoid synthetic sponges, which are often made from foamed plastic and wrapped in plastic. Consider replacing them with Skoy cloths (SkoyCloth.com; available at ReUseIt.com), super-absorbent cleaning cloths made from cotton and cellulose. Machine-washable, long-lasting Skoy Cloths are compostable at the end of their useful life.Find more at ShopGreenPages.org. 

 Reusable “Dry Cleaning” Bag

10. Even the greenest professional clothes cleaner may package your garments in a single-use plastic bag. Stop the waste with the Green Garmento reusable “dry cleaning” bag (GreenGarmento.com). It acts as a regular laundry bag you can use ina hamper. Pull out the handle and zip up the top, and it’s a large tote in which to carry your dirty clothes to the cleaners. And turn it upside-down, and it becomes a garment bag! Use coupon code GREENAMERICABOGO to buy one Green Garmento for $9.99 and get one free.

Recyclable Toothbrush

11. Try a recyclable toothbrush. The Preserve toothbrush, made from recycled #5 plastic, is zero-waste. Once you’re finished with your Preserve brush (or the company’s tongue cleaners, razors, and kitchen products), drop it off at your local Gimme 5 dropbox for #5 plastics at participating Whole Foods stores and food co-ops, or mail it back to Recycline. The company closes the waste loop by turning returned items into plastic lumber. (http://www.preserveproducts.com/)

Thanks again to Green America for a wonderful blog!

Until next time,

Lauren of Team Yala

Yala Destination: Machu Picchu, Peru

Preparing for a trip - wherever you go - requires packing. Make sure you are equipped with all of the necessities to ensure your trip goes smoothly and that, most importantly, you are comfortable and confidant in the clothes you travel in...

 

For traveling abroad in a third world country, where you may not be able to roll a suit case from one hotel to the next, we recommend packing light. Make sure you pack things you like and wouldn't mind wearing again.

Our Organic Cotton Jacket and Organic Cotton Long Pants are perfect for a thick warm layer for high elevations. Our Bamboo Dreams® Tessa Tank Top is an ideal base layer in soft, breathable fabric- great for layering or by itself when the sun comes out. Throw on our Cashmere Scarf if you know you'll need something to keep the chill off.  You will fall in love with our cashmere, as its amazing softness and warmth can dress up any outfit while being totally functional. It also holds up well after lots of use.

Now that we're packed, let's hit the road!

  Machu Picchu

Imagine the most amazing ruins you have ever seen: 7,000 feet above sea level and nestled on a small hilltop between the Andean Mountain Range, the majestic city soars above the Urubamba Valley below. The Incan built structure has been deemed the “Lost Cities”, unknown until its relatively recent discovery in 1911.

Archaeologists theorize it was most likely a retreat for Incan rulers. Due to its isolation from the rest of Peru, living in the area full time would require traveling great distances just to reach the nearest village. This is still the case if you want to visit today, however after a lengthy plane ride, there is now a train and bus ride that will get you there a little faster!

 Train to Aguas Calientes, town below Machu Picchu

Agricultural Terracing

"Separated into three areas - agricultural, urban, and religious - the structures are arranged so that the function of the buildings matches the form of their surroundings. The agricultural terracing and aqueducts take advantage of the natural slopes; the lower areas contain buildings occupied by farmers and teachers, and the most important religious areas are located at the crest of the hill, overlooking the lush Urubamba Valley thousands of feet below." -  Bonnie Hamre

Machu Picchu's Sun Temple

Hikers, tourists, and the early explorers describe similar emotions as they climb their way through the Inca Trail. Many call the experience magical. We encourage you to hike along the Inca trail, look at the Sun Temple from above, and sit for a while in the grass, just to take in the experience fully.

Until next time, happy travels!

Lauren of Team Yala

Yala Destination: Machu Picchu, Peru 

Organic Cotton Aspire Long Pants
yaladesigns.com

Tessa
yaladesigns.com

Cashmere shawl
yaladesigns.com

Organic Cotton Aspire Hooded Jacket - Yala Designs
yaladesigns.com

Lace shoes
£140 - vegetarian-shoes.co.uk

Joe s Jeans khaki backpack
$105 - bluefly.com

Gucci shades
£125 - flannelsfashion.com

Meet Yala Model Tara Manning Member of The PDX 30

We are proud to share that one of our Yala models, Tara Manning was selected for December 2011's PDX30. Starting last year, each month three new members are selected by a panel of Portland, OR leaders for standout behavior that added value to their community, boosted the economy or inspired others to do something significant in the city.

We are excited to share a re-blog interview with Tara by Portland's Living Life Local:

Dancing Through Life

We are proud to announce a dynamic individual for this December whose significant contributions to the economy, and her community are more then note worthy, they are outstanding. Tara Manning is doing a lot for kids, the community, and business, in fact she operates three companies and operates each with style and grace.

                         Yala's Organic Cotton Della Top                                                        Yala's Kai Top

“I love that Portland has everything a big city has, with a small town vibe. Portland is very diverse and accepting of everyone and there are always new and fun activities going on, if you want to be socially or physically active,” shared Tara with a smile. Tara Manning stays both physically and socially active running her own dance studio “Steppin’ Up” and covering a large area of the Northwest as a regional marketing manager for “360 Events and Promotions.” As if that was not enough for this dynamic lady she continues to give back to the community in meaningful and unique ways. 

Learning How to Take the Lead

 

Photos by PenicheFashion.com

So how did Tara Manning arrive at this place in her life? She told us, “My parents and God made me the woman I am today. I have also had some amazing mentors that  encouraged me to pursue careers that make me happy and active. My College professor encouraged me to be a dance teacher when that thought never even crossed my mind and a dear friend from San Diego encouraged and trained me to be a marketing manager. I still work in both of these fields and really appreciate their encouragement.”
 

Yala's Long Sleeve Laurel Wrap

When we asked if she was able to fit anything else into our busy days Tara laughed and answered, “I also work as a model with agencies in Portland, Seattle and Hawaii. I am thankful that I love what I do.”

Caring Contributor

As we mentioned early Tara is certainly not just strictly business. As so many of the members of The PDX 30, giving back is a way of life for Manning. She shared, “Serving at the union gospel for nine years was a great highlight in giving back to the community, but over the last year I found my true calling. My dog and I went through the pet therapy program to get certified as pet partners. We currently visit kids every Friday at Emanuel Children’s Hospital.” Manning clearly has a heart for kids, and relishes the chance to help young people build confidence whether she is visiting a hospital room or teaching them new dance steps at her studio.

                                     Yala's Nora Gown                                                         Yala's Izzy Pajama Set

She is also giving back to the local economy, creating jobs while developing her marketing teams. “As a marketing manager, I hire local talent to work promotional events each week. I love supplying new jobs to local talent,” shared Tara enthusiastically.

So what was the biggest hurdle this over achiever had to face? Her answer, “Perfection!” Tara explained, “I had to come to realize that everything I do will not be perfect. As long as I know I made the best decision with the information I have at the time, I trust myself that I have given the situation my all.” Manning added,  “I’ve also learned that if I am myself, the things that I truly love, will come to me naturally.”

Taking New Steps

When many people are unclear what their future holds in these uncertain times Tara answered with confidence, “I plan to grow all three businesses in size and clients and get two new modeling agencies this year. 2012 is going to be even more successful than 2011.”

Yala's Piper Dress

What would Manning share with you whether you are 8 or 80 as you pursue your goals? She said, “Listen to your inner calling. Don’t take the easy or shorter route. I know it’s cliché, but the best things in life come with patience and hard work.” With a sparkle in her eye Tara added, “Always be true to yourself!”

Connect with Tara Manning:  Steppin' Up

-Blog by Portland's Living Life Local

Until Next Time,

Lauren of Team Yala