Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Yala is on Google+, Are You?

Yala is now on Google+! We are excited to join a new social network operated by Google, Inc., launched in June of 2011, with integrations across a number of Google products, including Buzz and Profiles. Although we are new to G+, we are learning many things that we like about the new network...


1. Photos
The photo gallery offered in your Google+ account is absolutely beautiful. Since the photo sharing site Picasa is owned by Google, they were able to integrate photo viewing, sharing and editing within your Google+ account.  


The editing program in G+ makes it easy to touch up your photos:



"Google has created a section specifically for viewing, managing and editing multimedia. The photo tab takes a user to all of the photos he or she has shared, as well as the ones he or she is tagged in. It’s not just photo tagging, though: Google+ includes an image editor (complete with Instagram-like photo effects), privacy options and sharing features." - Google+

2. Post Editor 
Have you ever made a post on facebook or twitter an then realized you made a mistake? Google+ allows you to edit your posts without having to delete them!


3. Circles
Organizing people or businesses that we connect with is easy with Google+'s social groups called circles. "One key element of Google+ is a focus on targeted sharing within subsets of your social group, which are what Google calls Circles. Circles are simply small groups of people that you can share to, each with names like friends, family, classmates and co-workers." - Google+



4. Hangouts
Honestly, we haven't participated in a 'hangout' yet, but see it as a useful tool in providing instant customer service or assistance in the future. “Hangouts is Google’s new group chat feature. Instead of directly asking a friend to join a group chat, users instead click “start a hangout” and they’re instantly in a video chatroom alone. At the same time, a message goes out to their social circles, letting them know that their friend is “hanging out.” Friends can then join the hangout as long as they have been placed in a circle that was invited by the person who created the Hangout." - Google+

We look forward to circling up on Google+ - make sure to check out our page by clicking here : )

Until Next Time,

Lauren of Team Yala

Friday, December 30, 2011

New Years Sale! 50% OFF All Silk Bedding!!


Our gift to you in honor of Yala's 1st birthday!

We hope you have a safe and happy new years!

Until next time,

Lauren of Team Yala

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Yala Partners with The Shops at Swedish in the Swedish/Issaquah Medical Center

The Shops at Swedish are located in Issaquah Washington within the Swedish/Issaquah Medical Center Campus. We found this medical center particularly interesting to learn about because of their 'green' approach to creating the most energy-efficient medical complex in the region.

The planning team used computer simulation models to assist in creating an efficient building envelope, setting insulation requirements for walls and ceilings, and selecting highly efficient heating/cooling equipment and lighting systems to maximize energy performance. Patients and employees of Swedish/Issaquah enjoy the benefits of a vibrant medical campus grounded in sustainable, environmentally friendly values and practices.

The Shops at Swedish were incorporated into the medical center to enhance the patient experience. This distinctive retail destination is unmatched in the Northwest. Located in the heart of the Swedish/Issaquah campus, the Shops at Swedish bring together exceptional health and wellness products, unique gifts and personalized services in a refined setting.

 

Yala is proud to be carried in their Be Well shop, a wellness boutique designed to support healthy lifestyles. If you have the opportunity to visit the shop you will find Yala favorites such as...
 

 



Other shops in the complex include: 
  1. Perfect Fit: A fine lingerie boutique offering luxurious sleepwear, fashion-forward intimate apparel and comfortable basics.  
  2. Comfort & Joy: A warm and welcoming boutique focused on the needs of pregnant women, new moms and babies.  
  3. Lily and Pearl: A distinctly elegant departure from the traditional hospital gift shop. 
  4. Flex Space: A multi-use space to gather, learn and stay strong in both mind and body.  
  5. Café 1910: Named for the year that Swedish Hospital was founded, Café 1910 features a diverse menu with healthy eating the priority — there are no fryers or soda machines.
  6. Adventure Kids Playcare: A unique drop-in childcare and entertainment center for kids ages 6 weeks to 12 years old.
  7. Starbucks: Swedish/Issaquah will have a full-service Starbucks coffee shop opening in the new facility.
We are very excited to continue working with The Shops at Swedish in the future and commend them for all of the wonderful work they are doing to help people while being environmentally conscious.

Check them out on Facebook by clicking here!

Until next time,

Lauren of Team Yala

Friday, December 23, 2011

Yala's Best of 2011 Blooper Video!



2011 marked many new beginnings for Yala: a new name, new fabric lines, new faces in the company and our first ever employee-cast fashion videos. Things weren't always as smooth as they appeared in the final cut, but they sure were funny! May we present to you a behind the scenes peek at OUR best blooper moments of 2011!





Take a look at other team Yala First and Best Of videos...

Yala's First Fashion Video: 
How do you Yala in your Charlotte Tunic? 



Yala's First Nightwear Video:
How do you Yala in your Izzy Pajama Set?



Yala's Most Viewed Video: 
How do you Yala in your Elite Airline Set?



Yala's Most Viewed How to Style Scarf Video:
How many ways can you Yala in your Cashmere Scarf?



Until next time, Happy Holidays from Yala - we love you!

Lauren of Team Yala

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Yala's Holiday Dinner at the
Ashland Springs Hotel

Yala's holiday party is something everyone looks forward to all year long! Founder Nancy always picks a beautiful venue with delicious food and amazing wine. This year we were fortunate to gather in the Crystal Room at the Ashland Springs Hotel. The chef at the hotel won the local Food and Wine competition that took place in November, and the food was AMAZING!
Erica, Chelsea, Amanda and Rachel

Bran, Nancy and Naomi

 Michael
Rachel and Tif
 
 Grant and Erin

The holiday party is a good excuse for us to get all dressed up and bring that special person in our lives to meet and mingle with each other. Everyone is close both in and out of work, and the holiday party is a welcome occasion to relax and enjoy ourselves!
Wolfgang and Kristen

Linda and Glen 
 Caitlin and Jeff
Justin and Lauren
Nancy gives a heartfelt toast thanking all of Yala's employees for another amazing year full of exciting changes and hard work. 2011 marked the beginning of transitioning our brand from DreamSacks to Yala.

I'm sure you are dying to see what was on the menu...


Oven Roasted Filet of Salmon with Smoked Tomato Beurre Blanc 
and Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

 Panko Breaded Chicken Cordon Bleu with Herb Cream Sauce 
Stuffed with House made Tasso Ham and Gruyere with Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes 
 
Acorn Squash stuffed with Fresh Herb Vinagrette and Jasmine Rice

It is also tradition at our annual holiday dinner to present Nancy, Larry and Chelsea with a little something from the Yala staff to show OUR appreciation for them. This year we all contributed in donating to Habitat for Humanity in their name. A special thanks to our founders for another wonderful holiday party and cheers to what's ahead in 2012!

Yala Founders Larry and Nancy

 
 Ben and Yala Founder Chelsea

Until next time,

Lauren of Team Yala

Monday, December 19, 2011

Holiday Facebook Giveaway Extended!
Help us Surpass 2012 'Likes' by the New Year and we'll Pick a SECOND Sheet Set Winner!


 What amazing Yala fans we have! 

Because we had so many people enter in round one of our sheet set giveaway, we decided to pick a SECOND sheet set winner. Help us exceed 2012 ‘likes’ by the new year and we will give away another sheet set - BambooDreams or Silk - your choice!

Already entered? Share the news with your friends and you'll have another chance to win! 

Congratulations again to our first grand prize sheet set winner, Brandi Hayden, and our stocking stuffer winners, Alli, Katy, Nancy, Hillary, Holly, Gretchen, Allison and Issa!

Happy Yaladays!
Lauren of Team Yala