Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Elizabethan Outdoor Stage Begins Previews!

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Elizabethan stage is opening!  This marks the beginning of summer around our hometown of Ashland, Oregon.  Previews begin next week with official opening performances starting Friday, June 15th.

One of America's oldest Elizabethan theatres, this stage is named for a queen and the glorious age in which Shakespeare wrote. Experience the sweep and majesty of those unforgettable stories of love, tragedy and spiritual transformation beneath a canopy of stars, in the comfort of the Allen Pavilion.

If you're coming to Ashland or traveling in the Pacific Northwest, be sure to catch at least one of the three shows that will share this stage on alternating nights:

 

 

Hope to see you there! 

Caitlin of Team Yala

Pack up the cooler, head outdoors, and fire up the grill!

Memorial Day marks the start of the summer vacation season. It's a time to pay tribute, celebrate American heritage, and create memories with family and friends.

We've put together some suggestions for a long weekend outdoors combining our two favorite things- fashion and food!

Try this summery twist on traditional lemonade by adding strawberries and fresh basil, so refreshing! Artichokes are in season all summer long and are particularly delicious when grilled, add a little cheese and garlic for a mouthwatering appetizer!

Add a little fun and excitement to the classic burger by offering your guests a gourmet burger bar filled with yummy extras like tomatoes with sea salt and chives, bacon with rosemary, caramelized onions, and top it all off with a dollop of herbed mayonnaise.  Is your mouth watering yet?

Last but not least, dessert! Impress your party guests with this simple yet elegant lemon curd mousse tart topped with fresh berries and lemon zest.

And what do I wear to such an event you ask? We have some style ideas that should fit the bill!

The BambooDreams® Maddy Tunic is perfect for a backyard bbq! This lightweight frock has a feminine scoop neck and is sleeveless without being strappy. It drapes beautifully to a mid-thigh length with a little extra length at the sides. Add our new Kalin Top underneath, and you’ve got a cool yet casual ensemble!

Take our Taryn Tunic to the beach! This summery tunic has a scoop neck and an a-line silhouette, perfect for a beach cover-up, lounging poolside or a picnic on the sand. As for the wee ones, cover up baby's sensitive skin with our super soft long sleeve onesie. Did you know that our viscose from bamboo clothing is a natural UV protectant? But don't forgo the sunblock,  it's always a must when you're playing in the sun!

Have a great weekend!

Amanda of Team Yala  

My Big Fat Greek Birthday Dinner

Happy Birthday to Yala President Nancy Morgan! Nancy shares all about her Greek-themed party, read about her delicious Greek meal and snag the recipes for your next party...

My birthday is coming up so to celebrate my sweet husband made a special dinner and invited a close group of friends over. The dinner was so spectacular I had to share.

 

The inspiration for the dinner was our recent visit to Meze’s Greek Kitchen in San Francisco which sparked fantasies of warm sun and island hopping in the Aegean.

Once our guests arrived, the ladies sat outside enjoying a glass of wine and the appetizer plate of eggplant tapenade, olives, and lemon feta cheese while the men bustled around the kitchen plating the meal. 

When the call “to the table” came we all eagerly sat down. In front of us were glorious plates of Greek specialties: moussaka, zucchini fritters topped with tzatziki, hummus, pita bread, and of course a Greek salad with a lemon olive oil dressing.

Homemade Greek Moussaka is a labor of love.  Rich layers of potatoes, lamb, and my favorite vegetable, eggplant, are topped with béchamel sauce – yes Larry even made the sauce.  Cinnamon and allspice give it a luscious flavor. 

Who knew that zucchini fritters were so delectable? And with summer coming, this is a recipe to save when all that squash ripens at the same time.

 

The recipe also includes tzatziki which is the perfect cool and creamy side to any Mediterranean meal.

Even if you aren’t traveling to Greece any time soon, you can enjoy the tastes with these recipes.  So delightful – I will be dreaming about this meal all year!

Until Next Time, 

Nancy Morgan - President

Yala Walks Big Sur

Yala Founders Nancy and Chelsea were joined by Nancy's sister Kathy to take part in the 10.6 mile walk during the Big Sur Marathon this spring.  Highway One was closed to traffic so we had a chance to savor the views of the exquisite coastline and even stop and admire the scenery all along the route.

Highway 1 through Big Sur is designated an American National Scenic Byway & California Scenic Highway, an honor reserved for highways that are so distinctive they are destinations unto themselves.  We think this is one of the most beautiful and romantic places on the planet.

 

There were over 4500 marathon racers and 2800 walkers. It was a happy and supportive group, with musicians and dancers lining the course.  Smiles and encouragement were passed out along with fruit and water.  Some of the proceeds from the marathon go to Just Run, an organization to get kids active in running through school and community programs.

And after the walk, what could be better than fresh clam chowder and a crab salad on Monterey’s Fisherman's Wharf watching the seals and sea lions.

Until Next Time,

Amanda of Team Yala

Enter to Win Yala's Mother's Day Giveaway - $50 E-Gift Certificate!

Click here to enter!

Good Luck, 

Amanda of Team Yala  

Shower Mom with Softness this Mother's Day

Mother's Day Sale! 20% off all Orders of $100 and a Bonus Gift Guide

Still stumped on what to get her for Mother's Day?
We've got some ideas for you!

While it won’t solve all life’s problems, having the Sophie Wrap in your wardrobe adds the perfect touch to so many outfits. Neither coat, nor jacket, the Sophie Wrap is a great cover-up for cool evenings. It also adds a bit of style and functionality during the workday. Let it hang open, cross the front pieces and tie in the back or get funky and belt it around the middle. Sophie is a compliment to any outfit.

The BambooDreams® Luna Pajama Set includes a top with delicate gathering at both the front and the back and wide-legged bottoms. The top falls above the knee and the bottoms fall below the knee, giving you perfect coverage to snuggle in for the night. In three sweet-dreams colors, the Luna Pajama Set also makes a lovely gift.

There are so many ways to wear our super soft PashBu, you’ll want them in multiple colors. Knot it around your neck for that hip, urban style. Wind it around and over your favorite denim jacket for an iconic celebrity look. Or drape it elegantly over the shoulders of your little black dress.

Nothing says royalty like our opulent Silk Charmeuse Pillowcase. Imagine your face caressed by silken fabric as you sleep – no pea in the world could keep you awake! In three yummy colors. Consider treating someone to the Silk Charmeuse Pillowcase in a Silk Envelope Bag – a little gift of luxury for a fellow princess. 

Happy Mother's Day, 

Amanda of Team Yala 

Exclusive Cinco de Mayo Sale! 15% off this weekend May 4-6 Coupon Code: CINCO15

5 things to eat, drink, try and wear for this Saturday’s festive celebration!

^{According to Wikipedia Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May) is celebrated nationwide in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla. In Puebla the holiday is called El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla (English: The Day of the Battle of Puebla). The date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, and to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War. Contrary to widespread popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day—the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico—which is actually celebrated on September 16.}

1.   Tequila Sangria 

 

2.   Pinata Cookies

 

3.   Parasol Topiaries

 

4.   Spicy Chicken Empanadas

 

5.   Cinco De Mayo Yala Style 

Celebrate with style and color in our Luna Dress and Sophie Wrap. 

Happy Cinco de Mayo, 

Amanda of Team Yala