Yala's Social Networker Takes a Trip Rafting Down the Grand Canyon

Two years ago when I was hired to work at Yala I took the job on one condition, "In 2011 I need to take a month off to go rafting down the Grand Canyon with my family," I said. Without hesitation, owners Nancy and Larry Morgan said that of course I could go. It was a good thing because my family had been on the waiting list for over 15 years!

Photo by Aaron Michelson

Before I knew it, September of 2011 was here and I was headed to the Grand Canyon with 21 days worth of food, booze and clothes with five family members, one boyfriend, one high school friend, one college friend, two friends of the family and four unknown friends.

 Group Photo, by Burket Kniveton

For living outside for 21 days, we had things pretty good. We were lucky enough to have the chef from Buckhorn Springs retreat center, who also happens to be my mother, plan the menu. Every day we were overwhelmed with organic vegetables, local meat, fresh eggs from Buckhorn chickens and talented chefs to put it all together. We utilized solar showers, slept on plush paco pads and enjoyed luxuries no backpacker could consider such as Ashland's own Caldera beer. 

Lauren and her boyfriend, Justin. Photo by Burket Kniveton

However, rafting a river that has it's own rating system is no piece of cake. Every day we packed up, lashed down and geared up for BIG water. Thanks to four skilled and experienced rower friends, our four 18-foot rafts miraculously appeared from the deadly holes of Crystal rapid and cheese grater of Lava, unharmed. Aside from my mom's knee to my face in Hermit, several uncomfortable swims and swallowed water there were no major injuries.

Photo by Burket Kniveton

 

Photo by Burket Kniveton

Every day was filled with beautiful hikes, breathtaking views and amazing waterfalls. We saw numerous big horn sheep, heard the call of the canyon wren every morning, watched crows fly away with our snacks and even saw mice and ring tailed cats attempting to board our boats at night and steal food!

Photo by Burket Kniveton

Photo by Burket Kniveton

With the wonderful luck of beautiful sunny weather and warm nights my most useful Yala gear was by far the silk DreamSack. It was also the most popular! Upon doing a count, there were 10 people who slept with their Yala DreamSack every night! It was way too warm to even consider zipping up your sleeping bag and the DreamSack provided the perfect light layer to take the chill off, but still keep you at a comfortable temperature. I had the Original Opening DreamSack® which I found to be the perfect width to fit in my sleeping bag.

Photo by Lauren Sargent

Justin in an Organic Cotton Yala Tee, photo by Lauren Sargent

With great health, good runs and perfect weather the trip went flawlessly and will remain the trip of a lifetime. Special thanks to Nancy Morgan for giving the whole group Organic Cotton Yala promo shirts, which (almost) everyone saved until the end as our only clean clothes left!

Until Next Time,
Lauren of Team Yala

Yala November Sample Sale!

New Features!

• Express Check Out - there will be a separate express check out line for those of you with              5 items or less. Look for the signs up the ramp.
• Please Do Not Open Plastic Bags - To reduce waste please ask for sizing assistance from any Yala employees with a name tag before removing product from a plastic bags. Thank you!

A few things to keep in mind...

• Cash Only
• No credit cards
• Local checks accepted for purchases of $200 or more
• All sales are final
• No early sales
• All merchandise is sold "As Is"

Remember to bring...

• Warm clothes! We will have heaters inside, but it can be a chilly morning waiting for the doors to open at 9am
• Water/snack - you may spend more time shopping than you thought : )
  
• Bag to carry your purchases - we do provide boxes
• A friend and a smile! 

If you have a pricing question or need any kind of other assistance please feel free to ask employees with name tags, we are here to help! 

Sneak Peek!

We hope to see you all tomorrow!

Until Next Time,

Lauren of Team Yala

Yala Favorite in Texas! The Apothecary at Salado

The Apothecary at Salado, located in the heart of historic Salado, Texas, offers organic cosmetic, skincare, bath and body, and lifestyle products located in an elegant art gallery setting. Most recently the business expanded to offer leisurewear and yoga attire - including some Yala favorites! They also showcase collections of Texas artists, sculptures, antiques, and one of a kind specialty pieces from around the world to add a unique touch.

Gayle Sullivan, the owner, is a makeup artist and provides makeup sessions for brides, bridal parties, special occasions, and to assist clients with skincare and makeup sessions customized for each individual's needs. On the spot skincare and  makeover consultations are an integral part of the experience found at The Apothecary At Salado.

Zuii Makeup Artist Aaron at The Apothecary at Salado Grand Opening October, 2010

The Apothecary offers organic skincare and cosmetics, by Zuii and Nouba, for makeovers, which have become very popular with groups of all ages, as well as those who must avoid chemicals for medical reasons. It began with a commitment to provide the kind of unique and artistic products that helped Salado earn its reputation as a place to shop for truly unique items, and it continues to grow and inspire.

The Apothecary recently added new organic bath and body lines, unique jewelry and fragrances! Learn more about the store and their new products by liking them on facebook, click here to view their page.
Here are a few of Solado's favorite Yala items recently added to their collection...

Bamboo Dreams® Molly Natural Gown

Bamboo Dreams® Short Robe

Bamboo Dreams® Clara Pajama Set

Bamboo Dreams® Sheet Sets

Until Next Time,

Lauren of Team Yala

Enjoy 35% Off Yala's New Harlow Top Sale Ends Monday

The Bamboo Dreams® Harlow Top lends friendly elegance to whatever’s on your schedule. Gathering at the side seams flatter your curves and the dolman sleeves cascade to your elbows. Modest neckline means the Harlow Dolman Sleeve Top can be functional as well as festive.

Use Coupon Code HARLOW35 for 35% OFF

Yala's Bamboo Dreams® Harlow Top

Sale ends Monday Oct. 31

"I love this top! It is very feminine and flattering for my fuller figure. Gives me an hourglass look - who knew that was still possible?! And the Bayou color is just beautiful - recommended for all redheads. Thank you Yala!" - Review by Heather Wolf
The Harlow Top is offered in three sophisticated colors for a flattering fit on any figure...

Harlow in Amaranth                                      Harlow in Black

Harlow in Bayou

Have a happy weekend!

Lauren of Team Yala

Children's Miracle Network Fundraiser

Yala is proud to support the Asante Foundation's Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit organization. Since 1988, Rogue Valley Medical Center has served as the Children's Miracle Network hospital for southern Oregon and northern California. As one of only 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in the United States, RVMC goes beyond the basic requirements, providing the best care for little ones in need.

Southern Oregon's 13th Annual Children's Miracle Network fundraiser is coming up on November 5th at Medford's Lithia Superstore, starting at 7pm. Tickets are $50 a person with all proceeds going to support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the Pediatrics department.

RVMC goes beyond the basics providing...

• The only Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) between Redding and Eugene
• The only pediatric oncologist between Sacramento and Eugene
• The Emergency department is the referral center for pediatric traumas in southern Oregon and northern California, seeing more than 6,400 pediatric trauma patients in 2008.
• The only dedicated Pediatrics department with staff specially trained to care for our young patients
• The only Maternal Fetal Clinic in our region
• CMN hospitals must be non-profit, and have both a NICU and a dedicated Pediatrics department.

 

Planning on attending Casino Night? Yala's got you covered in comfort and style... Our Bamboo Dreams®
Piper Dress is perfect for those special occasions. Paired with Yala's NEW Eye Bead Necklace from the Free Soul Collection and some heals, the outfit is complete.

Hope to see you there!

Until Next Time,
Lauren of Team Yala

Yala in O Magazine - We're Celebrating with 20% Off Our BambooDreams Bedding

Natural fibers like our organic bamboo viscose are truly sensational to touch. It's remarkably soft and breathes unlike other fabrics. Our BambooDreams bedding offers an incredibly restful and green night's sleep.

All BambooDreams Bedding is 20% Off 

Sale ends October 24th
Coupon Code OPRAH11

 BambooDreams Midara and Taza Print Bedding

BambooDreams Bedding in Complimenting Solids

Comfort is everything when it comes to your bed. Celebrate with us and enjoy 20% off your BambooDreams this weekend. Sale ends October 24th.

Until next time, happy weekend!

Team Yala

Natural Body has the only Platinum LEED Certified Day Spa in the U.S. And they have Yala too!

Have you ever been to a spa that is certified by Green America, Earth Share, Green Spa Network and U.S. Green Building Council? Not to mention opening the first & only platinum LEED certified day spa in the US, Natural Body is a leader in the green spa and green business communities.

Cici Coffee and Patti Beggs founded Natural Body in 1989, back at a time when hardly anyone had heard of a “day spa”. Nineteen years and twenty-one spas later, their vision of providing natural, nurturing services and products to their clients while helping the environment is stronger than ever.

We are proud to have Yala product in these spas that align with our business practices and lifestyle. As members of the Organic Trade Association, Green America, Green Shipping and being Oeko-Tex certified, Yala product fits perfectly in Natural Body Spas. Plus, our organically grown Bamboo Dreams® fabric is so silky soft, it's the perfect thing to slip into after treating your skin!

Natural Body strives to use sustainable materials at all of their spas, "More than just natural services and some of the most coveted natural products on the market, we utilize recycled products. The newsletter and spa menus are printed on recycled paper with soy ink. Plus, as much as possible, the spas incorporate recycled, post consumer building materials in their construction. Many of the floors are crafted with recycled school bus tires, among other recycled waste."

You will be delighted to find Yala pieces at Natural Body Spas, such as our beautiful new Bamboo Dreams® Piper Dress. Perfect for summer, fall or winter, it is both form-fitting and flattering. Gathering along the side seams caresses your curves in just the right way to accentuate but never exaggerate. Paired with our Bamboo Dreams® Full Length Leggins - it will feel like heaven after a Natural Body treatment!

Until next time,

Team Yala