Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a national holiday in the United States, observed on the last Monday of May. It is a day set aside to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Memorial Day is a time for us to reflect on the sacrifices that our service members have made to defend our nation and to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom.

Memorial Day has its roots in the aftermath of the American Civil War when families and communities would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and other decorations. Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday was later renamed Memorial Day and was expanded to honor all Americans who have died in military service.

The observance of Memorial Day is marked by parades, ceremonies, and the placing of American flags on the graves of the fallen. Many communities hold solemn ceremonies at cemeteries and war memorials to remember those who have died in service to their country. In addition, many people take time to visit the graves of family members and loved ones who have passed away, including those who have served in the military.

Memorial Day is also an occasion for us to honor the men and women who are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their commitment and sacrifice in defending our nation and preserving our freedoms.

As we celebrate Memorial Day, we must also remember the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by our military personnel and their families. Many service members have returned from combat with physical and mental injuries, and it is important for us to support them in their recovery and transition back into civilian life.

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude. It is a time for us to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country and to support those who continue to serve. Let us never forget the sacrifices made by our service members and their families, and let us always strive to preserve the freedoms and values that they have fought to defend.

Let’s Celebrate Moms!

Mother’s Day is a special occasion to show your appreciation and love for your mother. It is a time to celebrate the bond between a mother and her child. It is a day to make your mother feel special, loved, and appreciated for all that she has done for you. If you’re wondering what to do for your mother on Mother’s Day, here are some ideas that will make her feel cherished and loved.

  1. Cook her a special meal: One of the best ways to show your love and appreciation for your mother is by cooking her a special meal. You can prepare her favorite dishes or surprise her with a new recipe that she will love. Set the table with her favorite flowers and create a warm and inviting atmosphere to make her feel special.
  2. Give her a heartfelt card: Sometimes, the simplest gestures can mean the most. A heartfelt card that expresses your love and appreciation for your mother can make her feel cherished and loved. Take some time to write a personal message that tells her how much she means to you.
  3. Plan a special outing: Treat your mother to a day out doing something she loves. You can take her to the movies, go for a hike, or visit a museum. Whatever activity you choose, make sure it’s something that she will enjoy and appreciate.
  4. Surprise her with a gift: A thoughtful gift can go a long way in showing your love and appreciation for your mother. You can get her something that she has been wanting for a long time, or something that reminds her of a special memory you share.
  5. Spend quality time with her: In our busy lives, it can be easy to forget to spend quality time with our loved ones. On Mother’s Day, make sure you take the time to spend quality time with your mother. You can watch a movie together, play games, or simply have a conversation.
  6. Do something to help her: Whether it’s cleaning the house, doing the laundry, or running errands, doing something to help your mother will show her how much you care. She will appreciate the extra help, and it will give you a chance to spend time with her.
  7. Pamper her: Take your mother to a spa, or create a spa-like experience at home. You can give her a massage, paint her nails, or run a bubble bath. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something that will make her feel relaxed and pampered.

In conclusion, Mother’s Day is a special occasion to show your mother how much you love and appreciate her. Whether it’s cooking her a special meal, giving her a heartfelt card, or spending quality time with her, there are many ways to make her feel cherished and loved. So this Mother’s Day, make sure you mark the date in the LYLA calendar and prepare to take the time to show your mother how much she means to you!

Fun Easter Activities

Easter is a special time of the year for many people around the world, with its religious and cultural significance, as well as it’s fun and festive traditions. Whether you celebrate Easter as a religious holiday or simply enjoy it as a time for springtime fun, there are plenty of activities to enjoy with family and friends. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most fun Easter activities that you can enjoy this year.

  1. Easter egg hunt

One of the most popular Easter activities is the traditional egg hunt. Children (and adults!) love searching for Easter eggs hidden around the house or garden. To make the activity even more exciting, you can create clues and riddles to help the participants find the eggs. You can also hide special prizes or treats inside the eggs to make the game more exciting.

  1. Decorating Easter eggs

Decorating Easter eggs is another fun activity that you can enjoy with your family or friends. You can purchase pre-made egg dyeing kits at the store, or create your own with food coloring and vinegar. You can also use markers, stickers, and other materials to decorate your eggs. You can even hold an Easter egg decorating competition to see who can come up with the most creative designs.

  1. Easter crafts

If you are feeling creative, you can try making some Easter crafts with your children or friends. You can make Easter cards, baskets, or even an Easter-themed wreath for your front door. There are many online tutorials and ideas for Easter crafts that you can try.

  1. Baking Easter treats

Easter is a time for indulging in sweet treats, and there are many Easter-themed desserts that you can bake. You can make Easter cupcakes, cookies, or even a bunny-shaped cake. You can involve your children or friends in the baking process and make it a fun activity.

  1. Planting spring flowers

Easter is also a time to celebrate the beginning of spring. You can plant spring flowers such as tulips, daffodils, or hyacinths in your garden or in pots. This is a great way to welcome the new season and add some color to your home.

Easter is a time to celebrate with family and friends and enjoy fun activities. Whether you prefer traditional Easter activities such as egg hunts and decorating Easter eggs or you prefer more creative activities such as crafts and baking, there are plenty of options to choose from. So, this year, gather your loved ones and enjoy some fun Easter activities together provided to you by LYLA!

March Madness

March Madness is an annual event that captures the attention of millions of basketball fans across the United States. The term “March Madness” refers to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 Men’s Basketball Tournament, which takes place in March and April each year. This exciting event features 68 teams from various colleges and universities competing for the championship title.

The tournament is divided into four regions: East, West, South, and Midwest. Each region has 16 teams, with the top four teams in each region receiving a bye in the first round. The remaining 64 teams play in a single-elimination format, with the winners advancing to the next round until only one team is left standing.

The tournament’s popularity is due in large part to the excitement and unpredictability of the games. Upsets are common, and fans love to root for the underdog. It’s not uncommon to see lower-seeded teams defeat higher-seeded teams, and sometimes these upsets happen in dramatic fashion, with a last-second shot or a comeback from a large deficit.

The tournament’s format and timing make it a perfect event for sports fans. The first round usually takes place over the course of two days, with 16 games played each day. This means that fans can watch multiple games back-to-back, providing hours of entertainment. The excitement continues through the second and third rounds, as well as the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four, and championship game.

March Madness is not just a sporting event, it’s also a cultural phenomenon. Many workplaces and schools have bracket competitions, where people can try to predict the outcome of each game and compete against their colleagues or classmates. This adds an element of fun and friendly competition to the event.

Another reason why March Madness is so popular is that it provides a platform for up-and-coming players to showcase their skills. Many of the players who compete in the tournament go on to have successful careers in the NBA or overseas. The tournament is also an opportunity for lesser-known schools to gain national exposure and recognition.

March Madness is a must-watch event for any basketball fan. The tournament’s format, timing, and unpredictability make it one of the most exciting sporting events of the year. It’s a chance to see some of the best college basketball players in the country compete on a national stage, and to witness some unforgettable moments in the world of sports, so mark the date with LYLA, grab your bracket and settle in for some March Madness – you won’t be disappointed!

 

Valentine’s Day For One

Typically, Valentine’s Day is a holiday centered around couples in love. But what if you don’t happen to have a significant other on February 14? No problem! Just because you aren’t in a relationship, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spend the day celebrating love. Here are a few different ways you’ll love spending Valentine’s Day this year:

Treat Yo’ Self
Spend Valentine’s Day focusing on your most important relationship- the one with yourself! Use the money you won’t be spending on your significant other and buy yourself something you’ve been wanting for a while. New phone? New clothes? Whatever you want! you could also spend the day pampering yourself with a spa day. Nothing says love more than a hot stone massage or manicure and pedicure.

Party Time
Your friends are the ones who are there for thick and thin, so show them some love! Host a party for all your friends, single or not. Between drinks, food, and party games (Cards Against Humanity is a must), everyone will be sure to have a great night.

Hit the Town
If you don’t feel like hosting, gather up your single friends and head to your favorite bar. There are bound to be plenty of great specials that night, so sit back and enjoy a few drinks with your crew. If the bar scene isn’t your style, try a movie, show, concert, or sporting event instead.

Stay in
There’s nothing wrong with spending Valentine’s Day on the couch if none of the above float your boat. Use the free time to catch up on your favorite show, pick up a new book or re-watch your favorite movies. If you feel like being productive, you could take the opportunity to get your laundry or do some pre-spring cleaning.

Love Thy LYLA
If you need more ideas, all you have to do is ask! Just click “Submit a Request” at the bottom of your screen and we’ll get started!

Honoring the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is observed on the third Monday of January each year. This holiday honors the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister and civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in the American Civil Rights Movement during the mid-20th century.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a champion of racial equality and social justice, and he worked tirelessly to end racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. He is best known for his role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, his leadership of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which he delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.

In 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote nonviolent resistance to racial discrimination and segregation. He was assassinated in 1968 at the age of 39, but his legacy continues to inspire and motivate people around the world to work for a more just and equitable society.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to reflect on the life and legacy of this great leader, and to celebrate his contributions to the advancement of civil rights and social justice. It is a day to remember the sacrifices he made, the challenges he faced, and the victories he achieved. It is also a day to consider how we can continue his work, and to make a commitment to work towards a more equitable and just society.

Here are some ways to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on this important holiday:

Attend a Local MLK Day Event

Many communities across the United States hold events and activities to honor Martin Luther King Jr. on his holiday. These events may include parades, rallies, marches, and speeches. Attend a local MLK Day event to show your support and to learn more about Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy.

Volunteer in Your Community

Martin Luther King Jr. was a strong advocate for community service and volunteering. Consider volunteering in your community on MLK Day, or any day of the year. You could volunteer at a local food bank, mentor a young person, or participate in a community cleanup project.

Learn More About Martin Luther King Jr.

Take some time to learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. Read his speeches and writings, watch documentaries about his life and work, or visit a museum or historic site dedicated to his memory.

Reflect on Your Own Commitment to Social Justice

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to reflect on your own commitment to social justice and equality. Consider what actions you can take to make a difference in your own community, and commit to taking action towards a more just and equitable society.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an important holiday that honors the life and legacy of a great leader and civil rights champion. It is a time to reflect on his contributions, and to renew our commitment to social justice and equality. By attending local events, volunteering in our communities, learning more about Martin Luther King Jr., and reflecting on our own commitments to social justice, we can all help to continue his work and make a positive difference in the world.

New Year’s: A Time for Reflection and Resolutions

New Year’s is a time for reflection and setting goals for the year ahead. It’s a time to look back on the previous year and assess what you’ve accomplished, as well as think about what you’d like to achieve in the future. Here are some ideas for making the most of this important holiday:

Reflect on the Past Year

Before you start making resolutions for the new year, take some time to reflect on the past year. Think about what you accomplished, what you learned, and what you’d like to do differently in the future. Consider the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Celebrate your successes and acknowledge your failures, and use them as a learning experience for the year ahead.

Set Goals and Resolutions

Once you’ve reflected on the past year, it’s time to set goals and resolutions for the new year. Think about what you’d like to achieve in the coming year, both personally and professionally. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Write them down and review them regularly throughout the year to keep yourself on track.

Make a Plan

Once you’ve set your goals, make a plan to achieve them. Break your goals down into smaller, manageable tasks, and create a timeline for completing each task. Identify any potential obstacles or challenges and come up with a plan to overcome them. Stay focused and disciplined, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Celebrate with Friends and Family

New Year’s is a time for celebration, so don’t forget to have fun! Spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the festivities. Whether you’re watching the ball drop in Times Square, attending a party, or simply spending a quiet night at home, make sure to take some time to relax and enjoy the moment.

New Year’s is a time for reflection, goal-setting, planning, and celebration. Take some time to reflect on the past year, set goals for the future, and make a plan to achieve them. Most importantly, enjoy the holiday with friends and family and make memories that will last a lifetime. Happy New Year!

Have a Spook-tacular Halloween!

Halloween is an annual celebration observed on October 31st, primarily in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is a day of fun and festivities that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Halloween is also known as All Hallows’ Eve, or simply Hallowe’en, and it has a rich history dating back centuries.

The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated on November 1st. The Celts believed that on the night before Samhain, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred, and ghosts and spirits could cross over into the world of the living. To ward off these malevolent spirits, people would light bonfires and wear masks and costumes to disguise themselves.

Over time, the celebration of Halloween evolved and spread to other parts of the world. Today, Halloween is a popular holiday that is celebrated with a wide variety of activities, including trick-or-treating, costume parties, haunted houses, and pumpkin carving.

Trick-or-treating is a tradition where children dress up in costumes and go from house to house asking for candy. It is a fun and safe activity that is enjoyed by kids of all ages. Many neighborhoods and communities also organize Halloween parades, which are a great way to get into the festive spirit and show off your costume.

Costume parties are another popular Halloween activity. People of all ages love to dress up in creative and spooky costumes, and attend parties with friends and family. Some of the most popular Halloween costumes include ghosts, vampires, witches, superheroes, and movie characters.

Haunted houses are another Halloween staple. These are elaborate and spooky attractions that are designed to scare visitors. Many of these attractions feature jump scares, creepy sound effects, and live actors in scary costumes. They are a great way to get into the Halloween spirit and experience some frightful fun.

Pumpkin carving is another fun Halloween activity. People of all ages love to carve pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns, which are illuminated with candles or battery-powered lights. Many people also roast the pumpkin seeds for a tasty snack.

Halloween is a fun and festive holiday that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re trick-or-treating, attending a costume party, visiting a haunted house, or carving pumpkins, there are plenty of ways to get into the Halloween spirit. So put on your best costume, grab some candy, and get ready to enjoy a night of spooky fun!

Labor Day is here! And we’re here for you…

Labor day is just around the corner… And it’s the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy the holiday together! Now is the time for parents to drop those busy schedules and spend time with their children.

But with Labor Day coming up and parents still working… it can be tough to plan an eventful day out, agonizing about what exactly to do— But you don’t have to worry.

This Labor Day, LYLA will help you plan your family’s fun activities with some great ideas.

If you are struggling with what to do this Labor Day weekend with your family, we recommend LYLA as your helping hand! With us, you can get ideas on what to do together with your loved ones during this special holiday weekend.

But it’s a holiday and time for celebration and relaxation. It’s a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, have fun, and eat delicious food.

You can ask us questions about what you could do this day weekend, what are the best activities for kids, where are the best places to go, and so on. We will be happy to answer all your questions and give you some great ideas for your Labor Day!

So what are you waiting for? Get LYLA to plan your Labor Day holiday and see how we can make planning everyday events, a piece of cake!

Show your support during Pride Month!

Happy Pride!

Pride month is celebrated every June to honor the progress that has been made in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, as well as to commemorate those who have fought and continue to fight for equality. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges that still face the community, and to work towards creating a more inclusive world for all.

There are many ways to participate in Pride month, including attending Pride events, displaying the Pride flag, and supporting LGBTQIA+ owned businesses. However you choose to participate, remember that Pride is about celebrating diversity, uniqueness and standing up for the rights of all people.

Here is a list of ways that you can get involved with, and support, Pride Month!

1. Support LGBTQIA+ art and businesses

The LGBTQIA+ community is home to some of the world’s most talented and influential artists, artisans and performers. You can support them in a variety of ways including purchasing their art, visiting a museum or gallery, or catching a concert, play, poetry reading or drag performance.

LYLA can help you plan a night out, recommend LGBTQIA+ films and literature and connect you with local LGBTQIA+ owned businesses to support!

2. Educate yourself on the history of Pride Month

Pride Month is celebrated every June to coincide with the Stonewall Riots, which is considered by many to be the starting point of today’s gay activism. The first Pride parades marked the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, when police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York City in 1969.

The protests marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and helped to catalyze the modern Pride movement. This month is about uplifting voices, celebrating culture and supporting the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights.

3. Display the Pride flag

Perhaps the most accessible way to participate in Pride Month is displaying the Pride flag. The original rainbow flag, developed in 1978, was designed to reflect the spectrum of human sexuality and gender. The Progress Pride Flag, designed by Daniel Quasar in 2018 is currently the most-used and accepted flag, due to the pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement and current issues surrounding trans people. The Progress Pride Flag is even more inclusive of the greater diverse community. To read more about the Progress Pride Flag, visit this link.

Whether you’re flying the flag outside your home or business, or displaying a sticker on a desk, a shop window, a car windshield or a pin on a jacket, the flag is a symbol of your support and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community.

4. Evaluate your place of work’s LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity

Today, mental health and inclusivity are at the forefront of conversations around workplace culture. At LYLA, we know the importance of these conversations and work with our clients’ Employee Resource Groups to elevate their activities and messages. Pride Month is the perfect opportunity to take the time to evaluate your company’s inclusivity initiatives to create a workplace where LGBTGIA+ employees will feel valued and accepted.

5. Volunteer or Donate

Pride Month is a time to come together and support one another by getting involved with charities and organizations that work to improve the lives of members of the LGBTQIA+ community. These organizations provide vital services like counseling, crisis intervention, and advocacy while also working to create inclusive environments where all people, especially young people, can feel safe and supported.

By donating to and volunteering for LGBTQIA+ charities and organizations, you can help create a more inclusive world for everyone. Let LYLA help you find causes to support in your area!

6. Have open conversations

There are myriad challenges that still exist within the LGBTQIA+ community, and it’s important to have open conversations about them and how we can work together to create a more accepting world. It provides an opportunity for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities to come together and share their stories. These conversations help to build understanding and acceptance and are an opportunity to ask questions and educate others.

If you’re looking for ways to initiate these conversations within your workplace, with your friends or even in your home, LYLA can help! Visit our app for a list of curated resources that can help you to host open, productive discussion!

There are many ways to show your support during Pride Month, both big and small. Be sure to check out the LYLA app for more ideas on how you can make a difference.