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.

A LYLA Shoutout To All The Moms For Mother’s Day

While we should show our moms how much we appreciate them every day, Mothers Day is a great opportunity to go above and beyond to make them feel loved and appreciated. This year, Mother’s Day is May 8th, which means it’s time to start thinking about the perfect way to say ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ to all of the amazing moms out there!

Whether you’re a mom yourself or just have a great one, it’s time to celebrate. These LYLA-approved gift ideas and fun activities have got you covered, so take a look and get inspired! From our LYLA family to yours, we wish all of the moms out there a very happy Mother’s Day.

A Quick Getaway!

With life slowly starting to return back to normal after the pandemic, a getaway might be just what your mom needs this Mother’s Day. Even if it’s just for a day or two, grab your mom and head somewhere special to spend some quality time together without all the distractions of everyday life.

We can help you with everything from travel and accommodations, to making sure your pets are well taken care of while you’re away!

A Day Out

One of the best ways to celebrate Mother’s Day is to let Mom relax and take it easy. If Mom usually does the cooking, offer to make breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Better yet, prepare all her favorite meals!

If cooking isn’t your thing, you can pack some snacks for a picnic in the park, go for a hike, or spend the day relaxing at her favorite spot.

Go to the Spa!

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to give mom some much needed time off, and a spa is the most glamorous way to do so. We’ve done the research to find you all of the best spas in your area, so all you have to do is check the LYLA app and relax. If you’re on a budget, not to fear! We can also help find you ways to turn your home into the ultimate spa.

Lastly, of course, don’t forget the flowers! A bouquet of Mom’s favorite blooms is always a welcome gift. Whatever you do, make sure it comes from the heart and that Mom knows how much you appreciate her!

Black History Month And Wellness

Black History Month is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the many contributions and sacrifices made by the Black community throughout United States history.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) designates a new theme each year, and this year’s focus is on the importance of Black health and wellness- a theme that is especially important as we enter our third year of the coronavirus pandemic.

ASALH describes this year’s theme as one that “acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.”

The Black community has suffered a long history of disparities when it comes to health and wellness. These disparities are largely due to the inaccessibility to resources and insurance, as well as the lack of diversity in healthcare facilities. This year’s theme is meant to inspire the Black community to think deeply about their physical and mental health, and ultimately make positive changes for overall Black wellness.

At LYLA, we know the importance of health and wellness. We are honoring Black History Month and doing our best to inspire positive change through connections. We can connect you with healthcare resources, highlight Black-owned businesses, connect you with organizations supporting equality and the Black community, and even help take care of things at home so you can prioritize your health and wellness.

Want to learn more about Black History Month? Check out these organizations:

ASALH, NAACP, NWBJI

Love is in the air at LYLA!

Roses are red, violets are blue, LYLA is here to help YOU! We often put a lot of pressure on ourselves around Valentine’s Day. LYLA is here to remind you that Valentine’s Day is not just about celebrating relationships, it’s about celebrating love!

Whether you’re headed into this Valentine’s with someone special, looking for family-friendly activities, or planning an epic girl’s night- we’ve got you covered. Check out these fun ideas guaranteed to make Valentine’s Day 2022 extra-special!

Something Romantic!

Say “I love you!” with a weekend staycation! LYLA can help you find romantic hideaways for you and the one you love! From hotel rooms and gift ideas, to dinner reservations and flower arrangements, we’ll keep the stress away so the romance can stay!

Date night out vs. Date night in!

Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year, which happens to feel like the least romantic day of the week. Don’t let the Monday blues ruin the mood. We’ve got ideas for even the busiest of couples.

For a date night out, let us make your reservations! We know all of the best places for your budget and mood.

If heading out sounds like a chore, let us turn your home into the perfect location for date night! Our app is the key to finding extra-special recipes, the best takeout, flowers, gift ideas and more!

Family fun!

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about romance, the most important thing is spending time with the ones you love. We’ve got plenty of fun family-friendly activities for the holiday! Head to our app and let us help you with fun craft ideas, Valentine’s Day recipes and planning game nights.

Girl’s Night!

Headed into this Valentine’s Day with the girls? Let us handle all things Galentine’s Day, so all you have to do is handle the invite list. From cocktail and food recipes, to reservations and gift ideas- an epic girls night is just a request away on the LYLA app.

Warm up for the New Year!

The holiday season is officially over but cold weather is here to stay. Catch a different type of chill this January. Whether you’re looking for a warm-weather vacation, or a quick way to reset after a busy December, LYLA is here to help you stay calm, cool and collected.

Take me somewhere far, far away!

Ready to use up those vacation days? If the only thing holding you back from a week in paradise is actually planning a week in paradise, we’ve got you covered. There are tons of LYLA-approved places to relax, reset and unwind after a busy holiday season.

Spend a week sightseeing, sunbathing and spending time with the ones you love! There’s plenty of things to do, or not do, on a week-long vacation. We’ll take care of everything from finding a pet sitter to helping book your stay, so all you have to do is pick out a bathing suit.

Let’s get cookin’!

Sometimes the kitchen is the perfect place to escape the craziness of a new year. January is national soup and slow cooker month, which makes cheffing up your favorite recipes the most timely way to unwind. Listen to music or throw on your favorite tv show while you relax over a great meal. We’ll be sharing some of our favorite recipes all month long.

If cooking sounds like the last thing you want to do, LYLA can help with reservations or takeout so you can stay warm, well-fed and relaxed in a restaurant or at home.

Treat yourself!

Self-care looks different to everyone. However, one thing we can all agree on is that it often gets pushed aside when life gets busy. We can help you make the time and find the best way to treat yourself.

A massage, facial or day at the spa can help you feel, and look, refreshed for days. Looking for a quick relief? Try a face mask or meditation! Visit the LYLA app for tons of ideas that fit your lifestyle.

New year, new you….?

New year, new you. That’s something we’ve all probably said before. A new year means many things, including busier schedules and less time to focus on you. The key to making a great new year’s resolution (one that really sticks) is finding one that works for you.

The first step is making sure your resolution is doable. The best way to determine if your resolution is realistic is to make a plan. Start with a specific goal and ask yourself, how am I going to get this done?

When you are able to envision how your resolution fits into your life, you’re more likely to stick with it!

If you don’t have a specific resolution in mind, or even if you do, let’s commit to making 2022 the year we get your to-do list done!

“A new year is the best time to show gratitude for the past, accept the present moment with joy, and get ready for the change to begin again.”

― Debasish Mridha, MD

LYLA is a 24/7 virtual personal assistant that seamlessly fits into your busy life. Whether it’s connecting you with the right resources to help make positive changes in your life, or just freeing up your schedule, LYLA can help you with the little, and big, things life throws your way.

Getting Through December With Zen

The holiday season is officially here! This time of year brings about colder weather, holiday shopping and calendars packed with festive activities. Between getting your home ready for the cold, planning holiday trips and finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones, the most wonderful time of the year also tends to be the most stressful.

LYLA can help! LYLA is a 24/7 support system that can help you with the little (and big) things so you can spend the holidays doing what you love, with the ones you love!

Below are a few ways LYLA can help you get your holiday to-do list done:

Planning holiday activities!

December marks the beginning of a month full of holiday activities. From planning secret Santa to finding the best spots for winter fun, LYLA is here to help you and your loved ones make the most out of the holiday season.

Getting your home ready for the holidays!

Bring LYLA home for the holidays! The weather is getting cooler, which means it’s time to winterize your home! You can schedule cleaning services, window repairs, snow removal and much more through simply making a request in the app!

Travel plans!

Heading somewhere for the holidays? Beat the dreaded ‘holiday travel rush’ with help from LYLA! LYLA is here to make your travel experience a seamless one. Whether it’s planning your stops, overnight stays or booking reservations, let LYLA do the planning, so you can arrive safely!

All things gifts!

One of the best things about the holiday season is giving gifts to your loved ones. However, the gifting experience can also be stressful. Let LYLA help take the stress out of gifting during the holidays! We’ve got you covered from finding last minute gifts to wrapping them all up. Simply make a request through the app!

New Year’s Eve!

No matter how you plan to ring in the New Year, LYLA is here to make sure you start 2022 off right! We can help you plan family activities, make reservations and find the perfect recipes all through a simple request in the app!

Be The Master Of Your November

Happy Fall! Thanksgiving always means a full plate (of food, and when it comes to making plans.) Between cooking, getting your house ready and scheduling fall activities, this time of year can be exhausting. LYLA is here to take the stress away from planning, so you have more time to spend with family and friends!

 

Below are a few ways LYLA can help you get your Thanksgiving to-do list done:

Planning Fall-fun activities!

Nothing says fall like pumpkin patches, apple picking, corn mazes and family fun. Instead of worrying about where to get your fall-activity fix, ask LYLA! We know all the best spots. Let LYLA take the stress out of planning activities, so you can focus on spending time with your family!

Getting your home ready for the holidays!

The weather is getting cooler, which means it’s time to get your home ready for the holidays! LYLA can help you get your home in tip-top shape before the leaves fall. You can schedule cleaning services, window repairs, and much more through simply making a request in the app!

Travel plans!

COVID-19 has changed the way we travel, and LYLA is here to help make your travel experience seamless. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays for road trips every year. Whether it’s planning your stops, overnight stays or reservations, let LYLA do the planning, so you can arrive safely!

All things food!

Thanksgiving looks different for everyone. Whether you’re planning on cooking at home, or looking for a restaurant, LYLA is here to make organizing your Thanksgiving plans easy! Let us help you find the perfect recipes, find meal delivery or help book your reservation.