GOOD GIFTS … THAT DO GOOD

If you’re looking for a holiday gift with an extra layer of meaning, we have a couple of options.

These are gifts that are not only good in and of themselves – but they also help do good.

The first is a musical option, a CD called “Season of Love: A Musical Tribute to the Nyack Center.” 

All proceeds of the $15 release – an effort organized by a 10-year-old named Josie, recorded at the Center’s new recording studio and featuring performances by children throughout the Nyacks – go to the Nyack Center, an organization whose works we have long supported.

And as you well know, we also not only support but often also team up with Keep Rockland Beautiful.

This year, KRB is selling a 2018 “Beautiful Rockland” wall calendar in honor of its 20^th anniversary. Billed as an ideal gift for friends, family, employees and customers, the calendar is a tax-deductible purchase ($19.95) that showcases the work of local photographers. The quality product, created thanks to a grant from Rockland County Tourism and Harrington Press, is a great way to celebrate the works of Keep Rockland Beautiful throughout the new year.

Both the CD and the calendar, all proceeds go to each organization, are on sale at Maria Luisa Boutique, so we hope you’ll consider them as part of your holiday shopping.

A SEASON OF SHARING

SCENTS OF THE SEASON

Spring has its flowers. Summer has its salty sea air.

There are scents that just seem to be associated with certain seasons.

And if you stop by Maria Luisa Boutique these days, you’ll be transported directly into the holiday season with a few product lines that are just captivating.

First up is Frasier Fir from Thymes, which takes you either to the heady heart of the forest or in front of the Christmas tree. It’s a scent that seems forever associated with the holidays, and you can savor it through candles, triple-milled soap, reed diffusers and hand cream.

And then there’s Patch NYC Stag, a collection featuring a scent drawn from Siberian fir, cilantro, citrus and a touch of raspberry. A collaboration with local favorites The Soap & Paper Factory, the line includes 100% soy candles, artisan handcrafted soap and eau du cologne.

More? Well, we also have scented products from Illume. We’re loving its Balsam & Cedar candle, which is poured into a “Radiant” metal holder. The company’s proprietary sox wax blend offers “higher fragrance throw” and a clean burn, all housed in a precious-metal finish with just a touch of shine. Then, there’s its Winter White, an aromatic evergreen and frosted cypress scent the company tells us is “dusted with white peppercorn, spicy-cool cardamom and a sparkling citrus nuance, perfectly wrapped in glowing amber.”

It all adds up to some seasonally lush scents.

As Maria herself says, when you’re near the display area for these ideal home or gift products, just, “Close your eyes, and you think you’re in a cabin.”

   

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TAKE A DEEP BREATH…

Thanksgiving’s not even here yet, but you’re already feeling that ol’ holiday stress building?

We can certainly relate… as much as we love this time of year, it’s hard to keep feeling laid-back when there’s so (so!) much to do.

But, fear not – our shops are chock-full of relaxation products designed to take the edge off.

And they’re not only ideal to help you de-stress but also make oh-so-thoughtful gifts that allow you to share the serenity.

A new product we’re very excited about is called Pinch Me – and it’s therapy dough. You’ve never heard of it? Well, one quick test run, and we bet you’ll be hooked. It’s a holistic, drug-free portable stress-reduction “tool.” You simply squeeze, knead or mold it – it feels like clay – while you’re doing something else (reading, watching TV, etc.). Not only will you feel your blood pressure dropping, but using Pinch Me also releases a heavenly scent (ocean, sun or citrus) that adds to the experience. You can also chill it for a real “cooling off.” And when you’re done, you just put it back in its tub, and it’s ready for next time. Best part – as good as you’ll already feel, you’ll get an extra boost knowing that every Pinch Me purchase helps pay for a soldier’s stress management training. Believe us, you’ll love this – and it will make a really unique stocking stuffer or gift for anyone in need of really kicking back.

If stress is giving you a headache, you might want to check out the products we’re now carrying from Clear My Head, a natural sinus and headache relief collection. Options include room spray, linen mist, herbal inhalation and more.

We’ve also got a wide selection of options for the bath – or just a bit of pampering. Among them are Handmade Luxury Bath Blasters (think sage & citrus, sea breeze or Cleopatra’s Desire, for example); Sonoma Lavender products, ranging from soaps to diffusers; Spinster Sisters Co. Bath Butta Bomb Trios; and SallyeAnder Soaps, 100% handmade and hypoallergenic since 1982.

And that’s just for starters – stop by to see (and smell) more – or shop 24/7 at  marialuisaboutique.com.

Don’t you feel more relaxed already?