MARIA LUISA’S INSPIRED – AND INSPIRING – TRAVELS

Catching up with Maria Luisa Whittingham on a recent morning proved more than a bit, we have to say it, inspiring.
She was just back from a trip to Cuba and shared not only stories and memories but also how the trip had impacted her in so many ways.
“What it has definitely done is (it) ignited a fire under creativity for me,” she said, already talking about plans for both her shops based on things she saw and experienced in her time there.

She talked about visiting with artists and seeing work exhibited, of meeting artisans at work and most important, getting a sense of the local communities during her time in both Havana and in short trips to other parts of the country.

CUBA = Inspiration

In particular, she spoke of Fábrica de Arte Cubano, a modern, multi-level space in Havana that features art, artists, music, digital elements, food and more. Its invigorating environment was, she said, “so awesome” and it was, truly, a place “where life is happening.”
It was one of so many experiences that she had – and a real step toward what she has been saying 2019 would be all about – a year of change and forward motion.

“For me, it’s a year of exploration and more of really ‘walking the walk,’” she said.
To that end, she said the trip has sparked her to once again re-commit to her goals, to “dive deeper into the authentic areas of Fair Trade and artisan-made” products.
And, she added, she’s even more enthusiastic about “creating the opportunities for our community to explore its own creativity within our space.”

 “creating the opportunities for our community to explore its own creativity within our space.”

Maria will be off again in a few weeks, this time traveling with like-minded retailers from across the country to India. They will be meeting with local artists and artisans; Maria said she looks forward to connecting with those whose work is carried here, while also be cultivating new contacts and sources.
This trip will also be about, she said, learning firsthand, from face-to-face conversations with some of the artisans already supported in the shops. Once again, she knows she will have many stories to bring home and share.

TO INDIA WITH LOVE
Image Credits-Matr Boomie

It will, she is confident, also continue to provide her with even more inspiration for growth.
“At Maria Luisa, it has to be more,” she said. It’s about creating a vision that “feeds our community.”
And though India is ahead, she’s not ready to leave Cuba behind.
After all, the visit to Cuba had indeed kicked her 2019 vision into high gear – and though she had already been home a few days, the journey’s impact was tangible.
It wasn’t at all surprising, then, when she said, “I still dream that I’m in Cuba.”

But as we all know, what Maria Luisa dreams, she makes come true – so stay tuned to see how her travels will continue to impact what she does in – and brings into – the world of Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa.
– Mary Shustack
Maria Luisa Newsletter Editor

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THE SPIRIT OF GIVING AT MARIA LUISA

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving – and thank you for supporting us this past weekend, especially during Small Business Saturday.

Every day, really, offers the chance to shop small and shop local – but we’ll certainly take this nationwide recognition!

Today, is Giving Tuesday – an “official” chance to donate during the holiday season. Our food drive for People to People and our clothing and cold-weather accessories collection for the Nyack Homeless Project continue. We also ask you to consider making a donation to the ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund, which supports young students in our county. It’s a most important effort for us – and one we’re grateful that you continue to support.

ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund

Of course, we’re also sharing another recipe (actually two) from members of the Maria Luisa team in this edition of our blog, which we’ll do throughout the holiday season – we hope it inspires you to try out some new recipes or just pull out some of you own favorites that perhaps you haven’t made in awhile. We’d love to share some of yours, too, so get in touch if you have one you’re willing to divulge.

Join us!

Keep in mind, too, that our annual Holiday Wish List Party is set for Dec. 7, and we’ll soon be kicking off our expanded holiday-season hours. Full details on all in next week’s blog – and as always, through continuous updates to our social media.

And now, for those recipes, this week from Mary, our newsletter editor.

STUFFED CELERY

Ingredients

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

1 4-ounce package of blue cheese crumbles

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon milk

Garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste

Celery stalks, rinsed and cut into sticks

Directions

• Put cream cheese and milk into bowl and mix well.

• Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and mix until all combined well.

• Crumble in blue cheese and mix until smooth.

• Fill stuffing into celery sticks. Refrigerate until serving.

CHEESE BALL

Ingredients

• Blue cheese mixture, as above

• 2 cups chopped walnuts

• 2 tablespoons parsley (fresh or dried)

Directions

• Spread the blue-cheese mixture onto a sheet of wax paper, on a baking sheet (which keeps it contained).

• Form the cheese into a ball and slowly roll it onto a mixture you have made of the nuts and parsley until cheese is completely covered.

• Place on a plate and refrigerate at least three hours (or overnight).

• Serve with crackers.

What I like about these recipes – My mother made these for years – only around the holidays. Though simple, we never had them the rest of the year, so they have come to be associated with Thanksgiving (stuffed celery) and New Year’s  (the cheese ball), a tradition my sisters and I continue.

Remember, as always, stop by to say hello. We’re always happy to offer suggestions on all of your holiday-shopping needs.

 

Nyack Events

ART + WALK: The Return of an annual Favorite

Art Walk is back – and this year’s 13^th annual edition will take over Nyack’s downtown this weekend, June 15 to 17.

ARTWALK 2018

Artists and their work will once again be filling the shops, restaurants and businesses of the village, offering residents and visitors alike the chance to see new work, add to – or start – your own collection or simply offer another way to explore our downtown, its merchants and their offerings.

More than 25 artists – photographers, painters, sculptors and those working in mixed media – will be on hand to set up “mini galleries” in dozens of businesses throughout town.

We will be hosting an artist again, in ML by Maria Luisa.

This year’s Art Walk theme is “A Penny for Your Thoughts,” and jumping off that, each artist was asked to incorporate an image of a penny into their work – see how many you can spot.

In addition, this year’s event is including a theatrical element with costumed actors strolling the streets offering interpretations of characters from Hudson Valley’s rich history.

SHOP MARIA LUISA BOUTIQUE

Maps of participating artists and locations will be available for free throughout the village, including both our shops, so we hope to see you at the event, scheduled for Friday evening and all day Saturday and Sunday.

And remember, when you’re in town for Art Walk, also check out all we have in for those graduates, teacher gifts – and yes, even for Father’s Day, which is also Sunday, June 17.

Come to think of it, why not bring Dad to Nyack for an artful celebration of Father’s Day?

See you soon.

BLOGS

Maria Luisa and the MLFavesf or GOOD are Running/Walking to benefit Rockland's own Centerforsafetyand Change. >---Please suppurt our fundraising efforts.---<   Together, we will make a possitive difference.

THE NEXT GENERATION…

This week marks a bit of a milestone in the Maria Luisa world.

It was some four years ago when Maria Luisa Whittingham was able to fulfill a longtime dream, creating a namesake scholarship program that would support and encourage the next generation of female leaders.

She launched the ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship program, administered by the Rockland Community Foundation, back in 2014. 

And this week, she will – for the first time in the program’s young history – present not one but two scholarships to local graduating seniors.

These awards will be given during the 2018 ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Presentation reception, to be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday (May 10) at Maria Luisa Boutique.

Family, educators, friends, community members and our ML community – you, our loyal customers – are invited to join us as we celebrate the achievements of this year’s winners.

Scholarships of $1,000 each will be presented to Ruth Uriarte of Nyack High School and Katherine Marie Bacolas of Clarkstown South High School.

These young women were selected as best exemplifying the award’s criteria: being Rockland County high school female seniors who, through their actions or beliefs, embrace the principles of ML by Maria Luisa that include civic and community involvement, as well as a commitment to social justice, social equality, and environment/eco-friendly lifestyles.

The awards are designed to assist with costs of attending a college of their choice. This year, the program was expanded in two important ways. A second scholarship was added to specifically recognize a student attending Nyack High School, in honor of the community that has long supported Maria Luisa and her business. The 2018 program was also expanded to include nominations from those who identify as female, as well.

It’s been quite the year for the program that continues to grow.

As Maria has said, “The empowerment of young women is high on my list of priorities.”

And in a nod to the way she herself benefited from a scholarship during her college years, one that allowed her to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, she has also noted, “The ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund is my way of paying it forward.” 

We hope you will join us from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday as Maria Luisa officially presents the 2018 awards – and recognize the accomplishments of these young women.

And we thank you, of course, for your ongoing support of our scholarship program.

***

For more, or to donate to the 2019 effort, visit marialuisaboutique.com/maria-luisa-scholarship-fund or rocklandgives.org.

MARIA LUISA EVENTS… AND MORE

You know that at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, we consider ourselves a very active part of our Nyack community.

To us, that means everything from supporting and participating in village events to grabbing a bite – or drink  – in town after work, getting our hair done nearby or stopping in one of our neighboring shops to pick up a gift.

We know that your visits to Nyack are sometimes prompted by a desire to stop in at Maria Luisa and shop – or to take part in some of our local events.

That’s why we offer our Community Calendar – a listing put together for you, our loyal customers, to help you keep up on not only on our own store events but also the famed Nyack events (such as street fairs, concerts and the blockbuster Halloween Parade). 

We also spotlight benefits and events hosted by our local nonprofits whose work we support, as well as showcase the wealth of local art exhibitions, educational programs, films and theatrical events that we think you’d like to know about. 

We hope you’ll use our curated calendar of events to plan your visits to Nyack, or simply to check in and see what’s going on in town the next time you plan to stop by Maria Luisa.

We look forward to seeing you – in our shops – or at some of these events we spotlight.

Work local. Shop local. Enjoy local!

Check out our community calendar at marialuisaboutique.com.

Join Us!

WON'T YOU JOIN US?

What are you doing July 14?

We’d like to make a suggestion for a fun – and meaningful way –
to start off that summer day.

We hope you’ll consider joining the ML Faves for Good team as we again 
participate in the  Women’s Distance Festival at Rockland Lake State Park 
in Congers.

ML Faves for GOOD

The event, which will mark its 31st annual edition this year, will again gather
women of all ages – from girls through seniors – to participate in the run/walk
at the park.

Last year, more than 1,000 registered for the event that celebrates womanhood
and camaraderie while raising funds for the Center for Safety & Change.

With the momentum of Maria Luisa’s own 30th anniversary of doing business
in Nyack, we assembled a team of some 80 women strong, making us the
second-largest team within the 2017 event. 

Whether our team members ran or walked, our effort was a bonding experience –
 filled with quite a few laughs – as the ML Faves raised more than $2,000.

Registration is now open for this year’s event, and we have set an ambitious goal –
to raise $2,500 or more.

Our participation in the festival was key one for us in another way, as well.

The teamwork sparked the creation of the ML Faves for Good initiative where
we formalized our “habit” of joining together to, yes, do good.

This year, ML Faves for Good kicked things off by participating in
Resolution Fun Run/Walk in Nyack. During this January event, our team
raised more than $2,600 to benefit the Nyack Hunger Coalition.

With such teamwork, we cannot fail – so we hope you’ll join us in another
successful effort by participating in the 31st annual Women’s Distance Festival.
 
REGISTER NOW and join the ML Faves for GOOD Movement.
 
And to add a little “incentive,” we’ll help you show off that ML Faves team spirit:

• Returning participants who made a contribution last year and sign up as part 
of the ML Faves for Good team for this year’s event by April 15, may choose 

 

 

MariaLuisaBoutique.com

 

 

 

 

a free ML team T-shirt or water bottle.

• Those new to the ML Faves team who sign up by April 15 and:

    Make a $25 WDF ML Faves for Good donation, will receive a free ML team T-shirt.

    Make a $75 WDF ML Faves for Good donation, will receive a free ML team T-shirt
    and a water bottle.
 

DONATE NOW

We really hope you’ll join us this July 14 – participating again or for the first time. 
It’s going to be a blast.

Please help our fundraising effort by recruiting your female friends and family 
members to also participate.

And please encourage anyone you know to join us “in spirit” by making a contribution 
on behalf of the ML Faves for Good team.

Here’s to another strong effort.

It will be fun – but it will also help raise funds for one of our vital community resources, 
the Center for Safety and Change.

Now that’s doing something Good!

REGISTER NOW and join the ML Faves for GOOD Movement.
 

DONATE NOW

Another Blog post my Maria Luisa

A SEASON OF SHARING

OUR ANNIVERSARY PARTY APPROACHES…

As you well know, Maria Luisa is marking its 30^th anniversary this year – and the “official” Maria Luisa Boutique 30^th Anniversary Celebration is almost here.

We hope you will join us THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 – when we have a full slate of activities planned to mark the milestone.

First and foremost, we thank you for your loyalty, support and friendship that have made these 30 years possible – and so memorable. 

It’s hard to believe Maria Luisa Whittingham opened her doors back in 1987. So many memories – we’ll be sharing some of our own and hope you will share your favorite “Maria Luisa memories” when you visit on our special day.

And to make this anniversary party really memorable we have a lot planned – starting with quite a sale.

During all hours Oct. 19, in both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, we will be offering 30% off all purchases of $30 or more. In addition, we will be offering a special in-store gift with purchases on final sales of $30 or more.

And that’s not all.

We’ll uncork some bubbly (alcoholic and not) around midday to kick things off, along with light bites. As the afternoon continues, we’ll serve up some fruit and juices to coincide with our “just for the little ones” hour, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., when we offer complimentary face painting by Maria Rocco.

We’ll keep the food and drink coming, leading into our OneHope wine tasting around 6. Sample the varieties, shop for the holidays – and remember a portion of the proceeds benefit nonprofit causes.

In addition, have a henna design created by Jamie Baldwin Gaviola between 6 and 7:30 p.m.

And don’t forget to take a photo or two in our own “photo booth,” watch our “30 Years of Maria Luisa” video, take part in our giveaways and meet our “#30Looksof30Years models.

Remember, join us Oct. 19 as we raise a glass to our first 30 years – looking fondly back and toasting what’s yet to come.

Hope to see you then!!

www.marialuisaboutique.com

"Poems of Love?!"

VALENTINE'S DAY

THE MARIA LUISA WAY...

Pre-Valentine's Day Event

February 1

7:15 to 8:15 p.m.

 

         Valentine's Day will be here before we know it.

And yes, we know some of you may have Feb. 14 already circled - with a red  perhaps? - on your calendar.

But the celebrating will begin early here at Maria Luisa.

We hope you'll plan to join us - from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1 - for our Special Pre-Valentine's Day Event...

Register now

 

"Poems of Love?!"A Romantic Evening of Poetry, Community and Shopping to fill your heart's desire... 

***

Veteran customers who have long attended our special events may recall a "Ladies' Night" evening we offered a few years ago with Judith Rose, the founder of Vital Movement™.

She's an experienced educator, movement artist and award-winning poet with a local private practice in therapeutic work. Her work is deeply grounded in the belief that the arts provide a medium for personal and communal healing and transformation.

 

On Feb. 1, Judith will offer a unique Poetry Performance "exploring the kaleidoscope of love and relationships in all its shades of light and dark and everything in between."

Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions and respond to the poetry.

OPEN to Women and Men.

We hope you'll come early and stay late - and enjoy a sip of wine while browsing our special collection of gift options for you and your loved ones.

 Essential oils will scent the air, creating the perfect atmosphere for you to relax and perhaps even treat yourself to some little luxuries perfect for a romantic Valentine's Day.

AND...

As our special gift to you, please enjoy 20% off our selected items during this special event.

We hope to see you there.

 

**

And be sure to stop back the weekend of Feb. 11 and 12, when our Valentine's Day shopping will be in full force with special promotions and surprises throughout the weekend.

Stay tuned for full details.

AUTUMN’S ARRIVAL

So, the summer is now – officially – over.

And the weather will soon be cooperating.

We’ve been embracing fall fashions for weeks already here at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa.

Many of you have popped in to check out the new inventory – we invite all of you to come (and come again, as new fashions and accessories continue to arrive).

We’re already charmed by the annual return of autumn hues, textures and cozy shapes.

We have jeans and skinny pants, sweaters and scarves, outerwear and footwear.

Here are just a few examples; we have oh-so-many more…

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CONTRIBUTE TO THE ML BY MARIA LUISA SCHOLARSHIP FUND

A thought-provoking evening

A group of nearly 20 – primarily women but a few intrepid gentlemen – gathered at Maria Luisa
Boutique on a recent evening to attend the Susan Travis author appearance.
Travis, a veteran licensed mental health worker, therapist in private practice and local resident,

was our guest, with the focus being her book, “I’m My Own Worst Enemy… NO MORE.”

As hoped, the evening proved to draw a thoughtful group together in a laid-back environment –

the home-furnishing section at the rear of the boutique.
As Travis observed of the surroundings at the start of her talk, she said, “It’s comfortable without

even speaking.”
But she did speak, in a most inviting and conversational manner, about the book and how it is

part of her goal “to help as many people as possible see the beauty inside themselves.”

She took the group on a virtual exploration of her book, explaining her approach (developing a

prison analogy) and showing, often through examples, that “you have the keys to get out of any

prisons you have created.”

For those who have long struggled with issues including being too nice, of constantly feeling guilt

and worry, of searching for perfection at all costs… and so many other “prisons,” the program

offered plenty of food for thought.

Travis, who noted that “courage is not always on the battlefield,” connected with the group – and

offered a refreshing perspective while effortlessly creating a sense of camaraderie.

Toward the end of her presentation, Travis summed things up in a most inspiring manner.

“I believe we are works in progress til your last breath, til your very last breath,” she said. “We

can change.”

And who wouldn’t be inspired by that?

We thank Travis for sharing her perspective; her book remains on sale at Maria Luisa.

– Mary Shustack for Maria Luisa Boutique

And we remind you that we’re open to hosting special events in both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML
by Maria Luisa. In addition to book and poetry readings, our special events have included art

exhibitions, musical performances, creativity workshops, beauty seminars, movement/exercise

events and more. Contact Maria Luisa Whittingham to discuss planning an event here.

ML/GL – WHAT A YEAR

It was back in summer of 2014 that we held a celebration to unveil our revamped ML by Maria Luisa, a construction project

that turned out to give us exactly the boost we had hoped it would.

Sure, the physical changes to our shop were pleasing. They allowed us to expand our offerings and give you what we hope is a more comfortable, maneuverable environment.

A big part of that unveiling, though, was also a very special debut – our introduction of the Maria Luisa/Global Local initiative.

We think – hope – that many of you are well acquainted with the ML/GL initiative, but in short, it is a way for us to further support and formalize our commitment to the community of which we are a part.

Every time you make a purchase on marialuisaboutique.com, you are invited to designate a local charitable effort to benefit from the sale.

For each sale, we have pledged to donate 10% of the purchase price to the organization you designate.

Currently, we are working with three organizations that have missions we have long supported – The Nyack Center, People to People, VCS Pride – and our namesake educational effort, the ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund.

We have honored that pledge, having made our donations to these organizations and notably were also able to see the fruition of a long-held dream when we presented a young lady from Rockland County with the inaugural ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship at the end of the 2014-15 academic year. It was a proud moment for us – and the start of what we hope will be a long tradition. (Stay tuned to our blog and website for the 2015-16 program details).

We continue to source Fair Trade, eco-minded and artisan-made products that we feature both in our stores and online, where you may easily shop and also quite easily support the ML/GL initiative.