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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NEW YEAR, NEW MARIA LUISA…

So, how’s your new year shaping up so far?

We have to say that we are pretty excited about the possibilities of 2019 – a year that all of us at Maria Luisa are embracing as one of positive change.

We’re firmly powered up by the spirit of fresh starts.

“It’s going to be a year when I personally will be exploring more”

WELCOMING 2019-ML TEAM

Already, the ML Faves for Good team gathered to participate in the Jan. 5 “Resolution Run” to raise funds for the Nyack Hunger Coalition.  

And, registration has already begun for our favorite summer event, the team’s participation in the Women’s Distance Festival at Rockland Lake State Park in Congers. This year’s event, the 32^nd, will be held July 13; we hope you’ll participate in the 5K walk/run, cheer us on – or simply make a donation to our team effort to once again support the Center for Safety and Change.

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In addition, we look forward to the fifth annual presentation of the ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship this spring, as well as all the community events we will be participating in throughout the year, from street fairs to sidewalk sales, the Halloween parade to the holiday season’s special events. (Check out our frequently updated community calendar for the lineup).

You’ll also notice the fresh start playing out in our shops, as we’ve embraced the new year as a chance to “freshen things up” overall, from new merchandise to new displays. We think you’ll like it; feel free to share your thoughts.

One of last year’s good (very good) things was the introduction of the results of our new collaboration with Nyack-based artist Johanna Goodman. We unveiled the award-winning illustrator’s latest work, an exclusive collection of totes, pillows and shower curtains for Maria Luisa, during our December holiday party and we can share that there’s plenty more, including a special Edward Hopper-inspired bag, pillows and shower curtains so stay tuned.

                                            Plate No.185: Edward Hopper

Also in the shops, we look forward to another year – our own 32^nd – of continued growth and reinvention.

As Maria says, “It’s going to be a year when I personally will be exploring more” – and that’s translating to sourcing new merchandise for the shops from local artists and artisans to taking that search international, literally, as she explores the world in search of fresh finds.

It’s all about inspiration, whether you find it gazing out over the Hudson – or in an artisan’s workshop or a street market halfway across the world.

We can’t wait to see how it all plays out but know it will all be good.

As Maria puts it – in no uncertain terms – “It will be a positive year.”

Who are we to argue?

– Mary Shustack, Maria Luisa newsletter editor.

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WITH MARIA LUISA’S VERY BEST WISHES

We hope your holiday season is turning out to be a happy one.

We will be closed Dec. 25, Christmas Day, to celebrate with our families and friends, re-opening Dec. 26 for “business as usual.”

Speaking of families, we wanted to take a moment to wish our own Lindsay the very best. If you’ve been in recently, you may have noticed that she’s expecting – she and her husband are soon to welcome their first child. We’ll certainly miss her during her impending maternity leave, but as I’m sure you do, wish her every happiness – and can’t wait to meet the little one.

As the end of the year is always a time for reflection, stay tuned for next week’s blog when we offer up our annual Maria Luisa “Year in Review” edition.

Until then, we thank you, as always, for your loyalty and friendship, especially your supporting us by shopping local this holiday season. We hope to see you soon – and wish you and your families the very best.

WHY SHOPPING LOCAL MATTERS…Especially during the holiday season

We here at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa appreciate your business throughout the year. We hope you were able to join us this past Friday for our annual Holiday Party, a great event that included the unveiling of our exciting collaboration with Nyack-based artist Johanna Goodman – with her captivating collages translated to tote bags, pillows, shower curtains and, of course, beautiful prints. It was an evening that also showcased the work of jewelry designer Lisa Medoff, whose work we have long supported.

The spirits were high – and the sense of community strong. It was lovely for us to see so many loyal – and a few new – customers stop by and support what we do day in and day out.
And that is strive to bring you quality, comfortable, stylish – and thoughtful – fashions, accessories and more. We pride ourselves on seeking out goods created by artists, artisans, Fair Trade and small businesses, whether they’re around the corner or around the world.
And we thank you for “returning the favor” – deciding to spend your hard-earned dollars in our shops, supporting what we do as a woman-owned small business.

It’s not just happening here – but something consumers around the country are also supporting, especially during these challenging economic times.
WCIA, a TV station in Champaign, Illinois, for example, has a great piece on why shopping local matters, which mentions, in part, that local businesses often have better service overall since they are used to “taking time to know their customers and having passion for their products or services.”

That’s definitely true of us here at Maria Luisa.
You may recall that we put our philosophy out there in an op-ed piece a few years back on LoHud.com that said, in part, “Season after season, we all work hard to offer distinctive goods, confirming our unique identities. Most of us sell goods personally selected for our customers, not generic goods mandated by a faraway corporate office. We, because of our size, can quickly respond to customer requests and see what best connects with them. Our products are often a reflection of ourselves and our beliefs.”

It’s always been true – and will remain true.
So we look forward to seeing you often this holiday season, helping you buy something special for those you love – or even a treat for yourself – and sharing the good will of the season.

SHARING THE ABUNDANCE

SHARING THE ABUNDANCE

MACKENZIE83 for C4SC

As we inch closer toward Thanksgiving, thoughts naturally turn to … were you going to say long lines at the grocery store? No – ha! – we mean gratitude.

Here at Maria Luisa, we continue to welcome the holiday season and embrace that spirit of gratitude, so first up, thanks to all who joined us Nov. 8 for our special evening dedicated to sustainable shopping. We not only hosted a trunk show featuring MacKenzie83 – a brand founded by a charming local accessories designer with a real commitment to sustainability – but also raised funds for the Center for Safety and Change.

And in that spirit of giving, as started here last week, we’re going to continue to share some of the Maria Luisa team members’ favorite recipes. (And if you’d like to share one of your favorites with the Maria Luisa “community,” let us know – we’d love to help you do just that, in a future blog or via our social media platforms).

This week, we continue with a dish from Susan that sounds just fantastic.

Perhaps you’ll try it out, as we plan to, and add it to your holiday or year-round repertoire, something delicious you can make when sharing a meal with friends and family.

And during this holiday season, we know you’ll again join us in sharing our abundance with those less fortunate. Won’t you consider stopping by and dropping off some non-perishable food items that we will, in turn, donate to People to People, which works year-round to feed Rockland’s hungry? Suggested items that we’ll continue to collect into December include cereal or oatmeal; canned juice and 100-percent juice boxes; canned vegetables; fruit snacks (applesauce, peaches, fruit cocktail in juice); soup, dry and canned; beans, dry and canned; pasta and pasta sauce; macaroni and cheese; peanut butter and jelly; and tuna fish in water.

We thank you for considering this simple-but-important donation – and know that People to People will be grateful, as well.

We can always count on the Maria Luisa community to come through, as it does year after year…

Now – for that recipe:

SUSAN

MARIA'S RECIPE IS UP NEXT

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GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD…OUR RECIPES

Here at Maria Luisa, we look forward to the holidays – and now that it’s November, are really just around the corner.
From Diwali to Thanksgiving, Hanukkah to Christmas, Kwanzaa to New Year’s Eve, there is plenty to celebrate this month and next.

A big part of celebrating is gathering together with family and friends, sharing stories and making memories – and yes, very often memorable food and drink are shared to mark the special occasions.
While not all of us are gourmet cooks here, we do love to join in the holiday spirit by making special dishes, entertaining – or just going to a lot of parties!

This month in our blog, we’ll be sharing some of the Maria Luisa team members’ favorite recipes – no, Maria’s not yet ready to share her famed Coquito recipe (yet) – but we hope these recipes will inspire you to try them out or head back to the kitchen to whip up your own favorites that you may have neglected in recent years.

And if you’d like to share one of your favorites with the Maria Luisa “community,” let us know – we’d love to help you do just that, in a future blog or via our social media platforms.
First up, our Lindsay offers two of her favorite seasonal recipes, Autumnally Addictive Pumpkin Bread and Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta & Raisins.

We’re already drooling – and bet you will be, too.
Thanks for reading – and hope you’re inspired to add these delicious dishes to your seasonal menus. (And tell us, or Lindsay, if you do next time you’re in; don’t forget our Nov. 8 special sustainable shopping night with MacKenzie83, benefitting the Center for Safety and Change.)

Directions
•Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch loaf pan whatever way you please (I use Pam olive oil baking spray).
•Whisk together the sugar and oil until blended, then add the eggs and pumpkin. Lay out two paper towels, stacked on top of one another. Lay the grated apples over the paper towels. Roll up the paper towels into a log and squeeze gently to remove excess juices from the apples. Add the grated apples to the pumpkin mixture and mix to combine.
•In another bowl, stir together the flours, spices, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Add the pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Let batter rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
•When ready to bake, pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake until the loaf is very dark and a tester inserted deep into the middle comes out clean, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool in pan for ten minutes, then turn onto rack to cool completely.

What I Love About This Recipe
Nothing says autumn like pumpkin and apple! I always make a few loaves from my seasonal apple-picking bounty. The apples keep the loaves deliciously moist. Serve at room temperature with your morning coffee or warm a slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an after-dinner treat (!).

Directions
•Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook, turning occasionally, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Using tongs, transfer pancetta to paper towels to drain. Let cool.
*While pancetta cools, add Brussels sprouts to drippings in skillet; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until well browned in spots and beginning to soften, 5–7 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add raisins, shallot and butter; cook, stirring often, until shallot is soft, about 3 minutes. Add stock to skillet; increase heat and bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits from bottom of pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until broth has evaporated, 1–2 minutes. Stir in vinegar and pancetta. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

What I Love About This Recipe
You'll find this as a side dish on my Thanksgiving table every year! I also love to turn this into a homemade pizza topping or toss with fresh pasta/hearty grains as a “sauce.” To mix it up, you can add other seasonal vegetables in with the Brussels sprouts - butternut squash complements the flavors perfectly.

Lindsay Owen

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HAPPY LABOR DAY FROM MARIA LUISA

Wishing all of you a happy, relaxing, refreshing and most of all, fun Labor Day.

It’s the day to step back and really take it easy after the long hot summer.

Savor the best memories from the past couple of months, from barbecues to birthday gatherings, perhaps a blowout Memorial Day weekend or some exciting Fourth of July fireworks.

Maybe there were some memorable trips, to the beach or to a family reunion – or just those simple stretches of time when all that was on the agenda was… not much of anything – now that is bliss!

We hope the summer – yes, officially still with us, though many consider Labor Day its end – has been a good one for you and yours.

We also hope you’re ready for all that autumn will bring.

Here at Maria Luisa, we look to a full slate of activities in the weeks and months ahead. Check our newsletter, Community Calendar and social media for the latest on sales, street fairs, parades, and so much more.

And of course, the autumn fashions and accessories continue to arrive on a near-daily basis to both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa.

Fresh from a big buying trip – with new merchandise already starting to fill our shelves – we think that fall is going to look pretty good on YOU!

So, Happy Labor Day everyone, and as always, thanks for your continued loyalty and support.

With you as our customers, it doesn’t often seem like “work” to us – but, of course, we’ll still take today’s holiday in honor of the achievement of America’s workers.

Maria Luisa

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