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

’TIS THE SEASON AT MARIA LUISA

Sure, we may be a tad early – but when it comes to being ready for the holidays, too much prep can never be enough.

This year, we in the Maria Luisa family are committed to approaching the holidays with a renewed sense of enthusiasm, a true focus on finding the real meaning of the holiday season – and truly being grateful for what we have and sharing it with others.

Whether that means setting a place at your holiday table for a friend going through a rough time – or taking a very active role in a community effort, such as a food or coat drive, the holidays offer the chance to show our “best selves.”

Take some time now to create a holiday timeline – list the things you need to do, to buy, to donate, to share, to join.

Above all, remember to include those you love in the preparations – it’s inspiring to help someone, and even more inspiring to do it with a family member or friend.

Here at Maria Luisa, we’ll be offering you the chance to join in, once again participating in a food drive for those served by People to People (http://www.peopletopeopleinc.org) and collecting new or gently used coats and warm clothing for those served by Nyack Homeless Project (https://www.nyackhp.org)

As Maria Luisa Whittingham says, these opportunities to share your abundance do more than just provide the literal gifts of soup, pasta or peanut butter or a warm coat, socks or boots.

“We also want to enhance a person’s life and well-being with pride.”

The holidays offer an ideal time, too, to participate in volunteer work. Opportunities abound in our communities, so it’s easy to get involved. Lend a hand to an organization whose mission reflects your own interests – or stretch yourself with something new. There are countless organizations whose work is supplemented by volunteer efforts, organizations we know you join us in supporting.

So this season, why not volunteer to:

• Work with the young people served by The Nyack Center http://www.nyackcenter.org/volunteering.html 

• Help feed those in need at a local soup kitchen.  
Soup Angels http://www.nyackreformed.org/soup-angels.html 
Grace's Kitchen http://www.gracechurchnyack.org/ 

• Help protect the environment with Keep Rockland Beautiful http://keeprocklandbeautiful.org

• Offer hope to those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault with Center for Safety and Change

http://www.centerforsafetyandchange.org/get-involved/volunteer.html

• Get involved with the multifaceted programs offered by the Rockland County Pride Center

http://rocklandpridecenter.org/services/volunteer/

Sure, it may still be late October – but how nice would it be when 2019 rolls around to be able to say, “Wow, I really embraced this holiday season not only by gift giving, or with friends and family – but making the holidays as warm and enjoyable as possible for those around me including those in my community.”

Follow our social media platforms where we’ll continue to offer details on holiday happenings and opportunities for you to show your gratitude.

And let us just say that here at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, we are grateful for YOU!

More about Maria Luisa and our community.

SIGN-UP

DONATE

 

 

ML Faves for GOOD

FALL AT MARIA LUISA… BEST FOOT FORWARD

While autumn’s official arrival is still a good handful of days away, once Labor Day rolled around, you kind of had to admit summer was on its way out.

And while there will be a lot we’ll miss – from leisurely days at the local pool to holiday barbecues with friends and family – there’s plenty to look forward to in the coming season.
Near the top of that list is… fall footwear.

Here at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, footwear has always been one of our most popular categories.

We like nothing more than finding great styles – and our loyal customers seem to really love our selection.

New Arrivals

We have our tried-and-true brands that offer updates season after season, but we’re also always on the lookout for new offerings that combine style, comfort and sustainability.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a new pair of everyday/work shoes, something for the weekend or our ever-popular boots and booties, we think you’re really going to like what we have in store for you this season.

There are flats and wedges, slip-ons and laced styles in suedes, leathers and so much more.
New styles are already arriving, with more on the way seemingly every day.
Come on in and have some fun trying on a pair (or three).
You know you want to!!
(And remember, the early birds get the best availability in both styles and sizes).
See you soon.

Gift Cards

Maria Luisa Nyack on FB and Instagram

OFF TO UNIVERSITY…

Do you know someone heading off to college for the first time in coming weeks – perhaps your own child, a niece or nephew, friend’s child or neighbor?

If you remember back when you were heading off to school, it was a time that was as exciting as it was unnerving – even if you were staying local.

Here at Maria Luisa, we’re all about encouraging and supporting those pursuing higher education – our ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship is proof of that.

DORM ROOM DRESS-UP

But on a personal level, isn’t it just nice to give someone something special to take along with them – or a gift to help them spruce up their bedroom at home – to mark the next phase of their life.

Walk through both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, and we’re sure you’ll come up with plenty of ideas, whether you’re in charge of helping set up that whole dorm room, suite or apartment – or are simply looking for a gift filled with well wishes.

DORM KEY FOBS

We’ve got tote bags and journals, scarves and light jackets for early fall. There are shoes, yoga bags and inspirational signs, books and charms. Fair Trade jewelry is imbued with meaning.  We offer hand creams and scents, room diffusers and cookbooks and clocks (don’t want them to miss that early morning class!). There are goods to set up a small kitchen – or a corner of the dorm room, from drinking glasses to bowls, trays to dish towels. And don’t forget the pillows and throws, floor mats and wall hooks.

MORNING COMES EARLY

DEAR (COLLEGE)  DIARY

BACON DOES MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER

DORM ROOM (SMOKELESS) AROMATHERAPY

All, of course, have plenty of style – and attitude.

Come on in. Look around. We’re happy to help you find something special, an item that is not only useful but also says you support their big step.
And if you’re still stumped, keep in mind there are also plenty of stuffed animals – yes, we know, they are growing up… but after a long day in completely new surroundings, your new college student just might find a bit of comfort in a fluffy memento that reminds them of home!

https://www.marialuisaboutique.com/72l-cotton-vintage-kantha-quilt-garland.html

YOU SAY SUMMER, WE SAY SALE PART TWO

As you read last week, our SUMMER SALE at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa is already under way.

Last time, we showcased our fashions and footwear, along with some summer-ready accessories. And while those lovely selections remain on sale, we’d like to point your attention to some other items, namely our trove of home goods and gift ideas.

We’ve got cookbooks and pillows, glassware and bowls, cutting boards and plant misters. There are candles and diffusers in intoxicating scents plus indulgent pampering products from soaps to lotions to scents. There are quirky signs and beach blankets, clocks and dish towels, canisters and floor mats.

The selection is ideal for sprucing up your own home for you or an upcoming gathering, for having an indulgent afternoon, for serving as a unique host/hostess gifts and for all those summer birthdays.

We’d love to help you pick out something… perhaps something you didn’t even know you needed but suddenly realize you just have to have.

Isn’t retail therapy a great alternative to sweating out the summer humidity? We think so.

And the best part, the SUMMER SALE discounts remain at 10% to 60% plus off – not to mention our ongoing summer raffle.

Hope to see you soon!

MariaLuisaBoutique.com

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.

A WEEKEND FILLED WITH PRIDE

Nyack is once again about to show its PRIDE – and we’re joining in the celebration.
We’ve already begun selling #pride2018 collectible buttons, official merchandise supporting the Rockland County Pride Center and its work as “The Heart And Home Of the LGBT Community –Celebrating Unity And Inspiring Social Change.” Stop by to choose one – or a few, to share.
Festivities will be held June 8-10, starting with Pride Walk Nyack June 8 & 9, when people are invited to stroll the village’s streets. Pay special attention to the rainbow-painted crosswalks that will offer a colorful – and meaningful – welcome to those taking part in the events.

The festivities culminate June 10 when the 20th annual Rockland County Pride Sunday hits the road for a mega-celebration set from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Garner Historic District, at 55 W. Railroad Ave. in Garnerville.
There will be live music, kids activities, art, dancing, food trucks, a Drag Queen Story Time, a teen space with Youth Pride Rockland & SAEDA (Student Activists Ending Dating Abuse), a name change clinic with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley – and more.
The “Pride Wind Down” will follow, from 5 to 9 p.m., with even more entertainment highlighting the community celebration. For more details on all the official events, visit RocklandPrideCenter.org.
Here at Maria Luisa, we’ll also be joining in the annual Pride Window Decorating Contest – yes, we won last year’s award for our “Most Unique” window – so we hope you’ll stop by to check out our display designed in support of equality and justice for and acceptance of – everyone.
We will also offer 10% off purchases June 8-10 to those who present a PRIDE map – and we’ll be handing out PRIDE tattoos, as well.
Finally, on social media, we’re asking everyone to join in, filling your feed with the colors and hashtags of the #rainbow. #YourPrideisCalling #DreamBig #BeBold #MLfavesforGood

Stop by this weekend for Maria Luisa's PRIDE Windows

And don’t forget if you’re in town for the events, stop in to also see our selection of great gifts ideal for Father’s Day (June 17), teachers and all the graduates you know.

More Blog Posts

Take the Pledge

FOOTWEAR IN FOCUS

With Memorial Day and its much-anticipated long weekend, most consider summer having arrived.
If we’re going to be picky, though, it’s really only the symbolic start of summer, with the season officially kicking off June 21.
But why be a stickler for details? After all, one thing is pretty clear – sandal season is here, so get ready to show off those pedicures.

Dorith

Denia

Alcudia

Vanna

Here at Maria Luisa Boutique, we’ve got sandals in styles that range from classic leathers to cutting-edge metallics, from strappy options to clever lace-ups and sporty picks, as well.
Come to think of it, we’re well stocked not only with sandals but also all kinds of warm-weather footwear including flats, wedges, platforms, sneakers and more.
As you know, footwear is one of our signature offerings, a favorite of both the Maria Luisa team and our loyal customers. Our selection is a mix of tried-and-true brands with a few newcomers to mix it up. The common threads? Quality, comfort, thoughtful design – and yes, a bit of personality.

LA Wind Slingback

LA Wind Sporty

So remember, we’ve got you covered, whether you’re looking for something to wear on the boardwalk or for a day out in the city, for a summer wedding or a family picnic.
Come see what’s new – shop now before sizes start to sell out - and we’ll help you find that new pair, or two, or three…
And don’t forget, you can build an outfit around a great pair of shoes – or select something that just adds that finishing touch to your warm-weather fashions.
Speaking of those fashions, we’ve plenty of new styles in house, from tops to pants, light wraps to dresses, totes to hats.

Cover-Ups

Before you know it, we’ll have you suited up in that singular style you’ve come to love.
Can’t wait to see you – to catch up and show off our latest offerings.
And don’t forget, you can always shop 24-7 at both marialuisaboutique.com and Shoptiques.com.