A MOST ARTFUL HOLIDAY

So, December is here.

We wish all of you who celebrate a very Happy Hanukkah – and remind you that we are now in our annual OPEN-EVERY-DAY mode. Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa are now open daily through Dec. 24 for all your shopping needs – and yes, that includes Mondays.

This is also a very big week for us for another reason – IT’S TIME TO PARTY!!!

We’ve been mentioning it for awhile – but it’s finally happening this week.

FB EVENT INVITE

Here are the details:

A MOST ARTFUL HOLIDAY EVENT

4 to 8 p.m. FRIDAY, Dec. 7

Maria Luisa invites you to stop by for a very special edition of our annual Holiday ‘Wish List’ Event.

The party – in addition to offering us the chance to raise a glass and have a few light bites in recognition of all of this season’s holidays – is designed to offer the chance to not only dive into your holiday shopping but also allow you to create a holiday wish list, which gently offers suggestions to those who will be coming in this month to shop for you! We’ll have special promotions, raffles and more throughout the evening, one of our favorite events of the year.

The evening’s centerpiece will be the unveiling of the collaboration between Maria Luisa Boutique and Nyack-based artist Johanna Goodman – and we couldn’t be more excited to formally announce this news.

Goodman, an award-winning illustrator whose work has graced the pages of The New York Times to Rolling Stone, from work for the MTA to decorative goods carried by West Elm, is noted for her striking “The Catalogue of Imaginary Beings” series. Her work is amazing – and we think you’ll love what is hitting the Maria Luisa shelves (think totes, pillows and shower curtains) … another way we’re proud to support local talent, creativity and initiative.

The evening will also showcase a number of other local artists and artisans whose work we support throughout the year including one of our newest brands, MacKenzie83, which recently hosted a trunk show of sustainable leather accessories; and jewelry from a perennial favorite, Lisa Medoff Designs.

As always, stay tuned to our social media for event updates throughout the week – but we hope we’ve given you enough of a glimpse that you’re already planning to join us. We can’t wait to show you all we have in store – and thank you in person for your continued support throughout the year.

•••

And, of course, we have another recipe from the Maria Luisa team to share – this week, something special from Cameron, our accountant. (See, everyone gets in on this sharing!).

GERMAN OVEN PANCAKE

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sifted flour

3 slightly beaten eggs

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons melted butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

GERMAN OVEN PANCAKES

Directions:

• Gradually add flour to eggs, beating on medium speed.

• Stir in milk, butter, and salt.

• Thoroughly grease 9 to 10-inch oven-safe skillet (I use a Dutch oven).

• Pour batter into cold skillet.

• Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes.

• Loosen pancake from skillet with a wide spatula. Cut into wedges with a sharp knife.

• Serve with powdered sugar, butter and maple syrup, or even some warmed cinnamon applesauce!

What I Like About This Recipe: This recipe is so easy to put together, and it’s fun to watch fluff up in the oven. My daughter and I love to make it on chilly weekends with the oven on to warm the house.

Sounds delicious – and don’t forget, please join us Friday for our PARTY when we’ll share a bit of wine, a lot of creativity and the warmth of the Maria Luisa community.

 

 Support the ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund

VISIT NYACK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Maria Luisa Whittingham

845-664-8492

845-353-4122

LONGTIME NYACK MERCHANT ANNOUNCES ARTISTIC COLLABORATION

Maria Luisa Boutique teams with award-winning illustrator Johanna Goodman

Maria Luisa Whittingham, who has owned and operated Maria Luisa Boutique in Nyack for more than 30 years, announces a new venture – an artistic collaboration with award-winning, Nyack-based artist and illustrator Johanna Goodman.

The effort, another example of Whittingham’s ongoing commitment to supporting local arts and artisans, has yielded an exclusive collection of accessories and home goods designed in close collaboration with Goodman,

The collection will be formally unveiled during the South Broadway boutique’s annual Holiday Party, an open-to-the-public event set for 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7.

The initial offerings will feature designs from Goodman’s distinctive “The Catalogue of Imaginary Beings,” an ongoing series that Goodman launched in 2015 and is based on more than 20 years of portraiture and collage work. Products in the debut collection for Maria Luisa Boutique will include pillows, shower curtains and tote bags.

Of the collaboration, Whittingham says it “brings ‘Imaginary Beings’ into a lifestyle setting, which is really what Maria Luisa is all about, bringing creativity into our homes.”

Whittingham particularly sees the tote bags, featuring strong women characters, as ideal holiday gifts for all ages, offering “great, positive imagery for young people.”

BIOS/BACKGROUND

• Johanna Goodman studied at Boston University’s School of Fine Art and Parsons School of Design in Manhattan, where she graduated with a bachelor’s of fine arts in illustration in 1992. Since then, she has worked as a freelance illustrator for clients ranging from The Metropolitan Transit Authority of New York to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, West Elm to Habitat Skateboards and for publications including Time Magazine, Rolling Stone, The New York Times and The Washington Post. Her work has been honored by organizations including The Society of Publication Design, American Illustration and Communication Arts. In 2017, Goodman was awarded a NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship grant for Printingmaking/Drawing/Book Arts for her work on “The Catalogue of Imaginary Beings.”

• Maria Luisa Whittingham, who opened her eponymous Nyack boutique in 1987 and today is also the owner of sister store ML by Maria Luisa, is noted for her small-business success as she helms two brick-and-mortar boutiques while maintaining a thriving web-based business on both her own site, marialuisaboutique.com and through Shoptiques.com.

Having also lived in Rockland County for more than 30 years, Whittingham is both rooted in the local community and its issues – and willing to lend a hand to causes she believes in. Past and continuing efforts support causes ranging from the arts to racial equality, women’s issues to economic development, education to gender issues. Whittingham has been recognized over the years, having being named the “Woman of the Year” by the Rockland Business Women’s Network and the “Latina Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Business Development Center and RCC College Foundation and has also been honored by Friends of the Nyacks with its “Distinguished Citizen Award.”

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Maria Luisa Whittingham
75-77 SOUTH BROADWAY, NYACK NY

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM MARIA LUISA
Another Recipe… and SALE DETAILS

We want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving – and simply say that we are grateful for each one of you – for your friendship, loyalty and support since we first opened in 1987.
With the wintery weather having arrived a bit early, we’d like to remind you that we are again collecting winter coats and accessories to be donated to the Nyack Homeless Project. In addition to our food drive for People to People, this coat drive will also help those less fortunate in our community – so we hope you’ll drop by and add a gently used (or new) item to our collection bin.
And of course, we wish you all a relaxing holiday – one that you’ll share with family and friends. As we’ve been doing, the blog will end with another recipe from a member of the Maria Luisa team – and this time, it’s from Maria herself.
But… of course, Thanksgiving naturally leads to Black Friday – and a weekend full of holiday shopping. If you’re like us, you love shopping for distinct gifts with meaning, supporting artists, artisans and small businesses (like ours!), so read on for a few details that we think you’ll really love.                                                                  

                                                 
HOLIDAY WEEKEND SAVINGS
                                                                                 
Join us after Thanksgiving – we’ll be closed Thursday, so our team members can celebrate – but after that – let the shopping begin on Friday morning and continue til…

Throughout the weekend, we will be offering a few deals you won’t want to miss.
In both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, shop Friday through Sunday and – no coupons required! – enjoy:
•  25% off outerwear (coats and jackets) as well as our perennial favorite, footwear.
• Stock up on gifts and save more: save 20% when you purchase 10 or more candles; and save 20% when you purchase four or more scarves.

And if you can’t make it in, our CYBERSALE will be running throughout the weekend at MariaLuisaBoutique.com – Use code blackfriday to receive $50 off a $175 purchase.

We hope to see you in store – or online – and are happy to get your holiday shopping (or a splurge for yourself) under way. Remember, we’re always here to offer suggestions, as well.
                                                                                   
And that recipe, one of Maria Luisa’s own favorites, ideal for any day of the holiday season –

Meringues
Ingredients
4 egg whites
1 pinch salt
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
1 and 1/3 cups sugar
½ teaspoon grated lemon zest

Directions
• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a large clean glass or metal bowl, whip the egg whites with salt and cream of tartar until they can hold a soft peak. Gradually sprinkle in the sugar while continuing to whip to stiff peaks. Fold in the lemon zest. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven or until they peel off of the sheet without resistance. • Cool on wire racks, then store in an airtight container at room temperature.

What I love about this recipe – Meringues take me back to baking with my mom in my childhood home of Puerto Rico. 

Once again, Happy Thanksgiving to you!


Just in case that you missed these recipes, here you go.

Susan's Smashed Potatoes  

Lindsay's Pumpkin Bread

A SPECIAL – THOUGHTFUL – NIGHT AT MARIA LUISA

Our longtime customers know that at Maria Luisa, we put a lot of thought into what we do and what we choose to sell.

As we have been sharing with you, we have a special event planned for Nov. 8 that will bring these elements together in a thought-provoking way… along with a little wine and other light refreshments.
That evening, from 5 to 8 p.m., we will be hosting a special event to formally introduce one of our newest brands, MacKenzie83.

MARIA'S FAVORITE GO TO BAG IS A MACKENZIE83

The company is New-York based and designs eco-friendly, responsibly sourced, made-in-America accessories featuring organic, free-range and vegetable-tanned leathers, organic cottons and recycled metals.

The SMacK 83 Double Wrap Cuff

ORGANIC COTTON PEACE TOTE

The evening will serve to showcase these designs we have fallen in love with – and we know they’ll not only catch your eye but also appeal to the way you like to shop, purchasing goods with meaning and stories behind them.

 

GO TO EVENT INVITE

During the evening, when we showcase these handcrafted selections, we’ll also be having a “sip and chat,” an informal conversation about Fair Trade and ethical shopping, focusing on why we decided to carry MacKenzie83 goods. We hope to be able to not only answer your questions but also hear what you have to say about the way you shop and discuss how we all can get more involved, from questions to ask when we consider buying something to seeking out brands that reflect our personal values… important stuff!

The evening will also encompass another element, serving to raise funds for the Center for Safety and Change, whose work we have long supported, with 20 percent of all product sales to be donated to the organization.

And a bonus? You’ll also save 10% that evening on MacKenzie83 purchases above $200.
 
We think it’s going to be a stylish, thoughtful – and memorable – night at Maria Luisa, from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 8.

C4SC

We hope you’ll plan to stop by; please sign up through our Facebook events page.
And thank you, as always, for your continued support of what we do here at Maria Luisa.

MLFAVES for GOOD

BLOG ARCHIVE

VISIT NYACK

 

 

Are you ‘SUPER’ SUNDAY ready?

Are you ready for Feb. 4? You know, when Super Bowl LII pits the Philadelphia Eagles against the reigning champions, the New England Patriots.

For a lot of people, Super Bowl Sunday means a big party, whether you actually watch the football game or not.

If you’re having friends over for another annual gathering – or are a guest (lucky you!) in search of a host gift – here at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, we’ve got the goods to get you game-ready.

Our year-round selections include plenty of items ideal for home entertaining, use in the kitchen or for simply sprucing up the surroundings.

We’re talking cookbooks and oven mitts, dish towels and cheese boards, snack bowls, coasters and placemats, to name just a few. We also have pillows and chairs, floor mats and throws if you need to expand the viewing area. (Of course, we have plenty of casual-but-chic fashions and accessories for looking your best, as well).

And for those who have zero interest in the game, fear not – we’ve plenty for you, too, especially if you’re hosting or attending an “anti-Super Bowl” gathering.

If that’s the play you’re making, how about creating a quiet zone complete with Zen accents, atmospheric candles and even cozy socks?

As you can see, whether you’ll be in the heat of the action or savoring something completely different from the sidelines, we’ve got the makings for a memorable Super Bowl Sunday.

Score!

It's not Miller Time,It's 'Craft' beer time!

Woodsy Tones

Another newsletter by
Maria Luisa Whittingham

30 Years and Counting

Visit Nyack

AUTUMN AT MARIA LUISA

New arrivals

                    New activities

and OUR 30th ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!

 Welcome to our latest seasonal newsletter.

Yes, autumn is here.

Summer flew by, as did Labor Day, back-to-school

- and just about everything else of late.

But...

We are all about embracing this new season.

We have two shops filled with a stunning array of new fashions and accessories, gift ideas and ways to spruce up your surroundings.

We have some new brands, many tried-and-true favorites - and yes, BOOTS - one of our favorite things and yours!

***

AND OF COURSE....

This is the season when we officially mark - and CELEBRATE - our 30th anniversary in business.

Yes, the original Maria Luisa Boutique opened its doors in Nyack back in 1987 - and your loyalty and support have helped us reach this milestone, so it's only fitting you join in the celebrating, as well.

***
 

Stay tuned for full details on the event but hopefully you've noticed - and are participating in our anniversary events already under way:

*

Looking good

We hope you've been enjoying our "30 Looks for 30 Years" fashion show featuring some of our most loyal customers modeling their favorite finds from Maria Luisa.

It's our way to celebrate the individual styles of the women who have made our offerings their own - and celebrate their unique styles. 

Check out our Facebook page for the stylish ladies.

*

Trivia time

Think you know Maria? Prove it- ha! Through Oct. 18, we are posting a daily trivia question on Facebook about Maria, the store or the Nyack community. Let us know how much you know.

Lend a hand

We are conducting a clothing drive for the Center For Safety & Change through our MLfavesForGood initiative.

We are collecting much-needed essentials, which include:

New underwear (bras and panties), in all sizes;

Sweatshirts and pants; 

And pajamas. FB Event Link

We thank you for joining us in this effort that will have a very real impact.

Don't forget we also have BIG plans for this year's edition of Nyack's famed Halloween Parade, which is also marking its 30th anniversary.

Join us during the day on Oct. 28 when we offer our annual Halloween Doorbuster sale (details to come) - but also plan to join us that evening as we join in the march, set for 5 to 8 p.m.

As part of the fun, we'd love to have you join our #MLfaves group, as we're planning a creative way to send a message about the ongoing importance of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle."

We are gathering all kinds of recyclable and non-recyclables to create some one-of-a-kind costumes. Think plastic, cardboard, foam, coffee-cup lids, plastic bottles and all kinds of packaging materials.

Here's how you, as an MLfave, can help:
* Join the MLfaves parade group. 

FB Event Page Link
* Help us collect materials - what others might call "garbage" - for our costumes.
* Create - or let us help you to create - your themed costume.

Keep in mind, we welcome children, who are encouraged to participate.

We are really excited about this event - and hope you are, too. Stay tuned for more details, but get in touch now if you'd like to know more.

   

***

As always, thank for reading this, our seasonal update.

In each edition, we'll continue to share details with you on new fashions, accessories, furniture, home goods and gift ideas that seem to arrive all the time in both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa

(and always available 24-7 online).

 And of course there are the seasonal SALES that you'll definitely want to know about.

***

As always, we continue to keep in more frequent touch through social media, with steady postings to our Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest accounts, 

as well as our blog and community calendar.