WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN

It’s hard to believe but another year has run its course.

But before we leave 2018 behind, we’re taking a moment – as we like to do here at Maria Luisa – to reflect on the year.

And what a year it was, thanks in large part to you, our loyal customers.
First, we want to thank you for your ongoing support – not only for your dedication to shopping local but also your joining us at special events, helping to raise funds and awareness and quite simply, for your loyalty and friendship. It’s the most rewarding part of life here at Maria Luisa.

Our year got off to a healthy start with the #ML Faves For Good participating in Nyack’s annual Resolution Run, a through-the-streets walk/run designed to raise funds to combat hunger in our own community. We’ll be doing it again in the new year – with the 2019 event set for Jan. 5; please join us! --->SIGN UP-DONATE HERE---> NYACK RESOLUTION RUN/WALK

That on-the-road spirit continued throughout the year, with #ML Faves again gathering to participate in the 31st annual Women’s Distance Festival in July at Rockland Lake State Park in Congers. Our team had another strong showing – helping raise funds for the Center for Safety and Change, an organization that we have long supported. (We’ll be there again in 2019; save the date of July 13 and plan to join us). Registration begins on Janyuary 11, 2019.

WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN  at MARIA LUISA

We also took to the streets… of South Broadway, participating in each and every Nyack street fair held throughout the year, from the SpringFest through the last event in October. Village events are a mainstay of the Maria Luisa calendar, as we often tie in special store activities and promotions to events going on in the community such as the annual Halloween Parade.

This year also saw us, for the first time, presenting two awards through our ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund. The program has been expanded – and thanks to your ongoing and generous support – we were able to recognize both Ruth Uriarte and Katherine Bacolas. As you know, the scholarship program is something we are especially proud of, this year expanding to recognize both a Nyack High School senior and a senior from anywhere in the county. We also now invite applications from any female graduating senior as well as those who identify as female – and look forward to our next presentation toward the end of the academic year. (Stay tuned for an announcement about the 2019 program and application details). DONATE --->HERE

Throughout the year, we have continued our commitment to artist- and artisan-made goods, sustainable production and Fair Trade principles, adding new merchandise that reflects our new discoveries. In addition, we’re continually impressed – and inspired – by how many customers support our “Say NO! to the Bag” initiative, bringing their own bags or purchasing the reusable Maria Luisa shopper. Village events are a mainstay of the Maria Luisa calendar, as we often tie in special store activities and promotions to events going on in the community such as the annual Halloween Parade. We celebrated the whole day of the parade in store, while also taking part in the main event itself. ML team members and friends once again wore eco-minded costumes to raise awareness of the power of recycling as we walked the village streets in this most-popular Nyack event.
We saw that often during the holiday season, which was especially rewarding – as was this year’s holiday party. Sure, it was a chance to kick back and have some fun while helping you with your own holiday shopping, but this year’s event was something really special.

The early December evening served as the official introduction of one of our most exciting efforts to date, the collaboration with Nyack-based artist and illustrator Johanna Goodman. The teaming up with this amazingly talented woman has been quite a creative endeavor, as we developed an exclusive collection of totes, pillows and shower curtains based on her signature “The Catalogue of Imaginary Beings” series. The designs have been a hit, as we knew they would be – and we look forward to expanding the line in the new year.

As you can see, 2018 was a great year at Maria Luisa, one filled with milestones and memories.

In that spirit of moving ever forward, we’re excited for 2019, and hope you are, as well.

Stay tuned to next week’s blog for details on some more of what’s planned for 2019 at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa.

And until we see you in the shops to say it in person, HAPPY NEW YEAR from all of us at Maria Luisa.

Maria Luisa

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

FALL FITNESS, THE MARIA LUISA WAY

Team MLfaves @Blow Away Cancer Run/Walk 2017

There’s something about the crisp air of autumn – just around the corner – that gets us in the mood to exercise.

Perhaps the summer was one long party – when you (we?) enjoyed a few too many barbecues or get-togethers, loading up on everything from s’mores to sugary cocktails…

Well, somehow, exercising outdoors when it’s not 100 degrees and terribly humid seems to have great appeal.

According to WebMD, fall is actually the optimum time to kick-start a fitness program.

Locally, as Beth Chamberlin and Peter Roy, co- owner of Nyack Boot Camp, say, "there are 3 great reasons why September is the perfect time to start exercising again.

1. With school back in session you have more time for yourself
2. The cooler temperatures are perfect for working out
3. You have about 3 months to get your body ready for all those Thanksgiving to New Year's calories."

All we know is we’re ready to lace up our walking (or running shoes) and hit the local parks, paths along the river or even our closest high-school track.

We’ve also got a great way for you to commit to your new plan – join the Maria Luisa effort as our ML Faves for Good initiative takes part in another event in coming weeks.

If you haven’t heard, we’ll be following up our inspiring participation in the Women’s Distance Festival this past July at Rockland Lake, a benefit for the Center for Safety and Change, by joining together for the Montefiore Nyack Hospital 28^th Annual Blow Away Breast Cancer 5K Run-Walk.

It will be held through Nyack’s streets, a scenic route to be followed from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 14.

Please consider joining us in the event – and helping us spread the word. Even if you can’t take part on that day, we’d be grateful if you consider a donation.

It’s going to be a great way to not only support a most important cause – but also give us added incentive to get out and exercise with a great group of people.

To register, or for more information, click here.... and follow the steps below.

1-Click on Adult or Youth tab

2a-Enter your name  2b Select team bys crolling down to MLfaves for Good team 2c- Runner or Walker? 2d-Complete remaining questions.

3-Fill in your (optional) donation and scroll down and assign to the  Mlfaves for GOOD team fundraiser.  Then complete fu=orm and submit!  
If you need registration assistance, Please contact us at MLfaves for GOOD

Learn More

If you have never run-walked more than one mile or you run marathons, the Rockland Road Runners is for YOU.  RRR focuces on promoting fitness, friendship, competition and charity.

MLfaves for GOOD

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

SUMMERTIME TUNES

 You know we love our music at Maria Luisa, from what we choose to play in our shops to the special events we host that often have a musical element.

And during the summer months, the musical offerings in Nyack kick into high gear – and we love to catch a live performance in town.

Through our Community Calendar, a feature of marialuisaboutique.com, we share news of happenings in and around Nyack that we think you might like, as well.

Here’s just a bit about what’s planned:

• If you’ve not been yet, the Nyack Parks Conservancy is again offering its Music on the Hudson Concert Series, with free shows at 7 p.m. Tuesdays in Memorial Park, on the river at the foot of Depew Avenue. Those attending should bring a blanket, chairs and even a picnic (concession foods are also sold). In case of rain, the shows are moved indoors to the Nyack Center, 58 Depew Ave. Upcoming shows include Dead Meat with special guest Shwizz (July 3); Country Fresh (July 10); Old No. 7 Band (July 17); The Jazz Passengers, as part of Nyack Jazz Week (July 24); and CRUSH (July 31). For the latest, you can check the Park Conservancy’s Facebook page.

• The Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center at 82 N. Broadway is also again offering summertime music with its “Jazz/Music in the Garden” series, held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays. Again, bring a lawn chair or blanket, with refreshments available for purchase before the shows and during intermission. A $5 donation supports the preservation of the Hopper House and gardens. In case of rain, the shows are held at Grace Church at 130 1^st Ave. This year’s lineup includes: Burr Johnson Trio (July 12); Peter Furlan Quintet with Neil Alexander (July 19); Mark Patterson Quintet (July 26); Next Generation Jazz Weekend (July 28-29); Steven Bernstein R&B Jazz Band (Aug. 2); Jeremy Wall and John Ragusa Quintet (Aug. 9); and Richard Sussman Group (Aug. 16). For more, visit edwardhopperhouse.org.

We hope you’ll stop by and say hello – and see what’s new in our shops – on the way to the shows. And who knows? We might see you at the concerts, as well.

And one final (non-musical) note, please be aware that Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa are taking a short break. Our shops, normally closed on Mondays, will also be closed July 3 and 4. We’ll resume regular hours Thursday, July 5.

Happy 4^th of July!!

Save NOW

MAKE A WISH

Mother’s Day is just around the corner – May 13.

As we all know, it’s a chance to recognize our mothers – but it’s also a bit more than that.

It’s about recognizing those in your life who are “like a mother” to you – perhaps a sister, aunt, grandmother, best friend.

Wouldn’t it be nice to let those special ladies know how much they mean to you?

We love getting into the Mother’s Day spirit at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, especially as our shops are filled with fashions, accessories, home goods and plenty of ideas that make an ideal gift, whether it’s a beautiful little token or a really elaborate presentation.

FOR THE FASHIONISTA MAMAS

If you’re a mom and want to make it “easy” on those shopping for you – as we do during the holiday season – we’ll again be offering a “Mother’s Day Wish List,” and kicking it all off with a special party May 3.

Here’s a quick run-down of how it all works:

You come by our shops on May 3 – create a “wish list” of items that you’d love to receive (we’ll help you with suggestions and filling out the lists) – and then we’ll hold onto it. Your family and friends can then come in and shop for you from that list, knowing that they are purchasing you something that you’ll truly want – and love. It’s our spin on a gift registry.

As mentioned, we’ll begin our lists May 3, with a special party that evening. Stop by from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and have a snack, create your list – and simply enjoy the experience.
 

MARIA LUISA GIFT CARD

If you do some of your own shopping that night – you’ll receive 10% off your purchases up to $100 and 20% off your purchases of $100+.

And then, when those shopping for you return and shop off your list – from May 4 to May 10 – we’ll also offer then a 10% discount on those items.

Pretty much a win-win all the way around.

We hope to see you on May 3 – and Happy Mother’s Day in advance.

STEPPING IN STYLE AND COMFORT

FRAGRANCE OPTIONS THAT MOM WILL LOVE

EVEN MORE GIFT IDEAS

FOLLOW MARIA'S BLOG

A MOST FASHIONABLE SPRING

Spring’s the time of renewal, of fresh starts and new perspectives.
In that spirit, we ask, “How’s your closet doing?”

If like most of us, your answer is along the lines of “meh” – then we have the fashionable solution.

At Maria Luisa Boutique, these days are all about freshening up – adding a few subtle changes – or for the really daring, an entirely new spin on your wardrobe.

When it comes to spring fashions, looks that will also carry you through the rest of the year with clever layering and savvy mixing-and-matching, we’ve got plenty of options.
We are filled with new arrivals from our tried-and-true brands – along with some lovely new additions.

More of our Favorite Things

As expected, we have tops and pants, dresses and jackets, scarves, bags, jewelry and footwear… don’t get us started on the footwear – one of our favorite categories that we know you also love.
So, haven’t these days of chill, wind – and snow that never (never!) seems to be done – put us through enough?
YES!!
Come on in and see what we have in store for your spring/summer looks – and beyond – and don’t forget, you can always shop, or preview our collections, online at marialuisaboutique or shoptiques.com.

But we do hope you’ll stop by for a look – and a chat.

After all, our team members like nothing more than showing off all the new fashions and accessories we have selected … with you in mind.

Shop MariaLuisaBoutique.com

Shop Maria Luisa at Shoptiques

Gift Card

Busy BLOGGING

ML Faves for GOOD

ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund

HOLIDAY FINERY…

Are you all ready for the first spring holidays?

As you likely know, both Passover and Easter will be observed in coming days.
Holiday outfits, gifts for the season, hostess gifts – we’ve got them all at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa.

Holiday outfits and gifts for the season

If you need an outfit for a special dinner, gathering or family reunion, we’ve got you covered, and don’t worry, even though the weather’s been a chilly-warm-rainy-snowy mess of late, we’ve got the stylish solutions with seasonally appropriate dresses, pants, tops – think layers – plus scarves and more.

For the younger set, we’ve even got some adorable spring outfits – as well as plenty of dolls, games and activities to keep them busy while the holiday meal is cooking.

A JellyCat Menagerie

If you yourself are feeling the stress of entertaining or making elaborate meals that seem out of your league, then we have both lovely cookbooks filled with ideas and on the other hand, pampering products, from soaps to candles to lotions and more to bring you that bit of serenity.

And perhaps you have someone far away that you’d like to remember this time of year?
If so, our team members are happy to help you with suggestions – or you can purchase a gift card through our site so they can shop away, 24-7, on marialuisaboutique.com or shoptiques.com.

SHOPTIQUES

After all, who wouldn’t like to find a Maria Luisa gift card in their Easter basket?

GIFT CARD

Happy spring – and happy spring holidays to all.

ML FAVES for GOOD

ML by MARIA LUISA SCHOLARSHIP FUND