HOT New Finds at Maria Luisa

Unless you enjoy the winter chill, we hope your winter hasn’t been too chilly.
No matter the outdoor temperature, it’s been getting pretty HOT here at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa.
We’ve recently been to market, and the new merchandise we’ve selected for you is now arriving in both shops. It’s a lovely mix, we think, of new designs from our tried-and-true favorites along with exciting new options.

Just In

That means more of the boldly colorful and incredibly stylish selections from Desigual, along with new footwear options from an all-time fave brand, Pikolinos.

Spring Arrivals from Hobo

We also have new styles from some of the other brands we know you love – Comfy USA and Cut Loose, quality pieces that never go out of style – along with plenty of exciting new finds that you just have to come in and try on.

Breathe in... Breath out.

In addition, we have replenished and expanded some of our most popular candles and home fragrances, ideal selections to bring a bit of wintertime serenity.
And don’t forget our Winter Sale continues, with offerings now priced at the best deals.
We like to think this all adds up to something definitely worth the trip, especially as we’d love nothing more than seeing you and hearing how your winter has been going. If you’ve not been in recently, we promise you’ll find a “new and improved” Maria Luisa is now fully in place.
Always moving forward, we ask you to also keep in mind that there’s still plenty to come. Stay tuned for details of our first 2019 Doorbuster sale, set for next Saturday, March 2.

And we’re going to be announcing a new ML venture in May… don’t you just love the suspense? We thought so!!

2019 Scholaship applications are now available

We look forward to seeing you in the shops – or online at marialuisaboutique.com or shoptiques.com.

SWEET – AND SASSY…

                                          
                                               VALENTINE’S GIFTS AT MARIA LUISA

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner – really!
Yes, Feb. 14 is this coming Thursday…
Did you just gasp? Well, that’s why we are offering this gentle reminder.

Since we’re all so busy these days, last-minute shopping has become the norm.
But if you shop at Maria Luisa Boutique or ML by Maria Luisa, you don’t have to worry about your last-minute purchase looking like an afterthought.

Shop

Both our shops are filled with options ideal for anyone on your list – and designed to fit most any budget.

We have the little treats – and we have the oh-you-shouldn’t-have (but so glad you did) splurges.
There are candles and earrings, scarves and necklaces, journals and fragrances, bags and belts.
And of course, we have plenty of tops, pants, skirts, footwear and more – to give or to buy and wear on your special Valentine’s Day celebration.

There are items of red and items with a touch of lace, items for a night out or an evening in – and lots of quirky little finds (socks with playful sayings, zippered pouches with phrases designed to make someone laugh) to sweet little gifts for the younger set.

If you’re buying for your spouse or sister, best friend or daughter, grandchildren or favorite teacher – anyone you want to remember on this special day – we have the choices.

Gift Card

We’re happy to help you pick out something that will make your gift one that’s definitely appreciated.
After all, don’t you want to show those you love how special they are to you? We thought so!
And remember, when in doubt the Maria Luisa Gift Card always fits – and gives the recipient the fun of shopping for themselves.

We hope to see you soon – and remember, all of us here at Maria Luisa wish you a very Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Read about the ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund

 

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

BOO! HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS AT MARIA LUISA

It’s going to be here before we know it – the first “holiday” of autumn.

Halloween is, of course, Oct. 31 – but in Nyack, we get a jump on the Halloween festivities, all leading up to the centerpiece that is the village’s famed parade, this year scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 27.

NYACK, NY HALLOWEEN PARADE -OCT. 27-5:30PM

As you may know – Nyack’s elaborate family friendly celebrations earned the village recognition as the fourth-best Halloween celebration in America by travelchannel.com. And the parade itself – this year marks the 31^st annual edition – has been called the largest of its kind outside of New York City, rivaling the Greenwich Village tradition.

Here in Nyack, Halloween happenings kick off this Thursday with the annual Village Window Painting, led by the art department of Nyack High School. Things continue with the inaugural House and Lawn Decorating Contest Oct. 19-26, along with a few other events throughout the village leading up to parade day.

And remember, it’s all about family fun on parade day, kicking off with the Trick or Treat Trail for kids at 2 p.m., with the parade set to step off at 5:30 p.m. (rain date Oct 28).

SAVE THE DATE

But…
Don’t forget that Oct. 27 is also our ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARADE DAY DOORBUSTER SALE – when we open up early (9 a.m. at Maria Luisa Boutique) for savings up to 35% (for cash sales through 9:45 a.m.).

The earlier you shop, the more you save – and nothing is held back, with discounts offered throughout the day in both shops. A detailed e-blast will be coming your way soon; all will also be posted on our social media.

Just know that you WILL want to stop by – to shop for yourself, for autumn birthdays and yes, even to get a jump on the December holidays.

We hope to see you in Nyack for the Halloween fun – and at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa for our big day of savings.

And if you’ll be at the parade, there’s a little something extra to keep in mind – as part of our ML Faves initiative, Maria Luisa Whittingham and friends will again be taking part in the parade. Those who spot and snap a photo of Maria Luisa Whittingham – in one of her famed eco-friendly costumes – and post it on Instagram with the hashtag #MLfavesOnParade will be entered into a drawing for a  

$50 gift certificate.

How’s that for a Halloween treat?

 

SIGN THE PLEDGE

MARIA LUISA’S GIVING IT ALL AWAY AUGUST’S REAL DEALS

If you’re tired of the long, hot summer and ready for something special, then you’ll want to read on about all that’s to be found at Maria Luisa Boutique, ML by Maria Luisa – and come Saturday, on the sidewalk out front of both our South Broadway shops.

August’s “Real Deals” are under way, including our ongoing summer clearance sale. 

SUMMER SALE

Stop by now, too, for the chance to be among the first to see our early autumn merchandise, perfect for those days transitioning between the seasons.

NEW ARRIVALS  FOOTWEAR  HANDBAGS  APPAREL

  JEWELRY

And – this weekend marks the arrival of the much-anticipated Nyack Summer Sidewalk Sale.
Yes, merchants and businesses throughout the village will be celebrating their status as brick-and-mortar destinations where it’s possible to shop local – and come away with not only some amazing finds but with savings to match.

NYACK - BRICK AND MORTAR  - SIDEWALK  SALE

Saturday’s “outdoor party” of sorts will officially kick off at noon, so plan to spend the afternoon – and early evening – in town. Our plans are really coming together – we like to keep the mystery alive – but know if you stop by, you’ll be glad you did.

And remember, our summer-long raffle continues all month, with the prizes to be drawn on Labor Day weekend.
Stay tuned to our social media throughout the week for more hints.

Can’t wait to see you soon!  Maria Luisa

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VISIT NYACK

STREET TALK…

If you didn’t catch our announcement in the summer edition of the Maria Luisa newsletter, we’re here to remind you to “save the date” for a big event planned for later this month – and we really think you’ll want to add it to your calendar.

We are enthusiastically joining in Nyack’s Summer Sidewalk Sale, to be held from noon to 8 p.m. Aug. 18.

MORE INFO

 
It will be a real “outdoor party” of sorts – as the village comes to life with its brick-and-mortar shops and businesses extending their reach right out their front doors.

What a fun way to shop local.

Here, we’re finalizing the plans but know they will include special deals on the great finds featured in both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, plus some surprises…

Oh yeah, it’s going to be something!

We’ll have many more details to share in next week’s blog, the week of the event – and will continue to update through our social media in the days before the Sidewalk Sale.
We are excited and hope you are, too.

Save the date – and we’ll see you then!

SHOP NOW

 

COME RUN – OR WALK – WITH US… AGAIN!!!

It was a few months ago when we first announced our plans to again participate in the Women’s Distance Festival.
 
The 31st annual edition of this fun – and more important, fundraising – event will be held July 14 at Rockland Lake State Park in Congers.

To register,  click HERE.  To donate, click  HERE

And we’re appealing to you again in hopes you’ll spread the word and hopefully join us as we join hundreds of women raising funds for the important work of the Center for Safety & Change, the New City-headquartered organization formerly known as the Rockland Family Shelter.
 
If you recall, the ML Faves for Good team made quite the splash last year. A team of us – some 80 women and girls of all ages – participated in recognition of both the event’s 30th anniversary and what also happened to be the 30th anniversary of Maria Luisa doing business in Nyack (not to mention the day of Maria’s birthday).

To register,  click HERE. 
To donate, click  HERE

It was a fun day full of camaraderie, exercise and yes, even a bit of competition – all in the name of helping women throughout our county.
This year, we hope you will join us as we again commit to running, jogging or walking the approximately 3-mile paved path/course around the beautiful lake.

Last year, more than 1,000 women registered for the event, with our ML Faves for Good team the second-largest group of participants – and one that raised more than $2,000.
With registration now open for next month’s event, we are looking forward to another great morning at the lake – and have set an ambitious goal of raising at least $2,500.  Donate HERE

As you know, the festival last year – and the way the ML team came together – also inspired us to formalize the ML Faves for Good initiative in which we continue to come together to “do good.”
For those who have already registered, we thank you – and can’t wait to see you on July 14.

For those who haven’t yet, we hope you’ll consider joining our team – and also help us spread the word. It makes for a great way to bond with family members, friends you don’t see as often as you’d like to – or even co-workers.

If you can’t make it on the day, we ask you to consider making a donation to our team effort and even ask your friends and family not able to participate to donate, as well.

To register,  click HERE. 
To donate, click  HERE

To register,  click HERE. 
To donate, click  HERE

And as our thank you, those who:
• Make a $31 WDF ML Faves for Good donation, will receive a free ML T-shirt.
• Make a $75 WDF ML Faves for Good donation, will receive a free Cutting Board, a made-in-Vermont product ideal for smaller cutting chores and sporting the Maria Luisa logo.

We thank you in advance for considering.
Hope to see you all July 14!!
**
To register,  click HERE.  To donate, click  HERE

Shop Now

To register,  click HERE.  To donate, click  HERE

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.

MARIA LUISA HITS THE STREETS

The street fair season in Nyack continues this Sunday, May 20, with the first 2018 edition of the Nyack Famous Street Fair. 

As always, vendors will be lining the downtown streets of Main and Broadway from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, with more than 350 exhibitors expected. There will be the classic mix of arts and crafts plus traditional retail and collectibles, along with refreshments, live music and children’s events.

And of course, Maria Luisa will be a part of all the fun. We’ll be “taking it to the street,” as we do for every street fair, setting up in front of both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, extending our shops into the great outdoors.

Stop by throughout the day for our unadvertised special promotions and activities.

There are two more editions of the Nyack Famous Street Fair this season, July 8 and Oct. 7.

The May, July and October events are run by P.J.’s Promotions. April’s SpringFest and the Sept. 9 SeptemberFest fairs are sponsored by the Nyack Chamber of Commerce.

Admission to all is free.

If you forget, you can always consult the Community Calendar at marialuisaboutique.com, where we spotlight Maria Luisa events as well as community happenings we think you’d like to know about.