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

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

 

 

’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.

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ML Faves for GOOD

WHAT A WEEKEND… AT MARIA LUISA

Talk about a busy month!
Here at Maria Luisa we have so much going on – and this coming weekend is a prime example.

We hope you’ll make a plan to join us for some (or all) of it.
Here’s what’s up:

• Saturday, Oct. 13
Nyack hosts its inaugural Autumn Sidewalk Sale, a rain-or-shine event running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa will be taking part in this village-wide, brick-and-mortar celebration of shopping local. We’re looking forward to taking it outside – and offerings some special promotions throughout the day.

More info

• Also on Saturday, Oct. 13
We’re also taking it inside this Saturday afternoon – with another special event. In our ongoing support of local artists and artisans, we are welcoming Nyack-born artist Jane Cowles. She’ll be having a Trunk Show featuring her one-of-a-kind fine-jewelry designs from 2 to 4 p.m. Her creations have been inspired by the gardens of Paris and handcrafted here in New York. (And she’ll also be more than happy to discuss custom work) The “Sweet Shopping Saturday” event, held in Maria Luisa Boutique, will also include sweets by Michael Craft and wine by Grape D’Vine. Do stop in!

• Sunday, Oct. 14
If you’ve been enjoying the autumn weather – and stepping up your exercise regime – then this event may be right up your alley. The ML Faves for Good initiative’s latest event will once again bring our supporters together as we join in the Montefiore Nyack Hospital 28th annual Blow Away Breast Cancer 5K Run-Walk. The event, which takes participants on a scenic route through Nyack’s streets, will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the course (participating or cheering the team on) but also help us spread the word. And if you can’t take part on the day, we’d appreciate it if you would consider a donation to this worthy cause. To register or for more information, click here and follow the steps.  >---> Here <---<

As you can see, this coming weekend’s going to be a busy one.
We hope to see you at some point – and thank you, as always, for your continued support!

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