Showing posts with label shop lohud. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shop lohud. Show all posts

Monday, December 10, 2018

WHY SHOPPING LOCAL MATTERS…Especially during the holiday season

We here at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa appreciate your business throughout the year. We hope you were able to join us this past Friday for our annual Holiday Party, a great event that included the unveiling of our exciting collaboration with Nyack-based artist Johanna Goodman – with her captivating collages translated to tote bags, pillows, shower curtains and, of course, beautiful prints. It was an evening that also showcased the work of jewelry designer Lisa Medoff, whose work we have long supported.

The spirits were high – and the sense of community strong. It was lovely for us to see so many loyal – and a few new – customers stop by and support what we do day in and day out.
And that is strive to bring you quality, comfortable, stylish – and thoughtful – fashions, accessories and more. We pride ourselves on seeking out goods created by artists, artisans, Fair Trade and small businesses, whether they’re around the corner or around the world.
And we thank you for “returning the favor” – deciding to spend your hard-earned dollars in our shops, supporting what we do as a woman-owned small business.

It’s not just happening here – but something consumers around the country are also supporting, especially during these challenging economic times.
WCIA, a TV station in Champaign, Illinois, for example, has a great piece on why shopping local matters, which mentions, in part, that local businesses often have better service overall since they are used to “taking time to know their customers and having passion for their products or services.”

That’s definitely true of us here at Maria Luisa.
You may recall that we put our philosophy out there in an op-ed piece a few years back on LoHud.com that said, in part, “Season after season, we all work hard to offer distinctive goods, confirming our unique identities. Most of us sell goods personally selected for our customers, not generic goods mandated by a faraway corporate office. We, because of our size, can quickly respond to customer requests and see what best connects with them. Our products are often a reflection of ourselves and our beliefs.”


It’s always been true – and will remain true.
So we look forward to seeing you often this holiday season, helping you buy something special for those you love – or even a treat for yourself – and sharing the good will of the season.








Monday, November 19, 2018

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


Sunday, October 7, 2018

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!


Sunday, March 18, 2018

LABEL-CONSCIOUS – THE MARIA LUISA WAY


We know our customers aren’t all about chasing designer labels and brands.
But we also know that labels and brands can tell a lot about a product.
At Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, we are proud of the labels and brands you’ll find throughout our shops – and we’re starting a new way to direct your attention to these.
As the spring progresses, you’ll notice signs dotted throughout our shops, as well as online.
We’ll be noting the products we carry that are created following Fair Trade practices and principles – and also those products that are “Maker Made” artisan creations.
LABEL-CONSCIOUS
As you know, we’re constantly on a search to bring you fashions, accessories, gift items and decorative goods that are pleasing to you and your gift recipients – but it’s so much more than the look or impression of something.
We strive to offer quality products that also have a “story,” whether it’s something made by hand with proceeds supporting a women’s collective in a developing nation – or a greeting card, candle or print handcrafted by a local company or artist.
To us, it’s all about supporting the heart of the creative process and the sharing of distinctive, quality goods that have a story behind them.
 
Watch Maria's Story

Feel free to ask our team members about anything you see in our shops or online (at marialuisaboutique.com or shoptiques.com).
And look for the signs that add another level of meaning to your Maria Luisa purchases.

Explore








Another Informative BLOG by Maria Luisa


Sunday, August 20, 2017

Animal Instinct…

Odette
Have you noticed the menagerie filling our shops?
Well, we won’t blame you if you didn’t.
There are no actual live animals… simply animal motifs dotting a number of items on hand.
These range from carved elephant-themed wall hangings to a baby bird landing on a soap wrapper. There’s an intense-looking cat decorating a wallet and a frog-prince holding court in our lower level home department at ML by Maria Luisa.
Take a slow walk around and you’ll see plenty more, including giraffes, zebras… we’ll let you be surprised.
Lots of gift ideas for those animal lovers on your shopping lists.

MARIA LUISA

Thursday, August 10, 2017

LET’S TAKE IT OUTSIDE



The outdoor entertaining season is well and truly here.
And at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, we have plenty
of goods to help you make the transition to the great outdoors.
We have bowls and plates, trays and tables, cups and cookbooks – and some pretty funky roasting forks (marshmallows, anyone?).
Beach Stones
Buddha
Our selections are perfect additions to your own home – or make for some unique and memorable gifts, especially for those hosts and hostesses who invite us to share their own outdoor spaces.
Enjoy!
Maria Luisa

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Our Mother’s Day Shopping Wish List registry is under way.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY FROM MARIA LUISA

Browse our shop
Here at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, we are all about celebrating women – and with Mother’s Day coming this Sunday, May 14, there’s no better time to recognize the special women in your life.
It could be your mom, your grandmother, an aunt, a sister, a dear friend, a mentor – any woman who’s been important in your life that you would like to honor.
Our shops are filled with gift ideas from clothing to bags, jewelry to scarves, shoes to lotions, candles, artwork and more. Of course, we also have journals and books, kitchen gear, furniture… lots of options to be sure.
***
Here’s what we have going on to help you find that perfect gift

Our Mother’s Day Shopping Wish List registry is under way.
Now through May 10, you can come in and create your own registry – a “wish list” of sorts – to put some gift ideas out there.
Then, you or anyone who shops from your list by May 12 will receive a 20% percent discount. And for the younger set, we've got a special offer - shoppers ages 12 and under who shop for mom now through May 12 - and BEFORE NOON May 13 - will receive a special Junior-Shopper 30% discount on cash purchases for mom.
***
And if time gets away from you, fear not. In addition to being able to shop 24/7 at marialuisaboutique.com, you can also take advantage of 15% off select gift packages in store.
Purchase GC
We have created a number of “grab-and-go” gifts featuring some of our most appealing selections. These artfully wrapped gifts feature products ranging from lip balms to earrings to jewelry boxes, reflecting both a variety of interests and budgets.
***
And don’t forget, a Maria Luisa gift card allows you to give Mom her very own shopping spree, something she can enjoy when she has the time – and perhaps you’ll even join her and see how delighted she is with what she finds.
***
So once again, to all those moms – and mother figures – enjoy the day!
***
Both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.
We look forward to seeing you this week.
Maria Luisa and the ML Team



Monday, April 3, 2017

BEST FOOT FORWARD


Shop Now
Shop Now
          No matter the season, footwear is one of our most popular offerings.
And these days, we have plenty of options at the ready.
If you’re on the lookout for something more rugged – think outdoor activities or that occasional rainy day – we’ve got you covered.
Same goes for something a bit more stylish – for a special event, perhaps?
And of course, we’ve got our tried-and-true offerings ideal for everyday wear, when you want comfort and quality in styles that also offer a bit of personality.
So stop by Maria Luisa Boutique, ML by Maria Luisa – or visit marialuisaboutique.com 24/7 – for the latest selections of sandals and tie shoes, slip-ons and booties and don’t forget a pair of cozy slippers or socks to round things out.
We’re confident you’ll find something to help you put your best foot forward… sorry, we couldn’t resist a little wordplay.  ML

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Tie one on

Bright Floral Print


You know that no matter the season, we love a good scarf, shawl or wrap here at Maria Luisa.
And we’ve got a bounty filling our shelves these days.
We’ve got plenty of options for these crazy-weather days, cold one moment and warm the next. Our response? Winter styles on sale and spring goods arriving daily.
And always, style lives right alongside practicality, so there are single-hued beauties and vibrant prints ideal for you or for any gift-giving needs

You can never have too many, or at least we think that’s true – and don’t forget, a scarf, wrap or shawl makes the perfect “one size fits all” gift any time of the year.

Sunday, March 26, 2017

PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS…



Sometimes you just want to step back and take stock.
Or perhaps you’re inspired to chronicle your daily life, set your goals or even write a story or poem.
Seems like a breezy afternoon can inspire any of these activities – and when the creative urge hits, we’ve got you covered.
We have a wide selection of journals that will add that elegant touch to your writing.
Check out our selection which features a variety of patterns and styles.
Treat yourself, so the next time you want to jot something down, you’re not
grabbing for the nearest grocery-list pad.

And don’t forget, journals make a sophisticated and thoughtful gift.
Buy now

Buy now
 
Buy now

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Serenity… now



Relax
Pom Pom Pillows
Kiori

Well, we made it through the sometimes-hectic holiday season – and all of 2017 awaits…
If you’re having trouble getting back into a regular routine, we’ve got you covered.
Stop by Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa for plenty to help you calm down and focus.
Shop Now
We’ve got cozy sweaters and soothing lotions, slippers and teapots, rich fragrances and scented candles, inspirational books, artwork and signs and some beautiful journals to share your thoughts – or write those
lists that keep you organized.
And the best is we offer a welcoming shopping environment where the pressure is low and style is high.

Remember, during this time of year, when everyone’s getting back into a routine, we want to help make it easy – and fun – for you.
So come in and think peace, beauty, nature – browse away a little - and really just relax.
And breathe…

Friday, January 13, 2017

LOOKING BACK – and AHEAD – at MARIA LUISA

January 2017
Sign up
As we welcome 2017 with fresh eyes and an optimistic spirit, we here at Maria Luisa just want to take a moment to look back at 2016 before looking fully ahead .
First of all, we again wish you, our loyal customers, a happy and healthy new year – and hope it’s already off to a great start.
We thank you for your loyal patronage – and friendship – not only in 2016 but throughout our 30-year history in Nyack.
That’s right, our business marks its 30th anniversary this year – and we’ve got great things planned.
Susan Travis-Book Reading
But first, a quick recap of 2016, a busy year in which we were so grateful to see our store filled with customers for various events ranging from door-buster sales to Shopping for a Cause to benefit the Nyack Center. Special programs included an empowerment evening with author Susan Travis, our annual Wish List holiday gathering and of course, participation in all of Nyack’s signature events including the street fairs and the ever-popular Halloween Parade.
Along the way, we received recognition from Hudson Valley magazine, which was a lovely boost of exposure to a wider audience.
Nyack Street Fair
In addition, we continued our initiatives including Say No! To The Bag, the ML/GL Global Local Initiative, which benefits local nonprofits, and one of the projects we hold most dear, The ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund.
2016 Shop for a cause
We introduced special shopping promotions ranging from the Sale of the Week to the 24 Days of Holiday Perks and welcomed you to share some iced tea or lemonade with us on Wednesday afternoons throughout the summer.
To us, these are not only ways to boost traffic but offer more chances to connect with you and see what you’re liking, buying and hear how you are doing.
We also continued to expand
Sing the Pledge
our online shopping offerings, (look for a brand new MariaLuisaBoutique.com website to debut February) which many of you have taken advantage of – and for that, we thank you.
It all added up to another memorable year – and fueled us for what’s in store as we build toward our official anniversary later this year.
We’ve already begun planning special promotions and events – and kick off the programming with an evening with a “love-themed” poetry event with Judith Rose Feb. 1 and some Valentine’s Day-themed shopping events in February, as well.
We look to presenting another ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship this spring and hope to expand this program to other areas of funding (and again thank you sincerely for your ongoing and continually growing support).
The Maria Luisa team
Our thriving South Broadway homes for both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa continue to grow as we add more and new merchandise and revamp our furniture and home accessories collection within – but also as welcome new neighbors including Maura’s Kitchen and Brooklyn Bread.
As we hope you consider us a community resource, we continue to expand our collaborations with local organizations and offer a detailed community calendar on our website, which itself will be re-vamped and re-launched soon. And we remain, as always, open to working with artists, performers, authors and organizations that would like to hold special events here.
After all, it’s all part of what we do – and we are so glad you’re with us to “enjoy the ride.”
Happy 2017 – and again, we thank you for 30 years of patronage, support – and friendship.ML
MariaLuisaBoutique.com





Monday, December 19, 2016

(Not Your) Basic Black


Maxi

Mesh Jacket


For so many of us, black is a wardrobe staple. 


But even the most dedicated among us realize that head-to-toe back, with nothing “of interest,” can simply look dire.

That’s why the options at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa are ideal.
Our styles, from sweaters to pants, jackets to bags, always have that little something extra.
Two Tone Bag
It might be an embroidered accent, a unique cut or wrap to a top, a collar that grabs attention…


Kathy Top
It’s all about fit, about quality – and plenty of flair. 

In Nyack we are open every day through Dec. 24. and 24/7 at MariaLuisaBoutique.com