MARIA LUISA’S INSPIRED – AND INSPIRING – TRAVELS

Catching up with Maria Luisa Whittingham on a recent morning proved more than a bit, we have to say it, inspiring.
She was just back from a trip to Cuba and shared not only stories and memories but also how the trip had impacted her in so many ways.
“What it has definitely done is (it) ignited a fire under creativity for me,” she said, already talking about plans for both her shops based on things she saw and experienced in her time there.

She talked about visiting with artists and seeing work exhibited, of meeting artisans at work and most important, getting a sense of the local communities during her time in both Havana and in short trips to other parts of the country.

CUBA = Inspiration

In particular, she spoke of Fábrica de Arte Cubano, a modern, multi-level space in Havana that features art, artists, music, digital elements, food and more. Its invigorating environment was, she said, “so awesome” and it was, truly, a place “where life is happening.”
It was one of so many experiences that she had – and a real step toward what she has been saying 2019 would be all about – a year of change and forward motion.

“For me, it’s a year of exploration and more of really ‘walking the walk,’” she said.
To that end, she said the trip has sparked her to once again re-commit to her goals, to “dive deeper into the authentic areas of Fair Trade and artisan-made” products.
And, she added, she’s even more enthusiastic about “creating the opportunities for our community to explore its own creativity within our space.”

 “creating the opportunities for our community to explore its own creativity within our space.”

Maria will be off again in a few weeks, this time traveling with like-minded retailers from across the country to India. They will be meeting with local artists and artisans; Maria said she looks forward to connecting with those whose work is carried here, while also be cultivating new contacts and sources.
This trip will also be about, she said, learning firsthand, from face-to-face conversations with some of the artisans already supported in the shops. Once again, she knows she will have many stories to bring home and share.

TO INDIA WITH LOVE
Image Credits-Matr Boomie

It will, she is confident, also continue to provide her with even more inspiration for growth.
“At Maria Luisa, it has to be more,” she said. It’s about creating a vision that “feeds our community.”
And though India is ahead, she’s not ready to leave Cuba behind.
After all, the visit to Cuba had indeed kicked her 2019 vision into high gear – and though she had already been home a few days, the journey’s impact was tangible.
It wasn’t at all surprising, then, when she said, “I still dream that I’m in Cuba.”

But as we all know, what Maria Luisa dreams, she makes come true – so stay tuned to see how her travels will continue to impact what she does in – and brings into – the world of Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa.
– Mary Shustack
Maria Luisa Newsletter Editor

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WINTER SALE + MARIA LUISA = NOW!

Did you hear about the Winter Sale at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa? If you’re a Maria Luisa regular, you probably know that we start our Winter Sale during the winter. Unlike many places that wait til their goods are “past the season” – sure, you still save but usually end up buying for the following year – our Winter Sale takes place during winter when you can still wear, give and enjoy your great (and thrifty) finds. If you’ve been following us on social media – and we hope you do – you’ve gotten a few glimpses at the great deals to be had during our Winter Sale, which is under way NOW.  Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll find: Selected jewelry offered at savings up to 25%. Selected accessories and fragrances at savings of 20% to 40%. Winter clothing and footwear at savings of 25% to 50%+, and Furniture and home goods at savings of 25% to 60% off. So, those are the details of our Winter Sale – impressive, no? We hope we’ve tempted to you to come in and save. Think sweaters and wallets, boots and candles, earrings and journals, reading glasses and pants, baby gifts and cookbooks… we’re filled with options. Remember, this is the ideal time to spruce up your tired winter wardrobe, buy birthday gifts in advance, choose something special to wear on Valentine’s Day – or simply get a little something to make you smile. You deserve it! And after your smart shopping during the Winter Sale, perhaps you’ll also consider “rounding up” your purchase – it’s a super-easy way to make a donation to the ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund by rounding up your total to the next dollar (or more). Look for complete details at our registers or simply ask us for the scoop. Visit us in both shops or online 24-7 at both marialuisaboutique.com or shoptiques.com. Thanks, as always, for reading – and we look forward to welcoming you to our Winter Sale. (And yes, we put Winter Sale in bold an awful lot of times, so now you can’t say you hadn’t heard about our… Winter Sale!!)

NEW YEAR, NEW MARIA LUISA…

So, how’s your new year shaping up so far?

We have to say that we are pretty excited about the possibilities of 2019 – a year that all of us at Maria Luisa are embracing as one of positive change.

We’re firmly powered up by the spirit of fresh starts.

“It’s going to be a year when I personally will be exploring more”

WELCOMING 2019-ML TEAM

Already, the ML Faves for Good team gathered to participate in the Jan. 5 “Resolution Run” to raise funds for the Nyack Hunger Coalition.  

And, registration has already begun for our favorite summer event, the team’s participation in the Women’s Distance Festival at Rockland Lake State Park in Congers. This year’s event, the 32^nd, will be held July 13; we hope you’ll participate in the 5K walk/run, cheer us on – or simply make a donation to our team effort to once again support the Center for Safety and Change.

---> REGISTER <-->  DONATE <---

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In addition, we look forward to the fifth annual presentation of the ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship this spring, as well as all the community events we will be participating in throughout the year, from street fairs to sidewalk sales, the Halloween parade to the holiday season’s special events. (Check out our frequently updated community calendar for the lineup).

You’ll also notice the fresh start playing out in our shops, as we’ve embraced the new year as a chance to “freshen things up” overall, from new merchandise to new displays. We think you’ll like it; feel free to share your thoughts.

One of last year’s good (very good) things was the introduction of the results of our new collaboration with Nyack-based artist Johanna Goodman. We unveiled the award-winning illustrator’s latest work, an exclusive collection of totes, pillows and shower curtains for Maria Luisa, during our December holiday party and we can share that there’s plenty more, including a special Edward Hopper-inspired bag, pillows and shower curtains so stay tuned.

                                            Plate No.185: Edward Hopper

Also in the shops, we look forward to another year – our own 32^nd – of continued growth and reinvention.

As Maria says, “It’s going to be a year when I personally will be exploring more” – and that’s translating to sourcing new merchandise for the shops from local artists and artisans to taking that search international, literally, as she explores the world in search of fresh finds.

It’s all about inspiration, whether you find it gazing out over the Hudson – or in an artisan’s workshop or a street market halfway across the world.

We can’t wait to see how it all plays out but know it will all be good.

As Maria puts it – in no uncertain terms – “It will be a positive year.”

Who are we to argue?

– Mary Shustack, Maria Luisa newsletter editor.

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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

WITH MARIA LUISA’S VERY BEST WISHES

We hope your holiday season is turning out to be a happy one.

We will be closed Dec. 25, Christmas Day, to celebrate with our families and friends, re-opening Dec. 26 for “business as usual.”

Speaking of families, we wanted to take a moment to wish our own Lindsay the very best. If you’ve been in recently, you may have noticed that she’s expecting – she and her husband are soon to welcome their first child. We’ll certainly miss her during her impending maternity leave, but as I’m sure you do, wish her every happiness – and can’t wait to meet the little one.

As the end of the year is always a time for reflection, stay tuned for next week’s blog when we offer up our annual Maria Luisa “Year in Review” edition.

Until then, we thank you, as always, for your loyalty and friendship, especially your supporting us by shopping local this holiday season. We hope to see you soon – and wish you and your families the very best.

GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD…OUR RECIPES

Here at Maria Luisa, we look forward to the holidays – and now that it’s November, are really just around the corner.
From Diwali to Thanksgiving, Hanukkah to Christmas, Kwanzaa to New Year’s Eve, there is plenty to celebrate this month and next.

A big part of celebrating is gathering together with family and friends, sharing stories and making memories – and yes, very often memorable food and drink are shared to mark the special occasions.
While not all of us are gourmet cooks here, we do love to join in the holiday spirit by making special dishes, entertaining – or just going to a lot of parties!

This month in our blog, we’ll be sharing some of the Maria Luisa team members’ favorite recipes – no, Maria’s not yet ready to share her famed Coquito recipe (yet) – but we hope these recipes will inspire you to try them out or head back to the kitchen to whip up your own favorites that you may have neglected in recent years.

And if you’d like to share one of your favorites with the Maria Luisa “community,” let us know – we’d love to help you do just that, in a future blog or via our social media platforms.
First up, our Lindsay offers two of her favorite seasonal recipes, Autumnally Addictive Pumpkin Bread and Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta & Raisins.

We’re already drooling – and bet you will be, too.
Thanks for reading – and hope you’re inspired to add these delicious dishes to your seasonal menus. (And tell us, or Lindsay, if you do next time you’re in; don’t forget our Nov. 8 special sustainable shopping night with MacKenzie83, benefitting the Center for Safety and Change.)

Directions
•Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch loaf pan whatever way you please (I use Pam olive oil baking spray).
•Whisk together the sugar and oil until blended, then add the eggs and pumpkin. Lay out two paper towels, stacked on top of one another. Lay the grated apples over the paper towels. Roll up the paper towels into a log and squeeze gently to remove excess juices from the apples. Add the grated apples to the pumpkin mixture and mix to combine.
•In another bowl, stir together the flours, spices, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Add the pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Let batter rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
•When ready to bake, pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake until the loaf is very dark and a tester inserted deep into the middle comes out clean, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool in pan for ten minutes, then turn onto rack to cool completely.

What I Love About This Recipe
Nothing says autumn like pumpkin and apple! I always make a few loaves from my seasonal apple-picking bounty. The apples keep the loaves deliciously moist. Serve at room temperature with your morning coffee or warm a slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an after-dinner treat (!).

Directions
•Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook, turning occasionally, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Using tongs, transfer pancetta to paper towels to drain. Let cool.
*While pancetta cools, add Brussels sprouts to drippings in skillet; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until well browned in spots and beginning to soften, 5–7 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add raisins, shallot and butter; cook, stirring often, until shallot is soft, about 3 minutes. Add stock to skillet; increase heat and bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits from bottom of pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until broth has evaporated, 1–2 minutes. Stir in vinegar and pancetta. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

What I Love About This Recipe
You'll find this as a side dish on my Thanksgiving table every year! I also love to turn this into a homemade pizza topping or toss with fresh pasta/hearty grains as a “sauce.” To mix it up, you can add other seasonal vegetables in with the Brussels sprouts - butternut squash complements the flavors perfectly.

Lindsay Owen

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C4SC

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?

 

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