Zanzibar's Blog

2009-05-15T12:25:00.005-05:00

Friday, May 15, 2009

"Nature Illuminated"

Light Up Flowers
Back in stock and ready to brighten your home!!

Everyone loves these beautifully amazing silk flowers.

Perfect for any room in your home or outdoor living space.

Hurry in, before they all fly out the door!!

2009-04-27T16:01:00.008-05:00

Monday, April 27th 2009

FINAL DAYS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ZANZIBAR STIMULAS PACKAGE!!!

Let's keep the Local Austin Economic Recovery going. Stop in to Zanibar by Thursday, April 30th and enjoy savings of 30% off when you spend $100 or more, and 30% off all Special Orders!! Additional savings of up to 75% off throughout the store.

It's Time For CHANGE!

2009-01-20T12:33:00.005-06:00

Save those coins!

Money pots have been around for over 2,000 years. There are preserved examples of ancient money pots in the same hand thrown design in the British Museum! The pots start their lives in their native Italy and are then painted in London.

Once the first coin is dropped your money pot must be fed until full. Upon which time it is smashed whilst making a wish or if you leaver the top of the pot carefully it will come off and you can sand any sharp bit out and use the pot to put sweets, pens or a plant in . It is customary to replace the money pot and spend the money on 'good things', as they bring good fortune.

Happy Inauguration Day!

They are BACKKKKKKK!

2009-01-16T13:18:00.003-06:00

Buddha Boards are back in the store!!

Cold and warm weather accessories

2009-01-13T16:48:00.010-06:00

Isn't this weather in Texas something else? Friday has an expected high in the upper 40s and low in the 30s. The next day - back into the 60s! Instead of lugging around that bulky coat, take a look at our lovely wraps, scarves and gloves. Make a statement and stay warm or cool!

Handmade, crocheted scarves and flower pins

Keep toasty with our lovely faux fur wrap with satin embroidery on the back. Totally reversible.

Wool cashmere wraps. Perfect for a night on the town or staying warm in the theater.

Mmmmmmm wool fingerless gloves. Check them out in Longhorn orange, Heather grey and Sierra red. Pop-tops and long styles available.

Check out that intricate detail on this wrap! It's lovely and amazing.

Come see us at the Home and Garden Show this weekend!

2009-01-09T10:42:00.006-06:00

Zanzibar will be showcasing this weekend at the Home and Garden Show. Stop by, say hello and check out our American Leather sleeper sofas and chairs in our booth.

11th Annual Austin Spring Home & Garden Show

VENUE: Austin Convention Center

ORGANIZATION: Show Technology

TIMES: Fri, Jan. 9 from 2 - 7 p.m.; Sat, Jan. 10 - Mon, Jan. 5 from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sun, Jan. 11 - Mon, Jan. 5 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

COST: $7.50

DESCRIPTION: The 11th Annual Austin Spring Home & Garden Show will inspire you to rethink your home in the wake of the holidays and get a fresh start. Get inspired with the best and newest materials, techniques and live expert advice for your home and garden; while you're at it, enjoy celebrity speakers, including talks by Tom Silva, host of "This Old House" on PBS, and Brian Santos, "The Wall Wizard," Texas talent and gourmet treats!

The Home and Garden Show features an HBA new home buyer's center, free advice at Austin NARI's Ask an Expert Remodeling and Consultation Booth, a huge Outdoor Living & Landscape section, Home Entertainment & Technology, Giveaways, and more!

Tickets are $7.50, available at the door. Admission Specials (Senior/Military, etc): $1.00 admission coupon at www.ShowTechnology.com; 65+ $5.00 on Friday only

Get $1 off admission by donating to the Capital Area Food Bank or the Austin Humane Society: Bring a non-perishable food item (or diapers and formula), or a monetary or pet food, litter or toy donation and receive $1.00 off adult admission. Not valid with any other discounts.

Looking for "the chair?"

2009-01-07T11:08:00.004-06:00

Strong. Comfortable. Beautiful.

Sitting is believing. This chair is comfy. The right height, the right pitch, the right depth. Firm enough for support, fluffy enough for delicious.

World class leather, first rate ergonomics and a chic profile.

Experience this chair at Zanzibar.

Happy New Year's!

2008-12-31T12:10:00.003-06:00

We will close at 4pm on New Year's Eve and be closed New Year's Day. Normal hours resume on Friday.

Wishing you a fantastic new year from Zanzibar!

3 Left!

2008-12-30T11:01:00.004-06:00

One of the most surprisingly popular items this holiday season at Zanzibar was the Buddha Board.

We had no idea how popular this item would be! After the mad rush of Christmas, we have 3 left in the store. Be the envy of your New Years Eve party and impress your friends with water painting art.

Get them while they last!

2008-12-30T10:22:00.003-06:00

Open and ready!

2008-12-23T11:31:00.008-06:00

Zanzibar is open till 7pm tonight for any last minute shoppers. Tomorrow, we are open till 4pm.

Don't worry, we can handle any gift crisis with ease!

JUST IN - Nouvelle Candle urns and Aquiesse candles!!

These metallic stretchy bracelets make great stocking stuffers.

Wine glasses are boxed up and pre-wrapped. Just grab em and go!

Start off the year with a Peace cake. Impress your friends. Amaze your mate!

Turkish bowls and plates. We can't keep these in stock. They are amazingly beautiful to see.

Hand-crafted bronze doorbells. Choose between cowboy boot, celtic knot, dragonfly, gecko, ginko leaf and many, many more.

If we don't see you, Happy Holidays to you and your family!!

WE ARE ON THE NEWS!!

2008-12-23T10:35:00.004-06:00

KXAN came to the store yesterday and interviewed Trey and Judith about the holidays. Check it out:

Even though the mood of the piece is somber, we are working hard at Zanzibar to keep our loyal customers happy and returning. Spirits are high and it has been a pleasure to assist every single person that walks inside our door, regardless of making a purchase. Even in these tough times, you can depend on our smiles and service and support for years to come.

Treasure your photos in our frames...

2008-12-20T12:17:00.008-06:00

Once you put a picture in our frames, you will never change it.

"Don We Now Our Sparkling Jewelry" - On Sale!

2008-12-18T11:02:00.001-06:00

City of Austin Proclamation: "Buy Local For The Holidays" Dec. 18-31st

2008-12-18T10:42:00.004-06:00

City Council Member Laura Morrison, on behalf of the City of Austin, will present AIBA with a proclamation declaring December 18 - 31 "Buy Local for the Holidays" on Thursday, December 18, at 5:30 p.m. at Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second Street.

WHY SHOP LOCAL?
KEEP DOLLARS IN AUSTIN’S ECONOMY
Modest changes in consumer spending habits can generate substantial local economic impact. For every $100 in customer spending at a national chain, the total local economic impact is only $13. The same amount spent with a local merchant yields $45, more than three times the local economic impact.

HAVE MORE CHOICES
A marketplace of thousands of small businesses helps to ensure more innovation and competition, and lower prices over the long term. Independent businesses, choosing products based on what their local customers need and desire, not a national sales plan, guarantees a more diverse range of product and service choices.

PREVENT AUSTIN FROM BECOMING “ANYWHERE, USA”
Each year brings more national chains displacing locally owned businesses. AIBA aims to reverse the trend of losing locally owned independent businesses by organizing collaborative efforts among members and creating a stronger bond between local businesses and the community.

Candles to give and get!

2008-12-17T11:48:00.011-06:00

Who doesn't love getting a candle? What's better than getting a fabulous candle? Buying one or two for yourself of course! You need them, we got them!

This is our brand new line of candles just picked up from market. We haven't had much luck keeping them in the store. They keep flying off the shelves. But don't fret. We are getting a reorder in this week.

Our favorite candle line ever, Nouvelle. They keep coming out with new scents every year. We are carrying 2 of the Nouvelle lines....we love them that much!

Don't forget the perfect add-on to your candle gift...decorative matches. They go together like peanut butter and jelly!

Carolina Jasmine, Honeysuckle Nectarine, New Orleans, Pear Tea and Rosewood Amber to name a few....

Zents candles!

The Wise Owl thanks you for reading our blog!

The Pillow Post

2008-12-15T16:46:00.009-06:00

There's nothing like a cold day in Austin to get you thinking about pillows. They can add a flair of color to your room or create a bold statement on your sofa.

We love our pillows. Take a peek. We hope you get inspired.

Exquisite pillows from Tibet! Hand-knotted from homespun pure Tibetan wool, which is high in lanolin and therefore naturally stain resistant. It's the perfect adult teddy bear!

Talk about a fabulous butterfly! The turquoise color looks amazing in person.

Kids, kids, kids!

2008-12-12T14:51:00.008-06:00

Soft, cuddly and flat, this bear is a unique product used as a baby’s toy and comforter.

Non-stop fun with this unique set of building blocks! Children can erect a 10-story skyscraper one floor at a time.

Canvas growth chart for boys and girls. Currently on sale for 25% off!

This guy is our favorite one! Who can resist the monkeys?

Need a little help this season?

2008-12-11T15:20:00.003-06:00

We want to help you out via email! Once a week until Christmas, we will be sending out an email with our favorite items and store specials. Spend your time with your family and shop our blog/emails.

Not on our email list? Come in and sign up or leave a comment and we will get you on it!

Gifts for that special man in your life

2008-12-11T12:23:00.015-06:00

Being on time never looked so good!

Being a player doesn't have to be a bad thing when you give this exquisite backgammon game.

The finishing touch for your night out.

Techies need fun too. Keep time on your own Japanese robot.

Our most popular men's gift: an old New York subway token wallet and authentic Buffalo Nickel wallet. They will be gone by Christmas!

New York token, Indian penny, Franc, and Israeli coin cufflinks. Tres Chic!

A writer's dream: inks, styluses, nibs, seal wax, sealing tools, brass and wood seals. All nestled inside a French finish box.

Unique Christmas ornaments.....We have it covered!

2008-12-10T15:30:00.008-06:00

These beauties are reverse hand-painted glass ornaments. The painting technique has been used for centuries.

This shows the stages of work an ornament goes through. Very interesting stuff!

Fantastic gift to give or start a collection of keepsake ornaments for your family.

Party Pics!

2008-12-05T10:06:00.012-06:00

We had a fabulous time at our Holiday Party. It was great seeing customers old and new last night. The food and drinks were flowing, the specials were everywhere, the sales were non-stop and the store was jam-packed! If you didn't have a chance to stop by, there is always next year!

Pecan pie tartlets and mini chocolate tortes with fresh berries provided by Kurant Events.

Trey, Gavin and Judith

Our awesome bartender, Steve, our darling Jamie and Randall from Kurant Events

Looks like a camera battle!

Seasons Greetings from Zanzibar (Trey, Joni, Joe, Dawn, Sara, Judith, Jamie, Erik and Mark)

Fabulous Furniture For Your Home

2008-12-03T12:23:00.008-06:00

Fresh from market, one of our favorite EcoLuxury furniture vendors has come out with amazing ecologically responsible home furnishings.

All of these can be special ordered from us and delivered to your door.

New introduction - Dining Table with Extension

Leather Loveseat: 48 L x 34 H x 36 W - available in 7 colors

New introduction - Platform Lattice Queen Bed

Better Late Than Never

2008-12-02T16:43:00.003-06:00

We just happened across an amazing article written by The Chronicle 2 weeks ago. Even though the event has passed, there was some very interesting thoughts to keep in mind this holiday season.

Austin Unchained: Keeping Our Dollars Weird

""In today's national economic climate, it is more important than ever to keep profits here in Austin, rather than sending them to Wall Street," said Frank Lynn, executive director of AIBA. The group estimates that if each Travis Co. household redirected $100 of holiday spending from chain stores to locally owned merchants, the local economy would get a $14 million boost."

"Unless you love the mall, it's generally more fun to browse small, one-of-a-kind neighborhood shops anyway – such as those in AIBA's five Independent Business Investment Zones, areas rich in indie biz storefronts. The atmosphere and merchandise are more eclectic and personal, the service hometown-friendly, the drive shorter, the quality often better."

With all that being said and done we'd like to sum up our thoughts on this article.

Zanzibar's 18th Annual Holiday party is next week!

2008-11-28T16:16:00.003-06:00

Check your emails! We just sent out our invite a few days ago. Did you get it? Come by the store and make sure you are on our guest list. We swear we will never spam or sell your info. That's totally uncool. All we do is send out fun invitations, upcoming sales and new merchandise updates.

Hope to see you on Thursday night!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2008-11-26T10:40:00.008-06:00

Get your Turkey Day fix right here on this blog!

Is that a rafter of turkey centerpiece? You bet it is! Psssst....Rafters are a group of turkeys!

Just in - Onyx swiss cheese cutting boards with slicer. They sold out last year so don't delay!

Ramekin sets and olive trays galore!

Our newest find...

2008-11-24T10:25:00.009-06:00

We couldn't wait to get our hands on this Tansu!

What is a Tansu, you may ponder....Tansu is the word for chest, chest of drawers or cupboard in Japanese. It is often used in the West to refer to traditional Japanese chests, handcrafted and made of fine woods, such as cypress, keyaki, Japanese cedar and koa.

Arrived just in time for the holidays!

An interesting fact about the Tansu... Japanese homes were sparsely furnished. The main piece of furniture was a chest, or a set of chests, easily transportable in case of fire. Chests could easily be taken on land and sea-voyages, at the spur of the moment.

Let's throw in a little bit of variety. Our 36-Drawer Document Tansu makes an amazing jewelry/accessory chest or a decorative home for your important paperwork.

Look up, it's a beautiful view from down here.

2008-11-20T16:44:00.000-06:00

Have you noticed our chandeliers lately? Sometimes it can be overwhelming to walk in the store and keep your eyes in one place. We have treasures everywhere....even in the ceiling! Here are a few chandeliers we adore.

Hello and welcome inside.

The penguins know the way.... they just follow the Moroccan lantern.

There is never a dull moment at Zanzibar. Mark is putting up lights every day. Check out our holiday stars in the 524 parking lot!

Our three-light island pendant makes a fabulous statement above a kitchen island or a bar.

It's beginnning to look a lot like Christmas...

2008-11-19T12:13:00.000-06:00

Holiday golden tin angels. Makes a great addition to your dining table or mantle.

Toast the season with red and black glassware. Be the envy of all your friends at your party. We have your favorite drinks covered!

We have a fabulous collection of unique ornaments. They make perfect gifts for loved ones or keep them for yourself and decorate your tree with style.

You can never have enough mini flying pigs!

Hello from Zanzibar!

2008-11-19T11:49:00.000-06:00

Welcome readers! We are so excited to finally get on the web and have this opportunity to keep our loyal customers informed of all the new and exciting merchandise coming into the store!

With the upcoming holidays, it feels like everyday is Christmas at Zanzibar! We receive boxes and boxes of unique, hand-picked items from around the world at our doorstep. Now we get to offer you a sneak peak of what is new at Zanzibar.

Thank you for visiting our blog and please feel free to post comments. We love comments! Is there something you saw in the store or would like us to carry? Let us know. We are here to help!