March Madness Deal #1...TOMS Burlap Classics

     I know you already "like" us, but now we want to say THANKS for that and give you the opportunity to share with your friends 31 give-a-ways in our March Madness contest.  We will be offering a free item for everyday of the month of March...madness, you say?!  Well, yes!

     "Like" and then "Share" our Facebook page and enter to win a FREE pair of these oh-so-comfortable TOMS classic Burlap shoes.  We will ship anywhere in the US except Alaska or Hawaii.  And don't dawdle, you will only have 15 days to claim your prize.
     It's March Madness and it has nothing to do with a round ball!  Let the fun begin!  Click here to start:March Madness with HajPaj Boutique
     Call 336.940.5501 if you'd like to order any of our March Madness products or if you have any questions.  Thank you for supporting HajPaj Boutique!

Labour of Love and Art for Many...Gifts for You!

     While walking through the Global Designs exhibits at the Atlanta Gift Market in January, we were searching for unusual gift items to bring back with us to HajPaj Boutique.  We are just like you in that we don't have to opportunity to explore this vast globe ourselves and experience other cultures, so we kinda savor our time in the Global exhibits.  It is a time where we open ourselves up to the art and wonder of other countries as well as learn about the plight of others in countries that are so far from ours.  The product that caught our eye in January was the bright and colorful, yet versatile fabric from Nepal called felted wool.
     According to Global Goods Partners "felt is the oldest man-made textile known, predating knit and woven cloth.  In fact, archaeologists have found fragments of felt in Asia dating back to the Bronze Age".  Today, the art of felting is found in many Asian countries, especially in Nepal.  The Nepalese women have developed the craft not only to clothe themselves and their families, but more importantly to provide a much needed income for their families. The women of Nepal have long since been persecuted and abused by past political unrest, so the skilled manufacture of felted wool products provide them with security and refuge.

     Felted wool is produced by wetting layers of sheep's wool with soap and water and when the fibers are agitated they form a dense fabric.  And when high intensity dyes are added to the process, bright textiles are formed and can be stretched and sewn into many types of items.

     We chose BNB Crafts to form an alliance with in order to bring you the highest quality felted wool products from Nepal. They were established in 2001 "to create job opportunities for semi-skilled and skilled woman to help to increase their self-reliance and to improve their living standards" BNB Crafts is devoted to preserving and promoting Nepalese craftsmanship.
     Since social responsibility is foremost in our minds when dealing with global companies, we ask the hard questions when it comes to fair trade and, what we call "the giving back" aspect of their business. We were not disappointed with BNB Crafts when we learned that they are dedicated to sharing profits towards the education of Nepalese children, in particular to those that are dependents of the women working in the Nepal wool industry.

We have several styles and patterns of these brightly color handbags!

     Now that we have talked about the serious, but very important, aspects of felted wool let's talk about the beautiful, colorful, and useful side of this Nepal export.  We picked up some of the cutest wool children's gifts we had ever seen and we are positive you will agree!  We have just unpacked child-sized handbags, coin purses (that women have been buying for themselves), and hair accessories.

We stocked coin purses to match the handbags, but they can be used alone!

     These handbags and coin purses are of the highest quality craftsmanship.  They are lined in hand sewn satin in a complimentary color.  Ladies are loving these for themselves as a way to keep their own handbags organized!  You are only limited by your own imagination!

We love these sweet hair clips...perfect for any hair style!

     Please plan to stop in soon to check out these new products.  We are proud to carry them and proud to know that there are families on the other side of our globe that are fast at work producing them and helping to not only make beautiful items, but are confident in themselves for providing for their families at the same time.  How fabulous!  Call 336.940.5501 with any questions.  See you soon!

Lottie Dotties...an Ever Changing Look!

     We've had smashing success with our Lottie Dottie line of magnetic, interchangeable jewelry from The Good Bead company.  It offers ladies an affordable way to buy one necklace, ring, or bracelet and interchange the magnetic Dottie thus affording dozens of looks with a quick switch. Back in an April 2012 blog, we looked at The Good Bead and all of their charity works.  At HajPaj Boutique we select companies that we align ourselves with based on several criteria.  One of those is what does a company give back to its community or the world at large.  The Good Bead meets and exceeds that criteria by supporting many charities.  This is their mission statement: "The Good Bead is a socially conscious company committed to building awareness and supporting causes that improve the lives of others and the world we live in." We applaud that philosophy.  Check out their story here: April 2012 Lottie Dotties by The Good Bead
     The good news this week is that we have totally updated our line of Lottie Dotties by receiving a huge shipment of new jewelry pieces and handfuls of dotties. These new pieces will give you so many more choices when selecting gifts or items for yourself.  The huge number of new dotties will allow you to update your current collection to keep on trend with the latest Spring colors and fashions.

     As we've said before, Each dottie has a super strong magnet that is attached to the bottom and the tops are so varied in style, color, and shine that one sometimes out does the other.  All of the Lottie Dotties are silver-plated and extremely affordable. Lottie Dotties let you change your look as easy and as often as you change your mind!  It's our prerogative, you know!

     Stop in soon for the best selection!  Give us a call at 336.940.5501 if you have any questions!

Lips and Wine...Must be Valentines!

     We've just restocked our DeVine Lip Shimmers at the perfect time...Valentines Day! Back in February of 2012 our Haj Paj Boutique blog explored the anatomy of lips and the amazing restorative properties of red wine polyphenols and resvertrol. These natural ingredients are found in the DeVine Lip Shimmers.  Please revisit our blog at this link: Devine Lip Shimmers Feb 2012.  It is an in-depth look at  this ALL NATURAL product.  We keep these lip shimmers in stock all year long and are excited to be one of the first to stock their newest look!  Same fantastic product, but all new packaging.  And don't forget that DeVine Lip Shimmers are made in the USA...now that's divine!

     Hope to see you soon!  Or give us a call at 336-940-5501 we'd love to tell you the "varietals" we have in stock...Happy Valentines Day!

Headbands for your head AND your heart!

    The Accessories Market in Atlanta last month was a smashing success for us at HajPaj Boutique for two reasons: 1) the weather was awesome!  Most people in the South were experiencing some unseasonably warm weather, so that made travel to and from the actual downtown market buildings so much easier and enjoyable.  2) We found some fantastic products and having the dilemma of choosing the best ones for our customers was a great problem to have.

    One of the first things we found were the Banded headbands.  We fell in love with the fact that they were fabric headbands that were of a patent pending design guaranteed not to slip, pinch, pull, or squeeze your hair or head.  Nothings worse than to have a headache at the end of the day just because you want to have your hair pulled back and out of your way.
     The velvet backing on the band keeps the headband in place all day long...even if you are very active throughout the day.  The Opti-Size patent pending technology employs a special plastic sleeve/elastic assembly that allows the band to easily adjust to any size head thus the comfort of all day wear.  And the high quality, exceptional fit comes in an affordable package.  Wow, all that in one cute headband...

These are just a few of the 12 designs we carry in the store

     But, wait, you've known us long enough to know that comfort and affordability isn't the only thing we care about.  We care deeply about products that go that one step further and the Banded headbands definitely do.  For every Banded headband, purchased three meals are donated to a child through Amazima Ministries.

     Amazima Ministries is AMAZING!  They are dedicated to helping the most impoverished people, particularly women and children, of Uganda.  As an 18 year old girl from Tennessee, Katie Davis traveled to Uganda for the first time and she was immediately struck by the overwhelming needs of that country.  In two short years, Katie started a school, a feeding program, a 501(c)(3) organization called Amazima, and she adopted 3 children of her own at only 20 years of age.  Katie feels she is truly called to help the children of this country. Today her feeding program nourishes over 1200 children Monday through Friday. Your purchase of a Banded headband makes this program possible.

     Currently, Katie is the adoptive mother to 13 daughters and she's only 25 years old.  Katie says "People tell me I am brave. People tell me I am strong. People tell me good job.  Well here is the truth of it.  I am really not that brave, I am not really that strong, and I am not doing anything spectacular.  I am just doing what God called me to do..."  Well, let us tell you, we think Katie is truly amazing and we wish for two seconds to have the heart that she has...she's is a one-of-a-kind!
     Check out Amazima for yourself and consider donating...it is truly worthwhile.
http://www.amazima.org  We hope you'll stop in to HajPaj Boutique and choose the perfect Banded headband for you!  See ya soon!

CHRIS’MUS...With Gullah Gourmet

Gullah Gourmet Shrimp and Grits

     At Haj-Paj Boutique we just restocked our favorite comfort food from the extensive, delicious line of foods from Gullah Gourmet out of Charleston, South Carolina.  These foods have sold quickly each and every time we get new shipments.  This is the time of the year when you love to have good, hot foods in the house, but you don't have time to cook them.  These Gullah foods are so easy to prepare and can be thrown together at the last minute when friends and family gather.
     We last explored the Gullah traditions in our post back in March of this year. Read the post and see our other Gullah Gourmet products here: Flabuh...A history of the Gullah tradition The past blog posting told of how the Gullah history played a part in the creation of the company Gullah Gourmet. We have restocked all the old favorites and have added three new ones just in time for your holiday entertaining.

     Mornin' Glory is a black walnut syrup that adds that sweet, nutty flavor to your flap jacks, waffles, and french toast.  It would be such an awesome addition to ice cream, too! Yum, can't you just taste the sweetness right now?

      Lobsta Pasta is out-of-this-world great! The white sauce will make you "Slap Yaself Silly" and delight your taste buds.  The bag contains angel hair pasta and a wonderful cream sauce.

       Can't Miss Seafood Bisque is a white sauce based bisque that is "lip-smaking" good and warms you on those cold winter afternoons.  You just "can't miss" it!








     Stop in soon and join us in a tasting of all of these new delights!  And as always, Haj-Paj Boutique wishes each one of you a safe and warm Holiday Season!

Abilene Boots...New Styles just In!

     Since we started carrying Abilene boots at Haj-Paj Boutique in July, these boots have literally been running out of the store!  Our customers have been so impressed with the leather quality, the workmanship, the style, the comfort, and best of all, the PRICE.  All of us in the store own a pair...actually we all own the same pair...the 9027 and we have no problem wearing them all day without a complaint of discomfort (and some of our feet are older than others!).
     We wear them with a variety of looks...from straight-leg jeans tucked in to boot cut jeans worn outside to sassy little dresses...there is nothing that you can't wear with these boots.

The 4551

     We added two new boot styles to our stock that we just received late last week and we wanted you to be the first to know.  The 4551 is made of what Abilene calls "Brown Bomber Jacket" leather with a bronze leather cross and trim. The snip toe is adorned with actual bronze metal accents.  And just for a little height and walking comfort, the 4551 has a 1 1/2 inch heel.

The 9012

     The second style we received is the 9012.  This deep brown boot is made with a "Waxed Cowhide" and sports a hand laced detail on the 11" shaft. The sole of the boot is all leather as well and the boot features what Abilene calls a "covered wagon toe" which we think looks like a more rounded snip toe. Like the 4551, it also has the 1 1/2 inch heel.
     As all Abilene boots are, these boots are made in America with fine American craftsmanship. The Abilene Boot Company has been making boots for over 30 years and has developed a reputation for it's exceptional quality at exceptional affordability.  And don't forget its patented Air Ride Comfort System...all you can say is "AAHHHHH" at the end of the day!

     One last note concerning Abilene boots and some things we hear from customers.  When listening to our customers we sometimes hear that they think their "calves are too big" to wear cowboy boots...well, we say No Way!  We carry a short boot with a 9 inch shaft especially made for ladies with this complaint.  It is also kickin' hot! The 9151 is made with a Brandy-colored soft textured cowhide with an all leather outsole and a snip toe.
     So ladies, nothing is stopping you from coming to Haj-Paj Boutique today and purchasing a new pair of

The 9151

Abilene Boots.  Don't forget, they make an awesome Christmas gift for someone special on your list this year.  Make sure you drop the appropriate number of Holiday Hints that you too want a boot box under your tree this Christmas!  Call us at 336-940-5501 if you want to place an order or have any questions for us.  Talk to you soon...Happy Shopping!

 Check out our original blog posting when we first introduced the boots back in July July Abilene Boot Blog Post.

Themed Christmas trees...What's your style? Part Two

     In our last blog post, we learned about how the evergreen symbolized "everlasting life" to people as early as the Romans and Egyptians.  In the 16th century, Germany is credited with beginning the original Christmas tree traditions.  We know from reading that the popular Queen Victoria was instrumental in making the decorated Christmas tree a standard in homes and that just by copying her Americans quickly adopted the practice.  Today, the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree is steeped in many American households. 
     At Haj-Paj Boutique, we took the job of purchasing the perfect ornaments for your tree very seriously!  We spent many hours at the Atlanta market this summer choosing ornaments that will fit most any theme you have in mind. Part One of this blog outlined some suggestions for tree themes.  We hope you will take the time to consider what your theme will be and stop in and let us help you!  Here are a few more suggestions:

• Woodland or Nature Tree--how about a tree adorned with pine cones, grapevines, branches, and even "snow"!  You could add birds, owls, squirrels, and sprinkle it with "stars".

•  An Advent Tree--This is a fun and meaningful theme for a tree where children can get involved in counting down those long days until Christmas.  You could hang small "presents" on the tree that could be taken down one day at a time leading up to Christmas.  Kids will get a kick out of "un-decorating" the tree!

•  Vintage Aluminum Tree--Raise your hand if you remember the shiny, silver tree in your grandmother's house or your own house that had the color wheel that would throw red, green, blue, and yellow light on the tree?!  Well, those trees are making a come-back...all things old are new again!  Be the first on your street to take a trip back in time!

      Some other ideas for your tree might be using that deco poly mesh that has been so popular or how about a patriotic themed tree?  If you are an animal lover there are a myriad of ways to incorporate that theme into your tree this year.  Decorating a Christmas tree is a terrific way to express your own personal taste...a way to show your family and friends how creative and inspired you are at the holidays!
     Stop in the store today and let your Haj-Paj family set you on your way to create a new theme for your tree or to add to an existing theme.  We'd love to be a part of your holiday!

Themed Christmas Trees...What's Your Style? Part One

     Don't we all wish that we could hire an interior designer to decorate our Christmas tree each year?  Well, at Haj-Paj Boutique that is often a dream we voice out loud...really loud! But instead we focused all of our energy at the July market in Atlanta selecting just the right THEME for our store Christmas trees.  While you guys were on the beach, at Summer picnics, and riding roller coasters we were thinking winter, cold, and Christmas!  Don't get me wrong; it was fun and fruitful for us and we KNOW we've selected just the right ornaments for your tree.
     Let's step back in time for just a moment and explore why we decorate Christmas trees in the first place...'cause if you really think about it, why would you cut down a tree, bring it in your home, and hang things on it??  Thousands of years ago, the evergreen was symbolic to the ancient Egyptians, Romans, Druids, and Vikings as 'everlasting life' since these trees stay green all year round.

Martin Luther, 16th Century

     Fast forward to Germany in the 16th Century, which is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we know it today, found devout Christians bringing evergreens into their homes to decorate them.  It is widely believed that Martin Luther, the 16th Century reformer, was the first to add 'light' to the trees by adding candles.

Queen Victoria 1846

     By 1846, popular royals Queen Victoria and her German Prince Albert, were seen standing with their children around a decorated Christmas tree. Because Victoria was a popular Queen, everyone copied her...including the people on the East Coast of America...and so the American Christmas tree was born!  By the 1890's, Christmas tree ornaments were arriving from Germany and Christmas tree popularity was on the rise in America.
     The early 20th century brought electricity to trees making it possible for trees to glow day after day.  Lighted and decorated Christmas trees began to appear everywhere and having a Christmas tree in your home became an American tradition.(http://www.history.com)
     Back to Haj-Paj Boutique and the year 2012...believe it or not, but it's that time of year again...time to drag out all of our time-honored Christmas traditions, all of our time-weathered outdoor decorations, and all of our time-worn family Christmas tree decorations. How will you decorate your tree this year?
     Consider some of these options as you think of a theme for your tree:

All white and Gold

• Color--will your tree be monochromatic?  Perhaps an all red tree or all blue.  Maybe you'll select the traditional colors of red and green or spice it up with jewel tones. Or the dramatic effect of an all white tree...how fabulous!
• Children's Art Projects--every year our children bring us home their school-made ornaments and planning one of your trees around these treasures makes Christmas all the more special.

Childrens' Art Projects

• Beach Inspired--Here in North Carolina we are fortunate to have an entire coastline of beautiful beaches, so if you live in a state much like ours or if you'd like to dream of living in coastal state, perhaps a beach inspired tree will be just the one for you!

     As you think about these ideas, give us a few more days and we'll give you some more INSPIRATIONS!!!  Part Two coming soon!

In the meantime, stop by the store and check out all the 

ornaments we stocked just for your next themed tree!  

Or maybe you just need one fabulous ornament for a 

gift or an exchange...we got it!

Re-Post: Meet Danny K Handbags...Fabulous for Fall!

     We've just restocked our Danny K Handbags by introducing two new patterns.  We are also still stocking the two other patterns that have been in demand and selling strong since Spring.  Enjoy being reintroduced to Danny Kong, Handbag Designer, with this blog re-post from February 14, 2012.  Stop by and check out all the patterns and pick up a bag perfect for all your Fall outfits!
     February 14, 2012: Meet Danny Kong, or Danny K, the designer and handbag engineer we met at market in January.  His fabric handbags are a study in engineering like nothing we'd ever seen.  He laughed when we told him he'd have to come to the store just to demonstrate all the pockets, hidden zippers, the versatile strap systems; not to mention the gorgeous fabrics.  He amazed us with his ingenuity and attention to detail and had us laughing at his humor!

     Born in Thailand into a family of shoemakers, Danny Kong worked as a shoe designer in the family business while attending college.  After detouring into interior design he returned to his first love of accessory design. Adding to his early experience making shoes, Danny K. sought additional training in pattern making and has established a reputation for handcrafting the highest quality handbags. He meticulously hand cuts the fabric in every bag to highlight the beauty and design of the fabric. And to make this story the best ever...each bag is handmade in the USA!  How cool is that?!

Come by the store to see the actual fabrics we stock

      Danny K. has sent bags to customers in every state in the US and his bags have been sold at high end shops coast to coast...from the Luxor Hotel (the big black pyramid on the Las Vegas strip) to the National Gallery of Art (in Washington, DC). 

These are just a few of the styles we have!

       We couldn't get photos of the new fabrics for Spring or for the bag styles we stock in the store...sorry...that just means we'll get to see your smiling face when you come by and check them out for yourself.  Good deal for us!   

Coin Purse

Cell phone holder