Buzz Blog

click to enlarge

• Tea Grotto

I agreed to write this column a few months ago, just after I tore my rotator cuff while skiing at Deer Valley. Some idiot ran into me on the kiddie slopes, and I fell directly on my shoulder causing a 100 percent tear. I had to have surgery and, for several weeks, wasn't able to shop for clothes or even drive a car. What's a girl to do? I hired a handler and looked inward. Nanny Nora came to my rescue and carted my ass around town. She even had to carry my shopping bags and my 52-ounce stainless-steel Sigg water bottle.

Since I am trying to follow an Ayurvedic healing plan, tea is in, and coffee is out. I love the Tea Grotto (401 E. 900 South, 801-466-8255, TeaGrotto.co, Instagram: TheTeaGrotto). I'm here seeking some medicinal teas to help with my recovery. The knowledgeable tearista helped me choose a ginseng tea from among more than 140 loose teas.

I also bought Yogi's Blend and the Genmaicha, which is tea made with roastedbrown rice. The tea-infused Chai Bundt cake was beyond perfect.

click to enlarge

• Golden Braid Books

Other Tea Grotto products worth checking out include: cast-iron teapots from China ($50), ceramic Bea House tea pots ($40) in spring pastels, and Japanese tea cups, yerba-mate gourds, tea canisters and matcha bowls—not your typical Crate & Barrel fare.

More than 20 years ago, Golden Braid Books was located at 213 E. 300 South, in the spot that now houses Kulaaya imported-furniture store. I felt like such a rebel hippie going in there then. Its new location (51 S. 500 East, 801-322-1162, GoldenBraidBooks.com) is beautiful and light-filled.

Since I have more than six weeks of down time, I'm going to need lots of nourishment for my mind and soul. Golden Braid is chock full of books on meditation, health & wellness, expanding consciousness, Buddhism, poetry, art, literature, dreams, Hinduism, Islam, color and auras. There is a vast selection of journals, notecards, children's books, candles, incense and wind chimes. This is not your grandma's patchouli-scented incense shop but a sophisticated place for conscious shopping. Think Rumi, Pema Chodran, Neruda and Terry Tempest Williams. Golden Braid will not disappoint. You will find something to buy while finding yourself.

My Faves:

click to enlarge

Ceramic tea vessels, mugs and match bowls: Starting at $35
From local artist Ernest Gentry, sold at the Tea Grotto.

Crazy Sexy Kitchen: $24.99
A vegan cookbook written by vivacious cancer survivor Kris Carr, available at Golden Braid Books.

A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles: $14.95
A practical guide to mediation with young children by Thich Nhat Hanh. Available at Golden Braid Books.

Shop Girl Tip:
When you eat at Oasis Café (which adjoins Golden Braid Books) and buy one item (even a cup of coffee), you receive a coupon good for 20 percent off merchandise in the bookstore. Golden Braid also offers daily psychic/intuitive readings from a variety of mediums and intuitives. Call to schedule an appointment at 801-322-1162.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10. Don’t forget your mom, the person who cleaned the toilets and prepared your food every damned day! You can easily find something for Mom at the Tea Grotto and Golden Braid Books.

Follow Christa on Twitter @ChristaZaro and on Instagram @phillytoslc.