Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Last Call, 2015
Posted By Christa Zaro on December 30, 2015, 4:00 AM
I'm done. I give up. I resign 2015 and am forging ahead to all of the opportunity and possibility that a new year represents. If you're anything like me, you're feeling as if you overindulged your appetite and overextended your wallet. Seriously, my cells have turned into a bloated mess of sugar and Andami prosecco. What do I do now besides feel guilty and cut out coffee for about two days? I go inward to those places that fill my soul with comfort, warmth and healing. It's time to ditch my coffee, add extra days of hot yoga at Salt Lake Power Yoga and of course, go shopping on a different level. I have a two favorite "secret" spaces that are sacred to me. There's no need to buy anything, yet, but you can definitely browse for later. But, take it all in.
My favorite hideout is a store called Dancing Cranes Imports (673 E. Simpson Ave., Salt Lake City, 801-486-1129, DancingCranesImports.com). The shop is tucked a little off of 700 East and 2200 South. Upon entering, my nervous system immediately slows down with the sound of devotional music playing—think Krishna Das, Loreena McKennitt or Tibetan chants. This store is a hippie love-fest of gifts, chimes, wall hangings, rocks, crystals, books and anything you can think of for your spiritual advancement. The other reason I visit is for the Solstice tacos at the adjoining vegetarian café called Café Solstice. I've been eating these tacos since they were first served at New Frontiers, which later became Wild Oats, then Whole Foods, and, then, goodbye, tacos. Here they are in all their glory, just the way I remember, with miso paste and cheese as a base, sunflower seeds, salad greens and topped with zingy cilantro dressing.
Golden Braid Books (151 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City, 801-322-1162, GoldenBraidBooks.com) is another spiritual haven. When I'm feeling used up, I love to browse this gift shop and book section dedicated to conscious living, like Buddhism, meditation, healing, self-help, yoga women's studies and cooking. Right now, I'm eyeing the new Gloria Steinem book, My Life on the Road ($28). A great start to any new year is to buy a beautiful calendar or journal, of which Golden Braid has a vast selection. Let go of the digital world for a moment and remember what it's like to actually write about your feelings rather than click a "thumbs up" on Facebook. Enlighten yourself with a psychic reading with one of the Braid's renowned psychics available seven days a week. You can walk in or reserve an appointment. Readings are $45 for 30 minutes, $60 for 40 minutes and $80 for 60 minutes. Also, every third Wednesday, you can sample all three readers for 20 minutes each for only $25. The next psychic sampler date is Jan. 20.
Lastly, I am resigning my post as Shop Girl. This "little" column has been so fun to write, but my desire now is to build on my relations with my family, especially my young boys. I'm still here in Salt Lake City, always shopping and championing for all of the great stores that make this city bright. Thank you. CW
More by Christa Zaro
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Magic in Their Eyes
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Gift Guide 2015
More than 80 ways to give to the people you love (and buy local)
- Dec 10, 2015
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Good Graces
Not only are these gifts fun to shop for, but you'll charm your hosts every time.
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