If you still have last minute gifts to buy and want to avoid the mall, consider shopping in downtown Kent. Both Kent Station and Kent’s historic district have some unique options. Here are a few of my favorites:

Earthworks Gem Design Studio: Steve St. Louis has some beautiful, unique pieces of jewelry that your sweetheart will love.

Heartbeat Yoga & Healing Arts: Consider a gift certificate to treat a loved one to a yoga or tai chi class or a massage treatment.

Balanced Athlete: This First Avenue shop has a great selection of running gear including exercise clothing, shoes and more. Owner Eric Sach can hook you up with something perfect for the athlete on your gift list.

Cypriana: This natural home store features wonderfully natural and organic products for home, bath and baby. In addition, owner Susan Thomas is an expert at designing custom slipcovers and embroidery for your home.

Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage: Treat yourself or a friend to a delightful massage, facial, skin care treatment or waxing. The personal care boutique also has some great stocking stuffers including make-up bags, eye masks, make-up, brushes and more.

English Cottage Collection: This darling shop on W. Meeker St. has different items every time I stop in. Filled with home decor, baby and gift items, this store has something for everyone in every price range.

American Charm: American Charm, also on W. Meeker, has a wide variety of fun, trendy and eclectic gift items, including home decor, children’s gifts, stuffed animals, purses, jewelry and more. You’ll love this shop’s American charm.

Children’s Bookshop: I love this lively children’s book store which is full of great books, learning tools, games, toys, teaching supplies and more. Find the ideal gift for the child or teacher in your life.

Renaissance Yarns: Now at Kent Station next to Dave’s MiniHobby Shop, Renaissance Yarns has a beautiful selection of yarns, patterns, knitting tools and other gift items for the creative one on your list. Not sure what to buy? Ask Nancy or her helpful staff to make some suggestions.

Just the Thing: For the fashionista in your family, check out Just the Thing at Kent Station. This charming boutique specializes in custom jean fittings. Buy a gift certificate so your fashionable friend can pick out her favorite jeans.

Marie Haggin Accessories: Now next to Chico’s at Kent Station, Marie Haggin Accessories has hundreds of gift ideas including unique purses, handmade jewelry, wedding crystal, fashion accessories and more. You’ll never find the same thing twice.

Peridot Nail Salon: Tired from your holiday shopping? Stop by Peridot at Kent Station and enjoy a manicure or pedicure. Afterward, you’ll feel refreshed and ready for your next holiday task.

Topaz: If you’ve got trendy, young shoppers to buy for, visit Topaz, next to Road Runner at Kent Station. This new fashion boutique has great, affordable pieces you won’t find anywhere else in Kent.

Other possibilities for last minute gifts include: Bella home & garden, City Frame, Discovery Shop, Goju Karate & Pilates, Salon Avoni, Howell’s Religious Books, Distinctive Images Barber Shop and Styling Salon, NW Electrology & Permanent Makeup, Nature’s Vignettes and more. To learn more about these businesses, visit Kent Downtown Partnership or Kent Station online.

If you’ve worked up an appetite shopping, try one of downtown Kent’s many restaurants for lunch, dinner, coffee or a cocktail:

Wild Wheat Bakery & Cafe, Kona Kai Coffee, Spiro’s Greek Island Restaurant, Shindig Martini Bar, Bittersweet, Maggie’s on Meeker, Vibe Bar and Grill, Bev’s Cucina, Pat’s Bar & Grill, Zephyr, Zao Noodle Bar, Johnny Rockets, Pizzeria Fondi, Duke’s Chowder House, Chipotle Mexican Grill, The Ram, Dillettante Mocha and Espresso, Jamba Juice and more.

Happy Holidays,

Dana Blozis
Virtually Yourz

If you haven’t checked out downtown Kent lately, you are missing out on some great businesses as well as some wonderful dining and shopping options. Check out the latest list of local businesses, in the heart of downtown Kent:

Earthworks Gem Design Studio
Bella home and garden
City Frame
Heartbeat Yoga & Healing Arts
Vibe Bar & Grill
Cypriana
Wild Wheat Bakery & Cafe
Spiro’s Greek Island Restaurant
Shindig Martini Bar
The Balanced Athlete
Discovery Shop
Bittersweet Restaurant
Goju Karate and Pilates
Salon Avoni
Howell’s Religious Books
Distinctive Images Barber Shop & Styling Salon
NW Electrology & Permanent Make-up
Perk Up Place
Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage

This weekend the historic district and businesses on Meeker Street are celebrating with their annual Holiday Open House. Visit www.kentdowntown.org for details.

Last Friday I decided it was time for a massage, so I made an appointment with massage therapist extraordinaire Roxanne Lapping. The experience was much different than I expected. I had been to the studio before, so I knew the decor was beautiful and peaceful with amazing artwork and antique furniture. What I didn’t know was that Roxanne knows much more than how to give a good massage. She could tell how healthy I was by the feel of my muscles and skin and how they reacted to touch, but she was also able to sense that something else was going on – perhaps a food allergy! She offered helpful advice and some additional resources where I could get more information. It was a great experience. For more info., visit their website: Heartbeat Yoga & Healing Arts.

Heartbeat is located on First Avenue South in downtown Kent.

I once took a yoga class at a YWCA where the instructor was so far beyond my conservative sensibilities that I just couldn’t relate. I could follow the poses, but I couldn’t relax because the instructor was so “out there.” My friend and I kept giggling every time our teacher said something off-the-wall (the violet drains in the floor will carry away your stress…) Anyway, I shied away from yoga after that but was reintroduced to it last year, when I met yoga instructor and co-owner Linda Lapping of Heartbeat Yoga & Healing Arts. I started with the viniyoga beginner series and loved it. Not only is Linda a wonderful instructor, but she’s calm, patient and grounded not to mention incredibly flexible! The classes are small enough where she can give each student individual attention.

Her studio on First Avenue South in downtown Kent is also beautiful with its hard wood floors and soft lighting. In addition, to the yoga classes, the studio features spa services including massage by co-owner Roxanne Lapping. I have not had one of her massages yet, but a friend has and said Roxanne is wonderful. If you are looking for a yoga class with an experienced teacher or a relaxing massage, check out Heartbeat. You will love it!