There’s something about this crisp air that makes me just want to curl up with a coffee, veg out and enjoy the simple things in life. Unfortunately, I have bills to pay, a business to run and other things that frown upon curling up and vegging out.

I did however fit in an unexpected escape when I visited Red Tree Coffee Shop in Oakley the other day.

I went there for a meeting, and afterward I went to the counter to order a pick-me-up drink before heading out to my next meeting. The barista asks me if I’d like a large, medium or small and points to the example sizes on display. And that’s when I saw quite possibly the cutest things ever: Handmade coffee cup sleeves. They came in all different designs and they’re handmade by a local designer. I’ve never seen anything like them! At first glance, it looks like felt, but the sleeve and designs are actually hand-woven and hand-stitched! At only $9, they are well worth it when you consider all that time and effort, plus the eco friendly and cute-factor!

Wait, there’s more… I turn around and there’s an entire wall of adorable gift items. T-shirts, bags, cards, oh my! I grabbed my drink, and whisked myself away into a browsing bliss. Each item was so unique with simple, nature-inspired prints, modern cuts and soft, sustainable fabrics.

Then I discovered that there’s an amazing art gallery in the back of the coffee shop! It just kept getting better! (Their Web site’s event page has more info about their gallery exhibits)

I couldn’t stay long, but I was so pleasantly surprised to experience such an artsy oasis. I hope you find a way to treat yourself to Red Tree – a coffee shop that’s truly “branching out” … oh boy. I got carried away there.

🙂