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Slow living is a lifestyle that emphasizes a slower, more deliberate pace of life. One way we embrace this lifestyle is by biking to local coffee shops like this one, De Ra Coffee. It has instantly become our favorite bikable and walkable destination.
Nancy Sleeth states, the busyness of modern life has a way of thwarting even the best of intentions.
(from her book Almost Amish)
For us, biking allows Brian and I to take in the beauty of our surroundings, to slow down and enjoy the journey.
And at the end of our very short journey we arrive at a beautiful neighborhood coffee shop, De Ra Coffee.
Local coffee shops have a different tune compared to your typical big box chain cafes. They typically exude a unique atmosphere, kind baristas that understand you must all be in the same community; they also provide a cozy and welcoming environment for those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
By biking to these local shops, one can savor the journey and enjoy a moment of peace and relaxation in the midst of their busy day. Which is our preferred method, slow living style. Its not faster, not always easier but it sure allows a fully experience of all of the senses.
Additionally, by supporting local businesses and choosing to live a slower, more intentional lifestyle, we feel we can cultivate a deeper connection with the community and the world around them. In this specific cafe, they offer the usual cast of characters you would expect in a coffee shop and they thrown in some diverse choices like special teas, sandwiches and sweets such as chocolate covered dates and both pistachio and walnut baklava. I am not totally sure but I do believe there is one gentleman in the kitchen who creates all of the delicious treats displayed in the case out front. This guy is hard at work! And I think eating baklava from someone who really understands baklava and how to handle phyllo dough is a must do!
De Ra Coffee
Incorporating slow living and local businesses
Living intentionally in a busy, busy place (Plano, DFW, pretty much any suburb in Dallas) means making a conscious effort to slow down and focus on the things that truly matter in life. It involves taking the time to reflect on our values, priorities, and goals, and making deliberate choices that align with these ideals. Although it can be challenging in a fast-paced, high-stress urban environment, the intentional living that we incorporate into our lives helps reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve overall well-being.
Some think slow living needs to be conducted in a rural environment or on a country homestead, but alas, its all about the choices we make wherever we are.
Some ways to embrace intentional living in a busy city include taking breaks to connect with nature, practicing mindfulness and meditation, gardening, walking to local businesses, meeting friends at cafes to catch up, walking instead of driving, walking barefoot in the yard, wild foraging, growing herbs, having a picnic in the yard, simplifying activities and commitments, and prioritizing meaningful relationships.
For us, living intentionally is important, and it’s not that we don’t enjoy the same activities as people in the community but rather we prefer to put our unique spin on them. We don’t like “being busy”, driving in traffic or eating out at places that don’t satisfy us on any deeper level than just trying something new. Besides service is a little subpar lately, traffic is a little extra insane and almost everything I make at home is from scratch.
In fact, we turned our home bar into a coffee bar and roast our own green coffee beans in the backyard. I highly recommend these Nicaraguan beans as an excellent choice to add to your morning routine.
We roast ours outdoors because it can get very smoky if we use our stove; however, this is a coffee roasting option if you would like to stick to the indoors:
Brian and I can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose, fulfillment, and connection with ourselves, home life and our community, even in the midst of a hectic urban environment. Hence, our love of this new beautiful Plano coffee shop that is just a hop, skip and a jump away.
The Beauty of Community Coffee Shops
Pull up a chair because we need to talk about De Ra Coffee.
Can we take a moment to hear it for this beautiful new cafe?
When I pull up in my Schwinn, I can already see people inside also enjoying this new beautiful cafe. As they should!
This is an amazing addition to Plano and specifically the East Plano and Murphy/Parker area.
Each independent coffee house tends to have a unique atmosphere and aesthetic and De Ra Coffee is no different.
I was afraid it would be a cafe full of ‘bowling alley/strip mall’ style tables and chairs but much to our surprise, each chair, bench, couch and table was intentionally selected and placed inside. The aesthetic is beautiful and calming.
The design is minimal yet warm with a touch of Scandinavian. I think. I am no design expert but that’s my amateur interpretation.
Either way, we love it and the community seems to embrace it as well.
(As always, this article is not sponsored nor am I a realtor or does the growth of this cafe impact this website. I just like to mention the thinks that I like.)
Supporting Local Businesses
Supporting local businesses is vital for the overall economic health of a community, particularly during tough economic times which I believe will be increasing month after month over the coming years. Local businesses are often the backbone of a community, providing jobs and generating revenue that stays within the local economy. By choosing to support these businesses, consumers can help to create a stronger, more resilient local economy.
Local businesses also tend to offer a more personalized and unique experience for customers. These businesses often have a greater understanding of the local community and are better equipped to cater to the needs and preferences of their customers. By supporting these businesses, customers can enjoy a more personalized shopping experience and feel a greater sense of connection to their community. Plus, these businesses create a perfect place to meet with old neighbors or be introduced to new neighbors amongst us.
Stop at the crossroads. Ask for the old, godly way.
Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.
I hope you find a special place, cafe or local business in your neighborhood that you can stroll over to today, a place of respite, community and something special that allows you to recharge.
You’ll find them at the corner of Park Blvd and Los Rios Blvd, a quiet part of Plano that has needed a coffee shop for far too long.
Welcome to the neighborhood De Ra Coffee, we are glad you are here.
Hours:
| Friday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
. . if you feel inclined, take a peek at some of the latest Texas designs in the shop that you can customize:
