Making art and exploring the psyche merge in life coach Eva Ruland’s SoulCollage® workshops, offered in an artists’ studio in Berkeley. Convert, in Berkeley’s Fourth Street shopping district, caters to folks who are fond of fashion and the environment. Wooden Window in Oakland is all about restoring old-fashioned doors and windows to their former glory. From sports bras to silver charms, Berkeley’s 21-year-old Title Nine (now in a new Fourth Street location) specializes in outfitting female athletes.

Berkeley Hat Company, open for 30 years, has the largest complete hat collection in California. Modernaire in downtown Berkeley kicks ’50s style into the new century. Bee Healthy Honey Shop in Oakland satisfies your entire bee wants and needs. Arjan Flowers in Berkeley creatively designs custom floral arrangements for all occasions.

Quake Busters, a 27-year-old Oakland company owned by retrofitting expert Jerome Lenoir, specializes in smart, affordable strategies to shake-proof your home’s foundation. Mrs. Dalloway’s Literary & Garden Arts on College Avenue in Berkeley offers contemporary books, old-fashioned gardening supplies, and civilized browsing. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) in Berkeley hosts university-quality classes for lovers of learning who just happen to be 50 and over. Newly opened Books Inc. on 4th Street in Berkeley keeps eager readers current with a range of hardback, paper, and digital tomes.

Community conscious and green as all get-out, Ackerman’s Servicing Volvos in Berkeley isn’t your average auto repair shop. Mike’s Bikes, the well-known Northern California chain, goes global with the culture-bridging Africa Bike Drive. Recycled equals resplendent at re4m, the trendy Montclair boutique. Also in Montlcair, the magpie, a hip shopping haven, offers everything from skateboards to Michael Stars.

Oakland’s Pan Theater offers comedy improv classes for would-be stars, and good times for all. Albert & Eve Organics delivers farm-fresh fruits and veggies to your doorstep. Bohemian Nefeli Caffe, located near the U.C. Berkeley campus, hosts literary events left and right. Remember Bo Derek? Berkeley’s Lounge Nail Spa revives the “perfect 10.” Shop Talk alternates monthly with Bay Tripping.