caffe vero, albany.

Caffe Vero is definitely one of my favorite cafes in Albany. It is also one of the cafes that I frequent most often. The location is great, on Lark Street, and the coffee is even better. In my opinion, their coffee is some of the best in the area. Although the space is on the smaller side, there are many little tables at which you are almost always able to find a spot. In addition, there are some prime people-watching seating options along the front windows!

When I come to Caffe Vero, I usually get a cup of their freshly brewed coffee or a cappuccino. The baristas at this cafe specialize in latte art and they are all uniquely gifted. If you stop by, make sure you pick up a punch card! After ten (I think) drinks, you get one free! This is usually when I splurge for a cappuccino. In the summer, their iced coffee is delicious and if you're looking for something a little sweeter, their iced jasmine tea was pretty tasty when I tried it this past summer. During the warmer months, this is a great place to stop by for you caffeine fix before wandering around Washington Park. On an ideal summer day off, I like to stroll down to Dove & Hudson for a browse and then read for a bit in Caffe Vero's cozy atmosphere.

I also have to give Caffe Vero some props for their display of local artists' photography. I appreciate cafes that provide a space for locals to showcase their work.

Caffe Vero's Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 7am-8pm

Friday: 7am-9pm

Saturday: 8am-9pm

Sunday: 8:30am-7pm

Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Cara

5 things I love Tuesday.

It's that time of the week again! I actually haven't done one of these in a while because for whatever twist of fate I always end up busy on Tuesdays. Today was not an exception, but I made a promise to myself I'd get this up and I do not regret the effort one bit!

It was hard to choose the five things I've been loving and/or lusting after recently because I try to keep my list varied and not entirely materialistic. Believe me, it would be rather simple for me to list five pairs of shoes I would love to own (read: typical girl), but I'm not so sure you all would find that very interesting. (:

Alas, I am especially happy with my list this week!

1. vines all over Albany.

If I could choose Albany's second nickname (the first being Smalbany), I would choose Vine City. That's really romanticized sounding, but so be it; Albany looks romantic with vines crawling every which way. Beside, I'm pretty sure at least 90% of people interested in photography would agree that the juxtaposition of nature and urban geometry rarely if ever gets old.

I mentioned in my last post that I want to make some artworks pertaining to vines. I plan on sticking to that! I just need to get ahold of some newspaper, gesso, and my paints.

2. bento boxes.

I've always been very intrigued by the concept of the bento box, but after reading reviews about this bento box cookbook, I'm pretty much sold/totally enamored.

Sometimes, I find myself in a rut when trying to eat healthy because I usually make my food interesting during the cooking process, but vegetables are, as you probably know, most nutritious when raw. These bento box recipes seem like they would always keep things fresh, literally and figuratively. 

The Just Bento Cookbook: Everyday Lunches To Go by Makiko Itoh.

Also, this bento box is RIDICULOSLY cute. You can flip the band that holds it together either onto the happy panda eyebrow side or the angry panda eyebrow side. Eeek!!!

Kotobuki 280-129 2-Tiered Bento Box, Panda Face

3. my double-faced watch.

This is my second purchase of this exact watch! I used to wear my old one every day until I lost it and I hadn't forgotten it since, so I decided to order the same exact one. I'm definitely happy with my decision. It's so unique and goes with basically anything! Although, I do have to deal with the occasional person asking "why would you wear a watch with two faces?" It's called fashion, people! Get with the program!

4. trying new hair styles.

'Nuff said.

5. Juliette Tang: Photographer of Books.

I've loved Juliette Tang's book photography for a while. I feel as though I cannot look at her photos without conjuring up images of myself by an open window on a cool summer day with a book in one hand a steaming cup of tea in the other. You should definitely check out her work!

Photo by Juliette Tang.

Photo by Juliette Tang.

Photo by Juliette Tang.

Thanks so much for reading!!

xoxoxoxoxo

Cara