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 (Thursday)?

1. Breaking Bad.

I have been borderline unhealthily obsessed with Breaking Bad. I watched my first episode a couple weeks ago and have since completed two seasons. After watching the first few episodes, I was so emotionally and intellectually challenged that I didn't know if I could handle continuing to watch the show, but I persevered and now I am a full-on addict. It's been getting in the way of cleaning my room... Whoopsy!

2. Light Witch's Blog/Tumblr.

Image from Light Witch's Tumblr.

Image from Light Witch's Tumblr.

I had been familiar with Light Witch because I follow her on Instagram. Her username is light_witch if you are interested in checking her out. I'm not sure how I stumbled upon her blog, but I'm so glad I did. I love the whimsical and ethereal quality of her photography. When I look at her images, I feel transported.

3. My social work friends!

I am so grateful to have met so many amazing people during my social work studies. It really is true that if you pursue your genuine interests, you will likely find friends who have similar mentalities as yourself. Thursday social work happy hours were one of my favorite memories from last semester!

4. Rimmel Kate Moss Lipsticks.

Image from TBE Blog.

Recently, I've been getting really into wearing bright colored lipsticks again. I had heard about the Kate Moss lipsticks on YouTube, so I decided to pick one up while at CVS one day. I bought a deep reddish-fuchsia color and I was so surprised by both the color pay-off and lasting power, especially considering the price point of about $5.00. I was so impressed that I recently went back and bought a more true red shade. So excited to rock a bold lip!

5. Afterglow Photography App for iPhone.

I've really been enjoying the Afterglow photo editing app for iPhone. I mainly use it for its light leak options. There are different light leak overlays you can place on top of your photos. You can control the intensity and orientation of the leaks, as well. I like the lomography-esque effect these leaks give to an image. They just add so much character! The app also allows you to tweak your images in more standard ways, like by playing with contrast, brightness, etc.

Thanks so much for reading!

xoxo

Cara

The Charles F. Lucas Confectionery & Wine Bar.

I first heard of the Charles F. Lucas Confectionery & Wine Bar from my friend Chris. From his description of an intimate setting with kitsch decoration and sweets, I immediately knew this was somewhere I needed to check out. First, I visited with Erika about a week ago and I went again yesterday to grab drinks with Alex before she leaves for D.C.

The ambience of this wine bar is incredible. I almost feel transported to another time when I walk in, as if the entrance door were some kind of time portal. After speaking with the owners, I learned that they traveled around the country gathering inspiration from different wine bars along the way. They wanted to create a space that truly captured the essence of Troy and the city's history. As soon as you walk into the wine bar, you can tell these founders have refined taste and an impeccable aesthetic.

Anyone who's known me for a bit knows that I am a huge red wine fan and the glasses of red wine that I have tried thus far at this bar have been delicious. I can't wait to try one of the cheese platters! After all, wine and cheese goes down as one of the most perfect combinations in history.

Having grown up in Troy, I've always had a soft spot for the city. Troy has kind of held a rougher reputation in the past, but I feel that, as of late, certain parts of the city have really been bustling in a positive way, particularly in the Antique District and its surrounds. I have plans to spend more time in Troy and to visit the Charles F. Lucas Confectionery & Wine Bar again soon.

Thanks for reading! If you haven't already liked my page on Facebook, please do!

xoxox

hudson with bear.

I have been incredibly fortunate over the past few weeks in that my best friend, Erika a.k.a Bear, has been home on break from grad school. We decided to take a little day-trip to Hudson to check out the vintage shops. The vintage stores have very odd and sparse hours and almost all of them were closed on the Wednesday we visited. However, we still made the most of our trip.

It was also incredibly cold outside that day. We decided we could not make the most of our day until we got a nice beverage in our systems, therefore we headed to Mexican Radio.

The decorations in Mexican Radio were so colorful and fun. Also, I will always advocate for string lights... anywhere.

earrings, Ann Taylor Loft.

After some yummy grub, we headed to the Spotty Dog, a cafe/art-shop/bar/bookstore. How could you resist?

  

Our last stop of the day was Swallow Coffee for a warm beverage before the long walk back to our parking spot. It can be difficult to find non-metered parking in Hudson and we ended up parking quite a distance from the main drag.

Once we read "coconut rooibos tea" on the menu, we had to give it a try. I honestly think it was the most delicious smelling tea I've ever had!

jacket, Urban Outfitters; scarf, Forever 21; hoodie, American Apparel; jeans, Ann Taylor Loft; black oxfords, Aldo; bag, Alexander Wang replica from this ebay seller.

We hope to go back again soon when the weather is better and when the majority of the vintage/consignment shops are open. It was still a very fun trip and I recommend it to anyone in the area!

xoxo