NYC TRAVEL DIARIES || HARLEM CAFES + SWEETS

Since moving to Harlem, I've found a ton of really great coffeeshops, cafes and restaurants that I absolutely love and can't stop talking about. I had never considered myself a foodie, but something about Harlem's vibe and culture has really tapped into the inner foodie within me. With it being summer vacation, I've had a ton of extra time on my hands to explore the neighborhood and discover a few really awesome places. Here's a list of my top three favorite cafes so far:

Love Café - 283 Pleasant Avenue
Love Café is a really cute spot not too far from my house. When I walked inside for the first time, I fell in love with the bold orange on the walls and the hustle and bustle of the place. Being within walking distance with several elementary and high school, Love Café seems to be the hot spot with the local kids and teens. The menu is super cute and is what you would expect from a local café or deli. I ordered a vanilla chai latte with a slice of chocolate cake and it was all so delicious. Because the bar was full, I wandered to the back of the café where little tables were.

Crepe Café - 1642 Lexington Avenue
One word: AMAZING! This cafe was a bit of a walk for me... probably a 30 minute walk in platform  sandals, but it was well worth it once I walked in and ordered. Angel taught me that when going to a new restaurant it's always a good idea to ask the people who work there for their recommendations; naturally, they know what everything on the menu tastes like and have a good idea of what's popular. Just last week, we tried out an Indian restaurant and since we were both unsure of what to order, we asked the waiter and he helped us make a wise deacons. Point of the story: ask the staff for their recommendations! When I got to the cafe, I asked the girl at the front what I should order and she pointed me in the direction of something with chocolate so I ordered the Banana Nutella crepe. It came stuffed with warm, sweet and sticky bananas, and on top was a generous drizzle of nutella and a finishing dusting of powered sugar. To drink, I ordered one of their natural orange juices and sat down to do some work on my laptop. Each bite of my crepe was a heavenly experience, one I'd repeat everyday if calories and carbs didn't exist.

Evelyn's Kitchen -  2317 1st Avenue
Evelyn's Kitchen is a Harlem landmark! I mean, they were even featured in O Magazine! Anything with chocolate is always a good idea, so of course, I was all over the devil dog pudgies. Let me explain what exactly a pudgy is: it's a soft baked cookie that tastes like a delicious blob of cookie dough. I've been to Evelyn's Kitchen three times and each time, I've ordered several sweets (not all for my self of course... ) and it's a spot I'll continue to go often.

What are some of your favorite local spots? Have you ever been to NYC? Tried any of these places?

Also, I need to take more pictures!

xoxo, Kianna Rose

A FRESH START + JUNE GOALS

Life has been incredibly and completely crazy as of late! Before I go into detail about the last semester and where on earth I've been, I'd like to say "hello." This post proved to be incredible long- or should I say, incredibly detailed, and so, grab yourself a cup of coffee and read about what's been going on.

Since my last post, I've finished my second semester in college, started a relationship with a really great guy and moved out! These past few months have been a whirlwind of wild, new adventures and I've learned so much about myself. I honestly don't even know where to begin explaining everything so I'll start with my second semester of college. If you want to read up on everything college related, click here.

The Spring 2016 semester was definitely a wake up call for me. Having done so well my first semester and finishing off with a 3.98 GPA, I expected my second semester to be a cinch! I took eight classes the first time and this past semester, I only took seven. My class schedule included Old Testament Literature, New Testament Literature, Global Literature, General Psychology, Fine Arts for Educators, Health Issues for Educators and Physical Education for Educators. Most of my classes were enjoyable, except for General Psychology. This class was incredibly boring and the three hours seemed to drag on. Thankfully, Debora, Brittany, Raphe and Ali made the whole thing slightly more bearable.

Aside from taking classes, I also went out with a couple of friends for lunch and coffee and then a synagogue visit for one of our classes. It was wonderful to meet other people who love Jesus and the friendships I've formed with so many of my classmates are ones that'll last a lifetime, I just know it. 

I also mentioned starting a relationship with a great guy, Angel. Telling our entire story is a bit much for an update post, but suffice it to say, he's my favorite! We met at school, during my first semester. We never had any classes together so our initial interactions were limited to meeting up in the library, and passing each other in the hallways or elevators. Since starting our relationship, it's been wonderful going to church together, meeting each other's family's and exploring the city together! 

Also!!! I moved out! I know... its a big step, but its one I made with several factors in mind. I've always been a curious person, fascinated by the world and people around me. I've always been intrigued by experiences and hoped to have my own one day: to learn from my mistakes, to find out who I am and to discover what I was meant to do. I've dreamed of living in a cute apartment in the City with brick walls and an industrial feel and that's exactly what I got! So far, since moving out, I've explored cute neighborhoods like Soho, Spanish Harlem, Williamsburg and Ridgewood. It's when I walk though these neighborhoods that I am most happy- exploring cute shops, meeting new people and buying little mementos that will remind me of my journey are what I've longed for for so long- and now, it's my reality! Plus, with Angel as my tour guide, I'm eating a ton of really delicious food! Like yes to falafel sandwiches! 

Since life has been super crazy lately, I made a couple of goals for myself to make sure I stay focused while enjoying summer. 

• Take ALST (my first "teacher test") 
• Volunteer with the Relief Bus regularly   
• Post weekly on my blog 
• Invest in a 50mm lens 
• Film and publish a vlog 
• Study for and take my driver’s license test
• Go to Washington D.C
• Participate in marathon run 
• Workout at least 3x a week

What have you been up to lately? What are some of your summer goals? 

xoxo,

Kianna Rose