My Cozy Harlem Fall Morning Routine.

slow mornings, warm lattes, and finding comfort in the city that never slows down

There’s something about fall in Harlem that just hits differently. The air gets crisp, the brownstones feel cozier, and even the morning light has a soft, golden way of easing me into a new day. I’ve been leaning into slower habits lately — things that make me feel grounded before I step into the chaos of the city — and today, I wanted to share the little routine that’s been keeping me balanced this season.

Whether you’re in NYC or just craving that “slow, cozy, morning in the city” energy, here’s how my fall mornings in Harlem usually unfold.

☁️ 1. Waking Up Softly (No Alarms If I Can Help It)

If I’m not filming early or heading downtown, I try not to rush myself awake. Fall light in Harlem comes in gently — it’s golden but muted, the kind of glow that makes you want to stay curled up for just five more minutes.

I sit up slowly, stretch, and check in with myself before touching my phone. This little moment has become a non-negotiable. It’s my way of starting the day with myself instead of immediately reacting to notifications, emails, or comments.

NYC living pro-tip: A soft start matters here more than anywhere. This city gets loud, fast, and full — give yourself a few minutes of quiet before the energy hits.

☕️ 2. Coffee First, Always

You already know.
Coffee is my ritual, my reward, my everything.

Most mornings I make it at home — usually a cozy latte or a simple drip with a dash of cinnamon. But on days when I want a treat or a little jolt of inspiration, I head out for a quick coffee run in Harlem.

Some of my favorites this fall:

• Blue Bottle on 125th for something clean and bright

• Lenox Coffee for a classic neighborhood vibe

• Buunni for the warmest, coziest feels

I love walking past brownstones with my cup still warm in my hands. It’s simple, but it reminds me why I love living uptown.

📝 3. Light Journaling or Planning in My Notes App

Mornings are when I feel the most grounded and honest with myself. I’ll usually open my Notes app — yes, she’s the star of my life — and jot down a quick list of:

• what I’m grateful for

• what I’m excited about today

• what I need to get done

Nothing fancy. Just a little check-in. It helps me stay connected to what matters and gives structure to my day without feeling strict.

If I’m filming a vlog, this is also when I look at my shot list or outline so I’m not scrambling once I start.

🌿 4. Fall Skincare That Brings Me Back to Life

The moment the temperatures drop in NYC, my skin feels it. So my fall morning routine gets a little richer, a little more hydrating, and a lot more intentional.

Here’s what I’ve been reaching for lately:

• Gentle Cleanser — something that doesn’t strip

• Refreshing Essence or Prep Step

• Hydrating Serum (yes, especially anything with ceramides)

• Moisturizer that actually lasts

• SPF even when it’s cloudy

I call this the “NYC armor.” The wind can be vicious, the air gets dry, and the temperature swings are real. A good skincare moment in the morning makes the entire day better.

🏠 5. A Quick Harlem Apartment Reset

I’m not a full-clean-before-breakfast girl, but I do love a light, cozy reset.

My fall reset looks like:

• opening the curtains to let that Harlem morning light in

• folding the throw blanket on the couch

• giving the kitchen a quick tidy

• lighting a candle (usually something vanilla, coffee, or cedar)

It makes my small apartment feel like a warm hug before I sit down to work.

💻 6. Easing Into Work — Not Diving In

I try not to jump straight into editing or emails. Instead, I’ll start with something that feels creative but light:

• outlining a vlog

• drafting a newsletter

• organizing footage

• updating my Notion dashboard

It gets me into flow mode without overwhelming me, and it’s a habit that’s helped me stay consistent with YouTube this year.

🍂 closing thoughts

Fall in Harlem has this beautiful way of balancing cozy and chaotic — and my mornings have become the sweetest little anchor in all of it. These slow moments help me feel grounded, inspired, and connected to myself before stepping into the noise of the city.

If you try any part of my cozy Harlem morning routine, let me know — and if you ever find yourself uptown this fall, grab a latte, take a little walk, and feel the magic that lives here.