nicole en route

Greetings from the big apple!

New York is treating me well, especially since I have these lovely ladies to be silly with. I’ve surrounded myself with a group of amazing women, who constantly lift me higher, challenge me, laugh with me, and amaze me with their own talents and accomplishments. New York really wouldn’t be the same without them. 

My graduate program is coming to an end, so I’ll soon be a Master of public and nonprofit management! It is hard to believe it’s already almost over, since it feels like only yesterday that I moved to this amazing city to begin my journey at NYU. The job hunt has begun, and I’m looking for an opportunity where I can continue to learn and grow in the field of social sector management. Whether I stay in New York is up to the job gods. I think San Francisco and Chicago could be fun too. :)

I’ve had the opportunity to be back in the Midwest a few times over the last few months, and I’ve had a blast. Here are a few photos of the fun I’ve had. 

Homemade beef, pork, and veal meatballs stuffed with smoked mozzarella tossed with bucatini. I was inspired by my good friend, Saucy Burt. (Minneapolitans, check her out if you haven’t already!)

I’m especially proud of myself considering I have less then 2 square feet of counter space. Watching me cook in my compact NYC kitchen must be like watching a game of extreme Jenga, with steaming pots, carefully organized ingredients, and freshly sharpened knives!

(Recipe courtesy of Giada.)

A Bosnian Thanksgiving!

This year I ventured up to my friend’s house near Boston for the holiday. Her family, who moved from Bosnia years ago, invited us to join them. Aside from the turkey and potatoes, everything was of an Eastern European variety. The sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls, top left) were my favorite! Must learn to make them! 

Yum!

New York City has lots of wonderful things to see. Unfortunately, many of them are overcrowded. The difference between the awesome and the not-so-awesome is when the attraction maintains some quintessential “newyorkiness”. (Yep, I made that amazing word up.)

My favorite place to take visiting friends is the Highline. This walkway above the city is crowded, but at least the walk is filled with the best of NYC. Greenery, art, wine cafes like Terrior, Blue Bottle coffee (San Francisco- based, but still awesome), People’s pops, street performers, lounge benches to bask in the sunshine, and city views like this one… 

We are ladies who brunch and here’s one of our mornings at Isa. This little brooklyn nook has the best wood-fried breakfast pizzas I’ve ever had, as well as a fun woody atmosphere with lots of art. Perfectly crusty crust, eggs, prosciutto, arugula. Can’t get better. 

Also, don’t miss the bathroom. It’s funky. 

Back in NEW YORK! It was a great summer in Washington, but it feels great to be back. I have one year of grad school left, and I’m ready to enjoy this city to the fullest. There is so much opportunity here, so many great friends (pictured above), and so many great places to eat. Can’t wait to share yet another year of fun and food! 

For years, Lisa kept telling me that her favorite place to get a burger in New York was the 5 Napkin Burger. I finally know why!

THIS, my friends, is yet another fantastic veggie burger (complete with sweet potato fries, of course). Drool. 

It’s hot here. Thanks to my awesome friend Alison, however, I can bear it. This is her rooftop, and I’ve been there every weekend this month! 

Taking a run in DC is quite pleasant. Here’s why! 

(credits to instagram, of course!)