Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Tis the season...
Fast forward and somehow it's almost Christmas! How did that even happen? Last I wrote I was headed home to VT. We went twenty days without heat/hot water in our apartment, quite a nightmare. So needless to say, home was especially warm and cozy. I worked remotely at my dads for the week. I became waaaay to comfortable sitting by the fire, working from our couch.
Time at home was spent working, eating, relaxing with friends and family and spending a lot of time with dad (which was fantastic, and much needed). I ate at many of my favorite Burlington restaurants (penny cluse, farmhouse, duino duende), drank plenty of VT beer (finally brought Chris to Magic Hat brewery) went wine tasting with dad, saw the new 007 movie and spent a lot of quality time with friends I hadn't seen in what felt like FOREVER. Thanksgiving was very relaxing, followed by a party devoted to desserts. Lets just say I was in stretch pants for many days to follow.
While a week at home was amazing, coming home to the city wasn't so shabby either. Last weekend consisted of my friend Nola's bday party at the canal room - 90s theme anyone? Waaaay too much fun dressing up.
Saturday was spent Xmas shopping, checking out the holiday windows (lord & Taylor was amazing) and Leela and I checked out the holiday pop ups at the union square green market. Saturday night we ventured over to Le Poisson Rouge for a holiday themed burlesque show - "Cherries on snow." So much fun! We stopped in at Sons of Essex for a drink and called it a night. Sunday was somewhat uneventful but I finally saw the Rockefeller tree. No ice skating the time around but soon enough!
Holiday baking at my friend Caitlin's place tomorrow, followed by a weekend in Bostn to see Ms. Bricker! So excited. :)
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Camping in the city continues...
So it's been over two weeks since Sandy hit and we are still cold. Why? Our boiler broke. We went about 5 days with no power or cell service and after 5 long days, power was returned. We turned the lights on and a fuse blew, but we were not discouraged, only relieved to have a hot oven, a warm shower and warmth! Well after about a day and a half of these luxuries, our boiler broke in the building and we have been without heat and hot water for about a week now. I am fortunate enough to have some really special people at work who were willing to help put me up in a hotel. I have been staying at a beautiful hotel in SoHo, but back home tonight. Why? Because about 95% of NYC hotels are booked. The remaining 5%? Super 8's or $800 a night (reasonable fair in this city!)
So what am I doing with no heat or hot water? Showering at the gym (yes, you'd think this would force me to work out, rather than just use my gym for hot water...you'd think...) And I've purchased a massive space heater. Cross your fingers this bad boys keeps me warm. I changed my ticket home to VT to leave on Friday evening, so I'll be home working remotely and spending Turkey day with the fam, as planned.
Outside of that, the post-Sandy days were quite interesting. Plenty of couch-hopping and no shortage of bonding with my co-workers (thank you ladies to putting me up!) Work has been quite busy. Last weekend I finally made it to Jewel Bako, a fantastic sushi restaurant in the East Village! Had a delicious brunch at Hundred Acres and spent most of Sunday exploring the beautiful Met museum with my friend Beth! There's a fantastic Andy Warhol exhibit right now, so we were excited to check it out.
Looking forward to spending some time at home with my family and seeing friends. A little bummed to leave the city early, but looking forward to (cross your fingers, again) coming home to a warm apartment and my own bed!
Ciao for now. xo
So what am I doing with no heat or hot water? Showering at the gym (yes, you'd think this would force me to work out, rather than just use my gym for hot water...you'd think...) And I've purchased a massive space heater. Cross your fingers this bad boys keeps me warm. I changed my ticket home to VT to leave on Friday evening, so I'll be home working remotely and spending Turkey day with the fam, as planned.
Outside of that, the post-Sandy days were quite interesting. Plenty of couch-hopping and no shortage of bonding with my co-workers (thank you ladies to putting me up!) Work has been quite busy. Last weekend I finally made it to Jewel Bako, a fantastic sushi restaurant in the East Village! Had a delicious brunch at Hundred Acres and spent most of Sunday exploring the beautiful Met museum with my friend Beth! There's a fantastic Andy Warhol exhibit right now, so we were excited to check it out.
Looking forward to spending some time at home with my family and seeing friends. A little bummed to leave the city early, but looking forward to (cross your fingers, again) coming home to a warm apartment and my own bed!
Ciao for now. xo
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Aunties know best...
September 10th, really!? That's the last time I've been here? Thanks to my amazing Aunt Patti, I've been reminded that this blog is truly not worth leaving in the dust. While I haven't quite given it the TLC it deserves, I'd say that Hurricane Sandy (ie. Frankenstorm) is a great excuse to get back up and running (or at least show it a little love). Hurricane Sandy hit NYC on Monday and we are still without power Thursday night. I've never seen anything quite as jarring as a blacked out Manhattan. A city that never sleeps, where stores never close, sirens and horns constantly fill the air....to see it, like this, it is absolutely unlike anything I've ever seen.
This NY Daily News article shows some of the most catastrophic East Coast damage from Sandy.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/hurricane-sandy-strikes-east-coast-gallery-1.1194577
Anyway, the storm has absolutely brought the city together and at the same time, has shown me how lucky I am to have a few really great friends here. My friend and co-worker, Lindsay, has been so amazing to put me up at her apartment uptown. It took me two hours, 2 cabs, $50 and 50 blocks on foot to get here and I've never been so appreciative of a warm meal, a hot shower and the company of good friends. Getting to know the UES on a whole new level! Losing power really shows you just how much you rely on your electricity to live. Leela and I joked, while attempting a game of candy land over candle light, that we should pretend to be Amish once the power went out. It was funny at the time....not so much anymore. We have been recharging uptown, meeting new friends at Irish pubs and reading by candlelight. It's been a very interesting few days, to say the least. I think Tuesday was actually the first day I haven't worked in ....well, far more months than I'd like to admit. We have power uptown, so I'm camped out here until tomorrow or Saturday. Hoping to have power soon, but just feeling so thankful that we have no damage and all my friends and family on the East Coast are safe and sound. Many great stories to come out of this...including dinner by candlelight with a group of new friends at Barbounia, a fabulous restaurant downtown. I've never seen anything like it. Total peace and quiet, dozens and dozens of candles and a menu of only cheese and wine. No shortage of red wine. Outside of these Frankenstorm adventures, I've been introduced to many new restaurants, pubs and friends. We even got the opportunity to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters at an apartment complex on the UES. The city actually postponed Halloween, both the infamous Greenwich Village parade and trick-or-treating. The NYC marathon is still on for Sunday as well. New York is truly taken down by nothing.
ANYWAY, outside of the spooky Halloween hurricane, a lot has happened since September 10th. Post-SF, I have been busy with work (which is an understatement) and many fun activities in the city. My amazing family visited from WA, as my cousin Tess was looking at schools here. It was great to see family and even more exciting to imagine Tess living here someday! It seems nearly impossible to recount all that has happened in the past month and a half, but between adventuring to new & delicious restaurants, getting to know Manhattan AND Brooklyn, afternoons in Central Park, working, traveling, concerts and everything in between, it has been a great few weeks. Some of the highlights?
A trip to VERMONT!!! After a quick trip to Charlotte, NC for work last month, I came home for a night, packed another bag and flew home for a weekend with family and friends. I had NO idea just how much I missed my family and home until I arrived, but it was truly a spectacular weekend and just what the doctor ordered. I arrived on Friday night to the most beautiful foliage I've seen in VT in years. Friday night began with dinner & beers at Flatbread, followed by a night out dancing with my brother and some friends. Saturday morning started with a trip to the Burlington Farmer's Market with Dad and ended with my friend Nick's beautiful wedding in the mountains of Sugarbush. Sunday was a day for family. Dad and I drove all around VT, leaf peeping, lunching in Middlebury and catching up on life. Patti prepared an incredible dinner, homemade apple pie and the whole fam stayed in the for the night. I took off Sunday afternoon, after lunching with a few of my closest girlfriends at Stone Soup. Nearly cried as I flew over Lake Champlain. While I was very sad to leave, more than anything else, I felt so happy and fortunate to call Vermont home. Cliche as it is, home is truly where the heart is (yes, I said it).
A quick trip to Chicago (for work) immediately followed my weekend in VT. While it was short and busy, we ate some great food (The Publican, don't miss it!) and I had the chance to see a gal pal from college for breakfast. This was only my second trip to Chicago, but it really is a great city. There's something to be said for a beautiful city filled with midwest people. :)
Outside of these three quick trips, I've spent the past month and a half here in New York and I'm truly starting to feel more at home here. While i'm not sure i'll ever be able to call this city "home," at least in the same way that I do, Vermont, it's reaaaally grown on me. I've always loved it, but time has only made my heart grow fonder. I've now done Halloween in the city, experienced one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast here, killed a roach and found a small mouse living in my 9 x 8 foot bedroom. Looks like I'm officially a New Yorker? Oh and I bump people. That's right. Move fast or watch out...
...ok, not always...but sometimes. Just steer clear of Broadway. It's really just not worth the stress. :)
More later. And I promise later comes before Christmas. And perhaps they'll be photos....some day.
xo
This NY Daily News article shows some of the most catastrophic East Coast damage from Sandy.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/hurricane-sandy-strikes-east-coast-gallery-1.1194577
Anyway, the storm has absolutely brought the city together and at the same time, has shown me how lucky I am to have a few really great friends here. My friend and co-worker, Lindsay, has been so amazing to put me up at her apartment uptown. It took me two hours, 2 cabs, $50 and 50 blocks on foot to get here and I've never been so appreciative of a warm meal, a hot shower and the company of good friends. Getting to know the UES on a whole new level! Losing power really shows you just how much you rely on your electricity to live. Leela and I joked, while attempting a game of candy land over candle light, that we should pretend to be Amish once the power went out. It was funny at the time....not so much anymore. We have been recharging uptown, meeting new friends at Irish pubs and reading by candlelight. It's been a very interesting few days, to say the least. I think Tuesday was actually the first day I haven't worked in ....well, far more months than I'd like to admit. We have power uptown, so I'm camped out here until tomorrow or Saturday. Hoping to have power soon, but just feeling so thankful that we have no damage and all my friends and family on the East Coast are safe and sound. Many great stories to come out of this...including dinner by candlelight with a group of new friends at Barbounia, a fabulous restaurant downtown. I've never seen anything like it. Total peace and quiet, dozens and dozens of candles and a menu of only cheese and wine. No shortage of red wine. Outside of these Frankenstorm adventures, I've been introduced to many new restaurants, pubs and friends. We even got the opportunity to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters at an apartment complex on the UES. The city actually postponed Halloween, both the infamous Greenwich Village parade and trick-or-treating. The NYC marathon is still on for Sunday as well. New York is truly taken down by nothing.
ANYWAY, outside of the spooky Halloween hurricane, a lot has happened since September 10th. Post-SF, I have been busy with work (which is an understatement) and many fun activities in the city. My amazing family visited from WA, as my cousin Tess was looking at schools here. It was great to see family and even more exciting to imagine Tess living here someday! It seems nearly impossible to recount all that has happened in the past month and a half, but between adventuring to new & delicious restaurants, getting to know Manhattan AND Brooklyn, afternoons in Central Park, working, traveling, concerts and everything in between, it has been a great few weeks. Some of the highlights?
A trip to VERMONT!!! After a quick trip to Charlotte, NC for work last month, I came home for a night, packed another bag and flew home for a weekend with family and friends. I had NO idea just how much I missed my family and home until I arrived, but it was truly a spectacular weekend and just what the doctor ordered. I arrived on Friday night to the most beautiful foliage I've seen in VT in years. Friday night began with dinner & beers at Flatbread, followed by a night out dancing with my brother and some friends. Saturday morning started with a trip to the Burlington Farmer's Market with Dad and ended with my friend Nick's beautiful wedding in the mountains of Sugarbush. Sunday was a day for family. Dad and I drove all around VT, leaf peeping, lunching in Middlebury and catching up on life. Patti prepared an incredible dinner, homemade apple pie and the whole fam stayed in the for the night. I took off Sunday afternoon, after lunching with a few of my closest girlfriends at Stone Soup. Nearly cried as I flew over Lake Champlain. While I was very sad to leave, more than anything else, I felt so happy and fortunate to call Vermont home. Cliche as it is, home is truly where the heart is (yes, I said it).
A quick trip to Chicago (for work) immediately followed my weekend in VT. While it was short and busy, we ate some great food (The Publican, don't miss it!) and I had the chance to see a gal pal from college for breakfast. This was only my second trip to Chicago, but it really is a great city. There's something to be said for a beautiful city filled with midwest people. :)
Outside of these three quick trips, I've spent the past month and a half here in New York and I'm truly starting to feel more at home here. While i'm not sure i'll ever be able to call this city "home," at least in the same way that I do, Vermont, it's reaaaally grown on me. I've always loved it, but time has only made my heart grow fonder. I've now done Halloween in the city, experienced one of the worst storms to ever hit the East Coast here, killed a roach and found a small mouse living in my 9 x 8 foot bedroom. Looks like I'm officially a New Yorker? Oh and I bump people. That's right. Move fast or watch out...
...ok, not always...but sometimes. Just steer clear of Broadway. It's really just not worth the stress. :)
More later. And I promise later comes before Christmas. And perhaps they'll be photos....some day.
xo
Monday, September 10, 2012
On the road again
Hello again! Writing this from a plane to Charlotte from San
Francisco. Last I wrote I was in VA Beach, visiting Mom & Ron, relaxing and
loving every second of it. Being in VA Beach made me realize JUST how much I
missed living down the road from my family and the importance of being close
by. Hopefully we’ll all be able to gather in one state at some point in the
next few years.
I was home for about a day and a half between trips, so I
had about enough time to unpack, repack and hit the road again. Headed to San
Francisco from Wednesday to Sunday for a work trip. The work portion was just
during the week, so I happily extended my stay through the weekend so I could
enjoy my favorite city and see Margie. I arrived late Wednesday night, checked
into the BEAUTIFUL (but rather club-like) W Hotel in Soma and went out for
drinks at the “Thirsty Bear” pub across the street. I really got to know the
few co-workers who came along on this trip and they were great. One gal in
particular made me realize just how lucky I was to have developed girlfriends
at work. Was SO happy that she came along, and we got to spend a lot of time
touring the city together.
Anyway, we were in SF for focus groups. It was a very unique
research study and I was psyched to be a part of it. Such a cool experience. We
did some in-home ethnographies along with traditional facilitated focus groups.
Thursday night after the groups were over, I met up with
Margie and we went to a great bar/restaurant called Jasper’s. We were then brave enough to venture over to
the Tenderloin to check out the world-famous “Speak Easy” bar called “Bourbon
& Branch.” It was the first speak-easy bar in SF and well-known for it’s
whiskey, library room and secret bookshelf doorways. We researched the password
to enter and took a risk trying to get in, as it’s usually reservation-only.
Somehow we made it in and it was well worth the risk! Such a cool place. Almost
felt like the setting of a Sherlock Holmes book. Look it up!
Friday was more work, a second brunch at The Grove (adorable
place near The W), lunch at Café de la Presse in Union Square, some adventuring
with my co-worker and new favorite gal, and then an awesome night out in
Berkeley. Margie was wonderful enough to buy us tickets to see Edward Sharpe
& The Magnet Zeros (one of my favorite bands) and they played at The Greek
Theater in Berkeley. We took the train over with a bunch of her friends, had
dinner at a great pizza place called Junipers and made it just in time for the
first song. We had a ball. I met a lot of great people and loved seeing
Berkeley. Reminded me a lot of Burlington, which made me miss home.
Saturday Margie and I ventured down to the Ferry Boat
building for the farmers market. I’ve done this before but it was Margie’s
first time. We ate lots of food, sampled, explored and had our first Blue
Bottle coffee experience. Worth waiting in line – yum!
We rode cable cars (my first time!) back to Margie’s
apartment, picked up her vespa and drove to the Coit tower to continue our
touristy adventures. We then drove to the Golden Gate Bridge, snapped some
photos, had lunch on Chestnut Street and headed home to relax before dinner. We
went to an adorable wine bar for wine and cheese and then headed to Little
Italy area for drinks.
Heading to the SFO airport was very sad for me, as I had
nearly forgotten how much I had fallen in love with the city. It has been
nearly a year since my last visit, and far too short of a trip! I’ll be in
Charlotte for a sales meeting and then headed home for a week or so. Next week
I’ll headed to Baltimore for Expo East and then I should be back for a month
before my next trip.
Missing family and counting down the days until my trip to
VT for Thanksgiving. J
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Can't sleep, gotta write.
I now have a greater respect for all my blogger friends out there (okay, so perhaps it's a one-sided friendship, I love them and they don't even know it..) BUT that being said, sheesh it sure does take a lot to keep up with one of these things!
A loooooottt has happened since I last wrote in mid-July. It's so hard to believe that I have only lived in NYC for a little over three months. It feels like a year. Last I wrote, Dad & Patti were about to visit. That seems like ages ago! We had a great visit - walked the Brooklyn Bridge, ate some good food, explored my neighborhood, saw Mama Mia! and thanks to Dad, took an authentic pedicab through Central Park. How amazingly cliche! We definitely enjoyed it. :) We ate some late night pizza, did a great deal of catching up and exploring, and had an all-around lovely weekend.
The week that followed, we opened up the SoHo store for work! It was a great launch party and a beautiful storefront. Happy to see it being so successful. A lot has happened on the work front, since posting last. We have since opened up a magnificent office in the heart of SoHo, overlooking the city. It has felt like an entirely new experience getting to work from an office with co-workers each day. While it's only been open for two weeks, I am so grateful that it came when it did. :) Late nights at the office are truly that much better when you're working alongside your co-workers (and they are some awesome gals) and the fantastic view of the city doesn't hurt either! And did I mention we have a view of Kelly Ripa's rooftop? Obviously we are all waiting on pins and needles to find Mark Consuelos tanning...i'll keep you updated.
I wish I could re-cap everything, including all of the delicious food, weird experiences and other authentic New York experiences I've had in the past month and a half, but truly I would just be doing it so that someday I could look back and remember that it actually happened (and wasn't just a dream). I'm starting to feel like life in NY is moving so quickly, and I want to make sure I remember all of it. It has been such a life-changing experience so far and while there have been pros and cons (as there are to all things in life) it really has been unbelievable. I do sometimes miss the monotonous things that were built into my 9-5 life in VT... cooking, working out, sitting on the TV and vegging out like a zombie for an entire Sunday afternoon...snuggling Finnley on the couch and never, ever feeling that "Oh god, I'm missing out on something all the time" feeling. BUT that being said, I feel so lucky to live in a place where there IS so much going on, so much to see, so much to learn, that I do feel like I'm missing out if I'm not getting out there to experience it....Am I right? :)
OKAY...so - quick recap of a few other things that have happened post-July 19th:
SoHo store launched
Weekend trip to Nantucket (First trip ever, LOVED it!) Between driving on the beach, excessive amounts of lobster and some peace & quiet outside the city, it was perfect. I was constantly on the hunt for my perfect house that I'll never be able to afford. A pitiful pursuit, but easily done in Nantucket.
Two Coldplay concerts, which I was absolutely spoiled to experience in one week (Boston & NJ) - amazing!
Mumford & Sons concert on the waterfront in Hoboken (life-changing!)
A visit from the beautiful, Caitlin Bricker, which included our first Korean BBQ in Korea town (only appropriate).
A weekend visit from my brother, Eric and his gf, Brooke. We were A+ tourists and even tackled a Harbor Boat tour, in addition to tons of great food (our first authentic ramen noodle house), bars, and family bonding time. :)
Orlando Sales meeting for work. While we didn't get to experience anything authentically Florida (outside of avoiding Disney World), we had a great Sales meeting! Boot camp was run each morning before breakfast. We had a Food Network recipe throw down with CHO (judged by a Food Network chef, himself!) They took us to a final dinner party at the Kennedy Space Center, where we ate dinner under Apollo 18 and saw the official landing platforms of NASA. The best part? The Ritz Carleton. :)
Upstate NY plant tour! This was a long time comin' and what an awesome experience! So great to drive upstate with my team to the yogurt plant to see where the magic happens. We got to experience the authentic tour of the plant, eat yogurt out of the vat, hang with our incredible CEO and of course, experience some Frank's pizzeria on the drive home to the city. All in all - total success.
Smorgasburg - finally made it to the famous foodie market on the waterfront in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Lets just say this - I'm going back!
MoMa PS1- I went to my first "art party" and I never knew that was even a thing. Well, a thing, it is, and a cool thing, indeed! MoMa puts on a new exhibit every summer in Long Island City, NY and a huge party is thrown each Saturday that includes a bunch of great DJs, good beer, more hipsters from Brooklyn than you can count and the art exhibit. All you need to do is picture some of the most well-dressed, thick-rimmed glasses wearing hipsters, dancing in a small courtyard in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by kegs, art, music, and fellow-hipsters, and you're almost there. No, but really..it was very cool. One of the exhibits was just an empty room with an exposed ceiling that had been cut out. Sounds incredibly boring - but totally cool. Thank you to Nola for making me go to this. :)
Now if I could just get my iPhone pictures to upload on here, you could visualize it all with me! Unfortunately I have been very bad about using my camera. I think I need to invest in a beautiful camera so I can really capture the city...My little "point and shoot" just doesn't cut it. And my iPhone sure doesn't do it justice either (just waayyy too easy to use!)
Between all of the above, I've been eating tons of yummy food, exploring new areas and running around like a chicken with my head cut off. :) I am in Virginia Beach now, enjoying time with my Mom and Ron, doing a ton of relaxing. Yesterday was a beach today and a lot of cooking/movie time. Today we may explore the boardwalk and BBQ with my step-sisters. Absolutely love being here with my Mom. :) My lack of ability to sleep in anymore has caused me to write this post. Thankful for some free time to recap.
I return home late night tomorrow, and i'll hop on another plane to San Francisco for work on Wednesday. Happy to head out there for work, but even happier to see my favorite city, my girlfriend Margie and eat some SF food! I'll fly from SF to Charlotte, NC for a meeting at our sales office and then back to NYC I'll go!
Looking forward to Fall in the city. :)
Until next time...which hopefully won't be too far away.
A loooooottt has happened since I last wrote in mid-July. It's so hard to believe that I have only lived in NYC for a little over three months. It feels like a year. Last I wrote, Dad & Patti were about to visit. That seems like ages ago! We had a great visit - walked the Brooklyn Bridge, ate some good food, explored my neighborhood, saw Mama Mia! and thanks to Dad, took an authentic pedicab through Central Park. How amazingly cliche! We definitely enjoyed it. :) We ate some late night pizza, did a great deal of catching up and exploring, and had an all-around lovely weekend.
The week that followed, we opened up the SoHo store for work! It was a great launch party and a beautiful storefront. Happy to see it being so successful. A lot has happened on the work front, since posting last. We have since opened up a magnificent office in the heart of SoHo, overlooking the city. It has felt like an entirely new experience getting to work from an office with co-workers each day. While it's only been open for two weeks, I am so grateful that it came when it did. :) Late nights at the office are truly that much better when you're working alongside your co-workers (and they are some awesome gals) and the fantastic view of the city doesn't hurt either! And did I mention we have a view of Kelly Ripa's rooftop? Obviously we are all waiting on pins and needles to find Mark Consuelos tanning...i'll keep you updated.
I wish I could re-cap everything, including all of the delicious food, weird experiences and other authentic New York experiences I've had in the past month and a half, but truly I would just be doing it so that someday I could look back and remember that it actually happened (and wasn't just a dream). I'm starting to feel like life in NY is moving so quickly, and I want to make sure I remember all of it. It has been such a life-changing experience so far and while there have been pros and cons (as there are to all things in life) it really has been unbelievable. I do sometimes miss the monotonous things that were built into my 9-5 life in VT... cooking, working out, sitting on the TV and vegging out like a zombie for an entire Sunday afternoon...snuggling Finnley on the couch and never, ever feeling that "Oh god, I'm missing out on something all the time" feeling. BUT that being said, I feel so lucky to live in a place where there IS so much going on, so much to see, so much to learn, that I do feel like I'm missing out if I'm not getting out there to experience it....Am I right? :)
OKAY...so - quick recap of a few other things that have happened post-July 19th:
SoHo store launched
Weekend trip to Nantucket (First trip ever, LOVED it!) Between driving on the beach, excessive amounts of lobster and some peace & quiet outside the city, it was perfect. I was constantly on the hunt for my perfect house that I'll never be able to afford. A pitiful pursuit, but easily done in Nantucket.
Two Coldplay concerts, which I was absolutely spoiled to experience in one week (Boston & NJ) - amazing!
Mumford & Sons concert on the waterfront in Hoboken (life-changing!)
A visit from the beautiful, Caitlin Bricker, which included our first Korean BBQ in Korea town (only appropriate).
A weekend visit from my brother, Eric and his gf, Brooke. We were A+ tourists and even tackled a Harbor Boat tour, in addition to tons of great food (our first authentic ramen noodle house), bars, and family bonding time. :)
Orlando Sales meeting for work. While we didn't get to experience anything authentically Florida (outside of avoiding Disney World), we had a great Sales meeting! Boot camp was run each morning before breakfast. We had a Food Network recipe throw down with CHO (judged by a Food Network chef, himself!) They took us to a final dinner party at the Kennedy Space Center, where we ate dinner under Apollo 18 and saw the official landing platforms of NASA. The best part? The Ritz Carleton. :)
Upstate NY plant tour! This was a long time comin' and what an awesome experience! So great to drive upstate with my team to the yogurt plant to see where the magic happens. We got to experience the authentic tour of the plant, eat yogurt out of the vat, hang with our incredible CEO and of course, experience some Frank's pizzeria on the drive home to the city. All in all - total success.
Smorgasburg - finally made it to the famous foodie market on the waterfront in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Lets just say this - I'm going back!
MoMa PS1- I went to my first "art party" and I never knew that was even a thing. Well, a thing, it is, and a cool thing, indeed! MoMa puts on a new exhibit every summer in Long Island City, NY and a huge party is thrown each Saturday that includes a bunch of great DJs, good beer, more hipsters from Brooklyn than you can count and the art exhibit. All you need to do is picture some of the most well-dressed, thick-rimmed glasses wearing hipsters, dancing in a small courtyard in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by kegs, art, music, and fellow-hipsters, and you're almost there. No, but really..it was very cool. One of the exhibits was just an empty room with an exposed ceiling that had been cut out. Sounds incredibly boring - but totally cool. Thank you to Nola for making me go to this. :)
Now if I could just get my iPhone pictures to upload on here, you could visualize it all with me! Unfortunately I have been very bad about using my camera. I think I need to invest in a beautiful camera so I can really capture the city...My little "point and shoot" just doesn't cut it. And my iPhone sure doesn't do it justice either (just waayyy too easy to use!)
Between all of the above, I've been eating tons of yummy food, exploring new areas and running around like a chicken with my head cut off. :) I am in Virginia Beach now, enjoying time with my Mom and Ron, doing a ton of relaxing. Yesterday was a beach today and a lot of cooking/movie time. Today we may explore the boardwalk and BBQ with my step-sisters. Absolutely love being here with my Mom. :) My lack of ability to sleep in anymore has caused me to write this post. Thankful for some free time to recap.
I return home late night tomorrow, and i'll hop on another plane to San Francisco for work on Wednesday. Happy to head out there for work, but even happier to see my favorite city, my girlfriend Margie and eat some SF food! I'll fly from SF to Charlotte, NC for a meeting at our sales office and then back to NYC I'll go!
Looking forward to Fall in the city. :)
Until next time...which hopefully won't be too far away.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Losing track
I thought I was organized enough to keep up with this blog...but clearly I was wrong!
Rewwiiinndddd...
Traverse City was actually a very cute little town on Lake Michigan. I was pleasantly surprised! As for the Cherry Fest itself, it was a fun experience to be a part of. We worked for much of the day, handing out yogurt (FOR FREE!!) to consumers who were visiting this festival. People LOVED it. Fun to see the smiles on their faces and expose them to Chobani. Met some great people who work for Chobani on the activation side of things, traveling around the country giving out yogurt from the CHOmobile year round. Actually a tough gig!
Anyway, I was in Michigan from Wednesday-Saturday and then returned home for a nice, relaxing weekend. Was able to change my flight so I could get in early, but flew into a town outside of the city called, White Plains, NY. White Plains is only 25min or so outside the city and it is absolutely beautiful! Gorgeous houses and right near the water. I spent the day at my friend's golf club (fanciest place I've ever been!), took a nap by the pool and had dinner with some very cool, new friends.
Sunday meant errands, relaxing, sleeping in, and a delicious pizza dinner! It is possible that 85% of my New York meals have been pizza. And I think I'm ok with it (my waistline may disagree...)
It was so good to sleep in my own bed after being gone traveling for 3 back-to-back weekends. Funny how it really is those little things...even if my room is 9 x 8...its still home, right?
This week has been busy with work but good to be home, regardless. I went to a Yankees game on Tuesday! Very exciting to see the new stadium. They lost to the Blue Jays, but I was secretly fine with it, as I am a Red Sox fan through and through. The I am excited to say that my Dad and Patti are coming to visit for the weekend!!!
I am sooo excited to have them here for a nice relaxing weekend of exploring and catching up. They know the city better than I do so we'll likely take it easy, catch a show, eat some good food and just spend some quality time together. Could not be more excited!
Next week we are doing a grand-opening of our Chobani Yogurt Cafe in Soho, just a short walk from my apartment! I am so excited about this launch. It's going to mimic a Mediterranean Yogurt bar, with fruit and nut toppings to add to your yogurt. A tiny space, but should be very cute.
The first two weeks in August I have my friends Caitilin & Emily coming and then Eric & Brooke to follow. Then I'm off to our sales meeting in Florida, followed by another work trip to Chicago and a third to Baltimore. Busy, busy! Labor day weekend I'll visit my Mom & Ron in VA Beach - another weekend I could not be more excited for! Lots in the works and the summer is already flyin by!
Sorry for the abbreviated re-cap. In the midst of all of this craziness, I need to make sure to keep updating.
'till next time...
Rewwiiinndddd...
Traverse City was actually a very cute little town on Lake Michigan. I was pleasantly surprised! As for the Cherry Fest itself, it was a fun experience to be a part of. We worked for much of the day, handing out yogurt (FOR FREE!!) to consumers who were visiting this festival. People LOVED it. Fun to see the smiles on their faces and expose them to Chobani. Met some great people who work for Chobani on the activation side of things, traveling around the country giving out yogurt from the CHOmobile year round. Actually a tough gig!
Anyway, I was in Michigan from Wednesday-Saturday and then returned home for a nice, relaxing weekend. Was able to change my flight so I could get in early, but flew into a town outside of the city called, White Plains, NY. White Plains is only 25min or so outside the city and it is absolutely beautiful! Gorgeous houses and right near the water. I spent the day at my friend's golf club (fanciest place I've ever been!), took a nap by the pool and had dinner with some very cool, new friends.
Sunday meant errands, relaxing, sleeping in, and a delicious pizza dinner! It is possible that 85% of my New York meals have been pizza. And I think I'm ok with it (my waistline may disagree...)
It was so good to sleep in my own bed after being gone traveling for 3 back-to-back weekends. Funny how it really is those little things...even if my room is 9 x 8...its still home, right?
This week has been busy with work but good to be home, regardless. I went to a Yankees game on Tuesday! Very exciting to see the new stadium. They lost to the Blue Jays, but I was secretly fine with it, as I am a Red Sox fan through and through. The I am excited to say that my Dad and Patti are coming to visit for the weekend!!!
I am sooo excited to have them here for a nice relaxing weekend of exploring and catching up. They know the city better than I do so we'll likely take it easy, catch a show, eat some good food and just spend some quality time together. Could not be more excited!
Next week we are doing a grand-opening of our Chobani Yogurt Cafe in Soho, just a short walk from my apartment! I am so excited about this launch. It's going to mimic a Mediterranean Yogurt bar, with fruit and nut toppings to add to your yogurt. A tiny space, but should be very cute.
The first two weeks in August I have my friends Caitilin & Emily coming and then Eric & Brooke to follow. Then I'm off to our sales meeting in Florida, followed by another work trip to Chicago and a third to Baltimore. Busy, busy! Labor day weekend I'll visit my Mom & Ron in VA Beach - another weekend I could not be more excited for! Lots in the works and the summer is already flyin by!
Sorry for the abbreviated re-cap. In the midst of all of this craziness, I need to make sure to keep updating.
'till next time...
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Not cool enough for this.
The last time I wrote, I was stressed and frantic about getting ready for the US Olympic trials. While I am still very busy, things have truly taken a turn for the better.
I will go into more depth later, but bottom line - the trials were magical. Absolutely a once in a lifetime experience. Between Gymnastics in San Jose and Swimming in Omaha, I was on cloud 9. I met some of the most incredible people and developed some great relationships, both personally and professionally. Just to name a few: Kerri Strug (Gymnastics) and her coach, Bella, Matt Biandi (8x gold medalist, swimmer), Debbie Meyer (2x gold medalist swimmer) and some of the most remarkable people working for the USOC (US Olympic Committee) and IOC (International Olympic Committee). I was given VIP passes to all backstage olympic events, sat in suites surrounded by Olympians, was fed amazing food, given a backstage tour of the venues, had the chance to hold and wear 2 gold medals and truly just soaked it all in. I definitely was not cool enough to experience all of that, but I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to. Everyone loved the Chobani and I was able to see our booth up close and personal. It was very cool to see the athletes lounge filled with yogurt. They loved it.
More details and photos at a later date...
I came home to NY and was very pleased when I flew over Manhattan and a smile came across my face. I'm really starting to love it here.
July 4th was a lot of fun. I had some friends from UVM visit on the night of the 3rd and went to a big party in midtown for the fireworks on the 4th. I became friends with a great girl in San Jose, who works for the USOC and she invited me to a party on her friends rooftop (overlooking the Hudson). Leela and I spend the day relaxing by the West Side Highway, wandered around midtown for some beer and ice cream and joined the party in the early evening. We were so glad we decided to join, as we met some of the nicest people. Most people were involved with sports marketing in one way or another. We had an incredible view of the fireworks and had an amazing night.
This last weekend was spent in Long Island with one of my closest childhood friends, Josie. Josie is living in LA, but came home for a photography internship this summer. Her aunt and uncle have a house in East Quogue, and they were nice enough to invite me to join for a relaxing weekend at the beach. The weekend was amazing - we ate, laid on the beach, shopped and explored South Hampton, drank bloody marys and caught up on everything that had happened in the past few months. It was so great to see a friend from home and finally make it to the Hamptons. Miss her already.
I returned home after a long drive into the city to a busy week at work. Monday night I went for a long, beautiful walk around Central Park. I was in complete awe over how beautiful the park was at night. Everyone was out running, there was a baseball game in the park, people were picnicking, playing volleyball and soaking up the amazing weather. It was very easy to forget where I was. Unbelievable that the park lies in the middle of the city and somehow makes you feel like you're a world away. I finally saw the Central Park Boat house and was completely smitten with the small boats and beautiful layout of the restaurant. This long walk was followed by a fantastic dinner at an asian fusion restaurant on the LES. Amazing food and even better company.
Tomorrow morning I am headed to Traverse City, MI for the National Cherry Festival. I am working at the event for three days, returning home on Sunday. Chobani has a "CHOmobile" truck that drives around to different events (festivals, marathons, food shows, etc) giving out free product and talking to people about the brand and our Olympic sponsorship. The hopes are that this trip will expose me to Chobani activation. I'll have first hand experience giving out yogurt, mingling with consumers and learning more about the CHOmobile.
More updates soon!
I will go into more depth later, but bottom line - the trials were magical. Absolutely a once in a lifetime experience. Between Gymnastics in San Jose and Swimming in Omaha, I was on cloud 9. I met some of the most incredible people and developed some great relationships, both personally and professionally. Just to name a few: Kerri Strug (Gymnastics) and her coach, Bella, Matt Biandi (8x gold medalist, swimmer), Debbie Meyer (2x gold medalist swimmer) and some of the most remarkable people working for the USOC (US Olympic Committee) and IOC (International Olympic Committee). I was given VIP passes to all backstage olympic events, sat in suites surrounded by Olympians, was fed amazing food, given a backstage tour of the venues, had the chance to hold and wear 2 gold medals and truly just soaked it all in. I definitely was not cool enough to experience all of that, but I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to. Everyone loved the Chobani and I was able to see our booth up close and personal. It was very cool to see the athletes lounge filled with yogurt. They loved it.
More details and photos at a later date...
I came home to NY and was very pleased when I flew over Manhattan and a smile came across my face. I'm really starting to love it here.
July 4th was a lot of fun. I had some friends from UVM visit on the night of the 3rd and went to a big party in midtown for the fireworks on the 4th. I became friends with a great girl in San Jose, who works for the USOC and she invited me to a party on her friends rooftop (overlooking the Hudson). Leela and I spend the day relaxing by the West Side Highway, wandered around midtown for some beer and ice cream and joined the party in the early evening. We were so glad we decided to join, as we met some of the nicest people. Most people were involved with sports marketing in one way or another. We had an incredible view of the fireworks and had an amazing night.
This last weekend was spent in Long Island with one of my closest childhood friends, Josie. Josie is living in LA, but came home for a photography internship this summer. Her aunt and uncle have a house in East Quogue, and they were nice enough to invite me to join for a relaxing weekend at the beach. The weekend was amazing - we ate, laid on the beach, shopped and explored South Hampton, drank bloody marys and caught up on everything that had happened in the past few months. It was so great to see a friend from home and finally make it to the Hamptons. Miss her already.
I returned home after a long drive into the city to a busy week at work. Monday night I went for a long, beautiful walk around Central Park. I was in complete awe over how beautiful the park was at night. Everyone was out running, there was a baseball game in the park, people were picnicking, playing volleyball and soaking up the amazing weather. It was very easy to forget where I was. Unbelievable that the park lies in the middle of the city and somehow makes you feel like you're a world away. I finally saw the Central Park Boat house and was completely smitten with the small boats and beautiful layout of the restaurant. This long walk was followed by a fantastic dinner at an asian fusion restaurant on the LES. Amazing food and even better company.
Tomorrow morning I am headed to Traverse City, MI for the National Cherry Festival. I am working at the event for three days, returning home on Sunday. Chobani has a "CHOmobile" truck that drives around to different events (festivals, marathons, food shows, etc) giving out free product and talking to people about the brand and our Olympic sponsorship. The hopes are that this trip will expose me to Chobani activation. I'll have first hand experience giving out yogurt, mingling with consumers and learning more about the CHOmobile.
More updates soon!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Three weeks in...
Well they were right. The beginning is tough. 3 weeks in, two 14 hour days under my belt and I already feel like I need a vacation...
BUT everyone said the beginning was tough. And the harder it is, the more rewarding the outcome...right? Pushing through the transitional period, as I know it will get better. Tomorrow I leave for San Jose, CA for Olympics Gymnastics trials. Friday night I head to Omaha for Swimming trials and Monday morning I fly home. Whew! I'm very excited...even excited for some down time on the flight. Don't judge... :-/
Weekend recap:
Thursday night was a trip to the Brooklyn Brewery - which was great. 5 tokens gets you 5 beers. You can order pizza into the brewery, they have board games and picnic tables and it's just a great, low-key atmosphere to casually have a beer with friends. They offer some of their unbottled beers, which taste even better after a long, hot work day!
I woke up Friday morning to a lovely care package from Mom. It was exactly what the Doctor ordered. After my trip to the post office, I ventured outside to explore the pop-up flea market right outside my house. Pretty remarkable - jewelry, food, art, and dozens of stands with a variety of hand-made goods. After my walk through the flea market, Leela and I took a long walk down to Battery Park. We got a nice view of Lady Liberty, laid out in the sun for a bit and headed back to change for the Governor's Ball Music Festival on Randall's Island (right off of Manhattan). My friend who works for Ben & Jerry's (sponsor of the event) got us VIP freeloaders passes, so we had access to a great tent with free alcohol and ..drum roll....Crumbs cupcakes. One of the best bakeries in NYC. Unlimited cupcakes. And sangria. It was perfect.
We saw some great artists between Friday & Saturday - some of my favorites included: Passion Pit, Explosions in the Sky, Kid Cudi, Fiona Apple, Modest Mouse, Beck, etc. Beautiful weather and great music.
That's the re-cap for now...the bucket list is growing, but my schedule is filling up! Hopefully I'll be in the swing of things soon...
Off to pack for my travels. Saturday will mark my one-month in the city. Time flies!
Until next time....
BUT everyone said the beginning was tough. And the harder it is, the more rewarding the outcome...right? Pushing through the transitional period, as I know it will get better. Tomorrow I leave for San Jose, CA for Olympics Gymnastics trials. Friday night I head to Omaha for Swimming trials and Monday morning I fly home. Whew! I'm very excited...even excited for some down time on the flight. Don't judge... :-/
Weekend recap:
Thursday night was a trip to the Brooklyn Brewery - which was great. 5 tokens gets you 5 beers. You can order pizza into the brewery, they have board games and picnic tables and it's just a great, low-key atmosphere to casually have a beer with friends. They offer some of their unbottled beers, which taste even better after a long, hot work day!
I woke up Friday morning to a lovely care package from Mom. It was exactly what the Doctor ordered. After my trip to the post office, I ventured outside to explore the pop-up flea market right outside my house. Pretty remarkable - jewelry, food, art, and dozens of stands with a variety of hand-made goods. After my walk through the flea market, Leela and I took a long walk down to Battery Park. We got a nice view of Lady Liberty, laid out in the sun for a bit and headed back to change for the Governor's Ball Music Festival on Randall's Island (right off of Manhattan). My friend who works for Ben & Jerry's (sponsor of the event) got us VIP freeloaders passes, so we had access to a great tent with free alcohol and ..drum roll....Crumbs cupcakes. One of the best bakeries in NYC. Unlimited cupcakes. And sangria. It was perfect.
We saw some great artists between Friday & Saturday - some of my favorites included: Passion Pit, Explosions in the Sky, Kid Cudi, Fiona Apple, Modest Mouse, Beck, etc. Beautiful weather and great music.
That's the re-cap for now...the bucket list is growing, but my schedule is filling up! Hopefully I'll be in the swing of things soon...
Off to pack for my travels. Saturday will mark my one-month in the city. Time flies!
Until next time....
Friday, June 22, 2012
Thoughts from a subway ride..
Can someone actually value free-time on a Subway away from their internet/phone/computer? Yes, yes they can.
This week was hot.
This week was busy.
And this week is almost over!
Exciting things that happened?
Went to the oldest functioning bar in the city - Pete's Tavern. Very fun. Great music and many celebrity photos hanging on the wall.
VERY exciting news: Got invited to San Jose & Omaha next week for Olympics Trials! Swimming and Gymnastics specifically. So thrilled! Unfortuately this overlapped with a friend's visit, so I was very sad to cancel on her but we will be rescheduling for another summer weekend. Nevertheless ... VERY excited to a part of Olympics trials! Michael Phelps may be there. Enough said. :) I'll be the main person going from Chobani so i'll be there to take it all in, snap some photos and hang with the Olympians. :)
Lots of food adventures this week. Explored several new coffee shops & restaurants (for work purposes, of course) with my fellow co-worker. So many new places to try, it's pretty overwhelming.A friend from Ben & Jerry's is in town for the weekend for the Governor's Ball music festival on Randall's Island (which I am very excited to have free tickets to!) so we went out to a great Italian restaurant in the Meatpacking district for dinner last night and caught up on all things Ben & Jerry's (and Vermont!). Somewhat bittersweet to hear about Ben & Jerry's, but fun to have a familiar face from home!
Another exciting tidbit: Chobani has been all over the news recently. Big stuff - check it out!
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2117230,00.html
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303379204577476974123310582.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/15/business/media/jennie-finch-pitches-for-childs-version-of-chobani-yogurt.html?_r=3
Headed to Brooklyn to check out the Brooklyn Brewery tonight. This weekend will consist of a two-day music festival on Randall's island. Some fun bands, lots of food and hot, hot weather.
Oh..did I not mention the heat wave in NYC? I've never experienced anything like it. It's nothing like I had imagined. Nearly impossible to sleep. The moment you walk out your front door you are engulfed in the humidity. It's pretty terrible, actually.
Another glamorous part of living in the city? Cockroaches....(sorry, Mom...) Indeed, this is not a myth. Cockroaches roam the city. And of them happened to like my shower.
SOS.
More thoughts to come on life in NY. Missing family lots.
This week was hot.
This week was busy.
And this week is almost over!
Exciting things that happened?
Went to the oldest functioning bar in the city - Pete's Tavern. Very fun. Great music and many celebrity photos hanging on the wall.
VERY exciting news: Got invited to San Jose & Omaha next week for Olympics Trials! Swimming and Gymnastics specifically. So thrilled! Unfortuately this overlapped with a friend's visit, so I was very sad to cancel on her but we will be rescheduling for another summer weekend. Nevertheless ... VERY excited to a part of Olympics trials! Michael Phelps may be there. Enough said. :) I'll be the main person going from Chobani so i'll be there to take it all in, snap some photos and hang with the Olympians. :)
Lots of food adventures this week. Explored several new coffee shops & restaurants (for work purposes, of course) with my fellow co-worker. So many new places to try, it's pretty overwhelming.A friend from Ben & Jerry's is in town for the weekend for the Governor's Ball music festival on Randall's Island (which I am very excited to have free tickets to!) so we went out to a great Italian restaurant in the Meatpacking district for dinner last night and caught up on all things Ben & Jerry's (and Vermont!). Somewhat bittersweet to hear about Ben & Jerry's, but fun to have a familiar face from home!
Another exciting tidbit: Chobani has been all over the news recently. Big stuff - check it out!
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2117230,00.html
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303379204577476974123310582.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/15/business/media/jennie-finch-pitches-for-childs-version-of-chobani-yogurt.html?_r=3
Headed to Brooklyn to check out the Brooklyn Brewery tonight. This weekend will consist of a two-day music festival on Randall's island. Some fun bands, lots of food and hot, hot weather.
Oh..did I not mention the heat wave in NYC? I've never experienced anything like it. It's nothing like I had imagined. Nearly impossible to sleep. The moment you walk out your front door you are engulfed in the humidity. It's pretty terrible, actually.
Another glamorous part of living in the city? Cockroaches....(sorry, Mom...) Indeed, this is not a myth. Cockroaches roam the city. And of them happened to like my shower.
SOS.
More thoughts to come on life in NY. Missing family lots.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Go, go, go!
Thursday's birthday party in Brooklyn was a great time. Pretty low key, but nice to meet some new people. We went to a bar in Park Slope, which is a very nice part of Brooklyn - often called "Stroller City," as it attracts many small families.
Friday took me back to Brooklyn for lunch with my team and a meeting at our digital agency. The meeting was followed by happy hour drinks, which the gals from the communications team had organized. They are all amazing, and so sweet to put something together as a welcome for all. There was about 5 of us gals and we went to a bar called "Death & Company". Check it out: http://www.deathandcompany.com/lounge/
It was a mixology bar, with very creative cocktails and a dark, almost Jekyll & Hyde atmosphere. Great drinks - even better company.
Saturday began with a relaxing morning in Washington Square Park, followed by a loooongg brunch with a friend from UVM. Let me just say - New Yorkers take brunch seriously. It's almost like a sport. The hustle and bustle from the work week means a long, slow weekend of food and (quite often) unlimited mimosas. Not the worst way to spend your weekend, right?
Anyway, I met up with Erika in the West Village for brunch as "Good Restaurant." It was, indeed, true to it's name. We both got the brunch special, which included a main course, side dish and bloody mary. We sat and caught up for a few hours and proceeded to go on an adventure, exploring the city. We walked around the Meatpacking District, strolled along the High Line through Chelsea, checked out the original "Magnolia" bakery (lines around the corner) and then proceeded to go our separate ways for the day. It was great to see Erika, happy to have a fellow-UVMer in the city.
Another fun fact about Saturday: while walking around the village (near my apartment), I ran into Julie, an American friend I met in Australia. Julie and I were friends living abroad and hadn't seen each other in about 4 years. What a small world!!
After brunch, I got invited for more adventures by Lindsay, one of the Chobani gals who had invited me for drinks the night before. Lindsay is great. She has lived in the city for awhile and has been at Chobani for nearly 7 months now. In Chobani time, 7 months is equivalent to about 10 years.
Lindsay and I met downtown near the Chelsea Piers at a floating dive bar, called The Frying Pan. This place was on my bucket list, so i was happy she'd never been and wanted to experience the boat as well! We waited in line for nearly 40 minutes, only to be greeted on a rocky boat, filled with fraternity boys and coronas for the masses. Nah, it was great. Watched the sunset from the boat and chatted for a few hours.
Looks like an old pirate ship!
Not a bad view for sunset!
Lindsay and I met up with another one of our co-workers and two of her friends, after grabbing food on the Lower East Side. We bar hopped for a bit, had drinks on the rooftop of her friends bar, and ended the night at a bizarre asian night club. (Didn't see that one coming...)
Today is Father's Day and I find myself missing my Dad and family a great time. Wishing I could be home, but very excited for a few family visits in the near future.
Today will likely be a lazy day of grocery shopping, laundry and a few other errands. Another busy work week ahead.
Friday took me back to Brooklyn for lunch with my team and a meeting at our digital agency. The meeting was followed by happy hour drinks, which the gals from the communications team had organized. They are all amazing, and so sweet to put something together as a welcome for all. There was about 5 of us gals and we went to a bar called "Death & Company". Check it out: http://www.deathandcompany.com/lounge/
It was a mixology bar, with very creative cocktails and a dark, almost Jekyll & Hyde atmosphere. Great drinks - even better company.
Saturday began with a relaxing morning in Washington Square Park, followed by a loooongg brunch with a friend from UVM. Let me just say - New Yorkers take brunch seriously. It's almost like a sport. The hustle and bustle from the work week means a long, slow weekend of food and (quite often) unlimited mimosas. Not the worst way to spend your weekend, right?
Anyway, I met up with Erika in the West Village for brunch as "Good Restaurant." It was, indeed, true to it's name. We both got the brunch special, which included a main course, side dish and bloody mary. We sat and caught up for a few hours and proceeded to go on an adventure, exploring the city. We walked around the Meatpacking District, strolled along the High Line through Chelsea, checked out the original "Magnolia" bakery (lines around the corner) and then proceeded to go our separate ways for the day. It was great to see Erika, happy to have a fellow-UVMer in the city.
Another fun fact about Saturday: while walking around the village (near my apartment), I ran into Julie, an American friend I met in Australia. Julie and I were friends living abroad and hadn't seen each other in about 4 years. What a small world!!
After brunch, I got invited for more adventures by Lindsay, one of the Chobani gals who had invited me for drinks the night before. Lindsay is great. She has lived in the city for awhile and has been at Chobani for nearly 7 months now. In Chobani time, 7 months is equivalent to about 10 years.
Lindsay and I met downtown near the Chelsea Piers at a floating dive bar, called The Frying Pan. This place was on my bucket list, so i was happy she'd never been and wanted to experience the boat as well! We waited in line for nearly 40 minutes, only to be greeted on a rocky boat, filled with fraternity boys and coronas for the masses. Nah, it was great. Watched the sunset from the boat and chatted for a few hours.
Looks like an old pirate ship!
Lindsay and I met up with another one of our co-workers and two of her friends, after grabbing food on the Lower East Side. We bar hopped for a bit, had drinks on the rooftop of her friends bar, and ended the night at a bizarre asian night club. (Didn't see that one coming...)
Today is Father's Day and I find myself missing my Dad and family a great time. Wishing I could be home, but very excited for a few family visits in the near future.
Today will likely be a lazy day of grocery shopping, laundry and a few other errands. Another busy work week ahead.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Quick updates from the big city
A few quick updates from this fast-paced world:
First of all - this city really doesn't sleep.
And now...neither do I. HELP!
This week has been nuts. I now understand why my boss told me to enjoy the first week of relaxation. This job is going to be pretty intense, but I think it will be very rewarding.
It has been crumby weather this week, but I've been trying to make a point to get up early and walk to different parts of downtown each day. I've ventured over the East Village and the Lower East Side this week, exploring different parks and touristy places.
I spent the day in Brooklyn today with our digital agency (whom I'll be working closely with). I had a long meeting with them, getting downloaded on some of my responsibilities. I also had a lot of time with the Brand Manager on the team, which was great, as it gave us a chance to catch-up and get to know each other a bit more.
The past few days have been busy with work and somewhat lonely, missing people from home. Having to stay cooped up inside to work, with the rain outside. Tonight was better, as it was busy and eventful. I went to dinner with a gal who was on the Ben & Jerry's "Millennial Board." Essentially, Ben & Jerry's contracted a small number of "Millenials" who were engaged in the brand and savvy in their work, to help us better under their demographic and ways to reach them in the digital space. I met Meng very briefly in Vermont when she came for her visit, and she was sweet enough to reach out to me when she saw I was leaving Vermont for the city. Meng and I ventured to the LES to have dinner at The Meatball Shop (one of the many places on my bucket list). She was a huge fan, so was more than happy to join me. We each got the "Everything but the Kitchen Sink" plate with veggie meatballs (so much food and delicious) and then shared a massive ice cream sandwich. My pants are snugger just talking about it...
It was great to see another (somewhat) familiar face, and she was happy to give me tips on living in the city/things to do/places to see/etc etc.
Back to work I go now. Tomorrow night I am planning on heading back into Brooklyn for a birthday party. I met Alex last weekend through Beth and she invited me to join for her birthday festivities. Annnddd if I've learned one thing about living here (through just two weeks and much advice) you should never say no to an invitation...even if you don't know the people that well.
It's another friends birthday this weekend (a guy who lived on my floor freshman year at UVM) so I am hoping to join for a few drinks. Plans for brunch with another UVM gal too. Looks like it's going to be a gorgeous weekend, but very sad to miss Father's day with my Dad.
Very homesick...but hoping this will pass. It helps to see the empire state building as I venture home to my apartment. Reminds me why I'm here. Just missing the people who I'd like to share it with.
Oh - and as a side note, sorry the photos are not working again - will work on that when I get another chance!
Bon voyage..
First of all - this city really doesn't sleep.
And now...neither do I. HELP!
This week has been nuts. I now understand why my boss told me to enjoy the first week of relaxation. This job is going to be pretty intense, but I think it will be very rewarding.
It has been crumby weather this week, but I've been trying to make a point to get up early and walk to different parts of downtown each day. I've ventured over the East Village and the Lower East Side this week, exploring different parks and touristy places.
I spent the day in Brooklyn today with our digital agency (whom I'll be working closely with). I had a long meeting with them, getting downloaded on some of my responsibilities. I also had a lot of time with the Brand Manager on the team, which was great, as it gave us a chance to catch-up and get to know each other a bit more.
The past few days have been busy with work and somewhat lonely, missing people from home. Having to stay cooped up inside to work, with the rain outside. Tonight was better, as it was busy and eventful. I went to dinner with a gal who was on the Ben & Jerry's "Millennial Board." Essentially, Ben & Jerry's contracted a small number of "Millenials" who were engaged in the brand and savvy in their work, to help us better under their demographic and ways to reach them in the digital space. I met Meng very briefly in Vermont when she came for her visit, and she was sweet enough to reach out to me when she saw I was leaving Vermont for the city. Meng and I ventured to the LES to have dinner at The Meatball Shop (one of the many places on my bucket list). She was a huge fan, so was more than happy to join me. We each got the "Everything but the Kitchen Sink" plate with veggie meatballs (so much food and delicious) and then shared a massive ice cream sandwich. My pants are snugger just talking about it...
It was great to see another (somewhat) familiar face, and she was happy to give me tips on living in the city/things to do/places to see/etc etc.
Back to work I go now. Tomorrow night I am planning on heading back into Brooklyn for a birthday party. I met Alex last weekend through Beth and she invited me to join for her birthday festivities. Annnddd if I've learned one thing about living here (through just two weeks and much advice) you should never say no to an invitation...even if you don't know the people that well.
It's another friends birthday this weekend (a guy who lived on my floor freshman year at UVM) so I am hoping to join for a few drinks. Plans for brunch with another UVM gal too. Looks like it's going to be a gorgeous weekend, but very sad to miss Father's day with my Dad.
Very homesick...but hoping this will pass. It helps to see the empire state building as I venture home to my apartment. Reminds me why I'm here. Just missing the people who I'd like to share it with.
Oh - and as a side note, sorry the photos are not working again - will work on that when I get another chance!
Bon voyage..
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Saturday night in Brooklyn
Keste pizza & vino was delicious! Beth and I shared a veggie/mozzarella pizza and some wine, while catching up on life and getting to know each other. She is fantastic - thrilled to have her in the city.
Nom nom nom...
After dinner, Beth invited me out to meet some of her friends. Beth lives in Manhattan, but her childhood best friend lives in Brooklyn. So to Brooklyn we went. Williamsburg, to be exact. I haves spent a little time in Brooklyn before, but never this area. Before moving to New York, I had heard many things about Brooklyn (vs. Manhattan). Mostly good things, but some mixed. I was definitely a fan of the wide streets, quieter bars and cheap beer. The moment we got off the subway, I noticed a huge shift. It was much quieter and felt more like a neighborhood. I could definitely see myself living there at some point, but i've been told it's best to be in Manhattan when you first move. It's obviously easier to meet people and closer to everything.
Beth and I met up with two of her friends: Alex and Ryan. Alex is a yoga instructor and nanny in Brooklyn and she was just as fantastic as Beth. Ryan is a Blogger, and currently writes for an amazing blog called "Thought Catalog." I was star-struck to meet him, as I am a HUGE fan of his writing. He writes many of the "How-To's." My friend Lauren and I read this blog religiously, so I was very excited to meet him.
We started the night at an outdoor bar, filled with picnic table and christmas lights lining the trees. It was very cozy, almost like we were in someone's backyard. We shared a pitcher of Sangria and meandered over to a few different bars. Tecate cans were the drink of choice (people actually drink this stuff outside of Mexico? Who knew!) so it felt very fitting when we arrived at another outdoor bar with a taco truck...sitting right in the back. Very bizarre, but fantastic.
I was pretty exhausted when I woke up this morning, but thrilled to have met such great people. I have plans to head back to Brooklyn for Alex's birthday celebration on Thursday night. Excited to meet their friends and get to know Brooklyn a little better.
The first part of Sunday was pretty relaxing. I walked down to the West Side Highway to lay out on the grass and check out the activity down by the Hudson. Everyone was out running, kayaking, walking their dogs. Such a fit city.
I put out a blanket and got to know this book - cover to cover.
I think this will come in handy. :)
After laying out and reading for a bit, I wandered around Greenwich Village, poked my head into a few shops, grabbed some frozen yogurt (from a self-serve froyo bar!) and people watched. One of my favorite things so far - the accents! I am constantly listening in to recognize different languages/accents. I have been so surprised by the number of Europeans here. Something I'm definitely not used to!
Later on in the day, I met up with David, my friend from Unilever who had taken me to the Biergarten. I met David at a French restaurant near my neighborhood for some drinks and mingling. He introduced me to a bunch of his friends, including several Australians that moved here a few years back. New friends? I hope so.
The rest of the day consisted of grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning...and all other activities I've been putting off.
How do people even sleep in this city?!
It has been great getting to know so many new people and exploring the city..but it really is exhausting. I am hoping that life will feel a bit more normal once work gets up and running. Not that I'm complaining about the constant fun...but it'll be nice to have a routine.
Overall I have been taken back by how welcoming everyone has been. It's nice to know New Yorkers aren't all that callous.
Until next time....
Nom nom nom...
After dinner, Beth invited me out to meet some of her friends. Beth lives in Manhattan, but her childhood best friend lives in Brooklyn. So to Brooklyn we went. Williamsburg, to be exact. I haves spent a little time in Brooklyn before, but never this area. Before moving to New York, I had heard many things about Brooklyn (vs. Manhattan). Mostly good things, but some mixed. I was definitely a fan of the wide streets, quieter bars and cheap beer. The moment we got off the subway, I noticed a huge shift. It was much quieter and felt more like a neighborhood. I could definitely see myself living there at some point, but i've been told it's best to be in Manhattan when you first move. It's obviously easier to meet people and closer to everything.
Beth and I met up with two of her friends: Alex and Ryan. Alex is a yoga instructor and nanny in Brooklyn and she was just as fantastic as Beth. Ryan is a Blogger, and currently writes for an amazing blog called "Thought Catalog." I was star-struck to meet him, as I am a HUGE fan of his writing. He writes many of the "How-To's." My friend Lauren and I read this blog religiously, so I was very excited to meet him.
We started the night at an outdoor bar, filled with picnic table and christmas lights lining the trees. It was very cozy, almost like we were in someone's backyard. We shared a pitcher of Sangria and meandered over to a few different bars. Tecate cans were the drink of choice (people actually drink this stuff outside of Mexico? Who knew!) so it felt very fitting when we arrived at another outdoor bar with a taco truck...sitting right in the back. Very bizarre, but fantastic.
I was pretty exhausted when I woke up this morning, but thrilled to have met such great people. I have plans to head back to Brooklyn for Alex's birthday celebration on Thursday night. Excited to meet their friends and get to know Brooklyn a little better.
The first part of Sunday was pretty relaxing. I walked down to the West Side Highway to lay out on the grass and check out the activity down by the Hudson. Everyone was out running, kayaking, walking their dogs. Such a fit city.
I put out a blanket and got to know this book - cover to cover.
I think this will come in handy. :)
After laying out and reading for a bit, I wandered around Greenwich Village, poked my head into a few shops, grabbed some frozen yogurt (from a self-serve froyo bar!) and people watched. One of my favorite things so far - the accents! I am constantly listening in to recognize different languages/accents. I have been so surprised by the number of Europeans here. Something I'm definitely not used to!
Later on in the day, I met up with David, my friend from Unilever who had taken me to the Biergarten. I met David at a French restaurant near my neighborhood for some drinks and mingling. He introduced me to a bunch of his friends, including several Australians that moved here a few years back. New friends? I hope so.
The rest of the day consisted of grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning...and all other activities I've been putting off.
How do people even sleep in this city?!
It has been great getting to know so many new people and exploring the city..but it really is exhausting. I am hoping that life will feel a bit more normal once work gets up and running. Not that I'm complaining about the constant fun...but it'll be nice to have a routine.
Overall I have been taken back by how welcoming everyone has been. It's nice to know New Yorkers aren't all that callous.
Until next time....
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Central Park Magic.
Friday was a lot of errands, as well as lunch with the other new gal on my team. We went to a great Vegetarian restaurant around the block from me that she had suggested. Delicious!
Today started with a few more errands, followed by lunch in Central Park with my friend Adam, from High School (who I hand't seen in years!) He has been working & living in the city for about 4 years now and loves it here. We grabbed lunch to go and picnicked in the park right next to the pond and some free live jazz (another great thing about living here: free live music everywhere you go!) Talk about a prime location for lunch! Being in Central Park brought back memories from past visits and really made me realize that I was, in fact, in NYC.
Adam and I caught up on life, listened to music and enjoyed the scenery. On our walk back to his office, we brushed shoulders with James Franco.
....COME ON!!!
Anyway, it was a little drizzly but ended up being a perfect afternoon. It was so great to see a familiar face and to have a long-lost friend nearby. His office was located on Park Ave, so we rode the elevator to the 18th floor to explore the view from above. Pretty great place to have a corner cube. :)
I am headed out for dinner in a bit with a friend of a friend, who I met in the city in February. She is a close friend of my friend Caitlin. Great gal, does publishing in the city and lives in the East Village nearby! We are going to Keste Pizza & Vino, an authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria right around the corner from me.
More photos to come.
...no, not of James Franco.
((Swoon))
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Beer and Yogurt
Welcome to the Biergarten at the Standard.
Yes, this was on the bucket list. And yes, it totally exceeded all my expectations.
Yes, this was on the bucket list. And yes, it totally exceeded all my expectations.
I went with a friend I had met through Ben & Jerry's/Unilever, and he had a few tickets leftover from a previous Biergarten trip. You buy tickets at the front of the bar and walk into a large, open area, filled with picnic tables, german beer maids, soft pretzels, sausages & some of the tallest mugs of German beer I have ever witnessed. I, myself, have never taken on an entire liter of beer (in one mug...) so I happily accepted the challenge. This beer was unbelievable! Definitely a place to visit again.
This experience was made even better when I realized that the host of "Mad Money" was sitting at the table behind us. Chugging beers on a Tuesday night. Only in NYC. Between Jim Cramer at the Biergarten and seeing Ethan Hawk in my neighborhood...I am pretty star struck already. And it's only week one.
Wednesday: Yogurt 101
Today was my first real day on the job.
It started off with a little yogurt...
...which was followed by some Chobani 101: all things yogurt. The best part was hearing about the exciting new innovation and learning all about the Olympics sponsorship.
...this was then followed by an overwhelming amount of information.
Day one was intense, but exciting. I guess its something you can never really prepare yourself for.
One thing's for sure: I am looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend. I imagine the next few weeks will be hectic with work and I am definitely looking forward to getting in the swing of things.
One thing's for sure: I am looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend. I imagine the next few weeks will be hectic with work and I am definitely looking forward to getting in the swing of things.
On the itinerary for this weekend:
Lunch in Central Park with a friend from home, as well as dinner and brunch plans with friends of friends on Saturday and Sunday. It looks like a beautiful weekend, so I am excited to adventure outside of my neighborhood for a little fun.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
NYC Bucket List
Someone once told me that it is impossible to eat a meal at each and every restaurant in NYC in one lifetime.
I believe that "someone", but that doesn't mean I can't try...
I have started an official NYC bucket list. This list includes several categories: Things to do/see, Restaurants and Bars, etc. The list of restaurants and bars is already overwhelming. Thankfully, "Yelp" is my new best friend, providing me with info and reviews on places in my neighborhood and beyond.
I am very pleased to be living Downtown, away from many of the large chain restaurants. My neighborhood and the surrounding streets are lined with beautiful Italian restaurants, delicious (and CHEAP!) fast-food places, dive-bars, jazz & comedy clubs, etc. etc. To give you some perspective, I had never even been inside a Whole Foods before moving to New York. Vermont does not welcome large chains. It is actually the only state in the US without a Target. This is just one of the many things I love about my home state...but I won't deny that I love having access to all these stores just around the corner. :)
So the NYC bucket list continues to grow. I imagine I will go broke before finishing the list, but at least I can say I tried, ate, and saw.
I'm looking forward to eating weird ethnic cuisine, enjoying shows on Broadway, and soaking up life as a (NEW) New Yorker.
OH! And I should mention that one item has, indeed, been checked off the foodie bucket list. Grom gelato.
Need I say more? :)
I believe that "someone", but that doesn't mean I can't try...
I have started an official NYC bucket list. This list includes several categories: Things to do/see, Restaurants and Bars, etc. The list of restaurants and bars is already overwhelming. Thankfully, "Yelp" is my new best friend, providing me with info and reviews on places in my neighborhood and beyond.
I am very pleased to be living Downtown, away from many of the large chain restaurants. My neighborhood and the surrounding streets are lined with beautiful Italian restaurants, delicious (and CHEAP!) fast-food places, dive-bars, jazz & comedy clubs, etc. etc. To give you some perspective, I had never even been inside a Whole Foods before moving to New York. Vermont does not welcome large chains. It is actually the only state in the US without a Target. This is just one of the many things I love about my home state...but I won't deny that I love having access to all these stores just around the corner. :)
So the NYC bucket list continues to grow. I imagine I will go broke before finishing the list, but at least I can say I tried, ate, and saw.
I'm looking forward to eating weird ethnic cuisine, enjoying shows on Broadway, and soaking up life as a (NEW) New Yorker.
OH! And I should mention that one item has, indeed, been checked off the foodie bucket list. Grom gelato.
Need I say more? :)
Monday, June 4, 2012
Welcome to NYC
Day 6 in NYC.
My corner grocery store is open 24-7.
Seamless app. 'nuff said.
Fruit & veggie carts will not kill you.
Heat controlled apartments.
Water pressure in the shower (thank you, NYC).
My office is less than a mile walking distance from my apartment.
Did I mention the food...and the shopping?
Some New Yorkers really are that angry...
Beer is incredibly expensive $$$
Everything is incredibly expensive.
Honking cabs and screaming drunks outside your window do NOT lull you to sleep at night.
Far fewer trees than I had imagined.
Small, small apartments and smaller bedrooms.
Gelato everywhere (yes, this is a very dangerous thing!)
I'm sure this list will expand as I spend more time in my new home. I am looking forward to a relaxing transition week. While this blog is quite young... It was once used for recipes and all things food. Now that NYC is my new home, I imagine my new kitchen will serve as storage for many boxes of cereal and far fewer recipe books. This means more restaurants and far less cooking. I already miss my large kitchen and endless countertop space. However, I am ready to put cooking on hold to take on the city of food.
A few photos to recap the first few days:
Dinner night one: Otto, Mario Bitali's Italian restaurant in the Village
Day 1 on the new job.
Things that have been pleasantly surpringly about NYC:
Washington square park is ACTUALLY in my backyard.
Coffee is marvelous. Everywhere.
New Yorkers aren't all that angry....
People like their dogs. The smaller the dog, the better.
You can pay $3...or $30 for a sushi roll.
All the shopping & stores I could ever need or want are right around the corner.
So. Much. Froyo.
Working remotely from your couch is pretty comfortable.
The village is cozy and the people watching is amazing.
My corner grocery store is open 24-7.
Seamless app. 'nuff said.
Fruit & veggie carts will not kill you.
Heat controlled apartments.
Water pressure in the shower (thank you, NYC).
My office is less than a mile walking distance from my apartment.
Did I mention the food...and the shopping?
Things that have been...er, LESS than pleasantly surprising:
Some New Yorkers really are that angry...
Beer is incredibly expensive $$$
Everything is incredibly expensive.
Honking cabs and screaming drunks outside your window do NOT lull you to sleep at night.
Far fewer trees than I had imagined.
Small, small apartments and smaller bedrooms.
Gelato everywhere (yes, this is a very dangerous thing!)
I'm sure this list will expand as I spend more time in my new home. I am looking forward to a relaxing transition week. While this blog is quite young... It was once used for recipes and all things food. Now that NYC is my new home, I imagine my new kitchen will serve as storage for many boxes of cereal and far fewer recipe books. This means more restaurants and far less cooking. I already miss my large kitchen and endless countertop space. However, I am ready to put cooking on hold to take on the city of food.
A few photos to recap the first few days:
Dinner night one: Otto, Mario Bitali's Italian restaurant in the Village
University Square Park - next to NYU, in my backyard
Dinner at the Hummus Place - Night two!
Brunch with Mom at S'nice
The street that I call home
And of course.. the New York Times ... :)
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Hello again.
It's been nearly a year since I last posted. One of those things you tell yourself you'll do...tomorrow...Tuesday...and Tuesday becomes ten months later. Perhaps you become too busy to do the things you really enjoy. Maybe because you become forgetful of just how much you enjoyed it. Regardless of the reason - there is no reason big enough to keep you from doing things that make you happy. Rule number one - make more room for the things that bring you joy. Big or small.
So hello blog. You may not remember me - but I'm still here. I've spent countless hours reading other blogs. Recipes, fashion, travel, more recipes. But now I'm hoping to rekindle my relationship with this little space. Perhaps I'll change it up a bit. Why today? Because today was a big day. Today I signed a little piece of paper. I signed on to start a new job. A new city. A new adventure. And I cannot wait.
Hello New York City. You're a much bigger, scarier place than little old Vermont. But I think we'll get along just fine.
So hello blog. You may not remember me - but I'm still here. I've spent countless hours reading other blogs. Recipes, fashion, travel, more recipes. But now I'm hoping to rekindle my relationship with this little space. Perhaps I'll change it up a bit. Why today? Because today was a big day. Today I signed a little piece of paper. I signed on to start a new job. A new city. A new adventure. And I cannot wait.
Hello New York City. You're a much bigger, scarier place than little old Vermont. But I think we'll get along just fine.
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