Out of Hoboken's estimated population of about 50,000 people, Nicole Palladino may be just one resident, yet she seems to coyly let on that there is much more to her than just another faceless number to add to the Hoboken census. Her independence is clearly visible among the way she talks, with an air of natural intelligence and descriptive views on lifestyle, job, daily routine, and the way in which she takes advantage of living in this beloved city, as well as life in general.

The greater New York City/Metropolitan area is nothing new for Nicole, originally from Philadelphia, who had all ready spent some time as an intern in NYC, and then moved on to a program in NYU before making the short jump from life in the city to Hoboken. For the past ten months, Nicole has called 11th Street home, and has been enjoying herself ever since. What’s Nicole’s preference on life across the river in NYC in comparison with life in Hoboken? It’s a no-brainer. “I’m so grateful to have wound up here; it’s a clean and friendly town, affordable, and with such nice people, I’m very happy to be here,” Nicole says. Although her sales job at Wiley & Sons seems to have been her link for the move and interest in her current career, she surprised herself with the move, “I interviewed, they gave me the job, and here I am!”

It’s also no surprise that Nicole is enthusiastically appreciative of the friendly atmosphere of this city, and is glad that the big company of Wiley has been so welcoming, helping her to enjoy the transition from college life to work life. “It seems to be a better outlet for a more sophisticated way of partying; I feel like I’ve graduated from the college scene,” Nicole admits with a smile, letting on that she is ready for the mature lifestyle of a working-woman with a 9 to 5.

Even though working at a publishing house is not her dream job, she has hopes to move onward to a more serious job realty, but is in no rush, for that would mean a move out of the city. She is clearly enjoying her time in Hoboken, “I love the nightlife and there are so many great restaurants! My hours are great- especially on Fridays, which is rare for someone my age, and I also have the opportunity for hobbies- also rare!” Although she is dedicated, driven, restless, and very work-oriented, don’t let Nicole’s studious qualities and indomitable work ethic fool you; she is certainly not all work and no play.

Nicole spends a portion of her time revolved around one of the best features of Hoboken- the food. Working as a sales rep in a large company based on textbooks, encyclopedias, and more, Nicole is not your average foodie. However, she finds herself supremely intrigued by the world of taste and feels compelled to share, “I have a food blog that I currently update with weekly postings on all sorts of things: where in town I eat, things I cook, or recipes and dishes I read about. The food here is absolutely fantastic!” While she raves about the food of local restaurants, she does not only limit herself to her food experience in this town, she goes back to Philly for monthly meetings with people who share her similar interest in food, “We go to tastings, new restaurants and events; it’s nice to go out of town and be with people who have similar interests. Sometimes it’s nice to get away from the bar scene and visit a different area,” she shares.

While Nicole genuinely enjoys indulgence in different as a hobby, it is only just that. “My interest in food is purely recreational, and it’s something that interests me just for fun. I enjoy doing it, I just wouldn’t want to make a career out of it,” Nicole remarks. Even though the restaurants are one of the reasons Nicole loves her new hometown, it can also serve to be a con for her, “I wish there were less restaurants and more activities, and maybe even more community events. Sometimes it seems as though social events only consist of eating and drinking, though it is only a two-mile town,” Nicole adds. Although sometimes she admits to be looking for more variety, the young, fashionable, and well-spoken Nicole keeps herself occupied in writing, sitting outside in the park, enjoying refreshments from the reliable Mr. Softee, and playing team kickball- organized through Wiley and Sons.

When Nicole is able to take a break from work or writing and isn’t busy playing kickball, she finds solace sitting in an area other than the park. “You can find me at the Empire Coffee Shop, where they have outdoor seating. It has such a great environment, and if you have nothing to do, nothing you want to do, or if you would just rather not be anywhere else, it’s a great place to be,” dishes Nicole, on one of her favorite hotspots.

What’s next for Nicole? Well, she plans to continue her work experience at Wiley and Sons, move out to the country, and follow her hopes of rejoining the realty biz where she used to work. Though all this is well and good, it seems Nicole enjoys where she’s at her in life right now, and that’s more important than rushing forward. “I think it’s everyone’s goal to be successful and happy in whatever capacity that may be, and the same goes for me too.”

Interested in Nicole’s food blog? Stay up to date with her activities and favorites by checking it out at http://lamiatavolaonline.blogspot.com!