cheers to the lessons, adventures and memories of 2021

Whew, it’s been a while since I last wrote a blog post on here. To say the second half of 2021 was devoted to mostly working is not healthy or right but it’s true. And in the spare time I had, I was spending it catching up with my family and friends. 2021 was a good year, but an anxious one. Another year that taught me lessons, made me stronger and wiser, brought new memories with loved ones that I will cherish and it also brought me new friendships. It also has been a year of reflection, like many have been. If there is one thing I’m learning with time, it’s how important it is for me to be around those that I love and care for the most. Time really does fly by when you think about it, and you have to really try to make the most of it by being in the present moment.

As for 2022 sure there are things I want to achieve for myself, personally and professionally and there are places I want to visit and experience but I’m trying to take it day by day (which can be hard for a planner like me). What the last two years have taught me more so now is change is constant and you have to learn to adapt, deal and make the most with all the curveballs that are thrown at you.

Thank you for continuing to follow along on my adventures and stories and thank you for your support. Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year.

Xo

-B

A Trip Down Memory Lane - West Rose & A Day In Ellicottville

Today I’m entering into my fourth week of staying home during this pandemic, like most people we are all yearning for the time when things can go back to the way they were, being able to freely leave our homes and go about our lives however we enjoy doing so.

For me, I am looking forward to the days I’ll be able to go on random day adventures and explore new places, new businesses in the region that have opened, be able to travel again, the list goes on and on.

As I’m sitting here I thought I’d share my thoughts on West Rose - a fairly new restaurant that opened in Ellicottville this past December. West Rose is the sister restaurant to the Grange Community Kitchen in the Village of Hamburg. Owners Brad and Caryn Rowell opened this wonderful place as a second “gathering place for all” in the heart of ski country.

On a Sunday afternoon in February my friend Kelsey and I took a day trip to Ellicottville to pay a visit to West Rose (it was on both our bucket lists of places to visit) and just have a change of scenery from the City of Buffalo. From the minute you walk in, you are taken away by the beautiful decor. The tall ceilings, exposed white washed brick with gold accent pieces and soft colors make the ambiance of the restaurant feel cozy, comfortable and at peace all while feeling a part of a community where guests gather to catch up or spend a day enjoying each others company. The food is seasonally inspired, shareable, comfort and delicious all in one and the staff are attentive, welcoming and friendly.

After brunch we decided to walk around the village of Ellicottville. We went from store to store and stopped at some local businesses checking on winter sales they had going on. We visited a local bakery and winery and picked up some treats for a friends dinner later that night. While our trip was only a few hours out of the day, it was nice getting some fresh air and visiting some places that were new to us and some that we don’t get to visit that often.

It’s the memories and experiences like this that I miss currently. While I’m grateful to have the memories to think of during this difficult time its hard to think what life will be like after this is all over or I should say once this is under control, I don’t think this will be over for a while. While we are all doing our part to help one another, it’s scary to think of what the economy, local business and life will be like in just a few months. I realize that is a bold and broad statement I’m making, but it’s my opinion and what I’m thinking about more frequently now a days.

It’s little adventures like these that help me get through these long and sad days that I find myself facing more often, its the memories I have that help give me hope that there are brighter days a head, until then I will continue to go down memory lane.

Continue to stay safe & be well,

-B

Welcome to Hertel Avenue with HBA's President, Judy Porto-Fiorella

Explore Hertel

Eat. Shop. Play. Explore. Create. Community.

Some of you may have seen this video on North Buffalo that was on the local news and social media channels this past week, if you ask me my opinion I think its a great video showcasing that part of our Western New York community which segues well into my blog feature today. On a Monday evening back in September (yes, September) I had the chance to sit down with Judy Porto-Fiorella, President of the Hertel Business Association (HBA). Judy and I met a few years back when the Italian Festival moved from Hertel to the Outer Harbor and I’m so happy I met her.

(Photos above are from HBA’s FB page)

Judy has lived in North Buffalo and has been involved with the North Buffalo community for many years. For those who aren’t familiar with the HBA, the board is made up of volunteers that include both residents in the Hertel community as well as business owners. The association helps with a number of things from helping businesses open, and helping residents in the area, to the beautification and decor along Hertel Ave. They meet the second Tuesday of each month and our on a yearly term.

If you’ve been down Hertel recently you will see there has been a lot of new businesses and development taking place as well as public art down Hertel Alley. That is the whole reason the HBA is in place - to attract more visitors to the area.

Judy’s favorite thing about being involved is the community work she is able to do - whether it be working with the council members, helping business owners or residents in the community or just being a part of helping North Buffalo thrive, what ever the case, she enjoys it all.

That doesn’t mean that there aren’t challenges her and the board face because there are, but they listen to those concerns and do the best they can to solve the problems that the community faces. Such as the parking, that is the main complaint if anything.

When I asked her what the biggest reward is she said it’s meeting new people in the community and seeing what they are doing. It’s a friendly community and those a part of it are always willing to help each other. It’s like a mini family, where we all respect one another, they enjoy collaborating and learning new things.

This or That:

• White or Red wine: White

• Football or Hockey: Football

• Enjoy making - Pasta or Italian Wedding Cookies: Italian Wedding Cookies

To stay up to date on all that is going on, on Hertel and in North Buffalo make sure to check out the HBA’s website and Facebook page. Judy, thank you for being the rock star and amazing woman that you are.

-B

Some of the places to check out next time you’re on Hertel:

Restaurants:

• La Talpa

• Garage Cafe

• Kostas

• Burning Buffalo

• The Little Club

Shops:

• PS Accessories

• Daisy’s Doghouse

• Start with Sleep

• Antique Lamp Company (cool finds in there)

• Core 5 Pottery