Celebrating International Women's Day

Today is International Women’s Day and 2022's theme is Break the Bias. From the International Women’s Day website let’s:

Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.

I have met some remarkable women over the years, especially when it comes to my blog interviews. Today I wanted to highlight some of them because in my eyes they are shining a light and making an impact on people and in the community. Most of these women are people who I’ve worked with, some are friends, and I’ve seen first hand the work they are doing and the positive influence they’ve had in my life.

Kristen Cronyn from Meet and Eat Charcuterie - Kristen is all about community and collaboration. She’s always there to connect with other businesses and celebrate others through her work and I admire that about her. It’s not about competition but about building each other up and being each others cheerleader.

Amanda, Colleen and Rachel from Revolution Buffalo - These women have always been about creating a positive community through their studio since the day they opened their doors. A place where everyone is welcomed and seen equal and I admire the positive atmosphere they continue to create and the work they do to give back to their community.

Kate from Hope Rises - In a world where there is so much negativity, Kate finds the good and shares those stories that offer hope. That is one thing we all need a little more of right now.

Catie, Sarah and Zhi from Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy - These three women are creative, kind and care about the community they live in and they show that through the work they do for our Buffalo Parks. In my opinion without this amazing development team our Buffalo Parks would be as enjoyable to park users. They help raise the funds needed to keep the parks clean and safe throughout the year.

Melissa from Winkler + Samuels - Not only can she recommend a great bottle of red (or white) she offers fun classes for customers to learn more about the wine they drink, the region its from and the local winemakers that make it. Some of her classes also benefit local charities which is another win in my book.

Kate and Dusty from WNYMMA - I don’t know much about WNYMMA or these two women but they offer free self-defense classes for women on Sunday’s at 11am (I took a class a couple weeks back). This community is strong and kind and I love that there is a business in WNY that takes pride in wanting to help teach women to defend themselves if they ever needed to.

Jess Kelly - Jess is a native Western New Yorker who travels around the country and shares her experiences on her social platforms and with national publications. Not only is Jess a caring and kind human, she reminds me to live life in the moment and to enjoy the world, to take risks and have some fun.

Carrie from Rusterior and Buffalo Boss Babes - Carrie is not only a local business owner but she created Buffalo Boss Babes, a women run blog and social media feed that features talented women in the WNY community. She hosts fun, laid-back networking events that are meant to empower creative women who are helping to build Buffalo.

Dionne from UPward Design for Life - she founded this organization to “restore hope by transforming empty spaces into homes.” By volunteering I have seen the work Dionne does by taking an empty space and turning it into a home and changing peoples lives for the better. If I had an ounce of her talents and energy I would be a better person. We can all learn something from Dionne through her hard work, passion and drive, it motivates me to not give up on my dreams.

Mandy from Big Big Table - I haven’t met Mandy but she is the founder and chef of this new community café where everyone can enjoy a good meal and not have to worry if they can afford it or not. The idea is all are welcome, everybody gives and everyone matters.


Friday Favorites!

What a week Western New York has been through. While we still have a lot of snow to remove and some time before we can get back to any sort of "norm," Western New York residents have shown that they are strong and they can get through anything...together! Make the most of the situation you are in and remember to stay positive. Have a safe weekend!

-B

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{Need to stock back up on my wine supply}

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{Only two weeks away from Deck the Halls Runway. Go to DTHrunway.com for more info}

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{Even though I'm ready for Snowvember to be over with, I loved seeing us get some National attention the last few days}

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{Jim Kelly on ESPN}

Snowvember - Buffalo for Real!

With all the snow that has fallen over Western New York in the past 24 hours, I thought I would post some of my favorite pictures from people {including myself} that posted on social media what's going on in their neck of the woods. The weather has been the talk of the town, making National headlines and while some up North have only seen a couple inches, this storm has cost the lives of a handful of people. It's important for everyone to remember to stay inside and let the emergency personnel and first responders do their jobs. In times like these I'm even more happy and proud to say I live in Buffalo - "A city of good neighbors," always coming through and helping each other in times of need and showing each other some #Buffalove. Stay safe and warm!

-B

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{Tuesday Nov. 18 - Picture taken via news station showing the Lake Effect Snow band between Downtown and the Southtowns}

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{Tuesday evening - photo taken by news station showing the NYS Thruway}

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{My friend Tara enjoying a glass of wine outside her home Tuesday evening}

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{Airplane view}

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{Outside my house on Wednesday morning}

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{The sun shining and the snow taking a break Wednesday late morning}

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{Photo via Buffalo Bills - Snow on the field and in the stands at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Wednesday}

Western New York Trick or Treat Times

_dsc0999 ERIE COUNTY

Akron- 6 - 8 p.m.

Alden- 6 - 8 p.m.

Amherst- No Times Listed

Angola- 6 - 8 p.m.

Blasdell- 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Buffalo- Ends at 8 p.m.

Cheektowaga- 6 - 8 p.m.

Clarence- 5 - 8 p.m.

Depew- 6 - 8:30 p.m.

East Aurora- No Times Listed

Eden- 5 - 8 p.m.

Elma- 5 - 8 p.m.

Evans- 6 - 8 p.m.

Grand Island- 5 - 8 p.m.

Hamburg- 6 - 8 p.m.

Holland- Ends at 8:30 p.m.

Lackawanna- 5 - 8 p.m.

Lancaster- 6 - 8:30 p.m.

North Collins 6 -8 p.m.

Orchard Park- 6 - 9 p.m.

Springville- No Times Listed

Town of Tonawanda- No Times Listed

Wales- Ends at 9pm

West Seneca- 6 - 8 p.m.

Williamsville- No Times Listed

NIAGARA COUNTY

Barker- 5 - 7 p.m.

Lewiston- 4pm - 8pm

Lockport- 4pm - 8pm

Newfane- 4 - 7 p.m.

Niagara Falls- 3 - 7 p.m.

North Tonawanda- 5 - 8 p.m.

Porter- 5 - 7:30 p.m.

Royalton- 3 -7 p.m.

Wheatfield- 4- 7 p.m.

Wilson- 4 - 7 p.m.

Youngstown- 5-7:30 p.m.

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY

Brocton: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Cassadaga: 5-7 p.m.

Celeron: 5:30-8 p.m.

Cherry Creek: 5-8 p.m.

Dunkirk: 4-8 p.m.

Falconer: 5:30-7 p.m.

Fredonia: 4-7 p.m.

Forestville: 4-8 p.m.

Jamestown: 6-8 p.m.

Lakewood: 6-8 p.m.

Ripley: 6-8 p.m.

Silver Creek: 5-7 p.m.

Sinclairville: 5-7 p.m.

South Dayton: 5-8 p.m.

Stockton: 4-7 p.m.

Westfield: 6-8 p.m.

WYOMING COUNTY

Arcade: 5 to 8 p.m.

Attica: 6 to 8 p.m.

Castile: Until 8:30 p.m.

Gainesville: 6 to 9 p.m.

Perry: Curfew for people less than 18 years old starts at 10 p.m.

Silver Springs: Curfew starts at 8:30 p.m.

Wyoming: Curfew starts 10 p.m.

GENESSEE COUNTY

Batavia: 6 to 9 p.m.

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY

Olean - 6 to 8 p.m.

Franklinville - 6 to 8 p.m.

Portville - 6 to 8 p.m.

Allegany - 6 to 8 p.m.

Little Valley: 6 to 8 p.m.

Portville: 9 p.m. curfew.

Salamanca: 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Ellicottville: 6 to 9 p.m.

ALLEGENY COUNTY

Alfred: 6 to 8 p.m.

Almond: 6 to 8 p.m.

Angelica: 6 to 8 p.m.

Belmont: 6 to 8 p.m.

Bolivar: 6 to 8 p.m.

Canaseraga: 6 to 8 p.m.

Cuba: 6 to 8 p.m.

Richburg: 6 to 8 p.m.

Wellsville: 6 to 8 p.m.

"The Happiest Place on Earth"

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{ My Alex and Ani collection of bracelets and Disney Magic Band in front of Epcot }

Walt Disney created Disney World on a dream and imagination and what an imagination he had! It has been a few years since I was on vacation for longer than a "long weekend." About a week ago me and a few friends decided back in April that we wanted to go to the happiest place on earth, Disney World. While this post really doesn't have a lot to do with Buffalo, it does have a lot to do with how my blog was started. I love to travel, love it! But I always loved coming home because even though I've seen amazing sights and had great experiences there is no place like Buffalo, my hometown.

It has been over 10 years since I was at Disney World and while some things have stayed the same, it was different. Going to Disney as an adult you have a different perception than children. It amazes me to see people from all over the world come together and feel like a kid, even if it was just for a few minutes. Walking through the parks I often thought where were people from and was there a special occasion as to why they were there, what was their story!

My vacation was a magical one. It brought out the "kid" in me, made me appreciate the life I have even more and the opportunities that I've been given. Seeing other Western New York Natives and Buffalo Bills fans at the parks made it feel like a little piece of home was in Florida too.

For those who only think Buffalo is known for the cold weather and for those who think there hometown doesn't offer anything, think again. Take time to travel to other places, see different cultures and see where Buffalo falls into your life. While Disney World is one of the happiest places on earth and while part of me wanted to stay there, coming home to Buffalo is the happiest of all places for me.

-B

Below are just a handful of pictures I took while on vacation.

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