BUFFALO LINKS TO CHECK OUT

Check out some links to upcoming events in and around Buffalo and the latest video promoting the area... -B

{ Buffalo: America's Best Designed City }

Take a look at the newest video on Buffalo here

{ Saturday is UB's Homecoming - for more info on festivities click here }

{ Don't forget to get your pumpkins and apple cider at the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence - for more info go here }

{ Check out the Pink Party next Wednesday at the Statler. For ticket info go here }

{ Getting Married? In the Wedding Industry? Check out the Signature Bridal Boutique next week. For more info go here }

Mercedes Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week

Last Thursday kicked off Mercedes Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week (MBBFW), this past weekend I had the opportunity to sit down with Stephanie Brochey (Press Coordinator) and Lizzy Dugan (Beauty Director). Below is my interview.

BP: How long has MBBFW been around?

SB: This is the fifth year and its my third year being a part of fashion week.

BP: What is your favorite show of the week?

SB: The Villa Marie Show featuring Chris Palu and the Main Runway on Thursday featuring Marc Ella (Marc and I attended FIT together).

BP: What are you looking forward to this year at fashion week?

SB: The Runway shows at the Statler and connecting with people and being with friends.

BP: For someone who is attending fashion week for the first time do you recommend them seeing a certain show?

SB: It depends on your interests, if you like local boutiques, you should check out the local boutique show at the Mansion on Delaware on Tuesday. If you like swimwear or more high end fashion the Main show on Thursday night is the show to see.

BP: What should someone wear when attending a fashion show?

SB: Be creative, I encourage people to go all out because fashion week is the place to do it.

BP: How many people work behind the scenes for MBBFW? When does planning start?

SB: Core people are between 12-20 people, from hair stylists, backstage coordinators, volunteers and assistants. Planning usually starts around April and goes into full speed in July.

BP: What is your must have/favorite piece of clothing right now?

SB: Tulip skirts, there simple, comfy and easy to dress up.

{ MBBFW on Facebook - Boutique Show Tuesday 9.24.13 }

{ Lizzy Dugan, Beauty Director MBBFW }

BP: How many years have you been involved with MBBFW?

LD: Three years

BP: How long have you been in the industry? What is your role at MBBFW?

LD: 13 year in the industry and my role at fashion week is Beauty Director.

BP: What is you favorite show during fashion week?

LD: The Main Show at the Statler on Thursday evening.

BP: If people want to schedule an appointment with you where can they find you?

LD: My website www.lizzydugan.com or my Facebook page: Elizabeth Dugan Hairstylist and makeup Artist

BP: The Beauty Expo is a new edition to MBBFW this year, can you tell me more about the expo?

LD: The Beauty Expo was a great addition this year, it allows people to attend a hair show and branch out, try new services, meet new salons and it also was an opportunity for salons to meet new clients and motivate attendees to try new things.

{ Lizzy demonstrating how to do a fish tail braid }

{ Annette after Lizzy was done with her fishtail braid }

{ Not only did I get a press pass I got a manicure just in time for my trip to NYC this week }

{ Cheers! Mimosas and Wine }

{ Lizzy doing knots in my hair }

MBBFW WEBSITE

The Beauty Expo was a lot of fun and a great addition to fashion week this year. If you have the opportunity to see any of the remaining shows going on this week you should go. I attended last year and they were a great time and I got to meet a lot of talented people. If you love fashion, beauty, or just want to experience something different click on the link above.

-B

Brew Bash

Saturday, Coca-Cola Field was home to the Ballpark Brew bash. People from all over attended this event to taste a wide array of craft beers. While the weather didn't cooperate (and neither did some people), it was a great time out for those people who love their craft beer. -B

Buffalo Links

This week is full of places to go and things to do. Check out the links below.

-B

Buffalo Fashion Week:

Today kicks off Mercedes Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week! Check out the link to see what events are going on each day, starting today!

Curtain Up!:

Tomorrow is the kick off to Curtain Up! Welcoming all sorts of musicals and theater productions coming to town for the upcoming season!

Ballpark Brew Bash:

Consumers Beverages annual craft brewing event is being held Saturday at Coca- Cola Field. If you love craft beer check out Ballpark Brew Bash! Oh and proceeds go to one of my favorite organizations - Make-A-Wish!

Music is Art:

The 11th annual Music is Art Festival takes place this Saturday starting at 10am. Enjoy a nice Saturday out in Delaware Park listening to local musicians and looking at artwork for local artisans. Friday you can also donate any musical instruments you may not use anymore to the Instrument Drive. For more information go here.

Elmwood Festival of the Arts

A few weeks ago I stopped by the Elmwood Festival of the Arts and while its set-up is similar to the Allentown Art Fest (except in a different location) I found this festival to be more "kid and family friendly." With a section specifically called Kidsfest, parents could take there children to see animal shows and participate in crafts suited to their age. As I was walking around the main strip of the festival it was a nice chance to stop not only at local Artisans booths, but into local shops and boutiques who mostly hosted sales for the big weekend. It was a great way to support local business. There were also musical performances taking place throughout the weekend, so while you walked, browsed and shopped you had some entertainment along the way.

-B

{ A crowd of people listening to a musical performance }

{ A specific area designated just for the little ones }

{ Fun festive décor }

Food Truck Tuesdays at Larkin

If you're like me you may have heard and even seen food trucks throughout Buffalo, but have not had a chance to taste all the foods these trucks have to offer. That all changed this summer when Harry Zemsky thought of an awesome idea to host Food Truck Tuesdays at Larkin Square.

While I have been down to "Larkinville" a variety of times, I haven't been there on a Tuesday night, so last week my Mom and I went to Food Truck Tuesdays. We of course stopped and paid a visit to my friends at the Ooo La La Fashion Truck and then made are rounds. With a packed house of people and over 10 food trucks it was overwhelming to chose who to go to. Mind you I've only every had a gourmet hot dog from the famous Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs truck so deciding who to go to was a hard decision. Do I try the famous and ever so popular Lloyds? Or do I go with a truck I never heard of before? Decisions, decisions. Eventually I decided on Mac n' Cheese and my Mom chose a sandwich from Square 1 Sandwiches.

With food trucks taking Buffalo by storm over the last few years this is a great place to go and check out what's to offer. Each week there is a different line up of food trucks that stop down and serve you up what they have to offer. Bands are on hand playing live music, colorful patio furniture is on hand for you to relax in (or you can opt to bring a blanket or your own chair to sit in), the tennis courts are on hand for people to play on and hula hoops are available for kids.

Food Truck Tuesdays has been such a hit that food trucks from Rochester have been making special guest appearances the last few weeks and with such positive feedback you can be sure to see this carry into the early stages of fall and go out with a big bang in October.

Food Truck Tuesdays takes place every Tuesday (rain or shine) from 5-8pm.

-B

{ Larkin Square Food Truck Tuesdays Facebook }

{ Buffalo Food Truck Directory }

{ Another busy night at Food Truck Tuesdays }

{ The lucky food truck I chose }

{ Cute presentation - Mac n' Cheese in a Chinese container }

{ Still my favorite food truck - Franks Gourmet Hot Dogs }

{ Just hanging out on some fun patio furniture }

Fishy Business

For some it may not mean anything, but to others being able to visit the Zoo or Aquarium and do more than just see the animals in their exhibits is a pretty cool experience. A few weeks ago I came across information I didn't know, the Aquarium of Niagara offers a variety of feedings throughout the day, from Sea Lions and Harbor Seals to Penguins and Sharks. Once I heard the news I, of course, had to check it out with my partner in crime...my niece Savannah.

So last week Savannah and I made the visit to the Aquarium and for $5 we received a cup of fish to feed to the Harbor Seals that are on exhibit outside the building. It was a pretty neat experience. During the session you have the opportunity to learn about the seals and ask as many questions as you'd like all while supporting a local charity.

If you're an animal lover or you like to try new things, check it out. The Aquarium offers a lot of activities from animal shows and private parties to touching a tank full of sea life creatures.

-B

The Aquarium on Facebook

OPEN DAILY 9:00AM - 6:00PM *                                Parking is FREE everyday PENGUIN FEEDINGS 10:00AM, 3:00PM HARBOR SEAL FEEDINGS 10:30AM, 4:30PM SEA LION SESSIONS 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 3:30PM & 6:00PM SHARK OR TIDAL POOL FEEDING 11:30AM (Opposite Days) WANNA FEED A SEAL? 12:00PM, 2:00 PM *All activities are subject to change Printable Schedule

SHOW HOW: A Night of How-To

{via}

Do you ever wish you knew how to do something or knew someone who knew how to put something together? I think everyone goes down that path once or twice, wishing they knew who to call in times of need. Well this Saturday, August 24th is a great time to meet people of all trades at the event "Show How: A Night of How-To" hosted by Communify: Buffalo.

Show How: A Night of How-To is an event that will feature some of Buffalo's most talented small business owners, skilled men and women and community organizations who will be demonstrating basic repairs, skills or activities in their field.

The goal of this event is to enable and energize attendees with the knowledge they need to perform basic skills and activities while creating an opportunity to network with people who can complete advanced work for them if need be.

Show: How is being held at 464 Gallery on Amherst St. in Buffalo on Saturday, August 24 from 6-9 pm. Presentations will begin at 6:30pm.  $10 will be charged at the door, $8 if you bring a canned good and wine will be served.

For a list of vendors participating in the event click here:

Communify: Buffalo Facebook Page

Created by Stephanie Brochey, Communify: Buffalo's sole mission is "Connecting those who need something, with those who have something to give." Previously known as Buffalo Friends Co-Op Initiative, it began as a Facebook page encouraging widespread use of sharing, exchanging and creating opportunities to help others in the community.

After the tremendous response Stephanie rebranded and launched Communify: Buffalo. Through the events and outreach on social media, Communify stands to connect individuals who are looking for support, material goods, services, volunteers, etc. with those who can offer it to them.

 "There are so many great local businesses and organizations that desire to connect to a larger audience of people and oppositely a lot of people who appreciate knowing how to complete simple tasks for themselves. We hope to make this a regular event and continue to feature more and more of these people."

-Owner of Communify: Buffalo, Stephanie Brochey

This is a great event for anyone interested in meeting new people and looking for experts in a particular field of work. Check it out on Saturday!

-B

Kayaking & Hiking by the Grain Elevators

A few weekends ago my friend Lauren and I went on a kayaking and hiking tour of what people call "Silo City." It was awesome, starting from the inner harbor we kayaked down the lake past General Mills through abandoned industrial buildings that were once prosperous to hiking through silos and the Perot Malt House. It was a pretty cool experience and you don't need to be an experienced kayaker either. The tour was $30 per person which I thought was reasonable. Two and a half hours on the water and learning a little history, you can't beat that.

The inner harbor offers a lot of water activities - not only kayaking, but paddling on surf boards, paddle boats with over sized tires and lots of boat tours.

With only a few more weeks of summer left, if you have time try and head down and check out all there is to offer.

-B

Buffalo Harbor Kayak

[Its a little blurry because my phone was in a Ziploc baggie, but getting ready to get in our kayaks]

[We took a pit stop on the water so I got to snap this picture of me]

[My paddle]

[Getting ready for our hike tour]

[Inside the Silo]

[Outside - converting grain elevators to rock and ice climbing center]

[Inside the Malt House]

[So happy I accomplished it!]

Backyard Wedding

Having done a numerous amount of weddings, I've seen a lot of creative things take place. This past weekend I was honored to be a part of the Mehltretter Wedding on Grand Island. This backyard wedding was amazing! Sabres themed, all the stops were pulled out... from having Doug Allen introduce the wedding party and sing the National Anthem, to a tent set up for photos where guests could strike a pose, Chinese Lanterns as a remembrance for loved ones, a bench for guests to sign, to having Mr. Softee come and hand out ice cream cones, it was one wedding to remember. Congrats again Mr. & Mrs. Mehltretter!

-B

{ Pre-Ceremony Set-Up }

{ Getting ready to walk down the aisle }

{ Stanley Cup shaped cake }

{A little pop of color for the food table}

{Strike a pose}

{The 3 bright circles are the lanterns that were lite and let go in memory of loved ones who couldn't be with the family that day}

{ Me with the one and only Doug Allen}

{Another surprise- Mr. Softee}

{A wedding collage from the Mehltretter's special day}

One of the wedding intro's video

"I Love Lucy"

The great, Lucille Ball was born down the road in Jamestown, NY and every year in the city is the Lucille Ball Fest. This past Saturday a few friends and myself made a trip to the festival to see what it was all about. Grape stomping, chocolate wrapping, music, people dressed up as Lucy and a variety of different tours were on hand for the people in attendance. While it was a nice event, I was expecting more people and more activities- creating this big, over the top event. Maybe next year I will help be on the planning committee. -B

{Lucy Fest video by B}

{Chocolate Wrapping}

{Grapes for the stomping competition}

{ Schedule of tours for each day}

{Video Clip of Annette & Sandra }

Wines in the Wild

Wines in the Wild is a fun outdoors event that takes place at the Buffalo Zoo every July and its one of my favorite events in Buffalo. This year Lacey and I took to the zoo to enjoy not only the wine, food and people, but as many animal exhibits as we could.  While the zoo is under renovations for new animal exhibits the event hasn't lost its touch, hosting a sold out crowd on a beautiful summer night. Here are some pictures from the night. -B

{ Taking a seat by the Otter Exhibit }

{ The NAB Ladies, Lacey and Jessica xo }

{ Inside the Rainforest }

{ Up close and personal with the hyena }

{ Hanging out with Laverne, the Gecko }

{ Besties }

Happily Ever After

This weekend I had the honor of attending and coordinating the Sondel Wedding that was held at the Embassy Suites. Two words describe their special day - simple and elegant. Below are some pictures of their special night. Here's to a special Happily Ever After Mr. & Mrs. Sondel <3

-B

{Private outdoor patio}

{cupcakes with ice cream in the center}

By The Water

Nothing beats spending time with old friends, having a few drinks, a few laughs and listening to music by the water all on a nice summer day. One of my favorite spots to go to in the summer in Western New York is the waterfront and with recent developments its shaping up to be a beautiful place filled with history, beauty and fun. -B

:: The Los Lonely Boys playing at Thursday at Canalside ::

::Selfie ::

:: Just like old times - Rachael and Brian were in town visiting ::

Irving NY

The majority of my Saturday was spent in Irving, NY (south of Buffalo) working the Runway at the Bay Fashion Show. Below are a few of the pictures I captured during my time there.

To see all the pictures I took, follow me on Instagram: @bybuffalob

:: Located in Irving, NY is one of the popular beaches in the area, Sunset Bay & Cabana Sams ::

:: The bar area is full of colorful accents, looking out to the beach area ::

*New at Sunset is an upstairs patio area*

:: This past Saturday, Sunset was host to the Runway at the Bay Fashion Show with TT New York and Ooo La La Boutique/Ooo La La Fashion Truck ::

Sunset hosts a variety of bands, contests and other events throughout the summer time.

Sunset Bay Beach Club on Facebook

-B

Things To Do Around Town - July 2013

With July already upon us I wanted to suggest some fun things to do around town that are merely cheap or free. Here's the list:

Softball at Delaware Park - get a game going with you and your family

Attend the Buffalo Zoo for the day - and catch the polar bear cubs!

Take a stroll on Elmwood, Niagara Falls Park, Letchworth Park, the Waterfront, the Botanical Gardens or Lewiston

Attend a concert at Thursday at the Harbor

Watch the Bisons play Ball at Coca-Cola Field

Enjoy the music at the Larkin Square on Wednesday evenings, play some shuffleboard on one of there courts or simply walk around and see a variety of vendors, or check out the Food Trucks on Tuesdays at Larkin Square from 5-8pm.

 Here is a list of some of the other Events taking place in July:

Artpark - OAR concert - July 10

Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff Mansion - July 12, 19, 26

Taste of Buffalo- July 13/14

Olmstead Gala- July 12

Runway at the Bay - July 13 - Sunset Bay Beach Club

7 Chances Charity Fashion Show on the Naval Ships - July 21

Buffalo Zoo's Wines in the Wild - July 24

Sidewalk Sale in East Aurora - July 27

Buffalo Bills Training Camp begins - July 28

Canalside Events - throughout the month of July there is always something going on

-B

#1161

A couple weeks ago I ran in my first 5k run, the 50 Yard Finish. It was one of the best activities I participated in, in a while. While it is only 3.1 miles, the fact that I would be running alongside some avid runners gave me a bit of nerves, but I just told myself to run my own race.

I set a goal for myself to complete the race in under 40 minutes and I did it! The best part was I got to run the race with one of my best friends! It helps to have someone running with you, that way you can motivate each other. The best part was all runners had the opportunity to run through the tunnel at Ralph Wilson Stadium and end at the 50 yard line. It was definitely the way I wanted to end my first 5k race.

The other nice thing is the entry fee to run in the 50 Yard Finish goes towards the Buffalo Bills Youth Foundation which provides money to great causes that promote an active lifestyle for children and youth today.

-B

To check out video of me entering the tunnel click here: My Race

For more videos follow me on Vine or Instagram

:: A collage documenting my first 5k run ::

:: Pre-race jitters ::

:: From the stands ::

*Fireworks*

With the 4th of July being tomorrow I thought it would be nice to provide you with a list of some places that are hosting fireworks. Keep in mind a lot of them start going off at dusk (9/9:30p).

• Artpark Amphitheater (Lewiston, NY)
• Niagara Falls by Rainbow Blvd. (Niagara Falls, NY)
• Cheektowaga Town Park
• University at Buffalo (North Campus) (Amherst, NY)
• Martin's Fantasy Island (Grand Island, NY)
• Central Ave. in Lancaster, NY

Where do you go to see fireworks? Who do you think has the best fireworks display in the area, I'd love to know! 

-B

3 Essentials to bring for watching fireworks:

• Large Blanket or Lawn Chairs (for those who can't sit on the ground)
• Bug Repellent
• Great Company

Cocktails on the Lawn

A few times throughout the summer you have the opportunity to enjoy refreshing cocktails, delicious appetizers and live music on the lawn outside the Mansion on Delaware's patio. Usually closed off to guests only, this cocktails on the lawn event is a nice treat for people who want to enjoy a nice happy hour outside in Buffalo. There are a couple more dates to enjoy cocktails on the lawn, keep up to date here.

-B

Live Music at Thursday at the Harbor

Every Thursday during the summer you have an opportunity to check out a wide variety of different musicians that perform at the harbor. This past week a few friends and myself went to see Blackstreet and despite the drizzly rain a good crowd turned out.

-B

Click here for the rest of the summers concert lineup: Thursday at the Harbor