May {To-Do's}

{ Maxi dress from Ooo La La Boutique. Matt & Nat bag, you can find at Anna Grace on Elmwood. Stay up to date on the events I have coming up on my events page }

Happy Cinco De Mayo!! Today is a great day to celebrate some delicious margarita's at Cantina Loco! The month of May for me is a month to continue to get things done. By that I mean spring cleaning, organizing, traveling at the end of the month, training for the half marathon next month, trying new things & visiting new places {Newbury Street & The Boat House specifically} and kick starting a variety of events that are coming up throughout the summer that I have a part in.

What are some things you are looking forward to this month?

-B

Dyngus Day Wrap Up

Dyngus day has come and past and while I enjoyed my time with friends I must say I have to voice my "concerns" on how I feel about the event this year. Going down to the Polonia District in the east side of Buffalo is a tradition. It brings back memories of my old neighborhood, where I grew up and celebrating at the Central Terminal is a great time.

This year there were crowds and crowds of people, more so than in past years {I think the nice weather had something to do with that}, but with that came no sense of organization on the event planners part, people were cutting through fences, more garbage lined the streets than normal, the bands didn't stick with the tradition of playing just Polka music, I'm sorry but in past years that's all that was played, no modern music was played. There was no TYSKIE beer {how can you not have Tyskie Beer at Dyngus Day}, I thought there was a "lack of security" and I felt $5 per drink ticket was fairly high. Where does this money go to? If you have Sobieski Vodka or a beer sponsor, sponsoring your event, where does the money go from ticket and drink sales? Does it go to help renovations at the Terminal or Churches that are still open on the East side of Buffalo? I would like to know.

I don't like to be negative, but after attending this past yea,r all of these questions arose and I thought I would put it out there. All things aside I had a good time, the weather was great, the company was better and I'm looking forward to 2015, hopefully back inside the Terminal.

-B  

Paint and Sip #Repeat

One thing I enjoy more and more is doing things I wouldn't normally do {my theme for 2014 is trying new things}. So for my birthday this year I wanted to do something different than the normal happy hour, dinner and drinks type thing. Paint on Tap Studios on Main Street in Williamsville was the perfect thing!

A group of 10 of my friends and my Mom spent a few hours painting and sipping on wine and beer with me. It was fantastic! Not only did we get to spend time together, we all created pretty pieces of art that we were able to take home and I made new memories that I will take with me for a very long time.

Paint on tap offers a packages at a variety of different price points. I thought all the options they offer are very reasonable. The private party package I chose included all the supplies, wine and beer and you could bring in light snacks as well. I can't wait to plan another get together there. It was a great time and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for something fun to do.

-B

{Our instructor Kaitlin was awesome! }

{ Concentration at this table #whysoserious }

{ Step by step of my peacock progress }

My Snowboarding Adventure #BuffaloStyle

One thing I've wanted to do was learn to snowboard so over the weekend my friend Annette {a veteran snowboarder} and I went to Holiday Valley. I have never had any experience in any winter sports, the most I've ever done was gone tubing, so I was all sorts of emotions, anxious, nervous, scared, excited - you get the point. We started off making a pit stop at EBC {Ellicottville Brewing Company} to "warm" up - meaning have a drink or so in me, so I wasn't so tense.

{ The Blueberry beer is my favorite their }

Then it was onto the slopes. We arrived at Holiday Valley around 4pm and purchased the night time pass for $33. Then a friendly gentleman {employee} showed us to where we could get our rental equipment. We both got boots and boards for $26.

Next it was on to the lesson...

[video width="1280" height="720" wmv="http://justablondeinbuffalo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/snowboarding-video-2014.wmv"][/video]

After that short five minute lesson we stopped to take some photos {its all about the documentation} and then it was on to the bunny hill.

{All ready to go}

Once we got on the ski lift, {I don't know how Annette didn't push me off} I must have panted and rambled and almost cried the whole way up the slope, I was so scared { I don't like heights as it is so this was a huge step for me}. Once we got to the top I fell {LOL} off. The first time down it took about 45 minutes and then the second time it took around 30 minutes. I fell, but got back up and I did have some moments where I had the hang of it, it was just when I felt like I was going to fast or thought I would hit a tree that I plopped back down.

{ We took a photo break on our second time down the bunny hill }

{ Its a little blurry, but believe it or not that's me! }

{ Go Bills }

{ We took a drinking and eating break inside the lodge }

{ Live music from Jay Mcdonell }

After our little break I was ready to sit by the fire and relax, but Annette convinced me to try the big hill, so here we went out into the much lower temperatures and up the big slope. Once to the top - I chickened out {LOL} I was tired, it was a much longer way down and it was a lot colder, I took the ski lift back down where Annette {who snowboarded down} was waiting for me. While I went back into the lodge to warm up, the friendly gentleman who showed us to the rental equipment earlier in the day came up and asked how my first time riding was and also asked if I lost my friend.

The staff was very friendly and the fact that, that employee came up and asked how my first experience was, made it even better. Its because of that extra effort he made that will make me want to come back again. While I am no pro I was happy that I faced a fear and accomplished something on my bucket list, all while doing it with one of my closest friends by my side. It's definitely a memory I will always remember and I can't wait to get back on the slopes {after my butt heals from all the falling}. Oh and the other nice thing- I got multiple compliments on my Buffalo Bills hat! ;)

{ Me running off the ski lift }

{ Photo credit by Annette }

{The end}

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="http://justablondeinbuffalo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/snowboarding-video.mp4"][/video]

Don't let fear stop you from trying new things, you only have one life, so make the most of it!

-B

Beauty Barre at BikeorBar

With Valentine's Day on Friday, the ladies at BikeorBar on Elmwood hosted a Beauty Barre event on Sunday. If you paid for one of the services {Eyelash/hair extensions, spray tanning, waxing, facial or massage} you received a free Barre class. The event in my eyes was a big success. There was a crowd of women who filled the back room and for some {like me} it was my first time taking a barre class. After class they offered the services and while you waited they had wine, mimosas, sushi and some sweet treats. It was a nice event, made you feel pretty, do something for yourself and all in time for Valentine's Day. -B

{$20 for a service or 3 services for $45 (great deals!)}

#BfloBridalExpo14

This past Sunday, the Seneca Niagara Casino and Event Center were hosts to over 3,000 brides, grooms and bridal parties from all over Western New York. The Buffalo Bridal Association held their ninth annual Buffalo Bridal Expo from 11-6pm. Florists, limousine companies, photographers, deejays, health and fitness vendors and bakeries were just some of the vendors in the wedding industry represented at this great event.

The Buffalo Bridal Association {BBA} was created over 25 years ago by Key Video Production owner, Michael Fantaske to do one thing, provide quality products and vendors to the brides. Brides go through three stages; 1. Excitement 2. Planning and 3. Fear. The BBA takes the fear out of the planning and brings the excitement back. All members of the BBA apply to be a member and go through an application process. You have to be the best of the best and if excepted into the association you sign a code of ethics, easing the brides mind knowing she can trust your services.

BBA's Bridal expo is the largest expo in the Northeast with 20 staff working around the clock to make this event the best it can be for those in attendance {that doesn't include the casino's staff and the BBA volunteers}. The BBA is there to tell you and provide you with the people you CAN trust, their the liaison between the brides and the vendor.

While walking around, each and every vendor was engaged with the potential "new" customer. They were inviting and sociable, handing out take home gifts and offering discount services if you signed up with them.  The event overall was informative and entertaining. Some of my favorite booths were;

• Toy Bros (Jeff and his team do amazing work!)
• Key Video Productions
• Zoladz limousine
• Floral Accents
• Status limousine
• Sweet Melody's
• Creative Beginning's Wedding décor
• Statler
• Ohlson's Bakery

You can find a complete list of vendors {over 150} that are members of the BBA here. Also, make sure to mark your calendars on August 24 for BBA's summer expo at Salvatore's Italian Gardens. And make sure to catch Wedding Planning Weekly on Sunday evenings on the CW 23.

-B

{ 2 fashion shows took place, showing off bridal gowns from Bridal Chateau and tuxedos from Tuxedo Junction }

{ Table centerpieces }

{ There was a masquerade theme at this expo }

Get A Clue - Buffalo Museum of Science

Friday Night the Buffalo Museum of Science was revamped into the well known board game- Clue! A handful of rooms on the second level of the building had volunteers holding clues to solve the mystery. Teams ran (some did) from room to room trying to figure out the murder mystery to win tickets to Beerology or Star Lights (both are Buffalo Science Museum events). The event was a lot of fun and had 200 people in attendance. It was an event out of the box, not a same old thing you would attend and you got to walk around the science museum, check things out and have a couple drinks to kill the time.

My only suggestion is letting teams chose times when they register, we arrived at 6pm thinking we would get to start the game right away and we had to wait until the 7:45 spot. Overall though it was a fun night out and our team; Buffalo's Solving Justice League Kids were close to winning!

-B

{ Buffalo's Solving Justice League Kids - #Teamname }

January Activities

For the new year I have decided to break things down a little bit- let's face it there are a lot of things I put down on my "to-do" list to accomplish, so to be realistic I thought I would break it down into activities for me to accomplish each month. If I get to do more great, if not, I will be happy with accomplishing the things I have down for each month.

So this month I have put together winter activities I would like to accomplish {if the weather cooperates with me}.

First up - Rotary Rink - I've only been ice skating a couple of times and by no means am I good at it, but I would like to check out the downtown ice rink and get in on the winter fun that everyone has down there.

On deck is Colden Tubing and Kissing Bridge - I remember going to the Thruway Mall {a long time ago} when I was a kid and sledding down the snowy hills in the parking lot. As I've gotten older I've had the chance to go tubing in Colden, I'd love to here from you - what other places are good to go for sledding and tubing? I'd love to try and hit the slopes or lets be real the bunny hill and try to learn to ski too!

Third on the list is to check out the Burchfield Penney Art Center - I have yet to check this place out and I have driven past it multiple times since its been open.

Finally, on the January list of activities I was told about Horsefeathers winter market on the west side -  vendors of all kinds line up and sell fruits, jams and more on Saturday mornings.

What winter activities do you like to do?

-B

Festival of Lights

In its 9th year the Festival of Lights has grown into a winter activity that anyone can go to and enjoy. While they are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5-9pm to drive through and see over 1,000 Christmas lights along with hosting activities in a variety of the buildings, the Festival staff have opened up the grounds on Wednesdays and for $5 you and a group of people can walk or even snow shoe through the grounds and enjoy the lights - you can even stop at one of the fire pits they have on hand to warm up.

Last night we saw husky's on a dog sled running around (it was like we were in Alaska) ok not really, but it was still pretty cool to watch. Overall it was a nice night to take a walk and check out all the different characters done up in lights and it was at an affordable price.

-B

#BuffaloLinks

1. Saturday the Buffalo Bills will host a " Day Out with Santa" at the Adams Mark Hotel. Enjoy games, petting zoo, pictures with Santa and more.

2. Friday and Saturday enjoy a Holiday Celebration down at the Canalside with a tree lighting, Santa arriving on sleigh and activities for the kids in heated tents. Food trucks and Liberty Hound will also be around selling food during the event.

3. Kuni*s on Lexington is a cute seafood restaurant that I attended last week. If you're looking for an intimate or cute and cozy place to have dinner check them out.

4. I'm looking forward to next Monday when the Social Media Club will be host to Taco Vino IV

{Holiday Activities, Gifts and Ideas}

We are full swing in the Holiday season and while we try to pack in every little thing over these last couple weeks below are some ideas, activities and crafts you may benefit from.

Instead of buying every single person something how about going out for a nice dinner or going ice skating at Rotary Rink or skiing at Holiday Valley or Kissing Bridge. Doing activities with the ones you care about are more important than purchasing a gift that they may not need or want.

Hosting a holiday party? Looking for a cheap and creative centerpiece idea? Or ways to decorate without spending a fortune? How about filling a jar with fruit and/or candies - it provides color, it's festive and if you want it can be a take home gift for your guests too! Or take those extra ornaments that aren't hanging on the tree and fill a vase or jar with them and display them on bookcases, coffee tables or anywhere you have the space.

#BuffaloLinks

 

1. In the Spring of 2014 downtown Buffalo will be seeing a new upscale seafood restaurant on E. Huron St. called Oshun Seafood Restaurant. Offering an new place for people to gravitate to, I for one am looking forward to them opening!

2. Research and Design is an awesome retail store located in Orchard Park. While the building is in the shape of a barn, this place is amazing inside, from the wood features to the art and clothing they carry, its one of my favorite locally owned shops in town.

3. The Fairgrounds are currently hosting their annual Festival of Lights. Hours of operation are 5-9pm during select days. This makes a great holiday activity especially for little ones who like looking at the Christmas Lights. New this year are Walk Around Wednesdays where you can lace up your show, bundle up and walk the nearly two miles and enjoy the lighting display. Check their website to see when they are open.

4. Beakers and Beers is an event that the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus offers to employees and the public. Enjoy a neat networking experience for free.

5. One of my favorite events of all time is the Catwalk for Charity that Ryan Miller hosts for the Steadfast Foundation. Taking place at one of my favorite venues the Town Ballroom, this year the theme is Cirque du Sabres and I'm looking forward to attending.

A place that has it all

A couple weeks ago I went on a wine tour with friends and we made a stop at one of my favorite spots that has it all ... Becker Farms. Offering wine tasting at Vizcarra Vineyards, a tasteful amount of brews at Becker Brewing, a shop that offers jams, fudge, baked goods, fruits, vegetables all while surrounded by beautiful scenery, it makes it a place to visit all year round - not just during the fall season.

Becker Farms is also known to be a great spot for those looking for a wedding venue or event space. They also offer activities such as; a concord stomp, hayrides and school tours. A place that offers a lot of variety.

Have you been? Do you like? Don't like? Let me know in the comments section below.

-B

{ A couple good apples }

Buffalo Links

This week is full of fun events. Take a look:

1. Saturday Night is Roswell Park Cancer Institute's All Star Night Gala. For more info on this event click here

2. For those who love fashion - Saturday Night Ooo La La Boutique is hosting there annual Local Designer Fashion Show - more info can be found here

3. What better place to celebrate Halloween than at the Witches Ball at the Lafayette Hotel on Thursday night

4. Wednesday the Lafayette Hotel is host to the wonderful Cocktails in Character event to benefit Literacy New York-Buffalo Niagara - Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite book character

5. With the holidays quickly approaching us more people tend to participate in charitable giving - an organization I have been a part of for a long time now and is near and dear to me, is the Make-A-Wish Foundation - take a look at the wonderful things they do here

Buffalo Links

 

With us approaching the last weekend in October, there are a lot of hayrides, corn mazes, haunted fortresses and other Halloween themed activities taking place this weekend and throughout the week.

Here are a list of some links to check out for you Halloween lovers:

1. A great place to go if you love wine - Tappo Restaurant offers bottles for $15 - how can you beat that.

2. 4. and 6. Going on a Hallowine Tour this weekend? Check out one of my favorite wineries on the Niagara Trails - Niagara Landing Wine Cellars - their Rose Gold is amazing! Becker Farms is another one of my favorites - I love the brewery there.

3. Like puzzles and finding your way - the corn maze in Wheatfield is always a great place to check out. Unfortunately for the 2013 season The Maize is closed.

5. Interested in spirits and ghosts - check out the Spirits of the Terminal  at the Central Terminal on Saturday from 9pm-1am.

7. Like to be scared? Check out the haunted hayrides on Sommerville St. in Ellicottville.

8. Love history and Lewiston than make sure to stop by Old fort Niagara for the Haunted Fortress Tour - a terror tour at the fort this weekend.

9. Want to take the kids trick or treating, but don't want to freeze - come to the Galleria Mall for Galleria of Treats - for a $2 fee from 11-8pm on October 30, you can stop by tables and pick up treats all while staying warm

10. Halloween Happenings at the Aquarium of Niagara takes place on Saturday. Dress the little ones up in there favorite sea creature and they get in for free!

{ Buffalo links }

 

Buffalo Links to take a look at this week:

1. An event for the ladies - hosted by Kaleida Health, enjoy a Night of Indulgence

2. All of us have had or probably know someone who has been to Hospice, Friday they celebrate their Harvest Festival - if you enjoy wine you'll enjoy this event

3. Halloween is approaching quickly and with that come Halloween parties like the Knights of St. John's on Saturday - Halloween Dance

4. Being in Ellicottville this past weekend made me really get into the "Fall" season. They have great places to shop and eat. One of my favorite stores was Kazoo II

5. I was so happy when I saw this article online and found out Gabby from After 5 Events had a hand in the couples special day! Congrats pretty lady!

6. Swirls in East Aurora is amazing!!! Congrats to Mike on creating a great café for anyone to enjoy!

7. Just another pair of shoes I'm obsessed with by Bella Belle Shoes, who by the way make their shoes locally here in Buffalo. You can purchase these online or get them at Ooo La La Boutique

8. The Buffalo News had a good article on the Fort Erie Race Track Tuesday. Since being around for 116 years the track had its last race of the season Tuesday and hope it will be around for years to come.

Fallfest in Ellicottville

One of prettiest places in Western New York in my mind is Ellicottville and I only wish I could visit more often. This past weekend they were host to the annual fall fest where many people come out and well, drink at one of the many bars... Gin Mill, Balloons, Madigans, EBC (Ellicottville Brewing Company) etc. and shop the local vendors. The weather was great and the company I was around was better.

-B

{ Cinnamon roasted nuts ...yum, yum, yum }

{ Just a few blondes in EVL }

{ EVL staple }

{ Crowd shot }

{ a pretty Fall day }

{ EBC }

{ A pretty bumble bee outside one of the stores }

{Buffalo Links}

This week is full of more events that you and your family can take part in. Check out the links below for more info. -B

{ Friday the Buffalo Bills and many of the people in the community will come together in Niagara Falls to turn the falls pink and make a live ribbon in support of Breast Cancer Awareness - click here for more info }

{ A popular event in Ellicottville takes place on Saturday - Fall Fest - click here for more info }

{ If you're heading out to Ellicottville this weekend just a short ways away is Pumpkinville - a great place to take the kids - for more info click here }

{ Its never to early to go trick or treating - check out the 5th Annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday- click here for more info }

Wednesday Wisdom

Tonight I'm excited to be working the Star 102.5 Pink Party at the Statler with Ooo La La Boutique. Its a great event being held to benefit a great cause... Breast Cancer Awareness. As you approach your Wednesday here's a little wisdom to help get you through your day. Always keep your face towards the sunshine...

-B

The Great Pumpkin Patch

With it being Fall and Halloween approaching us in a few weeks, this past weekend was a great time to go pick out those pumpkins, so my friend Lauren, my sister and my niece took a ride out to the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence, NY. The cost on Saturday was $5 and children 2 and under get in for free. They offer hayrides, animals to pet, face painting, a corn maze, apple cider and of course pumpkins to pick. If you still have to get your pumpkin check them out.. there open daily 10am to dusk. -B

{ Just having a little fun wheeling Lauren around in the wheel barrel }

{ Coupons you receive with entry }

{ Pretty Fall flowers }