From the 716 to the 585

Continuing with my trip to Rochester a couple weekends ago, after paying a  visit to Black Button Distilling, we drove past the Public Market that had ended and then grabbed some food at La Casa a delicious Mexican restaurant {I highly recommend going there!} and then we met up with some of Arica's co-workers at Swiftwater Brewing. If I had to compare it to a brewery in Buffalo I would say it reminded me of Big Ditch with their big garage style doors and open feeling. That was a pretty cool place and I would definitely go back again.

{La Casa}

Its funny how Rochester is so close, but when I was there I felt like I was on a mini road trip.

Until next time..

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{Swiftwater Brewing}

Comics, Coffee & Bubble Tea at Pulp 716

{Jay & Anthony from Pulp 716}

If you're looking for a place to go to have fun and just enjoy positivity then Pulp 716 in Lockport is the place to go. A comic book store with amenities such as Bubble Tea, Historically Accurate Coffee, Treats and Games for customers to play, the staff is super friendly and personable - you won't have a bad experience when you pay a visit.

I was lucky to sit down with Jay who is one of the owners. Immediately after we met he introduced me to the world of Bubble Tea {I was familiar with Bubble Tea from a trip to Rhode Island years ago, but never had it, so this was fun!}. He broke down the variety of flavors they offer {no more than 7 at a time and they rotate them in and out to keep it fresh}. After going over everything with me I had decided on the Peachy Leachy, its was delicious! And a little fact Pulp 716 is the only place in Niagara County to serve Bubble Tea!

After grabbing a drink we sat down and discussed why him and Amy {co-owner} opened the store. After discussions were made between them to move forward with a business, everything fell into place in a short period of time.  In June of this year they will be celebrating their 1 year anniversary. When talking with him I asked what he loves best about being a business owner and he said "I love seeing my own ideas in motion."

Shortly after are discussion began I asked him what his favorite comic book was and he showed me Wolverine.. the female series. He then brought in Anthony the store manager. I don't think I ever laughed so much during an interview before. Having a conversation with Jay and Anthony was very relaxed. They both are really easy going and seriously make everyone who walks into the store feel welcome.

Every Wednesday they have new comics that come in and the have subscription customers {so if you are a comic book fan and want to sign up, click here to find out more info}. Pulp 716 offers a huge variety and they touch base on every single thing.

Pulp 716 is not your ordinary comic book store,  focusing on comics first they offer extra amenities to make it feel special. Outside of Bubble Tea they offer Historically Accurate Coffee from the following years 1830, 1927, 1964, 1977, making Pulp 716 the only place in America to have coffee that tastes like the actual year it was made. Its really quite impressive if you ask me, and if you're a coffee lover you should make the trip out to Lockport for this.

When talking with Jay he mentioned there 3 year plan: year one; have fun, year two; grow internet sales, year three: expansion. So if you're not in the area and want to purchase comic books, make sure to keep an eye out for purchasing online.

Just some other fun things to know about Pulp 716: its a reader store more than a collectors store. they have 70 titles a week, each staff member is asked to read at least one comic a day and try one new drink too. Pulp 716 is a destination more than a store and they want you to leave with a smile. And on May 7th its FREE Comic Book Day, pay a visit to Pulp 716 as they are giving away comic books.

So if you're looking for a new place to check out, a place for good company and great service, check out Pulp 716.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Hitched 716

Yesterday I was invited to the Reeds Jenss press conference to announce an exciting contest for newly engaged couples and couples thinking of getting engaged here in Western New York. Win the wedding of you dreams by entering Hitched 716 ! Reeds Jenss along with their local partners, Oliver's Catering, Maureen's Flowers, Muscoreil's Fine Desserts, Buffalo Limousine, Blue Spa, The Mansion on Delaware, Christopher Scinta Photography and travel from the Travel Team are all teaming up to give one lucky couple the wedding of a lifetime!  Click here for a complete list of contest rules and eligibility.  The contest entry period began April 4 and runs through June 30, 2016. Winners will be picked on or around October 3, 2016. 10 finalists are voted on between August 15-31st. If you are newly engaged and just starting to plan your wedding this is a huge opportunity, we all know weddings can be very expensive and stressful and with the help of Reeds and their partners, it will surely be a fun, memorable experience!

Good luck!

Think Spring! Things to do around town in April

Its hard to believe its April and there is snow on the ground today, well really, I guess not, I mean it is Buffalo. Regardless of what it is doing outside, there is plenty to do around town this month. Here is my list of some events and activities that caught my eye this month.

Take a fun tour with Explore Buffalo - whether its at the Fontana Boat House or an architectural tour you're bound to have fun and learn more about WNY

When I think of April I think of baseball and even though the Major League teams opening day was yesterday and today, the hometown team {The Buffalo Bisons} kickoff their season on the road this Thursday and are at home on April 14th #seizetheseason

Fern Croft Floral is hosting a class on Floral arrangements April 23rd...this comes at the perfect time, gardening season is right around the corner.

Makers Buffalo has a lot of fun DIY classes this month, Macramé Hanging Plants on 4/12, Pidge Podge is back with a weaving workshop on 4/30 and in between those dates there is so much more taking place! For a complete list of classes click here

Buffalo State College's Fashion and Textile program is hosting Runway ECOLUTION April 16th. For tickets click here.

Resurgence is hosting a Toy Brewbash on 4/14. For more details you can go here.

The new EXPO Market downtown is hosting their Grand Opening on April 18 & 19th. If you haven't checked out the popular downtown food hall, put it on your calendar to do in April.

Party in the Park is back on April 22 at Marcy Casino

If you're in need of a wedding planner or need some DIY tips for your big day, MuseJar is hosting a Secrets of the Trade DIY event on 4/24. For more details check out the Facebook event page.

One event I'd like to attend this year is the Knox Farm Spring Art Fest taking place at the end of the month - April 29- May 1

10 Years of Dyngus!

 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Whether you're heading to the Historic Polonia District to celebrate today or staying in the suburbs have a very happy Dyngus Day!!

For everything you need to know about todays festivities - Dyngus Day -Buffalo

#BuffaloLinks

1. Its that time of year again where the Broadway Market will be bustling with thousands of people and it all kicks off this Friday with the Easter season approaching in a few short weeks. Here is a list of hours and activities taking place.
2. Another new Escape Room I found out about this past week is right in the heart of Downtown Buffalo next door to the Convention Center - The Great Escape Room is a fun place to go - with a number of different rooms, it makes for great team building activities for businesses in the area.
3. Looking for a neat way to meet the Easter Bunny? How about taking a ride on the Arcade and Attica Railroad. Meet the Easter Bunny and friends and participate in an Easter Egg Hunt. March 19th & 20th. For more details click here.
4. If you missed the winter version of the Artists Market at the Ellicott Square Building - you're in luck! Event organizers are hosting another one taking place on March 24th. Don't miss out and mark you calendars today!
5.  A new pop up market that I am loving is ShopCraft located inside Thin Ice. For more info on them check out their Facebook page.

March Madness

March Madness is happening in Buffalo and it has nothing to do with basketball, but a lot to do with fun events to look forward to the rest of this month. Here is my list of "things to do":

Buffalo Home & Garden Show - March 6, 12, 13

Roller Skate Nights throughout the month of March at Buffalo Riverworks

Shamrock Run - March 12

Limoncello Tasting at Amherst St Wine & Liquor - March 12

Weaving Workshop with Makers Buffalo - March 12

Barre @ the Bar - Pure Barre at Lockhouse distillery - March 15

DIY Wall Herb Garden - March 15

Mini Makers Easter Egg Dying - March 19th

MessFest at the Buffalo Museum of Science - March 19

Maple Weekend - March 19-20

St. Patty's Day Parade - Old First Ward - March 19

Buffalo Bisons Open House - March 19

St. Patty's Day Parade - Delaware Ave - March 20th

Soap Making with Zandra and Makers Buffalo - March 23

Guided Tour & Candlelit Yin Yang Yoga at the Darwin Martin House - March 26

Dyngus Day festivities - March 28th

Putts & Pints for First Tee WNY - March 30

Promoting & Giving Back...All At The Same Time

One of my goals for 2015 was to get my blog's name out in the community more, but at the same time give back too. So I thought with my involvement with the Zoo what better way to kick off this initiative of mine than to be a sponsor of one their exhibits. While I won't lie my first pick was the Elephant's House {their exhibit was not available}, the Maned Wolf was a very good runner up! I didn't even know the Buffalo Zoo had a Maned Wolf and I've been to the Zoo a lot, so it makes me happy to sponsor their exhibit and let the community know about these beautiful animals.

The next time you're at the Buffalo Zoo make sure to stop by the Vanishing Animals Exhibit and learn more about them and the other vanishing animals on site.

-B

A New Page to Just a Blonde in Buffalo

With my recent adoption of Harlie from Diamonds in the Ruff Animal Rescue and with me wanted to grow my blog, my friend Lauren gave me the idea to create an addition to Just a Blonde in Buffalo and it features the adventures I go on with Harlie. As I continue to "grow up" I feel like my blog has to as well.  The new page "Harlie & Me" will feature the places we go from different dog parks in town to the local pet boutiques and events that are animal friendly, and I think the animal lovers will enjoy this page. If you have any suggestions or feedback on where we should go please let me know in the comments section below.

I've had Harlie for a week now and we are still getting used to each others schedule, but its been a fun week. She is 11 weeks old and is the perfect puppy for me! This weekend we bonded even more when I locked us out of my house. If it wasn't for her cuteness I don't think my neighbors would have been as nice to let me use their phone {just kidding}.

Harlie came from Kentucky and Diamonds in the Ruff found a foster parent to take care of her until I could adopt her. They truly are a great organization and if you are looking to adopt or foster please take a few minutes to look at their website.

Until next time!

-B

Lumagination

Saturday my niece and I attended the last day of Lumagination at the Botanical Gardens. A fun and {in some areas} interactive light show held inside the beautiful gardens. To my surprise, everyone wanted to see the lights because there was a packed house full of people of all ages walking through the greenhouses and a consistent line that was out the door. It was a lot of fun and I would say my favorite part was seeing my niece ask questions about the plants and trying to find the colorful caterpillars throughout each room.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{Interactive floor lights}

"Winter Has Never Been So Cool"

Don't miss this fun event taking place tomorrow night at the Buffalo Convention Center. Proceeds from the event go directly to support the Buffalo Zoo. Come have some cocktails, try and win some awesome auction items and grab some finger foods before heading to the dance floor and catching the indoor snow fall!

For tickets {at a discounted price while supplies last} click here.

Places To Go For Mid-Recess Break

Its mid-recess break for a lot of kiddo's and if you are one of the lucky ones who has off this week, but didn't go on a vacation there are a lot of things you can do around town; making for a fun stay-cation! Here is my list of fun places you can visit...

-B

• Enjoy the winter sports at Holiday Valley or Kissing Bridge
• Enjoy seeing the fun animals at the Buffalo Zoo or Aquarium of Niagara
• Head a little south and have some fun at Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park
• Or visit are friends at the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester
• This is the last week to check out Lumagination at the Botanical Gardens {Wednesday thru Saturday}

Valentine's Day

{ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE}

The greatest gift we can ever have is the ability to be loved and give love back. It is something that has such an impactful meaning and feeling that everyone should be able to have that in their life. Whether it is love for your family and friends, your significant other or a hobby you enjoy. In todays society, Valentine's Day is so over commercialized with chocolates, flowers, jewelry and other random gifts that you are told you should get, but in reality, spending time with the person who is important to you, is all that really matters. While you can be one that buys gifts for someone special in your life, you can also give a gift of just spending time together. Whether it be going out to brunch or dinner or going to the theater, creating new memories is more valuable than any material gift you can receive.

On that note, here are 5 places you could spend your Valentines Day weekend:

Wild About You at the Buffalo Zoo

Brunch at Left Bank

Shop Crafts All You Need Is love event

A fun Starry Night Hike at Tifft Nature Preserve

Casablanca at the Screening Room

6 Fun Activities Taking Place in February

We're into the second week of February and we've been pretty lucky in the weather department this winter {knock on wood}. Below are 6 fun activities that caught my eye, that are taking place at some of my favorite places in town this month.

Queen City Escape - an activity for friends and family - try to escape a 90's themed room by solving puzzles and figuring out the clues.

SEALed with A Kiss at the Aquarium of Niagara.

Buffalo Museum of Science - not only do they have daily activities taking place, the Family Fit Fest on 2.27 sounds like a lot of fun for the whole family.

The Buffalo Zoo - is another fun place to visit with a lot of daily activities on grounds. Some other special events taking place this month are the Wild About You Valentine's Day Dinner and a new fundraising event - Arctic Whiteout taking place on February 18th.

The Labatt Pond Hockey Tournament - taking place towards the end of February, the event will be held at Buffalo Riverworks this year.

"Join Our Journey" My Trip to the Aquarium of Niagara

The Aquarium of Niagara - one of Niagara Falls, NY's gems. While I personally feel like the Aquarium doesn't get enough recognition from its neighboring suburbs, it has so, SO much to offer! A short 30 minute drive from the City of Buffalo, their are multiple sea mammal shows, talks with the keepers and feedings that take place throughout the day and are free with admission.

Last week I was lucky enough to sit down and snag some time with Ilene Strober the Director of Development and Marketing at the Aquarium, she told me about their Capital Campaign and fun things taking place, so I won't waste any time and will jump right into it.

"Join Our Journey"  - is a $3.2 million capital campaign featuring an interactive exhibit with classroom, smart boards and a beautiful, one of a kind home for the Humboldt Penguins.  The Aquarium of Niagara is above code in everything, but in order to receive accreditation with the AZA {Association of Zoos and Aquariums} a new exhibit needs to be built for the Humboldt Penguins. This new exhibit will be an exhibit for people of all ages.

Currently the Aquarium is $1 million short of their goal - so they are calling on the community for support. The Aquarium has visitors from all over Niagara County, Erie County, Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and Southern Ontario. A non -profit that does so much for the community, now will the community help them?

One thing that opened my eyes during my interview with Ilene is how big the Aquarium is on conservation, not only here at home, but all over the world - from local lakes and rivers to ocean life. We play a huge part in these animals lives and habitats and we have to learn to do a better job on sustainability.

{These Humboldt penguins are the cutest!}

While walking through the building I learned a lot from talking with Ilene. There are 23 new/refurbished exhibits on hand. Penguins have their own personalities and have strong bonds with one another- they come out in pairs. All of the sea lions, including seals that are at the Aquarium of Niagara are rescued and non-releasable into the wild. The shows that are held for the guests actually help the trainers teach them things and to help them learn enrichment.

{Ripple - a fun interactive video game for kids to play when they visit}

Some other fun facts I learned from my visit -Octopus only live for 3-5 year, use their brain and are very smart. Sturgeon fish have a 100 year life span, but are endangered because they are hunted before they are sexually mature, because of this there is no reproducing taking place - going back to the whole sustainability topic I mentioned earlier.  We can throw off the ecosystem if we have to much of one thing.

{Trainers Hallie and Colleen with sea lions Kia and Arie}

{Sea lions are extremely curious and playful}

And how about this - the Aquarium of Niagara has one of the most poisonous and deadly fish there is - a lion fish. If you ask me they look pretty cool though!

What other fun things can you do at the Aquarium, do you ask? {obviously call ahead to make an appointment for these activities}

Public Touch Tank, Meet a Seal, Behind the Scenes Tour {there is so much more to the animals exhibits that the public doesn't see}, Humboldt Penguin Interactive Program, the list goes on. For more info on any of these activities click here. And for a complete list of upcoming events go here . SEALED with a Kiss is coming up on Valentine's Day weekend and that looks to be a fun event to take part in.

A few summers ago I took my niece to feed the seals and she had such a fun time and thought it was the coolest thing. For a couple of dollars she got to experience something not a lot of people say they do. The Aquarium of Niagara is such a fun place to go, all year round.

If you want to help be a part of the journey contact Ilene to see how you can help.

-B

{All photos: Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Exploring the Winter Celebration event

{On stage at Sheas}

Last week my Dad and I attended Explore Buffalo's Winter Celebration at Sheas. One week after Sheas celebrated their 90th anniversary, making it a great venue to host an event. There was much to celebrate. Auctions filled with lots of Buffalo art and history, voting on new Explore Buffalo tours for the 2016 year and behind the scenes tours of the theater were offered during the night making it a pretty nice night out.

Here are some of my pictures from the night.

-B

{Lights, camera, action}

{Balcony seating}

A Nice Way to Watch A Film

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Did you know that when Shea's opened in 1926 it was actually built to show silent films?!?  Sunday my Mom and I attended the silent film Sherlock Holmes there. When I first got the tickets I thought it was a play, but then my Mom was quick to point out that it was a silent film {note to myself to read better} ...like no words just a pianist playing scores throughout the films 90 minutes. I was a little skeptical, I'm not going to lie. I was thinking I would want to leave halfway through the film, but it was actually amazing! It was like I experienced something from back in time - a black and white film with no words, just music. It was a nice change of scenery and something different. I highly recommend attending a short film at Shea's if you ever can. It makes for a nice indoor activity to do when the weather isn't so nice out outside.

{A brief welcome and introduction before the film started}

Oh and the best part - it was free! A free film in a beautiful building that celebrated their 90th anniversary this weekend. That's pretty cool Buffalo. Oh and for those who like popcorn and candy to munch on when watching a movie - Shea's had their concession stands open, selling sweet treats {the popcorn and twizzlers cost $8 - that's cheaper than a movie ticket now a days}. Just putting things in perspective, its nice to have a beautiful venue like this offer nice {casual} events like this.

For a calendar of events taking place at Shea's click here

-B

#BuffaloLinks

Its the first #BuffaloLinks post for 2016. And with it comes a lot of fun events taking place throughout the rest of January. From outdoor to indoor events, winter in Buffalo doesn't have to be as dreadful as some make it. Whether you hit up Chestnut Ridge park for sledding, Fountain Plaza for ice skating, Riverworks for curling and ice hockey or Tifft Nature Preserve for some snow shoeing Buffalo has a lot going on. Here is a list of events that look like they are going to be fun to attend:

Chillabration at Canalside - January 15th

Be a part of the Guinness Book of World Records and take part in what may be the Longest Ice Line and help Make a Wish WNY. My cousin Nathan {wish teen} will be leading the line.

{photo- Canalside}

Makers Buffalo has a lot of fun DIY projects over the next few weeks. Check out a full list here

{photo- Makers Buffalo}

Learn all about energy at Energy Day at the Science Museum on January 23rd.

{photo Buffalo Science Museum}

Exercise and brunch- why not- Sip n' Stretch at Marcy Casino on January 24th is an event I have tickets to. Knowing I will be burning those calories so I can enjoy a mimosa afterwards is enough motivation for me to work hard during the class.

{photo Sip N Stretch event page}

Looking to learn more about this city and the history behind it. Explore Buffalo is the perfect place to go for tours. And on January 23rd they are kicking off a Winter Celebration to share all of the awesome things coming up.

{photo Explore Buffalo}

A light show and more is coming back to Buffalo's Botanical Gardens at the end of January. Lumagination was on my list of events to attend last year and never happened, so this year I've made it a priority.

{photo Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens}

Learning New Things: Homemade Pierogi Making

Did you know the Polish language is the third most popular language to be spoken in Western New York after English and Spanish. That's a little fun fact for you today that goes right in hand with my post.

Over the holidays my friend Annette was nice enough to teach me how to make homemade pierogi. I am not a cook at all and I didn't have high hopes for myself, but with a great teacher I realized making pierogi isn't as complicated as I thought it would be. You just have to be delicate with the dough {at least I do}. From the filling, to making the dough, to cooking and freezing the pierogi, all it took were a few simple steps.

{ready for the filling- sorry the recipe is top secret!}

{concentrating on folding the pierogi}

As we approach this new year one thing I am focusing on doing more of is learning new things. Instead of pushing it to the side and saying I will learn to do something eventually, I'm focusing on doing things in the present. Not waiting, because life is just to short and I have a long list of things I'd like to do.

Well some may think learning to make pierogi isn't anything exciting or riveting enough to write about, in my opinion the new things we learn don't have to be a "huge" activity to learn to be excited about something. If its new to you that should be enough to make you happy that you learned something new {if that makes sense}. With that said, thank you Annette for showing me how to make pierogi!

Until next time...

-B

Celebrating 2016 in Buffalo

With Christmas over and 2016 just a few days away, you may be wondering how to ring in the New Year and Buffalo has plenty of options for you.

Whether you decide to check out a brewery like Resurgence,or Big Ditch or get dressed up for the Statler City Ice Ball or The Lodge's Black Diamond event there is something for everyone. If you're looking to take the kids to a fun and safe event, First Night at the Buffalo Convention Center is always a nice touch or head to Buffalo Riverworks for some ice skating, curling and a Champagne Toast at midnight. Just remember some of these places may require a ticket to enter the event and those prices may be raised with the New Year a couple days away. Check their websites or social media ahead of time for the most up to date information. And if you're not looking to venture out, some great times can happen when you host friends and family and ring in the New Year in the comfort of your own home.

Whatever it is that you decide to do, have a safe and happy time ringing in 2016.

-B