Meet a Cow? Ok!

{Albert the super cow and me}

You may have seen those ads on the NFTA buses around town saying Meet a Cow, We'll Pay You $5. Well me and Kelsey saw it so we thought we would go meet a cow - {its for the blog annnd I needed an adventure}. Last week Sunday we went to Asha Sanctuary in Newfane {we drove past it a couple times} and learned not only about Albert the super cow and his story, but learned about what Asha Sanctuary {Asha meaning life and hope} is all about from Tracy Murphy {Founder and President of the Sanctuary}  - rescuing and educating the public about farm animal suffering and abuse.  While I've been to a farm before and meet farm animals, it was worthwhile to know more about the abuse some farm animals go through and learn what we can do from a community standpoint. At the end of the tour you are given $5 for attending, if you donate that $5 back to the Sanctuary, a private donor matches the gift. Asha Sanctuary has a lot of upcoming events, make sure to look them up on Facebook to learn more.

Below are pictures of our experience.

-B 

{just a blonde in buffalo photos}

{Asha Sanctuary}

{Kelsey watching a virtual reality video on how animals are treated on some farms - this video is optional to watch}

{Nick the pig - he loves the ladies}

{oh hey - we're at meet a cow}

{Tracy the sheep - she loved me}

{and I loved her}

{I love animals}

{and I think they love me}

Let them LOL Running Water 5k

I recently started to get involved with Let them LOL a local organization who is helping provide clean water and education to children in Sierra Leone, Africa. One week from today they are hosting there Running Water 5k run or 1 mile walk in Clarence Town Park. Join me there and run for a wonderful cause. We as Americans take so many things, daily things, for granted, lets help those in need one drop at a time.

-B

{earlier last week my coworkers/friends and I helped package meals for children in Sierra Leone. 3,000+ meals and two hours later we felt pretty good knowing we were able to help, even if it was just a little bit}

Happy Dyngus Day!!

The weather is supposed to be beautiful and what better way to celebrate a Monday - than to drink some Tyskie and Zywiec beer and listen to polka music in the historic Polonia district in Buffalo, where Paderewski Drive will be bustling with people later today. It's been a couple years since I've celebrated this day, but I'm looking forward to showing some of my co-workers what Dyngus Day is about and meeting up with some of my friends that I haven't seen in a while. For more info on maps, places to go, etc. check out dyngusday.com for all the info.

-B 

Happy Opening Day Buffalo!!

Happy Opening Day Buffalo!!! Even though I'm not there to celebrate opening day in Buffalo, I'm reppin' my spirit in Poland. Its a great time to come down to Coca-Cola Field and celebrate everything the Buffalo Bisons Organization is doing this spring and summer.  Make sure to celebrate with us as we celebrate this wonderful season.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Where Buffalo Roams...

I will not lie one of my favorite places to take Harlie is Knox Farm, but recently I have to say its nice to take her to the Outer Harbor. Not only are the water views beautiful, having the bike path to walk up and down is really nice. If you are looking for a place to walk your dogs definitely check out the Outer Harbor - Wilkeson Pointe is a nice place to stop and check out while you're there too, you and your dog will enjoy it.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Stemworks Craft Roastery in Lockport

Last week I attended the Buffalo Blogging Network's monthly meet up and it was held at Stemworks in Lockport. New to the area this quaint coffeehouse is located at 51 Canal Street. I brought my friend Ben {also known as the Voice of the Bisons} with me to the networking event. He is a coffee lover and I knew he would tell me his honest opinion. I love coffee to, but I don't know the science behind it with beans and pour overs, I just order, haha.

Anyways, he enjoyed his cup of joe and I enjoyed my ginger lemon tea. I definitely need to make it back there to explore. Stemworks is located right  by the Canals so you can literally grab a cup of coffee and walk around checking out what Lockport has to offer. Or if you prefer a place to just go and hangout, they have shelves of board games, making it a place to go if you're looking for a relaxed day or night out.

{mark where you've come from on this map}

My night was made not only because our monthly meet up was in a cool coffeehouse, but because I was surrounded by amazing and talented people who came together to talk about our blogs and ideas on how we can make them better. It was really a great night out.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Polar Bites Tonight!

Tonight the Buffalo Zoo along with the Pro Zoo Board will be hosting Polar Bites, the annual winter fundraiser for the Zoo. Tickets are still available at the door, so come sample some delicious foods from some of your favorite restaurants in town. See you there!

TO Light Fest

{evergreen brick works}

Lacey and I took an adventure up to Toronto this past weekend to check out the Toronto Light Festival and Evergreen Brick Works. Leaving in the middle of the day we didn't hit any traffic at the Peace Bridge nor on the QEW {surprisingly}. Are first stop was at Evergreen Brick Works just because of timing purposes. A neat urban area where they took old abandoned industrial buildings and use the space as a community gathering space. Hosting a farmers market, public art pieces and small kiosks for food and recreational activities, its definitely a place that helped inspire me for work ideas. If you ever have a chance to visit I highly recommend it.

{toddler garden}

The next stop on the trip was to the Distillery District in downtown, Toronto. Having been there for the Toronto Christmas Market, I stumbled upon the Toronto Light Festival on Facebook. A fun way to lift your spirits if you have a case of the winter blues. The public art installations are showcased throughout the district for people to take pictures in front of, to gaze at and to just be amazed.

{neon door a + in my books}

{rings of light}

It is a pretty cool festival that runs through March 12th. What is even better is outside of the gas and parking fees, the light festival is free. If you combine dinner and drinks or other activities to your trip it can add up, but it was a nice way to spend a Saturday with our neighbors up North and with one of my favorite people.

{my thinking pose}

{my Angel pose}

After the fact, I found out one of the installations at the Toronto Light Festival was also featured in Biz Bash {one of my favorite event resource websites} as a best idea of the week.

Until next time..

-B 

Photos in this post are Just a Blonde in Buffalo's

Rock On..at the Guitar Exhibit at the Buffalo Museum of Science

Last week, I joined the Tweet Team for a night at the Science Museum. We had the chance to meet with the amazing staff and check out the new {and so cool} exhibit Guitar. Going on until May 7th the Guitar exhibit showcases the history of the instrument, all the different types of guitars and the famous people who played them and so much more!

If you're not one that likes crowds or can't make it on the weekend the Science Museum offers extended hours on Wednesday evenings until 9 pm. And this Saturday the Museum is hosting Get Out Your Guitar Day, a national holiday, in celebration of guitars and guitarists, so if you're looking for something to do, this will be a great event to attend, for both kids and adults!

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream - Opening Night

Walking into the Key Bank Center last night, a lot of what you saw was little girls dressed up in their favorite Disney princess dress, some with tiara's on their heads and others with a light up wand in their hand. Growing up I think almost every girl has a dream to be a princess {I know I did}. Last night, thanks to Feld Entertainment, I was able to attend Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream with my 6 year old niece, my sister and my cousin Lisa. It made for a fun girls night out and was an absolute blast.

From Tiana opening the show, to the classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and my favorite Princess, Cinderella, the end of the show was the best. Rapunzel was a show stopping piece ending with a celebration of all your favorite Disney Princesses and Disney Characters out on the ice. My niece got so excited seeing Princess Jasmine and Princess Aurora.

{Princess Tiana}

During the show the message was the same, Dare to Dream. Each Princess that was on the ice had a dream and it came true. I think that is something that makes Disney Princesses so magical, each Princess has a story and they never give up on their dream, making it a wonderful message to pass along to young kids in the audience. If you're looking for something to do this weekend tickets are still available {click here}.

Here are some of my pictures from last night. 

{Cinderella's Carriage}

{Cinderella and her Prince}

{Rapunzel and Flynn}

Thinking Warm Thoughts at the Botanical Gardens

A couple weeks ago my niece and I went to the Botanical Gardens to attend their Dollar Days promotion along with checking out the new exhibit. My friend Jen and her daughter Aila came with us. Because tonight is the Lumagination Launch Party and tomorrow kicks off the almost month long special event, I thought I would share some of my photos that I took from my visit.

I attended Lumagination last year {see that post here} and it was a great event and a different and fun way to see the gardens. To learn more about the event, including dates, times and admission prices click here.

-B

{All photos in this post - Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Supporting Explore Buffalo

This past Saturday if you follow me on any social media platform you know that my Dad and I attended the Grain Alley Gala hosted by Explore Buffalo. This was one of my Dad's Christmas presents this year, since we had such a good time at last years gala at Sheas, I thought I would keep the tradition going. The gala was taking place at the Barrel Factory, a venue I have not been in up until Saturday night and need to go back to, to explore. Snowy Owl Kombucha!, Elevator Alley Kayak and Lakeward Spirits are all tenants inside the building {see my post on Lakeward Spirits soon!}.

{The Erie Mule}

The gala was nothing short of great, from the live music, selfie station, tour of the distillery from Adam, the specialty cocktails and great auction items {my Dad and I went in and put a guaranteed bid on cocktails and a tour of the SS Columbia Project for up to 6 people} we couldn't have had a better time and all for a great organization!

{Look at how dapper my Dad looks at the selfie station}

As I approach this year, I'm focusing more on the "adventures" {big or small} that I can take with the people that mean the most to me.

Until next time...

-B

{Above photos all Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream - Activity Sheet

A celebration of royal proportions is coming to town in Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream at the KeyBank Center from January 26-29. Get your tickets today at disneyonice.com or tickets.com. You can also get ready for the show with these fun activity sheets.

{photos from Feld Entertainment}

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream - Coloring Sheet

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream is coming to the KeyBank Center January 26-29. Get your tickets today at disneyonice.com or Tickets.com, and experience a spectacular princess-packed adventure. Check out this fun Disney On Ice coloring sheet! #DaretoDream #DisneyOnIce

{photos from Feld Entertainment}

Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream - Discount Code!

Join us for a hair-raising, jazzed up, unforgettable adventure with the Disney princesses at Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream at the KeyBank Center from January 26-29. Save $5 off on select tickets to the show. Use code MOM16. Tickets at market pricing. No double discounts. Restrictions, exclusions and additional fees may apply. Offer expires on 1/15/17.

To purchase tickets click here

{All photos are from Feld Entertainment}

Harlie's "unofficial" First Birthday

{the pictures on the left are from Harlie and me on Christmas and last night, the photo on the right is her a couple days after I brought her home at 10 weeks old}

Last night my family and I celebrated Harlie's 1st birthday. I don't know her exact birth date, all I know is she was 10 weeks old when I picked her up and it wasn't stated on her paperwork the DOB.  I am guess it was between last week and this week. Because she has a sensitive stomach I didn't get her a dog cake because I didn't want her to get sick, so I gave her a couple extra treats instead.

I think she was really happy running around the house with my niece and nephew and spending time with the people that love her most. I posted this picture {see above} on my Instagram account last night, unless you are an animal lover, you really don't know how much a dog is a part of your family. They may not be able to talk to you, but there are other ways that they communicate with you. Harlie has helped me in such a short period of time and I can't imagine my life without her.

Until next time...

-B 

Our Lady of Fatima Shrine

Last week my sister, niece and nephew went to see the Festival of Lights at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston. I haven't been to the Shrine since I was a little girl so I was looking forward to seeing everything from an adults perspective. When we arrived we walked around a little before heading to the gift shop to warm up for a bit, they also have a cafeteria so if you want to grab a bite to eat with the family while you're there, that's an option. The Shrine is open to the public from 9-9 pm and the lights are on from 5-9 pm. The festival of lights runs thru January 6th and its free admission - making it a great place to visit this week if you're looking for something to do.

It was nice seeing all of the lights, remembering the memories I had as a kid and seeing my niece and nephew enjoy their time there.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{my niece in front of the Shrine}

{taking a selfie at the top of the Shrine}

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream - Tickets on Sale & Make a Great Holiday Gift

 

TICKETS FOR DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DARE TO DREAM ON SALE NOW IN BUFFALO

Buffalo, N.Y. (Oct. 25, 2016) — Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream is bringing Disney’s princess stories and most beloved fairy tales to the ice in a sensational live production coming to your hometown! This ice spectacular, featuring scenes from “Tangled,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Cinderella” and “The Princess and the Frog,” visits Buffalo from Jan. 26-29 for seven performances at the KeyBank Center. Tickets go on sale today and can be purchased by visiting www.disneyonice.com.

Join your hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they share the heroic stories of four of your favorite Disney Princesses. Laugh along with Disney’s hair-raising escapade “Tangled,” as Rapunzel, Flynn and Maximus embark on an uproarious expedition that soars to new heights! Travel to the enchanted forest with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as she escapes from the Evil Queen. Watch as Cinderella’s dreams come true with a little help from her animal friends and the Fairy Godmother. Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” in a magical, musical journey. Nothing can stop a princess from a courageous adventure when Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream skates into to your hometown.

Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream start at $15 for Opening Night and are available by calling (716) 855-4100 or by visiting the KeyBank Center. For group rates and information, call 866-248-8740.

 Show Times:

Jan. 26, 2017: 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 27, 2017: 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 28, 2017: 11:00 a.m., 3:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 29, 2017: 12:00 and 4:00 p.m.

To learn more about Disney On Ice and to stay current on the latest developments, visit www.DisneyOnIce.com and follow Disney On Ice through social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce

Twitter: @DisneyOnIce #DisneyOnIce #DaretoDream

YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce

Instagram: @DisneyOnIce

 About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®, Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.

# # #

{above logo from Feld Media}

Yoga & Fitness Toy Drive event

Join us tomorrow night for a fun workout at Pettibones Grille. The cost is a gift card {value $10-$25} that will donated to pediatric patients at Carly's Club the following day. {Buffalo Bisons flyer}

Harlie's Adventures -November

{Harlie at Como park in Lancaster last week}

Its been a little while since I posted about Harlie. While she is still her rambunctious self, she is more alert and aware of her surroundings. She listens to her commands and she loves the visitors that come over. She has graduated to adult dog food too!

Making the decision to get a dog, was the best thing for me. She helps with my anxiety of living on my own and also makes me feel safe. If you or someone you know is looking to adopt or foster an animal during this time of year Diamonds in the Ruff is truly an amazing animal rescue group and I'm so happy I went with them.

{Harlie went for her first run with me at Delaware Park at the beginning of November, she did so well!}

As for what's next with Harlie, I'm looking  forward to celebrating her first birthday next month and to see how she behaves with the Christmas decorations up, I have a feeling she is going to jump on the tree for the ornaments and pull down the stockings, boy I hope I'm wrong.

Until next time.

-B