#BuffaloLinks

Hooray! Today is the first day of spring, but unfortunately it doesn't feel like it and with the upcoming weather forecast it may be a while before we feel any of the warm temperatures we'd like to see. A good thing is here are some things to get your mind off the cold weather.

This coming Friday is the annual Blues & Brews event to benefit the Kevin Guest House.

Its Maple weekend this week and next. To find out more info on where you can enjoy some maple syrup click here.

With Spring season comes a time for people to get outdoors and work on their landscaping and gardening. One of the popular nurseries in town is Adams Nurseries on Genesee Street. What are some of your favorite nurseries to go to?

Today the NCAA games start at the First Niagara Center. Make sure to stay up to date on scores and tickets here. Also remember when tweeting about the games to use the #buffhoops

-B

{Women Who Move the City} Lindsay Carucci from Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission

I've had the pleasure of knowing today's Woman Who Moves Buffalo from a few years ago. Lindsay Carucci, is a talented, smart, outgoing person who moves Buffalo in the right direction everyday not only in her passion for the Buffalo area, but in her everyday career as the Sports Service Manager at the Buffalo Niagara Sports Commision. I only find it appropriate to share her story as the NCAA Tournaments begin in Buffalo tomorrow. Check out the interview below.

BP: How many times has Buffalo hosted an NCAA Tournament?

LC: This will be the 5^th time Buffalo has hosted.

BP: What does it do for the local economy?

LC: It impacts local hotels, restaurants and attractions in so many ways. This creates new revenues, and allows the city to shine. Buffalo is known for welcoming visitors with open arms, and this translates to all local entities and their employees.

BP: How many teams will be in town for the tournament and how many people from out of town do you expect to visit the WNY area?

LC: There will be 8 teams in town, we expect about 12,000 visitors.

BP: Can people purchase tickets to attend a game or games?

LC: Tickets are for sale here: http://www.ncaa.com/final-four#!tickets_hospitality

BP: If people want to volunteer or be involved who can they contact?

LC: Me! Lindsay Carucci – sport services manager, Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission 716-218-2932, Carucci@buffalosportscommission.com

BP: A brief summary of your position and what you like best about it?

LC: Sport Services Manager – once an amateur sporting event chooses Buffalo as their venue, our office assists with finding somewhere to play, hotels to stay in, restaurants to eat in, and attractions to visit. We serve on Local Organizing committees for the events to help get the correct mediums involved to assure the event is a success, and they want to return to the area. We can solicit sponsorships, coordinate volunteers, and do whatever comes up to assure the sporting event is a success.

BP: What do you like best about Buffalo?

LC: Easily, it’s the people. Working with local entities and seeing how excited they are to have large scale (and small scale) events here, as well as seeing how they bend over backwards to make things happen is always a pleasant surprise. There is no question that we are a sports town. We have some pretty unique facilities that are willing to host events, and everyone understands the bigger picture when it comes to hosting these events and showcasing our city well. I love seeing a city come together, and seeing the pride that Buffalonians have for their city.

BP: Do you have a favorite business or place to go in town?

LC: I think my top two are SoHo Burger Bar and Osteria 166. Their owners always seem to go above and beyond for the city, and as a “local” gal, I always feel more than welcome in those restaurants.

BP:  What is a favorite quote you may have?

LC: I like the quote on the sign in Dino BBQ that says “Help Build a Better Buffalo” because that’s what I try to do every day in whatever small ways I can.

BP: If you could be a part of one thing in Buffalo  or create one thing in town what would it be?

LC: I like the progress that is being made at our water front, and I would like to play a larger role in developing that area, and allowing other folks to see what a beautiful space it is, and how much potential it has.

Here are the teams coming to town: Syracuse, Ohio State University, Villanova, St. Joseph’s University, Dayton, UCONN, Western Michigan, Milwaukee

If you'd like to keep up to date on the NCAA tournament and all that the Sports Commission is doing in Buffalo check out their website here. Follow them on twitter and facebook . And use the #buffhoops when tweeting this week!

If you'd like to volunteer at any of the NCAA games contact Lindsay at: 716-218-2932, Carucci@buffalosportscommission.com & if you need or would like tickets go here.

 Thank you Lindsay for letting me share your story and for believing in Buffalo. xo

Photo courtesy of Visit Buffalo Niagara

-B

#BuffaloLinks

St. Patrick's day is less than a week away and while I am bias because its my birthday, its my favorite holiday as well {and no I'm not even 1% Irish}. This week the are a variety of St. Patty's Day festivities going on. From parade day, to hitting up the bars in South Buffalo. Before the weekend begins though, there are a couple events I wanted to highlight.

The Social Media Club Buffalo is hosting Perfect Pairings tonight at Paint on Tap Studios. Meet with local business owners who will be talking about how they use social media in their business plan.

Thursday at the Statler is the I DO Love Buffalo event.  Meet with local businesses who will be showcasing their resources to the LGBT community. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Pride Center of WNY.

Friday the Larkin Square will be packed with music, food trucks and tons of people who will be stopping out for Live at O'Larkin. If you have some time check out this fun event!

Like many Irish Pubs in town the Irishman Pub on Main Street in Williamsville will be reopening on March 14th for St. Patrick's day festivities.

Sunday is the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Thousands upon thousands will line Delaware Ave. to party and celebrate the holiday. Parade starts at 2pm.

Community

There are other things I could be writing about, but today I chose to share my thoughts on what most, if not all of Western New York has seen or heard about; a little boy named Ben Sauer. Early last week I saw on my Facebook newsfeed a "suggestions post" to like the page Blue4Ben. While a majority of the time I ignore those suggestions, I chose to click on the page and see what it was all about. After reading Ben's story and following all the social media and media stories throughout the week, I can't even put into words how I feel.

While my heart breaks for Ben and his family all I can do is pray for them and be thankful for my family and friends and the time we have together. Cancer is a horrible, horrible disease. Like most everyone, we all know one or more people who have had some form of it - for me it was my father, my aunt, family friends, long distance relatives and now my 17 year old cousin.

From working and volunteering in children's organizations, every time I hear of a child being sick or going through a difficult time, it like most adults, really upsets me. I guess the reason being is because children are just that, children. They are helpless, they are young, innocent and have their whole lives a head of them - maybe it sounds cliché, but they do. I couldn't even imagine dealing with such a horrible diagnosis like the Sauer family is dealing with.

The Western New York community has come together to support and help Ben and his family during a difficult time. I feel lucky to be a part of a community that seems to always come together to help those during the most difficult of times. Though you may not know them personally, the community stands up and continues to help each other during times of need. We truly are the "city of good neighbors."

To Ben Sauer and his family - you are my inspiration, you are a strong family who have touched the lives of many. You inspire me to be a better person, to not give up, to always have hope and faith, to appreciate the blessings in life and you remind me to live every day to the fullest and appreciate the time I have with the ones I love. For that I thank you and I continue to pray for your family's miracle. Pray is a powerful thing. xo

Next week beginning on March 17,  26 Shirts will be selling a shirt designed by former Buffalo Bill, Andre Reed. Proceeds from his shirt will go to benefit the Sauer Family.

To see how you can help Ben and his family, click here

-B

{ Like many buildings in WNY, the Peace Bridge went Blue 4 Ben over the weekend }

#BuffaloLinks

Just the other day my Mom and I were talking about when I was little and going to the Thruway Mall. Sometimes {like most of us} I wish I could go back in time, especially to places that are no longer around. How many of you remember the Thruway Mall?

One nice place to go for a "fancier" type of burger is Soho Burger Bar. Make sure to check them out if you're ever downtown for lunch or dinner. Or better yet make plans for brunch on Sundays from 12-4pm.

Beerology is Saturday and I can't wait to be back at the Science Museum with Lacey for a fun night of tasting different brews. Lets just hope the Franks Gourmet Hot Dog truck is back this year!

I haven't been to the Hamburg Brewing Co. yet, but I've heard nothing but great things. Its a place on my "must visit" list.

ShoeFly on Elmwood has some really cute spring shoes in stock. On my list of places to shop over the next couple of weeks. They just got on Instragram. Make sure to check them out{shoeflybuffalo}!

-B

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Jessica Saddleson

Born and raised in Buffalo, Jessica Saddleson has pursued art from the very young age of 13 years old. Everyday even if its only something small, she makes time to draw. Teaching herself the "art behind art" Jessica does everything from murals (her most recent you can see at the new Agave restaurant on Elmwood Ave. (she only had 3 1/2 weeks to create a variety of pieces and did an awesome job!)), to classical and street oil paintings and body art to her new love of sharpie art. Taking traditional pieces she creates and putting a modern touch on them.

A year and a half ago Jessica decided to start her brand; Armcandy - a business that brings together local artists (from photography, music, and the arts) and help each other. Basically a support group for artists to come and support one another for the talented work they create.  In the upcoming months you will be able to see Jessica's most recent sharpie art (10 pieces) at Hardware on Allen St. In her most recent collection you will be able to see her art through her feelings - showcasing her deepest emotions. On April 6, you will also be able to see Jessica's work through the Wear Art Me Fashion Show a wearable art fashion show. Proceeds benefit the non profit- Impact Artists Gallery.

I am by no means an artistic person, do I like going to the Albright Knox or other art gallery's? Sure! But if you asked me what a piece means or represents - I wouldn't have no clue what to say. Seeing Jessica's artwork - especially her sharpie art work and the mural in Agave - she has an amazing talent and she knows how to use it. What keeps her going? Her support system - friends, family and nephew; the biggest influences in her life who push her to keep her drive. What inspires me about Jessica, the fact that she is talented and uses that talent in a positive way - teaching children about art at the Belle Center and at the end of the day will be her and the kids creating a mural piece togehter. The bigger picture is she is teaching them about the "opportunity to do something."

Buffalo is special to her because of the simple fact that the community is open to everything you do, you can express yourself and their is this openness you receive.

Jessica participates in multiple shows throughout the year including shows through the WNY Artists Group. She also sells her pieces - so if theirs something you like you can contact her directly. She also loves doing custom artwork, perfect for new business or home owners. Or those looking to add art to their home.

For more info follow Armcandy on Twitter, like her page of Facebook and follow her on Instagram (ArmCandy716).

One of the best things about this Women Who Move Buffalo series are the women I get to meet who truly love what they do. They are excited when they talk about their work and the fact that they enjoy what they do in a community that is supportive.

-B

#BuffaloLinks

1. I am the worst when it comes to taking care of my hair - I wait months upon months to get it cut, styled, highlighted, etc. Every now and then though you should just take some time for yourself - so this past weekend I put a little effort into "me" and went to visit Natalie at Exclusively Hair on Transit where she freshened up my "look" and made me look more presentable to society again lol.

2. I have never been to the Finger Lakes and would love to take a trip down to wine country.

3. I'm not one for a lot of specialty beers, but I love Blue Monk and just going in and trying random beers they have is the best - well I enjoy it. Its been a while since I've been there and think its time to stop by soon!

4. This Thursday the Boutique Bridal Party is hosting their 2nd Annual Party on Brides. Last year I attended with my friend Kate and Shanna and it was amazing! Not your ordinary bridal show. If you're a bride to be or know someone who is check out this event!

-B  

Polar Bites 14 Recap

The Buffalo Zoo's annual winter event, Polar Bites 2014 took place last week Thursday at the Buffalo Convention Center. The night was filled with restaurants, wineries and breweries from all over Western New York. People from all over the area came to eat, drink and bid on a handful of auction items that all go to benefit the Buffalo Zoo. In return the Buffalo Zoo provided an armadillo, snake, blue tongue lizard and some other smaller animals on hand for guests to learn more about. Also on hand was a live band and DJ (Spooky Business) for entertainment. For more information on the Buffalo Zoo, upcoming events and to show your support take a click here.

-B

{ Auction area is all set and ready for the people }

{ Oh Michael Kors - Who wouldn't love you? }

{ Of course I had to take a picture of this! Opening day is April 3! }

{ Awards for the favorite vendors }

{ Bubble Hockey Raffle - From ICE! }

{ Great Lakes Brewery - table décor }

{ A little #Buffalove }

{ The Buffalo Convention Center's Polar Bear Ice Sculpture }

{ Just selling those 50/50 tickets! }

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Queen City Roller Girls

Queen City Roller Girls began in 2006 by two best friends who were inspired by the A&E series “Rollergirls.” Sissy Fit and Flotorious built the group from the ground up. Rainbow Rink in North Tonawanda was receptive to their efforts, allowing them to recruit at open skate and eventually hold private practices. Since the beginning, the mission of Queen City Roller Girls was to make a group where women can live out that alter ego, continue playing sports into adulthood (or discover the joys of training and competition for the first time) as well as make lasting friendships and improve the surrounding community.

Last week I had the opportunity to meet several strong, intelligent and athletic women from the Queen City Roller Girls. Head Huntress (from Suicidal Sauces and Lake Effect Furies), Ivana LeiHerOut (from Nickel City Knockouts and Lake Effect Furies), Blackrock Bruiser (from Devil Dollies and Lake Effect Furies), Brutali-Tease (from Devil Dollies), Bang GRRrang (from Alley Kats), Kryptonfite (from Alley Kats) and Toxic.

These women amaze me! Most of them joined or got involved after attending a game and seeing first hand what roller derby is all about. The Queen City Roller Girls is a full contact sport that women can play. Its mentally empowering, fun and encourages you to be yourself. There are no limitations and its a sport that offers women to express themselves. Their are over 150 members to date and anyone can join as long as you have health insurance.

Not only do these women volunteer their time, they also train multiple times (3-4 times) during the week, volunteer in the community, host fundraisers to try and cover the cost of their equipment and travel expenses because that is paid for out of pocket by themselves and all while going about a normal life -with full time jobs and families. Coaches and referees also volunteer their time as well.

People think this is "sensationalized" and not real, but its all to real! These women train hard and put in a lot of time and effort. When I sat down and met with this group I went in not knowing a lot about the sport of roller derby. I've heard of the Queen City Roller Girls, but had never attended a game, I didn't realize it was a volunteer commitment and didn't know they have a travel team, multiple home teams, a junior league and a queens court {ladies in waiting}. There is so much more to this sport than people know.

The best part is these women love this area, if they didn't they wouldn't put in all this effort. They love the culture in the area, the eclecticism and the weather. They also enjoy participating in events that encourage young women and boost their self esteem.

If you've never been to a bout before you can check them out this Saturday {February 22} at Rainbow Rink {101 Oliver St. North Tonawanda}. Enjoy food and beverages while you're there. For tickets click here.

For more information or to be a sponsor follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or their website.

{ I can't wait to attend their bout on April 5! }

"It was love at first skate"

-B

#BuffaloLinks

This week its all about the Buffalo Zoo, Sushi and a new food truck that made its way to Buffalo.

This Thursday the Buffalo Zoo will be hosting their annual Polar Bites event at the Buffalo Convention Center. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the door. Come check out a variety of local restaurants food and drink and bid on some fun auction items! You can come see me too, I'll be there selling 50/50 tickets! ;)

A new restaurant to hit the street of Elmwood is Sato. A modern Japanese Cuisine offering more than just food, but giving you a little taste of the Japanese culture in the WNY community.

A new food truck to hit the streets of WNY this spring, Wine Not? WNY. A wine ice cream and slushie truck. How great is this, a new take on wine for any of you wine lovers out there! I had the opportunity to speak with Peter over the phone last week and am super excited to have him at an upcoming wine event this summer.

-B

{People Who Move Buffalo} TT New York Head Designer Jimmy Lee

This week's People Who Move Buffalo Series is highlighting a local fashion designer from a locally owned boutique, TT New York. Jimmy Lee began his career at Taglis Tailor {a custom made clothing store for the 'elite'} after a few years Jimmy made the decision to head in a different avenue and in 2001 TT New York was opened as an upscale dress boutique. Jimmy has always been "into" fashion. He loves empowering women, dressing women and making them feel good in the clothing they wear.

TT New York stands out from the chain bridal and formal wear shops for a handful of reasons.

1. You can go into TT New York and buy off the rack. They are a fully stocked company. What you see is what you get. Other stores only have sample sizes and have to order the dress for you. Not TT New York.

2. Customer Service - the staff at TT New York is their for YOU! They are devoted to you, they help find the dress for any occasion and will go as far as putting the shoes on your feet for you.

3. TT New York has an event tracking system, so if you go in to their store and purchase a dress and register it in their system you can be certain no one at that special event you're going to will be wearing the same thing you have on.

4. They are a local store and give back to the community. And when I say give back I mean they give back. They are long time supporters of JDRF and also donate to a variety of other charities in the Western New York community. Being a locally owned company sometimes it is hard for people to donate to multiple events in the area, TT New York gets involved in as many things in the community that they can. Their staff sit on charitable boards and care deeply about the local community.

{ This is TT New York's 8th year doing Gowns for Prom. Out of the hundreds of gowns they receive from the community, TT New York donates an additional 100 of their own gowns to this great cause as well. For more information on how you can donate and help out click here }

TT New York is the #1 prom headquarters in the Western New York area, but outside of prom they offer so, so much more. Cocktail dresses, Mother of the Bride dresses, Evening and Ball Gown dresses, basically if you have special occasion - they got it! Hence their new tagline #DressesforAnyOccassion

One of my favorite clothing lines from them is the NikiBiki line - the dresses are great for that night out on the town or that important business meeting you have {just throw a blazer on over it}, the line is affordable and fashionable.. win-win!

Another line that I love is the JimmyLee Design Line. Its everyday wear for women. Jimmy gets his inspiration from major fashion cities and brings it back to his hometown. He uses really good fabrics and helps keep the line affordable by keeping the production here in the USA. The clothing is versatile which allows you to wear it more often.

If you're a last minute shopper TT New York has that designer dress for any occasion along with great customer service. They offer accessories to match and dresses from 0-30 making it that one stop shop for any woman!

Walking into TT New York the other day I was greeted by the one and only head designer himself who was helping a customer find a dress for their upcoming prom. He was polite, active, engaged, friendly and personable. Jimmy had a smile on his face the whole time I was at the store. You can tell he is such a caring person who genuinely loves what he does and loves this community. From the short time I met him I can tell he is highly involved and puts 100% into his work. I was honored to meet him and share his story.

{ "Buffalo Born. Buffalo Raised. Here to make Buffalo Proud" - Jimmy Lee}

TT New York is located in the Boulevard Mall and is opening their new store in the Galleria Mall this Saturday {2.15.14} on the lower level near the Starbucks kiosk.

Make sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and their check out their website for all the up-to-date information.

-B

{ TT New York Boulevard Mall Store Location } { Hi-Lows are pretty popular this season }

{ I love the back on this dress }

{ One of the dresses I kept going back to in the store #lovethis }

{ Great for a night out on the town or that business meeting you have }

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!)}

Friday Favorites - Charity Edition

Closing out this week of charities that are close to me are four more organizations that have a special place in my heart. Whatever the cause or mission is, if you're in a position where you can give back, whether that be your time, money or in-kind donations, the "reward" and the lessons you receive in return are priceless.

We should all try to "Be Better Than Yesterday."

-B

Attending numerous events and now recently joining the Pro Zoo Board, helping the Buffalo Zoo is something I'm honored to be a part of. For more info check out their website and like them on Facebook.

Working on the Kiss Cares for Kids Radiothon for a couple of years and having family use their services Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo is one of the best out there. From the doctors and staff to the facility, we're lucky to have them in our "backyard."

Women and Children's Facebook

I've seen what a terrible illness this is, as my grandmother was diagnosed with dementia. I can't even imagine how people living with this illness feel. Its a horrible sickness and having the Alzheimer's association their to provide support and information is something you should use if you or someone you know is going through a difficult time.

Alzheimer's Association {Western New York Chapter}

ALZ on Facebook

We should all try to take good care of our bodies, exercise and eat right. There are a handful of my loved ones who have passed away from a heart attack or heart disease. Heart disease is the number 1 cause of death in New York State. Learn more about how to take care of yourself and the American Heart Association here.

And today is National Wear Red Day - wear red and protect the hearts of those you love with the Go Red for Women Movement.

Carly's Club

Outside of the events I did at the radio station and a couple weddings here and there, one of my very first events I did on my own that was really the base of me stepping out in the event planning world was hosting my Cashin' in for Carly's Club event. Carly's Club is part of Roswell Park Cancer Institute and offers a number of support programs to make life more manageable for children diagnosed with cancer and their families. It also raises funds for pediatric cancer research. Seeing my father diagnosed with cancer and having to go through his chemo treatments and the "stress" is puts on a family, I can't imagine children having to go through such an awful illness. That's why I put on Cashin' in for Carly's Club to give back and do whatever I could to make their difficult time a little "less" difficult.

For more information on upcoming events and ways to support Carly's Club, click here.

Over 260 children are being served by Carly's Club and nearly 9,000 children will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The continued support for this organization will only help us get closer to having a world without cancer..

-B

{ My event was held at the Town Ballroom and was a carnival theme }

Hope, Strength & Joy

In April of 2009 I began volunteering with an organization very close to my heart. The Make a Wish Foundation of Western New York provides hope, strength and joy* to children with life threatening illnesses. During these last few years I have been a part of wonderful events the organization has held and met and granted a lot of wishes for children that have touched my life. Hearing their stories and seeing their faces when a wish is fulfilled - nothing beats that moment when you know you helped provide a memorable experience during a difficult time. There are a variety of ways you can help. For more information and to stay up-to-date like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

We all have the opportunity to provide a little hope, strength and joy to those in need..

-B 

Be the Difference

There are some 4,000 Boys and Girls Clubs around the country. With 7 being a part of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northtowns {BGCNT}. I didn't fully understand or realize how great of an after school program BGCNT offers to children until I saw it first hand. Helping with homework, having art classes, playing sports, providing dinner, hosting special events that the children can participate in {talents shows, Easter egg hunts, Read to Succeed, etc.} and that's just a small realm of what they do. The club is more than a club, its a second home, a family, and there are a more than a dozen located in and around the Western New York area.

For more information on BGCNT, upcoming events and how you can get involved click here.

BGCNT on Facebook

{Be the Difference.}

-B 

The Art of Friendship

This week on the blog I am going to be highlighting some charities that are close to my heart. While I always try to give back to the community as much as I can, working in the non-profit field for a while has opened my eyes to more than some may know. I believe as a society we all have some sort of duty to do our part whether its in volunteering your time or making a monetary donation to something close to your heart. The more you know and the more we work together the better off we'll be. At least that's what I think. The first non-for-profit I'm highlighting this week is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County {BBBSEC}. BBBSEC is a youth mentoring organization where volunteers {Bigs} are matched with youth {Littles}. Throughout the month of February you can make a visit to Ashker's Juice Bar on Elmwood Ave. and see some of the artwork on display by the Bigs and Littles {The Art of Friendship}. While you're there you can also learn more about the organization and enjoy a delicious smoothie, salad or wrap.

Make sure to like or follow them on Facebook to see where the art display will be next!

-B

{ This is one of my favorites on display at Ashker's }

{ Keep Calm and Melt On is my second favorite }

#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 }

{People Who Move Buffalo} Cretaceous Clothing & JK Media

One of the best ideas I have had to date was my {Women Who Move Buffalo Series} sharing with you women who have made the choice to stay in their hometown and pursue their dream. This year while I will continue that series, I am also expanding on it and introducing {People Who Move Buffalo} - sharing both men and women's stories of success and dreams all while staying local. With that being said, I'm very excited to kick off 2014 sharing two amazing guys stories with you. Zach Patton from Cretaceous Clothing and Jeff Kress from JK Media. Both driven, creative, ambitious, talented, hard working, the list could go on and on. These two men portray amazing personalities and work ethics that most people strive for.

Read more of my interview with them below.

-B

When did you go into business?

• Zach Patton (ZP): May of 2009 Cretaceous Clothing opened
• Jeff Kress (JK): November of 2012 JK Media opened

What made you go into the field you're in?

• ZP: I was a trendsetter back in high school and always enjoyed fashion so I opened my own clothing company. {95% of the clothes in his store are his very own designs}
• JK: Six years ago I picked up a camera and started shooting. Thought it was fun and self taught myself. I love the people I've met along the way.

What do you like best about Buffalo?

• ZP and JK: We both like the diverse group of people in the area and the diverse scenes around town.

How did you two meet?

• ZP and JK: In June of 2013 at the Vault through a mutual friend Jamie Catania. We started talking and throwing ideas back and forth and have been friends ever since.

What makes you stand out from your competition?

• ZP: Nobody does it the way I do, I have more to offer, hidden talents that you can't find anywhere else especially in the hip-hop scene.
• JK: I stop at nothing, I will always be there.

When I sat down with Zach and Jeff I immediately knew their life is their work. Two passionate guys who take the time to create quality clothing pieces and capture beautiful photos. Coming in February they will be selling a calendar that offers pictures (taken by Jeff) of clothing that Zach designed while showcases other local businesses ads throughout the months of the year.

Zach offers custom services for clothing - so if you're looking for a place to go for custom wear Zach and his co-worker Goose are the guys to visit. And if you have a special event, paintball tourney, wedding or anything you want captured contact Jeff with JK Media. He also helps in digital art and social media optimization {Both men are from Buffalo, NY}.

Cretaceous Clothing {2630 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo}

Cretaceous Clothing Website

Cretaceous Clothing Facebook

JK Media {Follow on Twitter @JKMedia716} 

JK Media Facebook

{ From L to R: Goose, Zach {Cretaceous} and Jeff {JK Media} }

{ JK Media Photography}

{ I am in love with this photo. Beautiful shot of City Hall in Downtown Buffalo }

{I think its pretty cool to have a photographer shoot a paintball tourney}

{ I love Zach's creativity and inspiration that portrays in his clothing;      "Lead Never Follow" }