#BuffaloLinks

Love all things Buffalo, then make sure to check out the 2nd annual Buffalove Fest at the Buffalo Zoo on Friday from 5:30-9pm. Its a great event that hosts a lot of local Buffalo vendors. Check it out if you can!

For those looking for prop rentals for special events, check out Nickel City Novelties for your event needs.

Because everyone has ideas, so why not bring them to life, 19 Ideas Buffalo

With Memorial Day kicking off the warmer days ahead All WNY.com provides a list of all the campgrounds in Western New York. For those who like nature and the wilderness check out the site for places to camp this coming summer.

Being A Little Crafty

Once or twice a month Modern Nostalgia  and Blue Collar Buffalo host a Makers class where guests can be crafty for a few hours after work. Last week my sister and I attended the class on how to make your own clutch. The class was $38 and included all of the materials, snacks and 15% off any purchase you made in the store that night. Oh and you could bring in your own wine or beer as well.

We received step by step instructions from Gretchen on how to put together your one of a kind item. The class was a lot of fun. Each class offers something different. If you like being creative and making your own things I highly suggest you follow Modern Nostalgia and Blue Collar Buffalo on the social media outlets and come to the next Makers class.

Create a stamp of your own.

-B

#BuffaloLinks

I can't wait to kick off the weekend with a happy hour at Don Tequila on Allen St. I've never been there, but have heard great things, let's see if its just as good or even better then Cantina Loco.

Looking for a place to take the kids this weekend, check out the Safari Tours from 10-6pm Friday and Saturday and open from 10-3pm on Memorial Day Hidden Valley Animal Adventure.

The Buffalo Marathon is this Sunday, good luck to all those running in it! Start time is 7am for those looking to come out and cheer on the participants.

One place that is sure to see high volumes of people this holiday weekend is the Buffalo Airport. Did you know there are 110 daily flights with nonstop services to 23 different cities. If you're traveling like me this weekend remember to get to the airport early and be patient.

#BuffaloLinks

There's still time to order your presale tickets and help out the Naval and Military Park. Come hang out at the ballpark on Saturday for the Armed Forces Tribute Day and show your support to our Military!

With the warmer months approaching we will be enjoying some cold brews. Stay up to date on the craft beers in NYS by liking this page {NYS Brewers Association}

Give 4 Greatness raises funds, awareness and provides opportunities for the arts and cultural organizations in WNY. To learn more about this project or to donate go here.

With prom and wedding season now upon us, if you're looking for a make up artist check out Groom Service inside the Hotel Lafayette.

#BuffaloLinks

I'm looking forward to hearing the lineup for who will be performing at this years Canalside Concerts. Find out today at 5:30pm

Stop by Fat Bob's on Friday for this fun event The Dude Hates Cancer. Proceeds benefit The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

The students in the Fashion & Textile class at Buff State are showcasing their work Saturday at the annual Runway 7.0 event. There are 2 shows {3pm & 8pm} stop out and see how talented these students are!

As I made a visit to General Mills this week I saw a sign for River Works coming soon. I can't wait to see these grain elevators transformed into breweries and attractions for people in the area. This area is full of so much history that many don't know about, it only makes me want to learn more about Buffalo history.

A trip on Hertel

I will say I don't get the chance to visit Hertel Ave. that much, but when I do I always enjoy walking down the street and visiting the local shops that reside there. One of my favorites to visit is Modern Nostalgia. I was on a mission to find a couple new pieces of clothing that I could wear multiple times as different looks and combine with pieces I already have at home. The store is so comfortable, I love the chic and rustic vibe it gives. And Morgan was great, she helped me pick out pieces that looked good and I was comfortable in. Definitely check them out when you're in the area or if you're looking for new pieces to add to your wardrobe. -B

{ Jasmine green tea from Spot and my Modern Nostalgia purchases }

{ I couldn't resist to snap a picture of this lovely Elephant jacket #trunksareup #goodluck }

{ This mirror in the dressing room is so pretty and the maxi dress on the hanger is so comfortable #feminine #chic }

{ You can always spice up an outfit with the right accessories and Mod Nos has a variety to choose from }

#BuffaloLinks

This Saturday from 3-7pm stop by the village of Hamburg and take a stroll on their Hamburg Wine About 2014. For $20 take a trolley and taste a variety of wines from different wineries at local shops throughout the village.

Buffalo's first and only polish food truck Betty Crockski. Make sure to check their schedule daily to see where they'll be.

I haven't been to Rapids Theater in a few years. I'm looking forward to the upcoming concert their on Monday evening.

Springfest at Marcy Casino that was supposed to take place this Sunday is postponed until May 31. I missed last year and am hoping to make an appearance at this year's event.

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  

#BuffaloLinks

Starting April 23 through May 4, Buffalo is hosting a Cherry Blossom Festival at the Japanese Gardens next to the Buffalo History Museum. This is a kick start to enjoy the beautiful Buffalo gardens over the course of the next few months.

Saturday Communify Buffalo is hosting the 2nd annual Show How event. Learn from people in various industries, crafts and trades at this event. For tickets and more info go here.

Do you love shorts? How about stylish, vintage shorts? Vintage Chameleon offers a variety of options in the shorts department. Perfect for the summer months ahead. Check her facebook page out here.

SSet is a new store that opened on Elmwood Ave. in Buffalo. If offers housewares, antiques and vintage pieces for those looking to makeover a room in their home or for you new home owners. Check them out!

Brewing in the Burbs

The other day Lacey, Nicole and myself went to Hamburg Brewing Company in Hamburg, NY. What a beautiful place it is! While we went to attend an event held by the Buffalo Beer Goddesses the event didn't seem to really exist, but regardless we had a good time. We each ordered a flight that was $8 and came with the opportunity to choose 4 beers out of a handful of options including the Derailer that has a 9.4% alcohol content. The brewery has a beautiful pond with a nice patio and gives off a lodge type feel. They offer light appetizers, like soft pretzels with mustard and such.

I was with two ladies who have their Cicerone so I was able to learn about the beers I was sampling. Hamburg Brewing Company is a place I would definitely go back to and tour the facility and enjoy a few brews outside next time. If you can't make it out to Hamburg check their Beer Finder to see if a local bar or restaurant serves it near you!

Cheers!

-B

{ the first thing you see when you walk in - the brewery }

{ a picture wouldn't be complete without two thumbs up }

{ the list of brews to choose from }

{ Cicerone Lacey }

{ beer flight }

{ saloon type doors in the ladies bathroom }

Its a Polish thing!

Happy Dyngus Day! Today is one of the best days of the year! Buffalo hosts the largest organized Dyngus Day celebration in the world according to Wikipedia and honestly I believe it. Thousands upon thousands of people (not even Polish heritage) come down to the historic Polonia District on the east side of Buffalo to celebrate the festivities, show Polish pride, flirt with Pussy willows and squirt guns and listen to the best polka bands around.

While I choose to celebrate at St. Stanislaus and the Central Terminal, other local bars and venues host opportunities to polka, drink some Tyskie beer and enjoy the start of spring. Some are the Polish Villa on Harlem Rd., Pott's Banquet Hall, and Black Rock Kitchen just a few to name. For a full list of places go here.

If you're planning or thinking of coming out stay up to date on best places to park, etc. on Dyngus Day Buffalo's Facebook Page.

Remember to wear red!

-B

#BuffaloLinks

1. Barre Centric is hosting a Barre class at one of my favorite locations in Orchard Park, Research and Design on April 23 from 7-9pm. RSVP for your spot.

2. One of my favorite blogs to read is from EmJay Fit. A local Western New York trainer who teaches you how to be the healthiest you can be. Check it out!

3. Polish festivities are taking shape this week. With events being held at the Broadway Market and Dyngus Day events happening next Monday. I can't wait to check out what St. Stanislaus has in store. Make sure you get your squirt guns and pussy willows!

4. I started following Her Story Boutique on Instagram and need to make it on my list of places to stop into next time I'm on Elmwood. I love the pictures they post. From the looks of it, it looks like its my style.

5. I can't wait for the warm summer months when I go back to Lewiston and can stop by the Brickyard for a pulled pork sandwich and a nice cold beer on their patio.

-B

#BuffaloLinks

I don't spend a lot of time in Niagara County, not because I don't want to, but just because I really don't have a reason to go North unless I'm visiting some of my family. This past weekend I was out that way and got to thinking that with summer coming I have to make a list of places to check out in that area.

Some places being the Lockport Locks and Erie Canal cruises. I think when you know the history that sits in your own back yard you appreciate the place you call home.

Niagara on the Lake is another place I would like to explore. Maybe spend a relaxing weekend or day visiting the vineyards on the lake. Its just a short drive over the border.

The Niagara Aerospace Museum. This looks like a neat place to go and learn about aviation and see some aircraft displays.

Newfane NY, While you would think there is nothing to do in that area, heading to a "smaller" small town and walking up and down the streets checking out the shops and restaurants. Sometimes its nice to get away and leave the "bigger" city behind and get back to basics.

Bacchus!

The second stop I made for restaurant week was at Bacchus. Located on the corner of Franklin and Chippewa, I've always heard friends say how much they enjoyed this place, but I had never been there to eat before. The bar is "roomy" and has enough space to make you feel comfortable as you wait for your table and the live band that performs on the first Friday of each month was something my friends and I didn't expect. The valet service is also a plus for when you don't want to try and find parking downtown or pay to park in the ramp.

The food was delicious, everything from the calamari to the ahi tuna and baked apple pie was amazing. The service again though was a little slow. It wasn't as bad as it was at Boss, but tables that came in after us were served before us and we had to flag down our waiter a couple of times.

I however would definitely go back as its a nice, fancier place to go before going to see a show at Shea's or other special events  downtown. They also have a private banquet area for bigger and/or private parties.

Have you been? What do you think? What are some of the restaurants you went to for local restaurant week? Any "must go-to spots?" Let me know!

-B

{ Ahi Tuna }

{ I loved the wine corks in vases that decorated the walls }

{ Bacchus Features }

{ Live band that performed during dinner }

{ Wine anyone? }

{ I love the bar area, the bartender wasn't that bad to look at either ;) }

{ Hostess area }

Buffalo's Original Steak & Seafood

Last week for Local Restaurant week I didn't get to check out all the places I wanted to, but I did get to have dinner at a couple of new places I haven't been to yet. With that being said I thought today and tomorrow I would give my reviews on the restaurants I went to.

Today I'm talking about Boss {Buffalo's Original Steak & Seafood}. Boss is located where Fiamma Steakhouse used to be on Hertel Ave. by Starin. Being that it was local restaurant week my friends and I made reservations in advance and grabbed a glass of wine at the bar before going to our table. While I knew the restaurant was under new management the décor for the most part had stayed the same. The overall experience from service to food to décor I thought it was "eh, ok.".

The service wasn't the best, it was kind of slow {we had 6:30pm reservations and didn't leave until 10:30pm!}. Granted my friends and I were talking, but there were times when we looked at each other like where is our food, where is the bill. The food overall was just ok too. I wasn't impressed. We all ordered the chopped salad which was really good, and my friends all had steak and I ordered the salmon. The salmon was plain, it didn't have a lot of taste to it and for the steak, the seasoning was strong and spicy. I honestly preferred the old Fiamma over Boss.

Don't get me wrong I don't like giving bad reviews and I'm by no means a food critic, but I like to give my honest opinion and being that the restaurant wasn't busy {not all the tables were filled with people} I don't know why it was so slow. I know the owners of Boss also own Bambino Bar & Kitchen and I've only ever been there for a couple drinks so I can't compare if it was an "off" day or not.

Have you been there? What do you think?  While the first stop on my restaurant week wasn't that great make sure to see tomorrow's review I have on Bacchus.

-B

{ Chopped salad was good! }

{ Salmon with Arugula salad }

{ One thing I did love - the "personalized B" purse holder }

Friday Favorites

This week is over and I'm headed into a busy weekend, hitting up a majority of Western New York. Have a good one! -B

{ The sun is shining through the windows of Globe Market on Hertel. I love the décor they have on display at that location }

{ Let's keep our #PrayersforJK going, after all prayer is a powerful thing.}

{ One of my favorite spots in town is the Naval and Military Park down by Canalside. The views never get old for me }

{ Its officially baseball season, signs are up and hands are dirty }

{People Who Move Buffalo} Jeff Ware Resurgence Brewing Company

One of coolest people and projects I have got to see to date is Jeff from Resurgence Brewing Company. Located at 1250 Niagara Street in Buffalo, Resurgence Brewing Co. is more than just your ordinary brewery, but also will be offering something that Buffalo doesn't have right now, a communal beer garden for people to enjoy some fresh brews in a community type setting.

Buffalo is up and coming in the brewing business and in the downtown area for that matter, hence the name Resurgence. "Buffalo is coming back to life and I want to be a part of the great things that happen here," Jeff Ware.

When I asked Jeff what he loves about Buffalo and why he chose to stay here, he said; "Everywhere else has cool things, why can't we," there is nothing like it in this area. I chose Buffalo because its affordable, the lifestyle is great, there is a solid foundation here and its just a cool place to live and be.

Offering ales and lagers, Resurgence will have 10 draft lines and offer light foods, such as meat and cheese plates along with tastings and tours. This will be the perfect place to go for your happy hour. And after happy hour is over you can continue to enjoy the brews from Resurgence at local bars in the area, such as Blue Monk.

Born and raised in Western New York, Jeff has created a great place that is sure to be a hit with the locals. I for one am looking forward to coming back to see the finished brewery and enjoy some of their delicious Blood Orange beer.

Opening in May of 2014 make sure to follow Resurgence Brewing Company on Twitter and Like on Facebook to stay up to date on what I know is going to be an amazing, one of a kind brewery in Buffalo.

-B

{ What is going to be the doors to the outside beer garden }

{ Renovations are starting to begin on the beer garden }

{ This brewery is going to look amazing! Keeping the original restoration, the construction crew working so Resurgence can open next month }

#BuffaloLinks

One of the best weeks in Western New York - Restaurant Week! I love getting together with my friends and trying new places for a reasonable price. To take a look at those participating click here.

My cousin is one of the bravest people I know. This Saturday there will be a benefit for him at the Lewiston #2 Fire Hall. For more information on the event go here.

For those who want to say one last goodbye to the amazing Mr. Ralph Wilson their will be a public memorial for him at the Bills Field House on Saturday from 1-4pm. For more details click here.

Its the Lenten season and that only means one thing, the Broadway Market and the historic Polania District are preparing for the crowds of people that make their way to market during this season. For hours of operation and more details you can find them here. {Side note: The Broadway market is open year round, not just during the Easter season}.

#BuffaloLinks

Here are my Buffalo Links for this week:

Adornment on Cleveland Drive offers antique furniture and artistic services. For anyone looking to "spice" up their home décor check this place out!

Who knew Buffalo had a Curling Club, I didn't - but I really want to take a class sometime if not this year because the season may be winding down definitely next winter.

Straight Up Wine and Liquor store on Elmwood in Kenmore. The store offers a variety of wines and spirits. the owners are great people as well!

Having the opportunity to be working with the Naval and Military Park on an upcoming event is a great honor. If you're ever looking for something to do, take a walk down by the Naval Park. Not only do you get to see some great views of canalside, there's a lot of history you can learn about as well.

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 }