M&T Bank First Friday's at Albright Knox

The first Friday of every month M&T Bank and the Albright Knox offer First Fridays. Free admission on the first floor to the public. From 10am-10pm you can walk around and experience some of the amazing art the gallery has on display. If you want to walk around upper levels there is an additional fee.

At the beginning of the month I took the day off and spent it with my niece. For an almost four year old this was a great event to take her too. While she thought the Lucas Samaras, Reflections, aka the "Mirror Room" was the best, her attention span started to run out after about 30 minutes. With it being a beautiful day we walked on the outside grounds and took some nice photos.

Prior to this visit, it has been about 5 years since I was last inside the Art Gallery for a leisurely experience, so it was nice to walk around and experience it with a kid who has a vivid imagination.

I highly encourage anyone to take part in such a great event that takes place the First Friday of every month. The next one coming up is on Friday, November 7, 2014.

-B

{Snapping photos inside the Mirror Room}

{If you look at this for more than a couple seconds you get dizzy, or at least I did}

{One of my favorites on display}

{Anyone want to play some tic tac toe}

A Fall Festival Full of Fun

{Just being a kid and playing in the leaves}

I made my way to Fall Fest again this year with Annette. While I always love going to Ellicottville {maybe its because I don't get there very often} the scenery is beautiful and I love the local shops that line the streets. This year I observed more and took in all that its worth.

1. There are a lot of talented artists that line the streets during this festival weekend, new food vendors lined the food truck row and the Armor Inn Truck seemed to be a popular spot to go.

2. Katy's is awesome. While we only stopped to get a coffee, the food looked so good! It is a must go back, place for me!

3. Bars are starting to charge cover earlier than normal {at least I think so, instead of what I thought was once 2pm it was now 1pm}.

4. State Troopers were out more than ever. I've seen one or two in years past, but this year we saw a handful going and coming from the event

5. For a single girl like me, I love seeing the attractive men that attend this event ;)

If you have never been I encourage going even if its just once. It makes for a fun Fall day and usually takes place the second weekend in October.

-B

{Love this sign outside Katy's}

{ A cute place to go, full of knick knacks, it even has a "Husband Drop Off Center" for those guys in your life}

{I love Ellicottville Brewing Company}

{One of my favorite shots I captured}

Celebrity Chef Culinary Extravaganza!

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Celebrity Chef's Culinary Extravaganza at Ilio DiPaolo's. What a night it was, an eight course meal, after dinner cordials and Chefs Michael Obarka from Ristorante Lombardo, Dan Buckley, Dr. Andy Cappuccino, and Chef Michael DiPaolo and staff all put their special touches on the food while is was paired with delicious wines from Marchesi de' Frescobaldi.

The money raised from the dinner goes directly to the Ilio DiPaolo Scholarship Fund. Dennis DiPaolo and his family are huge supporters of the Western New York community so it was nice to give back to them. Overall it was a nice evening full of good food, drinks and company.

-B

{Special Guest: Lamberto Frescobaldi}

{Lots of wine glasses and shrimp tails to start the evening off}

{The Filet was the best, I thought}

#BuffaloLinks

Today kicks off Local Restaurant Week. For $20.14 you can enjoy some really nice meals and great places in Western New York and the best part is it stays in this area! For a list of participating restaurants click here.

Check out the following movies at the Public House. For more info on the Movie Night Series check their Facebook page.

Another safe indoor trick or treating event takes place at ECC's North Campus on Saturday. The Annual Safe and Seen event takes place from 11-3pm. This year proceeds benefit the Make a Wish of Western New York Foundation. For more event info go to their website.

Friday, join in the creative, black tie gala at Hotel Lafayette for Revo, Independence Celebration. Proceeds benefit the Veterans One Stop Center. For more info and tickets click here.

Less is More Sometimes

A couple weekends ago my sister and niece went with me to pick out pumpkins like we normally do this time of year. Instead of going to the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence like we normally do, we decided to go to Becker Farms and change it up a little. While I enjoy Becker Farms for their winery and brewery, I was really disappointed in the service {or lack there of} when it came to the children's area and pumpkin barn.

While every other area was open and ready to go, the area to pick your pumpkins and pay was closed and just opening {at 12:30pm} when we were ready to check out. If you wanted to pay you had to lug your pumpkins to the country store to pay for them. To top it off the staff {if you could find them} was rude and not helpful when it came to answering questions and it made for a not so fun time and us regretting our decision to just go to the Great Pumpkin Farm. The pumpkins were overly priced costing us $33 for 5 of them, that I could have gotten cheaper somewhere else.

So even though I like the winery and brewery on site, I think they should refocus on what they want to do next year. Sometimes its better to not have it all and focus on the areas you're good at. Sometimes less is more...

-B

Even though it was a disappointing experience, I did capture some pretty scenic shots while we were there.

{A smile on my face, even though the service wasn't so good}

#BuffaloLinks

It's finally here! The Barre Centric, Buffalo location opened its doors for classes yesterday. Make sure to check out the new location.

I'm so sad to miss this, tomorrow the new Dog e Style restaurant {a new innovative hot dog restaurant located downtown} is having their grand opening at 5pm. Enjoy music, food and drink. For more information on the event click here. And make sure to "Like" them on Facebook.

Another event that I am said to be missing is the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner on Thursday at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. For more information on the event and to learn more about the Sports Hall of Fame click here.

Starting this week Friday dress the little ones up and head to the Buffalo Zoo for a safe and fun way to enjoy Halloween a little early. Spooktacular Days at the Zoo run Friday-Sunday's the next two weekends. Enjoy trick or treating and zoo animals!

#BuffaloLinks

Join in an evening of supporting local heroes and delicious treats from Chef Richert of Torches at Modern Kitchens of Buffalo. For event info click here.

Last year my Mom and I went to the Billieve event as spectators, not actually participating in the Live Ribbon on the Rainbow Bridge. This year we are and I'm excited to share this experience with her. Click here for all of the event info and to sign up.

While Ellicottville will be bustling this weekend for their Fall Fest, the Allentown Association will be hosting one of their own. For those who love the area and don't want to tackle the 40 minute drive south, head downtown for the Allentown Fall Festival.  Food trucks, children's activities and much more will be on hand for you.

Love chocolate? Then head to Fowler's Chocolates on Saturday Oct. 11 or Monday Oct. 13 and take a self guided tour of the chocolate factory. For $2 you get to participate in the Annual Factory Tour and help a great cause, the Make-A-Wish of WNY organization.

A Bridal Celebration with A lot of Local Talent!

Sunday, Buffalo Indie Weddings hosted a Bridal Celebration at Asbury Hall. Over 30 vendors, were on hand to meet with newly engaged couples to help plan their special day. I loved the décor, the selfies portrait station, Vintage Touch  and the DIY station, where you could learn a variety of craft ideas for your big day.

Ali from Made from Anatomy and Erica from City Lights Studio thought of every detail, including the Groom's Lounge where the guys could go and hang out if they chose too, to the festive signage letting everyone know where things were. It was certainly a Bridal Celebration like no one else hosts. It was fun, creative and offered a lot of local talent from the big wedding industry to customers looking for something special on their big day.

Thank you ladies for inviting me to this wonderful event.

-B

{ Packed house, snapped this picture from the stage }

{ Of course I had to snap a "selfie" in front of the selfie portrait }

#BuffaloLinks

A weekend full of making friendships, experiencing new adventures and living life. Wild Women Unite takes place Oct 3 - 5 in Grand Island. For more information on the weekend click here.

This weekend is going to be cold and rainy, but Spot Coffee is a great place to go to stay warm.

Old Falls Street will be hosting the 5th Annual Oktoberfest event this Saturday. Come out and enjoy German Food and Beer!

I am so, so excited to be invited to Buffalo Indie Weddings, Bridal Celebration at Asbury Hall on Sunday 10.5.14 For any new Bride to Be this is definitely the place to go on Sunday!

Dine Out for Life on October 7 and help fight Aids. Click here to see a list of participating restaurants.

FALL into my Favorite Things

Fall is one of, if not my favorite season. I love the cool, crisp air, the leaves changing colors, and the oversized sweaters and boots you can wear. Lets not forget the fun activities to do; corn mazes and hayrides, decorating and carving pumpkins and trick or treating. This is the time of year we get to enjoy the yummy candy apples and warm pies to delicious apple cider as well.

While there are a lot of activities that take place this time of year below are my top 8 places to go for fun Fall activities in Western New York.

1. Becker Farms - Apple and Pumpkin Picking, Wine and Beer tastings, hayrides and much more!

2. The Great Pumpkin Farm - Kid Rides, Pumpkin Picking, Animal Farm, Face Painting and Country Store

3. Pumpkinville - Hayrides, Pumpkin Picking, Corn Maize and Country Store

4. Letchworth State Park and Allegany State Park - Beautiful fall foliage and hiking trails

5. Nightmare Hayrides on Sommerville St. - Haunted Houses and Hayrides

6. Cambria Corn Maze - Corn Maze, Pumpkins and refreshments

7. Falcone Farms - Apple and pumpkin picking

8. Mayer Brothers - Apple Cider, Baked goods

Oh the Places I will Go...To Ski High Adventure Park

Continuing on with facing my fears and taking more adventures, this past Saturday my friend Annette and I went to tackle the Sky High Adventure Park at Holiday Valley. While I am deathly afraid of heights I knew this would be a challenge, a BIG one! I didn't want to let my fear win though, so I sucked it up and focused on the task at hand, living a little and enjoying the moment.

While I only accomplished the yellow courses (which were the easiest ones) I was proud that I did that. Annette was a great friend to take with, encouraging me, motivating me and telling me not to give up {I definitely needed that a couple times}. For $48 you get to zip line and climb through the forest for 3 hours. For an additional $3 you can purchase a roller coaster ride that takes you up a hill on what I like to call a bob sled and you control the speed on the way down {it was actually pretty fun}.

The weather was beautiful and it made for a great Saturday activity. Once you have your harness on {trained staff make sure you are properly sung} you take what I would say was a 15 minute crash course with a staff member.  They go over all the instructions on how to use your carabiner clips and the do's and don'ts of the park. Along with staff being on the ground helping people through the courses you can also walk below and follow along to take pictures and check out the other courses before climbing your way through them.

There are so many courses to try at Sky High that you simply couldn't complete them all in 3 hours {unless you were a pro and no one else was in the park}. Each course typically takes about 30 minutes -45 minutes depending on how many people are on that course. Guests who don't want to take part in the courses have the opportunity to stay back at the lodge and play putt-putt, ping pong, corn hole or read a nice book on the patio.

While standing on one of the platforms, just about to walk across one of the ropes with my legs visibly shaking {literally, even ask Annette}, I couldn't let fear win. While there were moments I wanted to give up and just get back on the ground, I would have regretted that decision in the long run. I'm looking forward to going back next year and completing another level, a more difficult one and continuing to face my fears.

For more information {times, pricing, etc.} on Sky High Adventure Park click here.

-B

{ Thanks Annette for taking these photos of me during the course }

{ Pictures of various courses and the grounds around the park }

{ Facing fears and be adventurous! Post celebrations took place at Ellicottville Brewing Co. }

What's a Bash Without the Brews

This past weekend Coca-Cola Field was home to over 50 breweries who were sampling some of the best craft brews around Western New York and beyond. Ballpark Brew Bash not only offered a wide array of beer, but it also provided local food from 5 food trucks, games of all sorts and a unique experience to walk on the field, making it the perfect place to snap some Instagram pictures.

Each year the event grows and grows and with the ever so popular craft breweries on the rise in Western New York, I can only see this event growing bigger and better in the years to come.

A few of my favorite spots that night were: Resurgence Brewing Company, Black Bird Cider Works and Brooklyn Brewery.

Cheers!

-B

#BuffaloLinks

This Friday the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is hosting their Gala at the Gardens. For ticket information and time click here.

Fall is finally upon us and there are so many nice spots to go to in Western New York. One place in particular is Becker Farms. From pumpkins and wine tasting to picking in-season fruits and vegetables, you and your family/friends will be entertained during your whole visit.

Yay! To Buffalo Beer Week! Starting Friday a variety of restaurants and breweries will be taking part in beer related activities. The best part is you have a whole week to pick a day that works in your schedule! For a complete list of events click here.

This Thursday, come see yours truly at Resurgence Brewery. The Buffalo Zoo's Pro Zoo Board is hosting a Polar Bites Pre-Party from 6-8pm. $25 includes open bar and a free sandwich coupon to the Whole Hog Food Truck. Money from this event will benefit Polar Bites 2015. To purchase your tickets for Thursday click here.

A Sweet Taste of Seafood

{Photo credit: Just a Blonde in Buffalo}

The other night my friend Nicole and I met for dinner and drinks at the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria building which now is home to Oshun Restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner, Oshun has an oyster bar and variety of seafood selections.

Recommended by our waitress, Nicole and I picked 3 small plates to share {Clams, Mussels and Calamari}. The mussels and calamari were both our favorites, sweet and a little spicy. The clams were ok, but left a "fishy" after taste.  We also ordered dessert - I'm not a big dessert person, but the warm cookies with salted pretzels and homemade vanilla ice cream was the second best decision after the Malbec wine I had ordered!

Overall, I loved the history that was used as part of the "art deco" décor. Add that element with the food and great company and it makes for a nice evening out!

-B

{Oyster bar}

#BuffaloLinks

Join in the 9th Annual Oktoberfest benefitting the Kevin Guest House. For tickets and more details click here.

Theatre season is back! This Friday join in the fun on Main Street Downtown with Curtain Up!

The 10th Annual Garlic Festival takes place this weekend in Cuba, NY. I can't wait to attend this event.

The best Brew Bash is taking place this Saturday from 4-8pm at Coca Cola Field. Ballpark Brew Bash is back and its bigger and better than ever!

If you're not going to the Ralph and not into football on Sunday's, think about getting tickets to the annual Foodie-to-Farm Tour. For a review of past tours check out Buffalo Foodie's review here.

#BuffaloLinks

This coming Saturday, Templeton Landing is kicking off Oktoberfest with the Lake Erie Pub Crawl. For more details on the event click here.

Another event taking place on Saturday is Music is Art. A free event showcasing, music, art, fashion and more. Stop out to Delaware Park and enjoy a day full of fun.

Buffalo Beer League  helps spread the word on Buffalo Brewers, bars and beer. For more info on the group or to join click here.

The Buffalo Rotary Club is hosting an Enchanting Evening at Silo City on September 18. Included at the event are tours of the grain elevators, food trucks, wine, beer and music. The event is rain or shine. For ticket information and details click here.

Artisans Open House Review

This past weekend the great artist herself, Lizzy Dugan hosted the 4th Annual Artisans Open House in Elma, NY. An event where local artists come together and display and sell their work. Each year the event has grown bigger and better, but not to big to the point where you may feel like you're getting lost or overwhelmed. This year there was even a baby Alpaca born during the event. In case you couldn't make it, but wanted to see the participating vendors click here.

Make sure to like the Facebook page to stay up to date on future events.

-B

A Sweat Session at Lululemon

Lululemon Buffalo has welcomed different instructors from all fitness regimes to their store over the last couple of months. This past Sunday was no different, bringing in a sweat session with Sweat Buffalo. Now I may be showing a little "favoritism" because I've been training with Morgan for the past year and she has taught me a lot about fitness, but her and Aubrey brought the heat on Sunday. Incorporating cardio, strength training and yoga, you left feeling tired { the good tired } and sweaty!

Sunday classes at Lululemon are free and last about an hour, after each class you are welcome to stay and shop the store. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to try a new class. You can see if you like the instructor and if the workout is what you were really looking for.

For more info on Sweat Buffalo click here

And for a list of upcoming classes at Lululemon click here

-B

Photos below are from Lululemon's facebook page:

#BuffaloLinks

I was introduced to a new organization last week. The Buffalo City Swim Racers is a non profit that was created to introduce culturally diverse children to pool access. Its a great program and if you want to get involved please visit the link above!

Barre Centric is opening a new location in downtown Buffalo on September 14th! I can't wait to take a class in the upcoming weeks!

BreadHive is a worker cooperative bakery where they bake their products on Buffalo's West Side. You can pick up their products at the Elmwood-Bidwell or Williamsville's Farmers Market on Saturdays or head to Larkinville on Thursday's. This past Monday they opened a window {located at the front of the building} where you can purchase your bread, bagels, yogurt and Public Espresso Coffee. Follow them on social media to stay up to date!

I love flowers! And I'm always looking for different florists to go to, to see who makes the best arrangements, offers the best pricing and has a friendly staff. I've passed by Bloom a few times {located on Main St. in Buffalo}, but have never made it in. When doing my research for this post they came up and I've decided that in the next day or two I'm going to make a stop by, after all who doesn't love a batch of fresh flowers.

Very rarely to I get out to Medina, NY, but when I was going through social media the other night I came across Rock Paper Salon and immediately thought I want to check this place out. Not only is it a salon, but its a boutique that offers food as well.

#BuffaloLinks

Today stop by the North Buffalo Farmer's Market and pick up fresh and local produce and vegetables and meet with local farmers and vendors.

This sounds like a great social activity to participate in; The Allentown Mob Tour, learn more about Buffalo's History and enjoy a drink and food at Café 59.

Who said Field Day's are just for kids. Join in the fun of biking, running and yoga at the Delaware Park Field Day.

It would be just wrong if I didn't post about the National Chicken Wing Festival, taking place this weekend at Coca Cola Field. People from all over the nation come to enjoy the best chicken wings Western New York has.