#BuffaloLinks

A night to celebrate the arts and enjoy the Old First Ward. City of Night is this Saturday. For more details check them out here.

Walking for Downtown is hosting a Walking Tour of Buffalo Riverworks this Wednesday at 5:15pm. You can check out Riverworks and all the new things taking place down by the water

Babeville is hosting Game Night Buffalo on Thursday. For more info go here.

Taking place on Friday at the Buffalo History Museum - music, activities, food and drink will all be part of the party. For more information click here.

For those looking to for some entertainment in the sky check out the Thunder of Niagara Airshow this weekend.

Sun and Sand! A Guide to WNY Beaches

Its officially summer and one thing people like to do is head to the beach. When I was younger my family would rent a cottage for a week up in Canada. While we don't have the crystal blue water and white sand like other places may have, Western New York still has a handful of beaches that are enjoyable to go to. Here is my list of some to check out.

Beaver Island State Park {great for the little kids}

Mickey Rats

Sunset Bay Beach Club

Woodlawn Beach

Olcott Beach

Bennett Beach

If you have an enhanced license or passport a couple of my favorites right over the border are:

Crystal Beach

Sherkston

:: Some beach necessities, magazines {or book}, towel{s}, beach chairs, A volleyball ::

Other essentials for the day at the beach:

Coolers (if allowed)

A big beach bag to put all your belongings in

Snacks like fruit, sandwiches

Drinks like water, beer {optional}, iced tea

Sunglasses, Sun Tan Lotion, hats, big umbrellas, hand sanitizer or baby wipes and blankets

Toys for kids to play with (shovels, buckets, etc.)

What is your favorite beach to go to?

-B

A Recreational Place on Point!

While there are a lot of great things happening down at Buffalo's Inner Harbor, there are also a lot of great things happening at Buffalo's Outer Harbor, from the bike and running paths to the Lighthouses and Coast Guard Base, one place I checked out this past weekend was Wilkeson Pointe. Located on Times Beach Nature Preserve, this recreational spot not only has beautiful views of the water, windmills and wind sculptures, but also has slides and plenty of room to bring the family and spend a day playing games and having a picnic. It's probably one of my favorite spots to go {now}. While people are familiar with Wilkeson Pointe- its still secluded enough to make it feel like a "hidden gem." Making it a great place to go if you ever want to take a break from reality.

-B

#BuffaloLinks

This week I thought I would feature some Dog parks that are in Western New York - I personally have never been to one - my dogs are to hyper and crazy to follow the rules, but have you been to any of these places - do you have a favorite? -B

{The Paw Park -in Amherst, NY}

{Lewiston Dog Park - click here for more info}

{The Barkyard in Buffalo NY - click here for more details on this off leash park}

{3.5 acres of off leash fun at the Niagara Falls Dog Park}

Women Who Move Buffalo {Once and For All - Molly Hoeltke}

{Molly Hoeltke}

Have you ever met a person that you could be around for a few minutes and already feel motivated to follow your dreams because they are so passionate about theirs? That’s what happened to me when I met Molly Hoeltke from Once and For All (formerly Once Vintage).

I was lucky enough to sit down with Molly last week. Growing up she never thought of working in the Fashion Industry, but as she went through school she studied Business focusing on the Arts. As she grew in her career she learned the ins and outs of the fashion industry through the experiences she had with marketing and film industry. She started styling in films {specifically commercials} six years ago and during her time in Manhattan she met a vintage shop owner and that is when she started to fall in love with the vintage apparel.

She moved back home and through all of the unique experiences she had – she was able to put together her own business and help it grow. In 2011 Once Vintage was created – a clothing line full of repurposing and vintage. After 2 years in – in 2013 she made the transition to wholesale and started Once and For All - a limited wholesale line that can be found online and in boutiques across the United States – specifically 10 boutiques throughout the East Coast.

Molly self-taught herself in pattern making, sewing, manufacturing and selling and everything in between - she basically learned everything she needs to know to make her business work and has given herself a fashion degree while learning on her feet.

Her focus right now is on a line with soft fabrics, twills, blues, blacks and whites – like a west coast, bohemian feel. She is evolving her line into a more mature, yet retro feel with an Indie/Australia vibe with cuts being more versatile and wearable for all sizes. She finds inspiration from some of her favorite designers – Chloe, The Row, Isabel Marant, Mara Hoffman and Cali Brands.

When I asked her what she loves best about Buffalo and why she hasn’t moved out of the area she said because Buffalo is a great place to start a business. It’s an easy lifestyle {except the winter}. There is a supportive community {most of the time}, she has a supportive family and it’s inexpensive to live. She loves going out to her country house in Varysburg on the weekends and often times finds inspiration there.

You can find Molly’s line locally in Modern Nostalgia on Hertel Ave. and Anna Grace on Elmwood Ave.

Once and For All is a very definitive and inclusive name. From a woman who has deep faith, it has personal meaning to her and represents her brand and all different women. I can say from meeting Molly she represents a strong woman, who is passionate and driven all while creating an amazing clothing line and has an amazing future ahead of her. And to have this talent in Buffalo is pretty extraordinary.

Thanks Molly for letting me share your story! -B

{Her Studio}

#BuffaloLinks :: Yoga Edition

Bikram Yoga in Williamsville- classes are offered for all different levels.

One of the best yoga retreats in Buffalo - HEAL BFLO - click here for more information.

Healing Waters in East Aurora - a nice peaceful place for yoga and meditation - a place to go to get a way from the "hustle and bustle" of the city.

Power Yoga Buffalo - not only do the they two locations {one on Main St. in Snyder, the other in the Elmwood Village}. They also put on a number of classes at Canalside and Bidwell during the summer months.

#BuffaloLinks

Larkin Links - a new activity to do down at Larkinville just opened earlier this week! can't wait to check it out!

Driving thru the Village of Angola, I never realized what a cute town it was and would love to check it out sometime this summer.

This Saturday at Canalside - bring your Dad out and celebrate Father's Day a little early at the Buffalo Brewers Festival!

An event at the science museum that I hope I can attend - the Solstice Soiree!

Fathers Day Things to Do

Father's Day is just around the corner and if you're like me, I prefer to spend the day with my Dad doing something he enjoys rather than buying him some gift that he will just put to the side. So, I thought I would compile a list of some things you could do and places you could go with your Dad.

Golf Courses:

• Diamond Hawk (Cheektowaga)
• Greenwood (Clarence)
• Harris Hill (Bowmansville) - I just found out this is not open because they are building condos where the driving range used to be - so disappointing.
• Delaware Park (Buffalo)

Brunch Spots:

• Cecelia's
• Providence Social
• Trattoria Aroma
• Elm Street Bakery

Other Activities:

• Canalside - kayaking, water bikes, boat tours
• Niagara Falls - Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds
• Brewery Tours - with Craft Breweries being so popular - go on one of your own brewery tours - Flying Bison, Resurgence, Big Ditch, Rusty Nickel are just a few to check out!

-B

Allentown Art Festival 2015

I hit the road and headed to Delaware Ave. and Allen St. this past weekend to go to one of my favorite festivals of the summer - the Allentown Art Festival. I am not an art junkie and I probably won't ever purchase an expensive piece of art work at least not anytime soon, but I do like to look at the photographers and artists work. This year I found myself liking more of the vendors participating in the "Allen West Festival" that takes place off of the main festival street by Nietzche's. Here are a list of some of my favorite vendors this year:

• Bruce Odell
• Mia Sohn
• PS Enjoy Yourself
• Jman Photo
• Axetreme Creations
• Geometrical Cards
• Everything Buffalo
• The Public
• Ella Rae Bowtique
• Vintage Chameleon
• Daggett Designs - awesome Buffalove work he had displayed

Who were some of your favorites? Did you walk away with a piece of art you love?

-B

Allen Burger Venture

Polish Eggs

Allen West Festival

The first piece of artwork I saw when I approached the festival

These cards are part of a perfect gift for a friends upcoming birthday. Thanks JuNxtaposition!

#BuffaloLinks

A new farmer's market I want to check out in South Buffalo. The South Buffalo Market.

Yoga at the Buffalo River Fest Park Mondays during the summer at 5:30pm.

This Saturday the Buffalo City Swim Racers are hosting a Water Safety Festival at City Honors High School. Check out a great organization and get some safety tips just in time for the summer.

If you like walking around Buffalo looking at beautiful gardens here is the link to all the places you can go. Garden Walk Buffalo Niagara

#BuffaloLinks

Today kicks off the North Buffalo Farmers Market. A place I'm looking forward to checking out this summer.

Also, tonight at 6pm Makers Buffalo is hosting their Grand Opening of their new space and Once and For All is celebrating their new line at Modern Nostalgia!

Saturday at Ralph Wilson Stadium is Namastadium - a yoga event with proceeds benefitting the new Children's Hospital. To learn more about the event click here.

I'm super excited for Bases Merloted this year! Wine, great weather, fun games and so much more. To find out more details go here.

Yoga at the Gardens

{Pre-class}

One of the biggest things I need to learn is how to relax, so I've made it a mission to try and take yoga to help me find a way to just "chill out" from time to time. Last week I went to Yoga at the Gardens - at the Botanical Gardens. The class is led by Leanne from Crescent Moon Yoga . It was pretty full and a pretty unique atmosphere, that I personally think helped me find my "zen."

I have only taken one other yoga class before and it was hot yoga a couple years back, so I didn't know what to expect, but to my surprise I wasn't as lost as I thought I would be. I did however feel like I didn't get that intense workout in that I'm used to getting when I take other exercise classes. I think that is the toughest part for me to learn from this - that even though I may feel like I'm not doing anything I really am.

The class was $15 (or if you want to take the full 10 weeks its $100) OR if you have BCBS health insurance the class is free. Its from 5:30-6:45pm on Wednesday evenings. To learn more check out the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens site.

-B

{I sat next to this lemon and lime tree inside the gardens}

{New artwork displayed on the Gardens}

Buffalo Marathon

{Buffalo Marathon prep}

Sunday morning 7,500+ people took to the streets of Buffalo to run either 26.2 or 13.1 miles. The course took you through all parts of town and the community came out to show their support. People lined the streets to cheer for loved ones and complete strangers. This was my second half marathon and my first time doing the Buffalo Marathon and doing it by myself. It was an experience and words honestly can't describe how I feel. The support and encouragement from complete strangers and the beautiful scenery I ran through makes me love this city even more. To everyone involved in the race, thank you for creating an event that I will always remember.

-B

{Lined up and ready for the start}

{Post race}

{My number one fan - My Dad}

{Mission accomplished!}

#BuffaloLinks

I, like thousands of other people are gearing up for the Buffalo Marathon this coming weekend. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time.

If you work downtown, good news! the Downtown Country Market opened last week and will be back every Tuesday and Thursday thru October.

Its the season for artisan markets - The Saturday Artisan Market at Canalside kicks off this Saturday. Check out the handful of vendors that will be participating this year.

Feeling a little stressed and just need to unwind - check out Destination Massage Open House this Thursday from 4-8pm.

A Saturday at the Steel Plant Museum

{The staff are so friendly and informative and answer any questions you may have}

The Steel Plant Museum hosted Steelfest this past Saturday and there were a handful of local vendors on hand making for great conversations with new people {Linwood Candle Co., Lloyds Taco Truck, Rusterior Designs, Peg's Hardware, the list goes on}. The event was free to the public and you could walk around the museum and learn about Buffalo's Steel History. For something I don't know much about, it was pretty cool!

This is a neat place to take school groups or if you're looking for an activity to do with your kids this summer, this museum should be on your list of places to go. The museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Follow them on Facebook and Twitter

-B

Here are a few pictures that I took from Saturday's event.

{I loved seeing the knick knacks in the glass display cases}

{Old fashioned juke box}

#BuffaloLinks

A new organization that I have grown to love is hosting a Happy Hour tonight at Osteria. Grab a drink and some food and learn more about the Buffalo City Swim Racers.

Shea's is  hosting a Wine, Food and Beer Festival tonight. Check it out and sample some delicious food and drinks from around the area.

A craft beer festival is taking place out in Batavia if you're in the area, Beertavia. Saturday May 16 from 3-6pm

For those who are "health nuts" {I mean that in a good way} have you checked out Nature's Apothecary on Connecticut St. yet?

From May 18th - May 21 check out Showcase Bro Down - this looks like it will be fun!

Women Who Move Buffalo {Cheryl & Maggie - Buffalo Barkery}

Attention all pet lovers! Up on the blog today are two women who are putting a healthy spin on dog treats and pet supplies. Learn more about Cheryl and Maggie from Buffalo Barkery below. Thank you ladies for sharing your story with me!

-B

How did it all get started? How did Buffalo Barkery come about?

Well it’s no secret that all of us here at Buffalo Barkery love dogs. We simply wanted to do something special for our dogs. It started with baking them special treats on holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. We found that our dogs liked these treats so much they would pick our homemade treats over any store bought treat. This made us want to bake them more and more. We started experimenting with recipes and sharing with friends. All of the reviews from our friends came back positively. We knew we wanted to start a dog treat company when we were able to. Combine our love of dogs with our love of all things Buffalo and Buffalo Barkery was born.

If people want to learn more, or purchase your products, where can they go to get information?

Our website is buffalobarkery.com. We are also active on Instagram {Buffalo Barkery}, Facebook Buffalo Barkery and Twitter @Buffalobarkery. We can also be contacted through our email address buffalobarkery@yahoo.com or by phone at {716} 260-0942.

Our treats are currently available in Elmwood Pets, Buffalo Adore and Atlas Vet in Washington D.C.

Do you make customizable flavors or treats for dogs with special diets? 

We currently offer 4 flavors, which are all gluten and wheat free. We also just launched our specialty treats page on our website where we offer many different shapes of biscuits. Currently, we do not offer treats for dogs on special diets but we consult with a veterinarian for all of our treats and would be willing to create a treat for a pup in need!

Do you offer any specials, promotions? Or would you like to share any fun events you have coming up?

We are so excited to be a part of Bases Merloted on June 6 from 5-8 at Coca Cola Field. We will be there with many local vendors, wineries and distilleries. This event benefits Hillside Family of Agencies.

June 10- Wine & Wags Social from 5:30-8:00. A wine and food tasting event for people and their dogs located on the Erie County SPCA grounds. Delicious food and drinks from area wineries, breweries and local restaurants.

June 21- Dog Days of Kenmore at Mang Park in Kenmore from 12-4. Local vendors, live music, demonstrations, dog blessings, contests, and a dog parade.

July 11- Hounds & Heroes at the SPCA of Niagara County from 10-5. Celebrate and honor our nations heroes from veterans to police to first responders. Parade led by Dog Tags Niagara Veterans and Adam Benigni, vendors, food, costume contests and more.

September 26 Paws in the Park- SPCA Erie County-Beaver Island State Park. 9-3 People can complete a two-mile walk with or without their dog. Pet-related vendors, exhibitors, dog contests, and agility course for dogs

How did you land in Buffalo? Are you originally from here, what made you stay?

Maggie: I have been visiting Buffalo every chance I got for the past 16 years! The feeling of community, the delicious food, and of course my family kept me coming back! I have been working on relocating here for a long time and finally was able to. I am so excited to be a part of such a warm and supportive community.

Cheryl: I was born and raised in the Buffalo area and chose to stay here after marriage and raised our two children here {and our dogs}. I have always loved the changing of the seasons, as well as all that this area has to offer. It has always been home for me and I couldn’t image leaving. Now, having a business within the community and the support we have received has only proven to me what a great area we are part of!

What do you love best about this area?

Nothing beats the city of Buffalo! It truly is the City of Good Neighbors. Not to mention the food is delicious, there is so much to do here, and we really do love the sports teams. Go Bills, Sabres, Bisons and Bandits!

Women Who Move Buffalo {Amy, Linwood Candle Co.}

This week I am featuring Amy from Linwood Candle Co. on my Women Who Move Buffalo series. I have become obsessed and love the candles she hand pours right here in Buffalo. Learn more about Amy and Linwood Candle Co. below.

-B

How did it all get started? How did Linwood Candles come about?

Browsing around the shops on Elmwood Avenue I noticed beautiful and interesting items that were handmade, hand-poured, hand crafted, but in Brooklyn. I absolutely loved the items as well as the packaging and I would frequently purchase them. When it occurred to me that we should have more items that boast "hand-made in Buffalo, NY."

The name Linwood candle Co. came about from the walks down Linwood Avenue and simply admiring the architecture of the homes and the streetscape. One house in particular always stood out, so we sketched it and brought it to a friend and local designer Brett Mikoll (who also has a local company that creates beautiful hand crafted pennants called Oxford Pennant) and he took our sketch and created our logo from it.

Our company was also founded on Linwood Avenue and in a way we wanted to pay homage to one of our favorite streets in Buffalo.

Are the candles affordable for everyone?

All of the raw materials that create a Linwood Candle are chosen with care. From the kind of soy wax, the cotton braided wicks, the jars and the fragrance oils - everything has been researched and thought through. All of the fragrances I use are free of harmful phthalates, the wicks are lead free and the soy wax burns clean. All of my raw materials are sourced from American made companies- even the jar and the lid.

While it's difficult to compete with large companies, I'm confident that the saying holds true, " what you get is what you pay for." An inexpensive item is inexpensive for a reason. The quality, raw materials, or labor to produce that item might not be the best. Our candles are made in small batches of 5 at a time, which ensures the highest quality and the utmost care. We consider the air temperature in the room, the correct blend of ingredients and the technique in which we stir the wax. Some might view candle making as tedious, but I embrace the process. It forces you to slow down, focus and think about the way in which you are creating the product. It can't be rushed.

{Photo above taken from Linwood Candle Instagram}

If people want to learn more, or purchase your product, where can they go to information?

With our company still some-what new, we have a few company goals. One of which is to produce a website with great product photos. Once we have a website, people will be able to find more information regarding our process, list of items, etc., but for now we relay on Instagram as well as Etsy.

Do you make customizable scents for people if they ask?

Absolutely! That's one of my favorite aspects of candle making. If someone gives me a few scent notes that they like, I can concoct a one of a kind fragrance tailored specifically to them.

{Photo above taken from Linwood's Instagram account}

Has anyone ever done private parties with a bunch of their girlfriends - like a candle making class?

I've had several people ask me about this and I would love to host a private party or candle making class. We haven't done so yet, but we would love to in the future. We've thought about how it would work, since the candle typically takes about 45 minutes to completely cure.

Do you offer any specials, promotions? Or would you like to share any fun events you have coming up?

Recently I've been receiving orders from my Etsy shop from people who live in Buffalo . Its been really cool because they will order online and since they offer to pick it up, I'll include a "free shipping" coupon. I love this because I get to meet and chat with my customers face to face. With my candles primarily being wholesale I miss the customer contact and seeing who purchases my product. The whole aspect of re-establishing the connection between producer and consumer is a passion of mine as well.

We are very excited that we were invited to participate in Steelfest on Saturday, May 16th from 10-5pm at the Heritage Discovery Center on 100 Lee Street in Buffalo. As well as Bases Merloted on June 6th from 5-8pm at Coca-Cola Field.

How did you land in Buffalo? Are you originally from here, what made you stay?

I was born and raised in Buffalo. I feel as though something exicting is happening in Buffalo right now. There are so many entrepreneurs, small businesses and companies choosing to live and work in Buffalo. I can't help, but contribute my own small business endeavor to the beautiful architecture, the rich history of the area and the creative minds that I've met along the way. Especially those who have inspired me  {Ro and Anna Grace}.

Thank you Amy for letting me share your story!

{Photo above taken from Linwood Candle Co. Instagram}

Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo! While you could whip up a nice margarita at home or at almost any bar in town, below are my top places to celebrate this day around town! Cheers!

-B

• Cantina Loco
• Don Tequila
• Coyote Café  in Hamburg
• Arriba Tortilla in East Aurora
• Agave

#BuffaloLinks - Mother's Day Edition

Mother's Day is less than a week a away and while some may purchase gifts, I try to spend the day with my Mom doing something she likes. Below are a list of some places around town that I found are hosting unique Mother's Day Brunches or are good places to spend the day in my opinion. Whatever it is that you may do with your Mom, I hope its special. -B

• Darwin Martin House - Mother's Day Brunch and Tour
• Hidden Valley Animal Adventure- Mother's Day Champagne Brunch
• Buffalo Botanical Gardens

{Niagara on the Lake has a handful of events taking place on Mother's Day}

{Junior League of Buffalo - Decorator's Show House - click here for more details!}