A Hidden Gem in the Heart of the West Side Neighborhood: Tipico Coffee

Calling all Coffee Lovers! Have you been to one of the newest places on Buffalo’s West Side? Tipico Coffee opened a few short months ago and it is A-Mazing!!!

I was lucky enough to sit down with the owner Jesse Crouse and talk about how he got started and what made him open a coffee shop in the heart of the west side neighborhood.

From coffee to lattes to tea and more, Tipico rotates their coffee on a regular basis and on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays they have pastries from local vendors such as Breadhive and Butter Block, they also have an ever so tasty and popular avocado toast! Jesse started his passion for coffee while he was studying poetry in Chicago. Down the street from him was Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, a high end specialty coffee shop that drew him in and over the last 5+ years he has worked with coffee farms studying the supply aspect of the business.

After having children, Jesse and his wife Kristen {originally from Western New York} were trying to find an affordable place to open a business and decided to move to the area, after being on the west coast for a while. "Buffalo felt right" The couple along with Jesse's in-laws wanted to help influence and shape the community they are living in. Their love for making food and the idea of homesteading offers a unique gift to customers as well. Bringing in 80-90% of their produce and milk from New York State their menu may be small, but is nice and compliments the drinks they serve. Jesse's goal is to offer a revolving menu once the spring time comes and host more casual gatherings and events throughout the year.

Having the largest masonry stove, an iced coffee window that will be offered in the warmer weather months, being one of the first walking destination businesses in the middle of the West Side's residential neighborhood, hosting brunches from time to time {the list goes on}; if you think you're going to walk into the same old coffee shop, you're wrong - Tipico is not your average café, its more than that. It's a place where you go and the staff remembers your name, says thank you for stopping by and see ya soon when you leave. During my interview with Jesse he said hello and goodbye to every person that walked in and out of the door. That is what a small business owner in my opinion is. They know their customers, care about them and want to build a relationship with them.

Starting on a shoe string budget, Jesse thought of doing a pop up shop, but just so happened to stumble upon his current location through his landlord. Everything was built out and the only thing he had to focus on was the equipment, putting a menu together and finding employees. It took 2 months to open and it wasn’t an easy process, but when you have passion for something you care about so much, it helps get you through. When I asked Jesse what he loves about the area, he said he loves the community. The warm welcoming he receives from the customers and community is what he and his staff give back to the area. The West Side of Buffalo is turning into the walking side of the community and having it be a walking destination gets people who may not be familiar with the area, out and about, seeing all the great things taking shape.

Tipico is really in the heart of the west side of Buffalo - the "hidden gem" in the neighborhood. To me, seeing a business like this in an area that is developing is really exciting. As someone who enjoys going to new places, it's nice to meet local business owners who have a passion and believe in the area they work in. To see them excited, makes you get excited to see the growth of the community. If you enjoy coffee you should definitely make a stop to Tipico. And if you aren't a coffee lover you don't have to worry, Tipico also carries a wide variety of teas for tea lovers. It really is a one-of-a kind café in the area.

-B

{Latte- YUM!}

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Women Who Move Buffalo: Holly & Emily from Lace & Day

“Every girl is a little bit lace and a little bit day.” – Lace & Day

Emily and Holly owners of Lace & Day

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Last week I was lucky enough to sit down with the sister duo – Emily and Holly from Lace and Day. We chatted about the space, product, and service and why they chose to open their own business. They also shared some exciting news with me!

Read more below!

Both women have a handful of talent and experience in their field. They both have lived and traveled around the world working in typical career like jobs before opening Lace & Day. Emily previously worked in a lingerie store for a few years and Holly always knew she wanted to own her own business. So in October of 2015 that dream became a reality.

Lace & Day is about bringing high end bras and lingerie items to the Buffalo area along with offering the services to fit you properly. It is about helping make the customer feel comfortable in their own skin. Most women aren't in the right bra size and at Lace & Day they get to know you and what your daily activities are; do you work in an office all day? do you work at a gym? whatever it is that you do, they listen to their customer to help fit them properly.

When I asked if one sister focuses on a certain area of the business over another Emily said she focuses more on the buying and finances side of things and Holly focuses on the HR, operations and marketing side of things. At the end of the day, they both work together on strategy and as a team make the decisions together.

So how did Lace & Day end up in Allentown  you ask? When Holly and Emily were looking for their space they knew they wanted to be downtown and knew Lace & Day was going to be a destination place. When they landed the building that is now home to Lace & Day, they knew it was the perfect fit. Growing up in Allentown, their business is close to their childhood home - making it a homecoming.

I asked them, what advice they would give someone who is looking to open their own business and they said you have to want to deal with the "business of the business." As a business owner you have to love what you want to do. Owning a business is not easy, you need to have a business plan and you must be organized. They also mentioned you spend a good portion of your time running the business, its not about one particular piece of the puzzle, but the whole puzzle you need to focus on. And you should surround yourself with the right team.  Emily and Holly are exceptional women and so are the staff and vendors they work with.

During our conversation I asked them of any exciting things taking place and they certainly did have some exciting news! On Thursday, they are headed to Paris to celebrate one of their vendors 70th Anniversary's in the business. Along with that, they will be going to some amazing, one of a kind shows, learning about new lines and products to bring back to Buffalo. They will also be paying a visit to the headquarters of one of their product lines in Breast, France. You can stay up to date on the new and exciting things they will be learning through their Instagram and Facebook accounts!

Lace and Day has only been open for 3 1/2 months and these women feel the love from the community. When I asked them what they love best about this area, they couldn't say enough great things about their family and their customers. They also couldn't say enough about the Allentown community. Café 59, Franklin Salon, Fat Bob's, Buffalo Proper, the list goes on. The community has made them feel warm and welcoming and they feel the love. They have great neighbors and a great neighborhood and they want their customers to capture that when they pay a visit to them.

When I arrived to Lace and day, Holly gave me a tour of the store. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and beautiful. It's classy and simple. The downstairs is filled with sleepwear, panties and men's boxer briefs from Saxx. Upstairs is the Tree House room - a room where men and women can relax and drink a beer, read a magazine and just hang out, while your friend or loved one are getting fitted. Its a room that is their to make you feel comfortable while you wait. Down the hall from the Treehouse Room are the spacious fitting rooms, where the fittings takes place.

Emily and Holly are truly amazing women who have brought not only product like no other, but service and experience to an area that was lacking a upscale lingerie and bra fitting store to Western New York. As a customer you will walk out feeling more support, more beautiful and more confident in yourself. And to me, that is a priceless gift these women leave you with.

For more information on Lace & Day, to host a private party {yes, private party!} and to follow along on their Paris trip make sure to like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram.

Oh - and they have a parking lot behind their building! Free parking, its doesn't get any better!

-B

A Nice Way to Watch A Film

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Did you know that when Shea's opened in 1926 it was actually built to show silent films?!?  Sunday my Mom and I attended the silent film Sherlock Holmes there. When I first got the tickets I thought it was a play, but then my Mom was quick to point out that it was a silent film {note to myself to read better} ...like no words just a pianist playing scores throughout the films 90 minutes. I was a little skeptical, I'm not going to lie. I was thinking I would want to leave halfway through the film, but it was actually amazing! It was like I experienced something from back in time - a black and white film with no words, just music. It was a nice change of scenery and something different. I highly recommend attending a short film at Shea's if you ever can. It makes for a nice indoor activity to do when the weather isn't so nice out outside.

{A brief welcome and introduction before the film started}

Oh and the best part - it was free! A free film in a beautiful building that celebrated their 90th anniversary this weekend. That's pretty cool Buffalo. Oh and for those who like popcorn and candy to munch on when watching a movie - Shea's had their concession stands open, selling sweet treats {the popcorn and twizzlers cost $8 - that's cheaper than a movie ticket now a days}. Just putting things in perspective, its nice to have a beautiful venue like this offer nice {casual} events like this.

For a calendar of events taking place at Shea's click here

-B

#BuffaloLinks

Its the first #BuffaloLinks post for 2016. And with it comes a lot of fun events taking place throughout the rest of January. From outdoor to indoor events, winter in Buffalo doesn't have to be as dreadful as some make it. Whether you hit up Chestnut Ridge park for sledding, Fountain Plaza for ice skating, Riverworks for curling and ice hockey or Tifft Nature Preserve for some snow shoeing Buffalo has a lot going on. Here is a list of events that look like they are going to be fun to attend:

Chillabration at Canalside - January 15th

Be a part of the Guinness Book of World Records and take part in what may be the Longest Ice Line and help Make a Wish WNY. My cousin Nathan {wish teen} will be leading the line.

{photo- Canalside}

Makers Buffalo has a lot of fun DIY projects over the next few weeks. Check out a full list here

{photo- Makers Buffalo}

Learn all about energy at Energy Day at the Science Museum on January 23rd.

{photo Buffalo Science Museum}

Exercise and brunch- why not- Sip n' Stretch at Marcy Casino on January 24th is an event I have tickets to. Knowing I will be burning those calories so I can enjoy a mimosa afterwards is enough motivation for me to work hard during the class.

{photo Sip N Stretch event page}

Looking to learn more about this city and the history behind it. Explore Buffalo is the perfect place to go for tours. And on January 23rd they are kicking off a Winter Celebration to share all of the awesome things coming up.

{photo Explore Buffalo}

A light show and more is coming back to Buffalo's Botanical Gardens at the end of January. Lumagination was on my list of events to attend last year and never happened, so this year I've made it a priority.

{photo Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens}

Where's Lloyd?!? Hitting up Hertel Ave. for the Taco Factory

{Snozzberry Mule, chicken burrito and spring rolls}

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Last week I joined some friends at the newest addition to Hertel Ave - Lloyds Taco Factory. You've seen the trucks all over Western New York and now they have a permanent residency on Hertel Ave. We arrived just before 6pm on a weeknight which was perfect timing because once 6 hit there was a steady line of people the rest of the night.

{See them making the tortillas and more}

{graffiti walls and a bottle drop - recycle!}

Offering not only their delicious tacos, nachos and burritos, they also offer small sides {like spring rolls} and a full service bar. My favorite things {besides the food} are the garage style doors in the front of the restaurant, the "bottle drop" pipes and the communal style table in the middle of the restaurant. Hitting up the taco factory just made me love what Pete and his team are doing for this area even more.

-B

{Classic crowd shot}

Feeling the Crunch

With Christmas only a few days away some people {myself included} still have last minute shopping to do. With every free minute I have I've been trying to catch up on what feels like the longest Christmas shopping list I have. Below are a few local stores I've stopped into this past week. Not thinking I would purchase anything, sometimes the stores you don't expect to find things in, are the ones you do. A lot of stores will be staying open later this week, make sure to check out their websites and/or social media for the most current information. Happy Shopping and be kind to one another!

-B

{Sarah Danielle inside the Ellicott Square Building}

{Local artist - Hometown Decals}

{Main Street in East Aurora, NY}

Niagara Power Vista Festival of Trees

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

This past weekend my niece, nephew, sister and I went to the Niagara Power Vista Festival of Trees. It was an all day event that was free to the public. Really not knowing what to expect, all I knew was there were going to be a number of trees decorated by a number of different non-profit organizations.

Once we arrived there was more than just the looking at Christmas trees, there were pictures with Santa, arts and crafts, live music from a local school band and the opportunity to play in the Electric Lab. For being a free event it was great and I highly suggest going next year, if you've never been. While you have the opportunity to learn about new organizations you also have a lot of other activities taking place, making it worth the drive if you're coming from the Buffalo area.

{You also got to see a great view of the Niagara River Gorge}

{Ornaments that you could make}

Marienthal Country Inn - A Home Away from Home in Eden, NY

Driving 30 minutes south of the City of Buffalo I made my way to Eden, NY the other day to visit with Louise from Marienthal Country Inn. A quaint bed and breakfast offering a lot more than just a cozy place to rest and relax. Formerly a Church, the B&B was purchased in 2007 and opened in 2008 with renovations taking place in the Rectory, Covenant and Church. Open all year round, there are a lot of things you can do while you're there. From relaxing massages and reflexology classes to water color classes every Monday and pottery classes are offered during the summer months, they offer girls get away packages and yoga classes as well.

{A short, but peaceful drive to Eden}

The first thing on the list was a tour of the facility. Each room was a different theme making it a one of a kind place. Louise and her husband took old pieces from the Church (pews, stained glass windows, etc.) and used them as sink stands, windows, etc. As things started to evolve, everything fell in to place. With the B&B pretty busy, Marienthal Country Inn has expanded their services, offering a unique place for people to host special events - Weddings, Bridal and Baby showers and Dinner Theater events such as Tony & Tina's Wedding, a Murder Mystery event and up next a Medieval Feast next Spring. There is a lot Louise and her team can do.

{Each room has something special about it}

Living in Eden her whole life, its not far from anything and you have a beautiful landscape. When I sat down I asked her what made her want to own a B&B and she said she has always thought about it, having a place where she could host artwork shops where people could stay. When the Church closed it was a whirlwind of events and everything just fell into place. Its a little community and she is happy to be a part of it. Her and her husband have hosted people from all over the world and as they continue to expand on improvements to the buildings they are also looking to expand on events in the future - offering a place for workshops and corporate retreats.

If you're looking to support local business and need a gift for someone for the Holiday, a gift certificate to the Marienthal Inn is a great idea. Not far from Buffalo and offering a unique experience, everyone is sure to have a wonderful time.

I have never been or stayed at a B&B before, but I can tell you Marienthal is special - it isn't your average place to stay and getaway for a weekend, Louise and her team make sure to offer unique activities to make the guests happy, making them want to come back. Instead of leaving an old Church building empty, Louise saw an opportunity to make something great out of a sad situation and she did an awesome job!

Until next time..

-B

Patricia's Back Barn

A cute barn with antiques, rustic and country like furniture and a super friendly staff, Patricia's Back Barn is a must visit place if you are looking for home décor or knick knacks. From country style tables to desks, chairs, lighting and more, I walked around the store with my Mom multiple times just looking at all the items they have for sale. Prices are reasonable and on some of the items even negotiable. They are open Thursday's thru Sunday's. Even if you aren't in need of any home goods, its a nice place to go if you're looking for something to do. And after you can grab brunch or tea at the White Linen Tea House across the parking lot.

-B

{I love this chandelier}

Just a Blonde in Buffalo's Holiday Gift Guide - Local Edition

With Black Friday and Small Business Saturday this week I thought it would be best to share my gift ideas for the upcoming season. These gifts come from some of my favorite shops in town. Enjoy!

-B

For those who like to create memories try getting your loved ones together for a brunch - share stories and laughs around the table at one of these fine places.

• Hydraulic Hearth
• Martin Cooks
• Elm St. Bakery
• Betty's

Brunch isn't your thing? Grab your people and go on a tour of local bars in town with Buffalo Pedal Tours - this is great for any out of town guests. Hit up Canalside, Buffalo Riverworks, the list goes on. Just make sure to dress for the weather! Pedaling in the cold not your cup of tea?  Take a group of friends or family to Escape Room Buffalo and try to figure out the clues to get out of a locked room.

The brewery and local distillery scene is booming in town put together a Buffalo Drink Package - grab gift cards and/or product depending on your budget and pick up items at your local favorites:

Resurgence Brewery, Flying Bison, Community Beer Works, Big Ditch, NY Beer Project {just opened}, Lockhouse Distillery, Tommy Rotter Distillery, Niagara Distilling Co Hamburg Brewing Co.

Looking for a family friendly gift? How about grabbing a season pass down at Canalside. With all the activities taking place down there, there is something for everyone.

Buffalo Science Museum and Buffalo Zoo memberships are great gifts too! If a family goes to at least one or two events during the year, the membership is worth it, plus there are a lot of member events that take place throughout the year if you're a member.

Have a history person on your hands or someone who just likes learning about the place they live? Explore Buffalo offers a number of tours throughout the year - pick up a one time tour and make a day of it or become a member.

For all those who love fashion a great gift idea is making a basket filled with a variety of different boutiques flair. Anna Grace, Research and Design, Blush, Sarah Danielle and Modern Nostalgia are my top five shops. They all have something different about them. Pick up a different piece of clothing or accessory from each place to truly make a one-of-a-kind gift.

For those who love knick knacks or for those you want to send a little Buffalove too some of my favorite places to shop are Fern + Arrow, Spoiled Rotten, Patricia's Back Barn and Furnishings

For those coffee lovers out there - yes, Starbucks, Tim Hortons and Dunkin are all great, but we have some cool new coffee shops that just opened. Tipico Coffee and Public espresso + coffee  are nice places to add a different twist to the gift.

For those who like to stay fit and active head to Get Air Buffalo to bounce around on the trampoline, or put together a Buffalo Fitness gift - grab a package to a local fitness studio - perfect for those who always want to try a class, but don't get around to it- Barre Centric, BikeorBar, Revolution Buffalo, and Power Yoga Buffalo are all great places to check out.

If you are more into giving back this time of year, there are a lot of organizations in the community who have toy drives and gift wish lists. The United Way of Buffalo and Erie County can help you if you don't have a specific charity close to your heart.

There are a lot more local places in Buffalo that offer great gifts that I didn't mention on this list. Whatever and wherever you decide to go this Holiday season, I hope you have an enjoyable time spreading some love to those in your life.

Just a Blonde in Buffalo's Holiday Event Guide

The Holiday Season is upon us and with that comes a number of Christmas Tree lightings and pictures with Santa. Below is a list of Holiday events taking place from now thru the month of December. If there is something you see that's not on my list let me know, I'm always up for attending new events!! Happy Holidays!

-B

Holidays at the Market - the Broadway Market that is. Pay a visit to Santa, shop local vendors and get into the holiday spirit at a Buffalo staple.

The Fairgrounds - Festival of Lights - taking place throughout the month of November and December stop by the Fairgrounds for a holiday light spectacular.

Our Lady of Fatima Shrine - Festival of Lights - a beautiful place to visit

November 27, 28 & 29

Christmas in Ellicottville

Tuesday, December 1st

An annual favorite - Festival of Trees at the Niagara Power Vista - come see artificial evergreen trees light up by local non for profits who decorated them

Wednesday, December 2nd

Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo Haute Holiday Fashion Show

Friday, December 4th

Canalside Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting - 5-8pm come down to Canalside - ice skate, meet with Santa and watch the Tree light up the Ice.

Friday, December 4th & Saturday, December 5th

Hertel Holidays taking place - walk up and down Hertel Avenue, visiting the shops and dining and you may run into a visit from Santa Claus

Holiday Live at Larkin Square

Saturday, December 5th

Queen City Market event - Karpeles Manuscript {I went to this last year and there are a lot of local vendors with a lot of great gifts ideas - I knocked a lot of people off my list that day}.

Rotary Rink Tree Lighting beginning at 5pm - come for free ice skating and get into the holiday spirit

Pictures with Buster Claus - Coca Cola Field - come down to the ballpark for a unique picture opportunity with Buster Claus. Make a toy donation to Hillside Family of Agencies and be entered in a shopping spree

Wednesday, December 9th

Join Sarah Danielle {local Women's Boutique} for A City of Buffalo Artists Market. Taking place inside the beautiful Ellicott Square Building, a number of local vendors will be on hand from 4:30-9pm for all of your shopping needs.

Thursday, December 10

Wreath making with Makers Buffalo! Grab some friends and decorate a wreath for the Holidays with Makers and Fern Croft Floral

Friday, December 11

Tree of Hope Celebration at Roswell Park from 4:30-6:30pm

Saturday, December 12th

Buffalo Museum of Science - Celebrations - celebrate cultural traditions from around the world with fun family activities taking place from 10-4pm.

Deck the Halls at the Niagara Power Project - 10-4pm Free pictures with Santa and you can take a stroll on the trolley.

Saturday, December 19th

East Aurora Carolcade - I remember attending this when I was younger and it was so much fun. Make a day of it and stop by the famous Vidlers and MUSEjar's Holiday Market event!

Woman Who Move Buffalo - Vanessa from MUSEjar

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

Making my way to the beautiful East Aurora, I walked into Musejar for the first time and literally shouted out how much I loved the space and just stood there for a minute to take it all in. So if you didn't know already today I am featuring Vanessa from MUSE Jar on the blog as a Woman Who Moves Buffalo because of her pure creativity and passion she has brought into the Western New York community.

Majoring in the film industry in NYC Vanessa moved back home and started working at Red Fish Art Studio {located next door to Musejar}. While she was there she noticed that there weren’t any art supply stores in the area and decided to open shop.

2+ years later things are only getting bigger and better for her. Not only does Musejar offer a wide variety of supplies {paint brushes, chalk spray paint, Rublev Natural Paint Pigment, etc.}, but she also hosts an array of art classes {public and private} , parties for all ages {Birthday, Bridal, Holiday, etc.} and collaborates with a lot of local businesses in and out of East Aurora on a number of events. And if you don’t see an art supply you need, she can order them for you!

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Outside of her store, Vanessa does offer offsite lessons and parties – she has done workshops with Fisher Price and has started working with Mandala School in East Aurora to help fill a void with art programs being cut. Her business is a great space to go, for those who still want to get a great art experience.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

When asked what some of her favorite areas of her business are, she said she loves the farm-to-table events and wants to grow them more, hoping to make it more of a retreat and offering the full experience. She loves events where she can collaborate with other people and businesses. "The possibilities are endless when you can work with more people." Hosting kids birthday parties are also a favorite of Vanessa’s. "The raw creativity that comes out of it is amazing." Being surrounded by creativity everyday keeps her very inspired. Instructors and students who walk through these doors, they are all a daily inspiration for her.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

When I asked her what she loves about Western New York she said she loves the East Aurora community, everyone is very supportive of one another and help each other to succeed. The town is changing and evolving and people are being open-minded. Being here is exciting, young families are moving back and the area feels like a “little Brooklyn.”

There are a number of things about MUSEjar that I love, but the one that sticks out the most is that it’s one of a kind. Vanessa taps into areas that you don’t normally think of. When talking with Vanessa she gives off a great energy and you can tell she loves what she does and is passionate in her work. I asked her what MUSEjar means and she said an inspirational jar. She wants people to walk in the store and get inspired, by the supplies, artwork and environment. The goal is to have the store be one large jar of inspiration and it certainly was for me.

Stop by the Holiday Market event she is hosting on December 19th during the East Aurora Carolcade. Come before, during or after the event to check out her shop and the other participating vendors. Let's help make this a destination spot to visit every year.

{MUSEjar photo from website}

#BuffaloLinks - Lewiston Edition

With my trip to Lewiston Saturday night I thought I would focus my Buffalo Links on that area this week. Every time I make a visit out there are I always wish I had more time to walk the streets and pay visits to the local businesses.

{Photo - The Lewiston Stone House Website}

A wine bar that was recommended by a co-worker/friend, this is a must visit place on my list of things to do. The Lewiston Stone House

{Photo - Village Bake Shoppe Website}

A dessert shop that was closed when walking by {that is a good thing} the sweet treats that I saw look like they would taste heavenly. The Village Bake Shoppe

A quaint little bar and restaurant on Center St. in Lewiston. Apple Granny's offers a wide variety of American style food items. Definitely a place I would visit again.

A cute shop I wish was open, so I could have stopped in Sister & Brother a children's apparel store looks like they are on my list to visit next time.

#BuffaloLinks

 

{Photo - Fern + Arrow Facebook page}

This will probably become my second favorite shop on Elmwood after Anna Grace. Fern + Arrow opened last week and I'm obsessed with every photo that is posted. I can't wait to stop in to purchase items for my new home.

{Photo - Nickel City Chef  Facebook page}

Tomorrow night feed your face and help fund a farm. Big Fuss 5.0 is taking place at Artisan Kitchen & Baths from 5:30-8pm. For more info click here.

{Just A Blonde in Buffalo photo}

A new update to the Buffalo Pedal Tours - As the company continues to grow, they celebrated their first anniversary and announced some exciting news - peddlers can now BYOB - there are some restrictions though -  a 12 ounce can per rider or a few 6 oz plastic bottles of wine per rider works out fine. No glass. No hard liquor. After all the purpose of the pedal tour it to visit and experience local Buffalo bars. They also announced they will be installing motors on a few crawlers to assist going up the Michigan Street lift bridge.

{Photo- Deep South Taco Facebook page}

For those taco Tuesday lovers out there Deep South Taco is a new place downtown to check out. For more info on hours and menu click here.

Hey There November!

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

We are on the 2nd day of November and before you know it we will be hearing the Christmas tunes on the radio {insanely early} and it will be Thanksgiving. This month my focus is mostly on moving into my new home, but with that I have been following some local home décor/furniture shops that I am looking forward to checking out. Below are the few businesses I've been following, along with some other exciting things taking place around town this month that I hope I can try to attend.

-B

• Ro Home Shop
• Patricia's Back Barn
• Room Buffalo

Fun events taking place this month:

• Grain Elevator Illumination - Nov. 4th
• Buffalo Without Borders - Nov. 5th
• Liquor and Letterpress at WNY Book Art Center - Nov. 7th

{Women & Children's Hospital photo}

• A fun event taking place at the Buffalo Niagara Marriott for the little girls on November 8th

{Buffalo Zoo photo}

• Alex and Ani on Main St. in Williamsville is hosting an event on Monday Nov. 9th to benefit the Buffalo Zoo.

• Providence Social Happy Hour with the Buffalo Zoo - Thursday, Nov. 19th {more info to come on this}
• Small Business Saturday - shop and support local on November 28th

People Who Move Buffalo: Dan and Del from 26 Shirts

By now you have probably heard of the company 26 Shirts {and in case you haven’t here is a little blurb about them: 26 Shirts sells different limited edition sports-themed t-shirts every two weeks. After the two week period ends, the design is retired and never sold again. For every shirt sold, $8 is donated directly to a family in need. To see where donations have been made click here}. With that being said it is only fitting that I put them in my category for People Who Move Buffalo, because that's what they do.

Working out of suite 516 in the Tri Main Center on Main Street in Buffalo, 26 Shirts began in Buffalo and has expanded to other cities including Chicago, Pittsburgh and soon to be Cincinnati!

Last week, I had the opportunity to sit down with the masterminds behind this brilliant idea – Dan and Del and learn more about them, their background and some future plans for the company.

When I asked the guys what is it is that they love about their job, they both had similar answers, giving back. Dan said he loves having a business that is helping others with every sale made. Having the interaction from the company side and then with the family/child, the impact is amazing. Del loves helping families. His love for the Bills, t-shirts and the creative process together combine into paying it forward and helping others in need and that is the best feeling in the world.

To date 26 Shirts has raised over $164,000; that is a pretty impressive number and they aren’t done yet!

After talking with the guys I learned that they always are on their game, they plan ahead, but nothing is ever finalized until midnight. They like to be creative and authentic just like they like there product to be. When they look for artists they like to have people who know what is going on in their city, especially outside of Buffalo as they cannot always be in Chicago or Pittsburgh.

Recently the guys have brought back some best seller shirts – the “Comeback Shirts,” as they call them. For a limited time, people have a second chance to purchase a shirt they wanted,  but missed out on. The guys have recently partnered with Wegmans on this.

{just a blonde in Buffalo photo}

Dan and Del have also started to offer sponsorships with local companies who would like to get their name out there while helping a great cause. Sponsors come from big and/or small businesses within the community. Dan and Del are super flexible, so if you know of, or are a business interested in being a sponsor contact the guys here.

Another cool feature to be aware of is when you purchase a t-shirt you have the option to add on an additional monetary donation if you want.

The last thing I asked the guys was what they love about Buffalo. Both are born and raised here and this is what they said:

Del: Outside of his love for attending Bills games, he loves the summer time and Canalside. Every time you go down there is it continuously growing and expanding and that is pretty cool to see.

Dan: Loves the month of October and outside of football and hockey season being in full swing he likes to watch the baseball playoffs, loves Fall and the activities and events that come with it – specifically the Start Up events taking place with 43 North.

The guys are excited about the future and the amount of money they have been able to donate so far. They are looking forward to growing that number and helping more families in need. With that being said they wanted to thank everyone who has bought their idea and purchased a shirt. They also want to thank all of the artists they have worked with and who have helped them in this process.

At the end of day, to be able to work for yourself, be as creative as you want to be and to give back to your community and people in need on a daily basis is an amazing thing to do and the guys from 26 Shirts have a lot to be proud of.

Until next time.

-B

Stop and smell the flowers...

A cute little place on Main St. in Buffalo. Fern Croft Floral is owned by Erin Bauer who makes custom arrangements. On Saturday, thanks to my friend Amy from Linwood Candles, she told me about this mini workshop/event Erin was offering. It was on how to make wreaths and flowers and offered Butterblock oreos {those were yummy!} and Apple Cider. It was a nice way to spend a couple hours on a Saturday.

Here are some photos I snapped from Erin's studio.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

"$5 Million. One Night" - 43 North

We are a little over a week away from meeting some of the best entrepreneurs and start up companies around the globe and its all taking place here in Buffalo, NY with the help of 43 North. 43 North is part of NY Governor Andrew Cuomo's Buffalo Billion initiative which helps Buffalo and WNY with new economic opportunities. The competition operates with the support from The New York State Power Authority and Buffalo Billion.

Last week I was able to meet with Colleen Heidinger, Director of Events and Programming for 43 North and she broke down all of the fun and free events taking place starting Oct. 21st. The events taking place provide you with the opportunity to learn more about these entrepreneurs and their start up ideas while letting you interact and meet with community organizations you may not have known about before. During this week you also are given the opportunity to see a lot of the new economic development taking place in Buffalo through 43 North Week

A few of the events I am looking forward to attending are the following:

Oct. 26th - Think Big with 43 North  at the Buffalo Marriott Harbor Center - 5:30-8pm

Oct. 27th - Ping Pong Diplomacy - A ping pong competition taking place at 43 North  beginning at 6pm. To register email Colleen at colleen@43north.org

Oct. 29th - Finalists pitch session being held in the morning and afternoon with the awards ceremony taking place in the evening at Shea's. This is OPEN to the public and FREE. All you have to do is click here to get your tickets.

To see a complete list of events during 43 North Week click here.

{Colleen, 43 North}

Colleen is originally from Buffalo, moved away and worked with highly reputable companies planning events.  She decided to move back home to help make a difference and develop Buffalo and she is doing just that. With the help of Colleen not only do the finalists get to experience all Buffalo has to offer, Buffalonians are encouraged to come out to these free events to learn about the new and exciting things taking place in their hometown.

Star judges will be coming into town from all over the country to meet the finalists and hear their ideas {See a complete list of judges here}. This is a perfect night out - celebrate the city, before heading out to dinner. The winner will move to Buffalo by January 1 and receive mentorships from a variety of local partners and community supporters. For the complete list of sponsors you can check them out by clicking here.

I'd like to end with a quote from Colleen that I think sums up 43 North perfectly - "The award ceremony on Oct. 29th is not about trophies, its about building a culture of entrepreneurs while building the city and that is all possible because of the help from 43 North."

So what are you waiting for -click here to see the Next Things Now video from 2014 and get your tickets for Oct. 29th here to see where Buffalo is headed.

-B

#BuffaloLinks

{Photo from Kaleida Heath}

Take you kids to Salvatore's on Saturday and they can dress like their favorite Superhero. Click here for more details

{Photo from Escape Room Buffalo Facebook}

A new activity to do in Buffalo. Escape Room Buffalo opens tomorrow {October 14} and is sure to be a lot of fun. Check them out on Facebook.

{Photo from Sato Ramen Facebook page}

A new place I want to check out for lunch- Sato Ramen located in University Heights is a lower cost that Sato on Elmwood, but is calling to be equally delicious.

Down on the Farm with Muse Jar

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Saturday night my friend Tara and I headed to Arden Farm where we attended a farm table event with Muse Jar. The event was 3 hours and you made 4 Spanish tiles, drank some Spanish wines with Salut and had some delicious farm fresh food from Daily's Catering. All of this took place in a barn with the Troubadours providing music to calm those who felt like they had no clue how to draw {myself included}. Dan from Arden Farm provided tours and Vanessa from Muse Jar walked around throughout the night offering to help anyone with their designs. It was nice to see everyone's own personality coming through in their artwork. Overall the event was fun and something different to do. A lot of local businesses came together in one event and that was nice to see. To see a list of events from Muse Jar click here.

-B

{My finished tiles - by no means am I an artist, but these will make for great coasters}

{Vanessa introducing herself and welcoming everyone to the event}