In honor of the St. Patty's Day parade that is taking place today, I thought it would be appropriate to share my favorite memories of the parade in years past. Its one of the most fun, insane and memorable parades to go to.
-B
I hope all of you had a wonderful New Year's Eve! I'm wishing you and yours a wonderful New Year filled with happiness, good health and prosperity. Cheers to 2015!
-B
If you're still looking for something to do for New Year's Eve, there are plenty of options to choose from around town. Below are just a few {more of the popular events} taking place. Whatever you choose to do, have fun, be smart and don't drink and drive.
-B
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For those who want to enjoy some music, food, and a guitar drop, ring in the new year in Niagara Falls, NY by the Hard Rock Café, for more info click here.
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Perfect for the whole family, check out First Night Buffalo's drug and alcohol free event at the Buffalo Convention Center.
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For those looking for a fancier way to celebrate the new year, there are still spots open for Statler City's Ice Ball.
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And for those who want to go out, but go the more casual route, check out the free shuttle taking people around Hamburg, thanks to the Hamburg Brewing Company!
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Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas filled with love, laughs and memories to cherish for the years to come!
-B
Its Christmas Eve and before the holiday gatherings take place later today there will still be some last minute shoppers making the trip out to malls, local boutiques and grocery stores today. Their are those who haven't started at all and those who need to pick up small, here and there gifts. Whatever the case may be, below is a guide for some places that are open today to help you get those last minute gifts you still need!
-B
MALLS:
Department Stores:
Local Clothing Boutiques and Businesses in the Elmwood Village, Hertel Ave., Main St. in Williamsville and East Aurora:
Can you believe Christmas Eve is one week from today and New Year's Eve is only 14 days away! And with that comes the preparations, the gatherings at loved ones homes, the parties and so on. One question everyone will ask is what you'd like to drink and my friends over at Slim Lizzy's have some of the perfect holiday cocktail recipes for you to enjoy!
Below are two signature drinks that you can use in the upcoming weeks to treat yourself and your girlfriends!
Cranberry Holiday Mint Cosmo
{Photo's courtesy of Slim Lizzy's}
Cosmo in a Pear Tree
{Each cocktail is under 200 calories and can be found at Tops or NOCO stores in Western New York.}
Slim Lizzy's is a slim social cocktail for women. New to the area, Slim Lizzy's can be found in the pre-select areas of the Northeast, Buffalo is one of those lucky markets! Offering two delicious flavors, the Margarita and Cosmopolitan, each are only 80 calories {making it perfect for us ladies who enjoy a couple cocktails, but not the calories that come with having them}. Slim Lizzy's is malt-free and gluten-free.
So what are you waiting for? Try Slim Lizzy's out and enjoy your Holidays! Cheers!
-B
Hello December! Its the last month of 2014. While we get ready to wrap up another year, we look back at all the accomplishments, struggles, experiences and memories we gained from the last 12 months. For this month I'm really focusing on things I haven't been able to take part in previous years; Ice skating at Rotary Rink, walking around the Fairgrounds for the Festival of Lights and visiting Our Lady of Fatima Shrine. For me, December is a time to reflect on all that I did this past year, the good and the not so good and prepare for what I hope to accomplish in 2015. Christmas time for me is special because I love being able to see family and friends that I don't get to see all the time.
What are some of the things you are looking forward to doing this month?
-B
Wishing you and yours a very, happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day. Among the handful of things I'm thankful for, I am very thankful to all of you who take the time out of your day to read my blog. Have a wonderful day!
-B
Today and everyday we should thank those who served and are currently serving our country so we can be safe everyday. Thank you for all of the service you have done and are currently doing for us.
-B
ERIE COUNTY
Akron- 6 - 8 p.m.
Alden- 6 - 8 p.m.
Amherst- No Times Listed
Angola- 6 - 8 p.m.
Blasdell- 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Buffalo- Ends at 8 p.m.
Cheektowaga- 6 - 8 p.m.
Clarence- 5 - 8 p.m.
Depew- 6 - 8:30 p.m.
East Aurora- No Times Listed
Eden- 5 - 8 p.m.
Elma- 5 - 8 p.m.
Evans- 6 - 8 p.m.
Grand Island- 5 - 8 p.m.
Hamburg- 6 - 8 p.m.
Holland- Ends at 8:30 p.m.
Lackawanna- 5 - 8 p.m.
Lancaster- 6 - 8:30 p.m.
North Collins 6 -8 p.m.
Orchard Park- 6 - 9 p.m.
Springville- No Times Listed
Town of Tonawanda- No Times Listed
Wales- Ends at 9pm
West Seneca- 6 - 8 p.m.
Williamsville- No Times Listed
NIAGARA COUNTY
Barker- 5 - 7 p.m.
Lewiston- 4pm - 8pm
Lockport- 4pm - 8pm
Newfane- 4 - 7 p.m.
Niagara Falls- 3 - 7 p.m.
North Tonawanda- 5 - 8 p.m.
Porter- 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Royalton- 3 -7 p.m.
Wheatfield- 4- 7 p.m.
Wilson- 4 - 7 p.m.
Youngstown- 5-7:30 p.m.
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY
Brocton: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cassadaga: 5-7 p.m.
Celeron: 5:30-8 p.m.
Cherry Creek: 5-8 p.m.
Dunkirk: 4-8 p.m.
Falconer: 5:30-7 p.m.
Fredonia: 4-7 p.m.
Forestville: 4-8 p.m.
Jamestown: 6-8 p.m.
Lakewood: 6-8 p.m.
Ripley: 6-8 p.m.
Silver Creek: 5-7 p.m.
Sinclairville: 5-7 p.m.
South Dayton: 5-8 p.m.
Stockton: 4-7 p.m.
Westfield: 6-8 p.m.
WYOMING COUNTY
Arcade: 5 to 8 p.m.
Attica: 6 to 8 p.m.
Castile: Until 8:30 p.m.
Gainesville: 6 to 9 p.m.
Perry: Curfew for people less than 18 years old starts at 10 p.m.
Silver Springs: Curfew starts at 8:30 p.m.
Wyoming: Curfew starts 10 p.m.
GENESSEE COUNTY
Batavia: 6 to 9 p.m.
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY
Olean - 6 to 8 p.m.
Franklinville - 6 to 8 p.m.
Portville - 6 to 8 p.m.
Allegany - 6 to 8 p.m.
Little Valley: 6 to 8 p.m.
Portville: 9 p.m. curfew.
Salamanca: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Ellicottville: 6 to 9 p.m.
ALLEGENY COUNTY
Alfred: 6 to 8 p.m.
Almond: 6 to 8 p.m.
Angelica: 6 to 8 p.m.
Belmont: 6 to 8 p.m.
Bolivar: 6 to 8 p.m.
Canaseraga: 6 to 8 p.m.
Cuba: 6 to 8 p.m.
Richburg: 6 to 8 p.m.
Wellsville: 6 to 8 p.m.
Happy fourth of July to each and every one of you. Whether you are traveling to see family or friends, relaxing on vacation or going to one of the many places in town to watch fireworks I hope you have a great Holiday weekend. -B
{ A fun event over the weekend that I went to #CON14 }
{ The windmills from Woodlawn Beach }
{ I don't like the sand, but there's something about being on the beach that makes it "officially summer" }
{ I love this Buffalo art piece from City of Night at Silo City }
{ My Dad left this note for me on my car at work this week. I have the best Dad in the world }
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Happy Memorial Day. Let's all take a moment to remember those who lost their lives in service to protect the USA.
-B
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
Today marks 29 years that I've celebrated St. Patrick's Day. While I think about all the birthdays I've celebrated the one thing that I enjoy most out of everything is not the presents, not the attention or knowing that I'm getting old, its the time I share with the most important people in my life. My family and my friends. I will be the first to say there are times I take things for granted, but over the last few years I have realized what and who is important in my life and I am learning to block out the things and the people that don't matter.
I'm a planner, I'm a perfectionist and I have to be in control of the things I'm a part of and during these times I can sometimes forget to just enjoy the moment and enjoy the experience; those memories that are being made. For once I'm starting to do that; taking a step back and just enjoying the moment and the memories that I will take with me for another 29+ years. While there will probably always be a part of me that worries or stresses about something that I can't control, I'm learning to at least "take a chill pill" and enjoy the "moment" just like I did this past weekend.
Today at 29 I think of all the wonderful birthdays I've celebrated; slumber parties and craft parties, to surprise parties and painting parties. I'm not at all Irish, but having my birthday on St. Patrick's Day, has definitely given me some "Luck of the Irish" over these years.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
-B
{ My brother is probably really mad I posted this picture of him. }
{ Thank you Lacey for the tour of your work #NAB #29 }
{ I love this wrapping paper Arica used on my birthday present }
{ I kicked off the weekend with an amazing happy hr on Friday! Thank you Lacey! }
{ All of our peacocks are different, but amazing! Check out my post on Paint On Tap Studios later in the week #artistsintraining }
{ My Mom and Lacey! xo }
{ A surprise cake, shaped like a Buffalo! Thank you Annette!! }
While some may have the day off for Martin Luther King Jr. their are a variety of things you can do around town. Check out the Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza, go tubing, visit the Aquarium in Niagara Falls, catch up on chores you may not have gotten to over the weekend, or simply relax.
Whatever it is you do ask yourself this question;
"What are you doing for others? That is life's most persistent and urgent question {MLK Jr.}"
-B
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A new year for some is a way to start a clean slate, change things you aren't happy with or simply continue to make things better. I'm not a big fan of New Year's Eve, I never have been and have always thought if you want to "start fresh" you can do so anytime throughout the year, but in any case last year I rang in 2013 in Toronto, Canada with some amazing friends and had a wonderful time. This year is going to be tough to beat as I stay low key and enjoy my time in my hometown.
Regardless of where you're attending your New Year's celebration, whether it be the Ice Ball at the Statler, going to First Night at the Buffalo Convention Center, attending the Great Gatsby at the Hotel Lafayette or celebrating it on a more casual scale at home with friends and family ring in the New Year with the ones you love and make sure when the clock strikes at Midnight to kick it off on a good note!
Cheers to a New Year!
-B
One of my favorite things to do around the Holidays is spend time with the ones I care about the most and give back to the community. I'm looking forward to the next couple days; relaxing, seeing friends and family from out of town and enjoying each others company.
Whatever it is that you do, have a very Merry Christmas!
xo
-B
In its 9th year the Festival of Lights has grown into a winter activity that anyone can go to and enjoy. While they are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5-9pm to drive through and see over 1,000 Christmas lights along with hosting activities in a variety of the buildings, the Festival staff have opened up the grounds on Wednesdays and for $5 you and a group of people can walk or even snow shoe through the grounds and enjoy the lights - you can even stop at one of the fire pits they have on hand to warm up.
Last night we saw husky's on a dog sled running around (it was like we were in Alaska) ok not really, but it was still pretty cool to watch. Overall it was a nice night to take a walk and check out all the different characters done up in lights and it was at an affordable price.
-B
1. Saturday the Buffalo Bills will host a " Day Out with Santa" at the Adams Mark Hotel. Enjoy games, petting zoo, pictures with Santa and more.
2. Friday and Saturday enjoy a Holiday Celebration down at the Canalside with a tree lighting, Santa arriving on sleigh and activities for the kids in heated tents. Food trucks and Liberty Hound will also be around selling food during the event.
3. Kuni*s on Lexington is a cute seafood restaurant that I attended last week. If you're looking for an intimate or cute and cozy place to have dinner check them out.
4. I'm looking forward to next Monday when the Social Media Club will be host to Taco Vino IV
...Called Buffalo
