Friday Favorites!

Well the first full week of January in WNY has been a very cold one! But that shouldn't come as a surprise to Western New Yorkers. While we move to the weekend I hope everyone enjoys whatever it is they may have planned. Here are a few things that made me smile this past week. -B

{Its just a simple piece of mail, but the way its addressed is what makes it special to me}

{Bringing life back to the Broadway Market during the winter months. I'm hoping to stop by this event next weekend}

{I was finally mentioned in one of my favorite blogs by one of my favorite people. Check it out Forty74}

{Nothing beats reading books on a rainy Saturday and a lit candle by Linwood Candle Co.}

{Reading Business First this week and I love this picture I came across. Main St. in Buffalo during its hayday}

Friday Favorites!

{Visiting Gram's and found this in the toy room. Brings me back to my childhood days}

It's the second day of the 2015, I hope the new year is treating all of you well! Have a wonderful weekend!

-B

{2015 I'm ready for you!}

{The life that has been brought back to Canalside is awesome!}

{The Lodge on Chippewa is one of the perfect spots to hit up during the winter months, the beautiful décor ties in perfectly with the wintery weather}

{I exceeded the expectations of my blog this year, thanks to all of you!}

Saying Goodbye to 2014 and Hello to 2015

It's the end of the year and like a lot of people we all take time to look back and reflect on this past year. I feel like I tend to do this more often throughout the year, not just at the end of December. 2014 was a year of growth for me... building relationships, facing fears and living outside "my shell." I learned to snowboard, ran my first half marathon, climbed ropes and cables in trees and expanded my courage more than I thought I ever would. 2014 wasn't all great things though, I experienced hardships with the loss of loved ones, felt defeated at times and just wanted to give up. I guess one of the good things about reflecting back on your year is that even if you think you haven't grown or made improvements somewhere in your life, you do, sometimes you just may not see it.

While I'm happy with what 2014 brought me, I look forward to what 2015 holds not only for me, but for Buffalo as well. I'm not one to make resolutions, but I do constantly make goals for myself throughout the year and am looking forward to challenging myself to be a "better me."

Thank you for your continued support of Just a Blonde in Buffalo this past year. Until next time!

xxoo

-B

Here are some photos of mine throughout the year:

{The cranes down by Harbor Center January 2014}

{My snowboarding adventure in February at Holiday Valley}

{My 29th birthday at Paint on Tap with some of the best friends I could ask for}

{A visit to the Hamburg Brewing Company and interview with Jeff at Resurgence Brewery were just a couple highlights from April}

{My first rock concert, a makers class and much more kicked off the month of May}

{June was a great month full of living life and completing my first half marathon}

{July was about some of the biggest events I've done so far in my career}

{August was a month I will remember for a long time. Receiving a 30 under 30 award was one of the biggest highlights from 2014}

{September I faced another fear of mine.. heights and among the ropes course we kicked off the football season, visited restaurants and enjoyed the almost fall season}

{October was a trip to Disney, an introduction to new non-profit organizations, turning the falls pink with my Mom and picking pumpkins}

{November was a month of unexpected snow, a new addition to our family and prepping for the holidays}

{December was about enjoying friends and family during the craziest of times. It brought with it events, craft classes, a trip to NYC and much more!}

Friday Favorites!

Christmas has come and gone and with that came a lot of laughs, memories and carbs! I hope you all had a wonderful week and enjoy this weekend! -B

{Post confetti for the ball drop in NYC, we all wrote down what we wished for, for 2015}

{Like a true New Yorker, this Metro Card came in handy last weekend!}

{The best place in Albany, NY ---Café Madison!}

{Christmas Eve at my Aunt's house is always the best. I love the childhood books and toys I saw on Christmas Eve. Classic traditions!}

{See this on the gift tags? It will never get old. To Beth From Santa}

Friday Favorites!

Another week has come and gone! Here are some of things that made me smile this past week. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! -B

{ Another Win for the Bills last Sunday. I will never get tired of seeing this at the Ralph }

{ The trains going by on Broadway }

{ A unexpected, but very nice Thank You/Happy Holidays gift from the Vera Bradley Foundation }

{ Call me old fashioned, but one thing I love the most is sending and receiving Christmas Cards in mail }

{ I love this chandelier of Santa Hats at Salvatore's }

Friday Favorites!

This week has been a challenging one for me mentally. I like to see progress in everything I do and when nothing changes over a period of time you have to walk away from it, even if its something you don't want to do. Being the bigger person in some situations isn't always the best thing, but its the right thing. I'm hoping a weekend with family, Christmas shopping and football will relieve some of my stress. In the meantime here are a few photos that made me smile this past week.Enjoy! -B

{Deck the Halls this past weekend}

{A classic car and white Buffalo on Main St. in Buffalo}

{The Ellicott Square Building is beautiful without any decorations, so having this tree set-up makes for a stunning display}

{Anyone up for some "snow" ball. A snowy Coca-Cola Field}

Friday Favorites!

This week has been crazy, I'm looking forward to a fun weekend full of fashion and Christmas decorating. Have a great one! -B

{One of my favorite stores in the Elmwood Village - Anna Grace}

{Stacks of Santa letter! One of my favorite campaigns for the Make a Wish Foundation. The Macy's Believe Campaign.}

{Spotted an Elf on the Shelf at Resurgence Brewery this past weekend}

{The 3rd Annual Deck the Halls takes place tomorrow night and proceeds benefit Buffalo Paws and Claws Animal Shelter}

Friday Favorites!

Thanksgiving has come and gone and I hope all of you had a wonderful Holiday. Now we approach the craziness of Black Friday, the awesomeness {is that a word?} of Small Business Saturday and enjoying another Bills win {hopefully} on Sunday. Have a great one, make it count! -B

{Brunch at Betty's {on Virginia St.} this past week, I recommend the Bloody Mary's}

{Going through South Buffalo on South Park this past week}

{Nothing beats homemade food, especially apple pie}

{Support local businesses, shop local on Small Business Saturday and through the Holiday season, {Main St. East Aurora}}

{A mini bar display full of beverages at Taste in East Aurora, NY}

Friday Favorites!

What a week Western New York has been through. While we still have a lot of snow to remove and some time before we can get back to any sort of "norm," Western New York residents have shown that they are strong and they can get through anything...together! Make the most of the situation you are in and remember to stay positive. Have a safe weekend!

-B

{Need to stock back up on my wine supply}

{Only two weeks away from Deck the Halls Runway. Go to DTHrunway.com for more info}

{Even though I'm ready for Snowvember to be over with, I loved seeing us get some National attention the last few days}

{Jim Kelly on ESPN}

Friday Favorites!

Yay for Friday! I've been a little under the weather this week and am finally starting to feel better. It comes just in time to, my niece and I are super excited for Bubblefest tomorrow at the Science Museum. That's all we've been talking about for the past couple of weeks! Have a great one! -B

{ I'm looking forward to the Compass House Planting Seeds of Hope Dinner tonight }

{ The flyover at this past Sunday's Bills game was pretty cool }

{ Because if you're from Western New York, this is necessary sometimes }

{ I have some of the best friends who send me pictures from wine night saying they love me. Love you ladies! }

{ Because coffee has been getting me through my days lately }

Friday Favorites!

It's Friday! It's been another productive work week and I'm looking forward to a nice, relaxing weekend. Have a good one and Go Bills! -B

{The bar/lounge area inside the Foundry}

{I love the historical features inside this building}

{An afternoon coffee break with the guys at work. The new Tim Horton's at the Harbor Center}

{A drive out to East Aurora makes for beautiful scenery in the fall}

{I love the artwork on Elmwood Ave. #Buffalove}

Friday Favorites!

Happy Halloween!! This week has reminded me that you can never plan to far ahead because you never know what is going to happen. For me, being a planner, that is a struggle I deal with more often than not, but I'm learning to accept things for the way they are. I hope everyone has a great Halloween and a fabulous weekend! -B

{Check out the specials going on at Dog E Style today}

{Kali walking around the exhibit at the Buffalo Zoo last weekend}

{My Halloween costume from a few years ago}

{Hall-O-Wine group photo from a couple years back, I went as a nerd. Cheap and easy costume!}

{Part of my costume for Cocktails in Character last night}

{Safe and Seen set-up last weekend at ECC North Campus}

Friday Favorites!

The past 8 days have been fun, Walt Disney World truly is one of the happiest places on earth. With that being said, I know there was a lot of activity back home in Buffalo and I'm happy to be back. The first half of my weekend will be spent volunteering and the second half will focus on catching up on things that built up while I was on vacation. Below are just a few of my favorite pictures from this past week in Orlando. Have a great weekend.

-B

{ Share the Magic }

{ A little piece of home, Niagara Falls }

{ Towels shaped like Mickey ears }

{ The 1980's were the best years }

Friday Favorites!

With me on vacation there is not to much to say. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! -B

{Mother/Daughter time "twinsies" = Priceless}

{Before the Falls turned Pink}

{A shot of Hoyt Lake by Delaware Park, I love the canoes}

{Sidewalk games like hopscotch, are painted outside one of the hotels in Niagara Falls, NY for guests to enjoy}

{A fun night of putting our own personal touches on our Disney Magic Bands}

Friday Favorites!

It's Friday and I'm looking forward to spending some quality Mother/Daughter time with my Mom tonight at the Billieve event in the Falls. Tomorrow its off to Fall Fest in Ellicottville and Sunday we are back home at the Ralph. Its a busy weekend, but I'm looking forward to the memories that will be made. Enjoy! -B

It's nice to walk down Main St. and get a nice cup of coffee at the Buffalo Coffee Roastery. The staff is always so friendly there.

A view of my city. The Metro Rail Downtown.

Catching up with Jeni, by taking a nice stroll down Hertel this past week. I love the Elephant we stumbled upon {and the trunk is up!}

Snapping a little "selfie" at the Albright Knox's First Friday. See my thoughts on it next week!

Lacey was home this past weekend so of course that called for happy hour at Cantina Loco! I love this photo captured of us.

Friday Favorites!

Its been a good week, volunteering, catching up on things that I have been putting to the side and planning ahead to the next couple of weeks. Even though the weather isn't supposed to be that great, I'm looking forward to picking pumpkins with my niece and sister on Saturday and Sunday I'm looking forward to attending {as a guest} the Bridal Celebration at Asbury Hall. Ali and Erica always put together great events and there will be a lot of talented Buffalonians there. Have a good, rested weekend! Go Bills!

-B

{ I love seeing the cranes downtown }

{ Just another reason I love Newbury St. on Elmwood }

{ The Polar Bites Pre-Party was a success! }

{ My walk to the First Niagara Center last week was a beautiful one, I love seeing the trees starting to change colors }

{ The first step I took on the Sky High Course this past week. Facing fears and living life }

Friday Favorites!

I'm looking forward to a weekend full of new adventures and seeing some of my closest friends who are in town. The weather is going to be beautiful and here's hoping the Bills get a win on the road! -B

{ These are two words that go such a long way }

{ Antique cars on display from the Pierce Arrow Museum }

{ Go Bills }

{ I love this }

{ A little "creativity" at work }

Friday Favorites!

Its Friday and we are just a few short hours from the weekend. Have a great one! -B

{ Receiving "snail mail" is one of my favorite things in the world. Hand written notes go a long way in my book. I love this postcard I received from Lacey this past week }

{ I love the upstairs of Spot Coffee in Orchard Park. Comfy and cozy making it a perfect place to grab a cup of coffee }

{ Nothing beats fresh sushi from Papaya }

{ The first sign I saw arriving to Bills Country this past Sunday }

Friday Favorites!

I always say this, but I'm looking forward to the weekend. Not only are there a lot of things going on this weekend {Music is Art, Lake Erie Pub Crawl, Buffalo Bills Home Opener}, but its always nice to step away from your daily routine and enjoy some fun!

Have a good one!

-B

{ Following a flower truck on the Thruway this week, fresh flowers are one of my favorite things }

{ Puppy Dogs, I love these two so much! Sabre and Wallace }

{ One of my favorite spots in Buffalo, Resurgence Brewing, Beer Garden }

{ Strolling around Canalside, I can't say it enough, I love Buffalo. #Buffalove }

{ Before the weather gets to cold, one of my goals is to take a Buffalo Tour on the River Queen Boat }

Friday Favorites!

Even though it was a short work week I'm looking forward to the weekend. Its nice not having set plans every now and then so you have some time to "fly by the seat of your pants" and do whatever it is you feel like doing. Have a great weekend!

-B

{ My go to treat, vanilla soft serve ice cream and rainbow sprinkles }

{ Football season is back. Go Bills! }

{ Signage at The Maryland Zoo at Baltimore }

{ A different design on the Baltimore Streets }

{ My favorite place in Buffalo, Summer Saison beer at Resurgence Brewery }