Friday Favorites!

Here we are, another week has ended and we have a weekend to do some great things. I hope you have a wonderful time, whatever it is that you may be doing! Here are some of my favorite things from this past week. -B

{ This beautiful sunset outside AcQua Restaurant on Niagara St. #Buffalo #NY }

{ Nothing like a little Shakespeare at Delaware Park. Bring your own snacks and drinks for a cheap, but nice evening out }

{ The nicest car I have ever had the opportunity to drive. Mercedes Benz! #jobperk }

{ Out in Cuba, NY over the Holiday weekend, there's something about the small town feeling that makes you appreciate things a little bit more }

{ My favorite spot at my parents cabin is this swing by the pond }

#BuffaloLinks

One place I want to go this summer is Niagara on the Lake and while I'm there I'd like to check out Outlet Collection at Niagara, a shopping center that offers an array of events and promotions.

I've passed this place multiple times {Cuba Cheese Shoppe} going to and from my parents cabin and over the weekend I finally made a stop inside. Not only do they sell delicious assortments of cheeses, but they have other snacks and knick knacks for your home for sale as well.

What a wonderful foundation, that raises money for a great cause. I'm lucky to have been introduced to some very special people that work for the Vera Bradley Foundation. Even though it is headquartered in Indiana, you can come out to the Bisons game on Saturday night to help Turn the Park Pink and raise money for the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.

An organization that helps promote the visual arts through exhibitions and activities in an artistic expression. They are hosting a pretty cool raffle, a ride over Letchworth State Park in the fall. Raffle tickets are only $5 and you have the a chance to see the fall foliage in a 30-45 minute flight in a WWII era L-21 liaison aircraft. For more info go to their site by clicking here.

My thoughts #29

I am not a writer by no means, I don't even consider myself a real blogger. My intentions for Just a Blonde in Buffalo were to talk about my experiences, the places I go, people I meet and things I do in town and if people read my posts great, if not, that's ok too.

Every now and then I post things that have no relation to Buffalo, they are just my thoughts and feelings during a particular time in my life. I've mentioned this in past posts, but 2014 has definitely been a year of growth, appreciation and just living the life that has been given to me.

A lot of times I get ideas, thoughts and even reflect on things when I'm in the car. I don't know why, but I think that's just my "spot," my "thing." One of my biggest goals is to inspire people to do what they want to do, to bring out the best in them and for them to know that they can do whatever they put their mind to.

We are only brought into this world for a short time and I feel like a lot of us don't get what we want out of life. I think one of the reasons I have been doing things I never thought I would do {snowboarding, a half marathon, speed dating, etc.} is because I'm just an average person who believe it or not is shy and insecure, but I want to show people that we all can do things if we just put our minds to it.

Each day is an opportunity to do something great, to make a memory and appreciate one another. If we all put in a positive attitude and did something nice for someone, even if its just holding the door open, saying good morning with a smile on your face or letting someone in your lane on the road, it would make you feel good because you did an act of kindness.

I am by far not perfect, no one is, but at this point in my life, I'm learning what is important to me, what I want to be known for and what really matters.

 "I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back." - Maya Angelou

And these are my thoughts for today.

-B

City of Night 2014 Recap

Silo City is one of the neatest places in Buffalo nowadays, at least in my eyes. Last year I did a kayaking and walking tour of the grain elevators and learned a lot about the past history in Buffalo. A couple weekends back my friends and I went to City of Night. A night filled with art, history and music. The event is put on by the Emerging Leaders in the Arts Buffalo {ELAB}.

A variety of artists, musicians and local performers came out to show us their talent all while utilizing a unique space - the grain elevators. Some of my favorite moments were seeing Communify Buffalo's booth, the fire and hula hooping performance, the Chinese lanterns that lit up the sky, the graffiti art inside the silo and the row of food trucks that were on hand for people to experience.

If you have the chance to go to Silo City or to attend City of Night next year, definitely do so. You won't be disappointed.

To learn more about ELAB click here.

-B

Fourth of July Favorites

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 }

#BuffaloLinks

With the holiday weekend a day away what is better than to get outdoors and do some activities. Paths, Peaks and Paddles, Inc. offers a variety of fun things to do {kayaking, canoeing, hiking, etc.} for any level. Check them out.

With an upcoming golf tournament I have to start practicing on my "golf game." Where are some good driving ranges to go to practice? Are there any on this list that you recommend?

Not only is it a great weekend filled with country music and ice cold drinks, but it also has one of the best firework displays in the area. For more info click here: Jam in the Valley

My 13.1 Mile Adventure

The first half of 2014 has definitely been a unique one. Taking on challenges, facing fears and just living in the moment is something I embrace more and more each day. This past Saturday I endured one of the most challenging things I've ever put myself through, I ran my first half marathon {13.1 miles}. The whole experience from the beginning has been a rollercoaster ride, from feeling pain to excitement it was an experience I won't forget. I am not a runner by no means, but to say that I completed this is just something I will take with me for a long time. While the course was hilly, the weather was HOT, the water stations went empty and it took me longer to finish than I wanted, I am looking forward to my next race and experiencing a whole new journey the next time around.

-B

July things to do

We're in the heat of summer and July is one of my favorite months of the year. I don't know why, but it is. The month is filled with festivals, plays, beaches, BBQ's, events and concerts. What are some of the things you have planned for this month. Check out my list below:

-B

• Hanging out in the country at my parents cabin in Cuba, NY
• Celebrating one of my good friends Bachelorette party
• Checking out a concert at Artpark
• Heading to Canalside for a Thursday at the Harbor
• Going Strawberry picking in Clarence, NY
• Checking out a play at Shakespeare in Delaware Park
• Taking a tour of Buffalo's Architecture
• Visiting the Botanical Gardens

Friday Favorites!

This week has felt long. Period. I don't understand why some people feel that being rude is the way to go if a problem arises. While I know there are many nice people in this world, there are also a lot of mean and miserable people too. I have to try not to let the actions of others bother me, but sometimes that's easier said than done. On a "brighter" note tomorrow is the big day, my first half marathon and I am all sorts of emotions, happy, excited, anxious, very nervous and even a little scared. While this week wasn't horrible it wasn't the best either, but these few things made my days a little brighter.

"Be kind to unkind people, they need it the most"

-B

{ Buffalo has some beautiful summer sunsets #BuffaloforReal }

{ A package arrived full of pink goodies #ShopSweetLuLu has the best stuff. Make your party pretty}

{ Call me old school, but I will always enjoy receiving letters and cards in the mail }

{ My drive into work everyday, the architecture in the city of Buffalo is beautiful }

{ USA, my festive shoes for the World Cup games }

#BuffaloLinks

Check out the summer concert series on Elmwood and Bidwell this season. 7pm on Tuesdays.

The Celebrity Basseye Tournament is this Thursday and Friday. For more info click here.

This Saturday the 50 Year Finish is taking place. My first half marathon, I'm so nervous and excited at the same time. Can't wait for it!

Check out the Ooo La La Fashion Truck and other vendors at the Intune Festival in Williamsville this Saturday.

An event I didn't get to go to last year and am looking forward to this year. City of Night down by Silo City is from 4-1am. Can't wait to check it out!

Allentown Art Fest Recap

A couple weeks back my sister, niece and friend Jen attended the Allentown Art Fest. It was a beautiful day and it seemed like they incorporated some new vendors into the mix which was nice to see. While I only usually go to browse, I actually bought a custom Buffalove Mason glass and Buffalo t-shirt. All in all is was a great community event that showcased a lot of talent. -B

#WorldCup2014 Canalside Buffalo

Sunday Canalside Buffalo held a viewing for the USA vs. Portugal game. The weather was beautiful, the scenery was great and the game was, well so-so. Its great to see a "little" life come back to downtown and what's even more better is to see all the activities starting to take shape down at canalside.

There were a lot of people who turned out to view the World Cup Soccer game on the big screens, the Cheesy Chick food truck and beverage tents were on hand as well. While I think the viewing screens could have been a little bigger it was nice they were allowing people to bring in their own food and drink, some brought the family down and had picnic's set up. Those people were smart because they didn't have to wait in long lines.

There was even what I am calling a "Buffalove" tent set-up for people to purchase Buffalo shirts and pictures. For putting the event together in just a couple days, the turnout was great and people not only showed their American pride in Red, White and Blue, but they showed their Buffalo pride too.

-B

Friday Favorites

Here's to another week that has ended and another weekend that is about to begin. Enjoy the beautiful weather! -B

{ I don't like posting pictures of my niece on here for personal reasons, but this picture of her with me at the Allentown Art Festival was to cute not to post, love her! }

{ I love anything that has to do with mason jars, my friend Kate's bridal shower was so beautiful this past weekend }

{ I love this accent wall at JoJo's Bistro Bar in Williamsville, its a wall with a variety of different wine labels }

{ Buffalo River Fest Park on Ohio St. has beautiful views of the grain elevators and water, one pretty place to visit in the summer }

#BuffaloLinks

Today Delaware Park is going to be filled with thousands of people for the annual JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge. Good luck to everyone participating!

Tonight kicks off the first play being held by Shakespeare in Delaware Park this summer. Come out for a free performance of Henry V. Performances take place Tuesday through Sunday at 7:30pm.

The annual 5K Stiletto Run is taking place down on Canalside Friday evening. People - guys and gals "dress" up in some high heels and race to the finish line. Check out this fun event if you have the chance!

While I don't think the New York Power Authority would have events going on, the Niagara Power Project Visitors Center offers the opportunity to experience interactive exhibits like how much power goes into Niagara Falls and observation decks for guests to look out. What a neat place to go with your children or even as adults!

Taking a Breather...

My intentions for todays post were to talk about the Allentown Art Festival that I attended over the weekend, but I decided to opt out of that and just write about something completely having nothing to do with Buffalo or Western New York. Instead its just how I've been feeling lately and who knows maybe you have to.

The last few weeks have felt more busy than normal and this year I told myself that I was going to try to not take on as much and learn to "relax" a little more. Well ...we are 6 months into 2014 and while I feel like I've done more things for "me," I have also felt at times rushed, drained and run down.

I mean everyone feels "run down" at times and its always good to just take a step back and take some time for yourself. Anyone who says they don't take time for themselves, well I just don't buy it.

As I type I feel a little defeated. Defeated in the sense that I just don't have the energy. I'm the first to admit I try and do as much as I can when I can, not only because I enjoy going to new places and meeting new people, but I also like to talk about it on my blog and with my friends and family. Its a part of my personality. But as summer officially approaches us at the end of the week I'm going into this season with a different mindset; to do things I really want to do and not just "go through the motions," but to really enjoy living in the moment.

Because summers feel so short in Buffalo, I feel like we try to pack in as much as we can so we can get the most out of these warmer months, but at the end of the day if we really can't enjoy what we're doing then maybe we should take a step back and focus on what matters at that time.

Whatever it is that you do or whenever you feel like you're "run down" remember to take time to breath. Everyone deserves some "me" time.

-B

Clinton Bailey Farmers Market

Yesterday my Mom and I made a stop to a couple farmers markets, one being the Farmers and Artisans Market on Main St. in Snyder. The place is quant and cute, but was more of a market to eat at instead of the traditional farmers market where you actually buy directly from the farmers. I would definitely go there for lunch some time, but for what I was looking to get we opted to leave and check out a different place. Since we wanted to walk around outside and pick our fruit and vegetables we decided to go to the Clinton Bailey farmers market. Because it was a Sunday and most markets are closed this was a good choice, there were no crowds of people and we were able to get some good fruit and veggies. We even picked up a few Gerber Daises for the garden. Open daily check them out some time.

What are some of your favorite farmer's markets?

-B

Friday Favorites!

I'm finally looking forward to a weekend where I can do whatever I want. It's supposed to be beautiful out so getting outdoors is going to be one of my main goals. Also, spending some time with my Dad on Father's Day is on the "agenda." Whatever it is that you have planned, enjoy it! -B

Oh and a very happy birthday to my brother, Matt today!!

 { Working on centerpieces for my beautiful friend Kate's Bridal Shower. This was one of my favorite things to do this week }

{ This year instead of attending the Taste of Country I'll be pouring beers, should be interesting to be on the "other" side }

{ I've never been and this is a pretty cool place to hit up on Route 5 this summer }

{ Anything that has to do with being by the water in Buffalo is just relaxing to me }

#BuffaloLinks

Today starts the first Thursday of the summer to check out concerts at Canalside. For a complete list of who is performing go here.

The weather looks beautiful for this weekends 57th Annual Allentown Art Festival.

One thing I want to do this summer is get to Artpark, whether its for a concert or not, Lewiston is so beautiful in the summer time.

This weekend I want to check out the Farmers & Artisans Market in Snyder. What are some other good farmers markets to check out this summer?

{People Who Move Buffalo} Bryan Furtak, BMF Contracting

{Photo courtesy of BMF Contracting}

This week I'm excited to tell you about a person who moves Buffalo in many ways, Bryan Furtak, owner of BMF Contracting does just about everything, from replacing doors and windows to new roofs and insulation, if you're looking for a contractor I highly suggest Bryan.

Let's face it if you're a home owner or business owner there are always things that need to be fixed around the home and office. Like most people you probably don't have time to get around to home improvement projects and you don't know who to trust or go to for these type of projects. BMF Contracting is the place to call to get things done! Offering free estimates, licensed, insured and credible you really don't have anything to lose. Check out my interview with Bryan below.

-B

{Name/Business Name}

Bryan Furtak, Owner of BMF Contracting

{How did you get started in the contracting world?}

I have always been handy and always loved building things so 10 years ago I began as an apprentice for a contracting company.  Within 3 years I worked my way up to Forman and began leading my own team on jobs.  With all the experience I gained over the last 10 years,  last July I decided to open BMF contracting and I have been busy ever since!

{What do you love most about your job?}

The rebuilding aspect.  I love seeing the transformation that takes place when rebuilding older homes and making them brand new again.

{Any favorite projects you’ve worked on or are working on that make you enjoy what you do more?}

I have to say the jobs that really stick out for me as favorites were the projects I did for a couple of Buffalo sports figures.

{What do you specialize in?}

Residential contracting.  Complete home renovations and improvements including siding, roofing, window and door installation, and insulation.

{What do you love most about Buffalo? Favorite bar, restaurant, part of town you like the most? Why?}

I love the architecture around our city. I also love being a part of the Buffalo community because of the pride that people from Buffalo share over our city and our sports teams. 

{How can people get ahold of you?}

Contact me directly at 716-628-0056 or email me at bmfcontracting13@gmail.com

{Any other information you’d like to share?}

  All estimates are free.  Check out our Facebook page here

A Healthy Treat!

New to the Elmwood area, Newbury Street is a healthy café offering salads and organic teas. The produce is from local farms and is absolutely delicious! Probably my new favorite spot in town, there is nothing like it. If you're looking for a good salad check this place out. It is on the pricier side, but the portions you receive in my opinion are worth it. A small knit café on the corner of Hodge and Elmwood, this is a great spot to go for lunch and people watch on Elmwood.

Newbury Street Café

-B

{ Kale, Romaine, Red Peppers, Cucumbers, Spicy Organic Chicken & Balsamic Vinegarette with a Iced Black Tea }