#BuffaloLinks

Next Tuesday, join in the fun at Party in the Park - a Tribute to our Troops. For more info click here.

My favorite brewery is hosting a Homebrew Competition this Saturday. Stop out and join in the fun at Resurgence from 12-3pm!

A food and music festival taking place this Sunday outside of Newbury Street on Elmwood Ave. Meet local organic retailers and farmers. Newbury Life

If you love supporting the Olmsted Parks Conservancy check out the Cocktails on the Green event today. Celebrating over 120 years of golf in Delaware Park. For more info on tickets and times click here

Women Who Move Buffalo {Brittany from Sarah Danielle}

Being right across the street from where I work, the first time I've ever been in the Ellicott Square building was last week Thursday. I've seen pictures of the beautifully historic building, but seeing the building in person is completely different. I paid a visit to a clothing boutique that I started to adore on social media over the last few months and wanted to learn more about the person behind Sarah Danielle. Brittany Moose who is from Leroy, NY came to Buffalo to pursue her studies in the fashion industry at Buff State. She always new she wanted to do something in the fashion industry and it was when she started taking classes that she focused her passion on visual merchandising.

Having been with Sarah Danielle for over a year and a half, what makes their boutique stand out from the rest you ask? Well quite a few things.

1. They are one of only 2 clothing boutiques located in Downtown Buffalo

2. Being a boutique that is downtown, it targets the working woman who may have to run out on their lunch to grab a gift or outfit for a unexpected work function last minute.

3. Their price point is great and budget friendly, targeting a little bit of everything for the 20 year old college girl to the 50 year old working woman.

4. Everything they carry in their boutique is unique and less expensive -you won't find what they sell anywhere else in Buffalo, seriously!

It is really important to Brittany to support the local businesses in Buffalo, that is why she carries a variety of items from local Buffalo artists who make stationary and cards, Buffalo themed nail polish and jewelry, home etched glasses and Buffalo themed books. Supporting the community and pushing the local artist, is what Sarah Danielle is about.

Brittany loves Buffalo because it's a small town feel, people are friendly and artsy in both the music and fashion scene. When choosing what to buy for Sarah Danielle its all about her instinct, knowing her customer and what they want and need.

When you leave the store Brittany wants you to feel comfortable, special, and unique. Its important to stand out and know that at Sarah Danielle Brittany is there to cater to you and help you find what you're looking for.

Make sure to follow Sarah Danielle on social media {Facebook, Twitter and Instagram}. Every Monday Brittany features an item of the week.

Meeting Brittany was such a pleasure, seeing someone who supports Buffalo and works with local artists to push their talents is pretty inspiring. Sarah Danielle is the perfect fit for the Ellicott Square building, not only is the store fresh and fun with beautiful clothes and accessories, it also has a piece of history behind it while moving forward to showcase new hidden talents from local Buffalonians.

Thank you Brittany for letting me share your story!

-B

{Original door from the Ellicott Square Building}

{ Buffalo Stationary made by local Buffalo artists }

Lovely Lewiston

Every time I go to Lewiston, I'm simply amazed at the beauty there, from Artpark to Old Fort Niagara it is simply amazing, especially in the summer months. My friend Lauren and I decided to spend a Saturday afternoon just walking around and taking in that "small" town feel. We first stopped at Artpark where we were able to be "big kids" and make some clay pottery for free. We then walked around and saw some of the sculpture artwork that was in the park.

After Artpark we hit up the ever so popular Silo to grab some lunch and ice cream, from there we walked down by the water and saw the Whirlpool Jet Boat tours that take place by Water St. Landing. We didn't have enough time to take a jet boat tour, but it is on my list of things to do. We drove through the Main St. and just looked at shops and restaurants that filled the street. It was a relaxing afternoon just exploring the "hidden treasures" that are only minutes away. Have you ever been to Lewiston? What are some of your favorites places to go when you're there?

 -B

One fish, Two fish, Red fish, Blue fish

A couple weekends ago organizers of the annual Chalkfest event in downtown Buffalo had tons of artwork on display themed around Dr. Seuss. People drew sketches from there favorite Dr. Seuss books, volunteers re-enacted skits from books, food trucks were on hand and you could even draw something artsy on the sidewalks and parking lots if you felt up for it. With the weather forecast predicting rain, the turnout wasn't as big as I thought it would be on Sunday, but there were still a lot of people in attendance. Proceeds from t-shirts and renting space to draw went to the Theater of Youth.

I am no artist, but my niece and I did draw some flowers, hearts, our names and Buffalove down to leave our "mark" at the festival. I thought it was a great family friendly event.

-B

Friday's Favorites!

I am so happy its Friday and in just a few short hours the weekend will be upon us. It going to be a beautiful one. Make it count and be wonderful! -B

{ Skipping stones at Artpark. Sometimes you just need to act like a big kid and forget all of your worries }

{ Whoever left this masterpiece of art on the picnic table at Artpark, you have pure talent }

{ Down by Water Street Landing. I've said it before, Lewiston is so pretty }

{ Just taking a selfie from this past weekends golf lesson with my Dad at the Wehrle Golf Dome }

{ My niece and I drew this at the Chalkfest this past weekend # Buffalove }

{ Liked and Love this Instagram collage from the Buffalo Bills and Pro Football Hall of Fame }

Thursday's Thought

{ Taken from Real Simple Magazine Instagram }

#BuffaloLinks

A festival in Chautauqua County that incorporates wineries, cideries and breweries is happening this Saturday and Sunday. For more info on America's Grape Country Wine Festival click here.

This Friday grab your yellow clothing attire and attend Summer Splash. The theme is Hello Yellow and proceeds from this event go to Carly's Club, tickets are $75. For more info on the event click here.

When I saw this Open-Air autobus last week I was ecstatic. I think this is awesome and wanted to share with you. The bus has a variety of different tours and times and its affordable! For a schedule of tours click here.

A new restaurant that has opened on Hertel, the Public House of Buffalo, Inc. check them out on Facebook for updates and events.

2014 marks the 175th year for the Erie County Fair and it all kicks off today in Hamburg. For a schedule of events and activities click here.

August things to do

Its the 5th day into the month of August and I feel like the month of July just flew by. This month brings me celebrating a very good friends wedding, weekend trips out of town and celebrating an award I still can't believe I will be receiving. Outside of those exciting plans I am looking forward to a little more free time this month. I've made a bucket list of things I'd like to do before September roles around. Below is some of my list. What are some things your looking forward to do this month? -B

• Check out Gordie Harper's Bazaar in Lockport
• Attend the food truck rodeo at the Buffalo History Museum
• Take a historical boat tour down by Canalside
• Visit Chautauqua Lake for the day
• Visit Bennett Beach
• Explore Lewiston, NY
• Visit Code Blu Juice Bar in Allentown
• Start planning my next big event for Just a Blonde in Buffalo

Buffalove in Canton Ohio!

Bills Pride. That's how I feel about this past weekend's Hall of Fame ceremonies. With Andre Reed and his teammates visiting Canton, Ohio this weekend I think if people didn't get how passionate Buffalo Bills fans are, they got it after this weekend. I loved the cheers, standing ovations and chants that you could see and hear on TV. I can only imagine what it was like in person. This weekend has just prepped me for training camp next week and for football season to finally be here. Go Bills! -B

Its hard for me to say which part of the induction ceremony was my favorite, but I will say these are the three of my favorite quotes from last night.

"12 plus 83 always equals 6" - Andre Reed and Jim Kelly

"Kelly Tough might be one thing, but the mental part and the toughness comes from the people around you." - Jim Kelly

"Where would you rather be than right here, right now." - Andre Reed

{ Photo courtesy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame }

Friday Favorites!

I can't believe it's already August 1st! I'm looking forward to a weekend where I can go exploring, relax and just focus a little bit on me. I hope everyone has a great one!-B

{ Love the #ShareaCoke campaign and the personalized cans }

{ My friend Sandra's Ladies Only Wine Night is always a great time. }

{ I'm very picky when it comes to pictures I take, but I love this one that Jeff from JK Media & Photography captured a couple weeks ago. }

{ Football is back this weekend and I can't wait for the Hall of Fame Ceremonies that are taking place in Canton Ohio. I remember going when Thurman was inducted in 2006 and it was awesome, so I can only imagine what it will be like for Andre! #GoBills }

Thursday's Thought of the Day

#BuffaloLinks

Opened in 2014 this pub is upscale and offers wine and beer from the Hamburg Brewing Company. A new place in Blasdell that I want to check out, Black Iron Bystro

I haven't been to Chautauqua Lake since I was a little kid. I remember going for hikes, fishing and just strolling through town visiting the local shops. I'd love to pay a visit before the summer ends.

I follow this local Women's Boutique on Instagram {Shop Sarah Danielle} and with it being located so close to my work {Ellicott Square Building} I have them on my list of places to visit.

I missed out on this event last summer, but have made plans this weekend to pay a visit and see what its all about. Taking a look at their schedule it looks like its filled with a lot of fun things to do, especially for kids! Chalkfest Buffalo will take place on the 500 block of Main Street downtown and this year's theme is "Hats off to Dr. Seuss"

Bada Bing!

I never was a fan of the old Bada Bing located next door to Purple Monkey {that is no longer there}, but the other day I grabbed lunch with Lacey and the new restaurant/bar located down the street from their old location {42 West Chippewa} is pretty impressive. It was modern and clean, the food was good and the service was nice, making it a great spot to go for lunch if you work downtown. You get your food in a reasonable amount of time and there is an upstairs and outdoor patio area for seating as well. Not being a fan at one time, I must say I can't wait to go back, but this time for a happy hour.

-B

Friday Favorites!

This week is a pretty sad, but happy one as I say goodbye to two great friends. While I'm sad that they are leaving, I'm happy for the opportunities that came their way and am wishing them nothing, but great things in their future. While Buffalo is losing two amazing people, NY and DC are gaining two amazing people. Have a wonderful weekend. -B

{ This beautiful sunset at Artpark last week. Lewistion is so pretty, even when its pouring rain }

{ On my way to East Aurora and I spotted the Lloyds Taco Truck on the 400. #BuffaloFoodTrucks }

{ My friends are pretty amazing! I don't know how I got so lucky }

{ Coyote Café in Hamburg has some pretty good Pomegranate Martini's }

 { Cheektowaga Town Park was packed with people celebrating the Polish Festival this past weekend }

My thought for the day

#BuffaloLinks

Football season is so close! Buffalo Bills training camp started on Sunday and I can't wait to catch a practice at St. John Fisher in the next couple weeks! #GoBills

During the summer months M&T Bank hosts concerts in the plaza during the lunch hour. Its nice taking a walk on your lunch break to hear the music in the streets of Main St. downtown.

A new bar/restaurant opening soon in East Aurora, NY. I can't wait to check them out! 189 Public House  

For those looking to do a fun activity, check out the Clay Hands Pottery in Clarence, NY.

#ArtparkWed

I don't make my way to Lewiston that often, but this past week my friend Lauren and I caught the Sara Bareilles concert for their Coors Light Wednesday concert series. You can't go wrong, for general admission, tickets were $11 and you we got to see a pretty talented artist. Artpark is such a pretty place, for those who love nature, music and being outdoors I suggest taking the pretty drive up to Niagara county and spending a day exploring and seeing what its all about.

-B

{ Sheltering ourselves from the rain }

{ Coors Light Wednesdays #cheers }

{ The pretty rainbow on our way home }

Fun festivals and fetes in town

This past week has been full of fun festivals and lawn fetes in Western New York; Canal Fest, Italian Fest, Queen of Heaven Lawn Fete and my favorite one, the Polish Festival. What are some of your favorite things to do at a festival or lawn fete? Some of my favorite things to do are: hit up the beer tent {duh! that's a given}, walk around and see what activities are going on; for example at the Polish Fest I love watching the people who polka on the stage, at the Italian Fest I love the bocce tournaments that take place and at lawn fetes I love hearing the live bands play. There is still more summer left and more festivals and fetes to attend! What are some of the ones you are looking forward to attending?

-B

Some Upcoming Festivals:

Garden Walk: July 26 & 27

Eden Corn Fest: July 31, August 1, 2, 3

Chalk Fest: August 2 & 3

Lewiston Jazz Festival: August 22

Erie County Fair: August 6 -17

Elmwood Art Festival: August 23 & 24

Scottish Festival: August 16

Annunciation Lawn Fete: August 15, 16, 17

14 Holy Helpers Lawn Fete: August 22, 23, 24

Friday Favorites!

This week started off not on the greatest of notes, but it ended with me feeling very thankful and grateful for the opportunities and experiences I've had. Enjoy the weekend! -B

{ Two of the greatest gals I am so lucky to have in my life, thank you ladies for always helping me out! }

{ JT you are welcome back to Buffalo all the time }

{ I won a bet, just goes to show you if you put your mind to something anything is possible. In this case, throwing a shower curtain onto a wine bottle on the 3rd try }

{ One of the biggest accomplishments in my life, I am so thankful for this award }

#BuffaloLinks

Calling all wine lovers! Bases Merloted is this Saturday at the ballpark and proceeds benefit Shakespeare in Delaware Park!

For those who want to make a difference and help plan for the future in our region, join in the conversation at one of the presentations. Click here

I'm so excited for Ooo La La Boutique to be a part of this event on Friday night. Get your tickets in advance and support some great causes! Color the Runway

Hands down one of my favorite events of the summer is next Wednesday, the Buffalo Zoo's, Wines in the Wild. Katie Jordan does an amazing job and if you're attending you won't be disappointed!