My Newest Adventure With Brookdog Fishing Co.

{our ride for the evening}

I don't know if this happens to anyone else, but sometimes you meet people and instantly become inspired by them and their story. That's what happened to me a couple of weeks ago when I went on a fishing trip with Ryan Shea from Brookdog Fishing Co.

{water views}

A trip that was planned for February, but mother nature had other plans took place in June. I met Ryan at the Sheridan Boat Launch and was really excited for this. I have only fished one other time and I really don't consider it fishing. It was when I was in junior high and it was on a family vacation to Chautauqua Lake, I hooked my Mom's knee and that was it, so yea I don't consider that real fishing.

{the bait}

{Ryan hooking the bait for me}

Anyways, as soon as I met Ryan I loved his down to earth personality and the passion he has for what he does. Going on a fishing charter I had no idea what to expect, all I knew is that I was looking forward to this new adventure. When we left the boat launch we were off to see a different side of Buffalo I wasn't familiar with and it was a great experience.

{we caught some fish!}

Ryan started Brookdog Fishing Co. in June of 2016. He was introduced to fishing by his Grandfather and continued his passion with close friend Nate. While we were on the water we fished, a lot {it was the most fishing I've done my whole life} and I learned a lot. Not only about the type of fish that are in the water, but also learned about anglers, how to cast, what the difference is between fly fishing and regular fishing and much more. I even caught my first fish ever which was pretty cool!

{just fishing}

Not only is Ryan knowledgeable on the waterways, the fish habitat and Western New York, but he also is very hospitable. He preps for every charter he has, and offers guests breakfast on morning charters, light snacks and refreshments on day and evening charters. He also teaches those {like me} who have no fishing experience and provides all of the equipment for a day on the water.

Brookdog Fishing is a year round company that offers one of a kind charters. So whether you are a Western New York Native or visiting from out of town, if you're looking for something fun and different to do this is an activity I highly recommend.

{definitely on the top of my list for awesome things I've done in my life}

I can't say enough great things about my experience and there is not enough thank you's to send to Ryan for taking the time out to share his story with me and to teach me something new. I can't wait to get back out there! Thank you!

-B 

Handwritten Notes

photo attribute: https://www.berries.com/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/sharisberries/

Did you know that the average person only receives 6 handwritten notes a year? Call me old school, but I love {love!} receiving and sending handwritten letters in the mail. There is something that is more personal and more meaningful to a handwritten note than an email or a text message in my opinion.

The great people at Shari's Berries reached out to me to tell me about their "Open When Letters." They have created over 280 open when letters that range from when you want to laugh to when you need to escape and everything in between. This is great for those people {like me} who like to send notes and want to add something special to it. They also have printable templates that you can use too.

If you're like me and you like to send a note, definitely check out Shari's Berries collection - click this link to see some photos from their Flickr account.

Happy writing!

-B 

BNBA Brewers Festival

This coming Saturday is the 4th Annual BNBA Brewer's Festival at the Outer Harbor {Wilkeson Pointe}.  Tickets are still available and its sure to be a fun time by the water. For more details click here.

Angelica Tea Room

I've been following the Angelica Tea Room on Instagram for the past couple of months and I finally made a stop in to check it out a few weeks ago and then again on Friday for happy hour.

It is one of my favorite spots to go to in Buffalo. I love the decor, the atmosphere, the staff and the drinks - everything there just puts me in a good mood. I highly suggest paying a visit when you can.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Harlie Girl

{the real queen of the house}

Its been a while since I posted an update on my best friend little Miss Harlie girl. Harlie is now about a year and a half old and she is has gained a personality that is truly one of a kind. When she wants something she makes you know, when I have a busy work week she lets me know she isn't happy with me and when she's tired she nestles up next to me.

I'm looking forward to these warmer months when I can get her out of the house and take her on long walks to new places. Each day is a new adventure with her and with that my love for her grows stronger. It really is true, a dog is your best friend she knows when I'm sad and when I'm happy and she knows how to cheer me up. Below are some pictures of her over the last few weeks. Once of the best things as of recent is the ability for me to take her to work with me. Not only do I love it, but I think she enjoys all the attention from my co-workers.

Until next time.

-B 

A Special Shout out...

 

As we enter the weekend, I want to send a special shout out to two coworkers who have become good friends of mine. Not only do they make my work day more enjoyable, but they are really good people who I am lucky to call my friends. So Kelsey and Brad, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope your birthday's are filled with lots of laughs, love and fun memories.

-Beth

Hound Fresh

If you're a dog owner some of you may have a dog that has allergies. Dealing with something like this, can cause a lot of stress not only on you and your pet, but the time you take to go to the vet, the money you spend to find the right dog food, etc. can all equal up to a stressful situation. Margaret from Hound Fresh is all to familiar with this and has gone through what you may be going through. She is a dog owner to Conrad who has allergies.

So she decided to look into cooking food with the right nutrients at home and opened her own business. You can find her selling her homemade dog food that is made fresh every Monday and delivered to her clients that afternoon and to Animal Outfitters on Elmwood Ave. and Seneca Street. During the winter months she is at Horsefeathers Market. She uses the freshest nutrients and does custom orders {pre- portioned for the size of your dog}. The food lasts for one {1} week and you as the owner of your beloved pooch know where everything is coming from.

Some upcoming events that Margaret will be at are: Bark in the Park in Clarence, Bark Bash at Knox Farms, Kenmore Dog Days of Summer, K9 Connection Art of Adoption and Wine and Wags at the SPCA

A little bit about Margaret - she was born in Buffalo and moved back 3 years ago. She recently left her "full time job" to pursue Hound Fresh full time. She said its the hardest but most rewarding thing she's done. I ask everyone I interview what they love about Buffalo, well because I'm curious their answer{s} to the question. Margaret's response was the people and the great community {the sense of community in this area}, their is always something to do and the food of course!

If you have a dog with a food allergy and you're looking to something to try, contact Margaret, you and your pet will be thankful you did! Thank you Margaret for meeting with me and sharing your story!

-B 

Meet a Cow? Ok!

{Albert the super cow and me}

You may have seen those ads on the NFTA buses around town saying Meet a Cow, We'll Pay You $5. Well me and Kelsey saw it so we thought we would go meet a cow - {its for the blog annnd I needed an adventure}. Last week Sunday we went to Asha Sanctuary in Newfane {we drove past it a couple times} and learned not only about Albert the super cow and his story, but learned about what Asha Sanctuary {Asha meaning life and hope} is all about from Tracy Murphy {Founder and President of the Sanctuary}  - rescuing and educating the public about farm animal suffering and abuse.  While I've been to a farm before and meet farm animals, it was worthwhile to know more about the abuse some farm animals go through and learn what we can do from a community standpoint. At the end of the tour you are given $5 for attending, if you donate that $5 back to the Sanctuary, a private donor matches the gift. Asha Sanctuary has a lot of upcoming events, make sure to look them up on Facebook to learn more.

Below are pictures of our experience.

-B 

{just a blonde in buffalo photos}

{Asha Sanctuary}

{Kelsey watching a virtual reality video on how animals are treated on some farms - this video is optional to watch}

{Nick the pig - he loves the ladies}

{oh hey - we're at meet a cow}

{Tracy the sheep - she loved me}

{and I loved her}

{I love animals}

{and I think they love me}

A takeaway from Poland

{classic side of the road shot}

It's been about a month since I left for my trip to Poland with Agnes and Sean and I can't help but think a lot about that trip since I've been back. There is no doubt in my mind that we as adults appreciate opportunities and things we can do in our life much more as we get older.

{the streets of Poznan}

{Cathedral Island in Poznan}

{Wroclaw at night}

Being in Poland has not only taught me a lot more about part of my Polish culture that I wasn't familiar with before, but it has also showed me how much I take for granted. I don't think I am a snob and I am not one to not be appreciative of the blessings I have in my life, but after reflecting from time to time over the last 2 weeks, I've begun to think of the opportunities I've had, that I've taken for granted, simple things such as my job, my education, my family and friends. I stress so much {especially lately} because I just want to do a good job and make everyone happy, but what I've  learned is you just have to leave some things alone sometimes.

{Wroclaw Poland}

{Wroclaw City Center}

{Wroclaw on our last night in Poland}

Stressing over stuff that is out of your control is pointless {I know that, but its easier said than done for some people} and if there is one "life lesson" I'm trying to take away from my trip, it is that. While I wish I could travel every single month, I know that's not realistic, so when I can't wander the world or even my hometown, I have pictures and memories that I can go back to, especially to help me during times like these when I ask myself if I'm doing the best I can. As I approach this "new" work week and our first big event at the Outer Harbor for the 2017 season, I'm hoping to keep this lesson in the back of my head so I can enjoy more and stress less.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Bu

Let them LOL Running Water 5k

I recently started to get involved with Let them LOL a local organization who is helping provide clean water and education to children in Sierra Leone, Africa. One week from today they are hosting there Running Water 5k run or 1 mile walk in Clarence Town Park. Join me there and run for a wonderful cause. We as Americans take so many things, daily things, for granted, lets help those in need one drop at a time.

-B

{earlier last week my coworkers/friends and I helped package meals for children in Sierra Leone. 3,000+ meals and two hours later we felt pretty good knowing we were able to help, even if it was just a little bit}

"Coach's Gym"

{26 Shirts photo above}

I have featured 26 Shirts on my blog before and now I'm back to help promote Vol. 4 Shirt 13 "Coach's Gym" to raise money and awareness for Pennies for Penelope at Golisano Children's Hospital in Rochester, NY. There are only 8 days left before the shirt is gone on May 7. Help raise money and look good while doing so! To purchase a shirt you can go here: http://www.26shirts.com/buffalo-vol-4-shirt-13-coach-s-gym.html

Happy Dyngus Day!!

The weather is supposed to be beautiful and what better way to celebrate a Monday - than to drink some Tyskie and Zywiec beer and listen to polka music in the historic Polonia district in Buffalo, where Paderewski Drive will be bustling with people later today. It's been a couple years since I've celebrated this day, but I'm looking forward to showing some of my co-workers what Dyngus Day is about and meeting up with some of my friends that I haven't seen in a while. For more info on maps, places to go, etc. check out dyngusday.com for all the info.

-B 

Poland

{ Agnes, Sean and I in Wroclaw, Poland - City Center on our last full day in the Country}

It's currently 11 pm in Poland and I'm sitting in my hotel room writing this post. Tomorrow I'm headed back to the states after what has been an amazing experience to a Country I have never visited before. It has been a few years since I've traveled internationally {outside of Canada} and I must say it comes at a time in my life when I needed it.

I needed to get away and focus on me, take a break from the same old norm that sucks me in and focus on my love for learning about different cultures and my family heritage. This trip has so, so many memories, from Polish sayings, to family and Detectives in Action tv, to Hector the Lion and "good nuts" {an inside joke between Agnes, Sean and I}. I'm looking forward to sharing some of my stories on my site over the next week or two, but until I do that I want to just encourage anyone and everyone to take a step back and realize that there is more to this life than the four walls you are consistently surrounded around.

"Of all of the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport..."

See you back in USA,

-B

Happy Opening Day Buffalo!!

Happy Opening Day Buffalo!!! Even though I'm not there to celebrate opening day in Buffalo, I'm reppin' my spirit in Poland. Its a great time to come down to Coca-Cola Field and celebrate everything the Buffalo Bisons Organization is doing this spring and summer.  Make sure to celebrate with us as we celebrate this wonderful season.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Where Buffalo Roams...

I will not lie one of my favorite places to take Harlie is Knox Farm, but recently I have to say its nice to take her to the Outer Harbor. Not only are the water views beautiful, having the bike path to walk up and down is really nice. If you are looking for a place to walk your dogs definitely check out the Outer Harbor - Wilkeson Pointe is a nice place to stop and check out while you're there too, you and your dog will enjoy it.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Lash Bar Buffalo

A couple weeks ago I had an appointment at Lash Bar Buffalo in East Aurora. I don't wear a lot of makeup as it is so my morning routine is pretty simple, but I have gotten tired of putting on mascara every. single. day, especially because my lashes are so light so I wanted something that looked like I had makeup on, but really didn't. Because of this I decided to get some eyelash extensions and I absolutely love them. I set-up an appointment with Katie and got the "natural look" - the full set took about an hour and a half which was a nice amount of time to just chat away or to relax. There is very minimal upkeep and I literally walk out the door and go in the morning which is nice to do some days, especially when I'm on vacation. If you're looking to check them out make sure to book an appointment soon because they do fill up very quickly.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Packing for Poland

If you know me, you know I love to travel, but the one thing I absolutely dislike is packing. I am not good at it, nor have I ever been, I always over pack and put it off until the last minute. Normally I wouldn't mind packing a couple more pairs of shoes or an extra purse, but because I am headed over to Europe tomorrow I want to only bring what is essential and won't take up space. I started on Sunday and still have some last minute things to throw in my suitcase, but I think after a few days of going back and forth, I finally feel comfortable.

{the beginning - clothes all over the place}

{almost done}

I will say if they have professional packers I may consider hiring one the next time I go on vacation.

do widzenia

-B

Roost Buffalo

Nicole and I hit up a new restaurant on Niagara Street this past Thursday. Roost located on the street level of the Crescendo building is A-M-A-Z-ing! Offering great shareable plates and a huge bar this place is on our high list of places to return to. The beautiful decor and our waiter Tanner helped win us over too. If you haven't been definitely try it out, maybe check out their Saturday Brunch!

-B 

{our wine, garden salad & asparagus with bacon}

{fig pizza}

{birthday dessert}

{part of the bar area}

{fitting piece of art}

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

St. Patrick's Day - the year of 32

St. Patrick's Day, - March, 17, 2017. Today I turn 32. As I've done the past two years, I reflect on the year and what I've accomplished, what I've failed at and where I want to go in the future. 31 was a great year, I was given an amazing work opportunity that not only challenges me, but also showed me that hard work really does pay off, you just can't give up. I still have a long way to go, but I'm headed in the right direction.

31 also taught me a lot about who I want in my life and who I don't. I've learned a lot about relationships - with my family, with my friends, with my co-workers. Some of it not so pretty and some of it great, but at the end of the day its something that I had to learn and go through. 31 was also the year I lost my cousin Nathan who touched my life in such a tremendous way with his positive and courageous attitude. Losing Nathan was one of the worst moments of this past year. I still struggle with his passing and keep my feelings about it bottled up, it just shows me life just isn't fair sometimes.

So what's in store for 32 - who the heck knows!  What I do know is that I want to be more present, I want to take in as much as I possibly can and learn as many new things as I can. I don't want to be fearful in certain situations and when I am I want to take that leap of faith. Each day is truly an opportunity to be the best you can and to enjoy each moment with those you love and care about.

One thing Nathan taught me and that I will carry with me, is everyone is going through something, it can always be worse. So on those days that I feel like everything is going wrong and falling a part, I want to take a step back and put things in perspective. As I enter this year of "32" I look forward to what it brings, the good and the bad.

Happy St Patrick's Day!

-B

My Shop Luck Pals

{my friends}

What better way to enjoy a Friday fish fry than with people you enjoy being around. Last Friday my co-workers/friends joined me at Wiechec's for their "famous" fish fry. We got there just in time and didn't have to wait no more than maybe 5 minutes for a table of 7. The service was quick and the food was good. Everyone enjoyed their meals and it was another lunch where we shared stories and laughed a lot. As I write this, it makes me very thankful to be able to go into work everyday and call the people in the picture above my friends. To my "shop luck" pals thank you, for being you and for putting up with my craziness every. single. day! xoxo

-B 

{Wiechec's fish fry}