#digiPlaySpace

If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen my Insta story last night on the newest exhibit to come to the Buffalo Museum of Science, digiPlaySpace. Open to the public beginning tomorrow {11/18/17}  digiPlaySpace is made for both kids and adults and is so.much.fun!!

The exhibit produced by TIFF {Toronto International Film Festival} is an interactive playground for everyone. Guests of the museum can explore new media technologies, get hands on with the 14 interactive digital installations and the Buffalo Museum of Science is only the third museum in the U.S. to host this exhibit.

If you're looking for something to take the kids to over the Holiday break or looking for a fun date night or just something to get you out of the house, I highly recommend checking digiPlaySpace out. It's on exhibit until April 22, 2018. 

A special thank you to the Tweet Team, Visit Buffalo Niagara and the Science Museum for inviting me to the preview night!

#travelBUF

-B 

Women Who Move Buffalo - Finishing Touches by Caitlin Krumm

{photo on Finishing Touches by Caitlin Krumm facebook page}

It was about a year and a half ago when I met Caitlin Krumm {now Mrs. Ring}, I met Caitlin through a mutual friend and helped organize her wedding, it was at that time that I was introduced to Caitlin's talent of art, but what I didn't know was that she has been an artist for a while. Back in 2007 she began creating pieces for fun, but always had a passion for it and in college took every art class she could.

She participated in the Elmwood Arts Festival for a number of years and built a customer base, she then began her Trendy Buffalo prints {I love them!} that started off as 4 originals and now she has up to 24. From there she participated in solo shows in pop up locations and created pieces for her clients. Fast forward to today and Caitlin is gearing up to open Finishing Touches by Caitlin Krumm, a pop up space inside the beautiful Ellicott Square Building that provides a purpose.

The concept is pretty simple, its to get art in the public eye, including her Trendy Buffalo prints, but also provide accessory basics such as scarfs, scented candles, wine tags and home decor items to complete your look for both your outfit and your home. And everything is $45 and under so you are getting a quality item for an affordable price.

When I asked Caitlin what her favorite piece of work is and why, she mentioned her Trendy Buffalo pieces. The reason why? They are fun to create. What I admire about Caitlin is her persistence and will to not give up. When she explained to me she will put in a full days work to create multiple pieces on top of working her full time job and still having personal time, it is quite impressive. Caitlin is genuinely a beautiful person inside and out, she has a huge heart and puts a ton of her passion into everything she does.

When I asked her my classic "What do you love about Buffalo?" question, her response -  I love Buffalo because of the people and the interaction and response I receive from my work. What she hopes people get out of her new venture at Finishing Touches is exposing people to her art by having it be part art gallery, part boutique, but also provide a convenience to those who are looking for unique pieces.

Store hours will be Wednesday's 11:30-7pm Thursday's and Friday's 11:30-3:30pm and available by appointment. There is a soft opening this coming Friday {11/17} from 4-7:30 pm.

To follow along, follow Caitlin's social media pages ---> Facebook Instagram

Thank you Caitlin for sharing your talent with WNY. xo

-B 

Kitchen Remodel - Post # 2 - Painting Kitchen Cabinets

{part of the mess, my anxiety was so high}

Well this past weekend I took on the project of painting my kitchen cabinets. I went into this scared shitless because all that went thru my head was if I screw this up what am I going to do {haha}, needless to say I moved forward.

{it continued..}

I probably didn't do this the professional way { I know I didn't do it the professional way, I did it the "Beth" way} and I certainly didn't paint the cabinets the way my Mother would have {her response when she walked into my house Saturday afternoon was "oh my, I would have done it ..."}. I tried taking off all the doors, but some of the screws were in so tight that I didn't have the strength to take they down so I improvised {this is where a handyman would have come in play, but that's ok}.

While the color of the cabinets looks more blue to me than light grey, I'm happy with the way the turned out. My kitchen looks a lot brighter and "fresher." I'm still getting used to the new look, but I'm overall happy with the way they turned out.

Next on the list, a new floor. I'm hoping to have that done in the next few weeks if possible.

{this is right before I hit my head on the ceiling like 10 times}

Because I'm trying to do as much of this on my own to save costs, stick to a budget and for some silly reason, to prove to myself that a single female who is living on her own can handle a project like this {it's all about empowerment and telling myself I can do this} I've been trying to cut costs as much as possible. So far for the paint, paint brushes, primer and sand paper my total costs have come to around $70.

{after photos}

{ I painted the bottom half of this wall a navy blue, which I am in love with!! I have an idea for an art mural sort of project for the top portion, but before I commit to that idea, I'm going to keep it like this for right now}

Until the next task is complete... if you have any advice on flooring send them my way!

-B 

November 2017 - Harlie's Adventures

Its been a long time since I posted about Harlie and what she's been up to. I can't believe she will be turning two in just seven short weeks.

Since this summer, Harlie has definitely grown into what I'd like to call a confident, spunky pup, who even when around other dogs sticks to herself most of the time and loves to explore.

{exploring with friends}

{one of her favorite places is Knox Farms.. btw how cute is my friend Jen's daughter Aila!}

While Harlie has made leaps and bounds since I got her, she still jumps and gets really excited when people come over, so that's a work in progress. I'm hoping as she gets older that will get out of her system.

Since her last update, she is no longer crated {I am so happy about that, I think she is too!}, she loves walks more and more, she cuddles right up against you no matter where you are, she sun bathes, if there is sunshine, she's basking in it. And she continues to destroy her toys, even the toughest and most durable, she finds a way to tear them a part and put holes in them.

{its a tough life}

Each day my love for her is stronger and stronger, even when she pushes me to the side when my brother and Dad are around. ;)

Until the next adventure, xo

Harlie & B

{she loves this alligator}

BuffBOXes

{one of my favorites}

Passion is defined as a strong and barely controllable emotion. Joy is defined as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. When you combined these two feelings what you get is indescribable. Why am I bringing this up? Because just the other day I was lucky enough to meet with two Western New Yorkers who exude this with their new hobby. Heidie and Adam Buffomante recently started BuffBOXes which is a combination of unique items put together that create a beautiful, simple and functional style.

{Adam and Heidie - the masterminds behind BuffBOXes}

BuffBOXes launched a few weeks ago as a passion project. Heidie has always loved styling her home and pairing things together so her and Adam decided to team up and make this an experience that they enjoy together. They visit locally owned stores {I love that!!} for items as well as department stores {to keep costs down} making it a truly unique gift to give someone.

When I asked what some of their favorite local stores were they had a solid list - Modern Nostalgia, Scout & Cedar, Bkindcity, Mintberry, Molly & Kate, and Tattered Tulip. After adventuring out to stores for a day and building relationships with business owners, they come home and start the pairing process. One may think they would be exhausted after a full day out and about, but Heidie says she's eager to dive into the creative process!

When I asked the couple my classic question of what they love about Western New York they said the people. They shared how genuine, fun and committed the new people they have met are and the great pride they have in Buffalo. Heidie also mentioned you get to see how dynamic everyone is too, like the deep missions they have to build up our city.

There are two things that stood out for me when I spoke with Heidie and Adam, the first is how passionate and happy this project makes them. I have met a number of people through this blog and I can say Heidie is humbled that people put trust in her and Adam to create something special for them. The other thing that stood out is how much Adam loves Heidie and seeing her smile as she creates the BuffBOXes. When I asked what they love most about this, Adam said he enjoys seeing how happy it makes her.

BuffBOXes price points range anywhere from $20-$65 depending on the box. Each buffBOX is created with love and includes items that evoke joy and comfort. Follow them on Instagram to stay up to date @buffboxes and @buffalove_heidie to see the hustle. Also, know they do custom buffBOXes as well.

To Adam and Heidie - thank you for opening up your home to me and sharing your story, but more importantly thank you for sharing your passion and joy you have in each buffBOX that you create.

xo

-B

It's About Taking Care Of Yourself

I've been feeling more stressed and defeated lately than normal, so when my friends over at gifts.com reached out to me about their 92 Self Care Ideas, it was perfect timing. With our busy lives, it can be SO easy to forget to do little nice things for ourselves and it can even sometimes feel selfish! With work, family and friends it's hard to prioritize making some time for you. It feels like something we can easily put off, even though we shouldn't. There are tons of different ways to treat yourself, you can sort the ideas based on whether you need mental, social, physical, emotional, and practical self care so you can really personalize your self care day.

Check it out!

Kitchen Remodel - Post #1 - Wallpaper removal

I'm entering the third year in my house and I have wanted to redo my kitchen for a while so I finally decided to start this remodel today. If you're a homeowner you know there are always projects for you to work on {unless you're a millionaire and purchased your dream home, but I'm not there yet, so I have to keep dreaming} and the kitchen is probably one of the biggest remodels you can do to your home.

First up was taking down wallpaper above my kitchen sink and cabinets {wallpaper is the worst, the WORST}. A few hours later and the first project is complete. Next up on my list is to sand, prime and paint the cabinets...

{kitchen before pictures}

Because its easy to just call a contractor or hire someone to do these things for you, I'm determined to do as much as I possibly can myself. They say challenging yourself is a good thing, so I'm going to challenge myself to get through these next few weeks as I tackle each project one by one.

If you have any tips or suggestions please pass them along my way! And follow along on my Instagram {@bybuffalob} and FB accounts as I tackle these projects.

-B 

A New Indoor Cycling Studio Opens This Weekend

Working out can be to some, a pain, so its important to not get bored with your workout and to have fun. That's why I'm excited to share with you a new indoor cycling studio who is opening their doors this coming weekend! Rebel Ride at 6449 Transit Road in East Amherst is the newest indoor cycling and strength studio to come in town and people are going to love it!

The studio is like no other, every instructor was trained by top instructors in the NYC and L.A. areas, the room is set a comfortable temperature of 68 degrees, complementary towels and post class snacks, such as a coffee and tea bar add to your experience.

They feature two signature rides – a Rhythm Ride that includes awesome beats and choreographed moves and a Performance Ride that uses metrics to measure the effectiveness of your workout. The bikes are clip in only which offers a completely different ride, you feel sore in different places. If you don't have spin shoes no sweat - Rebel Ride offers rental shoes for $2, your first pair is free {you're first ride is also free!}.

Rebel Ride welcomes private parties, charity rides and much more. Take advantage of their pre-opening discount package thru October 29! Click here to check it out.

Fresh, Feel Good Food from Groundwork Market Garden, an Urban Farm on Buffalo's East side

Last week I headed to the east side of Buffalo to meet with Mayda, head farmer and one half of the mastermind behind Groundwork Market Garden. It all started in 2014 when Mayda and partner Anders bought the 2 1/2 acre land at 1698 Genesee Street in Buffalo. Since then they have turned the space into an urban farm. It started with testing soil samples and making sure the soil they were using to grow their produce on was the safest it could possibly be. Fast forward to 2016 and they started to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables organically, using no harmful chemicals, but rather planting and weeding all of their crops by hand.

So what do Mayda and Anders get out of having  an urban farm? They get the satisfaction from the work itself, they enjoy putting fresh, good for you food on people's tables and making a difference in the community. When I asked Mayda what her favorite thing in Buffalo was, she stated she loves that people are receptive of us, they always are willing to help and the community shows that by supporting and putting in an effort to always help out.

At Groundwork Market Garden they grow over 70 different varieties of fruits and vegetables in accordance with the seasons. While the 2017 Farm Shares are sold out for the season, if you would like to be notified when shares become available for next season you can fill out the form on their website {here} and you will be entered on their contact list.

What is a Farm Share? Its where members pay an upfront cost, allowing farmers to purchase the seeds and other materials for the growing season. Each week the member will then receive fresh produce from the field, directly from the farmer. This past seasons program ran for 20 weeks {June thru October}.

Looking to learn more about Groundwork Market or get involved? Down the road they hope to build their volunteer base to get more people in the community involved and continue to have more farmer to consumer interaction. In the meantime the gals over at Love in Motion are hosting a donation based yoga class this coming Friday {10/13} with proceeds going to Groundwork Market. For more info on the Feel Good Friday click here

You can also follow Groundwork Market Garden on the FB and Instagram {@gwmgbflo} to stay up to date on all the progress they are making.

I'll leave you with my opinion here - growing up on the east side of the city I must say it was nice seeing what was once an empty piece of land be used for something positive. To be able to provide fresh goods to the local community and have a positive impact on an area in the city that is perceived as maybe not one of the best neighborhoods around, is uplifting and Mayda and Anders are doing an amazing job. I can only hope that those in the community continue to support and spread the word on the great things these two are doing not only for the east side, but for the whole WNY area.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Perry's Ice Cream - New Ice Cream Flavor "Let's Dough Buffalo!"

Going to the Sabres game today? Celebrate with Perry's Ice Cream as they unveil their new ice cream flavor, Let's Dough Buffalo! Free samples will be given out on the 100 level of the arena. Let's Dough Buffalo! is a combination of cookie dough ice cream with cookie swirls and cookie dough pieces. Let me tell you it is DELICIOUS! That's not all, with every purchase of Let's Dough Buffalo! Perry's will donate a "Buffalo Nickel" to the Buffalo Sabres Foundation, supporting local community organizations.

You can purchase Let's Dough Buffalo! at the Keybank Center or any local Tops Friendly Markets, Wegmans, 7-11 or Dash's Market.

Kid tested and approved!

Join me Saturday, September 30th for Buffalo's Best Pierogi Contest!

Join me this Saturday, September 30th at Corpus Christi Church for their Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival. I'll be a guest judge for the 10th annual Buffalo's Best Pierogi Contest at 4 pm. Admission is $1 or 3 non perishable food items. The event will have food, drink, a themed basket raffle and polka music by Special Delivery from 6-10pm!

Women Who Move Buffalo - The Gals from Love in Motion Yoga

It's been a while since I've posted about my women who move Buffalo series, not because I haven't met some pretty cool people recently, but just because life has gotten in the way. Anyways...last year I was introduced to Kate and Kathleen from Love in Motion Yoga  they started teaching free yoga classes at the Outer Harbor on Wednesday's and Saturday's. Jump to today and what I'll say is you really never know how things will go when you meet new people, sometimes your relationship can be pretty minimal and other times it can grow into something wonderful and that's what I say happened with us. Since then, we've collaborated more, laughed more and they've taught me to just live my life.

{the studio}

On Saturday morning before their busy day full of classes they were kind enough to invite me into to their studio to share their story. Check it out below...

{during our interview - a candid shot of behind the scenes work at LIM}

BP:  How did you two meet?

K&K: Kathleen was in the training process to become a yoga instructor and attended Kate's first yoga class she was teaching in 2008 and the rest is history!

BP: What made you gals want to go into business together?

K&K: It's been 5- 6 years in the making, we've talked about going into business together and knew that was both of our end goals and visions.

BP: How did you both get into the yoga scene?

K&K: Kate: I'm a runner and wanted to stretch {I wish I recorded Kate's response, it is a lot better than just reading it here.} Kathleen: my sister suggested me taking it up after a phone conversation I had with her.

BP: What do you love most about owning your own business?

K&K: We can do whatever we want.  Any idea or vision we have, if we want to make it happen or just go out and do it, we can. The way we can show up in the community and be apart of something great, is a great feeling.

BP: What is your most memorable experience together?

K&K: {through the laughter} the  time we got pulled over at the Canadian border on our way to teaching a retreat. We had a full cooler full of raw food and they stopped us thinking we were smuggling things in.

BP: What do you love about Buffalo? If you had to chose one thing what would it be?

K&K: The community and the collaboration among small businesses. Collaboration is good for everyone and there is a bigger sense of working together here than if you were in another city.

BP: What is one thing you want people to take away from LIM?

K&K: The sense of coming like you are. Yoga can be fun and there are no expectations, no putting on an act. Its about getting connected and tapping into your body. Its about enjoying the practice, "it's chill."

{nothing but smiles at LIM}

One thing I can say is once you meet Kate and Kath your life will change for the better. They bring out the best in people, they do so much for others in the community and always treat everyone with respect and love. They want everyone to be able to practice so if you are financially in a pinch, give them a call and talk to them.

Like I mentioned above, these ladies do so much for the WNY community. Just this week alone they are doing a feel good series at the Buffalo Zoo to raise funds for animal enrichment and Pause in the Park at Roswell Park. And on Oct. 8th check out LIM looonnggg flow w/Kath.  For a complete list of upcoming events and workshops click here.

I'll leave you all with this.. "there are some people in life that make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger, and live just a little bit better." Kate and Kath do that for me and I can bet money they probably do that for others in this community as well. Thank you ladies for reminding us all to be the best version of ourselves each day.

-B 

{a little advice from the LIM instagram account}

No fancy title here, just my thoughts as of recent

 

{Photo by Seek Axiom}

Life is a crazy thing and its scary. As I sit here and type away at the key board I have so many thoughts and feelings going through my head and I don't know how or what is really going to come out or if it will even make any sense. I don't know how people who read this will take it, but at the same time its thoughts that I think a lot of people often ignore because they don't like to deal with things head on. Life is tough, its not always sunshine and rainbows, its hard and sad and while you can sit here and act like life is great and post only what you want people in the world to see, you can only mask things for a certain time and then they resurface.

You see even the toughest people who are strong, independent and smart go through shit and sometimes they need someone to lean on, someone to take care of them. You can have a great job, have an amazing family and amazing friends and still feel like something's missing. You can feel this way and its not because you aren't appreciative of what you have in your life, but because you feel like you have to be the one to always keep your shit together. The one who is always the bigger person, the person who will fix everything, make everything better and let people treat you bad and say "it's okay" because you want to do the right thing and just be a good friend, a good person. But in reality that's not okay. Its not okay because you only have one life, you don't always have a second chance and you aren't guaranteed anything except this moment you are living right now so you have to make it worth it.

SO what is the point of all of this stuff I just wrote, I don't know, maybe its me just wanting to let anyone know that if you're going through a tough time and trying to figure out your life, know its okay, you don't have to have all of the answers, you don't need to always feel like superman or superwoman. You just have to live, do the things that make you happy and say whats on your mind and how you feel. Why? because everyone deserves to be happy and be loved. Everyone needs to know its okay to cry and its okay to be sad. Its okay to be vulnerable sometimes because being vulnerable means being uncomfortable. When we put ourselves out there we often wonder if we will get criticized or feel hurt, but because of this we are courageous for opening up and allowing ourselves experiences that we need in order to bring a purpose to our life.

Lastly, we need to love because love is the most important thing you can do as a person and its also the most risky thing you can do. Love is powerful and uncertain and loving someone leaves you to being emotionally exposed. It's scary, but we're open to being hurt because we can't imagine our lives not being loved or loving others and all of this is vulnerable and risky at the same time, but we allow it.

Its funny how over the last year I've learned so much about myself, but know there is so much more to learn.  I don't think anyone would ever say they like to feel stressed or anxious, sad and defeated, but at the same time I am a very strong believer in things happening for a reason. Lessons being learned during some of your most difficult and stressful times. Its during these times that you learn more, you feel more, appreciate more and find the real meaning of your life, what your supposed to be doing. It's almost as though a light bulb goes off and everything clicks and you find those answers you've been looking for, sometimes it happens quickly and other times it may take a while, but it happens.

As I finish typing and debate in my head if I should really hit the publish button, I'm worried what people will think of this, but then I think of what a good friend told me recently and sometimes you just need 20 seconds of insane courage and then its done. So here's to that 20 seconds...

Just know you have a purpose in this crazy world we live in and each day when we wake up its another opportunity for us to share our love with others. xo

-B

A trip to the Darwin Martin House

A few months ago I attended a private tour of the Darwin Martin House {thanks to Lindsay from Nickel City  Pretty for setting it up for the Buffalo Blogging Network.} Being from WNY I have been past this incredible complex multiple times, but had never been on a tour, something that had been on my "bucket list" for a while.

{the attention to detail is amazing}

Mary Roberts the Executive Director took us along for the hour tour and told us about the history, improvements made and some fun facts about Frank Lloyd Wright and the building. I could share a lot of the facts and information with you on here, but that's boring and I think you would get more joy out of actually attending a tour there in person. The complex is operated year round making it convenient for you to check it out!

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

A "thank you" to my work family as we say goodbye to summer

{the "original" Outer Harbor crew}

Its not the "official" end of summer yet, but with school starting back up and these cooler temperatures that have made there way thru to WNY its easy to say Fall is approaching. While we still have a number of events this next month, I must say this summer, especially this last couple of months have been a whirlwind. One thing I've learned is life happens, things change and there will always be problems and sometimes you may not be able to find a solution or answer to those problems, but you need to learn how to move on and be happy with yourself.

{always willing to help me out when it comes to important causes #BisonsFam}

Learning this lesson comes as a real challenge to me as I just want to please everyone whether it be in my professional or personal life, but eventually it will affect you and drive you crazy because you won't always have the answers or know why things are happening the way they are at those specific times. What I want anyone who may happen to read this post to get out of it is simple, changes take place in all different aspects of your life all the time, some times they are small changes, sometimes they are bigger changes and sometimes we may not know why the hell we are going thru them, but we have to accept them and learn to just live.

{fun times with the gals}

When you are in a career like mine you work very long hours and work becomes your second home. Your co-workers become your second family in a way; you fight together, laugh and cry together, but most importantly you have each others backs. When someone is down or needs help you are there to lift them back up and to let them know everything will be okay. If there is one thing I will stand by its that working together has a far greater reward than working by yourself - a lesson a lot of people could use in today's world.

{4th of July}

{Jack Craft Fair}

{Thunder at the Outer Harbor}

There are a lot of awesome things that took place this summer and it wouldn't haven been possible if we didn't work together. So to my work family at the Ballpark, Canalside and the Outer Harbor, thank you for having my back, making these summer months a very memorable one, picking me up and making me laugh when I've wanted to cry and reminding me that "I've got this" when I've second guessed myself. XO

-B

{the boys}

{2nd to last Bisons game of the season}

{Brunch fest}

{typical Brad :) }

Sunday Funday on the SS Columbia

My Dad and I won a private tour with cocktails on the SS Columbia back in January thru Explore Buffalo so earlier today we, along with my Mom, cousin Lisa and best gal pal and adventure buddy Lacey, met Liz McEaney {Executive Director} at Silo City {currently the SS Columbia's home} and she gave us an awesome tour!

{a little champagne to get this tour started}

The SS Columbia will eventually head back to the Hudson River, but for the next few years will be worked on here in Buffalo to make sure it can make the trip back. It has already gone through a $1.6 million hull restoration. With limited state funding a lot of money comes from private donors and people in the community for the rest of the repairs needed for the boat.

{the dining hall}

There have been multiple events, tours and community groups who have used the SS Columbia, if you're looking for a fun place to host a small, unique event you can as well. Visit their website to learn more.

{Liz showing us the ballroom the floor above this one was the beer garden, because of the repairs needed we couldn't go up to that floor, pretty cool to see}

The SS Columbia, is the oldest remaining excursion steamship in the United States and was designated as an historic landmark in 1992. It was in service for 89 years as an excursion steamship on a single run. "She" ferried from Detriot to Canada's Bois Blanc Island. To learn more of her history click here .

{selfies with my Dad}

Below are some more pictures from our tour and my short FB live video is here. 

{the engine room}

{my boo thang Lacey haha}

{the stairs to the engine and boiler room}

{classic group shot after the tour}

After the tour we popped into the silos by Marine A to snap some photos of the art. Below are a couple of those photos.

{gotta love my family}

I highly recommend the Silo City tours, there is so much going on down there, go out and experience it and have some fun!

xo

-B

My Morning With Seek Axiom and Bkindcity

This past weekend I got to send my Saturday morning with two friends who honestly bring out the best version of yourself. If you know me personally, you know I'm not a big fan of being in front of the camera- I prefer to be behind the scenes, but I wanted to do something different and just have some fun, so I asked Ryan from Seek Axiom to take some photos of me that I can use for my blog. Katie from Bkindcity joined us as well. Thank goodness she did because she fixed me up, provided some tunes for the day and told me what to do because I had no clue most of the time. We started the day at Tifft Nature Preserve. Ryan captured some really amazing photos and some fun candid ones too. Here are some of my favorites from this location.

We then headed up Fuhrmann Blvd. to Wilkeson Pointe {of course I had to get some shots at my work!} Here are a couple of my favorites from that location.

From the Outer Harbor we headed to "my roots" the east side of Buffalo. We visited the Broadway Market while they were having there BBQ & Brews event on the rooftop and we captured some of these shots below.

And then we ended at the corner of Fillmore and Broadway at the new Welcome mural that was created and completed a couple weeks ago.

One of the best things I got out of this day was not just pretty amazing photos, but it was the opportunity for me to be around new friends, to learn more about them and to just have fun and live life in every experience I get to have. Each experience we get to have shapes us into the person we are and right now in my life I want to seek more opportunities, so in the words of Seek Axiom "Seek everything you have yet to experience."

Thank you Ryan and Katie for a fun day full of laughs, I can't wait to do it again! - xo - 

-B 

Fly Over with Mercy Flight

A  Hero is defined as "a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities."

I met a couple heroes the other day when I was given the opportunity {a once in a lifetime opportunity} to learn more about the Mercy Flight organization. One of the only not-for-profit providers of air and ground medical transport services in the country {other agencies are for-profit or operated by hospitals}, Mercy Flight was started by Mr. Douglas H. Baker in 1981. An organization that receives funding from their supporters, individual contributions, corporate donations, community fundraisers, and community grants, Mercy Flight does incredible things. In the 35 years they have completed more than 25,000 missions and provide around the clock care servicing for Western New York, Northern PA and Canada.

{getting an inside look at one of the 5 helicopters}

While I was at Mercy Flight Tuesday {formerly the Flying Tigers restaurant} I met with Adam White, Chief Flight Paramedic and Haji Shareef, Pilot, both men are two truly amazing guys, who in the short time I met with them, I gained a lot of admiration for and have a ton of respect for. Adam told me about the history of the organization, his background and showed me around the facility. We then headed out to the helicopters and on the way we met Haji our Pilot, greeted with a hug, we were on our way! When we arrived Adam showed me the inside of the helicopter {it is fully equipped and looks similar to an ambulance}. We were then out the door and up in the sky. Buffalo you look beautiful from above. {You can check out my FB live video here to see the experience.}

Fun fact - Mercy Flight has 5 helicopters, all are twin engine aircraft's and can handle any call they receive.

In the time we were in the air - we flew over New Era Field, the waterfront, and downtown Buffalo, I even got to experience what it was like landing on the helipad at Buff Gen hospital. During the flight I chatted with Adam and Haji about what a day is like at Mercy Flight {no day is ever the same}. I also asked them both what they love about Buffalo, Haji's response - having his family here. Being in the Navy he said its nice to be around the people he loves, he also said the food. Adam's response - the people, the Buffalo community and the summers.

Mercy Flight is truly amazing I keep saying that, but it really is. To see and hear what they do, day in and day out is incredible and I have a high level of respect for all of the staff who work there. If you want to learn more about Mercy Flight check out their website  www.mercyflight.org and this video on you tube

Being able to do a fly over is great, but what I really want everyone to take away from this post is that Mercy Flight needs your help,  your donation allows for Mercy Flight to continue to offer medical care, from the air and ground, to those in WNY and beyond.

I'll leave you with this fact - Mercy Flight performs lifesaving care without regard to a patients’ insurance status or ability to pay. They save people's lives in the matter of minutes.

Thank you Kate, Adam and Haji for taking time out of your day to show me behind the scenes what you all do day in and day out.

-B 

IMG_7305 - quick few second video caught by Kate landing.

Exploring the Niagara Gorge

{down we go}

It has been a long time {at least it feels that way} since I've shared a post. Life and work have been insanely busy the last few weeks and I honestly haven't had time to really do anything. However these next couple weeks are somewhat manageable so I've decided to pack in as much of my summer bucket list and share my experiences with you as I can. Yesterday if you were in WNY you knew it was a GORGEOUS day to be outside, so I decided to finally make a trip to the Niagara Gorge, I have never been and finally made plans with my friend Amanda to check it out.

A short 35 minute drive and we were at the Whirlpool State Park and off we went on the the Devil's Hole and Whirlpool Rapids trails. Honestly it was so beautiful and peaceful, something I feel like I've needed for a while. Check out some of my pics below...

{my Sunday morning views}

After are hike we decided to grab some food, so Amanda took me to Nick's Place on Amherst St. in the Black Rock neighborhood {another place I've never been before}. It was so good and family owned {which I love even more!}.

{The Sophia Breakfast at Nick's Place}

Until next time...

-B

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