USS Little Rock Commissioning

If you've been down by Canalside over the last week or so you may have noticed the USS Little Rock LCS 9 stationed at the dock. This coming weekend it will be commissioned right here in Buffalo. Some of you may have tickets for tours and others may have plans to just come down to see the festivities.  Regardless, the ship is a true beauty, very advanced in technology and one of a kind. 

Last week a handful of co-workers and myself took a tour of the ship and below {and above} are some of the pictures from that. Anyone that is taking a tour this weekend, I'm sure you will enjoy it very much.

-B

Fun Times at the Albright

Don't ask me any technical questions about art because I won't have the answer for you, but what I can tell you is that the newest exhibit at the Albright Knox, Out of Sight! Art of the Senses is pretty fun for any age.

{oh hello}

{I could have walked through these beads all afternoon}

Running from now until January 28, 2018 it is something I would suggest you put on your list of things to do over the holiday break. In my opinion you don't need to know a lot about art to be able to enjoy this exhibition. Below are photos from my trip there with my friend Kelsey and if you follow me on Instagram, check out my Insta- story.

B

{folding table & chairs}

{Without Beginning & Without End}

{the Carousel, yes me and Kelsey went on this!}

{Takashi Murakami}

{Mirrored Room}

Fishing in the Lower River

Brisk air and cooler temperatures made way for a new fishing experience for me yesterday up in Lewiston.  When Ryan from Brookdog Fishing Co. asked if I wanted to get back out on the water, I jumped at the chance and said of course! Not only was it fun this past summer when I went on an excursion with him, but I have never fished in cooler temperatures and honestly didn't know it was a thing to do until recent.

{out on the water}

There is something about just being on the water that makes you put things in perspective and clears your mind. Right off the bat we caught some steelhead and lake trout. What was the most exciting part of the trip, outside of sharing stories with Ryan and ease dropping on other boats conversations, was the fight of reeling in the fish when we caught them. The second favorite was holding the fish, I don't know why, but even when the fish fell out of my hands and I screamed like a little girl, it was fun.

Overall, its just a great experience and something different to do in the fall and winter time. Again, Ryan goes above and beyond providing all the amenities for the trip, including coffee and a mini space heater to warm your hands from time to time. I can't say enough positive things about this company, it is truly one of a kind and I'm already looking forward to the next trip. Thanks Ryan!

-B 

{rise and shine, its fishing time}

{holding the biggest fish I've ever caught}

{it was quite the experience}

{and I enjoyed every second of it!}

#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 

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}

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!

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 

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 

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.

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}

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}

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 

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}

Stemworks Craft Roastery in Lockport

Last week I attended the Buffalo Blogging Network's monthly meet up and it was held at Stemworks in Lockport. New to the area this quaint coffeehouse is located at 51 Canal Street. I brought my friend Ben {also known as the Voice of the Bisons} with me to the networking event. He is a coffee lover and I knew he would tell me his honest opinion. I love coffee to, but I don't know the science behind it with beans and pour overs, I just order, haha.

Anyways, he enjoyed his cup of joe and I enjoyed my ginger lemon tea. I definitely need to make it back there to explore. Stemworks is located right  by the Canals so you can literally grab a cup of coffee and walk around checking out what Lockport has to offer. Or if you prefer a place to just go and hangout, they have shelves of board games, making it a place to go if you're looking for a relaxed day or night out.

{mark where you've come from on this map}

My night was made not only because our monthly meet up was in a cool coffeehouse, but because I was surrounded by amazing and talented people who came together to talk about our blogs and ideas on how we can make them better. It was really a great night out.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Polar Bites Tonight!

Tonight the Buffalo Zoo along with the Pro Zoo Board will be hosting Polar Bites, the annual winter fundraiser for the Zoo. Tickets are still available at the door, so come sample some delicious foods from some of your favorite restaurants in town. See you there!