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.

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}

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 

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}

Yoga & Fitness Toy Drive event

Join us tomorrow night for a fun workout at Pettibones Grille. The cost is a gift card {value $10-$25} that will donated to pediatric patients at Carly's Club the following day. {Buffalo Bisons flyer}

Queen City Half Marathon

Tomorrow over 300 runners will be hitting the streets in Downtown Buffalo for the first Queen City Half Marathon. An all female race {making it the 50th all female race in the Country}. Outside of it being your typical race, what the message is behind the race is what matters...woman empowerment. Its about women supporting other women, working together and having fun while accomplishing that goal you have set forth for yourself.

I'm excited to see how the race is and the feedback that is received, its a pretty cool event, that I think will grow and be more and more successful with each year that passes. If you would like more information on the race you can go here.

Good luck to all the runners out there tomorrow!

-B

Fun at Buffalo's Outer Harbor - Architects of Air

Its Memorial Day weekend and with everyone thinking of their plans - BBQ's, yard work, etc. one fun thing to do is spend a few hours or the whole day at the Outer Harbor. It' opening weekend and there is much to do! Grab a bite to eat and drink at the Consumer Beverages "The Pointe" beer garden, rent kayaks from the Longboard Paddle Co. Water rentals aren't your thing? grab a bike from are bike rental stand and hit up the beautiful trails along the water.

Or stop by the Architects of Air - a luminarium that uses sunlight to create beautiful colors inside an inflatable exhibit. This traveling art piece has come from Nottingham, England and travels the world. It will be at Wilkeson Pointe thru Monday so if you have a morning, afternoon or evening free come check out all the new and exciting things taking place at the Outer Harbor!

-B

See a couple of my photos inside the luminarium below:

Sip n' Stretch

{Much deserved Mimosas after class}

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

It was a Sunday Funday for 60+ people who attended the Sip n' Stretch event with Stretch Pilates at Marcy Casino. A continental breakfast with Bloody Mary's and Mimosas followed the hour long pilates class. What was nice about the class was that each instructor took a part of it so you got a taste for each one. Hoping to be a regular event, it was $32 after service fees and included the class, brunch and two drink tickets. You also could help yourself to a coupon for a free half hour pilates session at Stretch Pilates Studio. For being the first one, there are some minor kinks to work out; the space was a little crowded, so if you didn't get there early enough you didn't get a good spot, but I think if 10 less tickets were sold, people would fit comfortably. For a Sunday during the winter, it was a nice activity to do indoors, if you missed out on this first one I encourage you to check out the next session they do!

-B

{Before and after class}

Exploring Chestnut Ridge Park

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

This past Sunday called for a coffee date with a friend who I haven't seen since the summer. Instead of sitting inside a coffee shop to catch up we grabbed the Cup of Joe to go and hit up Chestnut Ridge Park for a little hiking and exploring adventure. We started off in the main park area by the toboggans and then decided to find the "eternal flame" since neither one of us have seen it before.

We got to the park around 9:30 and were there for about an hour and a half, two hours. Small signs are placed on trees making it easy to follow on the trail and not get lost. Once we started heading back from seeing the flame, groups of people started to make their way through - justifying are decision to hit up the park early.

With this unseasonably warm weather we've been having I've been trying to take advantage of being outside every chance I can be. If the weather continues to be decent, my next stop is Devil's Hole in Niagara Falls, NY.

Until next time..

Happy National Park Service Birthday

In honor of the National Park Service Birthday today I thought I would share my post on Letchworth State Park, voted USA TODAY Readers' Choice Award for Best State Park in the United States in 2015!

A beautiful place to go in the summer is Letchworth State Park. I've only been once in the past couple of years and it's absolutely beautiful. If you love the outdoors and want a place to go for camping, hiking or to picnic this is a park to check out. Between the waterfalls, trails and kayaking there is so much to do.

-B

Be a Tourist in Your Own City

Part of my " Buffalove Sunday Funday" consisted of taking a spin class with Revolution Buffalo down at Canalside before heading over to Buffalo Riverworks to watch the boaters and kayakers on the water. It made for the perfect way to start your day. I haven't had the chance to take any of the exercise classes down at Canalside before Sunday. With a beautiful view of the water and boats it in some way makes you forget you're even working out and the time goes by fast. I really recommend you taking a class down there sometime.

{Rev Ride at Canalside}

At Riverworks they had the Jack Craft Fair taking place from 11-5pm. There were a lot of artist and craft vendors along with live music making it a great day to meet new local businesses and explore a new venue in your city. Sometimes a mini day trip in your own city can be fun and beneficial.

-B

{Part of the Sunday Funday was at Resurgence Brewery with a beer flight}

{Jack Craft Fair}

{Buffalo Riverworks}

The Happiest 5K

Last Saturday a group of us headed down to Canalside for the Color Run -"The Happiest 5k" and it was a pretty fun way to start our morning. People of all ages young to old wore white and were ready to dance and be blasted with colored cornstarch. Below are some of my pictures from the event.

{Pre-Run}

{Walking to the start line}

{Canalside}

{The Blue-Tiful Color Spot}

{Blurry because it was in a Ziploc baggy, but at the yellow spot there was post-its and the happy wall}

{Think Pink}

{Post Race}

{Thumbs up}

{With the Color Run Unicorn}

#BuffaloLinks :: Yoga Edition

Bikram Yoga in Williamsville- classes are offered for all different levels.

One of the best yoga retreats in Buffalo - HEAL BFLO - click here for more information.

Healing Waters in East Aurora - a nice peaceful place for yoga and meditation - a place to go to get a way from the "hustle and bustle" of the city.

Power Yoga Buffalo - not only do the they two locations {one on Main St. in Snyder, the other in the Elmwood Village}. They also put on a number of classes at Canalside and Bidwell during the summer months.

Yoga at the Gardens

{Pre-class}

One of the biggest things I need to learn is how to relax, so I've made it a mission to try and take yoga to help me find a way to just "chill out" from time to time. Last week I went to Yoga at the Gardens - at the Botanical Gardens. The class is led by Leanne from Crescent Moon Yoga . It was pretty full and a pretty unique atmosphere, that I personally think helped me find my "zen."

I have only taken one other yoga class before and it was hot yoga a couple years back, so I didn't know what to expect, but to my surprise I wasn't as lost as I thought I would be. I did however feel like I didn't get that intense workout in that I'm used to getting when I take other exercise classes. I think that is the toughest part for me to learn from this - that even though I may feel like I'm not doing anything I really am.

The class was $15 (or if you want to take the full 10 weeks its $100) OR if you have BCBS health insurance the class is free. Its from 5:30-6:45pm on Wednesday evenings. To learn more check out the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens site.

-B

{I sat next to this lemon and lime tree inside the gardens}

{New artwork displayed on the Gardens}

Buffalo Marathon

{Buffalo Marathon prep}

Sunday morning 7,500+ people took to the streets of Buffalo to run either 26.2 or 13.1 miles. The course took you through all parts of town and the community came out to show their support. People lined the streets to cheer for loved ones and complete strangers. This was my second half marathon and my first time doing the Buffalo Marathon and doing it by myself. It was an experience and words honestly can't describe how I feel. The support and encouragement from complete strangers and the beautiful scenery I ran through makes me love this city even more. To everyone involved in the race, thank you for creating an event that I will always remember.

-B

{Lined up and ready for the start}

{Post race}

{My number one fan - My Dad}

{Mission accomplished!}

Working On My Fitness

I wouldn't call myself a heath nut by any means, but over the last few years I have definitely been more in tune with fun workout studios and trying new things. Today I'm sharing a few of my favorite places I like to go to get a good workout in.

BikeorBar

Catalyst Fitness

Revolution Buffalo

I'm always looking to try new places so if you have any recommendations on places to check out or classes to take please share!

-B

Tuesdays are for Tap Lessons

One of my favorite childhood memories was going to dance class. I took dance at the Center for Dance Arts on Clinton St. in Buffalo. It was a small studio, but had a lot of energy come out of it. While the studio is no longer there, I will always remember the two sisters who ran it... Miss Dorothy and Miss Lorraine.

Miss Dorothy was the best, telling us to "let loose" and "shake it." When I first started dance classes I took tap, ballet and jazz, then I branched off and just did ballet and jazz. Some of my favorite childhood memories came from dance. I would love going to Buff State where the recitals were held every June. My Dad would always have flowers waiting for me after the recital and my brother would always wish he didn't have to go {lol}.

Its sad to see the studio not open anymore, but I'm thankful the memories I have.

-B

{A couple pictures of some of my dance costumes}

YOU Are Beautiful

You are beautiful. That was the theme this past Saturday at HEAL BFLO’s event. {H.E.A.L standing for - Health, Energy, Art and Love}. The yoga retreat and wellness event was much different than other health and wellness events that take place. It was more intimate – offering an all-day yoga retreat for those who wanted to participate and on the other side a vendor based event open to the public featuring local boutiques and businesses.

While I didn’t attend the yoga retreat {looking back I wish I did}, when I walked into the Foundry you immediately felt a calmness and community bond at the event. Over 30 vendors participated and the venue was packed with positive energy.

To learn more about HEAL BFLO and the ladies behind the event click here and here.

-B

Friday Favorites!

This week's favorite things are a recap of my favorite fitness places from this past week. Each one is unique and fun in their own way and makes me enjoy going there. Thanks to those of you who shared your favorite places with me and suggested new places I should try! Have a great weekend!

-B

{Revolution Buffalo}

{BikeorBar}

{Barre Centric}

{Catalyst Fitness}