St. Patrick's Day - the year of 32

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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

 

2016- the year of "me"

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Like most people we do a little {or a lot} of self reflecting this time of year. 2015 I said was a year of growth for me and if I have to sum up 2016 in one word I would say it was a year of "me."  What do I mean by that, well it was a year where I stood my ground, fought for things that were important for me and learned a lot about myself. I'm not saying prior to this past year I never stood up for myself, but this year more so than others I wasn't changing my tune just to make other people happy. Sometimes I think its a bad trait I have because I just want to make everyone around me happy and often times I'll push what I think or feel to the side and this year I focused on taking my feeling into consideration, first.

As I look ahead to 2017, I have a list of goals and wishes, probably to many to list here, but my hope is to continue to allow myself to breathe, to give myself breaks and not feel bad for doing so and to continue to share my "adventures" on my blog. There was a time this past year where I put my blog on the back burner because, well, life just got in the way. Whatever it is that you have set for yourself I wish everyone a very healthy and happy coming year.

See you in 2017...

-B 

Our Lady of Fatima Shrine

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Last week my sister, niece and nephew went to see the Festival of Lights at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston. I haven't been to the Shrine since I was a little girl so I was looking forward to seeing everything from an adults perspective. When we arrived we walked around a little before heading to the gift shop to warm up for a bit, they also have a cafeteria so if you want to grab a bite to eat with the family while you're there, that's an option. The Shrine is open to the public from 9-9 pm and the lights are on from 5-9 pm. The festival of lights runs thru January 6th and its free admission - making it a great place to visit this week if you're looking for something to do.

It was nice seeing all of the lights, remembering the memories I had as a kid and seeing my niece and nephew enjoy their time there.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{my niece in front of the Shrine}

{taking a selfie at the top of the Shrine}

"Let us be Thankful not only today but everyday"

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thankful There is a lot to be thankful for every single day, but today as we come together with family, friends, those who are special in our lives, we should celebrate all the goods things. Those things don't have to be materialistic, but are, our health, our ability to love one another, the laughs we can share and the opportunity to just have today to share with the important people in your life.

As I think about what I'm thankful for I realize I'm so incredibly lucky to have the family and friends that I have in my life, my career and the opportunities and people I've been able to meet as each day goes by.

Whatever it may be that you are thankful for, I hope everyone has a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

-B 

Valentine's Day

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tipico latte

{ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE}

The greatest gift we can ever have is the ability to be loved and give love back. It is something that has such an impactful meaning and feeling that everyone should be able to have that in their life. Whether it is love for your family and friends, your significant other or a hobby you enjoy. In todays society, Valentine's Day is so over commercialized with chocolates, flowers, jewelry and other random gifts that you are told you should get, but in reality, spending time with the person who is important to you, is all that really matters. While you can be one that buys gifts for someone special in your life, you can also give a gift of just spending time together. Whether it be going out to brunch or dinner or going to the theater, creating new memories is more valuable than any material gift you can receive.

On that note, here are 5 places you could spend your Valentines Day weekend:

Wild About You at the Buffalo Zoo

Brunch at Left Bank

Shop Crafts All You Need Is love event

A fun Starry Night Hike at Tifft Nature Preserve

Casablanca at the Screening Room

 

Celebrating 2016 in Buffalo

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IMG_7554 With Christmas over and 2016 just a few days away, you may be wondering how to ring in the New Year and Buffalo has plenty of options for you.

Whether you decide to check out a brewery like Resurgence,or Big Ditch or get dressed up for the Statler City Ice Ball or The Lodge's Black Diamond event there is something for everyone. If you're looking to take the kids to a fun and safe event, First Night at the Buffalo Convention Center is always a nice touch or head to Buffalo Riverworks for some ice skating, curling and a Champagne Toast at midnight. Just remember some of these places may require a ticket to enter the event and those prices may be raised with the New Year a couple days away. Check their websites or social media ahead of time for the most up to date information. And if you're not looking to venture out, some great times can happen when you host friends and family and ring in the New Year in the comfort of your own home.

Whatever it is that you decide to do, have a safe and happy time ringing in 2016.

-B

Just A Blonde in Buffalo {Fireworks Guide}

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fireworks With the 4th of July on Saturday I thought I would compose a list of places I like to go to watch fireworks. Most places have fireworks starting at dusk {9-9:30pm}. Where are some places you like to go to watch fireworks?

July 3rd: 

  • Coca Cola Field - if you're in the downtown area on Friday night - I'm sure you'll see these up in the sky
  • Woodlawn Beach in Hamburg
  • Niagara Falls Goat Island

July 4th:

  • Canalside - Fireworks by the water - what can be more better than that!
  • Cheektowaga Town Park
  • Ellicottville {Summer Fest}

 

 

Fathers Day Things to Do

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fathers day Father's Day is just around the corner and if you're like me, I prefer to spend the day with my Dad doing something he enjoys rather than buying him some gift that he will just put to the side. So, I thought I would compile a list of some things you could do and places you could go with your Dad.

Golf Courses:

  • Diamond Hawk (Cheektowaga)
  • Greenwood (Clarence)
  • Harris Hill (Bowmansville) - I just found out this is not open because they are building condos where the driving range used to be - so disappointing.
  • Delaware Park (Buffalo)

Brunch Spots:

  • Cecelia's
  • Providence Social
  • Trattoria Aroma
  • Elm Street Bakery

Other Activities:

  • Canalside - kayaking, water bikes, boat tours
  • Niagara Falls - Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds
  • Brewery Tours - with Craft Breweries being so popular - go on one of your own brewery tours - Flying Bison, Resurgence, Big Ditch, Rusty Nickel are just a few to check out!

-B

buf mar 1

 

Ringing in the New Year in Western New York #BuffaloLinks

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If you're still looking for something to do for New Year's Eve, there are plenty of options to choose from around town. Below are just a few {more of the popular events} taking place. Whatever you choose to do, have fun, be smart and don't drink and drive.

-B

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For those who want to enjoy some music, food, and a guitar drop, ring in the new year in Niagara Falls, NY by the Hard Rock Café, for more info click here.

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Perfect for the whole family, check out First Night Buffalo's drug and alcohol free event at the Buffalo Convention Center.

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For those looking for a fancier way to celebrate the new year, there are still spots open for Statler City's Ice Ball.

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And for those who want to go out, but go the more casual route, check out the free shuttle taking people around Hamburg, thanks to the Hamburg Brewing Company!

Tick-Tock Let's Try To Beat That Clock

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last minute holiday shopping Its Christmas Eve and before the holiday gatherings take place later today there will still be some last minute shoppers making the trip out to malls, local boutiques and grocery stores today. Their are those who haven't started at all and those who need to pick up small, here and there gifts. Whatever the case may be, below is a guide for some places that are open today to help you get those last minute gifts you still need!

-B

MALLS:

  • Walden Galleria {Cheektowaga} - 8am - 5pm
  • Niagara Falls Outlet Malls {Niagara Falls, NY} - 10am - 6pm
  • McKinley Mall {Blasdell} - 8am - 5pm
  • Boulevard Mall {Amherst} - 7am - 5pm

Department Stores:

  • Target {store hours may vary by location} - 7am - 10pm
  • Kohls {store hours may vary by location} - 12am - 6pm
  • Kmart {store hours may vary by location} - 12am - 10pm

Local Clothing Boutiques and Businesses in the Elmwood Village, Hertel Ave., Main St. in Williamsville and East Aurora:

  • From what I found it looks like most stores in these areas will be open from 10am - 4pm today.

 

Holiday Cocktails with Slim Lizzy's

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slim lizzy's holiday cocktails  

Can you believe Christmas Eve is one week from today and New Year's Eve is only 14 days away!  And with that comes the preparations, the gatherings at loved ones homes, the parties and so on. One question everyone will ask is what you'd like to drink and my friends over at Slim Lizzy's have some of the perfect holiday cocktail recipes for you to enjoy!

Below are two signature drinks that you can use in the upcoming weeks to treat yourself and your girlfriends!

SlimLizzys_Recipe_13

Cranberry Holiday Mint Cosmo

  • 4 oz. Slim Lizzy’s Cosmo
  • 2 oz. Cranberry juice Muddled mint
  • Shake Slim Lizzy’s Cosmo and cranberry juice together with muddled mint
  • Strain over ice
  • Garnish with mint leaf and cranberries

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{Photo's courtesy of Slim Lizzy's}

Cosmo in a Pear Tree

  • 4 oz. Slim Lizzy’s Cosmo
  • 2 oz. Pear Vodka
  • 1 oz. Grenadine
  • 1 oz. Ginger ale
  • Shake together Slim Lizzy’s Cosmo, Pear Vodka and Grenadine
  • Top with ginger ale and garnish with a cherry

{Each cocktail is under 200 calories and can be found at Tops or NOCO stores in Western New York.}

Slim Lizzy's is a slim social cocktail for women. New to the area, Slim Lizzy's can be found in the pre-select areas of the Northeast, Buffalo is one of those lucky markets! Offering two delicious flavors, the Margarita and Cosmopolitan, each are only 80 calories {making it perfect for us ladies who enjoy a couple cocktails, but not the calories that come with having them}. Slim Lizzy's is malt-free and gluten-free.

So what are you waiting for? Try Slim Lizzy's out and enjoy your Holidays! Cheers!

-B