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}
With the first Bill's pre-season game this Saturday, I thought it was only fitting to post my day trip to Bills Training Camp yesterday with my friend Kelsey {a fellow Bills fan as well}. We headed out to the 10am practice and it was quite nice, not only were we rolling "VIP" with passes in the hospitality tent {thanks to our friend Nick}, but we were also able to snag some selfies with the players too.
Overall practice was HOT and fun to watch. Being at camp makes me want football season here. Only a few more weeks! In the meantime here is the schedule for the rest of training camp in case you want to head out to SJF.
{morning views from the hospitality tent}
Until next time!
-B
{Photos - Just a Blonde in Buffalo pics}
{let's practice}
{let's play some football}
{Cardale Jones}
{Jerry Hughes!}
{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}
{the Grove Juice Truck is by far one of my favorite food trucks in the area!}
{Flying kites and hanging out with some of the best local businesses on Sunday was a highlight from this past week}
{Yoga night success, a beautiful view of the diamond under the lights}
{unique and pretty cool artwork inside the silos from Silo City}
{I'm ready to work - inside a tour of Ralph Wilson Stadium this past week}
{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!}
It's the 30th of the month and the last day of my 30 favorite things around town post. Today, I'm talking about my job. When I made the jump from non-profit back to the for profit world I was very unsure if I would succeed or do as well as I did in the non-profit world. I realized though, you only get one shot sometimes and I didn't want to live my life thinking "what if." The decision of leaving non-profit and accepting a position with the Bisons is one that I am thankful for each day. In the almost two years of working there I have learned so much and have been given many opportunities that I may not have had if I didn't just let go and see what would happen. Sometimes its just takes you going outside of your comfort zone to see what you're really made of. Happy Monday!
-B
Up on the blog today, favorite thing # 5 that I love about WNY…the Buffalo Bills. That’s really not a surprise, but I’ve come to enjoy Sunday home games at the Ralph even more now because its father/daughter time with my Dad. While the games may not always be enjoyable to watch, having great company makes up for it. I'm looking forward to this coming season to see what the boys will do!
-B
This past Monday my friend, Annette and I took the day off and decided to make a day full of fun in Ellicottville. We knew we were going to grab brunch at Katy's before heading to Holiday Valley to try out the ski boards. As we got closer to the date, we decided on either doing cross country skiing or tubing to save a couple bucks {because I'm "living on a budget" more now a days}.
{I love these coffee mugs at Katy's}
When we arrived in Ellicottville it was a little later than planned {this was my fault because I arrived late to Annette's house}. Katy's only serves breakfast until noon {note to self if you plan on doing the same thing}. So we grabbed lunch which was pretty good {I had the Firecracker Panini and Annette had the Tannenbaum Panini} and then decided to go to tubing.
{Holiday Valley Tubing - Open Thursday thru Sunday}
We went down the street {because Holiday Valley tubing isn't located on the main resort that the skiing and snowboarding is on}. When we arrived, the parking lot was plowed, but no one {I mean NO ONE} was there. To our surprise they are closed Monday thru Wednesday. Yes, I say to our surprise because I assumed it was open the same hours as the main resort is {don't ever assume}. So we decided to head to the main lodge and get an adult beverage and then decide if we wanted to hit the slopes. When we arrived, the bar was closed {we literally laughed out loud at this point}. We then decided to just head back in to town and grab some drinks at EBC {Ellicottville Brewing Company}.
{Some of the slopes}
{The view was so pretty}
{Beer flights at EBC! I found some new beers I like beside my go to Blueberry Wheat}
While the day didn't go as we planned, we still made the best of it and had a fun day off { #itsjustfun - Holiday Valley's tagline}.
As much as I dislike and never really post anything negative about places I go on my blog, I am always honest with what I share and share my opinion, so here it goes... I love Holiday Valley, I think its a great place to go, but I do think that their website is a bit confusing and isn't as "straightforward" as it could be. I feel like it takes multiple clicks and pages to get to the information you are looking for.
I will also say, it seems {comparing to my last year's snowboarding experience} that weekends and nights are their busiest time, so instead of having coupons geared for more of the Canadian clientele or offering coupons for your peak hours, why not offer coupons or discounts for those "off peak" hours. There wasn't nearly as many people on a Monday afternoon as compared to a weekend.
I understand Holiday Valley is ranked in the top 10 for best resorts in the East, but for those people on a budget and not as experienced in skiing or snowboarding {like me}, it can be expensive and steer people away. While are plans for a adventure packed Monday didn't go as we had planned, we still made the best of it and have new memories we made.
Until next time.
-B
I've said it before, but Monday's are always better when the Buffalo Bills win! I know this past season I've shared my thoughts on games that happened earlier in the season, today is no different. Yesterday's game brought excitement, fun and some observations that I thought I would write about.
1. Half of the arguments or attempts to fight each other by fans come from girls starting trouble. Yes, I just said that. There is always that one {or two} girls that come to the game with a group of their friends or with their boyfriend and have enough drinks in them to act or say something that starts trouble. Which brings me to my second observation...
2. Nothing good comes when people drink to much! Don't get me wrong I love football and I love attending the games, but yesterday's first half took forever! And with that fans had more time to grab some more beers and make more "great" decisions.
3. We won! So why were people racing to pull out of the parking lots and cut people off? Don't get me wrong after every game there are always some people that drive not so great, but more than usual, yesterday brought out the worst in fans as they left the stadium by car.
I feel like you may think I'm a stick in the mud and being a little "negative Nancy," but these are my observations. I do enjoy the games... A LOT, I just think that people get lost in all the hype and build up that surrounds football games and they forget to act like responsible adults.
Until tomorrow...
-B
{My Dad and I on the field post Bills game}
My Dad and I have been going to Bills games for quite some time now, its nice "father/daughter time," so after this past Sunday's game we had the opportunity to head on the field. While I thought it wasn't going to be as exciting as pre-game passes would be, it was a lot of fun! The loss to Kansas City put a "little" damper on the day, but we made best of the situation and the experience. We got to take pictures, run around the field and throw the football around. The Bills staff were friendly, personable and fun which made it more enjoyable. It was definitely a memory that will stay with me through the years. Below are a few of the photos I captured.
Go Bills! And SQUISH THE FISH tonight!
-B
{Yes, I had to take a selfie on the field}
It started off with a huge celebration, the Pegula Family, introduced by Chris Berman on the big screens at the Ralph, chants, signs saying One Buffalo, Johnny Rzeznik performing the National Anthem to us looking pretty good in the beginning of the game. Then it happened, the horrible officiating started to take place {to the point where it looked like they didn't even know what penalties they were calling on}, to the horrible Brady who wouldn't even give a high five to the half time little league team playing on the field {really is a high five gonna hurt you Brady}, all to Gronkowski crying that he got "hurt."
With the lack of patience fans were having with the NFL Officials {I don't even know if I should call them that} the game day staff wasn't any better, we had event staff walk up and down are section at least 6 or 7 times before they decided to kick a fan out for being rude during almost the whole game. It really takes you that many times to decide whether or not this person should go?!? Oh and let me not forget to mention the lady who maybe watched a total of 10 minutes of the whole game. Instead she felt that getting food and drink and walking around aimlessly was the way to go. I think she would have been better off staying at her tailgate or hosting a party at her home, it probably would have saved her a few dollars.
I know I sound harsh, don't get me wrong I do enjoy {very much} going to the games with my Dad. And I must say I am lucky we sit next to some awesome people, but I feel the need to voice my opinion on what I observe each week. Yes, I know its an NFL game, but am I wrong to ask where people's common sense has gone. As fans we build up this "hype" that we have to do x, y and z and isn't the real reason we're all there to watch a football game?
Until next time! Go Bills!
-B
Bills game, National Anthem 10.12.14
{Click above to watch my video of the end of the National Anthem performed by Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls}
{I'm not the only one who thought the officiating was bad}
{Breast Cancer Survivors took the field during the end of the 3rd quarter}
{Follow me on Instagram for more photos I took from the game. My handle is bybuffalob}
As I'm writing this post I still have goosebumps from the Buffalo Bills win against the Detroit Lions. What a game! Every game is important to win, but A LOT was on the line for Buffalo. 1. This was the last game where the Buffalo Bills are owned by the Wilson family. 2. Winning this game keeps us first in line in the AFC. 3. Whenever there is a quarterback change as fans you always wonder how it will end...in our favor or not.
While play calling was iffy at times, the team came together till the very end to lead their fans in a nail bitter winning game. I can only imagine what Mary Wilson and the rest of the Wilson family were thinking as they watched on. Ralph Wilson has done so much for the Buffalo Community, not only by owning the Buffalo Bills, but by leaving billions of dollars to go to local charities in this community. He was a man that was smart, passionate, positive and influential. A role model. And I can only hope that others follow in his footsteps.
Sunday marked an end of the Wilson era, but their legacy will last forever in the hearts and minds of Bills fans everywhere.
Until next week! Go Bills!!!
-B
Buffalo Bills Fans - Just a Blonde in Buffalo
{ click above - I captured this video of fans at Bada Bing after we won the game. #Buffalove }
{ My NFL Style - Buffalo Bills, Just a Blonde in Buffalo }
{ My friend Lacey taking selfies post win, check out her blog #forty74 forty74.com }
{ The girls! Go Bills }
Monday's are always not that great, but they especially stink after a Bills loss. While there were some highlights to Sunday's game {specifically, Lee Evans leading the charge} there are some things I observed at the game and am now voicing my opinion on....brace yourself. Let me mention I've noticed these following things multiple times before.
1. Fans that wear jerseys of teams not playing { i.e; wearing a Patriots jersey to a Bills vs. Chargers game}. Don't get me wrong I'm all for fans showing their pride for the teams they like, but I've never understood why people do this.
2. The fans who constantly get up from their seats 20 million times {yes I'm exaggerating, sort of} during the game. The whole point of you being at the game is to watch and cheer on your team, not to go back and forth from your seat to the concourse.
3. The annoying and sometimes ignorant {yes I said it} fans who meet up with friends and squeeze multiple people into 3 seats and aren't considerate of others around them. I'm all for meeting up and saying hi to your friends, but never understood cramming a bunch of people all together. If you're going to the game together and don't want to be separated then get seats ALL TOGETHER! Yes, I understand based on availability that may not always be an option, but then plan to meet during certain times during the game somewhere.
4. I'm all about pride and cheering on your team, but when one or two plays don't go the way you want and fans start screaming ridiculous things, well to me it gets a little annoying. As a fan I want my team to get the big win just as much as you, but do people think screaming things that don't make sense out during a game will make it better?
Maybe I'm being to harsh or crazy, but those are my 4 pet peeves at a football games. What are some of your pet peeves?
Go Bills!
-B
{Photo taken from Buffalo Bills Instagram}
The past week has been great for the Buffalo Bills Organization and Community. A new owner {The Pegulas}, the team is 2-0 and Jim Kelly is cancer free. But yesterday was magical. The home opener not only celebrated Mr. Ralph C. Wilson's legacy, but reminded us all of what he did for this community.
Clips were shown before and throughout the game of players and coaches, past and present speaking of their memories of Mr. Wilson. Pre-game ceremonies also honored Mrs. Mary Wilson with the Wall of Fame Ring and the unveiling of his name forever in gold on the wall. He took a chance on Buffalo and will be missed by many, but forever cherished for a life well lived.
I'm lucky to be able to go to the games and cheer on the team at home, but the most important opportunity I have is that I get to spend time with my Father. In this day and age its hard to see and spend as much time as you want with the ones you love and I'm thankful and lucky that I can spend an entire Sunday with him throughout the football season.
Until next week, go Bills!
-B
The first home Buffalo Bills preseason game is taking place this Saturday at the Ralph. Last week Lauren and I went on our annual trip to training camp at St. John Fisher College. The day was perfect, nice weather, sno cones, photos and a little football. Camp is nice because you can purchase any Bills merchandise you may want before the season at the store on campus, they have a play area for kids to run around and participate in activities and you have the opportunity to interact and see the players on a much closer scale. Being at camp makes me look forward to the start of football season which is less than a month away! Go Bills!
There are still a few more practices you can catch. Check the schedule here.
-B
Bills Pride. That's how I feel about this past weekend's Hall of Fame ceremonies. With Andre Reed and his teammates visiting Canton, Ohio this weekend I think if people didn't get how passionate Buffalo Bills fans are, they got it after this weekend. I loved the cheers, standing ovations and chants that you could see and hear on TV. I can only imagine what it was like in person. This weekend has just prepped me for training camp next week and for football season to finally be here. Go Bills! -B
Its hard for me to say which part of the induction ceremony was my favorite, but I will say these are the three of my favorite quotes from last night.
"12 plus 83 always equals 6" - Andre Reed and Jim Kelly
"Kelly Tough might be one thing, but the mental part and the toughness comes from the people around you." - Jim Kelly
"Where would you rather be than right here, right now." - Andre Reed
{ Photo courtesy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame }
Sunday Canalside Buffalo held a viewing for the USA vs. Portugal game. The weather was beautiful, the scenery was great and the game was, well so-so. Its great to see a "little" life come back to downtown and what's even more better is to see all the activities starting to take shape down at canalside.
There were a lot of people who turned out to view the World Cup Soccer game on the big screens, the Cheesy Chick food truck and beverage tents were on hand as well. While I think the viewing screens could have been a little bigger it was nice they were allowing people to bring in their own food and drink, some brought the family down and had picnic's set up. Those people were smart because they didn't have to wait in long lines.
There was even what I am calling a "Buffalove" tent set-up for people to purchase Buffalo shirts and pictures. For putting the event together in just a couple days, the turnout was great and people not only showed their American pride in Red, White and Blue, but they showed their Buffalo pride too.
-B
Its finally here! Spring has arrived and the temperatures are starting to rise. Buffalo Bisons Baseball kicks off today! Make sure to come to a game {or two} this season. Check out the Bisons schedule, promotions and offers at bisons.com.
One of the more affordable places to enjoy a sporting event in town is at Coca-Cola Field.
-B
![Sports-Commission-logo-blue-gray1[1]](http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a1efc534c326d7b8e6b66eb/5a3303feafbeef1a438d4c53/5a33050fafbeef1a438d7aa3/1513293071475/Sports-Commission-logo-blue-gray11.gif?format=original){kind=logo}
I've had the pleasure of knowing today's Woman Who Moves Buffalo from a few years ago. Lindsay Carucci, is a talented, smart, outgoing person who moves Buffalo in the right direction everyday not only in her passion for the Buffalo area, but in her everyday career as the Sports Service Manager at the Buffalo Niagara Sports Commision. I only find it appropriate to share her story as the NCAA Tournaments begin in Buffalo tomorrow. Check out the interview below.
BP: How many times has Buffalo hosted an NCAA Tournament?
LC: This will be the 5th time Buffalo has hosted.
BP: What does it do for the local economy?
LC: It impacts local hotels, restaurants and attractions in so many ways. This creates new revenues, and allows the city to shine. Buffalo is known for welcoming visitors with open arms, and this translates to all local entities and their employees.
BP: How many teams will be in town for the tournament and how many people from out of town do you expect to visit the WNY area?
LC: There will be 8 teams in town, we expect about 12,000 visitors.
BP: Can people purchase tickets to attend a game or games?
LC: Tickets are for sale here: http://www.ncaa.com/final-four#!tickets_hospitality
BP: If people want to volunteer or be involved who can they contact?
LC: Me! Lindsay Carucci – sport services manager, Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission 716-218-2932, Carucci@buffalosportscommission.com
BP: A brief summary of your position and what you like best about it?
LC: Sport Services Manager – once an amateur sporting event chooses Buffalo as their venue, our office assists with finding somewhere to play, hotels to stay in, restaurants to eat in, and attractions to visit. We serve on Local Organizing committees for the events to help get the correct mediums involved to assure the event is a success, and they want to return to the area. We can solicit sponsorships, coordinate volunteers, and do whatever comes up to assure the sporting event is a success.
BP: What do you like best about Buffalo?
LC: Easily, it’s the people. Working with local entities and seeing how excited they are to have large scale (and small scale) events here, as well as seeing how they bend over backwards to make things happen is always a pleasant surprise. There is no question that we are a sports town. We have some pretty unique facilities that are willing to host events, and everyone understands the bigger picture when it comes to hosting these events and showcasing our city well. I love seeing a city come together, and seeing the pride that Buffalonians have for their city.
BP: Do you have a favorite business or place to go in town?
LC: I think my top two are SoHo Burger Bar and Osteria 166. Their owners always seem to go above and beyond for the city, and as a “local” gal, I always feel more than welcome in those restaurants.
BP: What is a favorite quote you may have?
LC: I like the quote on the sign in Dino BBQ that says “Help Build a Better Buffalo” because that’s what I try to do every day in whatever small ways I can.
BP: If you could be a part of one thing in Buffalo or create one thing in town what would it be?
LC: I like the progress that is being made at our water front, and I would like to play a larger role in developing that area, and allowing other folks to see what a beautiful space it is, and how much potential it has.
Here are the teams coming to town: Syracuse, Ohio State University, Villanova, St. Joseph’s University, Dayton, UCONN, Western Michigan, Milwaukee
If you'd like to keep up to date on the NCAA tournament and all that the Sports Commission is doing in Buffalo check out their website here. Follow them on twitter and facebook . And use the #buffhoops when tweeting this week!
If you'd like to volunteer at any of the NCAA games contact Lindsay at: 716-218-2932, Carucci@buffalosportscommission.com & if you need or would like tickets go here.
Thank you Lindsay for letting me share your story and for believing in Buffalo. xo
Photo courtesy of Visit Buffalo Niagara
-B
Queen City Roller Girls began in 2006 by two best friends who were inspired by the A&E series “Rollergirls.” Sissy Fit and Flotorious built the group from the ground up. Rainbow Rink in North Tonawanda was receptive to their efforts, allowing them to recruit at open skate and eventually hold private practices. Since the beginning, the mission of Queen City Roller Girls was to make a group where women can live out that alter ego, continue playing sports into adulthood (or discover the joys of training and competition for the first time) as well as make lasting friendships and improve the surrounding community.
Last week I had the opportunity to meet several strong, intelligent and athletic women from the Queen City Roller Girls. Head Huntress (from Suicidal Sauces and Lake Effect Furies), Ivana LeiHerOut (from Nickel City Knockouts and Lake Effect Furies), Blackrock Bruiser (from Devil Dollies and Lake Effect Furies), Brutali-Tease (from Devil Dollies), Bang GRRrang (from Alley Kats), Kryptonfite (from Alley Kats) and Toxic.
These women amaze me! Most of them joined or got involved after attending a game and seeing first hand what roller derby is all about. The Queen City Roller Girls is a full contact sport that women can play. Its mentally empowering, fun and encourages you to be yourself. There are no limitations and its a sport that offers women to express themselves. Their are over 150 members to date and anyone can join as long as you have health insurance.
Not only do these women volunteer their time, they also train multiple times (3-4 times) during the week, volunteer in the community, host fundraisers to try and cover the cost of their equipment and travel expenses because that is paid for out of pocket by themselves and all while going about a normal life -with full time jobs and families. Coaches and referees also volunteer their time as well.
People think this is "sensationalized" and not real, but its all to real! These women train hard and put in a lot of time and effort. When I sat down and met with this group I went in not knowing a lot about the sport of roller derby. I've heard of the Queen City Roller Girls, but had never attended a game, I didn't realize it was a volunteer commitment and didn't know they have a travel team, multiple home teams, a junior league and a queens court {ladies in waiting}. There is so much more to this sport than people know.
The best part is these women love this area, if they didn't they wouldn't put in all this effort. They love the culture in the area, the eclecticism and the weather. They also enjoy participating in events that encourage young women and boost their self esteem.
If you've never been to a bout before you can check them out this Saturday {February 22} at Rainbow Rink {101 Oliver St. North Tonawanda}. Enjoy food and beverages while you're there. For tickets click here.
For more information or to be a sponsor follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or their website.
{ I can't wait to attend their bout on April 5! }
"It was love at first skate"
-B
One thing I've wanted to do was learn to snowboard so over the weekend my friend Annette {a veteran snowboarder} and I went to Holiday Valley. I have never had any experience in any winter sports, the most I've ever done was gone tubing, so I was all sorts of emotions, anxious, nervous, scared, excited - you get the point. We started off making a pit stop at EBC {Ellicottville Brewing Company} to "warm" up - meaning have a drink or so in me, so I wasn't so tense.
{ The Blueberry beer is my favorite their }
Then it was onto the slopes. We arrived at Holiday Valley around 4pm and purchased the night time pass for $33. Then a friendly gentleman {employee} showed us to where we could get our rental equipment. We both got boots and boards for $26.
Next it was on to the lesson...
[video width="1280" height="720" wmv="http://justablondeinbuffalo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/snowboarding-video-2014.wmv"][/video]
After that short five minute lesson we stopped to take some photos {its all about the documentation} and then it was on to the bunny hill.
{All ready to go}
Once we got on the ski lift, {I don't know how Annette didn't push me off} I must have panted and rambled and almost cried the whole way up the slope, I was so scared { I don't like heights as it is so this was a huge step for me}. Once we got to the top I fell {LOL} off. The first time down it took about 45 minutes and then the second time it took around 30 minutes. I fell, but got back up and I did have some moments where I had the hang of it, it was just when I felt like I was going to fast or thought I would hit a tree that I plopped back down.
{ We took a photo break on our second time down the bunny hill }
{ Its a little blurry, but believe it or not that's me! }
{ Go Bills }
{ We took a drinking and eating break inside the lodge }
{ Live music from Jay Mcdonell }
After our little break I was ready to sit by the fire and relax, but Annette convinced me to try the big hill, so here we went out into the much lower temperatures and up the big slope. Once to the top - I chickened out {LOL} I was tired, it was a much longer way down and it was a lot colder, I took the ski lift back down where Annette {who snowboarded down} was waiting for me. While I went back into the lodge to warm up, the friendly gentleman who showed us to the rental equipment earlier in the day came up and asked how my first time riding was and also asked if I lost my friend.
The staff was very friendly and the fact that, that employee came up and asked how my first experience was, made it even better. Its because of that extra effort he made that will make me want to come back again. While I am no pro I was happy that I faced a fear and accomplished something on my bucket list, all while doing it with one of my closest friends by my side. It's definitely a memory I will always remember and I can't wait to get back on the slopes {after my butt heals from all the falling}. Oh and the other nice thing- I got multiple compliments on my Buffalo Bills hat! ;)
{ Me running off the ski lift }
{ Photo credit by Annette }
{The end}
[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="http://justablondeinbuffalo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/snowboarding-video.mp4"][/video]
Don't let fear stop you from trying new things, you only have one life, so make the most of it!
-B
...Called Buffalo
