Shop Local

{Picture -MuseJar November 2015 Just a Blonde in Buffalo blog post}

As we enter the Holiday time, its one of my favorite times to shop local. While I am a big fan of shopping local during the year, I especially like this time of year - seeing the storefronts decorated differently and all the people out on the streets walking from shop to shop. I also love all the pop up shop collaborations that take place this time of year. Having a variety of businesses all under one place makes it convenient, especially as we get closer to Christmas. There are a variety that take place in the upcoming weeks and I'll be sure to feature them on my blog in the next week.

Today however is Small Business Saturday, a perfect day to hit up local businesses and see what they have to offer. Not only are there local stores on Elmwood, Hertel, Main St. in East Aurora and Williamsville, but there are also local businesses with online shops. I find Etsy.com is a great place to look if you are one who prefers to stay indoors. Whatever it is, happy shopping and supporting local businesses in your community!

-B  

Hey There November!

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

We are on the 2nd day of November and before you know it we will be hearing the Christmas tunes on the radio {insanely early} and it will be Thanksgiving. This month my focus is mostly on moving into my new home, but with that I have been following some local home décor/furniture shops that I am looking forward to checking out. Below are the few businesses I've been following, along with some other exciting things taking place around town this month that I hope I can try to attend.

-B

• Ro Home Shop
• Patricia's Back Barn
• Room Buffalo

Fun events taking place this month:

• Grain Elevator Illumination - Nov. 4th
• Buffalo Without Borders - Nov. 5th
• Liquor and Letterpress at WNY Book Art Center - Nov. 7th

{Women & Children's Hospital photo}

• A fun event taking place at the Buffalo Niagara Marriott for the little girls on November 8th

{Buffalo Zoo photo}

• Alex and Ani on Main St. in Williamsville is hosting an event on Monday Nov. 9th to benefit the Buffalo Zoo.

• Providence Social Happy Hour with the Buffalo Zoo - Thursday, Nov. 19th {more info to come on this}
• Small Business Saturday - shop and support local on November 28th

Friday Favorites!

Thanksgiving has come and gone and I hope all of you had a wonderful Holiday. Now we approach the craziness of Black Friday, the awesomeness {is that a word?} of Small Business Saturday and enjoying another Bills win {hopefully} on Sunday. Have a great one, make it count! -B

{Brunch at Betty's {on Virginia St.} this past week, I recommend the Bloody Mary's}

{Going through South Buffalo on South Park this past week}

{Nothing beats homemade food, especially apple pie}

{Support local businesses, shop local on Small Business Saturday and through the Holiday season, {Main St. East Aurora}}

{A mini bar display full of beverages at Taste in East Aurora, NY}

#BuffaloLinks

The Richardson Olmstead Complex, a Buffalo architectural staple is being transformed from a building that used to help the mentally ill, to a hotel and conference center playing a key role in the revitalization of Buffalo. For more information on the project head to their website.

The longest running race in the United States is back at it this Thursday celebrating 119 years. The YMCA Turkey Trot is sold out {no surprise there!}, but you can still head downtown and cheer on race participants Thursday morning.

Well we all know that the Holidays are right around the corner and what better way to support your local businesses, than by shopping local on Small Business Saturday. Head out to the Elmwood Village, Hertel Ave., Orchard Park, South Buffalo or Main St in Williamsville or East Aurora.

The World's Largest Disco is back this Saturday at the Convention Center and the event is sold out again! While I've never been to this event, I hear great things from family and friends that have attended.

Buffalo has a lot of big events this week. If you're attending any of them have a great time!

NOVEMBER

We've reached November, a month that includes voting, remembering our Veterans and being thankful for all the blessings in our life. The end of the month also marks the start of the holiday season. This month is extra special as my family will be welcoming an addition to our family.

This month some of the things I'm looking forward to are; Bubblefest with my niece at the Science Museum, The Compass House Dinner at Salvatore's, working on new projects for the Buffalo City Swim Racers, Macy's Believe Campaign for Make a Wish, visiting Dog E Style and HandleBar for happy hour, Small Business Saturday and spending quality time with the people I love.

What are some of the things on your "to-do" list for this month? Make sure to take time for yourself, live life to the fullest and remember to do at least one thing every day that makes you happy because you're only given one life. If you dream it, you can do it.

-B