January Activities

For the new year I have decided to break things down a little bit- let's face it there are a lot of things I put down on my "to-do" list to accomplish, so to be realistic I thought I would break it down into activities for me to accomplish each month. If I get to do more great, if not, I will be happy with accomplishing the things I have down for each month.

So this month I have put together winter activities I would like to accomplish {if the weather cooperates with me}.

First up - Rotary Rink - I've only been ice skating a couple of times and by no means am I good at it, but I would like to check out the downtown ice rink and get in on the winter fun that everyone has down there.

On deck is Colden Tubing and Kissing Bridge - I remember going to the Thruway Mall {a long time ago} when I was a kid and sledding down the snowy hills in the parking lot. As I've gotten older I've had the chance to go tubing in Colden, I'd love to here from you - what other places are good to go for sledding and tubing? I'd love to try and hit the slopes or lets be real the bunny hill and try to learn to ski too!

Third on the list is to check out the Burchfield Penney Art Center - I have yet to check this place out and I have driven past it multiple times since its been open.

Finally, on the January list of activities I was told about Horsefeathers winter market on the west side -  vendors of all kinds line up and sell fruits, jams and more on Saturday mornings.

What winter activities do you like to do?

-B

Festival of Lights

In its 9th year the Festival of Lights has grown into a winter activity that anyone can go to and enjoy. While they are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5-9pm to drive through and see over 1,000 Christmas lights along with hosting activities in a variety of the buildings, the Festival staff have opened up the grounds on Wednesdays and for $5 you and a group of people can walk or even snow shoe through the grounds and enjoy the lights - you can even stop at one of the fire pits they have on hand to warm up.

Last night we saw husky's on a dog sled running around (it was like we were in Alaska) ok not really, but it was still pretty cool to watch. Overall it was a nice night to take a walk and check out all the different characters done up in lights and it was at an affordable price.

-B

#BuffaloLinks

1. Saturday the Buffalo Bills will host a " Day Out with Santa" at the Adams Mark Hotel. Enjoy games, petting zoo, pictures with Santa and more.

2. Friday and Saturday enjoy a Holiday Celebration down at the Canalside with a tree lighting, Santa arriving on sleigh and activities for the kids in heated tents. Food trucks and Liberty Hound will also be around selling food during the event.

3. Kuni*s on Lexington is a cute seafood restaurant that I attended last week. If you're looking for an intimate or cute and cozy place to have dinner check them out.

4. I'm looking forward to next Monday when the Social Media Club will be host to Taco Vino IV

{Holiday Activities, Gifts and Ideas}

We are full swing in the Holiday season and while we try to pack in every little thing over these last couple weeks below are some ideas, activities and crafts you may benefit from.

Instead of buying every single person something how about going out for a nice dinner or going ice skating at Rotary Rink or skiing at Holiday Valley or Kissing Bridge. Doing activities with the ones you care about are more important than purchasing a gift that they may not need or want.

Hosting a holiday party? Looking for a cheap and creative centerpiece idea? Or ways to decorate without spending a fortune? How about filling a jar with fruit and/or candies - it provides color, it's festive and if you want it can be a take home gift for your guests too! Or take those extra ornaments that aren't hanging on the tree and fill a vase or jar with them and display them on bookcases, coffee tables or anywhere you have the space.

#BuffaloLinks

 

1. In the Spring of 2014 downtown Buffalo will be seeing a new upscale seafood restaurant on E. Huron St. called Oshun Seafood Restaurant. Offering an new place for people to gravitate to, I for one am looking forward to them opening!

2. Research and Design is an awesome retail store located in Orchard Park. While the building is in the shape of a barn, this place is amazing inside, from the wood features to the art and clothing they carry, its one of my favorite locally owned shops in town.

3. The Fairgrounds are currently hosting their annual Festival of Lights. Hours of operation are 5-9pm during select days. This makes a great holiday activity especially for little ones who like looking at the Christmas Lights. New this year are Walk Around Wednesdays where you can lace up your show, bundle up and walk the nearly two miles and enjoy the lighting display. Check their website to see when they are open.

4. Beakers and Beers is an event that the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus offers to employees and the public. Enjoy a neat networking experience for free.

5. One of my favorite events of all time is the Catwalk for Charity that Ryan Miller hosts for the Steadfast Foundation. Taking place at one of my favorite venues the Town Ballroom, this year the theme is Cirque du Sabres and I'm looking forward to attending.

A place that has it all

A couple weeks ago I went on a wine tour with friends and we made a stop at one of my favorite spots that has it all ... Becker Farms. Offering wine tasting at Vizcarra Vineyards, a tasteful amount of brews at Becker Brewing, a shop that offers jams, fudge, baked goods, fruits, vegetables all while surrounded by beautiful scenery, it makes it a place to visit all year round - not just during the fall season.

Becker Farms is also known to be a great spot for those looking for a wedding venue or event space. They also offer activities such as; a concord stomp, hayrides and school tours. A place that offers a lot of variety.

Have you been? Do you like? Don't like? Let me know in the comments section below.

-B

{ A couple good apples }

Buffalo Links

This week is full of fun events. Take a look:

1. Saturday Night is Roswell Park Cancer Institute's All Star Night Gala. For more info on this event click here

2. For those who love fashion - Saturday Night Ooo La La Boutique is hosting there annual Local Designer Fashion Show - more info can be found here

3. What better place to celebrate Halloween than at the Witches Ball at the Lafayette Hotel on Thursday night

4. Wednesday the Lafayette Hotel is host to the wonderful Cocktails in Character event to benefit Literacy New York-Buffalo Niagara - Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite book character

5. With the holidays quickly approaching us more people tend to participate in charitable giving - an organization I have been a part of for a long time now and is near and dear to me, is the Make-A-Wish Foundation - take a look at the wonderful things they do here

Buffalo Links

 

With us approaching the last weekend in October, there are a lot of hayrides, corn mazes, haunted fortresses and other Halloween themed activities taking place this weekend and throughout the week.

Here are a list of some links to check out for you Halloween lovers:

1. A great place to go if you love wine - Tappo Restaurant offers bottles for $15 - how can you beat that.

2. 4. and 6. Going on a Hallowine Tour this weekend? Check out one of my favorite wineries on the Niagara Trails - Niagara Landing Wine Cellars - their Rose Gold is amazing! Becker Farms is another one of my favorites - I love the brewery there.

3. Like puzzles and finding your way - the corn maze in Wheatfield is always a great place to check out. Unfortunately for the 2013 season The Maize is closed.

5. Interested in spirits and ghosts - check out the Spirits of the Terminal  at the Central Terminal on Saturday from 9pm-1am.

7. Like to be scared? Check out the haunted hayrides on Sommerville St. in Ellicottville.

8. Love history and Lewiston than make sure to stop by Old fort Niagara for the Haunted Fortress Tour - a terror tour at the fort this weekend.

9. Want to take the kids trick or treating, but don't want to freeze - come to the Galleria Mall for Galleria of Treats - for a $2 fee from 11-8pm on October 30, you can stop by tables and pick up treats all while staying warm

10. Halloween Happenings at the Aquarium of Niagara takes place on Saturday. Dress the little ones up in there favorite sea creature and they get in for free!

{ Buffalo links }

 

Buffalo Links to take a look at this week:

1. An event for the ladies - hosted by Kaleida Health, enjoy a Night of Indulgence

2. All of us have had or probably know someone who has been to Hospice, Friday they celebrate their Harvest Festival - if you enjoy wine you'll enjoy this event

3. Halloween is approaching quickly and with that come Halloween parties like the Knights of St. John's on Saturday - Halloween Dance

4. Being in Ellicottville this past weekend made me really get into the "Fall" season. They have great places to shop and eat. One of my favorite stores was Kazoo II

5. I was so happy when I saw this article online and found out Gabby from After 5 Events had a hand in the couples special day! Congrats pretty lady!

6. Swirls in East Aurora is amazing!!! Congrats to Mike on creating a great café for anyone to enjoy!

7. Just another pair of shoes I'm obsessed with by Bella Belle Shoes, who by the way make their shoes locally here in Buffalo. You can purchase these online or get them at Ooo La La Boutique

8. The Buffalo News had a good article on the Fort Erie Race Track Tuesday. Since being around for 116 years the track had its last race of the season Tuesday and hope it will be around for years to come.

Fallfest in Ellicottville

One of prettiest places in Western New York in my mind is Ellicottville and I only wish I could visit more often. This past weekend they were host to the annual fall fest where many people come out and well, drink at one of the many bars... Gin Mill, Balloons, Madigans, EBC (Ellicottville Brewing Company) etc. and shop the local vendors. The weather was great and the company I was around was better.

-B

{ Cinnamon roasted nuts ...yum, yum, yum }

{ Just a few blondes in EVL }

{ EVL staple }

{ Crowd shot }

{ a pretty Fall day }

{ EBC }

{ A pretty bumble bee outside one of the stores }

{Buffalo Links}

This week is full of more events that you and your family can take part in. Check out the links below for more info. -B

{ Friday the Buffalo Bills and many of the people in the community will come together in Niagara Falls to turn the falls pink and make a live ribbon in support of Breast Cancer Awareness - click here for more info }

{ A popular event in Ellicottville takes place on Saturday - Fall Fest - click here for more info }

{ If you're heading out to Ellicottville this weekend just a short ways away is Pumpkinville - a great place to take the kids - for more info click here }

{ Its never to early to go trick or treating - check out the 5th Annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday- click here for more info }

Wednesday Wisdom

Tonight I'm excited to be working the Star 102.5 Pink Party at the Statler with Ooo La La Boutique. Its a great event being held to benefit a great cause... Breast Cancer Awareness. As you approach your Wednesday here's a little wisdom to help get you through your day. Always keep your face towards the sunshine...

-B

The Great Pumpkin Patch

With it being Fall and Halloween approaching us in a few weeks, this past weekend was a great time to go pick out those pumpkins, so my friend Lauren, my sister and my niece took a ride out to the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence, NY. The cost on Saturday was $5 and children 2 and under get in for free. They offer hayrides, animals to pet, face painting, a corn maze, apple cider and of course pumpkins to pick. If you still have to get your pumpkin check them out.. there open daily 10am to dusk. -B

{ Just having a little fun wheeling Lauren around in the wheel barrel }

{ Coupons you receive with entry }

{ Pretty Fall flowers }

BUFFALO LINKS TO CHECK OUT

Check out some links to upcoming events in and around Buffalo and the latest video promoting the area... -B

{ Buffalo: America's Best Designed City }

Take a look at the newest video on Buffalo here

{ Saturday is UB's Homecoming - for more info on festivities click here }

{ Don't forget to get your pumpkins and apple cider at the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence - for more info go here }

{ Check out the Pink Party next Wednesday at the Statler. For ticket info go here }

{ Getting Married? In the Wedding Industry? Check out the Signature Bridal Boutique next week. For more info go here }

Mercedes Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week

Last Thursday kicked off Mercedes Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week (MBBFW), this past weekend I had the opportunity to sit down with Stephanie Brochey (Press Coordinator) and Lizzy Dugan (Beauty Director). Below is my interview.

BP: How long has MBBFW been around?

SB: This is the fifth year and its my third year being a part of fashion week.

BP: What is your favorite show of the week?

SB: The Villa Marie Show featuring Chris Palu and the Main Runway on Thursday featuring Marc Ella (Marc and I attended FIT together).

BP: What are you looking forward to this year at fashion week?

SB: The Runway shows at the Statler and connecting with people and being with friends.

BP: For someone who is attending fashion week for the first time do you recommend them seeing a certain show?

SB: It depends on your interests, if you like local boutiques, you should check out the local boutique show at the Mansion on Delaware on Tuesday. If you like swimwear or more high end fashion the Main show on Thursday night is the show to see.

BP: What should someone wear when attending a fashion show?

SB: Be creative, I encourage people to go all out because fashion week is the place to do it.

BP: How many people work behind the scenes for MBBFW? When does planning start?

SB: Core people are between 12-20 people, from hair stylists, backstage coordinators, volunteers and assistants. Planning usually starts around April and goes into full speed in July.

BP: What is your must have/favorite piece of clothing right now?

SB: Tulip skirts, there simple, comfy and easy to dress up.

{ MBBFW on Facebook - Boutique Show Tuesday 9.24.13 }

{ Lizzy Dugan, Beauty Director MBBFW }

BP: How many years have you been involved with MBBFW?

LD: Three years

BP: How long have you been in the industry? What is your role at MBBFW?

LD: 13 year in the industry and my role at fashion week is Beauty Director.

BP: What is you favorite show during fashion week?

LD: The Main Show at the Statler on Thursday evening.

BP: If people want to schedule an appointment with you where can they find you?

LD: My website www.lizzydugan.com or my Facebook page: Elizabeth Dugan Hairstylist and makeup Artist

BP: The Beauty Expo is a new edition to MBBFW this year, can you tell me more about the expo?

LD: The Beauty Expo was a great addition this year, it allows people to attend a hair show and branch out, try new services, meet new salons and it also was an opportunity for salons to meet new clients and motivate attendees to try new things.

{ Lizzy demonstrating how to do a fish tail braid }

{ Annette after Lizzy was done with her fishtail braid }

{ Not only did I get a press pass I got a manicure just in time for my trip to NYC this week }

{ Cheers! Mimosas and Wine }

{ Lizzy doing knots in my hair }

MBBFW WEBSITE

The Beauty Expo was a lot of fun and a great addition to fashion week this year. If you have the opportunity to see any of the remaining shows going on this week you should go. I attended last year and they were a great time and I got to meet a lot of talented people. If you love fashion, beauty, or just want to experience something different click on the link above.

-B

Brew Bash

Saturday, Coca-Cola Field was home to the Ballpark Brew bash. People from all over attended this event to taste a wide array of craft beers. While the weather didn't cooperate (and neither did some people), it was a great time out for those people who love their craft beer. -B

Buffalo Links

This week is full of places to go and things to do. Check out the links below.

-B

Buffalo Fashion Week:

Today kicks off Mercedes Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week! Check out the link to see what events are going on each day, starting today!

Curtain Up!:

Tomorrow is the kick off to Curtain Up! Welcoming all sorts of musicals and theater productions coming to town for the upcoming season!

Ballpark Brew Bash:

Consumers Beverages annual craft brewing event is being held Saturday at Coca- Cola Field. If you love craft beer check out Ballpark Brew Bash! Oh and proceeds go to one of my favorite organizations - Make-A-Wish!

Music is Art:

The 11th annual Music is Art Festival takes place this Saturday starting at 10am. Enjoy a nice Saturday out in Delaware Park listening to local musicians and looking at artwork for local artisans. Friday you can also donate any musical instruments you may not use anymore to the Instrument Drive. For more information go here.

Elmwood Festival of the Arts

A few weeks ago I stopped by the Elmwood Festival of the Arts and while its set-up is similar to the Allentown Art Fest (except in a different location) I found this festival to be more "kid and family friendly." With a section specifically called Kidsfest, parents could take there children to see animal shows and participate in crafts suited to their age. As I was walking around the main strip of the festival it was a nice chance to stop not only at local Artisans booths, but into local shops and boutiques who mostly hosted sales for the big weekend. It was a great way to support local business. There were also musical performances taking place throughout the weekend, so while you walked, browsed and shopped you had some entertainment along the way.

-B

{ A crowd of people listening to a musical performance }

{ A specific area designated just for the little ones }

{ Fun festive décor }

Food Truck Tuesdays at Larkin

If you're like me you may have heard and even seen food trucks throughout Buffalo, but have not had a chance to taste all the foods these trucks have to offer. That all changed this summer when Harry Zemsky thought of an awesome idea to host Food Truck Tuesdays at Larkin Square.

While I have been down to "Larkinville" a variety of times, I haven't been there on a Tuesday night, so last week my Mom and I went to Food Truck Tuesdays. We of course stopped and paid a visit to my friends at the Ooo La La Fashion Truck and then made are rounds. With a packed house of people and over 10 food trucks it was overwhelming to chose who to go to. Mind you I've only every had a gourmet hot dog from the famous Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs truck so deciding who to go to was a hard decision. Do I try the famous and ever so popular Lloyds? Or do I go with a truck I never heard of before? Decisions, decisions. Eventually I decided on Mac n' Cheese and my Mom chose a sandwich from Square 1 Sandwiches.

With food trucks taking Buffalo by storm over the last few years this is a great place to go and check out what's to offer. Each week there is a different line up of food trucks that stop down and serve you up what they have to offer. Bands are on hand playing live music, colorful patio furniture is on hand for you to relax in (or you can opt to bring a blanket or your own chair to sit in), the tennis courts are on hand for people to play on and hula hoops are available for kids.

Food Truck Tuesdays has been such a hit that food trucks from Rochester have been making special guest appearances the last few weeks and with such positive feedback you can be sure to see this carry into the early stages of fall and go out with a big bang in October.

Food Truck Tuesdays takes place every Tuesday (rain or shine) from 5-8pm.

-B

{ Larkin Square Food Truck Tuesdays Facebook }

{ Buffalo Food Truck Directory }

{ Another busy night at Food Truck Tuesdays }

{ The lucky food truck I chose }

{ Cute presentation - Mac n' Cheese in a Chinese container }

{ Still my favorite food truck - Franks Gourmet Hot Dogs }

{ Just hanging out on some fun patio furniture }

Fishy Business

For some it may not mean anything, but to others being able to visit the Zoo or Aquarium and do more than just see the animals in their exhibits is a pretty cool experience. A few weeks ago I came across information I didn't know, the Aquarium of Niagara offers a variety of feedings throughout the day, from Sea Lions and Harbor Seals to Penguins and Sharks. Once I heard the news I, of course, had to check it out with my partner in crime...my niece Savannah.

So last week Savannah and I made the visit to the Aquarium and for $5 we received a cup of fish to feed to the Harbor Seals that are on exhibit outside the building. It was a pretty neat experience. During the session you have the opportunity to learn about the seals and ask as many questions as you'd like all while supporting a local charity.

If you're an animal lover or you like to try new things, check it out. The Aquarium offers a lot of activities from animal shows and private parties to touching a tank full of sea life creatures.

-B

The Aquarium on Facebook

OPEN DAILY 9:00AM - 6:00PM *                                Parking is FREE everyday PENGUIN FEEDINGS 10:00AM, 3:00PM HARBOR SEAL FEEDINGS 10:30AM, 4:30PM SEA LION SESSIONS 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 3:30PM & 6:00PM SHARK OR TIDAL POOL FEEDING 11:30AM (Opposite Days) WANNA FEED A SEAL? 12:00PM, 2:00 PM *All activities are subject to change Printable Schedule