Ringing in the New Year in Western New York #BuffaloLinks

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

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.

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

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

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!

Ice, Skates, Pick Up Hockey, Curling, Gold Domes and Labatt Blue Silo's

This past weekend, I took my Dad, niece and best friend Agnes {who is in from Chicago} down to Buffalo Riverworks {we wanted to go to Canalside for the ice skating, but due to the warm weather we couldn't skate down there}. Buffalo Riverworks was pretty cool, we got to watch a pick up hockey game on one rink {the boys were nice to look at ;)} and on the other one we watched them set up for the curling lessons that were going to take place. We walked over to take some pictures of the Labatt Blue silo's before heading back at noon for open skate.  Unfortunately, they didn't have small enough skates for my niece and because it seemed there was a bit of disorganization as people were walking in, so we headed to Rotary Rink to test our luck and see if they had small enough skates for a 4 year old.

After are short trip down the street, we were in luck and Rotary Rink not only had skates for my niece, but it was a couple bucks cheaper for kids {$2 for kids 12 and under} and adults {$3}. There was a decent crowd on the ice, but it wasn't to bad. It was the perfect weather, while it was a little warmer than usual, the wind was still present downtown to make it just a tad chilly.

There is so much going on during the winter months, if you have people in from out of town, it is the perfect time to show them around the city - showing them all the new developments taking place, is pretty awesome! We spent an afternoon downtown and I still feel like it wasn't enough time to take in all the exciting things going on. Until next time!

-B

{Getting the ice ready for curling lessons}

{Not only an awesome view of some of the hockey players, but of downtown in the background}

{Down at Rotary Rink on Main St.}

A LOT of BuffaLOVE in NYC

This past weekend I set sail and headed up the 90 to Albany to visit my friend Shanna. On Saturday we took the train from Poughkeepsie and headed to the big Apple to visit our friend Lacey. Let's just say the 3 of us combined = A LOT of BUFFALOVE!! Are trip consisted of not shopping, but instead, enjoying each others company, our friendship and having some beers and seeing the Holiday sights and sounds.

We landed in Grand Central Station and our first stop was the Buffalo Bills Bar, McFaddens. After that we went on the subway and headed to Brooklyn to have some beers at Brooklyn Brewery {what an awesome place!}. We played Uno, had some laughs and then headed to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas Tree! Something I've never done before. It was crazy how many {more!} people were there, but it was so pretty! Afterwards we walked around Times Square, stopped at Mercury Bar to have dinner and then headed back to Grand Central to end our day.

It was a nice day trip in the city, with some of the bestest friends I have. I can't wait until the next time!

-B  

{Lacey and I at Brooklyn Brewery}

{Shanna and I hanging out at the brewery!}

{Subway}

{Model and Pep}

{Just a blonde in Buffalo in front of the Rockefeller Christmas tree}

Holiday Cocktails with Slim Lizzy's

 

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!

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

{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

Queen City Market

Tis the season to shop! Being that I'm a big #ShopLocal gal I decided to head to Karpeles Manuscript Library on Saturday to get a chunk of my Christmas shopping done at the Queen City Market event. First things first, what an awesome venue this event was held in, the architecture is beautiful! Second, so many local vendors were on hand, some that I never even heard of before {that made for great networking opportunities} and they offered unique finds. This event had variety, something that you don't always find at some events. It was nice to walk around and not see the same thing on each table. Another great thing on my list, it was affordable! Some of the items I purchased at this event I would have paid double at if I went to a large retail store.

I know that if the event is held next year, I would definitely go back. There are to many reasons on my list not too. To see a list of who was there click here. Below are pictures of some of my favorite vendor tables and shots of the venue.

-B

Creating, Making and Designing Something Different

Last week, my friends and I got together for a fun and creative ladies night out! We all met at Modern Nostalgia for Makers/Pear Design Studio, String Art Class. We had a blast! The class cost $42, came with all the supplies and you could bring your own vino and light snacks. You also received a discount off purchases made throughout the store. The class began at 6:30 and we left around 9pm.

Each one of us chose our own designs and hammered away at the reclaimed wood before picking our colors and stringing them all together. Laura from Pear Design Studio was an awesome teacher, motivating, guiding and encouraging us when we wanted to stop or thought are art pieces weren't good. She offered suggestions and was personable, just what you need for a class like this! Gretchen from Makers was great as well, making it easy to schedule the private class.

During a time, when everyone is super busy, this class was perfect because I got to spend an evening with some of my closest girlfriends catching up and doing something different. This was my second time taking a class from Makers and I highly suggest anyone who is looking for something fun to do, to take this or any other class by them, you won't be disappointed.

Check out some of the photos from my night below.

-B

Everything was all lined up, organized and ready to go when we arrived!

Just about done hammering away at my design.

We're ready to start stringing our colors together!

Hard at work!

Almost done!

Our finished masterpieces!

#DTH14 Review

For a third year in a row, Ooo La La Boutique/Fashion Truck owner, Crista Botticello and myself set out to kick off the Holiday season in style and this year was no different. Deck the Halls Runway was held at The West Herr Buick, GMC and Cadillac Dealership in East Aurora on Saturday night. The event was filled with 7 local boutiques {Blush, Village Designs, The Dress Shop, Ragmuffinz, Aurora Outfitters, The Walk In Closet and Ooo La La Boutique} showing off their holiday fashion looks. Before the show guests were able to shop an array of local vendors {MuseJar, Celestial Designs, Total Tan, Prima Oliva, Upstairs Treasures, Tres Chic Boutique, Mary Kay, Jamberry, Medici House, Taste and Sipada}.

The show was created not only to bring local businesses together, but to raise money and awareness for local charities. This year was no different. Proceeds benefitted are friends over at Buffalo Paws and Claws Animal Shelter.

Saturday showed us that this year was bigger and better and I look forward to seeing what it becomes in years to come. We have a lot of people that help us and we are forever grateful for working with them.

To see pictures from the Deck the Halls event, make sure to follow Ooo La La Boutique on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

-B

HELLO DECEMBER!

Hello December! Its the last month of 2014. While we get ready to wrap up another year, we look back at all the accomplishments, struggles, experiences and memories we gained from the last 12 months. For this month I'm really focusing on things I haven't been able to take part in previous years; Ice skating at Rotary Rink, walking around the Fairgrounds for the Festival of Lights and visiting Our Lady of Fatima Shrine. For me, December is a time to reflect on all that I did this past year, the good and the not so good and prepare for what I hope to accomplish in 2015. Christmas time for me is special because I love being able to see family and friends that I don't get to see all the time.

What are some of the things you are looking forward to doing this month?

-B

BUBBLEFEST!!

From Robot Bubble Bot, to frozen bubbles, big Bubbles and small ones, Bubblefest at the Buffalo Science Museum was awesome! Over 4,000 people came to the event this past Saturday. Kids young and old, adults and even some teenagers attended the fun event. Not only learning the science behind bubble making, but guests also danced, popped and stood in them. Face painting, food trucks and picture stations were on hand as well.

If you have children and haven't been to the event try and make it next year, you can spend a whole afternoon at the science museum. Make sure to follow them on Facebook for future info on the 2015 event {tentatively scheduled for September 2015}!

-B

{Bubblemania Show}

{Frozen Bubble Station}

Eveyone Needs A Little Pampering

Shopping, discounts, mini-manis, spray tans, food and drink? What's not to love about a local clothing boutique hosting a Pamper Party and making you feel special for a couple hours! That's exactly what Michelle at Village Designs Elmwood did last week. Offering discounts on clothing and accessories and bringing together some local, talented ladies from Rodan & Fields, DiLusso Salon , AmberGLO and Ooo La La Boutique . Anyone who came to the store not only could meet these great people from local businesses, shop and help themselves to food from Nektar . What a pretty pampered event it was! Until next time..

-B

{ The chandeliers in Village Design's are beautiful }

Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara

Last week I was lucky enough to attend Cocktails in Character for Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara, Inc. What a great event it was! To sum it up its certainly not like any other non-profit gala or charitable events I've attended in the past. It was short, sweet, creative and fun.

Guests had the option to dress up as their favorite literary character {Annette and I went as Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Dr. Seuss, as you can see from the picture above}. There was a silent auction and Chinese auction, a VIP area {for those who purchased VIP tickets}, food stations, a cash bar, a live band and a short program that was to the point.

If you're looking to get involved with an organization that is fun, but serves a great purpose in the lives of children and adults consider looking into Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara, Inc. Click here for more information on volunteering/tutoring.

-B

{ Over 50 baskets were available to try and win in the Chinese Auction }

{ A short, sweet and informative speech }

An Event with Cocktails and Characters!

I am so excited for this Thursday's Cocktails in Character event at Lafayette Hotel. The event benefits Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara. Guests who attend the event are encouraged to dress up as their favorite literary character. The event includes a cash bar, carving stations, entertainment, a judging contest and much more!

Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara's mission is to "open pathways to expand opportunities for adult learners and children by enhancing their literacy skills and nurturing their well being. Our vision is to be an integral partner in the revitalization of our community."

Everyone should have the tools to learn to read and write as it is a vital part of our day-to-day lives. Cocktails in Character is a perfect event taking place in Buffalo that not only fits the role of the organization {having guests dress up as their favorite literary characters}, but also comes at a great time of year, the Halloween Holiday. If you're looking for something to do Thursday night tickets are still available. Click here to purchase tickets.

I hope to see you there! And check back next week to see what I dressed up as and my review on the event!

-B

{Event Sponsors and Supporters}

M&T Bank First Friday's at Albright Knox

The first Friday of every month M&T Bank and the Albright Knox offer First Fridays. Free admission on the first floor to the public. From 10am-10pm you can walk around and experience some of the amazing art the gallery has on display. If you want to walk around upper levels there is an additional fee.

At the beginning of the month I took the day off and spent it with my niece. For an almost four year old this was a great event to take her too. While she thought the Lucas Samaras, Reflections, aka the "Mirror Room" was the best, her attention span started to run out after about 30 minutes. With it being a beautiful day we walked on the outside grounds and took some nice photos.

Prior to this visit, it has been about 5 years since I was last inside the Art Gallery for a leisurely experience, so it was nice to walk around and experience it with a kid who has a vivid imagination.

I highly encourage anyone to take part in such a great event that takes place the First Friday of every month. The next one coming up is on Friday, November 7, 2014.

-B

{Snapping photos inside the Mirror Room}

{If you look at this for more than a couple seconds you get dizzy, or at least I did}

{One of my favorites on display}

{Anyone want to play some tic tac toe}

A Fall Festival Full of Fun

{Just being a kid and playing in the leaves}

I made my way to Fall Fest again this year with Annette. While I always love going to Ellicottville {maybe its because I don't get there very often} the scenery is beautiful and I love the local shops that line the streets. This year I observed more and took in all that its worth.

1. There are a lot of talented artists that line the streets during this festival weekend, new food vendors lined the food truck row and the Armor Inn Truck seemed to be a popular spot to go.

2. Katy's is awesome. While we only stopped to get a coffee, the food looked so good! It is a must go back, place for me!

3. Bars are starting to charge cover earlier than normal {at least I think so, instead of what I thought was once 2pm it was now 1pm}.

4. State Troopers were out more than ever. I've seen one or two in years past, but this year we saw a handful going and coming from the event

5. For a single girl like me, I love seeing the attractive men that attend this event ;)

If you have never been I encourage going even if its just once. It makes for a fun Fall day and usually takes place the second weekend in October.

-B

{Love this sign outside Katy's}

{ A cute place to go, full of knick knacks, it even has a "Husband Drop Off Center" for those guys in your life}

{I love Ellicottville Brewing Company}

{One of my favorite shots I captured}

#Billieve

As most, if not everyone knows, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and multiple events take place raising money and awareness to the second most common cause of cancer death in women. Having an Aunt who is a Breast Cancer Survivor, to having a neighbor who recently passed away last month to this awful disease, my Mom and I attended and participated in the Buffalo Bills and American Cancer Society's Billieve event last Friday.

The event had young and old people, survivors and supporters, Bills players and their families all wearing pink and coming together on the Rainbow Bridge for one common cause; "Billieving" that one day we will find a cure.

It was a special night not only because we were doing something that was important to us, but because I got to share it with my Mom. As I get older I appreciate spending time with the people I love and care about the most and for me to spend an evening with her, to talk, lecture at times and laugh was priceless.

I can't wait for next year.

-B

For more ways to help in your area, visit the American Cancer Society link or the Breast Cancer Network of WNY

{Linking scarves and creating a live ribbon across the Rainbow Bridge}

{ My Mom and Me }

{ The Falls turned Pink }

Less is More Sometimes

A couple weekends ago my sister and niece went with me to pick out pumpkins like we normally do this time of year. Instead of going to the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence like we normally do, we decided to go to Becker Farms and change it up a little. While I enjoy Becker Farms for their winery and brewery, I was really disappointed in the service {or lack there of} when it came to the children's area and pumpkin barn.

While every other area was open and ready to go, the area to pick your pumpkins and pay was closed and just opening {at 12:30pm} when we were ready to check out. If you wanted to pay you had to lug your pumpkins to the country store to pay for them. To top it off the staff {if you could find them} was rude and not helpful when it came to answering questions and it made for a not so fun time and us regretting our decision to just go to the Great Pumpkin Farm. The pumpkins were overly priced costing us $33 for 5 of them, that I could have gotten cheaper somewhere else.

So even though I like the winery and brewery on site, I think they should refocus on what they want to do next year. Sometimes its better to not have it all and focus on the areas you're good at. Sometimes less is more...

-B

Even though it was a disappointing experience, I did capture some pretty scenic shots while we were there.

{A smile on my face, even though the service wasn't so good}

A Bridal Celebration with A lot of Local Talent!

Sunday, Buffalo Indie Weddings hosted a Bridal Celebration at Asbury Hall. Over 30 vendors, were on hand to meet with newly engaged couples to help plan their special day. I loved the décor, the selfies portrait station, Vintage Touch  and the DIY station, where you could learn a variety of craft ideas for your big day.

Ali from Made from Anatomy and Erica from City Lights Studio thought of every detail, including the Groom's Lounge where the guys could go and hang out if they chose too, to the festive signage letting everyone know where things were. It was certainly a Bridal Celebration like no one else hosts. It was fun, creative and offered a lot of local talent from the big wedding industry to customers looking for something special on their big day.

Thank you ladies for inviting me to this wonderful event.

-B

{ Packed house, snapped this picture from the stage }

{ Of course I had to snap a "selfie" in front of the selfie portrait }

FALL into my Favorite Things

Fall is one of, if not my favorite season. I love the cool, crisp air, the leaves changing colors, and the oversized sweaters and boots you can wear. Lets not forget the fun activities to do; corn mazes and hayrides, decorating and carving pumpkins and trick or treating. This is the time of year we get to enjoy the yummy candy apples and warm pies to delicious apple cider as well.

While there are a lot of activities that take place this time of year below are my top 8 places to go for fun Fall activities in Western New York.

1. Becker Farms - Apple and Pumpkin Picking, Wine and Beer tastings, hayrides and much more!

2. The Great Pumpkin Farm - Kid Rides, Pumpkin Picking, Animal Farm, Face Painting and Country Store

3. Pumpkinville - Hayrides, Pumpkin Picking, Corn Maize and Country Store

4. Letchworth State Park and Allegany State Park - Beautiful fall foliage and hiking trails

5. Nightmare Hayrides on Sommerville St. - Haunted Houses and Hayrides

6. Cambria Corn Maze - Corn Maze, Pumpkins and refreshments

7. Falcone Farms - Apple and pumpkin picking

8. Mayer Brothers - Apple Cider, Baked goods

Oh the Places I will Go...To Ski High Adventure Park

Continuing on with facing my fears and taking more adventures, this past Saturday my friend Annette and I went to tackle the Sky High Adventure Park at Holiday Valley. While I am deathly afraid of heights I knew this would be a challenge, a BIG one! I didn't want to let my fear win though, so I sucked it up and focused on the task at hand, living a little and enjoying the moment.

While I only accomplished the yellow courses (which were the easiest ones) I was proud that I did that. Annette was a great friend to take with, encouraging me, motivating me and telling me not to give up {I definitely needed that a couple times}. For $48 you get to zip line and climb through the forest for 3 hours. For an additional $3 you can purchase a roller coaster ride that takes you up a hill on what I like to call a bob sled and you control the speed on the way down {it was actually pretty fun}.

The weather was beautiful and it made for a great Saturday activity. Once you have your harness on {trained staff make sure you are properly sung} you take what I would say was a 15 minute crash course with a staff member.  They go over all the instructions on how to use your carabiner clips and the do's and don'ts of the park. Along with staff being on the ground helping people through the courses you can also walk below and follow along to take pictures and check out the other courses before climbing your way through them.

There are so many courses to try at Sky High that you simply couldn't complete them all in 3 hours {unless you were a pro and no one else was in the park}. Each course typically takes about 30 minutes -45 minutes depending on how many people are on that course. Guests who don't want to take part in the courses have the opportunity to stay back at the lodge and play putt-putt, ping pong, corn hole or read a nice book on the patio.

While standing on one of the platforms, just about to walk across one of the ropes with my legs visibly shaking {literally, even ask Annette}, I couldn't let fear win. While there were moments I wanted to give up and just get back on the ground, I would have regretted that decision in the long run. I'm looking forward to going back next year and completing another level, a more difficult one and continuing to face my fears.

For more information {times, pricing, etc.} on Sky High Adventure Park click here.

-B

{ Thanks Annette for taking these photos of me during the course }

{ Pictures of various courses and the grounds around the park }

{ Facing fears and be adventurous! Post celebrations took place at Ellicottville Brewing Co. }

What's a Bash Without the Brews

This past weekend Coca-Cola Field was home to over 50 breweries who were sampling some of the best craft brews around Western New York and beyond. Ballpark Brew Bash not only offered a wide array of beer, but it also provided local food from 5 food trucks, games of all sorts and a unique experience to walk on the field, making it the perfect place to snap some Instagram pictures.

Each year the event grows and grows and with the ever so popular craft breweries on the rise in Western New York, I can only see this event growing bigger and better in the years to come.

A few of my favorite spots that night were: Resurgence Brewing Company, Black Bird Cider Works and Brooklyn Brewery.

Cheers!

-B