Promoting & Giving Back...All At The Same Time

One of my goals for 2015 was to get my blog's name out in the community more, but at the same time give back too. So I thought with my involvement with the Zoo what better way to kick off this initiative of mine than to be a sponsor of one their exhibits. While I won't lie my first pick was the Elephant's House {their exhibit was not available}, the Maned Wolf was a very good runner up! I didn't even know the Buffalo Zoo had a Maned Wolf and I've been to the Zoo a lot, so it makes me happy to sponsor their exhibit and let the community know about these beautiful animals.

The next time you're at the Buffalo Zoo make sure to stop by the Vanishing Animals Exhibit and learn more about them and the other vanishing animals on site.

-B

A New Page to Just a Blonde in Buffalo

With my recent adoption of Harlie from Diamonds in the Ruff Animal Rescue and with me wanted to grow my blog, my friend Lauren gave me the idea to create an addition to Just a Blonde in Buffalo and it features the adventures I go on with Harlie. As I continue to "grow up" I feel like my blog has to as well.  The new page "Harlie & Me" will feature the places we go from different dog parks in town to the local pet boutiques and events that are animal friendly, and I think the animal lovers will enjoy this page. If you have any suggestions or feedback on where we should go please let me know in the comments section below.

I've had Harlie for a week now and we are still getting used to each others schedule, but its been a fun week. She is 11 weeks old and is the perfect puppy for me! This weekend we bonded even more when I locked us out of my house. If it wasn't for her cuteness I don't think my neighbors would have been as nice to let me use their phone {just kidding}.

Harlie came from Kentucky and Diamonds in the Ruff found a foster parent to take care of her until I could adopt her. They truly are a great organization and if you are looking to adopt or foster please take a few minutes to look at their website.

Until next time!

-B

Lumagination

Saturday my niece and I attended the last day of Lumagination at the Botanical Gardens. A fun and {in some areas} interactive light show held inside the beautiful gardens. To my surprise, everyone wanted to see the lights because there was a packed house full of people of all ages walking through the greenhouses and a consistent line that was out the door. It was a lot of fun and I would say my favorite part was seeing my niece ask questions about the plants and trying to find the colorful caterpillars throughout each room.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{Interactive floor lights}

"Winter Has Never Been So Cool"

Don't miss this fun event taking place tomorrow night at the Buffalo Convention Center. Proceeds from the event go directly to support the Buffalo Zoo. Come have some cocktails, try and win some awesome auction items and grab some finger foods before heading to the dance floor and catching the indoor snow fall!

For tickets {at a discounted price while supplies last} click here.

Places To Go For Mid-Recess Break

Its mid-recess break for a lot of kiddo's and if you are one of the lucky ones who has off this week, but didn't go on a vacation there are a lot of things you can do around town; making for a fun stay-cation! Here is my list of fun places you can visit...

-B

• Enjoy the winter sports at Holiday Valley or Kissing Bridge
• Enjoy seeing the fun animals at the Buffalo Zoo or Aquarium of Niagara
• Head a little south and have some fun at Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park
• Or visit are friends at the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester
• This is the last week to check out Lumagination at the Botanical Gardens {Wednesday thru Saturday}

Valentine's Day

{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

6 Fun Activities Taking Place in February

We're into the second week of February and we've been pretty lucky in the weather department this winter {knock on wood}. Below are 6 fun activities that caught my eye, that are taking place at some of my favorite places in town this month.

Queen City Escape - an activity for friends and family - try to escape a 90's themed room by solving puzzles and figuring out the clues.

SEALed with A Kiss at the Aquarium of Niagara.

Buffalo Museum of Science - not only do they have daily activities taking place, the Family Fit Fest on 2.27 sounds like a lot of fun for the whole family.

The Buffalo Zoo - is another fun place to visit with a lot of daily activities on grounds. Some other special events taking place this month are the Wild About You Valentine's Day Dinner and a new fundraising event - Arctic Whiteout taking place on February 18th.

The Labatt Pond Hockey Tournament - taking place towards the end of February, the event will be held at Buffalo Riverworks this year.

"Join Our Journey" My Trip to the Aquarium of Niagara

The Aquarium of Niagara - one of Niagara Falls, NY's gems. While I personally feel like the Aquarium doesn't get enough recognition from its neighboring suburbs, it has so, SO much to offer! A short 30 minute drive from the City of Buffalo, their are multiple sea mammal shows, talks with the keepers and feedings that take place throughout the day and are free with admission.

Last week I was lucky enough to sit down and snag some time with Ilene Strober the Director of Development and Marketing at the Aquarium, she told me about their Capital Campaign and fun things taking place, so I won't waste any time and will jump right into it.

"Join Our Journey"  - is a $3.2 million capital campaign featuring an interactive exhibit with classroom, smart boards and a beautiful, one of a kind home for the Humboldt Penguins.  The Aquarium of Niagara is above code in everything, but in order to receive accreditation with the AZA {Association of Zoos and Aquariums} a new exhibit needs to be built for the Humboldt Penguins. This new exhibit will be an exhibit for people of all ages.

Currently the Aquarium is $1 million short of their goal - so they are calling on the community for support. The Aquarium has visitors from all over Niagara County, Erie County, Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and Southern Ontario. A non -profit that does so much for the community, now will the community help them?

One thing that opened my eyes during my interview with Ilene is how big the Aquarium is on conservation, not only here at home, but all over the world - from local lakes and rivers to ocean life. We play a huge part in these animals lives and habitats and we have to learn to do a better job on sustainability.

{These Humboldt penguins are the cutest!}

While walking through the building I learned a lot from talking with Ilene. There are 23 new/refurbished exhibits on hand. Penguins have their own personalities and have strong bonds with one another- they come out in pairs. All of the sea lions, including seals that are at the Aquarium of Niagara are rescued and non-releasable into the wild. The shows that are held for the guests actually help the trainers teach them things and to help them learn enrichment.

{Ripple - a fun interactive video game for kids to play when they visit}

Some other fun facts I learned from my visit -Octopus only live for 3-5 year, use their brain and are very smart. Sturgeon fish have a 100 year life span, but are endangered because they are hunted before they are sexually mature, because of this there is no reproducing taking place - going back to the whole sustainability topic I mentioned earlier.  We can throw off the ecosystem if we have to much of one thing.

{Trainers Hallie and Colleen with sea lions Kia and Arie}

{Sea lions are extremely curious and playful}

And how about this - the Aquarium of Niagara has one of the most poisonous and deadly fish there is - a lion fish. If you ask me they look pretty cool though!

What other fun things can you do at the Aquarium, do you ask? {obviously call ahead to make an appointment for these activities}

Public Touch Tank, Meet a Seal, Behind the Scenes Tour {there is so much more to the animals exhibits that the public doesn't see}, Humboldt Penguin Interactive Program, the list goes on. For more info on any of these activities click here. And for a complete list of upcoming events go here . SEALED with a Kiss is coming up on Valentine's Day weekend and that looks to be a fun event to take part in.

A few summers ago I took my niece to feed the seals and she had such a fun time and thought it was the coolest thing. For a couple of dollars she got to experience something not a lot of people say they do. The Aquarium of Niagara is such a fun place to go, all year round.

If you want to help be a part of the journey contact Ilene to see how you can help.

-B

{All photos: Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Exploring the Winter Celebration event

{On stage at Sheas}

Last week my Dad and I attended Explore Buffalo's Winter Celebration at Sheas. One week after Sheas celebrated their 90th anniversary, making it a great venue to host an event. There was much to celebrate. Auctions filled with lots of Buffalo art and history, voting on new Explore Buffalo tours for the 2016 year and behind the scenes tours of the theater were offered during the night making it a pretty nice night out.

Here are some of my pictures from the night.

-B

{Lights, camera, action}

{Balcony seating}

A Nice Way to Watch A Film

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Did you know that when Shea's opened in 1926 it was actually built to show silent films?!?  Sunday my Mom and I attended the silent film Sherlock Holmes there. When I first got the tickets I thought it was a play, but then my Mom was quick to point out that it was a silent film {note to myself to read better} ...like no words just a pianist playing scores throughout the films 90 minutes. I was a little skeptical, I'm not going to lie. I was thinking I would want to leave halfway through the film, but it was actually amazing! It was like I experienced something from back in time - a black and white film with no words, just music. It was a nice change of scenery and something different. I highly recommend attending a short film at Shea's if you ever can. It makes for a nice indoor activity to do when the weather isn't so nice out outside.

{A brief welcome and introduction before the film started}

Oh and the best part - it was free! A free film in a beautiful building that celebrated their 90th anniversary this weekend. That's pretty cool Buffalo. Oh and for those who like popcorn and candy to munch on when watching a movie - Shea's had their concession stands open, selling sweet treats {the popcorn and twizzlers cost $8 - that's cheaper than a movie ticket now a days}. Just putting things in perspective, its nice to have a beautiful venue like this offer nice {casual} events like this.

For a calendar of events taking place at Shea's click here

-B

#BuffaloLinks

Its the first #BuffaloLinks post for 2016. And with it comes a lot of fun events taking place throughout the rest of January. From outdoor to indoor events, winter in Buffalo doesn't have to be as dreadful as some make it. Whether you hit up Chestnut Ridge park for sledding, Fountain Plaza for ice skating, Riverworks for curling and ice hockey or Tifft Nature Preserve for some snow shoeing Buffalo has a lot going on. Here is a list of events that look like they are going to be fun to attend:

Chillabration at Canalside - January 15th

Be a part of the Guinness Book of World Records and take part in what may be the Longest Ice Line and help Make a Wish WNY. My cousin Nathan {wish teen} will be leading the line.

{photo- Canalside}

Makers Buffalo has a lot of fun DIY projects over the next few weeks. Check out a full list here

{photo- Makers Buffalo}

Learn all about energy at Energy Day at the Science Museum on January 23rd.

{photo Buffalo Science Museum}

Exercise and brunch- why not- Sip n' Stretch at Marcy Casino on January 24th is an event I have tickets to. Knowing I will be burning those calories so I can enjoy a mimosa afterwards is enough motivation for me to work hard during the class.

{photo Sip N Stretch event page}

Looking to learn more about this city and the history behind it. Explore Buffalo is the perfect place to go for tours. And on January 23rd they are kicking off a Winter Celebration to share all of the awesome things coming up.

{photo Explore Buffalo}

A light show and more is coming back to Buffalo's Botanical Gardens at the end of January. Lumagination was on my list of events to attend last year and never happened, so this year I've made it a priority.

{photo Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens}

Learning New Things: Homemade Pierogi Making

Did you know the Polish language is the third most popular language to be spoken in Western New York after English and Spanish. That's a little fun fact for you today that goes right in hand with my post.

Over the holidays my friend Annette was nice enough to teach me how to make homemade pierogi. I am not a cook at all and I didn't have high hopes for myself, but with a great teacher I realized making pierogi isn't as complicated as I thought it would be. You just have to be delicate with the dough {at least I do}. From the filling, to making the dough, to cooking and freezing the pierogi, all it took were a few simple steps.

{ready for the filling- sorry the recipe is top secret!}

{concentrating on folding the pierogi}

As we approach this new year one thing I am focusing on doing more of is learning new things. Instead of pushing it to the side and saying I will learn to do something eventually, I'm focusing on doing things in the present. Not waiting, because life is just to short and I have a long list of things I'd like to do.

Well some may think learning to make pierogi isn't anything exciting or riveting enough to write about, in my opinion the new things we learn don't have to be a "huge" activity to learn to be excited about something. If its new to you that should be enough to make you happy that you learned something new {if that makes sense}. With that said, thank you Annette for showing me how to make pierogi!

Until next time...

-B

Celebrating 2016 in Buffalo

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

The Festive Lights at the Hamburg Fairgrounds

 {Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

Still looking to get into the holiday spirit? I think I have something that can help... the Hamburg Fairgrounds Festival of Lights. Sunday night my sister and I took my niece to see the "light spectacular." Upon entering the grounds you turn your radio to 87.9 to listen to the festive music while driving along the path seeing all of the different displays on hand.

Once the drive is over you have the opportunity {if you want} to walk around the grounds to check out Santa, the merry go round, Christmas Tree Park and the Igloo building where there are a bunch of different ice sculptures on display. You can even order a cocktail at the ice bar or watch the ice sculpture demonstration that takes place.

it was a fun event and helped me get into the Christmas spirit {something I have been lacking a little}. The Festival of Lights continues through the rest of this week {click here for the schedule and more details}.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

One tip: Dress according to the weather, if you are walking around on the grounds or enter the Igloo building it is a little chilly.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

Niagara Power Vista Festival of Trees

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

This past weekend my niece, nephew, sister and I went to the Niagara Power Vista Festival of Trees. It was an all day event that was free to the public. Really not knowing what to expect, all I knew was there were going to be a number of trees decorated by a number of different non-profit organizations.

Once we arrived there was more than just the looking at Christmas trees, there were pictures with Santa, arts and crafts, live music from a local school band and the opportunity to play in the Electric Lab. For being a free event it was great and I highly suggest going next year, if you've never been. While you have the opportunity to learn about new organizations you also have a lot of other activities taking place, making it worth the drive if you're coming from the Buffalo area.

{You also got to see a great view of the Niagara River Gorge}

{Ornaments that you could make}

Just a Blonde in Buffalo's Holiday Event Guide

The Holiday Season is upon us and with that comes a number of Christmas Tree lightings and pictures with Santa. Below is a list of Holiday events taking place from now thru the month of December. If there is something you see that's not on my list let me know, I'm always up for attending new events!! Happy Holidays!

-B

Holidays at the Market - the Broadway Market that is. Pay a visit to Santa, shop local vendors and get into the holiday spirit at a Buffalo staple.

The Fairgrounds - Festival of Lights - taking place throughout the month of November and December stop by the Fairgrounds for a holiday light spectacular.

Our Lady of Fatima Shrine - Festival of Lights - a beautiful place to visit

November 27, 28 & 29

Christmas in Ellicottville

Tuesday, December 1st

An annual favorite - Festival of Trees at the Niagara Power Vista - come see artificial evergreen trees light up by local non for profits who decorated them

Wednesday, December 2nd

Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo Haute Holiday Fashion Show

Friday, December 4th

Canalside Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting - 5-8pm come down to Canalside - ice skate, meet with Santa and watch the Tree light up the Ice.

Friday, December 4th & Saturday, December 5th

Hertel Holidays taking place - walk up and down Hertel Avenue, visiting the shops and dining and you may run into a visit from Santa Claus

Holiday Live at Larkin Square

Saturday, December 5th

Queen City Market event - Karpeles Manuscript {I went to this last year and there are a lot of local vendors with a lot of great gifts ideas - I knocked a lot of people off my list that day}.

Rotary Rink Tree Lighting beginning at 5pm - come for free ice skating and get into the holiday spirit

Pictures with Buster Claus - Coca Cola Field - come down to the ballpark for a unique picture opportunity with Buster Claus. Make a toy donation to Hillside Family of Agencies and be entered in a shopping spree

Wednesday, December 9th

Join Sarah Danielle {local Women's Boutique} for A City of Buffalo Artists Market. Taking place inside the beautiful Ellicott Square Building, a number of local vendors will be on hand from 4:30-9pm for all of your shopping needs.

Thursday, December 10

Wreath making with Makers Buffalo! Grab some friends and decorate a wreath for the Holidays with Makers and Fern Croft Floral

Friday, December 11

Tree of Hope Celebration at Roswell Park from 4:30-6:30pm

Saturday, December 12th

Buffalo Museum of Science - Celebrations - celebrate cultural traditions from around the world with fun family activities taking place from 10-4pm.

Deck the Halls at the Niagara Power Project - 10-4pm Free pictures with Santa and you can take a stroll on the trolley.

Saturday, December 19th

East Aurora Carolcade - I remember attending this when I was younger and it was so much fun. Make a day of it and stop by the famous Vidlers and MUSEjar's Holiday Market event!

City of Light

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

My friend Jen and I were one of the 8,000 some people that attended the illumination event at Canalside last night. While it was a neat experience and nice to see I am going to be honest and say I wasn't "wowed" by the event. Leading up to the event you saw it all over social media and the news that it was going to be this big event and it was {I mean 8,000 people is a lot of people} but it wasn't as lively as I thought it would be.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

I will probably get some people who disagree with me, but I'm just being honest. For all the hype that built around it I guess you could say I was expecting more. More of what, I don't know.. I thought the music was mediocre and maybe I wasn't as patient to see the illuminations appear and change. Yes, it was nice to see lights on the grain elevators, yes I think it was cool that we had people and companies step up to make this happen and yes, I think having that many people in our community come out to attend the event was beyond great, but I think I would enjoy the experience of seeing the lights just as much on any other night. Maybe I'm being to critical, but that was my take on the City of Light.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

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

Cool Art at a Sculpture Park

I've had the Griffis Sculpture Park on my bucket list of places to visit for over a year now, so I was determined this past weekend to pay a visit and do some exploring while getting some fresh air with my niece. A 45-50 minute drive from Buffalo, the park is located just before Ellicottville {driving down to Ellicottville this time of year is beautiful with the fall foliage taking place which was an added bonus}. There are three different trails to travel in the park; Green - easy, Blue- moderate, Red- hard. My niece and I went through the green trail and half of the blue trail before turning around because her sneakers were soaked. It was definitely a cool place to go and for a small donation of $5 for anyone over 12 {seniors and students $3} it was a nice way to spend your afternoon.

The park is open May thru October and closed for the winter, if you've never been it is definitely a place I would say you should check out come next spring. While we only spent a couple hours there, guests can have picnics and make a full day of it. Whatever your bring in, they ask that you take out with you. Below are some of the handful of pictures I snapped.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo Photos}

As you entered the park sculptures were on both sides of the road

The entrance to the green trail

The scenery was just beautiful

"$5 Million. One Night" - 43 North

We are a little over a week away from meeting some of the best entrepreneurs and start up companies around the globe and its all taking place here in Buffalo, NY with the help of 43 North. 43 North is part of NY Governor Andrew Cuomo's Buffalo Billion initiative which helps Buffalo and WNY with new economic opportunities. The competition operates with the support from The New York State Power Authority and Buffalo Billion.

Last week I was able to meet with Colleen Heidinger, Director of Events and Programming for 43 North and she broke down all of the fun and free events taking place starting Oct. 21st. The events taking place provide you with the opportunity to learn more about these entrepreneurs and their start up ideas while letting you interact and meet with community organizations you may not have known about before. During this week you also are given the opportunity to see a lot of the new economic development taking place in Buffalo through 43 North Week

A few of the events I am looking forward to attending are the following:

Oct. 26th - Think Big with 43 North  at the Buffalo Marriott Harbor Center - 5:30-8pm

Oct. 27th - Ping Pong Diplomacy - A ping pong competition taking place at 43 North  beginning at 6pm. To register email Colleen at colleen@43north.org

Oct. 29th - Finalists pitch session being held in the morning and afternoon with the awards ceremony taking place in the evening at Shea's. This is OPEN to the public and FREE. All you have to do is click here to get your tickets.

To see a complete list of events during 43 North Week click here.

{Colleen, 43 North}

Colleen is originally from Buffalo, moved away and worked with highly reputable companies planning events.  She decided to move back home to help make a difference and develop Buffalo and she is doing just that. With the help of Colleen not only do the finalists get to experience all Buffalo has to offer, Buffalonians are encouraged to come out to these free events to learn about the new and exciting things taking place in their hometown.

Star judges will be coming into town from all over the country to meet the finalists and hear their ideas {See a complete list of judges here}. This is a perfect night out - celebrate the city, before heading out to dinner. The winner will move to Buffalo by January 1 and receive mentorships from a variety of local partners and community supporters. For the complete list of sponsors you can check them out by clicking here.

I'd like to end with a quote from Colleen that I think sums up 43 North perfectly - "The award ceremony on Oct. 29th is not about trophies, its about building a culture of entrepreneurs while building the city and that is all possible because of the help from 43 North."

So what are you waiting for -click here to see the Next Things Now video from 2014 and get your tickets for Oct. 29th here to see where Buffalo is headed.

-B