World Elephant Day

Today is one of my top 5 favorite days of the year, I know to some they may think it's crazy, but elephants are one of my favorite animals. They are extremely intelligent and have a great memory that spans over years. They form deep family bonds and are led by the matriarch - being the oldest and often largest female of the herd. They display different emotions - anger, play, joy and grief. They are the largest land animal in the world and there are two different species African and Asian Elephants. The Buffalo Zoo has two Asian Elephants - Surapa and Jothi. You can visit them in the elephant yard and house today for some fun activities taking place for World Elephant Day.

-B

{my trip to see the elephants at the Buffalo Zoo a couple years ago, this is Surapa inside the elephant house}

{her keepers doing enrichment activities with her}

{me and my niece with her}

A day trip in the "585"

{Cobbs Hill Park - the view of Rochester was pretty cool}

While in Rochester the other day for Bills Training Camp, Kelsey and I decided to make a day of it and since she went to school there she showed me some of the hot spots in the "585." It was a fun day and it makes me like Rochester a lot more now! Below are pictures from the stops we made. A big thank you goes out to K.Sweet for being my tour guide!!

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{First Stop before training camp - Village Bakery & Café - OMG so good and the décor so cute!!}

{views of the beautiful Canal}

{yummy Mexican from La Casa and Margarita's!!}

{the original Wegman's store is the best store ever! Seriously!!}

{A visit to Nazareth College - this is inside the Library - The Rare Book Room - pretty cool! the campus as a whole is a beauty}

{Third last stop of the day was at this delicious Dairy - the cookies and coffee ice cream in a waffle cone - the bomb!}

{Second last stop was at LL Bean - I have never been in one before and I fell in love - I found 10 things off the bat that I wanted to buy. I either need to find a rich man or win the lottery}

One of my favorite places in town

{A little family fun at the lion exhibit, Mom had to come in and break up some rough housing between Father and Son}

My love for the Buffalo Zoo increases more and more every time I'm there. The more I learn about the animals and their habitats the more passionate I am to support a great organization.

Last Sunday the Pro Zoo Board was lucky to receive a behind the scenes tour from Donna Fernandes. Donna is one of the most intelligent woman I know and being able to have her talk about the animals while we walked the Zoo grounds was awesome.

{Luna bear}

{checking out the Maned Wolf exhibit}

It's an exciting time at the Zoo, if you have a chance to spend a few hours there its a great place to visit.

Until next time..

-B

{Photos all Just A Blonde in Buffalo Photos}

Harlie's Adventure at Knox Farm

{Harlie and her new friend Baxter hitting the trails at Knox Farms}

Harlie went on her second play date with her new friend Baxter Monday night. What was special about this play date was she was going to her first dog park! When we arrived Baxter and Harlie walked the trails on the property of Knox Farm before heading into the dog park area. Having not known what to expect, I was pretty nervous, they had two sides; one for the smaller dogs and puppies and the other for bigger dogs. I took her into the small dogs side where she was the biggest dog, but also got along really well with the others.

{At the dog park at Knox Farms}

{Just checking things out}

I don't know how other dog parks are, but the Knox Farm dog park was nice, they had buckets of water, a hose and some tennis balls and Frisbees, I was impressed and I think Harlie was too, when it was time to leave she wouldn't get in the car.

{Running around and having some fun with Baxter}

{Saying goodbye to one another}

She had a great time with her new friend Baxter and can't wait to head back to the Knox soon!

{Mom I don't want to go}

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Friday Finds!

{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}

From The Top Looking Down

{the first view from the tops of the spiral staircase}

I'm a big fan of learning about the history and people in the Western New York area. I'm also a big fan of Explore Buffalo . They provide some really cool tours in and around the Buffalo area and yesterday my Dad and I went on one of them; the Silo City Vertical Tour. Different from the walking Silo tour, you get to go up inside these grain elevators and take in the beautiful views, all while learning about the history of the silos, how they impacted much of the Country back in the 1900's and what the plans are for them now {some are still being used today}. What we thought would be a public tour turned out to be a private tour as me and my Dad were the only two signed up. It worked out really nicely {in our favor}. Larry was are Docent and he was AWESOME! He spoke about the history, the people and told stories making it a one of a kind tour. For me, a person who is deathly scared of heights I am proud of myself for overcoming my fear to go up hundreds of stairs to the top to see the inside of these beautiful silos and to take in some of the most beautiful views of Western New York I have ever seen.

I have been to Silo City before, but to get an in depth tour of this particular area and to learn about the history was one of the best things I've done this summer and I highly recommend anyone looking for something to do to check out the list of dates this is offered. It was one of the best tours I've been on a while.

-B

{Photos are all Just a Blonde in Buffalo Photos}

{We walked across that}

{A beautiful view}

{Inside the walkway to the Perot Malthouse}

Harlie's First Play Date

{Harlie has a new friend, Natalia}

Last night Harlie had her first play date with Natalia. Going into this I think I was more anxious than I think Harlie because I didn't know how she would be, but she was great! We went out to walk the trails on my friend's beautiful land and it was the first time she was off leash as well. Her and Natalia really just hung out and walked the trails side by side, it was so cute!! Kate and Brian taught me a lot yesterday and I can't wait to take Harlie on her next puppy adventure.

{Just pal-ing around}

{Let's race!}

{post trails treat - ice cream at Uncle G's - such a cute spot!}

The Roaming Table

Last week a few friends and myself took a culinary tour of Lewiston with The Roaming Table. Led by Chris and Alicia, the tour was full of food and beer tastings and history of Lewiston. What I liked even more were some of the fun facts that Alicia threw in because she grew up in the area.

{The tour group!}

We made six stops on the tour, starting at the Silo and trying the ever so popular "Haystack." From there we went to Water St. Landing and enjoyed some smoked gouda mac n' cheese and the Bavarian burger. We "washed" that down with a sample of the 42 North pilsner. After Water St. Landing we walked up Main St. all while learning about the history of Lewiston.

{First stop The Silo}

{D'Avolio's}

While on Main St. we also stopped at D'Avolio Olive Oils, Vinegars & More, Orange Cat Coffee Company {one of my favorite spots on the tour}, The Brickyard Pub & BBQ and The Village Bake Shoppe. In between a couple stops we veered off Main St and walked through neighborhoods to see Lewiston outside of the main strip.

{History was a part of the tour}

Throughout the tour Chris and Alicia asked us what festivals we like to go to, told us about themselves and answered any questions we had. When I asked them what their favorite part of the business was they each had a different response. Alicia mentioned its a unique experience and its something new, it challenges yourself. Chris responded saying he loves meeting new people, he always wanted to open his own restaurant and this is the next best thing. Both work full time jobs outside of hosting tours thru the Roaming Table and I give them lots of props for doing both, they are great hosts!

I had never been on a culinary tour before so I didn't know what to expect, but after the tour I will say I would definitely go back and do it again. The amount of food and drink your receive along with the history and learning of all the things taking place in town is highly worth it. For a list of tour times and availability go here. A big thank you goes out to Alicia and Chris for inviting me out to spend a fun afternoon with them!

Cheers!

-B

{Photos - Just a Blonde in Buffalo}

{One of my favorite spots on the tour!  Orange Cat Coffee Co.}

{Alicia and Chris took us through the neighborhood}

Friday Finds!

{Last week at Providence Social I found these shopping carts used as a garden, I love the creativity on their patio!}

{Shooting some boats races for an upcoming boat and car show at the Outer Harbor, this picture gives a beautiful shot of Downtown Buffalo in the background.}

{Last week was my first time shopping inside Half & Half Boutique and I must say I love the store! The mix of clothing and home décor is perfect!}

{Co-worker love at a wedding last week at Flying Bison Brewery. Happy Canada Day, Kayla!}

{The Roaming Table offers an AWESOME food tour of Lewiston, one of the stops was at Orange Cat Coffee and I found this guy inside. Orange Cat is probably my new favorite coffee shop in town, I only wish it was a little closer. See my write up on The Roaming Table in the next couple of days!}

Friday Finds!

Celebrating the first full day of Summer with Make Music Day at Wilkeson Pointe!

A good crowd came out for the Buffalo Niagara Partnership's Annual Report meeting at Larkinville on Wednesday morning. Larkinville is one of the prettiest places to be in the summer

A behind the scenes tour of the Curtis Hotel was quite fun! The beautiful walls from the original building are stunning. This place is going to be a pretty cool place to go in the Fall

Rooftop views in downtown Buffalo got me smiling from ear to ear

I love this!

Flag Day - A tradition that started in Buffalo

{Flag Day}

Today I'm writing about a tradition that started in Buffalo, Flag Day.

Back in 1891, Sarah Hinson a school teacher, born and raised in Buffalo, NY began the tradition of a formal ceremony of saluting and honoring the flag on the anniversary of the day that the Continental Congress accepted the design of the American flag.

In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson declared Flag Day an official Holiday. Sarah Hinson is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery marked with a flagpole flying the American Flag, and that is a fun fact for the day.

From Wikipedia, "The flag of the United States is one of the nation's most widely recognized symbols. Throughout the world the flag has been used in public discourse to refer to the United States, not only as a nation, state, government, and set of policies, but also as a set of ideals"

-B

Dancing with Wolves

   Friday evening myself and Pro Zoo Board Officers attended the Buffalo Zoo's Catillion. This years theme was Dancing with Wolves. The Catillion is the Buffalo Zoo's Black Tie Gala put on by the Buffalo Zoological Society's Board of Directors. The evening was quite nice, the drinks and food were good and the laughs and entertainment post program were even better.

I haven't attended a Zoo event that I wasn't volunteering or working at in a long time, so it was really nice to be back on the other side for one night. The Buffalo Zoo is one of the best places in town, if you ask me. To be able to support it and help raise awareness about the animals and their mission are why I volunteer there . Below are some pictures of the fun night out.

-B

{Dancing}

{Group Shot}

Fun at Buffalo's Outer Harbor - Architects of Air

Its Memorial Day weekend and with everyone thinking of their plans - BBQ's, yard work, etc. one fun thing to do is spend a few hours or the whole day at the Outer Harbor. It' opening weekend and there is much to do! Grab a bite to eat and drink at the Consumer Beverages "The Pointe" beer garden, rent kayaks from the Longboard Paddle Co. Water rentals aren't your thing? grab a bike from are bike rental stand and hit up the beautiful trails along the water.

Or stop by the Architects of Air - a luminarium that uses sunlight to create beautiful colors inside an inflatable exhibit. This traveling art piece has come from Nottingham, England and travels the world. It will be at Wilkeson Pointe thru Monday so if you have a morning, afternoon or evening free come check out all the new and exciting things taking place at the Outer Harbor!

-B

See a couple of my photos inside the luminarium below:

From the 716 to the 585

Continuing with my trip to Rochester a couple weekends ago, after paying a  visit to Black Button Distilling, we drove past the Public Market that had ended and then grabbed some food at La Casa a delicious Mexican restaurant {I highly recommend going there!} and then we met up with some of Arica's co-workers at Swiftwater Brewing. If I had to compare it to a brewery in Buffalo I would say it reminded me of Big Ditch with their big garage style doors and open feeling. That was a pretty cool place and I would definitely go back again.

{La Casa}

Its funny how Rochester is so close, but when I was there I felt like I was on a mini road trip.

Until next time..

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{Swiftwater Brewing}

Comics, Coffee & Bubble Tea at Pulp 716

{Jay & Anthony from Pulp 716}

If you're looking for a place to go to have fun and just enjoy positivity then Pulp 716 in Lockport is the place to go. A comic book store with amenities such as Bubble Tea, Historically Accurate Coffee, Treats and Games for customers to play, the staff is super friendly and personable - you won't have a bad experience when you pay a visit.

I was lucky to sit down with Jay who is one of the owners. Immediately after we met he introduced me to the world of Bubble Tea {I was familiar with Bubble Tea from a trip to Rhode Island years ago, but never had it, so this was fun!}. He broke down the variety of flavors they offer {no more than 7 at a time and they rotate them in and out to keep it fresh}. After going over everything with me I had decided on the Peachy Leachy, its was delicious! And a little fact Pulp 716 is the only place in Niagara County to serve Bubble Tea!

After grabbing a drink we sat down and discussed why him and Amy {co-owner} opened the store. After discussions were made between them to move forward with a business, everything fell into place in a short period of time.  In June of this year they will be celebrating their 1 year anniversary. When talking with him I asked what he loves best about being a business owner and he said "I love seeing my own ideas in motion."

Shortly after are discussion began I asked him what his favorite comic book was and he showed me Wolverine.. the female series. He then brought in Anthony the store manager. I don't think I ever laughed so much during an interview before. Having a conversation with Jay and Anthony was very relaxed. They both are really easy going and seriously make everyone who walks into the store feel welcome.

Every Wednesday they have new comics that come in and the have subscription customers {so if you are a comic book fan and want to sign up, click here to find out more info}. Pulp 716 offers a huge variety and they touch base on every single thing.

Pulp 716 is not your ordinary comic book store,  focusing on comics first they offer extra amenities to make it feel special. Outside of Bubble Tea they offer Historically Accurate Coffee from the following years 1830, 1927, 1964, 1977, making Pulp 716 the only place in America to have coffee that tastes like the actual year it was made. Its really quite impressive if you ask me, and if you're a coffee lover you should make the trip out to Lockport for this.

When talking with Jay he mentioned there 3 year plan: year one; have fun, year two; grow internet sales, year three: expansion. So if you're not in the area and want to purchase comic books, make sure to keep an eye out for purchasing online.

Just some other fun things to know about Pulp 716: its a reader store more than a collectors store. they have 70 titles a week, each staff member is asked to read at least one comic a day and try one new drink too. Pulp 716 is a destination more than a store and they want you to leave with a smile. And on May 7th its FREE Comic Book Day, pay a visit to Pulp 716 as they are giving away comic books.

So if you're looking for a new place to check out, a place for good company and great service, check out Pulp 716.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Hitched 716

Yesterday I was invited to the Reeds Jenss press conference to announce an exciting contest for newly engaged couples and couples thinking of getting engaged here in Western New York. Win the wedding of you dreams by entering Hitched 716 ! Reeds Jenss along with their local partners, Oliver's Catering, Maureen's Flowers, Muscoreil's Fine Desserts, Buffalo Limousine, Blue Spa, The Mansion on Delaware, Christopher Scinta Photography and travel from the Travel Team are all teaming up to give one lucky couple the wedding of a lifetime!  Click here for a complete list of contest rules and eligibility.  The contest entry period began April 4 and runs through June 30, 2016. Winners will be picked on or around October 3, 2016. 10 finalists are voted on between August 15-31st. If you are newly engaged and just starting to plan your wedding this is a huge opportunity, we all know weddings can be very expensive and stressful and with the help of Reeds and their partners, it will surely be a fun, memorable experience!

Good luck!

Think Spring! Things to do around town in April

Its hard to believe its April and there is snow on the ground today, well really, I guess not, I mean it is Buffalo. Regardless of what it is doing outside, there is plenty to do around town this month. Here is my list of some events and activities that caught my eye this month.

Take a fun tour with Explore Buffalo - whether its at the Fontana Boat House or an architectural tour you're bound to have fun and learn more about WNY

When I think of April I think of baseball and even though the Major League teams opening day was yesterday and today, the hometown team {The Buffalo Bisons} kickoff their season on the road this Thursday and are at home on April 14th #seizetheseason

Fern Croft Floral is hosting a class on Floral arrangements April 23rd...this comes at the perfect time, gardening season is right around the corner.

Makers Buffalo has a lot of fun DIY classes this month, Macramé Hanging Plants on 4/12, Pidge Podge is back with a weaving workshop on 4/30 and in between those dates there is so much more taking place! For a complete list of classes click here

Buffalo State College's Fashion and Textile program is hosting Runway ECOLUTION April 16th. For tickets click here.

Resurgence is hosting a Toy Brewbash on 4/14. For more details you can go here.

The new EXPO Market downtown is hosting their Grand Opening on April 18 & 19th. If you haven't checked out the popular downtown food hall, put it on your calendar to do in April.

Party in the Park is back on April 22 at Marcy Casino

If you're in need of a wedding planner or need some DIY tips for your big day, MuseJar is hosting a Secrets of the Trade DIY event on 4/24. For more details check out the Facebook event page.

One event I'd like to attend this year is the Knox Farm Spring Art Fest taking place at the end of the month - April 29- May 1

10 Years of Dyngus!

 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Whether you're heading to the Historic Polonia District to celebrate today or staying in the suburbs have a very happy Dyngus Day!!

For everything you need to know about todays festivities - Dyngus Day -Buffalo

#BuffaloLinks

1. Its that time of year again where the Broadway Market will be bustling with thousands of people and it all kicks off this Friday with the Easter season approaching in a few short weeks. Here is a list of hours and activities taking place.
2. Another new Escape Room I found out about this past week is right in the heart of Downtown Buffalo next door to the Convention Center - The Great Escape Room is a fun place to go - with a number of different rooms, it makes for great team building activities for businesses in the area.
3. Looking for a neat way to meet the Easter Bunny? How about taking a ride on the Arcade and Attica Railroad. Meet the Easter Bunny and friends and participate in an Easter Egg Hunt. March 19th & 20th. For more details click here.
4. If you missed the winter version of the Artists Market at the Ellicott Square Building - you're in luck! Event organizers are hosting another one taking place on March 24th. Don't miss out and mark you calendars today!
5.  A new pop up market that I am loving is ShopCraft located inside Thin Ice. For more info on them check out their Facebook page.

March Madness

March Madness is happening in Buffalo and it has nothing to do with basketball, but a lot to do with fun events to look forward to the rest of this month. Here is my list of "things to do":

Buffalo Home & Garden Show - March 6, 12, 13

Roller Skate Nights throughout the month of March at Buffalo Riverworks

Shamrock Run - March 12

Limoncello Tasting at Amherst St Wine & Liquor - March 12

Weaving Workshop with Makers Buffalo - March 12

Barre @ the Bar - Pure Barre at Lockhouse distillery - March 15

DIY Wall Herb Garden - March 15

Mini Makers Easter Egg Dying - March 19th

MessFest at the Buffalo Museum of Science - March 19

Maple Weekend - March 19-20

St. Patty's Day Parade - Old First Ward - March 19

Buffalo Bisons Open House - March 19

St. Patty's Day Parade - Delaware Ave - March 20th

Soap Making with Zandra and Makers Buffalo - March 23

Guided Tour & Candlelit Yin Yang Yoga at the Darwin Martin House - March 26

Dyngus Day festivities - March 28th

Putts & Pints for First Tee WNY - March 30