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!

Local Restaurant Week

Another week is upon us and what better way to start your Monday than knowing Local Restaurant Week is back. From October 21 thru the 27th you can enjoy great meals at local restaurants for $20.13. Many locally owned restaurants participate in this week and offer special meals for a great price. Its a great way for them to showcase items one may not think to try if they were dining out on leisurely time.

For a list of restaurants participating this week and for a list of what they're offering you can find out here.

Some places I've never been and am considering trying out are Tappo, The Oakk Room and Orchid Asian. Which restaurants are on your list to check out?

-B  

Don't forget its a great time to support independent owners.

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 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 }

{WISHFUL INKING}

Love tattoos? Love body piercings? Looking for one-of-a-kind service? Wishful Inking located at 581 Niagara Street has you covered. Open from 1-8pm Monday thru Saturday, Junior (M. Dot), Dom (Dom Dubble), Jaunky and Spyder are there for you. I had the opportunity to sit down with these guys and find out more about this local Buffalo business who puts customer service above all else.

When was the shop opened?

Junior: The shop was opened in 2008 as Penetrating Ink and in May of 2012 I (Junior or M.Dot) took ownership and opened Wishful Inking.

How long have you been tattooing?

Dom: Eight years

What services do you offer?

WI: Tattoos, Piercings, Scarification, Silicon Implants, Permanent Make-Up, Cover-ups and Re-touches.

What made you decide you wanted to own a tattoo shop?

Junior: I'm young and I saw an opportunity. I went to school for music and advertising design, I landed a job in construction and knew it wasn't for me. I knew I wanted to do something with music and/or the arts and I thought why not try tattooing. I put everything I had into this shop, heart, soul, money, passion and I made it into something I envisioned. I take 100% pride into everything I do here.

What makes Wishful Inking stand out from other tattoo shops in the area?

WI: The staff here is outgoing, we have an eclectic group of people you can't find anywhere else. We truly care about are clients and the work we do. We warranty are work and we don't cut any corners. We offer the best ink, jewelry and cleanliness in area. Businesses consider themselves a 10, we consider ourselves a 15 in service.

What do you like most about Buffalo?

Junior: Everything - the seasons, the smell of food in the air around the Holidays and more importantly family is family in Buffalo.

What do you like most about tattooing/owning your own business?

Junior: I love meeting new people, I love people, I love seeing the outcome from paper to the skin and I love being on this personal adventure with each person that walks into the shop.

Do you have a favorite style you like to tattoo?

Junior: Realism and Neo-Traditional/New School

Favorite memory while having your own business?

Junior: They all stick with me, but if I had to pick just one it would be the day I opened the doors. I worked hard, my team and I did it together and we put all of our heart and soul into this shop.

How can people find you?

Via Web: Wishfulinking.org

FB: Wishful Inking Buffalo

Phone: {716} 861.6797 {cell}   {716} 884.WISH {Shop Number}

Wishful Inking accepts walk-ins and appointments. The guys are all about convenience and creating your own concepts. If you're looking for new ink, new piercings or have tattoos that need to be re-touched or covered up check them out. They are a high quality local business who care about each one of their clients and the area they live in.

-B

{ Dom Dubble, M. Dot & Juanky }

{ Junior (M.Dot) }

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.

Friday Favorites and Buffalo Links

{ A great ladies night out last week at The Lodge }

{ A work trip up North to Toronto this week was pretty awesome - first stop Mill St. Brewery in the Distillery District }

{ On field experience for a Major League Baseball game }

{ Who wouldn't take their picture with Mickey Mouse }

{ Even though they lost, football season is back - woohoo! #GoBills }

Links to check out this week:

Maritime Festival

This weekend at canalside

Buffalo International Horse Show

This weekend benefiting The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center

Women Who Move Buffalo Collage

The last six weeks I have been able to share stories from amazing women who are pursuing their dreams right here in Buffalo. I can't wait to share more stories from other amazing women in the area.

The Lodge

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the unveiling gala for one of downtown's newest and in my opinion, one of the best restaurants and bars on Chippewa - The Lodge. Bringing what feels like a touch of Ellicottville to the city of Buffalo, The Lodge is all class and no trash. Two levels with three different spaces all tying in with one another to create this ski lodge glow that embraces the Buffalo area for who we are. Antler chandeliers, tree mirages, a lounge area with fireplace, game room, Artic area and so much more, make this the finest venue I have ever seen on Chippewa.

What's that you say? You have a private function, like a bachelorette or cocktail party and don't know where to have it? The Lodge has you covered, having private areas that can accommodate up to 125 people.

And don't let me forget about the food, lettuce wraps, shrimp cocktail, veggie and fish tacos, venison, S'mores and so much more... the food was A-MAZ-ING, and I mean A-MAZ-ING!  So many options are offered that even the pickiest of eaters will be able to find something to please their taste buds. All thanks to the Head Chef, Fortune Macri.

The inspiration behind it; Peter Altholz and a bar in Florida.

The Lodge truly embraces the Buffalo area for what it is and where it is going. Everyone behind this project from the beginning and moving forward should be proud to bring one of the finest restaurants to the Chippewa District.

I was honored and excited to be able to cover the Unveiling Gala last week and to receive a tour from the General Manager Joe, the staff is friendly, the atmosphere is great and I had a great time out with my friends. With so many options, The Lodge is sure to please "Buffalonians."

"Like" The Lodge on their Facebook page to stay up to date on all the exciting things they have coming up.

The Lodge on Facebook

79 West Chippewa St. Buffalo NY 14202

-B

{ A special thank you to Annalise for letting me take part in this great addition to downtown Buffalo}

{ The Entrance Way }

{ Live Entertainment }

{ Downstairs Bar Area }

{ My lovely friend Kate striking a pose by the beautiful lounge area that has a fireplace }

{ Beautiful art work hangs from the walls leading to the 2nd level }

{ Upon walking up to the 2nd level you walk into the game area, featuring a pool table, ski ball (where you can win drink and food tickets), air hockey, old school TV's playing old cartoons and much more }

{ Two thumbs up for ski ball }

{ The balcony overlooking downstairs }

{ The Artic Area }

{ Private area that can be used for meetings, parties, etc. }

{ The 2nd level }

{ Shrimp Cocktail, Lettuce Wraps and more }

{ Its official, press passes! }

{ Great ladies night out }

{ The guy behind this one of a kind venue - Peter Atholz }

{ The creative crew who did everything from the lighting, carpentry, design and layout to the food }

{ Women Who Move Buffalo } Kelly from Red Lantern Creative

{ "I love the people. For a large city we are as neighborly as a small town. There truly is no place like home. Plus I'm a huge Sabres fan."

- Kelly Conti, Red Lantern Creative}

This weeks woman who moves Buffalo is Kelly Conti, Owner and Designer from Red Lantern Creative. Red Lantern Creative was launched in January of 2011 and features everything from affordable wedding and bridal shower invitations, save the dates, to other custom cards.

After dabbling in all areas of print and web design Kelly knew her calling was in wedding stationery. Having the freedom to create art that is so meaningful and personal is what she loves. "It's the kind of job that makes me want to go to work everyday because I love what I do."

Red Lantern Services include}

• Created to order wedding invitation designs which are unique and customizable

• Custom Designs which include all celebratory cards

•  Logo/Email and Web Design services

Red Lantern specializes in hand drawn invitations so if the bride can dream it, Red Lantern Creative can create it. One thing Kelly does is, creates an invitation that is a true representation of the couple, because of this, there are no giant books of invitations to look through, which makes for a unique invitation showcasing who the couple is.

If you're planning a wedding, bridal shower or another special occasion and want a custom and creative invitation contact Kelly - she is truly a talented and creative woman who loves her hometown.

Red Lantern Creative on Facebook

or

kelly@redlanterncreative.com

xo

-B

Images below are courtesy of Tiff Photography, http://tiffphotography.com/

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 }

{ Women Who Move Buffalo } Gabrielle from After 5 Events LLC

This week's Woman who moves Buffalo is the one and only Gabrielle Pagano from After 5 Events LLC. Gabby is a one of a kind, creative wedding and event planner in Western New York who began her career working as a Marketing Manager for a global beer brand. During her time there she did everything from maintaining the exciting and stylish image of the brand while creating and executing the brands large events.

Eventually, the time came when Gabby had to make a career decision and she decided to take a chance (and a good one at that) and created After 5 Events. During the beginning stages of her business she studied everything she could, from accounting and website creation to branding and search engine optimization. Learning all the in's and the out's in the event business that she could, she did some traveling and networking and came back to Buffalo and stumbled upon a storefront in her hometown of Williamsville. With A LOT of hard work, paint, blood, sweat and tears the store was ready.

After 5 Events offers an array of packages that are customizable to suite each and every clients needs. Packages range from month of coordination to a 'Red Carpet" Package that includes professional assistance throughout every step of the wedding and event planning process.

Gabby is an amazing woman who loves Buffalo because its her home. "I love the beauty of this city and the juxtaposition of new vs. old, cold vs. hot and grit vs. beauty. We truly have it all and I am so thankful for that. What other city can you spend the afternoon having cocktails on a rooftop, lunch at a museum, dinner and dancing in a ballroom hundreds of years old with original architecture and finish up the night in a perfect little dive bar til' 4am?"

Working on multiple weddings and private parties, some of Gabby's favorite places are private properties because she can really be creative and think out of the box. Incorporating things people in Buffalo don't know about is what she loves to do. She is constantly keeping her events fresh, new, exciting, fun and unique.

I was thrilled to be able to meet Gabby at her office a few weeks ago. She is truly a genuine and passionate woman who cares about each and every one of her clients. She takes the time out to really listen to them and their needs and you can see that in the outcomes of her events.

If you have a special event coming up I highly suggest calling Gabby at After 5 Events. You won't be disappointed.

xo

-B

After 5 Events LLC

5957 Main St.

Williamsville, NY 14221

{716} 908.9517

After 5 Events on Facebook

{Above Photos Via After 5 Events}

{ My visit to After 5 Events }

{ Gabby with a wall of pictures from some of her events }

{ The Buffalo Gal hard at work }

{ Custom made hangers she makes and sells }

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Em Jay Fit

 

Today's Woman who moves Buffalo is one of the toughest ladies I am lucky to know, Em Jay Fit. Em Jay (also know as Morgan McNerney) is a personal trainer who specializes in extreme weight loss. You may know Em Jay from the ever so popular BikeorBar where she teaches the popular CrosSpin.

Em Jay started her business because she herself was overweight as a teen. For her 15th birthday she asked her parents for a gym membership and a personal trainer and with her trainers help she was able to shed 90 lbs. Its then that she realized she wanted to show others that they could lose the weight to and turn their lives around.

" I love the hometown feel of Buffalo. All the Mom n' Pop stores and restaurants. I lived in Phoenix for a bit, which was great, but every single store and restaurant was a chain. Nothing like the feeling of a home cooked meal, even when you're out to eat."

-Em Jay

Em Jay is amazing! Every time I take a class she teaches I know I'm going to 1. be sore the next day, 2. get an amazing workout while cursing and maybe crying (no not really, just kidding) 3. learn new exercises that I can take with me to continue to do on my own time 4. SWEAT a lot and 5. Do Burpees. :)

Em Jay specializes in personal and group training so if you want to make a change in your life you can contact her through a variety of ways. You won't be sorry you did!

Email } Emjayfit@gmail.com

Facebook

-B

{via}

{ If you know Em Jay, you know you'll be doing burpees }

Saturday Mornings

On Saturday mornings throughout the Summer the Elmwood Bidwell Farmer's Market is packed with a variety of vendors selling salsa, vegetables, fruit, wine, craft-beers, flowers and more. It's by far one of my favorite farmer's markets in the area. The only thing I would like to see more of is a variety of different fruits. Every vendor who was selling fruit was only selling strawberries, I would have liked a few more options, but overall its still a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

-B

:: Fresh flowers from the market, so bright, so pretty ::

A Fashion Show for Local Designers

Crista Botticello, owner of Ooo La La Boutique and Ooo La La Fashion Truck puts on a handful of fashion shows throughout the year, one of the best ones is the Local Designer Show. This show features up and coming designers who live in or have studied fashion in the Western New York area. For the summer show that took place this past weekend, the designers included were: Danielle Nieder, Nancy Celeste, Rachel Hamerski, Emily Lyon, Holly Henderson and swimwear designer, Marina Pascale. To learn more about any one of these designers you can check out Ooo La La Boutique's Facebook page: Ooo La La Boutique

A big thank you goes out to all the designers, hair stylists, photographers, models, customers, volunteers, friends, family and guests in attendance.

-B

:: Pre-Show Set-Up ::

:: Cupcakes from Swirls ::

:: Ooo La La Models Backstage ::

:: Crista and myself after the show ::

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS CAPTURED FROM THE SHOW GO TO

RICK WARNE PHOTOGRAPHY

My Favorite Buffalo Links

One of my favorite bloggers (Emily Schuman from Cupcakes and Cashmere) recently started a series called Links I Love. It gave me an idea to share the links from local Western New York businesses that I like, this week I'm highlighting my favorite clothing/fashion boutiques. What are your favorite shops in town?

-B

FASHION/CLOTHING

Ooo La La Boutique

Anna Grace

Modern Nostalgia

Research and Design

In The Buff Shirts

Shoefly

Bella Belle Shoes

Ms. Eye Candy

Clementiny Clothing

Made by Anatomy

A_dot_tees

Live Music Action

The Hall's opened Sportmen's Tavern in 1985 and what was once just a local neighborhood tavern is now one of the best venues to see live music in, in town. I stopped by Sportmen's the other day to attend a "Friendraiser" hosted by The Good Neighborhood (the Good Neighborhood is located in Buffalo, NY and is about the community, providing you with information in Western New York that focuses on the greater good).

While I've driven past the Tavern many times before I was surprised to walk in and see how big the place was - a stage, big bar and bistro style tables line the downstairs and upstairs is an additional bar with tables and a balcony where you can watch the band(s) play. My time was cut short at the Sportmen's Tavern, but I enjoyed the atmosphere and am already looking forward to going back soon!

Located at 326 Amherst St. if you love live music check out a band here.

Sportsmen's Tavern on Facebook

-B

Day 5: Up & Coming Women in Buffalo: Ms. Shanna Montana

Day 5 of the up and coming women in Buffalo series takes us to an amazing entertainer and DJ who loves Buffalo and is one of the most caring, fun and hard-working gals I know. Kiss 98.5's On-Air Personality and Sales Promotion Coordinator, the wonderful, Shanna Montana.

Shanna originally attended Buffalo State College for Psychology and then after taking Psych 101 realized that wasn't the route for her. She realized she needed something where she could talk to people and entertain them. From there, she changed her major to Media Production and started interning with the Kiss Morning Show. It was during that time that she realized she wanted to do this for the rest of her life.

You can catch Shanna on the radio during the weekends and making public appearances at a variety of different places and different times, but to do that you have to keep up to date with her at:

• Kiss 98.5 & follow her on Twitter: @MsShannaMontana
• Facebook: Shanna Montana

"I love everything about Buffalo! The food is amazing, our sports teams have a special place in my heart, and the people here are always great! Where else can you find all of those things?!"

Shanna is a one-of-a-kind DJ. She loves her work and has a true passion for radio and music in general. If you're having a "blah" day and turn on the radio and Shanna's on, you'll instantly be in a better mood. She loves to make people happy. Do yourself a favor and listen to Kiss 98.5 and follow Ms. Montana on Twitter and Facebook. You'll be happy you did!

Like all the young women I wrote about this past week each one of them has a dream that they are pursuing, whether they stayed or left and came back to Buffalo, they believe in this City and all love something about this area. My hope for readers this past week is to inspire you to follow your dreams and to believe in this city, like the five ladies I wrote about do. Enjoy your weekend!

-B

Day 4: Up & Coming Women in Buffalo: Diamond Do Salon & Boutique & The Diamond Do Brand

Day four of the up and coming women in Buffalo series brings us to the spicy and sexy Mercedes Diamond, Owner and CEO of the Diamond Do Salon & Boutique as well as the Diamond Do Brand.

Since the age of 8, Mercedes has known she always wanted her own salon. After college and working in Corporate America she decided it was time to follow her dreams. She moved back to Buffalo and opened a private, upscale salon and boutique in Cheektowaga, NY.

Diamond Do Salon & Boutique specializes and provides services in:

• Healthy Hair & Healthy Hair Maintenance
• Sew in extensions
• Braidless extensions
• Color
• Cut
• Conditioning Treatments
• Scalp Treatments

The Salon & Boutique also sells jewelry, Diamond Dolls apparel, high quality virgin Brazilian hair and much more.

Mercedes has "always believed that Buffalo has so much potential of being an amazing city that could be the next Chicago, Atlanta, DMV (DC,MD, VA area). I have lived and visited several thriving cities and it always makes me think what Buffalo could be...we have so many natural resources and beautiful assets; such as our historic buildings, bodies of water, the fact that we can get to another country in minutes!..."

The goal of Diamond Do is to promote a "Diamond Do" lifestyle and mindset for people, meaning taking care of yourself, following your dreams, working on a better you. Its the belief that you are a rare and precious jewel that deserves to shine. Therefore, you treat yourself as a DIAMOND by DOING things to keep yourself shining!

The potential and the people are what Mercedes loves and its what keeps her in Buffalo. "The people make a way out of no way, the fact that we fight for our small businesses and we are passionate about our city even when things may look bad, that all takes heart. Gotta love people with heart!"

Diamond Do Salon & Boutique is an appointment only salon and boutique.

To make an appointment you can contact Mercedes Diamond at: (716) 390.9464

Email her at: info@thediamonddobrand.com and check out the website: http://www.thediamonddobrand.com/

And of course follow on the social media sites:

Facebook: Diamond Do Brand and Diamond Do Salon

Twitter: @thediamonddobrand and @mercedesdiamond

Instagram: Diamond Do Brand

Start taking care of yourself and bring out the diamond in you. You will be happy you did. Call Mercedes and book an appointment today!

-B

Day Three: Up & Coming Women in Buffalo: Jenny Lynn Photography

Today is day three of this mini-series and I'm writing about a friend who decided to take her passion of photography and make it a business.

Jenny Stauffer, from Jenny Lynn Photography is an, on-location photographer. She has always had a camera in her hand and after college she took her love for photos to the next level. After going on some photo shoots with a cousin who is also a photographer she new she had to pursue her dream. Jenny say's she "instantly fell in love with capturing moments in peoples lives. They will never get back these moments and I love knowing they will always have those images I took for them, for a lifetime. It's priceless."

Jenny Lynn Photography photographs

• Newborns
• Infants
• Children
• Families
• Engagements
• Special Events

Her specialty is definitely sessions that involve children, "I love candids." Included with her prices comes a Photo CD with all the edited, high resolution images and a copyright release to print photos for personal use.

To contact Jenny you can email her at: photographybyjennylynn@yahoo.com

Check out her website here: photographybyjennylynn.com

or "Like" her page on Facebook: Jenny Lynn Photography

Jenny has photographed some of my special events for work over the last couple of years and I'm always thrilled with the wonderful work she captures for me. Knowing she is taking the photos for my events is one less thing I have to worry about.

Jenny loves the variety of places to go in Buffalo and the surrounding areas for photo sessions. "I never have a hard time offering up outside locations with beautiful backdrops! It's truly a beautiful city!"

If you're looking for a photographer who loves capturing moments contact Jenny, she doesn't disappoint.

-B

For photo galleries from Jenny Lynn Photography click here or here