My Snowboarding Adventure #BuffaloStyle

One thing I've wanted to do was learn to snowboard so over the weekend my friend Annette {a veteran snowboarder} and I went to Holiday Valley. I have never had any experience in any winter sports, the most I've ever done was gone tubing, so I was all sorts of emotions, anxious, nervous, scared, excited - you get the point. We started off making a pit stop at EBC {Ellicottville Brewing Company} to "warm" up - meaning have a drink or so in me, so I wasn't so tense.

{ The Blueberry beer is my favorite their }

Then it was onto the slopes. We arrived at Holiday Valley around 4pm and purchased the night time pass for $33. Then a friendly gentleman {employee} showed us to where we could get our rental equipment. We both got boots and boards for $26.

Next it was on to the lesson...

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After that short five minute lesson we stopped to take some photos {its all about the documentation} and then it was on to the bunny hill.

{All ready to go}

Once we got on the ski lift, {I don't know how Annette didn't push me off} I must have panted and rambled and almost cried the whole way up the slope, I was so scared { I don't like heights as it is so this was a huge step for me}. Once we got to the top I fell {LOL} off. The first time down it took about 45 minutes and then the second time it took around 30 minutes. I fell, but got back up and I did have some moments where I had the hang of it, it was just when I felt like I was going to fast or thought I would hit a tree that I plopped back down.

{ We took a photo break on our second time down the bunny hill }

{ Its a little blurry, but believe it or not that's me! }

{ Go Bills }

{ We took a drinking and eating break inside the lodge }

{ Live music from Jay Mcdonell }

After our little break I was ready to sit by the fire and relax, but Annette convinced me to try the big hill, so here we went out into the much lower temperatures and up the big slope. Once to the top - I chickened out {LOL} I was tired, it was a much longer way down and it was a lot colder, I took the ski lift back down where Annette {who snowboarded down} was waiting for me. While I went back into the lodge to warm up, the friendly gentleman who showed us to the rental equipment earlier in the day came up and asked how my first time riding was and also asked if I lost my friend.

The staff was very friendly and the fact that, that employee came up and asked how my first experience was, made it even better. Its because of that extra effort he made that will make me want to come back again. While I am no pro I was happy that I faced a fear and accomplished something on my bucket list, all while doing it with one of my closest friends by my side. It's definitely a memory I will always remember and I can't wait to get back on the slopes {after my butt heals from all the falling}. Oh and the other nice thing- I got multiple compliments on my Buffalo Bills hat! ;)

{ Me running off the ski lift }

{ Photo credit by Annette }

{The end}

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Don't let fear stop you from trying new things, you only have one life, so make the most of it!

-B

Beauty Barre at BikeorBar

With Valentine's Day on Friday, the ladies at BikeorBar on Elmwood hosted a Beauty Barre event on Sunday. If you paid for one of the services {Eyelash/hair extensions, spray tanning, waxing, facial or massage} you received a free Barre class. The event in my eyes was a big success. There was a crowd of women who filled the back room and for some {like me} it was my first time taking a barre class. After class they offered the services and while you waited they had wine, mimosas, sushi and some sweet treats. It was a nice event, made you feel pretty, do something for yourself and all in time for Valentine's Day. -B

{$20 for a service or 3 services for $45 (great deals!)}

Friday Favorites - Charity Edition

Closing out this week of charities that are close to me are four more organizations that have a special place in my heart. Whatever the cause or mission is, if you're in a position where you can give back, whether that be your time, money or in-kind donations, the "reward" and the lessons you receive in return are priceless.

We should all try to "Be Better Than Yesterday."

-B

Attending numerous events and now recently joining the Pro Zoo Board, helping the Buffalo Zoo is something I'm honored to be a part of. For more info check out their website and like them on Facebook.

Working on the Kiss Cares for Kids Radiothon for a couple of years and having family use their services Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo is one of the best out there. From the doctors and staff to the facility, we're lucky to have them in our "backyard."

Women and Children's Facebook

I've seen what a terrible illness this is, as my grandmother was diagnosed with dementia. I can't even imagine how people living with this illness feel. Its a horrible sickness and having the Alzheimer's association their to provide support and information is something you should use if you or someone you know is going through a difficult time.

Alzheimer's Association {Western New York Chapter}

ALZ on Facebook

We should all try to take good care of our bodies, exercise and eat right. There are a handful of my loved ones who have passed away from a heart attack or heart disease. Heart disease is the number 1 cause of death in New York State. Learn more about how to take care of yourself and the American Heart Association here.

And today is National Wear Red Day - wear red and protect the hearts of those you love with the Go Red for Women Movement.

Carly's Club

Outside of the events I did at the radio station and a couple weddings here and there, one of my very first events I did on my own that was really the base of me stepping out in the event planning world was hosting my Cashin' in for Carly's Club event. Carly's Club is part of Roswell Park Cancer Institute and offers a number of support programs to make life more manageable for children diagnosed with cancer and their families. It also raises funds for pediatric cancer research. Seeing my father diagnosed with cancer and having to go through his chemo treatments and the "stress" is puts on a family, I can't imagine children having to go through such an awful illness. That's why I put on Cashin' in for Carly's Club to give back and do whatever I could to make their difficult time a little "less" difficult.

For more information on upcoming events and ways to support Carly's Club, click here.

Over 260 children are being served by Carly's Club and nearly 9,000 children will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The continued support for this organization will only help us get closer to having a world without cancer..

-B

{ My event was held at the Town Ballroom and was a carnival theme }

Hope, Strength & Joy

In April of 2009 I began volunteering with an organization very close to my heart. The Make a Wish Foundation of Western New York provides hope, strength and joy* to children with life threatening illnesses. During these last few years I have been a part of wonderful events the organization has held and met and granted a lot of wishes for children that have touched my life. Hearing their stories and seeing their faces when a wish is fulfilled - nothing beats that moment when you know you helped provide a memorable experience during a difficult time. There are a variety of ways you can help. For more information and to stay up-to-date like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

We all have the opportunity to provide a little hope, strength and joy to those in need..

-B 

Be the Difference

There are some 4,000 Boys and Girls Clubs around the country. With 7 being a part of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northtowns {BGCNT}. I didn't fully understand or realize how great of an after school program BGCNT offers to children until I saw it first hand. Helping with homework, having art classes, playing sports, providing dinner, hosting special events that the children can participate in {talents shows, Easter egg hunts, Read to Succeed, etc.} and that's just a small realm of what they do. The club is more than a club, its a second home, a family, and there are a more than a dozen located in and around the Western New York area.

For more information on BGCNT, upcoming events and how you can get involved click here.

BGCNT on Facebook

{Be the Difference.}

-B 

The Art of Friendship

This week on the blog I am going to be highlighting some charities that are close to my heart. While I always try to give back to the community as much as I can, working in the non-profit field for a while has opened my eyes to more than some may know. I believe as a society we all have some sort of duty to do our part whether its in volunteering your time or making a monetary donation to something close to your heart. The more you know and the more we work together the better off we'll be. At least that's what I think. The first non-for-profit I'm highlighting this week is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County {BBBSEC}. BBBSEC is a youth mentoring organization where volunteers {Bigs} are matched with youth {Littles}. Throughout the month of February you can make a visit to Ashker's Juice Bar on Elmwood Ave. and see some of the artwork on display by the Bigs and Littles {The Art of Friendship}. While you're there you can also learn more about the organization and enjoy a delicious smoothie, salad or wrap.

Make sure to like or follow them on Facebook to see where the art display will be next!

-B

{ This is one of my favorites on display at Ashker's }

{ Keep Calm and Melt On is my second favorite }

#BfloBridalExpo14

This past Sunday, the Seneca Niagara Casino and Event Center were hosts to over 3,000 brides, grooms and bridal parties from all over Western New York. The Buffalo Bridal Association held their ninth annual Buffalo Bridal Expo from 11-6pm. Florists, limousine companies, photographers, deejays, health and fitness vendors and bakeries were just some of the vendors in the wedding industry represented at this great event.

The Buffalo Bridal Association {BBA} was created over 25 years ago by Key Video Production owner, Michael Fantaske to do one thing, provide quality products and vendors to the brides. Brides go through three stages; 1. Excitement 2. Planning and 3. Fear. The BBA takes the fear out of the planning and brings the excitement back. All members of the BBA apply to be a member and go through an application process. You have to be the best of the best and if excepted into the association you sign a code of ethics, easing the brides mind knowing she can trust your services.

BBA's Bridal expo is the largest expo in the Northeast with 20 staff working around the clock to make this event the best it can be for those in attendance {that doesn't include the casino's staff and the BBA volunteers}. The BBA is there to tell you and provide you with the people you CAN trust, their the liaison between the brides and the vendor.

While walking around, each and every vendor was engaged with the potential "new" customer. They were inviting and sociable, handing out take home gifts and offering discount services if you signed up with them.  The event overall was informative and entertaining. Some of my favorite booths were;

• Toy Bros (Jeff and his team do amazing work!)
• Key Video Productions
• Zoladz limousine
• Floral Accents
• Status limousine
• Sweet Melody's
• Creative Beginning's Wedding décor
• Statler
• Ohlson's Bakery

You can find a complete list of vendors {over 150} that are members of the BBA here. Also, make sure to mark your calendars on August 24 for BBA's summer expo at Salvatore's Italian Gardens. And make sure to catch Wedding Planning Weekly on Sunday evenings on the CW 23.

-B

{ 2 fashion shows took place, showing off bridal gowns from Bridal Chateau and tuxedos from Tuxedo Junction }

{ Table centerpieces }

{ There was a masquerade theme at this expo }

{People Who Move Buffalo} Cretaceous Clothing & JK Media

One of the best ideas I have had to date was my {Women Who Move Buffalo Series} sharing with you women who have made the choice to stay in their hometown and pursue their dream. This year while I will continue that series, I am also expanding on it and introducing {People Who Move Buffalo} - sharing both men and women's stories of success and dreams all while staying local. With that being said, I'm very excited to kick off 2014 sharing two amazing guys stories with you. Zach Patton from Cretaceous Clothing and Jeff Kress from JK Media. Both driven, creative, ambitious, talented, hard working, the list could go on and on. These two men portray amazing personalities and work ethics that most people strive for.

Read more of my interview with them below.

-B

When did you go into business?

• Zach Patton (ZP): May of 2009 Cretaceous Clothing opened
• Jeff Kress (JK): November of 2012 JK Media opened

What made you go into the field you're in?

• ZP: I was a trendsetter back in high school and always enjoyed fashion so I opened my own clothing company. {95% of the clothes in his store are his very own designs}
• JK: Six years ago I picked up a camera and started shooting. Thought it was fun and self taught myself. I love the people I've met along the way.

What do you like best about Buffalo?

• ZP and JK: We both like the diverse group of people in the area and the diverse scenes around town.

How did you two meet?

• ZP and JK: In June of 2013 at the Vault through a mutual friend Jamie Catania. We started talking and throwing ideas back and forth and have been friends ever since.

What makes you stand out from your competition?

• ZP: Nobody does it the way I do, I have more to offer, hidden talents that you can't find anywhere else especially in the hip-hop scene.
• JK: I stop at nothing, I will always be there.

When I sat down with Zach and Jeff I immediately knew their life is their work. Two passionate guys who take the time to create quality clothing pieces and capture beautiful photos. Coming in February they will be selling a calendar that offers pictures (taken by Jeff) of clothing that Zach designed while showcases other local businesses ads throughout the months of the year.

Zach offers custom services for clothing - so if you're looking for a place to go for custom wear Zach and his co-worker Goose are the guys to visit. And if you have a special event, paintball tourney, wedding or anything you want captured contact Jeff with JK Media. He also helps in digital art and social media optimization {Both men are from Buffalo, NY}.

Cretaceous Clothing {2630 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo}

Cretaceous Clothing Website

Cretaceous Clothing Facebook

JK Media {Follow on Twitter @JKMedia716} 

JK Media Facebook

{ From L to R: Goose, Zach {Cretaceous} and Jeff {JK Media} }

{ JK Media Photography}

{ I am in love with this photo. Beautiful shot of City Hall in Downtown Buffalo }

{I think its pretty cool to have a photographer shoot a paintball tourney}

{ I love Zach's creativity and inspiration that portrays in his clothing;      "Lead Never Follow" }

Savoy Buffalo

Classy, cool and a little mysterious; those are words I would use to describe Savoy Buffalo {149 Elmwood Avenue}. I've been meaning to check out this place for a while now, so Lacey and myself had dinner and drinks their on Saturday night. While it is smaller than what I expected it, the décor, staff and live music were great! We sat right by the window so we could people watch on Elmwood while sipping on our wine and Jack and ginger's. It was a relaxing atmosphere, reasonably priced...my Jack and ginger was $6 - I thought it was going to be more like $10, so that was a nice surprise. If ordering food try their Deviled Eggs {that's what their known for}. Lacey had the pulled pork sandwich {which she said was good} and I ordered the chopped salad {picture is below}and mac n' cheese. Savoy is definitely a place I would go back to for drinks and a good time.

-B

{Savoy on Facebook}                 {Savoy on Twitter}

{Artwork}

{Live music - these guys were really good!}

{I ordered the chopped salad and mac n' cheese}

{Guests enjoying themselves at the bar}

#BuffaloLinks

Here are this weeks links to check out;

1. Betty's Restaurant {370 Virginia Street}- I've never been, but have a lunch date in the next couple days. Super excited, I've heard great things!

2. I see a happy hour special almost every day or every other day on Facebook at the Gypsy Parlor. It looks like a cool place to go for drinks- definitely on my list of places to check out!

3. If you're a new bride or know someone who recently got engaged check out this event at the Century Grill tonight; Emerald City Cocktail Party

4. If you want to be hands on with your wedding make sure to check out the Boutique Bridal Party's Crafts & Cocktails on 1.22.14 at the Mansion on Delaware. Trust me you will learn new things, meet great vendors and have an awesome time!

A locally owned Creperie

Love breakfast food, but tired of ordering the same old thing; eggs, pancakes, French toast? Locally owned, Break' N Eggs Creperie  {located at 5235 Main Street in Williamsville} offers a small "diner like" feel with a touch of country flare to the décor. Having been my first time there, my friend Kate and I went mid- morning and there was a 25 minute wait, but it was worth it. This restaurant is the perfect place to go if you're looking to switch up your breakfast spot. You have the opportunity to create your own crepes or you can order one that has a variety of meat, salmon or fruit fillings.

If you're one who doesn't do well with change don't fret, they do offer traditional items such as eggs, pancakes and other sides like sausage and bacon, but if you do pay a visit I highly recommend trying the crepes- live a little, I mean, what's the point in going to a creperie if you don't have a crepe.

Enjoy!

-B

{ I loved the yellow coffee and creamer mugs }

{ Create your own crepe; mine - sweet crepe with banana's and walnuts }

#BuffaloLinks

Its the second day in the new year and with that comes a lot of people {hopefully} still sticking to their New Year's resolutions. Some of the common ones are losing weight, being healthy or being more organized. I think some of the links this week can help you stay on track with your resolutions.

1. Black Dot Record Boutique - I don't know what it is, but I enjoy record shops and boutiques. Something about the "hipster" and "old-school" feel makes me enjoy looking around at what music they have to offer.

2. I am a big list person - I have lists of multiple things - goals, to-do lists, etc. One place on the must check out list this year is going to Vera Pizzeria. I've heard multiple reviews some good, some bad, so I want to check it out for myself and see how it is.

3. I will be the first to admit {& so will my family and friends} when I say I have to learn to relax a little bit more. With that being said I want to incorporate more yoga into my exercise. I tried it once last year and thought it was ok, but I definitely want to check out Bikram Yoga in Williamsville, I've heard a lot of positive things about this place.

4. Let's face it, we probably all could be a little more organized in our lives, whether its paper documents, clothing and shoes, pictures or toys having the right storage and organization system would help us alleviate time we take to search for things and do things we would rather enjoy doing. Creative Storage of Buffalo has a variety of services and organization tips to help any of us get more organized in 2014.

5. Another goal of mine {& maybe yours as well} is to run a little more this year. I ran my first 5k race last year and I would love to complete a half marathon this year, so a great website to help me prep for this is Buffalo Runners. They have a list of races {from 5ks to marathons} that will help me prepare for my goal this summer.

Whatever your goals or resolutions are this year, I wish you the best of luck to sticking to them.

Have a great Thursday!

-B

#BuffaloLinks

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

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

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

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

#BuffaloLinks

 

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

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

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

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

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

#DTH13

Saturday night the Knox Mansion in East Aurora was home to 200 people who attended the Deck the Halls for Main St. Runway holiday fashion show, all to benefit the Hunter's Hope Foundation. The evening included hair and make up artists from a variety of suburbs helping glam our models for the main event. Food from a variety of local East Aurora eatery's including the wonderful Swirls, Taste, Rick's on Main St., Del Arueo's, Medici House and Arriba. Also, participating in the event were a variety of vendors. A special thank you to Total Tan and TT New York for all that you did.

The evening was kicked off with the Foxy Diamondz performing dance numbers for the crowd. Once started Crista Botticello, owner of Ooo La La Boutique and Lauren Hall from Winging It! Buffalo Style co-hosted the show. Fashions were seen from Cameleon, Ragamuffinz, The Walk In Closet, {guest boutique} Abalie Lingerie, The Dress Shop and Ooo La La Boutique with a special section of recycled material designs from the students at Villa Maria College.

The night was a huge hit that brought a community together during a busy holiday season to raise awareness about an important cause that is close to a lot of Buffalonian's hearts. It is really rare to see people in this day and age put aside differences, but on Saturday night the East Aurora community did just that. There is power in numbers and I have noticed myself saying this a lot more lately, but one person can lead by example. It only takes one. Can you imagine what this world would be like if we had more people working together than working against each other? I guess I can always hope.

In the meantime, if you attended the event or want to see pictures check out all the social media outlets and search for the #DTH13 and Ooo La La Boutique.

-B { Ooo La La Boutique }

A distillery in our backyard

Located in a somewhat spacious area on the third floor of the Great Arrow Building Lockhouse Distillery {formerly Eight Buffalo Spirits} opened its doors for business this past weekend and with a great turnout sold out of there one-of-a-kind vodka within just a couple short hours. The distillery is the first one to open in Buffalo, NY since the Prohibition time. Made with quality and local ingredients I can attest its delicious and I was lucky enough to get there in the right amount of time to take a bottle home with me.

-B

{Walking up to the third floor}

 {I arrived to a line of people waiting outside the distillery for their bottle of vodka}

{Inside the distillery}

{Samples while you waited for your purchase}

{"What has fallen we've rebuilt, what was outlawed we revived"}

                               -The quote on a wall inside Lockhouse Distillery

#BuffaloLinks

This week is all about local businesses and supporting them.

1} Love the zoo and want to celebrate Luna and Kali (the polar bear cubs), then come out to their birthday party on Saturday and enjoy a variety of activities during the day all while celebrating their special day.

2} Opening on Small Business Saturday the Lockhouse Distillery will be open from 12-8pm on Saturdays and Sundays during the holiday season. Come out buy a bottle of vodka and get a tour of the place.

3} Saturday is Small Business Saturday, get out there and shop small and shop local. Money spent in local business stays local. Hit Hertel, Main St. in Williamsville, East Aurora, Orchard Park, Elmwood Ave., Allen St. and see what local businesses have to offer.

4} Black Friday is crazy with stores having tons of deals. Make sure you get out to Ooo La La Boutique's turning Black Friday Pink! early to get 50% off anything in the store from 7-7:30am. And throughout the day enjoy other discounts that you won't be able to pass up!

Monday Morning WrapUp #PushGo

Today on the Monday morning recap I'm talking fashion and local business from the Elmwood Village. Over the weekend I attended the Mass Appeal show at the Pierce Arrow Building. It was my first time attending the very popular fashion event that I've always heard things about. It was also my first time inside the Pierce Arrow Building; it was a neat building I liked the look of it and it fit with the theme of the show, urban trendy, it had an old factory look type thing going on.

I thought the overall show was good, it was like any other fashion show I've attended, it was entertaining and creative, but it didn't "wow" me. I thought the VIP area was minimal and could have been more elaborate, but I did like the displays of designers work on manikins and the fact that you could talk with the designers about it. I also do like the comradery from the Elmwood Village- boutiques, designers, restaurants all coming together to put on an event to raise money to better their neighborhood. It shows the sense of community in the area and its a night for everyone to showcase their talents, put aside any differences and support each other. After the show buffaBlog hosted an after party - we didn't stay to long after the show ended, but we were able to catch the aerial acrobatic person who was performing over the stage. It was a nice touch to see when walking out.

If you attended what did you think? Did you enjoy, not enjoy, let me know your thoughts.

-B

{ VIP Area }

Buffalo Links

Here are some links to check out this week:

1} I came across this website yesterday - if you're a pie lover you may want to check this place out - the only downside is if you live in Buffalo it may be a drive for you. Check them out online Portage Pie

2} Working for Downtown hosts Thursdays in the City every Thursday from 5-8pm at Papaya. Come together and network with each other.

3} If you love reading and want to help children's literacy in the area check out the fundraiser Best Sellers Party that Nickel City Professional is hosting on Friday at the Hotel Lafayette.

4} Saturday Night is a hot fashion event taking place in the Elmwood Village; Mass Appeal