What's a Bash Without the Brews

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

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

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

Cheers!

-B

#BuffaloLinks

This Friday the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is hosting their Gala at the Gardens. For ticket information and time click here.

Fall is finally upon us and there are so many nice spots to go to in Western New York. One place in particular is Becker Farms. From pumpkins and wine tasting to picking in-season fruits and vegetables, you and your family/friends will be entertained during your whole visit.

Yay! To Buffalo Beer Week! Starting Friday a variety of restaurants and breweries will be taking part in beer related activities. The best part is you have a whole week to pick a day that works in your schedule! For a complete list of events click here.

This Thursday, come see yours truly at Resurgence Brewery. The Buffalo Zoo's Pro Zoo Board is hosting a Polar Bites Pre-Party from 6-8pm. $25 includes open bar and a free sandwich coupon to the Whole Hog Food Truck. Money from this event will benefit Polar Bites 2015. To purchase your tickets for Thursday click here.

A Sweet Taste of Seafood

{Photo credit: Just a Blonde in Buffalo}

The other night my friend Nicole and I met for dinner and drinks at the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria building which now is home to Oshun Restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner, Oshun has an oyster bar and variety of seafood selections.

Recommended by our waitress, Nicole and I picked 3 small plates to share {Clams, Mussels and Calamari}. The mussels and calamari were both our favorites, sweet and a little spicy. The clams were ok, but left a "fishy" after taste.  We also ordered dessert - I'm not a big dessert person, but the warm cookies with salted pretzels and homemade vanilla ice cream was the second best decision after the Malbec wine I had ordered!

Overall, I loved the history that was used as part of the "art deco" décor. Add that element with the food and great company and it makes for a nice evening out!

-B

{Oyster bar}

#BuffaloLinks

Join in the 9th Annual Oktoberfest benefitting the Kevin Guest House. For tickets and more details click here.

Theatre season is back! This Friday join in the fun on Main Street Downtown with Curtain Up!

The 10th Annual Garlic Festival takes place this weekend in Cuba, NY. I can't wait to attend this event.

The best Brew Bash is taking place this Saturday from 4-8pm at Coca Cola Field. Ballpark Brew Bash is back and its bigger and better than ever!

If you're not going to the Ralph and not into football on Sunday's, think about getting tickets to the annual Foodie-to-Farm Tour. For a review of past tours check out Buffalo Foodie's review here.

#BuffaloLinks

This coming Saturday, Templeton Landing is kicking off Oktoberfest with the Lake Erie Pub Crawl. For more details on the event click here.

Another event taking place on Saturday is Music is Art. A free event showcasing, music, art, fashion and more. Stop out to Delaware Park and enjoy a day full of fun.

Buffalo Beer League  helps spread the word on Buffalo Brewers, bars and beer. For more info on the group or to join click here.

The Buffalo Rotary Club is hosting an Enchanting Evening at Silo City on September 18. Included at the event are tours of the grain elevators, food trucks, wine, beer and music. The event is rain or shine. For ticket information and details click here.

Artisans Open House Review

This past weekend the great artist herself, Lizzy Dugan hosted the 4th Annual Artisans Open House in Elma, NY. An event where local artists come together and display and sell their work. Each year the event has grown bigger and better, but not to big to the point where you may feel like you're getting lost or overwhelmed. This year there was even a baby Alpaca born during the event. In case you couldn't make it, but wanted to see the participating vendors click here.

Make sure to like the Facebook page to stay up to date on future events.

-B

A Sweat Session at Lululemon

Lululemon Buffalo has welcomed different instructors from all fitness regimes to their store over the last couple of months. This past Sunday was no different, bringing in a sweat session with Sweat Buffalo. Now I may be showing a little "favoritism" because I've been training with Morgan for the past year and she has taught me a lot about fitness, but her and Aubrey brought the heat on Sunday. Incorporating cardio, strength training and yoga, you left feeling tired { the good tired } and sweaty!

Sunday classes at Lululemon are free and last about an hour, after each class you are welcome to stay and shop the store. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to try a new class. You can see if you like the instructor and if the workout is what you were really looking for.

For more info on Sweat Buffalo click here

And for a list of upcoming classes at Lululemon click here

-B

Photos below are from Lululemon's facebook page:

#BuffaloLinks

I was introduced to a new organization last week. The Buffalo City Swim Racers is a non profit that was created to introduce culturally diverse children to pool access. Its a great program and if you want to get involved please visit the link above!

Barre Centric is opening a new location in downtown Buffalo on September 14th! I can't wait to take a class in the upcoming weeks!

BreadHive is a worker cooperative bakery where they bake their products on Buffalo's West Side. You can pick up their products at the Elmwood-Bidwell or Williamsville's Farmers Market on Saturdays or head to Larkinville on Thursday's. This past Monday they opened a window {located at the front of the building} where you can purchase your bread, bagels, yogurt and Public Espresso Coffee. Follow them on social media to stay up to date!

I love flowers! And I'm always looking for different florists to go to, to see who makes the best arrangements, offers the best pricing and has a friendly staff. I've passed by Bloom a few times {located on Main St. in Buffalo}, but have never made it in. When doing my research for this post they came up and I've decided that in the next day or two I'm going to make a stop by, after all who doesn't love a batch of fresh flowers.

Very rarely to I get out to Medina, NY, but when I was going through social media the other night I came across Rock Paper Salon and immediately thought I want to check this place out. Not only is it a salon, but its a boutique that offers food as well.

#BuffaloLinks

Today stop by the North Buffalo Farmer's Market and pick up fresh and local produce and vegetables and meet with local farmers and vendors.

This sounds like a great social activity to participate in; The Allentown Mob Tour, learn more about Buffalo's History and enjoy a drink and food at Café 59.

Who said Field Day's are just for kids. Join in the fun of biking, running and yoga at the Delaware Park Field Day.

It would be just wrong if I didn't post about the National Chicken Wing Festival, taking place this weekend at Coca Cola Field. People from all over the nation come to enjoy the best chicken wings Western New York has.

Beachin' It In Buffalo

With it being the last week of summer vacation I thought I would do a re-cap on my favorite beaches in the area. Its one last time to put those feet in the sand before school starts next week and we make our way to the "unofficial" end of summer with Labor Day next week.

A few weeks ago I took a 40 minute drive out to Angola for a little relaxation. It was the first time I'd ever been to Bennett Beach and it is now my favorite beach in Western New York. Arriving in the late morning, it was clean, quiet and pretty. Staying only for a few hours, lots of families came to enjoy the sun, sand and water in the early afternoon.

The beach has picnic tables, a park, lifeguards on duty and plenty of parking. You're allowed to bring your own coolers onto the beach {excludes alcoholic beverages} making it nice for lunch/picnics. It was nice to get away from the noise and craziness of "life" and relax on a quiet beach without loud music and crowds of people all around.

If you're looking for a place to take the kids or just a place to relax and read a magazine or good book definitely check Bennett Beach out.

-B

{ Bridge to walk over to get from the park to the beach }

{ Soaking up some sun }

{ A water shot from the bridge }

A Heartfelt Thank You & Reflection

What makes me "me" are the people I surround myself with. I wouldn't be who I am with out a great support system which is my wonderful family and the friends I've been blessed with. I think of a lot of random ideas and dreams and most of them are crazy or out of the box, but I have family and friends who support me and encourage me and are there for me even when they may not believe in it all the way. My drive comes from the feelings I get when I see something good happen from not giving up. I truly believe great things can happen if you put your mind to it. They may not happen exactly when you want them to, but if you keep at it and really believe in it then you have succeeded.

I wouldn't trade the life experiences I've had for anything, the good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between because all of those experiences have shaped me into who I am today. I am by far a "perfect" person. I have my faults, I have my worries and fears and failures, but I keep going and I don't give up because when I give up - then I give up on myself.

I believe we should always be our number one fans. Life is a crazy journey and we only get one so I make sure to LIVE it as much as I can and I'm happy to do that with my wonderful family and friends in my life.

So to everyone who has sent me congratulatory messages and been there for me through my "adventures" thank you, the gift of love and friendship is the best gift anyone can receive. I celebrate this #30underthirty award with you.

Xoxo

-B

#BuffaloLinks

Meet and mingle with staff and attendees, enjoy some cocktails and light fare and see what's Hot Off the Press for the September issue of Buffalo Spree, this evening at Glen Park Tavern.

This is the 4th year the Advertising Club of Buffalo is hosting a celebrity bartending event. Being held on Thursday at Soho Burger Bar, click here for all the event details!

A new restaurant in town, Buffalo Proper sits on the corner of West Tupper and Franklin St. in downtown Buffalo. Like their page on Facebook, to stay up to date on all the exciting reviews and "proper" food and drinks they offer.

Since seeing this mural in different phases on my Instagram feed, I thought I would share what the artists from Tape Art in Providence, RI are doing over the course of 5 days at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Downtown. If you're in the area and happen to pass by, check out the "Buffalo Caverns" piece.

#BuffaloLinks

Next Tuesday, join in the fun at Party in the Park - a Tribute to our Troops. For more info click here.

My favorite brewery is hosting a Homebrew Competition this Saturday. Stop out and join in the fun at Resurgence from 12-3pm!

A food and music festival taking place this Sunday outside of Newbury Street on Elmwood Ave. Meet local organic retailers and farmers. Newbury Life

If you love supporting the Olmsted Parks Conservancy check out the Cocktails on the Green event today. Celebrating over 120 years of golf in Delaware Park. For more info on tickets and times click here

Women Who Move Buffalo {Brittany from Sarah Danielle}

Being right across the street from where I work, the first time I've ever been in the Ellicott Square building was last week Thursday. I've seen pictures of the beautifully historic building, but seeing the building in person is completely different. I paid a visit to a clothing boutique that I started to adore on social media over the last few months and wanted to learn more about the person behind Sarah Danielle. Brittany Moose who is from Leroy, NY came to Buffalo to pursue her studies in the fashion industry at Buff State. She always new she wanted to do something in the fashion industry and it was when she started taking classes that she focused her passion on visual merchandising.

Having been with Sarah Danielle for over a year and a half, what makes their boutique stand out from the rest you ask? Well quite a few things.

1. They are one of only 2 clothing boutiques located in Downtown Buffalo

2. Being a boutique that is downtown, it targets the working woman who may have to run out on their lunch to grab a gift or outfit for a unexpected work function last minute.

3. Their price point is great and budget friendly, targeting a little bit of everything for the 20 year old college girl to the 50 year old working woman.

4. Everything they carry in their boutique is unique and less expensive -you won't find what they sell anywhere else in Buffalo, seriously!

It is really important to Brittany to support the local businesses in Buffalo, that is why she carries a variety of items from local Buffalo artists who make stationary and cards, Buffalo themed nail polish and jewelry, home etched glasses and Buffalo themed books. Supporting the community and pushing the local artist, is what Sarah Danielle is about.

Brittany loves Buffalo because it's a small town feel, people are friendly and artsy in both the music and fashion scene. When choosing what to buy for Sarah Danielle its all about her instinct, knowing her customer and what they want and need.

When you leave the store Brittany wants you to feel comfortable, special, and unique. Its important to stand out and know that at Sarah Danielle Brittany is there to cater to you and help you find what you're looking for.

Make sure to follow Sarah Danielle on social media {Facebook, Twitter and Instagram}. Every Monday Brittany features an item of the week.

Meeting Brittany was such a pleasure, seeing someone who supports Buffalo and works with local artists to push their talents is pretty inspiring. Sarah Danielle is the perfect fit for the Ellicott Square building, not only is the store fresh and fun with beautiful clothes and accessories, it also has a piece of history behind it while moving forward to showcase new hidden talents from local Buffalonians.

Thank you Brittany for letting me share your story!

-B

{Original door from the Ellicott Square Building}

{ Buffalo Stationary made by local Buffalo artists }

Lovely Lewiston

Every time I go to Lewiston, I'm simply amazed at the beauty there, from Artpark to Old Fort Niagara it is simply amazing, especially in the summer months. My friend Lauren and I decided to spend a Saturday afternoon just walking around and taking in that "small" town feel. We first stopped at Artpark where we were able to be "big kids" and make some clay pottery for free. We then walked around and saw some of the sculpture artwork that was in the park.

After Artpark we hit up the ever so popular Silo to grab some lunch and ice cream, from there we walked down by the water and saw the Whirlpool Jet Boat tours that take place by Water St. Landing. We didn't have enough time to take a jet boat tour, but it is on my list of things to do. We drove through the Main St. and just looked at shops and restaurants that filled the street. It was a relaxing afternoon just exploring the "hidden treasures" that are only minutes away. Have you ever been to Lewiston? What are some of your favorites places to go when you're there?

 -B

#BuffaloLinks

A festival in Chautauqua County that incorporates wineries, cideries and breweries is happening this Saturday and Sunday. For more info on America's Grape Country Wine Festival click here.

This Friday grab your yellow clothing attire and attend Summer Splash. The theme is Hello Yellow and proceeds from this event go to Carly's Club, tickets are $75. For more info on the event click here.

When I saw this Open-Air autobus last week I was ecstatic. I think this is awesome and wanted to share with you. The bus has a variety of different tours and times and its affordable! For a schedule of tours click here.

A new restaurant that has opened on Hertel, the Public House of Buffalo, Inc. check them out on Facebook for updates and events.

2014 marks the 175th year for the Erie County Fair and it all kicks off today in Hamburg. For a schedule of events and activities click here.

#BuffaloLinks

Opened in 2014 this pub is upscale and offers wine and beer from the Hamburg Brewing Company. A new place in Blasdell that I want to check out, Black Iron Bystro

I haven't been to Chautauqua Lake since I was a little kid. I remember going for hikes, fishing and just strolling through town visiting the local shops. I'd love to pay a visit before the summer ends.

I follow this local Women's Boutique on Instagram {Shop Sarah Danielle} and with it being located so close to my work {Ellicott Square Building} I have them on my list of places to visit.

I missed out on this event last summer, but have made plans this weekend to pay a visit and see what its all about. Taking a look at their schedule it looks like its filled with a lot of fun things to do, especially for kids! Chalkfest Buffalo will take place on the 500 block of Main Street downtown and this year's theme is "Hats off to Dr. Seuss"

#BuffaloLinks

Football season is so close! Buffalo Bills training camp started on Sunday and I can't wait to catch a practice at St. John Fisher in the next couple weeks! #GoBills

During the summer months M&T Bank hosts concerts in the plaza during the lunch hour. Its nice taking a walk on your lunch break to hear the music in the streets of Main St. downtown.

A new bar/restaurant opening soon in East Aurora, NY. I can't wait to check them out! 189 Public House  

For those looking to do a fun activity, check out the Clay Hands Pottery in Clarence, NY.

#BuffaloLinks

Calling all wine lovers! Bases Merloted is this Saturday at the ballpark and proceeds benefit Shakespeare in Delaware Park!

For those who want to make a difference and help plan for the future in our region, join in the conversation at one of the presentations. Click here

I'm so excited for Ooo La La Boutique to be a part of this event on Friday night. Get your tickets in advance and support some great causes! Color the Runway

Hands down one of my favorite events of the summer is next Wednesday, the Buffalo Zoo's, Wines in the Wild. Katie Jordan does an amazing job and if you're attending you won't be disappointed!

#BuffaloLinks

One place I want to go this summer is Niagara on the Lake and while I'm there I'd like to check out Outlet Collection at Niagara, a shopping center that offers an array of events and promotions.

I've passed this place multiple times {Cuba Cheese Shoppe} going to and from my parents cabin and over the weekend I finally made a stop inside. Not only do they sell delicious assortments of cheeses, but they have other snacks and knick knacks for your home for sale as well.

What a wonderful foundation, that raises money for a great cause. I'm lucky to have been introduced to some very special people that work for the Vera Bradley Foundation. Even though it is headquartered in Indiana, you can come out to the Bisons game on Saturday night to help Turn the Park Pink and raise money for the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.

An organization that helps promote the visual arts through exhibitions and activities in an artistic expression. They are hosting a pretty cool raffle, a ride over Letchworth State Park in the fall. Raffle tickets are only $5 and you have the a chance to see the fall foliage in a 30-45 minute flight in a WWII era L-21 liaison aircraft. For more info go to their site by clicking here.