#BuffaloLinks

The Richardson Olmstead Complex, a Buffalo architectural staple is being transformed from a building that used to help the mentally ill, to a hotel and conference center playing a key role in the revitalization of Buffalo. For more information on the project head to their website.

The longest running race in the United States is back at it this Thursday celebrating 119 years. The YMCA Turkey Trot is sold out {no surprise there!}, but you can still head downtown and cheer on race participants Thursday morning.

Well we all know that the Holidays are right around the corner and what better way to support your local businesses, than by shopping local on Small Business Saturday. Head out to the Elmwood Village, Hertel Ave., Orchard Park, South Buffalo or Main St in Williamsville or East Aurora.

The World's Largest Disco is back this Saturday at the Convention Center and the event is sold out again! While I've never been to this event, I hear great things from family and friends that have attended.

Buffalo has a lot of big events this week. If you're attending any of them have a great time!

Emerson School of Hospitality

A couple weeks ago I had the chance to attend a school tour and presentation at Emerson School of Hospitality {the school is located on Chippewa St. in Buffalo}. I've walked past the building multiple times, but never really gave much thought to it, but after this tour, this school is pretty amazing!

With a multiple level building this school is an academic, fitness and culinary center. Emerson sure does impress. Not only do students go through all of their general studies, they have a chance to take classes in the culinary arts. Learning how to cook, bake and prep all kinds of foods.

Emerson offers a café style area called Emerson commons and that is open on school days from 7:30-10am {breakfast} and 11:15-1:30pm {lunch}, making it a great spot for people who work downtown. Emerson also offers banquets and catering and makes wedding cakes, along with a variety of other fine desserts.

For someone {like me} who just thought the school, was like any old ordinary school, its not. Its pretty awesome and its pretty cool that kids have that type of opportunity in this area.

For more info on Emerson click here.

-B

{One of the multiple kitchens that you can see as you walk by on Chippewa St.}

{Emerson Commons, open to the public on school days}

{Car view}

{People and Places Who Move Buffalo} Dog E Style Restaurant

I'm excited to share my experience with you on the new hot dog restaurant that opened in Downtown Buffalo last month, Dog E Style.  Offering one of a kind hot dogs, Dog E Style, not only offers great food, but has a fully stocked bar and is located in a unique space downtown. Read more of my interview with Thomas Cowen below and see why they are moving Buffalo forward.

How did the concept of Dog E Style begin? 

Rocco Termini came up with the idea and is working on "building a neighborhood" in the heart of the City of Buffalo. Where did the idea and name come from? 

The idea came to us because everyone loves hot dogs! We also added a nice craft beer selection and a restaurant that can offer a full bar with liquor and wine. The name was meant to stick, so people would remember us. Once you stop in to see us you will realize the time and effort we put in to create "not your typical hot dog restaurant." How did you decide on the space for the restaurant?

We kicked around the idea of using old shipping containers so we contacted the manufacturer that makes the containers, bought the materials and put them together on sight, along with steal beams to make it weather and climate proof. What would you say makes you stand out from your competition, other hot dog/fast food places?

We are not your average hot dog stand. We are a Hot Dog restaurant that serves not your everyday hot dog, we serve all different kinds. Special made wieners, sausage, cheeseburgers & a few vegetarian options.

A few items we serve are:

BANH MI DOG     - Chinese sausage, Saigon style, house made  Jalapenos & Saigon veggies

GREEK DOG        - Lamb dog, tzatziki, olives, pepperoncini, feta

CHICAGO DOG   - True Chicago style Dog - poppy seed bun, neon relish, sport peppers, tomatoes, mustard, onion, celery salt & pickle

House made Cheeseburger

House Made Fries

Portabella Sandwich with a fried egg

NO DOG - slow roasted caramelized carrot, spicy mayo, vegetarian chili What would you like customers to get out of their experience when visiting Dog E Style? 

Different. Affordable. Casual. Relaxed  Why did you choose downtown Buffalo and not a suburb? 

Downtown Buffalo is on the Up & Up. If you haven't been downtown in a while you are missing out on a city that is coming back to life. We want to show people that it is ok to start investing in this city again. There are so many things happening all over, whether its the Waterfront, revitalizing the Chippewa/ Entertainment District or the Medical Corridor, you see cranes and hardhats everywhere. Delaware North, IBM, Roswell, Terry Pegula, they are all showing that now is the time to get in the city!   What about Buffalo do you love the most? 

The People! Is there any other information or specials you feature that you'd like the general public to know about? 

We are always running special dogs! Our website will be up and running soon, but in the meantime stay up to date with us on are social media pages. Does Dog E Style feature catering or will they in the near future?

Yes, we offer drop-off catering for your office for lunch, dinner or even if you want to pick it up for any special event you can.

DOG E STYLE

128 Genesee St

Buffalo, NY 14203

716-844-5900

Me and the guys from work thought the food was awesome, the space was great and it is on our list of places to visit again and again {especially for lunch}. Thank you Tessa and Tom for helping me share more information on Dog E Style. And a special thank you to Mr. Termini for continuing to move Buffalo forward.

-B

Follow them on Twitter, Like them on Facebook, Check them out on Instagram

{ The lunch crowd that began to form once we placed our order }

{ Offering a fully stocked bar - craft beer, wine and liquor }

{ I love the chalk board menu }

{ Italian sausage with onions and peppers and French fries }

#BuffaloLinks

Tonight B Team Buffalo is hosting a City of Light Fundraiser and Toy Drive at Fat Bob's from 5:30-8:30pm. Help out a great cause.

Are you a fan of Jim Henson? Or do you want to just do something different. Stop by HandleBar tonight or next Wednesday and enjoy food, drinks and movies! For more info go here

Have any old electronics sitting around and collecting dust? Stop by the Buffalo Zoo this Saturday from 8am-1pm to turn them in and receive $1 off Zoo Admission that day.

My niece and I are so excited to attend Bubblefest this year. Bubbles upon bubbles will be filling the Buffalo Science Museum all day Saturday. Limited tickets will be available for purchase at the door. For more info on the event click here.

An event that I'm thinking about attending Pints and Pierogi's is taking place from 4-8pm at Marcy Casino on Saturday, $20 at the door.

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Rachael Hughes from Barre Centric

{Rachael Hughes, Co-Owner Barre Centric. Photo taken at Buffalo Location 1526 Main St. Buffalo}

I'm so excited to feature Rachael Hughes co-owner of Barre Centric on my blog today. Barre Centric all got started when friends, Rachael and co-owner Gia went looking for a place that offered a unique fitness regime that offered people the opportunity to strengthen, tone and plié.

Rachael and Gia opened their first Barre fitness studio location in Clarence, NY in 2012. Her and Gia were back at it in 2014 opening their second Barre fitness studio in downtown Buffalo. Let me tell you, the studio is amazing! When looking for their second location Rachael and Gia knew they wanted a renovated building. Not only is the Buffalo location fresh, fun and new, it brings a whole new light to Main St. downtown.

Rachael says the best thing about having your own business is, "meeting different clients and helping them reach their own fitness goals." Everyone comes in and takes classes for different reasons and its fun to help each one of my clients meet their goals. For those who are taking a Barre class for the first time, the best advice Rachael gives, is to not be intimated and be patient, it takes at least 5-6 classes to pick up on the techniques.

What makes Barre Centric stand out from other Barre classes and fitness centers? Barre Centric always offer specials and promotions throughout the year. From student discounts, Bridal specials and New Mom specials to a Suns Out, Buns Out, 10 week program that starts before the summer season, there's specials for everyone. The best part is, Barre Centric is independently, locally owned and operated, meaning all the money stays in the local community.

When I asked Rachael what she loves most about Buffalo she said "everything from the food to the people is what I love most."

After my interview with Rachael, I stayed to take my first "official" Barre class at Barre Centric and from someone who works out regularly, it was different, in a good way. It was challenging and fun and went by fast. The class was about an hour long, but didn't feel like an hour because you were constantly doing different exercises. I highly recommend taking a class. Rachael is an awesome fitness instructor and amazing business owner who moves Buffalo forward!

In the beginning of the interview, Rachael shared a quote with me that stuck with her when she began her Barre Centric journey and it stuck with me. It is "what you seek, is seeking you." Sometimes the things we are looking for are actually looking for us. Don't ever give up. Thank you Rachael for sharing that with me and for taking the time out to let me share your story.

For more on Barre Centric's classes click here and make sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Make sure to also keep an eye out for Ashker's Juice Bar opening next door to Barre Centric soon!

-B 

 {Buffalo location, class schedule}

{The studio}

{I love the quotes throughout the studio}

Eveyone Needs A Little Pampering

Shopping, discounts, mini-manis, spray tans, food and drink? What's not to love about a local clothing boutique hosting a Pamper Party and making you feel special for a couple hours! That's exactly what Michelle at Village Designs Elmwood did last week. Offering discounts on clothing and accessories and bringing together some local, talented ladies from Rodan & Fields, DiLusso Salon , AmberGLO and Ooo La La Boutique . Anyone who came to the store not only could meet these great people from local businesses, shop and help themselves to food from Nektar . What a pretty pampered event it was! Until next time..

-B

{ The chandeliers in Village Design's are beautiful }

#BuffaloLinks

A new addition to Hertel Ave. Queen City Shaken & Stirred offers everything you need for the special cocktail except the booze. Check them out!

With the holidays right before us, now is the time you see people donating. Second Chic not only sells great clothes, but also excepts clothing donations for you to sell. At the end of your contract you can pick up the clothes that didn't sell or donate them to Journey's End. For more info on the program click here.

Friday 716 Food and Sport opens down at the Harbor Center. I can bet this place will be packed before the Sabres game and in the upcoming weeks. Its great to see life back at Canalside!

Stop by Christmas in the Country at the Hamburg Fairgrounds this Thursday through Sunday to pick up great Artisan finds that make great gifts.

Who doesn't love a beer and wine festival {I know I do!} Holiday Valley is hosting theirs this Saturday at 3:30pm. For more info on the event click here.

Queen City Malting helps create malt for distillers and brewers here in Buffalo, NY. Working with local farmers, they help keep the beer made in Buffalo, NY truly local.

#BuffaloLinks

I stumbled upon the Buffalo Laboratory Theatre when I was researching places in Buffalo earlier this week. While no plays are currently playing it still looks like an awesome place to go to experience new theatrical expressions.

I'm looking forward to another new restaurant and brewery opening in downtown Buffalo in the upcoming weeks, Hydraulic Hearth.

Just one of the many reasons to get to the Buffalo History Museum. The Tim Russert Exhibit is now on display!

From the owners of Research and Design comes Sunshine + Bluebirds. A local pop-up shop located in the Galleria Mall. Can't wait to check it out during the holiday season! #Shoplocal

An Event with Cocktails and Characters!

I am so excited for this Thursday's Cocktails in Character event at Lafayette Hotel. The event benefits Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara. Guests who attend the event are encouraged to dress up as their favorite literary character. The event includes a cash bar, carving stations, entertainment, a judging contest and much more!

Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara's mission is to "open pathways to expand opportunities for adult learners and children by enhancing their literacy skills and nurturing their well being. Our vision is to be an integral partner in the revitalization of our community."

Everyone should have the tools to learn to read and write as it is a vital part of our day-to-day lives. Cocktails in Character is a perfect event taking place in Buffalo that not only fits the role of the organization {having guests dress up as their favorite literary characters}, but also comes at a great time of year, the Halloween Holiday. If you're looking for something to do Thursday night tickets are still available. Click here to purchase tickets.

I hope to see you there! And check back next week to see what I dressed up as and my review on the event!

-B

{Event Sponsors and Supporters}

M&T Bank First Friday's at Albright Knox

The first Friday of every month M&T Bank and the Albright Knox offer First Fridays. Free admission on the first floor to the public. From 10am-10pm you can walk around and experience some of the amazing art the gallery has on display. If you want to walk around upper levels there is an additional fee.

At the beginning of the month I took the day off and spent it with my niece. For an almost four year old this was a great event to take her too. While she thought the Lucas Samaras, Reflections, aka the "Mirror Room" was the best, her attention span started to run out after about 30 minutes. With it being a beautiful day we walked on the outside grounds and took some nice photos.

Prior to this visit, it has been about 5 years since I was last inside the Art Gallery for a leisurely experience, so it was nice to walk around and experience it with a kid who has a vivid imagination.

I highly encourage anyone to take part in such a great event that takes place the First Friday of every month. The next one coming up is on Friday, November 7, 2014.

-B

{Snapping photos inside the Mirror Room}

{If you look at this for more than a couple seconds you get dizzy, or at least I did}

{One of my favorites on display}

{Anyone want to play some tic tac toe}

A Fall Festival Full of Fun

{Just being a kid and playing in the leaves}

I made my way to Fall Fest again this year with Annette. While I always love going to Ellicottville {maybe its because I don't get there very often} the scenery is beautiful and I love the local shops that line the streets. This year I observed more and took in all that its worth.

1. There are a lot of talented artists that line the streets during this festival weekend, new food vendors lined the food truck row and the Armor Inn Truck seemed to be a popular spot to go.

2. Katy's is awesome. While we only stopped to get a coffee, the food looked so good! It is a must go back, place for me!

3. Bars are starting to charge cover earlier than normal {at least I think so, instead of what I thought was once 2pm it was now 1pm}.

4. State Troopers were out more than ever. I've seen one or two in years past, but this year we saw a handful going and coming from the event

5. For a single girl like me, I love seeing the attractive men that attend this event ;)

If you have never been I encourage going even if its just once. It makes for a fun Fall day and usually takes place the second weekend in October.

-B

{Love this sign outside Katy's}

{ A cute place to go, full of knick knacks, it even has a "Husband Drop Off Center" for those guys in your life}

{I love Ellicottville Brewing Company}

{One of my favorite shots I captured}

Celebrity Chef Culinary Extravaganza!

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Celebrity Chef's Culinary Extravaganza at Ilio DiPaolo's. What a night it was, an eight course meal, after dinner cordials and Chefs Michael Obarka from Ristorante Lombardo, Dan Buckley, Dr. Andy Cappuccino, and Chef Michael DiPaolo and staff all put their special touches on the food while is was paired with delicious wines from Marchesi de' Frescobaldi.

The money raised from the dinner goes directly to the Ilio DiPaolo Scholarship Fund. Dennis DiPaolo and his family are huge supporters of the Western New York community so it was nice to give back to them. Overall it was a nice evening full of good food, drinks and company.

-B

{Special Guest: Lamberto Frescobaldi}

{Lots of wine glasses and shrimp tails to start the evening off}

{The Filet was the best, I thought}

#BuffaloLinks

Today kicks off Local Restaurant Week. For $20.14 you can enjoy some really nice meals and great places in Western New York and the best part is it stays in this area! For a list of participating restaurants click here.

Check out the following movies at the Public House. For more info on the Movie Night Series check their Facebook page.

Another safe indoor trick or treating event takes place at ECC's North Campus on Saturday. The Annual Safe and Seen event takes place from 11-3pm. This year proceeds benefit the Make a Wish of Western New York Foundation. For more event info go to their website.

Friday, join in the creative, black tie gala at Hotel Lafayette for Revo, Independence Celebration. Proceeds benefit the Veterans One Stop Center. For more info and tickets click here.

Less is More Sometimes

A couple weekends ago my sister and niece went with me to pick out pumpkins like we normally do this time of year. Instead of going to the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence like we normally do, we decided to go to Becker Farms and change it up a little. While I enjoy Becker Farms for their winery and brewery, I was really disappointed in the service {or lack there of} when it came to the children's area and pumpkin barn.

While every other area was open and ready to go, the area to pick your pumpkins and pay was closed and just opening {at 12:30pm} when we were ready to check out. If you wanted to pay you had to lug your pumpkins to the country store to pay for them. To top it off the staff {if you could find them} was rude and not helpful when it came to answering questions and it made for a not so fun time and us regretting our decision to just go to the Great Pumpkin Farm. The pumpkins were overly priced costing us $33 for 5 of them, that I could have gotten cheaper somewhere else.

So even though I like the winery and brewery on site, I think they should refocus on what they want to do next year. Sometimes its better to not have it all and focus on the areas you're good at. Sometimes less is more...

-B

Even though it was a disappointing experience, I did capture some pretty scenic shots while we were there.

{A smile on my face, even though the service wasn't so good}

#BuffaloLinks

It's finally here! The Barre Centric, Buffalo location opened its doors for classes yesterday. Make sure to check out the new location.

I'm so sad to miss this, tomorrow the new Dog e Style restaurant {a new innovative hot dog restaurant located downtown} is having their grand opening at 5pm. Enjoy music, food and drink. For more information on the event click here. And make sure to "Like" them on Facebook.

Another event that I am said to be missing is the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner on Thursday at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. For more information on the event and to learn more about the Sports Hall of Fame click here.

Starting this week Friday dress the little ones up and head to the Buffalo Zoo for a safe and fun way to enjoy Halloween a little early. Spooktacular Days at the Zoo run Friday-Sunday's the next two weekends. Enjoy trick or treating and zoo animals!

#BuffaloLinks

Join in an evening of supporting local heroes and delicious treats from Chef Richert of Torches at Modern Kitchens of Buffalo. For event info click here.

Last year my Mom and I went to the Billieve event as spectators, not actually participating in the Live Ribbon on the Rainbow Bridge. This year we are and I'm excited to share this experience with her. Click here for all of the event info and to sign up.

While Ellicottville will be bustling this weekend for their Fall Fest, the Allentown Association will be hosting one of their own. For those who love the area and don't want to tackle the 40 minute drive south, head downtown for the Allentown Fall Festival.  Food trucks, children's activities and much more will be on hand for you.

Love chocolate? Then head to Fowler's Chocolates on Saturday Oct. 11 or Monday Oct. 13 and take a self guided tour of the chocolate factory. For $2 you get to participate in the Annual Factory Tour and help a great cause, the Make-A-Wish of WNY organization.

A Bridal Celebration with A lot of Local Talent!

Sunday, Buffalo Indie Weddings hosted a Bridal Celebration at Asbury Hall. Over 30 vendors, were on hand to meet with newly engaged couples to help plan their special day. I loved the décor, the selfies portrait station, Vintage Touch  and the DIY station, where you could learn a variety of craft ideas for your big day.

Ali from Made from Anatomy and Erica from City Lights Studio thought of every detail, including the Groom's Lounge where the guys could go and hang out if they chose too, to the festive signage letting everyone know where things were. It was certainly a Bridal Celebration like no one else hosts. It was fun, creative and offered a lot of local talent from the big wedding industry to customers looking for something special on their big day.

Thank you ladies for inviting me to this wonderful event.

-B

{ Packed house, snapped this picture from the stage }

{ Of course I had to snap a "selfie" in front of the selfie portrait }

#BuffaloLinks

A weekend full of making friendships, experiencing new adventures and living life. Wild Women Unite takes place Oct 3 - 5 in Grand Island. For more information on the weekend click here.

This weekend is going to be cold and rainy, but Spot Coffee is a great place to go to stay warm.

Old Falls Street will be hosting the 5th Annual Oktoberfest event this Saturday. Come out and enjoy German Food and Beer!

I am so, so excited to be invited to Buffalo Indie Weddings, Bridal Celebration at Asbury Hall on Sunday 10.5.14 For any new Bride to Be this is definitely the place to go on Sunday!

Dine Out for Life on October 7 and help fight Aids. Click here to see a list of participating restaurants.

FALL into my Favorite Things

Fall is one of, if not my favorite season. I love the cool, crisp air, the leaves changing colors, and the oversized sweaters and boots you can wear. Lets not forget the fun activities to do; corn mazes and hayrides, decorating and carving pumpkins and trick or treating. This is the time of year we get to enjoy the yummy candy apples and warm pies to delicious apple cider as well.

While there are a lot of activities that take place this time of year below are my top 8 places to go for fun Fall activities in Western New York.

1. Becker Farms - Apple and Pumpkin Picking, Wine and Beer tastings, hayrides and much more!

2. The Great Pumpkin Farm - Kid Rides, Pumpkin Picking, Animal Farm, Face Painting and Country Store

3. Pumpkinville - Hayrides, Pumpkin Picking, Corn Maize and Country Store

4. Letchworth State Park and Allegany State Park - Beautiful fall foliage and hiking trails

5. Nightmare Hayrides on Sommerville St. - Haunted Houses and Hayrides

6. Cambria Corn Maze - Corn Maze, Pumpkins and refreshments

7. Falcone Farms - Apple and pumpkin picking

8. Mayer Brothers - Apple Cider, Baked goods

Oh the Places I will Go...To Ski High Adventure Park

Continuing on with facing my fears and taking more adventures, this past Saturday my friend Annette and I went to tackle the Sky High Adventure Park at Holiday Valley. While I am deathly afraid of heights I knew this would be a challenge, a BIG one! I didn't want to let my fear win though, so I sucked it up and focused on the task at hand, living a little and enjoying the moment.

While I only accomplished the yellow courses (which were the easiest ones) I was proud that I did that. Annette was a great friend to take with, encouraging me, motivating me and telling me not to give up {I definitely needed that a couple times}. For $48 you get to zip line and climb through the forest for 3 hours. For an additional $3 you can purchase a roller coaster ride that takes you up a hill on what I like to call a bob sled and you control the speed on the way down {it was actually pretty fun}.

The weather was beautiful and it made for a great Saturday activity. Once you have your harness on {trained staff make sure you are properly sung} you take what I would say was a 15 minute crash course with a staff member.  They go over all the instructions on how to use your carabiner clips and the do's and don'ts of the park. Along with staff being on the ground helping people through the courses you can also walk below and follow along to take pictures and check out the other courses before climbing your way through them.

There are so many courses to try at Sky High that you simply couldn't complete them all in 3 hours {unless you were a pro and no one else was in the park}. Each course typically takes about 30 minutes -45 minutes depending on how many people are on that course. Guests who don't want to take part in the courses have the opportunity to stay back at the lodge and play putt-putt, ping pong, corn hole or read a nice book on the patio.

While standing on one of the platforms, just about to walk across one of the ropes with my legs visibly shaking {literally, even ask Annette}, I couldn't let fear win. While there were moments I wanted to give up and just get back on the ground, I would have regretted that decision in the long run. I'm looking forward to going back next year and completing another level, a more difficult one and continuing to face my fears.

For more information {times, pricing, etc.} on Sky High Adventure Park click here.

-B

{ Thanks Annette for taking these photos of me during the course }

{ Pictures of various courses and the grounds around the park }

{ Facing fears and be adventurous! Post celebrations took place at Ellicottville Brewing Co. }