Buffalo Marathon

{Buffalo Marathon prep}

Sunday morning 7,500+ people took to the streets of Buffalo to run either 26.2 or 13.1 miles. The course took you through all parts of town and the community came out to show their support. People lined the streets to cheer for loved ones and complete strangers. This was my second half marathon and my first time doing the Buffalo Marathon and doing it by myself. It was an experience and words honestly can't describe how I feel. The support and encouragement from complete strangers and the beautiful scenery I ran through makes me love this city even more. To everyone involved in the race, thank you for creating an event that I will always remember.

-B

{Lined up and ready for the start}

{Post race}

{My number one fan - My Dad}

{Mission accomplished!}

#BuffaloLinks

I, like thousands of other people are gearing up for the Buffalo Marathon this coming weekend. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time.

If you work downtown, good news! the Downtown Country Market opened last week and will be back every Tuesday and Thursday thru October.

Its the season for artisan markets - The Saturday Artisan Market at Canalside kicks off this Saturday. Check out the handful of vendors that will be participating this year.

Feeling a little stressed and just need to unwind - check out Destination Massage Open House this Thursday from 4-8pm.

A Saturday at the Steel Plant Museum

{The staff are so friendly and informative and answer any questions you may have}

The Steel Plant Museum hosted Steelfest this past Saturday and there were a handful of local vendors on hand making for great conversations with new people {Linwood Candle Co., Lloyds Taco Truck, Rusterior Designs, Peg's Hardware, the list goes on}. The event was free to the public and you could walk around the museum and learn about Buffalo's Steel History. For something I don't know much about, it was pretty cool!

This is a neat place to take school groups or if you're looking for an activity to do with your kids this summer, this museum should be on your list of places to go. The museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Follow them on Facebook and Twitter

-B

Here are a few pictures that I took from Saturday's event.

{I loved seeing the knick knacks in the glass display cases}

{Old fashioned juke box}

#BuffaloLinks

A new organization that I have grown to love is hosting a Happy Hour tonight at Osteria. Grab a drink and some food and learn more about the Buffalo City Swim Racers.

Shea's is  hosting a Wine, Food and Beer Festival tonight. Check it out and sample some delicious food and drinks from around the area.

A craft beer festival is taking place out in Batavia if you're in the area, Beertavia. Saturday May 16 from 3-6pm

For those who are "health nuts" {I mean that in a good way} have you checked out Nature's Apothecary on Connecticut St. yet?

From May 18th - May 21 check out Showcase Bro Down - this looks like it will be fun!

Women Who Move Buffalo {Cheryl & Maggie - Buffalo Barkery}

Attention all pet lovers! Up on the blog today are two women who are putting a healthy spin on dog treats and pet supplies. Learn more about Cheryl and Maggie from Buffalo Barkery below. Thank you ladies for sharing your story with me!

-B

How did it all get started? How did Buffalo Barkery come about?

Well it’s no secret that all of us here at Buffalo Barkery love dogs. We simply wanted to do something special for our dogs. It started with baking them special treats on holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. We found that our dogs liked these treats so much they would pick our homemade treats over any store bought treat. This made us want to bake them more and more. We started experimenting with recipes and sharing with friends. All of the reviews from our friends came back positively. We knew we wanted to start a dog treat company when we were able to. Combine our love of dogs with our love of all things Buffalo and Buffalo Barkery was born.

If people want to learn more, or purchase your products, where can they go to get information?

Our website is buffalobarkery.com. We are also active on Instagram {Buffalo Barkery}, Facebook Buffalo Barkery and Twitter @Buffalobarkery. We can also be contacted through our email address buffalobarkery@yahoo.com or by phone at {716} 260-0942.

Our treats are currently available in Elmwood Pets, Buffalo Adore and Atlas Vet in Washington D.C.

Do you make customizable flavors or treats for dogs with special diets? 

We currently offer 4 flavors, which are all gluten and wheat free. We also just launched our specialty treats page on our website where we offer many different shapes of biscuits. Currently, we do not offer treats for dogs on special diets but we consult with a veterinarian for all of our treats and would be willing to create a treat for a pup in need!

Do you offer any specials, promotions? Or would you like to share any fun events you have coming up?

We are so excited to be a part of Bases Merloted on June 6 from 5-8 at Coca Cola Field. We will be there with many local vendors, wineries and distilleries. This event benefits Hillside Family of Agencies.

June 10- Wine & Wags Social from 5:30-8:00. A wine and food tasting event for people and their dogs located on the Erie County SPCA grounds. Delicious food and drinks from area wineries, breweries and local restaurants.

June 21- Dog Days of Kenmore at Mang Park in Kenmore from 12-4. Local vendors, live music, demonstrations, dog blessings, contests, and a dog parade.

July 11- Hounds & Heroes at the SPCA of Niagara County from 10-5. Celebrate and honor our nations heroes from veterans to police to first responders. Parade led by Dog Tags Niagara Veterans and Adam Benigni, vendors, food, costume contests and more.

September 26 Paws in the Park- SPCA Erie County-Beaver Island State Park. 9-3 People can complete a two-mile walk with or without their dog. Pet-related vendors, exhibitors, dog contests, and agility course for dogs

How did you land in Buffalo? Are you originally from here, what made you stay?

Maggie: I have been visiting Buffalo every chance I got for the past 16 years! The feeling of community, the delicious food, and of course my family kept me coming back! I have been working on relocating here for a long time and finally was able to. I am so excited to be a part of such a warm and supportive community.

Cheryl: I was born and raised in the Buffalo area and chose to stay here after marriage and raised our two children here {and our dogs}. I have always loved the changing of the seasons, as well as all that this area has to offer. It has always been home for me and I couldn’t image leaving. Now, having a business within the community and the support we have received has only proven to me what a great area we are part of!

What do you love best about this area?

Nothing beats the city of Buffalo! It truly is the City of Good Neighbors. Not to mention the food is delicious, there is so much to do here, and we really do love the sports teams. Go Bills, Sabres, Bisons and Bandits!

Women Who Move Buffalo {Amy, Linwood Candle Co.}

This week I am featuring Amy from Linwood Candle Co. on my Women Who Move Buffalo series. I have become obsessed and love the candles she hand pours right here in Buffalo. Learn more about Amy and Linwood Candle Co. below.

-B

How did it all get started? How did Linwood Candles come about?

Browsing around the shops on Elmwood Avenue I noticed beautiful and interesting items that were handmade, hand-poured, hand crafted, but in Brooklyn. I absolutely loved the items as well as the packaging and I would frequently purchase them. When it occurred to me that we should have more items that boast "hand-made in Buffalo, NY."

The name Linwood candle Co. came about from the walks down Linwood Avenue and simply admiring the architecture of the homes and the streetscape. One house in particular always stood out, so we sketched it and brought it to a friend and local designer Brett Mikoll (who also has a local company that creates beautiful hand crafted pennants called Oxford Pennant) and he took our sketch and created our logo from it.

Our company was also founded on Linwood Avenue and in a way we wanted to pay homage to one of our favorite streets in Buffalo.

Are the candles affordable for everyone?

All of the raw materials that create a Linwood Candle are chosen with care. From the kind of soy wax, the cotton braided wicks, the jars and the fragrance oils - everything has been researched and thought through. All of the fragrances I use are free of harmful phthalates, the wicks are lead free and the soy wax burns clean. All of my raw materials are sourced from American made companies- even the jar and the lid.

While it's difficult to compete with large companies, I'm confident that the saying holds true, " what you get is what you pay for." An inexpensive item is inexpensive for a reason. The quality, raw materials, or labor to produce that item might not be the best. Our candles are made in small batches of 5 at a time, which ensures the highest quality and the utmost care. We consider the air temperature in the room, the correct blend of ingredients and the technique in which we stir the wax. Some might view candle making as tedious, but I embrace the process. It forces you to slow down, focus and think about the way in which you are creating the product. It can't be rushed.

{Photo above taken from Linwood Candle Instagram}

If people want to learn more, or purchase your product, where can they go to information?

With our company still some-what new, we have a few company goals. One of which is to produce a website with great product photos. Once we have a website, people will be able to find more information regarding our process, list of items, etc., but for now we relay on Instagram as well as Etsy.

Do you make customizable scents for people if they ask?

Absolutely! That's one of my favorite aspects of candle making. If someone gives me a few scent notes that they like, I can concoct a one of a kind fragrance tailored specifically to them.

{Photo above taken from Linwood's Instagram account}

Has anyone ever done private parties with a bunch of their girlfriends - like a candle making class?

I've had several people ask me about this and I would love to host a private party or candle making class. We haven't done so yet, but we would love to in the future. We've thought about how it would work, since the candle typically takes about 45 minutes to completely cure.

Do you offer any specials, promotions? Or would you like to share any fun events you have coming up?

Recently I've been receiving orders from my Etsy shop from people who live in Buffalo . Its been really cool because they will order online and since they offer to pick it up, I'll include a "free shipping" coupon. I love this because I get to meet and chat with my customers face to face. With my candles primarily being wholesale I miss the customer contact and seeing who purchases my product. The whole aspect of re-establishing the connection between producer and consumer is a passion of mine as well.

We are very excited that we were invited to participate in Steelfest on Saturday, May 16th from 10-5pm at the Heritage Discovery Center on 100 Lee Street in Buffalo. As well as Bases Merloted on June 6th from 5-8pm at Coca-Cola Field.

How did you land in Buffalo? Are you originally from here, what made you stay?

I was born and raised in Buffalo. I feel as though something exicting is happening in Buffalo right now. There are so many entrepreneurs, small businesses and companies choosing to live and work in Buffalo. I can't help, but contribute my own small business endeavor to the beautiful architecture, the rich history of the area and the creative minds that I've met along the way. Especially those who have inspired me  {Ro and Anna Grace}.

Thank you Amy for letting me share your story!

{Photo above taken from Linwood Candle Co. Instagram}

Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo! While you could whip up a nice margarita at home or at almost any bar in town, below are my top places to celebrate this day around town! Cheers!

-B

• Cantina Loco
• Don Tequila
• Coyote Café  in Hamburg
• Arriba Tortilla in East Aurora
• Agave

#BuffaloLinks - Mother's Day Edition

Mother's Day is less than a week a away and while some may purchase gifts, I try to spend the day with my Mom doing something she likes. Below are a list of some places around town that I found are hosting unique Mother's Day Brunches or are good places to spend the day in my opinion. Whatever it is that you may do with your Mom, I hope its special. -B

• Darwin Martin House - Mother's Day Brunch and Tour
• Hidden Valley Animal Adventure- Mother's Day Champagne Brunch
• Buffalo Botanical Gardens

{Niagara on the Lake has a handful of events taking place on Mother's Day}

{Junior League of Buffalo - Decorator's Show House - click here for more details!}

Second Chic's Newest Location in Town!

Check out the new location and launch of Second Chic on Main St. in Williamsville Friday. {6-8:30pm 5454 Main St. in Williamsville, NY}

For more information on the event take a look at the media advisory below.

A Monday Night at the noodle bar

Last Monday, my friend, Nicole and I met for are monthly girls night out, it was long over due, but we went to Kaydara noodle bar on Main St. downtown {its down the street from Sheas, right off the 33}. We literally had the whole place to ourselves. We chose a table by the window looking out onto Main St. Our waiter {I forgot his name} was awesome, he walked us through the menu and specials and even suggested hitting up another restaurant in the area for drinks after dinner. The food was so good and different - not a bad different, but something you don't really see in Buffalo - at least I'm not familiar with other noodle bars in town.

They are open for both lunch and dinner, the food is fresh and you can see them making it in their open kitchen. Note though, if you want to order alcoholic drinks you won't be able to, at least not until later this summer when they have their liquor license.

-B

{Delicious cucumber water to accompany are dinner}

{One of the many sitting areas - the Bar}

#BuffaloLinks

A quaint bookstore and coffee shop in South Buffalo - Dogs Ears Bookstore.

A fitness center off "the beaten path" Hybrid Fitness {next to Seabar}

A fashion and home good boutique - the items they sell are super cute! Poppy & Park

A museum I never knew about - Steel Plant Museum = a new place to add to my bucket list of places to go this summer

#TeamOooLaLa

Just a little over 4 years... that's when it all began, I joined Crista and Pam on this one of a kind adventure - called Ooo La La Boutique. Through the years we did a lot - fashion shows, events, private parties, a mobile fashion truck...through the journey we picked up some fabulous ladies - the "Ooo La La Girls" - Tia, Allie, Rachael and Kelsey and we became a family. Through the laughs and tears, disagreements and silliness we got through it and did some amazing things that most people don't ever have a chance to do.

The best part of working with Ooo La La is - the sky's the limit - if we had an idea or a dream we pursued it - no dream was ever to big, no idea was ever too "crazy." I'm so excited for Crista's journey with Cabela's, but these next few months are going to be so bitter sweet. I seem to find myself saying goodbye to those close in my life as they pursue their dreams outside of their hometown and while it's a part of life, I'm still sad and its still tough.

While this isn't a "goodbye," for the Ooo La La family, its part of the journey that leads to great things. It may stink at times, but only time will make this change less bitter and more sweet.

-B

{Girls just wanna have fun - embrace life because time goes by too fast}

#BuffaloLinks

{a new food truck to add to the Buffalo mix - The Flaming Fish}

{a place to check out for home décor - The Painted House}

{this Friday join Evolution Yoga at the Darwin Martin house for some yoga, tea and refreshments afterwards. For more info click here}

{want to learn more about Buffalo's twentieth century? Check out Explore Buffalo's City of Light tour on Saturday from 1-4pm. Check out the details by clicking here}

{always a fun fashion show to attend - Buffalo State's Runway event is this Saturday. Click here for all the details}

Burgers and Beer at A.B.V.

{I loved the neat salt and pepper shakers on the table and the custom beer glasses}

A couple weekends ago, Shanna was in town and we wanted to go some where "Buffalo" {this is a harder decision to make with all the new restaurants, bars and breweries opening now and I love it!}. We decided on Allen Burger Venture on Allen St. Let me tell you it was pretty cool! All sorts of people came into the place during the couple hours we were there.. young and old, hipsters and not.

It is a small place and if you're at a table near the bar it does get a little crowded, but the girls night out catch up date we planned was great, the hamburgers were yummy {and huge!} and there was a large beer selection to choose from and it was served cold which is always a positive.

I give this place two thumbs up and if you haven't been or have people visiting from out of town its definitely a spot to hit up.

Until next time..

-B

{I ordered a regular burger #4 and Shanna got the Turkey burger}

{Just one half of the beer menu above the bar}

{Wall Art - definitely fits the vibe of Allentown}

{My girl Shae Shae enjoying her beer! }

{Until my next visit #Cheers}

Sushi in Cheektowaga

For all of the years I've passed by Sakura in Cheektowaga, Saturday was the first time I've actually ever been there and I must say it was awesome! I've never heard anything bad about this restaurant and I know why - the service was great, the food was delicious and it  offered a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. If you're ever in Cheektowaga and looking for sushi check them out!! Sometimes the 'burbs' aren't so bad!

-B

I loved the way they brought out the sushi all on one tray- something I've never seen before {yes its the little things that make me happy}

The china they used for my hot water and lemon..reminds me of my trip to Japan. Makes me want to go back!

#BuffaloLinks

With the nice weather finally hitting Buffalo yesterday, I thought this week's #BuffaloLinks post would feature a food truck event, places to go for nature walks and outdoor patios. Enjoy!

A food truck fest with a twist - swapping Chefs! Check it out at Larkin Square on Friday!

A place I've never been and want to go this Spring - Zoar Valley

I came across The Phoenix when researching outdoor patios in Western New York. Now its on my list of places to visit.

Another place I have never been and would like to hike through this Spring - Akron Falls!

#BuffaloLinks

Its been a while since I've posted my #BuffaloLinks section. But this week we're back at it. Here are my picks for this week.

This is a picture from last season, but Buffalo Bisons Opening Day is tomorrow! Woohoo! #SeizetheSeason

I have been seeing great reviews on this place and its made it on my list of places to go in the near future. Allen Burger Venture

After Brunch is an after party - this Sunday at Encore! For more details click here.

Down the street from my work, is a new clothing boutique at HarborCenter. With the nicer weather I will be taking a stroll down there to check it out! Red Siren

People Who Move Buffalo

When I started this blog, I never really thought it would take me as far as it has. Not only has it helped me professionally, but it has also helped me personally too - making friendships and relationships that I will always appreciate and treasure. So today's post is a special thank you to all those I interviewed this far, for my People Who Move and Women Who Move Buffalo series. I still have a long list of people that I would like to share their stories, but for those who I have met so far, thank you for being you! And inspiring me to keep following my dreams like you all have done.

xo

Have a great weekend!

-B

The Grand Opening of Groom Service Beauty & Dry Bar

While I am sad I won't be able to make the grand opening I'm super excited its down the street from where I work, so I can pay a visit.. multiple times! Check out the details on the Grand Opening below!

Thank you Media Giants for the invitation!

-B

Groom Service Beauty & Dry Bar is opening the doors to its flagship boutique on the ground floor of the recently renovated Hotel Lafayette in Downtown Buffalo. Join co-founders Myriah Jaworski and Katie Ambrose and the curated Groom Service team of artists as they celebrate with a posh grand opening event on Friday, March 27 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Guests are invited to mingle in the chicly-designed hotel lobby where the new Public Expresso + Coffee Bar is also celebrating their grand opening party. A special ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 5:15 p.m. sharp, at the door to Groom Service.

Groom Service provides lavish beauty services in-store, in-room at the hotel, and on-location. All Groom Service brands are retailing in downtown Buffalo for the first time!

Shea's

Shea's Performing Art Center - a beautiful place where magic happens. Not only have great plays come and gone from this venue, but there have been a handful of events that have taken place there as well. I'm excited to head there tonight with my Dad for the Phantom of the Opera show. Its been a few years since I've last seen a play there, so I'm looking forward to it. The venue has beautiful detailed décor through out and in a sense even though we aren't in NYC it reminds me of seeing plays on Broadway. -B