HELLO DECEMBER!

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hello december Hello December! Its the last month of 2014. While we get ready to wrap up another year, we look back at all the accomplishments, struggles, experiences and memories we gained from the last 12 months. For this month I'm really focusing on things I haven't been able to take part in previous years; Ice skating at Rotary Rink, walking around the Fairgrounds for the Festival of Lights and visiting Our Lady of Fatima Shrine. For me, December is a time to reflect on all that I did this past year, the good and the not so good and prepare for what I hope to accomplish in 2015. Christmas time for me is special because I love being able to see family and friends that I don't get to see all the time.

What are some of the things you are looking forward to doing this month?

-B

Western New York Trick or Treat Times

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_dsc0999 ERIE COUNTY

Akron- 6 - 8 p.m.

Alden- 6 - 8 p.m.

Amherst- No Times Listed

Angola- 6 - 8 p.m.

Blasdell- 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Buffalo- Ends at 8 p.m.

Cheektowaga- 6 - 8 p.m.

Clarence- 5 - 8 p.m.

Depew- 6 - 8:30 p.m.

East Aurora- No Times Listed

Eden- 5 - 8 p.m.

Elma- 5 - 8 p.m.

Evans- 6 - 8 p.m.

Grand Island- 5 - 8 p.m.

Hamburg- 6 - 8 p.m.

Holland- Ends at 8:30 p.m.

Lackawanna- 5 - 8 p.m.

Lancaster- 6 - 8:30 p.m.

North Collins 6 -8 p.m.

Orchard Park- 6 - 9 p.m.

Springville- No Times Listed

Town of Tonawanda- No Times Listed

Wales- Ends at 9pm

West Seneca- 6 - 8 p.m.

Williamsville- No Times Listed

NIAGARA COUNTY

Barker- 5 - 7 p.m.

Lewiston- 4pm - 8pm

Lockport- 4pm - 8pm

Newfane- 4 - 7 p.m.

Niagara Falls- 3 - 7 p.m.

North Tonawanda- 5 - 8 p.m.

Porter- 5 - 7:30 p.m.

Royalton- 3 -7 p.m.

Wheatfield- 4- 7 p.m.

Wilson- 4 - 7 p.m.

Youngstown- 5-7:30 p.m.

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY

Brocton: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Cassadaga: 5-7 p.m.

Celeron: 5:30-8 p.m.

Cherry Creek: 5-8 p.m.

Dunkirk: 4-8 p.m.

Falconer: 5:30-7 p.m.

Fredonia: 4-7 p.m.

Forestville: 4-8 p.m.

Jamestown: 6-8 p.m.

Lakewood: 6-8 p.m.

Ripley: 6-8 p.m.

Silver Creek: 5-7 p.m.

Sinclairville: 5-7 p.m.

South Dayton: 5-8 p.m.

Stockton: 4-7 p.m.

Westfield: 6-8 p.m.

WYOMING COUNTY

Arcade: 5 to 8 p.m.

Attica: 6 to 8 p.m.

Castile: Until 8:30 p.m.

Gainesville: 6 to 9 p.m.

Perry: Curfew for people less than 18 years old starts at 10 p.m.

Silver Springs: Curfew starts at 8:30 p.m.

Wyoming: Curfew starts 10 p.m.

GENESSEE COUNTY

Batavia: 6 to 9 p.m.

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY

Olean - 6 to 8 p.m.

Franklinville - 6 to 8 p.m.

Portville - 6 to 8 p.m.

Allegany - 6 to 8 p.m.

Little Valley: 6 to 8 p.m.

Portville: 9 p.m. curfew.

Salamanca: 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Ellicottville: 6 to 9 p.m.

ALLEGENY COUNTY

Alfred: 6 to 8 p.m.

Almond: 6 to 8 p.m.

Angelica: 6 to 8 p.m.

Belmont: 6 to 8 p.m.

Bolivar: 6 to 8 p.m.

Canaseraga: 6 to 8 p.m.

Cuba: 6 to 8 p.m.

Richburg: 6 to 8 p.m.

Wellsville: 6 to 8 p.m.

Fourth of July Favorites

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Happy fourth of July to each and every one of you. Whether you are traveling to see family or friends, relaxing on vacation or going to one of the many places in town to watch fireworks I hope you have a great Holiday weekend. -B

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{ A fun event over the weekend that I went to #CON14 }

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{ The windmills from Woodlawn Beach }

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{ I don't like the sand, but there's something about being on the beach that makes it "officially summer" }

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{ I love this Buffalo art piece from City of Night at Silo City }

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{ My Dad left this note for me on my car at work this week. I have the best Dad in the world }

Its a Polish thing!

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image Happy Dyngus Day! Today is one of the best days of the year! Buffalo hosts the largest organized Dyngus Day celebration in the world according to Wikipedia and honestly I believe it. Thousands upon thousands of people (not even Polish heritage) come down to the historic Polonia District on the east side of Buffalo to celebrate the festivities, show Polish pride, flirt with Pussy willows and squirt guns and listen to the best polka bands around.

While I choose to celebrate at St. Stanislaus and the Central Terminal, other local bars and venues host opportunities to polka, drink some Tyskie beer and enjoy the start of spring. Some are the Polish Villa on Harlem Rd., Pott's Banquet Hall, and Black Rock Kitchen just a few to name. For a full list of places go here.

If you're planning or thinking of coming out stay up to date on best places to park, etc. on Dyngus Day Buffalo's Facebook Page.

Remember to wear red!

-B

 

# 29

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happy st

Today marks 29 years that I've celebrated St. Patrick's Day. While I think about all the birthdays I've celebrated the one thing that I enjoy most out of everything is not the presents, not the attention or knowing that I'm getting old, its the time I share with the most important people in my life. My family and my friends. I will be the first to say there are times I take things for granted, but over the last few years I have realized what and who is important in my life and I am learning to block out the things and the people that don't matter.

I'm a planner, I'm a perfectionist and I have to be in control of the things I'm a part of and during these times I can sometimes forget to just enjoy the moment and enjoy the experience; those memories that are being made. For once I'm starting to do that; taking a step back and just enjoying the moment and the memories that I will take with me for another 29+ years. While there will probably always be a part of me that worries or stresses about something that I can't control, I'm learning to at least "take a chill pill" and enjoy the "moment" just like I did this past weekend.

Today at 29 I think of all the wonderful birthdays I've celebrated; slumber parties and craft parties, to surprise parties and painting parties. I'm not at all Irish, but having my birthday on St. Patrick's Day, has definitely given me some "Luck of the Irish" over these years.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

-B

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{ My brother is probably really mad I posted this picture of him. }

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{ Thank you Lacey for the tour of your work #NAB #29 }

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{ I love this wrapping paper Arica used on my birthday present }

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{ I kicked off the weekend with an amazing happy hr on Friday! Thank you Lacey! }

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{ All of our peacocks are different, but amazing! Check out my post on Paint On Tap Studios later in the week #artistsintraining }

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{ My Mom and Lacey! xo }

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{ A surprise cake, shaped like a Buffalo! Thank you Annette!! }

What are you doing for others?

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Martin Luther King Jr. While some may have the day off for Martin Luther King Jr. their are a variety of things you can do around town. Check out the Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza, go tubing, visit the Aquarium in Niagara Falls, catch up on chores you may not have gotten to over the weekend, or simply relax.

Whatever it is you do ask yourself this question;

"What are you doing for others? That is life's most persistent and urgent question {MLK Jr.}"

-B

When the clock strikes Midnight...

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il_570xN.521341251_gzzf[1] A new year for some is a way to start a clean slate, change things you aren't happy with or simply continue to make things better. I'm not a big fan of New Year's Eve, I never have been and have always thought if you want to "start fresh" you can do so anytime throughout the year, but in any case last year I rang in 2013 in Toronto, Canada with some amazing friends and had a wonderful time. This year is going to be tough to beat as I stay low key and enjoy my time in my hometown.

Regardless of where you're attending your New Year's celebration, whether it be the Ice Ball at the Statler, going to First Night at the Buffalo Convention Center, attending the Great Gatsby at the Hotel Lafayette or celebrating it on a more casual scale at home with friends and family ring in the New Year with the ones you love and make sure when the clock strikes at Midnight to kick it off on a good note!

Cheers to a New Year!

-B

Festival of Lights

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flfinal In its 9th year the Festival of Lights has grown into a winter activity that anyone can go to and enjoy. While they are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5-9pm to drive through and see over 1,000 Christmas lights along with hosting activities in a variety of the buildings, the Festival staff have opened up the grounds on Wednesdays and for $5 you and a group of people can walk or even snow shoe through the grounds and enjoy the lights - you can even stop at one of the fire pits they have on hand to warm up.

Last night we saw husky's on a dog sled running around (it was like we were in Alaska) ok not really, but it was still pretty cool to watch. Overall it was a nice night to take a walk and check out all the different characters done up in lights and it was at an affordable price.

-B

#BuffaloLinks

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bl 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

 

Veterans Day

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flag_20090407171413_640_480[1] {Veterans Day} is an official United States holiday which honors people who have served in the armed services.

Today and everyday I am thankful for those who serve and have served our Country. To those I personally know who have served and are still serving for us, thank you for being strong, brave and the most courageous people I know. I applaud you and am honored to have you in my life. xo

-B

 

 

{ Trick or Treat }

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halloween2 Happy Halloween! I'll never forget one of my favorite memories as a kid was getting dressed up and heading to my Grandma's house on Beggar's Night and going trick or treating with my cousins, sometimes I wish I could still do that!

Whether you're dressing up, going trick or treating, handing out candy, attending the Witches Ball, or watching Charlie Brown's - It's the Great Pumpkin enjoy your day! ; )

-B

Trick or Treat times {around town courtesy of WGRZ.com}

ERIE COUNTY

Akron- 6pm - 8pm Fire whistle will sound at beginning and end times.

Alden- 6pm - 8pm

Amherst- No Specific Times Trick-or-Treat at the Amherst Museum's historic buildings on Oct. 29-30. For more information, www.amherstmuseum.org.

Angola- 6pm - 8pm Halloween Parade on Main St. into the village on Saturday Oct. 30 at 2pm.

Aurora- No Specific Times

Blasdell- 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Brant- 6pm - 8pm

Cheektowaga- 6pm - 8pm

Clarence- 5pm - 8pm Halloween in the Park Oct. 23 at 5-8pm at the Main St. Town Park

Colden- No Specific Times

Depew- 6pm - 8:30pm

East Aurora- No Specific Times

Eden- 5pm - 8pm

Elma- 5pm - 8pm

Evans- 6pm - 8pm Halloween Party in the Evans Town Park on Oct. 23, noon -3pm.

Grand Island- 5pm - 8pm

Hamburg- 6pm - 8pm Children's Halloween Party at Hilbert College's Campus Center on Oct. 24, 2-4pm.

Holland- Curfew is at 8:30pm, trick-or-treaters can begin anytime prior.

Lackawanna- 5pm - 8pm

Lancaster- 6pm - 8:30pm

Marilla- No Specific Times

Newstead- 6pm - 8pm

North Collins 6pm-8pm

Orchard Park- 6pm - 9pm Halloween Party and Parade at Green Lake Yates Park on Oct. 30 at 6pm. Chesnut Ridge Casino Halloween Fundraiser "Howl at the Ridge" on Oct 29, 8pm-11pm.

Sardinia- No Specific Times Kiwanis Halloween Party at Town Hall on Oct. 31 at 7pm.

Sloan- 6pm - 8pm on October 30 Village Halloween Party and Parade at Sloan Fire Hall, at 6:15pm-9pm.

Springville- No Specific Times

Town of Tonawanda- No Specific Times

Wales- dusk - 9pm

West Seneca- 6pm - 8pm

Williamsville- No Specific Times Children's Halloween Costume Contest and Parade at Island Park on Oct. 30 at 5:30pm.

NIAGARA COUNTY

Barker- 5pm - 7pm

Hartland- No Specific Times

Lewiston- 4pm - 8pm

Lockport- 4pm - 8pm

Middleport- 4pm - 6pm Halloween Party at Middleport Fire Hall on Oct. 31 at 6-8pm.

Newfane- 4pm - 7pm

Niagara Falls- 3pm - 7pm Little Monster Parade and Monster Mash Breakfast on Oct. 30 starting at 9am on Old Falls St. For more information, www.FallsStreet.com.

North Tonawanda- 5pm - 8pm

Pendleton- No Specific Times

Porter- 5pm - 7:30pm

Royalton- 3pm -7pm

Wheatfield- 4pm - 7pm

Wilson- 4pm - 7pm Costume Party and Parade at the Wilson Fire Hall on Oct.31 after 7pm.

Youngstown- 5pm - 7:30pm Halloween Party at the Youngstown Recreation Center on Oct. 31 at 1pm-3pm.

The Great Pumpkin Patch

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gpp1With it being Fall and Halloween approaching us in a few weeks, this past weekend was a great time to go pick out those pumpkins, so my friend Lauren, my sister and my niece took a ride out to the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence, NY. The cost on Saturday was $5 and children 2 and under get in for free. They offer hayrides, animals to pet, face painting, a corn maze, apple cider and of course pumpkins to pick. If you still have to get your pumpkin check them out.. there open daily 10am to dusk. -B

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{ Just having a little fun wheeling Lauren around in the wheel barrel }

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{ Coupons you receive with entry }

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{ Pretty Fall flowers }

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*Fireworks*

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Document1 With the 4th of July being tomorrow I thought it would be nice to provide you with a list of some places that are hosting fireworks. Keep in mind a lot of them start going off at dusk (9/9:30p).

  • Artpark Amphitheater (Lewiston, NY)
  • Niagara Falls by Rainbow Blvd. (Niagara Falls, NY)
  • Cheektowaga Town Park
  • University at Buffalo (North Campus) (Amherst, NY)
  • Martin's Fantasy Island (Grand Island, NY)
  • Central Ave. in Lancaster, NY

Where do you go to see fireworks? Who do you think has the best fireworks display in the area, I'd love to know! 

-B

3 Essentials to bring for watching fireworks:

  • Large Blanket or Lawn Chairs (for those who can't sit on the ground)
  • Bug Repellent
  • Great Company