June "To-Do"

Its finally June and the weather is warm! Yay! With that being said this month for me is all about continuing to try new things and check out new places {especially ones that have nice patios}. Some places I definitely want to stop by this month are Newbury Street on Elmwood, Dug's Dive down by the outer harbor and Mes Que on Hertel. With less than a month until my half marathon I've been taking my training to different places around town and I want to check out the trails at Chestnut Ridge Park this month. What are some fun things you have planned in and around town in June?

Life is short, so take advantage of any opportunities that come your way. Even if that means relaxing with a good book and nice sunset. It's the simple things in life that mean the most.

-B

Friday Favorites!

This week has been quite rough, coming back from a fun weekend trip in Nashville, I will be saying goodbye to my uncle today alongside my family. Life is full of unexpected turns and you truly never know what is going to happen at any moment. In this world nothing lasts and all you can really do is cherish the moments you have, hold onto the memories and keep the ones you love, the most near and dear of them, close to your heart. Each day is a gift and you should always choose to make the most of it because all you have is this present moment. Have a wonderful weekend and make it one to remember. -B

{ I will always cherish the moments with you, the times you called me "Blondie" and the creative poems you always sent me on my birthday. Heaven gained another angel this week }

{ There will always be a little bit of Buffalo left in Nashville }

{ Because sometimes you just need to get away and be up in the clouds }

{ I couldn't be more happier to be apart of your special day Jeni! Thank you for bringing a little sunshine into a gray time }

Monday Morning Inspiration

Life is a funny and sometimes complicated. We all face challenges and hard times, but with that comes great things, positive things. Sometimes when you think things are falling into place or finally getting back to a sense of "normal" it throws you a curveball. Something you didn't see things coming and it hits you right in the face. And with that "curveball" you're expected to figure it out. You have to change your "plan" and make it work.

It wasn't my intent to write about this topic today or anytime soon, but something happened and I felt I needed to share what I'm feeling right now. I'm a planner, I like to have a handle on things, if someone I care about is in a difficult situation I'd rather be in their place and take away the pain and fear for them, its just who I am.  I'm also a very emotional person so when things hit me, I feel it and I feel it with all of my emotions. Life is a great, great gift. A gift that should never be taken for granted because you never know when it will be your last.

What I've learned more and more recently is no matter what is thrown your way in life, whether its good, bad, easy or hard, you should treasure the moments you have and be grateful because you were meant to enjoy your time here, every single second of it. Everything ALWAYS ALWAYS works out, maybe not the way you planned, but it always does, so don't be depressed, sad, feel defeated, ashamed or guilty because you deserve to be happy, excited, and victorious.

Enjoy your week.

-B

April "To-Do" List

We've made it to April and here's hoping the nice weather stays around in Western New York and we can start to enjoy the Spring season. This month I'm focused on Spring cleaning and getting outside. Enjoying the fresh air and preparing for the half marathon I'm running at the end of June. I'm looking forward to checking out new parks and running paths and of course hitting up my old childhood neighborhood on the east side of Buffalo for annual Dyngus Day celebrations. I'm also looking forward to checking out some more Friday Fish Fry's particularly Conlon's { I hear they have a good one }. What are some of your "to-do's" for the month of April?

-B

My "March To-Do" List

March is one of my favorite months of the year. It may have something to do with it being my birthday month, but its also that time where winter is ending {hopefully} and spring is about to begin. I put together a list of some of the things I would like to accomplish this month.

1. Taking a tour of the Martin House Complex

2.  For my birthday this year I gathered some of my closest friends and we're going to Paint on Tap Studios for a private party. I can't wait for this!

3. Crista and Pam just came back from NYC and bought some cute spring clothes for Ooo La La Boutique and Ooo La La Fashion Truck. I can't wait till they arrive at the store

4. I need to relax more and what better way than taking a yoga class at Power Yoga Buffalo

5.  I've been meaning to check out Vera Pizzeria and get my own take on it. I've heard good and so-so reviews

6. With the weather almost close to breaking, I'm looking forward to a trip to lululemon's Buffalo Showroom to get some spring workout gear for outside

7. I love taking photos and putting together scrapbooks and photo albums. This month I'd like to put together a book of all my Instagram photos through Printstagram

8. As I'm getting older I see how great this city is and want to learn more about the place I call home, so on my list is taking a tour of Buffalo's City Hall

9. As much as I love home, I love to travel and am thinking of weekend getaways and trips to plan for the upcoming months. So far I'm thinking the Hamptons, Rhode Island, maybe somewhere warm? Tell me some of your favorite places to travel!

Other things I'd like to do this month are; meet some more people for my Women/People Who Move Buffalo series, find an event venue for an event I'm planning in the Fall of 2014 and take a cooking class at Delish!

-B

I can cook!

I will say I can cook a few generic things - mac n' cheese, soup, and eggs to name a few. I can even make a good salad and sandwich, so when I found this recipe on A Beautiful Mess I thought I should try it, especially because it is very easy clean up. Here are the ingredients you will need:

• 1 box linguine {I used regular spaghetti noodles}
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 sprigs basil leaves
• 3 cloves of garlic minced {I used pre minced garlic in a jar}
• 2 cups Vegetable stock
• 2 1/2 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes {Add a little more if you like it spicier}
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• salt + pepper

In a large pot add all of the ingredients together excluding the feta cheese and salt and pepper.

{ A combination of all the ingredients together }

Once in the pot, bring to a high boil and stir occasionally. After about 5 minutes on a high boil bring down to a low boil and stir occasionally for another 5-7 minutes or until noodles are al dente. Most to all of the liquid should be gone. Stir one last time to get all the flavors mixed together. Top with feta cheese and salt and pepper.

You can serve warm or cold. If you'd like, add chicken to get some protein in your meal as well.

This recipe was super easy, I had leftovers for days and it was easy clean up. If you're like me you will enjoy this dish.

Enjoy!

-B  

Cheers to the New Year!

2013 was a year full of many things. There isn't one thing that represents this year, rather a handful of events, from new opportunities, meeting new people, going to new places, to facing some of my fears. All of these things combined have made 2013 a year that I will remember for a very long time.

In 2014 I am going to try to take more time to do the things I love and enjoy, try and focus on myself and learn that its ok to say no from time to time. I also am looking forward to checking out new places, meeting new people and building on my blog.

Thank you for being along for the ride and following along. Cheers to a healthy and prosperous New Year!

-B

Let's take a look down memory lane with some highlights for this past year;

{ My favorite restaurant and bar on Chippewa opened its doors this fall ... The Lodge }

{ First edition of Just a Blonde in Buffalo {Picture Book} }

{ #DTH13 }

{ Ellicottville - Fall fest 2013 }

{ The guys from Wishful Inking }

{ Old Fort Niagara }

{ Buffalo Bills 2013 }

{ Gabby from After 5 events }

{ Hands down one of the best weddings I was a apart of this year ( Mehltretter Wedding ) }

{ Kayaking and Silo tour on the waterfront }

{ Jamestown NY for the I Love Lucy festival }

{ My first 5k race }

{ Larkinville }

{ Seabar }

{ Dyngus Day at the Central Terminal }

{ Just a Blonde in Buffalo Launch Party }

Words for Wednesday

This quote pretty much speaks for itself...

#BuffaloLinks

Deck the Halls for Main St. Runway - an event bringing together the local East Aurora Community - a night filled with fun, fashion, friends and more.

The Polar Plunge takes place on Saturday to benefit the Special Olympics - if you're looking for something fun and unique to do take a dip in the "chilly" water at Woodlawn Beach

Looking to get your holiday Christmas tree? Check out Jurek Trees in Clarence, NY.

Monday Morning WrapUp

Another weekend has come and gone and we're back to Monday. It was a nice 4 day weekend; Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and my niece's birthday party. It all went by to quickly, but some of the highlights were my book came in the mail - Just a Blonde in Buffalo (from blog to book), Lockhouse Distillery had an amazing opening - selling out of 800+ bottles of vodka made right here in Buffalo, NY (I got there just in the knick of time to get one of the last bottles), people came out and shopped local on Saturday supporting stores in East Aurora, Buffalo and Main St. And ending the weekend out with a birthday party at the Buffalo Zoo for my niece. Who knew petting a lizard with a blue tongue and chinchilla's would top my list of pretty cool experiences. Oh and let's not forget the Buffalo Bills in Toronto - the Beach Boys performing during halftime let's just say that's a lot better than Psy performing again this year.

-B

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Western New York! Good luck to all the turkey trot runners out there today as the YMCA celebrates the 118th year of the race. Don't forget to bring your canned food donation for the Food Bank of WNY.

I am wishing all of you a wonderful day with the people you are most thankful for. I personally, have met so many wonderful people this year and have had some wonderful opportunities that I will never forget. Not only today, but everyday I am thankful for my wonderful family and friends and the blessings and lessons I have learned.

Have a wonderful day!

-B

Words for Wednesday

With Thanksgiving tomorrow I found this quote on Pinterest and think it's appropriate for this time of year. We should always live by the words we say - be thankful and appreciate your blessings all year round, not just during this holiday season. JFK was a wise man.

-B

Words for Wednesday

Each day we should do something for ourselves - whether its a 5 minute break to clear your head, volunteering, shopping, going for a run or calling someone special in your life. We all deserve to live happy lives so why not live the happiest one you can...

-B

Monday Morning Wrap Up

A Monday is great after a Bills win, lots of fun stuff happened this weekend- a Sabres win on Friday, the Gatsby event at the Statler on Saturday and so much more. Today I want to "vent" about the Bills experience though. Being a diehard fan of theirs I must say I have observed each home game this season and need to share some things with you; the security that is hired - who hires them? because I think its horrible! Not to be biased because women can do things men can do, but a girl who is smoking and texting while drunken fans leave the stadium - hello - you are hired to make sure fans are leaving in an orderly way and not stumbling down hills or getting into fights, older staff who can hardly move and look like they belong in Elderwood "patrolling" up and down the stands during the game- you can hardly walk so if there is a fight taking place you'll be sure to see them arrive after its done and over with, I'm sure there is another position you could work at- oh and lets not forget the fan hotline commercial that plays on the HD Board during the 4th quarter- why even play it, people have already gotten into a fight or have left and lets not forget the "great" fans who get annihilated and care more about talking and squeezing in as many friends who sit in different sections in to one tiny seat - why did you leave the tailgate then? Oh and those fans who think they know what there talking about and scream out wrong penalties - thank you for showing everyone around you that you don't know anything about football.

Do I sound harsh? I'm sorry if I do, but is this really what going to a National Football League game is now? Is this the new norm? Because call me old school, but going to football games meant watching the game, cheering for your favorite team and hoping to get the win. Don't get me wrong I love my season tickets and I am lucky to be around season tickets holders that I enjoy and get along with greatly, but I feel as though people now have forgot about the real reason their at a football game - you should be there for the football. Yes, enjoy the experience - tailgate, have some beers, have some laughs, make jokes and nag on the fans wearing opponents jerseys, but also be condescend of the people around you. People take things to far and forget the real reason why their at a football game.

While these observations are just that, the fact that I said something that someone else may be thinking makes me feel better.

Enjoy your Monday and Go Bills!

-B

Words for Wednesday

One of my favorite event planners {David Tutera} posted this on his Instagram account and it sums up exactly what I try and do everyday - Inspire people to be the best person they can be.

-B

Buffalo Links

1}

On the plane home from Chicago I read an article about a non profit organization Because I Said I Would, its an organization that challenges people to fulfill things they may not otherwise fulfill, such as running 4, 5k's in a year, etc. Even though its not a Buffalo based organization I still think the message is significant and wanted to share with you.

2}

In a few short weeks at Queen City Market is hosting a shopping event for everyone who loves to buy local. Check out more info here

3}

I'm in love with Love, MIA accessories. For any gal who wants to embrace the vintage style, their products are so pretty.

4}

This Friday at the Steel Plant Museum is Exhibit Opening Gala a free event open to the public, showcasing the Bethlehem Steel Administration Building.

5}

The amazing Lizzy Dugan is offering Holiday Glam Classes for those who want to know how to learn some of the latest and greatest Holiday hair and makeup tips. For more info you can go here

Monday Morning WrapUP

Its the beginning of a new week, and I'd like to start a new "mini-series" on the blog on Mondays called "Monday Morning Wrap Up." Its basically an interactive post that collaborates a wrap up of random stories, gossip, events and all that fun stuff that I saw or heard during the weekend and I want to know if you heard about it, if you were there, what your opinion is, etc. How was your weekend? How did you spend it? Did you stumble upon anything fun, good, bad, weird?

First, let me tell you I seem to run into someone I know or at least one person who has been from Buffalo when I travel - this past weekend I saw a random person sporting Buffalo Bills gear running the streets of Chicago and then to my surprise I ran into a colleague of mine at the airport traveling back home.

The Buffalo Bills game: How many people went or know someone who took the drive down to Pittsburgh for the game?

Erie County Fairgrounds: Did you attend the Christmas in the Country this weekend? I've never been, I'd love to know is it worth going? What types of vendors are there?

The Believe Campaign: Do you have little ones at home? Did you go to the mall this weekend and write your letter to Santa at Macy's for the Believe campaign?

Veterans Day: Did any of you attend any Veterans Day services this weekend to honor ones you know who served or are currently serving?

Snow: How many of you saw snow this weekend? I was on Instagram and a few people I follow posted pictures of snow! I know I'm not ready for that yet. Are you?

-B

No Shave November ...

How many of you have heard, saw or know someone who is participating in "No Shave November" - a fun and simple way to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society.

Throughout the month of November people are raising awareness by embracing their hair - which others lose when they have cancer. The money you save from not shaving for the month can be donated to your local American Cancer Society.

So tell me how many of you are participating in this unique awareness program?!?

To learn more you can click here.

Show your support by posting pictures and spreading the word on social media.

-B

Buffalo Links

 

Today is election day, did you or will you be voting? For more info on voting in NYS click here

Have a toddler in your house? Head to the Buffalo History Museum for Toddler Story Time - 10 am today - more info here

Love social media and want to learn more? Head over to the 31 Club on Wednesday {11.6} from 5:30 -8:30 the Boutique Bridal Party is hosting a social media event. Tickets are $20 for non-members and can be purchased here

Thursday is a Girls Night Out at Salvatore's. So if you were planning on a happy hour with your g/f's head there and get a little shopping done! Here is more info

This weekend Macy's kicks off there annual Believe campaign. People (specifically children) can go into any Macy's store and write a letter to Santa. For every letter dropped off to a Macy's store they will donate a $1 back to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For more info on this wonderful campaign click here

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to meet some great gals from the Salon and Spa in the Tower (located in Clarence). If you're looking to get your make-up, hair, nails, etc. done check out there website for hours and pricing.

November To-Do's

November is finally upon us and we are getting closer and closer to the Holiday season. I mean can you believe radio stations are already playing Christmas music?!? I'm all for celebrating and singing along to Rockin' around the Christmas Tree, but I would like to get to Thanksgiving and enjoy that Holiday before we rush to Christmas.

Anywho... this month in particular I am trying to focus on myself more, while I have always been a person to say yes more than no, I find myself taking on more than usual this time of year. With that being the case, I made a list of things I would like to do for "me" this month. Some of them are: take a tour of City Hall in Downtown, Buffalo, run in the Turkey Trot, continue to do more Charitable work at a higher level, take a tour of the Martin Complex and prepare for a great fashion show in the beginning of December.

While we should always be thankful for the blessings and lessons we learn in our lives, we should try to make more of a conscious effort to be thankful for the ones we care about the most and the opportunities we have had and the ones that await us.

Share your November "To-Do's" in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you!

-B