Happy April

Thank you Kate Spade for starting my month of April off with a motivating note. Whatever it is you have planned for this month, make it count.

Down on Fillmore...

The East side of Buffalo, the area where I spent my childhood. While things have changed tremendously on Fillmore Ave. and in this area as I've grown up, I still from time to time, like to drive to the area just to see the house I grew up in and what is still the same {if anything} in the neighborhood. While this area isn't the greatest anymore, its still nice to see people going there for Easter and Dyngus Day festivities. My hope is that sooner rather than later, this neighborhood gets a 'face lift' and comes back to life.

-B

Cheers to 30 years!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! Well some may argue with me or may not care, turning 30 is a pretty big deal. It may not be as big of a deal as 40 or 50 or any other big number, but to me its about entering another stage in your life. Yes, age IS just a number, but its like when your turn 21.. you finally feel like wow I'm an adult, I'm of legal age. Turning 30 for me is just like that, its me focusing on where I am in my life and where I want to be.

Here are the top 20 things I've learned in my twenties that I am taking into my thirties...

1. I am not a party animal anymore! If I'm out past 10pm the next morning can be a little tough.

2. I never believed people when they said not everyone gets married and has kids right after college... well I was very wrong on this. Everyone's story happens at different times.. its not like the old days.

3. Its not about the number of friends I have, but more about who I can call on during the most difficult times to have a shoulder to cry on.

4. Well I once thought I had to be everywhere and do everything, I'm learning to say no to things...It's ok to be selfish sometimes!

5. I definitely have some of my parents habits... my Mother's emotions and my Father's hard work. They've taught me well and I still learn from them today.

6. Travel! It has taught me that there is more in this world than just the walls we grow up around.

7. This is probably the most important lesson I've learned in my life so far - never be ashamed of who you are. I am me and I really love me, I wouldn't say that I always thought this about myself, but as I've gotten older I've learned that you have to love yourself in order for others to love you. If there's one thing I encourage to anyone, its to always love yourself and don't be ashamed of who you are.

8. Goodbyes suck, but its important to keep the memories of loved ones in your heart and they will always be with you.

9. Dream big! I am a dreamer and maybe I live in my own fairytale, but I truly believe that if you try hard enough and believe in something strong enough, dreams will come true.

10. Embrace life and live it to the fullest. You only have this one life so make sure it counts.

11. Do good deeds. Be kind and help others. One of the greatest things I've ever done was volunteer.

12. Stand up for what you believe in. I've learned that there is no way a problem can be fixed if you don't open your mouth.

13. Think before you act and practice what you preach.

14. Sometimes all you need is a good cry. I think its good for the soul.

15. Surround yourself with happiness. Life is a lot better when you're surrounded by the things that make you happy.

16. Take each day, day by day. I am still learning this one ... All you have is today, so don't stress over the little things, everything always works itself out in the end.

17. Be fearless and take chances. You will never know unless you take a leap of faith sometimes.

18. Don't ever have regret. Things happen for a reason.

19. Its ok to fail and make mistakes. This one is hard for me to learn, but so true. No one is perfect, failure is a part of life and that's how we learn.

20. Beat to your own drum. Don't be something you aren't, always follow you heart.

Buffalo's Medical Scene

Sister's Hospital - the place where I was "welcomed" into the world back in 1985...

Throughout the years, Buffalo's medical scene has been on the "up and up." Not all of the hype about downtown Buffalo becoming a "booming" city again is because of Canalside, but also the medical campus that is taking shape downtown. From state of the art cancer research at Roswell Park, to Gates Vascular Institute, a lot is happening in the health world right here in Buffalo and that's something not only to be excited for, but its comforting to know you have excellent medical professionals to rely on if you ever needed it.

-B

Monday Mantra

Thursday's Thoughts

There are some people that come into your life and leave an impact, one of those people was Ray Marks. He was a professor of mine at Buff State during my junior year. While I was in college I really didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, I entered the communication department - focusing on Broadcasting at the time. It was when I entered his class that my world changed.

He pushed not only me, but all of his students to go find what we love to do and do it. He encouraged us to do internships and see if we really like what we're studying to do. If it wasn't for him I don't know what path I would have went down in my career. Yesterday, I found out the news that he passed away and while I'm sad, I'm celebrating his life and remembering him in spirit. It was with his help - he encouraged, inspired and guided me to where I am today and I will never forget that.

He was a good, good man who taught his students to believe in themselves and find their passion and go out and do it and for that I thank him.

-B

"Lose Your Head In The Clouds"

As we kickoff the week and get back into some sort of daily routine, it's only fitting {for me} to look ahead at January. This past weekend was unusual for me, outside of a really fun game night with friends on Friday night, I had nothing else planned and for once, it was quite nice. I tend to always fill up my calendar with things to do, not because I don't want to, but because I feel like I will miss out on something if I don't have something to do {that's silly, isn't it?}.

So I got to thinking, sometimes having that time to yourself is the best thing for you. For me, it gives me time to focus more on my goals and aspirations and to be frank, just live in the moment. One of my most current goals is to "take time to smell the roses." Instead of always feeling like I have to do ten million things all the time and crunching tons of activities into my calendar, {leaving myself feeling like I have know "me time"} I'm going to focus on quality over quantity and try to learn that its ok to not be everywhere, all the time. Its ok to not have a plan or an agenda and to just go "wherever the wind takes me."

January is going to be about reprioritizing my life, building on relationships I already have in place and focusing a little bit more on me and not trying to please everyone, because we all know that is very hard to do.

What's on your agenda for January? Do you have anything specific you want to tackle this month? No thought is to big or to crazy, so go ahead and "lose your head in the clouds."

-B

Monday's Thoughts

During a time when we should be loving more than hating... nothing has ever been solved by anger and hate. If we want to see change in this world we have to start making a difference in a positive light.

-B

Tuesday's Thoughts

Here are my thoughts for today. We live in the United States of America, the land of the free. While I believe and encourage everyone to have their own thoughts, opinions and beliefs, the recent protests that have been taking place throughout the Country, is upsetting.

Whether you agree or disagree in the outcomes of what happened in Ferguson and NYC, anger and violence are not the answer. Yes, you may make a statement and get noticed, but outside of that, what else have you accomplished?

We are a Country that is suppose to be an example for the rest of the world, but when we start to act like people we are fighting overseas, what do we really accomplish. Nothing will ever improve in this world if we keep repeating the same things.

As Americans, we should create change. When something horrible and inexcusable happens, yes its ok to be upset and angry, but use those feelings and make a difference in a positive way. Lead by example! Creating more violence and crime isn't going to change or make anything better. And those are my thoughts for today.

-B

Tuesday's Thoughts

Today's post is simple and to the point. Its something I am trying to tell myself everyday, {especially this week when I have ten million things going through my head}. No matter how bad you may have it, there is someone who could be going through something much worse. No matter what it is, its always best to try and find the silver lining to every situation. So even though I've been in a funk lately, I'm trying to look at things from a positive perspective and not a negative one. I think this is something everyone should think about, especially as we enter the holiday season. We get so wrapped up in materialistic things that we forget the really meaning behind this time of year.

Happy Tuesday!

-B

Snowvember - Buffalo for Real!

With all the snow that has fallen over Western New York in the past 24 hours, I thought I would post some of my favorite pictures from people {including myself} that posted on social media what's going on in their neck of the woods. The weather has been the talk of the town, making National headlines and while some up North have only seen a couple inches, this storm has cost the lives of a handful of people. It's important for everyone to remember to stay inside and let the emergency personnel and first responders do their jobs. In times like these I'm even more happy and proud to say I live in Buffalo - "A city of good neighbors," always coming through and helping each other in times of need and showing each other some #Buffalove. Stay safe and warm!

-B

{Tuesday Nov. 18 - Picture taken via news station showing the Lake Effect Snow band between Downtown and the Southtowns}

{Tuesday evening - photo taken by news station showing the NYS Thruway}

{My friend Tara enjoying a glass of wine outside her home Tuesday evening}

{Airplane view}

{Outside my house on Wednesday morning}

{The sun shining and the snow taking a break Wednesday late morning}

{Photo via Buffalo Bills - Snow on the field and in the stands at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Wednesday}

NOVEMBER

We've reached November, a month that includes voting, remembering our Veterans and being thankful for all the blessings in our life. The end of the month also marks the start of the holiday season. This month is extra special as my family will be welcoming an addition to our family.

This month some of the things I'm looking forward to are; Bubblefest with my niece at the Science Museum, The Compass House Dinner at Salvatore's, working on new projects for the Buffalo City Swim Racers, Macy's Believe Campaign for Make a Wish, visiting Dog E Style and HandleBar for happy hour, Small Business Saturday and spending quality time with the people I love.

What are some of the things on your "to-do" list for this month? Make sure to take time for yourself, live life to the fullest and remember to do at least one thing every day that makes you happy because you're only given one life. If you dream it, you can do it.

-B

Thursday's Thought

{ Taken from Real Simple Magazine Instagram }

August things to do

Its the 5th day into the month of August and I feel like the month of July just flew by. This month brings me celebrating a very good friends wedding, weekend trips out of town and celebrating an award I still can't believe I will be receiving. Outside of those exciting plans I am looking forward to a little more free time this month. I've made a bucket list of things I'd like to do before September roles around. Below is some of my list. What are some things your looking forward to do this month? -B

• Check out Gordie Harper's Bazaar in Lockport
• Attend the food truck rodeo at the Buffalo History Museum
• Take a historical boat tour down by Canalside
• Visit Chautauqua Lake for the day
• Visit Bennett Beach
• Explore Lewiston, NY
• Visit Code Blu Juice Bar in Allentown
• Start planning my next big event for Just a Blonde in Buffalo

Thursday's Thought of the Day

My thought for the day

My thoughts #29

I am not a writer by no means, I don't even consider myself a real blogger. My intentions for Just a Blonde in Buffalo were to talk about my experiences, the places I go, people I meet and things I do in town and if people read my posts great, if not, that's ok too.

Every now and then I post things that have no relation to Buffalo, they are just my thoughts and feelings during a particular time in my life. I've mentioned this in past posts, but 2014 has definitely been a year of growth, appreciation and just living the life that has been given to me.

A lot of times I get ideas, thoughts and even reflect on things when I'm in the car. I don't know why, but I think that's just my "spot," my "thing." One of my biggest goals is to inspire people to do what they want to do, to bring out the best in them and for them to know that they can do whatever they put their mind to.

We are only brought into this world for a short time and I feel like a lot of us don't get what we want out of life. I think one of the reasons I have been doing things I never thought I would do {snowboarding, a half marathon, speed dating, etc.} is because I'm just an average person who believe it or not is shy and insecure, but I want to show people that we all can do things if we just put our minds to it.

Each day is an opportunity to do something great, to make a memory and appreciate one another. If we all put in a positive attitude and did something nice for someone, even if its just holding the door open, saying good morning with a smile on your face or letting someone in your lane on the road, it would make you feel good because you did an act of kindness.

I am by far not perfect, no one is, but at this point in my life, I'm learning what is important to me, what I want to be known for and what really matters.

 "I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back." - Maya Angelou

And these are my thoughts for today.

-B

July things to do

We're in the heat of summer and July is one of my favorite months of the year. I don't know why, but it is. The month is filled with festivals, plays, beaches, BBQ's, events and concerts. What are some of the things you have planned for this month. Check out my list below:

-B

• Hanging out in the country at my parents cabin in Cuba, NY
• Celebrating one of my good friends Bachelorette party
• Checking out a concert at Artpark
• Heading to Canalside for a Thursday at the Harbor
• Going Strawberry picking in Clarence, NY
• Checking out a play at Shakespeare in Delaware Park
• Taking a tour of Buffalo's Architecture
• Visiting the Botanical Gardens

Taking a Breather...

My intentions for todays post were to talk about the Allentown Art Festival that I attended over the weekend, but I decided to opt out of that and just write about something completely having nothing to do with Buffalo or Western New York. Instead its just how I've been feeling lately and who knows maybe you have to.

The last few weeks have felt more busy than normal and this year I told myself that I was going to try to not take on as much and learn to "relax" a little more. Well ...we are 6 months into 2014 and while I feel like I've done more things for "me," I have also felt at times rushed, drained and run down.

I mean everyone feels "run down" at times and its always good to just take a step back and take some time for yourself. Anyone who says they don't take time for themselves, well I just don't buy it.

As I type I feel a little defeated. Defeated in the sense that I just don't have the energy. I'm the first to admit I try and do as much as I can when I can, not only because I enjoy going to new places and meeting new people, but I also like to talk about it on my blog and with my friends and family. Its a part of my personality. But as summer officially approaches us at the end of the week I'm going into this season with a different mindset; to do things I really want to do and not just "go through the motions," but to really enjoy living in the moment.

Because summers feel so short in Buffalo, I feel like we try to pack in as much as we can so we can get the most out of these warmer months, but at the end of the day if we really can't enjoy what we're doing then maybe we should take a step back and focus on what matters at that time.

Whatever it is that you do or whenever you feel like you're "run down" remember to take time to breath. Everyone deserves some "me" time.

-B

Father's Day {6.15.14}

Father's Day is this coming Sunday and I don't know about you, but shopping for my Dad is hard. Over the last few years instead of trying to buy him something, me and him have went out golfing or just spent the day together. My father is {outside of my Mom} the most important person in my life, so being able to spend a day with him in my eyes is priceless.

Whether you're Dad is a sports guy, a business guy, an artsy guy or just a laid back casual guy, there is always something you can find to show your Father just how much he means to you.

Here is a list of some places around town that I think could help you with your Father's Day gifts:

Glen Oak Golf Course {one of the many gold courses around town}

Blue Collar Buffalo {one of the best male clothing stores in Buffalo}

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que {for a more "manly" meal}

Delta Sonic {offering car wash packages and Bisons tickets}

Allentown Art Festival {take a stroll through the festival and pick up a piece of art}

Regal Movie Cinema