A Little Wine-"O" at Just Vino

 

Last night I had the opportunity to catch up with a colleague and friend of mine at one of our favorite "go-to" spots - Just Vino on Main St. in Buffalo. This affordable wine bar in Downtown Buffalo offers a wide array of wines, from Reds and Whites, to Rose' and Sparkling. They have small plates available to order along with wine flights. They even have a beer selection for those customers who aren't wine enthusiasts. The decor is rustic with brick walls in the seating area, and their bar is crisp and clean with windows looking out onto Main St. They have great wine experts on hand for any questions you may have. After a long day at the office this is a place you could go, unwind, have a couple laughs and enjoy a glass or two. Cheers!

-B

Just Vino 846 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14202 www.justvino.net

Happy :)

"The best thing anyone can ever do is just be happy. If your going through hell, just keep smiling and know that everything always works itself out, it always does."

Just a little reminder for the day, in case you need it.

-B

Half Marathon Here I come

One of my goals that I made for 2013 was accomplishing a half marathon (13.1 miles) at the end of May. While I've been training for this for a month now, the last time I ran a race was 10 years ago back in high school track. Just the thought alone of completing 13 miles seems impossible after such a long time, but I'm determined to complete it. With temperatures being mild lately, I decided to take my workout outside to get my body used to the different weather conditions that take place in WNY. Buffalo has some great running paths, one of my favorites is Delaware Park. The streets of Elmwood Village, Clarence Bike Path, and Stiglmeier Park have some great trails to name a few. If you want to stick to the inside, UB North's Campus has a nice indoor track inside their Alumni Arena, so does ECC's Burt Flickinger Center and Buffalo State College. While this may physically be one of the hardest things I have done to date, I find a certain excitement and determination through the whole process. It makes it a little easier knowing I'm doing this with one of my best friends too. -B

So Long, Farewell to The Mohawk Place

Whether you've ever been to a concert there or not, The Mohawk Place was and will remain in our hearts to be a Buffalo Landmark in downtown Buffalo. Bringing in a variety of bands and people from all over the world throughout the last 20 something years. This venue created memories and instilled a little Rock N' Roll in all of us. This past weekend they closed there doors one last time, going out with a bang - celebrating a kick ass farewell weekend.

While we will always have the memories, it just won't be the same. In the words of the staff "Well now, everything dies, baby, that's a fact, but maybe everything that dies someday comes back..."

-B

Welcome to BANDIT Land!

The Buffalo Bandits opened their season Saturday night to the Minnesota Swarm at the First Niagara Center, winning 13-12. With a crowd of 15,000 in attendance, you can bet the game was intense, the atmosphere fun, invigorating, and full of life. Bandits games are always a good time in my opinion. Tickets are affordable, the team is good, and the fans are diehards. You won't have a problem being entertained. If you haven't been to a lacrosse game, try and check one out this season. You won't be disappointed. To see the Buffalo Bandits full 2013 schedule go to www.bandits.com

-B

Where's the snow?!?

Buffalo is known for its cold temperatures and lake effect snow, but between last year and this years winter season, we have had mildly warm temps and not a lot of the white stuff. Today alone temperatures are in the mid 50's and look like there staying that way for the rest of the weekend. While its great weather for taking down the leftover Christmas decorations or going for a nice run or walk, you can bet those skiers and snowboarders in WNY are not liking this weather at all. Hey, I don't blame them. I grew up in Buffalo and expect snow during the winter months, not this 50 degree weather. I hope Mother Nature is listening and brings back that white stuff...at least for the next few weeks. -B

He Shoots, He Scores

 

A majority of people from Buffalo, I'd like to say, are some type of sports fan- whether it be football, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, or basketball. With the Buffalo Bills not having a great season, you can bet when the announcement was made earlier this week that hockey was back, us fans in Buffalo were estatic! Finally, something to look forward to during the rest of this winter season. But really, if you think about it, its more than us just watching or attending the games that we should be happy about. Having the season back brings life back into downtown Buffalo. Local bars, restaurants, and hotels felt the burden from not having the full hockey season. Now that both parties have negotiated, lets look forward to hearing RJ (Rick Jeanneret) call the games, and cheer on our Buffalo Sabres. Go Sabres!

-B

 

The Buffalo Sabres Organization is opening training camp up to the public next Monday (1/14/13) down at the First Niagara Center.

Individual game tickets go on sale next Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 10 a.m.

For more information on the Buffalo Sabres you can go to Sabres.com

Strike a Pose

Elmwood Ave.

Over this past weekend, my friend Lacey took some photos of me for my blog. While I can say with confidence, I could never, ever, be a model, it was fun to take some pictures for a few hours. Take a look at a few of my favorite shots below.

 -B

                    On the stairs of City Hall    

             

              Buffalo "All-America City"    Strike a pose on Main St.

                               

                                           Delaware Park

                                

                             

                                                      SHOUT

All photos you see here were taken courtesy of my amazing friend and amazing photographer Lacey J.

My inspiration over a cup of coffee

I'm sure all of us have someone out there that has inspired us or encouraged us at some point in our lives to pursue a dream or goal of ours. As I was meeting with my mentor this afternoon for a cup of coffee, I started to think back to where I am in my career and where it all had started. My mentor after all is the one who helped me jump start my career, helped me get my foot in the door to many places and taught me so much on how to be creative and implement successful events. Though we don't get to see each other all the time, every time I do meet with her, she always seems to provide me with insight as to where I can take my career, offers me advice and guidance and lifts my spirits when I'm feeling down. Even if she doesn't plan on doing it, she does. She's an inspiration to me whether she knows it or not. After our meeting, it got me to thinking that all of us have the opportunity to inspire someone in our lives to follow their dreams. All of us should try it, I believe the reward will be fulfilling. -B

You Only Live Once

This weekend was nice, catching up on projects I put off from the Holidays and catching up with a friend I haven't seen in a while. We went to this restaurant called YOLO Restaurant + Lounge (the term stands for You Only Live Once). Both of us were first timers and had heard great things about the place. The atmosphere was relaxed, simple, and sophisticated. I ordered the Ahi Tuna sandwich with seasoned french fries and a side of mac n' cheese. It was delicious! For the people out there who like your food a little spicy you'd love this dish, and the best part is everything is homemade. It was a nice time out and a good place to go to for dinner and/or drinks. So ladies the next time you feel like throwing on a pair of heels head out to Yolo and live a little, you won't be disappointed.

-B

Ahi Tuna sandwich, pickle, Seasoned french fries, and Mac n' Cheese

Yolo Restaurant + Lounge 5841 Transit Road East Amherst, NY 14051         yolobuffalony.com (716)688-4479

Burn Baby Burn

 

I am a big proponent of taking care of your health and exercising. I workout at least 3 to 4 times a week not because I'm a health nut, but more because exercising is a way for me to relieve the stress in my life and just unwind. Most of the time I workout by myself, but every once and a while I like to change it up and try something new with my routine. This evening I went to one of my favorite fitness centers in the Elmwood Village: BikeorBar. This business started off by offering a variety of different spin classes and has now grown into offering a wide variety of classes from circuit training, to rowing and pilates, to kickboxing, and so much more. Tonight my friend and I took the CrosSpin class with Em Jay. She's an awesome instructor, plays great music, is tough, but you'll feel great after her classes. If you're ever in the area or looking to change up your workout, check this place out.

-B

BikeorBar 904 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14222 www.bikeorbar.com

New Year, New Buffalo Bills

I came across this quote earlier today and thought it would be appropriate to post for this time of year. It's the second day of 2013 and I am always curious to hear people's New Years resolutions; seeing if these resolutions are anything out of the ordinary losing weight, saving money, etc. or if its something different. I'm also curious to see how long people stick with their resolutions. I'm a goal oriented person and one who believes that if you want to change something about yourself or do something different you don't need to wait for the new year to do it.

On that note, here in Buffalo, a day before the New Year hit, the Buffalo Bills did something a lot of people in town knew they were going to do... they fired their Head Coach, Chan Gailey, but then what was interesting was the next day, the owner, Ralph Wilson, started the New Year off by giving all power to Russ Brandon (President and CEO). I think its a great move and Mr. Brandon deserves this opportunity. He comes off as a man who will get the job done and won't make any excuses if something goes wrong. The Buffalo Bills Organization is moving forward and it will be interesting to see what the rest of 2013 holds for this football team.

Not every situation is an ideal one, but if you look at it with the attitude that you can make it better or make it work you'll go a lot farther in 2013 than you ever expected.

-B

The End of the Bills Season

Today as I was walking into Ralph Wilson Stadium with my Dad for the last time this season, I started to think of all the good memories I had at the games this year. I seriously couldn't ask for better fans in Section 126. The guys in that section are like a second family. No matter how bad the game is we still make it fun and enjoyable. The Bills were a major disappointment this year, but I seriously believe they have the best fans in the NFL. Whether our team is good or bad Buffaloians LOVE football and LOVE their Buffalo Bills. Over the next few days and months changes will be made at One Bills Drive and all of us fans are hoping that next year will be our year! GO BILLS!!! -B

 

Last Snowy Saturday in 2012

As we get ready to end another year, the start of this weekend in Buffalo seems to begin the way it should -with the snow falling on the ground and everyone preparing for their New Year's Eve Festivities. Take a minute to reflect back on all the things that happened in 2012. Some may be good, others bad, but always strive to be better than yesterday. Have a great weekend. Stay safe. See you in 2013! -B

Hello world!

Hello World! My name is Beth and I've grown up in Buffalo, NY all my life. One of my goals for 2013 was to start a blog (I know I'm a few days early) sharing with you, all things Buffalo related. From sports, to events, to fashion, food and more. A lot of people I speak with when I travel only think of Buffalo as being really cold and getting a lot of snow. I'm here to share the other exciting things this city has to offer, through my eyes, the way I see it. I hope you enjoy what I share! -B