Antique and Flea Market Shopping

Unique Finds

You've heard that saying “one persons junk is another persons treasure,” while I've never been antique or flea market shopping before and recently I've been more and more curious of checking these type of markets out so this past weekend with the weather being beautiful I took a trip out to the Antique World & Flea Market on Main St. in Clarence NY. Open year round this place is full of wonderful knick knacks and vendors. While I was out shopping I learned a few helpful hints that may help you as you venture through the world of Antique and Flea Market Shopping:

1. Bring a Canvas Bag - This is for things you purchase. It holds fragile pieces better than plastic or paper bags.

2. Comfortable Walking Shoes and Clothing- You’ll be able to bend down and move things easy with comfortable clothes and walking shoes on.

3. Bargain Shop- Purchasing multiple items that are the same could save you some money if you negotiate with the seller. I purchased 4 similar bottles (originally $5 each and the seller gave me them for $15 instead of $20).

4. Have an Open Mind- You don't have to be creative when it comes to antique shopping. Most of the pieces have so much history in them that they speak for itself.

Other places I heard good things about are:

Coo Coo U

John Marfoglia Antiques

Reimagine

(if you're a Bride on a budget and looking for that "country chic" décor antique shopping is a good option to explore).

-B

In the Village

A couple weeks ago Western New York Restaurants participated in Local Restaurant Week. Its one of my favorite weeks because you can hit up restaurants you've never been before and get amazing food for a great deal. Whats even more great is that its local restaurants that participate, so you're supporting local business. A few friends and myself hit up Trattoria Aroma on Bryant Street in the Village of Elmwood. Everything from the appetizers to the drinks and dessert were delicious and our waiter was great, not to mention the scenery around the restaurant was nice. Check out the photos below.

The Aroma Group

-B

Friday Favorites*

"Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great."- Orison Swett Marden

Have a great weekend and enjoy the sunshine!

-B

Live Music Action

The Hall's opened Sportmen's Tavern in 1985 and what was once just a local neighborhood tavern is now one of the best venues to see live music in, in town. I stopped by Sportmen's the other day to attend a "Friendraiser" hosted by The Good Neighborhood (the Good Neighborhood is located in Buffalo, NY and is about the community, providing you with information in Western New York that focuses on the greater good).

While I've driven past the Tavern many times before I was surprised to walk in and see how big the place was - a stage, big bar and bistro style tables line the downstairs and upstairs is an additional bar with tables and a balcony where you can watch the band(s) play. My time was cut short at the Sportmen's Tavern, but I enjoyed the atmosphere and am already looking forward to going back soon!

Located at 326 Amherst St. if you love live music check out a band here.

Sportsmen's Tavern on Facebook

-B

Fashion Fun

This past weekend Crista and I attended Runway 6.0 at Buffalo State College. The fashion show showcases students (senior designers) in the Fashion Technology Program at the College. This year the theme was City Bits City Bytes. Money raised from this event goes to the Fashion Technology Scholarship Fund. This year it was brought back to campus and took place inside the Campbell Student Union. It has been a few years since I've graduated from Buff State, so being back on the campus for the show was nice. I was able to see some of the renovations that have taken place and see how the College is advancing in a variety of different avenues. Overall, the show was good. The students in the program are talented, creative and one-of-a-kind.

For more information on Runway and to see pictures click here

-B

Cinco De Mayo Festivities

With Cinco De Mayo just a few days away, you may be planning a little (or big) fiesta. Here are some things that you may want to have at your fiesta this year:

Or if you're interested in attending a Cinco De Mayo festivity around town here are a couple places you could check out:

The Draft Festivities at RWS

The NFL Draft was this past week and I had the opportunity to kick off the festivities at Ralph Wilson Stadium with my gal Lacey. While I attended a draft party a few years back, it was held in the Field House the last time I went and I thought the layout was better than this past year. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed walking through the Jim Kelly Club and getting to walk on the field and see the locker room, but the layout was a little "off" and it seemed to appear that no one (including the staff) were aware that the event was taking place outside. It felt like I was at a home game in the month of December. In the future if the Buffalo Bills Organization would like to hire me as there event planner for events like these I would be very, very happy to offer my services (hint, hint). Overall, Lacey and I made the best of it and had fun and in the end that's all that mattered. I'm looking forward to football season. Here's to hoping for a great upcoming season. Go Bills!!

-B

"Larkinville"

While I've driven down Seneca and Exchange St. multiple times before, I never actually had the chance to see the Larkin Building prior to last week when I was at the venue to attend a meeting for there upcoming Wednesday Concert Series. To my surprise there is a lot and I mean a lot they offer at Larkin Square.  Not only are there free concerts, they also offer food from a variety of places - The Filling Station (open year-round), The Grill (open seasonal), Square 1 Sandwiches, and Larkin Ice Cream Cart (offering Lake Effect Ice Cream). Tennis courts and Stalls with a variety of vendors fill the outside area making it a hot spot to be on a nice day. Inside tenants of all sorts rent space. For more information on the history of the Larkin Building or for leasing opportunities click here

Make sure to check Larkinville out this spring and summer- its a great place to go with your family or friends. Its also a great place to go for a date night or if you have guests from out of town visiting this would be a great place to take them.

-B

Larkin Square on Twitter

Larkin Square on Facebook

Friday Favorites*

Happy Friday! As I recap my week I always try to be better than yesterday whether it be in my personal or professional life. With that said, I'm pretty excited for the new opportunities that lie ahead. Enjoy your weekend!

-B

Draft Day

 

Happy NFL Draft Day!!! Tonight the Buffalo Bills are hosting a Draft Party at the Field House. Its been a couple years since I last attended this Draft Party, since then the Bills Organization has added more to the festivities and I am looking forward to checking things out. GO BILLS!!

-B

A Touch of Mediterranean

Located at 929 Elmwood Avenue Mezza Restaurant and Lounge is known for the delicious Mediterranean dishes and Hookah. This week is Restaurant Week in WNY (a variety of local restaurants offer special dishes for only $20.13). For a complete list of the restaurants participating click here.

Since it was a beautiful day out yesterday, my friend Annette and I had a couple drinks and dinner on the patio. It was nice to have the sunshine out and watch the activity going on, on Elmwood. While I've been to Mezza before it was my first time ever having rice pudding and I must say it was delicious! If you're looking for a change stop by Mezza and check them out.

-B

Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

It's a beautiful day in WNY, get outside whether it be on your lunch break or after work. A little sun and fresh air never hurt anyone.

-B

East Side History

A beautiful Church called St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Church is located at 348 Peckham St., in the East Side of Buffalo, known as the Polonia District. Growing up in this area and attending grammar school here (unfortunately, the school is no longer open) this Church holds a special place in my heart. While the area around the Church is not anywhere near where it used to be, it still remains the oldest Parish in the Diocese of Buffalo and is the oldest in New York State.

Being founded in 1873, this year is a special year as St. Stans is celebrating 140 years. Upon entering the Church you will be amazed by the architecture, the stained glass windows and the incredible statues and altar. Tours are available (for more information on them click here).

It doesn't matter what religion you are or how religious you may be, this building is a beautiful place and if you ever have time to stop by and take a look inside you will know why.

-B

Friday Favorites*

With the tragic events that happened this past week and are continuing to happen in Boston, we should be thankful for the simple things in life that we have; freedom, family, friends. The world that we live in can be a scary place, but we can't live in fear. Not only this weekend, but everyday, we should all count our blessings and enjoy the simple things in life.

-B

Beer & Science

Saturday night, the Buffalo Museum of Science hosted the fairly new event, Beerology. With a sold out crowd, over 500 people were in attendance to enjoy a variety of different beers, sample food, listen to music from DJ LoPro and walk around the exhibits in the Science Museum. They also offered an opportunity to win prizes if you tweeted during the event. It was an overall fun night out.

Food trucks Frank's Gourmet Hot Dogs and Sweet Hearth were on hand outside the building for guests to enjoy some one-of-a-kind eats before or after the event.

It was a night of firsts for me; It was my first time attending this event and it was great! I especially enjoyed the Blueberry Beer from Ellicottville Brewing Company and the Rasberry Beer from Harpoon. I have no complaints and overall is was enjoyable and unique. It was also my first time ever having food from a food truck in Buffalo and I was impressed with how good my food tasted.

I highly recommend you try a hot dog from Franks or grab some dessert from Sweet Hearth the next time you see them on the streets. Its cheap, delicious and you're supporting local business.

-B

More info:

• Buffalo Museum of Science on Facebook
• Buffalo Museum of Science on Twitter
• Franks Gourmet Hot Dogs on Twitter  
• Franks on Instagram: FranksGourmetHotDogs
• Sweet Hearth on Facebook
• Sweet Hearth on Twitter

Bonjour Coco

Me and my friend Nicole love to meet up and have wine nights occasionally, so instead of going to are main wine bar, we changed it up and checked out Coco Bar & Bistro at 888 Main St. A french decor theme is showcased throughout the building. We sat at the bar when we went and we each had a couple glasses of wine and tried the mussels (my first time ever) that came with rosemary frites (a staple item at Coco). Both were delicious! The place is great for a romantic night out with your significant other or a get together with friends.

-B

Coco on Facebook

My List of "Must Go-To" Summer Events 2013

With the warm weather starting to approach the Western New York area, below are a list of events around Buffalo for the Summer time that I personally love, love, love to attend. There are a couple that I will be attending for the first time this year and I'm super excited to see how they are. If you have a chance to attend any or all of them, I'd love to know what you think!

What are some of your favorite events to attend in the Summer time?

-B

(for more information on any of these events, click the title below)

1. Buffalove Fest (First year event)

2. Bases Merloted

3. Local Designer Fashion Show - June 15 at Ooo La La Boutique

4. Refresh

5. Wines in the Wild

6. Buffalo Chicken Wing Fest

7. BrewFest at Coca-Cola Field (Check back for 2013 info)

8. Allentown Art Festival

9. Mash Bash

10. Starry Night in the Garden

11. Buffalo Spree's Best of WNY Party (Check back for 2013 info)

On a Cobblestone Street

Located in the "Cobblestone District" Helium Comedy Club sits at 30 Mississippi St. A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to catch the Garfunkel and Oates Show. To be honest, up until that night I didn't really know what to expect, and didn't have any expectations. I was thinking it would be a regular comedy show, but to my surprise I was quite impressed with the venue and with the show. Kate and Riki (who is originally from Olean, NY) are two of the funniest gals in the business. It was a packed house and they kept the crowd laughing the whole night. Included with the show was a host and opening act, Sean Murphy, who both were very good as well.

The only downside of the night were the tables you sit at, they are way to small for a group of 4 or more. If ordering food, plan on having your plate on your lap. For a group of 3 or less there perfect though.

If your looking to do something other than just the usual "dinner and drinks" think of checking out a show at Helium. Wednesday nights are open mic nights. Tickets are reasonably priced (avg. $25 per person) and if you catch a show on a non-eventful day at the First Niagara Center, there's lots of free parking in the area. You can expect to have a night full of laughs.

-B

"Like" them on Facebook           Follow them on Twitter

The Mansion On Delaware

Located on the corner of Delaware Ave. in Buffalo, is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel that offers a variety of amenities, complimentary breakfast and cocktails in the evening, shoe-shining, a Billiards Salon, internet access and space for that "special" event.

Whether your in town for leisure, or looking to host a business function, the Mansion on Delaware has got you covered. The pictures posted above are from a Bridal Show that took place last week that my friend Kate (who recently got engaged) and I attended. The rooms are amazing and the service that is provided is exceptional. If you ever have a chance to attend an event at this fine establishment you won't be disappointed.

-B

Friday Favorites*