Around Town - August

Summer is flying by! I can't believe its already August 1st! There's lots of stuff taking place this month and below are a variety of activities and events for everyone. Have you got to enjoy this summer? What are some of things you still want to accomplish before Fall approaches?

-B

August Around Town

August 2 and 9

} Roof top views from the atop the Buffalo Science Museum

This weekend: August 3-4

} Eden Corn Festival

} Lucille Ball Festival

} Chalkfest

} Italian Festival

August 7-18

} Erie County Fair

August 9

} Buffalo Brewfest

} Buffalo Bills Training Camp & Pre-Season Games (Aug. 16/Aug. 29)

Showing until Aug 18

} Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Measure for Measure

Don't forget the fun activities that take place daily down by canalside, the concerts at the outer harbor, the excitement from just going on an unplanned "adventure" one afternoon.

Women Who Move Buffalo

  Back in March I did a week of posts that highlighted young women in Western New York that love the area and have decided to pursue their dreams in their hometown. So I decided to start a new series on Wednesday's that showcases women who move Buffalo.

Today's post takes us to the ever so sweet and talented Lexie Furlong and Vicky Schaffstall, owners of Blush. Blush is a women's clothing and accessories boutique that opened last week Friday on Elmwood.

Back in 2005 Lexie was a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), after graduating she continued her work as a director of ecommerce and an assistant buyer for Wink and the W Hotel stores. During this time she had the opportunity to style celebrities in the store and for photo shoots. It was also during this time at FIT and Wink that Lexie really learned that her passion and Dream was to own her own store.

Born and raised in Buffalo, she is back to stay, Lexie says "people from Buffalo leave, but they always come back. I love my family, friends and the people in Buffalo. We really are the most caring people. The people of Buffalo support one another and come together with talents to create masterpieces throughout the city."

Blush specializes in customer service and making women feel pretty, when you visit Blush you will feel comfortable and shop freely, you can ask questions about the products, and enjoy your shopping experience.

If you have a birthday or a special occasion you want to celebrate, Blush offers Blush Bashes for you and your friends and family, where you can host your own party in the store and receive that one of a kind shopping experience, you don't get anywhere else.

Be sure to keep an eye out for a grand opening celebration in September, (I have a feeling it may be a part of Buffalo Fashion Week).

Blush is located at:

1005 Elmwood Ave.

Buffalo, NY 14222

{716} 768.0110

info@shopblushny.com

Shopblushny.com

Blush on Facebook

{ Co-Owners Vicky Schaffstall and Lexie Furlong }

{ Fruit water, offered to guests }

{ One of the many congrats and good luck flowers that were sent to the store }

{ My purchases from my shopping experience at Blush }

Tidbit: Bring back the Blush bag and you receive a discount off your purchase for being a returning customer

" Buffalo holds all my favorite memories, never stop making memories dolls. xo"

- Lexie Furlong

During my visit to Blush I could really feel the dedication, passion, and love Lexie and Vicky have for their store, you don't find that everywhere you go.

Thank you Lexie and Vicky for being wonderful women and opening an exclusive clothing boutique that Buffalo women will love. It was a pleasure meeting you!

-B

Golf Tournaments

One of my favorite type of events are golf tournaments, just for the pure fact that they are one of the easiest events to run in my opinion. The golf runs itself and really all you need to take care of are any contests, auctions, check out and registration. One of my favorite things about events in general is to see the end result and all the hard work you put in to make that day the best that you can for everyone in attendance. Below are some pictures of the golf tournament I had been a part of yesterday at Transit Valley Country Club. I can not thank the staff that helped with this event enough, without them it wouldn't have gone as smoothly as it did. xo

-B

{The carts are all lined up and ready to go }

{ Fore the Children Golf Tournament }

{ A variety of auction items throughout the Country Club }

Wines in the Wild

Wines in the Wild is a fun outdoors event that takes place at the Buffalo Zoo every July and its one of my favorite events in Buffalo. This year Lacey and I took to the zoo to enjoy not only the wine, food and people, but as many animal exhibits as we could.  While the zoo is under renovations for new animal exhibits the event hasn't lost its touch, hosting a sold out crowd on a beautiful summer night. Here are some pictures from the night. -B

{ Taking a seat by the Otter Exhibit }

{ The NAB Ladies, Lacey and Jessica xo }

{ Inside the Rainforest }

{ Up close and personal with the hyena }

{ Hanging out with Laverne, the Gecko }

{ Besties }

My Friday Favorites!

{ Maria and I were twins at the Runway on the Water last week Sunday for Ooo La La Boutique & Ooo La La Fashion Truck - what a great show! }

{ Such a nice view from on board the USS Little Rock }

{ These clouds looked like they were painted on the sky while I was driving the other day, so pretty }

{ Women Who Move the City - Buffalo, September 2013, another brilliant event }

{ Katie Jordan, who puts on some of the best events in town, striking a pose with me at Wines in the Wild this week }

Happily Ever After

This weekend I had the honor of attending and coordinating the Sondel Wedding that was held at the Embassy Suites. Two words describe their special day - simple and elegant. Below are some pictures of their special night. Here's to a special Happily Ever After Mr. & Mrs. Sondel <3

-B

{Private outdoor patio}

{cupcakes with ice cream in the center}

By The Water

Nothing beats spending time with old friends, having a few drinks, a few laughs and listening to music by the water all on a nice summer day. One of my favorite spots to go to in the summer in Western New York is the waterfront and with recent developments its shaping up to be a beautiful place filled with history, beauty and fun. -B

:: The Los Lonely Boys playing at Thursday at Canalside ::

::Selfie ::

:: Just like old times - Rachael and Brian were in town visiting ::

Bertha's Diner

One great thing about Hertel Avenue is a little place called Bertha's Diner. Filled with the 1950's style and a friendly staff, they are home to classic American foods and Buffalo favorites. Open at the early hour of 6am, the diner brings in a crowd. If you happen to make a visit make sure to bring cash because that's the only form of payment they accept. -B

Bertha's on Facebook

Friday Favorites*

With this week ending I am entering a weekend of visiting with friends from out of town, a wedding and another fashion show. Here are some of my favorites from this week.

Have a good weekend!

-B

:: Why Not? ::

:: Probably one of the only places I will still walk into on Chippewa St. ::

:: Things are slowly, but surely picking up down at the Harbor ::

:: A trip to Toronto with Shanna to see HOV and JT ::

Legends of Summer Tour Video

Baskets Upon Baskets

Having done a variety of events for a number of years there are a lot of things I like about the event process, such as, taking an idea from scratch and making it come to life.  Décor is also always a favorite of mine. If there are vendors involved in the event I love bringing in new people and places to introduce to the general public. I also love seeing the guests faces when they walk in. One part of some events that can be nerve wracking is the auction or basket raffle, I love seeing the finishing product (some people can get pretty creative with baskets), but taking the time out to put baskets together can be an event in itself sometimes. Since I have an upcoming event taking place soon, I thought I would share pictures from the one of many days of basket wrapping. -B

:: Thank you Lloyds Taco Truck, House of Munch & Sweet Hearth for your donations! ::

:: A majority of people always love booze ::

:: Just one of the offices full of auction baskets ::

Root 5

An area of Western New York I don't get to visit very often are the restaurants on Route 5 and Lakeshore Blvd. This past weekend I was happy to have made plans to visit that neck of the woods. My friend Annette and I had a nice lunch at a place called Root 5 located right on the water it's a great place to visit for an afternoon lunch. Here are pictures from my afternoon.

-B

:: My half eaten steak taco, it was delicious and served with a side of tortilla chips and homemade salsa ::

:: After lunch we made a pit stop at the private Hamburg Beach (you have to be a Hamburg Resident and have a permit on your vehicle to go to this beach) ::

:: Permit or not, that didn't stop Annette and I from stopping to take some pictures and enjoy the scenery ::

Irving NY

The majority of my Saturday was spent in Irving, NY (south of Buffalo) working the Runway at the Bay Fashion Show. Below are a few of the pictures I captured during my time there.

To see all the pictures I took, follow me on Instagram: @bybuffalob

:: Located in Irving, NY is one of the popular beaches in the area, Sunset Bay & Cabana Sams ::

:: The bar area is full of colorful accents, looking out to the beach area ::

*New at Sunset is an upstairs patio area*

:: This past Saturday, Sunset was host to the Runway at the Bay Fashion Show with TT New York and Ooo La La Boutique/Ooo La La Fashion Truck ::

Sunset hosts a variety of bands, contests and other events throughout the summer time.

Sunset Bay Beach Club on Facebook

-B

SoHo Burger Bar

:: After a busy Saturday, it was nice to enjoy an adult beverage on the patio of one of the nicest places on Chippewa, SoHo Burger Bar ::

:: Known for their custom burgers, I opted to go the healthy route with the Grilled Chicken and Strawberries Salad ::

:: Amanda got the Classic Caeser Salad with Shrimp ::

:: A nice relaxing night out, with Just a Blonde in Buffalo ::

Friday Favorites*

The past couple of weeks have been more stressful and out of the norm than usual, with that being said I am looking forward to Saturday evening when I can finally get a little break from work and enjoy some fun things going on around town. Enjoy your weekend!

-B

I found this quote from Stevie Johnson's Twitter page and I couldn't agree more with it:

"Imagine how dope this world would be if everyone just treated others how they like to be treated. Nothing more, nothing less..."

:: The Taste of Buffalo is this weekend ::

:: One of my favorite things at a wedding now a days are candy tables ::

Tao

:: Tao Restaurant in Orchard Park ::

:: Yummy Soup to start off with ::

:: Delicious Sushi (Happy Hour prices are from 4-6:30pm) Only $3 sushi! ::

:: Cooking Demo's ::

:: Love this water wall ::

:: A little fire ::

:: Chicken Hibachi ::

Things To Do Around Town - July 2013

With July already upon us I wanted to suggest some fun things to do around town that are merely cheap or free. Here's the list:

Softball at Delaware Park - get a game going with you and your family

Attend the Buffalo Zoo for the day - and catch the polar bear cubs!

Take a stroll on Elmwood, Niagara Falls Park, Letchworth Park, the Waterfront, the Botanical Gardens or Lewiston

Attend a concert at Thursday at the Harbor

Watch the Bisons play Ball at Coca-Cola Field

Enjoy the music at the Larkin Square on Wednesday evenings, play some shuffleboard on one of there courts or simply walk around and see a variety of vendors, or check out the Food Trucks on Tuesdays at Larkin Square from 5-8pm.

 Here is a list of some of the other Events taking place in July:

Artpark - OAR concert - July 10

Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff Mansion - July 12, 19, 26

Taste of Buffalo- July 13/14

Olmstead Gala- July 12

Runway at the Bay - July 13 - Sunset Bay Beach Club

7 Chances Charity Fashion Show on the Naval Ships - July 21

Buffalo Zoo's Wines in the Wild - July 24

Sidewalk Sale in East Aurora - July 27

Buffalo Bills Training Camp begins - July 28

Canalside Events - throughout the month of July there is always something going on

-B

The Grand Ballroom

:: Photo Collage of the wedding I had a part in this weekend ::

Every time I do an event, I try and make it as perfect as I can while I still know that nothing ever goes as planned, no matter how organized and particular you are as a person. This past weekend I had the privilege to coordinate another wedding at the Statler, it brought back memories of my very first wedding I ever did, a few years back and it was held in the same exact room - The Grand Ballroom. It made me think of how I've come so far in such a short amount of time.

While being a planner, I can prepare as much as I'd like and know all the in's and out's of everything, but there is always a little bit of nerves that hit me every time I have an event, especially on wedding days. These are my clients most important days of their lives and the last thing I want is for them to worry about anything on their special day, that's why I am so happy to say that working with the staff at the Statler is hands down one of the best staff I have dealt with in the industry. Jamie, Angelo, Kevin and everyone else that had a part in the reception over the weekend, were amazing, professional, classy and personable. They all made my job so much more easier.

If you are a recently engaged couple and looking for a venue, I highly recommend the Statler. The Statler can also hosts a variety of other events throughout the year- from social events to personal functions. Check them out.

-B

:: Little buggy for the flower girl ::

:: The Ceremony ::

:: Part of the candy table ::

:: Can you guess what the bride's colors were ::

:: The biggest card box I have ever seen at a wedding ::

:: Part of the powder room, exclusively for the bridesmaids and Bride ::

:: Complimentary champagne and water ::

:: Lovely chaise to sit ::

:: Preparing for the bridal party intro's on stage - they came out to the Harlem Shake ::

:: Festive Straws ::

#1161

A couple weeks ago I ran in my first 5k run, the 50 Yard Finish. It was one of the best activities I participated in, in a while. While it is only 3.1 miles, the fact that I would be running alongside some avid runners gave me a bit of nerves, but I just told myself to run my own race.

I set a goal for myself to complete the race in under 40 minutes and I did it! The best part was I got to run the race with one of my best friends! It helps to have someone running with you, that way you can motivate each other. The best part was all runners had the opportunity to run through the tunnel at Ralph Wilson Stadium and end at the 50 yard line. It was definitely the way I wanted to end my first 5k race.

The other nice thing is the entry fee to run in the 50 Yard Finish goes towards the Buffalo Bills Youth Foundation which provides money to great causes that promote an active lifestyle for children and youth today.

-B

To check out video of me entering the tunnel click here: My Race

For more videos follow me on Vine or Instagram

:: A collage documenting my first 5k run ::

:: Pre-race jitters ::

:: From the stands ::

Friday Favorites!

:: Spending time at my family's cabin over the holiday, nothing like getting away for a little bit ::

:: Running my first 5K last weekend, making goals and achieving them is the best feeling ever ::

:: Spotted another colorful Buffalo on my way to a meeting the other day, this one is on the corner of Transit and Casey ::

I'm looking forward to the weekend, another wedding to coordinate, family time and the possibility of new opportunities ahead.

Enjoy the weekend!

-B

*Fireworks*

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