Buffalo Links to Check Out

Here are some links to check out this week.

-B

1. Sports fans

With all the buzz happening at One Bills Drive this week its only appropriate to go to Buffalo Bills to stay up to date on the latest stories

2. Food Fanatics (specifically Chicken Wing Fans)

Buffalo Wing Fest - Saturday and Sunday at Coca Cola Field

3. History Fans

Old Fort Niagara - War of 1812 Encampment - Saturday and Sunday

4. Beer and Bacon Fans

Beer Bacon Boobs Fest - Saturday

{ Women Who Move Buffalo } Gabrielle from After 5 Events LLC

This week's Woman who moves Buffalo is the one and only Gabrielle Pagano from After 5 Events LLC. Gabby is a one of a kind, creative wedding and event planner in Western New York who began her career working as a Marketing Manager for a global beer brand. During her time there she did everything from maintaining the exciting and stylish image of the brand while creating and executing the brands large events.

Eventually, the time came when Gabby had to make a career decision and she decided to take a chance (and a good one at that) and created After 5 Events. During the beginning stages of her business she studied everything she could, from accounting and website creation to branding and search engine optimization. Learning all the in's and the out's in the event business that she could, she did some traveling and networking and came back to Buffalo and stumbled upon a storefront in her hometown of Williamsville. With A LOT of hard work, paint, blood, sweat and tears the store was ready.

After 5 Events offers an array of packages that are customizable to suite each and every clients needs. Packages range from month of coordination to a 'Red Carpet" Package that includes professional assistance throughout every step of the wedding and event planning process.

Gabby is an amazing woman who loves Buffalo because its her home. "I love the beauty of this city and the juxtaposition of new vs. old, cold vs. hot and grit vs. beauty. We truly have it all and I am so thankful for that. What other city can you spend the afternoon having cocktails on a rooftop, lunch at a museum, dinner and dancing in a ballroom hundreds of years old with original architecture and finish up the night in a perfect little dive bar til' 4am?"

Working on multiple weddings and private parties, some of Gabby's favorite places are private properties because she can really be creative and think out of the box. Incorporating things people in Buffalo don't know about is what she loves to do. She is constantly keeping her events fresh, new, exciting, fun and unique.

I was thrilled to be able to meet Gabby at her office a few weeks ago. She is truly a genuine and passionate woman who cares about each and every one of her clients. She takes the time out to really listen to them and their needs and you can see that in the outcomes of her events.

If you have a special event coming up I highly suggest calling Gabby at After 5 Events. You won't be disappointed.

xo

-B

After 5 Events LLC

5957 Main St.

Williamsville, NY 14221

{716} 908.9517

After 5 Events on Facebook

{Above Photos Via After 5 Events}

{ My visit to After 5 Events }

{ Gabby with a wall of pictures from some of her events }

{ The Buffalo Gal hard at work }

{ Custom made hangers she makes and sells }

Food Truck Tuesdays at Larkin

If you're like me you may have heard and even seen food trucks throughout Buffalo, but have not had a chance to taste all the foods these trucks have to offer. That all changed this summer when Harry Zemsky thought of an awesome idea to host Food Truck Tuesdays at Larkin Square.

While I have been down to "Larkinville" a variety of times, I haven't been there on a Tuesday night, so last week my Mom and I went to Food Truck Tuesdays. We of course stopped and paid a visit to my friends at the Ooo La La Fashion Truck and then made are rounds. With a packed house of people and over 10 food trucks it was overwhelming to chose who to go to. Mind you I've only every had a gourmet hot dog from the famous Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs truck so deciding who to go to was a hard decision. Do I try the famous and ever so popular Lloyds? Or do I go with a truck I never heard of before? Decisions, decisions. Eventually I decided on Mac n' Cheese and my Mom chose a sandwich from Square 1 Sandwiches.

With food trucks taking Buffalo by storm over the last few years this is a great place to go and check out what's to offer. Each week there is a different line up of food trucks that stop down and serve you up what they have to offer. Bands are on hand playing live music, colorful patio furniture is on hand for you to relax in (or you can opt to bring a blanket or your own chair to sit in), the tennis courts are on hand for people to play on and hula hoops are available for kids.

Food Truck Tuesdays has been such a hit that food trucks from Rochester have been making special guest appearances the last few weeks and with such positive feedback you can be sure to see this carry into the early stages of fall and go out with a big bang in October.

Food Truck Tuesdays takes place every Tuesday (rain or shine) from 5-8pm.

-B

{ Larkin Square Food Truck Tuesdays Facebook }

{ Buffalo Food Truck Directory }

{ Another busy night at Food Truck Tuesdays }

{ The lucky food truck I chose }

{ Cute presentation - Mac n' Cheese in a Chinese container }

{ Still my favorite food truck - Franks Gourmet Hot Dogs }

{ Just hanging out on some fun patio furniture }

Fishy Business

For some it may not mean anything, but to others being able to visit the Zoo or Aquarium and do more than just see the animals in their exhibits is a pretty cool experience. A few weeks ago I came across information I didn't know, the Aquarium of Niagara offers a variety of feedings throughout the day, from Sea Lions and Harbor Seals to Penguins and Sharks. Once I heard the news I, of course, had to check it out with my partner in crime...my niece Savannah.

So last week Savannah and I made the visit to the Aquarium and for $5 we received a cup of fish to feed to the Harbor Seals that are on exhibit outside the building. It was a pretty neat experience. During the session you have the opportunity to learn about the seals and ask as many questions as you'd like all while supporting a local charity.

If you're an animal lover or you like to try new things, check it out. The Aquarium offers a lot of activities from animal shows and private parties to touching a tank full of sea life creatures.

-B

The Aquarium on Facebook

OPEN DAILY 9:00AM - 6:00PM *                                Parking is FREE everyday PENGUIN FEEDINGS 10:00AM, 3:00PM HARBOR SEAL FEEDINGS 10:30AM, 4:30PM SEA LION SESSIONS 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 3:30PM & 6:00PM SHARK OR TIDAL POOL FEEDING 11:30AM (Opposite Days) WANNA FEED A SEAL? 12:00PM, 2:00 PM *All activities are subject to change Printable Schedule

Friday Favorites!

Here are some favorites from this week. Enjoy your weekend!

-B

{ An open letter to Bills Fans from Rian Lindell - A classy guy }

{ A fun trip to Niagara Falls the other day, I stumbled upon this little ice cream shop }

{ Harbor Seals outside the Aquarium of Niagara }

{ A mural on the side of the building at Larkin Square }

{ Wine Score cards for this years Annual Ladies Wine Night at Sandra's }

Buffalo Links to Check Out

With another week comes another batch of links for you to check out.

Enjoy!

-B

Welcome Mr. President Obama! Check his schedule for today here #POTUSBuffalo

United Way of Buffalo and Erie County's Day of Caring

Communify: Buffalo

Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts

Verve Dance Studio at New Era Cap

Chef's Restaurant Media Meatball Eating Contest

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Em Jay Fit

 

Today's Woman who moves Buffalo is one of the toughest ladies I am lucky to know, Em Jay Fit. Em Jay (also know as Morgan McNerney) is a personal trainer who specializes in extreme weight loss. You may know Em Jay from the ever so popular BikeorBar where she teaches the popular CrosSpin.

Em Jay started her business because she herself was overweight as a teen. For her 15th birthday she asked her parents for a gym membership and a personal trainer and with her trainers help she was able to shed 90 lbs. Its then that she realized she wanted to show others that they could lose the weight to and turn their lives around.

" I love the hometown feel of Buffalo. All the Mom n' Pop stores and restaurants. I lived in Phoenix for a bit, which was great, but every single store and restaurant was a chain. Nothing like the feeling of a home cooked meal, even when you're out to eat."

-Em Jay

Em Jay is amazing! Every time I take a class she teaches I know I'm going to 1. be sore the next day, 2. get an amazing workout while cursing and maybe crying (no not really, just kidding) 3. learn new exercises that I can take with me to continue to do on my own time 4. SWEAT a lot and 5. Do Burpees. :)

Em Jay specializes in personal and group training so if you want to make a change in your life you can contact her through a variety of ways. You won't be sorry you did!

Email } Emjayfit@gmail.com

Facebook

-B

{via}

{ If you know Em Jay, you know you'll be doing burpees }

SHOW HOW: A Night of How-To

{via}

Do you ever wish you knew how to do something or knew someone who knew how to put something together? I think everyone goes down that path once or twice, wishing they knew who to call in times of need. Well this Saturday, August 24th is a great time to meet people of all trades at the event "Show How: A Night of How-To" hosted by Communify: Buffalo.

Show How: A Night of How-To is an event that will feature some of Buffalo's most talented small business owners, skilled men and women and community organizations who will be demonstrating basic repairs, skills or activities in their field.

The goal of this event is to enable and energize attendees with the knowledge they need to perform basic skills and activities while creating an opportunity to network with people who can complete advanced work for them if need be.

Show: How is being held at 464 Gallery on Amherst St. in Buffalo on Saturday, August 24 from 6-9 pm. Presentations will begin at 6:30pm.  $10 will be charged at the door, $8 if you bring a canned good and wine will be served.

For a list of vendors participating in the event click here:

Communify: Buffalo Facebook Page

Created by Stephanie Brochey, Communify: Buffalo's sole mission is "Connecting those who need something, with those who have something to give." Previously known as Buffalo Friends Co-Op Initiative, it began as a Facebook page encouraging widespread use of sharing, exchanging and creating opportunities to help others in the community.

After the tremendous response Stephanie rebranded and launched Communify: Buffalo. Through the events and outreach on social media, Communify stands to connect individuals who are looking for support, material goods, services, volunteers, etc. with those who can offer it to them.

 "There are so many great local businesses and organizations that desire to connect to a larger audience of people and oppositely a lot of people who appreciate knowing how to complete simple tasks for themselves. We hope to make this a regular event and continue to feature more and more of these people."

-Owner of Communify: Buffalo, Stephanie Brochey

This is a great event for anyone interested in meeting new people and looking for experts in a particular field of work. Check it out on Saturday!

-B

Kayaking & Hiking by the Grain Elevators

A few weekends ago my friend Lauren and I went on a kayaking and hiking tour of what people call "Silo City." It was awesome, starting from the inner harbor we kayaked down the lake past General Mills through abandoned industrial buildings that were once prosperous to hiking through silos and the Perot Malt House. It was a pretty cool experience and you don't need to be an experienced kayaker either. The tour was $30 per person which I thought was reasonable. Two and a half hours on the water and learning a little history, you can't beat that.

The inner harbor offers a lot of water activities - not only kayaking, but paddling on surf boards, paddle boats with over sized tires and lots of boat tours.

With only a few more weeks of summer left, if you have time try and head down and check out all there is to offer.

-B

Buffalo Harbor Kayak

[Its a little blurry because my phone was in a Ziploc baggie, but getting ready to get in our kayaks]

[We took a pit stop on the water so I got to snap this picture of me]

[My paddle]

[Getting ready for our hike tour]

[Inside the Silo]

[Outside - converting grain elevators to rock and ice climbing center]

[Inside the Malt House]

[So happy I accomplished it!]

Friday Favorites

Its finally Friday and as we welcome the weekend, I am closing a chapter in my career and opening a door to a new chapter in an exciting field. Filled with a lot of emotions, I'm looking forward to the beautiful weather and a few days of "me" time. Have a great one!

-B

{ Festive straws for my 10 year reunion tonight}

{ I had a great opportunity to attend Business First's event for 30 amazing people in WNY }

{ Next time your at the inner harbor check out the ping pong and foosball tables }

{ Taking pictures of my paddle on my kayaking tour last week}

Buffalo Links

Below are this week's links to check out. Enjoy!

-B

{ Seal Lion Feedings at the Niagara Falls Aquarium }

{ City of Night at Silo City }

{ Buffalo Harbor Kayaking } (This is so much fun- my post is coming next week on my experience)

{ Shakespeare in Delaware Park } (This is the last weekend to check out the play Measure for Measure)

{ Buffalo Brewery District Tours }

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Erica Eichelkraut Zilbauer & Ali Eagen

This week's Woman or I should say Women Who Move Buffalo takes us to the dynamic duo of Erica Eichelkraut Zilbauer, from City Lights Studio, (One of the best creative photographers in Buffalo) who alongside business partner Ali Eagen, (a true talent for creating one of a kind bridal dresses) from Made by Anatomy created the Boutique Bridal Party, a Indie Bridal Organization connecting Buffalo's most creative wedding artisans with modern brides.

Erica and Ali started Boutique Bridal Party as a way to showcase the creative talents within Buffalo's wedding industry. Both being successful business women in the industry, they were targeting the same bride and knew they had to do something to cross-promote their businesses. So in February of this past year they were host to the Buffalo's first ever Indie Bridal Showcase at the Hotel Lafayette. It was a smash hit!

Reaching out to like-minded businesses, Ali and Erica wanted boutique style businesses that really put customer service first and offered a unique product or service and found a as they were speaking with people that there are a lot of people with creative minds.

From the success of the first Boutique Bridal Party the ladies are moving forward into planning the 2nd Annual Showcase along with launching a creative bridal publication, With Love.

Both ladies love working in Buffalo because "there's so much talent within the city and there are so many brides who have no idea!"

I actually had the opportunity to attend the Boutique Bridal Party back in February with two of my close friends (one who is engaged) and it was an amazing showcase! It was intimate, creative, pretty, and personal. Nothing like a normal bridal show that you would see at a convention center. Which I thought was fantastic! The best part of it all was the vendors were local people with very impressive talents.

I highly recommend anyone in the bridal industry or any bride to check out this wonderful event Ali and Erica put on, you won't be disappointed.

For more information check out the website: Boutique Bridal Party

And Like Boutique Bridal Party on Facebook

City Lights Studio on Facebook

Made By Anatomy on Facebook

xo

-B

Backyard Wedding

Having done a numerous amount of weddings, I've seen a lot of creative things take place. This past weekend I was honored to be a part of the Mehltretter Wedding on Grand Island. This backyard wedding was amazing! Sabres themed, all the stops were pulled out... from having Doug Allen introduce the wedding party and sing the National Anthem, to a tent set up for photos where guests could strike a pose, Chinese Lanterns as a remembrance for loved ones, a bench for guests to sign, to having Mr. Softee come and hand out ice cream cones, it was one wedding to remember. Congrats again Mr. & Mrs. Mehltretter!

-B

{ Pre-Ceremony Set-Up }

{ Getting ready to walk down the aisle }

{ Stanley Cup shaped cake }

{A little pop of color for the food table}

{Strike a pose}

{The 3 bright circles are the lanterns that were lite and let go in memory of loved ones who couldn't be with the family that day}

{ Me with the one and only Doug Allen}

{Another surprise- Mr. Softee}

{A wedding collage from the Mehltretter's special day}

One of the wedding intro's video

My New Favorite Spot on Elmwood

Last Friday, I had frozen yogurt for the first time. After are awesome workout at Bike or Bar, Amanda and I headed over to White Rabbit on Elmwood to catch up and enjoy a little sweet treat. I didn't know what to expect, but when you walk in you get to combine your own flavors and toppings. The fun, bright colors put you in a great mood and the end result is delicious. Check it out some time!

-B

{ Peanut Butter, Vanilla, Rainbow Sprinkles, Strawberries & Chocolate Shavings }

{ So Good }

Friday Favorites!

I'm gearing up for a weekend of setting up a wedding for two wonderful people and kayaking down by the canal. Have a great weekend! -B

{Things for a gals weekend out in the country}

{Its hard to get everyone together all the time so I cherish the moments when I can spend quality time with my friends}

{Mulberry's in Lackawanna has some delicious food and a lot of memorabilia on the walls}

{Football season is so close, Sunday kicks off the Buffalo Bills first preseason game}

Buffalo Links

I thought it would be nice to recap Buffalo event links that are worth checking out. Below are some links to the past weeks events that took place around town. Stay up to date on how the event did and future activities taking place.

I hope you like it.

-B

{ Chalkfest }

{ Lucille Ball Fest }

{ Erie County Fair }

{ Outer Harbor }

{ Italian Festival }

{{ Women Who Move Buffalo }} Gina from Purse Sona

This weeks Woman Who Moves Buffalo is Gina Hammer from Purse Sona which is located in East Amherst, NY.

Working for 11 years in the automobile industry, Gina decided to pursue her dream of owning her own boutique when her daughter was born. Having a degree in Business Fashion and Merchandising, she opened Purse Sona in July of 2010. Specializing in women's designer purses and accessories along with a wide array of gift items for women and items for younger children, Purse Sona hosts "Big Girl Parties" for women who are looking for something fun and unique to do.

Gina loves Buffalo because of the people.

"It's a great place to raise a family and people are so friendly. It's nice to go places and 9 out of 10 times you run into someone you know. I'm so blessed to call it my home."

Purse Sona

4790 North French Road

East Amherst, NY 14051

Purse Sona on Facebook

I had the privilege of working with Gina a few months ago and she is wonderful! One of the nicest people I have met. She loves meeting new people and putting on great events for her customers. If you are ever in the area or looking for the special gift for that person who love accessories, go visit Gina at Purse Sona.

xo

-B

"I Love Lucy"

The great, Lucille Ball was born down the road in Jamestown, NY and every year in the city is the Lucille Ball Fest. This past Saturday a few friends and myself made a trip to the festival to see what it was all about. Grape stomping, chocolate wrapping, music, people dressed up as Lucy and a variety of different tours were on hand for the people in attendance. While it was a nice event, I was expecting more people and more activities- creating this big, over the top event. Maybe next year I will help be on the planning committee. -B

{Lucy Fest video by B}

{Chocolate Wrapping}

{Grapes for the stomping competition}

{ Schedule of tours for each day}

{Video Clip of Annette & Sandra }

Bills Training Camp

Its getting close to one of my favorite times of the year } Football Season! Yesterday, I stopped by St. John Fisher to check out the Bills practice...September 8 can't come soon enough! {Go Bills!}

-B

{Some of the players signing autographs after practice }

{ Buffalo Bills 2013 Schedule }

{ Friday Favorites }

Here's to a weekend out in the country with some of my closest friend -getting away from all of the hustle and bustle. Enjoy your weekend and whatever it is you plan on doing! -B

{ I'm on the Spirit of Buffalo }

{ Nothing beats fun and creative displays for your beverages and desserts }

{ This past event on Monday was bittersweet for a handful of reasons }