Red Red Wine

When it comes to great places to go for wine, my friend Nicole and I are on it! It doesn't have to be restaurant week to go to Tappo on Ellicott St. Tappo offers great deals on food and wine throughout the year ... $15 bottles, who can beat that? and with a great rooftop patio, you can see the city skyline, making it one of the hottest spots to go in the warmer months. The service is quick and more importantly the staff is friendly and personable and the décor is amazing. If you love wine - red, white or blush check them out.

-B

{ the bar is made out of corks from wine bottles and is lit with a red led light }

{ the "wine wall" }

Friday Favorites

{ The Bar at Tappo Restaurant is made out of wine corks }

{ There's only a few more days to enjoy Restaurant Week in Buffalo - a perfect time to make a stop into restaurants you've wanted to check out }

{ I'm obsessed with Owls this season and these little containers make great little candy take aways - perfect for Halloween next week }

{ What better to drink than a crisp apple hard cider from Angry Orchard at your next adult party - yum! }

Buffalo Links

 

With us approaching the last weekend in October, there are a lot of hayrides, corn mazes, haunted fortresses and other Halloween themed activities taking place this weekend and throughout the week.

Here are a list of some links to check out for you Halloween lovers:

1. A great place to go if you love wine - Tappo Restaurant offers bottles for $15 - how can you beat that.

2. 4. and 6. Going on a Hallowine Tour this weekend? Check out one of my favorite wineries on the Niagara Trails - Niagara Landing Wine Cellars - their Rose Gold is amazing! Becker Farms is another one of my favorites - I love the brewery there.

3. Like puzzles and finding your way - the corn maze in Wheatfield is always a great place to check out. Unfortunately for the 2013 season The Maize is closed.

5. Interested in spirits and ghosts - check out the Spirits of the Terminal  at the Central Terminal on Saturday from 9pm-1am.

7. Like to be scared? Check out the haunted hayrides on Sommerville St. in Ellicottville.

8. Love history and Lewiston than make sure to stop by Old fort Niagara for the Haunted Fortress Tour - a terror tour at the fort this weekend.

9. Want to take the kids trick or treating, but don't want to freeze - come to the Galleria Mall for Galleria of Treats - for a $2 fee from 11-8pm on October 30, you can stop by tables and pick up treats all while staying warm

10. Halloween Happenings at the Aquarium of Niagara takes place on Saturday. Dress the little ones up in there favorite sea creature and they get in for free!

Wednesday Wisdom

Places to go for Apple Picking

An apple a day, keeps the doctor away, that's what I was always told growing up and now that I'm an adult I can say its one of my favorite fruits to eat, especially in the Fall. As a kid I remember going strawberry picking, but I've never been apple picking and I assume its very similar and am looking for a place to go. I have done some research and wonder, out of these places below which one do you prefer? Have you ever been to any of these places or do you have suggestions not on the list? I'd love to know.

-B

• Becker Farms {every time I've been its only for the wine and beer}
• Brant Apple Farm
• LynOaken Farms
• Murphy Orchards
• Peter Baker Farm

Local Restaurant Week

Another week is upon us and what better way to start your Monday than knowing Local Restaurant Week is back. From October 21 thru the 27th you can enjoy great meals at local restaurants for $20.13. Many locally owned restaurants participate in this week and offer special meals for a great price. Its a great way for them to showcase items one may not think to try if they were dining out on leisurely time.

For a list of restaurants participating this week and for a list of what they're offering you can find out here.

Some places I've never been and am considering trying out are Tappo, The Oakk Room and Orchid Asian. Which restaurants are on your list to check out?

-B  

Don't forget its a great time to support independent owners.

Friday Favorites

My favorites from this past week...

( Pinktober in Niagara Falls - the main event took place by the Hard Rock Cafe }

{ Driving through Springville we passed Ponderosa - I remember as a kid when they were all over!! }

{ In love with this new arrival at Ooo La La Boutique in East Aurora }

{ I found a another Buffalo off of Main St. in Williamsville by Spot Coffee # Buffalove }

{ Buffalo links }

 

Buffalo Links to take a look at this week:

1. An event for the ladies - hosted by Kaleida Health, enjoy a Night of Indulgence

2. All of us have had or probably know someone who has been to Hospice, Friday they celebrate their Harvest Festival - if you enjoy wine you'll enjoy this event

3. Halloween is approaching quickly and with that come Halloween parties like the Knights of St. John's on Saturday - Halloween Dance

4. Being in Ellicottville this past weekend made me really get into the "Fall" season. They have great places to shop and eat. One of my favorite stores was Kazoo II

5. I was so happy when I saw this article online and found out Gabby from After 5 Events had a hand in the couples special day! Congrats pretty lady!

6. Swirls in East Aurora is amazing!!! Congrats to Mike on creating a great café for anyone to enjoy!

7. Just another pair of shoes I'm obsessed with by Bella Belle Shoes, who by the way make their shoes locally here in Buffalo. You can purchase these online or get them at Ooo La La Boutique

8. The Buffalo News had a good article on the Fort Erie Race Track Tuesday. Since being around for 116 years the track had its last race of the season Tuesday and hope it will be around for years to come.

Wednesday Wisdom

What are your dreams made of? I choose to dream in color...

-B

Fallfest in Ellicottville

One of prettiest places in Western New York in my mind is Ellicottville and I only wish I could visit more often. This past weekend they were host to the annual fall fest where many people come out and well, drink at one of the many bars... Gin Mill, Balloons, Madigans, EBC (Ellicottville Brewing Company) etc. and shop the local vendors. The weather was great and the company I was around was better.

-B

{ Cinnamon roasted nuts ...yum, yum, yum }

{ Just a few blondes in EVL }

{ EVL staple }

{ Crowd shot }

{ a pretty Fall day }

{ EBC }

{ A pretty bumble bee outside one of the stores }

{ Friday Favorites }

It has been a crazy week and is going to be a crazier weekend, but I am thankful for the opportunities that have been put in front of me and the ones that lie ahead. Hard work pays off. Enjoy you weekend. -B 

{ I had a great time at the Buffalo Zoo's Gift Gathering Party this past Sunday, we even got to see George the Rhino who has turned 5 years old }

{ Even though they lost on Tuesday night, I enjoyed my first Sabres game of the season and it was in a suite with clients, so needless to say I can't complain }

{ Statler City was packed with a full house of ladies and some men at the Star 102.5's Pink Party on Wednesday evening. Five for Fighting performed and guests got to shop, eat and drink the night away all while supporting Breast Cancer Awareness. I was there working for Ooo La La Boutique and we had a great time }

{Buffalo Links}

This week is full of more events that you and your family can take part in. Check out the links below for more info. -B

{ Friday the Buffalo Bills and many of the people in the community will come together in Niagara Falls to turn the falls pink and make a live ribbon in support of Breast Cancer Awareness - click here for more info }

{ A popular event in Ellicottville takes place on Saturday - Fall Fest - click here for more info }

{ If you're heading out to Ellicottville this weekend just a short ways away is Pumpkinville - a great place to take the kids - for more info click here }

{ Its never to early to go trick or treating - check out the 5th Annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday- click here for more info }

Wednesday Wisdom

Tonight I'm excited to be working the Star 102.5 Pink Party at the Statler with Ooo La La Boutique. Its a great event being held to benefit a great cause... Breast Cancer Awareness. As you approach your Wednesday here's a little wisdom to help get you through your day. Always keep your face towards the sunshine...

-B

The Great Pumpkin Patch

With it being Fall and Halloween approaching us in a few weeks, this past weekend was a great time to go pick out those pumpkins, so my friend Lauren, my sister and my niece took a ride out to the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence, NY. The cost on Saturday was $5 and children 2 and under get in for free. They offer hayrides, animals to pet, face painting, a corn maze, apple cider and of course pumpkins to pick. If you still have to get your pumpkin check them out.. there open daily 10am to dusk. -B

{ Just having a little fun wheeling Lauren around in the wheel barrel }

{ Coupons you receive with entry }

{ Pretty Fall flowers }

Friday Favorites!

This has felt like a particularly long week so I'm happy its Friday. Tonight kicks off the first home game of the Buffalo Sabres at the First Niagara Center. Let's hope they get the W tonight! Enjoy your weekend! -B

{ Looking forward to the Polar Bites gift gathering party this Sunday for the Buffalo Zoo }

{ October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I think this is a great message - Stay Strong }

{ I'm looking forward to accomplishing some of my items on my "to-do" list this weekend }

BUFFALO LINKS TO CHECK OUT

Check out some links to upcoming events in and around Buffalo and the latest video promoting the area... -B

{ Buffalo: America's Best Designed City }

Take a look at the newest video on Buffalo here

{ Saturday is UB's Homecoming - for more info on festivities click here }

{ Don't forget to get your pumpkins and apple cider at the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence - for more info go here }

{ Check out the Pink Party next Wednesday at the Statler. For ticket info go here }

{ Getting Married? In the Wedding Industry? Check out the Signature Bridal Boutique next week. For more info go here }

{WISHFUL INKING}

Love tattoos? Love body piercings? Looking for one-of-a-kind service? Wishful Inking located at 581 Niagara Street has you covered. Open from 1-8pm Monday thru Saturday, Junior (M. Dot), Dom (Dom Dubble), Jaunky and Spyder are there for you. I had the opportunity to sit down with these guys and find out more about this local Buffalo business who puts customer service above all else.

When was the shop opened?

Junior: The shop was opened in 2008 as Penetrating Ink and in May of 2012 I (Junior or M.Dot) took ownership and opened Wishful Inking.

How long have you been tattooing?

Dom: Eight years

What services do you offer?

WI: Tattoos, Piercings, Scarification, Silicon Implants, Permanent Make-Up, Cover-ups and Re-touches.

What made you decide you wanted to own a tattoo shop?

Junior: I'm young and I saw an opportunity. I went to school for music and advertising design, I landed a job in construction and knew it wasn't for me. I knew I wanted to do something with music and/or the arts and I thought why not try tattooing. I put everything I had into this shop, heart, soul, money, passion and I made it into something I envisioned. I take 100% pride into everything I do here.

What makes Wishful Inking stand out from other tattoo shops in the area?

WI: The staff here is outgoing, we have an eclectic group of people you can't find anywhere else. We truly care about are clients and the work we do. We warranty are work and we don't cut any corners. We offer the best ink, jewelry and cleanliness in area. Businesses consider themselves a 10, we consider ourselves a 15 in service.

What do you like most about Buffalo?

Junior: Everything - the seasons, the smell of food in the air around the Holidays and more importantly family is family in Buffalo.

What do you like most about tattooing/owning your own business?

Junior: I love meeting new people, I love people, I love seeing the outcome from paper to the skin and I love being on this personal adventure with each person that walks into the shop.

Do you have a favorite style you like to tattoo?

Junior: Realism and Neo-Traditional/New School

Favorite memory while having your own business?

Junior: They all stick with me, but if I had to pick just one it would be the day I opened the doors. I worked hard, my team and I did it together and we put all of our heart and soul into this shop.

How can people find you?

Via Web: Wishfulinking.org

FB: Wishful Inking Buffalo

Phone: {716} 861.6797 {cell}   {716} 884.WISH {Shop Number}

Wishful Inking accepts walk-ins and appointments. The guys are all about convenience and creating your own concepts. If you're looking for new ink, new piercings or have tattoos that need to be re-touched or covered up check them out. They are a high quality local business who care about each one of their clients and the area they live in.

-B

{ Dom Dubble, M. Dot & Juanky }

{ Junior (M.Dot) }

{10.1.13}

With Fall upon us and today being the first day of October, I put together a to-do list of everything I'd like to accomplish (specifically for October) before the cooler winter weather hits Buffalo. 1. Apple Picking

2. Pumpkin Picking and Pumpkin Carving

3. Hall-o-wine Tour on the Niagara Wine Trail

4. A trip to Ellicottville for Fallfest

5. Make an apple pie from scratch

6. Find a recipe and learn to make a delicious hard apple cider for upcoming  Halloween Parties

7. Decorate the home with fun and unique Halloween decorations

8. Stroll the Lewiston area with a pumpkin spice latte

9. Promote and Support a local Breast Cancer Organization

What are some of your "to-do" items for the month of October?

-B

A PERFECT DAY FOR A HIKE

Living in Western New York, I had never been to Letchworth State Park, but heard how nice of an area it is, so I ventured to Castile, NY to check out the State Park. The weather was perfect for a hike and with the autumn leaves changing colors it was a pretty scenic drive down. Not only can you go for hikes on the various trails at Letchworth, but you can have a nice picnic, host a party, camp, or go rafting. If you love the outdoors this is a great place to go.

-B

Friday Favorites!

Here are some of my favorites from this week. -B

{ Juice and a Scone from Ashkers on Elmwood }

{ The Beauty Expo was a lot of fun }

{ Just a Blonde in Buffalo in NYC }

{ Artwork from Art Gone Wild at Pearl Street last night - Buffalo Zoo Facebook Page }