Hope, Strength & Joy

In April of 2009 I began volunteering with an organization very close to my heart. The Make a Wish Foundation of Western New York provides hope, strength and joy* to children with life threatening illnesses. During these last few years I have been a part of wonderful events the organization has held and met and granted a lot of wishes for children that have touched my life. Hearing their stories and seeing their faces when a wish is fulfilled - nothing beats that moment when you know you helped provide a memorable experience during a difficult time. There are a variety of ways you can help. For more information and to stay up-to-date like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

We all have the opportunity to provide a little hope, strength and joy to those in need..

-B 

Be the Difference

There are some 4,000 Boys and Girls Clubs around the country. With 7 being a part of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northtowns {BGCNT}. I didn't fully understand or realize how great of an after school program BGCNT offers to children until I saw it first hand. Helping with homework, having art classes, playing sports, providing dinner, hosting special events that the children can participate in {talents shows, Easter egg hunts, Read to Succeed, etc.} and that's just a small realm of what they do. The club is more than a club, its a second home, a family, and there are a more than a dozen located in and around the Western New York area.

For more information on BGCNT, upcoming events and how you can get involved click here.

BGCNT on Facebook

{Be the Difference.}

-B 

The Art of Friendship

This week on the blog I am going to be highlighting some charities that are close to my heart. While I always try to give back to the community as much as I can, working in the non-profit field for a while has opened my eyes to more than some may know. I believe as a society we all have some sort of duty to do our part whether its in volunteering your time or making a monetary donation to something close to your heart. The more you know and the more we work together the better off we'll be. At least that's what I think. The first non-for-profit I'm highlighting this week is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County {BBBSEC}. BBBSEC is a youth mentoring organization where volunteers {Bigs} are matched with youth {Littles}. Throughout the month of February you can make a visit to Ashker's Juice Bar on Elmwood Ave. and see some of the artwork on display by the Bigs and Littles {The Art of Friendship}. While you're there you can also learn more about the organization and enjoy a delicious smoothie, salad or wrap.

Make sure to like or follow them on Facebook to see where the art display will be next!

-B

{ This is one of my favorites on display at Ashker's }

{ Keep Calm and Melt On is my second favorite }

Friday Favorites

Its the last day of January and its Friday! I am particularly happy to have this month be over with. This past month has been filled with more obstacles to jump over than I like to, but while I believe the struggles, hurdles, tough times what ever you want to call them, make you a stronger person, sometimes you just need to catch a break, reflect on what you've learned and  move forward. Here's to a fun weekend, catching up on things you may have been putting off, going to Yappy Hour tonight at Encore, Flurrious in Delaware Park on Saturday or saving your energy for a Super Bowl party on Sunday.

Have a wonderful weekend!

-B

{ I love seeing this leaving work everyday #BluePrint #Harborcenter }

{ I love my new website! Kelly at Red Lantern Creative did such a wonderful job, I can't thank her enough! }

{ The water iced over in Niagara Falls }

{ Meeting at the Lodge during the lunch hour. Best place on the Chip Strip!}

Super Bowl Foods

With the Super Bowl this Sunday I thought I would post my top picks for what I will be snacking on {I hope Morgan isn't reading this post today!}

1. Guacomole - its easy to make and is one of the "healthier" options

2. Pizza! My favorite is cheese and banana peppers! Yum! Did you know delivery sales of pizza spike the most during close Super Bowl games - just a little fun fact thanks to {http://pizza.com/fun-facts}

3. Chicken Wings! If you're from Buffalo and aren't eating chicken wings on Super Bowl Sunday than I'd like to meet you!

4. Soft pretzels {with little to no salt} and cheese.

5. Beer and for you whiskey drinkers {Jack Daniels}

What are some of your must have food and drink items to have during the Super Bowl? Whatever you're doing for the big game, be safe, don't drink and drive and have fun!

Go Broncos!

-B

#BfloBridalExpo14

This past Sunday, the Seneca Niagara Casino and Event Center were hosts to over 3,000 brides, grooms and bridal parties from all over Western New York. The Buffalo Bridal Association held their ninth annual Buffalo Bridal Expo from 11-6pm. Florists, limousine companies, photographers, deejays, health and fitness vendors and bakeries were just some of the vendors in the wedding industry represented at this great event.

The Buffalo Bridal Association {BBA} was created over 25 years ago by Key Video Production owner, Michael Fantaske to do one thing, provide quality products and vendors to the brides. Brides go through three stages; 1. Excitement 2. Planning and 3. Fear. The BBA takes the fear out of the planning and brings the excitement back. All members of the BBA apply to be a member and go through an application process. You have to be the best of the best and if excepted into the association you sign a code of ethics, easing the brides mind knowing she can trust your services.

BBA's Bridal expo is the largest expo in the Northeast with 20 staff working around the clock to make this event the best it can be for those in attendance {that doesn't include the casino's staff and the BBA volunteers}. The BBA is there to tell you and provide you with the people you CAN trust, their the liaison between the brides and the vendor.

While walking around, each and every vendor was engaged with the potential "new" customer. They were inviting and sociable, handing out take home gifts and offering discount services if you signed up with them.  The event overall was informative and entertaining. Some of my favorite booths were;

• Toy Bros (Jeff and his team do amazing work!)
• Key Video Productions
• Zoladz limousine
• Floral Accents
• Status limousine
• Sweet Melody's
• Creative Beginning's Wedding décor
• Statler
• Ohlson's Bakery

You can find a complete list of vendors {over 150} that are members of the BBA here. Also, make sure to mark your calendars on August 24 for BBA's summer expo at Salvatore's Italian Gardens. And make sure to catch Wedding Planning Weekly on Sunday evenings on the CW 23.

-B

{ 2 fashion shows took place, showing off bridal gowns from Bridal Chateau and tuxedos from Tuxedo Junction }

{ Table centerpieces }

{ There was a masquerade theme at this expo }

Get A Clue - Buffalo Museum of Science

Friday Night the Buffalo Museum of Science was revamped into the well known board game- Clue! A handful of rooms on the second level of the building had volunteers holding clues to solve the mystery. Teams ran (some did) from room to room trying to figure out the murder mystery to win tickets to Beerology or Star Lights (both are Buffalo Science Museum events). The event was a lot of fun and had 200 people in attendance. It was an event out of the box, not a same old thing you would attend and you got to walk around the science museum, check things out and have a couple drinks to kill the time.

My only suggestion is letting teams chose times when they register, we arrived at 6pm thinking we would get to start the game right away and we had to wait until the 7:45 spot. Overall though it was a fun night out and our team; Buffalo's Solving Justice League Kids were close to winning!

-B

{ Buffalo's Solving Justice League Kids - #Teamname }

Friday Favorites {Buffalo}

Happy Friday! Here are some of my favorites from this past week. Beer, people and surprises... Enjoy your weekend!

-B

I love this wall inside Cretaceous Clothing - so happy to have met Zach and Jeff this past week! Two awesome guys!

Behind this beer truck downtown this week Buffalo has a lot of great brewery's

Speaking of beer, I enjoyed my EBC Blueberry beer the other night. Just wish I was in Ellicottville for it

Surprise? I wish when I opened it, it was a certificate for a million dollars, but instead it was a fake tattoo... maybe next time.

#BuffaloLinks

I started #BuffaloLinks on my blog to do two things, 1. showcase different Buffalo businesses through their websites and 2. to showcase upcoming events coming up within the following week. Here are this weeks links to check out!

-B

1. I'm super excited to head back to Bike Or Bar on Elmwood this weekend to take their CrosSpin class. One of the best places in town if you're looking for a good workout!

2. Friday night the Buffalo Science Museum is hosting the Get a Clue event. I can't wait to check out the event and am hoping my team comes out with the Win ;) {a little competition never hurt anyone..right?}

3. I was asked to cover the Buffalo Bridal Association's, Bridal Expo at the Seneca Niagara Casino on Sunday. While I'm not getting married anytime soon, I'm looking forward to meeting with vendors and guests in attendance!

4. More and more we are hearing in the news about young and innocent children being abused. I have little tolerance for child abuse and believe we as adults need to step up to the plate. Child and Family Services is a great organization that can help if you or someone you know needs assistance.

{People Who Move Buffalo} Cretaceous Clothing & JK Media

One of the best ideas I have had to date was my {Women Who Move Buffalo Series} sharing with you women who have made the choice to stay in their hometown and pursue their dream. This year while I will continue that series, I am also expanding on it and introducing {People Who Move Buffalo} - sharing both men and women's stories of success and dreams all while staying local. With that being said, I'm very excited to kick off 2014 sharing two amazing guys stories with you. Zach Patton from Cretaceous Clothing and Jeff Kress from JK Media. Both driven, creative, ambitious, talented, hard working, the list could go on and on. These two men portray amazing personalities and work ethics that most people strive for.

Read more of my interview with them below.

-B

When did you go into business?

• Zach Patton (ZP): May of 2009 Cretaceous Clothing opened
• Jeff Kress (JK): November of 2012 JK Media opened

What made you go into the field you're in?

• ZP: I was a trendsetter back in high school and always enjoyed fashion so I opened my own clothing company. {95% of the clothes in his store are his very own designs}
• JK: Six years ago I picked up a camera and started shooting. Thought it was fun and self taught myself. I love the people I've met along the way.

What do you like best about Buffalo?

• ZP and JK: We both like the diverse group of people in the area and the diverse scenes around town.

How did you two meet?

• ZP and JK: In June of 2013 at the Vault through a mutual friend Jamie Catania. We started talking and throwing ideas back and forth and have been friends ever since.

What makes you stand out from your competition?

• ZP: Nobody does it the way I do, I have more to offer, hidden talents that you can't find anywhere else especially in the hip-hop scene.
• JK: I stop at nothing, I will always be there.

When I sat down with Zach and Jeff I immediately knew their life is their work. Two passionate guys who take the time to create quality clothing pieces and capture beautiful photos. Coming in February they will be selling a calendar that offers pictures (taken by Jeff) of clothing that Zach designed while showcases other local businesses ads throughout the months of the year.

Zach offers custom services for clothing - so if you're looking for a place to go for custom wear Zach and his co-worker Goose are the guys to visit. And if you have a special event, paintball tourney, wedding or anything you want captured contact Jeff with JK Media. He also helps in digital art and social media optimization {Both men are from Buffalo, NY}.

Cretaceous Clothing {2630 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo}

Cretaceous Clothing Website

Cretaceous Clothing Facebook

JK Media {Follow on Twitter @JKMedia716} 

JK Media Facebook

{ From L to R: Goose, Zach {Cretaceous} and Jeff {JK Media} }

{ JK Media Photography}

{ I am in love with this photo. Beautiful shot of City Hall in Downtown Buffalo }

{I think its pretty cool to have a photographer shoot a paintball tourney}

{ I love Zach's creativity and inspiration that portrays in his clothing;      "Lead Never Follow" }

Savoy Buffalo

Classy, cool and a little mysterious; those are words I would use to describe Savoy Buffalo {149 Elmwood Avenue}. I've been meaning to check out this place for a while now, so Lacey and myself had dinner and drinks their on Saturday night. While it is smaller than what I expected it, the décor, staff and live music were great! We sat right by the window so we could people watch on Elmwood while sipping on our wine and Jack and ginger's. It was a relaxing atmosphere, reasonably priced...my Jack and ginger was $6 - I thought it was going to be more like $10, so that was a nice surprise. If ordering food try their Deviled Eggs {that's what their known for}. Lacey had the pulled pork sandwich {which she said was good} and I ordered the chopped salad {picture is below}and mac n' cheese. Savoy is definitely a place I would go back to for drinks and a good time.

-B

{Savoy on Facebook}                 {Savoy on Twitter}

{Artwork}

{Live music - these guys were really good!}

{I ordered the chopped salad and mac n' cheese}

{Guests enjoying themselves at the bar}

What are you doing for others?

While some may have the day off for Martin Luther King Jr. their are a variety of things you can do around town. Check out the Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza, go tubing, visit the Aquarium in Niagara Falls, catch up on chores you may not have gotten to over the weekend, or simply relax.

Whatever it is you do ask yourself this question;

"What are you doing for others? That is life's most persistent and urgent question {MLK Jr.}"

-B

Friday Favorites #Buffalo

"With all that bad stuff lies opportunity, even if you don't realize it right now"

I definitely needed to hear this from a friend this week. It wasn't the best week I've had, but it could have been worse. Here's to a weekend of catching up with friends, meeting new people and focusing on the opportunities. Enjoy your weekend Buffalo!

-B

{Me watching my car get lifted onto the tow truck- not one of the best days and not one of my favorite moments this week}

{One of my new favorite places on Main Street in Williamsville - Break' N Eggs}

{Not the best picture, but saw this Buffalo Statue inside the Ellicott Small Animal Hospital while at a red light the other evening - I like the polka dots}

{Very lucky to have friendships that I know will last a lifetime}

#BuffaloLinks

Here are this weeks links to check out;

1. Betty's Restaurant {370 Virginia Street}- I've never been, but have a lunch date in the next couple days. Super excited, I've heard great things!

2. I see a happy hour special almost every day or every other day on Facebook at the Gypsy Parlor. It looks like a cool place to go for drinks- definitely on my list of places to check out!

3. If you're a new bride or know someone who recently got engaged check out this event at the Century Grill tonight; Emerald City Cocktail Party

4. If you want to be hands on with your wedding make sure to check out the Boutique Bridal Party's Crafts & Cocktails on 1.22.14 at the Mansion on Delaware. Trust me you will learn new things, meet great vendors and have an awesome time!

A taste of the WEBB

Over the weekend I attended my sister's work party at the Webb, which is an additional venue to Pearl Street Grill & Brewery. I have been to the Webb venue before {it was a venue choice of mine for an event I was possibly going to do}, so when I found out I was attending an event there I was excited to see how the general flow would be, along with trying there food/drink and customer service. Overall, I love the venue, it is rustic with a little bit of elegance. It was spacious and I feel in a convenient location. If you're looking for a more intimate and private setting this is the venue to use {if interested in Pearl Street}. The food - from hors' oeuvres to the buffet was really good. It was a step up from what you would get if you went to dinner at Pearl Street.

The only thing I wasn't to happy about was the bar service. There were two bartenders which was an adequate amount, but the first time up to the bar the bartender was a little standoffish, making me feel like I was inconveniencing them. As the night went on it went down to one bartender, leaving the bar a little busy. I did like the use of an old piece of furniture they used to re-vamp and display the draft beers on tap, it was a nice touch and fit in with the décor.

All in all it was a nice night and I was happy to attend an event that was "in place" there.

Its a great addition to the Pearl Street Grill & Brewery family.

-B

A locally owned Creperie

Love breakfast food, but tired of ordering the same old thing; eggs, pancakes, French toast? Locally owned, Break' N Eggs Creperie  {located at 5235 Main Street in Williamsville} offers a small "diner like" feel with a touch of country flare to the décor. Having been my first time there, my friend Kate and I went mid- morning and there was a 25 minute wait, but it was worth it. This restaurant is the perfect place to go if you're looking to switch up your breakfast spot. You have the opportunity to create your own crepes or you can order one that has a variety of meat, salmon or fruit fillings.

If you're one who doesn't do well with change don't fret, they do offer traditional items such as eggs, pancakes and other sides like sausage and bacon, but if you do pay a visit I highly recommend trying the crepes- live a little, I mean, what's the point in going to a creperie if you don't have a crepe.

Enjoy!

-B

{ I loved the yellow coffee and creamer mugs }

{ Create your own crepe; mine - sweet crepe with banana's and walnuts }

Friday Favs #Buffalo

Here are some of my favorite things from this past week in Buffalo. Enjoy your weekend!

-B

{ The Blizzard of 2014 }

{ Wine always makes a good gift }

{ One of my favorite places on Allen }

{ They have so much wine and at a reasonable price }

#BuffaloLinks

Offering a variety of apparel from office, to athletic to a night out - Turnstyle Designs has something for everyone.

All the chocolate lovers out there have to check out Choco Logo, Downtown Buffalo's only chocolate factory and shop and they have everything from corporate gifts to custom favors.

Visit Buffalo Niagara is full of information on everything going on in the region and new developments happening in the area. Make sure to check their site out from time to time. #BuffaloforReal

I can cook!

I will say I can cook a few generic things - mac n' cheese, soup, and eggs to name a few. I can even make a good salad and sandwich, so when I found this recipe on A Beautiful Mess I thought I should try it, especially because it is very easy clean up. Here are the ingredients you will need:

• 1 box linguine {I used regular spaghetti noodles}
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 sprigs basil leaves
• 3 cloves of garlic minced {I used pre minced garlic in a jar}
• 2 cups Vegetable stock
• 2 1/2 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes {Add a little more if you like it spicier}
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• salt + pepper

In a large pot add all of the ingredients together excluding the feta cheese and salt and pepper.

{ A combination of all the ingredients together }

Once in the pot, bring to a high boil and stir occasionally. After about 5 minutes on a high boil bring down to a low boil and stir occasionally for another 5-7 minutes or until noodles are al dente. Most to all of the liquid should be gone. Stir one last time to get all the flavors mixed together. Top with feta cheese and salt and pepper.

You can serve warm or cold. If you'd like, add chicken to get some protein in your meal as well.

This recipe was super easy, I had leftovers for days and it was easy clean up. If you're like me you will enjoy this dish.

Enjoy!

-B  

January Activities

For the new year I have decided to break things down a little bit- let's face it there are a lot of things I put down on my "to-do" list to accomplish, so to be realistic I thought I would break it down into activities for me to accomplish each month. If I get to do more great, if not, I will be happy with accomplishing the things I have down for each month.

So this month I have put together winter activities I would like to accomplish {if the weather cooperates with me}.

First up - Rotary Rink - I've only been ice skating a couple of times and by no means am I good at it, but I would like to check out the downtown ice rink and get in on the winter fun that everyone has down there.

On deck is Colden Tubing and Kissing Bridge - I remember going to the Thruway Mall {a long time ago} when I was a kid and sledding down the snowy hills in the parking lot. As I've gotten older I've had the chance to go tubing in Colden, I'd love to here from you - what other places are good to go for sledding and tubing? I'd love to try and hit the slopes or lets be real the bunny hill and try to learn to ski too!

Third on the list is to check out the Burchfield Penney Art Center - I have yet to check this place out and I have driven past it multiple times since its been open.

Finally, on the January list of activities I was told about Horsefeathers winter market on the west side -  vendors of all kinds line up and sell fruits, jams and more on Saturday mornings.

What winter activities do you like to do?

-B