Community

There are other things I could be writing about, but today I chose to share my thoughts on what most, if not all of Western New York has seen or heard about; a little boy named Ben Sauer. Early last week I saw on my Facebook newsfeed a "suggestions post" to like the page Blue4Ben. While a majority of the time I ignore those suggestions, I chose to click on the page and see what it was all about. After reading Ben's story and following all the social media and media stories throughout the week, I can't even put into words how I feel.

While my heart breaks for Ben and his family all I can do is pray for them and be thankful for my family and friends and the time we have together. Cancer is a horrible, horrible disease. Like most everyone, we all know one or more people who have had some form of it - for me it was my father, my aunt, family friends, long distance relatives and now my 17 year old cousin.

From working and volunteering in children's organizations, every time I hear of a child being sick or going through a difficult time, it like most adults, really upsets me. I guess the reason being is because children are just that, children. They are helpless, they are young, innocent and have their whole lives a head of them - maybe it sounds cliché, but they do. I couldn't even imagine dealing with such a horrible diagnosis like the Sauer family is dealing with.

The Western New York community has come together to support and help Ben and his family during a difficult time. I feel lucky to be a part of a community that seems to always come together to help those during the most difficult of times. Though you may not know them personally, the community stands up and continues to help each other during times of need. We truly are the "city of good neighbors."

To Ben Sauer and his family - you are my inspiration, you are a strong family who have touched the lives of many. You inspire me to be a better person, to not give up, to always have hope and faith, to appreciate the blessings in life and you remind me to live every day to the fullest and appreciate the time I have with the ones I love. For that I thank you and I continue to pray for your family's miracle. Pray is a powerful thing. xo

Next week beginning on March 17,  26 Shirts will be selling a shirt designed by former Buffalo Bill, Andre Reed. Proceeds from his shirt will go to benefit the Sauer Family.

To see how you can help Ben and his family, click here

-B

{ Like many buildings in WNY, the Peace Bridge went Blue 4 Ben over the weekend }

Whiskey and Vera

I finally had the chance to check out Vera Pizzeria. I loved the quant atmosphere, music and décor. They have delicious food { I had the salmon and Lauren had the lobster mac n cheese } and strong drinks - specifically the specialty drinks with whiskey in them. Our waitress was friendly and informative and I loved the bar area. Prices are a little higher than your normal dinner and drinks, but it is well worth it. I would definitely go back for a happy hour.

-B

Friday Favorites!

Dr. Seuss' Birthday was at the beginning of the week and believe it or not sometimes I will read one of his books just to feel like a "kid" again.

Bug Works is on display at the Buffalo Science Museum. I had to snap a picture of the words that are made out of Butterfly's, pretty neat.

Nothing beats the neat displays they have at the science museum. From light and magnetic tables {picture below} to this contraption {picture above}. Its pretty cool what places in Buffalo have to offer.

If you couldn't tell the theme of this weeks Friday Favorites is the Buffalo Science Museum...I'm looking forward to a fun night tomorrow at Beerology. Cheers!

#BuffaloLinks

Just the other day my Mom and I were talking about when I was little and going to the Thruway Mall. Sometimes {like most of us} I wish I could go back in time, especially to places that are no longer around. How many of you remember the Thruway Mall?

One nice place to go for a "fancier" type of burger is Soho Burger Bar. Make sure to check them out if you're ever downtown for lunch or dinner. Or better yet make plans for brunch on Sundays from 12-4pm.

Beerology is Saturday and I can't wait to be back at the Science Museum with Lacey for a fun night of tasting different brews. Lets just hope the Franks Gourmet Hot Dog truck is back this year!

I haven't been to the Hamburg Brewing Co. yet, but I've heard nothing but great things. Its a place on my "must visit" list.

ShoeFly on Elmwood has some really cute spring shoes in stock. On my list of places to shop over the next couple of weeks. They just got on Instragram. Make sure to check them out{shoeflybuffalo}!

-B

A Little BBQ Action

Dinosaur BBQ made its way to Buffalo in the beginning of February and drew a big crowd {and still does}. For some this is a whole new experience to the world of BBQ and for others they are familiar because they have made the way down the 90 to Rochester to enjoy it. Last week my coworkers and I went on a work outing and I was able to see what all the hype was about. First, I loved the décor, the art work, the Buffalo memorabilia on the walls, the over all set-up was great. Now onto the food, it was good, really good! I had an original pulled pork sandwich and one chicken wing. Maybe its because I don't eat BBQ a lot, but the food was really good and our waitress was very helpful, she explained the menu to us and answered all of our questions. If you love BBQ food or just want to go for the experience I highly suggest you check it out. If going around popular times {lunch, dinner} be patient as it may be crowded. Next time I go, I have to check out the bar area.

If you've been, what do you think - is it what your expected?

-B  

{ If you're my friend, you know why I had to snap a pic of this sign #Queen }

A Taste of Japanese Culture

New on Elmwood sits SATO restaurant - a new modern Japanese Cuisine. Walking past the window you would think this is a small restaurant, but there is plenty of seating up the short staircase in the back. Upon entering you are welcomed by a beautiful fireplace and bar. Working with the Japanese Culture Center of WNY, Inc. Sato offers delicious food and drink options along with the opportunity to teach you about the Japanese culture and language. This restaurant isn't like your typical Japanese restaurant that you find around WNY, the food is fresh, the atmosphere is relaxed and it reminded me when I was in Japan a few years ago. Reasonably priced, If you like to try new things or just like Japanese food make sure to check Sato out. Located next to Spot coffee on Elmwood Ave.

SATO on Facebook

SATO on Twitter; @SatoBuffalo

-B

{ dining area }

{ bar area }

My "March To-Do" List

March is one of my favorite months of the year. It may have something to do with it being my birthday month, but its also that time where winter is ending {hopefully} and spring is about to begin. I put together a list of some of the things I would like to accomplish this month.

1. Taking a tour of the Martin House Complex

2.  For my birthday this year I gathered some of my closest friends and we're going to Paint on Tap Studios for a private party. I can't wait for this!

3. Crista and Pam just came back from NYC and bought some cute spring clothes for Ooo La La Boutique and Ooo La La Fashion Truck. I can't wait till they arrive at the store

4. I need to relax more and what better way than taking a yoga class at Power Yoga Buffalo

5.  I've been meaning to check out Vera Pizzeria and get my own take on it. I've heard good and so-so reviews

6. With the weather almost close to breaking, I'm looking forward to a trip to lululemon's Buffalo Showroom to get some spring workout gear for outside

7. I love taking photos and putting together scrapbooks and photo albums. This month I'd like to put together a book of all my Instagram photos through Printstagram

8. As I'm getting older I see how great this city is and want to learn more about the place I call home, so on my list is taking a tour of Buffalo's City Hall

9. As much as I love home, I love to travel and am thinking of weekend getaways and trips to plan for the upcoming months. So far I'm thinking the Hamptons, Rhode Island, maybe somewhere warm? Tell me some of your favorite places to travel!

Other things I'd like to do this month are; meet some more people for my Women/People Who Move Buffalo series, find an event venue for an event I'm planning in the Fall of 2014 and take a cooking class at Delish!

-B

Friday Favorites

Its been another week of freezing temperatures and snow falling in Buffalo. It makes you want to curl up and stay inside, but reality sinks in and like a majority of people you have places to go, people to visit, work that needs to be done. Hopefully now that its the weekend you'll be able to stay inside and curl up if your schedule allows it. Have a wonderful weekend! -B

{ A peacock painting }

{ love this collage of Buffalo }

{ driving down the 190 }

{ HobNob event at the Executive Air Share - pretty cool place}

{ Women Who Move Buffalo Artist Jessica Saddleson }

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Jessica Saddleson

Born and raised in Buffalo, Jessica Saddleson has pursued art from the very young age of 13 years old. Everyday even if its only something small, she makes time to draw. Teaching herself the "art behind art" Jessica does everything from murals (her most recent you can see at the new Agave restaurant on Elmwood Ave. (she only had 3 1/2 weeks to create a variety of pieces and did an awesome job!)), to classical and street oil paintings and body art to her new love of sharpie art. Taking traditional pieces she creates and putting a modern touch on them.

A year and a half ago Jessica decided to start her brand; Armcandy - a business that brings together local artists (from photography, music, and the arts) and help each other. Basically a support group for artists to come and support one another for the talented work they create.  In the upcoming months you will be able to see Jessica's most recent sharpie art (10 pieces) at Hardware on Allen St. In her most recent collection you will be able to see her art through her feelings - showcasing her deepest emotions. On April 6, you will also be able to see Jessica's work through the Wear Art Me Fashion Show a wearable art fashion show. Proceeds benefit the non profit- Impact Artists Gallery.

I am by no means an artistic person, do I like going to the Albright Knox or other art gallery's? Sure! But if you asked me what a piece means or represents - I wouldn't have no clue what to say. Seeing Jessica's artwork - especially her sharpie art work and the mural in Agave - she has an amazing talent and she knows how to use it. What keeps her going? Her support system - friends, family and nephew; the biggest influences in her life who push her to keep her drive. What inspires me about Jessica, the fact that she is talented and uses that talent in a positive way - teaching children about art at the Belle Center and at the end of the day will be her and the kids creating a mural piece togehter. The bigger picture is she is teaching them about the "opportunity to do something."

Buffalo is special to her because of the simple fact that the community is open to everything you do, you can express yourself and their is this openness you receive.

Jessica participates in multiple shows throughout the year including shows through the WNY Artists Group. She also sells her pieces - so if theirs something you like you can contact her directly. She also loves doing custom artwork, perfect for new business or home owners. Or those looking to add art to their home.

For more info follow Armcandy on Twitter, like her page of Facebook and follow her on Instagram (ArmCandy716).

One of the best things about this Women Who Move Buffalo series are the women I get to meet who truly love what they do. They are excited when they talk about their work and the fact that they enjoy what they do in a community that is supportive.

-B

#BuffaloLinks

1. I am the worst when it comes to taking care of my hair - I wait months upon months to get it cut, styled, highlighted, etc. Every now and then though you should just take some time for yourself - so this past weekend I put a little effort into "me" and went to visit Natalie at Exclusively Hair on Transit where she freshened up my "look" and made me look more presentable to society again lol.

2. I have never been to the Finger Lakes and would love to take a trip down to wine country.

3. I'm not one for a lot of specialty beers, but I love Blue Monk and just going in and trying random beers they have is the best - well I enjoy it. Its been a while since I've been there and think its time to stop by soon!

4. This Thursday the Boutique Bridal Party is hosting their 2nd Annual Party on Brides. Last year I attended with my friend Kate and Shanna and it was amazing! Not your ordinary bridal show. If you're a bride to be or know someone who is check out this event!

-B  

Polar Bites 14 Recap

The Buffalo Zoo's annual winter event, Polar Bites 2014 took place last week Thursday at the Buffalo Convention Center. The night was filled with restaurants, wineries and breweries from all over Western New York. People from all over the area came to eat, drink and bid on a handful of auction items that all go to benefit the Buffalo Zoo. In return the Buffalo Zoo provided an armadillo, snake, blue tongue lizard and some other smaller animals on hand for guests to learn more about. Also on hand was a live band and DJ (Spooky Business) for entertainment. For more information on the Buffalo Zoo, upcoming events and to show your support take a click here.

-B

{ Auction area is all set and ready for the people }

{ Oh Michael Kors - Who wouldn't love you? }

{ Of course I had to take a picture of this! Opening day is April 3! }

{ Awards for the favorite vendors }

{ Bubble Hockey Raffle - From ICE! }

{ Great Lakes Brewery - table décor }

{ A little #Buffalove }

{ The Buffalo Convention Center's Polar Bear Ice Sculpture }

{ Just selling those 50/50 tickets! }

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Queen City Roller Girls

Queen City Roller Girls began in 2006 by two best friends who were inspired by the A&E series “Rollergirls.” Sissy Fit and Flotorious built the group from the ground up. Rainbow Rink in North Tonawanda was receptive to their efforts, allowing them to recruit at open skate and eventually hold private practices. Since the beginning, the mission of Queen City Roller Girls was to make a group where women can live out that alter ego, continue playing sports into adulthood (or discover the joys of training and competition for the first time) as well as make lasting friendships and improve the surrounding community.

Last week I had the opportunity to meet several strong, intelligent and athletic women from the Queen City Roller Girls. Head Huntress (from Suicidal Sauces and Lake Effect Furies), Ivana LeiHerOut (from Nickel City Knockouts and Lake Effect Furies), Blackrock Bruiser (from Devil Dollies and Lake Effect Furies), Brutali-Tease (from Devil Dollies), Bang GRRrang (from Alley Kats), Kryptonfite (from Alley Kats) and Toxic.

These women amaze me! Most of them joined or got involved after attending a game and seeing first hand what roller derby is all about. The Queen City Roller Girls is a full contact sport that women can play. Its mentally empowering, fun and encourages you to be yourself. There are no limitations and its a sport that offers women to express themselves. Their are over 150 members to date and anyone can join as long as you have health insurance.

Not only do these women volunteer their time, they also train multiple times (3-4 times) during the week, volunteer in the community, host fundraisers to try and cover the cost of their equipment and travel expenses because that is paid for out of pocket by themselves and all while going about a normal life -with full time jobs and families. Coaches and referees also volunteer their time as well.

People think this is "sensationalized" and not real, but its all to real! These women train hard and put in a lot of time and effort. When I sat down and met with this group I went in not knowing a lot about the sport of roller derby. I've heard of the Queen City Roller Girls, but had never attended a game, I didn't realize it was a volunteer commitment and didn't know they have a travel team, multiple home teams, a junior league and a queens court {ladies in waiting}. There is so much more to this sport than people know.

The best part is these women love this area, if they didn't they wouldn't put in all this effort. They love the culture in the area, the eclecticism and the weather. They also enjoy participating in events that encourage young women and boost their self esteem.

If you've never been to a bout before you can check them out this Saturday {February 22} at Rainbow Rink {101 Oliver St. North Tonawanda}. Enjoy food and beverages while you're there. For tickets click here.

For more information or to be a sponsor follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or their website.

{ I can't wait to attend their bout on April 5! }

"It was love at first skate"

-B

#BuffaloLinks

This week its all about the Buffalo Zoo, Sushi and a new food truck that made its way to Buffalo.

This Thursday the Buffalo Zoo will be hosting their annual Polar Bites event at the Buffalo Convention Center. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the door. Come check out a variety of local restaurants food and drink and bid on some fun auction items! You can come see me too, I'll be there selling 50/50 tickets! ;)

A new restaurant to hit the street of Elmwood is Sato. A modern Japanese Cuisine offering more than just food, but giving you a little taste of the Japanese culture in the WNY community.

A new food truck to hit the streets of WNY this spring, Wine Not? WNY. A wine ice cream and slushie truck. How great is this, a new take on wine for any of you wine lovers out there! I had the opportunity to speak with Peter over the phone last week and am super excited to have him at an upcoming wine event this summer.

-B

Niagara Wine Trail

Over the weekend we celebrated multiple friends birthday's by going on a wine tour on the Niagara Wine Trail. Well we have done these before I was on a mission to be more responsible, open my horizons and try different wines - looking for a good, dry, red wine.

Our first stop was Honeymoon Winery and while I have like this winery in the past, the last time I was there they had "not so good" customer service. This time we stopped by and while the service was better than before, I still wasn't impressed. Their Pink Diamond and Pink Catawba is delicious, but it didn't cut it for me.

The next one stop was one of my favorite winery's on the Niagara Trail - Niagara Landing. Everything from their Rosebud Gold and Rosebud Peach is ooh so good, but this time I tried all red's - the merlot, perfect, Red Rooster delish and Raspberry Rose another new favorite of mine.

{Niagara Landing}

Schulze Winery was our next stop. They had a live band setting up for the afternoon. They also had some good red wines, but I didn't feel like spending $24 on one bottle {call me spoiled, but I'm used to paying $10 at the liquor stores}.

{ Group photo time }

Making our way, our fourth stop was to Becker Farms and Vizcarra Vineyards. While I love their Cherry Cider I chose to stick to wine and tried - well you guessed it, red wines. They were good, but I think I enjoy their beers better.

The last winery on our list - I had never been to before - Leonard Oakes Winery. I was super excited to check out a new place, being on the Niagara Wine Trail numerous times before it was nice to taste and see different wineries on the trail. It had a spacious tasting room and they have an outdoor patio {to be used during the summer months}. Best of all I found a red wine {Cabernet Franc} that I purchased! Yay!

{ Leonard Oakes Winery }

After the stop at Leonard Oakes we still had two hours left on our limo, so we had the opportunity to stop at another winery not on our list, Spring Lake Winery. This to was a new winery I was never at. They offer wine ice cream and photo booth fun if you chose to pay a little more to use it. Their wine was pretty good, but had a limited selection compared to the other wineries.

Overall, it was a nice afternoon with friends and goes to show you - going to the same wineries or wine trails doesn't always mean you are going to have the same experiences as the last time.

Cheers!

-B

Friday Favorites {Buffalo}

Its Friday and its been another busy week, but it was filled with facing fears, living in the moment, learning new things and enjoying life. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Valentine's Day! <3 xo

-B

{ Love the stage décor at the St. Mary's High school Auction last week }

{ Together we fight, together we win, Brundy's Brigade - 26shirts.com - check them out! }

{An adventure to remember, I'm already looking forward to my next trip out to Holiday Valley}

{ Call me old school, but I still love sending and receiving cards and letters in the mail. I sent some of my closest friends handmade Valentine's Day cards this year - "there is no greater gift than the gift of friendship" }

{People Who Move Buffalo} TT New York Head Designer Jimmy Lee

This week's People Who Move Buffalo Series is highlighting a local fashion designer from a locally owned boutique, TT New York. Jimmy Lee began his career at Taglis Tailor {a custom made clothing store for the 'elite'} after a few years Jimmy made the decision to head in a different avenue and in 2001 TT New York was opened as an upscale dress boutique. Jimmy has always been "into" fashion. He loves empowering women, dressing women and making them feel good in the clothing they wear.

TT New York stands out from the chain bridal and formal wear shops for a handful of reasons.

1. You can go into TT New York and buy off the rack. They are a fully stocked company. What you see is what you get. Other stores only have sample sizes and have to order the dress for you. Not TT New York.

2. Customer Service - the staff at TT New York is their for YOU! They are devoted to you, they help find the dress for any occasion and will go as far as putting the shoes on your feet for you.

3. TT New York has an event tracking system, so if you go in to their store and purchase a dress and register it in their system you can be certain no one at that special event you're going to will be wearing the same thing you have on.

4. They are a local store and give back to the community. And when I say give back I mean they give back. They are long time supporters of JDRF and also donate to a variety of other charities in the Western New York community. Being a locally owned company sometimes it is hard for people to donate to multiple events in the area, TT New York gets involved in as many things in the community that they can. Their staff sit on charitable boards and care deeply about the local community.

{ This is TT New York's 8th year doing Gowns for Prom. Out of the hundreds of gowns they receive from the community, TT New York donates an additional 100 of their own gowns to this great cause as well. For more information on how you can donate and help out click here }

TT New York is the #1 prom headquarters in the Western New York area, but outside of prom they offer so, so much more. Cocktail dresses, Mother of the Bride dresses, Evening and Ball Gown dresses, basically if you have special occasion - they got it! Hence their new tagline #DressesforAnyOccassion

One of my favorite clothing lines from them is the NikiBiki line - the dresses are great for that night out on the town or that important business meeting you have {just throw a blazer on over it}, the line is affordable and fashionable.. win-win!

Another line that I love is the JimmyLee Design Line. Its everyday wear for women. Jimmy gets his inspiration from major fashion cities and brings it back to his hometown. He uses really good fabrics and helps keep the line affordable by keeping the production here in the USA. The clothing is versatile which allows you to wear it more often.

If you're a last minute shopper TT New York has that designer dress for any occasion along with great customer service. They offer accessories to match and dresses from 0-30 making it that one stop shop for any woman!

Walking into TT New York the other day I was greeted by the one and only head designer himself who was helping a customer find a dress for their upcoming prom. He was polite, active, engaged, friendly and personable. Jimmy had a smile on his face the whole time I was at the store. You can tell he is such a caring person who genuinely loves what he does and loves this community. From the short time I met him I can tell he is highly involved and puts 100% into his work. I was honored to meet him and share his story.

{ "Buffalo Born. Buffalo Raised. Here to make Buffalo Proud" - Jimmy Lee}

TT New York is located in the Boulevard Mall and is opening their new store in the Galleria Mall this Saturday {2.15.14} on the lower level near the Starbucks kiosk.

Make sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and their check out their website for all the up-to-date information.

-B

{ TT New York Boulevard Mall Store Location } { Hi-Lows are pretty popular this season }

{ I love the back on this dress }

{ One of the dresses I kept going back to in the store #lovethis }

{ Great for a night out on the town or that business meeting you have }

My Snowboarding Adventure #BuffaloStyle

One thing I've wanted to do was learn to snowboard so over the weekend my friend Annette {a veteran snowboarder} and I went to Holiday Valley. I have never had any experience in any winter sports, the most I've ever done was gone tubing, so I was all sorts of emotions, anxious, nervous, scared, excited - you get the point. We started off making a pit stop at EBC {Ellicottville Brewing Company} to "warm" up - meaning have a drink or so in me, so I wasn't so tense.

{ The Blueberry beer is my favorite their }

Then it was onto the slopes. We arrived at Holiday Valley around 4pm and purchased the night time pass for $33. Then a friendly gentleman {employee} showed us to where we could get our rental equipment. We both got boots and boards for $26.

Next it was on to the lesson...

[video width="1280" height="720" wmv="http://justablondeinbuffalo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/snowboarding-video-2014.wmv"][/video]

After that short five minute lesson we stopped to take some photos {its all about the documentation} and then it was on to the bunny hill.

{All ready to go}

Once we got on the ski lift, {I don't know how Annette didn't push me off} I must have panted and rambled and almost cried the whole way up the slope, I was so scared { I don't like heights as it is so this was a huge step for me}. Once we got to the top I fell {LOL} off. The first time down it took about 45 minutes and then the second time it took around 30 minutes. I fell, but got back up and I did have some moments where I had the hang of it, it was just when I felt like I was going to fast or thought I would hit a tree that I plopped back down.

{ We took a photo break on our second time down the bunny hill }

{ Its a little blurry, but believe it or not that's me! }

{ Go Bills }

{ We took a drinking and eating break inside the lodge }

{ Live music from Jay Mcdonell }

After our little break I was ready to sit by the fire and relax, but Annette convinced me to try the big hill, so here we went out into the much lower temperatures and up the big slope. Once to the top - I chickened out {LOL} I was tired, it was a much longer way down and it was a lot colder, I took the ski lift back down where Annette {who snowboarded down} was waiting for me. While I went back into the lodge to warm up, the friendly gentleman who showed us to the rental equipment earlier in the day came up and asked how my first time riding was and also asked if I lost my friend.

The staff was very friendly and the fact that, that employee came up and asked how my first experience was, made it even better. Its because of that extra effort he made that will make me want to come back again. While I am no pro I was happy that I faced a fear and accomplished something on my bucket list, all while doing it with one of my closest friends by my side. It's definitely a memory I will always remember and I can't wait to get back on the slopes {after my butt heals from all the falling}. Oh and the other nice thing- I got multiple compliments on my Buffalo Bills hat! ;)

{ Me running off the ski lift }

{ Photo credit by Annette }

{The end}

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="http://justablondeinbuffalo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/snowboarding-video.mp4"][/video]

Don't let fear stop you from trying new things, you only have one life, so make the most of it!

-B

Beauty Barre at BikeorBar

With Valentine's Day on Friday, the ladies at BikeorBar on Elmwood hosted a Beauty Barre event on Sunday. If you paid for one of the services {Eyelash/hair extensions, spray tanning, waxing, facial or massage} you received a free Barre class. The event in my eyes was a big success. There was a crowd of women who filled the back room and for some {like me} it was my first time taking a barre class. After class they offered the services and while you waited they had wine, mimosas, sushi and some sweet treats. It was a nice event, made you feel pretty, do something for yourself and all in time for Valentine's Day. -B

{$20 for a service or 3 services for $45 (great deals!)}

Friday Favorites - Charity Edition

Closing out this week of charities that are close to me are four more organizations that have a special place in my heart. Whatever the cause or mission is, if you're in a position where you can give back, whether that be your time, money or in-kind donations, the "reward" and the lessons you receive in return are priceless.

We should all try to "Be Better Than Yesterday."

-B

Attending numerous events and now recently joining the Pro Zoo Board, helping the Buffalo Zoo is something I'm honored to be a part of. For more info check out their website and like them on Facebook.

Working on the Kiss Cares for Kids Radiothon for a couple of years and having family use their services Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo is one of the best out there. From the doctors and staff to the facility, we're lucky to have them in our "backyard."

Women and Children's Facebook

I've seen what a terrible illness this is, as my grandmother was diagnosed with dementia. I can't even imagine how people living with this illness feel. Its a horrible sickness and having the Alzheimer's association their to provide support and information is something you should use if you or someone you know is going through a difficult time.

Alzheimer's Association {Western New York Chapter}

ALZ on Facebook

We should all try to take good care of our bodies, exercise and eat right. There are a handful of my loved ones who have passed away from a heart attack or heart disease. Heart disease is the number 1 cause of death in New York State. Learn more about how to take care of yourself and the American Heart Association here.

And today is National Wear Red Day - wear red and protect the hearts of those you love with the Go Red for Women Movement.

Carly's Club

Outside of the events I did at the radio station and a couple weddings here and there, one of my very first events I did on my own that was really the base of me stepping out in the event planning world was hosting my Cashin' in for Carly's Club event. Carly's Club is part of Roswell Park Cancer Institute and offers a number of support programs to make life more manageable for children diagnosed with cancer and their families. It also raises funds for pediatric cancer research. Seeing my father diagnosed with cancer and having to go through his chemo treatments and the "stress" is puts on a family, I can't imagine children having to go through such an awful illness. That's why I put on Cashin' in for Carly's Club to give back and do whatever I could to make their difficult time a little "less" difficult.

For more information on upcoming events and ways to support Carly's Club, click here.

Over 260 children are being served by Carly's Club and nearly 9,000 children will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The continued support for this organization will only help us get closer to having a world without cancer..

-B

{ My event was held at the Town Ballroom and was a carnival theme }