A Sweet Taste of Seafood

{Photo credit: Just a Blonde in Buffalo}

The other night my friend Nicole and I met for dinner and drinks at the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria building which now is home to Oshun Restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner, Oshun has an oyster bar and variety of seafood selections.

Recommended by our waitress, Nicole and I picked 3 small plates to share {Clams, Mussels and Calamari}. The mussels and calamari were both our favorites, sweet and a little spicy. The clams were ok, but left a "fishy" after taste.  We also ordered dessert - I'm not a big dessert person, but the warm cookies with salted pretzels and homemade vanilla ice cream was the second best decision after the Malbec wine I had ordered!

Overall, I loved the history that was used as part of the "art deco" décor. Add that element with the food and great company and it makes for a nice evening out!

-B

{Oyster bar}

#BuffaloLinks

Join in the 9th Annual Oktoberfest benefitting the Kevin Guest House. For tickets and more details click here.

Theatre season is back! This Friday join in the fun on Main Street Downtown with Curtain Up!

The 10th Annual Garlic Festival takes place this weekend in Cuba, NY. I can't wait to attend this event.

The best Brew Bash is taking place this Saturday from 4-8pm at Coca Cola Field. Ballpark Brew Bash is back and its bigger and better than ever!

If you're not going to the Ralph and not into football on Sunday's, think about getting tickets to the annual Foodie-to-Farm Tour. For a review of past tours check out Buffalo Foodie's review here.

Making Changes Has Great Rewards

September marks one year of me being introduced to these ladies, “the Bitches” as we are called. I will never forget my first class. Walking in I didn’t know what to expect, I was a little scared, intimidated and nervous, but that first class was one of the best classes I ever took. Not only did it open my world into a new healthier living style, but it gave me an opportunity to meet a wide array of personalities.

Saturday we went out to celebrate our trainer, Morgan’s new chapter in her career and with that came a different, {a nice different} atmosphere with “the Bitches.” We always only see each other when we are working out, but to be out of that environment and to have crazy, funny conversations at dinner made me reconfirm the decision I made a year ago, one of the best decisions I made.

The point of this post is not to tell people to go and workout {even though exercise does have a lot of positive outcomes}, but it is more the point to share my experience with you. I took a risk to try something different, something new {even though it was a small risk}, but the outcome of that decision was a great one. I met a great group of people, learned more about health and fitness and have memories that I will take with me for a long time.

So thank you “Bitches” for a great first year! And thank you Morgan, for listening to me bitch {lol} and teaching me a lot, not only about healthy living, but life in general.

-B

To train with Morgan, keep up to date by following Sweat Buffalo on Facebook and BikeorBar.

A Magical Day

{Photo taken from Buffalo Bills Instagram}

The past week has been great for the Buffalo Bills Organization and Community. A new owner {The Pegulas}, the team is 2-0 and Jim Kelly is cancer free.  But yesterday was magical.  The home opener not only celebrated Mr. Ralph C. Wilson's legacy, but reminded us all of what he did for this community.

Clips were shown before and throughout the game of players and coaches, past and present speaking of their memories of Mr. Wilson. Pre-game ceremonies also honored Mrs. Mary Wilson with the Wall of Fame Ring and the unveiling of his name forever in gold on the wall. He took a chance on Buffalo and will be missed by many, but forever cherished for a life well lived.

I'm lucky to be able to go to the games and cheer on the team at home, but the most important opportunity I have is that I get to spend time with my Father. In this day and age its hard to see and spend as much time as you want with the ones you love and I'm thankful and lucky that I can spend an entire Sunday with him throughout the football season.

Until next week, go Bills!

-B

Friday Favorites!

I always say this, but I'm looking forward to the weekend. Not only are there a lot of things going on this weekend {Music is Art, Lake Erie Pub Crawl, Buffalo Bills Home Opener}, but its always nice to step away from your daily routine and enjoy some fun!

Have a good one!

-B

{ Following a flower truck on the Thruway this week, fresh flowers are one of my favorite things }

{ Puppy Dogs, I love these two so much! Sabre and Wallace }

{ One of my favorite spots in Buffalo, Resurgence Brewing, Beer Garden }

{ Strolling around Canalside, I can't say it enough, I love Buffalo. #Buffalove }

{ Before the weather gets to cold, one of my goals is to take a Buffalo Tour on the River Queen Boat }

We Will Never Forget

I, like most other Americans will never forget where I was or what I was doing on this horrific day 13 years ago. New York City is one of my favorite cities to visit and each time I'm there I pay a visit to the World Trade Center site. As Americans we lead by precedence showing the world we will move forward, stay strong and remember and honor all those who were affected by this tragedy. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave and no one will ever change that.

-B

{ Hero: a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.}

#BuffaloLinks

This coming Saturday, Templeton Landing is kicking off Oktoberfest with the Lake Erie Pub Crawl. For more details on the event click here.

Another event taking place on Saturday is Music is Art. A free event showcasing, music, art, fashion and more. Stop out to Delaware Park and enjoy a day full of fun.

Buffalo Beer League  helps spread the word on Buffalo Brewers, bars and beer. For more info on the group or to join click here.

The Buffalo Rotary Club is hosting an Enchanting Evening at Silo City on September 18. Included at the event are tours of the grain elevators, food trucks, wine, beer and music. The event is rain or shine. For ticket information and details click here.

Artisans Open House Review

This past weekend the great artist herself, Lizzy Dugan hosted the 4th Annual Artisans Open House in Elma, NY. An event where local artists come together and display and sell their work. Each year the event has grown bigger and better, but not to big to the point where you may feel like you're getting lost or overwhelmed. This year there was even a baby Alpaca born during the event. In case you couldn't make it, but wanted to see the participating vendors click here.

Make sure to like the Facebook page to stay up to date on future events.

-B

A Sweat Session at Lululemon

Lululemon Buffalo has welcomed different instructors from all fitness regimes to their store over the last couple of months. This past Sunday was no different, bringing in a sweat session with Sweat Buffalo. Now I may be showing a little "favoritism" because I've been training with Morgan for the past year and she has taught me a lot about fitness, but her and Aubrey brought the heat on Sunday. Incorporating cardio, strength training and yoga, you left feeling tired { the good tired } and sweaty!

Sunday classes at Lululemon are free and last about an hour, after each class you are welcome to stay and shop the store. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to try a new class. You can see if you like the instructor and if the workout is what you were really looking for.

For more info on Sweat Buffalo click here

And for a list of upcoming classes at Lululemon click here

-B

Photos below are from Lululemon's facebook page:

Friday Favorites!

Even though it was a short work week I'm looking forward to the weekend. Its nice not having set plans every now and then so you have some time to "fly by the seat of your pants" and do whatever it is you feel like doing. Have a great weekend!

-B

{ My go to treat, vanilla soft serve ice cream and rainbow sprinkles }

{ Football season is back. Go Bills! }

{ Signage at The Maryland Zoo at Baltimore }

{ A different design on the Baltimore Streets }

{ My favorite place in Buffalo, Summer Saison beer at Resurgence Brewery }

#BuffaloLinks

I was introduced to a new organization last week. The Buffalo City Swim Racers is a non profit that was created to introduce culturally diverse children to pool access. Its a great program and if you want to get involved please visit the link above!

Barre Centric is opening a new location in downtown Buffalo on September 14th! I can't wait to take a class in the upcoming weeks!

BreadHive is a worker cooperative bakery where they bake their products on Buffalo's West Side. You can pick up their products at the Elmwood-Bidwell or Williamsville's Farmers Market on Saturdays or head to Larkinville on Thursday's. This past Monday they opened a window {located at the front of the building} where you can purchase your bread, bagels, yogurt and Public Espresso Coffee. Follow them on social media to stay up to date!

I love flowers! And I'm always looking for different florists to go to, to see who makes the best arrangements, offers the best pricing and has a friendly staff. I've passed by Bloom a few times {located on Main St. in Buffalo}, but have never made it in. When doing my research for this post they came up and I've decided that in the next day or two I'm going to make a stop by, after all who doesn't love a batch of fresh flowers.

Very rarely to I get out to Medina, NY, but when I was going through social media the other night I came across Rock Paper Salon and immediately thought I want to check this place out. Not only is it a salon, but its a boutique that offers food as well.

Hello September...

September has arrived, kids are back to school, Labor Day has passed and everyone is preparing for their pumpkin spiced lattes. Fall is one of my favorite seasons, but we still have a few more weeks until the season actually arrives.

In the meantime I'm looking forward to enjoying some of these things this month:

Football Season is back and I can't wait to be back at the Ralph on September 14th for the Buffalo Bills home opener.

With more time on my hands now I'm looking forward to checking out some of these restaurants that I haven't been to yet. Oshun - Seafood Restaurant, Public House, New food truck Philly Flattop, and Squeeze Juicery.

The weather is still nice enough to go outside get some fresh air and get a good workout in. Going for hikes, taking yoga classes and just running along the harbor are also on my list of things to do for this month.

The Lake Erie Pub Crawl,  Ballpark Brew Bash and checking out Her Story Boutique's one of a kind perfume bar are some of the activities I have on my "agenda."

What are some things you have planned for this month? Whatever you may have planned make sure to take time for yourself and enjoy it!

-B

Happy Labor Day

Friday Favorites!

Its Friday and I made it through my first full season at work. While it felt long, looking back at it, it went by so quickly. We head into the Holiday weekend and while it's still technically summer, I can't believe school starts back up next week and Fall is right around the corner. This weekend is going to be full of family time, relaxing and catching up on some things on my "to-do" list. Have a great weekend!

-B

{ Like Buffalo has Buffalo statues, Saratoga has Horses and Ballet Slippers. Here's one of the pictures from my weekend in Albany }

{ Capitol Building, Albany, New York }

{ I love my gifts from Annette and Chris! They know me so well. Elephant Orchid plant, Elephant bracelets and an original Just a Blonde in Buffalo envelope. Thank you guys! xo }

{ Taking a walk down Main St. in downtown Buffalo earlier this week. I love my hometown! #Buffalove }

{ An elephant and monkey. Zooperstars Night at the ballpark }

#BuffaloLinks

Today stop by the North Buffalo Farmer's Market and pick up fresh and local produce and vegetables and meet with local farmers and vendors.

This sounds like a great social activity to participate in; The Allentown Mob Tour, learn more about Buffalo's History and enjoy a drink and food at Café 59.

Who said Field Day's are just for kids. Join in the fun of biking, running and yoga at the Delaware Park Field Day.

It would be just wrong if I didn't post about the National Chicken Wing Festival, taking place this weekend at Coca Cola Field. People from all over the nation come to enjoy the best chicken wings Western New York has.

Sun, Sand, Summertime

Below are a list of the other beaches around Western New York and Southern Ontario that I feel are worthwhile to go to. What makes them worthwhile to me is the cleanliness, the friendly atmosphere, the ability to rent cottages, water activities available and the scenery. -B

{ I always went here with my family when I was little and still love Crystal Beach (located in Canada)}

{ Sherkston Beach located in Ontario Canada }

{ Beaver Island State Park is not only a beach, but offers a park, golf course and other amenities to make for a relaxing and fun day }

Angola, NY

 {Check out their line up for Labor Day weekend here. }

To keep with the beach continuation, my second favorite beach in Western New York is Mickey Rats. Just down the road from Bennett Beach in Angola, Mickey Rats has been around since the 1980's and is a great place to go for some sun, swimming and sand during the day and live music and drinks by the water at night.

-B

Beachin' It In Buffalo

With it being the last week of summer vacation I thought I would do a re-cap on my favorite beaches in the area. Its one last time to put those feet in the sand before school starts next week and we make our way to the "unofficial" end of summer with Labor Day next week.

A few weeks ago I took a 40 minute drive out to Angola for a little relaxation. It was the first time I'd ever been to Bennett Beach and it is now my favorite beach in Western New York. Arriving in the late morning, it was clean, quiet and pretty. Staying only for a few hours, lots of families came to enjoy the sun, sand and water in the early afternoon.

The beach has picnic tables, a park, lifeguards on duty and plenty of parking. You're allowed to bring your own coolers onto the beach {excludes alcoholic beverages} making it nice for lunch/picnics. It was nice to get away from the noise and craziness of "life" and relax on a quiet beach without loud music and crowds of people all around.

If you're looking for a place to take the kids or just a place to relax and read a magazine or good book definitely check Bennett Beach out.

-B

{ Bridge to walk over to get from the park to the beach }

{ Soaking up some sun }

{ A water shot from the bridge }

Friday Favorites!

For a week that I thought would feel long, it has surprisingly went by quickly. I'm lucky to be able to attend the wedding of two of the most thoughtful, gracious, amazing friends as they celebrate the beginning of their lives together. Kate and Brian, tomorrow is going to be magical and I can not wait to celebrate with the two of you! Xo I hope everyone has a great weekend!

-B

{ A beautiful couple that I am happy and lucky to call my friends }

{ Finally getting to meet Mr. Sharknado and visit Shanna in Albany was one of the biggest highlights from this past week }

{ The last 3 pictures are me being able to celebrate with some of my closest friends, my family and boss. You guys are awesome! }

A Heartfelt Thank You & Reflection

What makes me "me" are the people I surround myself with. I wouldn't be who I am with out a great support system which is my wonderful family and the friends I've been blessed with. I think of a lot of random ideas and dreams and most of them are crazy or out of the box, but I have family and friends who support me and encourage me and are there for me even when they may not believe in it all the way. My drive comes from the feelings I get when I see something good happen from not giving up. I truly believe great things can happen if you put your mind to it. They may not happen exactly when you want them to, but if you keep at it and really believe in it then you have succeeded.

I wouldn't trade the life experiences I've had for anything, the good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between because all of those experiences have shaped me into who I am today. I am by far a "perfect" person. I have my faults, I have my worries and fears and failures, but I keep going and I don't give up because when I give up - then I give up on myself.

I believe we should always be our number one fans. Life is a crazy journey and we only get one so I make sure to LIVE it as much as I can and I'm happy to do that with my wonderful family and friends in my life.

So to everyone who has sent me congratulatory messages and been there for me through my "adventures" thank you, the gift of love and friendship is the best gift anyone can receive. I celebrate this #30underthirty award with you.

Xoxo

-B