#BuffaloLinks

Today kicks off Local Restaurant Week. For $20.14 you can enjoy some really nice meals and great places in Western New York and the best part is it stays in this area! For a list of participating restaurants click here.

Check out the following movies at the Public House. For more info on the Movie Night Series check their Facebook page.

Another safe indoor trick or treating event takes place at ECC's North Campus on Saturday. The Annual Safe and Seen event takes place from 11-3pm. This year proceeds benefit the Make a Wish of Western New York Foundation. For more event info go to their website.

Friday, join in the creative, black tie gala at Hotel Lafayette for Revo, Independence Celebration. Proceeds benefit the Veterans One Stop Center. For more info and tickets click here.

Friday Favorites!

With me on vacation there is not to much to say. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! -B

{Mother/Daughter time "twinsies" = Priceless}

{Before the Falls turned Pink}

{A shot of Hoyt Lake by Delaware Park, I love the canoes}

{Sidewalk games like hopscotch, are painted outside one of the hotels in Niagara Falls, NY for guests to enjoy}

{A fun night of putting our own personal touches on our Disney Magic Bands}

#Billieve

As most, if not everyone knows, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and multiple events take place raising money and awareness to the second most common cause of cancer death in women. Having an Aunt who is a Breast Cancer Survivor, to having a neighbor who recently passed away last month to this awful disease, my Mom and I attended and participated in the Buffalo Bills and American Cancer Society's Billieve event last Friday.

The event had young and old people, survivors and supporters, Bills players and their families all wearing pink and coming together on the Rainbow Bridge for one common cause; "Billieving" that one day we will find a cure.

It was a special night not only because we were doing something that was important to us, but because I got to share it with my Mom. As I get older I appreciate spending time with the people I love and care about the most and for me to spend an evening with her, to talk, lecture at times and laugh was priceless.

I can't wait for next year.

-B

For more ways to help in your area, visit the American Cancer Society link or the Breast Cancer Network of WNY

{Linking scarves and creating a live ribbon across the Rainbow Bridge}

{ My Mom and Me }

{ The Falls turned Pink }

Less is More Sometimes

A couple weekends ago my sister and niece went with me to pick out pumpkins like we normally do this time of year. Instead of going to the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence like we normally do, we decided to go to Becker Farms and change it up a little. While I enjoy Becker Farms for their winery and brewery, I was really disappointed in the service {or lack there of} when it came to the children's area and pumpkin barn.

While every other area was open and ready to go, the area to pick your pumpkins and pay was closed and just opening {at 12:30pm} when we were ready to check out. If you wanted to pay you had to lug your pumpkins to the country store to pay for them. To top it off the staff {if you could find them} was rude and not helpful when it came to answering questions and it made for a not so fun time and us regretting our decision to just go to the Great Pumpkin Farm. The pumpkins were overly priced costing us $33 for 5 of them, that I could have gotten cheaper somewhere else.

So even though I like the winery and brewery on site, I think they should refocus on what they want to do next year. Sometimes its better to not have it all and focus on the areas you're good at. Sometimes less is more...

-B

Even though it was a disappointing experience, I did capture some pretty scenic shots while we were there.

{A smile on my face, even though the service wasn't so good}

#BuffaloLinks

It's finally here! The Barre Centric, Buffalo location opened its doors for classes yesterday. Make sure to check out the new location.

I'm so sad to miss this, tomorrow the new Dog e Style restaurant {a new innovative hot dog restaurant located downtown} is having their grand opening at 5pm. Enjoy music, food and drink. For more information on the event click here. And make sure to "Like" them on Facebook.

Another event that I am said to be missing is the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner on Thursday at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. For more information on the event and to learn more about the Sports Hall of Fame click here.

Starting this week Friday dress the little ones up and head to the Buffalo Zoo for a safe and fun way to enjoy Halloween a little early. Spooktacular Days at the Zoo run Friday-Sunday's the next two weekends. Enjoy trick or treating and zoo animals!

A Reflection... #OneBuffalo

It started off with a huge celebration, the Pegula Family, introduced by Chris Berman on the big screens at the Ralph, chants, signs saying One Buffalo, Johnny Rzeznik performing the National Anthem to us looking pretty good in the beginning of the game. Then it happened, the horrible officiating started to take place {to the point where it looked like they didn't even know what penalties they were calling on}, to the horrible Brady who wouldn't even give a high five to the half time little league team playing on the field {really is a high five gonna hurt you Brady}, all to Gronkowski crying that he got "hurt."

With the lack of patience fans were having with the NFL Officials {I don't even know if I should call them that} the game day staff wasn't any better, we had event staff walk up and down are section at least 6 or 7 times before they decided to kick a fan out for being rude during almost the whole game. It really takes you that many times to decide whether or not this person should go?!? Oh and let me not forget to mention the lady who maybe watched a total of 10 minutes of the whole game. Instead she felt that getting food and drink and walking around aimlessly was the way to go. I think she would have been better off staying at her tailgate or hosting a party at her home, it probably would have saved her a few dollars.

I know I sound harsh, don't get me wrong I do enjoy {very much} going to the games with my Dad. And I must say I am lucky we sit next to some awesome people, but I feel the need to voice my opinion on what I observe each week. Yes, I know its an NFL game, but am I wrong to ask where people's common sense has gone. As fans we build up this "hype" that we have to do x, y and z and isn't the real reason we're all there to watch a football game?

Until next time! Go Bills!

-B  

Bills game, National Anthem 10.12.14 

{Click above to watch my video of the end of the National Anthem performed by Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls}

{I'm not the only one who thought the officiating was bad}

{Breast Cancer Survivors took the field during the end of the 3rd quarter}

{Follow me on Instagram for more photos I took from the game. My handle is bybuffalob}

Friday Favorites!

It's Friday and I'm looking forward to spending some quality Mother/Daughter time with my Mom tonight at the Billieve event in the Falls. Tomorrow its off to Fall Fest in Ellicottville and Sunday we are back home at the Ralph. Its a busy weekend, but I'm looking forward to the memories that will be made. Enjoy! -B

It's nice to walk down Main St. and get a nice cup of coffee at the Buffalo Coffee Roastery. The staff is always so friendly there.

A view of my city. The Metro Rail Downtown.

Catching up with Jeni, by taking a nice stroll down Hertel this past week. I love the Elephant we stumbled upon {and the trunk is up!}

Snapping a little "selfie" at the Albright Knox's First Friday. See my thoughts on it next week!

Lacey was home this past weekend so of course that called for happy hour at Cantina Loco! I love this photo captured of us.

Public House

Last week I met my friend Jackie who was in from out of town, out at the Public House. Located at 1206 Hertel Ave. in Buffalo this pub offers a modern touch with a flare from the past. Lots and I mean lots of craft brews are on hand to choose from... "Wheats and What Nots," "Foreign Objects," "The Biters," "The Dark Side," "Gluten Free," "Made in America," "For All the Tree Huggers" and "North' Mericas" they put a lot of thought into offering something for everyone.

Its a nice place to go for a happy hour and their Mac N' Cheese was pretty delish too! If you're looking for a new happy hour hangout or a place to go to watch the game check the Public House out.

Cheers!

-B

{ A variety of beers on hand, making it a place that has something for everyone }

{ The Bar }

#BuffaloLinks

Join in an evening of supporting local heroes and delicious treats from Chef Richert of Torches at Modern Kitchens of Buffalo. For event info click here.

Last year my Mom and I went to the Billieve event as spectators, not actually participating in the Live Ribbon on the Rainbow Bridge. This year we are and I'm excited to share this experience with her. Click here for all of the event info and to sign up.

While Ellicottville will be bustling this weekend for their Fall Fest, the Allentown Association will be hosting one of their own. For those who love the area and don't want to tackle the 40 minute drive south, head downtown for the Allentown Fall Festival.  Food trucks, children's activities and much more will be on hand for you.

Love chocolate? Then head to Fowler's Chocolates on Saturday Oct. 11 or Monday Oct. 13 and take a self guided tour of the chocolate factory. For $2 you get to participate in the Annual Factory Tour and help a great cause, the Make-A-Wish of WNY organization.

A Bridal Celebration with A lot of Local Talent!

Sunday, Buffalo Indie Weddings hosted a Bridal Celebration at Asbury Hall. Over 30 vendors, were on hand to meet with newly engaged couples to help plan their special day. I loved the décor, the selfies portrait station, Vintage Touch  and the DIY station, where you could learn a variety of craft ideas for your big day.

Ali from Made from Anatomy and Erica from City Lights Studio thought of every detail, including the Groom's Lounge where the guys could go and hang out if they chose too, to the festive signage letting everyone know where things were. It was certainly a Bridal Celebration like no one else hosts. It was fun, creative and offered a lot of local talent from the big wedding industry to customers looking for something special on their big day.

Thank you ladies for inviting me to this wonderful event.

-B

{ Packed house, snapped this picture from the stage }

{ Of course I had to snap a "selfie" in front of the selfie portrait }

Leaving a Legacy

As I'm writing this post I still have goosebumps from the Buffalo Bills win against the Detroit Lions. What a game! Every game is important to win, but A LOT was on the line for Buffalo. 1. This was the last game where the Buffalo Bills are owned by the Wilson family. 2. Winning this game keeps us first in line in the AFC. 3. Whenever there is a quarterback change as fans you always wonder how it will end...in our favor or not.

While play calling was iffy at times, the team came together till the very end to lead their fans in a nail bitter winning game. I can only imagine what Mary Wilson and the rest of the Wilson family were thinking as they watched on. Ralph Wilson has done so much for the Buffalo Community, not only by owning the Buffalo Bills, but by leaving billions of dollars to go to local charities in this community. He was a man that was smart, passionate, positive and influential. A role model. And I can only hope that others follow in his footsteps.

Sunday marked an end of the Wilson era, but their legacy will last forever in the hearts and minds of Bills fans everywhere.

Until next week! Go Bills!!!

-B

Buffalo Bills Fans - Just a Blonde in Buffalo

{ click above - I captured this video of fans at Bada Bing after we won the game. #Buffalove }

{ My NFL Style - Buffalo Bills, Just a Blonde in Buffalo }

{ My friend Lacey taking selfies post win, check out her blog #forty74 forty74.com }

{ The girls! Go Bills }

Friday Favorites!

Its been a good week, volunteering, catching up on things that I have been putting to the side and planning ahead to the next couple of weeks. Even though the weather isn't supposed to be that great, I'm looking forward to picking pumpkins with my niece and sister on Saturday and Sunday I'm looking forward to attending {as a guest} the Bridal Celebration at Asbury Hall. Ali and Erica always put together great events and there will be a lot of talented Buffalonians there. Have a good, rested weekend! Go Bills!

-B

{ I love seeing the cranes downtown }

{ Just another reason I love Newbury St. on Elmwood }

{ The Polar Bites Pre-Party was a success! }

{ My walk to the First Niagara Center last week was a beautiful one, I love seeing the trees starting to change colors }

{ The first step I took on the Sky High Course this past week. Facing fears and living life }

#BuffaloLinks

A weekend full of making friendships, experiencing new adventures and living life. Wild Women Unite takes place Oct 3 - 5 in Grand Island. For more information on the weekend click here.

This weekend is going to be cold and rainy, but Spot Coffee is a great place to go to stay warm.

Old Falls Street will be hosting the 5th Annual Oktoberfest event this Saturday. Come out and enjoy German Food and Beer!

I am so, so excited to be invited to Buffalo Indie Weddings, Bridal Celebration at Asbury Hall on Sunday 10.5.14 For any new Bride to Be this is definitely the place to go on Sunday!

Dine Out for Life on October 7 and help fight Aids. Click here to see a list of participating restaurants.

FALL into my Favorite Things

Fall is one of, if not my favorite season. I love the cool, crisp air, the leaves changing colors, and the oversized sweaters and boots you can wear. Lets not forget the fun activities to do; corn mazes and hayrides, decorating and carving pumpkins and trick or treating. This is the time of year we get to enjoy the yummy candy apples and warm pies to delicious apple cider as well.

While there are a lot of activities that take place this time of year below are my top 8 places to go for fun Fall activities in Western New York.

1. Becker Farms - Apple and Pumpkin Picking, Wine and Beer tastings, hayrides and much more!

2. The Great Pumpkin Farm - Kid Rides, Pumpkin Picking, Animal Farm, Face Painting and Country Store

3. Pumpkinville - Hayrides, Pumpkin Picking, Corn Maize and Country Store

4. Letchworth State Park and Allegany State Park - Beautiful fall foliage and hiking trails

5. Nightmare Hayrides on Sommerville St. - Haunted Houses and Hayrides

6. Cambria Corn Maze - Corn Maze, Pumpkins and refreshments

7. Falcone Farms - Apple and pumpkin picking

8. Mayer Brothers - Apple Cider, Baked goods

Oh the Places I will Go...To Ski High Adventure Park

Continuing on with facing my fears and taking more adventures, this past Saturday my friend Annette and I went to tackle the Sky High Adventure Park at Holiday Valley. While I am deathly afraid of heights I knew this would be a challenge, a BIG one! I didn't want to let my fear win though, so I sucked it up and focused on the task at hand, living a little and enjoying the moment.

While I only accomplished the yellow courses (which were the easiest ones) I was proud that I did that. Annette was a great friend to take with, encouraging me, motivating me and telling me not to give up {I definitely needed that a couple times}. For $48 you get to zip line and climb through the forest for 3 hours. For an additional $3 you can purchase a roller coaster ride that takes you up a hill on what I like to call a bob sled and you control the speed on the way down {it was actually pretty fun}.

The weather was beautiful and it made for a great Saturday activity. Once you have your harness on {trained staff make sure you are properly sung} you take what I would say was a 15 minute crash course with a staff member.  They go over all the instructions on how to use your carabiner clips and the do's and don'ts of the park. Along with staff being on the ground helping people through the courses you can also walk below and follow along to take pictures and check out the other courses before climbing your way through them.

There are so many courses to try at Sky High that you simply couldn't complete them all in 3 hours {unless you were a pro and no one else was in the park}. Each course typically takes about 30 minutes -45 minutes depending on how many people are on that course. Guests who don't want to take part in the courses have the opportunity to stay back at the lodge and play putt-putt, ping pong, corn hole or read a nice book on the patio.

While standing on one of the platforms, just about to walk across one of the ropes with my legs visibly shaking {literally, even ask Annette}, I couldn't let fear win. While there were moments I wanted to give up and just get back on the ground, I would have regretted that decision in the long run. I'm looking forward to going back next year and completing another level, a more difficult one and continuing to face my fears.

For more information {times, pricing, etc.} on Sky High Adventure Park click here.

-B

{ Thanks Annette for taking these photos of me during the course }

{ Pictures of various courses and the grounds around the park }

{ Facing fears and be adventurous! Post celebrations took place at Ellicottville Brewing Co. }

Friday Favorites!

I'm looking forward to a weekend full of new adventures and seeing some of my closest friends who are in town. The weather is going to be beautiful and here's hoping the Bills get a win on the road! -B

{ These are two words that go such a long way }

{ Antique cars on display from the Pierce Arrow Museum }

{ Go Bills }

{ I love this }

{ A little "creativity" at work }

What's a Bash Without the Brews

This past weekend Coca-Cola Field was home to over 50 breweries who were sampling some of the best craft brews around Western New York and beyond. Ballpark Brew Bash not only offered a wide array of beer, but it also provided local food from 5 food trucks, games of all sorts and a unique experience to walk on the field, making it the perfect place to snap some Instagram pictures.

Each year the event grows and grows and with the ever so popular craft breweries on the rise in Western New York, I can only see this event growing bigger and better in the years to come.

A few of my favorite spots that night were: Resurgence Brewing Company, Black Bird Cider Works and Brooklyn Brewery.

Cheers!

-B

#BuffaloLinks

This Friday the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is hosting their Gala at the Gardens. For ticket information and time click here.

Fall is finally upon us and there are so many nice spots to go to in Western New York. One place in particular is Becker Farms. From pumpkins and wine tasting to picking in-season fruits and vegetables, you and your family/friends will be entertained during your whole visit.

Yay! To Buffalo Beer Week! Starting Friday a variety of restaurants and breweries will be taking part in beer related activities. The best part is you have a whole week to pick a day that works in your schedule! For a complete list of events click here.

This Thursday, come see yours truly at Resurgence Brewery. The Buffalo Zoo's Pro Zoo Board is hosting a Polar Bites Pre-Party from 6-8pm. $25 includes open bar and a free sandwich coupon to the Whole Hog Food Truck. Money from this event will benefit Polar Bites 2015. To purchase your tickets for Thursday click here.

Observing Fans...

Monday's are always not that great, but they especially stink after a Bills loss. While there were some highlights to Sunday's game {specifically, Lee Evans leading the charge} there are some things I observed at the game and am now voicing my opinion on....brace yourself.  Let me mention I've noticed these following things multiple times before.

1. Fans that wear jerseys of teams not playing { i.e; wearing a Patriots jersey to a Bills vs. Chargers game}. Don't get me wrong I'm all for fans showing their pride for the teams they like, but I've never understood why people do this.

2. The fans who constantly get up from their seats 20 million times {yes I'm exaggerating, sort of} during the game. The whole point of you being at the game is to watch and cheer on your team, not to go back and forth from your seat to the concourse.

3. The annoying and sometimes ignorant {yes I said it} fans who meet up with friends and squeeze multiple people into 3 seats and aren't considerate of others around them. I'm all for meeting up and saying hi to your friends, but never understood cramming a bunch of people all together. If you're going to the game together and don't want to be separated then get seats ALL TOGETHER! Yes, I understand based on availability that may not always be an option, but then plan to meet during certain times during the game somewhere.

4. I'm all about pride and cheering on your team, but when one or two plays don't go the way you want and fans start screaming ridiculous things, well to me it gets a little annoying. As a fan I want my team to get the big win just as much as you, but  do people think screaming things that don't make sense out during a game will make it better?

Maybe I'm being to harsh or crazy, but those are my 4 pet peeves at a football games. What are some of your pet peeves?

Go Bills!

-B

Friday Favorites!

Its Friday and we are just a few short hours from the weekend. Have a great one! -B

{ Receiving "snail mail" is one of my favorite things in the world. Hand written notes go a long way in my book. I love this postcard I received from Lacey this past week }

{ I love the upstairs of Spot Coffee in Orchard Park. Comfy and cozy making it a perfect place to grab a cup of coffee }

{ Nothing beats fresh sushi from Papaya }

{ The first sign I saw arriving to Bills Country this past Sunday }