Left Bank

A few weeks ago I finally went to the well-known Left Bank with my friend Nicole. I've heard great things about the restaurant and wanted to check it out! Located at 511 Rhode Island St. in Buffalo, the wine was, of course, great and the food was delicious! I got the panko crusted chicken and it was so delish!

The décor was rustic, with exposed brick walls and dim lighting. The bar area was big enough and separated from the eating area, so if you wanted to go for cocktails you totally could. It is a little on the pricy side, but if you have a special event or occasion and you're looking for a nice dinner out, this is a nice place to go. If you're a brunch type person, I heard they have an amazing brunch that you may want to try. Make sure to call ahead of time to make reservations. Check out some of my pictures below. Have a great Monday!

-B

{ I loved the Sunflower on the table }

{ Bread and Oil were served and we ordered the fried calamari for an appetizer }

{ The bar }

Friday Favorites!

Yay for Friday! I've been a little under the weather this week and am finally starting to feel better. It comes just in time to, my niece and I are super excited for Bubblefest tomorrow at the Science Museum. That's all we've been talking about for the past couple of weeks! Have a great one! -B

{ I'm looking forward to the Compass House Planting Seeds of Hope Dinner tonight }

{ The flyover at this past Sunday's Bills game was pretty cool }

{ Because if you're from Western New York, this is necessary sometimes }

{ I have some of the best friends who send me pictures from wine night saying they love me. Love you ladies! }

{ Because coffee has been getting me through my days lately }

A Memorable Gameday Experience

{My Dad and I on the field post Bills game}

My Dad and I have been going to Bills games for quite some time now, its nice "father/daughter time," so after this past Sunday's game we had the opportunity to head on the field. While I thought it wasn't going to be as exciting as pre-game passes would be, it was a lot of fun! The loss to Kansas City put a "little" damper on the day, but we made best of the situation and the experience. We got to take pictures, run around the field and throw the football around. The Bills staff were friendly, personable and fun which made it more enjoyable. It was definitely a memory that will stay with me through the years. Below are a few of the photos I captured.

Go Bills! And SQUISH THE FISH tonight!

-B

{Yes, I had to take a selfie on the field}

#BuffaloLinks

Tonight B Team Buffalo is hosting a City of Light Fundraiser and Toy Drive at Fat Bob's from 5:30-8:30pm. Help out a great cause.

Are you a fan of Jim Henson? Or do you want to just do something different. Stop by HandleBar tonight or next Wednesday and enjoy food, drinks and movies! For more info go here

Have any old electronics sitting around and collecting dust? Stop by the Buffalo Zoo this Saturday from 8am-1pm to turn them in and receive $1 off Zoo Admission that day.

My niece and I are so excited to attend Bubblefest this year. Bubbles upon bubbles will be filling the Buffalo Science Museum all day Saturday. Limited tickets will be available for purchase at the door. For more info on the event click here.

An event that I'm thinking about attending Pints and Pierogi's is taking place from 4-8pm at Marcy Casino on Saturday, $20 at the door.

Veteran's Day

Today and everyday we should thank those who served and are currently serving our country so we can be safe everyday. Thank you for all of the service you have done and are currently doing for us.

-B

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Rachael Hughes from Barre Centric

{Rachael Hughes, Co-Owner Barre Centric. Photo taken at Buffalo Location 1526 Main St. Buffalo}

I'm so excited to feature Rachael Hughes co-owner of Barre Centric on my blog today. Barre Centric all got started when friends, Rachael and co-owner Gia went looking for a place that offered a unique fitness regime that offered people the opportunity to strengthen, tone and plié.

Rachael and Gia opened their first Barre fitness studio location in Clarence, NY in 2012. Her and Gia were back at it in 2014 opening their second Barre fitness studio in downtown Buffalo. Let me tell you, the studio is amazing! When looking for their second location Rachael and Gia knew they wanted a renovated building. Not only is the Buffalo location fresh, fun and new, it brings a whole new light to Main St. downtown.

Rachael says the best thing about having your own business is, "meeting different clients and helping them reach their own fitness goals." Everyone comes in and takes classes for different reasons and its fun to help each one of my clients meet their goals. For those who are taking a Barre class for the first time, the best advice Rachael gives, is to not be intimated and be patient, it takes at least 5-6 classes to pick up on the techniques.

What makes Barre Centric stand out from other Barre classes and fitness centers? Barre Centric always offer specials and promotions throughout the year. From student discounts, Bridal specials and New Mom specials to a Suns Out, Buns Out, 10 week program that starts before the summer season, there's specials for everyone. The best part is, Barre Centric is independently, locally owned and operated, meaning all the money stays in the local community.

When I asked Rachael what she loves most about Buffalo she said "everything from the food to the people is what I love most."

After my interview with Rachael, I stayed to take my first "official" Barre class at Barre Centric and from someone who works out regularly, it was different, in a good way. It was challenging and fun and went by fast. The class was about an hour long, but didn't feel like an hour because you were constantly doing different exercises. I highly recommend taking a class. Rachael is an awesome fitness instructor and amazing business owner who moves Buffalo forward!

In the beginning of the interview, Rachael shared a quote with me that stuck with her when she began her Barre Centric journey and it stuck with me. It is "what you seek, is seeking you." Sometimes the things we are looking for are actually looking for us. Don't ever give up. Thank you Rachael for sharing that with me and for taking the time out to let me share your story.

For more on Barre Centric's classes click here and make sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Make sure to also keep an eye out for Ashker's Juice Bar opening next door to Barre Centric soon!

-B 

 {Buffalo location, class schedule}

{The studio}

{I love the quotes throughout the studio}

Friday Favorites!

It's Friday! It's been another productive work week and I'm looking forward to a nice, relaxing weekend. Have a good one and Go Bills! -B

{The bar/lounge area inside the Foundry}

{I love the historical features inside this building}

{An afternoon coffee break with the guys at work. The new Tim Horton's at the Harbor Center}

{A drive out to East Aurora makes for beautiful scenery in the fall}

{I love the artwork on Elmwood Ave. #Buffalove}

Eveyone Needs A Little Pampering

Shopping, discounts, mini-manis, spray tans, food and drink? What's not to love about a local clothing boutique hosting a Pamper Party and making you feel special for a couple hours! That's exactly what Michelle at Village Designs Elmwood did last week. Offering discounts on clothing and accessories and bringing together some local, talented ladies from Rodan & Fields, DiLusso Salon , AmberGLO and Ooo La La Boutique . Anyone who came to the store not only could meet these great people from local businesses, shop and help themselves to food from Nektar . What a pretty pampered event it was! Until next time..

-B

{ The chandeliers in Village Design's are beautiful }

#BuffaloLinks

A new addition to Hertel Ave. Queen City Shaken & Stirred offers everything you need for the special cocktail except the booze. Check them out!

With the holidays right before us, now is the time you see people donating. Second Chic not only sells great clothes, but also excepts clothing donations for you to sell. At the end of your contract you can pick up the clothes that didn't sell or donate them to Journey's End. For more info on the program click here.

Friday 716 Food and Sport opens down at the Harbor Center. I can bet this place will be packed before the Sabres game and in the upcoming weeks. Its great to see life back at Canalside!

Stop by Christmas in the Country at the Hamburg Fairgrounds this Thursday through Sunday to pick up great Artisan finds that make great gifts.

Who doesn't love a beer and wine festival {I know I do!} Holiday Valley is hosting theirs this Saturday at 3:30pm. For more info on the event click here.

Queen City Malting helps create malt for distillers and brewers here in Buffalo, NY. Working with local farmers, they help keep the beer made in Buffalo, NY truly local.

Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara

Last week I was lucky enough to attend Cocktails in Character for Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara, Inc. What a great event it was! To sum it up its certainly not like any other non-profit gala or charitable events I've attended in the past. It was short, sweet, creative and fun.

Guests had the option to dress up as their favorite literary character {Annette and I went as Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Dr. Seuss, as you can see from the picture above}. There was a silent auction and Chinese auction, a VIP area {for those who purchased VIP tickets}, food stations, a cash bar, a live band and a short program that was to the point.

If you're looking to get involved with an organization that is fun, but serves a great purpose in the lives of children and adults consider looking into Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara, Inc. Click here for more information on volunteering/tutoring.

-B

{ Over 50 baskets were available to try and win in the Chinese Auction }

{ A short, sweet and informative speech }

NOVEMBER

We've reached November, a month that includes voting, remembering our Veterans and being thankful for all the blessings in our life. The end of the month also marks the start of the holiday season. This month is extra special as my family will be welcoming an addition to our family.

This month some of the things I'm looking forward to are; Bubblefest with my niece at the Science Museum, The Compass House Dinner at Salvatore's, working on new projects for the Buffalo City Swim Racers, Macy's Believe Campaign for Make a Wish, visiting Dog E Style and HandleBar for happy hour, Small Business Saturday and spending quality time with the people I love.

What are some of the things on your "to-do" list for this month? Make sure to take time for yourself, live life to the fullest and remember to do at least one thing every day that makes you happy because you're only given one life. If you dream it, you can do it.

-B

Friday Favorites!

Happy Halloween!! This week has reminded me that you can never plan to far ahead because you never know what is going to happen. For me, being a planner, that is a struggle I deal with more often than not, but I'm learning to accept things for the way they are. I hope everyone has a great Halloween and a fabulous weekend! -B

{Check out the specials going on at Dog E Style today}

{Kali walking around the exhibit at the Buffalo Zoo last weekend}

{My Halloween costume from a few years ago}

{Hall-O-Wine group photo from a couple years back, I went as a nerd. Cheap and easy costume!}

{Part of my costume for Cocktails in Character last night}

{Safe and Seen set-up last weekend at ECC North Campus}

Western New York Trick or Treat Times

ERIE COUNTY

Akron- 6 - 8 p.m.

Alden- 6 - 8 p.m.

Amherst- No Times Listed

Angola- 6 - 8 p.m.

Blasdell- 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Buffalo- Ends at 8 p.m.

Cheektowaga- 6 - 8 p.m.

Clarence- 5 - 8 p.m.

Depew- 6 - 8:30 p.m.

East Aurora- No Times Listed

Eden- 5 - 8 p.m.

Elma- 5 - 8 p.m.

Evans- 6 - 8 p.m.

Grand Island- 5 - 8 p.m.

Hamburg- 6 - 8 p.m.

Holland- Ends at 8:30 p.m.

Lackawanna- 5 - 8 p.m.

Lancaster- 6 - 8:30 p.m.

North Collins 6 -8 p.m.

Orchard Park- 6 - 9 p.m.

Springville- No Times Listed

Town of Tonawanda- No Times Listed

Wales- Ends at 9pm

West Seneca- 6 - 8 p.m.

Williamsville- No Times Listed

NIAGARA COUNTY

Barker- 5 - 7 p.m.

Lewiston- 4pm - 8pm

Lockport- 4pm - 8pm

Newfane- 4 - 7 p.m.

Niagara Falls- 3 - 7 p.m.

North Tonawanda- 5 - 8 p.m.

Porter- 5 - 7:30 p.m.

Royalton- 3 -7 p.m.

Wheatfield- 4- 7 p.m.

Wilson- 4 - 7 p.m.

Youngstown- 5-7:30 p.m.

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY

Brocton: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Cassadaga: 5-7 p.m.

Celeron: 5:30-8 p.m.

Cherry Creek: 5-8 p.m.

Dunkirk: 4-8 p.m.

Falconer: 5:30-7 p.m.

Fredonia: 4-7 p.m.

Forestville: 4-8 p.m.

Jamestown: 6-8 p.m.

Lakewood: 6-8 p.m.

Ripley: 6-8 p.m.

Silver Creek: 5-7 p.m.

Sinclairville: 5-7 p.m.

South Dayton: 5-8 p.m.

Stockton: 4-7 p.m.

Westfield: 6-8 p.m.

WYOMING COUNTY

Arcade: 5 to 8 p.m.

Attica: 6 to 8 p.m.

Castile: Until 8:30 p.m.

Gainesville: 6 to 9 p.m.

Perry: Curfew for people less than 18 years old starts at 10 p.m.

Silver Springs: Curfew starts at 8:30 p.m.

Wyoming: Curfew starts 10 p.m.

GENESSEE COUNTY

Batavia: 6 to 9 p.m.

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY

Olean - 6 to 8 p.m.

Franklinville - 6 to 8 p.m.

Portville - 6 to 8 p.m.

Allegany - 6 to 8 p.m.

Little Valley: 6 to 8 p.m.

Portville: 9 p.m. curfew.

Salamanca: 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Ellicottville: 6 to 9 p.m.

ALLEGENY COUNTY

Alfred: 6 to 8 p.m.

Almond: 6 to 8 p.m.

Angelica: 6 to 8 p.m.

Belmont: 6 to 8 p.m.

Bolivar: 6 to 8 p.m.

Canaseraga: 6 to 8 p.m.

Cuba: 6 to 8 p.m.

Richburg: 6 to 8 p.m.

Wellsville: 6 to 8 p.m.

#BuffaloLinks

I stumbled upon the Buffalo Laboratory Theatre when I was researching places in Buffalo earlier this week. While no plays are currently playing it still looks like an awesome place to go to experience new theatrical expressions.

I'm looking forward to another new restaurant and brewery opening in downtown Buffalo in the upcoming weeks, Hydraulic Hearth.

Just one of the many reasons to get to the Buffalo History Museum. The Tim Russert Exhibit is now on display!

From the owners of Research and Design comes Sunshine + Bluebirds. A local pop-up shop located in the Galleria Mall. Can't wait to check it out during the holiday season! #Shoplocal

"The Happiest Place on Earth"

{ My Alex and Ani collection of bracelets and Disney Magic Band in front of Epcot }

Walt Disney created Disney World on a dream and imagination and what an imagination he had! It has been a few years since I was on vacation for longer than a "long weekend." About a week ago me and a few friends decided back in April that we wanted to go to the happiest place on earth, Disney World. While this post really doesn't have a lot to do with Buffalo, it does have a lot to do with how my blog was started. I love to travel, love it! But I always loved coming home because even though I've seen amazing sights and had great experiences there is no place like Buffalo, my hometown.

It has been over 10 years since I was at Disney World and while some things have stayed the same, it was different. Going to Disney as an adult you have a different perception than children. It amazes me to see people from all over the world come together and feel like a kid, even if it was just for a few minutes. Walking through the parks I often thought where were people from and was there a special occasion as to why they were there, what was their story!

My vacation was a magical one. It brought out the "kid" in me, made me appreciate the life I have even more and the opportunities that I've been given. Seeing other Western New York Natives and Buffalo Bills fans at the parks made it feel like a little piece of home was in Florida too.

For those who only think Buffalo is known for the cold weather and for those who think there hometown doesn't offer anything, think again. Take time to travel to other places, see different cultures and see where Buffalo falls into your life. While Disney World is one of the happiest places on earth and while part of me wanted to stay there, coming home to Buffalo is the happiest of all places for me.

-B

Below are just a handful of pictures I took while on vacation.

An Event with Cocktails and Characters!

I am so excited for this Thursday's Cocktails in Character event at Lafayette Hotel. The event benefits Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara. Guests who attend the event are encouraged to dress up as their favorite literary character. The event includes a cash bar, carving stations, entertainment, a judging contest and much more!

Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara's mission is to "open pathways to expand opportunities for adult learners and children by enhancing their literacy skills and nurturing their well being. Our vision is to be an integral partner in the revitalization of our community."

Everyone should have the tools to learn to read and write as it is a vital part of our day-to-day lives. Cocktails in Character is a perfect event taking place in Buffalo that not only fits the role of the organization {having guests dress up as their favorite literary characters}, but also comes at a great time of year, the Halloween Holiday. If you're looking for something to do Thursday night tickets are still available. Click here to purchase tickets.

I hope to see you there! And check back next week to see what I dressed up as and my review on the event!

-B

{Event Sponsors and Supporters}

Friday Favorites!

The past 8 days have been fun, Walt Disney World truly is one of the happiest places on earth. With that being said, I know there was a lot of activity back home in Buffalo and I'm happy to be back. The first half of my weekend will be spent volunteering and the second half will focus on catching up on things that built up while I was on vacation. Below are just a few of my favorite pictures from this past week in Orlando. Have a great weekend.

-B

{ Share the Magic }

{ A little piece of home, Niagara Falls }

{ Towels shaped like Mickey ears }

{ The 1980's were the best years }

M&T Bank First Friday's at Albright Knox

The first Friday of every month M&T Bank and the Albright Knox offer First Fridays. Free admission on the first floor to the public. From 10am-10pm you can walk around and experience some of the amazing art the gallery has on display. If you want to walk around upper levels there is an additional fee.

At the beginning of the month I took the day off and spent it with my niece. For an almost four year old this was a great event to take her too. While she thought the Lucas Samaras, Reflections, aka the "Mirror Room" was the best, her attention span started to run out after about 30 minutes. With it being a beautiful day we walked on the outside grounds and took some nice photos.

Prior to this visit, it has been about 5 years since I was last inside the Art Gallery for a leisurely experience, so it was nice to walk around and experience it with a kid who has a vivid imagination.

I highly encourage anyone to take part in such a great event that takes place the First Friday of every month. The next one coming up is on Friday, November 7, 2014.

-B

{Snapping photos inside the Mirror Room}

{If you look at this for more than a couple seconds you get dizzy, or at least I did}

{One of my favorites on display}

{Anyone want to play some tic tac toe}

A Fall Festival Full of Fun

{Just being a kid and playing in the leaves}

I made my way to Fall Fest again this year with Annette. While I always love going to Ellicottville {maybe its because I don't get there very often} the scenery is beautiful and I love the local shops that line the streets. This year I observed more and took in all that its worth.

1. There are a lot of talented artists that line the streets during this festival weekend, new food vendors lined the food truck row and the Armor Inn Truck seemed to be a popular spot to go.

2. Katy's is awesome. While we only stopped to get a coffee, the food looked so good! It is a must go back, place for me!

3. Bars are starting to charge cover earlier than normal {at least I think so, instead of what I thought was once 2pm it was now 1pm}.

4. State Troopers were out more than ever. I've seen one or two in years past, but this year we saw a handful going and coming from the event

5. For a single girl like me, I love seeing the attractive men that attend this event ;)

If you have never been I encourage going even if its just once. It makes for a fun Fall day and usually takes place the second weekend in October.

-B

{Love this sign outside Katy's}

{ A cute place to go, full of knick knacks, it even has a "Husband Drop Off Center" for those guys in your life}

{I love Ellicottville Brewing Company}

{One of my favorite shots I captured}

Celebrity Chef Culinary Extravaganza!

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Celebrity Chef's Culinary Extravaganza at Ilio DiPaolo's. What a night it was, an eight course meal, after dinner cordials and Chefs Michael Obarka from Ristorante Lombardo, Dan Buckley, Dr. Andy Cappuccino, and Chef Michael DiPaolo and staff all put their special touches on the food while is was paired with delicious wines from Marchesi de' Frescobaldi.

The money raised from the dinner goes directly to the Ilio DiPaolo Scholarship Fund. Dennis DiPaolo and his family are huge supporters of the Western New York community so it was nice to give back to them. Overall it was a nice evening full of good food, drinks and company.

-B

{Special Guest: Lamberto Frescobaldi}

{Lots of wine glasses and shrimp tails to start the evening off}

{The Filet was the best, I thought}