{Women Who Move the City} Lisa, Gridlock Lacquer

Today I'm featuring a woman who I have followed since she opened her business in 2013. Lisa from Gridlock Lacquer began mixing, combining and creating nail polish with a little Buffalo love and since her business began she has only expanded and is doing bigger and better things. Check out my interview with Lisa below. -B

How did Gridlock Lacquer get started?

It was started when I started noticing how major nail polish and cosmetic labels were re-branding the way products were sold. Instead of "sunset pink" or "mauve" nail polish, the major brands starting naming their polishes things like "I'm Not Really a Waitress" or "Topless & Barefoot" or "It's Raining Men". Women started to buy the products almost as much for the name as they were for the color. I thought it would be fun to bring that idea to a local level and create a collection based on things, events and history of Buffalo.

What is the thing you enjoy the most about owning your own business?

I own the successes and I own the mistakes. If the product is poor, that's  on me but if it's great then I know I'm doing something right. It also allows for dreaming much more than a traditional career. I'm only limited by myself and the only people I report to are my customers.

What is one thing you want people to know about you and Gridlock Lacquer, that they may not know?

Gridlock Lacquer is hand mixed! This means hours and hours have been spent blending colors, dropping mixing balls, filling bottles, adding brushes, twisting caps and labeling. It's a labor of love and very time intensive. I love that this is a hand mixed product and that it is made in Buffalo. It's my own tiny contribution to the re-shoring of American manufacturing haha j/k.

Where can they find your product?

-Online at gridlocklacquer.com

-At the Broadway Market on Saturdays from now through Easter

-At a bunch of retail stores in Buffalo, Rochester and Cleveland. The list can be found on the website if you're looking for something in your area. {Click here for the list}

Do you host private parties for those who want to make their own nail polish?

YES and it's so fun! I've only done a couple but people have had a blast and come up with some really creative colors! Eventually I hope to get to a place where I have a location that allows me to host the events myself and then people can just sign up when they'd like to participate instead of needing to assemble a group.

What is one thing you love about Buffalo?

Just one? Buffalo is such an underdog story. Everyone loves to root for the underdog and watch it come out on top.

Any other info you’d like to provide? Upcoming events you’ll be at? Promotions you are doing, etc?

Keep an eye out for coupon codes on social media!

Follow on FB, Instagram {@GridlockLacquer}, Twitter {@GridlockLacquer} . They've got all the updates on location, events, sales and new products. All are listed as: gridlocklacquer

I'll be at the Broadway Market on Saturdays, extra days around Christmas and 2 full weeks before Easter with a fresh set of Spring colors. The market is super fun and a really important piece of Buffalo's history, so stop by!

I stopped by the Broadway Market on Saturday and picked up a bunch of gifts for the holidays, the nail polish makes great stocking stuffers!. Check out some of my photos below. Thank you Lisa for believing in Buffalo and helping keep Buffalo moving forward, in a stylish way!

I love the names!

Other accessories to go with the nail polish, nail decals, soaps, nail polish remover

Queen City Market

Tis the season to shop! Being that I'm a big #ShopLocal gal I decided to head to Karpeles Manuscript Library on Saturday to get a chunk of my Christmas shopping done at the Queen City Market event. First things first, what an awesome venue this event was held in, the architecture is beautiful! Second, so many local vendors were on hand, some that I never even heard of before {that made for great networking opportunities} and they offered unique finds. This event had variety, something that you don't always find at some events. It was nice to walk around and not see the same thing on each table. Another great thing on my list, it was affordable! Some of the items I purchased at this event I would have paid double at if I went to a large retail store.

I know that if the event is held next year, I would definitely go back. There are to many reasons on my list not too. To see a list of who was there click here. Below are pictures of some of my favorite vendor tables and shots of the venue.

-B

Friday Favorites!

This week has been a challenging one for me mentally. I like to see progress in everything I do and when nothing changes over a period of time you have to walk away from it, even if its something you don't want to do. Being the bigger person in some situations isn't always the best thing, but its the right thing. I'm hoping a weekend with family, Christmas shopping and football will relieve some of my stress. In the meantime here are a few photos that made me smile this past week.Enjoy! -B

{Deck the Halls this past weekend}

{A classic car and white Buffalo on Main St. in Buffalo}

{The Ellicott Square Building is beautiful without any decorations, so having this tree set-up makes for a stunning display}

{Anyone up for some "snow" ball. A snowy Coca-Cola Field}

Creating, Making and Designing Something Different

Last week, my friends and I got together for a fun and creative ladies night out! We all met at Modern Nostalgia for Makers/Pear Design Studio, String Art Class. We had a blast! The class cost $42, came with all the supplies and you could bring your own vino and light snacks. You also received a discount off purchases made throughout the store. The class began at 6:30 and we left around 9pm.

Each one of us chose our own designs and hammered away at the reclaimed wood before picking our colors and stringing them all together. Laura from Pear Design Studio was an awesome teacher, motivating, guiding and encouraging us when we wanted to stop or thought are art pieces weren't good. She offered suggestions and was personable, just what you need for a class like this! Gretchen from Makers was great as well, making it easy to schedule the private class.

During a time, when everyone is super busy, this class was perfect because I got to spend an evening with some of my closest girlfriends catching up and doing something different. This was my second time taking a class from Makers and I highly suggest anyone who is looking for something fun to do, to take this or any other class by them, you won't be disappointed.

Check out some of the photos from my night below.

-B

Everything was all lined up, organized and ready to go when we arrived!

Just about done hammering away at my design.

We're ready to start stringing our colors together!

Hard at work!

Almost done!

Our finished masterpieces!

#BuffaloLinks

A fun run starting at Resurgence Brewery takes place tonight. Organized by Fleet Feet Sports, enjoy a 2 or 4 mile run with the local community.

An awesome local business that makes not only great Buffalo cards, but coasters, apparel and other accessories. Follow Rusterior Design on social media and local stores.

Lately I've been trying to change up my workouts just because running all the time can get boring. I'm looking forward to checking out this indoor cycling studio soon. Click here for more details.

The Tree of Hope is taking place on Friday at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. While registration closed on Monday, you can watch it on local news station, WGRZ starting at 5pm. Its nice to live in a community that helps spread some holiday cheer during what can be stressful times for some.

Tuesday's Thoughts

Here are my thoughts for today. We live in the United States of America, the land of the free. While I believe and encourage everyone to have their own thoughts, opinions and beliefs, the recent protests that have been taking place throughout the Country, is upsetting.

Whether you agree or disagree in the outcomes of what happened in Ferguson and NYC, anger and violence are not the answer. Yes, you may make a statement and get noticed, but outside of that, what else have you accomplished?

We are a Country that is suppose to be an example for the rest of the world, but when we start to act like people we are fighting overseas, what do we really accomplish. Nothing will ever improve in this world if we keep repeating the same things.

As Americans, we should create change. When something horrible and inexcusable happens, yes its ok to be upset and angry, but use those feelings and make a difference in a positive way. Lead by example! Creating more violence and crime isn't going to change or make anything better. And those are my thoughts for today.

-B

#DTH14 Review

For a third year in a row, Ooo La La Boutique/Fashion Truck owner, Crista Botticello and myself set out to kick off the Holiday season in style and this year was no different. Deck the Halls Runway was held at The West Herr Buick, GMC and Cadillac Dealership in East Aurora on Saturday night. The event was filled with 7 local boutiques {Blush, Village Designs, The Dress Shop, Ragmuffinz, Aurora Outfitters, The Walk In Closet and Ooo La La Boutique} showing off their holiday fashion looks. Before the show guests were able to shop an array of local vendors {MuseJar, Celestial Designs, Total Tan, Prima Oliva, Upstairs Treasures, Tres Chic Boutique, Mary Kay, Jamberry, Medici House, Taste and Sipada}.

The show was created not only to bring local businesses together, but to raise money and awareness for local charities. This year was no different. Proceeds benefitted are friends over at Buffalo Paws and Claws Animal Shelter.

Saturday showed us that this year was bigger and better and I look forward to seeing what it becomes in years to come. We have a lot of people that help us and we are forever grateful for working with them.

To see pictures from the Deck the Halls event, make sure to follow Ooo La La Boutique on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

-B

Friday Favorites!

This week has been crazy, I'm looking forward to a fun weekend full of fashion and Christmas decorating. Have a great one! -B

{One of my favorite stores in the Elmwood Village - Anna Grace}

{Stacks of Santa letter! One of my favorite campaigns for the Make a Wish Foundation. The Macy's Believe Campaign.}

{Spotted an Elf on the Shelf at Resurgence Brewery this past weekend}

{The 3rd Annual Deck the Halls takes place tomorrow night and proceeds benefit Buffalo Paws and Claws Animal Shelter}

#BuffaloLinks

This Saturday join B Team Buffalo as they help light the University Height's neighborhood. For more info on the event click here.

For those animal lovers out there! Check out this awesome local business, Buffalo Barkery. Making fresh, healthy batches of doggie treats for your best friend!

Another local business I came across this past week was Linwood Candle Co. Making awesome scented candles, you can check out their products on Etsy and at local businesses throughout Buffalo.

A new place I want to check out this holiday season is Neo Gift Studio located in the Elmwood Village. This gift shop looks like an awesome place to pick up those holiday gifts for friends and family members!

HELLO DECEMBER!

Hello December! Its the last month of 2014. While we get ready to wrap up another year, we look back at all the accomplishments, struggles, experiences and memories we gained from the last 12 months. For this month I'm really focusing on things I haven't been able to take part in previous years; Ice skating at Rotary Rink, walking around the Fairgrounds for the Festival of Lights and visiting Our Lady of Fatima Shrine. For me, December is a time to reflect on all that I did this past year, the good and the not so good and prepare for what I hope to accomplish in 2015. Christmas time for me is special because I love being able to see family and friends that I don't get to see all the time.

What are some of the things you are looking forward to doing this month?

-B

Tuesday's Thoughts

Today's post is simple and to the point. Its something I am trying to tell myself everyday, {especially this week when I have ten million things going through my head}. No matter how bad you may have it, there is someone who could be going through something much worse. No matter what it is, its always best to try and find the silver lining to every situation. So even though I've been in a funk lately, I'm trying to look at things from a positive perspective and not a negative one. I think this is something everyone should think about, especially as we enter the holiday season. We get so wrapped up in materialistic things that we forget the really meaning behind this time of year.

Happy Tuesday!

-B

Bills Game Thoughts #...3

I've said it before, but Monday's are always better when the Buffalo Bills win! I know this past season I've shared my thoughts on games that happened earlier in the season, today is no different. Yesterday's game brought excitement, fun and some observations that I thought I would write about.

1. Half of the arguments or attempts to fight each other by fans come from girls starting trouble. Yes, I just said that. There is always that one {or two} girls that come to the game with a group of their friends or with their boyfriend and have enough drinks in them to act or say something that starts trouble. Which brings me to my second observation...

2. Nothing good comes when people drink to much! Don't get me wrong I love football and I love attending the games, but yesterday's first half took forever! And with that fans had more time to grab some more beers and make more "great" decisions.

3. We won! So why were people racing to pull out of the parking lots and cut people off? Don't get me wrong after every game there are always some people that drive not so great, but more than usual, yesterday brought out the worst in fans as they left the stadium by car.

I feel like you may think I'm a stick in the mud and being a little "negative Nancy," but these are my observations. I do enjoy the games... A LOT, I just think that people get lost in all the hype and build up that surrounds football games and they forget to act like responsible adults.

Until tomorrow...

-B

Friday Favorites!

Thanksgiving has come and gone and I hope all of you had a wonderful Holiday. Now we approach the craziness of Black Friday, the awesomeness {is that a word?} of Small Business Saturday and enjoying another Bills win {hopefully} on Sunday. Have a great one, make it count! -B

{Brunch at Betty's {on Virginia St.} this past week, I recommend the Bloody Mary's}

{Going through South Buffalo on South Park this past week}

{Nothing beats homemade food, especially apple pie}

{Support local businesses, shop local on Small Business Saturday and through the Holiday season, {Main St. East Aurora}}

{A mini bar display full of beverages at Taste in East Aurora, NY}

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you and yours a very, happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day. Among the handful of things I'm thankful for, I am very thankful to all of you who take the time out of your day to read my blog. Have a wonderful day!

-B

#BuffaloLinks

The Richardson Olmstead Complex, a Buffalo architectural staple is being transformed from a building that used to help the mentally ill, to a hotel and conference center playing a key role in the revitalization of Buffalo. For more information on the project head to their website.

The longest running race in the United States is back at it this Thursday celebrating 119 years. The YMCA Turkey Trot is sold out {no surprise there!}, but you can still head downtown and cheer on race participants Thursday morning.

Well we all know that the Holidays are right around the corner and what better way to support your local businesses, than by shopping local on Small Business Saturday. Head out to the Elmwood Village, Hertel Ave., Orchard Park, South Buffalo or Main St in Williamsville or East Aurora.

The World's Largest Disco is back this Saturday at the Convention Center and the event is sold out again! While I've never been to this event, I hear great things from family and friends that have attended.

Buffalo has a lot of big events this week. If you're attending any of them have a great time!

Emerson School of Hospitality

A couple weeks ago I had the chance to attend a school tour and presentation at Emerson School of Hospitality {the school is located on Chippewa St. in Buffalo}. I've walked past the building multiple times, but never really gave much thought to it, but after this tour, this school is pretty amazing!

With a multiple level building this school is an academic, fitness and culinary center. Emerson sure does impress. Not only do students go through all of their general studies, they have a chance to take classes in the culinary arts. Learning how to cook, bake and prep all kinds of foods.

Emerson offers a café style area called Emerson commons and that is open on school days from 7:30-10am {breakfast} and 11:15-1:30pm {lunch}, making it a great spot for people who work downtown. Emerson also offers banquets and catering and makes wedding cakes, along with a variety of other fine desserts.

For someone {like me} who just thought the school, was like any old ordinary school, its not. Its pretty awesome and its pretty cool that kids have that type of opportunity in this area.

For more info on Emerson click here.

-B

{One of the multiple kitchens that you can see as you walk by on Chippewa St.}

{Emerson Commons, open to the public on school days}

{Car view}

Friday Favorites!

What a week Western New York has been through. While we still have a lot of snow to remove and some time before we can get back to any sort of "norm," Western New York residents have shown that they are strong and they can get through anything...together! Make the most of the situation you are in and remember to stay positive. Have a safe weekend!

-B

{Need to stock back up on my wine supply}

{Only two weeks away from Deck the Halls Runway. Go to DTHrunway.com for more info}

{Even though I'm ready for Snowvember to be over with, I loved seeing us get some National attention the last few days}

{Jim Kelly on ESPN}

Snowvember - Buffalo for Real!

With all the snow that has fallen over Western New York in the past 24 hours, I thought I would post some of my favorite pictures from people {including myself} that posted on social media what's going on in their neck of the woods. The weather has been the talk of the town, making National headlines and while some up North have only seen a couple inches, this storm has cost the lives of a handful of people. It's important for everyone to remember to stay inside and let the emergency personnel and first responders do their jobs. In times like these I'm even more happy and proud to say I live in Buffalo - "A city of good neighbors," always coming through and helping each other in times of need and showing each other some #Buffalove. Stay safe and warm!

-B

{Tuesday Nov. 18 - Picture taken via news station showing the Lake Effect Snow band between Downtown and the Southtowns}

{Tuesday evening - photo taken by news station showing the NYS Thruway}

{My friend Tara enjoying a glass of wine outside her home Tuesday evening}

{Airplane view}

{Outside my house on Wednesday morning}

{The sun shining and the snow taking a break Wednesday late morning}

{Photo via Buffalo Bills - Snow on the field and in the stands at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Wednesday}

BUBBLEFEST!!

From Robot Bubble Bot, to frozen bubbles, big Bubbles and small ones, Bubblefest at the Buffalo Science Museum was awesome! Over 4,000 people came to the event this past Saturday. Kids young and old, adults and even some teenagers attended the fun event. Not only learning the science behind bubble making, but guests also danced, popped and stood in them. Face painting, food trucks and picture stations were on hand as well.

If you have children and haven't been to the event try and make it next year, you can spend a whole afternoon at the science museum. Make sure to follow them on Facebook for future info on the 2015 event {tentatively scheduled for September 2015}!

-B

{Bubblemania Show}

{Frozen Bubble Station}

{People and Places Who Move Buffalo} Dog E Style Restaurant

I'm excited to share my experience with you on the new hot dog restaurant that opened in Downtown Buffalo last month, Dog E Style.  Offering one of a kind hot dogs, Dog E Style, not only offers great food, but has a fully stocked bar and is located in a unique space downtown. Read more of my interview with Thomas Cowen below and see why they are moving Buffalo forward.

How did the concept of Dog E Style begin? 

Rocco Termini came up with the idea and is working on "building a neighborhood" in the heart of the City of Buffalo. Where did the idea and name come from? 

The idea came to us because everyone loves hot dogs! We also added a nice craft beer selection and a restaurant that can offer a full bar with liquor and wine. The name was meant to stick, so people would remember us. Once you stop in to see us you will realize the time and effort we put in to create "not your typical hot dog restaurant." How did you decide on the space for the restaurant?

We kicked around the idea of using old shipping containers so we contacted the manufacturer that makes the containers, bought the materials and put them together on sight, along with steal beams to make it weather and climate proof. What would you say makes you stand out from your competition, other hot dog/fast food places?

We are not your average hot dog stand. We are a Hot Dog restaurant that serves not your everyday hot dog, we serve all different kinds. Special made wieners, sausage, cheeseburgers & a few vegetarian options.

A few items we serve are:

BANH MI DOG     - Chinese sausage, Saigon style, house made  Jalapenos & Saigon veggies

GREEK DOG        - Lamb dog, tzatziki, olives, pepperoncini, feta

CHICAGO DOG   - True Chicago style Dog - poppy seed bun, neon relish, sport peppers, tomatoes, mustard, onion, celery salt & pickle

House made Cheeseburger

House Made Fries

Portabella Sandwich with a fried egg

NO DOG - slow roasted caramelized carrot, spicy mayo, vegetarian chili What would you like customers to get out of their experience when visiting Dog E Style? 

Different. Affordable. Casual. Relaxed  Why did you choose downtown Buffalo and not a suburb? 

Downtown Buffalo is on the Up & Up. If you haven't been downtown in a while you are missing out on a city that is coming back to life. We want to show people that it is ok to start investing in this city again. There are so many things happening all over, whether its the Waterfront, revitalizing the Chippewa/ Entertainment District or the Medical Corridor, you see cranes and hardhats everywhere. Delaware North, IBM, Roswell, Terry Pegula, they are all showing that now is the time to get in the city!   What about Buffalo do you love the most? 

The People! Is there any other information or specials you feature that you'd like the general public to know about? 

We are always running special dogs! Our website will be up and running soon, but in the meantime stay up to date with us on are social media pages. Does Dog E Style feature catering or will they in the near future?

Yes, we offer drop-off catering for your office for lunch, dinner or even if you want to pick it up for any special event you can.

DOG E STYLE

128 Genesee St

Buffalo, NY 14203

716-844-5900

Me and the guys from work thought the food was awesome, the space was great and it is on our list of places to visit again and again {especially for lunch}. Thank you Tessa and Tom for helping me share more information on Dog E Style. And a special thank you to Mr. Termini for continuing to move Buffalo forward.

-B

Follow them on Twitter, Like them on Facebook, Check them out on Instagram

{ The lunch crowd that began to form once we placed our order }

{ Offering a fully stocked bar - craft beer, wine and liquor }

{ I love the chalk board menu }

{ Italian sausage with onions and peppers and French fries }