Exploring the Winter Celebration event

{On stage at Sheas}

Last week my Dad and I attended Explore Buffalo's Winter Celebration at Sheas. One week after Sheas celebrated their 90th anniversary, making it a great venue to host an event. There was much to celebrate. Auctions filled with lots of Buffalo art and history, voting on new Explore Buffalo tours for the 2016 year and behind the scenes tours of the theater were offered during the night making it a pretty nice night out.

Here are some of my pictures from the night.

-B

{Lights, camera, action}

{Balcony seating}

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of the West Side Neighborhood: Tipico Coffee

Calling all Coffee Lovers! Have you been to one of the newest places on Buffalo’s West Side? Tipico Coffee opened a few short months ago and it is A-Mazing!!!

I was lucky enough to sit down with the owner Jesse Crouse and talk about how he got started and what made him open a coffee shop in the heart of the west side neighborhood.

From coffee to lattes to tea and more, Tipico rotates their coffee on a regular basis and on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays they have pastries from local vendors such as Breadhive and Butter Block, they also have an ever so tasty and popular avocado toast! Jesse started his passion for coffee while he was studying poetry in Chicago. Down the street from him was Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, a high end specialty coffee shop that drew him in and over the last 5+ years he has worked with coffee farms studying the supply aspect of the business.

After having children, Jesse and his wife Kristen {originally from Western New York} were trying to find an affordable place to open a business and decided to move to the area, after being on the west coast for a while. "Buffalo felt right" The couple along with Jesse's in-laws wanted to help influence and shape the community they are living in. Their love for making food and the idea of homesteading offers a unique gift to customers as well. Bringing in 80-90% of their produce and milk from New York State their menu may be small, but is nice and compliments the drinks they serve. Jesse's goal is to offer a revolving menu once the spring time comes and host more casual gatherings and events throughout the year.

Having the largest masonry stove, an iced coffee window that will be offered in the warmer weather months, being one of the first walking destination businesses in the middle of the West Side's residential neighborhood, hosting brunches from time to time {the list goes on}; if you think you're going to walk into the same old coffee shop, you're wrong - Tipico is not your average café, its more than that. It's a place where you go and the staff remembers your name, says thank you for stopping by and see ya soon when you leave. During my interview with Jesse he said hello and goodbye to every person that walked in and out of the door. That is what a small business owner in my opinion is. They know their customers, care about them and want to build a relationship with them.

Starting on a shoe string budget, Jesse thought of doing a pop up shop, but just so happened to stumble upon his current location through his landlord. Everything was built out and the only thing he had to focus on was the equipment, putting a menu together and finding employees. It took 2 months to open and it wasn’t an easy process, but when you have passion for something you care about so much, it helps get you through. When I asked Jesse what he loves about the area, he said he loves the community. The warm welcoming he receives from the customers and community is what he and his staff give back to the area. The West Side of Buffalo is turning into the walking side of the community and having it be a walking destination gets people who may not be familiar with the area, out and about, seeing all the great things taking shape.

Tipico is really in the heart of the west side of Buffalo - the "hidden gem" in the neighborhood. To me, seeing a business like this in an area that is developing is really exciting. As someone who enjoys going to new places, it's nice to meet local business owners who have a passion and believe in the area they work in. To see them excited, makes you get excited to see the growth of the community. If you enjoy coffee you should definitely make a stop to Tipico. And if you aren't a coffee lover you don't have to worry, Tipico also carries a wide variety of teas for tea lovers. It really is a one-of-a kind café in the area.

-B

{Latte- YUM!}

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Sip n' Stretch

{Much deserved Mimosas after class}

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

It was a Sunday Funday for 60+ people who attended the Sip n' Stretch event with Stretch Pilates at Marcy Casino. A continental breakfast with Bloody Mary's and Mimosas followed the hour long pilates class. What was nice about the class was that each instructor took a part of it so you got a taste for each one. Hoping to be a regular event, it was $32 after service fees and included the class, brunch and two drink tickets. You also could help yourself to a coupon for a free half hour pilates session at Stretch Pilates Studio. For being the first one, there are some minor kinks to work out; the space was a little crowded, so if you didn't get there early enough you didn't get a good spot, but I think if 10 less tickets were sold, people would fit comfortably. For a Sunday during the winter, it was a nice activity to do indoors, if you missed out on this first one I encourage you to check out the next session they do!

-B

{Before and after class}

Women Who Move Buffalo: Holly & Emily from Lace & Day

“Every girl is a little bit lace and a little bit day.” – Lace & Day

Emily and Holly owners of Lace & Day

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Last week I was lucky enough to sit down with the sister duo – Emily and Holly from Lace and Day. We chatted about the space, product, and service and why they chose to open their own business. They also shared some exciting news with me!

Read more below!

Both women have a handful of talent and experience in their field. They both have lived and traveled around the world working in typical career like jobs before opening Lace & Day. Emily previously worked in a lingerie store for a few years and Holly always knew she wanted to own her own business. So in October of 2015 that dream became a reality.

Lace & Day is about bringing high end bras and lingerie items to the Buffalo area along with offering the services to fit you properly. It is about helping make the customer feel comfortable in their own skin. Most women aren't in the right bra size and at Lace & Day they get to know you and what your daily activities are; do you work in an office all day? do you work at a gym? whatever it is that you do, they listen to their customer to help fit them properly.

When I asked if one sister focuses on a certain area of the business over another Emily said she focuses more on the buying and finances side of things and Holly focuses on the HR, operations and marketing side of things. At the end of the day, they both work together on strategy and as a team make the decisions together.

So how did Lace & Day end up in Allentown  you ask? When Holly and Emily were looking for their space they knew they wanted to be downtown and knew Lace & Day was going to be a destination place. When they landed the building that is now home to Lace & Day, they knew it was the perfect fit. Growing up in Allentown, their business is close to their childhood home - making it a homecoming.

I asked them, what advice they would give someone who is looking to open their own business and they said you have to want to deal with the "business of the business." As a business owner you have to love what you want to do. Owning a business is not easy, you need to have a business plan and you must be organized. They also mentioned you spend a good portion of your time running the business, its not about one particular piece of the puzzle, but the whole puzzle you need to focus on. And you should surround yourself with the right team.  Emily and Holly are exceptional women and so are the staff and vendors they work with.

During our conversation I asked them of any exciting things taking place and they certainly did have some exciting news! On Thursday, they are headed to Paris to celebrate one of their vendors 70th Anniversary's in the business. Along with that, they will be going to some amazing, one of a kind shows, learning about new lines and products to bring back to Buffalo. They will also be paying a visit to the headquarters of one of their product lines in Breast, France. You can stay up to date on the new and exciting things they will be learning through their Instagram and Facebook accounts!

Lace and Day has only been open for 3 1/2 months and these women feel the love from the community. When I asked them what they love best about this area, they couldn't say enough great things about their family and their customers. They also couldn't say enough about the Allentown community. Café 59, Franklin Salon, Fat Bob's, Buffalo Proper, the list goes on. The community has made them feel warm and welcoming and they feel the love. They have great neighbors and a great neighborhood and they want their customers to capture that when they pay a visit to them.

When I arrived to Lace and day, Holly gave me a tour of the store. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and beautiful. It's classy and simple. The downstairs is filled with sleepwear, panties and men's boxer briefs from Saxx. Upstairs is the Tree House room - a room where men and women can relax and drink a beer, read a magazine and just hang out, while your friend or loved one are getting fitted. Its a room that is their to make you feel comfortable while you wait. Down the hall from the Treehouse Room are the spacious fitting rooms, where the fittings takes place.

Emily and Holly are truly amazing women who have brought not only product like no other, but service and experience to an area that was lacking a upscale lingerie and bra fitting store to Western New York. As a customer you will walk out feeling more support, more beautiful and more confident in yourself. And to me, that is a priceless gift these women leave you with.

For more information on Lace & Day, to host a private party {yes, private party!} and to follow along on their Paris trip make sure to like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram.

Oh - and they have a parking lot behind their building! Free parking, its doesn't get any better!

-B

A Nice Way to Watch A Film

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Did you know that when Shea's opened in 1926 it was actually built to show silent films?!?  Sunday my Mom and I attended the silent film Sherlock Holmes there. When I first got the tickets I thought it was a play, but then my Mom was quick to point out that it was a silent film {note to myself to read better} ...like no words just a pianist playing scores throughout the films 90 minutes. I was a little skeptical, I'm not going to lie. I was thinking I would want to leave halfway through the film, but it was actually amazing! It was like I experienced something from back in time - a black and white film with no words, just music. It was a nice change of scenery and something different. I highly recommend attending a short film at Shea's if you ever can. It makes for a nice indoor activity to do when the weather isn't so nice out outside.

{A brief welcome and introduction before the film started}

Oh and the best part - it was free! A free film in a beautiful building that celebrated their 90th anniversary this weekend. That's pretty cool Buffalo. Oh and for those who like popcorn and candy to munch on when watching a movie - Shea's had their concession stands open, selling sweet treats {the popcorn and twizzlers cost $8 - that's cheaper than a movie ticket now a days}. Just putting things in perspective, its nice to have a beautiful venue like this offer nice {casual} events like this.

For a calendar of events taking place at Shea's click here

-B

#BuffaloLinks

Its the first #BuffaloLinks post for 2016. And with it comes a lot of fun events taking place throughout the rest of January. From outdoor to indoor events, winter in Buffalo doesn't have to be as dreadful as some make it. Whether you hit up Chestnut Ridge park for sledding, Fountain Plaza for ice skating, Riverworks for curling and ice hockey or Tifft Nature Preserve for some snow shoeing Buffalo has a lot going on. Here is a list of events that look like they are going to be fun to attend:

Chillabration at Canalside - January 15th

Be a part of the Guinness Book of World Records and take part in what may be the Longest Ice Line and help Make a Wish WNY. My cousin Nathan {wish teen} will be leading the line.

{photo- Canalside}

Makers Buffalo has a lot of fun DIY projects over the next few weeks. Check out a full list here

{photo- Makers Buffalo}

Learn all about energy at Energy Day at the Science Museum on January 23rd.

{photo Buffalo Science Museum}

Exercise and brunch- why not- Sip n' Stretch at Marcy Casino on January 24th is an event I have tickets to. Knowing I will be burning those calories so I can enjoy a mimosa afterwards is enough motivation for me to work hard during the class.

{photo Sip N Stretch event page}

Looking to learn more about this city and the history behind it. Explore Buffalo is the perfect place to go for tours. And on January 23rd they are kicking off a Winter Celebration to share all of the awesome things coming up.

{photo Explore Buffalo}

A light show and more is coming back to Buffalo's Botanical Gardens at the end of January. Lumagination was on my list of events to attend last year and never happened, so this year I've made it a priority.

{photo Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens}

Where's Lloyd?!? Hitting up Hertel Ave. for the Taco Factory

{Snozzberry Mule, chicken burrito and spring rolls}

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Last week I joined some friends at the newest addition to Hertel Ave - Lloyds Taco Factory. You've seen the trucks all over Western New York and now they have a permanent residency on Hertel Ave. We arrived just before 6pm on a weeknight which was perfect timing because once 6 hit there was a steady line of people the rest of the night.

{See them making the tortillas and more}

{graffiti walls and a bottle drop - recycle!}

Offering not only their delicious tacos, nachos and burritos, they also offer small sides {like spring rolls} and a full service bar. My favorite things {besides the food} are the garage style doors in the front of the restaurant, the "bottle drop" pipes and the communal style table in the middle of the restaurant. Hitting up the taco factory just made me love what Pete and his team are doing for this area even more.

-B

{Classic crowd shot}

NY Beer Project, Another Great Addition to WNY

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Fairly new to the Northtowns, NY Beer Project sits off of South Transit Rd in Lockport and its pretty hard for you to miss it. I went there last weekend to celebrate a friend's surprise birthday party and was overly surprised at how massive the venue is.

With a restaurant and bar downstairs and an open area upstairs for private parties and games it is a place Western New Yorkers should check out if they are into the beer scene or just need a new place to go to grab a bite to eat.

{Upstairs game area and private party areas}

{Group shot}

{Bar photo from upstairs}

NY Beer Project is hosting their Grand Opening on January 20 with their craft beers pouring at 5pm. If you have nothing going on and are looking for something to do, this is what I predict will be a fun event to attend.

Learning New Things: Homemade Pierogi Making

Did you know the Polish language is the third most popular language to be spoken in Western New York after English and Spanish. That's a little fun fact for you today that goes right in hand with my post.

Over the holidays my friend Annette was nice enough to teach me how to make homemade pierogi. I am not a cook at all and I didn't have high hopes for myself, but with a great teacher I realized making pierogi isn't as complicated as I thought it would be. You just have to be delicate with the dough {at least I do}. From the filling, to making the dough, to cooking and freezing the pierogi, all it took were a few simple steps.

{ready for the filling- sorry the recipe is top secret!}

{concentrating on folding the pierogi}

As we approach this new year one thing I am focusing on doing more of is learning new things. Instead of pushing it to the side and saying I will learn to do something eventually, I'm focusing on doing things in the present. Not waiting, because life is just to short and I have a long list of things I'd like to do.

Well some may think learning to make pierogi isn't anything exciting or riveting enough to write about, in my opinion the new things we learn don't have to be a "huge" activity to learn to be excited about something. If its new to you that should be enough to make you happy that you learned something new {if that makes sense}. With that said, thank you Annette for showing me how to make pierogi!

Until next time...

-B

2015 - A Year of Growth

A typical end of year blog post - reflecting on this past year and looking ahead to 2016. When I was going through what I did this year, I couldn't believe all of the things that have taken place {it's quite hard to wrap up a whole year in one blog post}!  The people I've met (Rev gals, Molly Hoeltke, Amy @ Linwood Candles, Gretchen from Makers, Del @ 26 Shirts, Vanessa at MuseJar, Elyse at EXO Supply, and all the other wonderful people I've met along the way.} the things I've done {a pedal tour, whitewater rafting, water bikes, exploring Niagara County, the list goes on.} and the places and events I've attended all have helped me learned more about my hometown.

Like every year there are trying times and happy times. If I had to describe 2015 in one word I would say growth. I turned 30 and have finally {FINALLY} started to learn that I don't have to do it all and that's ok. Enjoying what is happening in the moment is one of the biggest things I'm taking away from this year, along with patience. I've learned that doing things that make me happy and not feeling bad about it is ok - its life.

Some people wish away a year so they can get a fresh start in the new year, I wouldn't necessarily say that I'm happy this year is over because I've learned a lot during the bumps in the road. But with this year came a new home, more adventures taken {right here at home} and more great people I've met. Those are things I wouldn't change for the world.

Well I am one who really doesn't make resolutions, I do have goals for 2016, specifically focusing on community involvement, visiting places and attending events I haven't been to in the area and traveling out of the country for a trip of a lifetime. Whatever it is that you have set for yourself I wish you a happy and healthy 2016.

-B

Celebrating 2016 in Buffalo

With Christmas over and 2016 just a few days away, you may be wondering how to ring in the New Year and Buffalo has plenty of options for you.

Whether you decide to check out a brewery like Resurgence,or Big Ditch or get dressed up for the Statler City Ice Ball or The Lodge's Black Diamond event there is something for everyone. If you're looking to take the kids to a fun and safe event, First Night at the Buffalo Convention Center is always a nice touch or head to Buffalo Riverworks for some ice skating, curling and a Champagne Toast at midnight. Just remember some of these places may require a ticket to enter the event and those prices may be raised with the New Year a couple days away. Check their websites or social media ahead of time for the most up to date information. And if you're not looking to venture out, some great times can happen when you host friends and family and ring in the New Year in the comfort of your own home.

Whatever it is that you decide to do, have a safe and happy time ringing in 2016.

-B

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. May your day be filled with a warm heart, beautiful people, a little Buffalove and memories that last a long time.

The Festive Lights at the Hamburg Fairgrounds

 {Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

Still looking to get into the holiday spirit? I think I have something that can help... the Hamburg Fairgrounds Festival of Lights. Sunday night my sister and I took my niece to see the "light spectacular." Upon entering the grounds you turn your radio to 87.9 to listen to the festive music while driving along the path seeing all of the different displays on hand.

Once the drive is over you have the opportunity {if you want} to walk around the grounds to check out Santa, the merry go round, Christmas Tree Park and the Igloo building where there are a bunch of different ice sculptures on display. You can even order a cocktail at the ice bar or watch the ice sculpture demonstration that takes place.

it was a fun event and helped me get into the Christmas spirit {something I have been lacking a little}. The Festival of Lights continues through the rest of this week {click here for the schedule and more details}.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

One tip: Dress according to the weather, if you are walking around on the grounds or enter the Igloo building it is a little chilly.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

Feeling the Crunch

With Christmas only a few days away some people {myself included} still have last minute shopping to do. With every free minute I have I've been trying to catch up on what feels like the longest Christmas shopping list I have. Below are a few local stores I've stopped into this past week. Not thinking I would purchase anything, sometimes the stores you don't expect to find things in, are the ones you do. A lot of stores will be staying open later this week, make sure to check out their websites and/or social media for the most current information. Happy Shopping and be kind to one another!

-B

{Sarah Danielle inside the Ellicott Square Building}

{Local artist - Hometown Decals}

{Main Street in East Aurora, NY}

Niagara Power Vista Festival of Trees

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

This past weekend my niece, nephew, sister and I went to the Niagara Power Vista Festival of Trees. It was an all day event that was free to the public. Really not knowing what to expect, all I knew was there were going to be a number of trees decorated by a number of different non-profit organizations.

Once we arrived there was more than just the looking at Christmas trees, there were pictures with Santa, arts and crafts, live music from a local school band and the opportunity to play in the Electric Lab. For being a free event it was great and I highly suggest going next year, if you've never been. While you have the opportunity to learn about new organizations you also have a lot of other activities taking place, making it worth the drive if you're coming from the Buffalo area.

{You also got to see a great view of the Niagara River Gorge}

{Ornaments that you could make}

Strolling thru Elmwood Ave.

The Holidays are busy for everyone and this year is no different. Even though I have thought of shopping I had yet to start until last week when my friend Jen and I went for a stroll down Elmwood. I'm a big fan of supporting local and giving thoughtful and creative gifts. So below are a few of the shops we stopped into. While it was very hard for me to not stop at clothing boutiques to shop for me, it was nice to visit shops I don't go to on a regular basis.

First stop was The Treehouse - a store filled with tons of toys for those special children in your life.

The second stop on the walk was Fern + Arrow - a new store on Elmwood and my first time there, I was super excited because its owned by one of my favorite business owners in Buffalo. Offering some clothing and jewelry it also provides a lot of home décor and knick knacks.

Ro is another shop we stopped at, providing a lot of furniture options. If you don't see something for you, speak with the staff as a lot of the pieces are locally made and they can work with you to make exactly what you're looking for.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

An Elmwood classic - Everything Elmwood offers an array of gifts from ornaments, clothing and other home goods making it a great place to stop and look around.

Happy Shopping!

-B

Marienthal Country Inn - A Home Away from Home in Eden, NY

Driving 30 minutes south of the City of Buffalo I made my way to Eden, NY the other day to visit with Louise from Marienthal Country Inn. A quaint bed and breakfast offering a lot more than just a cozy place to rest and relax. Formerly a Church, the B&B was purchased in 2007 and opened in 2008 with renovations taking place in the Rectory, Covenant and Church. Open all year round, there are a lot of things you can do while you're there. From relaxing massages and reflexology classes to water color classes every Monday and pottery classes are offered during the summer months, they offer girls get away packages and yoga classes as well.

{A short, but peaceful drive to Eden}

The first thing on the list was a tour of the facility. Each room was a different theme making it a one of a kind place. Louise and her husband took old pieces from the Church (pews, stained glass windows, etc.) and used them as sink stands, windows, etc. As things started to evolve, everything fell in to place. With the B&B pretty busy, Marienthal Country Inn has expanded their services, offering a unique place for people to host special events - Weddings, Bridal and Baby showers and Dinner Theater events such as Tony & Tina's Wedding, a Murder Mystery event and up next a Medieval Feast next Spring. There is a lot Louise and her team can do.

{Each room has something special about it}

Living in Eden her whole life, its not far from anything and you have a beautiful landscape. When I sat down I asked her what made her want to own a B&B and she said she has always thought about it, having a place where she could host artwork shops where people could stay. When the Church closed it was a whirlwind of events and everything just fell into place. Its a little community and she is happy to be a part of it. Her and her husband have hosted people from all over the world and as they continue to expand on improvements to the buildings they are also looking to expand on events in the future - offering a place for workshops and corporate retreats.

If you're looking to support local business and need a gift for someone for the Holiday, a gift certificate to the Marienthal Inn is a great idea. Not far from Buffalo and offering a unique experience, everyone is sure to have a wonderful time.

I have never been or stayed at a B&B before, but I can tell you Marienthal is special - it isn't your average place to stay and getaway for a weekend, Louise and her team make sure to offer unique activities to make the guests happy, making them want to come back. Instead of leaving an old Church building empty, Louise saw an opportunity to make something great out of a sad situation and she did an awesome job!

Until next time..

-B

Patricia's Back Barn

A cute barn with antiques, rustic and country like furniture and a super friendly staff, Patricia's Back Barn is a must visit place if you are looking for home décor or knick knacks. From country style tables to desks, chairs, lighting and more, I walked around the store with my Mom multiple times just looking at all the items they have for sale. Prices are reasonable and on some of the items even negotiable. They are open Thursday's thru Sunday's. Even if you aren't in need of any home goods, its a nice place to go if you're looking for something to do. And after you can grab brunch or tea at the White Linen Tea House across the parking lot.

-B

{I love this chandelier}

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Just a Blonde in Buffalo's Holiday Gift Guide - Local Edition

With Black Friday and Small Business Saturday this week I thought it would be best to share my gift ideas for the upcoming season. These gifts come from some of my favorite shops in town. Enjoy!

-B

For those who like to create memories try getting your loved ones together for a brunch - share stories and laughs around the table at one of these fine places.

• Hydraulic Hearth
• Martin Cooks
• Elm St. Bakery
• Betty's

Brunch isn't your thing? Grab your people and go on a tour of local bars in town with Buffalo Pedal Tours - this is great for any out of town guests. Hit up Canalside, Buffalo Riverworks, the list goes on. Just make sure to dress for the weather! Pedaling in the cold not your cup of tea?  Take a group of friends or family to Escape Room Buffalo and try to figure out the clues to get out of a locked room.

The brewery and local distillery scene is booming in town put together a Buffalo Drink Package - grab gift cards and/or product depending on your budget and pick up items at your local favorites:

Resurgence Brewery, Flying Bison, Community Beer Works, Big Ditch, NY Beer Project {just opened}, Lockhouse Distillery, Tommy Rotter Distillery, Niagara Distilling Co Hamburg Brewing Co.

Looking for a family friendly gift? How about grabbing a season pass down at Canalside. With all the activities taking place down there, there is something for everyone.

Buffalo Science Museum and Buffalo Zoo memberships are great gifts too! If a family goes to at least one or two events during the year, the membership is worth it, plus there are a lot of member events that take place throughout the year if you're a member.

Have a history person on your hands or someone who just likes learning about the place they live? Explore Buffalo offers a number of tours throughout the year - pick up a one time tour and make a day of it or become a member.

For all those who love fashion a great gift idea is making a basket filled with a variety of different boutiques flair. Anna Grace, Research and Design, Blush, Sarah Danielle and Modern Nostalgia are my top five shops. They all have something different about them. Pick up a different piece of clothing or accessory from each place to truly make a one-of-a-kind gift.

For those who love knick knacks or for those you want to send a little Buffalove too some of my favorite places to shop are Fern + Arrow, Spoiled Rotten, Patricia's Back Barn and Furnishings

For those coffee lovers out there - yes, Starbucks, Tim Hortons and Dunkin are all great, but we have some cool new coffee shops that just opened. Tipico Coffee and Public espresso + coffee  are nice places to add a different twist to the gift.

For those who like to stay fit and active head to Get Air Buffalo to bounce around on the trampoline, or put together a Buffalo Fitness gift - grab a package to a local fitness studio - perfect for those who always want to try a class, but don't get around to it- Barre Centric, BikeorBar, Revolution Buffalo, and Power Yoga Buffalo are all great places to check out.

If you are more into giving back this time of year, there are a lot of organizations in the community who have toy drives and gift wish lists. The United Way of Buffalo and Erie County can help you if you don't have a specific charity close to your heart.

There are a lot more local places in Buffalo that offer great gifts that I didn't mention on this list. Whatever and wherever you decide to go this Holiday season, I hope you have an enjoyable time spreading some love to those in your life.