Sunday Funday on the SS Columbia

My Dad and I won a private tour with cocktails on the SS Columbia back in January thru Explore Buffalo so earlier today we, along with my Mom, cousin Lisa and best gal pal and adventure buddy Lacey, met Liz McEaney {Executive Director} at Silo City {currently the SS Columbia's home} and she gave us an awesome tour!

{a little champagne to get this tour started}

The SS Columbia will eventually head back to the Hudson River, but for the next few years will be worked on here in Buffalo to make sure it can make the trip back. It has already gone through a $1.6 million hull restoration. With limited state funding a lot of money comes from private donors and people in the community for the rest of the repairs needed for the boat.

{the dining hall}

There have been multiple events, tours and community groups who have used the SS Columbia, if you're looking for a fun place to host a small, unique event you can as well. Visit their website to learn more.

{Liz showing us the ballroom the floor above this one was the beer garden, because of the repairs needed we couldn't go up to that floor, pretty cool to see}

The SS Columbia, is the oldest remaining excursion steamship in the United States and was designated as an historic landmark in 1992. It was in service for 89 years as an excursion steamship on a single run. "She" ferried from Detriot to Canada's Bois Blanc Island. To learn more of her history click here .

{selfies with my Dad}

Below are some more pictures from our tour and my short FB live video is here. 

{the engine room}

{my boo thang Lacey haha}

{the stairs to the engine and boiler room}

{classic group shot after the tour}

After the tour we popped into the silos by Marine A to snap some photos of the art. Below are a couple of those photos.

{gotta love my family}

I highly recommend the Silo City tours, there is so much going on down there, go out and experience it and have some fun!

xo

-B

My Morning With Seek Axiom and Bkindcity

This past weekend I got to send my Saturday morning with two friends who honestly bring out the best version of yourself. If you know me personally, you know I'm not a big fan of being in front of the camera- I prefer to be behind the scenes, but I wanted to do something different and just have some fun, so I asked Ryan from Seek Axiom to take some photos of me that I can use for my blog. Katie from Bkindcity joined us as well. Thank goodness she did because she fixed me up, provided some tunes for the day and told me what to do because I had no clue most of the time. We started the day at Tifft Nature Preserve. Ryan captured some really amazing photos and some fun candid ones too. Here are some of my favorites from this location.

We then headed up Fuhrmann Blvd. to Wilkeson Pointe {of course I had to get some shots at my work!} Here are a couple of my favorites from that location.

From the Outer Harbor we headed to "my roots" the east side of Buffalo. We visited the Broadway Market while they were having there BBQ & Brews event on the rooftop and we captured some of these shots below.

And then we ended at the corner of Fillmore and Broadway at the new Welcome mural that was created and completed a couple weeks ago.

One of the best things I got out of this day was not just pretty amazing photos, but it was the opportunity for me to be around new friends, to learn more about them and to just have fun and live life in every experience I get to have. Each experience we get to have shapes us into the person we are and right now in my life I want to seek more opportunities, so in the words of Seek Axiom "Seek everything you have yet to experience."

Thank you Ryan and Katie for a fun day full of laughs, I can't wait to do it again! - xo - 

-B 

Fly Over with Mercy Flight

A  Hero is defined as "a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities."

I met a couple heroes the other day when I was given the opportunity {a once in a lifetime opportunity} to learn more about the Mercy Flight organization. One of the only not-for-profit providers of air and ground medical transport services in the country {other agencies are for-profit or operated by hospitals}, Mercy Flight was started by Mr. Douglas H. Baker in 1981. An organization that receives funding from their supporters, individual contributions, corporate donations, community fundraisers, and community grants, Mercy Flight does incredible things. In the 35 years they have completed more than 25,000 missions and provide around the clock care servicing for Western New York, Northern PA and Canada.

{getting an inside look at one of the 5 helicopters}

While I was at Mercy Flight Tuesday {formerly the Flying Tigers restaurant} I met with Adam White, Chief Flight Paramedic and Haji Shareef, Pilot, both men are two truly amazing guys, who in the short time I met with them, I gained a lot of admiration for and have a ton of respect for. Adam told me about the history of the organization, his background and showed me around the facility. We then headed out to the helicopters and on the way we met Haji our Pilot, greeted with a hug, we were on our way! When we arrived Adam showed me the inside of the helicopter {it is fully equipped and looks similar to an ambulance}. We were then out the door and up in the sky. Buffalo you look beautiful from above. {You can check out my FB live video here to see the experience.}

Fun fact - Mercy Flight has 5 helicopters, all are twin engine aircraft's and can handle any call they receive.

In the time we were in the air - we flew over New Era Field, the waterfront, and downtown Buffalo, I even got to experience what it was like landing on the helipad at Buff Gen hospital. During the flight I chatted with Adam and Haji about what a day is like at Mercy Flight {no day is ever the same}. I also asked them both what they love about Buffalo, Haji's response - having his family here. Being in the Navy he said its nice to be around the people he loves, he also said the food. Adam's response - the people, the Buffalo community and the summers.

Mercy Flight is truly amazing I keep saying that, but it really is. To see and hear what they do, day in and day out is incredible and I have a high level of respect for all of the staff who work there. If you want to learn more about Mercy Flight check out their website  www.mercyflight.org and this video on you tube

Being able to do a fly over is great, but what I really want everyone to take away from this post is that Mercy Flight needs your help,  your donation allows for Mercy Flight to continue to offer medical care, from the air and ground, to those in WNY and beyond.

I'll leave you with this fact - Mercy Flight performs lifesaving care without regard to a patients’ insurance status or ability to pay. They save people's lives in the matter of minutes.

Thank you Kate, Adam and Haji for taking time out of your day to show me behind the scenes what you all do day in and day out.

-B 

IMG_7305 - quick few second video caught by Kate landing.

Exploring the Niagara Gorge

{down we go}

It has been a long time {at least it feels that way} since I've shared a post. Life and work have been insanely busy the last few weeks and I honestly haven't had time to really do anything. However these next couple weeks are somewhat manageable so I've decided to pack in as much of my summer bucket list and share my experiences with you as I can. Yesterday if you were in WNY you knew it was a GORGEOUS day to be outside, so I decided to finally make a trip to the Niagara Gorge, I have never been and finally made plans with my friend Amanda to check it out.

A short 35 minute drive and we were at the Whirlpool State Park and off we went on the the Devil's Hole and Whirlpool Rapids trails. Honestly it was so beautiful and peaceful, something I feel like I've needed for a while. Check out some of my pics below...

{my Sunday morning views}

After are hike we decided to grab some food, so Amanda took me to Nick's Place on Amherst St. in the Black Rock neighborhood {another place I've never been before}. It was so good and family owned {which I love even more!}.

{The Sophia Breakfast at Nick's Place}

Until next time...

-B

My Newest Adventure With Brookdog Fishing Co.

{our ride for the evening}

I don't know if this happens to anyone else, but sometimes you meet people and instantly become inspired by them and their story. That's what happened to me a couple of weeks ago when I went on a fishing trip with Ryan Shea from Brookdog Fishing Co.

{water views}

A trip that was planned for February, but mother nature had other plans took place in June. I met Ryan at the Sheridan Boat Launch and was really excited for this. I have only fished one other time and I really don't consider it fishing. It was when I was in junior high and it was on a family vacation to Chautauqua Lake, I hooked my Mom's knee and that was it, so yea I don't consider that real fishing.

{the bait}

{Ryan hooking the bait for me}

Anyways, as soon as I met Ryan I loved his down to earth personality and the passion he has for what he does. Going on a fishing charter I had no idea what to expect, all I knew is that I was looking forward to this new adventure. When we left the boat launch we were off to see a different side of Buffalo I wasn't familiar with and it was a great experience.

{we caught some fish!}

Ryan started Brookdog Fishing Co. in June of 2016. He was introduced to fishing by his Grandfather and continued his passion with close friend Nate. While we were on the water we fished, a lot {it was the most fishing I've done my whole life} and I learned a lot. Not only about the type of fish that are in the water, but also learned about anglers, how to cast, what the difference is between fly fishing and regular fishing and much more. I even caught my first fish ever which was pretty cool!

{just fishing}

Not only is Ryan knowledgeable on the waterways, the fish habitat and Western New York, but he also is very hospitable. He preps for every charter he has, and offers guests breakfast on morning charters, light snacks and refreshments on day and evening charters. He also teaches those {like me} who have no fishing experience and provides all of the equipment for a day on the water.

Brookdog Fishing is a year round company that offers one of a kind charters. So whether you are a Western New York Native or visiting from out of town, if you're looking for something fun and different to do this is an activity I highly recommend.

{definitely on the top of my list for awesome things I've done in my life}

I can't say enough great things about my experience and there is not enough thank you's to send to Ryan for taking the time out to share his story with me and to teach me something new. I can't wait to get back out there! Thank you!

-B 

Handwritten Notes

Did you know that the average person only receives 6 handwritten notes a year? Call me old school, but I love {love!} receiving and sending handwritten letters in the mail. There is something that is more personal and more meaningful to a handwritten note than an email or a text message in my opinion.

The great people at Shari's Berries reached out to me to tell me about their "Open When Letters." They have created over 280 open when letters that range from when you want to laugh to when you need to escape and everything in between. This is great for those people {like me} who like to send notes and want to add something special to it. They also have printable templates that you can use too.

If you're like me and you like to send a note, definitely check out Shari's Berries collection - click this link to see some photos from their Flickr account.

Happy writing!

-B 

BNBA Brewers Festival

This coming Saturday is the 4th Annual BNBA Brewer's Festival at the Outer Harbor {Wilkeson Pointe}.  Tickets are still available and its sure to be a fun time by the water. For more details click here.

Angelica Tea Room

I've been following the Angelica Tea Room on Instagram for the past couple of months and I finally made a stop in to check it out a few weeks ago and then again on Friday for happy hour.

It is one of my favorite spots to go to in Buffalo. I love the decor, the atmosphere, the staff and the drinks - everything there just puts me in a good mood. I highly suggest paying a visit when you can.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Harlie Girl

{the real queen of the house}

Its been a while since I posted an update on my best friend little Miss Harlie girl. Harlie is now about a year and a half old and she is has gained a personality that is truly one of a kind. When she wants something she makes you know, when I have a busy work week she lets me know she isn't happy with me and when she's tired she nestles up next to me.

I'm looking forward to these warmer months when I can get her out of the house and take her on long walks to new places. Each day is a new adventure with her and with that my love for her grows stronger. It really is true, a dog is your best friend she knows when I'm sad and when I'm happy and she knows how to cheer me up. Below are some pictures of her over the last few weeks. Once of the best things as of recent is the ability for me to take her to work with me. Not only do I love it, but I think she enjoys all the attention from my co-workers.

Until next time.

-B 

A Special Shout out...

 

As we enter the weekend, I want to send a special shout out to two coworkers who have become good friends of mine. Not only do they make my work day more enjoyable, but they are really good people who I am lucky to call my friends. So Kelsey and Brad, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope your birthday's are filled with lots of laughs, love and fun memories.

-Beth

Hound Fresh

If you're a dog owner some of you may have a dog that has allergies. Dealing with something like this, can cause a lot of stress not only on you and your pet, but the time you take to go to the vet, the money you spend to find the right dog food, etc. can all equal up to a stressful situation. Margaret from Hound Fresh is all to familiar with this and has gone through what you may be going through. She is a dog owner to Conrad who has allergies.

So she decided to look into cooking food with the right nutrients at home and opened her own business. You can find her selling her homemade dog food that is made fresh every Monday and delivered to her clients that afternoon and to Animal Outfitters on Elmwood Ave. and Seneca Street. During the winter months she is at Horsefeathers Market. She uses the freshest nutrients and does custom orders {pre- portioned for the size of your dog}. The food lasts for one {1} week and you as the owner of your beloved pooch know where everything is coming from.

Some upcoming events that Margaret will be at are: Bark in the Park in Clarence, Bark Bash at Knox Farms, Kenmore Dog Days of Summer, K9 Connection Art of Adoption and Wine and Wags at the SPCA

A little bit about Margaret - she was born in Buffalo and moved back 3 years ago. She recently left her "full time job" to pursue Hound Fresh full time. She said its the hardest but most rewarding thing she's done. I ask everyone I interview what they love about Buffalo, well because I'm curious their answer{s} to the question. Margaret's response was the people and the great community {the sense of community in this area}, their is always something to do and the food of course!

If you have a dog with a food allergy and you're looking to something to try, contact Margaret, you and your pet will be thankful you did! Thank you Margaret for meeting with me and sharing your story!

-B 

Meet a Cow? Ok!

{Albert the super cow and me}

You may have seen those ads on the NFTA buses around town saying Meet a Cow, We'll Pay You $5. Well me and Kelsey saw it so we thought we would go meet a cow - {its for the blog annnd I needed an adventure}. Last week Sunday we went to Asha Sanctuary in Newfane {we drove past it a couple times} and learned not only about Albert the super cow and his story, but learned about what Asha Sanctuary {Asha meaning life and hope} is all about from Tracy Murphy {Founder and President of the Sanctuary}  - rescuing and educating the public about farm animal suffering and abuse.  While I've been to a farm before and meet farm animals, it was worthwhile to know more about the abuse some farm animals go through and learn what we can do from a community standpoint. At the end of the tour you are given $5 for attending, if you donate that $5 back to the Sanctuary, a private donor matches the gift. Asha Sanctuary has a lot of upcoming events, make sure to look them up on Facebook to learn more.

Below are pictures of our experience.

-B 

{just a blonde in buffalo photos}

{Asha Sanctuary}

{Kelsey watching a virtual reality video on how animals are treated on some farms - this video is optional to watch}

{Nick the pig - he loves the ladies}

{oh hey - we're at meet a cow}

{Tracy the sheep - she loved me}

{and I loved her}

{I love animals}

{and I think they love me}

A takeaway from Poland

{classic side of the road shot}

It's been about a month since I left for my trip to Poland with Agnes and Sean and I can't help but think a lot about that trip since I've been back. There is no doubt in my mind that we as adults appreciate opportunities and things we can do in our life much more as we get older.

{the streets of Poznan}

{Cathedral Island in Poznan}

{Wroclaw at night}

Being in Poland has not only taught me a lot more about part of my Polish culture that I wasn't familiar with before, but it has also showed me how much I take for granted. I don't think I am a snob and I am not one to not be appreciative of the blessings I have in my life, but after reflecting from time to time over the last 2 weeks, I've begun to think of the opportunities I've had, that I've taken for granted, simple things such as my job, my education, my family and friends. I stress so much {especially lately} because I just want to do a good job and make everyone happy, but what I've  learned is you just have to leave some things alone sometimes.

{Wroclaw Poland}

{Wroclaw City Center}

{Wroclaw on our last night in Poland}

Stressing over stuff that is out of your control is pointless {I know that, but its easier said than done for some people} and if there is one "life lesson" I'm trying to take away from my trip, it is that. While I wish I could travel every single month, I know that's not realistic, so when I can't wander the world or even my hometown, I have pictures and memories that I can go back to, especially to help me during times like these when I ask myself if I'm doing the best I can. As I approach this "new" work week and our first big event at the Outer Harbor for the 2017 season, I'm hoping to keep this lesson in the back of my head so I can enjoy more and stress less.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Bu

Let them LOL Running Water 5k

I recently started to get involved with Let them LOL a local organization who is helping provide clean water and education to children in Sierra Leone, Africa. One week from today they are hosting there Running Water 5k run or 1 mile walk in Clarence Town Park. Join me there and run for a wonderful cause. We as Americans take so many things, daily things, for granted, lets help those in need one drop at a time.

-B

{earlier last week my coworkers/friends and I helped package meals for children in Sierra Leone. 3,000+ meals and two hours later we felt pretty good knowing we were able to help, even if it was just a little bit}

"Coach's Gym"

{26 Shirts photo above}

I have featured 26 Shirts on my blog before and now I'm back to help promote Vol. 4 Shirt 13 "Coach's Gym" to raise money and awareness for Pennies for Penelope at Golisano Children's Hospital in Rochester, NY. There are only 8 days left before the shirt is gone on May 7. Help raise money and look good while doing so! To purchase a shirt you can go here: http://www.26shirts.com/buffalo-vol-4-shirt-13-coach-s-gym.html

Happy Dyngus Day!!

The weather is supposed to be beautiful and what better way to celebrate a Monday - than to drink some Tyskie and Zywiec beer and listen to polka music in the historic Polonia district in Buffalo, where Paderewski Drive will be bustling with people later today. It's been a couple years since I've celebrated this day, but I'm looking forward to showing some of my co-workers what Dyngus Day is about and meeting up with some of my friends that I haven't seen in a while. For more info on maps, places to go, etc. check out dyngusday.com for all the info.

-B 

Poland

{ Agnes, Sean and I in Wroclaw, Poland - City Center on our last full day in the Country}

It's currently 11 pm in Poland and I'm sitting in my hotel room writing this post. Tomorrow I'm headed back to the states after what has been an amazing experience to a Country I have never visited before. It has been a few years since I've traveled internationally {outside of Canada} and I must say it comes at a time in my life when I needed it.

I needed to get away and focus on me, take a break from the same old norm that sucks me in and focus on my love for learning about different cultures and my family heritage. This trip has so, so many memories, from Polish sayings, to family and Detectives in Action tv, to Hector the Lion and "good nuts" {an inside joke between Agnes, Sean and I}. I'm looking forward to sharing some of my stories on my site over the next week or two, but until I do that I want to just encourage anyone and everyone to take a step back and realize that there is more to this life than the four walls you are consistently surrounded around.

"Of all of the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport..."

See you back in USA,

-B

Happy Opening Day Buffalo!!

Happy Opening Day Buffalo!!! Even though I'm not there to celebrate opening day in Buffalo, I'm reppin' my spirit in Poland. Its a great time to come down to Coca-Cola Field and celebrate everything the Buffalo Bisons Organization is doing this spring and summer.  Make sure to celebrate with us as we celebrate this wonderful season.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Where Buffalo Roams...

I will not lie one of my favorite places to take Harlie is Knox Farm, but recently I have to say its nice to take her to the Outer Harbor. Not only are the water views beautiful, having the bike path to walk up and down is really nice. If you are looking for a place to walk your dogs definitely check out the Outer Harbor - Wilkeson Pointe is a nice place to stop and check out while you're there too, you and your dog will enjoy it.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Lash Bar Buffalo

A couple weeks ago I had an appointment at Lash Bar Buffalo in East Aurora. I don't wear a lot of makeup as it is so my morning routine is pretty simple, but I have gotten tired of putting on mascara every. single. day, especially because my lashes are so light so I wanted something that looked like I had makeup on, but really didn't. Because of this I decided to get some eyelash extensions and I absolutely love them. I set-up an appointment with Katie and got the "natural look" - the full set took about an hour and a half which was a nice amount of time to just chat away or to relax. There is very minimal upkeep and I literally walk out the door and go in the morning which is nice to do some days, especially when I'm on vacation. If you're looking to check them out make sure to book an appointment soon because they do fill up very quickly.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}