2023 - Purpose.

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Purpose. What is it? What is mine? That has been a question that has been on my mind ever since I finished my marathon in November. Maybe it’s at the forefront of my thoughts because I’m trying to fill a void. Trying to figure out what my next step is, that next goal. As someone who always seems to have a plan for once I don’t feel like I do and it leaves me a little unsettled, anxious and asking myself multiple times a day what is my purpose. Why am I here, what should I be doing…AND THEN I try to take a step back and tell myself God has a plan and lean into my faith. It will lead me to where I am supposed to be, when I’m supposed to be there. It’s a wild ride full of emotions and thoughts but it’s one that I know I’ll be carrying into the new year with me.

2023, what a year it has been. Full of new memories and reflecting on old. This year brought me some failure but with that a lot of growth. It taught me how strong I can be in all aspects of my life and how anything is possible if you continue to show up for yourself. It has also been overwhelming to feel and see how much love that has been sent my way through friends and family. Something I will never be able to describe but feelings that are so beautiful and I’m forever grateful for.

I am not the person I was 365 days ago, none of us are. As I look back not only on this past year but on the past few, I look at where I started this blog, wanting to capture every little detail and share my experiences with everyone (my first post on Dec. 17, 2012 really not knowing what I was doing, but I remember telling my family, I created a website and I’m starting a blog to share about all the great things in WNY and being so proud during that moment).

Now going into my 12th year, I realize how much things have changed, yet the core of why I have Just a Blonde in Buffalo has stayed the same. To share experiences, introduce my supporters to new people making a difference and doing cool things in the place we call home and creating authentic and lasting relationships with the people I meet. While life has taken over one of my intentions for 2024 is to get back to sharing stories more often than these past couple of years.

As I close out 2023 and look to 2024, I’ll carry this with me:

What’s my purpose? I’m shifting my mindset to fill my life with more feel-good energy, balance and purposeful intentions, experiences and relationships and letting go of un-wanted negativity.

Whatever it is you have set for yourself in the new year I’m wishing you all a happy, healthy and beautiful 2024.

With Love, Beth



a look back at 2022 and a look ahead for 2023

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Challenging that is the word I would use to describe the year 2022 for me. For someone who strives for professional success and always looking to grow in my career I’ve been pretty disappointed and set-back this past year. A lot of things were out of my control and I had to roll with the tides that felt like they came daily. However, with adversity comes strength, resilience, learning lessons and the ability to test yourself in what I hope to call a once in a lifetime situation. And for the lessons I’ve learned that is one thing I’m thankful for.

With the challenges came a lot more stress and anxiety than I’ve ever dealt with before, to the point that my mental health has not in been in a good state, hence the reason for me being quiet on my blog this past year. I’ve noticed me secluding myself because of the anxiousness I feel and not wanting to burden loved ones with my problems or talk about them (everyone has things they are going through). When I have gone out to social functions while I’m grateful to have those moments with friends and family I’ve left always questioning myself, am I a good enough friend, daughter, sister, aunt… I’m sharing this because I have to, it’s so important for people to understand that everyone is going through difficult things but what’s more important is to know you’re not alone and it will get better. I can say that with therapy it’s been a great way for me to get the help I need. And while it hasn’t been easy at times I can say the high tides will eventually stop and it will turn back to a peaceful day.

I’ve mentioned this in other end of year posts where I don’t necessarily make resolutions at the end of the year, but I will do more of a “re-set” with intentions and goals for the year ahead knowing I will most likely adjust them because you change, the footprint around you changes and that’s ok.

Looking ahead to 2023 I want to get back to doing things for me. While I will always be very career driven (it’s who I’ve always been) I’ve learned and am starting to accept that you have to look out for you. I’m hoping that I can re-focus my time and efforts on what is good, what is right and what will make me a better version of myself. With all of that, I’d like to sprinkle in some more adventures, trips and just enjoying the present moment.

This post has been pretty depressing and that’s not what I’ve ever wanted my site to be about, but I have always kept it real on here and sometimes it’s not always going to be butterflies and sunshine. BUT I will always try my best to find the positive in any situation and with that there were some bright spots throughout this year that meant more to me than some of you will ever really know and I’d like to end the year with those.

Dinner at the Plating Society with Chef Darian and my friends who I met through YPOP. They have been some of the best friends and support system I’ve had this year.

My trip to Utah with my sister this summer. It was a trip filled with adventure, the outdoors and nature, laughs and love. (National Park Service)

My family trip to Ocean City, Maryland. It was a trip with unexpected turns but the memories and time spent together is something I will always be grateful for.

Meeting and building some great friendships and relationships with people in the community. A big shout out to Nick and Brian from The Bakers Men Buffalo and to Kristen from Meet & Eat Charcuterie for introducing us to each other in 2021. Working with Angelica at Event Lab Buffalo has been a pleasure. Jodi from Curate Buffalo and the introductions she’s made for me with Chef MaryRuth Rera, Julie Blackman at Farmers and Artisans and Blackman Homstead Farm. Buffalo Olmsted Parks for letting me help with their Gala. These are some of the people who have reminded me how fun it is to work and collaborate with people in our community.

A quick trip to NYC a few weeks ago with my Dad and niece. It was my niece’s first time in the city. We did a lot of tourist things and caught up with my friend Lacey and got to see the Phantom of the Opera before is closes in the spring.

Going back to the Sterling Renaissance Festival with the family this summer. It’s been a number of years since we’ve been and how things have changed but stayed the same. It was a fun time with lots of great family memories.

Experiencing the Buffalo Zoo Catillion this summer with friends. It was a new event experience for the Zoo and I was happy to celebrate it with the YPOP gals.

Celebrating my brother’s 40th birthday with his friends and our family this summer.

Sprinkled in to all these bright spots were other bright moments that were equally as important and memorable to me. Whatever it is that you have set out for yourself in the year ahead I hope it’s filled with laughter, love, kindness and patience.

xo

Beth

cheers to the lessons, adventures and memories of 2021

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Whew, it’s been a while since I last wrote a blog post on here. To say the second half of 2021 was devoted to mostly working is not healthy or right but it’s true. And in the spare time I had, I was spending it catching up with my family and friends. 2021 was a good year, but an anxious one. Another year that taught me lessons, made me stronger and wiser, brought new memories with loved ones that I will cherish and it also brought me new friendships. It also has been a year of reflection, like many have been. If there is one thing I’m learning with time, it’s how important it is for me to be around those that I love and care for the most. Time really does fly by when you think about it, and you have to really try to make the most of it by being in the present moment.

As for 2022 sure there are things I want to achieve for myself, personally and professionally and there are places I want to visit and experience but I’m trying to take it day by day (which can be hard for a planner like me). What the last two years have taught me more so now is change is constant and you have to learn to adapt, deal and make the most with all the curveballs that are thrown at you.

Thank you for continuing to follow along on my adventures and stories and thank you for your support. Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year.

Xo

-B

The Year of 2020

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Each year, like many, I take time to reflect on this past year and re-set my intentions for the upcoming year. As we all have said at one point, 2020 has been nothing like we have ever experienced. Not only has the pandemic impacted all of our lives in some way, we all have our daily life experiences (good and bad) to add on to this.

a day trip to Ellicottville in February. This photo was taken outside of West Rose. Highly recommend you visiting.

a day trip to Ellicottville in February. This photo was taken outside of West Rose. Highly recommend you visiting.

For me, this year started off with a kick in the gut when we learned that my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in January. As my family and I wrapped our heads around this, we entered this pandemic world in the U.S. in March, and since then there have been highs and lows.

At the end of March I started a new job with Shea’s Performing Arts Center, while it’s definitely been a crazy, yet fun onboarding experience and first year, I am so thankful to be a part of the Shea’s family. In April, we lost my grandmother which I still don’t think I’ve fully come to grasp with. Then in June, I was furloughed, but I looked at that time, as time to spend with my family, to learn what is really important in my life and what isn’t worth holding onto. In July, we celebrated my Mom finishing her chemo treatment and moving in the right direction. In August, I was lucky to go back to work.

As we entered the Fall I continued that theme of family and spending as much time with them and exploring the outdoors by going on as many hikes in WNY and the surrounding areas as I could. In November my brother and I moved into a new home. And during all of the family and daily life stuff, even in a socially distant world, I was able to support local businesses, volunteer more of my time, meet some cool WNYer’s, seek out new places, build my relationships with others and re-visit places I haven’t been to in a while.

There were many special moments throughout this year but here are some of the ones that stood out the most for me. Visiting Shuck Shack on Ohio Street, Spring Lake Winery, Stony Brook State Park, touring Seneca One Buffalo, meeting and working with Kristen from Meet + Eat Charcuterie, visiting the beautiful Hartrich Chateau in Corfu and taking a mini day trip to Presque Isle State Park in PA.

Did I put my blogging life off during this past year? Maybe a little, and while I look at other local influencers there are times when it’s hard for me not to think what am I doing wrong? am I relevant? do people even care or read what I share? But I continue to tell myself to follow my own journey and share my experiences I chose to share because it’s a hobby for me and I want my site to be used as a resource to inform others in the community and beyond about the cool places and people WNY have to offer.

A few weeks ago during a meeting someone asked what is one word I would use to describe this past year, my word was Hope. I chose Hope because even during all of the uncertain, bad, difficult, sad, stressful and anxious times I still have hope that things will be better. Maybe that hope comes from the faith I have that everything will always work out even if it’s not to your timing, maybe I’m naïve, I’m not sure, but that is something that has gotten me thru some of the lows.

As I close out this last blog post for the year, and as we approach 2021 I’m looking forward to continuing to shift my energy to what really matters to me and what truly makes me happy. It’s a constant journey to continue to better yourself.

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We are all on this planet for a reason, we each have a purpose. I’d like to think this past year was an opportunity for us to all have a good re-set in our lives. It gave us time to evaluate what fills us with love and happiness and to let go and rid ourselves of what is holding us down and what doesn’t matter.

As always thanks for being a part of this journey with me.

Cheers to a healthy + happy 2021

-B

My Easter Traditions

/ Historic Polonia /
Dyngus Day 2017 

Dyngus Day 2017 

Easter is one of my favorite times of the year. I don't have any particular reason why, maybe its just because its during a time where we are entering a new season and the fresh air just feels good, who knows. Anyways, last year right around this time I was gearing up to head to Poland with my best friend. While this year I don't have that trip planned I thought I would share with you some of my favorite things to do over these next few days. 

Polska flags are up on Paderewski Drive 

Polska flags are up on Paderewski Drive 

I've already been to the Broadway Market once this week, just to scope things out, grab my pussy willows for my floral arrangement and grab some Easter Polish eggs {something I seek out every year}. Tomorrow is Holy Thursday, when I was in grammar school I remember going to mass in the evening and at the end of it, MSGR. and the altar servers would clear the altar of everything. While I haven't been in a very, very long time, I'm thinking of checking out the One Night and Seven Churches Pilgrimage hosted by Broadway Fillmore Alive tomorrow. 

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Good  Friday is interesting, for the simple fact that my Dad, sister and kids and sometimes my brother head to the Broadway Market in the afternoon to get all the Polish food for Easter breakfast - polish sausage, pierogi, butter lamb, platzek, horseradish and some chocolate. We go at one of the busiest times, but that's what makes it fun!

Heading into Saturday for the last 5 years or so I have been taking the Easter basket to St. Stan's with my good friend Annette to get blessed. Its amazing how many people come to get their baskets blessed there, its actually encouraging to see. From there sometimes my niece will come over and help color eggs and we'll go to evening mass. There are some occasions where we will go to Easter Sunday mass, but the last few years its been Saturday evenings. 

Sunday morning the family will come over and we'll {actually I'll eat way to much pierogi} and the kids will search for Easter eggs in an Easter egg hunt that I make up each year. We'll go visit my Grandma and just relax. And then Monday we celebrate - DYNGUS DAY! If I go out {it really is weather dependent} I always go to the Broadway/Fillmore area - its historic Polonia and if you're going to celebrate it needs to be in the right neighborhood in my opinion. 

While there are other Polish traditions that other family's may celebrate that's just an insight into how my family and I celebrate this holiday. 

Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy!

-B 

Christmas in Canada

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This is such a busy time of year and the days just seem to blend together. Last week, the girls from work and myself went up to the Toronto Christmas Market to check out the lights, decorations and just get in the holiday spirit. We left in the early afternoon {and didn't hit any traffic, yay!}  walked around for a few hours, going in and out of shops in Toronto's Historic Distillery District.

{Campbell's soup to warm you up!}

We grabbed some drinks and a bite to eat before seeing all the lights on once the sun went down. Even if it was just for a few hours, listening to the Christmas music, being around friends and getting out of town for a little bit was one of the best things to happen to me over the last few weeks.

The Toronto Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas Markets in the world and its literally in our backyard. It runs until this Saturday, December 23rd... while that's just a couple days away, if you don't have plans or want to do a quick day trip, its worth it.

-B 

{just a blonde in buffalo photos}

St. Patrick's Day - the year of 32

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St. Patrick's Day, - March, 17, 2017. Today I turn 32. As I've done the past two years, I reflect on the year and what I've accomplished, what I've failed at and where I want to go in the future. 31 was a great year, I was given an amazing work opportunity that not only challenges me, but also showed me that hard work really does pay off, you just can't give up. I still have a long way to go, but I'm headed in the right direction.

31 also taught me a lot about who I want in my life and who I don't. I've learned a lot about relationships - with my family, with my friends, with my co-workers. Some of it not so pretty and some of it great, but at the end of the day its something that I had to learn and go through. 31 was also the year I lost my cousin Nathan who touched my life in such a tremendous way with his positive and courageous attitude. Losing Nathan was one of the worst moments of this past year. I still struggle with his passing and keep my feelings about it bottled up, it just shows me life just isn't fair sometimes.

So what's in store for 32 - who the heck knows!  What I do know is that I want to be more present, I want to take in as much as I possibly can and learn as many new things as I can. I don't want to be fearful in certain situations and when I am I want to take that leap of faith. Each day is truly an opportunity to be the best you can and to enjoy each moment with those you love and care about.

One thing Nathan taught me and that I will carry with me, is everyone is going through something, it can always be worse. So on those days that I feel like everything is going wrong and falling a part, I want to take a step back and put things in perspective. As I enter this year of "32" I look forward to what it brings, the good and the bad.

Happy St Patrick's Day!

-B

 

2016- the year of "me"

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Like most people we do a little {or a lot} of self reflecting this time of year. 2015 I said was a year of growth for me and if I have to sum up 2016 in one word I would say it was a year of "me."  What do I mean by that, well it was a year where I stood my ground, fought for things that were important for me and learned a lot about myself. I'm not saying prior to this past year I never stood up for myself, but this year more so than others I wasn't changing my tune just to make other people happy. Sometimes I think its a bad trait I have because I just want to make everyone around me happy and often times I'll push what I think or feel to the side and this year I focused on taking my feeling into consideration, first.

As I look ahead to 2017, I have a list of goals and wishes, probably to many to list here, but my hope is to continue to allow myself to breathe, to give myself breaks and not feel bad for doing so and to continue to share my "adventures" on my blog. There was a time this past year where I put my blog on the back burner because, well, life just got in the way. Whatever it is that you have set for yourself I wish everyone a very healthy and happy coming year.

See you in 2017...

-B 

Our Lady of Fatima Shrine

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Last week my sister, niece and nephew went to see the Festival of Lights at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston. I haven't been to the Shrine since I was a little girl so I was looking forward to seeing everything from an adults perspective. When we arrived we walked around a little before heading to the gift shop to warm up for a bit, they also have a cafeteria so if you want to grab a bite to eat with the family while you're there, that's an option. The Shrine is open to the public from 9-9 pm and the lights are on from 5-9 pm. The festival of lights runs thru January 6th and its free admission - making it a great place to visit this week if you're looking for something to do.

It was nice seeing all of the lights, remembering the memories I had as a kid and seeing my niece and nephew enjoy their time there.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{my niece in front of the Shrine}

{taking a selfie at the top of the Shrine}

"Let us be Thankful not only today but everyday"

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thankful There is a lot to be thankful for every single day, but today as we come together with family, friends, those who are special in our lives, we should celebrate all the goods things. Those things don't have to be materialistic, but are, our health, our ability to love one another, the laughs we can share and the opportunity to just have today to share with the important people in your life.

As I think about what I'm thankful for I realize I'm so incredibly lucky to have the family and friends that I have in my life, my career and the opportunities and people I've been able to meet as each day goes by.

Whatever it may be that you are thankful for, I hope everyone has a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

-B 

Valentine's Day

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tipico latte

{ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE}

The greatest gift we can ever have is the ability to be loved and give love back. It is something that has such an impactful meaning and feeling that everyone should be able to have that in their life. Whether it is love for your family and friends, your significant other or a hobby you enjoy. In todays society, Valentine's Day is so over commercialized with chocolates, flowers, jewelry and other random gifts that you are told you should get, but in reality, spending time with the person who is important to you, is all that really matters. While you can be one that buys gifts for someone special in your life, you can also give a gift of just spending time together. Whether it be going out to brunch or dinner or going to the theater, creating new memories is more valuable than any material gift you can receive.

On that note, here are 5 places you could spend your Valentines Day weekend:

Wild About You at the Buffalo Zoo

Brunch at Left Bank

Shop Crafts All You Need Is love event

A fun Starry Night Hike at Tifft Nature Preserve

Casablanca at the Screening Room

 

Celebrating 2016 in Buffalo

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IMG_7554 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

Just A Blonde in Buffalo {Fireworks Guide}

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fireworks With the 4th of July on Saturday I thought I would compose a list of places I like to go to watch fireworks. Most places have fireworks starting at dusk {9-9:30pm}. Where are some places you like to go to watch fireworks?

July 3rd: 

  • Coca Cola Field - if you're in the downtown area on Friday night - I'm sure you'll see these up in the sky
  • Woodlawn Beach in Hamburg
  • Niagara Falls Goat Island

July 4th:

  • Canalside - Fireworks by the water - what can be more better than that!
  • Cheektowaga Town Park
  • Ellicottville {Summer Fest}

 

 

Fathers Day Things to Do

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fathers day Father's Day is just around the corner and if you're like me, I prefer to spend the day with my Dad doing something he enjoys rather than buying him some gift that he will just put to the side. So, I thought I would compile a list of some things you could do and places you could go with your Dad.

Golf Courses:

  • Diamond Hawk (Cheektowaga)
  • Greenwood (Clarence)
  • Harris Hill (Bowmansville) - I just found out this is not open because they are building condos where the driving range used to be - so disappointing.
  • Delaware Park (Buffalo)

Brunch Spots:

  • Cecelia's
  • Providence Social
  • Trattoria Aroma
  • Elm Street Bakery

Other Activities:

  • Canalside - kayaking, water bikes, boat tours
  • Niagara Falls - Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds
  • Brewery Tours - with Craft Breweries being so popular - go on one of your own brewery tours - Flying Bison, Resurgence, Big Ditch, Rusty Nickel are just a few to check out!

-B

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