The lovely East Aurora, NY

Over the weekend I headed down the 400 to the lovely East Aurora, NY. About a 30-35 minute drive from Buffalo, Main Street in East Aurora is lined with specialty shops, great restaurants, preserved homes and churches.

For a village that has a population of 6,236 (back in 2010 census) it offers a wide array of activities. From shopping, to eating, to going for a wine tasting at Salut Wine and Spirits or beer sampling at Aurora Brew Works, you can also take the family ice skating at the Healthy Zone Rink . East Aurora is also home of Fisher Price's Corporate Headquarters, and a landmark, the Roycroft Inn.

It's a nice village, that has that "old town, USA" feel to it when you are visiting. If you ever have a chance to spend an afternoon there, you will enjoy it.

-B

Some fun facts about East Aurora, NY:

• East Aurora was one of the first communities to successfully block a Wal-Mart store, in 1995 and again in 1999. The act was led by a community group in an attempt to preserve the small town values, and help support privately owned businesses.
• Former President of the United States, Millard Fillmore and his wife, Abigail lived in East Aurora, NY from 1826-1830.
• The town was the home of the inaugural owner of the NHL Franchise Buffalo Sabres, Seymour H. Knox. The Knox Estates, now known as Knox Farm is a 633-acre New York State park.

A little thirsty?

Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo is one of the popular areas to go to for food and drink. If you're a college student or in your 20's/30's, you've probably been down there at least once. One popular spot is Thirsty Buffalo, on the corner of Elmwood and Anderson Pl. this bar is an awesome spot to go to for drinks and food. You can play darts, watch sports, or just relax and hang out with friends. It was the perfect spot to go this past Saturday to catch up with a friend and have a late afternoon meal and drink.

-B

Friday Favorites!

Here are some of my favorite things from this past week. Have a great weekend! -B

7 days away...

Valentines Day is defined by dictionary.com as "a day for the exchange of tokens of affection." With it only being one week away, below are some of my thoughts, ideas, and places on where to go around town.

1. My thought: If you love someone you should show them everyday, not just on this one day of the year.

2. If giving a gift.. BE CREATIVE - putting the effort in to think of something outside of the box always means more to the person receiving the gift. It shows you put the thought and time in.

3. If you are giving the classic gift of flowers or chocolate to someone try to get the chocolate that person likes or the flowers that person likes. Wahl's Candies in Cheektowaga offers a lot of varieties to choose from. Zillycakes on Elmwood is a fun and creative bakery that offers more of a personal touch and North Park Florist offer beautiful floral arrangements.

4. Have a gift and want to have it wrapped in a unique way? Head over to Balloon Masters with your things and they will put your gifts inside a balloon. Its a neat and different way to wrap your gift. (Note: give a few days notice, sometimes it can take up to 24-48 hours to be done).

5. If planning an activity, try something new, maybe a little scavenger hunt around the city, or a new restaurant, or going to a museum. If you both like to be outdoors plan a trip to the Southtowns Chestnut Ridge, Holiday Valley or Kissing Bridge are all nice places to go to this time of year.

While Valentine's Day is primarily focused on couples, it isn't just about you and your other half. Its about showing the people you love and care about the most in your life how much you appreciate them.

Regardless of what gifts you receive or what activities you do... Happy (7 days early) Valentine's Day from me to you.

-B

Buffalo: City of Good Neighbors

The last few days I have been feeling under the weather and yesterday the worst thing could have happened - I was sent home from work. Today I came in to find a platter of cookies sitting on my desk. My co-workers thought I could use a little "cheering" up, knowing I'm a "work-alcoholic" and that I hate missing a day off they thought it would bring a smile to my face.

While not a lot of people think Buffalo is a great city because we lack jobs, are sports teams haven't been that great, and there's never anything to do, when you drive into town you will see a sign that says "City of Good Neighbors." This morning just reaffirms to me why we are a city of good neighbors... whether we are helping shovel people out of there driveways during a snowstorm, or coming together to help raise money for a family who had a house fire, to a simple platter of cookies to brighten someones day, its the little things that count. Buffalo is a community that comes together not just in times of need, but everyday.

-B

Just like old times at Jack's Place

Just off of Millersport Highway is a quaint bar called Jack's Place. Nestled at the end of the plaza this place is pretty low key. A few friends and me used to always go here after our work events. So when asked last week to catch up with them there I couldn't pass it up. Jack's is a place where we'd go and have a few drinks, catch up and talk about how ridiculous some people were and still are.

A wide variety of people come in throughout the time your there, people in their 20's, to people in their 40's. If your lucky you may even witness a bridal party that comes in from across the street from the Marriott, keeping there wedding festivities going well into the wee hours.

At Jack's Place you can play darts, play your favorite songs on the jukebox and enjoy the company your with. You can even grab a bite to eat if you want. The next time your in that area stop in and see what its all about.

-B

Photos taken courtesy of BZ

A little taste of Allen Street

Allen Street in Buffalo is known for its artistic and chill atmosphere. Funky bars and restaurants are lined up and down the street and its a great place to go if you aren't into the downtown "club" feel. Last week, a couple friends and me went to Gabriel's Gate for some food and drink. The menu offers a variety of foods to chose from and the bar is well stocked with different alcohol, accommodating almost anyone who walks in. Its a nice place to go with that someone special for a nice relaxing dinner, you can even sit by the fireplace. If your planning a night out this week check them out. Gabriel's Gate is located at 145 Allen St. Buffalo, NY 14201

-B

Friday Favorites!

Here are some photos of my favorite things from this past week. Have a great weekend and enjoy the Superbowl! -B

Are you ready for some football?

Are you ready for some football?!? Superbowl Sunday is just a few days away and while the Buffalo Bills aren't playing in the game you can bet I'll still be watching along with the millions of other people. I'm indifferent to either team winning as I like both the Baltimore Ravens (I liked them more when they had former Buffalo Bill, Lee Evans on the team) and the 49ers.

More importantly I'm excited to see one of my favorite performers Beyonce perform during the Halftime Show. Earlier this month I entered in the Pepsi contest to try and get on the field for her performance, while that's not happening, the pictures I submitted may still be used during her performance which is still pretty cool.

While the main point of the Superbowl is watching the football game, we all gather at someones home or go out to a bar or restaurant to watch the game. Food is an important factor for this big event whether your staying low key or doing it up big. Below are some of the best Superbowl party foods to have for your party. Now let's just hope the game is fun and entertaining!

Top 5 Foods to have at your Superbowl Party

1. Chicken Wings (that's a given)
2. Chili
3. Pizza
4. Dips/Spreads (spinach dip, chicken wing dip, bread dip, cheese platters, crackers, etc)
5. Vegetables (for those watching what they eat)

-B

Chocolate Decadence

 

The other day my Grandma celebrated her 87th birthday. For this important day I wanted to get her something special, so I stopped at Wahl's Candies by my house to pick up her favorite treat, chocolate covered cherries!

When I walked into the store I was surrounded by a variety of different types of chocolates and gifts, just like you would at any other chocolate shop. What made this experience different was knowing I was walking into a family owned and operated business that has been in WNY since the mid 1930's. I had never been in the store before so of course I had to get a piece of chocolate for myself. I tried one of the Buttercream Milk Chocolate Raspberry's. It was delicious! :)

Located at 130 Losson Road in Cheektowaga, NY, Valentine's Day is around the corner, make sure to stop in and try one of their delicious chocolates. They won't disappoint.

-B

FLURRIOUS!

This past weekend, I, along with my sister and niece attended FLURRIOUS! an annual winter festival that takes place in Delaware Park. It's a free event open to the public that provides fun activities throughout the day.

This year, attendees had a variety of activities to participate in, such as, kickball, snow tennis, ice hockey, or sledding in the park. The weather was perfect for this all day event. Snow was on the ground and the temperature was in the mid 20's, making it a perfect winter day.

Food and drink were available for purchase and live music played as visitors were walking around. Overall its a great winter event to take the family to or to grab a group of friends and form a team for one of the kickball tournaments.

 

#12

 

I had the opportunity to attend a luncheon for my work a couple weeks ago. It was hosted by the Kelly for Kids Foundation who's Founder and President is the one and only Jim Kelly (past quarterback for the Buffalo Bills). Kelly for Kids is committed to serving disadvantaged and disabled youth in Western New York through distribution of grant money raised throughout the year.

While I've worked with Jim in the past doing promotions for the radio station, being able to hear him speak about his viewpoints on community involvement, volunteering, and non-for-profit work simply inspired me more to want to make a difference in this world.

Since I started volunteering for a handful of non-profits five years ago I have always found volunteering to be very rewarding. To me the gift you receive by helping others in need is priceless. Nothing compares to how you feel after helping someone. Hearing Jim speak and seeing what an influence he is on people in the WNY community has encouraged me to continue my efforts to help make this WNY community a better place.

While I know we (myself included) all lead busy lives, sometimes from time to time the best thing you can do for yourself is to take a step back and figure out what really matters.

-B

Friday Favorites*

Here are a few photo's to sum up some of my favorite things from this past week. Enjoy! -B

Sparkly Snow

A little bit of sparkle was in the snow on the sidewalks as it was falling this morning in Buffalo* :)

-B

My morning drive thoughts

 

Some of my greatest ideas, thoughts, reflections and inspiration come when I'm driving in the car. Today's morning drive thoughts have kept me moving through this crazy, frigid, Wednesday in Buffalo.

-B

Freshly Squeezed

Ashker's Juice Bar - Bistro - Gallery

1002 Elmwood Avenue* - 400 Main Street (Youngstown, NY)

463 Center Street (Lewiston, NY)

The other day I drove past Ashkers Juice Bar on Elmwood. While I've driven past this place multiple times before I decided I would finally stop in and check out what they have to offer. When I walked inside to a semi-packed room, I was greeted by the friendly staff.

As I was waiting for them to make my drink, I took a look at there full menu which to my surprise, I found out they offer more than just juices and smoothies, but breakfast and lunch items as well. As I was observing the room, the atmosphere was relaxed and easygoing. The artwork on the walls is open for customers to purchase, a wide variety of books fill the end tables, and you can sense a vintage style throughout the room.

I was quite happy that I stopped in. The drink I had was delicious. It had beets, raspberries, strawberries, and pineapple in it. If you are on that healthy kick, or just looking for a new place to try out, I highly recommend you stop in and see them.

-B

A Little Wine-"O" at Just Vino

 

Last night I had the opportunity to catch up with a colleague and friend of mine at one of our favorite "go-to" spots - Just Vino on Main St. in Buffalo. This affordable wine bar in Downtown Buffalo offers a wide array of wines, from Reds and Whites, to Rose' and Sparkling. They have small plates available to order along with wine flights. They even have a beer selection for those customers who aren't wine enthusiasts. The decor is rustic with brick walls in the seating area, and their bar is crisp and clean with windows looking out onto Main St. They have great wine experts on hand for any questions you may have. After a long day at the office this is a place you could go, unwind, have a couple laughs and enjoy a glass or two. Cheers!

-B

Just Vino 846 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14202 www.justvino.net

Happy :)

"The best thing anyone can ever do is just be happy. If your going through hell, just keep smiling and know that everything always works itself out, it always does."

Just a little reminder for the day, in case you need it.

-B

Half Marathon Here I come

One of my goals that I made for 2013 was accomplishing a half marathon (13.1 miles) at the end of May. While I've been training for this for a month now, the last time I ran a race was 10 years ago back in high school track. Just the thought alone of completing 13 miles seems impossible after such a long time, but I'm determined to complete it. With temperatures being mild lately, I decided to take my workout outside to get my body used to the different weather conditions that take place in WNY. Buffalo has some great running paths, one of my favorites is Delaware Park. The streets of Elmwood Village, Clarence Bike Path, and Stiglmeier Park have some great trails to name a few. If you want to stick to the inside, UB North's Campus has a nice indoor track inside their Alumni Arena, so does ECC's Burt Flickinger Center and Buffalo State College. While this may physically be one of the hardest things I have done to date, I find a certain excitement and determination through the whole process. It makes it a little easier knowing I'm doing this with one of my best friends too. -B

So Long, Farewell to The Mohawk Place

Whether you've ever been to a concert there or not, The Mohawk Place was and will remain in our hearts to be a Buffalo Landmark in downtown Buffalo. Bringing in a variety of bands and people from all over the world throughout the last 20 something years. This venue created memories and instilled a little Rock N' Roll in all of us. This past weekend they closed there doors one last time, going out with a bang - celebrating a kick ass farewell weekend.

While we will always have the memories, it just won't be the same. In the words of the staff "Well now, everything dies, baby, that's a fact, but maybe everything that dies someday comes back..."

-B