Friday Favorites!

Here are some favorites from this week. Enjoy your weekend!

-B

{ An open letter to Bills Fans from Rian Lindell - A classy guy }

{ A fun trip to Niagara Falls the other day, I stumbled upon this little ice cream shop }

{ Harbor Seals outside the Aquarium of Niagara }

{ A mural on the side of the building at Larkin Square }

{ Wine Score cards for this years Annual Ladies Wine Night at Sandra's }

Buffalo Links to Check Out

With another week comes another batch of links for you to check out.

Enjoy!

-B

Welcome Mr. President Obama! Check his schedule for today here #POTUSBuffalo

United Way of Buffalo and Erie County's Day of Caring

Communify: Buffalo

Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts

Verve Dance Studio at New Era Cap

Chef's Restaurant Media Meatball Eating Contest

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Em Jay Fit

 

Today's Woman who moves Buffalo is one of the toughest ladies I am lucky to know, Em Jay Fit. Em Jay (also know as Morgan McNerney) is a personal trainer who specializes in extreme weight loss. You may know Em Jay from the ever so popular BikeorBar where she teaches the popular CrosSpin.

Em Jay started her business because she herself was overweight as a teen. For her 15th birthday she asked her parents for a gym membership and a personal trainer and with her trainers help she was able to shed 90 lbs. Its then that she realized she wanted to show others that they could lose the weight to and turn their lives around.

" I love the hometown feel of Buffalo. All the Mom n' Pop stores and restaurants. I lived in Phoenix for a bit, which was great, but every single store and restaurant was a chain. Nothing like the feeling of a home cooked meal, even when you're out to eat."

-Em Jay

Em Jay is amazing! Every time I take a class she teaches I know I'm going to 1. be sore the next day, 2. get an amazing workout while cursing and maybe crying (no not really, just kidding) 3. learn new exercises that I can take with me to continue to do on my own time 4. SWEAT a lot and 5. Do Burpees. :)

Em Jay specializes in personal and group training so if you want to make a change in your life you can contact her through a variety of ways. You won't be sorry you did!

Email } Emjayfit@gmail.com

Facebook

-B

{via}

{ If you know Em Jay, you know you'll be doing burpees }

SHOW HOW: A Night of How-To

{via}

Do you ever wish you knew how to do something or knew someone who knew how to put something together? I think everyone goes down that path once or twice, wishing they knew who to call in times of need. Well this Saturday, August 24th is a great time to meet people of all trades at the event "Show How: A Night of How-To" hosted by Communify: Buffalo.

Show How: A Night of How-To is an event that will feature some of Buffalo's most talented small business owners, skilled men and women and community organizations who will be demonstrating basic repairs, skills or activities in their field.

The goal of this event is to enable and energize attendees with the knowledge they need to perform basic skills and activities while creating an opportunity to network with people who can complete advanced work for them if need be.

Show: How is being held at 464 Gallery on Amherst St. in Buffalo on Saturday, August 24 from 6-9 pm. Presentations will begin at 6:30pm.  $10 will be charged at the door, $8 if you bring a canned good and wine will be served.

For a list of vendors participating in the event click here:

Communify: Buffalo Facebook Page

Created by Stephanie Brochey, Communify: Buffalo's sole mission is "Connecting those who need something, with those who have something to give." Previously known as Buffalo Friends Co-Op Initiative, it began as a Facebook page encouraging widespread use of sharing, exchanging and creating opportunities to help others in the community.

After the tremendous response Stephanie rebranded and launched Communify: Buffalo. Through the events and outreach on social media, Communify stands to connect individuals who are looking for support, material goods, services, volunteers, etc. with those who can offer it to them.

 "There are so many great local businesses and organizations that desire to connect to a larger audience of people and oppositely a lot of people who appreciate knowing how to complete simple tasks for themselves. We hope to make this a regular event and continue to feature more and more of these people."

-Owner of Communify: Buffalo, Stephanie Brochey

This is a great event for anyone interested in meeting new people and looking for experts in a particular field of work. Check it out on Saturday!

-B

Kayaking & Hiking by the Grain Elevators

A few weekends ago my friend Lauren and I went on a kayaking and hiking tour of what people call "Silo City." It was awesome, starting from the inner harbor we kayaked down the lake past General Mills through abandoned industrial buildings that were once prosperous to hiking through silos and the Perot Malt House. It was a pretty cool experience and you don't need to be an experienced kayaker either. The tour was $30 per person which I thought was reasonable. Two and a half hours on the water and learning a little history, you can't beat that.

The inner harbor offers a lot of water activities - not only kayaking, but paddling on surf boards, paddle boats with over sized tires and lots of boat tours.

With only a few more weeks of summer left, if you have time try and head down and check out all there is to offer.

-B

Buffalo Harbor Kayak

[Its a little blurry because my phone was in a Ziploc baggie, but getting ready to get in our kayaks]

[We took a pit stop on the water so I got to snap this picture of me]

[My paddle]

[Getting ready for our hike tour]

[Inside the Silo]

[Outside - converting grain elevators to rock and ice climbing center]

[Inside the Malt House]

[So happy I accomplished it!]

Friday Favorites

Its finally Friday and as we welcome the weekend, I am closing a chapter in my career and opening a door to a new chapter in an exciting field. Filled with a lot of emotions, I'm looking forward to the beautiful weather and a few days of "me" time. Have a great one!

-B

{ Festive straws for my 10 year reunion tonight}

{ I had a great opportunity to attend Business First's event for 30 amazing people in WNY }

{ Next time your at the inner harbor check out the ping pong and foosball tables }

{ Taking pictures of my paddle on my kayaking tour last week}

Buffalo Links

Below are this week's links to check out. Enjoy!

-B

{ Seal Lion Feedings at the Niagara Falls Aquarium }

{ City of Night at Silo City }

{ Buffalo Harbor Kayaking } (This is so much fun- my post is coming next week on my experience)

{ Shakespeare in Delaware Park } (This is the last weekend to check out the play Measure for Measure)

{ Buffalo Brewery District Tours }

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Erica Eichelkraut Zilbauer & Ali Eagen

This week's Woman or I should say Women Who Move Buffalo takes us to the dynamic duo of Erica Eichelkraut Zilbauer, from City Lights Studio, (One of the best creative photographers in Buffalo) who alongside business partner Ali Eagen, (a true talent for creating one of a kind bridal dresses) from Made by Anatomy created the Boutique Bridal Party, a Indie Bridal Organization connecting Buffalo's most creative wedding artisans with modern brides.

Erica and Ali started Boutique Bridal Party as a way to showcase the creative talents within Buffalo's wedding industry. Both being successful business women in the industry, they were targeting the same bride and knew they had to do something to cross-promote their businesses. So in February of this past year they were host to the Buffalo's first ever Indie Bridal Showcase at the Hotel Lafayette. It was a smash hit!

Reaching out to like-minded businesses, Ali and Erica wanted boutique style businesses that really put customer service first and offered a unique product or service and found a as they were speaking with people that there are a lot of people with creative minds.

From the success of the first Boutique Bridal Party the ladies are moving forward into planning the 2nd Annual Showcase along with launching a creative bridal publication, With Love.

Both ladies love working in Buffalo because "there's so much talent within the city and there are so many brides who have no idea!"

I actually had the opportunity to attend the Boutique Bridal Party back in February with two of my close friends (one who is engaged) and it was an amazing showcase! It was intimate, creative, pretty, and personal. Nothing like a normal bridal show that you would see at a convention center. Which I thought was fantastic! The best part of it all was the vendors were local people with very impressive talents.

I highly recommend anyone in the bridal industry or any bride to check out this wonderful event Ali and Erica put on, you won't be disappointed.

For more information check out the website: Boutique Bridal Party

And Like Boutique Bridal Party on Facebook

City Lights Studio on Facebook

Made By Anatomy on Facebook

xo

-B

Backyard Wedding

Having done a numerous amount of weddings, I've seen a lot of creative things take place. This past weekend I was honored to be a part of the Mehltretter Wedding on Grand Island. This backyard wedding was amazing! Sabres themed, all the stops were pulled out... from having Doug Allen introduce the wedding party and sing the National Anthem, to a tent set up for photos where guests could strike a pose, Chinese Lanterns as a remembrance for loved ones, a bench for guests to sign, to having Mr. Softee come and hand out ice cream cones, it was one wedding to remember. Congrats again Mr. & Mrs. Mehltretter!

-B

{ Pre-Ceremony Set-Up }

{ Getting ready to walk down the aisle }

{ Stanley Cup shaped cake }

{A little pop of color for the food table}

{Strike a pose}

{The 3 bright circles are the lanterns that were lite and let go in memory of loved ones who couldn't be with the family that day}

{ Me with the one and only Doug Allen}

{Another surprise- Mr. Softee}

{A wedding collage from the Mehltretter's special day}

One of the wedding intro's video

My New Favorite Spot on Elmwood

Last Friday, I had frozen yogurt for the first time. After are awesome workout at Bike or Bar, Amanda and I headed over to White Rabbit on Elmwood to catch up and enjoy a little sweet treat. I didn't know what to expect, but when you walk in you get to combine your own flavors and toppings. The fun, bright colors put you in a great mood and the end result is delicious. Check it out some time!

-B

{ Peanut Butter, Vanilla, Rainbow Sprinkles, Strawberries & Chocolate Shavings }

{ So Good }

Friday Favorites!

I'm gearing up for a weekend of setting up a wedding for two wonderful people and kayaking down by the canal. Have a great weekend! -B

{Things for a gals weekend out in the country}

{Its hard to get everyone together all the time so I cherish the moments when I can spend quality time with my friends}

{Mulberry's in Lackawanna has some delicious food and a lot of memorabilia on the walls}

{Football season is so close, Sunday kicks off the Buffalo Bills first preseason game}

Buffalo Links

I thought it would be nice to recap Buffalo event links that are worth checking out. Below are some links to the past weeks events that took place around town. Stay up to date on how the event did and future activities taking place.

I hope you like it.

-B

{ Chalkfest }

{ Lucille Ball Fest }

{ Erie County Fair }

{ Outer Harbor }

{ Italian Festival }

{{ Women Who Move Buffalo }} Gina from Purse Sona

This weeks Woman Who Moves Buffalo is Gina Hammer from Purse Sona which is located in East Amherst, NY.

Working for 11 years in the automobile industry, Gina decided to pursue her dream of owning her own boutique when her daughter was born. Having a degree in Business Fashion and Merchandising, she opened Purse Sona in July of 2010. Specializing in women's designer purses and accessories along with a wide array of gift items for women and items for younger children, Purse Sona hosts "Big Girl Parties" for women who are looking for something fun and unique to do.

Gina loves Buffalo because of the people.

"It's a great place to raise a family and people are so friendly. It's nice to go places and 9 out of 10 times you run into someone you know. I'm so blessed to call it my home."

Purse Sona

4790 North French Road

East Amherst, NY 14051

Purse Sona on Facebook

I had the privilege of working with Gina a few months ago and she is wonderful! One of the nicest people I have met. She loves meeting new people and putting on great events for her customers. If you are ever in the area or looking for the special gift for that person who love accessories, go visit Gina at Purse Sona.

xo

-B

"I Love Lucy"

The great, Lucille Ball was born down the road in Jamestown, NY and every year in the city is the Lucille Ball Fest. This past Saturday a few friends and myself made a trip to the festival to see what it was all about. Grape stomping, chocolate wrapping, music, people dressed up as Lucy and a variety of different tours were on hand for the people in attendance. While it was a nice event, I was expecting more people and more activities- creating this big, over the top event. Maybe next year I will help be on the planning committee. -B

{Lucy Fest video by B}

{Chocolate Wrapping}

{Grapes for the stomping competition}

{ Schedule of tours for each day}

{Video Clip of Annette & Sandra }

Bills Training Camp

Its getting close to one of my favorite times of the year } Football Season! Yesterday, I stopped by St. John Fisher to check out the Bills practice...September 8 can't come soon enough! {Go Bills!}

-B

{Some of the players signing autographs after practice }

{ Buffalo Bills 2013 Schedule }

{ Friday Favorites }

Here's to a weekend out in the country with some of my closest friend -getting away from all of the hustle and bustle. Enjoy your weekend and whatever it is you plan on doing! -B

{ I'm on the Spirit of Buffalo }

{ Nothing beats fun and creative displays for your beverages and desserts }

{ This past event on Monday was bittersweet for a handful of reasons }

Around Town - August

Summer is flying by! I can't believe its already August 1st! There's lots of stuff taking place this month and below are a variety of activities and events for everyone. Have you got to enjoy this summer? What are some of things you still want to accomplish before Fall approaches?

-B

August Around Town

August 2 and 9

} Roof top views from the atop the Buffalo Science Museum

This weekend: August 3-4

} Eden Corn Festival

} Lucille Ball Festival

} Chalkfest

} Italian Festival

August 7-18

} Erie County Fair

August 9

} Buffalo Brewfest

} Buffalo Bills Training Camp & Pre-Season Games (Aug. 16/Aug. 29)

Showing until Aug 18

} Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Measure for Measure

Don't forget the fun activities that take place daily down by canalside, the concerts at the outer harbor, the excitement from just going on an unplanned "adventure" one afternoon.

Women Who Move Buffalo

  Back in March I did a week of posts that highlighted young women in Western New York that love the area and have decided to pursue their dreams in their hometown. So I decided to start a new series on Wednesday's that showcases women who move Buffalo.

Today's post takes us to the ever so sweet and talented Lexie Furlong and Vicky Schaffstall, owners of Blush. Blush is a women's clothing and accessories boutique that opened last week Friday on Elmwood.

Back in 2005 Lexie was a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), after graduating she continued her work as a director of ecommerce and an assistant buyer for Wink and the W Hotel stores. During this time she had the opportunity to style celebrities in the store and for photo shoots. It was also during this time at FIT and Wink that Lexie really learned that her passion and Dream was to own her own store.

Born and raised in Buffalo, she is back to stay, Lexie says "people from Buffalo leave, but they always come back. I love my family, friends and the people in Buffalo. We really are the most caring people. The people of Buffalo support one another and come together with talents to create masterpieces throughout the city."

Blush specializes in customer service and making women feel pretty, when you visit Blush you will feel comfortable and shop freely, you can ask questions about the products, and enjoy your shopping experience.

If you have a birthday or a special occasion you want to celebrate, Blush offers Blush Bashes for you and your friends and family, where you can host your own party in the store and receive that one of a kind shopping experience, you don't get anywhere else.

Be sure to keep an eye out for a grand opening celebration in September, (I have a feeling it may be a part of Buffalo Fashion Week).

Blush is located at:

1005 Elmwood Ave.

Buffalo, NY 14222

{716} 768.0110

info@shopblushny.com

Shopblushny.com

Blush on Facebook

{ Co-Owners Vicky Schaffstall and Lexie Furlong }

{ Fruit water, offered to guests }

{ One of the many congrats and good luck flowers that were sent to the store }

{ My purchases from my shopping experience at Blush }

Tidbit: Bring back the Blush bag and you receive a discount off your purchase for being a returning customer

" Buffalo holds all my favorite memories, never stop making memories dolls. xo"

- Lexie Furlong

During my visit to Blush I could really feel the dedication, passion, and love Lexie and Vicky have for their store, you don't find that everywhere you go.

Thank you Lexie and Vicky for being wonderful women and opening an exclusive clothing boutique that Buffalo women will love. It was a pleasure meeting you!

-B

Golf Tournaments

One of my favorite type of events are golf tournaments, just for the pure fact that they are one of the easiest events to run in my opinion. The golf runs itself and really all you need to take care of are any contests, auctions, check out and registration. One of my favorite things about events in general is to see the end result and all the hard work you put in to make that day the best that you can for everyone in attendance. Below are some pictures of the golf tournament I had been a part of yesterday at Transit Valley Country Club. I can not thank the staff that helped with this event enough, without them it wouldn't have gone as smoothly as it did. xo

-B

{The carts are all lined up and ready to go }

{ Fore the Children Golf Tournament }

{ A variety of auction items throughout the Country Club }

Wines in the Wild

Wines in the Wild is a fun outdoors event that takes place at the Buffalo Zoo every July and its one of my favorite events in Buffalo. This year Lacey and I took to the zoo to enjoy not only the wine, food and people, but as many animal exhibits as we could.  While the zoo is under renovations for new animal exhibits the event hasn't lost its touch, hosting a sold out crowd on a beautiful summer night. Here are some pictures from the night. -B

{ Taking a seat by the Otter Exhibit }

{ The NAB Ladies, Lacey and Jessica xo }

{ Inside the Rainforest }

{ Up close and personal with the hyena }

{ Hanging out with Laverne, the Gecko }

{ Besties }