A Natural Wonder of the World

Niagara Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, its only about a 30 minute drive for me and I take it for granted. I think growing up so close to it, I just think of it as another place to go to walk around, but forget how important it is to many people around the world. It is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year.

-B

Support & Shop Local!

As most people know, I am a big supporter of shopping local and supporting local businesses. Today I'm featuring a few of my favorite clothing boutiques in the area. Each one offers something different to the area and this is by no means a complete list of my favorites. If you haven't been in them, now is the time to check them out with the new spring arrivals coming in! -B

Anna Grace {Elmwood Village}

Blush {Elmwood Village}

Modern Nostalgia {Hertel Ave.}

Research and Design {N. Buffalo Rd., Orchard Park}

Ooo La La Boutique {Main St., East Aurora}

Working On My Fitness

I wouldn't call myself a heath nut by any means, but over the last few years I have definitely been more in tune with fun workout studios and trying new things. Today I'm sharing a few of my favorite places I like to go to get a good workout in.

BikeorBar

Catalyst Fitness

Revolution Buffalo

I'm always looking to try new places so if you have any recommendations on places to check out or classes to take please share!

-B

Friendship

Yay to Friday! Continuing on my 30 favorite things this month, today I'm featuring my friends. I am very blessed to have a core group of friends in my life that I consider part of my family. They have left footprints in my life and I can say my friendship with each one of them is the greatest gift I could ever receive.

-B

Shout!

Up on the blog today, favorite thing # 5 that I love about WNY…the Buffalo Bills. That’s really not a surprise, but I’ve come to enjoy Sunday home games at the Ralph even more now because its father/daughter time with my Dad. While the games may not always be enjoyable to watch, having great company makes up for it. I'm looking forward to this coming season to see what the boys will do!

-B

Delaware Park and the Elmwood Village

Another part of Western New York that I love is the Elmwood Village and Delaware Park. Being able to walk up and down Elmwood and visit different shops and restaurants can make for a fun day and if you're not from the area it can be a unique experience. What I love even more is walking around Delaware Park and making a pit stop at the art gallery or history museum. The amount of activities you can do in the summer months around the park is one of a kind, making Buffalo a pretty awesome place.

-B

Tuesdays are for Tap Lessons

One of my favorite childhood memories was going to dance class. I took dance at the Center for Dance Arts on Clinton St. in Buffalo. It was a small studio, but had a lot of energy come out of it. While the studio is no longer there, I will always remember the two sisters who ran it... Miss Dorothy and Miss Lorraine.

Miss Dorothy was the best, telling us to "let loose" and "shake it." When I first started dance classes I took tap, ballet and jazz, then I branched off and just did ballet and jazz. Some of my favorite childhood memories came from dance. I would love going to Buff State where the recitals were held every June. My Dad would always have flowers waiting for me after the recital and my brother would always wish he didn't have to go {lol}.

Its sad to see the studio not open anymore, but I'm thankful the memories I have.

-B

{A couple pictures of some of my dance costumes}

Animals!

The Buffalo Zoo and Aquarium of Niagara Falls are two of my favorite things in Western New York. I love animals and to be able to learn more about them and visit them in our area is pretty cool. Some cities aren't lucky to have a zoo and/or aquarium, so when I hear some people say these places aren't as great as other big cities, we should be thankful we even have any in "our backyard." If you take the time the next time you visit the zoo or aquarium you will see they actually have more to offer than you think.

-B

Hello, March!

Hello March! Since its my birthday month I've decided that I'm going to share at least one of my favorite things about Western New York for the next 30 days. Yes, I know March has 31 days in it, but since I'm turning the "big" 3-0 in just a couple shorts weeks, I thought it would be the theme for this month.

So today I'm kicking off my first favorite thing - Buffalo Indie Weddings! Nope, I'm not married or engaged, but the ladies behind these fun DIY bridal parties are Ali {Made by Anatomy} and Erica {City Lights Studio}. They are creative and fun, offering a fresh take on those regular bridal shows that take place. I always love seeing what new things they come up with and more importantly I love meeting new people at their events {a majority of the vendors are local!}.

-B

{Check out their event today at the Foundry}

Friday Favorites!

{A staple building in downtown Buffalo, Hotel Lafayette}

It’s been an eventful week compared to the last few. As I’m beginning to prep for my 30^th birthday in a few short weeks, I’ve been consumed with so many ideas that this weekend is going to be about narrowing down what I really want and then putting the plan into action. Part of the weekend is also going to be me looking for an adventure or a new place to visit. It’s been a while since I’ve traveled and as much as I love Buffalo, everyone needs a little break now and then. Have a good weekend!

{One of my favorite things at Polar Bites, the Elephant painted Wine and Martini Glasses}

{I finally visited Hydraulic Hearth for Brunch on Saturday - it was awesome!}

{I found this quote on Instagram and love it!}

{You can't beat a spongecandy stout beer at Resurgence}

YOU Are Beautiful

You are beautiful. That was the theme this past Saturday at HEAL BFLO’s event. {H.E.A.L standing for - Health, Energy, Art and Love}. The yoga retreat and wellness event was much different than other health and wellness events that take place. It was more intimate – offering an all-day yoga retreat for those who wanted to participate and on the other side a vendor based event open to the public featuring local boutiques and businesses.

While I didn’t attend the yoga retreat {looking back I wish I did}, when I walked into the Foundry you immediately felt a calmness and community bond at the event. Over 30 vendors participated and the venue was packed with positive energy.

To learn more about HEAL BFLO and the ladies behind the event click here and here.

-B

A Great Place to Go for Wine Wednesday!

It’s been months of planning to make time to visit Providence Social. Finally a few Wednesday’s ago Nicole and I took advantage of are monthly get-togethers and enjoyed their wine night specials!

The minute I walked in I fell in love with the place I loved the bar area and the old school music from the 50s and 60s era - a place that makes me think of my childhood memories when my parents would make me listen to their oldies music {now a days I catch myself singing to some of that same music, I guess that’s what happens as you get older}. The dim lighting with amazing light fixtures makes for a pretty atmosphere. The dining area is pretty open – leaving you and your party not feeling on top of other people... like you find at some other restaurants in the area.

Wednesdays make for great wine deals! $4 for a glass, $16 for a bottle! You can’t beat that price. For the amount of wine Nicole and I drink when we get together - it was a great deal!

From the outside- it’s not what you would expect when you walk in. The pricing is affordable and offers a good selection of food that can be shared. Now, I'm planning a time to go back and check out their brunch! From what I see on social media it looks like they put together a nice Sunday Funday!

-B

#BuffaloLinks

Aficionado - a networking event taking place this Friday at the Lafayette Hotel from 6-9pm. It looks pretty neat, anyone else attending?

Heal Bflo - bringing the community together, local businesses together and creating a positive atmosphere.

Steak Stone and Sushi - a restaurant in Lockport, NY that I want to check out soon!

A new distillery that just opened and another new place to check out! Black Squirrel Distillery

Monday Mantra

Friday Favorites!

{Breakfast at Break N' Eggs Creperie on Main St. in Williamsville}

Like most people in town, I am over this weather, never one to not, not like winter, but this cold weather has been very un-motivating for me to want to go out and do things, so I'm looking forward to changing that around and warming up at the Botanical Gardens this weekend. Its the last weekend for Lumagination! Whatever it is that you have planned I hope you stay warm and have fun!

-B   

{Lunch at #GetFried this past week. #delish}

{The very first wedding I helped with was held at this Church, St. Louis RC Church on Main St.}

{Another successful Buffalo Zoo event last night! Cheers to #PolarBites2015}

Nail Polish Named After Buffalo Favorites!

Yesterday, I featured nail polish remover from EXO Supply Co. so it only makes sense for me to feature nail polish today. Hand mixed, Buffalo themed nail polish to be specific, from Gridlock Lacquer! You may have seen my post back in December on Lisa from Gridlock Lacquer {click here for the post}, but her product is so awesome that I'm featuring her again this week. Not only is business going great for her, she is prepping for the busy Easter season at the Broadway Market and expanding her product to Pittsburgh! If you haven't checked out her nail polish make sure to stop by her stand at the market or online!

-B

Women Who Move Buffalo {Elyse, from EXO Supply Co.}

{I love the samples Elyse provided me with! Thank you!}

Ladies have you ever thought to yourself – why does nail polish remover have to be so potent and harsh? Even the ones that say they are "sensitive" still have a distinct smell when you open the bottle. Well not any more. Elyse from EXO Supply Co. created a nail polish remover that is eco-friendly, smells beautiful {think the smell of lavender} and is plant based.

Learn more about her and EXO Supply Co. below!

 -B

When did EXO Supply Co. launch?

Since April of 2014

What products do you offer?

Outside of the nail polish remover {Pure Remover}, look for an all-natural coconut cleanser that can be used on hands, body and face coming this spring!

What is EXO Supply Co.?

Branching off from her father’s business at Griffin Chemical Company, Elyse worked hard to develop, produce and market a product that is clean, organic and not harmful. Pure Remover is so gentle it makes it the perfect product to use on children’s nails.

Pure Remover is on the higher end of nail polish removers {think of OPI nail polish}, but once you use this product you will know why - its high quality!

Where can you find EXO products?

You can find EXO at a handful of places - the Lexington Co-Op, Gridlock Lacquer, Tony Walker and Co., the list goes on! {For a complete list, click here}.

If you travel internationally you can find EXO products in Ontario, Canada {Niagara on the Lake} and the Philippines.

Want to know what fun promotions, events, activities Elyse has coming up?

She is prepping for a huge event this weekend – the Pre-Party Expo at the Oscars on Saturday. EXO, Koukla Cosmetics and Her Story Boutique will be hitting the red carpet and promoting their brand with the stars!

On top of this awesome opportunity this weekend, Elyse was excited to share with me that EXO has recently lowered their shipping costs online. Making it even more appealing to order online!

Make sure to follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to catch the latest promotions, events and products!

When I asked Elyse what she loves best about Buffalo she said the people. "Interacting with other business owners is welcoming and it’s not like other places." When I met with Elyse for this interview I could tell how proud, passionate and excited she is on what EXO Supply Co. stands for and where it is going in the future. She has an awesome product and I hope you test it out!

{Please note: photos courtesy of EXO Supply Co.}

Tuesday's Talk with Christina at Koukla Cosmetics!

  {The goodies I received from Christina! I've been using the primer and bronzer for about a week and I love it!}

Today’s beauty feature is a woman who has faced some pretty big obstacles in her young life, but through them she is living her dream and is an inspiration to us all. Christina Sergakis from Koukla Cosmetics (Koukla meaning Doll in Greek).

So how did Koukla Cosmetics get started you ask? Read Christina’s story below.

-B

{Chris from Streamline Designs put Christina's vision on paper and created her new logo}

Having her parents move from Greece to Western New York is where it all started. Christina would spend 3 months out of the year in Greece and spend the rest of her time in WNY, until she was 17, that’s when her life changed.

She decided to pack her bags and head to Greece where she continued her studies in the cosmetology field. When she was 19 she had a health scare. Being diagnosed with Guillaine Barre Syndrome, Christina was paralyzed and left in the hospital for over 3 months – recuperating. During this time she kind of lost sight as to who she was and was starting to find herself again. Realizing she may never be able to do to hair and makeup for clients she thought she could teach and sell her products to clients.

Through this time she did research, taught herself the ins and the outs of the business and slowly, but surely she bounced back. Christina saw the opportunity that was given to her father when he came to America and new this was her time to come back to the states and pursue her goal.

Once back here, she continued her research in the various fields of the cosmetology world – working for MAC Cosmetics, NeoStrata Exuviance Skin Care and a handful of other companies, she was able to learn all areas of the business.

Recently, Christina left her space at Imagine Salon where she sold her cosmetic line, did hair and makeup and hosted Make up and Martini parties and is focusing solely on her cosmetic line. She still offers private makeup technique classes and services for you and your girlfriends {You can find a complete list here}.

Christina’s line is custom blended, skin sensitive, fragrance free, mineral based, with no added fillers, or preservatives. In addition to her mineral collection Christina offers a full line of high end cosmetics that are hypoallergenic, allergy tested, & oil, making you feel beautiful inside and out!

Each product from Christina’s line is made with love and connects to her in some way. For a complete list of Christina’s products {including beard oil for men!} click here.

One of the biggest things that separate Koukla Cosmetics from other cosmetic lines is its customizable!! Matching almost any color of makeup that may have been discontinued or pairing that perfect eye shadow with a dress you have, she can create it!

Christina has some exciting upcoming events that you should check out if you can. Partnering with Her Story Boutique she will be at the Dress Her Up event at Savoy tomorrow doing makeup demo’s for those who are interested. And then this weekend Koukla Cosmetics, Her Story Boutique and EXO Supply Co are heading to the Oscars where they will attend the pre party expo with the stars the day before the awards show…Great Risk = Great Reward.

{Photo courtesy of Koukla Cosmetics-  Booth for Pre Party Expo at the Oscars}

When asked what is one thing she loves about Buffalo she said the people – “Buffalo is friendly” people want to talk to you and know your story – it’s not like NYC or Seattle. A lot is happening in this area and it’s great to see more women owned businesses that support one another.

Make sure to stay up to date on all the promotions, products and events Koukla will be a part of in the near future by liking them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!

Thank you Christina for sharing your story and inspiring us all to pursue are dreams!

Monday's are for Pretty Manicures with So Gloss Nail Wraps!

This week I'm kicking off a week long feature of local beauty businesses in WNY. Each day I'm featuring a woman who pursued her dreams in the beauty industry and is helping make women in the WNY area feel beautiful inside and out!

Today I'm starting my week long feature with Jesse from So-Gloss Nail Wraps. I LOVE nail polish, but I, like most women are to busy to find the time to sit and wait for their nails to dry. I also can't stand when I paint my nails and an hour later I find I chipped the nail polish off already. That's where So-Gloss nail wraps come in - they are so convenient for a person who is on the go.

Want to know why - check out my interview with Jesse below!

-B

How did it all get started? How did your brand come about?

I lost my dream job as a fashion buyer & merchandiser 6 years ago due to a company wide down sizing. Unfortunately, there are not many fashion buying & merchandising jobs in Buffalo, so it forced me to think outside the box and provide myself with a job. I was selling nail wraps for 4 years before I got "discovered". One day my phone started going nuts with the cha-ching noise my phone makes when I get an order. Refinery29 had featured So Gloss on their landing page, twitter feed & facebook page. I got a years worth of orders in ONE DAY!!! The orders have been rolling in ever since!

What is So-Gloss? Is it affordable for everyone? Who is your target audience?

So Gloss Nail Wraps are heat activated and applied directly on to your nail, you get instant results. Just heat, stick & file your way to awesome nails. The nail wraps are made of vinyl, so they don't chip or smudge like nail polish {even better!}. So Gloss Nail Wraps are $8 for 24 wraps, they last 4-14 days on your finger nails and 2 MONTHS on your toes! My target consumer is girls ages 2-40.

If people want to learn more, where can they go to get information?

sogloss.com

Do you have general products that anyone can purchase, do you make customizable products?

I wish I could customize products but at this point I don't have the machine to do it.

Has anyone ever done private parties with a bunch of their girlfriends? 

I used to do parties but with 2 kids and a booming internet business I just don't have the time.

Do you offer any specials, promotions? Or would you like to share any fun events you have coming up?

I sell on daily deal sites like  zulily.com, jane.com & groopdealz.com and I have a buy 4 get the 5th free deal!

How did you land in Buffalo? Are you originally from here, what made you stay? What do you love best about this area?

I have lived in Buffalo all my life. My husband and I have a farm in Clarence with horses & chickens. There aren't many places in this world where you can live in the "country" and yet have major shopping centers just a few miles away.

To find Jesse's products Like her page on Facebook and check her page out on Etsy! Thank you for letting me share your story!  {Photos all courtesy of Jesse @ So Gloss Nail Wraps}

Friday Favorites!

{Volunteering is one of the best things I could ever do - the reward is priceless}

I've been kind of "MIA" this past week, but I've been busy thinking of new ideas and posts to bring to my site. I hope you enjoy your weekend and Happy Valentine's Day! xoxo

-B

{I'd love to design my own wine tasting.. maybe one day}

{I've been cooking a lot more and nothing beats homemade stuffed peppers!}

{I just love the furniture at Globe Market on Hertel}