My Friday Favorites!

{So excited for Amy at Linwood Candles on being chosen for Urban Outfitters Dreams + Doers}

This week was full of fun family time, outdoor activities and much more. Have a great weekend!

-B

{ A little DIY project this weekend}

{I love walking past the mansions by Delaware Park and Lincoln Parkway - they are beautiful!}

{A little family trip to Canalside this past weekend}

{How cool is this - Red Box Books with the Buffalo & Erie County Library Downtown - take a book and leave a book!}

Sun and Sand! A Guide to WNY Beaches

Its officially summer and one thing people like to do is head to the beach. When I was younger my family would rent a cottage for a week up in Canada. While we don't have the crystal blue water and white sand like other places may have, Western New York still has a handful of beaches that are enjoyable to go to. Here is my list of some to check out.

Beaver Island State Park {great for the little kids}

Mickey Rats

Sunset Bay Beach Club

Woodlawn Beach

Olcott Beach

Bennett Beach

If you have an enhanced license or passport a couple of my favorites right over the border are:

Crystal Beach

Sherkston

:: Some beach necessities, magazines {or book}, towel{s}, beach chairs, A volleyball ::

Other essentials for the day at the beach:

Coolers (if allowed)

A big beach bag to put all your belongings in

Snacks like fruit, sandwiches

Drinks like water, beer {optional}, iced tea

Sunglasses, Sun Tan Lotion, hats, big umbrellas, hand sanitizer or baby wipes and blankets

Toys for kids to play with (shovels, buckets, etc.)

What is your favorite beach to go to?

-B

A Recreational Place on Point!

While there are a lot of great things happening down at Buffalo's Inner Harbor, there are also a lot of great things happening at Buffalo's Outer Harbor, from the bike and running paths to the Lighthouses and Coast Guard Base, one place I checked out this past weekend was Wilkeson Pointe. Located on Times Beach Nature Preserve, this recreational spot not only has beautiful views of the water, windmills and wind sculptures, but also has slides and plenty of room to bring the family and spend a day playing games and having a picnic. It's probably one of my favorite spots to go {now}. While people are familiar with Wilkeson Pointe- its still secluded enough to make it feel like a "hidden gem." Making it a great place to go if you ever want to take a break from reality.

-B

My Friday Favorites!

With it finally feeling like summer this week I kicked it off with some of my favorite summertime treats and holiday activities. It's going to be beautiful out and I'm looking forward to it! I hope you have a great holiday weekend! -B

{My festive Stars and Stripes shoes}

{Local Craft Breweries selling there beer at Consumers - #BuffaloBrewersSeries}

 

{A summertime classic - baseball and ice cream - soft serve Vanilla with rainbow sprinkles}

 

{Fireworks}

{Fresh Strawberries from a local farm at the Country Market #YUM}

#BuffaloLinks

This week I thought I would feature some Dog parks that are in Western New York - I personally have never been to one - my dogs are to hyper and crazy to follow the rules, but have you been to any of these places - do you have a favorite? -B

{The Paw Park -in Amherst, NY}

{Lewiston Dog Park - click here for more info}

{The Barkyard in Buffalo NY - click here for more details on this off leash park}

{3.5 acres of off leash fun at the Niagara Falls Dog Park}

Just A Blonde in Buffalo {Fireworks Guide}

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}

Festival/Tour Guide 2015

With summer officially here I thought I would put together a list of some upcoming festivals and tours happening around town that you shouldn't pass up if you have the time. Let's hope that it starts to feel more like summer as we approach July.

• A staple in Buffalo during the summer - the Taste of Buffalo
• Galbani Italian Festival on Hertal Ave. - July 16-19th
• Elmwood Arts Festival
• Shakespeare in Delaware Park
• Explore Buffalo Tour- they offer so many cool tours to take - there is something for everyone!
• Buffalo Pedal Tours - A cool way to see Buffalo and hang out with your friends!
• Boat Tours/Experiences - Canalside has plenty of options when it comes to exploring Buffalo by Boat
• St. Leo the Great Lawn Fete- July 25th
• Queen of Heaven Lawn Fete - July 16th
• Eden Corn Festival
• Williamsville Old Home Days - July 7-10th
• Erie County Fair - August 12-23

My Friday Favorites!

This week has been pretty nice and I'm looking forward to the weekend. Good luck to everyone participating in the Ride for Roswell this weekend. Here are some of my favorite things from this past week. -B

 {Oshun}

{Hydraulic Hearth}

{Lunch at Pearl Street}

{A favorite from Savannah Guthrie - its the little things}

Women Who Move Buffalo {Once and For All - Molly Hoeltke}

{Molly Hoeltke}

Have you ever met a person that you could be around for a few minutes and already feel motivated to follow your dreams because they are so passionate about theirs? That’s what happened to me when I met Molly Hoeltke from Once and For All (formerly Once Vintage).

I was lucky enough to sit down with Molly last week. Growing up she never thought of working in the Fashion Industry, but as she went through school she studied Business focusing on the Arts. As she grew in her career she learned the ins and outs of the fashion industry through the experiences she had with marketing and film industry. She started styling in films {specifically commercials} six years ago and during her time in Manhattan she met a vintage shop owner and that is when she started to fall in love with the vintage apparel.

She moved back home and through all of the unique experiences she had – she was able to put together her own business and help it grow. In 2011 Once Vintage was created – a clothing line full of repurposing and vintage. After 2 years in – in 2013 she made the transition to wholesale and started Once and For All - a limited wholesale line that can be found online and in boutiques across the United States – specifically 10 boutiques throughout the East Coast.

Molly self-taught herself in pattern making, sewing, manufacturing and selling and everything in between - she basically learned everything she needs to know to make her business work and has given herself a fashion degree while learning on her feet.

Her focus right now is on a line with soft fabrics, twills, blues, blacks and whites – like a west coast, bohemian feel. She is evolving her line into a more mature, yet retro feel with an Indie/Australia vibe with cuts being more versatile and wearable for all sizes. She finds inspiration from some of her favorite designers – Chloe, The Row, Isabel Marant, Mara Hoffman and Cali Brands.

When I asked her what she loves best about Buffalo and why she hasn’t moved out of the area she said because Buffalo is a great place to start a business. It’s an easy lifestyle {except the winter}. There is a supportive community {most of the time}, she has a supportive family and it’s inexpensive to live. She loves going out to her country house in Varysburg on the weekends and often times finds inspiration there.

You can find Molly’s line locally in Modern Nostalgia on Hertel Ave. and Anna Grace on Elmwood Ave.

Once and For All is a very definitive and inclusive name. From a woman who has deep faith, it has personal meaning to her and represents her brand and all different women. I can say from meeting Molly she represents a strong woman, who is passionate and driven all while creating an amazing clothing line and has an amazing future ahead of her. And to have this talent in Buffalo is pretty extraordinary.

Thanks Molly for letting me share your story! -B

{Her Studio}

#BuffaloLinks :: Yoga Edition

Bikram Yoga in Williamsville- classes are offered for all different levels.

One of the best yoga retreats in Buffalo - HEAL BFLO - click here for more information.

Healing Waters in East Aurora - a nice peaceful place for yoga and meditation - a place to go to get a way from the "hustle and bustle" of the city.

Power Yoga Buffalo - not only do the they two locations {one on Main St. in Snyder, the other in the Elmwood Village}. They also put on a number of classes at Canalside and Bidwell during the summer months.

Put Me In The Zoo

One thing I love to do is volunteer and over the last year and a half I have spent some of my volunteer time with the Buffalo Zoo. It is one of my favorite places to go. Not only is it a great place for me to take my niece and nephew, but if I find myself needing to just disconnect with "life" I enjoy walking around the zoo grounds watching the animals. On Friday I was able to meet up with some Zoo Keepers and ask them a lot of questions in regards to their roles and responsibilities as a Zoo Keeper. It was pretty cool to hear them talk about the animals and the personalities each one of them has. Even with the current construction going on at the Zoo, there are plenty of activities and events taking place and new exhibits to look forward to in the upcoming months.

-B

Here are some of my photos that I took from Friday. We stopped at the Elephant House, Sea Lion Exhibit and Tiger/Lion House.

{Mindy with Jothi and Surapa}

{Dallas the Sea Lion}

{Lioness}

My Friday Favorites!

{I am obsessed with this sunset I was able to capture on my phone Wednesday night down at Canalside. Absolutely beautiful!}

This week has been crazy and I'm happy to say its Friday! While there was some sadness filled in the week with goodbyes, there were also some positive things that took place - like me running my fastest 5k and celebrating two of my really good friends birthdays. With the negative comes the positive and vice versa. I'm looking forward to the weekend and just enjoying the little things around me. I hope you enjoy yours at well!

And if you're at the Brewer's Festival tomorrow at Canalside, stop by and say hi! I'll be at the front table!

-B

{Love these cards from the Allentown Art festival}

{On the corner of Allen and Main St. are these rocks just plopped on the grass with a sign that says welcome to Allentown - welcoming those who visit the area, especially those who attended the art festival last weekend}

{Photo is from Visit Buffalo Niagara's Instagram - Buster was helping serve lunch on Thursday! #Buffalove15}

#BuffaloLinks

Larkin Links - a new activity to do down at Larkinville just opened earlier this week! can't wait to check it out!

Driving thru the Village of Angola, I never realized what a cute town it was and would love to check it out sometime this summer.

This Saturday at Canalside - bring your Dad out and celebrate Father's Day a little early at the Buffalo Brewers Festival!

An event at the science museum that I hope I can attend - the Solstice Soiree!

Fathers Day Things to Do

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

Happiest of Birthdays From Buffalo!

Today we celebrate one of my best friends birthdays. She's only a few hours down the 90 and she reps the Buffalove better than some people who live here. Shanna I'm wishing you one of the best birthdays ever! Buffalo is not the same without you here - miss you and I can't wait until you're in town to celebrate. Happy Happy Birthday!

Allentown Art Festival 2015

I hit the road and headed to Delaware Ave. and Allen St. this past weekend to go to one of my favorite festivals of the summer - the Allentown Art Festival. I am not an art junkie and I probably won't ever purchase an expensive piece of art work at least not anytime soon, but I do like to look at the photographers and artists work. This year I found myself liking more of the vendors participating in the "Allen West Festival" that takes place off of the main festival street by Nietzche's. Here are a list of some of my favorite vendors this year:

• Bruce Odell
• Mia Sohn
• PS Enjoy Yourself
• Jman Photo
• Axetreme Creations
• Geometrical Cards
• Everything Buffalo
• The Public
• Ella Rae Bowtique
• Vintage Chameleon
• Daggett Designs - awesome Buffalove work he had displayed

Who were some of your favorites? Did you walk away with a piece of art you love?

-B

Allen Burger Venture

Polish Eggs

Allen West Festival

The first piece of artwork I saw when I approached the festival

These cards are part of a perfect gift for a friends upcoming birthday. Thanks JuNxtaposition!

Friday Favorites!

Happy Friday! The weekend is upon us and there are a lot of fun things to do this weekend. Whether you're relaxing and spending time low key or heading to the Allentown Art Festival, The Buffalo Zoo Catillion or Taste of Country, I hope you have a great weekend! -B

{I love the smell of these candles from Linwood Candles}

{My niece graduated from Pre-K and I couldn't be more proud of her}

{Classic Bases Merloted picture}

{I love walks to Canalside. The Dish is a pretty good lunch spot to hit up if you're looking for a place to go}

#BuffaloLinks

A new farmer's market I want to check out in South Buffalo. The South Buffalo Market.

Yoga at the Buffalo River Fest Park Mondays during the summer at 5:30pm.

This Saturday the Buffalo City Swim Racers are hosting a Water Safety Festival at City Honors High School. Check out a great organization and get some safety tips just in time for the summer.

If you like walking around Buffalo looking at beautiful gardens here is the link to all the places you can go. Garden Walk Buffalo Niagara

Friday Favorites!

{I paid a visit to the Downtown Library this past week, a place I want to visit more this summer}

Here are some of my favorite finds from this past week around town. Have a great weekend!

-B

{Buffalo has some of the most beautiful Churches - here is one of the entrances at St. Joseph's Cathedral}

{One of my favorite things to do is just walk around downtown on my lunch break, its nice to see a lot of people out and about downtown}

{While making pretzels necklaces for an event I came across this custom one ..just for me ;) }

#BuffaloLinks

Today kicks off the North Buffalo Farmers Market. A place I'm looking forward to checking out this summer.

Also, tonight at 6pm Makers Buffalo is hosting their Grand Opening of their new space and Once and For All is celebrating their new line at Modern Nostalgia!

Saturday at Ralph Wilson Stadium is Namastadium - a yoga event with proceeds benefitting the new Children's Hospital. To learn more about the event click here.

I'm super excited for Bases Merloted this year! Wine, great weather, fun games and so much more. To find out more details go here.