A Nice Way to Watch A Film

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Did you know that when Shea's opened in 1926 it was actually built to show silent films?!?  Sunday my Mom and I attended the silent film Sherlock Holmes there. When I first got the tickets I thought it was a play, but then my Mom was quick to point out that it was a silent film {note to myself to read better} ...like no words just a pianist playing scores throughout the films 90 minutes. I was a little skeptical, I'm not going to lie. I was thinking I would want to leave halfway through the film, but it was actually amazing! It was like I experienced something from back in time - a black and white film with no words, just music. It was a nice change of scenery and something different. I highly recommend attending a short film at Shea's if you ever can. It makes for a nice indoor activity to do when the weather isn't so nice out outside.

{A brief welcome and introduction before the film started}

Oh and the best part - it was free! A free film in a beautiful building that celebrated their 90th anniversary this weekend. That's pretty cool Buffalo. Oh and for those who like popcorn and candy to munch on when watching a movie - Shea's had their concession stands open, selling sweet treats {the popcorn and twizzlers cost $8 - that's cheaper than a movie ticket now a days}. Just putting things in perspective, its nice to have a beautiful venue like this offer nice {casual} events like this.

For a calendar of events taking place at Shea's click here

-B

#BuffaloLinks

Its the first #BuffaloLinks post for 2016. And with it comes a lot of fun events taking place throughout the rest of January. From outdoor to indoor events, winter in Buffalo doesn't have to be as dreadful as some make it. Whether you hit up Chestnut Ridge park for sledding, Fountain Plaza for ice skating, Riverworks for curling and ice hockey or Tifft Nature Preserve for some snow shoeing Buffalo has a lot going on. Here is a list of events that look like they are going to be fun to attend:

Chillabration at Canalside - January 15th

Be a part of the Guinness Book of World Records and take part in what may be the Longest Ice Line and help Make a Wish WNY. My cousin Nathan {wish teen} will be leading the line.

{photo- Canalside}

Makers Buffalo has a lot of fun DIY projects over the next few weeks. Check out a full list here

{photo- Makers Buffalo}

Learn all about energy at Energy Day at the Science Museum on January 23rd.

{photo Buffalo Science Museum}

Exercise and brunch- why not- Sip n' Stretch at Marcy Casino on January 24th is an event I have tickets to. Knowing I will be burning those calories so I can enjoy a mimosa afterwards is enough motivation for me to work hard during the class.

{photo Sip N Stretch event page}

Looking to learn more about this city and the history behind it. Explore Buffalo is the perfect place to go for tours. And on January 23rd they are kicking off a Winter Celebration to share all of the awesome things coming up.

{photo Explore Buffalo}

A light show and more is coming back to Buffalo's Botanical Gardens at the end of January. Lumagination was on my list of events to attend last year and never happened, so this year I've made it a priority.

{photo Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens}

Where's Lloyd?!? Hitting up Hertel Ave. for the Taco Factory

{Snozzberry Mule, chicken burrito and spring rolls}

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Last week I joined some friends at the newest addition to Hertel Ave - Lloyds Taco Factory. You've seen the trucks all over Western New York and now they have a permanent residency on Hertel Ave. We arrived just before 6pm on a weeknight which was perfect timing because once 6 hit there was a steady line of people the rest of the night.

{See them making the tortillas and more}

{graffiti walls and a bottle drop - recycle!}

Offering not only their delicious tacos, nachos and burritos, they also offer small sides {like spring rolls} and a full service bar. My favorite things {besides the food} are the garage style doors in the front of the restaurant, the "bottle drop" pipes and the communal style table in the middle of the restaurant. Hitting up the taco factory just made me love what Pete and his team are doing for this area even more.

-B

{Classic crowd shot}

NY Beer Project, Another Great Addition to WNY

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Fairly new to the Northtowns, NY Beer Project sits off of South Transit Rd in Lockport and its pretty hard for you to miss it. I went there last weekend to celebrate a friend's surprise birthday party and was overly surprised at how massive the venue is.

With a restaurant and bar downstairs and an open area upstairs for private parties and games it is a place Western New Yorkers should check out if they are into the beer scene or just need a new place to go to grab a bite to eat.

{Upstairs game area and private party areas}

{Group shot}

{Bar photo from upstairs}

NY Beer Project is hosting their Grand Opening on January 20 with their craft beers pouring at 5pm. If you have nothing going on and are looking for something to do, this is what I predict will be a fun event to attend.

Learning New Things: Homemade Pierogi Making

Did you know the Polish language is the third most popular language to be spoken in Western New York after English and Spanish. That's a little fun fact for you today that goes right in hand with my post.

Over the holidays my friend Annette was nice enough to teach me how to make homemade pierogi. I am not a cook at all and I didn't have high hopes for myself, but with a great teacher I realized making pierogi isn't as complicated as I thought it would be. You just have to be delicate with the dough {at least I do}. From the filling, to making the dough, to cooking and freezing the pierogi, all it took were a few simple steps.

{ready for the filling- sorry the recipe is top secret!}

{concentrating on folding the pierogi}

As we approach this new year one thing I am focusing on doing more of is learning new things. Instead of pushing it to the side and saying I will learn to do something eventually, I'm focusing on doing things in the present. Not waiting, because life is just to short and I have a long list of things I'd like to do.

Well some may think learning to make pierogi isn't anything exciting or riveting enough to write about, in my opinion the new things we learn don't have to be a "huge" activity to learn to be excited about something. If its new to you that should be enough to make you happy that you learned something new {if that makes sense}. With that said, thank you Annette for showing me how to make pierogi!

Until next time...

-B

2015 - A Year of Growth

A typical end of year blog post - reflecting on this past year and looking ahead to 2016. When I was going through what I did this year, I couldn't believe all of the things that have taken place {it's quite hard to wrap up a whole year in one blog post}!  The people I've met (Rev gals, Molly Hoeltke, Amy @ Linwood Candles, Gretchen from Makers, Del @ 26 Shirts, Vanessa at MuseJar, Elyse at EXO Supply, and all the other wonderful people I've met along the way.} the things I've done {a pedal tour, whitewater rafting, water bikes, exploring Niagara County, the list goes on.} and the places and events I've attended all have helped me learned more about my hometown.

Like every year there are trying times and happy times. If I had to describe 2015 in one word I would say growth. I turned 30 and have finally {FINALLY} started to learn that I don't have to do it all and that's ok. Enjoying what is happening in the moment is one of the biggest things I'm taking away from this year, along with patience. I've learned that doing things that make me happy and not feeling bad about it is ok - its life.

Some people wish away a year so they can get a fresh start in the new year, I wouldn't necessarily say that I'm happy this year is over because I've learned a lot during the bumps in the road. But with this year came a new home, more adventures taken {right here at home} and more great people I've met. Those are things I wouldn't change for the world.

Well I am one who really doesn't make resolutions, I do have goals for 2016, specifically focusing on community involvement, visiting places and attending events I haven't been to in the area and traveling out of the country for a trip of a lifetime. Whatever it is that you have set for yourself I wish you a happy and healthy 2016.

-B

Celebrating 2016 in Buffalo

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

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. May your day be filled with a warm heart, beautiful people, a little Buffalove and memories that last a long time.

The Festive Lights at the Hamburg Fairgrounds

 {Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

Still looking to get into the holiday spirit? I think I have something that can help... the Hamburg Fairgrounds Festival of Lights. Sunday night my sister and I took my niece to see the "light spectacular." Upon entering the grounds you turn your radio to 87.9 to listen to the festive music while driving along the path seeing all of the different displays on hand.

Once the drive is over you have the opportunity {if you want} to walk around the grounds to check out Santa, the merry go round, Christmas Tree Park and the Igloo building where there are a bunch of different ice sculptures on display. You can even order a cocktail at the ice bar or watch the ice sculpture demonstration that takes place.

it was a fun event and helped me get into the Christmas spirit {something I have been lacking a little}. The Festival of Lights continues through the rest of this week {click here for the schedule and more details}.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

One tip: Dress according to the weather, if you are walking around on the grounds or enter the Igloo building it is a little chilly.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

Feeling the Crunch

With Christmas only a few days away some people {myself included} still have last minute shopping to do. With every free minute I have I've been trying to catch up on what feels like the longest Christmas shopping list I have. Below are a few local stores I've stopped into this past week. Not thinking I would purchase anything, sometimes the stores you don't expect to find things in, are the ones you do. A lot of stores will be staying open later this week, make sure to check out their websites and/or social media for the most current information. Happy Shopping and be kind to one another!

-B

{Sarah Danielle inside the Ellicott Square Building}

{Local artist - Hometown Decals}

{Main Street in East Aurora, NY}

Niagara Power Vista Festival of Trees

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

This past weekend my niece, nephew, sister and I went to the Niagara Power Vista Festival of Trees. It was an all day event that was free to the public. Really not knowing what to expect, all I knew was there were going to be a number of trees decorated by a number of different non-profit organizations.

Once we arrived there was more than just the looking at Christmas trees, there were pictures with Santa, arts and crafts, live music from a local school band and the opportunity to play in the Electric Lab. For being a free event it was great and I highly suggest going next year, if you've never been. While you have the opportunity to learn about new organizations you also have a lot of other activities taking place, making it worth the drive if you're coming from the Buffalo area.

{You also got to see a great view of the Niagara River Gorge}

{Ornaments that you could make}

Strolling thru Elmwood Ave.

The Holidays are busy for everyone and this year is no different. Even though I have thought of shopping I had yet to start until last week when my friend Jen and I went for a stroll down Elmwood. I'm a big fan of supporting local and giving thoughtful and creative gifts. So below are a few of the shops we stopped into. While it was very hard for me to not stop at clothing boutiques to shop for me, it was nice to visit shops I don't go to on a regular basis.

First stop was The Treehouse - a store filled with tons of toys for those special children in your life.

The second stop on the walk was Fern + Arrow - a new store on Elmwood and my first time there, I was super excited because its owned by one of my favorite business owners in Buffalo. Offering some clothing and jewelry it also provides a lot of home décor and knick knacks.

Ro is another shop we stopped at, providing a lot of furniture options. If you don't see something for you, speak with the staff as a lot of the pieces are locally made and they can work with you to make exactly what you're looking for.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

An Elmwood classic - Everything Elmwood offers an array of gifts from ornaments, clothing and other home goods making it a great place to stop and look around.

Happy Shopping!

-B

Marienthal Country Inn - A Home Away from Home in Eden, NY

Driving 30 minutes south of the City of Buffalo I made my way to Eden, NY the other day to visit with Louise from Marienthal Country Inn. A quaint bed and breakfast offering a lot more than just a cozy place to rest and relax. Formerly a Church, the B&B was purchased in 2007 and opened in 2008 with renovations taking place in the Rectory, Covenant and Church. Open all year round, there are a lot of things you can do while you're there. From relaxing massages and reflexology classes to water color classes every Monday and pottery classes are offered during the summer months, they offer girls get away packages and yoga classes as well.

{A short, but peaceful drive to Eden}

The first thing on the list was a tour of the facility. Each room was a different theme making it a one of a kind place. Louise and her husband took old pieces from the Church (pews, stained glass windows, etc.) and used them as sink stands, windows, etc. As things started to evolve, everything fell in to place. With the B&B pretty busy, Marienthal Country Inn has expanded their services, offering a unique place for people to host special events - Weddings, Bridal and Baby showers and Dinner Theater events such as Tony & Tina's Wedding, a Murder Mystery event and up next a Medieval Feast next Spring. There is a lot Louise and her team can do.

{Each room has something special about it}

Living in Eden her whole life, its not far from anything and you have a beautiful landscape. When I sat down I asked her what made her want to own a B&B and she said she has always thought about it, having a place where she could host artwork shops where people could stay. When the Church closed it was a whirlwind of events and everything just fell into place. Its a little community and she is happy to be a part of it. Her and her husband have hosted people from all over the world and as they continue to expand on improvements to the buildings they are also looking to expand on events in the future - offering a place for workshops and corporate retreats.

If you're looking to support local business and need a gift for someone for the Holiday, a gift certificate to the Marienthal Inn is a great idea. Not far from Buffalo and offering a unique experience, everyone is sure to have a wonderful time.

I have never been or stayed at a B&B before, but I can tell you Marienthal is special - it isn't your average place to stay and getaway for a weekend, Louise and her team make sure to offer unique activities to make the guests happy, making them want to come back. Instead of leaving an old Church building empty, Louise saw an opportunity to make something great out of a sad situation and she did an awesome job!

Until next time..

-B

Patricia's Back Barn

A cute barn with antiques, rustic and country like furniture and a super friendly staff, Patricia's Back Barn is a must visit place if you are looking for home décor or knick knacks. From country style tables to desks, chairs, lighting and more, I walked around the store with my Mom multiple times just looking at all the items they have for sale. Prices are reasonable and on some of the items even negotiable. They are open Thursday's thru Sunday's. Even if you aren't in need of any home goods, its a nice place to go if you're looking for something to do. And after you can grab brunch or tea at the White Linen Tea House across the parking lot.

-B

{I love this chandelier}

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Just a Blonde in Buffalo's Holiday Gift Guide - Local Edition

With Black Friday and Small Business Saturday this week I thought it would be best to share my gift ideas for the upcoming season. These gifts come from some of my favorite shops in town. Enjoy!

-B

For those who like to create memories try getting your loved ones together for a brunch - share stories and laughs around the table at one of these fine places.

• Hydraulic Hearth
• Martin Cooks
• Elm St. Bakery
• Betty's

Brunch isn't your thing? Grab your people and go on a tour of local bars in town with Buffalo Pedal Tours - this is great for any out of town guests. Hit up Canalside, Buffalo Riverworks, the list goes on. Just make sure to dress for the weather! Pedaling in the cold not your cup of tea?  Take a group of friends or family to Escape Room Buffalo and try to figure out the clues to get out of a locked room.

The brewery and local distillery scene is booming in town put together a Buffalo Drink Package - grab gift cards and/or product depending on your budget and pick up items at your local favorites:

Resurgence Brewery, Flying Bison, Community Beer Works, Big Ditch, NY Beer Project {just opened}, Lockhouse Distillery, Tommy Rotter Distillery, Niagara Distilling Co Hamburg Brewing Co.

Looking for a family friendly gift? How about grabbing a season pass down at Canalside. With all the activities taking place down there, there is something for everyone.

Buffalo Science Museum and Buffalo Zoo memberships are great gifts too! If a family goes to at least one or two events during the year, the membership is worth it, plus there are a lot of member events that take place throughout the year if you're a member.

Have a history person on your hands or someone who just likes learning about the place they live? Explore Buffalo offers a number of tours throughout the year - pick up a one time tour and make a day of it or become a member.

For all those who love fashion a great gift idea is making a basket filled with a variety of different boutiques flair. Anna Grace, Research and Design, Blush, Sarah Danielle and Modern Nostalgia are my top five shops. They all have something different about them. Pick up a different piece of clothing or accessory from each place to truly make a one-of-a-kind gift.

For those who love knick knacks or for those you want to send a little Buffalove too some of my favorite places to shop are Fern + Arrow, Spoiled Rotten, Patricia's Back Barn and Furnishings

For those coffee lovers out there - yes, Starbucks, Tim Hortons and Dunkin are all great, but we have some cool new coffee shops that just opened. Tipico Coffee and Public espresso + coffee  are nice places to add a different twist to the gift.

For those who like to stay fit and active head to Get Air Buffalo to bounce around on the trampoline, or put together a Buffalo Fitness gift - grab a package to a local fitness studio - perfect for those who always want to try a class, but don't get around to it- Barre Centric, BikeorBar, Revolution Buffalo, and Power Yoga Buffalo are all great places to check out.

If you are more into giving back this time of year, there are a lot of organizations in the community who have toy drives and gift wish lists. The United Way of Buffalo and Erie County can help you if you don't have a specific charity close to your heart.

There are a lot more local places in Buffalo that offer great gifts that I didn't mention on this list. Whatever and wherever you decide to go this Holiday season, I hope you have an enjoyable time spreading some love to those in your life.

Just a Blonde in Buffalo's Holiday Event Guide

The Holiday Season is upon us and with that comes a number of Christmas Tree lightings and pictures with Santa. Below is a list of Holiday events taking place from now thru the month of December. If there is something you see that's not on my list let me know, I'm always up for attending new events!! Happy Holidays!

-B

Holidays at the Market - the Broadway Market that is. Pay a visit to Santa, shop local vendors and get into the holiday spirit at a Buffalo staple.

The Fairgrounds - Festival of Lights - taking place throughout the month of November and December stop by the Fairgrounds for a holiday light spectacular.

Our Lady of Fatima Shrine - Festival of Lights - a beautiful place to visit

November 27, 28 & 29

Christmas in Ellicottville

Tuesday, December 1st

An annual favorite - Festival of Trees at the Niagara Power Vista - come see artificial evergreen trees light up by local non for profits who decorated them

Wednesday, December 2nd

Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo Haute Holiday Fashion Show

Friday, December 4th

Canalside Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting - 5-8pm come down to Canalside - ice skate, meet with Santa and watch the Tree light up the Ice.

Friday, December 4th & Saturday, December 5th

Hertel Holidays taking place - walk up and down Hertel Avenue, visiting the shops and dining and you may run into a visit from Santa Claus

Holiday Live at Larkin Square

Saturday, December 5th

Queen City Market event - Karpeles Manuscript {I went to this last year and there are a lot of local vendors with a lot of great gifts ideas - I knocked a lot of people off my list that day}.

Rotary Rink Tree Lighting beginning at 5pm - come for free ice skating and get into the holiday spirit

Pictures with Buster Claus - Coca Cola Field - come down to the ballpark for a unique picture opportunity with Buster Claus. Make a toy donation to Hillside Family of Agencies and be entered in a shopping spree

Wednesday, December 9th

Join Sarah Danielle {local Women's Boutique} for A City of Buffalo Artists Market. Taking place inside the beautiful Ellicott Square Building, a number of local vendors will be on hand from 4:30-9pm for all of your shopping needs.

Thursday, December 10

Wreath making with Makers Buffalo! Grab some friends and decorate a wreath for the Holidays with Makers and Fern Croft Floral

Friday, December 11

Tree of Hope Celebration at Roswell Park from 4:30-6:30pm

Saturday, December 12th

Buffalo Museum of Science - Celebrations - celebrate cultural traditions from around the world with fun family activities taking place from 10-4pm.

Deck the Halls at the Niagara Power Project - 10-4pm Free pictures with Santa and you can take a stroll on the trolley.

Saturday, December 19th

East Aurora Carolcade - I remember attending this when I was younger and it was so much fun. Make a day of it and stop by the famous Vidlers and MUSEjar's Holiday Market event!

Woman Who Move Buffalo - Vanessa from MUSEjar

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

Making my way to the beautiful East Aurora, I walked into Musejar for the first time and literally shouted out how much I loved the space and just stood there for a minute to take it all in. So if you didn't know already today I am featuring Vanessa from MUSE Jar on the blog as a Woman Who Moves Buffalo because of her pure creativity and passion she has brought into the Western New York community.

Majoring in the film industry in NYC Vanessa moved back home and started working at Red Fish Art Studio {located next door to Musejar}. While she was there she noticed that there weren’t any art supply stores in the area and decided to open shop.

2+ years later things are only getting bigger and better for her. Not only does Musejar offer a wide variety of supplies {paint brushes, chalk spray paint, Rublev Natural Paint Pigment, etc.}, but she also hosts an array of art classes {public and private} , parties for all ages {Birthday, Bridal, Holiday, etc.} and collaborates with a lot of local businesses in and out of East Aurora on a number of events. And if you don’t see an art supply you need, she can order them for you!

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Outside of her store, Vanessa does offer offsite lessons and parties – she has done workshops with Fisher Price and has started working with Mandala School in East Aurora to help fill a void with art programs being cut. Her business is a great space to go, for those who still want to get a great art experience.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

When asked what some of her favorite areas of her business are, she said she loves the farm-to-table events and wants to grow them more, hoping to make it more of a retreat and offering the full experience. She loves events where she can collaborate with other people and businesses. "The possibilities are endless when you can work with more people." Hosting kids birthday parties are also a favorite of Vanessa’s. "The raw creativity that comes out of it is amazing." Being surrounded by creativity everyday keeps her very inspired. Instructors and students who walk through these doors, they are all a daily inspiration for her.

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photo}

When I asked her what she loves about Western New York she said she loves the East Aurora community, everyone is very supportive of one another and help each other to succeed. The town is changing and evolving and people are being open-minded. Being here is exciting, young families are moving back and the area feels like a “little Brooklyn.”

There are a number of things about MUSEjar that I love, but the one that sticks out the most is that it’s one of a kind. Vanessa taps into areas that you don’t normally think of. When talking with Vanessa she gives off a great energy and you can tell she loves what she does and is passionate in her work. I asked her what MUSEjar means and she said an inspirational jar. She wants people to walk in the store and get inspired, by the supplies, artwork and environment. The goal is to have the store be one large jar of inspiration and it certainly was for me.

Stop by the Holiday Market event she is hosting on December 19th during the East Aurora Carolcade. Come before, during or after the event to check out her shop and the other participating vendors. Let's help make this a destination spot to visit every year.

{MUSEjar photo from website}

Exploring Chestnut Ridge Park

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

This past Sunday called for a coffee date with a friend who I haven't seen since the summer. Instead of sitting inside a coffee shop to catch up we grabbed the Cup of Joe to go and hit up Chestnut Ridge Park for a little hiking and exploring adventure. We started off in the main park area by the toboggans and then decided to find the "eternal flame" since neither one of us have seen it before.

We got to the park around 9:30 and were there for about an hour and a half, two hours. Small signs are placed on trees making it easy to follow on the trail and not get lost. Once we started heading back from seeing the flame, groups of people started to make their way through - justifying are decision to hit up the park early.

With this unseasonably warm weather we've been having I've been trying to take advantage of being outside every chance I can be. If the weather continues to be decent, my next stop is Devil's Hole in Niagara Falls, NY.

Until next time..

#BuffaloLinks - Lewiston Edition

With my trip to Lewiston Saturday night I thought I would focus my Buffalo Links on that area this week. Every time I make a visit out there are I always wish I had more time to walk the streets and pay visits to the local businesses.

{Photo - The Lewiston Stone House Website}

A wine bar that was recommended by a co-worker/friend, this is a must visit place on my list of things to do. The Lewiston Stone House

{Photo - Village Bake Shoppe Website}

A dessert shop that was closed when walking by {that is a good thing} the sweet treats that I saw look like they would taste heavenly. The Village Bake Shoppe

A quaint little bar and restaurant on Center St. in Lewiston. Apple Granny's offers a wide variety of American style food items. Definitely a place I would visit again.

A cute shop I wish was open, so I could have stopped in Sister & Brother a children's apparel store looks like they are on my list to visit next time.