Flag Day - A tradition that started in Buffalo

{Flag Day}

Today I'm writing about a tradition that started in Buffalo, Flag Day.

Back in 1891, Sarah Hinson a school teacher, born and raised in Buffalo, NY began the tradition of a formal ceremony of saluting and honoring the flag on the anniversary of the day that the Continental Congress accepted the design of the American flag.

In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson declared Flag Day an official Holiday. Sarah Hinson is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery marked with a flagpole flying the American Flag, and that is a fun fact for the day.

From Wikipedia, "The flag of the United States is one of the nation's most widely recognized symbols. Throughout the world the flag has been used in public discourse to refer to the United States, not only as a nation, state, government, and set of policies, but also as a set of ideals"

-B

Dancing with Wolves

   Friday evening myself and Pro Zoo Board Officers attended the Buffalo Zoo's Catillion. This years theme was Dancing with Wolves. The Catillion is the Buffalo Zoo's Black Tie Gala put on by the Buffalo Zoological Society's Board of Directors. The evening was quite nice, the drinks and food were good and the laughs and entertainment post program were even better.

I haven't attended a Zoo event that I wasn't volunteering or working at in a long time, so it was really nice to be back on the other side for one night. The Buffalo Zoo is one of the best places in town, if you ask me. To be able to support it and help raise awareness about the animals and their mission are why I volunteer there . Below are some pictures of the fun night out.

-B

{Dancing}

{Group Shot}

Friday Finds

Its been a crazy few weeks and my blog has taken a backseat to other things going on in my life. Since I had a few minutes though I thought I would share some of my finds from this past week. Have a wonderful weekend!

-B

{This yummy Loganberry One Roq vodka drink was the perfect ending to a busy event day. The company was even better!}

{On my way to Tifft Nature Preserve I found one of my new hang out spots this summer at the Outer Harbor}

{Driving behind one of my favorite businesses in town. Their homemade bread is so good}

{One of my favorite days of the summer, this year was event better because I got to see a good friend who is touring with the headliner. Seeing my friends successes makes me happy.}

Fun at Buffalo's Outer Harbor - Architects of Air

Its Memorial Day weekend and with everyone thinking of their plans - BBQ's, yard work, etc. one fun thing to do is spend a few hours or the whole day at the Outer Harbor. It' opening weekend and there is much to do! Grab a bite to eat and drink at the Consumer Beverages "The Pointe" beer garden, rent kayaks from the Longboard Paddle Co. Water rentals aren't your thing? grab a bike from are bike rental stand and hit up the beautiful trails along the water.

Or stop by the Architects of Air - a luminarium that uses sunlight to create beautiful colors inside an inflatable exhibit. This traveling art piece has come from Nottingham, England and travels the world. It will be at Wilkeson Pointe thru Monday so if you have a morning, afternoon or evening free come check out all the new and exciting things taking place at the Outer Harbor!

-B

See a couple of my photos inside the luminarium below:

Enjoying the New, Old First Ward Tavern

It was 1934 when Adolf's Old First Ward Tavern opened. Since then a lot of changes have taken place specifically over the last 2 years. Mike Burns and his team have renovated the bar and the new patio is open with live music on Saturday nights. Now they are working on a food menu option so customers can enjoy some high quality basic food {like a Guinness Sandwich} when they are at the bar. Born in South Buffalo, Mike is working with local groups in the neighborhood so everyone can work together.

The Old First Ward Tavern offers 45 different bottles of beer and they have expanded their liquor selection based on customer demand. Mike loves the small business and running a business the best that he can - at the end of the day he just likes when people have a good time and wants his customers to have fun.

Having never been to the Old First Ward Tavern, in my opinion Mike has done something great. The live music that was going on when I was there was great. The bar is beautiful and spotless and the beer is ice cold! Make sure to put them on your list of places to go for a drink for Memorial Day weekend or this summer.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Opening a New Gate...

Sometimes you just need to have a few drinks with your Mom and forget your stresses and worries and that's what I did a couple weeks back. I met her at 12 Gates Brewing Company out in Williamsville and drank the mid-afternoon away.

Tucked in the corner off Earhart Drive they have a good variety of beers to try and a nice food menu full of small plates too. If you're into the craft beer scene and haven't made your way out to the suburbs yet, this is a place to check out.

Cheers!

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

From the 716 to the 585

Continuing with my trip to Rochester a couple weekends ago, after paying a  visit to Black Button Distilling, we drove past the Public Market that had ended and then grabbed some food at La Casa a delicious Mexican restaurant {I highly recommend going there!} and then we met up with some of Arica's co-workers at Swiftwater Brewing. If I had to compare it to a brewery in Buffalo I would say it reminded me of Big Ditch with their big garage style doors and open feeling. That was a pretty cool place and I would definitely go back again.

{La Casa}

Its funny how Rochester is so close, but when I was there I felt like I was on a mini road trip.

Until next time..

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{Swiftwater Brewing}

Cheers to the Weekend!

{Repping the Buffalo in the 585}

If you live in Buffalo and are looking for something to do this weekend a short trip down the 90 to Black Button Distilling is a good place to go! When Jason Barrett, owner of the distillery reached out and invited me to come see the distillery I am not going to lie, I was pretty excited for the invitation! It made for a fun Saturday afternoon visiting my friend Arica who moved to Rochester from Buffalo a few months ago. When we arrived we were greeted with smiles, laughs and a delicious cocktail {Bees Knees}. With are cocktails in hand, we took a tour of the distillery to learn how Black Button Distilling was started, how the distilling process works and what they offer. After the tour we had a tasting before purchasing some product to take home with us.

{Cheers}

It was a fun afternoon and one of the best distilleries I've been to. A few facts to know:

• Black Button Distillery is 2 1/2 years old
• It is 100% a Farm Bureau Distillery
• Jason's parents have a Button factory in Rochester
• Jason moved out West {Washington} and won a best distiller award in the United States at the age of 24
• Black Button removes the propanol which is an ingredient that causes you to have hangovers
• When I asked Jason what his favorite drink is right now - Bees Knees {in it - Black Button Citrus Forward Gin, Lemon Juice and Honey Syrup}  its sooo good!
• Looking to have a party - try a bottle making party at the distillery - click here for the details.

{Ready for the tasting part of the tour}

A little taste of the South

Last week my friend Nicole and I were finally able to get together for what we try to be a monthly wine/let's catch up night. After a long hiatus, we met up at Toutant, a southern restaurant with grass roots cuisine right on Ellicott St. What I thought was a small place, surprised me with their upstairs seating with a balcony that overlooks the downstairs entrance and bar.

Our waitress was great, offering her favorite dishes, filling our wine glass when she passed by and explaining some items we didn't know about. If you haven't been or if you're looking for some really good southern food definitely check Toutant out.

What we ate and I recommend: Fried Chicken and the Shrimp & Grits. Appetizer: the Hush Puppies.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{A surprise dessert - delicious!}

Comics, Coffee & Bubble Tea at Pulp 716

{Jay & Anthony from Pulp 716}

If you're looking for a place to go to have fun and just enjoy positivity then Pulp 716 in Lockport is the place to go. A comic book store with amenities such as Bubble Tea, Historically Accurate Coffee, Treats and Games for customers to play, the staff is super friendly and personable - you won't have a bad experience when you pay a visit.

I was lucky to sit down with Jay who is one of the owners. Immediately after we met he introduced me to the world of Bubble Tea {I was familiar with Bubble Tea from a trip to Rhode Island years ago, but never had it, so this was fun!}. He broke down the variety of flavors they offer {no more than 7 at a time and they rotate them in and out to keep it fresh}. After going over everything with me I had decided on the Peachy Leachy, its was delicious! And a little fact Pulp 716 is the only place in Niagara County to serve Bubble Tea!

After grabbing a drink we sat down and discussed why him and Amy {co-owner} opened the store. After discussions were made between them to move forward with a business, everything fell into place in a short period of time.  In June of this year they will be celebrating their 1 year anniversary. When talking with him I asked what he loves best about being a business owner and he said "I love seeing my own ideas in motion."

Shortly after are discussion began I asked him what his favorite comic book was and he showed me Wolverine.. the female series. He then brought in Anthony the store manager. I don't think I ever laughed so much during an interview before. Having a conversation with Jay and Anthony was very relaxed. They both are really easy going and seriously make everyone who walks into the store feel welcome.

Every Wednesday they have new comics that come in and the have subscription customers {so if you are a comic book fan and want to sign up, click here to find out more info}. Pulp 716 offers a huge variety and they touch base on every single thing.

Pulp 716 is not your ordinary comic book store,  focusing on comics first they offer extra amenities to make it feel special. Outside of Bubble Tea they offer Historically Accurate Coffee from the following years 1830, 1927, 1964, 1977, making Pulp 716 the only place in America to have coffee that tastes like the actual year it was made. Its really quite impressive if you ask me, and if you're a coffee lover you should make the trip out to Lockport for this.

When talking with Jay he mentioned there 3 year plan: year one; have fun, year two; grow internet sales, year three: expansion. So if you're not in the area and want to purchase comic books, make sure to keep an eye out for purchasing online.

Just some other fun things to know about Pulp 716: its a reader store more than a collectors store. they have 70 titles a week, each staff member is asked to read at least one comic a day and try one new drink too. Pulp 716 is a destination more than a store and they want you to leave with a smile. And on May 7th its FREE Comic Book Day, pay a visit to Pulp 716 as they are giving away comic books.

So if you're looking for a new place to check out, a place for good company and great service, check out Pulp 716.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Touring the Fontana Boathouse

This past Saturday my Mom and I attended Explore Buffalo's tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fontana Boathouse. For Explore Buffalo pass holders the tour was free and for non members it was $10. You learned about the building structure, how the Boathouse was brought to Buffalo and what the building is used for today. Saturday was a little chilly, but the views by the water were spectacular.

{view of Lake Erie from inside upstairs}

{Outside on the balcony}

The tour was approximately one hour in length which for me was perfect because sometimes if tours are to long I kind of space out. I learned about a little history, got to take some nice pictures and spent a nice afternoon with my Mom at a place I haven't been to yet. If you've been to any of Frank Lloyd Wrights other buildings in the area {Darwin Martin House, Graycliff Estate} then you should put this one on your list of places to see this summer.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{it wouldn't be complete without a selfie of my Mom and me}

{Outside view}

{Downstairs storage}

184 Years Strong

Happy 184th Birthday Buffalo, you're looking pretty good! Today marks 184 years since Buffalo was incorporated as a city.

The Adventures of Harlie

It's been a few weeks since I last posted about Harlie, so I thought I would share an update. She is almost 5 months old and is getting bigger, I can't tell a huge difference, but when my parents come over they can see it. She is loving this warm weather and enjoys going outside and picking up sticks and rolling in the grass. I only have a partially fenced yard so I feel bad that she can't run around without a leash on, but hopefully in the next few weeks that will change.

She is definitely in a chewing stage, her favorite things to chew on currently are my arms, legs and some of my sneakers shoe laces. I'm hoping this phase goes by quickly and I'm hoping I can take her to a dog park coming up at the end of the month. Until next time.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

65 Niagara Square - Buffalo, NY

A few weeks back I took a {Free, donation based} tour of City Hall on my lunch break. It was hosted by Preservation Buffalo Niagara  and it was one of the best tours I have taken. Not only did I learn about the inside and outside of the historic building, but I also learned about the history of Buffalo, the surrounding buildings and the group got to stop in the Mayor's Office, Council Chambers and Observation Deck. Below are some pictures I took while on the tour. If you ever have the opportunity to take this tour I highly suggest you do. For a list of dates in the month of April click here.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{Council Chambers ceiling}

An East Side Treasure

{R&L Lounge}

Imagine going into a place where the owners of the business stopped what they were doing and got to know their guests. Ron and Lottie from  R & L Lounge did just that. Growing up on Fillmore and attending St. Stanislaus, the east side is a neighborhood close to my heart and to see and remember how the neighborhood was when I was little and to see it now gets me a little sad. But then to meet Ron and Lottie who have an old fashioned conversation with you when you walk into their bar, they tell you stories, listen to yours and make you feel so welcome, it makes me feel better.

{Ron sharing stories with my Dad}

This past Saturday my Dad, Mom and friends of the family joined me as we visited this East Side Treasure, we drank Tyskie, tasted homemade Krupnik and had a lot of laughs while listening to polka music. For that afternoon it felt good to not be connected to the world on my phone, through social media, but rather hear of the stories from years ago and reminisce on when I was a kid. If you're looking for a good ol' fashion conversation, delicious and homemade pierogi, golumpki, or fish fry's R& L Lounge is a place to visit.

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Hitched 716

Yesterday I was invited to the Reeds Jenss press conference to announce an exciting contest for newly engaged couples and couples thinking of getting engaged here in Western New York. Win the wedding of you dreams by entering Hitched 716 ! Reeds Jenss along with their local partners, Oliver's Catering, Maureen's Flowers, Muscoreil's Fine Desserts, Buffalo Limousine, Blue Spa, The Mansion on Delaware, Christopher Scinta Photography and travel from the Travel Team are all teaming up to give one lucky couple the wedding of a lifetime!  Click here for a complete list of contest rules and eligibility.  The contest entry period began April 4 and runs through June 30, 2016. Winners will be picked on or around October 3, 2016. 10 finalists are voted on between August 15-31st. If you are newly engaged and just starting to plan your wedding this is a huge opportunity, we all know weddings can be very expensive and stressful and with the help of Reeds and their partners, it will surely be a fun, memorable experience!

Good luck!

Think Spring! Things to do around town in April

Its hard to believe its April and there is snow on the ground today, well really, I guess not, I mean it is Buffalo. Regardless of what it is doing outside, there is plenty to do around town this month. Here is my list of some events and activities that caught my eye this month.

Take a fun tour with Explore Buffalo - whether its at the Fontana Boat House or an architectural tour you're bound to have fun and learn more about WNY

When I think of April I think of baseball and even though the Major League teams opening day was yesterday and today, the hometown team {The Buffalo Bisons} kickoff their season on the road this Thursday and are at home on April 14th #seizetheseason

Fern Croft Floral is hosting a class on Floral arrangements April 23rd...this comes at the perfect time, gardening season is right around the corner.

Makers Buffalo has a lot of fun DIY classes this month, Macramé Hanging Plants on 4/12, Pidge Podge is back with a weaving workshop on 4/30 and in between those dates there is so much more taking place! For a complete list of classes click here

Buffalo State College's Fashion and Textile program is hosting Runway ECOLUTION April 16th. For tickets click here.

Resurgence is hosting a Toy Brewbash on 4/14. For more details you can go here.

The new EXPO Market downtown is hosting their Grand Opening on April 18 & 19th. If you haven't checked out the popular downtown food hall, put it on your calendar to do in April.

Party in the Park is back on April 22 at Marcy Casino

If you're in need of a wedding planner or need some DIY tips for your big day, MuseJar is hosting a Secrets of the Trade DIY event on 4/24. For more details check out the Facebook event page.

One event I'd like to attend this year is the Knox Farm Spring Art Fest taking place at the end of the month - April 29- May 1

The Trio Bringing Healthy Back to Buffalo

A new place I am a big, big fan of and excited to share with you is up on the blog today. Learn more about Bootleg Bucha and the trio who make the operation work!

{Todd, Heather & Jeff}

Bootleg Bucha opened its doors at 364 Connecticut Street in November. For Heather, Todd and Jeff the home brewing began a long time ago in their homes, providing a healthy beverage to family and friends and with the popularity of kombucha growing it left them no other option than to expand.

All 3 have been friends for a number of years and they offer something no one else in Buffalo does. So what is kombucha? It is a fermented tea that originated in East Asia and is known for its healing properties.

Bootleg Bucha’s kombucha is brewed and organic evaporated cane sugar and Scoby (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast) are added during the fermentation process. After 2-3 weeks the fermented tea is flavored with juices, extracts and herbs, then undergoes a secondary fermentation. The end result is a healthy light carbonated beverage full of antioxidants, amino acids, Vitamin B and more!

So who does what within the company? Todd takes the lead in marketing and social media, Heather creates the delicious and wide variety of flavors and Jeff brews the tea. All three take part in working at the shop with the help of Meghan who is there almost, if not every day.

What are their favorite flavors? Heather enjoys the Ginger Lime Cayenne and Todd’s is the plain. The popular flavor among customers is their Tart Cherry Mint (its soooo good!!)

Why did they start their own business? What do they love about this area? For Heather and Jeff, they lived in Chicago for a few years and new Buffalo was home, coming back here and seeing all the growth was exciting and they knew they wanted to be a part of it. For Todd a lot of his friends left the area after college and he wanted to give them a reason to come back. The energy and collaboration among local businesses (i.e. at Horsefeathers Market) is great. Working and collaborating together has helped form friendships amongst one another.

For Jeff, Heather and Todd living in the area helped them chose their business location – the West Side of Buffalo is up and coming and there is a lot to offer in the neighborhood.

So when I asked what Bootleg Bucha wants to be known for, the response was:

“Bringing Healthy Back” Buffalo is known to be one of the unhealthiest places – we have delicious food and we are finally beginning to incorporate healthier options around town. Buffalo is in a better place than 5 years ago, and its because of new businesses like Bootleg Bucha that it's only going to get better and they are happy to be a part of that.

What are some other things you should know about Bootleg Bucha?

• Bootleg Bucha is the only kombucha brewery in Upstate New York
• You can bring your own bottles in and they can fill them for you –beer growlers, 32 oz. containers, etc.
• 4 new flavors were offered this past week
• You can visit them at the Horsefeathers Market on Saturdays or during the week {click here for their hours}. Also, catch them at Riverworks Thawfest and the Buffalo Mini Maker Faire at the Buffalo Science Museum

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo Photos}

10 Years of Dyngus!

 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Whether you're heading to the Historic Polonia District to celebrate today or staying in the suburbs have a very happy Dyngus Day!!

For everything you need to know about todays festivities - Dyngus Day -Buffalo

Friday's Fish Fry Finds

With this being Good Friday and the last Friday of the Lenten season, I thought I'd share one more fish fry with you and it comes from the local favorite -Danny's. Last Friday my Dad kindly tagged along and went out for a Fish Fry with me, I ordered it baked and it wasn't bad. Out of all the places I had a fish fry this season, I would say Danny's was my favorite.

Until next time.

-B