The Reason for the Season

{On the pediatric floor at Roswell Park, I snapped this photo last week when we dropped off gift cards and toys from the Buffalo Bisons yoga toy drive event} 

To say I am not really in the Holiday spirit this year is not a lie. I am usually one who loves this time of year and really gets into it, but this year, not so much. To lift my spirits  I decided to do some more good, so I adopted a family. My cousin Nathan who has recently passed from brain cancer was very involved in the Punt Foundation. I decided to reach out to the organization and get more details.

After discussing my budget with them, they found me a family that I thought was a perfect fit. After I received the family's wish list I made the trek out to the stores to get what I needed. Last week I dropped the presents off at the Punt Foundation and after I did I sat in my car and cried. The tears were both happy and sad. Happy tears because it felt really good to be a part of a small task that was helping someone else - complete strangers that I never met and sad tears because it reminded me a lot of my cousin, who is no longer here, but was with me during this experience.

{The Stitch Buffalove Heart Project - 80% of the proceeds go back to a refugee woman living in Buffalo,I got my heart at Elm Street Bakery in East Aurora} 

At the end of the day I would rather help those in need, the gift I receive from helping others is far more greater than any materialistic gift. During a time when people lose sight of the really meaning of this season, its best to take a step back and really think about what is important.

-B  

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream - Tickets on Sale & Make a Great Holiday Gift

 

TICKETS FOR DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DARE TO DREAM ON SALE NOW IN BUFFALO

Buffalo, N.Y. (Oct. 25, 2016) — Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream is bringing Disney’s princess stories and most beloved fairy tales to the ice in a sensational live production coming to your hometown! This ice spectacular, featuring scenes from “Tangled,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Cinderella” and “The Princess and the Frog,” visits Buffalo from Jan. 26-29 for seven performances at the KeyBank Center. Tickets go on sale today and can be purchased by visiting www.disneyonice.com.

Join your hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they share the heroic stories of four of your favorite Disney Princesses. Laugh along with Disney’s hair-raising escapade “Tangled,” as Rapunzel, Flynn and Maximus embark on an uproarious expedition that soars to new heights! Travel to the enchanted forest with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as she escapes from the Evil Queen. Watch as Cinderella’s dreams come true with a little help from her animal friends and the Fairy Godmother. Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” in a magical, musical journey. Nothing can stop a princess from a courageous adventure when Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream skates into to your hometown.

Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream start at $15 for Opening Night and are available by calling (716) 855-4100 or by visiting the KeyBank Center. For group rates and information, call 866-248-8740.

 Show Times:

Jan. 26, 2017: 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 27, 2017: 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 28, 2017: 11:00 a.m., 3:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 29, 2017: 12:00 and 4:00 p.m.

To learn more about Disney On Ice and to stay current on the latest developments, visit www.DisneyOnIce.com and follow Disney On Ice through social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce

Twitter: @DisneyOnIce #DisneyOnIce #DaretoDream

YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce

Instagram: @DisneyOnIce

 About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®, Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.

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{above logo from Feld Media}

Yoga & Fitness Toy Drive event

Join us tomorrow night for a fun workout at Pettibones Grille. The cost is a gift card {value $10-$25} that will donated to pediatric patients at Carly's Club the following day. {Buffalo Bisons flyer}

Coffee Talk at Underground Coffee House and Roastery

{can't get enough of this tile floor}

{good coffee and good conversation}

My new thing is coffee houses and coffee shops. I love going to local cafes and checking out their product. I'm no coffee expert, far from it actually, but its "my thing" right now. Catching up with friends, meeting with colleagues, that's what I do. So Tuesday morning my co-worker and friend Ben and I checked out Undergrounds Coffee House and Roastery in the Old First Ward. Located at 580 South Park Ave. this coffee house is so close to my work and offers more than just coffee, but good eats for breakfast and lunch and tea too! Its very spacious inside and so family friendly, which is great for those who have little ones that like to run around. There was Yahtzee and other games to play with and even a craft bin where you could make your own ornaments. If you're a coffee connoisseur or just want to try a new "cup of joe", make a trip to Undergrounds Coffee House!

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{ornament making}

{merch for sale}

Holiday Pop Up Shops

{Gridlock Lacquer photo}

There are a few holiday pop up shops that are making there way back to the Queen City over the next few weeks. A majority of the ones listed below, this will be my first time attending so I'm looking forward to comparing them and sharing what I like best from each one after the fact.

One thing I like about pop up shops is the fact that you get a variety of local business owners under one roof, so you don't have to drive store to store for different items you may be looking for. The other reason I like these shops is you can meet local owners who may not have a store front and only sell there stuff online. That instant gratification you get from having your purchase in your hands right away is always nice.

What are some pop up shops you enjoy going to this time of year? I'm sure there a ton more that aren't listed!

-B 

Queen City Pop Up Shop - Open now thru December 31st - Mondays -Fridays 10 am-6 pm, Saturdays Noon to 4 pm {Note- closed on Sundays}

CIty Sidewalks - Opens December 3rd and runs thru December 23rd - 464 Amherst Street {Note - closed on Mondays and Tuesdays}

Holiday Pop Up Shop at Resurgence Brewing Co. - December 4th 1-5 pm at Resurgence

A City of Buffalo Artists Market - December 7th, 4:30-9 pm at the Ellicott Square Building

Elm Street Holiday Market - December 17th - 5-9 pm at 17 Elm Street in East Aurora {MuseJar location}

Shop Local

{Picture -MuseJar November 2015 Just a Blonde in Buffalo blog post}

As we enter the Holiday time, its one of my favorite times to shop local. While I am a big fan of shopping local during the year, I especially like this time of year - seeing the storefronts decorated differently and all the people out on the streets walking from shop to shop. I also love all the pop up shop collaborations that take place this time of year. Having a variety of businesses all under one place makes it convenient, especially as we get closer to Christmas. There are a variety that take place in the upcoming weeks and I'll be sure to feature them on my blog in the next week.

Today however is Small Business Saturday, a perfect day to hit up local businesses and see what they have to offer. Not only are there local stores on Elmwood, Hertel, Main St. in East Aurora and Williamsville, but there are also local businesses with online shops. I find Etsy.com is a great place to look if you are one who prefers to stay indoors. Whatever it is, happy shopping and supporting local businesses in your community!

-B  

Five Stars for Five Points Bakery

{Outside Five Points Bakery}

A couple weeks ago I met with one of my favorite business owners {Amy from Linwood Candles} it was a nice morning catching up, meeting her newest addition to the family, baby Violet and checking out a new spot I have not been to yet; Five Points Bakery.

Located in Buffalo's lower west side, it is a hidden gem. The toast is to die for, the set-up and vibe is friendly, positive and represents Buffalo very well. When I first arrived the line was out the door and sitting was very limited, but after a few minutes we were able to find a table and enjoy catching up.

{Cinnamon Raisin toast with peanut butter and sliced apples and a cup of Chai Tea}

If you are looking for a place to check out for breakfast, coffee, tea or toast Five Points is a place to go.

Until next time..

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

"Let us be Thankful not only today but everyday"

There is a lot to be thankful for every single day, but today as we come together with family, friends, those who are special in our lives, we should celebrate all the goods things. Those things don't have to be materialistic, but are, our health, our ability to love one another, the laughs we can share and the opportunity to just have today to share with the important people in your life.

As I think about what I'm thankful for I realize I'm so incredibly lucky to have the family and friends that I have in my life, my career and the opportunities and people I've been able to meet as each day goes by.

Whatever it may be that you are thankful for, I hope everyone has a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

-B 

Breadhive Bakery - so, so good!

A couple weeks ago Kelsey and I paid a visit to Breadhive for lunch and man it was delicious! I've been to Bagels and Brooze at Hydraulic Hearth so I was familiar with Breadhive's delicious bakery, but I didn't know what to expect at their storefront.

I loved everything about it. Located on Connecticut Street on Buffalo's West side, everything from the decor, to the set-up, music and food was cute and defiantly my style. Kelsey and I both got the Gwen and it was so good, I highly recommend it!

If you're looking for fresh baked bread, bagels, pastries or yummy sandwiches stop in for a visit!

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Harlie's Adventures -November

{Harlie at Como park in Lancaster last week}

Its been a little while since I posted about Harlie. While she is still her rambunctious self, she is more alert and aware of her surroundings. She listens to her commands and she loves the visitors that come over. She has graduated to adult dog food too!

Making the decision to get a dog, was the best thing for me. She helps with my anxiety of living on my own and also makes me feel safe. If you or someone you know is looking to adopt or foster an animal during this time of year Diamonds in the Ruff is truly an amazing animal rescue group and I'm so happy I went with them.

{Harlie went for her first run with me at Delaware Park at the beginning of November, she did so well!}

As for what's next with Harlie, I'm looking  forward to celebrating her first birthday next month and to see how she behaves with the Christmas decorations up, I have a feeling she is going to jump on the tree for the ornaments and pull down the stockings, boy I hope I'm wrong.

Until next time.

-B

The Mahony

Its very rare with mine and my friends schedules that we can text each other with a couple days notice and get together, but that's what happened at the beginning of the month. It has been forever since I've seen my friends Sandra, Karen and Jen so we all decided to get together for drinks and dinner at the Mahony, located inside the Fairmont Creamery building.

{chicken burrito with fresh salsa and red wine of course}

It was the middle of the week when we met, I think a Tuesday night and their was an optometrist meeting taking place. The bar area is spacious and the food is delish. I had a chicken burrito and it was good; nice and fresh and the seasoning was perfect. Sandra and Jen had the burgers and they raved about them.

{i'm usually not a big dessert person, but I couldn't pass this up}

The only thing I would say that was a negative, is the parking, the parking lot spots all had reserved signs on them and Scott St. is not very well lit in my opinion so it was pretty dark when I left and I didn't like that, but all in all though, the staff was friendly and the food was good and I got to catch up with friends in a nice space that represents Buffalo well.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Good Stuff at Elm Street Bakery

On a chilly morning like today I can't help but think, I wish I was closer to East Aurora to stop by the Elm Street Bakery for a cup of their snowflake tea. Last month before our Makers + MuseJar class at Arden Farms Kelsey and I went to Elm Street Bakery. Its a cute little shop, the teas are delicious and their french onion soup is really, really good too. I honestly can't wait to go back for a second visit, maybe I'll plan it for December 17th when the Elm Street Holiday Market is taking place.

Until next time.....

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

North Tonawanda Farmers Market

About 3 weeks ago in my search to check out more farmers markets in the area, I stopped by the North Tonawanda market on a rainy Saturday morning. I heard through some of my contacts that this was a good market to visit and they were right! Probably one of the biggest I've been too in the area offering a lot of options from different farmers and vendors, I was quite pleased with my drive out there.

Purchasing all of these veggies plus a mum for exactly $20 makes me need to go to farmers markets way more than the grocery store. Not only does it save a single gal living on her own with a tight budget some money, but it also is supporting the local farmers which is something I love doing.

If you haven't been to this market check them out on Tuesdays, Thursday or Saturdays from 7-1pm.

-B 

A New Lunch Spot on Main Street

I love, LOVE the new options for lunch spots in downtown Buffalo. Kelsey and I found a good one a few weeks back {probably more like a month back} on Main St in the Theater District. Across from Sheas and down from Expo Market is Hearth + Press a European cafe vibe with delicious food choices - like the pork meatball sandwich and the stone hearth pizza. Those were what Kels and I split. If you work downtown its another option for you to go, for lunch meetings or just casual conversation. Or if you're attending a play at Sheas this is a new spot to check out ahead of time to have a couple cocktails before walking across the street.050-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{Inside view}

{Pork Meatball sandwich and Margherita pizza}

Drinking Flights at Thin Man Brewery

{My flights of Thin Man craft beer}

Way back in September me and Nicole finally started are monthly meet up's {we took the summer off because of our schedules} where we pick a new restaurant we haven't been to and catch up on everything life. I'm finally getting around to posting about Thin Man Brewery, one of the newest breweries to hit the Buffalo craft brew scene. Located on Elmwood Ave. I must have had one of the best burgers I've ever had there. And the flights of beer aren't bad either! My favorite was the "Bliss" a double IPA with tastes of pineapple and melon. The patio on the second floor looks pretty cool {it was a chilly night so we stayed inside}. I'm sure most of Buffalo has been to Thin Man already, but if you haven't check them out!

-B 

{Bon Appetit! Thin Man Burger with fries and Bliss craft beer}

Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos

Modern Dream Catchers with Makers & Muse

{Photo from Makers Buffalo Instagram account}

I have been wanting to take this class with Makers Buffalo for a long time and my schedule never allowed it up until a couple weeks ago when Makers Buffalo and MUSEJar came together to host a Modern Dream Catchers class at Arden Farm- a place I've been before and really do enjoy going to. It was a Friday night class with some food {yummy food} provided by Daily's Catering. The class took place in the barn and you could BYOB - so clearly I brought a bottle of wine. My friend and co-worker Kelsey came along for the ride! Overall it was a fun crafty night! Every time I take a class with Makers and Muse they don't disappoint. Not only are the classes enjoyable, you create something that's for you and you meet some really great people as well. If you can ever take a class that fits your interest, I highly recommend it.

Below are some of my pictures from the crafty night out.

-B

{One of the first steps was picking your yarn and tying it to the metal circle}

{Kelsey being crafty}

{Separating the yarn to make it more wavy and full}

{Are finished products}

Monday Lunch Talk

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

If you're in the downtown area for work and looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, check out Jaz & Jack's - on the corner of Broadway, across from the Buffalo and Erie County Library. This southern cuisine style restaurant takes the spot where Perks Coffee once was. I ordered the pulled pork and mac n' cheese and it was pretty good. The service is pretty quick so if you're in a time crunch this is a good place to go. And if you're looking to catch up with a friend or take a more relaxed lunch you can dine in as well.

{Pulled pork and mac n' cheese}

{Dine in décor}

-B

A Fall Favorite of Mine

Last month my Mom stopped by to help me can tomatoes - an activity I remember doing this with her, my Grandma and Aunts when I was younger. With the colder temperatures approaching I thought it was the perfect time to can some tomatoes - I'll use them for my Mom's homemade spaghetti sauce recipe, homemade chili and other warm winter foods. We started out with a bushel of tomatoes that made us {me} 11 full mason jars - perfect amount for a single lady on her own! The part I remember disliking the most was when the tomatoes came out of the boiling hot water and you have to peel them right away - I remember my fingers not liking that part and they still don't! haha.

{Step 1: Line table or counter with newspaper and get bushel of tomatoes}

{Step 2: Cut out core and prep for hot water}

{Step 3: In the water you go - just enough time to get the first layer soft enough to peel off}

{Step 4: Peel off the top layer of skin and put in mason jar - my least favorite part}

{Step 5: Clean rim of jars, seal with lids, put in hot water for 40-50 minutes to seal, store and use whenever needed}

Overall it was a nice Sunday morning/early afternoon spent with my Mom. Not only did it bring back childhood memories, its was a day where we made new memories together in my new home, which is a gift in itself.

-B

Queen City Half Marathon

Tomorrow over 300 runners will be hitting the streets in Downtown Buffalo for the first Queen City Half Marathon. An all female race {making it the 50th all female race in the Country}. Outside of it being your typical race, what the message is behind the race is what matters...woman empowerment. Its about women supporting other women, working together and having fun while accomplishing that goal you have set forth for yourself.

I'm excited to see how the race is and the feedback that is received, its a pretty cool event, that I think will grow and be more and more successful with each year that passes. If you would like more information on the race you can go here.

Good luck to all the runners out there tomorrow!

-B

Rochester Public Market

It seems like it has been forever since my last blog post. I've put blogging on the back burner because my schedule has been crazy, but I'm hoping I can be more consistent on my posts again.

A couple weeks ago I went back down the 90 to visit my friend Arica for her birthday in Rochester, while there, we had planned to go to the Rochester Public Market - it was on my end of summer bucket list and since I'd never been to that market before, I thought why not. The Market is huge and has amazing farmers and vendors to shop from!! I got avocados for $1!!! And a bundle of sun flowers for $4!

{Beautiful flowers and vegetables. These vendors do it right!}

It's definitely worth the while to take the hour or so drive to pay a visit on a Saturday morning if you can... the market won't disappoint you if you are a farmer market goer, it was a great suggestion from Arica!  Skip ahead to this past week where I ran into my friends from Fudge Factors and I was talking to them about this and they suggested I visit the market in North Tonawanda, saying it is a really nice one, probably the most similar to the one in Rochester. I'll have to add that to my places to visit and compare the two.

Until next time,

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{crowd shot}

{wine sampling}