Perry's Ice Cream - New Ice Cream Flavor "Let's Dough Buffalo!"

Going to the Sabres game today? Celebrate with Perry's Ice Cream as they unveil their new ice cream flavor, Let's Dough Buffalo! Free samples will be given out on the 100 level of the arena. Let's Dough Buffalo! is a combination of cookie dough ice cream with cookie swirls and cookie dough pieces. Let me tell you it is DELICIOUS! That's not all, with every purchase of Let's Dough Buffalo! Perry's will donate a "Buffalo Nickel" to the Buffalo Sabres Foundation, supporting local community organizations.

You can purchase Let's Dough Buffalo! at the Keybank Center or any local Tops Friendly Markets, Wegmans, 7-11 or Dash's Market.

Kid tested and approved!

Women Who Move Buffalo - The Gals from Love in Motion Yoga

It's been a while since I've posted about my women who move Buffalo series, not because I haven't met some pretty cool people recently, but just because life has gotten in the way. Anyways...last year I was introduced to Kate and Kathleen from Love in Motion Yoga  they started teaching free yoga classes at the Outer Harbor on Wednesday's and Saturday's. Jump to today and what I'll say is you really never know how things will go when you meet new people, sometimes your relationship can be pretty minimal and other times it can grow into something wonderful and that's what I say happened with us. Since then, we've collaborated more, laughed more and they've taught me to just live my life.

{the studio}

On Saturday morning before their busy day full of classes they were kind enough to invite me into to their studio to share their story. Check it out below...

{during our interview - a candid shot of behind the scenes work at LIM}

BP:  How did you two meet?

K&K: Kathleen was in the training process to become a yoga instructor and attended Kate's first yoga class she was teaching in 2008 and the rest is history!

BP: What made you gals want to go into business together?

K&K: It's been 5- 6 years in the making, we've talked about going into business together and knew that was both of our end goals and visions.

BP: How did you both get into the yoga scene?

K&K: Kate: I'm a runner and wanted to stretch {I wish I recorded Kate's response, it is a lot better than just reading it here.} Kathleen: my sister suggested me taking it up after a phone conversation I had with her.

BP: What do you love most about owning your own business?

K&K: We can do whatever we want.  Any idea or vision we have, if we want to make it happen or just go out and do it, we can. The way we can show up in the community and be apart of something great, is a great feeling.

BP: What is your most memorable experience together?

K&K: {through the laughter} the  time we got pulled over at the Canadian border on our way to teaching a retreat. We had a full cooler full of raw food and they stopped us thinking we were smuggling things in.

BP: What do you love about Buffalo? If you had to chose one thing what would it be?

K&K: The community and the collaboration among small businesses. Collaboration is good for everyone and there is a bigger sense of working together here than if you were in another city.

BP: What is one thing you want people to take away from LIM?

K&K: The sense of coming like you are. Yoga can be fun and there are no expectations, no putting on an act. Its about getting connected and tapping into your body. Its about enjoying the practice, "it's chill."

{nothing but smiles at LIM}

One thing I can say is once you meet Kate and Kath your life will change for the better. They bring out the best in people, they do so much for others in the community and always treat everyone with respect and love. They want everyone to be able to practice so if you are financially in a pinch, give them a call and talk to them.

Like I mentioned above, these ladies do so much for the WNY community. Just this week alone they are doing a feel good series at the Buffalo Zoo to raise funds for animal enrichment and Pause in the Park at Roswell Park. And on Oct. 8th check out LIM looonnggg flow w/Kath.  For a complete list of upcoming events and workshops click here.

I'll leave you all with this.. "there are some people in life that make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger, and live just a little bit better." Kate and Kath do that for me and I can bet money they probably do that for others in this community as well. Thank you ladies for reminding us all to be the best version of ourselves each day.

-B 

{a little advice from the LIM instagram account}

My Morning With Seek Axiom and Bkindcity

This past weekend I got to send my Saturday morning with two friends who honestly bring out the best version of yourself. If you know me personally, you know I'm not a big fan of being in front of the camera- I prefer to be behind the scenes, but I wanted to do something different and just have some fun, so I asked Ryan from Seek Axiom to take some photos of me that I can use for my blog. Katie from Bkindcity joined us as well. Thank goodness she did because she fixed me up, provided some tunes for the day and told me what to do because I had no clue most of the time. We started the day at Tifft Nature Preserve. Ryan captured some really amazing photos and some fun candid ones too. Here are some of my favorites from this location.

We then headed up Fuhrmann Blvd. to Wilkeson Pointe {of course I had to get some shots at my work!} Here are a couple of my favorites from that location.

From the Outer Harbor we headed to "my roots" the east side of Buffalo. We visited the Broadway Market while they were having there BBQ & Brews event on the rooftop and we captured some of these shots below.

And then we ended at the corner of Fillmore and Broadway at the new Welcome mural that was created and completed a couple weeks ago.

One of the best things I got out of this day was not just pretty amazing photos, but it was the opportunity for me to be around new friends, to learn more about them and to just have fun and live life in every experience I get to have. Each experience we get to have shapes us into the person we are and right now in my life I want to seek more opportunities, so in the words of Seek Axiom "Seek everything you have yet to experience."

Thank you Ryan and Katie for a fun day full of laughs, I can't wait to do it again! - xo - 

-B 

Fly Over with Mercy Flight

A  Hero is defined as "a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities."

I met a couple heroes the other day when I was given the opportunity {a once in a lifetime opportunity} to learn more about the Mercy Flight organization. One of the only not-for-profit providers of air and ground medical transport services in the country {other agencies are for-profit or operated by hospitals}, Mercy Flight was started by Mr. Douglas H. Baker in 1981. An organization that receives funding from their supporters, individual contributions, corporate donations, community fundraisers, and community grants, Mercy Flight does incredible things. In the 35 years they have completed more than 25,000 missions and provide around the clock care servicing for Western New York, Northern PA and Canada.

{getting an inside look at one of the 5 helicopters}

While I was at Mercy Flight Tuesday {formerly the Flying Tigers restaurant} I met with Adam White, Chief Flight Paramedic and Haji Shareef, Pilot, both men are two truly amazing guys, who in the short time I met with them, I gained a lot of admiration for and have a ton of respect for. Adam told me about the history of the organization, his background and showed me around the facility. We then headed out to the helicopters and on the way we met Haji our Pilot, greeted with a hug, we were on our way! When we arrived Adam showed me the inside of the helicopter {it is fully equipped and looks similar to an ambulance}. We were then out the door and up in the sky. Buffalo you look beautiful from above. {You can check out my FB live video here to see the experience.}

Fun fact - Mercy Flight has 5 helicopters, all are twin engine aircraft's and can handle any call they receive.

In the time we were in the air - we flew over New Era Field, the waterfront, and downtown Buffalo, I even got to experience what it was like landing on the helipad at Buff Gen hospital. During the flight I chatted with Adam and Haji about what a day is like at Mercy Flight {no day is ever the same}. I also asked them both what they love about Buffalo, Haji's response - having his family here. Being in the Navy he said its nice to be around the people he loves, he also said the food. Adam's response - the people, the Buffalo community and the summers.

Mercy Flight is truly amazing I keep saying that, but it really is. To see and hear what they do, day in and day out is incredible and I have a high level of respect for all of the staff who work there. If you want to learn more about Mercy Flight check out their website  www.mercyflight.org and this video on you tube

Being able to do a fly over is great, but what I really want everyone to take away from this post is that Mercy Flight needs your help,  your donation allows for Mercy Flight to continue to offer medical care, from the air and ground, to those in WNY and beyond.

I'll leave you with this fact - Mercy Flight performs lifesaving care without regard to a patients’ insurance status or ability to pay. They save people's lives in the matter of minutes.

Thank you Kate, Adam and Haji for taking time out of your day to show me behind the scenes what you all do day in and day out.

-B 

IMG_7305 - quick few second video caught by Kate landing.

My Newest Adventure With Brookdog Fishing Co.

{our ride for the evening}

I don't know if this happens to anyone else, but sometimes you meet people and instantly become inspired by them and their story. That's what happened to me a couple of weeks ago when I went on a fishing trip with Ryan Shea from Brookdog Fishing Co.

{water views}

A trip that was planned for February, but mother nature had other plans took place in June. I met Ryan at the Sheridan Boat Launch and was really excited for this. I have only fished one other time and I really don't consider it fishing. It was when I was in junior high and it was on a family vacation to Chautauqua Lake, I hooked my Mom's knee and that was it, so yea I don't consider that real fishing.

{the bait}

{Ryan hooking the bait for me}

Anyways, as soon as I met Ryan I loved his down to earth personality and the passion he has for what he does. Going on a fishing charter I had no idea what to expect, all I knew is that I was looking forward to this new adventure. When we left the boat launch we were off to see a different side of Buffalo I wasn't familiar with and it was a great experience.

{we caught some fish!}

Ryan started Brookdog Fishing Co. in June of 2016. He was introduced to fishing by his Grandfather and continued his passion with close friend Nate. While we were on the water we fished, a lot {it was the most fishing I've done my whole life} and I learned a lot. Not only about the type of fish that are in the water, but also learned about anglers, how to cast, what the difference is between fly fishing and regular fishing and much more. I even caught my first fish ever which was pretty cool!

{just fishing}

Not only is Ryan knowledgeable on the waterways, the fish habitat and Western New York, but he also is very hospitable. He preps for every charter he has, and offers guests breakfast on morning charters, light snacks and refreshments on day and evening charters. He also teaches those {like me} who have no fishing experience and provides all of the equipment for a day on the water.

Brookdog Fishing is a year round company that offers one of a kind charters. So whether you are a Western New York Native or visiting from out of town, if you're looking for something fun and different to do this is an activity I highly recommend.

{definitely on the top of my list for awesome things I've done in my life}

I can't say enough great things about my experience and there is not enough thank you's to send to Ryan for taking the time out to share his story with me and to teach me something new. I can't wait to get back out there! Thank you!

-B 

BNBA Brewers Festival

This coming Saturday is the 4th Annual BNBA Brewer's Festival at the Outer Harbor {Wilkeson Pointe}.  Tickets are still available and its sure to be a fun time by the water. For more details click here.

Hound Fresh

If you're a dog owner some of you may have a dog that has allergies. Dealing with something like this, can cause a lot of stress not only on you and your pet, but the time you take to go to the vet, the money you spend to find the right dog food, etc. can all equal up to a stressful situation. Margaret from Hound Fresh is all to familiar with this and has gone through what you may be going through. She is a dog owner to Conrad who has allergies.

So she decided to look into cooking food with the right nutrients at home and opened her own business. You can find her selling her homemade dog food that is made fresh every Monday and delivered to her clients that afternoon and to Animal Outfitters on Elmwood Ave. and Seneca Street. During the winter months she is at Horsefeathers Market. She uses the freshest nutrients and does custom orders {pre- portioned for the size of your dog}. The food lasts for one {1} week and you as the owner of your beloved pooch know where everything is coming from.

Some upcoming events that Margaret will be at are: Bark in the Park in Clarence, Bark Bash at Knox Farms, Kenmore Dog Days of Summer, K9 Connection Art of Adoption and Wine and Wags at the SPCA

A little bit about Margaret - she was born in Buffalo and moved back 3 years ago. She recently left her "full time job" to pursue Hound Fresh full time. She said its the hardest but most rewarding thing she's done. I ask everyone I interview what they love about Buffalo, well because I'm curious their answer{s} to the question. Margaret's response was the people and the great community {the sense of community in this area}, their is always something to do and the food of course!

If you have a dog with a food allergy and you're looking to something to try, contact Margaret, you and your pet will be thankful you did! Thank you Margaret for meeting with me and sharing your story!

-B 

Let them LOL Running Water 5k

I recently started to get involved with Let them LOL a local organization who is helping provide clean water and education to children in Sierra Leone, Africa. One week from today they are hosting there Running Water 5k run or 1 mile walk in Clarence Town Park. Join me there and run for a wonderful cause. We as Americans take so many things, daily things, for granted, lets help those in need one drop at a time.

-B

{earlier last week my coworkers/friends and I helped package meals for children in Sierra Leone. 3,000+ meals and two hours later we felt pretty good knowing we were able to help, even if it was just a little bit}

"Coach's Gym"

{26 Shirts photo above}

I have featured 26 Shirts on my blog before and now I'm back to help promote Vol. 4 Shirt 13 "Coach's Gym" to raise money and awareness for Pennies for Penelope at Golisano Children's Hospital in Rochester, NY. There are only 8 days left before the shirt is gone on May 7. Help raise money and look good while doing so! To purchase a shirt you can go here: http://www.26shirts.com/buffalo-vol-4-shirt-13-coach-s-gym.html

"That one little step can change your Life"

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page" - Augustine of Hippo

One of my favorite things to do is travel and I honestly think if I could afford it, I would travel way more than what I have been recently. As a teenager I was presented a great opportunity with a student ambassador program to travel throughout Europe for three weeks. In that three weeks my life had changed and it opened my eyes to a whole new world. Since that trip I have been lucky enough to travel throughout the U.S and over to Japan {another lifetime experience}.

A few years ago I was lucky to meet Stephanie Brochey Zarbo. Her and her husband Brandon started a travel blog called We Must Dash, which just recently turned into an adventure travel company. When I read the news I was super stoked! Not only is it a local company providing great, unique experiences, but We Must Dash provides group travel  to a number of different countries, including Thailand, Iceland, Costa Rica and more! Each Country provides you with different experiences - from visiting an elephant sanctuary in Thailand to whale watching in Iceland, there is so much they offer you.

{Khoa Sok - Thailand}

{Luang Prabang-Laos}

When I sat down with Stephanie I honestly was in awe of how awesome she is. To be able to pursue what she loves to do and to travel the world is amazing! So below I've compiled a short, but strong list of facts about We Must Dash and why you should contact them if you're looking to travel and have a fun, memorable experience.

• They can help find ways to accommodate your interests. If you are one a strict budget or can only take limited time off from work, they can create a vacation that works within your means.
• They make their packages fun and safe and also keep it flexible.
• Their trips are affordable and accessible, they are fun and not daunting.
• They have trips for everyone.

At the end of my conversation with Stephanie, I asked what is one thing she would like her travelers to get out of their experience and she said its to push beyond your comfort zone, that one little step can change your life. All you have to do is get through that one moment and you literally can do anything. Its empowering and you have great stories to tell.

{We Must Dash in Vietnam}

{We Must Dash in Bangkok}

If you are looking to take a unique trip, take that trip with We Must Dash. Stephanie and Brandon are full of so, so much knowledge in this field they won't steer you in the wrong direction. You can find out more information on all of their trips and itineraries at WeMustDash.com

-B

{Photos in this blog post are all courtesy of We Must Dash}

Polar Bites Tonight!

Tonight the Buffalo Zoo along with the Pro Zoo Board will be hosting Polar Bites, the annual winter fundraiser for the Zoo. Tickets are still available at the door, so come sample some delicious foods from some of your favorite restaurants in town. See you there!

Rock On..at the Guitar Exhibit at the Buffalo Museum of Science

Last week, I joined the Tweet Team for a night at the Science Museum. We had the chance to meet with the amazing staff and check out the new {and so cool} exhibit Guitar. Going on until May 7th the Guitar exhibit showcases the history of the instrument, all the different types of guitars and the famous people who played them and so much more!

If you're not one that likes crowds or can't make it on the weekend the Science Museum offers extended hours on Wednesday evenings until 9 pm. And this Saturday the Museum is hosting Get Out Your Guitar Day, a national holiday, in celebration of guitars and guitarists, so if you're looking for something to do, this will be a great event to attend, for both kids and adults!

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Thinking Warm Thoughts at the Botanical Gardens

A couple weeks ago my niece and I went to the Botanical Gardens to attend their Dollar Days promotion along with checking out the new exhibit. My friend Jen and her daughter Aila came with us. Because tonight is the Lumagination Launch Party and tomorrow kicks off the almost month long special event, I thought I would share some of my photos that I took from my visit.

I attended Lumagination last year {see that post here} and it was a great event and a different and fun way to see the gardens. To learn more about the event, including dates, times and admission prices click here.

-B

{All photos in this post - Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Supporting Explore Buffalo

This past Saturday if you follow me on any social media platform you know that my Dad and I attended the Grain Alley Gala hosted by Explore Buffalo. This was one of my Dad's Christmas presents this year, since we had such a good time at last years gala at Sheas, I thought I would keep the tradition going. The gala was taking place at the Barrel Factory, a venue I have not been in up until Saturday night and need to go back to, to explore. Snowy Owl Kombucha!, Elevator Alley Kayak and Lakeward Spirits are all tenants inside the building {see my post on Lakeward Spirits soon!}.

{The Erie Mule}

The gala was nothing short of great, from the live music, selfie station, tour of the distillery from Adam, the specialty cocktails and great auction items {my Dad and I went in and put a guaranteed bid on cocktails and a tour of the SS Columbia Project for up to 6 people} we couldn't have had a better time and all for a great organization!

{Look at how dapper my Dad looks at the selfie station}

As I approach this year, I'm focusing more on the "adventures" {big or small} that I can take with the people that mean the most to me.

Until next time...

-B

{Above photos all Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Our Lady of Fatima Shrine

Last week my sister, niece and nephew went to see the Festival of Lights at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston. I haven't been to the Shrine since I was a little girl so I was looking forward to seeing everything from an adults perspective. When we arrived we walked around a little before heading to the gift shop to warm up for a bit, they also have a cafeteria so if you want to grab a bite to eat with the family while you're there, that's an option. The Shrine is open to the public from 9-9 pm and the lights are on from 5-9 pm. The festival of lights runs thru January 6th and its free admission - making it a great place to visit this week if you're looking for something to do.

It was nice seeing all of the lights, remembering the memories I had as a kid and seeing my niece and nephew enjoy their time there.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{my niece in front of the Shrine}

{taking a selfie at the top of the Shrine}

A Classic Museum - A Destination and Attraction for Buffalo

I drive past this venue almost every single day and up until last weekend I had not been in there. I'm talking about the Pierce Arrow Museum, a destination in the Buffalo area. Open Thursday thru Sunday from 11-4 pm this museum offers more than just a venue for those who love classic cars. The museum is a space that shows the great work of Frank Lloyd Wright's Filling Station design along with the history of automobiles and transportation dating back to the early 1900's.

{Frank Lloyd Wright's Filling Station}

Next week if you're looking for something to do the museum has special hours - open December 26 thru the 31st from 11-4 pm and the admission price is $10 ADULTS; $5 CHILD {6 TO 15}. You can also call ahead for a guided tour if you'd like. More information can be found here. 

Included here are some of the pictures I took while I was there. Another piece of Buffalo history that I'm happy I went to.

-B 

{being tourists in our own hometown}

{classic cars}

 

{a good looking bar used for private events}

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  

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