Snowvember - Buffalo for Real!

With all the snow that has fallen over Western New York in the past 24 hours, I thought I would post some of my favorite pictures from people {including myself} that posted on social media what's going on in their neck of the woods. The weather has been the talk of the town, making National headlines and while some up North have only seen a couple inches, this storm has cost the lives of a handful of people. It's important for everyone to remember to stay inside and let the emergency personnel and first responders do their jobs. In times like these I'm even more happy and proud to say I live in Buffalo - "A city of good neighbors," always coming through and helping each other in times of need and showing each other some #Buffalove. Stay safe and warm!

-B

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{Tuesday Nov. 18 - Picture taken via news station showing the Lake Effect Snow band between Downtown and the Southtowns}

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{Tuesday evening - photo taken by news station showing the NYS Thruway}

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{My friend Tara enjoying a glass of wine outside her home Tuesday evening}

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{Airplane view}

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{Outside my house on Wednesday morning}

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{The sun shining and the snow taking a break Wednesday late morning}

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{Photo via Buffalo Bills - Snow on the field and in the stands at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Wednesday}

{People and Places Who Move Buffalo} Dog E Style Restaurant

FullSizeRender I'm excited to share my experience with you on the new hot dog restaurant that opened in Downtown Buffalo last month, Dog E Style.  Offering one of a kind hot dogs, Dog E Style, not only offers great food, but has a fully stocked bar and is located in a unique space downtown. Read more of my interview with Thomas Cowen below and see why they are moving Buffalo forward.

How did the concept of Dog E Style begin? 
Rocco Termini came up with the idea and is working on "building a neighborhood" in the heart of the City of Buffalo. Where did the idea and name come from? 
The idea came to us because everyone loves hot dogs! We also added a nice craft beer selection and a restaurant that can offer a full bar with liquor and wine. The name was meant to stick, so people would remember us. Once you stop in to see us you will realize the time and effort we put in to create "not your typical hot dog restaurant." How did you decide on the space for the restaurant?
We kicked around the idea of using old shipping containers so we contacted the manufacturer that makes the containers, bought the materials and put them together on sight, along with steal beams to make it weather and climate proof. What would you say makes you stand out from your competition, other hot dog/fast food places?
We are not your average hot dog stand. We are a Hot Dog restaurant that serves not your everyday hot dog, we serve all different kinds. Special made wieners, sausage, cheeseburgers & a few vegetarian options.
A few items we serve are:
BANH MI DOG     - Chinese sausage, Saigon style, house made  Jalapenos & Saigon veggies
GREEK DOG        - Lamb dog, tzatziki, olives, pepperoncini, feta
CHICAGO DOG   - True Chicago style Dog - poppy seed bun, neon relish, sport peppers, tomatoes, mustard, onion, celery salt & pickle
House made Cheeseburger
House Made Fries
Portabella Sandwich with a fried egg
NO DOG - slow roasted caramelized carrot, spicy mayo, vegetarian chili What would you like customers to get out of their experience when visiting Dog E Style? 
Different. Affordable. Casual. Relaxed  Why did you choose downtown Buffalo and not a suburb? 
Downtown Buffalo is on the Up & Up. If you haven't been downtown in a while you are missing out on a city that is coming back to life. We want to show people that it is ok to start investing in this city again. There are so many things happening all over, whether its the Waterfront, revitalizing the Chippewa/ Entertainment District or the Medical Corridor, you see cranes and hardhats everywhere. Delaware North, IBM, Roswell, Terry Pegula, they are all showing that now is the time to get in the city!   What about Buffalo do you love the most? 
The People! Is there any other information or specials you feature that you'd like the general public to know about? 
We are always running special dogs! Our website will be up and running soon, but in the meantime stay up to date with us on are social media pages. Does Dog E Style feature catering or will they in the near future?
Yes, we offer drop-off catering for your office for lunch, dinner or even if you want to pick it up for any special event you can.
DOG E STYLE
128 Genesee St
Buffalo, NY 14203
716-844-5900
Me and the guys from work thought the food was awesome, the space was great and it is on our list of places to visit again and again {especially for lunch}. Thank you Tessa and Tom for helping me share more information on Dog E Style. And a special thank you to Mr. Termini for continuing to move Buffalo forward.
-B
Follow them on Twitter, Like them on Facebook, Check them out on Instagram
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{ The lunch crowd that began to form once we placed our order }
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{ Offering a fully stocked bar - craft beer, wine and liquor }
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{ I love the chalk board menu }
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{ Italian sausage with onions and peppers and French fries }

 

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Rachael Hughes from Barre Centric

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{Rachael Hughes, Co-Owner Barre Centric. Photo taken at Buffalo Location 1526 Main St. Buffalo}

I'm so excited to feature Rachael Hughes co-owner of Barre Centric on my blog today. Barre Centric all got started when friends, Rachael and co-owner Gia went looking for a place that offered a unique fitness regime that offered people the opportunity to strengthen, tone and plié.

Rachael and Gia opened their first Barre fitness studio location in Clarence, NY in 2012. Her and Gia were back at it in 2014 opening their second Barre fitness studio in downtown Buffalo. Let me tell you, the studio is amazing! When looking for their second location Rachael and Gia knew they wanted a renovated building. Not only is the Buffalo location fresh, fun and new, it brings a whole new light to Main St. downtown.

Rachael says the best thing about having your own business is, "meeting different clients and helping them reach their own fitness goals." Everyone comes in and takes classes for different reasons and its fun to help each one of my clients meet their goals. For those who are taking a Barre class for the first time, the best advice Rachael gives, is to not be intimated and be patient, it takes at least 5-6 classes to pick up on the techniques.

What makes Barre Centric stand out from other Barre classes and fitness centers? Barre Centric always offer specials and promotions throughout the year. From student discounts, Bridal specials and New Mom specials to a Suns Out, Buns Out, 10 week program that starts before the summer season, there's specials for everyone. The best part is, Barre Centric is independently, locally owned and operated, meaning all the money stays in the local community.

When I asked Rachael what she loves most about Buffalo she said "everything from the food to the people is what I love most."

After my interview with Rachael, I stayed to take my first "official" Barre class at Barre Centric and from someone who works out regularly, it was different, in a good way. It was challenging and fun and went by fast. The class was about an hour long, but didn't feel like an hour because you were constantly doing different exercises. I highly recommend taking a class. Rachael is an awesome fitness instructor and amazing business owner who moves Buffalo forward!

In the beginning of the interview, Rachael shared a quote with me that stuck with her when she began her Barre Centric journey and it stuck with me. It is "what you seek, is seeking you." Sometimes the things we are looking for are actually looking for us. Don't ever give up. Thank you Rachael for sharing that with me and for taking the time out to let me share your story.

For more on Barre Centric's classes click here and make sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Make sure to also keep an eye out for Ashker's Juice Bar opening next door to Barre Centric soon!

-B 

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 {Buffalo location, class schedule}

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{The studio}

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{I love the quotes throughout the studio}

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"The Happiest Place on Earth"

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{ My Alex and Ani collection of bracelets and Disney Magic Band in front of Epcot }

Walt Disney created Disney World on a dream and imagination and what an imagination he had! It has been a few years since I was on vacation for longer than a "long weekend." About a week ago me and a few friends decided back in April that we wanted to go to the happiest place on earth, Disney World. While this post really doesn't have a lot to do with Buffalo, it does have a lot to do with how my blog was started. I love to travel, love it! But I always loved coming home because even though I've seen amazing sights and had great experiences there is no place like Buffalo, my hometown.

It has been over 10 years since I was at Disney World and while some things have stayed the same, it was different. Going to Disney as an adult you have a different perception than children. It amazes me to see people from all over the world come together and feel like a kid, even if it was just for a few minutes. Walking through the parks I often thought where were people from and was there a special occasion as to why they were there, what was their story!

My vacation was a magical one. It brought out the "kid" in me, made me appreciate the life I have even more and the opportunities that I've been given. Seeing other Western New York Natives and Buffalo Bills fans at the parks made it feel like a little piece of home was in Florida too.

For those who only think Buffalo is known for the cold weather and for those who think there hometown doesn't offer anything, think again. Take time to travel to other places, see different cultures and see where Buffalo falls into your life. While Disney World is one of the happiest places on earth and while part of me wanted to stay there, coming home to Buffalo is the happiest of all places for me.

-B

Below are just a handful of pictures I took while on vacation.

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An Event with Cocktails and Characters!

CinC-long I am so excited for this Thursday's Cocktails in Character event at Lafayette Hotel. The event benefits Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara. Guests who attend the event are encouraged to dress up as their favorite literary character. The event includes a cash bar, carving stations, entertainment, a judging contest and much more!

Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara's mission is to "open pathways to expand opportunities for adult learners and children by enhancing their literacy skills and nurturing their well being. Our vision is to be an integral partner in the revitalization of our community."

Everyone should have the tools to learn to read and write as it is a vital part of our day-to-day lives. Cocktails in Character is a perfect event taking place in Buffalo that not only fits the role of the organization {having guests dress up as their favorite literary characters}, but also comes at a great time of year, the Halloween Holiday. If you're looking for something to do Thursday night tickets are still available. Click here to purchase tickets.

I hope to see you there! And check back next week to see what I dressed up as and my review on the event!

-B

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{Event Sponsors and Supporters}

Leaving a Legacy

IMG_1325 As I'm writing this post I still have goosebumps from the Buffalo Bills win against the Detroit Lions. What a game! Every game is important to win, but A LOT was on the line for Buffalo. 1. This was the last game where the Buffalo Bills are owned by the Wilson family. 2. Winning this game keeps us first in line in the AFC. 3. Whenever there is a quarterback change as fans you always wonder how it will end...in our favor or not.

While play calling was iffy at times, the team came together till the very end to lead their fans in a nail bitter winning game. I can only imagine what Mary Wilson and the rest of the Wilson family were thinking as they watched on. Ralph Wilson has done so much for the Buffalo Community, not only by owning the Buffalo Bills, but by leaving billions of dollars to go to local charities in this community. He was a man that was smart, passionate, positive and influential. A role model. And I can only hope that others follow in his footsteps.

Sunday marked an end of the Wilson era, but their legacy will last forever in the hearts and minds of Bills fans everywhere.

Until next week! Go Bills!!!

-B

Buffalo Bills Fans - Just a Blonde in Buffalo

{ click above - I captured this video of fans at Bada Bing after we won the game. #Buffalove }

My NFL Fan Style - Buffalo Bills

{ My NFL Style - Buffalo Bills, Just a Blonde in Buffalo }

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{ My friend Lacey taking selfies post win, check out her blog #forty74 forty74.com }

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{ The girls! Go Bills }

Burn Baby Burn

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I am a big proponent of taking care of your health and exercising. I workout at least 3 to 4 times a week not because I'm a health nut, but more because exercising is a way for me to relieve the stress in my life and just unwind. Most of the time I workout by myself, but every once and a while I like to change it up and try something new with my routine. This evening I went to one of my favorite fitness centers in the Elmwood Village: BikeorBar. This business started off by offering a variety of different spin classes and has now grown into offering a wide variety of classes from circuit training, to rowing and pilates, to kickboxing, and so much more. Tonight my friend and I took the CrosSpin class with Em Jay. She's an awesome instructor, plays great music, is tough, but you'll feel great after her classes. If you're ever in the area or looking to change up your workout, check this place out.

-B

BikeorBar 904 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14222 www.bikeorbar.com