SALES
LAURIE ABBOTT
CARMEN CAMPBELL
BRITTANY WALKER
Marketing Consultants
EDITORS
SARAH CHRIST Designer
KARA IVISON
Assistant Creative Director
CONTRIBUTORS
SUZIE WELLS
Lead Content Writer
KAITLIN DONNAN
Proofreader/Content Writer
HELANA SHUMWAY
JACKIE GOERGEN
LORI BRUTON
NIKKI LO
Contributing Writers
MANAGEMENT
STEVE HARRISON President
MANUEL KARAM General Manager
KELLY NOLAN Creative Director
pg. 10 Love Local. Celebrate Her. Spread Cheer. Support Buffalo.
pg. 19 Buffalo's Merry Makers: Giving Back This Holiday Season
pg. 30 Threads of Joy: Stitch Buffalo Gift Guide
ARTICLE BY HELANA SHUMWAY
is in the pursuit of empowerment. As an entrepreneur in Buffalo, she owns five businesses that focus on creating safe spaces for female business owners: Barretend, the Hiraeth House, Harbor House, Valvaere Collective, and She Gathers. Three of her businesses follow a collective model, where vendors are highly valued and have the opportunity to achieve success in a supportive work environment.
Each business in the Buffalo area offers something a bit different, but above all, there is a common thread that weaves them together – they exist to uplift and empower female business owners and women in the community.
Megan’s journey as an entrepreneur began in 2018 when she opened Barretend, a barre and yoga studio welcoming students and practitioners of all levels. Her father had passed away in 2017, and his stunning brick house held a special place in her heart. The Hiraeth House was the perfect space for Barretend to land, but as a new business owner, she craved the opportunity to connect with other women entrepreneurs. Megan quickly realized that the Hiraeth House was meant to be the home for her fellow business owners, and from there, her first collective took root.
Located at 501 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, the Hiraeth House is now home to nine businesses, and there is room to grow. Current gems include The Knotted Fox (hello, hand-picked vintage rugs!) and Buffalo Skincare Therapy, a skincare and acne clinic. Megan describes the house as having a unique energy and charm. On Thursdays, the common area is often bustling with women on their shared work day, and the creativity knows no bounds. Additionally, the house is the ideal destination for bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, craft nights, and more.
Shortly after the Hiraeth House took off, Megan opened Harbor House – a stunning event venue in North Tonawanda. Harbor House can accommodate up to 100 people and is a sought-after spot for microweddings, showers, and celebrations. With its idyllic waterfront views and a large patio, this venue is a mini getaway on the river.
Following the success of these three businesses, Megan opened Valvaere Collective in 2024. She describes the collective as a “wellness-focused space” currently home to 12 women-owned businesses. At 2929 Main Street, Valvaere Collective features businesses like Latitude Movement, which offers services like stretch therapy and cupping, and Naked Up North – a soy candle apothecary. Visitors can also grab a delicious cup of coffee at Seven Hearts Coffee Co., where there is often a line out the door.
Valvaere Collective is also a donation drop-off location for the Glam Pantry, a non-profit that collects beauty items like cosmetics and personal care products for community members who cannot afford them. Look for the Blush Bin to “donate glam and deliver confidence.”
Megan’s latest business endeavor, She Gathers, is an indoor artisan and vendor market located at 38 Webster Street in North Tonawanda. She Gathers opened in July 2025 and has welcomed 20 vendors so far. Unlike the Hiraeth House and Valvaere Collective, She Gathers is an open layout divided into half-wall storefronts for each small business, and there is one central register for all visitors.
Megan shares that this collective caters to women business owners who might also be balancing a job or are stay-at-home parents. The space also boasts a beautiful bar where visitors can grab a glass of wine or cup of tea, and there are even coloring books!
She Gathers hosts events including “Self-care Sundays,” cookie painting parties, and even a popup for Taylor Swift’s recent album release. It is a wonderful place to host a workshop or party, and the space encourages community engagement.
As an entrepreneur with five flourishing businesses in the Buffalo area, it is safe to say that Megan Forness is busy. Between her three collectives, she has created space for 40 women-owned businesses. That’s 40 female entrepreneurs who are their own bosses, and Megan is there to cheer them on every step of the journey. “I think we’re all learning from each other,” she says.
Megan finds inspiration in each of her vendors and is determined to continue making spaces where women feel valued, heard, and seen. Above all, she focuses on ensuring each of her vendors is treated equally and with respect.
Creating safe spaces also means providing room for vulnerability. One of Megan’s mentors and inspirations is the well-known public speaker and academic, Brené Brown, who reminds us all that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Being vulnerable can look like giving help, but it also looks like asking for it. It means growing and learning every day, acknowledging that no two businesses are the same and their needs may be vastly different from one another.
“You get knocked down every day as a business owner,” Megan admits. But it’s the getting back up and continuing forward that she has also come to master.
In addition to Brené Brown, her community of 40 women business owners are also her inspiration, and she loves brainstorming new ideas or coming up with solutions to challenges. “Everything is figure-out-able,” Megan says. “I really encourage tenants to come to me with issues, but also solutions. I love figuring out and reworking things together.” Sometimes, this looks like having hard conversations and working through challenges. One non-negotiable for her is ensuring that those challenges are met directly and worked through to ensure team morale remains high.
The Hiraeth House, Valvaere Collective, and She Gathers are collaborative spaces that encourage creativity and empower each vendor to shape their passions into successful businesses. “To me, the biggest reward is seeing these business owners in action,” Megan says.
With no plans of slowing down, she is thrilled to see her team of women entrepreneurs thriving – some of whom might even grow out of the collective as they garner success. In such cases, Megan is their most dedicated cheerleader.
Interestingly enough, Megan’s father also owned five businesses. Through her constant hard work and professional growth as an entrepreneur, she loves when people share that they see her dad in her.
She is also deeply devoted to her two children – ages 21 and 19 – and her sweet Rottweiler, Camilla. Megan describes the joy of raising her children and watching them “do their thing” as they start the next chapters in life, reflecting that it’s “a really cool place to be.”
With love for her past, appreciation for her present, and drive for her future, Megan Forness excels at uplifting women in business and welcomes the excitement of possibility. She defines what a safe, brave, and fully empowered space looks like in the Buffalo community.
Women-owned small business creating spaces with depth, texture, and character through handwoven rugs emphasizing craftsmanship and durability.
@theknotted_fox theknottedfox.com
501 Delaware Ave., Buffalo
Handmade goodies free of toxins for bath, body, and skin. Good for you and for the planet!
@the_clean_bee_organics thecleanbeeorganics.com
38 Webster St., N. Tonawanda
Let us bring the warmth of our home to yours, one dish at a time, while adding a personal touch to your event.
@kaliopes_catering kaliopes-catering.com
38 Webster St., N. Tonawanda
THE HIRAETH HOUSE - ALLENTOWN // 501 DELAWARE AVENUE, BUFFALO
SHE GATHERS // 38 WEBSTER STREET, NORTH TONAWANDA
VALVAERE COLLECTIVE // 2929 MAIN STREET, BUFFALO
Revitalize your life with our self-care healing services: reiki treatments & classes, psychic channeled readings, and meditation mentorship.
@JennyLeckey_ meditatewithjenny.com
501 Delaware Ave., Buffalo
Homemade sourdough breads and baked goods! Perfect for everyday and specials for holiday gatherings!
@sourdoughbyamanda sourdoughbyamanda@gmail.com
38 Webster St., N. Tonawanda
Stylish tumblers, coloring books, cosmetic bags, and thoughtful gift-worthy pieces that shout Buffalo love in the most beautiful way.
@theshoutshop716 theshoutshop.com
38 Webster St., N. Tonawanda
Oncology Massage & Lymphatic Drainage Therapy exclusively for women with a breast cancer experience. Hands-on support and virtual self-care education.
@as.we.are.now amyhartl.com
501 Delaware Ave., Buffalo
BY ABIGAIL LEE
Voted 2025 “Best in the 716” Women’s Boutique! Reworked vintage & original Buffalo football fashion. @byabigaillee byabigaillee.com
38 Webster St., N. Tonawanda
Sweeten your celebrations with luxury hand-decorated cookies, private events, and artisan gifts by Tierney Town Treats.
@tierneytowntreats tierneytowntreats.com
38 Webster St., N. Tonawanda
Acne treatments, facials, peels, and more. Skincare packages from $900. Buy now, pay later with Affirm, Afterpay or Klarna. @buffaloskincaretherapy buffaloskincaretherapy.com
503 Delaware Ave., Buffalo
Luxury soy candles that burn clean, smell unforgettable, and spark a vibe. Wholesale, workshops, and custom pours available. @noirflames noirflames.shop
38 Webster St., N. Tonawanda
Upcycling remnant, reclaimed and repurposed fabrics to create one-of-a-kind essentials for your home!
@green_room_linens
greenroomlinens@gmail.com
38 Webster St., N. Tonawanda
Women owned coffee shop focusing on high quality craft ingredients with all housemade syrups!
@sevenheartscoffeeco
sevenheartscoffee.com
2929 Main St., Buffalo
Experience personalized IV hydration, vitamin therapies, and aesthetics in a safe, uplifting space where your story matters.
@humankindhealthandwellness
humankindhealthandwellness.com
2929 Main St., Buffalo
Join us to celebrate the holiday issue –gather, sip, and shop!
38 Webster St, North Tonawanda Sun., Dec. 7th @ 10am She Gathers
Follow @homepublications and @shopshegathers for more details!
All things cross stitch and needlepoint!
Join us for classes and group events!
Four local women bringing joy, comfort, and community this holiday season.
As the season of giving shines bright across Buffalo, these inspiring women remind us that generosity doesn’t always come wrapped in ribbons. Sometimes, it looks like a shared toy, a tube of lipstick, a warm visit, or a child’s smile. Each of them has found a way to turn their personal stories into acts of kindness that ripple across Buffalo, proving that compassion is the city’s true holiday spirit.
The Buffalo Toy Library is built on a simple yet powerful mission to bring high-quality play and learning opportunities to children and families across Western New York. At its heart, it’s a place where play is accessible, equitable, and joyful for all. The Toy Library offers families a free space to explore and enjoy high-quality toys and play materials, while also allowing them to bring those experiences home. By circulating toys that have been loved by other families, the Buffalo Toy Library promotes sustainability and gives toys a second life, reducing waste while expanding opportunities for play.
For founder Hannah Bogdan, the idea grew out of both her work and her studies. “As a former preschool teacher, I was inspired by one of my students to start a classroom Toy Library,” she shares. “I was getting my doctorate in education at the time and decided to expand the project and study it for my dissertation.” Her belief that play is the
foundation of childhood development became the driving force behind the Buffalo Toy Library. “Unfortunately, access to play experiences is not equitable for all children,” she says. “Through the Buffalo Toy Library, we aim to break down barriers to play and encourage more sustainable play practices for families that require less purchasing of new toys.”
Moments of connection like one with a young Scholarship Member remind Bogdan why this work matters. “We have an inflatable bouncy horse that retails for $65,” she recalls. “A 2½-yearold came in and immediately noticed it with glee! His mom explained that they’d wanted one but didn’t have the space or budget to buy it. They checked out the horse from the Toy Library, and he was so delighted. Seeing that joy, knowing a child can play freely without the purchasing pressure, that’s what the Toy Library is all about.”
When the snow starts to fall and playgrounds close, the Buffalo Toy Library continues to be a haven for families. “We bring joy during the winter season by providing a free, safe, indoor space for children and families to play,” says Bogdan. “As the weather turns, it can be hard for families to find free indoor spaces to play together. That’s exactly what we provide.”
. . .
help children play, learn, and smile.
Families can support the Buffalo Toy Library in several ways this season. Donations can be made at buffalotoylibrary.org/donate, or consider giving a Gift Membership, a thoughtful way to share the magic of play. “With a gift membership, you give a child access to hundreds of toys this holiday season,” Bogdan says.
WNY Homes for the Holidays focuses on providing mostly elderly individuals living in non-typical homes with essentials, enrichment, and personalized visits. The organization prioritizes those who are financially burdened or do not have family support.
Nicole Staebell’s inspiration comes from her mother, who was a nurse for over 40 years and began her career in long-term care facilities. “When we were looking for a charity project, she suggested nursing homes due to their overwhelming lack of attention,” Nicole explains. “My mom is no longer with us, so I carry on her love and care for the elderly.”
A powerful moment from this past year illustrates the organization’s impact. “An older woman who recently left a domestic violence situation reached out because she was living in a rented room with literally nothing in it. Wooden floors, no bed, no clothing, etc. We were able to furnish her room and provide her with all the essentials, including oral care items, hand soap, plates, a bed, and bedding. She told me she had been living like that for a week and we were the first and only organization to respond and offer help.”
During the holiday and winter season, WNY Homes for the Holidays brings joy through personal visits. “The most important part of what we do is visit. The folks we serve are identified by staff as the most in need, mostly because they do not get visitors all year. We like people to know they are not alone and they are remembered, especially at the holidays.”
. . . bring comfort and connection to those who need it most.
Supporting WNY Homes for the Holidays is simple. Donations are accepted year-round, and volunteers are always needed to pass out gift bags and visit with residents. Children and families are welcome, as recipients are thrilled to see young people.
Scan to visit their Amazon Wish List!
The Glam Pantry is a student-led non-profit providing beauty and hygiene products to underserved youth and families across Western New York. The organization believes every woman deserves access to selfexpression through makeup and essential hygiene items. “We have Blush Bins scattered throughout different salons across WNY to collect products from a variety of areas,” says Laila Robinson. “When bins are full, they’re picked up and donated directly to the Lancaster Youth Bureau for distribution at their Clothes Closet.”
Laila’s inspiration came from seeing others make a difference in her community. “I’ve always seen food and clothes drives, but never one directed toward beauty,” she explains. “My mother has an abundance of makeup, soap, and hygiene items that have been stashed away for years, and this inspired an idea. My curly, coily hair is the root of my identity, and purchasing products that tame it is expensive. Not everybody has access to the various tools and haircare products I use daily, and expanding the availability of items that increase confidence and cleanliness is my goal with The Glam Pantry.”
One standout moment confirmed that her work was making an impact. “When I first started placing bins inside salons, I didn’t know if there would be a strong response,” she says. “Shortly after, I got emails from owners saying bins were full. Once, while picking up items from New Dawn Hair Design, an older man thanked me for giving back to the community. He said, ‘You’re doing God’s work,’ and hearing that fueled my motivation to continue making an impact.”
During the holidays, The Glam Pantry shines even brighter. “I direct a school-wide Fall Beauty Drive sponsored by the National Honor Society each October,” Laila says. “Donations go to the Lancaster Youth Bureau’s Clothes Closet and their Day of Giving event in December for families in need. Students and volunteers assemble baskets distributed to those families.”
. . .
give the gift of beauty.
Locals can help by donating new or gently used beauty and hygiene products at any active Blush Bin, located at Bella A’more Salon, New Dawn Hair Design, Ascend Float Spa, Canvas Salon, Sorelle Salon, She Gathers, Valvaere Collective, Lox Salon, and Moonglade Salon.
Follow @theglampantry on Instagram to see photos of donation bins, current events, and updates on this growing community effort.
Emmalee Cinotti’s inspiration for community service comes from the people, especially the children, of Buffalo. “This city has such a big heart. Buffalo is still a hometown where neighbors look out for one another, and I’ve always wanted to reflect that same spirit in everything I do. The children I’ve met through my work inspire me every day. Their joy, resilience, and belief in magic remind me why giving back matters so deeply.”
Through her companies, Braidbabes, The 66 Collective, and Emmalee’s Memories, she uplifts others, whether by empowering young girls experiencing hair loss through headband braids or creating fairytale experiences for children overcoming medical challenges. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Totally Buffalo Cares, where volunteers support children and families in need throughout Western New York.
Cinotti’s dedication is deeply personal. Years ago, she survived a serious car accident, and during her recovery, the Buffalo community rallied around
her. “Family, friends, neighbors, and strangers came together to lift me up. That experience changed me and my family forever. I learned how powerful kindness and community can be when you’re going through something difficult.” That support became the foundation for her work. Every time she sees a child’s face light up at an Emmalee’s Memories event or a girl regain confidence through Braidbabes, she remembers what it feels like to be lifted by love. Buffalo gave to her, and she is committed to paying it forward.
One of the most meaningful moments for Cinotti came during the Be Our Guest event hosted by Totally Buffalo Cares, which she has helped bring to life for the past three years. The event gives children facing lifethreatening illnesses and bereaved families a day of pure magic. Emmalee’s Memories sponsored 11 princesses to attend, singing, dancing, and creating moments of joy. The Board of Directors contributed, and the event was funded entirely through sponsors, the Cares Crew, and the Sweet Hearts Campaign, where local businesses sold paper hearts. “Standing in that room,
surrounded by children laughing and singing, I felt proud of what Totally Buffalo Cares created. It was the perfect example of the Buffalo spirit, with neighbors, businesses, and volunteers uniting to lift up others.”
During the holidays, Cinotti focuses on initiatives that support children and families in need, including the Make a Case for Kids Toy Drive. Thousands of pillowcases filled with toys, books, winter gear, and essentials are distributed across Western New York, including to children battling illness, so they can experience the magic of Christmas.
. . . help spread the magic.
Readers can support her work by donating to Totally Buffalo Cares at totallybuffalocares.org or following Emmalee’s Memories on Instagram @emmaleesmemories to sponsor princess visits. Every act of support helps continue creating magical moments for children in Buffalo and beyond.
Presented by
Discover one-of-a-kind gifts, handmade treasures, and cozy boutiques that make holiday shopping joyful again.
twinkling lights line Main Street, carolers fill the air with song, and every shop window tells its own holiday tale.
Warm up with festive drinks, hearty comfort food, and sweet treats from our award-winning restaurants, cafés, and bakeries.
On Saturday, Dec. 20 join us for two festive community events! Holiday Magic in the Village is a family-friendly holiday festival on the historic Roycroft Campus from noon to 4:00pm 53rd Annual Carolcade is our yearly caroling event when thousands of people gather on Main Street to sing carols under the stars from 7 to 8pm
• BE PREPARED – with a dependable secondary heat source for your home in the event of a power outage.
AAA Timberline is a premier fireplace, chimney, and masonry company that sells, installs and services:
• Wood Burning Fireplaces, Inserts & Stoves
• Natural Gas/Propane Fireplaces, Inserts & Stoves
• Natural Gas/Propane Log Sets
• Chimney Systems
• Residential Masonry
• DID YOU KNOW – Our Wood Burning Fireplaces and Inserts can heat up to 2,500 sq. ft. and are 95% efficient! Plus, use 60% less wood than an open faced masonry fireplace.
• BE READY – give us a call. We can help your home stay heated both now and in the future with our FREE ESTIMATES!
Jeff from AAA Timberline was the first to suggest a log set instead of an insert for a fireplace I wanted to maintain rather than completely change. The log set was a more economical option, as my main goal was aesthetics rather than heating the entire house (but I can if need be). These changes solidify the comfort of my home. When a blizzard hits Buffalo, I always feel prepared with a truly functional fireplace that provides needed warmth. - Jessica R.
DON’T RISK YOUR HOME GOING WITHOUT HEAT – CALL US TO DAY!
— Jim C. was looking for something aesthetically pleasing but would provide warmth for him and his family.
I was very pleased with the overall experience I had with AAA Timberline. The job was completed just days before a blizzard last year, where I was left without power or heat for two separate twelve-hour occurrences. The work that AAA Timberline did was able to keep my family safe during the storm. I do not know how we would have weathered the storm that affected so many of our friends and neighbors.
Happy Holidays f rom PLANS SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
DON'T LET WINTER FREEZE YOUR PLANS.
Handcrafted gifts made with care by refugee and immigrant women in Buffalo, NY. Each purchase empowers a maker, supports the community, sustains artistry, reduces textile waste, and fosters inclusion. Whether you’re searching for something heartfelt, festive, or truly one-of-a-kind, these creations bring warmth and meaning to the holidays.
HAND-EMBROIDERED STANDING ELEPHANT
A symbol of loyalty, companionship, and unity!
REUSABLE
COTTON NAPKINS (SET OF FOUR)
These double-sided cotton napkins feature two layers of high-quality cotton fabric, for a luxurious weight that feels good in your hands and wears well for meal after meal.
A festive keepsake with a touch of Buffalo charm. Hand-embroidered and adorned with delicate beading!
The perfect accent to any outfit—light, easy to wear, and effortlessly chic.
Embroidered Floral Clutch with Wrist Strap Chic clutch crafted from bold Liberty of London fabrics with a secure zipper and convenient wrist strap.
Beaded Macrame Bracelet (Adjustable)
Lightweight, adjustable bracelet perfect for daily wear or stacking with other pieces, made with care from upcycled materials.
Stitch Buffalo is a textile art center that empowers refugee and immigrant women through handcrafted goods, community education, and the reuse of donated textile supplies. Guided by values of community, empowerment, trust, passion, and environmental stewardship, we celebrate creativity while fostering inclusion and sustainability. FOR MORE GIFTS, VISIT: WWW.STITCHBUFFALO.ORG • 284 PLYMOUTH AVE, BUFFALO
pg. 34 Finding Light on Lake Erie with Justine Palkowski
pg. 38 Cozying Up With A Good Book and Local Book Clubs
1. | Preheat oven to 225 degrees.
2. | Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. | Slice 4-5 oranges into 1/8" thick slices and blot any excess moisture.
4. | Place oranges on baking sheets and bake for 3 hours.
5. | Let the orange slices cool on the baking sheets for a few hours.
6. | Once cooled, string the orange slices onto a fishing line or twine with a large blunt needle. Make sure to poke the hole through the flesh of the orange slices, not the rind.
In the quiet glow of golden hour, when the sun dips low and the lake is calm, artist Justine Palkowski finds her rhythm. Her brush moves like a love letter to the water, capturing the serenity of Western New York’s shores in soft seascapes and delicate ornaments. Through her brand, Second Shore, Justine invites others to experience the peace, nostalgia, and healing she’s found in painting the lakes she loves.
Her family’s cottage on Oneida Lake has always been a gathering place, especially on her mother’s birthday each Fourth of July. The rhythm of lakeside reunions and the bittersweet ache of missing home inspired her to create Second Shore while living in South Carolina, longing for the Great Lakes and the family traditions that shape her story.
Art has always been Justine’s anchor. From childhood classes to studying studio art at Niagara University, creativity is a core value for Justine. “If I’m not creating, I feel unfulfilled,” she shares. While balancing a career in marketing, she paints and draws from home while she and her husband raise their daughter in East Aurora, a village she describes as “straight out of a Hallmark movie.”
Her artistic journey bloomed unexpectedly. One of her first seascapes hangs in her own home, evoking the feeling of standing on the shore. It’s a way she brings the beach into the home, even when the sky outside is gray and snowy. Her art fills winter with warmth, a gentle reminder that the water’s calm can always be with us. She gives people permission to love the beach year-round.
When her baby wouldn’t sleep, Justine turned to painting ornaments, small canvases that fit into her exhausted hands and busy days. These hand-painted seascape ornaments are now her most popular product. A piece of her art creates a place of peace in your heart and home.
“Creating is therapeutic, especially during long winters when creativity can feel dormant.”
Her ornaments are more than holiday décor. They’re keepsakes of tiny windows into lakeside memories, family cottages, and spectacular sunsets. Hung on a tree, in a window, or nestled in a bowl with driftwood, you can surround yourself with warmth, coastal accents, and natural beauty.
Justine knows how to maximize her downtime. One print, a wreath made of oyster shells, was painted in an airport during a delayed Thanksgiving flight. She always travels with water-fillable brushes and paints, ready to create wherever she lands. Her resourcefulness and devotion to art are evident in every piece.
Locally, Justine teaches art classes at MUSEjar in East Aurora, offering a meditative outlet for all ages. “It’s therapeutic,” she says, especially during long winters when creativity can feel dormant. Her upcoming exhibition at The Winesmith in Buffalo opens January 2, 2026, timed as a “halfway to summer” celebration. It’s part of Allentown’s First Friday Gallery Walk, a self-guided tour of galleries, shops, and restaurants pulsing with artistic energy.
Living in the Great Lakes and Finger Lakes region, Justine sees water as a gift. She laughs, “Despite the lake effect snow, we have so many opportunities to enjoy what’s in our backyard.” Her work offers each of us a second shore to stand on, one of peace, love, and joy.
“The water is something that brings all of us together,” she says. Her ornaments, paintings, and prints are not only beautiful but meaningful, capturing the nostalgia and hope that water offers. Whether it’s memories of a family lake house or the promise of a summer to come, Justine’s art brings light into winter and invites us to celebrate the holidays with a spirit of peace, love, and togetherness.
For more lakeside serenity, follow Justine on IG: @secondshore
There’s something magical about discovering your next favorite book through the enthusiastic recommendation of a friend. Book clubs transform solitary reading into shared experiences, sparking lively debates over coffee and creating lasting friendships along the way. From cozy neighborhood gatherings to welcoming spaces at local independent bookstores, there’s a book club waiting for you—along with shelves full of unique finds you won’t discover at big-box retailers.
Happy Place Tote Made in the USA Afterglow Books afterglowbooksco.com
Puzzle - Unbothered by Brit Sigh Second Chapter Bookstore afterglowbooksco.com
readitandeatshop.com
As cold weather draws us indoors, book clubs come alive again. With only a few interested people, you can start one of your own. Decide on the frequency of meetings (monthly or bi-monthly are most common). Everyone brings book recommendations, and the group chooses titles for the year. Members can share copies, reserve titles at their library, or even read ahead. Some groups go month to month, with each person having a chance to choose the next book. As the group becomes established, members may expand, with eight to ten being an ideal book club size.
The best book clubs strike a balance between thoughtful discussion and easy laughter, where the friendships matter just as much as the books.
Members may rotate hosting the discussion. Keep it simple with coffee and dessert or just snacks, but hosting duty should never inhibit a group. Neighborhood locations such as libraries, coffee shops, and community rooms often make great meeting spots if members don’t host in homes. Some groups organize virtually or around a shared theme, from cookbooks to women’s memoirs to local authors, proving there’s truly a book club for everyone.
Bestcellar Bookbar in Clarence offers a reservable space specifically for book clubs to meet among its full bar and menu, with shelves that include the top 50 books from the most popular literary genres, ranging from nonfiction to true crime. Owner Devon Powers refers to what she and her family have created as a “community space that appeals to diverse groups including book clubs, people who want to read alone, remote workers, and those looking for their next good book.”
Looking to join a book club? Many independent bookstores have their own. Literary Lounge 716 in North Tonawanda, which also offers space for club meetings, hosts book discussions open to anyone interested (reserve your spot on their website).
One local favorite, the Buffalo Millennial Ladies Book Club, brings together women in their 30s and 40s for casual monthly meetups around Western New York. It’s a relaxed, welcoming group where new members are always encouraged to join—book finished or not!
The best part of a book club is reading titles you might never pick up on your own. As my group put its 2025–26 list together, we assembled titles including a memoir about French cooking, and we will revisit the work of Lisa See. The group has planned for a more challenging read with Ocean Vuong’s, The Emperor of Gladness. We also recall surprisingly enjoying a nonfiction work a few years ago about the assassination of President Garfield, while reflecting that My Ántonia was no longer the book we dreaded in high school.
Member Carol Beck says, “Reading books you might not always read” has sustained her twenty-five-year book club membership as she treasures the friendships made through book club.
Beyond book clubs, be sure to visit small local bookstores this holiday season and throughout the year for meaningful gift-giving. Afterglow Books on Allen Street in Buffalo specializes in romance and fantasy, along with accessories and gift cards. The genres at Talking Leaves on Elmwood are endless — from travel and psychology to classics, the newest fiction and nonfiction, and even poetry and drama collections. Dedicated to fostering literacy and a love of reading, Second Chapter Bookstore also has a virtual shop featuring books that celebrate Black culture.
For those with an appetite for reading and food, check out Read It & Eat Bookshop in Buffalo. It’s the city’s first culinary bookstore, combining a love of books and food while supporting the fight against hunger. The shop specializes in cookbooks, food writing, and chef memoirs, along with curated artisanal goods like baking kits, spices, and cocktail mixes.
Independent bookstores also host author talks, community literacy programs, and even trivia nights. This season, as you enjoy the delights of winter, explore where books, reading, book clubs, and local bookstores can take you. These shops aren’t just places to buy books — they’re spaces where stories connect us, much like a good book club does.
pg. 44 The Art of Intentional Living: Creating Homes That Heal with @peonyandlinen
Visit our showroom today! A hidden gem in the heart of Rochester set in a historic building with a mid-century modern flair, we have pieces that fit diverse styles to accommodate a traditional home, a lake house or an upscale loft apartment. No project is too big or too small.
Wanting to do something other than gray with your next renovation? Try colors like bold espresso, soft beige, and mustard yellows to bring an added pop and warmth. A constant best friend to brown tones will always be blue. Come in to find your perfection color combination with new series through Marazzi and American Olean. Or jump outside the box with unique custom mosaics through our newest vendor addition, Lunada Bay!
Let’s create something that feels just right for the season ahead.
BY NIKKI LO
When Nicole and her husband planted their first peony in their garden, she never imagined the flower would become the inspiration for two businesses. Today, the Buffalo-based content creator and business owner is known for Peony and Linen, her online home décor platform, and White Peony Organics, a wellness brand helping women navigate perimenopause naturally. Through these ventures, she aims to help others treat their bodies and homes with mindfulness and kindness.
Peony and Linen, originally named “The Painted White Peony,” started in 2018 as Nicole’s personal Instagram account. At first, it was a place where she could share her love for home décor and DIYs with an equally passionate community. Over time, her focus shifted from DIY projects and painted furniture to the deeper question of how a home can nurture well-being.
In Nicole’s home, her living room answers that question best. It's the heart of her home and a space she has lovingly reimagined many times over the years.
“It’s right in the center of everything,” she says. “It’s where we hang out with our kids and pets at the end of the day. It’s where we have many of our conversations, debates, and laughs (mostly laughs), where we have family gatherings for birthdays, holidays, and of course, to watch football.” For her, decorating is never about chasing trends but about creating spaces that feel cozy, functional, and meaningful. It's about shaping an environment where anyone inside feels connected, grounded, and cared for.
That philosophy is summed up beautifully in a question Nicole once shared online: How can I make this look pretty but also serve a purpose?
“I find it’s easier to decide what the main purpose of a space is and style around that,” she explains. “There are so many creative ways to design without sacrificing beauty for function.”
This year, she’s focused on decorating with intention — surrounding herself with pieces that tell a story. “I love using things that aren’t just décor but are meaningful,” she says. “For example, items like drinking glasses that belonged to my grandmother or a quilted table runner by my mom. Pieces like these make a home feel personal and connected.”
She encourages others to do the same. “We all have something on hand that means something to us,” she adds. “Find one of those items and bring it into your home this season.”
"Create spaces that feel cozy, functional, and meaningful."
To see more of her thoughtful approach to home and wellness, follow @peonyandlinen for daily inspiration and décor ideas that make every space feel like a sanctuary.
Her belief that “beauty and function can coexist” doesn’t stop at home décor — it’s something she carries into her approach to wellness, too. Nicole’s commitment to meaningful and intentional living led her to launch White Peony Organics. She started the company out of her own challenges with perimenopause, realizing there was a lack of natural, supportive solutions for women in this season of life. “The defining moment was when I realized that what I was experiencing was normal and I didn’t have to suffer silently,” she says. “I wanted other women to know that they didn’t have to either.”
Her purpose shifted from decorating her home purely for aesthetics to creating a calming environment where she could nurture her own self-care journey — and to curating products that empower other women with organic, hormonefriendly alternatives.
Nicole now channels her passion into The White Peony Journal, a blog that offers a calm space for women to find trustworthy information and solutions. Through both her creative and entrepreneurial pursuits, her goal has remained the same: to help women “feel more like themselves on their wellness journey,” both in their bodies and in the spaces they live.
For Nicole, it all comes back to the idea that beauty and wellness begin at home. Whether she’s styling a cozy corner or sharing a new product, her work is rooted in care — for herself, her family, and the women who follow her journey.
7. Dodge's All-Electric Muscle Car
9. Maserati's luxury SUV
5. Fluid that lubricates engine parts 10. Fluid replaced during a cooling system service
15. Chevrolet's popular full-size SUV
