Buffalo HOME March//April 2022

MARCH//APRIL 2022

garden& blooms

Cortese Construction Step into our beautifully designed showroom to gain inspiration for all of your home projects! page 6

3 fun event ideas from

Little Bird Party Co., Posh Picnics + Quaint Rentals

...

Adding foliage + color

featuring Shannon from @ShopTheGreenhouse

...

Providing communities with the tools they need to create the change they want. The tool library

get OUTDOOR READY WITH BUSCAGLIA DECKS & POWERED PERGOLAS back cover

weddings birthdays celebrations THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 1

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Spring Refresh Intentional, sustainable living products created to refresh, renew & revive your skin!

CRUELTY�FREE | PLANT�BASED | PARABEN�FREE

“crafted in small batches with no funky junk.”

BUFFALO GAL o rg a n i c s k i n c a re + b ea u t y 5655 Main St #3, Williamsville | 716.458.3688 | www.buffalogalskincare.com

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PRODUCED BY GENESEE VALLEY PUBLICATIONS

on the cover 6 • Cortese Construction Home is more than a place and this family-run business is passionate about proving that.

features 9 • From the Artists’ Desk

garden & blooms pg. 11 14 • Christina Roach Spring into Warm Weather Fashion

18 • Let’s Get Thrifty!

P H O T O G R A P H Y :

S H O P

T H E

G R E E N H O U S E

Decor Tips from @ShopTheGreenhouse

oh happy day pg. 26 29 • Parties with a Twist 3 Fresh Ideas for Your Next Event

spring home pg. 36 38 • The Tool Library Lending Tools to the Community

CO VE R PHO TO G R A PHY: Sarah Christ Genesee Valley Publications, Inc. will make every effort to see that all advertising copy, which is neatly presented, is correctly printed. We will not be responsible for print quality of any advertising not created by Genesee Valley Publications, Inc. personnel. We take no responsibility for statements or claims made in any advertisement. We reserve the right to refuse any and/or all advertising.

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“Come Home to Cortese” Home: it’s more than a place. It’s a space of family, confidence, belonging, and sa�sfac�on. For all this and more, we invite you to “Come Home to Cortese.”

A family business in its third genera�on, Cortese Construc�on was founded by two hardworking brothers in 1951. Star�ng with no funds and a serious language barrier, Frank and Nick Cortese grew their fledgling business from a concrete company in the basement of Frank’s house into a leader in the concrete industry and finally into what is one of the largest home remodeling companies in Buffalo and Western New York.

They achieved their American Dream with passion and dedica�on to excellence.

Con�nuing its tradi�on of innova�ve and excep�onal cra�smanship and service, Cortese Construc�on has grown into home remodeling under the leadership of Domenic Cortese, son of Frank Cortese. Following his vision, the company won The Be�er Homes and Gardens Magazine award for best Kitchen and best Bath in the United States. It was the first �me in the magazine’s history that a kitchen and bath in the same house both won first place.

Domenic Cortese is probably best known, however, for bringing a new level of reputability to the home renova�on industry. This has been in no small part thanks to his radio show, Hammer�me, on WBEN News Talk 930am. For over 30 years, Domenic has held his call-in Home Improvement Hour on Saturdays at 10 am, and in 2016, he launched Hammer�me TV, as well. His exper�se and transparency con�nue to provide listeners with credible informa�on for tackling difficult home improvement issues.

Today, Cortese Construc�on, the area’s most experienced and trusted home renova�on company, is run by Domenic Cortese and his three children: Philip Cortese, Nicholas Cortese, and Michelle Cortese-Manfredo. Bringing Cortese Construc�on into its third genera�on, Philip, Nicholas, and Michelle worked their way up through the company, con�nuing to advance it as the area’s elite contractor for any home remodeling needs.

In 2012, Domenic Cortese and family were humbled when Cortese Construc�on Service Corp. was honored as Buffalo Niagara’s Business Ethic award recipient for their outstanding opera�on in the day-to-day business treatment of its customers.

Now in its new loca�on, Cortese Construc�on, Western New York’s one-stop, home renova�on shop is showcasing everything they do. Home products, such as Cortese’s proprietary full-custom cabinetry line, Bella Cucina, are displayed in its 3,000 sq. �. showroom as real-world vigne�es, with addi�onal rows of racks and displays discretely concealed from view. Warm and invi�ng, these vigne�es (approximately 7 kitchens & bathrooms respec�vely) give the imagina�on a clear and vivid vision while allowing customers to experience product func�onality.

PASSIONATE ABOUT PROVIDING THE BEST RESULTS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS “From day one of the consultation to the last day they completed work, Cortese was incredible. Every step of the process was clearly articulated, planned, and implemented. The quality of the materials, the quality of the work and most importantly, the quality of the people were top notch. We have received so many compliments on the work, and we couldn’t be more proud to tell everyone that Cortese Construction did it all.” – PJ Tudisco

9 0 74 M A I N ST R E E T, C L A R E N C E � 7 1 6 .6 8 3 . 2 1 0 0

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Cortese Construc�on handles a wide variety of home improvement projects from kitchen renova�ons to backyard living, thanks to Be�erLiving sunrooms and shade products. Not only does the company provide all necessi�es for a project from start to finish, but it also offers complete and unique design services, thanks to Michelle Cortese-Manfredo. Interior decorator Michelle provides her design services with every contract, advising on everything from architectural drawings to drapery.

Whether you choose a current trend, your own signature style, or something in between, Michelle will help you find exactly what you need.

Financing is o�en available through Lakeshore Savings Bank. Cortese facilitates quality financing for its customers whenever possible. Having done all the shopping and nego�a�ng to find the best rates, Cortese does whatever it can to provide the quickest service and the most efficient process.

Join us for a Cooking Class! Hailing from Italy, the Cortese family knows a home is not complete without a scratch-made meal. In its on-loca�on, state-of-theart kitchen, Cortese has introduced its Come Home to Cortese Cooking Classes.

Guests are invited to explore the popular modern farmhouse trend of Cortese’s working showroom, offices, coffee room, and even break room. Seated around a 20’ table, guests will learn how to make upcoming Italian special�es with such mouth-watering �tles as A Night in Naples, Tuscan Treasures, Piccante Calabria, Magical Marche, Bologna la Grassa & Holiday Tradi�ons. Each evening will be a night to remember.

“Your Man for Home Improvements” Cortese Construc�on does it all!

General Contracting | Kitchens | Bathrooms Addition Construction | Small Projects Backyard Living | Outdoor Kitchens Basement Renovations | Sunrooms, Decks & Awnings

W W W.CO RT E S E . N E T

THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 7

NO COST

WWW.CAREPATROL.COM Phone (585) 532-5558 OR (716) 463-2966 FAX (716) 919-1015

8 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

- f rom the ar ti st s’ desk It may have taken long enough for it to get here, but here at Home, it’s time to celebrate Spring!

We’re pulling out all the stops as we get ready to roll up our sleeves in the gardens again and prepare for event season! It’s a time of celebration here, whether it’s spring renewal, home improvements, checking out gardens and blooms, or getting ready to party!

There’s a bunch to Buffalove about the Queen City, so ring in the season with a spring in your step thanks to some new trends from Christina Roach! Celebrate supporting your neighbor with The Tool Library nonprofit, providing individuals with thousands of tools to help improve their lives from the ground up. Looking to spread some joy this season? We’re excited about exploring all of the ways to throw an a-typical party, whether that’s trying out new ideas, some luxury picnics, or what we’re calling high end slumber parties with living room glamping! Don’t forget to bring some color into your life too after these dreary winter months. How? Come explore ways to get thrifty and shop small with Shop the Greenhouse!

However you choose to welcome the spring weather, here at Home, we’re happy to have you with us!

Thank you for letting us into your lives and your homes where we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Here’s to a bountiful, joyful, and inspiring spring.

585.226.8111 | sales@gvpublications.com

www.thehomepublications.com

LAURIE ABBOTT | BERTA LOVE | CARMEN CAMPBELL | KATHRYN BOOR | COLLEEN MANN MANUEL KARAM | CRISTIE LEONE | AMANDA DUDEK | KAITLIN DONNAN | SARAH CHRIST | KARA IVISON CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS: JODY LYNN GREER | TRISH PINO | RILEY SMITH

THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 9

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G a rd e n & Blooms

SPRING FASHION WITH CHRISTINA ROACH // DÉCOR WITH @SHOPTHEGREENHOUSE

THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 11

GARDEN & BLOOMS

Mike Weber

GREENHOUSES

Growing quality plants for Western New York for more than 40 years!

Mike Weber’s Greenhouses began by growing more traditional plants in 1978 but has since expanded into a specialty grower, quickly becoming the leader in the area.

We are a niche greenhouse specializing in products beyond simple annual bedding plants, including Gardener’s Own, accent liners, herbs, and beyond. With 14 growing greenhouses, our product list continues to expand as we sell to both retail and wholesale customers and have the ability to ship to the rest of the United States.

- Come visit us today! -

42 French Rd, West Seneca • 716.822.8887

webergreenhouses.com Open April - August • M-F: 8am-6pm, Sat: 8am-4pm, Sun: 9am-4pm

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BUFFALO’S MOST AWARD-WINNING OUTDOOR LIGHTING COMPANY

– We paint your world with light – We not only use the highest quality fixtures for installation, we understand light and how it evokes emotion and can make every evening memorable.

Each lighting system is designed to fit specific needs making every display unique to each person.

We add value to your home & quality of life.

Is your outdoor lighting everything you want it to be?

We provide: • Design and Installation • Maintenance and Repairs • LED Upgrades

1216 QUAKER ROAD, EAST AURORA, NY 14052 • 716.655.7319

W W W. LU M I NAT E D L A N D S C A P E S .|C O M

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Christ Fashion fr i na R o m oa c h

Spring

FOLLOW ALONG WITH HER ON INSTAGRAM @MYBALANCEDSTYLE - Article by Jody Lynn Greer 14 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

GARDEN & BLOOMS

T

his season, accentuate your style with fashion maven and beauty how-to blogger, Christina Roach. Her accessible and friendly approach will guide you through what’s fashion forward for spring and summer 2022. As a former educator, wife, mother and self-described “MS warrior,” Roach’s followers find her tremendously inspirational, and her fan base is still growing. She has turned her love of all things fashion and beauty into a career.

When it comes to what’s trending for this spring, she shares, “I am always thinking about tips and trends. I think a closet should consist of just your basics, a good pair of denim, some solid pieces, and I always say to add what makes you feel the most confident. In fact, my page is built around making women feel confident. One 2022 spring trend is pastels. They are coming back in; anything that is 70s and 80s based you will see coming back around. Trends have also shifted because of the pandemic into a more casual vibe, and that’s carrying over into the workplace now.”

True to form, Christina’s advice is right on point for what’s popular in 2022.

Searches for bell bottoms and Members Only jackets have been trending on Google. Whether it’s nostalgia or social media bringing these relics back, it’s hard to say. One thing is for certain, the 70s and 80s are inspiring bright colors and vibrant patterns which can be paired perfectly to create spring and summer looks that perfectly capture the light-hearted and carefree mood of the season.

CREATE A GARDEN YOU LOVE! Landscape designs for the DIY’er We design. You install. Save thousands. ...

Creating a yard you love with scaled blueprints, photorealistic renderings, illustrated plant guides and installation & maintenance guides. On-site and virtual services available.

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Christina is pleased to provide useful fashion tips and advice for people of all ages, sizes, and demographics. Her Instagram page features a chic and edgy style that is uniquely her own. She shares “splurge-worthy” items as well as bargains there. She notes that lately, “Target and Wal-Mart have really been stepping up their game.” Conversely, her Facebook page highlights mainly “steals and deals” for the budget conscious consumer. You can also follow her tips on Amazon.com.

When it comes to size, Christina herself is slim and tall, standing at 5’10”.

She often models her own fashion apparel, and she also uses the help of a friend who is a curvier size 16 to contrast how her choices might fit a body type other than her own. She believes everyone should feel comfortable in their own skin. Fashion is a mode of expression, and no one should be excluded from that.

SATURDAY, MAY 7TH � WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD Across different platforms, the goal is always the same for “My Balanced Life” blogger, Christina Roach. “No matter what the trend is, or what the style is, or how you’re looking, there are always clothes and styles you can wear that will help you feel your best. No matter where you’re at with your journey; clothes should make you feel empowered, and there are lot of ways to do that.”

EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY � 7AM�1PM � RAIN OR SHINE

Where the customer meets the grower & producer 100% Growers Only Market • Fresh Assorted Vegetables • Delicious In-Season Fruits • Maple Products & Fruit Syrup • Jams, Jellies and Pickles • Custom Roasted Coffee • Beef, Pork Sausage

• Flowers, Plants & Shrubs • Kettle Corn & Honey • Pasta & Sauces • Fabulous Spices • Free Range Eggs • And Much More!

AURORA VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER 123 Grey Street, East Aurora, NY 14052 www.eastaurorafarmersmarket.com

Buy a $25 Gift Certificate for Only $20!

Present this coupon May 7th or 11th at the Market Manager table. Limit one per customer.

THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 15

GARDEN & BLOOMS

TOMMY TOPSOIL Invest In Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Nourish Your Plants With High-Quality Topsoil, Mulch & Stone Delivery

WE'LL DELIVER IT DIRECTLY TO YOUR PROPERTY - CALL ANYTIME 24/7!

716.545.8781 • TOMTOPSOIL.COM - Located in Alden and ser ving most of Erie, Genesee & Wyoming Counties -

H�me�r�w� & L�c��

Family owned & operated garden center and farm market.

Opening in April - stop in for all of your seasonal needs!

Bad��ng Br�s F�r� M�rket & G�rd�� C��t�r 10820 Transit Road, East Amherst www.baddingbrosfarm.com | 716.636.7824

16 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

Make your home a destination.

Fireplace Outlet

the small store with a warm hearth

8216 Main Street • Williamsville • 716.631.9696 www.fireplaceoutletinc.com

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Shop the Greenhouse Before moving, Shannon collected all types of vintage items. However, since moving back to Buffalo from Florida about ten years ago with her two boys and dog Winnie, she says she’d like to think of herself as more minimalist. Now, she mainly looks for home décor items, such as artwork, shelves, furniture, vintage plant pots (like McCoy pottery pieces!), mirrors, and anything else that catches her eye!

Thrifting Therapy While Shannon’s sisters will send her ideas and her friends will occasionally accompany her to a thrift store, (whom she calls her “fellow vintage nerds”), she usually attends garage sales, flea markets, and other places where she discovers unique finds by herself. She reflects that shopping alone gives her the time and space to sift through items that draw her attention. Plus, going by herself is easiest and allows her to decompress. Shannon coins it “thrifting therapy!”

Shannon’s Décor Tips Real plants are the best.

They make a room feel fresh, clean, and alive. ...

Funky mirrors can open up a small space while adding another dimension. ...

Mix textures. The juxtaposition of mixing leather, metal, and a soft neutral can be a nice surprise! ...

let’s get thrifty!

Got neutral walls? Colorful, textured home décor pieces add a pop of color to any space.

BY RILEY SMITH

foll ow me on inst agr am @shopthegreenhouse

Shannon Polojac started thrifting long before it became a fad. The Buffalo native adores browsing estate sales, flea markets, garage sales, and vintage stores for one-of-a-kind items. She loves the individualized style that every vintage piece brings to the table. Plus, it’s good for the earth.

Since being locked up at home during the pandemic, Shannon decided to start selling vintage items she found, and it has grown into both a hobby and a side hustle she loves!

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Shoutout to my friend and fellow Buffalo thrifter Erin on IG: @vintage_remix_716

Thrifting Is Helping Our Planet Shannon is not only a thrifter. She also cares deeply about the environment. Consumerism is at an all-time high, and items are constantly being thrown away due to poor quality and impulse buys. This is terrible for the earth, and we can do more to prevent it. Little changes can go a long way!

Instead of heading to a big box store for a new side table, head to a thrift store instead. If you’d like a unique piece of artwork for your home, a garage sale may surprise you. Flea markets are stocked with trinkets you can’t quite find anywhere else, as well.

It’s very important to think about the decisions we make now; they will affect our planet forever.

Give Living Décor a Try! Hang plants in front of kitchen windows.

They’ll get great lighting and add some green to your cooking space. ...

Have fun with trailing plants. Each one can become a piece of art and create contrast with other colors on a wall. ...

Get funky with pots. A handful of all-white pots, for example, will let the plants speak for themselves, especially against a white wall! ...

Incorporate disco balls. When light hits one, all of its light will reflect in a space. Disco balls look especially cool with plants, as they can be used as unique plant holders!

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Thinking Spring?

THINK RUSTIC BUFFALO 3 buildings // 110 Artisans // 60+ Cafe ´ goodies

Spring is in the air at the Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market! Mild breezes and longer days signal the return of spring and with it, fun, fresh home décor that follows spring cleaning. We invite you to take your time browsing every corner, shelf, and room in our three unique buildings bursting with locally made artisan goods, textiles, and home furnishings.

Featuring 110 Buffalo area artisans, Rustic Buffalo offers a wide variety of home décor, including candles, handmade soaps, custom pillows, wooden signs, custom glassware, metal art, wreaths, shabby chic and vintage décor, concrete art, beverage coasters depicting scenic Buffalo, locally made food items, and much more. A licensed NFL distributor, Rustic Buffalo has all the Buffalo Bills gear you crave!

Ready to give your home a warm weather refresh?

The Vintage Boutique, one of three buildings at Rustic Buffalo, offers elegant, luxurious, and chic pieces just right for transforming your house into a home you love. Our professional stagers are always standing by to answer questions, offer advice, and support your shopping experience.

Along with recent remodeling, we have welcomed an additional 10 artisans to Rustic Buffalo who are focused not only on home décor, but also on textiles such as handcrafted gloves, scarves, dresses, hats, and more.

Another of these artisans creates seasonal and bountiful wreaths from both traditional and nontraditional materials. Her beautiful creations are wellknown throughout Western New York, and spring, with all its holidays and specialties, has inspired her latest designs.

While our Vintage Boutique has many home furnishings, don’t forget to visit all three of our buildings. You could even win a prize! Pick up your Rustic Buffalo Passport when you visit the Vintage Boutique, the Vintage House, and the Rustic Buffalo Barn. Ask us to stamp it as you browse our selections in each building and enter your passport in our $200 drawing once you’ve gathered all three stamps!

We know shopping can be hungry work, so while you’re here, we invite you to visit our gourmet foods area and café. Select from over 30 kinds of old-fashion candies, more than 30 varieties of fudge, and gourmet cocoa bombs (back by popular demand). Fresh pies are delivered daily and are also available to order. Have an extra minute? Enjoy a delicious cookie, scone, or other treat as you take a moment to sit and relax in our cozy café.

Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market is more than a SHOPPING EXPERIENCE, it is a DESTINATION! 20 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

featured artisan Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market is proud to feature

15 Monkeys Artisan Beth Gavazzi focuses on hand crafted items such as porch boards, door signs, home décor, holiday ornaments, hand painted wooden characters and digital designs.

Can’t get enough Rustic Buffalo?

Now you can enjoy Rustic Buffalo from the comfort of your home thanks to its new live streaming broadcast.

Rustic Buffalo Live: From our Home to Yours! streams live every Thursday evening from 7pm-8pm. Said to be “like QVC meets Ellen,” this fun and informal broadcast invites you to pour yourself a glass of wine and join us from the comfort of your couch as we bring unique and artisanal products to your fingertips.

Thank you for making Rustic Buffalo your 2021 Buffalo destination of choice! Over 100,000 guests visited us in the past year, and we are so grateful to the local and extended community for embracing us and shopping with us. From North Tonawanda and Wheatfield, which have welcomed us as neigbors, to communities as far away as Seneca Lake, Jamestown, Fredonia, and beyond: we thank you for supporting Rustic Buffalo, its artisans, and their families.

Don’t forget to join us this April at the historic Palace Theatre for our annual shopping extravaganza and fundraiser. Rustic Buffalo’s Spring Sip & Shop will be held at the Palace Theatre located at 2 East Ave in Lockport on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, April 1st, 2nd, & 3rd all day long! Browse one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items from over 125 artisans as you participate in our silent auction, gift card tree, 50/50 giveaway and more!

Let us know you saw Rustic Buffalo in Buffalo Home Magazine and receive

$5 off your purchase of $25 or more!

6610 Shawnee Road, North Tonawanda • 716.907.9318 • info@rusticbuffalodecor.com

www.rusticbuffalodecor.com

open year-round, 7 days a week!

THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 21

We carry everything for your Skeet, Trap & Clay Shooting needs!

Guns | Ammo | Wads | Shot | Gunsmithing Primers | Recoil Pads | Recoil Systems Repairs | Shooting Coats & Vests Cleaning Supplies AND FREE Advice!

Where our customers send their friends.

2511 Cannan Road, Bloomfield 585.657.6959 PetesStockWorks.com

Put Your Feet in

GOOD HANDS

Bedding | Carpeting Furniture | Accents & More

Medicine and Surgery of the Foot and Ankle Dr. George R. Vito, DPM, FACFAS • Heel Pain • Bunions • Hammertoes • Neuromas • Bone Spurs • Fractures of the Foot & Ankle • Diabetic Foot Care • Orthotics • Ingrown Nails • Reconstruction of the Diabetic Foot & Ankle

In Office Surgical Suite

• PRP INJECTIONS FOR CHRONIC FOOT & ANKLE PAIN

Tele Medicine Available!

ANKLE AND FOOT CENTERS OF WESTERN NEW YORK 564 Niagara St., Building 2, Suite 210, Buffalo 2562 Walden Ave., Suite 105, Buffalo

585.297.9761 www.ankleandfootcentersofwny.com SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE EVENING and SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

Most Insurances Accepted

22 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

400 Jackson Street | Batavia | 585.343.6280 WWW.MAXPIESFURNITURE.COM family owned & operated – established 1905

COME HOME TO CORTESE: Cooking Classes In Western New York

Italian Chef, Jerry Clementi from Cipollina Restaurant will provide a hands-on experience in the Cortese Showroom.

April 25th: The “Unpastas” July 11th: A Night in Naples August 8th: Tuscan Treasures September 12th: Piccante Calabria October 10th: Magical Marche November 7th: Bologna la Grassa December 5th: Holiday Traditions Limited Spots - Register Early!

REGISTER ONLINE AT: CORTESE.NET�COOKING�CLASSES� 9074 MAIN STREET, CLARENCE � 7 16 .683. 2100THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 23

dellas

Quality Wood Flooring Is Our Only Business Since 1985 4822 Genesee Street Near Transit 716 . 683.8520 24 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

MP CAROLL HARDWOOD

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weddings | birthdays | celebrations

PARTIES WITH A TWIST: 3 FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT

C O V E R

|| Buffalo | Buffalo 26 26THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM Buffalo

P H O T O G R A P H Y :

L I T T L E

B I R D

P A R T Y

C O .

OH HAPPY DAY

YOUNGLIONBREWING.COM 24 LAKESHORE DRIVE, CANANDAIGUA | 585.412.6054 Women-owned & award-winning, community-focused brewery on the north shore of Canandaigua Lake.

THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 27

OH HAPPY DAY

- An Affordable & Unique Setting Open year-round, our tasting room and winery grounds can host a variety of events and occasions!

COME VISIT US! Award-Winning Wine & Mead Pairings with Charcuterie Boards, Chocolates, All-Natural Amish Cheeses and Locally Made Cured Meats are offered daily.

Sample Artisan Vinegars and Olive Oils.

Feeling a bit more hungry?

Try our selfies or shareables featuring paninis, pretzel bites, quesadillas & more!

Serving Tastings and Offering Curbside Pickup!

Online ordering available.

5565 WEST LAKE ROAD, BURT, NY 14028 • 716.439.1982 • WWW.BLACKWILLOWWINERY.COM CHECK OUR FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES AND EVENTS 28 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

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With warm weather around the corner, calendars are booking up fast with family and friends ready to get together and celebrate once again. Whether your party is big or small, take it up a notch with these out-of-the-box entertaining ideas — many of which can be done outdoors so you can bask in of one of the best seasons Upstate New York has to offer.

THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 29

OH HAPPY DAY

Luxury Picnics

Who said picnics have to be limited to a blanket and basket? Take your brunch, bridal shower, birthday party, or even proposal to the next level by hosting a luxury picnic. These can be held in the comfort of your own backyard or in any outdoor space. Start with a location, theme, and color palette and build from there with a focus on pulling each and every detail together. “Location is everything and having a specific vision helps,” says luxury picnic expert and co-owner of Posh Picnics, Avery Fisher. Some of her favorite events have been held in unique settings such as those with a waterfront view, nestled near a historic waterfall, spaced out in an open park or even situated at a local flower farm.

Avery recommends getting ideas from Pinterest or Instagram, then working on the details to bring your vision to life. Add to the experience by bringing in local vendors to provide fresh flowers, gourmet food, and fun activities that your guests are sure to enjoy. From light snacks, charcuterie platters, dessert boards and sparkling beverages to seasonal flowers and activities, entertaining in this unique and fun setting can be truly special. These beautiful, Insta-worthy table settings not only enhance the occasion but make for easy sharing and brag-worthy photos that will inspire those who see it to incorporate a little flair into their next meal or gathering.

Vintage Rentals

With the pandemic putting many large weddings and events on hold, couples are turning to smaller, more intimate gatherings to tie the knot. But that doesn’t have to mean boring or bland. By keeping an event small, you can actually pay more attention to every detail and experience your guests will have, making your celebration unique. Rebecca Duda of Quaint Rentals, a Buffalo-based vintage furniture rental company often advises her clients to do just that. Frustrated by cookie-cutter entertaining and inspired by the fresh take she saw in events out West, she began her collection to give couples in Western New York elegant, alternate options for their special day.

“Small gatherings allow people to be really creative and plan an intimate experience,” Rebecca says. “Many couples are holding weddings in their backyard or other open spaces that allow guests to feel more comfortable, which also allows for a blank slate when it comes to style and design.” Create the feeling you want by incorporating a mixture of furniture and other accessories within a certain theme or style. She recommends creating small nooks or vignettes throughout your space to create a beautiful backdrop and give a special or unexpected spot where guests can enjoy the party and relax. Even small touches—like swapping out typical folding chairs for vintage seating or incorporating a one-of-a-kind piece into your big day—adds a touch of charm that enhances any wedding or event.

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Slumber Party Glamping

Many parents are searching for something special to celebrate their child’s birthday or to bring back social gatherings with friends. An elevated slumber party does just that by incorporating fun activities with Pinterestinspired décor. Transform a space in your home to create a magical and memorable experience with teepees, matching bedding, accessories, lighting, and customized activities all centered around a theme.

“Think about the kind of feeling and vibe you want for your event and then translate that into your décor and space,” says Britt Cunningham. Britt is the co-owner of Little Bird Party Co., a luxury slumber and spa party company that specializes in creating memorable slumber parties for their clients. The best part is that elevated slumber parties aren’t only for children. They are great for all ages and types of events, including birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, even a special ladies’ night. “I think people want to reconnect more than ever and give each other memorable experiences rather than presents,” Britt told us. “It is great to see my client’s reactions once the space is transformed. You can see the magic through their eyes for that moment!”

BY TRISH PINO

This indoor “glamping” can also be held in one’s backyard. No longer restricted to nothing but woods, a fire, and a tent, glamp in style by bringing family and friends together to experience a more luxurious way to enjoy the great outdoors. Named for being a more glamorous way to go camping, “glamping” has become a popular way to experience nature. Take camping to the next level by adding features such as a mattress, bedding, décor, lights, balloons, music, a movie projector, and more. This style of hosting can be a fun, casual way to celebrate or just spend time with loved ones close to the amenities you enjoy at home.

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BORROW and BUILD! -

BY

AMAN DA

Meet Darren Cotton, Buffalo resident and President & founder of The Tool Library. This library is an all-volunteer nonprofit tool-lending library located off of Main Street in Buffalo’s University Heights neighborhood. Cotton, now a young man in his 30s, was first struck by the need for such an organization while he was a graduate student at the University of Buffalo, pursuing his Master’s degree in Urban Planning.

“I experienced a landlord who was not the greatest at responding to issues, so my roommates and I started fixing things around the apartment with limited budget,” recalled Cotton. “This got me thinking about the need for a community-based resource where people could borrow the tools they needed to fix their own homes, grow their own food, and more. That was the genesis of The Tool Library.”

Cotton began researching the idea and found “a really wonderful community of people” who had already started tool libraries around the globe and who gave him a real sense of what a tool library would look like and how it would run. He began raising start-up funds, and in 2011, The Tool Library opened its doors for the first time under the umbrella of the University Heights Collaborative, becoming its own 501(c)3 in 2018.

DUDEK

-

“Our core mission has always been to remove the barriers of cost and space for people looking to repair something or complete a project, but a big part of what has really kept me going it that we are able to put a lot of these tools to work on projects in the Buffalo community such as community gardens, tree planting initiatives, and block club and organization projects,” explained Cotton.

The idea has caught on like wildfire with The Tool Library celebrating 10 years and 1,000 members last year. And Buffalo area communities are putting money behind their support. “Our goal was to raise $10,000 in the first 10 years; we have raised about $80,000,” shared Cotton. “We can help so many people in so many different ways.”

Along with lending tools (The nonprofit now boasts an inventory of about 4,200!), The Tool Library hosts programs throughout the year. One of its most popular programs is its monthly “Dare to Repair” campaign. “We have a team of volunteer fixers, and we invite people to bring in their broken items, work alongside one of our volunteers to fix it, and hopefully go home with a working item,” said Cotton. “We hope to shift our mentality towards repairing and reusing, limiting our impact, and helping things last as close to in perpetuity as possible.”

As for The Tool Library, it has already made an unmistakable impact. “Every year, we calculate every item that has been borrowed and the replacement cost for those items. We estimate we have saved members over $436,000. This is civic infrastructure everyone can use. In fact, equity is one of our driving values.”

For Cotton, the impact was also personal. “Now as a homeowner, I am incredibly grateful for what I have learned,” he said. “We are building a community of doers and tinkers, people who want to learn how to do things.

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“

We provide communities the tools they need to create the change they want.

THE TOOL LIBRARY’S MISSION

“

While The Tool Library has always been an all-volunteer organization, this year, to continue to serve a larger community of members, it is bringing on its first staff member: a part-time operations manager. Even so, Cotton said the nonprofit is always looking for volunteers to share a particular skill or lead a DIY workshop. “Knowledge and skills are important, just like the tools,” he said.

“We are part of a much larger movement to help people to realize that quality of life is not necessarily about buying more things but about being able to access the things you need when you need them,” said Cotton.

For Cotton, Buffalo is the perfect place to pursue his passion and share this movement. “Buffalo gives you the opportunity to contribute and make a difference as opposed to very large cities like LA, NYC, or Boston,” Cotton explained. “You are not just one person in a crowd in Buffalo. Here, you can afford to buy a home, start a business, explore a passion.”

Having grown up in Buffalo, Cotton has witnessed the change this kind of thinking can make firsthand. “The 2020 census shows that Buffalo is growing for the first time since 1950. The city that I knew as a kid is definitely not the city I know today, and that is because of individuals, nonprofits, and organizations staying here and fighting the good fight. It really shows what powerful things we can accomplish as a community.”

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