Nothing says summer like a backyard BBQ, and while we love a good hamburger as much as the next person, we want to inspire you to step outside the box with your grilling this year. Whether it be a small family get-together or a backyard bash with your friends, here's your Funspired guide to grilling. Fire it up!

TO START

Balsamic Molasses Bacon - How yummy does this sound? This is the recipe for a happy guest!

Vegetable Platter - Grilled veggies are hard to beat. Both healthy AND delicious. We love the way the intense heat of the grill brings out the flavor in each bite. Choose a colorful variety of vegetables and serve them with this fresh vinaigrette or this buttermilk-ricotta dip.

Rosemary Scallop Skewers - Using hearty rosemary sprigs as your grilling skewers will add great flavor to your food and impress your guests. You can't go wrong with scallops, but shrimp, lamb or mushrooms would be delicious, too.

TO SLURP

Grilled Peach Cocktail - Peach is one of the best fruits for grilling. Great for a simple dessert topped with ice cream, honey and fresh mint, or even better with some bourbon in this fresh summer cocktail!

Grilled Pineapple Mojito - Described as "smoky, subtly smoky, tropical and refreshingly minty." Sounds perfect to us...

TO CHOW

Tri-Tip Steak - This is an inexpensive, lean and tender cut of meat that is perfect for the grill. Trust us, it's delicious and you'll love it. Just be careful not to over-cook it!

Grilled Lobster Tails - How fancy! Splurge on some lobster tails, and you'll be amazed how easy they are to cook on the grill. Perfect with a simple herb butter.

Portobellos - These steaky mushrooms are so delicious and one of our favorites on the grill. Great for your meat-lover and meat-less friends alike. Yummo!

TO THE SIDE

Grilled Corn on the Cob - A summer favorite! Keep it simple or jazz it up with some of these great options. We love it with chile and cheese, honey butter, or garlic and fresh herbs.

Campfire Potatoes - Bundle your ingredients in a heavy duty foil packet and let the bottom get a little charred. Substitute sweet potatoes, add onions and jalapenos or season with truffle oil - no matter what, you'll be thrilled with the result.

Grilled Salad - Romaine lettuce is sturdy enough for the grill. Customize with your favorite dressing and toppings or try this version with caper vinaigrette and blue cheese.

TO SAVOR

Dessert Skewers - Grill up some sweet skewers and serve with decadent chocolate fondue. This recipe recommends bananas, marshmallows and charred bread, but we say the sky's the limit. Try pineapple, plums or strawberries for the fruit and blueberry muffins, banana bread, donuts or cinnamon rolls for the bread. For kids of all ages.

Grilled Watermelon with Yogurt - Light and refreshing. The perfect end to a fabulous grilled supper!

Your fun friends, 

Susan and Farrar

Fun things happening around the Panhandle this week:

COLOR RUN

If you haven't signed up to participate in this crazy, colorful event... click here now! Rumors say they are expecting over 12,000 people to show up on Saturday morning for "the happiest 5K on the planet." The Color Run series is so popular that it has become the single largest event series in the nation. Don't miss your chance to walk or run through this rainbow explosion. Just remember to wear white so you can get the full color experience!

WHITE PICNIC

To prepare for your colorful Saturday morning, why not enjoy a color-less Friday evening? The annual Diner Au Blanc will take place tomorrow evening at 10th and Tyler (outside the Firestone Building). Set up starts at 6:30PM, then cocktails and dinner from 7:30-10:30pm. Bring your own table and chairs. Please use a white tablecloth and consider candles as there's no electricity. Bring your own food and drink. Invite your own guests for your table. Pack out your own trash. Dress in all white - formal or casual - up to you. Have fun!

WHAT A GEM

We love the Gem Theatre in Claude, TX. They feature great live music in a cool, historic setting. This Saturday, June 15th, enjoy a concert by The Elison Saxophone Quartet (ESQ). Show begins at 7:30pm. Call 806-226-2187 for tickets and more info.

ALREADY BORED?

Summer is here and many parents are searching for fun things to do with the kids while school is out. A couple ideas for this week:

* Sammy's and Roxie's Birthday Parties - Sammy the Seal is turning 7 this year! Celebrate with him at Southwest Pool tonight from 7-8:30pm. Birthday cookies, games and family fun ($1.75 per person). Roxie the Raccoon's 4th birthday party will be tomorrow at Memorial Park from 5-6:30pm. Free event with games, birthday snacks and dancing!

* Parent Child Golf Classic - the 3rd annual event is this Saturday 9am at the Palo Duro Creek Golf Course. 9am Shotgun start. Proceeds to benefit Snack Pak 4 Kids. Call 806-655-1106 to register.

FATHERS & FLOATS

Bring your dad to the zoo on Saturday, June 15th for a special pre-Father's Day treat. They will be serving up free root beer floats from 1-3pm ($2.50 for non-dads). Sip on your floats and scope out the lions, tigers and more. Another fun event at the Amarillo Zoo!

ON TAP

Join the Amarillo Convention and Visitor's Council for their What's On Tap event next Tuesday, June 18th from 4-6pm at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Free food and drink provided by Feldman's Wrong Way Diner and Bar Z Winery. Local businesses and individuals will have a great opportunity to network and find out what's going on around Amarillo and Canyon.

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

BEST .........

We are launching a new series for our FunFeatures called "BEST." In advance, we will poll selected people to share their response to a particular question, for example: "What is your favorite restaurant?" Museum? Bible verse? You will see this series mix with the destination articles, charity highlights and other articles we write for Mondays! 

Today we start with asking our pioneering friends this question: 

WHAT IS THE BEST CONCERT YOU HAVE EVER ATTENDED?

Molly Caviness 

Amarillo native, Molly is mother to Phoebe (1), wife of Spencer Caviness and is a Development Specialist for the Children's Miracle Network.

I think it would be the Avett Brothers at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. It is definitely because of the venue and company. We went last summer with all of my siblings and their spouses. The weather was perfect and the band was amazing... I always am more crazy about a band after seeing them live. Nothing like it!

Wade Hagler 

Owner Braxton Paul and Wade Gordon Salons and the Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy, married and father of two

Have to say I've seen a lot of amazing talented artist perform. Everything from Geoff Tate -Queensryche, who's vocals are mind blowing to The Eagles. Along with Special Effex a jazz band we saw in California in the 90s. But if I'm asked about the best concert I have to say it wasn't about the talent of the band (even though they were) it was about watching my 9yr old son Braxton rock out at his first concert and his favorite band at the time. The band was Skillet and they "rocked our faces off" or atleast that's what my son said! 

Moreland Sherrod 

Moreland is 32, single with a great head of hair

The following summer and almost every summer after for the next 5 years, my father and I have attended a Phish concert together.  It is sort of our summer vacation.  We have shared so many great memories.  We have been to Austin, Dallas, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Red Rocks, and as far east as Massachusetts to see Phish play.  All great memories are shared.  My dad has never been a typical Phish fan per se, but the atmospheric wonder that embodies each show connects us on a level where music is felt and not just heard.

Joanna Latham 

Jewelry consultant and owner of Jo Latham Jewelry inside Et Cetera, Jo lives in Brooklyn, NY with husband Benson and children Arch, Julia and George

I can't say I have been to a lot of concerts but I can say I have been to some spectacular concerts...The common denominator of the BEST concerts I have been to have all occurred in outdoor venues.  There is just something very free and very fun about listening to music in an outdoor space.  I toyed with which one of these to go with but I have to settle on my first concert ever...WHAM! at the Southern Star Amphitheatre inside of Astroworld in Houston, Texas. WHAAt the time I was completely obsessed with both Andrew Ridgley and George Michael...like swooning obsessed.  I unabashedly wrote WHAM very prominently on the side of my face in eyeliner, put on my best Genera outfit and off we went.  Who knows if that concert would stand the test of time but it was my first bit of freedom doing exactly what I wanted to do, listening to the band I liked the best at the time and it will forever be frozen in time in my mind as the BEST.CONCERT.EVER.  

Luke Holder 

Luke is a CPA partner at Lemert, Holder & Ohm with a passion for music. He tricked his wife Becca into marrying him 12 years ago and they have two children: Rowan (9) and Lila (6)

Being a total music addict/songwriter, I have seen a lot of great shows over the years. I can't really think back and find anything better than the most recent concert that I saw in Lubbock - AWOLNATION - with my son Rowan and wife Becca. It was Rowan's first concert  - he's 9. They burned the place down and this could not have been a better start to Rowan's music life.

Meaghan Collier 

Meaghan Collier is co-host and executive producer for Studio 4 on KAMR NBC 4

In 2008, I got to cover the Democratic National Convention in Denver. One of the events leading up to the convention, itself, was a concert at Red Rocks (which is the best music venue in the world) featuring Sheryl Crow, Sugarland and DAVE MATTHEWS & TIM REYNOLDS. My photographer and I were given clearance to go to the event; we even got to have a sit down one-on-one with Sugarland.  It lasted all of three minutes and our mics didn't work, but I managed to share some sound with the AP reporter, so everything turned out fine.  That was probably the most surreal moment of my career... UNTIL we walked back to the car and Dave Matthews walked right by us.  We didn't say anything-- because we are losers. Nevertheless, we got to go to the show, which ended up being a Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds acoustic show. This doesn't happen very much anymore and was particularly poignent that night because they had just learned of the passing of DMB's sax player. I am a huge DMB fan and have gone to MANY shows, but that one, without a doubt, was the most incredible one that I've ever experienced.

Farrar 

The Cowboy Junkies at Peabody's DownUnder in the Cleveland Flats when I was in middle school in the early 90s. I went with my friend Katie, and it was a big deal for us because we were just old enough to ride the Rapid Transit (public train) from her house downtown by ourselves. We felt so grown up! And, the concert was amazing because the venue was so intimate, and we felt like the band was playing just for us. I loved the Cowboy Junkies before the concert, but I felt connected to them afterwards. For months (or longer), I would listen to their song Sweet Jane every night as I fell asleep. Still love the sng (and the band) to this day. And ever since I have had a special appreciation for smaller concert venues. Might have to fall asleep to that song tonight just for old times sake...

Susan 

I was going to say Imagine Dragons that I recently saw with my son and husband at Red Rocks Amphitheater, but I can not resist saying Maroon 5 in Nashville! Adam and the boys put on an amazing concert and we met our dear friends Suzanne and Barrett Sexton from Memphis there. I'm pretty sure I ruined the concert for everyone behind me since I stood and sang as loud as I could the entire time - opps.:)

We hope you enjoyed Best Concert! Happy Monday!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Fun things happening in the Panhandle this week:

MUSIC IN THE AIR

June is the kick-off for outdoor music in the Amarillo area. Look at all of these great options!

* Music in the Gardens begins this evening with a concert by Lonesome Goat. Enjoy live music every Thursday evening at 7:30pm at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens - now through August 15th. $5 Members / $10 Non-members. Bring your own lawn chairs and picnic baskets. Click here for the line-up.

* Tunes at Noon on the Square in Canyon starting tomorrow and running every Friday in June. Lunch available for $6. Call 806-655-7815 for more info.

* Watch the sunset at Wildcat Bluff every Saturday evening through October, then enjoy live music at their free Pickin' on the Prairie series. Click here for more info.

* June Jazz at  Amarillo College - Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to the Amphitheater Pit (by the Experimental Theatre) for outdoor jazz concerts every Tuesday in June at  7:30pm.

* The Starlight Theater at Sam Houston Park will feature live music every Tuesday through August. Concerts are free and begin at 7pm. Click here for more information.

* And don't forget about High Noon on the Square presented by Amarillo's Center City. Enjoy music and lunch on the courthouse lawn every Wednesday in June and July. Click here to get the scoop.

Get out, get listening and don't forget your lawn chairs and picnic baskets!

RANCH RODEOING

The Annual Coors Ranch Rodeo takes place this Friday and Saturday, June 7-8 at the Tri-State Fairgrounds. A great line up of music, food, shopping, dancing, and of course, rodeoing. Admission is $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 7-12. Click here for the full schedule of events. This is always a favorite local event!

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

* Night at PPHM - A wonderful family event Saturday evening at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Explore the museum in the dark and see what comes to life! Meet pioneers from several decades of history. The event is not meant to be scary (unless you're afraid of the dark). Bring a friend and flashlight. Saturday, June 8th 8:30-10:30pm. $10 Adults / $5 Kids 4-12 / Free Kids under 4. Tickets sold at the door.

* Incredible Edible Insects - Another great family event at the Amarillo Zoo. Check out the insect petting zoo, eat insect-inspired food, and participate in the cricket spitting contest.  Yuck!  Saturday, June 8th 8:30am-3pm. $5 Adults / $4 Children ages 3-12 / Free for Children 2 & Under.

WANNA RACE?

Sign up to participate in the 5th Annual Brandy Lee Leard Memorial Run this Saturday, June 8th at Austin Middle School. Take it easy with the 1 mile run/walk at 8am or challenge yourself with the 5K or 10K at 8:30am. Best part, all participants will be entered for a chance to win tickets from Southwest Airlines. Click here to register or find more information.

LUNCH WITH BUZZ

The West Texas A&M University Enterprise Center will be hosting another Lunch & Learn event next Wednesday, June 12th. Richard "Buzz" David of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation will be sharing his story and wisdom with attendees. Click here for more info about Buzz and to register for the lunch event.

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Farrar and her husband Rob are passionate about fly fishing, so we thought it would be fun to share some of the best nearby water. Living in the panhandle of Texas, we are fortunate to have many great fly fishing opportunities so close to home. Whether you're new to this great outdoor sport or an expert angler, we hope you'll be inspired to plan your next fly fishing adventure. Here's the Funspired scoop:

TEXAS

In Texas, there are both freshwater and saltwater fly fishing opportunities. In the Hill Country, the Guadalupe River below the Canyon Dam offers the southern-most trout fishing in the United States. This river also offers a variety of bass fishing, tubing and rafting. Stay in New Braunfels, fish and enjoy the local culture. For saltwater fishing in Texas, try Port O'Connor (between Galveston and Corpus Christi) for sight casting to redfish, spotted sea trout, jack and tarpon. Click here for area fishing info.

NEW MEXICO

There is some great water to explore near Santa Fe and Taos. If you stay in town, we'd recommend stopping by one of the local fly shops - The Reel Life or High Desert Angler in Santa Fe and Taos Fly Shop or The Solitary Angler in Taos. They can either recommend local public water or set up a guided fishing trip on private water. If you'd prefer to lodge closer to the stream, book your stay at a luxury fishing lodge such as Cow Creek Ranch or Vermejo Park Ranch. 

COLORADO

The mountains of Colorado are a beautiful escape from the summer heat in the Panhandle, and there are some lovely rivers to explore. The closest water is the South Platte River which flows through the Eleven Mile canyon in the Colorado Springs area. We also especially love floating the Arkansas River in Salida - click here to see our Destination Colorado article which features Salida and many other great Colorado locations. Jump on one of the quick flights up to Denver and go explore - you really can't go wrong. If you have a favorite spot, please share it with the other readers in our comments section below.

AND BEYOND

If you want to travel a little farther for your next fly fishing excursion, there are so many great options! In the United States, the Northern Rocky Mountain region (Montana, Wyoming and Idaho) is one of the best for trout, especially the water in and around Yellowstone National Park. For saltwater fishing in the US, head to the coast of Long Island, NY for striper fishing or to Florida cast for snook. Around the world, destinations such as Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, and western Canada are known for fabulous trout fishing. If you prefer saltwater fishing, we've heard Belize has excellent bone fishing. And for a no-hassle, luxury fishing vacation - just call up Frontiers Travel, and they will plan the trip of your dreams!

THE GEAR

One of our favorite things about any outdoor activity is getting all the necessary gear. For fly fishing, you'll need a rod, some waders and wading boots, a vest or pack for supplies, and a few other tools. Locally, you can find everything you'll need at Top Notch Outfitters and Riverfields. They can also help you plan your trip. Some of our gear picks: the new Orvis Helios 2 fly rods, Simms waders and boots, packs from Fishpond or Orvis, and the Irresistible Adams dry fly.

To get into the spirit for your next trip OR if you want a fly fishing escape but can't plan a trip right now, pick up one of these great fly fishing reads: Death, Taxes and Leaky Waders - A River Runs Through It - The River Why - Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die.

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Fun things happening around the Panhandle this week...

24 HOURS IN THE CANYON

Even though the registration is closed for this awesome event, head down to the Palo Duro Canyon this Saturday and Sunday (noon to noon) to cheer on the riders of the 24 Hours in the Canyon. Raising money to fund cancer research, it is the only simultaneous 24 hour road and mountain bike event in the country. This year's honorary chairmen are our friends and brothers Alex and Blake O'Brien. 

FUN LEARNING

Two opportunities to broaden your horizons:

* Head over to Crossties Yoga in Canyon for Wine & Align this Friday, May 31st 6:30-8:30pm. Who doesn't want to combine a great yoga workout with a wine tasting seminar? Spots are limited, so call 806-382-0438.

* Blue Sage Art Gallery is holding an adult clay class for beginners to advanced on Mondays or Thursdays starting in June. Try your hand at ancient methods of clay forming, class fee is $180. Also, "Open Studio" nights at Blue Sage are a ton of fun on Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 - and if you are enrolled in a class, open studio night is free! Click link above for more info!

CYSTIC FYBROSIS WALK

Great Strides is the CF Foundation's largest event and walk day is a fun, family oriented celebration that includes a healthy walk, Kids' Corner activities, food, and festivities that participants love! Held this Saturday, 8AM at Medi-Park. There will also be a benefit dinner and dance that same night at Canyon Country Club at 6PM for $40 per person at the door. Join the fun and help find a cure for CF! Click here to get more information and register!

WEST OF TUCUMCARI

"West of Tucumcari" will be presented by Mike Martin - it is a Dust Bowl-Great Depression presentation "with a twist" will be held in the historic Fibonacci Building located at 3306 SW 6th street on Friday at 7pm. Using period photographs, Martin will discuss what individuals experienced during that period and material for the program is taken from his books. Tickets are $10 at the door and is a presentation for all ages.

HIGH NOON

Center City presents their popular High Noon on the Square - which is a free concert each Wednesday in June and July on the lawn of the Potter County Courthouse. Bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy the music! They sell lunch for $6 or you are welcome to bring your own picnic!

ART MARKET

If you are looking for something artsy to do on Saturday, then head over to Canyon to check out the Art Market presented by the Paper Crane Art Gallery. Arts and crafts, vintage antique vendors as well as musicians will be there from 9-6PM and admission is free! 1400 4th Avenue in Canyon.

PUB RUN

To celebrate National Run Day on June 5th - Get Fit is hosting a Pub Run. Starting at Joe Taco, you can enjoy this social 2 mile run with food, prizes and of course....beer! The fun starts at 7pm. Thanks to our friends at Get Fit for always coming up with fun fitness ideas!

JUST CALL

Support our local Children's Miracle Network with their RADIOTHON today, tomorrow with MIX 94.1 & 96.9 KISS FM from 6AM - 7PM and the TELETHON is from 6:30 - 10 on KAMR. Call 212-HELP or text GOOD to 9099 for a $5 donation. All funds raised will support local kids in the Texas Panhandle in the High Plains region.

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Happy Memorial Day! We first want to express our gratitude to the men and women of our armed forces and the sacrifices that they have made for our freedom. Thank you. As we celebrate our military today, Memorial Day also kicks off summer in the Panhandle. Pools are opening - and people are out enjoying our sunny and beautiful weather! We thought this would be a fun opportunity to investigate all the clubs that Amarillo has to offer! 

The Amarillo Country Club

Amarillo Country Club was established in 1919 and offers 18 holes of golf, 5 indoor tennis courts, 2 outdoor hard courts, a pool area with food and bar service, indoor and outdoor dining in the antler room, banquet servies and a fun new bar. The membership voted to completely renovate the golf course, and the course is set to reopen sometime this fall. Extensive renovations have just been completed in the clubhouse, and Wednesday and Thursday night 2 for 1 steak night dinner is very popular with members. For membership information, click here.

Tascosa Golf Club - La Paloma Golf Club

These two country clubs merged in May 2010, so now Tascosa and La Paloma Golf Clubs jointly offer 36 holes of golf, 4 indoor tennis courts, 6 outdoor tennis courts, a fitness center, dining at La Paloma and the Hacienda pool facility at Tascosa with sand volleyball, and sports court. A new pub-style restaurant is under construction and there are golf memberships available (social memberships currently are full). For membership information, click here.

The Amarillo Club

The Amarillo Club is a private dining club on the 30 and 31st floors of the Chase Tower in the heart of downtown Amarillo. Started in 1950 as a "business men's club" - now more than 850 members enjoy fantastic views with fine dining on the 31st floor (business attire). Newly opened on the 30th floor is the more casual "Club 30" where members can wear "tasteful" bluejeans and enjoy the sunset with a cocktail and award winning cuisine. The Amarillo Club is offering a special 5 year introduction offer for membership, click here for more information.

Lake Tanglewood

Lake Tanglewood is a private gated lake community located a few minutes south of Amarillo with around 400 homesites, a club house and 18 holes of golf. It has a wonderful, laid back vibe and many members enjoy water sports, fishing and cocktail cruising at sunset. For more information, click here.

Other options around the Panhandle include Canyon Country Club, Palo Duro Creek Golf Course, Comanche Trail and Ross Rogers Golf Complex, and Preston West Par 3 - which has some great junior golf clinic offerings this summer! 

Happy Memorial Day to all our Funspired family!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Fun things happening around the Panhandle this week:

RUN KHIVA-STYLE

A friend of ours received excellent care at the Shriners Hospital in Galveston, TX when their 2-year-old daughter was badly burned.  As a result, they have decided to help raise money for the local Shrine Center by organizing the first annual Khiva Shrine Race this Saturday, May 25th. Sign up here to race in the 5K, 10K or 1/2 Marathon races. They will also have a 1/2 mile Kid's Marathon. Races begin at 7:30am (1/2 Marathon & 10K), 8am (5K) and 9am (Kids). Email information@khivashrinerace.org for more information.

TEXAS MEMORIAL

Head down to the Palo Duro Canyon for a special Memorial Day tribute show presented by the cast and crew of TEXAS at 9pm on Monday, May 27th. This performance is their way of saying thank you to all of the men and women that have given so much for our freedom. The park will extend its hours for this special presentation. The show is free (thanks to generous sponsors), but regular park entry fees will apply. Click here for more information. The regular TEXAS show will begin on June 1st and run through mid-August.

DINNER WITH HONIG

Join Crush Wine Bar & Deli for another fabulous wine dinner next Tuesday, May 28th. Jonathan Honig of California's Honig Vineyard & Winery will be in town for a 5-course tasting dinner you won't forget. The dinner will begin at 6:30pm. $85 per person. Click here to view the incredible menu. Reservations required - call 806-418-2011.

THE MULKEY IS BACK

The Mulkey Theatre in Clarendon, TX is being refurbished, and Phase One is complete! Celebrate the brand new lighting and facade at the Mulkey Block Party this Saturday, May 25th from 5-9pm. There will be tons of fun: music by Insufficient Funds, street dancing, food, children's activities, a car show and tours of the interior of the Mulkey Theatre. Help kick start the fundraising for Phase Two of this awesome project. Click here for more information.

AND...

Other fun events this weekend:

* Musica Variada presented by the Amarillo Opera on Friday, May 24th at 7:30pm - click here for tickets and information.

* WRCA's 2nd Annual Championship Ranch Bronc Riding this Saturday May 25th at the Range Riders Bud Light Arena. Concert by Reckless Kelly following the tournament!

* Farrar's acupuncturist Traci Mahannah will be teaching a Qi Gong class - Awakening the Soul - this Saturday, May 25th from 2-3pm. Do something good for your body and mind this weekend.

Thank you to all of the men and women that have served our country to fight for our freedom. Happy Memorial Day! 

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Our Top 10 for May:

1. Susan's Pick: Sweet Emotion Cookies! A friend was at a bridal shower and sent us this picture and said the custom cookies were not only fantastic, but so adorable! Made locally by Lindsay Self - she has great options for children's parties, baby showers and more. Check out all her designs on her Facebook page and to order, email her at: sweetemotioncookies@gmail.com. 

2. Farrar's Pick: Golden Light is now smoke-free! I am so excited to go watch live music at this fun local spot without feeling the need for a shower when I get home.

3. Susan's Pick: I got this funky exercise ball chair for my husband to sit on at work - the zenergy ball chair basically is an exercise ball covered in fabric. While you are sitting at your desk, you can be strengthening your core! I bought it locally from a friend who works at GDS - 806-324-4300. Farrar also has one of these in her office!

4. Farrar's Pick: Bountiful Baskets Food Co-Op - looking for an affordable way to feed your family a variety of fresh produce? Sign up for Bountiful Baskets! Click here for more information and here for the Amarillo pick-up.

5. Susan's Pick: I think Robyn at Semblance Boutique (in Wolflin Square) has such a knack for selecting fantastic-ly fun jewelry, not to mention great tops and dresses for her chic boutique. I ran by last week and got one of these bracelets and haven't taken it off since - love it!

6. Farrar's Pick: Funny, creative parenting tips - some of them are pretty smart!

7. Susan's Pick: I am in Chick Fil A's drive-thru multiple times a week - sometimes even more than once in a day :) They just re-vamped their menu with calories listed for all menu options AND launched three new salads that are fantastic. Love the avocado lime ranch dressing!

8. Farrar's Pick: Lip Spread - This magic lip gloss is anti-aging, moisturizing and specially formulated to react with your lips for a unique tint just right for you. I keep one in my gym bag for post-workout.

9. Susan's Pick: Raffkind's is carrying the most hilarious line of clothing, hats and gift items by Rowdy Gentleman. I snatched up a Reagan/Bush '84 t-shirt and a "Back to Back World War Champs" koozie for my brother-in-law's birthday recently. Love this company's motto: Rowdy Gentleman is equal parts sophisticated and sophomoric; refined and rambunctious. Father's Day is around the corner people - hurry to Raffkind's!

10. Farrar's Pick: Lunch at West Texas RX. If you like healthy, delicious food at a great price, this is your new lunch spot! Susan and I enjoyed an adzuki bean, avocado quesadilla today at this health food pharmacy hidden behind the Taco Villa on Coulter. The daily specials (only $5) are listed on their Facebook page. And we love the friendly owners and staff!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Farrar recently participated in a 5-week Paleo Challenge at CrossFit 806, so we thought you'd like to hear the Funspired scoop on this popular diet: 

What is the Paleo Diet? 

The Paleolithic Diet - abbreviated to "Paleo" and also known as the Caveman Diet - is based on the theory that our food needs have not evolved from those of our pre-agricultural, hunter-gatherer ancestors. Proponents believe that in order to optimize our health, we should eat a diet that mimics the food groups eaten by the so-called "cavemen." This means lots of meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, but no grains, no dairy, no legumes no refined sugar and no processed foods. This is not a weight-loss diet, but a lifestyle diet, meaning most of the people who adopt this diet are hoping for an improvement in overall health and well-being - they want to feel better. That being said, many people do lose weight when they go Paleo. One of the reasons that the Paleo lifestyle has become such a trend is that it is the favorite diet for CrossFit athletes. If you haven't heard of CrossFit, it is hugely popular strength and conditioning program with affiliate gyms popping up all over the country (we have 3 right here in Amarillo) - click here to learn more. 

The Food

Food to Enjoy - Meats (especially leaner cuts, grass-fed, and wild game), Seafood (wild-caught is preferred), Eggs, Vegetables (everything from leafy greens to starchy sweet potatoes), Nuts, Seeds, Oils (olive oil, coconut oil and avocado are the favorites), Herbs and Spices.

Foods to Avoid - Dairy (this includes butter, cheese, milk, yogurt, etc.), Grains (including wheat, oats, and even quinoa), Legumes (includes beans, peas, soybeans, cashews & peanuts), Refined Sugar and Processed Foods (mostly the center area of the grocery store).

Up for Debate - There are more and less strict versions of this diet, and the following foods fall into the "grey" area, meaning they are allowed by some and not by others: green beans (some allow these as  "vegetable" even though technically a legume), natural sugars (such as honey, agave nectar and maple syrup) , wine and tequila, whey protein powder (for workout recovery), and corn & potatoes (most consider these no-nos).

Pros & Con

Proponents of the diet believe that it makes them feel stronger, leaner, more energetic and just plain healthier overall. They also believe that it can help prevent or cure cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and other health problems.  And nobody can deny that the Paleo diet is a clean, nutritious, low-sugar, un-processed diet that encourages the consumption of whole foods. However, there are a lot of "healthy" foods that are not permitted in this diet - for example: low-fat dairy (such as plain yogurt), legumes (such as lentils, black beans and chick peas), health whole grains (such as oats, quinoa and barley). Opposition to this diet believes that avoiding these healthy foods might lead to nutritional deficiencies. Many also claim that the Paleo diet can be expensive, but most un-processed whole food diets would be similar. 

Farrar really enjoyed trying the Paleo diet, although not a huge change from her pre-Paleo way of eating. She learned how to order differently restaurants, and will continue to do so post-Paleo. And while she will add some dairy, legumes and grains back into her diet, she will certainly limit them more than she did previously. Overall, it was a really positive experience!

Resources & Recipes

For more information about the Paleo diet: The Paleo Diet by Dr. Loren Cordain, Ph.D. - Robb Wolf's Paleo - Beginner's Guide by Nerd Fitness - Mark's Daily Apple

For recipe ideas: Amazing Paleo (we loved the hummus pictured above) - Elana's Pantry - Everyday Paleo

A special thank you to Hannah and Whitney at CrossFit 806 guidance and encouragement during the Paleo Challenge!

Your fun friends, 

Susan and Farrar