Happy Memorial Day! With summer's arrival, we asked our sun-saavy friend, Mohs surgeon and skin cancer expert, Dr. Liana Proffer, to give us the low down on how to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays! May is Melanoma Awareness Month, and the sun is the culprit. Sun damage is the leading cause of skin cancer, the most common of all cancers in the U.S. And, not only is there the risk of cancer if you incur sun damage, but you can also expect wrinkles, dryness, and the leathery appearance of thickened skin. Yuck! We want you to have fun in the sun, but safely... here is the Funspired scoop:

Dr. Proffer: Being prepared is the key, and one of the easiest things to do to protect your skin from sun damage is to wear the right clothing. Wide-brimmed hats (not baseball caps) to protect your face and ears. I keep one in the trunk of my car in case of emergencies! Some of my favorite hats are from San Diego Hat Company. Sunglasses with larger lenses that filter UV light are important. There are also clothes and bathing suit cover-ups that have UV protection (Solumbra, Coolibar, and Athleta have good options).

SUNSCREEN. Many people ask me what my favorite sunscreen is, and my answer is always the same: whichever you use with the following caveats:

1. It provides broad spectrum protection, meaning it must provide UVA & UVB protection.

2. It needs to have an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher. There is a lot of information out there about SPF numbers, and it is known that a SPF of 100 does not offer significantly more protection than a SPF 30 sunscreen. Higher SPF sunscreens are usually more expensive too. Just don't feel overconfident that you can spend a lot more time in the sun because you are wearing a sunscreen with SPF 100.

3. Apply enough sunscreen. For your face this should be about 1/4 teaspoon. Also, be sure to reapply- after more than 2 hours in sun or if you get really sweaty or wet!

4. I do prefer sunscreens that contain dioxide or zinc oxide because they tend not to cause an allergic reaction and have little fragrance. Check Sephora for facial sunscreens. One of my favorites is Peter Thomas Roth's Instant Mineral SPF 45 Powder.

So often I hear people say they need a "base tan" so they won't get burned when they get in the sun. A base tan has been proven to only provide an SPF of TWO! Not very much protection at all! If you want a tan because you think you look better with one, please try a spray tan (and avoid the premature aging of sun damage). They have gotten better over time and can look very natural. Also, using a bronzing lotion can lengthen the duration of the tan.

OK, here is where I get on my soapbox: TANNING BEDS??? I cannot believe that people still think tanning beds are a "safe way" to be tan! The World Health Organization has declared indoor tanning devices to be a cancer-causing agent, this puts them in the same category as tobacco. Click here for excerpts from the American Academy of Dermatology's website regarding indoor tanning. My point? Tanning beds are not safe!

It is sometimes difficult to describe to people what to look for when doing self-skin examinations for skin cancer, so go to the experts. As dermatologists, we see this every day, so let us make sure there is nothing worrisome. One last thought to leave you with: a researcher reported that if sunscreens are regularly used on our children through the age of 18, there would be a 72% reduction in skin cancer diagnosis later in life. It is that simple! For more information, click here for an article I wrote last May for Amarillo Style.

Your Fun Sun Friends,

Susan and Farrar and Dr. Liana

Proffer family photo by Pam Lary Photography

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! School is out, and here are the Funspired must-dos in Amarillo for this week:

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WINE DIVINE

Join our friends at Crush Wednesday, June 1st for fantastic food and wine pairings. You won't want to miss this one! Trust us... Dierberg=Divine.

HIKE WITH THE TIKES

The Palo Duro Canyon is one of our greatest treasures in the Panhandle. The State Park has organized a Family Nature Hike Saturday, May 28th from 10-11am. Enjoy a leisurely 1/2 mile walk on Pioneer Nature Trail while learning about the canyon. Easy for young children, and a fun way to spend time outdoors together. Pack a picnic lunch and stay for a great day in nature! (call 806-488-2227 Ext. 100 on Friday to make sure event is not cancelled due to wildfires)

BBQ, BANDS AND BEER

What says Memorial Day celebration better than a BBQ COOK OFF? Check out the Taste of Country BBQ Nationals, a 2-day festival of fun outside of Westgate Mall this Friday and Saturday. Watch the BBQ competition (worthy of $12,500 in prize money), sample the tasty fare, sip your way through the beer garden, and groove to live music from the Eli Young Band and other great local artists. Get your BBQ on!

SWEET RIDES

If you dream of trading your Tahoe for a snappy red Corvette, head over to Vintage Autohaus Imports this Saturday for the Wheels Xtravaganza. The event, benefiting local charities, will include a Corvette show, open car show, and motorcycle show. 10am-4pm. Food and fun for only $1. 8201 Amarillo Boulevard West.

24 HOURS FOR A CURE

Last year over 560 participants joined the battle against cancer by participating in the ONLY simultaneous 24 hour road and mountain bike event in the United States. The 5th Annual 24 Hours in the Canyon is June 4-5th, but registration closes TOMORROW. Don't miss out! Grab your bike and join the ride at the scenic Palo Duro Canyon State Park, benefiting our Harrington Cancer Center and Lance Armstrong's Livestrong Foundation.

PLAN AHEAD FUN

- Kenny Rogers in concert in Amarillo June 12th

- Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth

- Chick-fil-A Sprint Triathlon June 18th Amarillo

If you are loving your Funspired emails....then tell a friend, and hey, it's free! Send them this email and they can SUBSCRIBE HERE. Also, don't forget to check out BL Bistro's new lounge and bar area starting May 28th!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

The Inaugural Ironman Texas in the Woodlands was this past Saturday and 18 Amarillo athletes went down to participate. They made us proud - congratulations guys! Here are the pictures from this past Saturday:

Our Amarillo Ironmen

Swim Start

Over 10,000 spectators!

Eneko Llanos from Spain, pictured above ended up winning the race, he is a professional Triathlete and his time was an astonishing 8 hours, 8 minutes. The world record is still held on the Kona, Hawaii course from 1996 8 hours, 4 minutes to complete the 2.4 mile swim, 112 bike ride and 26.2 run. Go to www.ironmantexas.com for full results.

Congratulations IRONMEN!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

BL Bistro is one of our favorite local spots - great food, fun atmosphere and terrific service. What more could you ask for? We were thinking... maybe a larger bar area with a cozy fireplace and a big TV? Or how about a way to enjoy the patio space year-round? Perhaps a private party room, too?

Ask and you shall receive!

The new and improved BL Bistro is just about finished. And owners of 10 years, Lizzie and Brian Mason (i.e. BL), are responsible for the exciting new changes. We met up with Brian to tour the new space, and here is the Funspired scoop:

First, they enclosed the patio space to create large open bar area. This new "lounge" area will be the perfect spot to gather for drinks and appetizers, all while enjoying the beautiful new marble fireplace and big flat screen TV above (for the dudes). They have designed custom benches with cocktail tables to create cozy nooks, plus a few new bar tables for casual diners- perfect to host everything from the fun Tuesday night tennis happy hour to date night! With our Amarillo weather extremes, the old patio was truly only available a few months of the year, so the enormous screened sliding windows in the new addition are the perfect solution for enjoying the outside from within.

And, that's not all... Attached to the new bar area is a brand new event space that can be reserved for private parties and business meetings. This area, which will hold 30-40 guests, will be full of large conversation-friendly round tables and will have a large screen and projector for embarassing rehearsal dinner videos and super-serious corporate power point presentations. Classic Funspired... combining business with pleasure! And, when this room is not booked for an event, it will be used as additional seating for restaurant guests.

Construction is nearing completion - Yippee!! Brian has a private event scheduled in the new space for this Friday (rest of restaurant open), but Funspired readers should make every attempt to check out BL's facelift Saturday or after! Congrats BL!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Fun things to do in Amarillo this week:

If you are not following us on Facebook, you are missing out. We post tons of other great events, plus photos and more. Please like us so you can get even more of the Funspired scoop!

PAN-HANDLERS HIT THE 'RILLO

Amarillo's best new lunch spot, Pan-Handlers Cafe, just opened in the basement of the Amarillo National Bank building. The salad bar is out of this world with all sorts of yummy gourmet treats: beautiful fresh and roasted veggies, pasta salads and slaws, veggie dips, olives, homemade salad dressings, and more! The menu also includes delicious soups, sandwiches, and daily specials. And don't miss the dessert case - so heavenly! Plus, they use local ingredients whenever possible. So fresh and so good - this is a Funspired favorite! Open M-F 11am to 3pm.

SHOOT SOME CLAY

We ARE in West Texas, so hone in those shotgun skills and head out to this local clay shoot! The 3rd Annual Sporting Clays Classic Shoot will be held at the scenic River Breaks Ranch this Saturday, May 21st at 9:00am. The event benefits the Bishop DeFalco Retreat Center and is a NSCA/TSCA Sanctioned event. Register here or at the ranch on Saturday morning. Shoot 'em up!

TAKE A BIKE

Friday is National Bike to Work Day! Leave that gas-guzzler at home, hop on your schwinn and head to work the healthy way... on two wheels instead of four. Everybody will think you are super eco-friendly AND fit. The weather looks like it will cooperate, too!

BRING ON THE RAIN

Amarillo may be in a severe drought, but at least you'll be able to find some Rain on Polk Street starting this Saturday! Remember the place where all of the FUN started? Our Funspired Launch Party gave you a preview of this great new restaurant. Think yummy sushi and lettuce wraps, sexy cocktail lounge, and outdoor seating. And, don't forget the sake bombs! Opening this Saturday 5-11pm.

PIZZA & VINO

What could be better than pizza and wine? If you can't resist, sign up for 575 Pizzeria's wine dinner this Sunday. They will be whipping up some fresh pies to pair with the tasty wines of Texas-based Messina Hof Winery. May 22nd 5:30pm $30 per person. Call 806-331-3627 to get your reservation before they fill up!

LUNCH & LEARN

Break up your workday with a little education! Grab a bag lunch and head to one of these downtown churches to learn about the history and architecture of these local gems. Tuesday, May 24th at St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral 1200 S. Washington; Thursday May 26th at First Baptist Church of Amarillo 1208 S. Tyler; and Tuesday, May 31st at Mount Zion Baptist Church 118 S. Van Buren. Put on by KACV and Center City, all of the tours will be held from noon to 1pm. Water and iced tea provided.

PLAN AHEAD FUN

A new section for our Weekly Fun readers that will highlight the upcoming events that might require some advanced planning. We are huge fans of spontaneity, but sometimes it's good to have something fun on the calendar!

-24 Hours in the Canyon - June 4-5, a 24 hour ride in the Palo Duro Canyon to BEAT cancer!

-Rihanna in concert: make a trip of it: July 4th at Hard Rock Casino Albuquerque or July 8th in Dallas!

This coming Saturday, eighteen Amarillo athletes will participate in the inaugural Ironman Texas held in The Woodlands outside Houston. The 140.6-mile Ironman triathlon begins with a 2.4-mile SWIM, followed by a 112-mile BIKE ride (think riding from Amarillo to Lubbock), and finishing with a 26.2-mile RUN (a.k.a. a marathon). We have spoken to a few of our amazing Amarillo triathletes - some seasoned veterans of the Ironman and some rookies - and here is the Funspired scoop: Training: Obviously crucial, their training started a minimum of six months ago with 10-13 hours of workouts each week and peaking with 8-12 hours per weekend. One training plan's total mileage: 130 miles of swimming, 4,787 miles of biking, and 1,348 miles of running. You tired yet? They have focused on techniques that will enable them to conserve as much energy as possible, both physically and mentally. Time management skills have also been very important balancing their careers, family, social life with all of the workouts, stretching, logging, nutrition management, laundry, gear prep, travel, and rest. And to top it all off, they have had to battle some crazy Panhandle winds on their rides and runs this spring! Mental: To clear their minds of extraneous thoughts (which waste valuable energy), the athletes will go to their "happy place" (drinking a margarita on a beach) or they will go over their race checklist: How's my form? How's my energy? How's my nutrition? Is my heart rate low enough? Their focus should always be on the current event (swim, bike, or run), not on the previous or next event. Many athletes defeat themselves not with their body but with their mind. As one coach put it, "Training for an Ironman is teaching you to be comfortable with being uncomfortable." Ouch! Clothing & Equipment: Each Amarillo participant has a custom "kit" for race day thanks to their generous local sponsors. The kit includes a 1 and a 2-piece tri suit (think lots of lycra). Key to this clothing is to be ultra-aerodynamic, reduce the drag from both air and water and to keep cool. Their uniform has a black ribbon patch to memorialize cyclists who have been killed in road accidents. Equipment includes special TRI/Time Trail bikes (see above photo). One of the main differences between a TRI vs. a road bike is that the cyclist sits further forward on the bike which preserves the leg muscles needed for the run. Food & Drink: Some say that nutrition is the fourth "event" of the race. The athletes will burn approximately three times the number of calories that they can consume, so the right balance of hydration, electrolytes, carbohydrates and protein is crucial. To keep up withe calorie loss, the athletes will eat engery bars, gels, electrolyte drinks, bananas and other easily digestable foods throughout the day. Can you imagine burning 15,000 in one day? That is equal to 26 Big Mac's! Eat up boys! Challenges: The weather is supposed to be 90 degrees and 80% humidity - quite a change from our dry Amarillo climate. The deep water swim start will be daunting with a total of 2500 participants in a narrow reservoir, all fighting to get ahead. The transition from one event to the other must be efficient by limiting clothing and gear changes. And the biggest challenge of all: staying mentally focused and tough. Finish Times: The athletes must finish the race in 17 hours, with more specific cut off times for each portion of the race. The professional triathletes will finish in less than 9 hours, and hopefully, our Amarillo group won't be too far behind. Race-day updates and athlete tracking should be available here. Just search for Ironman Texas and follow the day's action! Good luck! Your fun friends, Susan and Farrar P.S. Follow us on Facebook for more funspiration!

Fun things to do in Amarillo this week:

12 x 12

Over 100 artists will participate in one of our favorite nights of cocktails and creativity at the Amarillo Museum of Art. The artists are challenged to use only a small 12x12 canvas or a 12x12x12 sculptural space, but you will be amazed at all the different mediums and styles! Tickets to the event are (of course) $12, and proceeds from the art auction will benefit the artists and the AMoA youth programs. 7PM Thursday, May 12th.

FEAR FACTOR

Not just your kids Discovery Center anymore! This Friday the 13th... it's our turn. Get a sitter and come experience the fun side of scary as they present the "Science of Fear!" Hand-gliding experts - gambling - flaming cocktails - open bar - hors d'oeuvres - and live music. PLUS, not only will all of the Funspired gang be there, but we are offering comp tickets to the first two couples that comment to our post! 7-10pm tomorrow at the Don Harrington Discovery Center. Click here for the scary scoop!

HOMER GOES DISCO

For 13 years Homer's Backyard Ball has been host to one of the largest party's in the pasture! This year join them (and their 3,000 music loving friends) supporting the Make-a-Wish Foundation of the Texas Plains for an outdoor music festival and state-qualifying BBQ and Chili Cook-off. Saturday, May 14 11AM -11PM. BYOB (sweet!) Located at I-40E and Whitaker Road east of Splash. Jack Ingram, Electric Gypsies and many more music talents on hand for the Saturday Night Fever themed event.

YOUR CIVIC DUTY!

We don't care HOW you vote - just VOTE! Election Day is Saturday, May 14th. Click here for polling times and locations.

CANADIAN RIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Head to Canadian, the beautiful Panhandle town located between the Canadian River and the Blue Mesa Hills, to check out the 2nd annual Canadian River Music Festival celebrating the best of country and bluegrass musicians! One of our favorites: Robert Earl Keen, will be performing at the Jones Pavilion this Saturday, May 14th. Click here for the music line up. Grab your boots and cowboy hat and GO!

SEVEN

Christian Frazier, an amazing local talent, is opening a new art show Seven at the Corner Art Space Gallery at the Hasting's Hardback Cafe. Stop by this Friday night from 6-8 at 2020 S. Georgia and check out the fabulous oils and acrylics on show. Frazier's art will remain on display through June. Go lucky number 7!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

In honor of Mother's Day, we have asked one of our favorite Amarillo moms, Amy-Beth Morrison, to share her top 10 ideas for family fun in the Amarillo area and beyond:

1. Find Your Own Park - There are GREAT parks in Amarillo and due to our limited backyard space, we like to get out and enjoy them as a family. We've tried them all and love the smaller ones like Wolflin Elementary because it is a great size for our young boys.

2. Sunday Fun-Day - Sunday is my favorite day with my family. We attend church and Sunday school together at St. Andrew's followed by brunch at BL Bistro.

3. Costume Mania - My boys love to dress up. We have drawers full of their favorite characters. Right now, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new Superman and Batman suit (available online at buycostumes.com).

4. Family 5K - The Race for the Cure in September is hands-down Amarillo's best kid-friendly event. We like to do the 5K Family Fun route with the boys in our Phil & Ted's tandem stroller (available at Et Cetera), but there is also a shorter 1 mile route. Plus, there is a super fun children's area at the finish line. For a calendar of all the great charity 5Ks in Amarillo, click here.

5. Discovery Fun - My boys LOVE the Discovery Center. All of the exhibits are educational and fun, but the current T-Rex exhibit is a MUST. If you have not been to see it yet, you are really missing out!

6. Out of town Adventures - Amarillo is the best, but we love to take the boys to new places to broaden their horizons. Some of our favorite trips include the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, the Marriott Hill Country, and best of all, visiting my parents (Boo and Big Don) in Beaumont. Summertime on the Neches River or at Crystal Beach in southeast Texas is a must.

7. Camp-Ins - Friday nights, we rent tons of movies, pull out our sleeping bags, and cozy up for a Camp-In in Norm's room with all his stuffed animal buddies. It is a family favorite. Hot dogs and s'mores indoors, anyone?

8. Fall is for Football - We are a family of football fanatics. We love to take the boys to the local high school games, the regional college games, or if nothing else, we tune in to ESPN Game Day on lazy Saturday mornings at home.

9. Halloween on Hughes Street - The block where the boys' grandparents, SheShe and DeanDean, live is closed from cars, and is Halloween Headquarters! Everyone enjoys the trick-or-treaters - and it is a blast watching the kids enjoy the holiday. Multi-generational fun!

10. DeanDean's Date Night - The boys love it when Mom and Dad go out because they get to hang out with their grandfather, DeanDean. They go to class at Amarillo Developmental Gymnastics, and then they all head to dinner. Nothing is off limits - they go anywhere from the Amarillo Club to one of their favorites Cowboy Gelato.

Amy-Beth is married to Shawn, and they are parents to two adorable boys: Norm (4 years) and Conrad (19 months). Amy-Beth is a working mom who also gives much of her time to local philanthropic causes.

We are so impressed with her ability to balance her various responsibilities while still making her family her priority. Oh, and we'd also like to give a shout out to those awesome grandparents - those are some sweet names they have!

Your fun mom friends,

Susan and Farrar

May 2011

Our list of favorites...ever changing with the season, our mood, or just because we felt like it:

1. This fantastic website! Kudos to Joppa Design and Stephanie Bybee for their collaboration on this exciting new project.

2. Frazzleberry, Just Chill'n and Orange Leaf....self serve frozen yogurt on the high plains? Just in time for a cool treat in the summer heat!

3. KACV 89.9 Radio : Amarillo College's own. A great break from the Top 20 monotony.

4. Robotic dinosaur exhibit at the Don Harrington Discovery Center - a must for all ages! The exhibit is funded through May 15th but efforts are underway to continue this awesome exhibit through the summer - click on their website to support this effort!

5. Online magazines: check out Rue, High Gloss, and Matchbook.

6. Brazilian Blowouts! If you want a hair treatment that renders your hair sleek and fabulous, cuts your blow-dry time in half, and lasts for months, go see Jenni Rea at Urban Roots right now.

7. Pure Barre workout DVDs - watch out Jane Fonda!

8. The Black Keys : a bluesy-alternative band. You'll be an instant fan when you hear their hit "I'll be your Man."

9. The Amarillo Sky: a gigantic canvas, ever-changing and (almost) always a delight when you gaze up.

10. Our husbands for letting us start this business together with little hope of profit but loads of potential for fun!!!

Hola! Treat yourself to a cold cervesa or margarita because today is Cinco de Mayo! We love this day, so we researched the best places to celebrate locally: the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Fajita Cook-Off on Polk Street (between 8th and 10th) from 5:00-9:00pm. The $30 entrance gets you free food and drink plus live music. Tacos Garcia, Acapulco and others will be participating. For more live music and drink specials, check out Joe Taco and both locations of Ruby Tequila's (Georgia & Soncy). Other good bets: Abuelo's and Jorge's with drink specials galore. Get your happy hour on! Ole!

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS

Amarillo Little Theater presents this hilarious story that Steve Martin and Michael Caine made famous in the 1988 movie version. The play centers on two men who make their living on swindling women on the French Riviera and will keep audiences laughing and guessing to the end! This funny and clever new musical is the final production of the ALT season, and runs May 5 through May 22nd. Click here to purchase your tickets!

POLKA PARTY

There is one thing that we are not - and that is predictable! So, if you are like us, then you are up for anything! How about going to check out a Grammy-winning Polka and Rock band Brave Combo in Claude, TX this weekend? They will be playing at the historic Gem Theater Saturday, May 7th 7:30pm. Get your polka on!!!

GARDEN ZEN

With great weather coming our way, we suggest heading to the Amarillo Botanical Gardens for some outdoor YOGA. Go practice your downward dog and find your inner peace in the beautiful gardens. Classes every Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7-8am. $10/class. Detailed info here. This one is for the early birds!

ZOO + MOM = LOVE

Celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday by heading to the Amarillo Zoo. Channel your inner child and take your kiddos to check out all the cool animals. Moms accompanied by a child (or someone acting like a child) will get free admission and a flower. There will be live music and crafts to make it a zootacular experience! 9:30am-2:00pm 200 Comanchero Trail.

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Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

P.S. Happy Birthday to Sloan Teeple and Bob Evans!