Fun things happening in the Panhandle this week:

TEBOW'S IN TOWN

Pam, the mother of the famous football superstar Tim Tebow, will be in Amarillo to speak on behalf of the Texas Panhandle Independent Futures Foundation next Wednesday, September 5th. Hear her inspiring story at 7PM at the Globe-News Center. Tickets are $75 per person, or $35 for balcony seating. Click here more information and tickets.

STYLIN' GUYS 

We've got a goody for you this week: the MHC Men's Style Show! "Men Rock the Runway" will benefit the Male Health Center of Amarillo. A fun twist on a style show with everything from biker dudes to men's furs to golf clothes to cowboy gear  - yowza! Saturday, September 8th 7:30PM at the Galleries at Sunset Center Event room. Call 678-5566 for info and reservations. Best ticket in the house? On the runway - NYC Style Show, baby! General admission available night of show as well.

HIKE IT

What better way to kick off your long weekend than a hike in our gorgeous Palo Duro Canyon?! Enjoy the 2nd full moon of the month during the Blue Moon Hike on Friday night 7:30-8:30pm. Or enjoy the Sunset Hike on Saturday also from 7:30-8:30pm. We've got a hot weekend ahead, so an evening hike is definitely a great choice! Click here for info. 

RODEO BOYS 

Head out to Cal Farley's this Saturday & Sunday for their 68th Annual Boys Ranch Rodeo. A labor day tradition! September 1st & 2nd: adventureFEST 10am-2pm, BBQ lunch noon-2pm, Grand Entry 2:30pm. Competitive events are senior steer roping, mutton busting, stick horse barrel racing, bareback broncos and more. $10 per person - $15 for box seats - 6 & under free. The BR Rodeo Run is a 1 mile/5K race that will take place Saturday morning. Click here for more info or call (800) 687-3722 for tickets. 

6TH STREET CELEBRATION 

We hear that the old route 66 is having a street-wide Labor Day event. Head over to 6th street on Monday for shopping, dining and fun! 

FAMILY CAMP

Looking for a fun family adventure this Labor Day Weekend? How about Family Camp at Ceta Canyon. September 1-3. Jumping pillow, swimming, slip and slide, worship and more. Speaker Pastor Jerry Raab from St. Stephen West. Click here or call 800-593-1992 for more info. 

STUDIO 4 

Don't forget: the Funspired gals will be having a good time on Studio 4 this afternoon. We'll be drinking some yummy wine and showing off our Fall Fav's!  

PLAN AHEAD FUN

* WINE DINNERS - Two great 5-Course gourmet wine dinners coming up. September 12th 7pm at Macaroni Joe's - Call 358-8990. September 13th at Kushi Yama - Call 358-2900. Reserve your spot now! 

* ART CLASS - Sign up your kids (and yourself) for AMoA's great Fall art classes. A variety of workshops beginning the 3rd week of September. Click here for more info. 

* LIPS - Save the Date for Opportunity School's annual lip-syncing party on October 4th. This year's theme is Country Cabaret! Click here for tickets. 

Your fun friends, 

Susan and Farrar

With school in session and college football about to begin, fall is in the air! We wanted to get your ready with some of our favorites this season. Let's get shopping...

For Her

* NAVY! Everyone is saying navy is the new black. While nothing will ever really replace black in our wardrobes, we're ready to give navy a try! We love this double breasted jacket and this everyday tote. The "it" color combo: navy & black.

* Meet our favorite bootie! Comfy, casual AND chic - this TOMS wedge is a must for fall. Available at Janey's.

* You can never go wrong with a great scarf. Add some cozy color to your wardrobe!

* Try a cross-body bag. You'll be hip and hands-free. This one is by Rebecca Minkoff.

* Taking chevron to the next level - jewelry. Love these stackable rings.

* Anything that looks borrowed from your man's closet...herringbone jackets, tweed, paired with denim. Love this one from J.Crew.

For Him

* Hugo Boss Cargo pants - yum.

* Lifeproof iPhone covers - protects his phone from water, snow, dirt and shock!

* The perfect sweater for hunting and tailgating. Available at Top Notch.

* Both President Obama and Mitt Romney have been seen sporting one of these great-looking watches. With election day approaching, maybe you need one too?

* This L.L.Bean tote is rugged and oh-so-man-friendly. Best of all, the hunter orange monogram.

For Kiddos

* Skip Hop backpacks for Back to School in these adorable toddler sizes.

* Monkey Bar Buddies - these cute shorts and leggings are perfect for your active daughters. Available at Janey's.

* For the little prepsters, a great fall jacket for boys and girls.

* This adorable book for the little one in your life. Available at Little Brown House.

* Roberta Roller Rabbit offers India-inspired tunics, quilts and more.

For Home

* Any pillow from Jonathan Adler's collection will brighten your home.

* Love Love Love Lucite! Especially paired with this yummy blue! Check out this tray.

* Cozy up this fall with one of these fun throw blankets. Everything from ikat and coral to chevron and plaid.

* Simpatico Candles - burn for 100 hours - and smell divine. Get your's at Et Cetera.

* For the coffee lovers, upgrade to the Moccamaster and you'll be smiling with every cup.

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Fun things happening in the Panhandle this week:

OPEN ART

Process Art House's newest show SAUDADE opens this Friday, August 24th. Ash Marie, an emerging artist, will showcase her mixed media pieces which incorporate photography and assemblage. The opening event will be Friday 7-11pm with drinks, coffee and light fare. We love Amarillo art!

SANTA IN THE SUMMER

Benefitting one of the best charities in Amarillo - the Eveline Rivers Christmas Project - this great event summer event will make a difference well into the holiday season. Santa in the Summer is August 25th from 7pm to midnight. Dancing to Insufficient Funds, not to mention the casino tables that will surely be calling your name. For more information call 372-3985.

PIONEER DAY

The Museum of the Plains in Perryton, TX is hosting Pioneer Day this Saturday, August 25th. Start with breakfast by United from 6-9am, then enjoy a muscle car exhibition, 5K run, parade, trampoline bungee jump, wagon rides and more. There will be sausage on a stick, hamburgers and homemade ice cream. Music from 13 bands, plus a presentation by John Erickson. Fun! Call 806-435-6400 for more info.

HEART WALK

This Saturday join the American Heart Association for the 2012 Heart Walk! The 5K run will start at 8 am and walk at 9am. Runners may still register the day of the race for $30 - so head on down to Medi Park (park at Don Harrington Discovery Center) and get running for heart health!

HIGHER FOCUS

Check out this great non-denominational music & praise festival this Saturday, August 25th from 1-6pm. This event includes local Christian bands, teenage vocalist Brittney Hinojosa the Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church Choir, the singing group Men In Christ, inspirational speakers and Arts & Crafts vendors. Groups, churches and businesses welcome. At the Civic Center North Exhibit Hall. Best of all, admission is FREE! Click here.

PLAN AHEAD FUN

* Mark your calendar for the "Men Rock the Runway" style show benefiting the MHC Male Health Center. Saturday, September 8th at 7:30. Tickets and table packages available. If you want more information on this evening of fun and fashion, call 678-5566.

* Get your tickets for the 2012-2013 season for the Broadway Spotlight Series. This year's season shows will include: (Best Musical Tony Award winner) Monty Python's Spamalot, West Side Story, Cirque Dearms Holidaze, and Elvis Lives - The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Event. Click here to get your season tickets!

Your Fun Friends,

Susan and Farrar

Everyone needs a good laugh, so for our August Top 10, we put together a list of our favorite funnies. Enjoy!

1. Watch this hilarious medley of "top ten funny baby videos" on YouTube. Or this one of baby bloopers. If you are having a bad day, you won't be anymore...

2. For the guys, we have a website that is "bringing back man." For a guaranteed laugh, check out www.mandatory.com  - a website full of funny stuff, viral videos and a whole lot of awesome. We like this pic of "why you shouldn't pass out." We'd recommend adults-only on this one.

3. Found this cartoon on www.funny.com. For the mom's with sons - enough said!

4. Looking for a funny tv show? Try one of our favorites: The Soup, Modern Family and New Girl. Or if your sense of humor is a little more lewd, try Tosh.0, Workaholics and The League.

5. Watch this hilarious YouTube Video that is a parody of the "That Goyte Song." Or if pets are more your thing - check out this precious corgi doing a belly flop!

6. If you love home decor and you love to laugh, check out one of our favorite design blogs: My Favorite and My Best (MFAMB). The blogger - Jenny - is hysterical; we promise you'll be laughing out loud, but beware, she definitely has a potty mouth.

7. Does your auto-correct ever "twist" your words? Check out these funny auto-corrected text conversations.

8. For some online people-watching, check out the people of Wal-mart.

9. Go rent one of these classic funny movies: The Jerk with Steve Martin, Bill Murray in Stripes and Caddyshack, Old School with Will Ferrell, There is Something About Mary with Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz, or the best of all - Animal House with John Bellushi!

10. Jib Jab! A fun way to personalize ecards - check out ours here in honor of the olympic athletes!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

What is Social Media? Simplest way to answer is that it is web and media based technologies which turn communication into interactive dialogue among individuals and organizations. In the year 2012, social media became one of the most powerful sources for news updates through the various platforms. Let's break them down:

FACEBOOK.  Launched in 2004, and now with over 955 million active users - Facebook is the most used social networking site in the world. In 2010 it was estimated that 41.6% of the US population has a Facebook account. Basic premise - you create a personal profile and find your "friends" - it is best used to update where you are or what you are doing, share thoughts, pictures and re-connect with friends. With its availability on many mobile devices, Facebook allows users to continuously stay in touch with friends, relatives and other acquaintances wherever they are in the world, as long as there is access to the Internet. 

TWITTER. An online social networking service, Twitter enables its users to send and read text-based messages up to 140 characters known as "tweets." Created in 2006 and rapidly gaining worldwide popularity, Twitter has 500 million active users generating over 340 million tweets daily. We consider Twitter a personal "news source" as you can follow various news outlets- and get the news as it happens. It has become one of the top 10 most visited websites on the internet and gives you quick, easy access to people you want to know - leaders in your industry, celebrities and political figures - watch Twitter to play a major role in getting out information during this election cycle. Want to know more? Read our article on Twitter here. 

YOUTUBE.  A video-sharing website created by three former PayPal employees in 2005, it is a social media site on which users can upload, view and share videos - this includes movie and TV clips, music videos, as well as amateur content such as video blogging and short original videos. Best use? Makeup artist Michelle Phan gathered nearly 2 million subscribers to her YouTube Channel and ended up with a Lancome contract, personal trainer Amanda Russell was named one of Google's next top fitness personalities after she posted a variety of workouts to her channel, 14 year old Justin Bieber became a mega star after Usher saw videos of him signing and signed him to his record company. OR, if you need a good laugh, it has the funniest videos on the web - just check out their daily top 10.

INSTAGRAM. The newest on the social media scene - Instagram is a free photo-sharing program launched in 2010. We have featured it in our favorite apps - because it allows you to take a photo, apply a digital filter to it and then share it with other Instagram users. It is based solely on your smart phone and when you join will search your contacts to connect you with other Instagram users. The younger generation is already replacing Facebook with Instagram to share their daily photos and fun pics. Instagram has 13 full time employees and in its largest acquisition to date, Facebook made an offer in 2012 to purchase Instagram for approximately $1 billion in cash and stock.

LINKEDIN. The "professional" person's social media - Linkedin was founded in 2002 and is mainly used for professional networking. In 2012 Linkedin reports over 175 million registered users in more than 200 countries. In 2011 Linkedin earned $154.6 million dollars in advertising alone - higher than that of Twitter who earned $139.5 respectively. Unique in that the site is available in multiple languages, it surpasses its other competitors MySpace, Viadeo and Xing. 82 of Fortune's top 100 companies say they use the site to find candidates. One tip? If you want to stand out as authority in your industry, select the "answer" tab on the homepage and respond to questions that people in your industry have posted. If you answer enough, you could be featured on the site as an expert.

PINTEREST. An online pin board - this is a great eco-friendly portfolio of everything that inspires you! Great place to get amazing recipes, ideas for home decor, a great location for your next vacation and more. You can manage your images into categories and brows other pinboards for inspiration and "re-pin" images to your own boards to save for later. Basically a global platform of inspiration and idea sharing. In 2011 Pinterest became one of the top 10 most used social media platforms with over over 11 million visits per week. Most of the sites users are female - and one other interesting stat? 80% of pins are "repins" and in comparison, only 1.44% percent of tweets are re-tweets so it is an effort free buzz generator. 

With millions and millions of people using these social media sites every day - it is clear that the way we communicate, share our life and pictures and look for jobs is totally different than it was just 5 years ago. Even though it is easy to make fun of those "over-facebookers" or "crazy-pinners" - you do have to agree that social media dominates the way many of us view our world. What is your favorite social media platform? Click here and share on our Funspired facebook page!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Fun things happening in the Panhandle this week:

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Join our friends at the Amarillo Little Theatre for their newest show Love, Loss and What I Wore by Nora and Delia Ephron! Using the female wardrobe as a time capsule of a woman's life, this delightful play is organized as a funny series of monologues. Opens tonight and runs through August 26th at ALT's Adventure Space. Better yet, plan to attend next Tuesday, August 21st for a special night benefiting both ALT and the Laura W. Bush Institute of Women's Health! That night your $50 ticket will include a pre-show cocktail party at 7PM, the performance at 8PM and a post-performance discussion with director and cast. Come enjoy a great ladies night out with fun surprise treats - and wear your little black dress! Call 355-9991 for tickets or click here. 

LONGMIRE

Come join Amarillo Reads for An Evening with Craig Johnson, best selling author of the Walt Longmire mystery series which is now an A&E TV drama series. At the Amarillo Globe-News Center tonight with a reception from 6-7pm, lecture at 7pm and book signing following. Call 378-3051 for more information.

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE

The 1st annual BBHS "Run for Your Life" 5K and 1M fun run/walk this Saturday, August 18th at Thompson Park in Amarillo. Get your run in and then stay and enjoy the tunes of the Tommy Gallagher Band afterwards! Race starts at 8AM, click here for online entry.

MINDFEST

Join our friends at the Don Harrington Discovery Center for MINDFEST - an all day festival "for everyone with a curious or playful mind." Saturday, August 18th from 10am to 4pm. Fun activities include the Oobleck Pit, Take Apart a Car, Glass Blowing, and our favorite - a Symphony Instrument "Petting Zoo." Everything included with cost of admission. Go check it out and JUST PLAY!

SEE, LEARN, DO ART

If you like art, we have some fun options for your this week. SEE: Breena Buettner's pottery show at the Blue Sage Art Gallery on 6th Street. Opening reception this Saturday, August 18th 6-9pm. Info here. LEARN: Sign up for a mosaic art class with Karen Byars at Process Art House this Saturday and Sunday. Call 415--342-7444 for reservations. DO: Get the girls together to paint some pottery Brush with Art's Girlfriends' Night. 7-9pm tonight, ages 16 and up. Info here.

BLOCK PARTY

Don't miss out on  Amarillo's biggest end-of-summer party! Center City's 17th annual Block Party will be this Saturday, August 18th from 5PM to midnight. Held along Polk Street from 6th Avenue to 10th Avenue, this great event will have food vendors and great live music. Best of all, they will be offering a new VIP ticket this year! For $40 per person, you will get: access to the Circle A Title VIP room at the Courtyard by Marriot, reserved parking, special entertainment by Andy Chase and Yvonne Perea, a fajita bar, 2 drink tickets, air-conditioning and indoor potties, and party favors. Call 372-6744 or click here for more info.

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

We were curious about the top 10 largest employers in Amarillo. Here is the Funspired scoop:

10. Affiliated Foods - Food distributor that employs over 1,250 full-time employees, which includes Plains Dairy and Tri-State Baking.

9. Texas Department of Criminal Justice - This includes the Neal and Clements Units; these corrective facilities employ over 1,303 full-time employees.

8. Bell Helicopter - Military Aircraft Assembly Center where they build the V-22 Osprey and upgrade the Cobra and Huey for 21st Century military missions. 1,382 full-time employees.

7. Xcel Energy - This electrical utility company employs over 1,431 full-time employees locally.

6. Northwest Texas Health System - This 404-bed facility and trauma center provides great health care to the Panhandle region. It employs 1,490 full-time employees.

5. The City of Amarillo - Our great city of over 190,000 people employs 2,012 to keep it running smoothly - from sanitation to parks and recreation to police and firemen!

4. Baptist St. Anthony's Health System - This major employer offers full service health care, employs more than 2,700 people, and has a medical staff of more than 450 physicians. 

3. B&W Pantex - Pantex Plant maintains the safety, security and reliability of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. The facility 17 miles northeast of Amarillo is managed for the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. It employs 3,398 full-time employees.

2. Tyson Foods - This meat distributor employs 3,700 full-time employees in Amarillo.

1. AISD - Amarillo Independent School District -  At 4,139 - AISD has the most full-time employees in Amarillo.

Other notables in the top 20 local employers are Amarillo National Bank, Toot'n Totum, Amarillo College and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway.

Your fun (and informative!) friends,

Susan and Farrar

* information based upon Amarillo Chamber of Commerce listing from 2011.

Fun things happening in the Panhandle this week:

BLUE DOG

Amarillo Museum of Art's newest exhibit opens tomorrow. George Rodrigue: Blue Dogs in Texas highlights this Louisiana artist's extensive career. There will be an opening reception on Friday, August 10th 7-8:30pm with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, plus a conversation with the artist and his wife. Then on Saturday, August 11th 11am-3pm, enjoy the Blue Dog Days of Summer Festival with book signing, doggy adoptions, art projects, story time, face painting, balloons, hot dogs from J. Dawg and so much more. Best of all, Saturday's event is FREE to all!

COWBOY BALL

The Rope for a Cure Cowboy Ball & Dinner benefitting JDRF will be held Saturday, August 11th in the Range Riders Banquet Room. Entertainment by Matt Martindale, Jake LaGrone, Casey Berry and The Live Texas Mosquitos. Tickets $200 each - for more information call 356-6042.

PEOPLE, PINTS & PEDALS

It's here! One of Amarillo's greatest summer events: P3. It all starts at 575 Pizzeria this Saturday, August 11th at 2pm. Grab your bike and don't miss this fun afternoon.

RUN

If our FunFeature on Monday inspired you to get off the couch and you're ready to get going, we have some great options for you:

- Twilight 5K: Beat the heat and do this late-night 5K in the Colonies. 10:30pm Friday, August 10.

- Austin's Fun Run: Head out to the Soncy running trail this Saturday, August 11th for a fun event benefitting Randall HS Baseball player Austin Chontos.

- Vega Water Color Run: Wear your white race t-shirt and prepare to get wet and colorful. Sounds fun to us! Saturday, August 11th at 8:30am.

- And if all of the above sounds a little daunting, sign up for one of Suzi McKee's great live-well-fit classes. She offers classes for every level and even has a special 5K training class specifically designed to get you ready for the Race for the Cure. Best of all, she is planning to donate 1/2 of the proceeds to Komen Amarillo. So, get in shape all for a great cause!

THE HORSE IN ART

A new show is opening this Saturday, August 11th at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum. Head over for a great FREE opening event on Saturday 6:30-8:30pm. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment. If you can't make the opening, the art will be available for viewing and purchase online and at the museum beginning August 13th through November 10th. Click here for more information.

MUSICA

The Amarillo Opera's first show of the season is Musica Variada - an evening celebrating the song and music of the Latino and Hispanic culture. Friday, August 10th 7:30pm at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets available here.

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

After watching all of the amazing athletes compete in the Olympic games, we know you are inspired to get off that couch and train! 

In a little over eight weeks you will have a chance to participate in the largest race in Amarillo: the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is set for Saturday, September 29th. This year's race is chaired by the one and only Farrar Mansfield, and we know you will want to go out and support breast cancer awareness. Click here for our local chapter's website for more information, as well as our post on this amazing organization.

SIGN UP NOW FOR THE RACE FOR THE CURE! ONLINE REGISTRATION (discounted registration fee through August 31st)

So, you think: there is NO WAY I can run a 5K! Your wrong! Most people are turned off to running because they start too fast. That is the key to the program "Couch to 5K." With just 20-30 minutes 3 times a week, you can prepare by either running for time or for distance - your choice. Find a training partner, that way you can help each other accomplish your goal. Best way to keep on task: get the Couch to 5K APP for your phone.

Other tips?

Shoes. Head over to Get Fit, a great local resource for runners. They will hook you up with a good pair of running shoes. 

Tunes. Click here for an epic mix of inspiring songs.

Water Bottle. Either get one of these cool ones you can take with you, or have this one waiting at home in the fridge to cool you off.

Your fun running friends,

Susan and Farrar

Fun things to do in the Panhandle this week:

ARTY FRIDAY

Don't forget about Sunset Center's First Friday Art Walk. Enjoy an evening of great art, live music, food, drinks, and good company. 5-9pm on the first Friday of each month. If you've never been, it's definitely worth checking out!

OUTDOOR TUNES

If you love to listen to great music in the open air, we've got a few good options for you this week. Tonight, enjoy Susan Gibson at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens at 7pm ($5/$10 non-members). Saturday, August 4th, the Jim Laughlin Quartet (a Funspired favorite!) will be playing at JazZoo at 7pm in the zoo ($5). And next Tuesday, August 7th, take in the music of Two Dog Day at the Starlight Theater in Sam Houston Park at 7pm (free). Chill out and listen!

SIDEWALK SALE

Nothing says summer like a sidewalk sale. Head over to Wolflin Village this Saturday, August 4th for a great day of shopping and fun. 10am-5pm. We promise you'll find some must-haves at the right price!

POOL PARTY

Wishing for a refreshing dip to beat this heat? Equality Texas is hosting their Summer Camp pool party this Saturday, August 4th, 2-6pm. Hot dogs, hamburgers, margaritas and beer! Plus, there will be a swimsuit contest and raffle. 6723 Sandie Court. $35 at the door. More info click here.

PLAN AHEAD FUN

* Sign up now for Texas Impressionism: Branding with Brushstroke and Color, 1885-1955. This three-part seminar at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum will fascinate you. 10am-Noon August 9, 16, and 23. Click here for more info.

* Internationally known cellist YoYo Ma is joining the Lubbock Symphony for a special concert Monday, September 10th. This concert will sell out, so get your tickets here.

* Triathlete or Runner? Whichever you prefer - start training now because Saturday, September 8th has two great events: TRI To Make A Difference sprint triathlon at Lake Tanglewood benefitting the Children's Miracle Network and the Rock the Park to Cure Diabetes benefitting JDRF at John Stiff Park. Get moving!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar