January 2010

The latest issue of AM is out, and if you don't subscribe to the Globe-News, that means it didn't arrive on your doorstep Sunday morning. No worries, dear reader! You can pick up the magazine at various places around town (like Hastings) or read everything online.

In this issue, we tackle your finances head on, giving you advice from professionals around town and encouragement from local folks who've been to the other side and back with bad debt. We give you a list of restaurants to grab a free (or really cheap) kids' meal and offer 10 ways you can start saving more money in 2010. It's tangible information for a better, more fiscally fit lifestyle.

Though 2010 hasn't officially arrived yet, we're already thinking about March and April, wondering how we can bring you the best Amarillo has to offer. If you have story ideas or just want to give us your two cents, drop us a line or email Michele (or me) directly. Don't forget our Facebook Fan Page and Twitter.

Lastly, our question of the month is up and ready for your winning answer. Take a moment to tell us about the most romantic Valentine's gift you've ever received or given. If your answer is our favorite, you'll receive $100 gift certificate to any AM advertiser. So basically, you have nothing to lose!

Stay warm!
--Jennie

In the kitchen with Michele and Jennie

Sounds like a cheesy daytime cooking show (and, on some level, it is), but this would accurately describe yesterday. We wrapped up February's "What's Cooking?" and just in case you thought those dishes were something we pulled off the wire, I'm here to tell you otherwise.

Here we are in one of our "test kitchens" making sure every recipe we pass along to you is delicious and accurate. (Clearly we're in deep conversation. Over what? No one knows.)

First comes Amarillo Magazine, then comes the Food Network. Just you wait.

I know all of you have Christmas on the brain, but we're already passing Valentine's Day. Just play along if you see us in the grocery store and we happen to wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day.

--Jennie

We know you're out there.

Amateur photogaphers, this is for you. We know you're snapping photos of Amarillo, unique images that capture the heart of this city. We want to see them! Upload your images to our Flickr group and send us a note to tell us who you are. You just might find your photo in Local Exposure.

Backstage with The Nutcracker

I had the opportunity to watch the Lone Star Ballet's first dress rehearsal of "The Nutcracker" on Wednesday (the first performance is tonight!) and catch all the goings-on backstage. The chaos and excitement left me dizzy, but the magic and enchantment of the music, costumes, sets and story were captivating - just like they were when I was a little girl.

Enjoy the two-part story online, as well as an extensive photo gallery, and we'll see you at the show!

--Jennie

AM Office Redesign

When we changed offices in September, we crossed our fingers and hoped for the flexibility to make the space our own. We were given the go-ahead to create a space that would be inviting for visitors and inspiring for those of us who need that sort of environment. We started by rummaging through the basement for long-forgotten newsroom furniture that still had that vintage, Clark Kent feel. We added a few new pieces over the month, and with a fresh coat of paint, the AM office was reborn a warm and professional place to be everyday.

Earlier this week, as we prepared to post it on our website, Michele and I had our photo taken for the last "results" shot. It wasn't a short and simple smile-and-click photo either because we had a serious case of the giggles. For reasons of restraint, I won't share all of the snafus, but here's a couple to enjoy. (Check out the photo gallery online.) --Jennie

The timing couldn't have been more perfect.

If you haven't read the December cover story yet, hop to it. Not only will you enjoy a great story about a local ranching family, but you'll also learn that the Farmers Almanac has predicted a colder, wetter winter for our region.

How perfect, then, to have the December issue delivered to Amarillo doorsteps on a day that was covered in snow. If you recall, Sunday presented our city with a beautiful Winter Wonderland, so the timing couldn't have been better.

This was the scene from my front porch on Sunday morning:

On that note, we hope you'll take Dr. Bryan's advice and tend to your furry family members in the backyard. Keep them warm on these below-freezing nights. (Just a friendly word from us animal-lovers!)

With the holiday season in full swing, we hope you'll continue to send us photos of your favorite winter activities. We love hearing from readers, but we especially love to see them.

--Jennie

Now that I'm out of that turkey coma...

... we can get back to work! The week of Thanksgiving brought traveling for both Michele and I, so needless to say we have long to-do lists to tackle today.

Yesterday brought the arrival of the December issue in subscribers' Sunday papers (and online), which means we're well on our way to wrapping up January and starting on February. But it's not even Christmas, you say! I hear ya! It's hard to think about Valentine's Day when you're still digging Thanksgiving leftovers out of the fridge, but such is the life of a magazine. Always thinking ahead.

If you haven't read the latest AM, start with the cover story, then check out our piece about local artist Celia Meadors. As you make your December plans, check out our calendar or browse the Let's Eat dining guide. And before you start baking your holiday treats, see if anything in What's Cooking? tempts you.

Lastly, we're looking for a few good photos. If you consider photography to be a hobby of yours and have some shots from 2009 you'd like us to see, submit them to our Flickr group with a quick email through the website and you may see your photo in Local Exposure next year.

--Jennie