PRIDELY ~ West Texas

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TOP 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your

Next International Trip

OVERPACKING OVERSPENDING

NOT ENOUGH RESEARCH CARRYING VALUABLES NOT NOTIFYING THE BANK

Whether it’s your first international trip or your fifth, traveling is all about discovering the unknown. It’s no surprise that there can be problems along the way. Extra planning and learning from these common travel mistakes can help you focus on enjoying your trip without worrying.

Mistake #1 is overpacking - too many packed items can be hard to organize and be uncomfortable to travel with. Mistake #2 is overspending - sticking to a realistic budget and leaving room for unexpected expenses is always best.

Mistake #3 is not doing enough research - it’s always safe to do extra research when traveling aborad including weather, laws, and international costs. Mistake #4 is carrying valuables with you while exploring - pick pocketers are notorious for targeting tourists, so keep your valuables locked away safe in your hotel if possible. Most importantly, mistake #5 is not notifying your bank of your international travel plans - otherwise, your debit or credit card may be blocked due to “unusual activity” unfortunately if you don’t do this ahead of time.

Restaurants

Cast Iron Grill

Locally owned fixture providing Southern-style breakfast & lunch, plus a variety of homemade pies.

620 19th St, Lubbock, TX 79401

Phone: (806) 771-7690 | Web: castirongrilllubbock.com

Juji’s Kitchen

Offering a fresh alternative for breakfast and lunch with a full menu including salads, soups, sandwiches, and burgers.

6 Desta Dr # 1250, Midland, TX 79705

Phone: (432) 218-8145 | Web: www.jujiskitchenllc.com

The Eastery on Route 66

Specializes in light lunch fare like sandwiches, salads, soups, deep dish quiche, and fantastic bakery munchies like French macarons.

2601 SW 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79106

Phone: (806) 236-2718 | Web: www.eateryonroute66.com

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Cork & Pig Tavern

Easygoing gastropub offering wood-fired pizza, American fare & many wines in contemporary digs.

7260 E Texas 191 #204, #204, Odessa, TX

Clear Springs

Restaurant plating seafood, steaks & signature onion rings in a vibrant, barnlike setting.

5707 Andrews Hwy, Midland, TX

Abuelo’s

Mexican

Texas-based chain restaurant serving Mexican food & margaritas in a hacienda-style setting.

4401 82nd St, Lubbock, TX

Macaroni

Joe’s

Refined, relaxed Italian restaurant offering more than 450 wines in a faux Tuscan village setting.

1619 S Kentucky St, Amarillo, TX

Caprock Cafe

Casual restaurant & sports bar serving beers, burgers & comfort food in Western-style environs.

3405 34th St, Lubbock, TX

Opal’s Table

Stylish, airy eatery serving elevated & seasonal Southern cuisine plus craft cocktails & wine.

223 W Wall St, Midland, TX

Bubba’s 33

Burgers, pizza & beer served alongside many large-screen TVs showing sports & music videos.

6153 TX-191, Odessa, TX

Garlic Press

Black Angus steaks, seafood & pasta complemented by a long wine list in an elegant atmosphere.

2200 W Wadley Ave #6, Midland, TX

Napoli’s

Traditional Italian restaurant offering pizza, pastas & entrees in a rustic, earth-toned space.

700 S Taylor St, Amarillo, TX

Chimy’s

Chimichangas & margaritas, plus other Tex-Mex fare served in a bustling chain with a chill vibe.

2417 Broadway St, Lubbock, TX

JAN 6

The Sandhills Stockshow & Rodeo

The Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo are on its way and this is an event you don’t want to miss! While the rodeo may pull the crowds, the stock show is a major part of this event. It boasts an array of species including goats, sheep, and cattle. Learn more at sandhillsssr.com.

MAR 18

Permian Basin Comic Con

The largest comic convention in West Texas, Permian Basin Comic Con brings comic fans, authors, and artists together for a full weekend of events. Learn more at pbcomicconx.com.

MAY 31

Summer Concert Series 2022 - Daisy Blue

Discover local Amarillo talent during the Summer Concert Series. Multiple concert programs are teaming up to offer free live music all summer long. Learn more at visitamarillo.com.

JUN 25

Panhandle Pride Festival 2022

The 2022 Panhandle Pride Fest will be hosted at the Starlight Ranch Event Center at 3 p.m. The event will feature a drag show, along with other local artists and vendors. Kenny Metcalf, performing as Elton John, will close the event. Learn more at panhandleprideinc.org.

JUL 2

Will Rogers Range Riders Rodeo

This Amarillo rodeo is held at Amarillo Rodeo Grounds. Will Rogers Range Riders is a group of horse lovers, horse activity lovers and individuals interested in doing great things in their community. Membership is by application and new members are always sought. Learn more at wrrangeriders.com.

FOUR TIPS to help you boost your retirement savings

1. CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR 401(K)

If you happen to have the benefit of a traditional 401(k) plan through your employer, you may be able to contribute pretax money. This can be a huge advantage to your retirement savings plan.

2. OPEN AN IRA

It is a good idea to establish an individual retirement account (IRA) to help invest in your future. You can do either a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. Take some time to research both options and see what’s best for you.

3. AUTOMATE YOUR SAVINGS

A good idea to help you increase your savings even more is to set automatic payments each month. This will help you grow your money without even having to think about it.

4. SET A GOAL

Understanding and planning ahead of time how much you may need in the future not only can help you better understand why you’re saving, but it also can make the process more rewarding.

6 Most Profitable Blog Niches

Making money online with a blog has never been easier.

There are so many areas you can explore when developing content for a blog. Making a profit from doing this is definitely possible, but it is essential to make sure you are creating high-quality content to help you monetize. Here are some quick tips and ideas to help you get started.

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Don’t overestimate the value of digital marketing in today’s businesses.

SEO, email campaigns, social media, and influencer marketing are just some of the broad range of strategies used in digital marketing.

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Digital Marketing Blogging for Profit

There are many valuable ways to write and help people make money online.

Some of these blog topics include freelance writing, working as a virtual assistant, and even starting your own online business.

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SEP 24

West Texas Fest

The community is invited to participate in the museum’s largest fundraiser of the year by enjoying local food vendors, events such as corn hole and axe throwing, live music featuring Caleb Young, and tastings of Texas beer, wine and spirits. Learn more at odessa-tx.gov.

OCT 4

Jazztober

Jazztober is a free jazz concert on Tuesday nights in October. Bring your lawn chair and a picnic to the lawn of the historic Bivins Home at 1000 S. Polk St. in Center City. The porch of the Bivins Mansion becomes our stage for free live jazz from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Learn more at web.amarillochamber.org.

NOV 19

51st Tejano Super Show

This must-attend event spans six buildings packed with cars, trucks, motorcycles, model cars and bicycles. Live music and food add to the excitement. Learn more at discoverodessa.org.

DEC 19

Christmas in the Gardens

The Botanical Gardens of Amarillo will continue its annual Christmas in the Gardens through Dec. 23. The event will be held each Thursday through Sunday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and every day during the holiday week, Dec. 19 through Dec. 23.Photo opportunities abound, including special pictures with Santa and the Grinch, among others. Learn more at amarillobotanicalgardens.org.

PRIDE CENTER WEST TEXAS

Connecting LGBTQN+ West Texans in the Permian Basin to better lives and one another. From free adult counseling to LGBTQN+ cultural competency training services and support groups or linkage to safe businesses and services, we can help you and your family! Web: www.pridecenterwt.org

LUBBOCK PRIDE

LubbockPRIDE is an organization that hosts the annual LGBTQ+ pride festival in Lubbock, Texas. The festival brings together Lubbock and the surrounding communities for a day of fun, education, food, and fabulous performances! Web: www. lubbockpride.org

PFLAG MIDLAND-ODESSA

Serving the Permian Basin, PFLAG Midland-Odessa is the extended family of the LGBTQ community. We’re made up of LGBTQ individuals, family members and allies. Because together, we’re stronger. Web: www.facebook.com/PFLAGMIDESSA/

OUT IN WEST TEXAS

OIWT of the Permian Basin advocates for and empowers our gender diverse community through education and outreach to reduce social, legal, and physical and mental health barriers. Web: www.outinwesttexas.org

OUTWEST LUBBOCK

The premiere South Plains virtual community center for (LGBTQ) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people. Web: www.outwestlubbock.org

PERMIAN BASIN LGBTQ+

To enhance and sustain the health and well-being of LGBTQ persons and allies in the Permian Basin. Web: www.facebook.com/pblgbtq

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Health

& Fitness

Online fitness classes have become more and more popular over time.

There are many areas of fitness content to include such as workout videos, fitness courses, and one-on-one training sessions.

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Finance & Investing

People are constantly seeking ways to manage their money better.

You can help people manage their money wisely in ways like saving for retirement or making the right investments.

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People love to learn about quick and easy meals and diets.

Getting creative with this is the fun part as you can put own twist on popular dishes or share innovative recipes.

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Food Recipes Self Care

There are so many beneficial topics to create content on inlcuding routines, stress management, mindfulness, and journaling.

Now more than ever, people are tapped in to their mental wellness.