Books

There’s gold in Arizona history

Arizona writer Dean Smith has written 22 books, including a biography of Barry Goldwater. His most recent book Arizona Nuggets (Arizona Historic Press, 2009) is...

Old-school photographs still set the standard

Sometimes buying the latest gadget or "collectible" as a gift risks it falling out of favor as it is part of a passing fad....

Coloring the wacky facets of Arizona

Arizona Way Out West & Wacky (Five Star Publications, 2011) by Conrad Storad and Linda Exley, illustrated by Michael Hagelberg is a primer on...

Flagstaff author rocks on with “Only One You”

Flagstaff artist and writer Linda Kranz has published another book featuring Adri, the character from her previous book, Only One You (Rising Moon). Kranz devotees...

Handbook for teen self-esteem

A few years ago I reviewed the book My feet aren’t ugly (Beaufort Books) by Sedona author Debra Beck. It is a thorough handbook...

Back to school roller derby

Lace up your skates, moms. It's time to hit the aisles and go for the gold. If you're fast and tough, you might actually secure that Justice League lunch box and water bottle your kid's been pining for all year. Show no mercy. It's back to school time.

Who is your parenting guru? (part 2)

Following up on yesterday's post, the remaining five parenting experts recommended by Raising Arizona Kids e-newsletter subscribers: KEVIN LEHMAN Kevin Lehman, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned psychologist and New...

Who is your parenting guru? (part 1)

Two weeks ago I posed that question to the 15,000 readers who subscribe to our e-newsletter. It was wonderful to watch my in-box as...

Father’s Day and Finding My Way

My husband was suffering from allergies (or a cold, we weren't sure which) yesterday, so his Father's Day was spent quietly. We opted out...

Healing the kids nobody wants

Donald, a developmentally disabled teen from Alabama, rode a Greyhound bus to Phoenix on a one-way ticket. In his hand, he clutched a well-worn...

A celebration at Phoenix Children's Hospital

As we approached the table where pediatrician and newly minted author Randy Christensen, M.D. was autographing copies of his book, we joked about being...

Inspiration from an author's real-life fairy tale

My mom introduced me to Jean M. Auel's Earth's Children series of historical fiction. She and I both have enjoyed reading the first five...

Six word memoir

If you only had six words, who would you be? Can you hone a description of yourself to that fine a point? Without cliche? Without limiting all that you are?

Links to Arizona authors of literature for children and teens

Picture books Chris Gall chrisgall.com His artwork has been seen in almost every major publication in America, including Time, Newsweek, People, Fortune, The New York Times, and...

May the force be with(in) you

I am now going to officially eat crow, or my hat, or whatever it is that people eat in the name of contrition

School supply shopping is now a full-contact sport

But then I decided that her husband was probably a personal injury attorney and that she’d end up suing me for like 18 million dollars because I somehow managed to puncture her breast implant while attempting to kick her in the teeth. It just...wasn’t worth it.

PARTY ARTICLES

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

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