Movies and TV

“The Smurfs 2” explores the meaning of family

It's  been more than 50 years since Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford conceived of tiny blue creatures called Les Schtroumpfs, which we know nowadays as...

Family fun with The Phoenix Symphony

We often attended concerts performed by The Phoenix Symphony when our three kids were younger, and still marvel at the fact that Lizabeth managed to...

Life according to “Turbo”

At the heart of "Turbo," the latest film from DreamWorks Animation, is a snail named Theo (Ryan Reynolds). His favorite pastime is sipping energy drinks...

The Way, Way Back

I recently had the extreme pleasure of interviewing Jim Rash and Nat Faxon, who wrote, directed, produced and acted in the “The Way, Way...

“Despicable Me 2” a touching single father tale

The minions are still making mischief in "Despicable Me," but single father Gru has lost his will for wreaking havoc on the globe. Apparently...

Local libraries offer critters, comedy and crafts

Teens are learning to play guitar. Reluctant readers are sharing stories with therapy dogs. Families are enjoying game and comedy nights. It's all happening at Valley libraries,...

Misfits invade “Monsters University”

After the nerdy kids get invited by the cool kids to a party, they burst through the front door of a local frat house...

“Man of Steel” sacrifices story for special effects

Behind every Superman, there's a supermom. Sometimes two. The new film "Man of Steel" opens with the sound, then sight, of a woman giving...

Short film explores teen dilemma

Tucson actor Jon Proudstar has long been concerned about the way Native Americans are portrayed in the media. He even launched his own line...

“Epic” film explores father/daughter relationship

In the new film "Epic," a naturalist named Bomba (Jason Sudeikis) struggles to convince his daughter Mary Katherine (Amanda Seyfried) that he loves her...

New “Star Trek” explores inner space

It's easy to assume that "Star Trek" stories are all about exploring outer space. Since Gene Roddenberry's "Star Trek" television series premiered on NBC...

Summer savings at Valley movie theaters

It's getting hard to keep up with all the movies coming out these days, but you'll get a second chance to see some popular...

“Iron Man 3” filled with disturbing images

The expression "too soon," used by teens to infuse everyday mishaps with melodrama, feels like the perfect descriptor for most of the action sequences in...

Film explores “Admission” secrets

What's the secret to getting in? It's the question on every student's mind as Princeton admissions counselor Portia Nathan (Tina Fey) does her college...

Film explores prehistoric family life

Parents tried to keep kids safe. Teens longed for new freedoms. And the world was filled with wonders. Seems prehistoric families weren’t so different...

“Oz the Great and Powerful” has moments of charm

All that's great and powerful about the Disney film dubbed a prequel to the 1939 film classic "Wizard of Oz" is the opening sequence --...

PARTY ARTICLES

Money Lessons from Birthday Parties

Teaching Kids the Value of Gifts & Gratitude Between the cake, balloons, and wrapping paper tornado, birthday parties are often all about fun, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids early lessons...

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.

STAY CONNECTED

16,000FansLike
4,049FollowersFollow
3,150SubscribersSubscribe