Arts

Chandler pianist Anna Han heads to NYC

I first wrote about Anna Han, of Chandler, in April 2009, before she performed with the Phoenix Symphony. At 13, she was already an...

It’s dance recital time!

It's been more than a decade since my daughter Jennifer leaped her way across the stage to the tune of "Dancing Queen" during a...

Youth perform “Thoroughly Modern Millie”

Today's modern girls wear Beats headphones and flip flops. But long-waisted dresses, felt hats and dangling pearls were all the rage during the early...

Dorothy returns to Oz in new film

L. Frank Baum's "The Wizard of Oz" has inspired all sorts of books, musicals and films, including "Legends of Oz: Dorothy Returns," based on the adventure books...

Family fun with fairy tales

In most families, there's at least one person with a special fondness for fairy tales. They've got plenty to choose from between movies and...

Fun ways to celebrate Mother’s Day

You've got less than a week to find that perfect Mother's Day gift or family outing, so we've put together some fun ideas for...

Showcase features student art

Families can enjoy a free arts experience this Wednesday, May 7 during an "Arts Education Showcase" at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The...

Mom-daughter entrepreneurs support arts in schools

Scottsdale mom and daughter Jen and Ariana Silver are working together to support arts education in Arizona and beyond. Ari, then just 8 years old,...

Phoenix photographer celebrates moms

After her mother’s death several years ago, Phoenix photographer Mara Blom Schantz was inspired to create a book that would honor not only her...

Mom-daughter artists raise cancer awareness

Scottsdale mom and art teacher Rachel Householder has been known to drive around town with a stack of torsos in the back of her...

ASU Gammage presents musical “Once”

The musical "Once" imagines the life of a Dublin street musician forever changed by an encounter with a young woman. "Guy" has decided to...

A new twist on “Schoolhouse Rock!”

I was reminded of a little something during a recent Childsplay performance of "Schoolhouse Rock Live!", which delivers a new twist on the animated...

Teen love takes center stage

Everyone knows how Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet" ends. But those who perform it find ways to add their own twist. Orlando Bloom made his first...

Behind the scenes with Ballet Etudes

Families who attend the Ballet Etudes production of "The Sleeping Beauty" at Chandler Center for the Arts this weekend will see beautiful costumes and...

Musical shares a father-son tale

Most people have heard of the musical "Wicked," but few are familiar with Disney's "My Son Pinocchio," which also features music and lyrics by...

LEGO® exhibit coming to Heard Museum

LEGO® bricks made their way from buckets to big screens this year as the building blocks created in Denmark in 1932 continue their influence on...

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.

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