Holidays

Plan a kid-friendly cookie exchange

'Tis the season for baking cookies! If you don’t already have a cookie exchange on your calendar, now is the time to consider hosting...

Making memories with homemade holiday gifts

Although our three children are all in their 20s now, we often run into former teachers who tell us how much they're still enjoying...

Hanukkah latkes are good for Thanksgiving, too

Hanukkah comes early this year, with the first night falling on Wednesday, Nov. 27 – Thanksgiving Eve. We heard from one Jewish family that is...

Soups for the season

As our daytime high temperatures dip into the mid-70s, we central Arizonans are able to get excited about a light sweater in the mornings...

Holiday cards for good causes

If sending holiday cards is starting to feel like a chore, consider making the experience more meaningful by choosing cards that support causes your family...

Fun finds at local museum stores

They don't have catchy jingles or fancy advertisements for luring holiday shoppers, but local museum stores are filled with unique, affordable gifts. Unless you've...

Fall festivals make holiday shopping fun

There's precious little time left for holiday shopping when you really think about it, but several fall festivals are making it easy for Valley...

Talking turkey: A review of “Free Birds”

Why does the stuffed bird sing? You won't find answers to questions quite this profound in the new "Free Birds" film, but that doesn't...

Making memories with “make & take” art

We've marked and celebrated all sorts of moments at local studios offering "make and take" arts experiences from painting pottery to creating works on...

Six safety cautions for Halloween

As you get your little ghosts and goblins ready for a great night out trick-or-treating this Halloween, be sure you take steps to prevent...

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...

Gifts for Mothers Day

Indulge Mom's creative interests, give her some time to relax and help her remember who she is beyond her definition as mother. Here are...

Irish sounds are smiling

Plenty of families are happy to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with all things green -- from cupcakes to clothing. For some, it's merely a...

Three Claras share “The Nutcracker” experience

As Ballet Arizona performs "The Nutcracker" just three more times this season, a trio of young Valley dancers are preparing to perform the role...

“Rise of the Guardians” a timely reminder

Were our three children still tiny, holiday gifts at our house would include "The Guardians" by William Joyce, a trio of books recounting the adventures of...

25 DVDs for family film time

As friends and family gather this time of year, there's something to be said for the simple joys of watching films together. Movies are...

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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