Holidays

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...

Safe haven, safe baby

It’s not easy to think about, let alone understand. Why would an expectant mother hide her pregnancy, labor in secret and then abandon her...

CityScape ice rink offers outdoor skating

After opening presents and eating a fine Christmas meal, some holiday outdoor activity is needed. Unfortunately, Tempe Town Lake will never freeze over for...

The gift of memories

I've always been a saver -- maybe because we moved a lot when I was growing up. There's a giant red double door on...

Tis the season for holiday lights

Tis the season to see colorful holiday lights! The photos here were taken on E. Sierra St. and 28th street, in Phoenix. Lots of...

Snow Day at Desert Ridge was a pile of fun

Though it was a warm sunny day, the giant mound of snow in the Desert Ridge Marketplace parking lot gave families a reason to...

Christmas Angels spread holiday joy

Almost three decades ago, Santa acquired some new helpers for his annual sleigh ride across Arizona. Marlene Klotz-Collins was one of them. In 1986, she was...

Family reading time creates special memories

After our youngest daughter Lizabeth traveled back from Brooklyn for Thanksgiving, our first outing was to a bookstore we've long frequented together as a...

Tips for treating the hostess

Whether you’re off to a friend’s house for Thanksgiving or have holiday parties coming up, there is always a need for a hostess gift...

Healthy tips for the holidays

With the holidays come lots of desserts, parties, big dinners and other temptations. The average American gains about five pounds between the Thanksgiving and...

Create an attitude of gratitude with upcycled crafts

With Christmas decorations taking over stores, catalogs clogging our mailboxes and wish lists being drafted, it’s easy to rush through Thanksgiving without pausing to...

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...

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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