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Social media schizophrenia

Intentionally or not, I've blurred the lines I'd hoped to draw in my social media presence. There is no logical way to keep the personal and professional sides of my life separate.

A fitting tribute to women

I was in the neighborhood Hallmark store looking for a birthday card when I stumbled upon one of those refrigerator magnets designed to amuse...

Making something on the Internet disappear

Here's an interesting twist on the warning that "once it's on the Internet, it's there forever." That's something parents typically tell high school or college...

Treasure hunt tradition

I was trying to think when this tradition started, and I couldn't remember. Then I thought about the other traditions that my family shares,...

An unexpectedly nostalgic afternoon

I've been waiting for the perfect moment to share this picture. It was taken sometime in the middle of the night as an Ethiopian...

Being prepared for anything

Laurie Ackerman of Gilbert says she'd "do anything" for Cardon Children's Medical Center. I'm not sure this was what she had in mind. Laurie agreed...

How do I love thee? 14 ways to show a child of any age

The American Academy of Pediatrics shares the following tips for parents on how to show love for children – babies to teens and beyond -- every single precious day.

In heartfelt company

I spent Saturday morning in a room full of broken hearts. Some were beating a lot faster than they should have been. Some were...

Pet peeves about press releases – #3

A good friend of mine works in public relations. I love her approach. She takes time to learn about her client's business. She works...

Pet peeves about press releases – #2

When you are writing a press release, watch your words. They can do just as much to harm your case as they can to...

Just the reminder I needed

Tonight our March issue went to press. Art Director Michelle-Renee Adams and I left the office at 6:30pm, shaking our heads in wonder at...

An affaire with chocolate

It's a common statement most evenings in my home. One of us (usually Mylan or me) will say "I need chocolate!" and the other...

Is print dead? Not according to the next generation of journalists

We've had a steady stream of bright high school and college students interning at our office over the years. It is heartening to get to...

When it's not possible (or right) to be nice

Sometimes I hate my job. Usually it's when I have to tell someone their story is not good enough or their effort is sub-par...

CT scan, MRI, radiation exposure- how to know what to know

How much is too much, and how do hospitals and imaging centers protect young patients who need radiology testing?

How to sell a book: Step 1? Be famous.

In late January I signed up to take a Writer's Digest webinar called "3 Secrets to Selling Your Nonfiction Book." A few days after...

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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