BE Bullet Points Writer M.D. Thalmann takes a look inward.   Now that everyone's getting settled comfortably into 2016, it's a fair guess to say that people have also crept back into their habits from last year, regardless of any resolutions they might’ve made. I heard a message recently that stuck with me, and I'm going to share it with you: Instead of resolving to do something, it's better to resolve ...

12 Home Essentials Fabulous homey must-haves for families. By Nadine Bubeck Home is where the heart is. It’s also where toys are scattered, laundry’s piled, and dust seems to linger. As a mom of two under 2, I favor pretty, practical, and posh décor items and essentials for my house, so I’ve scoured to find fabulous homey must-haves. Dynamic Frames These frame sets act as cabinets, opening from the front, a ...

By Julie Carlson THE ROYAL WE By Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan make their adult fiction debut with the delightfully charming The Royal We. The two authors are also well known for their super popular fashion blog, Go Fug Yourself. Fans of the British monarchy and British aristocracy will get a kick out the friendship and romance between Rebecca Porter and Prince Nicholas, ...

Aileen Frick  Valley artist dazzles viewers with mixed media collages.   Phoenix-based collage artist Aileen Frick is creating visually dazzling imagery inspired by her life in Arizona. She skillfully handles her mediums with detail, expertly blurring the lines of her mixed media pieces. “I am interested in the way collage can be integrated into paintings so that one is not conscious of the boundary be ...

The Lexus RX 350 F Sport is a luxurious option for Scottsdale soccer moms By Kristin Caliendo As a parent, you know the most important thing about driving kids around town is getting them where they need to be in a safe and reliable car. According to car enthusiasts and even the most discerning car owners, the Lexus brand speaks uncompromised luxury and has made great strides in the high-performance categor ...

Acura RDX Whiz-bang technology aside, the 2016 RDX is a very straight-forward vehicle to pilot, says auto writer Greg Rubenstein. Redesigned for 2016, the third-generation Acura RDX is a five-seat compact luxury SUV with loaded with luxury and high-tech features. Available exclusively with a 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 279 horsepower and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the RDX comes in either ...

The Irish in Arizona State historian Marshall Trimble on the indelible mark the Irish made on the history of the West. There’s an old saying, “He had the luck of the Irish,” referring to a person who struck it rich in the mining camps of the West. For a few Irish immigrants that was true. Others made it through pure hard work and honest determination. Take Nellie Cashman for example. She was a real-life dim ...

Every Kid’s Dentist Dr. Lisa Bienstock turns a visit to the dental chair into a positive experience for children. By Kristin Caliendo North Valley pediatric dentist Lisa Bienstock, DMD, is the sort of doctor that most adults wished had been around when they were kids. With a kind, caring, and compassionate manner, Dr. Bienstock instantly puts not only her young patients at ease, but their parents too. An Ar ...

Native Trails Educational series brings attention to Native American culture, creativity, and history. By Julie Carlson Do you know where the Grand Canyon is located? In a recent survey by Intrepid Travel, a small adventure company with destinations across the globe, 57 percent of the survey respondents had no idea that the Grand Canyon is in Arizona. Not only is the Grand Canyon a breathtaking landmark and ...

Total Body Strength Get your heart pumping with this energizing workout. By Kim Miller and Shannon Dougherty Photos by Stephanie Heymann Photography If you’re short on time and want to target a variety of areas on your body, this workout will do the trick. It incorporates strength training alongside exercises that will get your heart pumping. Complete the following circuit for three to four rounds. If desir ...

Girl (Scout) Power Local chefs support area troops in sweetest way possible By Alison Bailin Batz Did you know that the Girl Scout cookie program is the largest girl-led business in the world, and it’s focused far beyond simply ensuring you get your annual Thin Mint fix? In fact, the goal of this Girl Scout rite of passage is actually to teach girls the critical entrepreneurial skills of goal setting, decis ...

Funny Man Rick Bronson is redefining stand-up at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy at High Street. By Sondra Barr For Canadian funny man Rick Bronson, owner of Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy, keeping audiences entertained is the name of the game. His live-entertainment venue in the charming High Street shopping center in Phoenix recently celebrated its year anniversary and by all accounts the laughter keeps fl ...

Leap Year Dr. Sky treats you to a ringside seat to the wonders of the bissextile year’s skies. After a mild winter, we move on to the warmth of February and March and welcome you to some great skies for early 2016. Many of our winter visitors know that this is one of the best times of the year to get outside and experience the wonders of our Arizona night skies. If you live in the Valley, you already have a ...

Ask Dirk A North Valley guy’s perspective on matters of the heart and home.   Dirk, Blessing be upon you M.D., I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to ponder your thoughts on asking my lady to take my hand on Valentine's evening. My plan is to ask her to take me, to have and hold, between dinner and dessert, and have the server deliver the tiramisu with an engagement ring in the top layer of ...

Three-Card Monte Beware of jewelry deals that are too good to be true. By Scott Bohall For those who don't know three-card Monte, it’s the game you see on the streets of New York where the object is to watch a dealer arrange three playing cards back and forth until you are confused enough to select the wrong card. The problem is that the queen you are supposed to find is actually not any of the three cards. ...