To get in the holiday spirit,  visit historic Glendale, Arizona during the Glendale Glitters event.

Beautiful works of art in the Scottsdale Art District.

Enjoy live music and great food while doing good for the community at Birt's Bistro in the West Valley of Phoenix. 

Spring has finally sprung and it is time to think about finding the ideal sunny weather destinations. If you are looking to thaw out from a cold winter, seeking out some sunshine and flowers, or planning your future summer travels, this is the time to Think Spring. You can find the desert in bloom in Southern Arizona right now and this is a good time to visit the uncrowded beaches of Florida. The Caribbean is a good place for sun seekers this time of year and it is an ideal time to visit the Hawaiian Islands. Wherever you travel in the coming months I hope you will find it to be a time of renewal that lifts your spirits and refreshes you in both mind and body. 

As another year comes to a close today, I am making my recommendations for the best destinations of the year. Below are five of my favorite destinations that I visited in 2012. 

My Top 5 Destinations for 2012: 

1.   Savannah, Georgia
2.   New York City, New York
3.   Las Vegas, Nevada
4.   Carefree, Arizona
5.   Monument Valley

Please read about each of these destinations here at The Ideal Trip. 

I hope your year has been filled with wonderful travels and that 2013 will bring more happy adventures!!

Teddy Bears Care with Teddy Bear Tea
The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix donates teddy bears to Homeward Bound

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – November 1, 2012 – The holiday season will soon be upon us and with it brings the traditions of the seasons; one of those major traditions is giving to others. This year The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix is asking those who attend their annual Teddy Bear Tea to donate a bear to Homeward Bound’s Teddy Bears Care program.

As Teddy Bear Tea continues to be a memorable experience for many families, The Ritz-Carlton wants to spread joy even further with these donations. The donated teddy bears will be given to children who are transitioning into the Homeward Bound Program after leaving many of their belongings behind when fleeing domestic violence or rescued from homelessness. For many children the teddy bear will be the first stuffed animal of their very own to love.

Enjoy Teddy Bear Tea in Lobby Lounge every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 24 to December 13 with seating at noon and 3 pm. Throughout the afternoon guests will enjoy carols, a visit from Ted E. Bear and story time with Jeffrey. Children will be able to select a teddy bear of their choice from The Ritz-Carlton Teddy Bear Collection to take home with them.

Over the last few years children who have selected a bear from The Ritz-Carlton Collection, turn around and donate it to Homeward Bound’s Teddy Bears Care program. It is a sweet sentiment to see children learning how to giveback in their community at a young age. Teddy Bear Tea is priced at $38 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity).

If you would like to donate a bear for Homeward Bound’s Teddy Bears Care program guests can bring it with them to any Teddy Bear Tea service or drop it off at the front desk. For more information or to make your reservation call  (602) 468-0700 or visit RitzCarlton.com/Phoenix.

Brutally honest blogs from a brutally honest reviewer.

Restaurant Reviews: Sedona, Arizona 

Indian-- 
India Palace on 89A. The food was good, service was good, and the setting is fun.  I would say good all-around and worth going.

Thai--
Thai Spices on 89A, in the bright building. Don’t let the location or atmosphere scare you. The food was good; price and service were also good. Worth a try for you.

American-- 
Mesa Grill, located up at the airport. It has a good atmosphere and the food is OK, not great. If you like to watch the planes while you eat, then it is fun. Atmosphere is good.  Food is good.  Location is great. There is a popular overlook of the city near there, as well. 

Mexican-- 
El Rincon in Tlaquepaque Village. The location is great. The site is a bit touristy but worth the visit, especially if you are showing guests around. Food is excellent, prices are good, and the atmosphere is good. Go check it out.