The Phoenix Traveler

I’ve been sorting through hundreds of photos that I took while traveling throughout Arizona to research my book. I now have to pick 10 to send to my publisher for cover photo ideas. I’m mentally fatigued and could use your help in deciding which photo to recommend as the final pick. I have nine already in a file.
Of the three photos I’ve copied below, which would you think represents an Arizona backroads guidebook? Keep in mind that I’m writing about places you won’t see in Arizona, unless you get on some back roads to get there.
If you’ll help me pick …read more

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‘Tis the season to be jolly! Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la.
But, if too much shopping, too much chocolate (and other seasonal goodies), or too much trying to find the perfect decoration for your holiday dinner has run you ragged, I’ve got the perfect gift for you–a free pass for a week’s worth of classes from At One Yoga, which has studios in Phoenix and Scottsdale. The passes are for new students only.
Call it the antidote to stress, and I have two passes for it. I’m giving them away this week for two lucky people who think they need it the most.
But I need your …read more

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Holiday Cocktails
The Rim Lobby Lounge at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (north side of Greenway Parkway past 68th Street) is the place to go this winter if you want try what the mixologist (fancy name for bartender) has created for you. Ask for the new Organic Mexican Macciato, made with organic coffee and organic tequila, or the Caramel Apple-Tini pictured here. It’s made with applesauce (Really?), Bailey’s Caramel liquor and Smirnoff Apple Vodka–quite a twist on a classic treat. Make sure they dip your apple slice in caramel sauce, like they do for the picture.
Champagne and Ice Wine …read more

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Who knew tequila, bourbon and rum could ring in the holiday cheer. They will if you mix them with ingredients such as Eggnog, chocolate and hot apple cider, as does the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale at Troon North, 10600 E. Crescent Moon Dr. (Map it.)
Between now and January 1, 2009, get your “Seasons” Greetings by the glassful with these three holiday cocktail specials. At $16 each, they’re sure to warm you up as the weather cools down.
For those of you who won’t be in town or get to the resort in time, here are the recipes to try …read more

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Imagine your name on this brown piece of paper. It’s the ticket to statewide recreational fun. The Arizona State Parks Annual Pass costs just $50, and it’s good for the entire family–all year-long.
This holiday season, it could be the affordable gift that keeps on giving as it’s the economical way to travel and explore Arizona’s 27 state parks. Pictured above, the Standard Day-Use Entrance Pass is good for the family’s non-camping day-use and includes all the Parks except Colorado River Parks on weekends and holidays.
At Kartchner Caverns State Park, the pass is good for the entrance to …read more

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While he’s still in the news and on your mind, I thought I’d look up articles and information about John McCain, the Republican senator from Phoenix who just lost the presidential election to Barack Obama. I focused on finding information that might give you a bit more insight into our state. I came up with these. You’ll see there’s a running theme involved:
_Here’s one from HGTV.com. It’s a decorating Web site to which I contribute, so too bad I didn’t think to pitch this story about John and Cindy McCain’s cabin near Sedona. It’s actually in Cornville–also part of the …read more

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I’m back, after a brief hiatus, with news that despite the promise of a new presidency, we are still in recession…and it might not let up for a while. But don’t let that keep you from enjoying the good things life still has to offer, even the luxury things.
The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort’s Aji Spa near Chandler, just south of Phoenix and 11 miles from Sky Harbor airport, has created a special offer just for this occasion.
Called the Recessionista Spa Package, it combines a full day of treatments at a half-day price. Included in the $199 package: a …read more

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If you’re thinking of taking a New England vacation along the coast, here are a few overall recommendations stemming from my recent trip:
_Sign up for the signature facial at the Cliff House in Ogunquit–a resort and spa located on Maine’s south coast, atop Bald Head Cliff. This unique restorative facial incorporates products from both land and sea. It includes a seashell massage, a seaweed cleansing, and a blueberry mask. Blueberries grow wild in Maine and are a staple in various products, including skin care, pancakes and ice cream. I definitely tried the blueberry-spiked facial and thought it was sea-sational. Plus, …read more

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From Boston, Mass., to Bucksport, Maine. That was the destination of choice last week when I left Phoenix with my boyfriend for a cooler climate back East. With 100 degree temperatures still the norm where we live, it was the perfect time to leave the  desert. With the fall colors moving in, it was the perfect time to visit Coastal New England.
It rained while we were there. It was definitely cooler. I even had to don gloves and a scarf one night. And nothing could be better than the smell of chimney smoke. For me, that’s the first …read more

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Deirdre Pain, from Malees Thai Bistro Desert Ridge (Tatum Blvd & Hwy 101) sends out a regular e-mail newsletter to her special customers (How did I get to be so lucky!). I particularly liked an offer that came in this week, directed especially to the wives or significant others of what Deirdre calls the “dazed look of most men as they are absorbed in Monday Night Football”: 
Malees at Desert Ridge will pamper these ladies with a special MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL WIDOW’S EVENT. In the weeks ahead, this event will include some or all of the following:

Psychic readings
Jewelry
$4 Cosmos, Appletinis, …read more

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