La Estrella Bakery Recognized by Washington Post for Pan De Muerto

Tony Ray Baker
-
0
La Estrella Bakery Recognized by Washington Post for Pan De Muerto
La Estrella Bakery Recognized by Washington Post for Pan De Muerto
La Estrella Bakery Recognized by Washington Post for Pan De Muerto

Congratulations to local paneria La Estrella Bakery on their national coverage by the Washington Post! Their article covers the making and baking of pan de muerto, a staple offering for Tucson’s Dia de los Muertos. Day of the dead.

La Estrella Bakery has been a Tucson touchstone since they opened 35 years ago on Halloween. “We actually opened on Oct. 31, 1985, just in time for Día de los Muertos,” Erica Franco told the WP. And we are so glad they did! Estrella is one of the top bakeries in Tucson and we are not surprised they’ve made headlines nationally.

The Ofrenda

If you’re new to the area, firstly welcome, and don’t know what Dia de los Muertos is don’t worry. We’re here to give you the basics. This holiday is celebrated primarily in Mexico and Latin America, but here in Tucson is holds a special place in our hearts. Since 1990 Tucson celebrates with an All Souls Procession. 

This holiday honors the lives of loves we have lost. Outside of the spectacle of the procession many make altars to dead loved ones. The Ofrenda. Lots of things can go on an altar, photos, mementos, and candy as examples. But many choose the pan de muerto, for which La Estrella Bakery is famous for. 

The bread takes its sweet time rising (pun intended.) Then it’s pulled and stretched into loaves or mini cakes with strips of dough meant to resemble bones on top. Once it rises again it goes into the oven to bake. Once out the delicious pastries get a generous brushing of locally sourced honey and cinnamon. You can stop there or use the sticky glaze as glue for brightly colored sugar crystals. 

If you don’t want one by now go read the Washington Post article or enjoy a PDF of the article below! Then run down to La Estrella Bakery to find out for yourself what all the buzz is about. 

La Estrella Bakery

520-741-0656

5266 S. 12th Ave

 & 100 S. Avenida Del Convento

One of the Most Playable City for Kids

Tony Ray Baker
-
0
One of the Most Playable City for Kids
Kid Friendly city, Tucson AZ One of the Most Playful Cities

Tucson Designated a Kid Friendly City

Tucson is such a kid friendly city. So much that it was honored with the most playable city for the 10th year in a row by KaBOOM.  KaBOOM is a national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of kids.

Kaboom states that, “Children are missing out on the childhood they deserve. Play is disappearing at home, at school and in communities, particularly for the 16 million children living in poverty.”

Play is so important to the physical, emotional and mental development of children. Living in a place that emphasizes community and has a diverse offering of activities for children is a key component to raising a well-rounded healthy adult.

I can confidently say that the sense of community in Tucson is present, abundant and thriving. People love and support the community here. It is one of the many things that makes Tucson a special place to me.

Balanced and active play is crucial to the well-being of kids and the communities that they thrive in. By integrating play into cities, the leaders of Playful Cities USA are working to attract and retain the thousands of families that want homes in close proximity to safe places to play.”

There is an abundance of great places for kids to play in Tucson. There are museums, soccer fields, playgrounds, parks, gyms, classes and lots of outdoor activities. The list of kid friendly things to do and explore in Tucson is never-ending.

Have a great day,
Tony Ray
(520) 631-TONY (8669)
Free relocation package and Tucson fun info

Download KaBoom's Top Playful Cities USA

Best Big City for Art is Tucson

Tony Ray Baker
-
0
Best Big City for Art is Tucson
Tucson Murals - Tucson Voted The Best Big City for Art
Tucson Murals - Tucson Voted The Best Big City for Art

The Best Big City for Art is Tucson Arizona!

American Style Ranks Tucson #18 Best Big City for Art and we couldn’t agree more!

Tucson is Covered in Artwork!

Murals, murals everywhere! The Tucson Mural Arts Program was created to help diminish property damage and vandalizing in Downtown Tucson.

These murals have not only brightened the community streets, it has given many artists the opportunity to showcase their work and talent to the public.

The City of Tucson Mural Program has attracted many new artists seeking their big break, as well as turning prior graffiti taggers into graffiti artists. Also many struggling artists can now have the chance to get paid and to be recognized.

Tucson assigns artists to the wall owners, allowing communication and planning for the outdoor gallery. This has been a great way for Tucson to showcase its cultural diversity, which has caught the attention of national press and media.

While you walk the streets of Downtown Tucson sometimes it feels as if you are walking through an art museum. Downtown is the best place to see a lot of murals in a small area.

So get you camera or cell phone ready because mosaic, hand painted and kiln fired tile murals are abundant and easy to find.

If you’re an aspiring artist and want to apply to paint a wall mural, email TMAP@TucsonArtsBrigade.org.

Have a great day,
Tony Ray
(520) 631-TONY (8669)
Free relocation package and Tucson fun info

Download the PDF of American Style Top 25 Big Cities for Art
  • Goddess of Agave

Arizona is the Best State for Retirement

Tony Ray Baker
-
0
Arizona is the Best State for Retirement

Tucson has plenty of reasons for you to love it, the amazing Mexican food, the spectacular sunsets, and the low-key winters just to name a few. But did you know that being in Arizona puts us in one of the top 7 tax-friendly states? That’s great news for people looking to relocate and especially good for retirees on a fixed income. Here’s why Arizona is the best state for retirement.

Tucson For the Retired

We’ve assembled a list of tax-free items so you can see, at a glance, the biggest tax reasons Tucson, Arizona is the place to be and the best state for the retired.

Arizona is a Top 7 Tax-Friendly State
Arizona is a Top 7 Tax-Friendly State

Tax-free:

  1. Estate and inheritance 
  2. Groceries
  3. Military retirement income
  4. Prescription drugs
  5. Railroad retirement income
  6. Social-Security benefits

Tax-Breaks:

  1. Up to $2,500 of income from federal government, designated Arizona state government, and Arizona local government retirement plans is exempt.
  2. Senior residents could qualify for a property tax refund of $502.
  3. Seniors of 70 and older can qualify to defer their property taxes if they’ve lived in their home for 6 years and in Arizona for 10.
  4. For AZ state government, and AZ local government up to $2,500 in retirement plans are exempt.

Tax-Basics:

  1. Arizona has a 5.6% state levy
  2. Cities can add up to 5.6% but the states median is 8.4%
  3. Low end income tax is 2.5%, the high is 5.7%
  4. There is a 3.5% surtax on (taxable) income over $250,000 for single filers and $500,00 for joint filers.

Ok so technically all this information applies to the entire state of Arizona as a whole, however… We really believe that once you’ve looked around at what AZ has to offer you will find that Tucson is not only economically feasible but it’s also the warmest and welcoming city you will find on our stretch of the Sonoran Desert. When you’re done with the rest, come back to the best!

1...678Page 8 of 8