August 2024

 

August Moon

The End of Dog Days and the Beginning of Cat Nights

We hope you are enjoying your last bit of summer and finding some time to enjoy the beautiful weather! We have been keeping quite busy at the Domingo household and are excited to announce that Lexie will be coming home at the end of the month. I have a trip planned to go visit her and enjoy one last time together in New York City, then my parents are going to fly out, pack her up, and drive cross country all the way back to the west coast. We are super excited to see what her next chapter brings. As we head back into the school year, we hope you all had a great summer and wish you a happy and healthy start to the next season.

 

 

Protein Packed Snacks for Lunch –

Getting enough protein in can be tough. Here are some of my favorite go to items I have on hand for a protein-packed snack on the go. These are great options to pack for your kids lunches as we approach the new school year.

1.     Greek yogurt + granola + fruit

2.     Beef jerky + apple

3.     Meat + cheese

4.     Cottage cheese + lemon pepper + tomato

5.     Aloha Protein Bar

6.     Fairlife Protein Shake

 

 

Nursing Tip: The Importance of Staying Hydrated

As summer heat draws Angelenos to local beaches and parks, staying hydrated is crucial. Sarah Adler, a performance dietitian with UCLA Health, emphasizes that since about 60% of our body is water, replenishing losses due to sweating is essential. Proper hydration regulates body temperature, supports brain function and mood, and keeps joints and digestion in check.

While the common guideline is to drink eight glasses (64 ounces) of water daily, needs vary based on factors like heat, humidity, and activity level. Adler recommends consuming ½ to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily, with those active in hot weather needing up to 1 ounce per pound. Thirst is not always a reliable indicator of hydration; urine color is a better gauge. Clear or light yellow urine suggests good hydration, while darker colors indicate a need for more fluids.

Hydration can also come from water-rich foods like watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries. Though juices and popsicles can help, they should be consumed in moderation due to high sugar content. Fizzy water is as hydrating as flat water, and coffee counts towards fluid intake but should be accompanied by water to avoid dehydration and aid digestion. Alcoholic beverages, however, can dehydrate, so it’s important to drink water alongside them.

Overhydration, although rare, can occur if excessive water is consumed without adequate electrolytes, leading to symptoms like confusion and nausea.

 

https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/how-to-stay-hydrated-in-the-summer-heat

 

 

Workout of the Month –

A great finisher to get a cardio burst in after a heavy workout or for a quick burner if you are short on time. Complete both exercises in one minute, if you have time left over that is your rest before going into the following minute. You will complete 10 total rounds for a total of 10 minutes.

EMOM – Every minute on the minute

10 minute timer:

Exercise 1 – 10 Alternating DB snatches

Exercise 2 – 8 burpees

 

 

Restaurant of the Month – Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

 

Nothing better than ice cream on a hot summer day. Handel’s is located in the heart of the village and during the summertime you can expect a line. They have tons of flavors to choose from and have finally allowed you to sample anyone you’d like. They offer other options besides just your classic scoop such as malts and shakes, dipped cones, and even my favorite chocolate-covered bananas!

Handel's Ice Cream

 

 

 

Your Next Dessert: Snickers Date Bark

Ingredients:

-              Pitted dates

-              Dark chocolate

-              Almond butter

-              Sea salt

-              Nuts

How to:

-              Line baking sheet/pan with parchment paper

-              Cut dates in half and flatten on the baking sheet

-              Spread ½ cup of almond butter evenly

-              Melt chocolate and spread on top of almond butter

-              Sprinkle sea salt and chopped almonds or peanuts

-              Freeze for at least 1 hour

 

July 2024

Summer Time Summer Time, Sum Sum Summer Time

Summer is in full swing and it has been a busy one for sure. Celebrating Father's Day with the surprise visit from Lexie, a couple of family weddings, honoring and celebrating our Mama Fili and her birthday on the 4th of July, and celebrating Addison's big 30th birthday this month. We hope you are staying safe and having a wonderful start to your summer. Remember to wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and take all fire safety precautions needed during this warm season. 

Restaurant Review - HomeState Oceanside, CA 

Menu: HomeState 

Any kind of taco you can think of, HomeState has it! I am a big fan of the breakfast tacos that are served all day long. All breakfast tacos are named after the origin of HomeState, Texas rivers. This Texas kitchen, located in southern California is known for its food and hospitality. Originally from Austin, Texas, HomeState has made it all the way to Oceanside, CA. Perfect place to grab some tacos to go and head to the beach for the day or to come and enjoy the outdoor atmosphere with a margarita or two. 

Workout of the Month - 

Grab a partner for this one! You go, I go style. As one person is working, the other gets to rest. Complete a total of 8 rounds, or 4 each. 

-20 squats 

-15 push ups 

-10 sit ups 

-5 burpees 

Each round consists of all 4 exercises. When partner A is working partner B is resting. Complete all 4 exercises then switch. 

You and your partner try to get it done as fast a possible! If you do not have a partner, you can always work solo and rest for 1 minute between rounds completing 4 total. 

Summer Sunscreen - 

2024 Sunscreen Ratings

So many sunscreens on the market... how do you know which is the best for your skin? What has the best protection? How often should I reapply? 

It all depends on your skin type! Here are a list of some of the top recommendations for sunscreen depending on your skin type that will not break the bank and you can apply all summer long! 

Dermatologists suggest a minimum SPF of 30 when looking for sunscreen. Aside from the “sunscreen” and “sunblock” label, you can tell what type of protection you're getting by taking a peek at the ingredients label. If you see the ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, you're dealing with a physical sunblock. Derms say mineral blocks tend to be less irritating for sensitive skin. They also work immediately and don't require any downtime before you can go in the sun (chemical sunscreens, meanwhile, take about 20 or 30 minutes to start working properly). Physical blockers also tend to be thicker and more difficult to rub in. Chemical formulas have a history of being more user-friendly since they're the easiest formula to apply and leave less of a white cast.

Make sure you are constantly reapplying sunscreen, even waterproof sunscreen only lasts about 80 minutes! 

Best FACE sunscreen! 

Best BODY sunscreen! 

New & popular! 

Best DRUGSTORE find! 

4th of July Fun - 

Whether you are hosting the next 4th of July party, or attending one, these recipes will be the talk of the party!  It will be 31 years on the 4th that my mom and dad met.  They have been together ever since.  We love to celebrate the Independence of our Nation and the day that they met all in one. 

Ingredients: For the Cake 

• 2 cups (380g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (118 ml) vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup (118 ml) sour cream
• 2 ½ cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons (11.2 g) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
• 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) milk (I use nonfat)
• Gel colors- super red & royal blue

For the frosting

• 2 ½ cups (576g) unsalted butter, cold
• 8 cups (1041g) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons (30-44ml) heavy whipping cream (or milk)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions for the cake: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare three 8-inch round baking pans line the bottom with parchment paper and grease the sides. Prepare with bake even strips if desired.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the eggs and oil are well incorporated about 2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed. Next mix in the sour cream and beat until well combined.
3. Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Alternate adding half the dry ingredients, and half the milk at a time, mixing on low speed until all of the ingredients are well combined, repeat until all ingredients are added. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensure it’s well mixed.
4. To dye the cake batter, divide it into thirds about 1 2/3 cups per color. Leaving one bowl undyed for the white cake, and then color each of the other bowls red and blue. Add as much gel as you’d like to achieve the desired color and ensure it’s thoroughly mixed.
5. Add the batter to the prepared pans. Bake at 350°F for approximately 20-23 minutes. Rotate your pans in the oven halfway through baking (after about 10 minutes). Test the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, you cake is done. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

For the frosting:

1. Cut butter into pieces. Using the paddle attachment, whip the butter for 5-7 minutes, scraping down the bowl occasionally. Beat until the butter looks light in color.
2. Alternate adding 2 cups of powdered sugar at a time with the liquid ingredients: vanilla extract & heavy cream. Ensure the powdered sugar is well combined, then and whip for 1-2 minutes before adding more powdered sugar. Repeat until all ingredients are added.
3. Once all the powdered sugar has been added, increase speed to medium-high and beat for another 3-5 minutes to whip additional air into the frosting.

Ingredients for salad: 

• 2 cups blueberries
• 4 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons oil
• salt and pepper
• sliced mozzarella cheese

Instructions for salad:

1. Wash blueberries and cherry tomatoes and drain.
2. Half cherry tomatoes and add to medium sized serving bowl. Add the blueberries, set aside.
3. Tear fresh basil over-top and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic. Mix gently to combine.
4. Slice mozzarella cheese into ¼ or ½” slices if not pre-sliced. Cut into small stars with a small star shaped cookie cutter.
5. Top the salad with the star cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

A Note from the Agency Owner

Please remember that insurance fraud is a felony.  Because of the inconsistent and incorrect data from clients, prospects and policy holders, the insurance industry can not correctly rate insureds that drive more mileage than those who don't.  More miles on the car is an indicator of more miles exposed to accidents on the road.  Please make certain to comply with any request from my team to properly rate your auto insurance premiums.  This will stabilize rates and in the future give customers their true rate for the exposure they drive.  

Fraud Alert: One-fifth of Auto Insurance Customers Lie, Article from P & C Specialist

About one-fifth of consumers think it's okay to lie about how many miles they drive per year, to secure lower auto premiums, a new survey has found.

That's more people than think it's okay to lie about activities that would impact life or health insurance premiums, like smoking, and it shows that the P&C industry has a ways to go to convince consumers to be honest when applying for auto insurance.

About 21% of respondents to a survey by personal finance site Nerdwallet admitted they had "intentionally provided incorrect information" — or lied — on an insurance application. Broken down by age, that figure is even higher for consumers aged 18 to 27; 42% of them said they have lied. The percentage declines as respondents get older; just 6% of baby boomers in the survey — people aged 60 to 78 — admit to lying on an insurance application.

It's OK to lie?

For auto insurance in particular, 19% of respondents said it's okay to lie about mileage to get lower rates. By gender, 23% of men feel this way while just 15% of women do, the NerdWallet report said.

As Always, thank for listening and reading.  

Kindly, Glenn & Amanda Domingo, your agency for LIFE

May 2024

 

Memorial Day –

 

 

It is not just a day for hot dogs, barbecuing, and an extra day off, but a day to remember all the individuals who left this world too soon fighting for our freedom. We remember you and the sacrifice of each person and each and every one of their families who mourn them each and every day. We appreciate and want to thank everyone who has served, is currently serving, or has the ambition to serve our country. We thank you and your families and we continuously pray for peace and protection. Freedom is not free and we have the brave individuals who sacrifice their lives for us to thank and forever be in debt to.

 

Workout of the Month –

 

 

Option #1: The Murph

In honor of Memorial Day this month, The Murph is an option for our workout of the month. In honor and named after one brave solider.

1 mile run/jog/walk

100 pull ups

200 push ups

300 air squats

1 mile run/jog/walk

Feel free to break up the reps however you choose or go for the challenge and completely unpartitioned!

 

Option #2: AMRAP for 20 minutes

14 – Goblet squats

12 – DB Thrusters

10 – Push-ups

8 – Burpees

Continue to complete the same exercises and repetitions as many as you can get in for 20 minutes. The goal is to complete as many rounds as you can before the 20 minute timer goes off. Try this once a week and see if each week you can add in one more round!

 

Mild – 20 lb dumbbell

Medium – 25 lb dumbbell

SPICY – 30 lb dumbbell

 

 

Celebrating Mom’s Birthday –

One year wiser! We celebrated my mom’s birthday this month and just want to give her a shout-out for everything she does. She really does keep the business together and is one of the most hard-working people I know. We hope you enjoyed your birthday month, and love celebrating you!

 

 

 

Mother’s Day –

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mom’s we are fortunate to celebrate this month. We will never be able to express our gratitude for everything you do in this world. Being a mom seems like the hardest job in the world and they all handle it with such grace. We hope you enjoyed celebrating with your mother’s and we are grateful for all the love and wisdom all you momma’s pour into this world each day.