October 2018

October Blog
Fall Fever

Happy October friends and family! We are excited to welcome in the fall season and the cooler weather.  I am writing to you all from Brooklyn, New York.  Although I am no longer in California, I am learning and developing life and business skills and I'm here online to share some October news with you.  

Farmers News

As a lot of you know, our agency is very involved with the local middle and high schools in Carlsbad, CA.  At the start of the school year, we began planting and harvesting from our garden project with the Calavera Hills Coyotes.  A while back we donated some supplies and helped build a small community garden with Mr. Bob Burns's 2nd graders.  Since my move, my mom and dad have been taking care of our Calavera Hills School visits and photos.  Seeing them makes me really appreciate them, and our small community in Carlsbad. Here are some pictures of the most recent visit with the elementary Coyote's.

Recipe of the Month

Here in Brooklyn, the temperatures have finally dropped and I'm experiencing my first fall. I know back in California it's probably sunny and warm... but this fall drink is good for you no matter where you live.

Golden Milk Elixir:  There are several versions of this drink, and it's been all the hype for a couple years now.  I swear by it.  The ingredients create a warming drink that looks gold and shiny.  You can sip it throughout the day or have it as a night time treat.  Because it's homemade, you can really add or subtract whatever ingredients you want!  Here is my go-to golden guy...

• 1 -2 cups non-dairy milk (I use unsweetened almond or make my own hemp milk) 
• 1 - 2 tsp. turmeric 
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger ( or thinly sliced fresh ginger)
• stevia to taste, or maple syrup (for sweetness) 
• cinnamon to taste 
• Just heat all these up in a small saucepan and stir often.  You can add in coconut butter or oil to make it super rich and creamy, or collagen to get that latte feel. This is such a great dessert drink when you add in the natural sweeteners! 

Fitness News 

The youngest Domingo has been working hard to get back on the field for her senior year of softball.  Although there are still challenges ahead, we couldn't be more proud of her tenacious spirit.  Amanda continues to excel in her field of exercise science.  She took on an internship with Verizon Wireless' corporate office as a personal trainer intern this semester.  She's leading private sessions with the employees and group classes like spin, yoga, and HIIT.  Her favorite health tips for the change of seasons are...

• stay hydrated!
listen to your body: if you are feeling under the weather, do not push yourself, it's your body saying I need a break 
• Meal prep! The last thing we want to do when we're tired from a long day is cook a meal and do all the dishes too. Plan ahead and be prepared. One pot meals are great for cold weather too!
• Walk.  If you sit during the day, take a walk break. 5 minutes is better 0.

Kora Fitness

I recently became apart of the Kora Fitness team.  Kora Fitness is an athletic clothing brand that has a mission that goes far beyond the gym.  With every purchase, a portion of the proceeds is donated to one of four charities.  As you check out, you are personally able to select which charity to give to! This brand is giving back in several ways and I am excited to be a part of it.  With my discount code, alexandra15 , you can be apart of the movement too (you save 15%!!!).  Click this link to shop. Get yourself some new gym wear, and give back to those in need while you're at it.  They just released their seamless collection this month and it is amazing!  Guys stuff too.  Give it a try and let me know what you think.  Thank you, xoxo Lexie

Family Fun and Commitment of Love 

This year was Randy and Beverly Fruechting's, aka, Mama' and Pop Pop, 50th Wedding Anniversary.  The family celebrated the momentous occasion with a nostalgic gondola ride in Belmont Shores and dinner afterwards on 2nd St. Although they have been together much, much longer than that, 50 years of marriage quite a testament to their love and commitment to each other and have been a wonderful example in our marriages.  Here's to many more!

Remember that marriage and life are marathons, there will be hills, peaks and valleys.  Just know that you climb and go longer and farther together.

Restaurant Review 

National Thai - located in Brooklyn, NY on Fulton Street

National is a small, cash only thai eatery.  It's tucked away, so hidden you might miss it if you're walking on the busy Brooklyn streets.  This place is a gem! They have the best red curry sauce and such a fresh thai salad your mouth will water.  The ambiance is nice and very relaxing, it's a calm place for being in such a crazy city.  My all-time favorite food is curry, so of course, my all-time favorite dish from National is their red curry.  I always ask for extra veggies and no rice with my dish, and they don't charge extra. Their specials change all the time, so there is something new to experience almost every time I go.  If you are ever in the neighborhood or are visiting me or sissy- we'll take you here! You truly can't go wrong.

Ample Hills Creamery- located in Brooklyn, NY (many locations)

An ice creamery that will take your breath away.  Ample Hills was founded in the spring of 2011 by Jackie Cuscuna and Brian Smith.  Ever since the opening, they have been selling out of flavors daily.  Each flavor has something different and dreamy to offer. They have vegan options too! My favorite flavor is the Vegan Chocolate, but Gowanus takes a close second.  You can get sundaes, scoops, pints, the choices are endless.  Your stomach will hate and love you all at the same time.  You can even order online if you're a mega foodie with a strong sweet tooth. Some flavors are seasonal, and all are fan favorites.  Next time you're in Brooklyn stop by the Ample Hill on Nevins Street. Roof top ice cream bar that never disappointing, 

5 most Expensive Cities in the World & City Traffic 

Carlsbad has it's pricey places. The nice restaurants, entertainment, alkaline water... it all adds up.  And rent is not cheap nearly anywhere these days.  After moving to New York I miss those pricey Carlsbad places. I miss the simplicity of life Carlsbad lives by.  New York is expensive, it's no secret.  But after reading this article, I found out the 5 most expensive cities to visit in the world.  Take a look!

Along with the most expensive places to visit, I also wanted to see which cities had the worst traffic.  I sat in a car for three hours on Monday in order to travel 70 miles from upstate New York to Brooklyn.  LA traffic is unbearable, but the New York State commute is honestly horrendous.  I can not believe so many people do it every day.  Thank God for public transportation (I can't believe I just said that..ew!) Check out the cities with the worst traffic here.

Thanks again for reading and listening.  A few clicks here and few clicks there will get you the information and its worth it.  Talk soon friends and family.  Love and Peace, Alexandra.

A Note from Agency Owner, Glenn P Domingo, LUTCF CSP

Happy Halloween friends and family.  I just turned 51 on September 9th, 2018 and boy do I feel good.  My friends at AARP are all over me with advertising and a membership.  Anyway, they do have good stuff.  Below is information from their blog on the Social Security Changes coming in 2019.  I hope you find this information helpful.  Wishing all a wonderful fall and winter season and can't wait to get together for a Farmers Friendly Review.  We at Domingo & Associates, FARMERS, appreciate your TRUST, loyalty and referrals.  As always, we are your Agency for Life !!

Peace and Love from your bloggers on the East Coast and the West Coast,

Glenn, Amanda and Alexandra Domingo

Benefits increase

Social Security recipients will get a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in monthly benefits beginning in January. The average individual retired Social Security beneficiary is expected to see a monthly benefit jump from $1,422 to $1,461. The estimated monthly increase is $39, or $468 a year.

Earnings limit climbs

If you are between ages 62 and 66 or 67 (full retirement age) and working while receiving monthly Social Security benefits, you may now earn up to $17,640 before the Social Security Administration will deduct $1 for every $2 you earn. In the year you turn your full retirement age, the earnings limit will be $46,920 before the agency will deduct $1 for every $3 you earn until the month you reach full retirement age. (For those born between 1943 and 1954, full retirement age is 66. It increases by two months for each year after until 67.)

Tax cap grows

Taxes on workers’ wages finance Social Security. Workers pay 6.2 percent of their earnings to fund the benefit (employers pay the same). Next year, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax will increase from $128,400 to $132,900.

Work credit earnings rise

The earnings required for one work credit — that is, three months of Social Security coverage — edges up from $1,320 to $1,360 for 2019. Credits are the building blocks the Social Security Administration uses to determine whether you qualify for benefits. You can earn up to four credits a year if you earn at least $5,440. In most cases, to qualify for benefits you’ll need a minimum of 40 credits.

Supplemental Security Income up

Beneficiaries receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will see an increase in their monthly payment. SSI is a federal program that aids the aged, blind and others with disabilities who have little or no income by providing them funds for food, clothing and shelter. The individual amount grows $21 a month, from $750 to $771. The amount for couples rises $32, from $1,125 to $1,157.

View monthly benefit

To check the amount of your 2019 Social Security monthly benefit, go to SSA.gov, and, if you already have a My Social Security account, sign in and check your account’s message center. To create a My Social Security account, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. So far, about 35 million beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries have set up My Social Security accounts.