November 2018

November 2018

Happy Holidays Friends and Family!

Happy fall and hello all! I am writing to you from Brooklyn, New York.  We got our first snowfall of the season not too long ago.  I was a little nervous to be experiencing the cold for the first time, but it wasn't thaaaat bad.  However, I do miss that California weather so much. Can't wait for our Winter Break to come home and visit my family.  

I would like to recognize those firefighters and first respondents who are combating the Woolsey Fire in Malibu, Ca. Our hearts hand heavy as this tragic disaster hits our beautiful state.  Thoughts and prayers to those families who have been left with very little, for those who have been left with nothing and to those who are out there helping in any way they can.  Please call our agency to make certain that your home is properly covered to the replacement value. Also, review if you have any jewelry, fine art or articles that are not typically insured as personal property on your home insurance policy.  If you are not insured with our agency and the Farmers Insurance Group, have a review with them to see if you have any gaps that should be filled with proper coverage.  If those not effected by the fires can just pray and think positively, donate or volunteer, our world will be a better place. 

Holiday Cheer

On a much sweeter note, November is the start of the holidays for many of us.  Family, work and friendly parties are starting to pick up, and most people love this time of year.  I know there can be a lot of pressure during November and December... pressure to make the right dish, to include everyone, to purchase the right gifts and food, the list could go on and on.  As this season of life continues to come forth, I think we all need to remember what the holidays do so beautifully for each of us.  They bring people together.  It's never too late to extend an invitation, or to even back out of a function in order to have some time to yourself and your family.  Season self-care is so important.  So, with all your stress of the winter months, don't forget about yourself and the ones that love you most. 

If you are planning on being guest at multiple parties, save yourself some time by doubling your recipes and treats, kill two birds with one stone.  You can then laugh with any of your friends that are joining the same parties because they will like your recipe or treat even more the second time around.  

Recipes of the Month 

Super Easy Creamy Mashed Potatoes 

- lb. bag red, russet or sweet potatoes

- 1 cup bone brother (any kind)

- 1/4 c. butter

- chives, salt, pepper to taste

Fill a large pot with potatoes and water. Bring to boil and let cook until fork tender.  Transfer potatoes into a large mixing bowl and begin to mask. Add in the butter and the bone broth while mashing. Top with pink sea salt, pepper and chives. 

Smoke Salmon Sweet Potato Bites

- 1 sweet potato (cut up into medallions, roasted with no oil at 400 for 30-40 minutes)

- goat cheese or cream cheese

- smoke salmon 

- chives, dill, salt, pepper to taste 

Roast the sweet potato medallions from 30-40 minutes at 400 (little to no oil). Let potatoes cool for a few minutes. Then top with choice of cheese, top with smoked salmon and then garnish with herbs. I get all my ingredients from Trader Joe's with my sissy.

Vacation & Travel Tips

This cold weather has me itching to drive up and down the coast of California.  I read this article and it made me miss home so much. If you and your college students have a long Christmas break, read this and plan a road trip.

Many of us do travel home for the holidays, whether it is by train, car or plane- the holidays force us to be on the move. Traveling can be extremely taxing on your social-emotional health and your overall well-being.  It is important to have a few travel tips up your sleeve.

• Drink WATER. Being in the air will dehydrate you like crazy so drink up before, during and after.
• Essential oils (lavender, spearmint, lemon- they will calm you)
• Ear plugs or ear phones 
• Travel pillow and blanket (keep cozy)
• Fruits and veggies (adding more fiber will definitely help with that travel bloat and constipation)

This link shares some really awesome travel tips too. It’s mostly about gadgets, but also some good present ideas.

Restaurant Review

Alexis Diner- Newburgh, NY- Visit this link to find out more!

I recently went up to Newburgh, NY with my roommate to visit his hometown.  Although it’s just 2 hours from our small Brooklyn apartment- it felt like we were going to another, much calmer state.  Driving through upstate New York during the fall is just as you would imagine. The colors are big and beautiful, the people are friendly, the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, and the food is amazing.

Since visiting the first time, I have been back to the same small town diner for three meals.  The Alexis Diner has it all! They have some huge serving sizes from all over the globe. Freshly made desserts like cakes, cookies and pies.  Breakfast is served all day, and they are open 24 hours a day. All sorts of people seem to go there. There’s an elderly population, several families, several young adults.. Basically everyone eats there. If you ever happen to randomly end up in Newburgh, NY you NEED to go eat here!

Financial and Insurance Tips

With the ever increasing peril of fire in California, I wanted to personally encourage each of our clients, friends and family to make certain they are consciously looking for fire hazards near or around the home.  Sometimes the not so obvious hazards lurk on the side of the home. A empty gas tank, a pile of scrap wood. Our vibrant and great insurance company, The Farmers Insurance Group of Companies has been in the front lines of the fires in Paradise and Malibu. Farmers has waived the evidence for inventory on the total losses of homes and have been paying our policyholders and clients the policy limits of their personal property coverage. Farmers has also lifted the $5000 limit on smoke and soot damage to the affected wild fire areas.

1. Make certain to review your home insurance policy to add any upgrades or added features of your home. Our clients and friends want their home insurance to provide the proper coverage. The replacement value and not the appraised value.
2. If you have any high value art pieces, heirlooms, furs, jewelry, make sure you add them as floaters or endorsements to your policy. A basic home insurance policy has small limits on the mentioned items.
3. When you hear any conversations about water loses, insurance companies dropping the client or hard to place home insurance cases, give our agency a call. We are very competitive in the insurance marketplace for these types of risk.

Again, from our family to yours, Merry Christmas, Happy Belated Thanksgiving. My daily prayers are always for my friends, family and clients Prosperity, Protection and Peace. Keep us posted on any good news or situations in your life that need prayer and well wishes. Thanks again for your ears and eyes.

Kindly and with gratitude, The Domingo Family from the West and East Coast.