February 2019

Celebrating 25 Years

My parents just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on the beautiful island of Kauai.  They spent over a week relaxing, participating in beach clean ups, going to concerts, riding in a helicopter and celebrating 25 years of union together.  I am grateful to have parents who continue to expose my siblings and I to a dedicated relationship.  Here are some trip highlights! Mom and Dad were able to visit some old friends on the island and see places like the Kauai Coffee Brewing Company and Kauai's surf museum.  My dad was able to get hooked up with a handmade ukulele, and had a little impromptu photo shoot (photo credit to Mom).  

Kauai Travel Tips 

Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands and has the densest rain forests of all the islands.  It's nickname is the Garden Isle because of all the beautiful flowers and trees it beholds.  Since the island is covered in rain forests, Kauai is also the wettest island.  Some of the most stunning sea cliffs and hiking spots live right on Kauai.  A few travel tips when venturing out to this beautiful island:

- Pack some shoes with traction! If you plan on hiking, walking, running or doing anything outdoors 

be sure to bring a long shoes with good grip and support. 

- Bring sunscreen, always.

- Bring bug spray! The humid moist climate can make your skin a tasty treat to some insects out on the island.
- Pack a rain coat. In a tropical climate, you can never be to sure about the weather patterns.  Just like good shoes, a good jacket will go a long way on this beautiful island. 

- Eat all the shaved ice you can.

- Hit all these spots listed here  to experience all the wonders Kauai has to offer!
- Aloha means hello and Aloha means goodbye. 
- Remember to smile and take in the island relaxed vibe.

Our Super Star

This is Amanda's first year back on the softball field for the LIU Blackbird's.  Many of you have probably heard of her injury and journey to getting physically healthy again.  It's been a long road, three years to be exact, two surgeries later, countless hours of rehab- and she is back! We are all so proud of her and are anxious to see how far her and her team get this season.  Here's an action shot of our baby girl. My mom and dad are thrilled to go see her play this weekend in Santa Barbra.  Not only is she getting to play, she will be graduating with honors this Spring and is likely to earn her Masters Degree in Exercise Science.  The plan is for her to stay in New York with me as I finish my Masters Degree in Special Education while she finds a job training people or teaching exercise classes like spin or circuit training.  If all goes well, Kiki and Lexie's adventure in the Big Apple continue. 

Recipes of the Month 

Trader Joe's : To the Power of Seven Green Juice Blend

Trader's is always coming out with healthy finds that are just as yummy as they are aesthetically

pleasing.  Their labels and way of marketing are unlike any other grocery brand.  When I have the time, resources and patience to go ahead and make my own freshly pressed green juice, I'll do it- but most of the time I am on the go.  This new product minimizes the stress of not getting all my morning veggies in.  With 7 types of organic greens, your body will thank you. Next time you're at Trader Joe's, look for this guy! It's great over ice, or used to blend up and make a green smoothie. 

Digestion Issues? LEMONS, LEMONS, LEMONS

We often get bloated due to a number of issues: over eating, poor digestion, dietary intolerance's, stress and so on.  At times poor digestion and bloating can be debilitating.  This quick morning ritual recipe will knock the bloating, constipation and digestion problems right out.  

1. Heat up 8-12 ounces of water. 

2. Squeeze the juice of 1 whole lemon in the warm water (use fresh lemon)

3. Slice up some fresh ginger and place that in the water as well.

4. Sip throughout your morning process.

Seared Wild Caught Alaskan Salmon

If you're always running low on time to cook a meal, or hate heating up leftover meal prep Tupperware... turn to salmon! Salmon is rich in omega-3's and is a beautifying food for your skin and nails.  It yields a good amount of protein and can be served hot or cold, on a salad, wrap or as a main entree.  Lately I've been loving this 8 minute salmon filet.  

You'll need a wild caught Alaskan salmon hunk, some coconut oil, garlic, salt and pepper.

Heat up a pan with some coconut oil and take your thawed salmon out. Lightly sprinkle some pepper, salt and garlic on the salmon (skin side down). Once the pan is sizzling with a little oil, place the salmon face down for 4 minutes.  Flip the salmon over for another 4 minutes. Then you're done! It's so easy, super flaky on the inside and a little crispy on the outside.  Pair it with a salad if you're in a pinch, or along side some roasted veggies.  It's filling, fresh and easy to make!

Products and Offerings

Changes to IRA Contributions

Remember to verify with your investment companies the 2018 limits for Traditional or Roth IRA's.  They are changing in 2019, so all you dollar cost average investment folks, increase your monthly contribution in order to meet the maximum allowed monthly contribution for a deduction or a possible tax free distribution after 59 1/2.

We are excited about sitting down with you.  Whether its face to face, on the phone, on the phone in front of a computer, we want to understand your entire situation to make educated suggestions to protect and or assist with long term financial assets, IRA's Roth IRA's , Annuities, and life insurance.  We will be asking, so again, friends, family, clients, referral partners, neighbors, listen for the simple ask from us about life insurance, investments and the umbrella policy.  I appreciate each and every one of you because of our human connection.  Thanks again.  We will all get through this tax season somehow.

Gratefully,

Glenn