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
Workout of the Month -
Summer Sunscreen -
4th of July Fun -
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Wash blueberries and cherry tomatoes and drain.
- Half cherry tomatoes and add to medium sized serving bowl. Add the blueberries, set aside.
- Tear fresh basil over-top and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic. Mix gently to combine.
- Slice mozzarella cheese into ¼ or ½” slices if not pre-sliced. Cut into small stars with a small star shaped cookie cutter.
- Top the salad with the star cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
A Note from the Agency Owner
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.