PLANE RIDES and WEDDING BRIDES
What a start to 2026 for the Domingo family. Entering into the final countdown of the Domingo & Brown wedding, visiting Addison in Florida with our favorite client, Pop-Pop, and celebrating 32 years of marriage! February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s full of heart. 💕 From cozy moments at home to celebrating the people and places we love, this month is all about connection, reflection, and taking care of what matters most. As we settle into the rhythm of a new year, February is a great time to slow down, show a little extra love, and make thoughtful choices for the months ahead. We’re excited to share stories, tips, and local favorites with you all month long—thanks for being here and being part of our community.
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Plane ride to Florida with Pop-Pop    |
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| Bridal Shower |
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| 32 Years Married! |
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| Celebrating at Farmers Event |
Farmers Insurance: Home Buyers
🏡 Real Talk for First-Time Homebuyers: Lessons From a Couple Who Made It Work
Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones — and if you’re a first-time buyer navigating today’s competitive market, you know it can feel overwhelming. But with patience, smart planning, and the right team by your side, your homeowning dreams can become reality.
That’s the story of Adam and Paula: a young couple in Southern California who learned that sometimes the perfect home isn’t what you expected — but it can be what you need. (Farmers Insurance)
🧠 Start With a Plan — and the Right Perspective
Like many first-time buyers, Adam and Paula began with a long wish list: a three-bedroom home on a quiet street in a neighborhood they loved. But after seeing bidding wars with 20+ offers and prices driven far above list value, they encountered the reality of today’s housing market. (Farmers Insurance)
The lesson: Set goals, but stay flexible. Your dream home might not match your first home — and that’s okay. What matters most is finding a place you can afford that fits your long-term plans.
Adam and Paula spent years saving for a 20% down payment — a major step toward financial confidence and loan approval. They combined savings, family gifts, and investments to build a strong financial profile and secured pre-approval from a lender. (Farmers Insurance)
Tips for future buyers:
Build a realistic budget that includes mortgage payments, taxes, utilities, and maintenance.
Get pre-approved early so you know what you can afford and stand out to sellers.
Be prepared to educate yourself about financing requirements — especially if you’re self-employed or have nontraditional income.
🧭 The Power of the Right Real Estate Agent
At first, they worked with an agent who didn’t fully understand their needs. But once they switched to someone familiar with local neighborhoods and willing to think creatively, everything changed. Their agent found a house that wasn’t on their radar — a probate sale that gave them negotiation leverage and room to customize their offer. (Farmers Insurance)
This is one of the most important takeaways: a knowledgeable agent can find opportunities you don’t see online and guide you through tricky parts of the buying process.
Their home needed repairs, and they negotiated a lower down payment that freed up cash for improvements. Once they moved in, a true home-ownership education began: budgeting, DIY projects, and unexpected costs like plumbing repairs. (Farmers Insurance)
For many first-time buyers, this is the reality of owning a home. It’s not just a purchase — it’s an ongoing journey of maintenance, learning, and making it yours.
💡 Why This Story Matters for Our Community
If you’re thinking about buying your first home, here’s what this real story teaches us:
✅ Be prepared, but be flexible. Market conditions change. Your ideal home might not be your first. (Farmers Insurance)
✅ Get the right support. The right agent, lender, and insurance partner make a world of difference. (Farmers Insurance)
✅ Budget for more than just the mortgage. Repairs, utilities, insurance, and maintenance all matter. (Farmers Insurance)
✅ Your first home can be your stepping stone. It’s part of the journey — and it builds confidence for the next step. (Farmers Insurance)
At our family-run Farmers Insurance agency, we’ve helped many first-time buyers protect their homes and build confidence for the future. Homeownership is exciting — and we’re here to make sure you’re covered with the right protection at every step.
Let’s talk about your goals, your budget, and the peace of mind a solid homeowners policy can bring. 💬
Reach out today — we’re here to help!
Workout of the Month
Circuit 1 – Lower Body (7 minutes)
Repeat 2–3 rounds
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Squats – 15 reps
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Reverse lunges – 10 each leg
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Glute bridges – 15 reps
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Wall sit or squat hold – 30 seconds
Rest 30–45 seconds between rounds.
Circuit 2 – Upper Body (7 minutes)
Repeat 2–3 rounds
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Push-ups – 8–15 reps
(Modify: knees or incline on a couch) -
Plank shoulder taps – 20 taps
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Triceps dips (chair/couch) – 12 reps
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Pike push-ups or plank hold – 30 seconds
Rest 30–45 seconds between rounds.
Circuit 3 – Cardio + Core (6 minutes)
Repeat 2 rounds
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High knees or march in place – 30 seconds
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Mountain climbers – 30 seconds
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Dead bugs or bicycle crunches – 20 reps
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Plank – 30–45 seconds
Rest 30 seconds between rounds.
Restaurant Review - Crispy Cones: Carlsbad, CA
If you’re looking for a creative and indulgent dessert in Carlsbad, Crispy Cones is a must-try destination. Nestled right on Carlsbad Boulevard, this local favorite puts an exciting twist on traditional soft-serve ice cream that keeps locals and visitors alike coming back for more.
🍨 What Makes Crispy Cones Special
Unlike your average cone shop, Crispy Cones starts with a fresh hand-rolled dough cone that’s grilled rotisserie-style — resulting in a warm, crispy shell that’s rolled in cinnamon sugar or a specialty powder before being filled.
Once the cone is ready, it’s layered with:
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Creamy gourmet soft-serve
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Flavorful spreads like Nutella or cookie butter
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Custom toppings and indulgent sauces
This combination delivers dessert bliss in every bite — sweet, warm, crunchy, and creamy all at once.
🍧 Flavor Variety & Customization
One of the highlights of Crispy Cones is how personalizable the experience feels. Whether you’re a classic vanilla lover, a chocolate fanatic, or adventurous enough to try weekly specialty flavors like raspberry or Nutella creations, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s palate.
Customers rave about experimenting with different spreads, sauces, and toppings — creating perfect combinations that go far beyond the typical ice cream cone. The flexibility in customization makes every visit feel fresh and exciting.
📍 Atmosphere & Experience
The shop’s location makes it a great stop after a walk along the beach or a day spent exploring Carlsbad Village. While you might occasionally find a short line on a warm afternoon or weekend, most reviewers say the wait is well worth it for the delicious results.
Staff are often noted for being friendly and helpful, willing to explain menu options and suggest tasty combinations — perfect if you’re trying a Crispy Cone for the first time.
⭐ Overall Impressions
Crispy Cones brings a unique and memorable twist to ice cream time. While traditional soft-serve shops are abundant, this creative spin — warm grilled cones filled with customizable sweet treats — sets it apart from the rest.
Whether you’re a local in Carlsbad or just visiting, this spot is worth stopping by for an after-dinner dessert or mid-afternoon treat. 🍨
📍 A Few Tips Before You Go
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Try one of the specialty weekly flavors for something uniquely delicious.
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Peak hours (especially weekends and warm evenings) may have lines — but fans say the experience is worth the wait.
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Perfect for families, date night dessert, or a solo sweet escape.
Try one of the specialty weekly flavors for something uniquely delicious.
Peak hours (especially weekends and warm evenings) may have lines — but fans say the experience is worth the wait.
Perfect for families, date night dessert, or a solo sweet escape.
