Giving Thanks

Thankful 

I am Thankful for my salvation and eternal life.  We are so Thankful for our health and family.  I am Thankful for the well being of my children and wife.  I am Thankful for my clients and friends.  I am Thankful for our staff, Liane and Leticia, Jenifer and Lexie.  I am Thankful for Addison, my son, who has allowed me to learn grace.  I am Thankful for Amanda creating this message and for her hard work as school and home.  Without you, I would not have a business to provide for my family.  You are the lifeblood of my business and without you, I would not be able to assist in protecting your life, your property, your cars and your business.  I am so grateful that you trust Jenifer and I with your children as they drive to school, or to a friends home.  With so many changes to our world today, let us focus on our local community.  Share with peace and love.  Always remember that the little things we do count.  I am Thankful for being able to share this message with you and for  allowing me to always strive to improve and better our relationship.  Be Thankful that we live in a country that allows us to choose.  Right or wrong, I am Thankful for my ability to choose.  Many, many blessings from our Family to you.  

Peace and Love, The Domingo's


Autumn is finally here. The fall season in New York sure is different than the steady weather in Carlsbad, California. Our leaves are changing, the wind is blowing, and the air is getting more crisp. There isn’t a better time to reflect than the month of Thanksgiving on all the things and people we are thankful for. Sometimes I get caught up and consumed in my own busy daily life and I forget about all the the small things in life that I have to be thankful for. It’s always good to reflect and remember the things we take for granted, and let the people who we are thankful for know that they are appreciated. A simple thank you can go a long way for a person.

My Top 5 Thank You's:

My Family

Without them I have no clue where I would be. Thank you for all answering my never ending calls to rant about random things and the never ending love that each and every one of you show me daily

My Health

Fortunately, I am an athlete and I have the health and well being to be able to continue to be.

     
Softball

Thank you for giving me an endless escape. I cannot thank this game enough for shaping me into the person I am and giving me my competitive edge, work ethic, and passion in life.

    
My Friends/Teammates

I appreciate each one for helping me through daily struggles, providing me with countless laughs, and teaching me life lessons. Whether they know it or not, I’ve learned more valuable lessons from being with them on and off the field than I probably ever will in a classroom.

     
My Boyfriend

He probably hears thank you the least, but he is my "go-to". He provides me with the feeling of family and security while I am away from home, and I know he would do anything for me. For that, I am forever thankful for helping me during the most stressful time in my life thus far.

Mid-Terms Management 

As mid-terms have just passed and the end of the semester is finally approaching, I know how stressful school can get. Having to balance athletics and academics is one of the most challenging things. It is hard to find time and give 100% of your effort into both. I know how stressful some days can get, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Here are my go to tactics I use when I am struggling with stress. 

Breathe. 

Take 5 deep breaths and tell yourself it will all be okay. 

Get active.

Whether it is a walk outside, a jog around the block, or some jumping jacks in your dorm room, staying active will keep your endorphin's pumping.

Call a friend.

My go to calls are my sister and brother. Venting always helps, not matter how hard I like to think I am fine and can handle everything inside. Letting things out with people we are close to, and with people who are willing to listen can lift a huge weight off your shoulders. 

Make a list.

When I feel like I have a million things to do, I find it helpful to organize my thoughts on a sticky note. Then when i accomplish something I feel rewarded by crossing it off. 

Keep doing the "little" things right. 

Everything can get so overwhelming at times, and when it does I just keep telling myself it will all pay off in the end. Don't let a stressful couple of days throw you off. I always like to remember this simple quote, "hard work beats talent". 

NYC ft. Mom and Me 

Speaking of being thankful... I was fortunate enough to have my mom come out for a quick visit this fall. It was just the motivation I needed to me push through this fall semester. Although we only had a weekend together, I made sure to take advantage of all the time we had. It is always nice to have a hug from home. Mom, thank you for coming all the way out here- I appreciated it more than you know. 

Restaurant Review 

While my mom was visiting we went to a new place we found just walking to Prospect Park called Healthy Nibbles. It is an all organic, vegan, and gluten free restaurant that serves fresh juices, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, salads, wraps, and burritos. If you are looking for something on the healthier side that tastes delicious, I highly recommend! 

Black Friday

Here is a little background on Black Friday.  All information is provided by history.com. 

"The true story behind Black Friday, however, is not as sunny as retailers might have you believe. Back in the 1950s, police in the city of Philadelphia used the term to describe the chaos that ensued on the day after Thanksgiving, when hordes of suburban shoppers and tourists flooded into the city in advance of the big Army-Navy football game held on that Saturday every year. Not only would Philly cops not be able to take the day off, but they would have to work extra-long shifts dealing with the additional crowds and traffic. Shoplifters would also take advantage of the bedlam in stores to make off with merchandise, adding to the law enforcement headache. 

By 1961, “Black Friday” had caught on in Philadelphia, to the extent that the city’s merchants and boosters tried unsuccessfully to change it to “Big Friday” in order to remove the negative connotations. The term didn’t spread to the rest of the country until much later, however, and as recently as 1985 it wasn’t in common use nationwide. Sometime in the late 1980s, however, retailers found a way to reinvent Black Friday and turn it into something that reflected positively, rather than negatively, on them and their customers. The result was the “red to black” concept of the holiday mentioned earlier, and the notion that the day after Thanksgiving marked the occasion when America’s stores finally turned a profit. (In fact, stores traditionally see bigger sales on the Saturday before Christmas.) 

The Black Friday story stuck, and pretty soon the term’s darker roots in Philadelphia were largely forgotten. Since then, the one-day sales bonanza has morphed into a four-day event, and spawned other “retail holidays” such as Small Business Saturday/Sunday and Cyber Monday. Stores started opening earlier and earlier on that Friday, and now the most dedicated shoppers can head out right after their Thanksgiving meal. According to a pre-holiday survey this year by the National Retail Federation, an estimated 135.8 million Americans definitely plan to shop over the Thanksgiving weekend (58.7 percent of those surveyed), though even more (183.8 million, or 79.6 percent) said they would or might take advantage of the online deals offered on Cyber Monday."

• Although the deals may be great, don't forget to spend time with your family and friends over this holiday season. 
• "Family is always going to be there, the material things, they come and go." - Romeo Miller 

Thanks for reading! God bless, and enjoy your holiday season.

XOXO,

Amanda 

BOO!

Reset, Reboot and Ways to stay Fresh after 20 Years

As you can see, we seem to miss our September Blog each year because it is the time of the year to Set our Goals for 2017, get the young adults back into college and re evaluate the postives and the challenges of 2016.  Thank goodness for my daughters and their willingness to assist our family business as they start their own career paths soon.  This months blog is about Amanda's success with time management, Lexies visit to New York while still studying and setting even higher goals, a couple of sweet treat ideas, and finally giving back to our community.  

Below are 5 tips to review and get going for 2017, Reset, Reboot.

A.  Review your annual goals and target misses in order to reset your course for 2017.

B.  Reward the business if you have met 75% of your goals for the year.  Technologies, Lunch or Dinner with the Staff, new marketing materials. 

C.  Get rid of all the notes, plans, goals and to dos in order to consolidate on a single sheet.  A clean desk top always refreshes productivity.

D.  Stay focused on immediate goals, 1 month goals, annual goals and a 5 year or lifetime goals.       Really take time to establish 2017 with your planning.  

E.  Make certain to schedule your monthly review to stay on course or chart another path to reach your 2017 Goals.  

As I reflect on my 20 years with Farmers, I know one thing for sure, our customers are the life blood of our business, without my clients, we have no business.  For me, its FAITH, FAMILY and then my business.  This has created such an impact on my life and it works.  Coming in third is not so bad. Thanks for listening to this 20 year insurance and financial services agent.  Looking forward to what the next 20 years brings for our family and me with the wonderful company we represent.  

Kindly, Glenn P Domingo, LUTCF  CSP 

Back to School

I have been back at school in Brooklyn, NY for a little over a month now, and I have never been more busy. I am happy to say I am back from my injury just over a year ago. I am excited to be holding a bat again and finally be able to throw the ball. I look forward to really starting my collegiate career in softball. Time management is such a big factor while being a student athlete. Here are a few of my quick tips to help manage time and balance being a full time student and athlete. 

1. Always write it down! I use my daily planner to write my schedule and my "To-Do's" down in order of importance. 

2. Plan ahead. If you know you will be busy toward one particular day or part of the week, strategize on maximizing your time with longer projects. 

3. Make appointments. Whether it be time out for my homework, readings, or workouts, I think of it as a mandatory appointment with myself. 

4. Breathe. Take time for yourself, check in, and de stress. Mental health is just as important as anything else. Respect yourself, your body, and your health. 

5. Don't forget to smile. When I am having a stressful day or feeling overwhelmed a simple smile makes me feel a little bit better.

My Special Visitor 

October is the time of the year where I usually get the homesick "boos". My schedule gets a little more into a routine and I start becoming homesick after the hype of the new school year. I was fortunate enough to get a special visit from my best friend whom happens to be my sister, Lexie. I am grateful she took the time from her busy schedule and finances to come visit me at the perfect time. She was able to help me reorganize, cook, and we got to experience Brooklyn and NYC together. 

BOO off the Sweets 

Halloween time is just around the corner. I know I don't want to gorge out in candy and sweet treats, but I do want to be able to celebrate and satisfy my sweet tooth. Here are some perfect pumpkin and Halloween themed treats that are a little more on the "healthy" side. 

Boo-Nanas

1. Cut fresh banana in half.

2. Place cut side of banana as base.

3. Place 2 chocolate chips of your choice as eye balls.

4. Place 1 mini peanut butter cup as the mouth.

Option: For coconut lovers like myself, coat the banana in coconut flakes! 

Quick, easy, healthy! 

Pumpkin  Spice SBOOthie

What you need: 

1 Banana 

1/2 C Pumpkin Puree, Pure

1 TSP Agave Nectar 

3 TBSP Milk 

6 OZ Vanilla (Greek) Yogurt 

1/2 TSP Pumpkin Spice

Ice as needed

Optional: Pinch of nutmeg and whipped cream

Blend all ingredients in a blender, sip, and enjoy!

Restaurant Review  

If you are ever craving ice cream we just discovered a Thai ice cream shop called Blossom. It is rolled ice cream with an assortment of flavors, including vegan, and unlimited toppings. The perfect sweet treat for everyone to enjoy. 

Blossom Ice Cream

Click on this link to see all the flavors, locations, and discover how this special rolled ice cream is hand made to satisfy you.

Giving Back

Growing up in the Calavera community, my dad wanted to give back to the schools that helped our family while my siblings and I were growing up. Knowing how into fitness I am and how into sports my entire family is, my dad wanted to help the schools to ensure that physical education did not get away. Farmers and my dad will be teaming up to donate each month to Calavera Elementary and Calavera Middle School to help with school supplies, sports equipment, and a reward for the teacher of the month whom is voted for by their peers.















Until next month my friends.  Keep positive, set your goals for 2017 and most importantly, SMILE. Simple Magic in Living Everyday.  My dad learned that from his friend Byrd Baggett from Tennessee.

Peace out, your blogger from the East Coast, Amanda. 

Trip and Triumph - July 2016

PNC Park

Outside of PNC Park with two great friends,
Pete and Tom.

The Pitt Trip

We had so much fun on our trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Seeing my brother, Addison for the first time in 7 months was definitely the highlight. We are so fortunate to have such awesome family friends that hosted us and made the trip so special. They showed us what Pittsburgh was all about and we couldn't have asked for a better time. The city of Pittsburgh is so different and eclectic. My favorite parts had to be biking around downtown with our family and friends, and going to the Pirates game. The atmosphere the sports fans create turn anyone into a baseball fan. That is the kind of love for the game and city that we need to bring to San Diego. We were able to watch Addison play baseball and take the mound a couple of times, take a spin class with our dad, and have a big BBQ with our friends and family thanks to the Marsalis's. It is crazy, I never pictured our family taking a vacation to Pittsburgh, but I am sure glad we had the experience and now have the memories that we will always cherish.

AD on the mound 

Boston 

Mom and "Big Poppi"

Duck Tour 

My parents went from Pittsburgh to Boston for their Farmers Championship celebration. This is a three day event in Boston, Massachusetts for the top 3% of Farmers Agents out of 15,000 for the year 2015. While in Boston they got to watch Big Poppi hit a home run, take a Duck Tour, enjoy the city of Boston, and attended a couple of conferences where they met some influential people. One in particular, Alex Sheen. The founder of the non-profit, Because I Said I Would. I will share a piece of his story later in the blog. I am very proud of my parents, their hard work and dedication to their business, clients, and family. They provide for us and work hard, but never miss a minute of our every day lives.

Dad and the CEO of Farmers,  Jeff Dailey

Fenway Park

Mom and Dad enjoying a conference with Farmers Agents 

Restaurant Review

I decided to take a different view on this week's restaurant review. If you do not know already, my sister, Lexie and I, are fascinated with making healthy, unique, home cooked meals. So for this week I thought I would take you on a trip to our own restaurant, the meals we make at home. While my parents were away for the Farmers Championship Lexie and I tried out a couple new recipes I thought we could share. Hope you enjoy! 

TOFU FRIES

(Yes I know it sounds gross, but they are actually pretty tasty and a lot healthier!)

1. Take out 1-2 extra firm blocks of tofu and pat dry with a paper towel to try to get out some of the water.

2. Slice the blocks into 1/2 inch blocks resembling french fries. 

3. Place on baking sheet with baking paper. Brush olive oil on tofu sticks and put any seasoning such as salt and pepper on top.

4. Bake the tofu for about 30 min flipping them every 10-15 min. or until golden brown. 

5. Pair with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy! 

 BALSAMIC HONEY DRESSING

Perfect mix of sweet and zingy to top off an array of salad mixes. You can eye ball the ingredients, we sure did...

Ingredients 

1. White Balsamic

2. Honey

3. Lemon/Lime juice

4. Olive Oil

5. Salt and Pepper

Throw them all together and whisk it up. I usually use a TBSP then add to make the flavor just how I want it. Enjoy! 

#BecauseISaidIWould

Alex Sheen, the founder of Because I Said I Would, spoke to my parents while they were in Boston. His message encourages people to stick to what promises they make to the world, others, and themselves. 

"Because I said I would is a social movement and nonprofit dedicated to the betterment of humanity. Our mission is to strengthen humanity’s will. Because I said I would encourages and supports making and keeping promises to end suffering, establish peace and build happiness.  We created the Promise Card to help hold people accountable to their commitments."

He preaches about how we don't always get "tomorrow." Alex Sheen encourages people to stop saying things like "I'll do it tomorrow" and has reached millions of people already. I encourage you all to check out his page and create your own promise. Small or big any positive change does make a difference. 

Click the link below to learn more, start a promise, and help the world become a more positive place. 

Because I Said I Would

  

Your blogger from the west coast, ready to go back to the east coast,

Amanda 

June's Over..Julying, It's Summer Time

Fourth of July Recap 

We hope you all enjoyed your Independence Day as we celebrated all that fought for our freedom. The Domingo household had a fun, busy day. We rode bikes and went to the beach for the afternoon and had people at the house for a fun evening BBQ. The new house was a great location that we were able to watch the sunset and fireworks from our deck. 

The fourth is also a special day to celebrate my grandma. We celebrated her 80th birthday as well. A great day with family and friends. Happy Birthday Mama Fili!

Summer MUST Haves 

Summer is here! The weather has been nice and I am going to share the summer must haves for all your summer festivities.

The Beach 

Who doesn't love a summer day at the beach? It is my favorite thing about summer. Here are some things you should never forget while heading down to the sand.

1. Sunscreen 

Never forget to protect your skin. SPF 30 is the standard recommendation. Don't forget to reapply if you are staying for a long day.

2. Umbrella 

It does get hot even with the ocean breeze. An umbrella is an easy way to get a little shade if you need a break from tanning. 

3. Towel/Chair

Something to lay on and something to sit on. I love a good book in a chair right on the sand, no better way to relax. 

4. Water

Between the salt water and the sun it is easy to get dehydrated. Stay cool  and refreshed with simple cold water. 

5. Snacks

Some of my favorite beach snacks are fruits. Fresh or frozen, they are delicious, refreshing, and  easy to bring. 

Bonfire 

Summer nights on the beach or at home, bonfires are a fun way to spend time with family and friends. 

1. S'mores

Because whats a bonfire without em! Graham crackers, any kind of chocolate, and of course marshmallows. Remember skewers to roast on! 

2. Blankets

Even with a fire blankets are a must. Sit on or wrap around yourself. Don't forget to wash it however before you sleep with it again, unless you want to smell like bonfire when you wake up.

3. Wood/Propane

It isn't a bonfire without a fire. Always bring extra because you never know if you will run out or need more.

4. Bug Spray

The mosquitoes love the summer heat. Bug spray is a smart, easy way to avoid those annoying itches. 

Backyard BBQ

1. Drinks

An assortment of refreshing drinks is a must. Keep everyone refreshed and having a good time.

2. Hotdogs and Hamburgers 

Easy food to cook and serve. Pair it with a couple sides and you have a meal to feed an intimate number of people or a crowd. 

3. Music 

Wether its just in the background or you are having a dance party music is never a bad idea. Play some pandora and have a good time with your company.

Restaurant Review 

Le Papagayo 

http://lepapagayoleucadia.com

Located in Encinitas, right off the 101, Le Papagayo offers unique Mediterranean and Latin influenced food. They are open from 7:30am - 11pm everyday. They also offer live music daily. It is the perfect location and the outside deck makes the restaurant paw friendly. This restaurant is one of the Domingo family favorites. Highly recommended for some delicious food at the perfect location. 

Summer Vacation

Our family vacation to Pittsburgh is coming up. We are excited to finally see Addison for the first time in seven months. A few fun things we have planned include going to a Pittsburgh Pirates game, participating in the Color Run downtown, and exploring what the life in the Burgh is all about. 

 Last winter in Pittsburgh, excited for the next trip!

Your Blogger from the east and west coast,

Amanda Domingo

June Gloom and the College BOOM

Happy almost summer everyone! June is finally here and summer is around the corner. Coming home from my first year of college has been quite an experience. We recently moved and relocated in Carlsbad a bit closer to the ocean. My parents are very happy with the decision and can't wait to make our new house a home. I was looking forward to coming home to nice weather, but it has been quite gloomy.  According to weather reports, it is suppose to start clearing up next week...fingers crossed! I know I am not the only college student coming home for summer, so parents here are a few tips to adjust to more kids in the house.

College Students Come Home

Of course every parent loves when their kids come home from school, but at the same time a small part of them misses less chaos. Here are some tips to get your college kids to help out during the summer time. 

1. They can drive! So have them help you run errands. Make them go get groceries; we are getting older and we will have to shop on our own soon if we don't already. 

2. We're never to old for "chores".  Whether it's the simple ones we've been doing forever like washing dishes, taking out the trash, or picking up the dog poop, extra help around the house is always nice.

3. Teach. We are living on our own for the most part.  Have your students make meals for the family, teach us to cook, clean a house properly, and even how to manage taxes and money.  It is a way for us to learn and you get to hangout with us also.

Graduation Time 

Beginning of summer also means the end of the school year. Which brings us to graduation time. If you have a graduate or are going to be attending a lot of graduation parties, here a some fun, easy, and quick graduation party and graduation gift ideas. 

Graduation Party Ideas 

1. DIY Photo Booth 

Set up a plain black piece of fabric and pick up some 2016 paper decor at your local party store. Lay out fun props and have good lighting. Allow people to use their iPhone and snap away! 

2. "Write Your Address"

Leave a sign that says "Write Your Address" with envelopes out by the door that people enter the party at. This is an easy, decorative way to send thank you cards without missing any addresses.

3. Memory Jar

Put out a big jar labeled "Memory Jar". Have guests write their favorite memory on a index card and leave it in the jar. Your graduate will have a great time reading these all when he or she is away! 

Graduation Gift Ideas 

1. Gift Card Book

Create a booklet that contains different gift cards that may be useful to a college student. From experience, food stores, Starbucks, and Target are great ones! 

2. College Survival Box

Make a box with essentials that every college student hates to buy, but has to have. Little things like toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, Chapstick, nail kit, basic medicine for cold and flu, sundries, feminine products, etc. 

3. "Loads of Laundry"

Every one hates doing it, but all students have to. But more than that, we hate paying for it. Create a "Loads of Laundry" box that contains all the essentials a student may need to do their college laundry.  They will be so much more thankful for this when they actually begin college. 

4. Moolah 

 Of course, last minute money is never a bad option!

Father's Day

Don't forget! Sunday, June 19th is a day for dads. I am fortunate to have such a supportive father. He is the man behind this business and makes many opportunities for my family and I. We love you dad!

Until the next time friends and family, your blogger from the West Coast, Amanda.