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.

Memorial May

What I Learned my First Year In College

The West Coast and East Coast Eatery Review and

Memorial Day 

The last Monday in May is not just a day off, but a day to remember all of the people who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The day was established as Decoration Day after the 1868 American Civil War. We are thankful for those who gave their life for our country and celebrate their courage on Monday, May 30^th.

Activities for Memorial Day 

We are usually blessed with nice weather on Memorial Day and I hope we are this year. Here are some ideas to celebrate the day off and to remember all the fallen soldiers and all their hard work. It is nice to get together with loved ones, friends, and family. A few ideas include: 

1. Visiting any fallen soldiers you know

2. Having a BBQ with your friends and family

3. Take a beach day to relax and decompress

4. Go out for a nice meal

5. Get your family and take a bike ride to the beach 

At Domingo & Associates, FARMERS, we wanted to extend a warm thank you to all who serve our country in the Armed Forces.  Without your efforts, our freedoms and liberty's would not be with us today.  If you do have a fund raiser, let us know how we can help.  

Restaurant Review: Fish 101

“At Fish 101 we are serious about really good seafood, wine and beer; life’s simple pleasures! We hope you feel the same way. What you’ll find at Fish 101 is our interpretation of a traditional West Coast fish house. We’ve combined what you’ve come to expect from a traditional fish house with our own unique twists. Our menu will change depending on what’s biting, and what’s growing seasonally in gardens, so that means we’ll always be serving the freshest ingredients available.

We believe eating fresh and healthy seafood is good for nourishing the body and soul. So is the occasional glass of wine and maybe even a beer (this second claim is based purely on our own unscientific yet thorough personal research). Come in and order at our counter, grab a seat and we’ll take care of the rest!  Join us at our communal table with your friends or soon to be new friends and enjoy fresh fish, great beer, and delicious wine.

We feel you should know that we care about the environment and the impact of the ingredients we use each and everyday. We recycle at the restaurant and serve our take out in compostable take out containers. All of our cooking oil is recycled and reused as biofuel. We respect the ocean and strive to do our part to keep it healthy. So, we’ll stay committed to sourcing the freshest local, seasonal, sustainable ingredients whenever available and possible.  After all it’s where we fish and where we play!”

A great place for a nice evening dinner or a break from the beach for a little lunch. Fish 101 is a highly known eatery right off Highway 101. The beachy, rustic vibe is an awesome place to enjoy a bite to eat. They offer an assortment of dishes from salads and sandwiches to tacos and platters. They offer happy hour specials that are more than worth it! If you are looking for good fish, good vibes, and good people, Fish 101 is the perfect place for you.  

TUES – FRI

4PM – 6PM

FRESH SHUCKED OYSTER 1

BAJA FISH TACO 2.75

GRILLED FISH TACO 2.75

WINE ON TAP 5

DOS EQUIS ON TAP 4

BROWN BAG BEER 5

Location

1468 N. Coast Hwy 101

Leucadia, CA 92024

760-943-6221

16 Things I Learned My Freshman Year, New York City 2016

1. Try to avoid the subway alone, especially at night.

2. Carry head phones on you at all times.

3. The college papers and projects come before exploring the city.

4. Do not wait until the last minute to do the huge pile of laundry in your dorm.

5. You have to get creative in the cafeteria.

6. A call home does actually make you feel better.

7. Taking only two tests a semester sucks for a single class sucks, so you better pay attention and     study throughout the entire semester.

8. When you can, choose classes that interest you.

9. Being homesick doesn't last forever.

10. I am blessed to be a student athlete, even though it comes with many sacrifices, they are all worth it.

11. Good luck finding a public restroom in the city.

12. Always carry hand sanitizer with you.

13. The people really aren't that mean. 

14. You learn to grow up, but realize your family is so much help.

15. The little letters from home mean more than you think. 

16. Soak up every moment; it truly does fly by.  

Restaurant Review NYC: Black Tap

If you are looking for a sweet treat or juicy burger, Black Tap, may be your next cheat meal. Located in Soho and the Meat Packing District, is the hour long wait worth the try? Girls on my team have gone, waited, and indulged. Some saying it was well worth it, some saying they were too starving waiting and it made the burger and shakes not worth it. As an end of the year reward I may have to check it out for myself. Known widely on Instagram Black Tap displays extravagant milkshakes, all about the experience. If you are ever in the city, by the looks of these things you may want to try it out. 

I am in Louisiana for the Division I NCAA Softball Tournament.  I am healing and able to throw and then headed to Southern California for the well deserved Summer Break.  I did make the Deans list twice and look forward to playing this fall.

Your Blogger from the East and West Coast, Amanda Domingo

SPRING

SPRING is HERE

The seasons are changing and summer is just around the corner. We have been blessed with such great weather lately in New York, it reminds me of sunny Southern California. With a few weeks left in the semester, it is crunch time for college students. Spring semester finals are tough because I know summer is so close. The best advice I can give is changing up your studying environment and get moving. If the weather permits, get outside and get some Vitamin D while you study for your finals. Also, do not forget to give yourself some breaks. I am so happy I am able to get outside for a jog in between studying and classes. Whatever your stress reliever may be, take some time for yourself, it can actually help your performance in the classroom.

If you are extremely lucky, maybe you’ll get a little motivational support from one of your favorite visitors. I was lucky enough to have my mom and aunt come visit me in Brooklyn. They got to do all the fun touristy things while I was busy, but I was fortunate to spend some free time with them. One highlight of their trip was seeing the entire city at the top of the World Trade Center. They highly recommend it!

 

The BEST Season

Spring represents lots of changes for people and cultures. For me it is the start of my favorite season…softball and baseball season. As an injured player I have taken a new humbling role this season. I have learned a lot about the sport and mental toughness through the challenges I have had to face this season.  I am a die hard Padres fan and I can’t wait to go back to San Diego to watch them this season. My parents got to go to opening weekend at Petco Park with some friends and clients of theirs. Although I wish I could have gone, my parents did not leave me out. I get to represent with some Padres socks in New York. While supporting San Diego here, I also get to support the family business. My team was given socks to help support Farmers Insurance in Brooklyn. A little piece of home was brought to the softball girls in Brooklyn, New York.

RESTURANT Review : The Local Tap House

 

The Local Tap House

308 S Coast Hwy Oceanside, CA

760-547-1469

http://localtaphouse.com

“LTH & Kitchen isn’t about us, it’s about you.  When deciding to build LTH & Kitchen, it seemed like a no brainer.  Build a restaurant & bar that is built for the people, in a town where the community is our priority.  Don’t specialize in one thing, specialize in great.  Great food, great service, great cocktails, and of course, great beer.  Work hard, and never stop evolving. That is who we are!!!  We want to be your place. A place to celebrate, relax, or have your spirits lifted. It isn’t about who we are. It is about who you are.  Thank you for making us part of the Oceanside culture.”

 

If you are from the San Diego area, you may have heard about LTH. It is a great environment to have brunch, lunch, dinner, and, or drinks! They have seating outside and inside that has a fun vibe. They have a wide range menu from breakfast foods to desserts and treats. They also serve 32 craft beers and ciders right from San Diego. It is a great place on highway 101 to bike to after a long day at the beach or the perfect start to a Sunday afternoon. A great relaxing meal or drink in this perfect weather. Give it a try and let us know what you think!