May 2017 | Spring is here but Summer is near!

Milestone's of May

Surgery was a Success!

At the end of April, my little sister went into surgery for an operation resulting from a concussion that occurred a year and a half ago.  After her injury, (which happened to be during her first collegiate softball game) Amanda developed thoracic outlet syndrome on her right side.  Not many people know about this type of injury, myself included, so here is a small synopsis provided by the Mayo Clinic: Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib are compressed.  This can cause pain in your shoulders and neck and numbness in your fingers. 

After months of physical therapy at the New York University Hospital in Manhattan, Amanda and her team of doctors decided it was best to proceed with surgery.  For someone so young to have this syndrome and to receive this operation was mind blowing not only to my family, but to the doctors as well.  Thankfully she was very well taken care of by her coaches, teammates and trainers.  

The surgery was successful and Amanda was able to feel her right hand and all of her fingers after experiencing several months of numbness. Unfortunately, her right lung collapsed one day post-op.  But, as strong as ever, she took the challenge and surpassed it.  Much like everything else that kid does in life.  Her drive and determination to do the best with what she has is daily motivation to me, her teammates and friends. Soon enough she'll be able to brush her hair up into a pony tail again- and boy, are we ever so thankful for that!  Please keep sending your love and well wishes, and thank you to all of you that have.  Here are some glamour shots from a photo shoot done in the hospital, and some of Kiki with her roommates:

                                         

Graduation Day @ SDSU 

This year our family will be celebrating Mother's Day at my college graduation.  Sorry Mom, but I think officially graduating will be a good present for both of us!  Although I completed my undergraduate studies from SDSU last December, I was not able to "walk" until this month.  I can't believe it's been five months since I stopped going to school- time really does fly by.  I have accomplished a lot since receiving my diploma last year, but I am still excited and eager to see my life unfold over the next couple years.  Even with the five month head start into adulthood, I often find myself feeling more lost than I ever did during school.  New opportunities present new physical, emotional and mental challenges.  With all these fresh trials in life, I am learning more about myself than I ever thought I could.  SDSU taught me a lot, not only in my fields of studies, but about the world as well.  My path crossed with some amazing people and I will forever be grateful for everyone and everything I experienced as a college student.  I truly believe education is the most important tool we can have in this world- everyone needs it and everyone deserves it.  

I could not have made it through college in three and a half years without my strong support system at home or without my friends.  Thanks to all the teachers who replied to my grade grubbing emails and for always leaving your doors open for those minds that can never seem to settle.  Thanks to all my friends for genuinely being some of the best, loving people I know.  Thank you to my parents, and endless thank you's to my siblings who continue to be my motivation daily.  It was all worth it, and I am so sad it's over! Now onto the next chapter at Domingo & Associates.

Cheers, Lexie

Teacher Appreciation Week: CHMS May 8-12th 

If you keep up with our agency's business Facebook page I'm sure you've seen our posts about Calavera Hills Middle School.  As an agency we take pride in our ability and desire to give back to our local community.  My father and I are fortunate enough to give away a free lunch or dinner to a peer nominated "Teacher of the Month" at CHMS.

However, this month we were able to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week with all of the middle school's wonderful educators and staff.  We provided some breakfast treats and fresh coffee to show how much we appreciate all they do in our community.  It was a great time seeing everyone earn some well deserved praises.  We're looking forward to continuing our educator sponsorship with CHMS next school year as well.  Thanks again Principal Ecker and the rest of Calavera Hills Middle School. 

Stone Brewery: Brews Cruise!

Instead of highlighting a restaurant this month, I want to highlight an event put on by Stone Brewery. The San Diego Stone Brews Cruise sets sail on a yacht out of the SD Harbor. This state of the art yacht provides its travelers with two dance floors, three full service bars, FREE WI-FI (crowd favorite), and beautiful views all three hundred and sixty degrees around!  The views from the yacht alone are enough to attract ticket buyers- However, many of us threw our money at the opportunity to try 20+  brews, special and seasonal editions included.  The star of the show was Stone, providing its audience with 10 craft brews. Some special guests included Modern Times and Refuge brews.  Remember: all free with the purchase of your ticket.  And when the foodie in you starts to arise, have no fear- small plates and appetizers will be near.  There is a lot to be excited about here people.  To add to that excitement, imagine dancing the night away with a Black Eyed Peas (named the Black Eyed "Teas") cover band.  Who doesn't love a little Fergie, right?  Next time this event comes around, be sure to check it out and purchase your tickets early to save $$$.

Recipes of the Month!

Breakfast/Snack: Green Vitality Smoothie          

1 cup filtered water

2 handfuls of spinach

2 handfuls of shredded kale 

1 tbsp. organic moringa powder

1 lemon (juiced)

1" fresh ginger root 

1/2 banana

1/2 cup frozen mango chunks

Lunch/Dinner: Summer Salad

2 handfuls spinach

1 handful shredded kale 

4-6 oz.baked salmon 

6 cherry tomatoes, halved 

1 oz. goat cheese

2 tbsp. dried unsweetened cranberries

*add any other of your favorite veggies

Top with some micro greens and dressing of your choice!

I use Walden Farms Honey Balsamic, find it below:
https://www.waldenfarms.com/

Both of these recipes are super easy and tasty to make.  The smoothie is a great snack for a needed burst of energy half way through the day.  The moringa powder and ginger gives it a little kick to wake you up midday.  And the salad is perfect for lunch or dinner.  You can always sub out the salmon if you're not a fan of fish.  Try it with grilled chicken, tofu, or without any meat- however you like it!  Walden Farms has a variety of products that are great calorie-free swaps for dressings, marinades and dips, plus they taste great.  Hope you enjoy!

Thanks for reading!

Kindly, 
Lexie, Amanda, and Glenn Domingo 

  

APRIL: "Hoppy" Easter 

Domingo Family Traditions

Easter is popular for egg dying, egg hunts, chocolate bunnies and pastel coloring.  For many people it's a fun holiday to celebrate with family, and a great excuse to devour one of the 90 million chocolate bunnies that are made each year.  For our family, it is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and thank him for dying for our sins.  Fun Fact: Easter is referred to as the moving feast, because every year the date changes.
Every Easter we attend our church's Sunrise Service at Ponto Beach. It has been a tradition since we joined North Coast Calvary Chapel years ago.  I love running into old youth group leaders and pals from high school- plus my mom makes awesome breakfast burritos for us to munch on during the service.  The service is beautiful, on the beach and welcoming to all.  If you are in need of some Easter spirit, or would like to try something new, we'll have a breakfast burrito waiting for you!

From NCCC: SUNRISE SERVICE AT PONTO BEACH

*Sunday, April 16, 7am at South Ponto Beach. Bring a blanket or low-back chair. No dogs or glass allowed on the beach. Parking is very limited at Ponto. Please carpool or park at the church and take the shuttle. Shuttle begins at 5:30am and continues running until after Baptism. 

Distracted Driving Awareness Month!

April is known for the start of baseball season and all things Spring.  But one important factor that needs some recognition is the fact that it's Distracted Driving Awareness Month.  We all know how annoying and boring traffic can be down here in San Diego... but that is no excuse to be using your cell phone when it's stop & go!  Always be alert to protect yourself and others on the road.  If you have any questions regarding Auto Coverage's, please give our office a call.  We would love to serve you!

Padres Opening Day: Friday, April 7 

Jenifer and I were lucky enough to have been invited to attend the Padres Opening Day this year.  We are very fortunate to have such a great friend and referral partner, Ned Patterson from Golden Key Properties.  Here are a couple highlights from the game!  Wishing the Padres the best this season...

Life Insurance

Life insurance for yourself, spouse or kids is a policy that will grow with them. Purchasing a permanent juvenile policy now ensures that they have coverage, even if their health changes later on, and can even be used to help pay for school or a home. Give me a call so you can figure out what's right for your family.

I have to say, I am coming along in this industry.  After earning my P&C license, I was ready to go after the Life, Health & Annuity side of insurance.  At the start of April I attended a pre-licensing course at Mike Russ Schools, and took the exam the following week.  I am excited to announce I am now licensed as a Life Producer! 

Restaurant Review

Polite Provisions | Soda & Swine @ North Park, SD

If you're looking for a nice place to grab a drink before dinner, check out Polite Provisions on 30th and Adams down in SD!  This bar serves all types of drinks and has a changing menu.  Although you can not reserve a spot, they do have their own parking lot and street parking near.  The bar has a speak easy feel with one of a kind decor.  However, there is no kitchen, thus does not serve food.

Luckily, this unique bar is located right next to their sister property, Soda & Swine.  At Soda & Swine they focus on one thing in particularly- Meatballs! Feel free to dine in or take your food over to Polite Provisions and enjoy numerous appetizers, then dive into their unique meatball experience. There are several meat and veggie options for all types of eaters.  I recommend the brussel sprouts and the quinoa feta meatball skillet! Super delicious and flavorful.  Go and give this place a visit next time you are down in San Diego!

Check out their menus at  http://www.politeprovisions.com & http://sodaandswine.com/

Meal Prep

It's no secret that being "healthy" seems to be of high importance in today's society.  People around the world are taking initiative to get that summer body going, while some of us are still slacking a little (...guilty).  I find it extremely difficult to find a routine at times.  What to eat, when to eat, when to workout, what to workout, and so on.  Schedules are always changing, whether you are a full time student, a full time parent or a full time employee, you never know what will be thrown at you on a daily basis.  It has been a transition for me to incorporate the healthy lifestyle I was so accustomed to in college, to my new routine of working and running errands- adulting. UGH.  It doesn't seem all that difficult, but in reality, it really really is.  One thing my little health nut of a sister has drilled into my parents' brain and mine is: MEAL PREP.  I can not stress how much of a time saver it is when my dad, mom and I are all busy in the office.  Something simple I have started incorporating into our daily routine is a morning smoothie or green juice!  I make it right at home for a quick, filling and healthy breakfast option before heading out the door.  My dad seems to really like them!  I also have been portioning out some snack bags for the three of us that keep the desk snacking to a minimum.  We typically enjoy a handful of nuts, fruit and veggies sticks throughout the day- with the necessary hummus dip of course. Dinner time can still be a little crazy, even with just us three.  Being roomies with mom and dad has played out pretty well though, we can take turns cooking dinner meals throughout the week so our taste buds never get bored.  One thing to always include in a meal is a large portion of veggies or salad.  Be sure to feed first on your veggies to avoid blockage with the digestion of food!  I'm no health expert, but I can attest that this meal prep thing really does work.  Be sure to check out @kikiscollegeeats on Instagram to get more meal and snack ideas from none other than Amanda "Kiki" Domingo.

Farmers Financial Review 

It is IRA (Individual Retirement Account) Season and if you need your 2016 deduction to assist with lowering your Gross Taxable Income, your contribution needs to be into your Financial Institution by April 17, 2017.  There are two kinds of IRA's, the traditional IRA allows you to take a deduction in income and the ROTH IRA which allows you to fund your after tax contribution for a tax free supplemental retirement account.  There are certain limits of income that you can earn to take advantage of this government allowed savings vehicle.  Our United States Government wants our citizens to save for their future.  This is why they allow either a deduction or a potential tax free investment vehicle.

Do you know how much you can make before you can not contribute to your IRA?
Do you know how much you can contribute to your IRA and what age does it change?
When can you access this account without penalty?
How long can I contribute & when do I have to start taking distributions from this account?
How should you invest your contributions?

Please call, text, email or drop by our offices so I can educate you on this very important topic. Wishing everyone a wonderful Easter Holiday and if you don't celebrate this Holiday, wishing you a wonderful start to your spring season.

Kindly, with care and respect, Glenn P Domingo, CSP LUTCF

Thank you everyone for your continued support of my blog while away at school.  Until the May blog from the West Coast and East Coast,

Amanda & Lexie Domingo, Digital Marketing Managers
Domingo and Associates, FARMERS
Your Agency for LIFE

March Madness

MARCH MADNESS and THE EAST COAST VISIT

It has been "madness" over here! Traveling a ton for pre-season. Hope this spring update finds you all well.

Newest Farmers Agent 

My older sister, Alexandra (Lexie), has officially passed her Property and Casualty exam. I am so proud of her for staying persistent.  Maybe she'll even take over the family business someday! She just graduated this past December from San Diego State University in 3 and a half years, and is already off to a great start. Alexandra will be working at the agency, learning the ropes of how to run a business, and building up her own little book of business.  Right now her main focus is marketing for the agency, but she looks forward on expanding her knowledge and skill set in the industry.   With her degree in communication, her mind is always working on new innovative ways to get Domingo & Associates in front of a large scale audience.  We were lucky enough to go over her new marketing and agency branding ideas when she and my parents came out to Brooklyn.

Trip Out East 

My brother Addison and I eagerly awaited our family's arrival out the East Coast.  My parents and sister spent five days with Addison in Pittsburgh watching him play the game he loves.  An added bonus: His first home game of the season was moved to Cincinnati due to weather conditions, so my family made the four hour drive just to watch him play a few games.  Another added bonus: He hit his first home collegiate run of the regular season with the three of them in the stands!  I'm so proud of him and his hard work on and off the field. As my team and I returned from a long spring break travel, I was looking forward to seeing my family.  My mom, dad, and Lexie came out for LIU Softball's home opener.  I was happy to be able to spend some time with my parents and have multiple much needed girls nights with my best friend and sister, Lex. Lex and I were able to brainstorm and discuss new marketing strategies for the agency, while still having some fun downtime.  Just a little over half way through the semester, familiar faces is just what we needed to push us through this last part of the school year and season.

Tips Provided By: @kikiscollegeeats on Instagram 

I made an Instagram page that shows some of my meals I make while at school. I want to help others know it is possible to eat well on a low-budget. The page also highlights how you can make quick meals and always be prepared on the go, running to class, or busy before practice. I am hoping to major in nutrition and work with athletes and the obese population in the future. Provided below is my recipe to my favorite breakfast.

The POWERFUL Breakfast BOWL                                       

1/2 C cooked quinoa 

2 eggs any way you like them 

1 small sliced and grilled tomato

1 handful of raw spinach 

1/4 of a diced avocado 

Place all the ingredients in a bowl however you'd like to present them. Sprinkle salt and pepper if you'd like, or sriracha if you are looking for a little spice. Quick, easy, delicious, and nutritious. Give me a follow for more quick healthy recipes! @kikiscollegeeats 

Farmers Financial Review

It is wonderful to see your kids grow, learn and flourish in life.  I am such a proud father.  Funny how my most popular posts on social media are about my kids.  As they continue to grow in their journey of life, so does the assets of Lexie Domingo.  Lexie and Addison both started ROTH IRA's.

Consistent dollar cost averaging into an investment has proven to be the most affordable and most consistent with compounding interest.  You have until the middle of April to fund your Individual Retirement Accounts for the deduction on a Traditional IRA for the 2016 year.  The time limit is also the same for the ROTH IRA for the 2016 year contribution.  Don't miss the opportunity to save for the future.  Give me a call, text, or email so we can start or contribute to your IRA today.

Kindly, Glenn P Domingo, Registered Representative for Farmers Financial Solutions.

Wishing everyone a safe, fun and productive Spring.  

Looking forward to sharing another blog next month.,  Keep an eye out for our restaurant review and some really great workouts from my sister Lexie. 

Your Blogger from East Coast, 

Amanda "Kiki" Domingo

Home for the Holidays

Summary of the Year

2016 was one of those years that just flew by.  While reflecting on how the year went regarding family, we moved into our new home that has a granny flat for Auntie Des and Mama Fili.  It is with great comfort that my mom and sister live with us with their health conditions.  Jenifer is so happy that she has her own kitchen and space  as well.  I love the craftsmanship and character of our new place.  We are so blessed to be able to live in such a wonderful place called Carlsbad.   Amanda is in her second semester of her sophomore year and Addison is starting his second semester of his junior year.  Our health is good and could be better with consistent work outs and cleaner eating.  Doesn't it seem that getting into better shape is always a top goal for us?  While reflecting back on our business: Challenges with the health insurance industry seems to continue, we have to wait for our new Presidential Administration to see what changes might effect this segment of the insurance industry. Home and Auto insurance are starting to level out with the adjustments to mileage, rebuilding cost as well as more expensive cars on road.  We continue to run our insurance practice from our two satellite offices in Orange County and LA.  Our corporate office is still in Oceanside.  Again, listening to you will dictate how we run our business.  I am so very excited about the ramp up of our marketing department with our eldest daughter, Lexie, coming aboard.  She will definitely assist with the growth of new clients and lines of business with our existing ones. 

You will start hearing from me more in 2017 as I plan on reviewing each of your accounts to assist with life and financial services.  Commercial insurance is also another area of growth that Domingo & Associates, FARMERS, plans on pursuing for the year.  Wishing you all the best for a Healthy, Prosperous and Peaceful Year.  Make a difference friends and family.  We all only have a certain amount of heartbeats left.  Don't waste them on negativity because you will go backwards.  Stay positive and add heartbeats to your life.  God Bless us All.  With love and kindness, Glenn P Domingo, agency owner.  

Graduation

My older sister, Lexie, graduated this semester from San Diego State University. She majored in Interdisciplinary Studies emphasizing in communications, English, and sociology. We are all so happy and proud of her; especially that she was able to graduate in three and a half years. Lexie plans on working at the family agency and obtaining her insurance license in the next six months. From there, she may look into getting her teaching credentials. She will be walking with her class in the Spring and we plan on having another cool graduation party for her.  Congrats Lex, love you! 

Happy Holidays 

It has been so nice being home with my family. This holiday season we stayed in town and had some family and friends over. I am blessed to be home and thankful to spend time with all the people that keep me grounded while I am away at school in New York. It has been five months since our whole family has been together; that's a long time for us Domingo's! Here are a few pictures of our holiday time to share with you all.

Family Beach Walk Christmas Morning

Christmas Eve Service 

Christmas Day celebration at the house 

Christmas Day with the family 

Restaurant Review 

Cafe Topes 

Hours: 7am-2pm CLOSED MONDAYS 

Location: 3091 Roosevelt St Carlsbad CA, 92008 

Cafe Topes is located right in our backyard. They are known for the "best breakfast in Carlsbad" and have delicious lunch dishes. They are famous for their freshly baked cinnamon rolls, made every morning. Lexie loves their lavender lattes and Jen loves the eggs benedict It is a popular place to eat, and has made a name for itself in Carlsbad after only being open for a few years. If you are around or in town locally, be sure to stop in and try it. 

From our family to yours, we wish you all a happy holiday season!

Amanda "Kiki" Domingo 

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