April 2018

April 2018

We can't believe it's already April.  Warmer weather and clearer skies are creeping up on us and we couldn't be more excited!  Hopefully everyone got their taxes done in time to enjoy the sunshine.  A few things we are looking forward to as Spring kicks into high gear... Baseball season, Carlsbad Flower Fields, and the beach (duh)!  Click here to discover more upcoming seasonal events located in the Carlsbad area.

Restaurant Review

Mikko Sushi | Located in Carlsbad and Vista 

Mikko Sushi, a unique sushi experience, now has two locations.  After undergoing new ownership and management, Mikko Sushi has expanded.  Their first location is right on Carlsbad Village Drive, and the newest location is in Vista.  This North County sushi eatery is one of our favorites. Both locations feature happy hours and lunch specials daily, plus the Carlsbad location delivers!  Join Mikko Sushi every Wednesday night for a hot sake special- yum. The service is great and the owners are super friendly.  A very clean, and customer service driven staff makes the experience all the more better. We highly recommend trying this place out if you're a sushi lover.  I've never tried a thing I didn't like (or devour)!

The Compass | Located in Carlsbad Village 

The Compass is known for great late night food and daily happy hours. It's a dog-friendly bar/restaurant with an amazing Veggie Burger.  They have over 20 beers to choose from, domestic and craft. It has a unique style to it, which makes it stand out among the surrounding eateries in The Village.  You can go here during the week for a meal and a beer, or stay up late to try out their "late night menu" (open until 2 am!)  Over all, this place is fun with good food and drink, plus its location is unbeatable.  Just across the street you'll find the beach, you really can't go wrong with The Compass.

April Favorites

Games

Buzzed Out: This fun game is played with two teams. Teams need to describe words or phrases listed on a game card, with out saying the answer of course. You don't want to get caught in possession with the game card! Guess the word right and pass the card to the other team, if the buzzer sounds while your team is in possession- you're out! This is fun to play with friends or family, better than just watching TV all night. 

Books

If you have not already heard of Jen Sincero's You are a Badass, you're missing out.  Sincero not only brings humor to life situations that get everyone down, but she brings hope and motivation for accomplishing life long dreams.  Nevertheless, this book will inspire you, make you laugh and help you reflect on how to be the best you can be.  I love how you can really hear her voice while reading, it's so relate able and not so "academic".  More of a fun loving and matter of fact tone keeps you interested.  10 out of 10 recommend picking this up for a good read and a good laugh.

Snack Hacks  

Trader Joe's "Just Coconut Chunks" are literally just chunks of coconut meat. They're frozen and delicious.  Pop them in a smoothie or have them at room temperature for a super refreshing, sweet and satisfying snack.  They contain no sugar additives or whitener, and are only $2.49!!! Add them to any smoothie for a dose of healthy fats and for that tropical summer-time taste. 

Graduation for AD

The eldest of the three Domingo's, Addison Philip-Rand Domingo has graduated.  Addison was unable to attend his ceremony due to some baseball games, but Glenn and Jen were able to attend his baseball team's senior day out in Pittsburgh this past weekend.  It's been a long journey but our family is thrilled and so proud of Addison.  He has earned his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Creative Writing.  Addison has decided to stay in Pittsburgh after graduation.  His passion is baseball and will be playing in the Coastal Plains League In Virgina and to see if European Baseball will evolve.  Addison would also love to build an Art Brand of Clothing, Music, Poetry, Dance benefiting a none profit organization.  We will definitely miss him, but are excited to see what his plans are for the future. We love you and your generous heart King!

Summary from The Agency Owners

As I reflect back on the nearly 24 years as the earthly father of Addison, many lessons have been accomplished in and out of the classroom for both of us.  It felt so good to get him some wheels.  He used public transportation and friends as means of travel for almost three years.  He was so stoked to have the freedom and the ability to earn at his fingertips.  He was our agencies best Telemarketer.  Now that I have returned home, my heart is filled with pride, grace and sadness.  I will miss my boy.  I learned on this trip to resolve and communicate any regrets that each of us might of had.  I learned on this trip about coaching rather than telling and yelling, I learned the love we share for our Lord and how each one of us has a personal relationship with our Creator.  Reflecting back with his grandfather was also important to realize that resolution and peace with our family on earth is important for healthy living.  To you my son, I love you with all my heart.  You are our first born.  You taught us to love, discipline, teach, regret, reflect and grow as humans.  Your mother and I are so grateful for you.  You are your sisters protector, they know and feel that confidence as they grow on their journey.  There was a reason that our Lord gave you to us Addison.  Now that you are making your mark on this world, reflect on how our family lived through the good times and not so good times.  Know your weakness's as they will carve you into improvement and sharpen your life skills.  Save 10 percent, give 10 percent of your time, talent and treasures.  You will be blessed.  Thank you son for teaching me lessons in life as well.  Your biggest Fan, POPS.

We love what we do because we get to see many many families and friends grow through life stages.  Being able to see it in your own family puts a different perspective on how to approach your clients and friends.  Treat them like family.  We are only a call, email or text away on how we can better our agency.  Thank you.  We appreciate you.  We want to improve to serve you better.

Kindly, Glenn & Jenifer Domingo

March 2018

St. Patrick's Day 

St. Patrick's Day reminds us of leprechauns, rainbows,green beer and all things green.  Saint Patrick is said to have a used a three leaf shamrock to explains the Holy Trinity, which is why it's so customary to wear green or a shamrock of sort on March 17th. We hope all who celebrated had a fun and safe day. Does anyone know out there why you are suppose to pinch someone if they don't wear Green.  If you know the answer, call our agency and we will send you a prize or gift card for the first two friends that let us know. Cheers!

Restaurant Review 

True Food Kitchen: San Diego Location

Recently I went to the Fashion Valley mall in San Diego. While I was there, I tried out True Food Kitchen.  They have an open and sharing concept at their meal tables.  True Food Kitchen focuses on building community around the table, in the kitchen and at the bar. The place has a modern feel to it, but is still very warm and inviting.   It is a "healthier" option when dining out, however they still have many delicious and satisfying dishes.  The food and drink menus are seasonal, so only the freshest ingredients are being used. With a variety of flavors in every meal, you won't be disappointed!

Recipe of the Month

Healthy Shamrock Shake

Everyone knows about McDonald's famous Shamrock Shake that is released just before St. Patrick's Day.  Everyone also knows how horrible those are for you. And now, everyone will have a healthier version to turn to when feeling the Holiday spirit. 

Ingredients:

- 1 c. coconut milk

- 1 c. ice

- 1/2 avocado

- 1 tsp. vanilla extract

- 1 large handful of fresh mint leaves, to taste

- stevia, raw honey, maple syrup to taste 

* top this satiating smoothie off with some shredded coconut or cacao nibs for a little crunch

Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth, serve immediately. 

March Madness

Enjoy your favorite games with some yummy snacks.  Try out this insane guac with veggies or chips!

Ingredients:

- 3 avocados

- 1/2 lime or lemon, juice

- salt and pepper to taste

- 1 Serrano pepper diced

- 1/2 white onion diced

- 1 roma tomato diced

- 1 small handful of minced cilantro

- 1 small garlic clove miced

* eat with chips or veggies, put it on a sandwich or salad, beware of the spice.

Calavera Hills Elementary School

For those of you familiar with our agency's community outreach, you know how much we love supporting the Calavera Hills Coyotes. Both the middle and elementary school.  Helping create a community of inclusiveness and positivity has been so fun for our family.  We just recently stopped by the Elementary School to check out the garden and some new P.E. equipment donated by the agency.  It's always so fun and refreshing to see pure joy in the kids eyes.  They of course would not be there without their amazing teachers and educational leaders.

A Note from Glenn & Jenifer

Hello Dear Friends and Family:

Just wanted to say thank you again for being our family, client and friend.  We wish you all a Happy Easter.  As some of us celebrate our reason and purpose of this Holiday, we wanted to let you know His gift is free.  Reach out if you have any questions or just want to chat. 

Being away from our kids on East Coast is difficult during these and other Holidays.  Communication is so important when you are not physically together.  We want to communicate with you the way you want to be spoken, text or emailed too.  We are finding many of our clients on line and prefer to conduct business through email and phone.  I wanted to personally let you know that I make house calls and enjoy them.  We get to catch up, we get to understand your insurance needs deeper and I do miss seeing you personally.  Through out the year, Liane, Leticia, Lexie, Jenifer or myself will be asking to conduct a Farmers Friendly Review.  We start with January with the Last Name of A and B, February with the Last Name of C and D, etc.  At anytime you would like to review your policy's or have any related insurance of financial services questions, please reach out.  Even if the questions are for your friends and family, we are here to help.  

Gods Blessings upon our Country, your families and you.  Thank you again,. 

Kindly, Glenn, Jenifer and Lexie Domingo

February 2018

Hello, February 2018

Month of Love

February is universally known as the month of love. It's full of hearts, chocolates, cupids and roses.  I hope you all were able to spend Valentine's Day with people whom you love!  Do you know of a great way to show your love and care for someone else? By setting up a life insurance policy.  Not only is it a gift for your loved one, but it is a security blanket for when the inevitable happens.  Life insurance policies tend to get a bad wrap, but they truly do benefit families.  When unexpected costs incur after a death, sudden or not, life insurance money can help pay those debts down.  If you have a mortgage, or a child in college- life insurance money can help cover those costs as well.  You might have to take time off of work to deal with the death in your family, and the life insurance beneficiary money w
ill help keep you afloat during that tough time. Call our office today to set up a free life insurance consultation.  Remember, protect the ones you love.

State Street Farmers Market

If you love local organic produce, do not miss the Carlsbad State Street Farmers Market!  Every Wednesday from 3-6 pm you can expect Carlsbad Village to be a little bit more crowded than normal.  Several local farms are there selling their organic produce, some specialty craftsmen/women are usually there sharing their creative creations, and plenty of hot food vendors are on site too.  It is a smaller farmers market, so you can really take your time in getting to know the farmers or companies of your choice.  I've been going here for years and I love the fresh fruits and veggies!  Click this link to find out more information!

Restaurant Review

Lately my Dad and I have been really into this Netflix Original, Chef's Table. The show features several chef's who tell their story of how they rose to the top of the culinary world. Each person is unique, incredibly talented and highly respected.  After watching a few chef's famous Asian style cuisines, I began craving ramen and pho like no other.  I came across a pretty popular noodle spot in Ocean Beach, San Diego and have been hooked ever since.  No, it isn't a five star, 7 course meal that costs me hundreds of dollars. But it tastes pretty damn good and is reasonably priced.  Plus the have peanut butter whiskey shots, and have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (Triple D for Food Network regulars)!!!

OB Noodle House : 2218 Cable St, San Diego, CA 92107

This place not only has great pho and even greater broth, they also have so many specials!  Happy hour goes on Monday-Friday from 3-6 pm. You'll find several half off drink options, sake included.  This noodle house also puts on Taco Tuesday's & Thursday's. They grill some Korean style pork belly and top it off with some house made papaya salad, aioli and cilantro. WOW.  Don't forget to try the PB Whiskey shot too! Perfect little treat to balance out all the flavors.

Recipe of the Month!

Super Simple Coconut Fudge

• 1/4 c honey or maple syrup
  
• 1/2 c cocoa powder unsweetened, or cacao powder if you have it handy 
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of sea sealy
• unsweetened coconut flakes to garnish (optional) 
• silicone mold (squares, shapes, whatever you have on hand or can buy off Amazon)

1.  Have your silicone mold ready! No need to grease or prep the mold, just make sure it is clean and can fit in your fridge/freezer
2. Next, whisk together all ingredients until smooth and pour into your lined container
3. Place in fridge until solid, probably about an hour and cut into small squares. (you can place in freezer for about half the time if you need a quick fix)

**This is a small batch. I suggest using a small container if you want your fudge pieces to be thick**

Cooking Hacks

Here I will share some of my current favorite cooking hacks for simpler, healthier meals.

• Cooking with lemon? Drinking lemon water? Making smoothies that require lemon juice?
• Peel 1-2 lemons, blend them together and pour into silicone molds. Place into freezer. When a recipe calls for lemon, pop one of those into your dish.  Instead of just using the juice of a lemon, you are using its whole body. Taking in all the nutrients a lemon has to offer.  Super simple and less clean up time!
• Coconut H2O Cubes

• Much like our lemon cubes above, these coconut water ice cubes will leave you feeling refreshed and hydrated.   Pour some pulp free coconut water into an ice tray, and add to your favorite smoothie recipes for a cool sweetness packed with vitamins and minerals.  Hydration station!
• Steamed Frozen Zucchini
• I am always on a smoothie hype, but don't always want all the sugars that come with them.  Yes, fruit has sugar in it. Even too much of the "good" sugar can take us on downward spiral.  If you're like me and love a nice thick smoothie, this fruit alternative is perfect for you.
• First, get some zucchini. Then slice it up, about 1/4 in. thick, steam (maybe 7-8 minutes) and set to cool.  Next, place the zucchini coins on a baking sheet, making sure they do not touch and place them in your freezer until frozen.  Go ahead and bag them up and store in freezer and add to smoothies.  They do not taste like fruit, so be sure to still add a small amount of your favorite fruits for sweetness, but they will bulk up the smoothie.

Below is some helpful information from one of our agency partners, The California Earthquake Authority

Turning Earthquake Hindsight into Foresight

Scientists predict there is more than a 99% chance of a devastating 6.7 magnitude earthquake in California within the next 30 years. It just makes good sense that all Californians take steps to prepare for an earthquake. Steps like:

• Understanding earthquake risk where they live
• Knowing the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety
• Retrofitting their house if necessary
• Purchasing earthquake insurance.

There are millions of Californians who don’t have earthquake insurance coverage. Without it, many will find their lives changed for the worse after an earthquake. This heartache and financial stress could have been avoided with the right CEA earthquake insurance policy.

When the uninsured are affected by an earthquake, in hindsight, they’ll likely regret not having purchased earthquake insurance. But with your help, those with regrets could be few.

Why Earthquake Insurance?

Earthquake insurance helps your policyholders protect themselves. A CEA policy can:

• Protect your policyholders from bankruptcy
• Help your policyholders replace damaged or destroyed personal items
• Be the difference between having the money to rebuild/repair a home, or losing it
• Provide loss of use coverage if your policyholder can’t access their home due to an earthquake

That’s why it’s so important you share your knowledge about the many coverage options offered by CEA -- knowledge you can easily acquire with free CEA agent training.

Encourage your policyholders to invest in the peace of mind that earthquake coverage provides.
At the end of the day, it will be a box on your to-do list you’ll feel good about checking off.

Thanks again for allowing our family and agency to provide helpful restaurant reviews, health tips, and recipes.  Until March Madness Friends, Family and Clients.

Peace be with you all.

Kindly, Glenn and Alexandra Domingo

2018 | New Year, New Goals

2018

Sage Creek High School

Our family's agency loves to give back to the local Carlsbad community. Our biggest partnerships in the past have been with Calavera Hills Middle & Elementary Schools, Carlsbad High School and Oceanside High School.  This year we have decided to extend our sponsorship to a newer campus, Sage Creek High School.  We will be sponsoring the men's basketball team for their 2018 season.  Giving back to the community allows us to feel connected and gives our agency the opportunity to continue building this already amazing community.  Click on the link to view the Bobcat's winter basketball schedule.  We hope to see you out there for a game or two!

If you are passionate about education or a non profit organization, please reach out to our agency to see if we have funding available.  It is important to me and my family to return our thanks and commitment of giving back.  We will make every effort to help.  

Farmers Open

Everyone loves the Farmers Open, pro golfer or not.  The course looking over our beautiful beaches in Torrey Pines- there's few things better than that.  An iconic day for Farmers Insurance for sure, and a fun day with friends, co-workers and family. Here are a few highlights from this year's Farmers Open Championship.

Congratulations to Jason Day for being the Farmers Insurance Open 2018 Champion.  We look forward to another great adventure in 2019.  If you are a client, please reach out to me in order to purchase special 17th green grandstand passes for any of the available days.  

January Health Tips

If your new years resolution is to eat healthier, smarter or lighter- here are some tips to help aide your transition to healthier, happier you.

• Drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day (or more). The more the merrier! 
• Aids in digestion and can help flush out toxins
• Improves skin complexion (dryness, acne, etc.)
• Increases energy 
• Reduces headaches and cramps 
• ....and more!

• FIBER FIBER FIBER
• Did you know plant-based foods are the only naturally fibrous rich foods? Many
  
  processed foods contains fiber, but it is a source of fiber supplementation.  Which as you might have guessed- isn't the best and most natural way to ingest it.
• I am a firm believer in eating and even drinking your veggies/greens.  Snack on some celery, carrots, apples, avocados, or berries instead of a granola bar or chips.  Make a big green smoothie for breakfast, lunch or a mid-day snack to ensure you are getting a fiber surplus.
• Without fiber, your digestive track suffers.  Fiber moves food through the GI tract quickly and efficiently. If you suffer from chronic GI issues, I suggest upping that fiber intake to help clean you out!
• Lemons

• They aren't great alone, but when added to water (hot or cold), smoothies, salads, fish or chicken, they can taste pretty great.
• Lemons have a lot of the same healing properties as water and fiber. They really help hydrate the body, improve complexion, release the body of toxins and support weight loss. Plus if plain water is getting boring for you, add some lemon for a new tangy taste. You won't regret it!

These are some super easy tips to incorporate everyday in the transition to a happier, healthier you in 2018.  Hope you enjoy!

Restaurant Review

Barrel Republic 

With three locations around San Diego, Barrel Republic quickly became a beer lovers heaven.  With several self-pouring beers on tap, there truly is something for everyone.  Even if beer isn't your thing, they offer both red and white wine, kombucha and coffee at some locations.  You can find one of these spots in Oceanside, Carlsbad or Pacific Beach.  Friendly staff, friendly customers and great food (Oceanside and Carlsbad locations only).  I highly recommend paying this place a visit next time you're craving a beer- that way you can sample as many as you want! They charge by the ounce, and each beer has it's own price/ounce.  It truly is a convenient way to develop your beer pallet. Follow this link to learn more.

Friendly Reminders on Updating Your Personal Insurance

During the beginning of the year I find it important to update your goals, review the budget and make certain any important retirement funding gets included prior to April 15th.  I also make sure to review our personal insurance coverage's.  We offer an annual Farmers Friendly Review, but in some instances, you might have made changes that will effect your coverage's before we contact you.  At Domingo & Associates, FARMERS, we strive to make certain you have the best possible insurance coverage for the most affordable premiums.  It is important to have a personal relationship with your agent.  Give us a call to set up your Free Farmers Friendly Review, we might discover some needs that you have missed.  Below are some helpful tips to make certain you are not overpaying for insurance and you and not under covered with insurance.

1.  Make certain to notify your agent of any upgrades you have done to your home.  The extended replacement cost endorsement might be enough to cover the add on or you might have to update the replacement cost of the dwelling to fill in the gaps.  Adding solar, a new floor, a kitchen or bathroom remodel, an addition are all indications that you should update your coverage on your home or condo policy.  

2.  Have you added a pool, or a new pet as a member to your family ?  Are your kids starting to invite their friends over more often to hang out ?  Do you have any vacant land ?  Have you seen your sidewalk lift because of roots ?  Are there any dead trees on your property that could fall on something or someone ?  The fore mentioned are all liability insurance questions. For pennies on the dollar, this coverage is the most affordable to upgrade on the home insurance plans.  Perhaps it is time to see if you need an umbrella policy. 

3.  How old are the cars you own ?  Take time to see what your car is worth to replace or what it will cost on www.kbb.com or www.edmunds.com.  Do you need full coverage with comprehensive insurance or collision insurance.  You might have a new teen age driver entering the household.  They are the highest rated and costing to your auto insurance portfolio.  Having a liability and uninsured motorist coverage only plan can save you hundreds of dollars on your auto insurance.  

All the above are situations that happen daily in our clients and customers lives.  Please take time to review and update us if you have any questions or concerns.  California Insurance Laws have the ultimate decision on coverage fall on to the consumer.  Having an agency like Domingo & Associates,  allows you to communicate with our agency regularly with the Farmers Friendly Review.  

Without our clients and friends, we would not have a business to open each day.  Without our clients and friends, we not have the ability to have my family's dreams and goals come true.  Thank you as always.  Please refer a friend or family member if you appreciate what we do for you and your family or business.  All the best to you in 2018.  From the East Coast and the West Coast, God Bless and Prosperity, Peace and Protection be with you always. 

Kindly, Glenn & Lexie Domingo, 

Your agency for a life time

December 2017

Happy Holidays from Domingo & Associates, Farmers Insurance!

December 2017 

It's crazy to think we are just a few short moments away from 2018. This year came and went particularly fast in my eyes.  However, there were many moments throughout this year that caused the world to stop, feel and worry of what was to come next.  I want to recognize all the survivors and lost ones of the tragic hurricanes, earthquakes and fires that occurred over the course of this year. And send love to the victims of the numerous shootings. With so much pain and destruction it was hard to find solace at times. Let us all grow and learn from the hardships, and also remember the highlights of this year as we go into 2018. Blessings to all.

Holiday Recipes

It can be very challenging not to inhale all the holiday goodies this time of year... Here are some healthy side dishes that are bursting with whole food nutrients. Hopefully they'll help balance out all the sugar!

Winter Harvest Salad w/ Honey ACV v|gf   

Salad:

• 1/2 lb. baby spinach               
• 2 c. wild arugula 
• 2 Bartlett pears
• 2 honey crisp apples
• 1/2 c. pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 c. raw pecans

Dressing:

• 1/4 c. olive oil
• 1/3 c. ACV
• 1/4 c. raw honey 
• Salt + pepper to taste 

Toss all ingredients in a large bowl and serve cold.

Mushroom Pesto Poppers by Trader Joe's v|gf

• 1 pack organic Trader Joe's baby bella mushrooms
• Trader Joe's Vegan Cashew Kale Pesto Dip
• Trader Joe's Vegan Mozzarella Cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Tear out mushroom stems and fill each pocket with the kale pesto. Top with some shredded cheese and place in the oven for 8-12 minutes, until cheese is melted. Serve warm.

Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
Everyone loves a classic gingerbread man.  Here is a recipe we've used for years. The cookies are always so soft and sweet! Decorating them is even more fun, so make sure to check out the icing recipe also!

Domingo & Associates Community Involvement 

Our agency has focused on giving back to the local community schools this past year.  Farmers Insurance has allowed us to build great relationships with both Calavera Hills Elementary School and Middle School in 2017.  We can't thank the Calavera Coyotes enough for their continued support and partnership in building a strong community here in Carlsbad.  Below are some of our favorite memories with the Coyotes from 2017!  We will continue to support the Garden Project and teacher appreciation lunches and events.

Again, the Calavera Middle and Elementary Schools were so instrumental in the learning and discipline of all three Domingo Children.  Amanda or Kiki was the first Graduating Class from K -8 and is a Junior at Long Island University at Brooklyn.  She will be majoring in Health Sciences.  Addison, the oldest of the three at 23 will be receiving his Creative Writing Degree and continue to play baseball with Point Park University in Pittsburgh for the Spring Semester of 2018.  Our 22 year old career bound child is Lexie.  After receiving her Degree in December of 2016 in Interdisciplinary Studies, she is continuing her pursuit in education and is teaching in Vista, California, while still marketing and selling for the agency.  Our Good Lord continues to bless our family.  We are so thankful for our community and schools that have assisted the upbringing of our children.  Thanks again Coyotes for making such a positive impact on our local youth.

Love from The Domingo's

Our family wishes you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for following our blog and business in the past, we look forward to cultivating new relationships in 2018, continue to strive to be the best we can for our current relationships and work on giving back to the community. Cheers and Blessings!

Kindly and with respect,

Glenn, Jenifer, Addison, Lexie, Amanda & Bailey 

November 2017

Thanksgiving in San Diego, CA

Since we have such nice weather down here in Southern California, Thanksgiving can usually be spent in a t-shirt and jeans.  Amazing outdoor scenery surrounds us, from the ocean, the valleys and mountains in San Diego.  Wherever you are in sunny SD on this "day of thanks", you can find places to eat and activities to do.  For example, there are 9 "Turkey Trots" with 10K and 5K options.  Check out this link to register and sign up- move your feet before you eat! On that same link, you will find a few places serving turkey and all the fixings to help celebrate.  Some include Hotel Coronado and the Hornblower Cruise Ships. Low on time, people, or patience to cook the perfect holiday meal? Then this is for you!

Fall Recipes

Desserts

Pumpkin Pie
Halloween kick started the immense amounts of candies, chocolates and sweets. Thanksgiving is following in its footsteps, intensifying our need to gorge ourselves with all things heavy, creamy and comforting. I wanted to share the beloved dessert of Pumpkin Pie.  Below you will find three different recipes (the classic, the vegan/GF, and the raw). One for everyone!

Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie

Raw Pumpkin Pie

Classic Pumpkin Pie 

Side Dishes 

Roasted Maple Brown Sweet Potatoes

This recipe is vegan friendly, but many meat eaters love it on the side of the turkey, chicken, salmon- whatever it may be.  It's great as a side dish, an app, a salad topper, or even a dessert (when topped with coconut milk ice cream of course).  It makes plenty of servings, so experiment with the ways you use these yummy sweet tots. 

Ingredients:

• 2 organic sweet potatoes, skin on                            
• 2 tbsp. raw maple syrup 
• 1/4 tsp. (each) cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper
• 1/2 tsp. pink salt
• 1 1/2 tbsp. coconut oil (for greasing pan)

Directions:

• preheat oven to 375 F
• grease baking sheet with coconut oil
• combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl, marinating the sweet potatoes with the spices and syrup
• lay them all out once oven is heated and wait until they're nice and crispy on the edges

Sweet Salad

This recipe uses the SP's listed above, plus a few more things.

Ingredients:

• Roasted Maple Brown Sweet Potatoes
• 1 bunch lacinto kale, marinated with a squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of salt
• 1/4 c. fresh pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 c. dried cranberries
• 1/4 c. unsalted pumpkin seeds
• 8 oz. shredded brussel sprouts 

Directions:

• Toss all ingredients together, no dressing is needed because of those tasty sweet potatoes and the marinated kale. Super simple and easy to make, yet satisfying. 

Thanksgiving in Brooklyn, New York

I'm lucky enough to spend my Thanksgiving break with my sister in Brooklyn, and arrive home by Thanksgiving night to spend time with my parents.  The best of both worlds (or coasts).  Amanda and I will have our annual Fall trip together in New York for a week before she has to send me off back to San Diego.  While I'm in New York, we plan to do all things "fall & wintery".  First on our list is a stroll through Central Park.  I've been through it during the Spring and Summer, but never Fall.  I'm sure we'll stop by Rockefeller center to gaze at the giant Christmas tree, get some yummy hot drinks and check out a few of her favorite vegan spots to eat.  I'm thrilled to be going back East to visit again, but even more excited to see my little sister for the first time in months.  A reunion I always look forward to.

Insurance News

During this time of the year, most of our clients are engaged with family and business's around the world slows down.  I feel that this is a great time to work on our budgets for 2018, set some personal and business goals, review how your investments have done and start planning for the new year.  When reviewing expenses for the year, I understand that about 11% of each dollar I earn goes towards some type of insurance product, it is increasing because of health insurance cost.  I appreciate the time to review clients insurance portfolios and to see if they are on target for their retirement goals.  Please accept our invitations to visit our office or allow me to visit you in your home so we may discuss your asset protection and asset growth goals.  I have personally kept a goals sheet since December of 1996 and update quarterly.  I plan on working for 19 more years with Farmers.  I plan on saving at least 15% of our net income towards retirement.  I plan on having 3 college graduates by the Summer of 2019.  I plan on remaining and improving our insurance and financial services agency to better serve you. 

I wanted to personally thank my family, friends and clients for your continued loyalty to our agency.  Our platform on faith, education, doing the right things, and life long relationships have kept our family agency open for 21 years.  Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on how blessed we are to live in such a beautiful county.  For me, a beautiful city called Carlsbad.  This is a time of the year to give back to the community and to those in need.  Please call, email or text if you are passionate about an organization that assist those in need so I can contribute what I can if it makes sense.  Recently assisted with a High School Wrestling Team, The Mitchell Thorpe Foundation for a young girl in our community, Sage Creek Basketball and Athletic Foundation to mention a few.  So please reach out.  From my heart, my family and from our agency, we wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving and Holiday Season.

Kindly and with Passion, Glenn, Jenifer, Addison, Lexie and Amanda Domingo