July 2024

Summer Time Summer Time, Sum Sum Summer Time

Summer is in full swing and it has been a busy one for sure. Celebrating Father's Day with the surprise visit from Lexie, a couple of family weddings, honoring and celebrating our Mama Fili and her birthday on the 4th of July, and celebrating Addison's big 30th birthday this month. We hope you are staying safe and having a wonderful start to your summer. Remember to wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and take all fire safety precautions needed during this warm season. 

Restaurant Review - HomeState Oceanside, CA 

Menu: HomeState 

Any kind of taco you can think of, HomeState has it! I am a big fan of the breakfast tacos that are served all day long. All breakfast tacos are named after the origin of HomeState, Texas rivers. This Texas kitchen, located in southern California is known for its food and hospitality. Originally from Austin, Texas, HomeState has made it all the way to Oceanside, CA. Perfect place to grab some tacos to go and head to the beach for the day or to come and enjoy the outdoor atmosphere with a margarita or two. 

Workout of the Month - 

Grab a partner for this one! You go, I go style. As one person is working, the other gets to rest. Complete a total of 8 rounds, or 4 each. 

-20 squats 

-15 push ups 

-10 sit ups 

-5 burpees 

Each round consists of all 4 exercises. When partner A is working partner B is resting. Complete all 4 exercises then switch. 

You and your partner try to get it done as fast a possible! If you do not have a partner, you can always work solo and rest for 1 minute between rounds completing 4 total. 

Summer Sunscreen - 

2024 Sunscreen Ratings

So many sunscreens on the market... how do you know which is the best for your skin? What has the best protection? How often should I reapply? 

It all depends on your skin type! Here are a list of some of the top recommendations for sunscreen depending on your skin type that will not break the bank and you can apply all summer long! 

Dermatologists suggest a minimum SPF of 30 when looking for sunscreen. Aside from the “sunscreen” and “sunblock” label, you can tell what type of protection you're getting by taking a peek at the ingredients label. If you see the ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, you're dealing with a physical sunblock. Derms say mineral blocks tend to be less irritating for sensitive skin. They also work immediately and don't require any downtime before you can go in the sun (chemical sunscreens, meanwhile, take about 20 or 30 minutes to start working properly). Physical blockers also tend to be thicker and more difficult to rub in. Chemical formulas have a history of being more user-friendly since they're the easiest formula to apply and leave less of a white cast.

Make sure you are constantly reapplying sunscreen, even waterproof sunscreen only lasts about 80 minutes! 

Best FACE sunscreen! 

Best BODY sunscreen! 

New & popular! 

Best DRUGSTORE find! 

4th of July Fun - 

Whether you are hosting the next 4th of July party, or attending one, these recipes will be the talk of the party!  It will be 31 years on the 4th that my mom and dad met.  They have been together ever since.  We love to celebrate the Independence of our Nation and the day that they met all in one. 

Ingredients: For the Cake 

• 2 cups (380g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (118 ml) vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup (118 ml) sour cream
• 2 ½ cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons (11.2 g) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
• 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) milk (I use nonfat)
• Gel colors- super red & royal blue

For the frosting

• 2 ½ cups (576g) unsalted butter, cold
• 8 cups (1041g) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons (30-44ml) heavy whipping cream (or milk)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions for the cake: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare three 8-inch round baking pans line the bottom with parchment paper and grease the sides. Prepare with bake even strips if desired.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the eggs and oil are well incorporated about 2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed. Next mix in the sour cream and beat until well combined.
3. Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Alternate adding half the dry ingredients, and half the milk at a time, mixing on low speed until all of the ingredients are well combined, repeat until all ingredients are added. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensure it’s well mixed.
4. To dye the cake batter, divide it into thirds about 1 2/3 cups per color. Leaving one bowl undyed for the white cake, and then color each of the other bowls red and blue. Add as much gel as you’d like to achieve the desired color and ensure it’s thoroughly mixed.
5. Add the batter to the prepared pans. Bake at 350°F for approximately 20-23 minutes. Rotate your pans in the oven halfway through baking (after about 10 minutes). Test the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, you cake is done. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

For the frosting:

1. Cut butter into pieces. Using the paddle attachment, whip the butter for 5-7 minutes, scraping down the bowl occasionally. Beat until the butter looks light in color.
2. Alternate adding 2 cups of powdered sugar at a time with the liquid ingredients: vanilla extract & heavy cream. Ensure the powdered sugar is well combined, then and whip for 1-2 minutes before adding more powdered sugar. Repeat until all ingredients are added.
3. Once all the powdered sugar has been added, increase speed to medium-high and beat for another 3-5 minutes to whip additional air into the frosting.

Ingredients for salad: 

• 2 cups blueberries
• 4 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons oil
• salt and pepper
• sliced mozzarella cheese

Instructions for salad:

1. Wash blueberries and cherry tomatoes and drain.
2. Half cherry tomatoes and add to medium sized serving bowl. Add the blueberries, set aside.
3. Tear fresh basil over-top and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic. Mix gently to combine.
4. Slice mozzarella cheese into ¼ or ½” slices if not pre-sliced. Cut into small stars with a small star shaped cookie cutter.
5. Top the salad with the star cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

A Note from the Agency Owner

Please remember that insurance fraud is a felony.  Because of the inconsistent and incorrect data from clients, prospects and policy holders, the insurance industry can not correctly rate insureds that drive more mileage than those who don't.  More miles on the car is an indicator of more miles exposed to accidents on the road.  Please make certain to comply with any request from my team to properly rate your auto insurance premiums.  This will stabilize rates and in the future give customers their true rate for the exposure they drive.  

Fraud Alert: One-fifth of Auto Insurance Customers Lie, Article from P & C Specialist

About one-fifth of consumers think it's okay to lie about how many miles they drive per year, to secure lower auto premiums, a new survey has found.

That's more people than think it's okay to lie about activities that would impact life or health insurance premiums, like smoking, and it shows that the P&C industry has a ways to go to convince consumers to be honest when applying for auto insurance.

About 21% of respondents to a survey by personal finance site Nerdwallet admitted they had "intentionally provided incorrect information" — or lied — on an insurance application. Broken down by age, that figure is even higher for consumers aged 18 to 27; 42% of them said they have lied. The percentage declines as respondents get older; just 6% of baby boomers in the survey — people aged 60 to 78 — admit to lying on an insurance application.

It's OK to lie?

For auto insurance in particular, 19% of respondents said it's okay to lie about mileage to get lower rates. By gender, 23% of men feel this way while just 15% of women do, the NerdWallet report said.

As Always, thank for listening and reading.  

Kindly, Glenn & Amanda Domingo, your agency for LIFE

May 2024

 

Memorial Day –

 

 

It is not just a day for hot dogs, barbecuing, and an extra day off, but a day to remember all the individuals who left this world too soon fighting for our freedom. We remember you and the sacrifice of each person and each and every one of their families who mourn them each and every day. We appreciate and want to thank everyone who has served, is currently serving, or has the ambition to serve our country. We thank you and your families and we continuously pray for peace and protection. Freedom is not free and we have the brave individuals who sacrifice their lives for us to thank and forever be in debt to.

 

Workout of the Month –

 

 

Option #1: The Murph

In honor of Memorial Day this month, The Murph is an option for our workout of the month. In honor and named after one brave solider.

1 mile run/jog/walk

100 pull ups

200 push ups

300 air squats

1 mile run/jog/walk

Feel free to break up the reps however you choose or go for the challenge and completely unpartitioned!

 

Option #2: AMRAP for 20 minutes

14 – Goblet squats

12 – DB Thrusters

10 – Push-ups

8 – Burpees

Continue to complete the same exercises and repetitions as many as you can get in for 20 minutes. The goal is to complete as many rounds as you can before the 20 minute timer goes off. Try this once a week and see if each week you can add in one more round!

 

Mild – 20 lb dumbbell

Medium – 25 lb dumbbell

SPICY – 30 lb dumbbell

 

 

Celebrating Mom’s Birthday –

One year wiser! We celebrated my mom’s birthday this month and just want to give her a shout-out for everything she does. She really does keep the business together and is one of the most hard-working people I know. We hope you enjoyed your birthday month, and love celebrating you!

 

 

 

Mother’s Day –

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mom’s we are fortunate to celebrate this month. We will never be able to express our gratitude for everything you do in this world. Being a mom seems like the hardest job in the world and they all handle it with such grace. We hope you enjoyed celebrating with your mother’s and we are grateful for all the love and wisdom all you momma’s pour into this world each day.

 

April 2024

Spring, Taxes and The Golden State Insurance Crisis

April showers bring May flowers. The weather has been so nice lately. Baseball season is back, it is starting to get warmer out, and the flowers and in full bloom. We hope you are enjoying your Springtime festivities. FYI — The Internal Revenue Service announced today tax relief for individuals and businesses in parts of California affected by severe storms and flooding that began on Jan. 21, 2024. These taxpayers now have until June 17, 2024, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

 

Flower Fields –

Flower Fields 

The Carlsbad flower fields are open for visitors! It is important to note that tickets must be purchased online prior to arrival and tickets are limited per day. They do offer military and senior citizen discounts as well as children rates. There is more to do than just look at flowers. They have activities, pizza, ice cream, and a kettle corn shop to munch on while you enjoy the beautiful nature around you. Click on the link above to purchase your tickets and support our local community!   

Monthly Mocktail – 

The Virgin Mary

A twist on a Bloody Mary. The perfect pairing for a Mother’s Day Brunch or a great start to your day game of baseball.

All the yummy of the original Bloody Mary without the hangover or the vodka. 

Ingredients:

• ▢2 cups prepared tomato juice, preferably low sodium
• ▢1/4 cup dill pickle juice OR olive brine
• ▢2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ▢1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• ▢1 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Franks
• ▢1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ▢1/4 teaspoon celery seeds
• ▢1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ▢4 small celery heart stalks with leaves, for serving
• ▢4 lemon wedges, for garnish
• ▢12 large olives, optional for serving

Instructions: 

1. Combine tomato juice, pickle juice, lemon juice, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, celery seeds, and cayenne in a large pitcher.

2. To serve, pour about 2/3 cup into 4 ice-filled glasses. Garnish each with a celery stalk, olives and a lemon wedge.

3. Can be made 4 days ahead; keep chilled.

Baseball on a Budget –

We are big baseball fans in this house, but our house is divided. Padres vs. Dodgers! We've already attended a few games this season and hopefully, these tips can help you save some money! 

1. Find a friend who has season tickets and is looking to sell them - usually a great price for decent seats if you are looking to really watch the game. 

2. Use an outside sales app such as Gametime to get the cheapest tickets a couple hours before game time, just to enter the park, then walk around and watch. 

3. You can bring in unopened water bottles up to 1L per person! Saves you 7$ from purchasing inside the stadium for a 16 oz bottle. 

4. Bring in your own snacks. Pack a clear bag with all your favorite snacks and candies. You can bring in your own food to the park as well! 

5. Use the ACE parking app. Find parking the day before for 1/4 of the price! We purchased 8$ parking only 0.3 miles from the stadium! 

We hope you have a fun baseball season! GO PADRES!  GO DODGERS!!!

Workout of the Month –

Anytime and anywhere get your workout in! Here is a workout you can do from your hotel room, your home, or even outside. No equipment is required and you will for sure get your heart rate elevated and a burn on your muscles. The goal is to get as many rounds in as you possibly can. Let me know how many rounds you can get in 18 minutes! 

AMRAP - 18 minute timer 

Set your timer for 18 minutes and get as many rounds in of all the exercises that you can. Take rest when you need to. 

-20 squats 

-15 push ups 

-10 alternating jump lunges 

-5 burpees 

Repeat these body weight exercises until time runs out! All 4 exercises completed counts as 1 full round! 

Restaurant Review - True Food Kitchen 

If you are into healthy options and eating healthy without compromising taste, this is a great place to come! They have a location in UTC so you can get all your shopping done and enjoy a fun date night all in one place. We wanted to try multiple dishes while we were there and they were kind enough to split them for us. Everything is made seasonally and in-house, even their sauces. I suggest asking your waiter or waitress what they suggest and what is a popular item on the menu this season! Enjoy! 

True Food Kitchen

A Note from the Agency Owner

A third of the year has passed and rate increases are continuing to accumulate for our clients and all other insureds in our Golden State.  As media continues to bring updates to our industry, carriers are finding ways to lesson risk with underwriting contingencies, required forms and proof of insurability.  Please comply with any requested documents, repairs, photos and verifications to keep your policies in force.  When you do get your renewal and you find the increase unfair or unjustified, please call our agency to discuss strategies to lower your premium.  We will look at deductible management as the key component to lowering your renewals.  Again, clients and policyholders are self insuring smaller claims and utilizing the insurance policy for catastrophic losses only.  Discuss with our agents any hypothetical scenarios of potential claims to see what the chargeable loss will do to your insurance or if it is worth claiming.  This is the most difficult insurance market that California has ever faced and we continue to keep our clients informed of changes and opportunities to manage their premiums.  Communication, pride of ownership, and having a safety first outlook in life will help us get through these turbulent times.  As always, our advise is free and warranted.  Please call, text, email or facetime with any questions or concerns.  

Domingo & Associates, Your Agency for a Lifetime.