Finding the Flow

We complete our education and then dive into the workforce, but what do we do in-between that makes us happy? If your job/career fulfills your every imaginative thought and brings you joy, then you have turned your passion into your career. But if you have a job that doesn’t necessarily give you a sense of elation, then having outside hobbies becomes an important aspect to ones happiness. It’s easy to get caught up in a rut of perpetual monotony when you have work hours that don’t change and responsibilities that you must adhere to on a daily basis. That’s why freeing yourself from life’s various stressors and indulging in pastimes that bring you a sense of joy can be more beneficial than you think. A relatively new branch of psychology called, “positive psychology” studies what makes life worthwhile. In this branch of psychology, pleasures are said to be the activities that bring fun to life and can help with relaxation and allow enjoyment for a time period. If you’ve ever engaged in an activity where you are completely in tune with the task and have lost track of time, then you’ve probably been in a state of flow. The activity that positive psychologist refer to as “gratifications”, cause the person who’s engaged to feel removed from stress and reach a near meditative state. This might occur with a person painting a beautiful scene on canvas, an amateur chef cooking a gourmet meal, or a fishing enthusiast merely fishing in a sparkling lake. The activity that brings about these feelings is subjective, so find the one that brings joy into your life and find the flow!

Mindful Practices to De-Stress and Simplify Your Life!

August 1st starts “Simplify Your Life Week! It’s time to de-clutter, organize and take charge of the messy areas in your life. Time is a precious commodity to most Americans which means time management is an important concept to implement. Time management can be an effective tool to achieve more if the concentration is on the results and not just being busy. According to Elizabeth Scott M.S, an award winning blogger and author in health psychology, there are many ways that we can simplify our lives just by following a few simple principles. Scott suggests cutting superfluous activities from your schedule if you feel too overwhelmed. Although everything seems important in some respect (or else it wouldn’t be on your mind to get done), try to cut out things according to their priority level. Even if that means you might feel like you are going to disappoint people, making these sacrifices can help you develop a more manageable schedule. Another way to simplify your life is to multi-task, however the key is to know when to do it. A risk of multi-tasking can be poor cognitive performance, which makes sense since your focus is on multiple tasks and not centered on mastering one. A way to effectively multi-task, Scott suggests, is to pair one thought-intensive activity with a mostly physical one. An example of this would be walking on the treadmill while discussing plans with your significant other. If finances are a messy area in your life, focus on creating a system that works for you. Whether that be creating a monthly budget and sticking to it or switching from credit cards to charge card, which means you must pay the balance in full every month, find what works for you. Maybe tax time or warranties are an issue for you. In that case, consider creating a filing system that organizes your important warranties and receipts for deductible merchandise. An important area to focus on while you are striving to simplify your life is to live in the moment. If you are taking up space in your mind re-living past stress or worried about future stress you are not giving yourself the ability to fully engage and appreciate “the now”. Take in every moment and free up space in your mind to concentrate on the task at hand, chances are you’ll achieve more in less time. As many people can attest, if they’ve ever had a “nervous stomach” your thoughts can manifest and elicit a physical response. However, chronic stress can be much more detrimental to one’s health. So simplifying one’s life can not only benefit they’re cognitive state but also reward their health. For tips on meditation follow the link below. Remember this first week in August can be the month that you make lasting change that can affect your life forever! http://zenhabits.net/meditation-for-beginners-20-practical-tips-for-quieting-the-mind/

What are the Benefits of Having an Independednt Agent??

With all of the options for insurance carriers on the market today, it may seem daunting for some to decide which company is the right one for you.  They all claim to be able to save you money and many are now online, which can take away the humanistic element of great customer service.

Although these multitude of options are alluring, the purpose of insurance is to cover your losses if something were to happen to you, your loved ones, your home or virtually anything that you deem valuable and want to have coverage for.  At the end of the day, having the right coverage at affordable prices is the most important aspect of having insurance.  So the million dollar question remains...why have an independent agent? 

Independent agents have a plethora of resources and expertise of MANY different insurance companies at their fingertips.  With this advantage, they are able to find the right company, with the right coverage, at the best rate possible.  The independent agent will give you OBJECTIVE advice because they offer many different carriers and are not “captive” to one company.  This in turn keeps insurance companies on their toes because it is at the Brokers discretion to choose the company that is offering the best rates for their client. 

The independent agent wants to build a relationship with their client and make sure that all of their needs are being met.  Whether that is finding a better rate for the same coverage with another company or finding new discounts that carriers are offering, your independent agent is working for you.  When you build a personal relationship with your agent you can trust that you are getting expert advice for your specific insurance needs. That way when unique circumstances arise in your life, which they do for all of us, you'll have confidence that you have the right coverage to cover your losses.  When the independent agent is doing their job at an optimal level it will bring in new business for them and keep their existing customers happy, it's a win-win for you and your agent.   

GA$ PRICE$

Analysts expect West Coast gas prices to rise beyond $4 a gallon after a fire knocked out a key section of one of the nation's largest oil refineries. Five separate investigations will be done to determine the cause and effects of the Monday night blaze at Chevron's Richmond refinery.The average price of regular gasoline jumped in California from $3.86 a gallon on Tuesday to $3.94 on Thursday, according to the website GasBuddy.com. The Richmond refinery produces 16 percent of the region's daily gasoline supply. The fire knocked o ut a unit that makes a specialized blend of cleaner burning gasoline that satisfies air quality laws in California, Oregon and Washington.With the refinery's output in question for what could be weeks, analysts say prices could reach $4 a gallon as soon as Friday!

EARTHQUAKE!!

The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude-4.4 quake struck at 11:23 p.m. Tuesday and was centered two miles east of Yorba Linda in northern Orange County. There was a magnitude-2.7 aftershock about a minute later. The quake was felt throughout the Los Angeles area, including the San Fernando Valley some 50 miles from the epicenter. Los Angeles firefighters found no damage after a citywide assessment completed early Wednesday. The epicenter is about 35 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Luckily, authorities in Orange and Los Angeles counties say there are no reports of injuries.   Earthquakes don't have a calender, they are always unexpected! If you don't have insurance with us, call us at 818.887.5952 and make sure you are happily insured before another earthquake hits!

DUI Checkpoint

Where is the DUI checkpoint today in the San Fernando Valley? It will be held from 8 p.m. Friday through 2 a.m. Saturday on Sepulveda Boulevard between Chase Street to the south and Parthenia Street to the north. Motorists caught driving under the influence face jail time, license suspension, vehicle impound, plus additional fines and fees, mandatory attendance at DUI classes and other expenses, INCLUDING increased auto-insurance premiums. So, make sure you are driving safely not just today, but everyday. And remember, just one drink is one too many! Have a fun and safe weekend!

Superheroes Are Taking Over The Movie Theaters!!

Any of our readers interested in either comics or superheroes? Because now is the perfect time for all of you to be heading over to the movie theaters! Spiderman and Batman are coming soon to theaters, so don't miss out on all the action!

The Amazing Spider-man
This new movie isn't a sequil off of the other spiderman movies. This Spiderman is the start of a whole new movie series which in fact, follows the original Spiderman comics. Peter Parker finds a clue that might help him understand why his parents disappeared when he was young. His path puts him on a collision course with Dr. Curt Connors, his father's former partner.

The Dark Knight Rises
Eight years after Batman took the fall for Two Face's crimes, a new terrorist leader, Bane, overwhelms Gotham's finest, and the Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy.

4th of July!

Everyone is getting ready for the 4th of July here in the San Fernando Valley! The best part of celebrating our country's independence is the fireworks that mark an end to an eventful day. Want to watch some memorable fireworks but don't know where to go? Put on some red, white, and blue, and check out some fun events listed below!

July 4th Baseball and Fireworks at Dodger Stadium
-This is for all you Dodger fans!
What? Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Cincinnati Reds
When? July 4th @ 6:10pm
Where? Dodger Stadium
Cost? $12.75-$650
Parking? $10

4th of July Spectacular in Porter Ranch
What? children's activities, food, music, and fireworks
When?  July 4th @ 4:30pm-930pm
Where? Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi St. Porter Ranch
Cost? FREE
Parking? FREE

Dennis P. Zine's July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza
What? food vendors, free concert, fireworks, and a play zone.
When? July 4th @ 6pm-10pm
Where? Warner Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills
Cost? FREE
Parking? $15 @ any surrounding structures

Annual San Fernando Valley Independence Day Celebration
What? music, live entertainment, food, and fireworks.
When? July 4th @ 10am-10pm
Where? Hansen Dam Recreation Area, 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace
Cost? FREE

July 4th Fireworks Festival in Studio City
What? exhibits, music, food, fun zone, and fireworks.
When? July 4th @ 5pm-930pm (gates open @4:30pm)
Where? CBS Sudio Center, 4024 Radford Ave., Studio City
Cost? Adults $20; Children 6-12 $10
Parking? FREE

Hope everyone has a fun-filled Fourth of July!

Blackberry, Lemon, Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe

I am definitely trying these cupcakes out sometime this week. I have been in the mood for citrus/fruity cupcakes. Can't wait! If you do bake these bad boys, let us know how they turned out!

Vanilla Cupcakes

12 regular cupcakes / 350 degree oven

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Beat butter on high until soft, about 30 seconds.

2. Add sugar. Beat on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

3. Add eggs one at a time, beat for 30 seconds between each.

4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

5. Measure out milk and vanilla together.

6. Add about a fourth of the flour to the butter/sugar mixture and beat to combine.

7. Add about one third the milk/vanilla mixture and beat until combined.

8. Repeat above, alternating flour and milk and ending with the flour mixture.

9. Scoop into cupcake papers about half to three-quarters full.

10. Bake for 22-25 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean.

Lemon Curd

2 large egg yolks

1/3 cup sugar

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

4 tablespoons heavy cream

2 teaspoons powdered sugar

1. Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and lemon juice in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture coats the back of a spoon, about 4 minutes.

2. Transfer to a small bowl. Stir in butter, piece by piece. Cover with plastic wrap, and cool in the refrigerator.

3. By hand, whip together cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.

4. Fold cream into the chilled curd.

Blackberry Mash

6 ounce blackberries

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon cornstarch

seeds from 1/4 vanilla bean

1. Heat blackberries, water, and sugar over medium heat until boiling.

2. Mash with a potato masher.

3. Add cornstarch and vanilla bean and cook for a few minutes until thick.

4. Remove from heat and cool.

Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

8 ounces or 1 package of Philly cream cheese

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

2-3 cups sifted powdered sugar

seeds from 1/4 of a vanilla bean

vanilla extract to taste

1. Bring cheese and butter to room temperature by letting it sit out for 1 or 2 hours

2. Beat butter until soft and creamy.

3. Add cream cheese and beat until combined.

4. Add half of the sugar and the vanilla bean. Beat until creamy.

5. Gradually add remaining sugar (more if you have to) until you get to the consistency and sweetness you like.

6. Add vanilla extract to taste if the seeds aren’t enough adding in 1/2 teaspoon increments.

 

Assemble

1. Fill the cupcakes with the lemon curd and blackberry mash using the cone method. This post has step by step photos of the method.

2. Frost.

3. Top with a blackberry.

You can find the original posting of this recipe here.

Thanks again, Chockylit!

Must Reads

Looking for a new read? Whether it be a book from your childhood, a novel written in the 17th century or that book you've read a handful of times, here is a (large) list of great reads! Some of my favorites include The Great Gatsby, The Stranger, The Giving Tree.. What are your favorites?

Check out this long list of books!

Chocolate Cupcakes stuffed with Strawberry Chocolate Ganache and frosted with Chocolate Glaze and Buttercream

One of our ladies at our agency makes these from time to time. I promise, they will put you in Cupcake Heaven. That exists, right? While it’s not super exciting, the resulting cupcake is very tasty, a crowd-pleaser, and relatively easy to put together. I also did a small batch for a small group. The recipes could be easily doubled or quadrupled without any problems. One pint of strawberries is all you will need to both top the cupcakes and to chop for the filling.

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cupcakes
~8 regular cupcakes / 350 degree oven

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, room temp
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
1 large egg, room temp
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup high quality unsweetened cocoa powder like Valrhona brand
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1. Beat butter until softened. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
2 Add egg and beat until well combined.
3. Measure the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder into a small sized bowl and whisk to combine.
4. Measure out the milk and vanilla and stir to combine
5. Add about a third of the dry ingredients to the butter/sugar and beat to combine. Add about a half of the milk/vanilla and beat to combine. Continue adding, alternating between dry and wet and finishing with the dry.
6. Scoop batter into cupcake cups about 2/3’s full. Bake cupcakes for about 22-25 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
Strawberry Ganache Filling and Ganache Glaze

4.5 ounces (128 grams) Valrhona 85% cacao (or any bittersweet chocolate)
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
pinch salt
1/3 cup strawberries, diced

1. Chop chocolate and transfer into a heat proof bowl.
2. Heat cream until bubbles form around the edge of the pan, pour cream over the chocolate.
3. Let sit for 1 minute then stir until combined.
4. Add vanilla and salt. Stir until combined.
5. Divide the ganache in two approximate equal portions. In the first portion, mix in the chopped strawberries. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill.
6. Leave the second portion on the counter to cool down. You want the filling to thicken up before the glaze. Once the filling is think, fill the cupcakes with it. Then glaze with the glaze. See assembly instructions below.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 cups powdered sugar

1. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter at medium speed until creamy.
2. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and 2 cups of powdered sugar and beat at low speed, occasionally stopping to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, until light and fluffy. Add more powdered sugar to arrive at the consistency and sweetness you like.
Assemble
1. Fill the cupcakes with the strawberry ganache filling using the cone method. This post has step by step photos of the method.
2. Spoon a tablespoon of glaze on each filled cupcake and smooth.
3. Top with buttercream frosting and a strawberry.

I scooped this recipe up from the wonderful Cupcake Bakeshop's blog. Find the original post here!

Thanks for looking and get baking! ;)

Starbucks Coffee Lover?

Refer a friend for an insurance quote and receive a free starbucks gift card!

How awesome if that? Click here to enjoy your favorite Starbucks beverage on us!

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Easy Dessert-No bake-Eclair Cake!

Easy-No bake-Eclair Cake!

Ingredients

• 2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 3 cups milk
• 1 (16 ounce) package graham cracker squares
• 1 (16 ounce) package prepared chocolate frosting

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, thoroughly blend the pudding mix, whipped topping, and milk.
2. Arrange a single layer of graham cracker squares in the bottom of a 13x9 inch baking pan. Evenly spread half of the pudding mixture over the crackers. Top with another layer of crackers and the remaining pudding mixture. Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
3. Spread the frosting over the whole cake up to the edges of the pan. Cover, and chill at least 4 hours before serving.

Footnotes

FOOTNOTE

• 
  
  The frosting will be easier to spread if the cake is covered and chilled for about 30 minutes before spreading.

California Wildfire Awareness Week

Governor Brown Has Declared May 1-7 as Wildfire Awareness Week

Mercury Insurance Newsletter:

Our recent rainy season has produced unprecedented brush growth.  Are you prepared?  Here's what you need to know to prepare for the threat of wildfires.

First, create a defensible space around your property. This defensible space reduces the risk that fire will spread from the surroundings to the structure.  Firefighters sometimes do not attempt protecting structures without adequate defensible space, for safety of their teams and their effort is less likely to succeed.  30 feet clearance around the home is required by law.  An additional 70 feet is considered a Reduced Fuel Zone and may apply depending on the steepness of your property and the surrounding vegetation. 

To create a defensible space,

1.      Remove all buildup of needles and leaves from roof and gutters.

2.      Keep tree limbs cut back 10 feet from chimneys and remove dry limbs overhanging the home and garage.

3.      A screen over your chimney outlet of not more than ½ inch mesh is required by law.

Consult the Cal Fire web site for more details http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=8512865&msgid=101826&act=59YQ&c=808017&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fire.ca.gov%2F      

Second, in case of a fire it's helpful to have a household inventory.  Use a digital camera to photograph rooms and contents then take a few minutes to catalogue your possessions and note their values.  If you choose to use a video camera, comment as you go with as many details describing the item(s).  Store your inventory in different places. 

A free Home Inventory Guide is available at http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=8512865&msgid=101826&act=59YQ&c=808017&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insurance.ca.gov%2F

Now is a good time to review your homeowners' insurance policy with your agent to assure that you have sufficient coverage for your home and personal contents.  Your insurance professional is ready to assist with any questions that arise.

Easy Recipe: Speedy and Saucy Spring Chicken Veggies

Speedy and Saucy Spring Chicken Veggies Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 chicken breast halves, skin on
• 1 lb baby new potatoes, thinly sliced
• 36 oz lower-sodium chicken broth
• 18 oz mixed spring vegetables: broccoli, broad beans, peas and sliced zucchini
• 1/4 cup crème fraiche or sour cream
• Sea salt and coarsely ground pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup chopped tarragon leaves or broad leaf parsley

 

Method
Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken for 5 minutes on each side. Add the potatoes and stir to coat. Pour in the broth; cover and reduce heat, then cook 10 minutes, until the potatoes are almost cooked through. Remove lid and increase heat to high. Boil the stock down until it just coats the bottom of the pan, stirring occasionally. Scatter the vegetables into pan; cover again and cook about 3 minutes, just until tender. Stir in the crème fraiche or sour cream to make a cream sauce; season with salt and pepper, then add the herbs. Serve straight from the pan.

 

Notes:
Chicken thighs may be substituted for the chicken breasts. Double the number, using 8 thighs in place of the 4 breast halves to serve four.

 

Number of Servings: 4

http://www.easy.betterrecipes.com/

Monthly EASY Recipe: Date and Nutella Cupcakes with Meringue and Buttercream Frosting!

Ingredients [Date and Nutella Cupcakes]:

• 210g Self Raising Flour
• 135g Treacle Sugar (Muscovado)
• 125ml Milk
• 1 Jumbo Egg
• Few Drops Pure Vanilla Extract
• 45g Butter at room temperature
• Pinch of Salt
• 125g Dates - finely chopped
• 125ml Boiling Water
• 2.5ml Bicarbonate of Soda
• 1/2 Jar Nutella Spread with the zest of an orange (finely grated) mixed in

Ingredients [Meringue Buttercream Frosting]:

• 2 Jumbo Egg Whites - at room temperature
• 130g Treacle Sugar (Muscovado)
• 120g Butter - softened
• 1 Vanilla Bean - split and the seeds scraped out

---

Directions:
Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. Line a large muffin pan with large muffin cups.
Place the dates in a bowl and sprinkle on the bicarb of soda then add the boiling water. Allow to stand while you make the batter.
Using an electric mixer beat the butter till light and fluffy, add the egg and beat in. Add the milk and vanilla and beat all together till well beaten. Sift in the flour & salt and add the brown sugar and beat in gently. Drain the dates then add them to the batter and fold in gently.
Place small amounts of batter into each paper case. Place a large dollop of Nutella onto the batter in each case. Cover well with another amount of batter (each case must be about 2/3 full). Place into preheated oven and bake about 20 minutes. Allow to cool on wire racks then decorate when cold.
Make frosting: Whisk egg whites and sugar together over a bowl of simmering water until sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot to the touch. Pour into the bowl of an electric mixer, add the vanilla seeds and beat on high speed for about 5 minutes until thick and fluffy. Start beating in little bits of butter at a time, incorporating well after each addition until the frosting is beautifully smooth and fluffy. Place in an icing bag and pipe onto the cold cupcakes.

Thank you dailycupcakereceipt.tumblr.com

WorldFest LA's largest earth day festival!

Green Alert! Mark WorldFest on your calendar. It's is a solar-powered celebration of music, the environment, animals and humanity @ Woodley Park in Lake Balboa, CA. May 22. www.worldfestevents.com

Autism Awareness

I think now more than ever, every one of us knows someone or a child of someone with Autism. Please visit http://www.autismlosangeles.ning.com/ and become more aware and involved.

Trident Insurance Commercial

Auto Insurance, Home Insurance, Commercial Insurance and much more!

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