Now if you watched that video, I am sorry that I have no make up on. That is me au natural! Next time I promise I will put some make up on to be more presentable. I also apologize for the recording, I am still working on the video thing and filming with a computer is not super easy, angles are really hard to get with it. Sorry you have to continuously be looking up at me.

Again, if you watched the video, you might realize that the cookies were not a huge hit with John Peakes Jr. or Chad Peakes. Their reason, they tasted good, but too dry for their likings. I had to agree. I think my ratio of coconut flour to rice flour was off. More rice flour, less coconut flour I believe was needed. Perhaps a little more applesauce could help too.

Because the cookies I made may not be something you want to make for you family, I want to provide you with the recipe I based mine off of. So here is the recipe for

the most adorable little (healthy) chocolate chip cookies ever 

Ingredients:

1 cup almond flour (also sold as almond meal or ground almonds)

1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons canola oil
2 Tablespoons agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup semisweet mini- chocolate chips

Directions:

Your helmet and Ca motorcycle insurance are your friends

Other than the helmet on your head, Ca motorcycle insurance is the best way to protect yourself while on your motorcycle. When you purchase Ca motorcycle insurance you are required to have liability insurance, which will help you when it comes to the cost of any damage done in the accident. But there are other parts of Ca motorcycle insurance, which although is not required by law, is highly suggested for all riders.

Much like auto insurance, collision insurance for your motorcycle will cover physical damage to the motorcycle if involved in a crash with an object such as a tree or another vehicle. Comprehensive insurance, which covers the loss of your motorcycle in a non-collision situation like theft, vandalism, fire or any other act of Mother Nature. You also have the option to add uninsured or underinsured motorist to your Ca motorcycle insurance policy, which will cover personal injury and damage to your bike caused by a driver of another vehicle who either does not have insurance or does not have a sufficient amount of insurance.

At John E. Peakes Insurance Agency we want to make sure you are getting the most coverage you need to feel comfortable riding on your motorcycle, while making sure you are getting the best rate possible. Call one of our agents today to get Ca motorcycle insurance, and make sure to ask them about any discounts you may qualify for. There are many discounts you could be eligible, and we will make sure to add them to your policy if possible.

You want to enjoy the open road and the fresh air on your skin while riding on your motorcycle, we are here to make that possible and give you peace of mind while enjoying your ride.

After much thought, we decided to surprise her with a brunch. Sure this seems typical, but we have never done this for her. And for a woman who usually does the cooking in the house, it will be nice for her to have a break. Her husband will be taking her out for a morning drive, while my boyfriend and myself cook and set up a beautiful brunch outside with flowers and great weather. But what to make? I am a huge fan of eggs, as is she, so I decided to make a frittata. Healthy, versatile, and everyone can enjoy it. So I took this recipe from Wholeliving.com and put my own little twist on it. Hopefully it will turn out, and if you choose to make it this Mother’s day, I hope you and your family enjoy it!

So for this John E. Peakes Insurance Agency Foodie Friday, I am doing a twist on a healthy Ranchero Frittata.

Ranchero Frittata Recipe

Image from WholeLiving.com

Ingredients

• 4 large free range organic eggs
• 4 large free range organic egg whites
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 jalapeno peppers, halved, seeded, and finely chopped
• 2 spicy chicken sausages (I like the Trader Joe’s brand)
• 2 cups Spinach, washed and dried
• 15 ounces black beans (1 can), drained and rinsed

Directions

Whether it is a car ride, airplane flight, or boat ride, you need to make sure your pet has everything they need to be comfortable on their journey. There are even website like Trips With Pets that can help you make travel plans that are convenient for you and your pet. But if you are not in need of any special help, at least make sure you follow these pet travel tips:

1. Pet Identification: Make sure your pet has a current id tag attached to it’s collar. If your pet has a microchip, make sure the registration is also up to date.

2. Pet Photo and Vaccination Records: Pack a recent photo of your pet and keep it with the most current vaccination records you have from your vet.

3. Food and Treats: Make sure you have enough food easily accessible for your pet. If you are faced with any delay, weather it be in a car or on a airplane, having easy access to your pet’s food will make both of you much happier.

4. Hydration Station: It is so important, no matter how you are traveling, that your pet has access to water in order to stay hydrated.

Our pets are just like family, which is why we want make sure their travel experience is as pleasant as ours. If you plan and prepare in advanced, you will be less likely to forget anything important. All of us at John E. Peakes Insurance Agency hope that you, your family, and your pets enjoy all your summer vacations!

May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. Although skin protection is something that should be practiced year round, this month is dedicated to increasing others awareness of the importance of skin care, prevention, early detection and treatment.

Skin cancer is on the rise, with more than 3.5 million skin cancer diagnosed per year in more than 2 million people. This makes me wonder, when I am watching the young teens and adults still entering the tanning bed if they are aware of how common skin cancer has become, or if they don’t care. Whatever the answer it, this type of cancer is as dangerous as any other type, and is known to spread very quickly. As this month continues, the hope is that more people take proper care of their skin, not only when outside, but by getting their skin regularly for any abnormal skin cells. According the University of MIchigan Skin Cancer website, early detection of skin cancer increases your survival rate by 97%, without early detection it drops significantly to 15%.

In order to spread this awareness to all of you, your health insurance Ca agency wants to share the proper steps to prevent skin cancer.

1. Seek shade when needed. The sun’s rays are the strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This means it is during these hours that you must be extra careful with your skin and applying sunscreen if you are outside.

2. Wear protective clothing. When outside by the pool, at the beach, gardening or any other outdoor activity wear a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If it is not too warm, a long sleeve shirt or pants will also add extra protection from the sun’s rays.

3. Apply a broad spectrum and water resistant sunscreen. The lowest number of sunscreen you should use is SPF 30. Most people are unaware that not all sunscreens are a like; make sure your sunscreen is a “broad spectrum” type because it offers protection from both ultraviolet A and B rays. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours to make sure it is constantly working.

4. Be extra careful near water, snow and sand. These three things reflect and intensify the rays from the sun, which mean they will have a strong effect on your skin.

5. Avoid tanning beds. This may seem like a no brainer, but I am amazed by how many people still use tanning beds. The beds give off ultraviolet light, just like the sun, but at a closer distance. They are very dangerous and can cause wrinkling.

This month, please help us, your health insurance Ca agency, to spread the work about skin cancer  awareness and prevention. John E. Peakes Insurance Agency want you to tell your friends, family, co-workers, etc. about this and encourage early detection through self exams and doctor visits. You have the chance to protect yourself, why not do it?

Tomorrow, Saturday, we can all celebrate Cinco De Mayo with great Mexican food, drinks, friends, and family. You may not know, but according to history.com, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. Although this is one of the smaller holidays in Mexico, here in the United States Cinco de Mayo has grown into a celebration of the Mexican culture. And what better way to celebrate the culture than through their amazing food.

If you are a fan of Mexcian food, as we are all at John E. Peakes Insurance Agency, then you know that authentic Mexican food can be a little on the heavy side. The other weekend, my friend made an amazing dish that is similar to the Mexican dish, Pastor tacos, but followed a recipe that made it a healthier. And with all the margaritas, beers, and chips some of you may be indulging in, you want to find great taste while saving the calories. So in honor of Cinco de Mayo, and health, I want to share this very tasty recipe.

Tacos Al Pastor With Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Recipe from Cooking Light Magazine

serves 4:

Ingredients for pork

• 1 chipotle chile, canned in adobe sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon chipped fresh oregano
• 2 teaspoon ancho chile powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• cooking spray

Ingredients for salsa

• 4 (1/2 inch thick) slices of fresh pineapple
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 3 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 jalapeno, thinly sliced

Remaining ingredients

• Corn tortillas
• lime wedges

Preparation

1. 1. To prepare pork, preheat the grill to high heat.
2. 2. Mince chipotle chile. Combine chipotle and oil in a small bowl; rub evenly over pork. Combine oregano and the next 4 ingredients (through black pepper). Sprinkle spice mixture evenly over pork, and let stand for 30 minutes. Place the pork on grill rack coated with cooking spray, and grill for 6 minutes on each side or until a thermometer registers 145°. Remove pork from grill; let stand 5 minutes. Coarsely chop pork; keep warm.
3. 3. To prepare salsa, place pineapple on a grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill for 5 minutes on each side. Coarsely chop pineapple, and place in a medium bowl. Add cilantro and next 4 ingredients (through jalapeño); toss to combine.
4. 4. Warm the tortillas according to package directions. Place 2 tortillas on each of 4 plates, and divide pork evenly among tortillas. Top each taco with about 3 tablespoons salsa. Serve with lime wedges.

On behalf of all the agents at John E. Peakes Insurance Agency, we wish you a very happy and safe Cinco de Mayo and hope you enjoy this Foodie Friday recipe!

Amigos Cafe Y Cantina has recently opened to the public on East Main Street in Ventura. Owner of Amigos, Jon Reese, is local to the Ventura community. His love for surfing, Mexican food, and great music inspired him to create Amigos. This restaurant not only offers a fun atmosphere with live music, but also has great deals on food and beverages. So finishing up surfing and come straight into Amigos for a cold beer and great Mexican food.

So what sets Amigos apart from other restaurants around it? To begin with, they offer $4 margaritas all day/everyday. I am pretty sure that is a big seller for many of you. And if you desire the margaritas, but are trying to watch your figure for the summer season, then their Skinny Margarita is exactly what you’re looking for. Not your thing? Don’t worry; I am sure you will be satisfied with their multiple types of tequilas and beer on tap. Want more? Check out Amigos on Tuesday for TNT, choice of taco and Tecate beer for $3.99 all day. And did I mention the live music they have playing on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays? It seems like any person can find something they want from Amigos restaurant.

So go head on into to this new restaurant and support our community. Whether you are feeling like one of their small plate Delicious Super Nachos, the Pork Carnitas Entree, or just a good beer; Amigos is what you need. And don’t forget to check out the John E. Peakes Insurance Agency Partners Page to get their coupon: Buy one lunch entree get second entree half off. ***1/2 off the entree that is of equal or lesser value***

Even though I did not get a chance to make this cupcake, I have put it on my list because it does sound so delicious and unique! The cupcake is called Black and White Irish Cream Cupcake from Better Homes and Garden Magazine. Sounds pretty amazing, don’t you think? Ok, now that you understand why this seemingly random recipe isn’t so random, I want to share the recipe with you.

Get Ready for the… Black and White Irish Cream Cupcake

Black and White Irish Creme Cupcake

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 egg whites
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 3 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk or sour milk*
• 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
• 1 recipe Irish Cream Ganache
• 1 recipe Irish Cream Icing
• Coffee beans, chopped (optional)
  Directions1. Allow butter and egg whites to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, grease and flour twenty-eight 2-1/2-inch muffin cups (or line with paper bake cups). In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, liqueur, and vanilla. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Add egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined.

  3. Transfer 2-1/2 cups batter (about half) to a medium bowl; stir in melted chocolate. Fill each prepared muffin cup about two-thirds full, spooning chocolate batter into one side of cup and white batter into other side of cup.

  4. Bake about 20 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool cupcakes in muffin cups on wire racks for 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from muffin cups. Cool completely on racks.

  5. Spread Irish Cream Ganache onto tops of cupcakes. Let stand at room temperature about 1 hour (or chill in the refrigerator about 15 minutes) or until ganache is set. Spoon Irish Cream Icing onto centers of cupcakes. If desired, sprinkle with coffee beans. Let stand until icing sets. Makes 28 (2-1/2-inch) cupcakes.

  Now that you have the cupcake… You need the icing of course. And you can’t use just any icing for this special cupcake, that is why this cupcake is special.

  Irish Cream Icing
  ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Irish cream liqueur
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla

  directions

  In a small bowl stir together powdered sugar, liqueur, and vanilla.

Students, moms, workers, and even the average person can struggle with getting the right amount of sleep at night. On average, I get anywhere from 5 to 7 hours of sleep per night, and I know I am not alone in those numbers. According to The National Sleep Foundation, the number of hours an adult should sleep per night is 7-9. I think I am a little off, are you? For some, lack of sleep come from their busy days, needing to spend extra hours to get everything done. Others, like me, just don’t need much sleep to function the next day. But is this healthy? According to Prevention.com there are potential side effects that can be dangerous for your health when you miss out on sleep. As your California Health Insurance agent, John E. Peakes Insurance Agency wants to make sure you are getting enough rest to maintain a healthy life to avoid these 6 potential health risks.

1. Cardiovascular Disease

2. Diabetes

3. Breast Cancer

4. Urinary Problems

5. Colon Cancer

6. Mortality

Whether or not these studies hold true, getting enough sleep at night will allow you to function and be more productive the next day. It may take some time to get used to a new sleeping pattern, here are some tips from your California Health Insurance agency that might help your increase your Z’s:

1. Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time each morning

2. Use your bed only for sleeping; leave activities like reading and watching tv for another room

3. Remove all “gadgets” from your room

4. Avoid physical activity a few hours before bed

5. Avoid large meals before bedtime

If you are having sleeping problems, or just need to see your doctor for your yearly check up, make sure to have California health insurance and let us find you the best one at the best rate.

photo from insurance.ca.gov

As your California Earthquake Insurance agency, we want you to ask yourself if you and your family are prepared if an earthquake takes place. Do you have a safety procedure in place? Do you have a disaster safety kick ready? Have you obtained California earthquake insurance to protect your house from any damages it may get as a result of the big shake?

If you answered no to any of these questions, and you are interested in becoming more prepared, check out these tips from your California earthquake insurance agent:

1. Create an emergency plan: know where the safe exits are, where you will meet should you be separated, what your children do if they are in school and an earthquake occurs, pick safe places in your room and practice your plan.

2. Make sure your home is earthquake secure: keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes for easy access, bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances to wall studs, hang heavy items like pictures or mirrors away from beds and couches, brace overhead light fixtures, and make sure all bookshelves and tv stands are secure.

3. Make sure you know how to shut off the gas valves in your home.

4. Make an emergency kit: this should contain essential food, water, and other supplies for at least three days, make sure the kit is in a designated place everyone knows about, walking shoes, flashlight, can opener and other important object you will need. Don’t forget to add a first aid kit, battery powered radio, and a large supply of batteries for the radio and flashlight.

5. Make sure you have California earthquake insurance: there is a common misconception that home insurance covers earthquake damage, but this will need to have its own policy.

Unlike other natural disasters, we can’t predict when an earthquake will strike, which is why it is so important to be prepared. As one of California’s leading independent insurance agencies, John E. Peakes Insurance Agency is able to give you and your family the best earthquake insurance coverage for your specific needs at the best rate possible. Our customers are part of our family, so we want you to be protected and prepared, we are here for you. Whether it be for California earthquake advice or any other questions you may have, our agents are here for you.