According to Carmen: Feta & Fire-Roasted Salad Recipe
Carmen Londono • September 14, 2024
In celebration of #HispanicHeritageMonth, I’m sharing a special recipe each week that’s close to my heart!
ο»ΏFirst up is my Feta & Fire-Roasted Salad —a flavorful dish packed with tangy feta and smoky roasted veggies. It's one of my personal favorites!
Feta & Fire-Roasted Salad
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
- 1 can navy beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ lb feta (Bulgarian feta, if you can find it!)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- After rinsing and drying the broccoli and Brussels sprouts, chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and thinly slice the Brussels sprouts.
- On a large baking sheet, spread out the broccoli, Brussels sprouts, navy beans, and garbanzo beans. Make sure everything is nice and dry so it roasts instead of steams.
- Drizzle the veggies and beans with a little olive oil or avocado oil. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano—go ahead and season to your taste because you know what you like.
- Roast for 30 minutes in the oven, until everything is golden and starting to crisp up a little.
- Once out of the oven, let everything cool for a few minutes before tossing it all into a big bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and crumble in that glorious feta.
- Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestion
You can enjoy this as is, or add your favorite dressing if you’re in the mood. Either way, it’s the perfect mix of creamy feta, hearty roasted veggies, and bright, fresh flavors.
Enjoy! This salad is simple, delicious, and packed with textures and flavors you’ll love.
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Welcome to The Insurance Pros Blog—where we break down what your policy really means (without giving you a headache). I'm Carmen Londono , founder of The Insurance Pros. With over two decades in the insurance world, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming policies can be—especially for business owners trying to make smart, confident decisions without drowning in fine print. That’s exactly why I created this blog: to make insurance make sense. No jargon. No nonsense. Just the guidance you need, delivered like a conversation with your smartest (and sassiest) friend in the biz. What You’ll Get from This Blog β
Bite-Sized Insurance Tips Cut through the clutter with clear, digestible tips that help you make better decisions fast. β
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Listen, we get it—insurance isn’t exactly the first thing you want to deal with in the new year. But trust us, it’s about to be the easiest thing you check off your list in 2025. Here at The Insurance Pros, we’re more than policies and paperwork; we’re your go-to for peace of mind and confidence that your people, your home, your everything are covered. Here’s how we’re showing up this year to make insurance a breeze: 1. Clarity in Coverage You know how insurance feels like a foreign language? Like, “Am I supposed to have a dictionary for this?” We’re not doing that anymore. In 2025, we’re putting the fine print on blast and making sure you actually understand your coverage. No guessing. No confusion. Just straightforward info about what’s covered, what’s not, and what’s next. For real, when you sit down with us, you’ll leave knowing exactly how your policy protects you and your family. Because insurance isn’t supposed to make you feel like you’re solving a Rubik’s Cube. 2. Enhanced Client Education Let’s be honest: when it comes to insurance, the more you know, the less you panic. That’s why 2025 is the year we’re stepping up our education game. Think blogs that break it all down, videos that don’t bore you to tears, and myth-busting that makes you go, “Wait… I didn’t know that.” We’re also launching a newsletter! Want exclusive tips, updates, and answers to your burning insurance questions delivered straight to your inbox? Head over to our Contact Us page to sign up for our emails. Staying informed has never been easier. And that’s not all—we’re bringing even more helpful info to our social media. Follow us for practical advice, timely updates, and a little humor to brighten your day. Insurance doesn’t have to be dull, and we’re here to prove it. 3. Community Connection We’re not just the folks you call for insurance; we’re part of your neighborhood. This year, we’re getting out there and showing up for our communities. Local events? We’ll be there. Supporting initiatives that make life better for you and yours? Count us in. 2025 is about building connections that matter—and not just in business. Whether it’s sharing resources or helping families get the protection they need, we’re here for you. 4. Stress-Free Service Life’s already stressful enough. The last thing you need is your insurance giving you a headache. That’s why we’re making everything smoother—from policy reviews to claims to renewals. Simple. Quick. Done. We’ve got new tools coming your way, like a client portal and automated reminders, so you can stay on top of your coverage without lifting a finger. When we say “stress-free insurance,” we mean it. We Want to Hear from You What are your 2025 goals? Protecting your family? Growing your business? Finally getting your insurance in order? Whatever it is, we’re here to help make it happen. We’re inviting you to share your goals with us. How can we support you this year? Whether it’s personalized advice or just being there when you need us, we’re ready to partner with you every step of the way. Here’s to a Great Year Ahead 2025 is a new chapter, and we’re so grateful to be part of your story. Thank you for trusting us with what matters most. At The Insurance Pros, we’re ready to help you navigate whatever comes next—with confidence, clarity, and zero drama. Here’s to a year of protection, peace of mind, and progress—together.
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Carmen shares her go-to sofrito recipe, the flavorful base that brings depth and richness to so many Latin dishes.
Dr. José Celso Barbosa, a man who was out here in the 1800s breaking molds and making history. When we say “trailblazer,” we mean it! Born on July 27, 1857, Barbosa wasn’t just the first Black Puerto Rican to practice medicine in Puerto Rico—he was one of the first Black men to earn a medical degree in the U.S., period. He didn’t just break down doors; he paved a whole highway for generations after him, from medical innovation to political activism and even inventing a little thing we now call “employer-based health insurance.” Yes, he did that too. Schooling and Straight-Up Determination: A Role Model for the Ages Barbosa’s journey to becoming a doctor? Not for the faint-hearted. This was the late 19th century, where being Black, Puerto Rican, and ambitious enough to attend the University of Michigan for medical school was unheard of. But Barbosa wasn’t about to let anything stop him. He graduated in 1880, kicking down barriers and showing other Hispanic and Black folks that medicine, too, could be their calling. This man’s hustle didn’t just make him a doctor—it made him a beacon for everyone dreaming bigger than the world thought they could. Employer-Based Health Insurance? Yeah, He Was That Visionary Barbosa didn’t just want to be any doctor; he wanted to make healthcare work for the people. When he got back to Puerto Rico, he looked around and saw the healthcare crisis brewing for low-income families. So, what did he do? He set up a mutual aid system, asking people to contribute a small monthly fee to cover their healthcare costs when needed. Yup, he practically invented employer-based health insurance right there in Puerto Rico. It was revolutionary. Quality healthcare, he believed, shouldn’t be a luxury; it’s a right. This man was doing 21st-century things in the 1800s! Politics and the Fight for Puerto Rican Autonomy Now, as if medicine and employer-based health insurance weren’t enough, Barbosa decided to jump into politics. In 1899, he started the Puerto Rican Republican Party, giving Puerto Ricans a voice and demanding equal representation. He was all about empowering his people, and his political legacy is still a blueprint for leaders fighting for Puerto Rican rights today. Barbosa was about Puerto Rican dignity, identity, and autonomy, and he wasn’t afraid to challenge power structures to make that happen. Honoring Dr. Barbosa During Hispanic Heritage Month Dr. José Celso Barbosa didn’t just live a life; he made history. He’s what Hispanic Heritage Month is all about—honoring those who paved the way, lifted communities, and demanded better for everyone around them. Barbosa’s legacy is proof of the power of pushing boundaries and standing up for what’s right, even when the world isn’t ready. This month, we celebrate his work, his courage, and his relentless pursuit of justice. Let his story remind us to keep fighting, keep dreaming, and always keep looking out for each other.
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Hey there! Gather 'round, because we’re about to dive into immunization coverage in Illinois health insurance plans. Whether you're a vaccine enthusiast or a bit hesitant, this info is going to make you smarter and ready to navigate that insurance maze like a pro. Why Immunizations Matter First, let’s talk about why immunizations are a big deal. Immunizations play a crucial role in keeping you alive and kicking. They protect you from a whole range of nasty diseases that can seriously mess with your health. From the time you’re a baby to when you’re all grown up, these shots keep you safe and healthy. Plus, staying up-to-date with your vaccines means you’ll recover faster if you do get sick, and it helps protect the people around you too. It's about building a strong defense for you and your community. What’s Covered? Alright, now let’s dive into what your health insurance in Illinois covers when it comes to immunizations. Most health plans have to cover a bunch of vaccines without making you pay out-of-pocket. That’s thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Here’s a quick rundown of some shots that are usually covered: Kids: Chickenpox , measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) , polio , whooping cough (pertussis) , and more. Teens: HPV , meningococcal , and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) . Adults: Flu shot , shingles (for those over 50), and pneumonia (for older folks or those with certain health conditions). Pretty cool, right? Your plan might cover even more, so it’s always a good idea to check with your provider. How to Make Sure You’re Covered You don’t want surprises when it's time for your shot. Here’s how to make sure you’re covered: Check Your Plan: Go through your health insurance policy or give them a call to see exactly what’s covered. In-Network Providers: Make sure you’re going to a doctor or clinic that’s in your insurance network. Going out-of-network could mean you’ll end up paying more. Stay Informed: Keep track of your immunization schedule. If you’re unsure about what vaccines you need, don’t be shy—ask your doctor! The CDC’s immunization schedule is a great resource. What If You’re Uninsured? No insurance? No problem. Illinois has got your back. Programs and local health departments can help you get vaccinated at little or no cost. It’s all about keeping everyone in our community healthy. A few are listed here- Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program Provides free vaccines to eligible children. Learn more: CDC’s VFC Program . Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Offers immunization services statewide. Learn more: IDPH Immunization Page . Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) Provides immunizations on a sliding fee scale. Find a center near you: IPHCA . Local Health Departments Many local health departments provide low-cost vaccines. Locate yours: IDPH Directory . Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Provides free and low-cost vaccines through city clinics. Learn more: CDPH Immunization Program . Ready to take charge of your health? Immunizations are key to keeping you and your community safe and healthy. Don’t wait—check your health insurance plan today to see what’s covered, make sure you’re visiting in-network providers, and stay informed with the CDC’s immunization schedule. Let's roll up those sleeves and stay protected! Call us now and keep your immunizations up-to-date. Your health matters, and staying on top of your vaccines is a powerful step towards a healthier future for you and those around you. Stay healthy, stay informed, and keep that immune system ready for anything!
