This March, we’re proud to celebrate Women’s History Month and the 2025 theme: “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.

See photos below to discover the stories of remarkable women who have made a difference through education, mentorship, and leadership. Their legacies inspire us to keep pushing forward, fostering communities where everyone can thrive.

Let’s honor their courage and commitment as we continue to build a brighter future together.

How are you celebrating Women’s History Month? Share your events or shout-outs in the comments below! 💬

Ah, summer. We dream about in February, and it seems so far away in the cold! A few of these places can be seen in Winter, but summer might be best for them all.

It's the time of year the whole country comes alive and beckons us to get on the road and experience it. That's why I've put together this list of what I consider the five coolest places to visit in the U.S. If you've never been to these places, now is the time to pack those bags, explore and enjoy your  travels!

New York City
You have to experience the "Big Apple" at least once. It has everything you could ever want from a big city—museums, Broadway shows, restaurants with every type of food you can imagine, specialty boutiques and high-end shops. Plus, you need to see the Statue of Liberty in person and check out those neon lights of Times Square. Make Central Park one of your main destinations. Remember to see the amazing works of art at the Met and the Guggenheim. This is a city that never sleeps with endless things to try and taste.

San Francisco
The home of the Golden Gate Bridge offers gorgeous sights across its renowned hilly landscape and so many fun things to do, like riding cable cars, checking out Alcatraz Island, strolling along Fisherman's Wharf and driving up the famously steep and crooked Lombard Street. Just a few miles north, you can leave the hustle and bustle behind to visit the towering Redwood trees in Muir Woods. Or for some tranquility within the city, plan a picnic to Golden Gate Park and see lakes, museums, monuments and the Steinhart Aquarium. For another great view of the city, check out Strawberry Hill in the middle of the park.

If you've never been to these places, now is the time to explore! If you're traveling by car, motorcycle or RV, contact your local Foremost agency to get the right coverage for your ride!

Grand Canyon
If it's natural beauty you're looking for, you'll definitely find it at the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona. If you weren't seeing it with your own eyes, you'd swear it was a painting in glorious shades of red and orange. Nothing can top the magnificent views as you gaze through the canyon over the Colorado River. Visit the South Rim where you'll find Grand Canyon Village and the Bright Angel Trail. And if you're into roughing it in the wilderness, you'll want to head to the North Rim for backcountry camping and some serious hiking.

Yellowstone
Yellowstone has 2.2 million acres of paradise for you to explore—crystal blue lakes, tumbling water falls, majestic mountains, hot springs, abundant forests, open meadows and active geysers. There are so many trails, it could take weeks to travel them all. Be sure to check out everyone's favorite spots like Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake and Mammoth Hot springs. Then visit lesser known areas like the West Thumb Geyser Basin, the Lewis River Channel and the Dogshead Loop. You will likely be treated to sights of wildlife during your journey since over 60 types of mammals call the park their home. You could see buffalo, elk, coyotes, badgers and perhaps a few bears along the way.

Washington D.C.
Our country's capital has earned its place on the list of exciting East Coast vacation destinations. Not only can you soak up loads of our country's history by checking out the classic attractions like the White House, Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, you can also enjoy the many hip restaurants, cafes, clubs and boutiques. Endless opportunities abound to learn about our past at museums like the Smithsonian, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum , the Newseum, and the Mount Vernon Estate. It's impossible to leave the city without feeling a deeper connection to our roots and pride in the country we call home.
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Now that you know where to go, get those bags packed and enjoy your travels!

If you're a music lover, you rejoice in the summertime. That's because it's a spectacular concert season! Music festivals and outdoor concerts abound, offering some of the best opportunities to experience your favorite music live. But this is no secret. In fact, according to Billboard.com 32 million people attend at least one U.S. music festival every year, and most of these festivals are in the summer.

If you're planning on attending music festivals this summer, you probably don't want to think about safety when you're dancing and singing along to your favorite songs. That's why it's important to plan ahead and be prepared. Here are some ways you can make the most of your summer concert experiences!

Always wear sunscreen.
You should apply sunscreen before you head out for the day, but you should also consistently reapply every two hours. It's easy to forget to take care of your skin when you're experiencing a live show, so carry sunscreen with you at all times. You don't want a bad sunburn to ruin the fun!

Bring plenty of food and water.
The energy and excitement in great live music is uncontainable. Cheering, jumping and dancing during a show is physically exhausting, but you typically don't notice until it's over. That's why it's important to be nourished and hydrated. Drink plenty of water beforehand, and carry water and healthy snacks with you. Some festival-goers wear hydration backpacks that typically hold between two to three liters of water, and they have room to store energy bars and other snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day.

Pack the right toiletries.
Music festivals are usually sweaty, dirty and smelly…but totally worth it! With toiletries, you should aim to be practical, not glamorous! This is especially true if you will be camping onsite for an entire weekend. Consider packing items like tissues, sanitizing wipes, facial wipes and hand sanitizer.

Think twice about electronics.
You might want to reconsider bringing your tablet or a fancy camera. Outdoor concerts can have mud, heat and rowdy crowds—all increasing the likelihood that your electronics will be broken, lost or stolen. However, it may be useful to bring a watch, flashlight, your cell phone and a portable battery to charge it.

Go with a group.
Live music can be much more fun with friends to share it with! Attending shows in a group is also much safer. Concert buddies are extremely helpful in emergency situations and can help if you get lost, sick or injured. If you want to split into small groups, ensure everyone understands the plan.

Be strategic with your vehicle.
Plan where you'll park so you can choose a convenient location and save time when you first arrive. If you're camping at a festival, you can use your car as a place to store valuables, but don't leave food, toiletries, medications, electronics or other items that can't withstand great heat.

Keep your eye on the weather.
Be attentive and frequently check weather forecasts both before and during the event. You'll want to pack clothing that's appropriate for the weather, but it never hurts to bring blankets, rain jackets or other alternatives. While at the event, check to ensure there aren't upcoming thunderstorms or heat waves.

Plan your schedule carefully.
When you're at a weekend-long music festival, your excitement may cause you to forget that you can't do it all. Shows take a lot of energy, and it's unrealistic to plan on rushing to see every band. Instead, prioritize your favorites and plan for time to eat, sleep and take breaks between shows.

You may not be as jazzed about safety as you are about experiencing an incredible live show, but you can't have one without the other. These tips are just a few ways you can be safe and fully enjoy your time at every concert you attend this summer.
 
Looking for A Better Insurance Experience? Get a quote today by calling 936-327-4364 to speak with a licensed agent in our office.

Content courtesy of Foremost.com

As we gather around the table this year, we want to express our gratitude for your trust and support. To add a little extra flavor to your Thanksgiving feast, try out this simple and delicious recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Cinnamon! 🍯

Enjoy your feast! And please note the office will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29. We’ll be back and ready to assist you on Monday, December 2.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lately I've been striving to be a better cook. I want to impress my friends with my mouthwatering homemade meals. I want to beat out my cousins for the title of "Favorite Grandson" with the exquisite dishes I bring to family reunions. I want to be known as a culinary mastermind, a ninja in the kitchen whose creativity and resourcefulness is unmatched and unparalleled.

Though delicious food is a frighteningly powerful motivator, I've found that, frankly, cooking is hard work! After subjecting myself to hours of Pancake 101, my capability of making them from scratch is still amateur at best. Though my friends and I often have potato parties — social gatherings where everyone brings a potato-based dish to share — my typical mash of red skin potatoes, cheese and bacon isn't exactly mind blowing.

Marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. That's all you need. It's a beautifully simple formula, yet it holds opportunities for you to creatively make it your own.Fortunately for me, there are some recipes that are nearly impossible to mess up, and one of my all-time favorites in this category is the recipe for s'mores! Marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. That's all you need. It's a beautifully simple formula, yet it holds opportunities for you to creatively make it your own.

Here are 5 interesting facts about s'mores from Real Simple:

1. The Merriam-Webster dictionary suggests the first known use of the word "s'more" was in 1974.
2. Despite the dictionary's claims, the first known s'more recipe was published in a Girl Scouts handbook in 1927.
3. The world's largest s'more weighed 267 pounds and was comprised of 140 pounds of marshmallows, 90 pounds of chocolate and 90 pounds of graham crackers.
4. Many restaurants have tried to capitalize on the popularity of s'mores, and this has led to s'more French fries, martinis, macarons and other unique creations.
5. Americans buy 90 million pounds of marshmallows every year. Additionally, during the summer it is estimated that 50 percent of marshmallows sold are used for s'mores.

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Who wouldn't want a piece of the world's largest s'more? Sure, it would make your hands sticky, but it would certainly make your heart happy too!

content courtesy of Foremost Insurance

​When the air feels crisper, the leaves start changing and the pumpkin spice products make their reappearance in stores … you know the best time of the year has arrived: fall! One of the best parts of fall in Livingston and Deep East Texas is the food, the warm cider and of course … decorating your home! Changing up your home décor is always fun reminder to enjoy the seasons changing and can make your space feel a little cozier. However, it can get a little pricey if you don't take advantage of DIY projects. Here's some easy and inexpensive ways to brighten up your home for autumn!

• Collect pinecones from outside and place them around your house where it makes sense. Places like on a table, built in shelves, or place them in a mason jar and put it on display. If pinecones aren't an option, you can also collect acorns!
• Buy affordable faux decorations at a local crafts store or thrift store. Look for leaf garlands, plastic pumpkins or silk flowers that go with your fall theme.
• Place a stack of hay next to your mailbox or porch railing.
• Lay some seasonal gourds on a tray for a unique table centerpiece.
• Shop for your pumpkins locally! Generally, pumpkins are very affordable and a perfect display piece for your porch or inside your home.
• DIY your wreath. Get a wreath form and some colorful, artificial flowers to attach to it, using a glue gun or florists wire you can create a welcoming addition to your front door.
• Place a cinnamon broom in the entryway of your home. This will make your house smell like autumn without spending money on expensive candles. Along with the pleasant smell, it goes well with the rest of your fall décor!
• Collect colored leaves, then cut two equal pieces of wax paper and brush them with glue. Arrange the leaves onto the glue on one piece of wax paper. Then cover with the other sheet and press together to stick. You can frame it for your wall or hang in a window.
• No need to go out and buy new throw pillows -- switch out your pillow cases for a more festive look! You can look for pillowcases that will fit the season online or at your local thrift store. Then, when autumn is over, all you need to do is swap the pillowcases out again.

Once you've redecorated your space, don't forget to relax and enjoy this time of year!

content courtesy of Foremost Insurance

Each year, many people look forward to carving pumpkins for Halloween! Scooping out the slimy guts, cutting out a scary face, and baking the seeds to eat as a snack is a fun experience your entire family can enjoy. But if you're not careful, carving a pumpkin can lead to painful cuts and injuries.

According to the ASSH (American Society for Surgery of the Hand), thousands of people hurt themselves carving pumpkins every year during Halloween. Some of these injuries require surgery, but there could be worse cases.
Following these safety tips can help you and your family avoid injuries while carving your pumpkins this year.

1. Use the Right Tools Using a specially designed pumpkin carving tool can be safer than using a kitchen knife. Carving saws, stencils and scoops are less likely to have sharp edges, meaning they are less likely to create deep, penetrating cuts.
   According to Jeffrey Wint, MD, "a sharper knife is not necessarily better, because it often becomes wedged in the thicker part of the pumpkin, requiring force to remove it." If your hand is in the wrong place, this force can easily transfer to an injury when the knife is finally dislodged.
2. Do Decorative Work Before Removing the Inside of the Pumpkin Unless you're a carving pro, don't freestyle your design! Create a pattern on the surface of the pumpkin before you start carving. Draw or create a stencil with a sharpie that you can follow with your carving saw. This will help to decrease the likelihood that you'll need to make corrections, which create more opportunities for injuries.
3. Be patient Take your time and make sure you are carving with control. After all, carving a Halloween pumpkin is meant to be a fun activity. There's no need to rush! Plan on budgeting a few hours at least for this activity. If you take a little extra time to carve the pumpkin, it will probably look better, and it's still going to be faster than recovering from a nerve or tendon injury.
4. Don't Burn Yourself! When putting a candle in the pumpkin after your design is complete, make sure the flame stays far away from your skin. Consider cutting the bottom out of the pumpkin instead of the top. That way, you can just lower the pumpkin down onto the candle without having to reach your hand inside. Also, remember to blow the candle out before you go to sleep. As you know, forgetting to blow the candle out can cause a fire. As an alternative, consider using battery-operated candle-shaped lights.

content courtesy of Foremost Insurance

tail·gate /'tālˌgāt/
Verb Informal/NORTH AMERICAN

1. host or attend a social gathering at which an informal meal is served from the back of a parked vehicle, typically in the parking lot of a sports stadium.
   "Lot 16E is reserved for alumni who wish to tailgate before the game."

In addition to insurance policies for auto and home, we also offer insurance policies for things you hitch to your vehicle like campers, boats or recreational vehicles. We know that in addition to being useful for towing things, your vehicle's tailgate can also be the location for a fantastic gathering of family and friends before a big game!

To help you plan, we've gathered some tips on how to throw a great tailgate party.

• Tickets  --Seasoned tailgaters likely don't need the reminder, but if you're new to tailgating or are traveling to a new venue to see your team, make sure you have the proper game day ticket or tailgate ticket in addition to a parking pass for the designated tailgate area for the big game.
• Safety and first aid gear  --While there may be medical personnel stationed nearby for the game, bring your own first-aid kit, so you're prepared for any minor injuries or ailments. Make sure you also have a fire extinguisher.
• Generator and grill check  --If it's allowed at the venue and you plan on bringing a grill and/or a generator, it's a good idea to check both prior to your event to make sure they are in safe, working order. Also, make sure you have enough fuel for your grill and the generator so you can run them for as long as you'll need.
• Weather check  --Nobody wants to be soggy or cold, so check the weather leading up to game day and plan for the weather conditions, including any inclement weather. Think layers for warmth, raincoats, rain ponchos, suitable footwear for cold or wet conditions, gloves, hats, etc. Don't forget the sunscreen. And obviously, whatever you wear, be sure you're sporting your team colors!
• Chairs, tents and team swag  --Once you know what the weather forecast is, you can plan what you'll need in terms of your tailgate party set up. Some people use their RV as their tailgate vehicle (make sure you check with the venue to see if RVs are allowed), some use their car, SUV, van or truck as the main gathering point. Whatever vehicle you use, you can easily position chairs, a portable table with your grill, coolers, and any other gear you may want like a canopy tent around the back of the vehicle. And don't forget to bring along your team's flag or other team paraphernalia so you can properly rep your team on game day!
• Snacks  --According to Foremost snack enthusiasts, this might be the most important element to a tailgate party! Think of foods that are easily prepared in advance and that travel well, like handheld and small-bite snacks that you and your guests can enjoy with minimal mess. If you're meeting friends or family at the game, you can organize and assign who will bring what snacks, so you have all your food and beverage bases covered. There are plenty of recipes to check out online - here's a round-up of over 50 tasty-looking tailgate recipes from the Food Network. Maybe you'll find a new recipe to try.
• Enjoy  --Finally, it's game day and all your planning will pay off. Once you arrive at the designated tailgate area and get set up, it's time to enjoy the festivities and the game.

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Getting into the food truck industry can be a nice way to achieve your entrepreneurial dreams, but it’s not as easy as buying a truck and food supplies, then hitting the streets. Here are tips from fellow food truck owners on how you should get started!   

61 Owners Share Secrets to Starting a Food Truck Business
roaminghunger.com/blog/13208/advice-for-starting-a-food-truck-business

10 Things to Do Before Opening a Food Truck
www.businessnewsdaily.com/8595-food-truck-tips.html