April 2021

BACK TO BROOKLYN 

It's official! Lex is definitely a New Yorker! Dad took an extended weekend out to Brooklyn earlier this month and helped her get settled in her very first studio apartment all alone. Cute, quaint, and chic. It is a perfect location for a quick commute to work and into the city. They enjoyed putting together the 500 piece dresser, outfitting the kitchen with some new appliances, and enjoying the yummy eats New York has to offer.  Albeit Alexandra's apartment is on the 4th floor of a brownstone in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, dad felt safe after spending a few days and nights in her neighborhood.  Both of them were glad that dad rented a car to run the numerous errands making sure Lexie was set up for success.  The photo below was on mom and dads trip to Brooklyn where I received my Masters in Exercise Science and Lexie's first year in her Masters Program for Special Education in the Urban Communities.  Now that Lexie has earned her  Masters Degree, she is fully embracing the opportunity to practice what she has learned.  Her Masters was paid for as she worked as a teacher in the New York Fellow's program while finishing up.  Mom, dad and me really miss her.  

RESTAURANT REVIEW - LE PAPAGAYO 

One of our favorite restaurants has made it into Carlsbad! The original Mediterranean and Latin cuisine is located in Leucadia off the 101. There is now a new location located off Carlsbad Village. Happy hour, live music, and an insane menu, they will not disappoint. They are open daily from 8 am - 11 pm for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have a full Happy Hour menu form 4pm-6pm daily and on Tuesday's it is all night long! 

Le Papagayo - Carlsbad

ORANGE YOU GLAD YOU WOKRED OUT 

It's been about 2 months or so since my dad began his journey at Orange Theory Fitness. He is now starting to get the hang of it and is beginning to increase the amount of times per week he attends. As a fitness professional myself, I know how tough it is to find the motivation to workout and the motivation to keep going when you aren't seeing the results on the scale that you would like. I will say some of my biggest advice is to stay CONSISTENT. Whether on the road and going through the mundane day to day schedule you have been for the past year, find something that keeps you going. It could be paying for a membership so you have to go, maybe it's finding a friend who is going to keep you accountable, or writing it down in your already busy planner like it is an appointment. 

If you aren't as lucky to be able to travel and get to a gym or workout class, here is a quick burn you can do on the go anywhere, anytime. 

Complete each superset 3 times. One minute each exercise with 30 seconds of rest in between supersets and 1 minute of rest between moving to the next block of exercises 

Jump Squat 

Pulsing Half Squat 

Alt Reverse Lunges 

Jump Lunges 

Push Ups

Burpees 

Alt. V Ups 

Bicycle Crunch 

Dad getting his workout in while in NY. 
OTF Brooklyn - Park Slope 

GETTING BACK INTO THE SWING OF THINGS 

As our county starts to normalize and ease up with our restrictions, more are getting vaccinated. We finally were able to attend our biggest outing yet at one of my favorite places, Petco Park. My boyfriend and I went with my parents to watch the final game in the series of the Padres vs. Dodgers this month and it was so nice to be able to get out and watch the game in person.  Although we are a house divided, the Padres prevented my dad using his broom at Petco.  Our Slam Diego Padres played well and since then took the series in Dodger Stadium a week later.  There is something special about being in the atmosphere with a beer and a hot dog on a sunny spring day. 

Excuse the Dodger fans on the left, GO PADS! 

If you plan on attending a game in the near future here are some tips we would recommend prior to entering the ball park: 

1. Only small clutch bags are allowed inside the park. 

2. You can still bring in your own peanuts, seeds, and snacks. 

3. Download the MLB Ballpark App for your tickets & drink delivery. 

4. Concession stands are open! 

5. Don't forget to grab some beer, a hotdog, and an ice cream sundae in a Padres helmet of course! 

SPRING CLEANING 

It seems to be that time of the year again... Well with COVID and all I feel like I've been cleaning out my stuff every month! But, for those of you who may need a little push, some more space in your closet, or just don't know where to start with all the clutter you have around, this will hopefully help steer you in the right direction. If you are like me at all, I can easily get overwhelmed when it comes to big organization and cleaning projects. Here are some tips and tricks that I use to help make the spring cleaning a little less stressful and a lot more productive: 

1. Have a little bit of a game plan. 

2. Know it is going to get a heck of a lot messier before it gets clean. 

3. Don't be afraid to get rid of it. 

4. Keep separate, organized piles for different categories, ie: trash, donation, sell, return, etc. 

5. Start in one section or area of the room and complete before moving to the next. 

MOTHER'S DAY IDEAS 

Some of us know our mother's oh so well and always have the best ideas for mother's day. While others, maybe have a tradition, or have no clue what to get their mom who (always) says "Oh honey, you don't have to get me anything!" 

Here are a few ideas ranging of all different prices that will be sure to put a smile on mom's face no matter what. A hint...most just want to be thought of and appreciated on this day, it isn't always about the gift. 

Surprise her with some flowers and breakfast in bed. 

Have her coffee ready just the way she likes it. 

Give her a gift card to a spa day. 

Take her to get her nails done. 

Go out for a walk/bike ride to her favorite brunch spot. 

Let her pick out the movie that night! 

Write her a card from the heart of some of your favorite memories or little things she does. 

Picture of you guys in a frame...they love pictures. 

*Don't forget to tell her how amazing she is for putting up with you. 

Fans, readers, clients and family, thank you for taking time to peruse our monthly blog.  With the tax season extended, don't forget you have a couple of weeks to fund that ROTH or Traditional IRA.  Call, text, email, zoom, facetime, or instant message my dad for assistance.  In the meantime, don't forget your mama's, we will be celebrating my moms 50th birthday.  Her and dad and 7 other couples will be in Kentucky and Nashville.  Photos and story for next months blog.  As dad always says.  Peace and Love Always.  

Your West Coast Blogger, Amanda "Kiki" Domingo